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Bill

A 4480

Concerns accessibility in certain multistory buildings; provides for penalties.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 3 co-sponsors

Requires multistory building owners to ensure floor-to-floor accessibility for people with disabilities and handle elevator outages, within 18 months.

Reported out of Asm. Comm. with Amendments, and Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4480

Summary of Bill A 4480 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Main purpose and intent

  • To improve accessibility in multistory buildings (hotels or multi-dwelling buildings with two or more floors) for persons with disabilities.
  • Requires property owners to ensure access to and from each floor during normal operations and during elevator outages.
  • Establishes enforcement, penalties, a grant program for accessibility upgrades, and potential regulatory updates to the barrier-free subcode.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 1a):

    • “Division” = Division of Codes and Standards, Department of Community Affairs.
    • “Multistory building” = hotel or multiple-dwelling building with two+ floors; excludes owner-occupied buildings with fewer than four dwelling units.
    • “Person with a disability” = broad definition covering physical disabilities and reliance on assistive devices or service animals.
    • “Property owner” = owner of a multistory building.

  • Access requirements (Section 1b):

    • Within 18 months of enactment, property owners must ensure access to and from each floor for people with disabilities, including during elevator outages.
    • If the building has elevators: restore service for at least one elevator within 2 hours of outage notification.
    • If no elevator or outage lasts longer than 2 hours: provide alternative means of access (examples include evacuation chairs, ramps, motorized stairlifts).

  • Notification (Section 1c):

    • Property owners must immediately notify residents of elevator outages and provide an estimated restoration time.

  • Enforcement and penalties (Section 1d–e):

    • The Division will:
    • Establish a reporting form/process for violations.
    • Conduct periodic inspections and investigations.
    • Impose penalties for violations.
    • Penalties (calendar year basis):
    • First violation: up to $500, and continuing violations tied to the first violation capped at $500.
    • Second or subsequent violation: up to $1,000, with continuing violations capped at $1,000.
    • Acute health or safety risk violation: up to $2,500, with continuing violations capped at $2,500.
    • For continuing violations, each day counts as a new violation.
    • A property owner can avoid penalties if they show an active elevator service contract or alternative methods of access are in place.

  • Regulatory updates (Section 1f):

    • Director of the Division may recommend, and the Commissioner may adopt, revisions to the barrier-free subcode to enhance access to each floor and address elevator outages.

  • Other provisions (Section 1g):

    • The bill does not override the federal Americans with Disabilities Act or other federal law.
    • Municipalities may adopt consistent ordinances with enhanced penalties.

  • Grant program (Section 2):

    • The Director must establish a grant program to help property owners purchase accessibility equipment, using funds allocated to the division for this purpose.

  • Extensions for hardship (Section 3):

    • If a property owner faces financial hardship or structural limitations, they may request up to a 12-month extension to comply, via the Division.

  • Effective date (Section 4):

    • The act takes effect immediately.

Who would be affected

  • Property owners of multistory buildings (hotels and certain multi-dwelling buildings with 2+ floors).
  • Residents of multistory buildings, who would gain guaranteed access options during elevator outages.
  • Municipalities, which may enact compatible ordinances with potentially stricter penalties.
  • Divisions within the Department of Community Affairs (enforcement, reporting, grants, and potential code updates).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Compliance deadline: within 18 months from enactment.
  • Extension option: up to 12 additional months for hardship cases.
  • Enforcement timeline: penalties apply per calendar year; ongoing violations accrue daily penalties.
  • Administrative processes: establishes reporting forms, inspection/investigation processes, and a grant program.

Notable considerations

  • Balances accessibility requirements with transitional accommodations (elevator outages) and contractor/alternative access arrangements.
  • Includes a grant mechanism to support upfront costs of accessibility improvements.
  • Allows for local government alignment with state provisions or stricter local ordinances.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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