New Jersey mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas & energy codes

New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) adopts model codes by regulation through the DCA Division of Codes and Standards. It's uniform statewide, and local governments can't amend it. The 2024 I-Codes took effect Aug 17, 2026.

Quick answer: New Jersey currently uses the 2024 IMC for mechanical work and the 2024 NSPC (National Standard Plumbing Code) for plumbing (see sources and dates below). A2L status: Allowed: 2024 IMC adopted (Aug 17, 2026)

Adopted codes

Mechanical
2024
IMC
Adopted as
Mechanical Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.20
Effective
2026-08-17
Source
NJ DCA – Current Construction Codes
Last checked
2026-10-29 verified
Notes
Adopted at 58 N.J.R. 8(2), effective Aug 17, 2026.
Plumbing
2024
NSPC (National Standard Plumbing Code)
Adopted as
Plumbing Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.15
Effective
2026-08-17
Source
NJ DCA – Current Construction Codes
Last checked
2026-10-29 verified
Notes
New Jersey is one of the few states on the National Standard Plumbing Code. A NJ edition is being published.
Fuel Gas
2024
IFGC
Adopted as
Fuel Gas Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.22
Effective
2026-08-17
Source
NJ DCA – Current Construction Codes
Last checked
2026-10-29 verified
Energy
Residential: 2024 IECC (low-rise); Commercial: ASHRAE 90.1-2022
IECC / ASHRAE 90.1
Adopted as
Energy Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.18
Effective
2026-08-17
Source
NJ DCA – Current Construction Codes
Last checked
2026-10-29 verified
Notes
DOE BECP also lists 2024 IECC / 90.1-2022, effective 08/17/2026.

A2L refrigerants in New Jersey

New Jersey's adoption of the 2024 IMC brings in the model-code A2L provisions. Projects reviewed under the prior 2021 code during the grace period don't get those provisions. We haven't reviewed New Jersey's Chapter 11 modifications line by line.

Source: https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/codreg/pdf_rule_adoptions/model_codes_2024_adopt.pdf · Last checked 2026-10-29 verified

How A2L rules work nationally

Local amendments & things to watch

  • Grace period: a complete permit application, with all prior approvals, submitted by Feb 17, 2027 can still be reviewed under the previous (2021/2020) codes. State the edition on the application. verified source
  • The UCC is uniform statewide, and local jurisdictions can't amend it. verified source