NJ S3941

Property owners of hotels and multiple dwellings with two or more floors must ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities within 18 months of enactment, including restoring elevator service within two hours of an outage or providing alternative access such as evacuation chairs, ramps, or motorized stairlifts.

Penalties for violations include up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for second or subsequent offenses, and $2,500 for violations creating acute health or safety risks, with each day of a continuing violation constituting a separate offense.

Property owners can avoid penalties by demonstrating an active contract with an elevator servicer or having alternative means of access in place.

The Division of Codes and Standards will establish a grant program to help property owners purchase accessibility equipment and will handle violation reporting, inspections, and investigations.

Property owners facing financial hardship or structural limitations may apply for an extension of up to 12 additional months to comply with the requirements.