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Dear
Business Owner:
In
1981, following tragic multiple death fires in Keansburg and
Bradley Beach which claimed the lives of 55 people, a Fire Safety
Study Commission was created to examine existing fire safety
standards and recommend improvements. The Commission's recommendations
were enacted into law in 1983 as the Uniform Fire Safety Act
(L.1983, c-383, s.2). Pursuant to that Act, it became mandatory
for the owner of a life hazard use, high-rise structure or covered
mall to file an application for a certificate of registration
with the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.
In
accordance With the Uniform Fire Safety Act, the Commissioner
of Community Affairs has designated 140 types of businesses
or operations as life hazards. These require periodic inspection
to minimize risks by ensuring that structures continue to be
used for the purpose for which they were designed and that life
safety features are properly maintained. The 140 types are divided
into thirty-seven categories each having a specific use code.
Your
business has been identified by your local enforcing agency
as a life hazard use. Please keep in mind that we are registering
the BUSINESS and not the building, unless the building is a
life hazard use. Thus, the owner of the business is required
to complete the registration form. The only buildings which
are life hazard uses are covered malls, buildings with atriums
and high-rise buildings. In these instances, the owner of the
structure would be required to register.
After
you have filed your application, your business will be registered
with the Division of Fire Safety. You will receive a Certificate
of Registration and an annual Life Hazard Use registration bill.
Sixty-five percent of the fee is rebated to your local enforcing
agency to cover the costs of enforcing the Uniform Fire Code
and carrying out other related fire prevention activities. The
remaining thirty-five percent covers state prevention and enforcement
costs.
In
accordance with Uniform Fire Safety Act, you must complete,
sign and return the application within 30 days even if you feel
that your use or building does not require registration. Failure
to complete and return the application within the time specified
subjects you to a penalty of $500.
If
you should have any questions or need assistance in completing
this application, please feel free to call our application processing
unit at
609-633-6144. Once you have completed the application, please
mail it to The Department of Community Affairs, Division of
Fire Safety, POBOX 809, Trenton, NJ 08625-0809.
Fire
Safety is in everyone's interest and we appreciate your cooperation.
