UPDATED on 11/18/2024:

We have received calls from some members regarding a recent change to the NJ Fire Code. With the help of our lobbying firm, we spoke to NJDCA Fire Chief Lou Kilmer who stated the following:

The following are part of the new regulations as it pertains to not placing mulch within 18 inches of certain dwellings:

The new fire code regs for mulch do not take effect until April 15, 2025, or exactly one year from the date they were approved (April 15, 2024):

When the regs take effect on April 15, 2025, the following are exempted:

• One (1) and two (2) family and attached single-family homes (true townhouses are considered attached single-family homes)
• Buildings made of concrete, such as warehouses.

Condominiums and apartment buildings are NOT exempt.

The Chief indicated that the regs are part of the 2015 International Fire Code. The state started the process of adopting this code statewide either just before or during COVID. The Chief further indicated that no landscaping groups were contacted by the Department during the process and that they were trying to find groups like the NJLCA to reach out to explain the new regs. The Chief said that because the regs are adopted for safety, insurance issues and most importantly to save lives, since we have had fires in the state resulting in multiple deaths, it would have been next to impossible not to adopt the 2015 International Fire Code into state regulations.

Chief provided a PowerPoint Presentation and gave a handout at the NJLCA’s October 2024.

Read the Adopted Fire Code (See section 305.6. Landscape Materials)

See the PowerPoint presentation

See the handout

If you have any questions, please let us know and we will get answers from Chief Kilmer and include them in an upcoming eblast.