Radon Control in New Home Construction: Developments in State Policy

New Jersey

New Jersey enacted legislation directing the state’s Department of Community Affairs to adopt a radon hazard code or revise the state building code to establish “adequate and appropriate standards to ensure that schools and residential buildings within tier one areas [as defined by the state] … are constructed in a manner that minimizes radon gas and radon progeny entry and facilitates any subsequent remediation that might prove necessary.” N. J. Stat. Ann. 52:27D-123a, available at: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ (search “statutes”).

The Department then adopted a radon hazard sub-code which does not reference existing model standards or guidance, but which sets forth the basic requirements for a passive sub-slab or sub-membrane depressurization system. N. J. Admin. Code 5:23-10.4, available at : http://www.state.nj.us/dca/codes/r_h_scode/pdf%27s/r_h_scode_10_1_071.pdf (or visit www.nj.gov/dca/codes and follow the Radon Hazard Subcode link.) The radon control standards and procedures apply to new residential construction (and school construction) in “tier one” areas, as defined by the state, and Appendix 10-A of the sub-code lists the specific municipalities that are designated as tier one areas.

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