Attention Property Owners: New Update to the NJ Fire Code: Mulch / Combustible Landscape Materials

Starting April 15, 2025, New Jersey will enforce updated fire safety regulations under the 2018 International Fire Code, New Jersey Edition. 

Notably, new provisions on the use of combustible landscaping materials such as mulch will apply, with exceptions for owner-occupied one- and two-family homes or single-family dwellings used solely for residential purposes. Condominiums and apartment buildings are NOT exempt. These changes aim to enhance fire safety across a wide range of properties.   

305.6 Landscape Materials

The use of combustible landscape materials, such as wood-based mulch products, is prohibited in any of the following conditions:

1. Within 18 inches of any building or structure; 
2. Within 18 inches of a deck, porch, balcony, or any other portion of the building constructed of combustible material; or
3. Within 18 inches of any designated smoking area defined in section 2. Exceptions:

1. Live plant material such as shrubs, flowers and trees provided that they are located within 18 inches of the building or structure or beneath a combustible overhang with less than 6 feet of clearance.
2. Non-combustible building or structure exteriors that have no combustible components or trim with less than 3 feet clearance from grade.
3. Fire resistant

305.7 Existing materials

This provision shall become operative 12 months after the effective date of these rules, all 1 occupancies subject to this code shall remove all combustible landscape materials that are located within 18 inches of the foundation of any building or structure or in the area of any designated smoking area. This product may be replaced with non-combustible materials such as stone or sand.