Legislative Efforts
Update 4.12.18: Uniform Fire Code
The SSA/NJSSA have been researching a new regulatory situation in New Jersey that involves a fee obligation on the part of self storage operators. The state’s Department of Community Affairs, Fire Safety Division recently updated its Uniform Fire Code to further regulate certain self storage facilities.
Key points for facility operators to know:
- The fire code now lists self storage facilities that have at least 12,000 square feet in gross floor area and interior access to units as “life hazard uses.”
- Self storage facilities do not meet the criteria for a life hazard use if they have only outdoor access to units or if they have interior access to units but have fewer than 12,000 square feet in gross floor area. If one building has both outdoor and indoor access to units, the inspector will consider the floor area of the entire building, not just the part of the building that has interior access to units.
- The township or state Department of Community Affairs, Fire Safety Division will collect an annual registration fee, which ranges from $915 to $3,984 based on the size of the facility. 65% of the fee funds the township’s fire prevention program.
- The changes to the fire code are effective February 15, 2018.
- Self storage facilities that meet the criteria for a life hazard use do not have to pay the non-life hazard use fee that they may have paid prior to these changes to the fire code. Self storage facilities that do not meet the criteria for a life hazard use may be required to pay a non-life hazard use fee.
The SSA/NJSSA is working with its Trenton-based lobbyist to better understand this situation and will update you on any future developments.
Update 2.14.18: NJ Standard Late Fee Bill Signed. Clink here for a link to the bill.
A change has been implemented in the sales tax rate for 2017. Please click here for details.