ucc updates

 Grace Period for 2021/2020 Model Codes  As you were made aware above, the 2021 I-Codes, along with the 2021 National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC)  and 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), were adopted in September 2022. With these adoptions come a six-month  grace period for the previous model codes. This means starting the specified adoption date, applicants may submit a  complete permit application, including all prior approvals, to be reviewed under the code in force immediately  preceding the subcode revision. Provided that the application is complete, the construction official and applicable  subcode officials should perform the plan review and issue construction permit(s) based on the code in force  immediately prior to the operative date of the subcode revision. That being said, the 2021 I-Codes and the 2020 NEC  were adopted September 6 and the 2021 NSPC was adopted September 19 placing the last day for application  submission, separately, on March 5, 2023, for the I-Codes/NEC and March 18, 2023, for the NSPC 

 Therefore, if a complete permit application was submitted on or between the dates of September 6, 2022, and March  5, 2023, the project would be permitted to be reviewed under the old codes (2018/2017). However, during the time  period of March 6, 2023, to March 18, 2023, if a permit applicant would desire the 2018 NSPC, they may do so but  would have to apply under the 2021 I-Codes and 2020 NEC. This essentially makes March 5, 2023, the last day for a  complete permit application submission but wanted to acknowledge this slight nuance. In either case, the application  should explicitly state which codes were used for the design. In the event the code edition is not explicitly stated,  officials should ask what edition was used for the design of the project.  For completeness, the application would include items mentioned at N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15, Construction permits—  application, https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/codreg/ucc.html. Section 2.15(a) is an absolute. However, Section  2.15(b) states, “In addition [to (a) above], the following information shall be required on any application for a  construction permit when such information is available, but not later than the commencement of work.” Therefore,  items listed in 2.15(b), such as the name of a sprinkler contractor to be used, would not be required at this time. Note:  Prototype plan releases based on the 2018 I-Codes, etc. remain valid until the end of the grace period. Therefore,  March 5, 2023, would be the last day to apply for a permit with the released prototype. 

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