A 494 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes fire safety standards and protocols for certain light frame residential construction; requires placards identifying primary structural systems of buildings.

This bill requires new residential buildings with more than two dwelling units using light frame construction (like wood framing) to meet strict fire safety standards. It mandates automatic sprinkler systems throughout the building, fire-resistant walls extending from foundation to attic (with a minimum two-hour rating), and fire-resistant floor assemblies between units. Builders must also implement a fire watch program during construction - either using trained personnel (qualified firefighters or officials) or equivalent technology - to monitor for emergencies after work hours until sprinkler inspections are complete. These rules directly affect developers, contractors, and builders constructing qualifying residential projects in New Jersey.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Total actions
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Gabe Rodriguez
Gabe Rodriguez
DDemocratic
NJ
33