New Jersey Senate Bill S227

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Chaptered: 1/9/24
• Passed: 1/9/24

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill directly impacts existing real estate laws by establishing new conditions for property sales, particularly concerning properties with older lawn sprinkler systems. Under this legislation, the closing of property sales will be contingent upon compliance with the new rain sensor requirement, which could lead to significant changes in how properties are sold. If the owners fail to install the required devices, they can face penalties in the form of fines of up to $500. The legislation reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable practices in property management and enhances compliance measures for irrigation systems, promoting water-saving technologies.

Summary

Senate Bill S227 requires the installation of operational automatic rain sensor devices on lawn sprinkler systems as a condition for the sale of real properties where such systems were installed on or prior to September 8, 2000. The bill mandates that contracts for sale must include a provision that ensures these devices are installed to override the irrigation cycle when adequate rainfall has occurred. This requirement aims to enhance water conservation efforts by ensuring that irrigation systems do not operate unnecessarily during periods of sufficient rainfall. Furthermore, it expands existing regulations that previously only applied to lawn sprinkler systems installed after the specified date.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding S227 may arise from property owners concerned about the costs and logistics of retrofitting older irrigation systems. Some may argue that the requirement disproportionately impacts owners of properties in common interest communities, which may complicate compliance efforts. Additionally, discussions may center around the effectiveness of such mandates in achieving meaningful environmental benefits versus the economic implications for real estate transactions. Stakeholders may also debate the balance between regulatory oversight and property rights, raising questions about local governance versus state-level mandates.