Bill > S714

Introduced Session

This bill requires newly constructed large retail and warehouse developments to be designed and constructed in a manner so that the load-bearing system for the large development's roof is able to accommodate the additional weight of an operational solar photovoltaic or solar thermal system. The bill applies to such large developments, for which an application for a construction permit has not been declared complete before the first day of the 12th month following the effective date of the bill, and requires the Department of Community Affairs to adopt rules and regulations establishing standards for the design and construction of large developments that are designed and constructed in a manner so that the load-bearing system for the large development's roof is able to accommodate solar photovoltaic or solar thermal systems on such large developments, as specified in the bill. The bill defines the term "large development" to mean any building, room, structure, or facility of at least 75,000 square feet, and which is designed predominantly for use as a warehouse, as otherwise defined in current law, or as a retail facility. The bill defines the term "retail facility" to mean a building, room, structure, or facility used predominantly by one or more retailers who engages in the sale, within the State, of products intended for retail sale to consumers for off-premises use or consumption. The bill would take effect on the first day of the fourth month following the date of enactment, except the Commissioner of Community Affairs would be permitted to take anticipatory action necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill. Data shows that the retail supply chain contributes 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions globally, which emissions continue to contribute to global climate change. By requiring newly constructed large retail and warehouse developments to be designed and constructed to accommodate operational solar photovoltaic or solar thermal systems, the sector would contribute less to global climate change while benefitting from economies of scale for the location of these systems in the most densely populated state in the country.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

John Burzichelli (D)*,  Linda Greenstein (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document