Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Commercial Property Alert: New Jersey Law Imposes Notification Requirements for Rooftop Solar Panels
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: March 18, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
Solar panels are an increasingly popular way for New Jersey commercial property owners to both reduce energy costs and protect the environment.
In fact, the latest statistics show that a new system is installed in the United States approximately every four minutes.
Unfortunately, roof-mounted solar panels can pose dangerous risks for emergency responders in the event of a fire. In response, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie recently signed Assembly Bill A-266 (S-507) into law.
The law was precipitated by a September 2013 warehouse fire in Delanco that resulted in a total loss, in part because firefighters could not fight the fire from above due to the electrocution risk posed by thousands of solar panels mounted to the roof of the building. The danger is that panels continue to transmit electrical current even after power in the building is turned off.
The new law imposes several new requirements on property owners, which are designed to give firefighters advance notice of rooftop solar panels. Building owners must provide a written notification to the local fire official regarding the existence of rooftop solar panels. For new installations, permit granting agencies must, within 10 days after issuance, file a copy of the permit with the local fire official serving the municipality in which the residential structure or nonresidential structure is located.
Under the new law, commercial property owners will also be required to place an identifying emblem displaying the letters “S/P” be next to the main entrance of a building if solar panels are attached to the roof. The requirement is similar to existing laws that require building owners to display the letter “F” to signify a floor with truss construction. This requirement does not apply to one or two family residential structures.
New Jersey businesses are advised to keep the new law and the associated fire risks in mind when contemplating the installation of solar panels.
If you have any questions about the new law or would like to discuss how it may impact your business, please contact me, Victor Kinon, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
- Industries: Real Estate
- Practices: Commercial Real Estate, Commercial Leasing
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services vitiating the so-called “background circumstances” test required by half of federal circuit courts.1 The background circumstances test required majority group plaintiffs pleading discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to meet a heightened pleading standard […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know
Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses
Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process that involves important corporate governance considerations. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.