New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2505

Introduced
5/12/22  
Refer
5/12/22  

Caption

Requires installation of operational automatic rain sensor or smart sprinkler as condition of sale of certain real properties, and on certain commercial, retail, and industrial properties and common interest communities within specified timeframes.

Impact

If enacted, S2505 will amend existing laws regarding the installation of rain sensors for irrigation systems, significantly impacting residential and commercial real property sales. Closing transactions on affected properties will now require documentation proving the installation of new rain sensors or sprinklers. Moreover, real estate transactions will need to comply with revised compliance measures that include documentation and potential penalties for non-compliance. This change is expected to align local practices with the state's goals for environmental sustainability and water resource management.

Summary

Bill S2505, introduced in New Jersey, mandates the installation of operational automatic rain sensors or smart sprinklers on certain properties as a condition of sale. Specifically, this requirement targets real properties with existing automatic lawn sprinkler systems that were installed prior to September 8, 2000. The intent of the bill is to promote water conservation by ensuring that irrigation systems are automatically adjusted based on rainfall, thus preventing unnecessary water usage during adequate weather conditions. The bill clearly lays out the timeframes for compliance and the stipulations for properties involved in common interest communities, as well as commercial, retail, and industrial properties.

Sentiment

The sentiment around S2505 appears generally supportive, particularly among environmental advocates who recognize the benefits of promoting sustainable water use practices. However, there are concerns about how this bill might impact real estate transactions and the obligations placed on property owners. Some stakeholders argue that the mandated installation could impose financial and administrative burdens on sellers, particularly those selling older properties. Overall, the support for the bill is balanced with caution about its practical implications in the real estate market.

Contention

One notable point of contention revolves around the enforcement of the bill's provisions. Stakeholders are deliberating the practicalities of compliance, specifically who will oversee the installation of these devices and the implications of the fines for violations. Additionally, the bill outlines that existing properties within common interest communities may have different compliance requirements, which raises questions about equity and uniformity in enforcement across various property types. This highlights the ongoing tension between environmental goals and market realities in property transactions.

Companion Bills

NJ A1755

Same As Requires installation of operational automatic rain sensor or smart sprinkler as condition of sale of certain real properties, and on certain commercial, retail, and industrial properties and common interest communities within specified timeframes.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1755

Requires installation of operational automatic rain sensor or smart sprinkler as condition of sale of certain real properties, and on certain commercial, retail, and industrial properties and common interest communities within specified timeframes.

NJ S227

Requires installation of operational automatic rain sensor on lawn sprinklers as condition of sale and on lawn sprinklers on commercial, retail, or industrial property and in common interest communities within specified timeframes.

NJ HB05168

An Act Concerning Solar Installations In Certain Common Interest Ownership Communities.

NJ HB07002

An Act Concerning Solar Installations In Certain Common Interest Ownership Communities.

NJ S377

Requires municipal accounting of abandoned properties before receiving certain State aid; establishes State database of abandoned properties; requires owners of abandoned properties to document rehabilitation efforts.

NJ A2553

Requires municipal accounting of abandoned properties before receiving certain State aid; establishes State database of abandoned properties; requires owners of abandoned properties to document rehabilitation efforts.

NJ A1174

Requires municipal accounting of abandoned properties before receiving certain State aid; establishes State database of abandoned properties; requires owners of abandoned properties to document rehabilitation efforts.

NJ S2907

Concerns installation and maintenance of solar panels in common interest communities.

NJ A1783

Concerns installation and maintenance of solar panels in common interest communities.

NJ S852

Requires explosive gas detectors to be installed in certain residential properties.

Similar Bills

NJ A1755

Requires installation of operational automatic rain sensor or smart sprinkler as condition of sale of certain real properties, and on certain commercial, retail, and industrial properties and common interest communities within specified timeframes.

NJ S227

Requires installation of operational automatic rain sensor on lawn sprinklers as condition of sale and on lawn sprinklers on commercial, retail, or industrial property and in common interest communities within specified timeframes.

HI HB2036

Relating To Life-safety Systems.

HI HB1477

Relating To Fire Protection.

HI HB144

Relating To Public Safety.

HI SB191

Relating To Public Safety.

HI HB144

Relating To Public Safety.

HI SB191

Relating To Public Safety.