LEGAL UPDATES - SUMMER 2022
Newspaper advertising. The SSA and NJ-SSA are pursuing a bill during the 2022 legislative session to eliminate the costly and ineffective newspaper advertising requirement in the state. Current New Jersey law requires two advertisements in the newspaper before an operator may proceed to sale. The proposed amendments would permit storage operators to bypass the newspaper advertising requirement. Instead, owners would be permitted to advertise in a commercially reasonable manner. An advertisement is deemed commercially reasonable if at least three (3) independent bidders attend the sale in person or online at the time and place advertised.
Lien Law Threat. In response to biased media coverage of storm damage at a facility in New Jersey, S. 213 was introduced. If passed, the bill would negatively affect an owner’s ability to deny occupant access to personal property under certain circumstances. NJ-SSA and SSA are working to stop the bill.
August 2021
The New Jersey Warehousemen & Movers Association recently launched a public awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of using an unlicensed moving company. NJSSA members should ensure that they are only doing business with licensed movers.
NJSSA members log in HERE to view the list of licensed movers and a column from the Self Storage Legal Network provides insightful analysis on how and whether to do with movers asking to store their clients’ property.
Not a NJSSA member, join HERE to access critical information and member only resources.
January 2021
BUILDING CODES UPDATE
Changes to the International Building Code Affect Self Storage
With the support of its Code Committee, the Self Storage Association successfully pursued several key changes to the 2021 International Building Code.
- An exception has been added to IBC Section 2902.3.3 to permit an increase in the location (to greater than every other floor) and maximum distance of travel (to greater than 500 ft) for restrooms. The location and travel distance must be approved by the code official.
- The maximum allowable height of sprinklered facilities made of Type IIB materials (unprotected steel) and Type IIIB materials (noncombustible or fire-retardant-treated wood stud exterior walls and any interior construction) has been increased from 3 stories to 4 stories. The Code continues to have total floor and building square footage limits.
- Pursuant to modified IBC Section 903.2.9, storage facilities are exempt from the automatic sprinkler system requirement if: (1) the total fire area is 12,000 sq. ft. or less; (2) the combined total fire areas are 24,000 sq. ft. or less; (3) the facility is no greater than one story above grade plane; and (4) all storage spaces are accessed directly from the exterior.
These changes go into effect as they are adopted by local and state governments over the next several years. Prior to the adoption on the local and state level, storage developers can request that the code official rely on the 2021 changes as acceptable alternative methods of construction pursuant to section 104.11 of the existing International Building Code.
Please email Joe Doherty with any questions or to receive supporting documentation for these changes.
August 6, 2020
Disaster Readiness Resources
As an NJSSA member you have access to a large library of information, resources and legal help related to preparing and navigating through disasters.
Click here to access the complete library on the national SSA website. Topics include:
- Price Gouging Laws
- Emergency Preparedness
- Water and Humidity
- Insurance
- Legal Help, Self Storage Legal Network , Affiliate Plan
- Communication Plan and More!
Click here for your state’s emergency management agency.
Click here for the complete communication that was sent to members.