September 2025

What New Jersey’s New Mulch Law Means for Your Community By John A. Reichart, CMCA, AMS, Associa Community Management Corp, AAMC MULCH ADO ABOUT SOMETHING:

M ulch. It seems harmless enough, right? It smells earthy, keeps weeds at bay, and makes our landscaping look sharp. But as of April 15, 2025, mulch has found itself squarely in the crosshairs of New Jersey’s Uniform Fire Code. For community associa tions across the state, this seemingly benign material has become the source of confusion, debate, and a whole lot of re-landscaping. What’s Behind this Mulch Madness? The Law in a Nutshell (Nutshells are flammable too, in case you were wondering.) The new fire safety regulation prohibits placing combus tible landscaping materials (traditional wood mulch) within 18 inches of any combustible building component. That includes siding, decks, balconies, porches, and even des ignated smoking areas.

Why? Because mulch fires are a real threat, and they do happen. They can smolder undetected, ignite adjacent structures, and pose serious risks to both property and life. The goal here is prevention, by keeping potential fuel sources a safe distance from anything that might catch fire. But (and there’s always a but), as with many well-inten tioned laws, the real challenge lies in the implementation of the new law. Who Has to Rip Out Their Mulch? The law applies to multifamily, attached dwellings, con dos, co-ops, apartment-style units, and similar multi-family, community association structures. Single-family homes and duplexes used strictly as private residences are exempt. If your community has siding, wood trim, balconies, or any other flammable components within reach of a mulch bed, it’s time to take a closer look. On the other hand, if CONTINUES ON PAGE 16

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SEPTEMBER 2025