CHAPTER 428

 

An Act concerning the display of certain vegetation and supplementing the "Uniform Fire Safety Act," P.L.1983, c.383 (C.52:27D-192 et seq.).


    Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:


C.52:27D-198.6 Conditions for display of certain holiday vegetation.

    1.    Notwithstanding the provisions of any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, trees and wreaths used in holiday displays may be exhibited in all buildings covered by the "Uniform Fire Safety Act," P.L.1983, c.383 (C.52:27D-192 et seq.) under the following conditions:

    a.    Natural cut trees shall be permitted in any building if the trees:

    1)   Are located in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system, or

    2)   Meet the flame-retardant requirements of the "Uniform Fire Safety Act," P.L.1983, c.383 (C.52:27D-192 et seq.) provided that the trees are watered daily.

    b.    Living trees in a balled condition with their roots protected by an earth ball, maintained in a fresh condition and not allowed to become dry, shall be permitted in any building.

    c.    Holiday wreaths not in excess of 10 percent of the aggregate wall area of any room or space shall be permitted in any building.

    d.    The appropriate enforcing agency may limit the number of trees in any building.

    e.    Trees shall not be allowed to obstruct corridors, exits or other means of egress.

    f.    Open flames such as from candles, lanterns, kerosene heaters and gas-fired heaters shall not be located on or near trees or holiday wreaths.

    g.    Nothing herein shall apply to, or be construed as extending the jurisdiction of, the "Uniform Fire Safety Act," P.L.1983, c.383 (C.52:27D-192 et seq.) to residential buildings.


    2.    This act shall take effect immediately.


    Approved January 19, 1998.