Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari today signed A4360/S3402, also known as the “New Jersey Design Professional Self-Certification Act.” The bill requires the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish a design professional self-certification program.

“As the need for quality development grows within our State, it’s important that design professionals receive the proper certifications and permits in an effective and expeditious manner,” said Acting Governor Scutari. “This bill streamlines that process, allowing for construction projects to move forward so that New Jersey can better accommodate the increasing demand for small and large development projects.”

Under the design professional self-certification program, DCA will certify architects and engineers who satisfy certain criteria set by the DCA Commissioner to be  “qualified design professionals.”  Once approved by DCA, these professionals may self-certify that an application for a construction permit and a project’s plans and specifications comply with the State Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and other applicable laws.

In addition, the bill requires municipal enforcing agencies to accept and review self-certified permit applications and accompanying documents and issue a permit depending on the scope of the project. DCA must establish a self-certification form and publish the form on its website for qualified design professionals to complete, sign, and deliver to the enforcing agency.

The bill also authorizes DCA to conduct random audits of qualified design professionals to determine whether a construction permit application, and plans and other documents submitted in support of the application, comply with the requirements of the UCC and applicable laws.

“New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division of Codes and Standards stands ready to administer the A4360 legislation that establishes a design professional self-certification program. Under the bill, DCA would establish a program that permits a New Jersey architect or engineer to self-certify an application for a UCC construction permit, and the plans and specifications submitted for limited repair and renovation projects,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “This is another example of how the Murphy Administration is working to streamline the construction process and respond to the evolving demands in the construction industry to better serve our residents.”

Acting Governor Scutari was a prime sponsor of this bill in his role as Senate President, along with Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak. Other primary sponsors include Senator Paul Sarlo, Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald, and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli.

“This is a very positive law in that it will save time for the business community, but also it will save money for taxpayers. When the Governor, the Legislature and business community can work together to expedite certain building construction without compromising health or safety, it really is a win for everyone. We thank the sponsors and overwhelming support of the Legislature of this bill, as well as Governor Murphy for signing it into law,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka.

“Economic development projects in New Jersey are often subject to lengthy delays because of outdated and onerous construction permitting processes. This unfairly stalls projects and increases costs for developers. In the meantime, towns and cities miss out on the much-needed tax revenue that result from completed projects. The New Jersey Design Professional Self-Certification Act eliminates an impediment to economic development, while ensuring that projects are reviewed professionally and safely. It also results in our state becoming more business-friendly and helps in our quest to improve our competitiveness,” said Tom Bracken, President of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce.

“The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce thanks Governor Murphy and his team for supporting the bill and we commend Assemblyman Karabinchak, the bill’s prime sponsor. We also acknowledge NJDCA Commissioner Suárez, Senators Scutari and Sarlo and Assemblymen Greenwald and Verrelli for getting this important bill to the finish line,” said Michael Egenton, Executive Vice President of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce.

“We applaud the signing of A-4360,” said Jerry Keenan, President of the NJ Alliance for Action. “It continues reforms of the construction regulatory process we have long championed. That translates into more construction jobs that invigorate our economy.”