Construction

(a) It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter or demolish a structure, or change the occupancy of a building or structure requiring greater strength, exit way or sanitary provisions, or to change a different use group, or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by this chapter, or to undertake a project involving lead abatement in accordance with 5:17, without first filing an application with the construction official or the appropriate sub code official where the construction involves only one trade or in writing and obtaining the required permit therefor.

(b) The following are exceptions from (a) above:

1. Ordinary repairs as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.7 shall not require a permit or notice to the enforcing agency;
2. Minor work as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.17A shall require a permit. However, work may proceed upon notice to the enforcing agency, before the permit is issued;
3. Emergency work not involving lead abatement, except that a permit shall be applied for or notice given as soon thereafter as is practicable, but not later than 72 hours thereafter.
4. Permit requirements for tents and membraned structures shall be as set forth in NJAC 5:23-3.14(b)16i. A temporary greenhouse meeting the criteria set forth in NJAC 5:23-3.14(b) shall not require a permit except as otherwise provided in NJAC 5:23-3.14(b)16i(5).
5. Gas utility company shall not be required to obtain a permit or give notice to the enforcing agency for replacement of interior gas utility company-owned metering (meter and related appurtenances) by exterior gas utility company owned-metering if the work is performed by qualified employees of the gas utility company.

NJAC 5:23 – 9.3

Interpretation – Ordinary Repairs

(a) The following items are ordinary repairs and shall be treated as such by every enforcing agency. No permits for, inspections of, or notice to the enforcing agency of ordinary repairs shall be required. This is not an all-inclusive listing of ordinary repairs.

1. Ordinary building repairs include:

i. Exterior and interior painting;

ii. Installation, repair or replacement of any interior finishes of less than 25% of the wall area in any given room, in a one- or two-family dwelling. This shall include plastering and drywall installation.

(1) Vinyl wall covering of any amount is an ordinary repair.

(2) Paneling shall not be considered an ordinary repair.

iii. Wall papering at any location;

iv. The replacement of glass in any window or door. However, the replacement glass shall be of a type and quality that complies with the minimum requirements of the code;

v. The installation or replacement of any window or door, including garage doors, in the same opening without altering the dimensions or framing of the original opening. This shall include storm windows and storm doors. “(Any new window or door shall be of the same type and operation as the existing window or door and conform to the requirements of the code regarding means of egress and emergency escape)” “The installation and replacement of means of egress and emergency escape windows and doors may be made in the same opening without altering the dimensions or framing of the original opening, and shall not reduce the required height, width or net clear opening of the previous window or door assembly.”;

vi. The repair of any nonstructural member such as a “(railing)” “partition railing or kitchen cabinet”;

vii. The repair or replacement of any interior or exterior trim, decoration or moldings;

viii. The replacement or installation of any flooring material, except carpeting, with a new material. However, installation of carpeting in one- and two-family dwellings will be permitted under ordinary repairs.

ix. The repair of existing roofing material not exceeding 25% of the total roof area within any period.

x. The repair of existing siding with like material not exceeding 25% of the total building exterior wall area within any period.

xi. The repair or replacement of any part of a porch or stoop which does not structurally support a roof above.

xii. The replacement or installation of screens.

xiii. The replacement of any roll or batt insulation when installed adjacent to or not more than one and a half inches from an interior finish, and;

xiv. Replacement of exterior rain water gutters and leaders.

2. Ordinary plumbing repairs include:

i. Replacement of hose bib valves in single-family dwellings. Replacement hose bib valves shall be provided with an approved atmospheric vacuum breaker;

ii. Re finishing of existing fixtures. Relining of fixtures shall not be considered an ordinary repair;

iii. Replacement of ball cocks. Replacement ball cocks must be an approved anti-siphon type.

iv. Repairs of leaks involving the replacement of piping between two adjacent joints only;

v. Clearance of stoppages;

vi. Replacements of faucets or working parts of faucets;

vii. Replacements of working parts of valves;

viii. Replacements of traps except for traps on culinary sinks in food-handling establishments “(and)”

ix. Replacement of a water closet or lavatory or kitchen sink in a single-family dwelling with an approved similar fixture provided that no change in the piping arrangement is made. “Replacement water closets bearing a date of July 1, 1991, or later, must use an average of 1.6 gallons or less of water per flushing cycle;and
x. Replacement of domestic clothes washers and dishwashers.”

3. Ordinary electrical repairs include:

i. The replacement of any receptacle, switch, or lighting fixture rated at 20 amps or less and operating at less than 150 volts to ground with a like or similar item. Replacement of receptacles in locations where circuit interrupter protection is required in the electrical subcode, shall not be considered ordinary electrical repairs;

ii. Repairs to any installed electrically-operated equipment such as doorbells, communication systems, and any motor operated device. Provided, however, that if fire-protection systems are interupted for repairs, the fire official shall be notified in accordance with the building subcode; “(and)”

iii. Installation of communications wiring as covered by article 800 of the electrical subcode in one- and two-family dwellings, or the alteration/rearrangement of existing communications wiring in other occupancies provided, however, that the rearrangement does not involve penetration of a fire-rated assembly and is not in a hazardous location as defined in chapter 5 of the electrical subcode “(.)” “; and

iv. Replacement of domestic dishwashers and

v. Replacement of kitchen range hoods in single-family dwellings.”

1. Minor work shall mean and include the construction or total replacement of any porch or stoop which does not provide structural support for any roof or portion of a building; the construction or alteration of any rooms within an existing one- or two-family dwelling, provided that no structural members are altered in any way; the removal and replacement of more than 25% of the exterior siding of a one- or two-family dwelling.
2. Minor work shall also mean and include the replacement of any existing plumbing piping work with new and approved material of like capacity; the installation of drinking fountains and condensate drains in existing structures; the replacement of existing low-pressure hot water heaters with new ones of like capacity; and the new installation of lavatories, water closets, tubs, showers, washers or dishwashers, and garbage disposers in existing space of one- and two-family dwellings where the new installation of additional fixtures can be accommodated with no increase in the size of the water distribution system, water service or house drain;
3. Minor work shall also mean and include new electrical work incidental to the installation of air conditioning, equipment, clothes dryers, and ranges or ovens in one- and two-family dwellings; the installation of five or less 110 or 220 volt receptacles or fixtures where existing circuits and/or available space circuits and service are adequate to support the load; the replacement of existing wiring with new wiring of the same capacity provided that the new wiring shall be of a type approved for the use by the code;
4. Minor work shall also mean and include the installation of any fire detection or suppression device in any one- or two-family dwelling; installation of a radon mitigation system in an existing detached one- or two-family dwelling; the installation of a burglar alarm or security system in any structure and the installation of a low voltage communication system in any structure other than a one- or two-family dwelling.
5. Minor work shall not include lead abatement.

J. CONSTRUCTION CODE ENFORCEMENT FEES

1. BUILDING SUBCODE PERMIT FEES
a. Fees for new construction shall be based upon the volume of the structure. Volume shall be computed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.28. The new construction fee shall be in the amount of $0.037 per cubic foot of volume for buildings and structures of all use groups and types of construction as classified and defined in Articles 3 and 4 of the building subcode; provided, however, that the fee shall be $0.021 per cubic foot of volume for Use Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, F-1, F-2, S-1 and S-2, and the fee shall be $0.0010 per cubic foot for structures on farms, including commercial farm buildings under N.J.A.C. 5:23- 3.2(d)

b. Fees for renovations, alterations and repairs shall be based upon the estimated cost of the work. The fee shall be in the amount of $33 per $1,000 of estimated cost. A flat fee of $60 shall be charged for all renovations, repairs and alterations up to and including $2,000 of estimated cost of work. From $50,001 up to and including $100,000, the additional fee shall be in the amount of $25 per $1,000 of estimated cost above $50,000. Above $100,000, the additional fee shall be in the amount of $21 per $1,000 of estimated cost above $100,000. For the purpose of determining the estimated cost, the applicant shall submit such cost data as may be available, produced by the architect or engineer of record, by a recognized estimating firm or by the contractor. A bona fide contractor’s bid, if available, shall be submitted. The enforcing agency shall make the final decision regarding estimated cost.

c. Fees for additions shall be computed on the same basis as for new construction for the added portion. The minimum fee for R-5 Residential shall be $200.00. For all other use groups the minimum shall be $250.00.

d. Fees for combination renovations and additions shall be computed as the sum of the fees for the addition and alteration computed separately in accordance with the above.

e. Fees for minor construction work shall be based upon the estimated cost of work. The fee shall be computed as a unit rate per $1,000 of estimated cost or fraction thereof, as set forth in subparagraph b. above.

f. Temporary structures and all structures for which volume can’t be computed, such as swimming pools and open structural towers, shall be charged a flat rate as follows:

(i) Open structural towers: $200.00
(ii) Swimming pools:

(A) Above ground $ 75.00
(B) In-ground: $200.00
(C) Spa Cover $ 10.00
(D) Replacement fence for
Existing pools $ 10.00

NOTE: This does not include fees required for electrical work, fences and contiguous decks.
(iii) Fences: $50.00 for fences in excess of six feet.

(iv) Satellite dish antennas:
(A) Use groups R-3 and R-5: $ 55.00
(B) All other use groups: $165.00

g. The fee to set modular homes in place shall be $200.00 plus other relevant sub-code fees.

h. Except as provided in subsection (i), below, the fee for a demolition or removal permit shall be $75.00 for a structure of less than 5,000 square feet in area and less than 30 feet in height, for one-family or two-family residences (Use Group R-3 of the Building Code) and for structures on farms, including commercial farm buildings under N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.2(d), and $150.00 for all other use groups.

i. The fee for a permit to construct a sign shall be $2.00 per square foot of surface area of the sign, computer on one side only for double-faced signed.

j. The fee for roofing and siding permits for use groups other than R-5 (detached one and two-family dwellings) shall be $200.00

k. The following are FEE EXEMPT: Only schools and related facilities owned and
operated by Voorhees Twp. BOE and Eastern Regional High School, all buildings
and structures owned and used by Voorhees Township municipal government and related entities such as fire, police, and all buildings owned and used by county and
state government.

l. The fee for partial release of a footing and foundation permit shall be per cubic foot of volume of the area of footing and foundation for the use Groups specified in 1.a. of the Building Sub-code Permit Fee.

2. PLUMBING SUBCODE PERMIT FEES

a. For one to five fixtures, the fee shall be $45. For each additional fixture, the fee shall be $10.00 per fixture for all fixtures and appliances, except as listed directly below.

b. The fee shall be $65.00 per special device for the following: grease traps, oil separators, water-cooled air-conditioning units, refrigeration units, domestic water and sewer utility service, boilers and furnaces in all occupancies other than R-3 and R-5 Use Groups, active solar systems, sewer pumps, interceptors and gas fuel oil piping in all occupancies other than R-3 and R- 5 Use Groups. In all Use Groups, the fee for backflow preventors with provisions for testing shall be $45 per special device.

c. Minimum fee for any plumbing permit shall be $60.00.

3. ELECTRICAL SUBCODE PERMIT FEES

a. Electrical sub-code fees for electrical fixtures and devices shall be as follows:
(i) For one to 50 receptacles or fixtures, the fee shall be in the amount of $36.00. For each 25 receptacles or fixtures in addition to this, the fee shall be increased by the amount of $6.00 for each additional group of 25 or part thereof. For the purpose of computing this fee, receptacles or fixtures shall include lighting outlets, wall switches, fluorescent fixtures, convenience receptacles or similar fixtures and motors or devices of less than one horsepower or one kilowatt. Minimum fee shall be $60.00.

(ii) For each motor or electrical device greater than one horsepower and less than or equal to ten horsepower and for transformers and
generators greater than one kilowatt and less than or equal to ten kilowatts, the fee shall be $10.00 each. Minimum fee shall be $60.00.

(iii) For each motor or electrical device greater than ten horsepower and less than or equal to 50 horsepower, each service panel, service entrance or subpanel less than or equal to 200 amperes and all transformers and generators greater than ten kilowatts and less than or equal to 45 kilowatts, the fee shall be $60.00.

(iv) For each motor or electrical device greater than 50 horsepower and less than or equal to 100 horsepower, each service panel, service entrance or subpanel greater than 200 amperes and each transformer or generator greater than 45 kilowatts and less than or equal to 112.5 kilowatts, the fee shall be $92.00.

(v) For each motor or electrical device greater than 100 horsepower, each service panel, service entrance or subpanel greater than 1,000 amperes and each transformer or generator greater than 112.5 kilowatts, the fee shall be $457.00.

(vi) Electrical permit for swimming pools shall be $60.00.

(vii) Rain Sensor flat fee $10.00

(viii) For photovoltaic systems the fee shall be based on the designated kilowatt
Rating of the solar photovoltaic systems as follows:

(1) One to 50 kilowatts, the fee shall be $65.00
(2) Fifty-one to 100 kilowatts, the fee shall be $129.00 and
(3) Greater than 100 kilowatts, the fee shall be $640.00

b. For the purpose of computing these fees, all motors, except those for
plug-in appliances, shall be counted, including control equipment, generators,
transformers and all heating, cooking or other devices consuming or
generating electrical current.

4. FIRE SUBCODE PERMIT FEES

Fees for fire protection and other hazardous equipment such as sprinklers, standpipes, detectors (smoke and heat), pre-engineered suppression systems, gas and oil-fired appliances not connected to the plumbing system, kitchen exhaust systems, incinerators and crematoriums shall be as follows:

a. Wet and Dry Sprinkler Heads

(i) For 1 to 20 heads or detectors, the fee shall be $65.00
(ii) For 21 to 100 heads or detectors, the fee shall be $120.00
(iii) For 101 to 200 heads or detectors, the fee shall be $229.00
(iv) For 201 to 400 heads or detectors, the fee shall be $600.00
(v) For 401 to 1000 heads or detectors, the fee shall be $822.00
(vi) For over 1,000 heads or detectors, the fee shall be $1050.00

b. The fee for one to twelve detectors shall be $36.00. For each 25 additional detectors, a fee of $12.00 shall be added to the base fee.

c. In computing fees for heads and detectors, the number of each shall be counted separately, and two fees, one for heads and one for detectors, shall be charged.

d. The fee for standpipes shall be $229.00

e. The fee for each independent pre-engineered system shall be $92.00

f. The fee for each gas- or oil-fired appliance other than in an R-3 or R-5 Use Group and which is not connected to the plumbing system shall be $46.00 per appliance.

g. The fee for each commercial/industrial kitchen exhaust system will be $50.00 Use Groups R-3 and R-5 are exempted from this fee.

h. The fee for each incinerator shall be $365.00

i. The fee for each crematorium shall be $365.00

j. The fee for installation of fuel storage tanks is $60 per tank, for tanks equal to or larger than 600 gallons.

k. The fee for each smoke control system shall be $250.00

l. Heat-producing devices, fireplaces and wood stoves are $50.00 each.

m. Fire hose cabinets are $100 each.

n. Fire pumps are $165.00 each.

o. Minimum fee shall be $60.00

5. ELEVATOR SUBCODE PERMIT FEES

(a) The fees for witnessing acceptance tests and performing inspections on new and altered elevator devices shall be as follows:

1. The basic fees for elevator devices in structures not of Group R-3, R-4, or R-5, or in an exempted structure of Group R-2, shall be as follows:
i. Traction and winding drum elevators:
(1) One to 10 floors $ 340.00
(2) Over 10 floors $ 567.00
ii. Hydraulic elevators $ 302.00
iii. Roped hydraulic elevators $ 340.00
iv. Escalators, moving walks $ 302.00
v. Dumbwaiters $ 76.00
vi. Stairway chairlifts, inclined and vertical wheelchair lifts and man lifts $ 76.00

2. Additional charges for devices equipped with the following features shall be as follows:

i. Oil buffers (charge per oil buffer) $ 60.00
ii. Counterweight governor and safeties $ 151.00
iii. Auxiliary power generator $ 114.00

3. The fee for elevator devices in structures of Group R-3, R-4, or R-5, or otherwise exempt devices in structures of Group R-2, shall be $ 204.00. This fee shall be waived when signed statements and supportive inspection and acceptance test reports are filed by an approved qualified agent or agency in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.19 and 2.20.

4. The fee for performing inspections of minor work shall be $ 68.00.

(b) The fees for routine and periodic tests and inspections for elevator devices in structures not of Group R-3, R-4, or R-5, or otherwise exempt devices in structures of Group R-2, shall be as follows:

1. The fee for the six-month routine inspection of escalators devices shall be $211.00

2. The fee for the one-year periodic inspection and witnessing of tests of elevator devices, which shall include a six-month routine inspection, shall be as follows:

i. Traction and winding drum elevators:
(1) One to 10 floors $ 302.00
(2) Over 10 floors $ 362.00

ii. Hydraulic elevators $ 227.00
iii. Roped hydraulic elevators $ 302.00
iv. Escalators, moving walks $ 484.00
v. Dumbwaiters $ 120.00
vi. Manlifts, stairway chairlifts, inclined
and vertical wheelchair lifts $183.00

3. Additional yearly periodic inspection charges for elevator devices equipped with the following features shall be as follows:

i. Oil buffers (charge per oil buffer) $ 60.00
ii. Counterweight governor and safeties $ 120.00
iii. Auxiliary power generator $ 76.00

4. The fee for the three-year or five-year inspection of elevator devices shall be as follows:

i. Traction and winding drum elevators:
(1) One to 10 floors (five-year inspection) $ 513.00
(2) Over 10 floors (five-year inspection) $ 646.00
ii. Hydraulic and roped hydraulic elevators:
(1) Three-year inspection $ 387.00
(2) Five-year inspection $ 227.00

(c) Fees set forth in (b) above shall be paid annually in accordance with the following schedule, which is based on the average of the fees to be collected over a five-year period:

1. Basic annual fee as follows:
i. Traction and winding drum elevators:
(1) One to 10 floors $ 339.00
(2) Over 10 floors $ 409.00
ii. Hydraulic elevators $ 258.00
iii. Roped hydraulic elevators $ 232.00
iv. Escalators, moving walks $ 695.00
v. Dumbwaiters $ 120.00
vi. Stairway chairlifts, inclined and vertical wheelchair lifts, manlifts $182.00

2. Additional charges for devices equipped with the following features as follows:
i. Oil buffers (charge per oil buffer) $ 60.00
ii. Counterweight governor and safeties $ 120.00
iii. Auxiliary power generator $ 76.00

(d) 1. The fee for any re-inspection of an elevator device shall be set at $203.00 and shall be
Billed separately from the above fees upon the issuance of a notice of violation
Necessitating a re-inspection

2. The fee for plan review for elevator devices in structures of Group R-3, R-4, or R-5,
And for elevator devices wholly within dwelling units in structures of Group R-2
Shall be $70.00 for each device.

3. The fee for plan review for elevator devices in structures of Groups other than R-3,
R-4, or R-5 and devices in structures of Group R-2 exempted by (d) 1. Above shall be
$365.00 for each device.

6. MECHANICAL SUBCODE PERMIT FEES

NOTE: APPLIES ONLY TO REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT

The fee for the inspection of mechanical equipment in Use Groups R-3 and R-5 shall be $50.00 per appliance. NOTE: This flat fee includes all costs associated with the incidental connections and extensions of associated gas, fuel oils and/or domestic water relating to the specific appliance. This does not include the requirement for an electrical permit if needed.

a. Exception – R-3, R-4 & R-5 water heaters shall have a flat fee of $50.00.

7. MISCELLANEOUS FEE – APPLIES TO ANY SUBCODE

a. The fee to remove or abandon, in place, any fuel oil tank, any septic tank, or any other underground tank shall be $60.00

8. CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY

a. The fee for a certificate of occupancy shall be in the amount of 5% of the commercial construction permit fee. The minimum fee shall be $50.00 except for one-family, covered by Use Group R-3 or R-5, and structures on farms, including commercial farm buildings subject to N.J.A.C. 5:23- 3.2(d), for which the minimum fee shall be $50.00.

b. The fee for a certificate of occupancy granted pursuant to a change of use group shall be $161.

c. The fee for a certificate of continued occupancy shall be $150.00.

d. The fee for a temporary certificate of occupancy shall be a follows:

1. First Certificate shall be no charge.

2. All certificates issued after the first shall be charged at $30.00 per certificate.

3. The duration for any temporary certificate shall be sixty (60) days.

4. No fee shall be charged for any use group R-5.

9. ALTERNATE SYSTEMS AND NON-DEPLETABLE ENERGY SOURCES

The fee for plan review of a building for compliance under the alternate systems and non-depletable energy source provisions of the energy subcode shall be $274.00 for one- and two-family homes (Use Group R-5 of the building subcode) and light commercial structures having the indoor temperature controlled from a single point, and $1,369.00 for all other structures.

10. FEES FOR APPLICATION FOR VARIATIONS

The fee for an application for a variation in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.10 shall be $594.00 for Class I structures and $120.00 for Class II structures and $25 for Class III structures. The fee for resubmission of an application for a variation shall be $229.00 for Class I structures, $65.00 for Class II structures and $25 for Class III structures.

11. MISCELLANEOUS CONSTRUCTION CODE ENFORCEMENT FEES
a. Tents. The fee for an application to erect a tent which is in excess of 16,800 square feet in area or more than 140 feet in any dimension (width, depth or height) shall be $116.00.

b. Asbestos Abatement. The fee for a construction permit issued for asbestos hazard abatement shall be a flat fee of $70.00. The fee for a certificate of occupancy issued following the successful completion of an asbestos hazard abatement project shall be $14.00.

c. Lead Hazard Abatement. The fee for a construction permit issued for lead hazard abatement shall be a flat fee of $140.00. The fee for a lead hazard abatement clearance certificate shall be $28.00.

d. State Permit Fees.
(i) Per cubic foot of volume of new
building or additions: $.00371

(ii) All other construction: $1.90/$1,000 of value of construction.
e. Plan Review Fee. Five percent (5%) of construction permit fee.

f. The fee for any periodic inspection, except elevators, as required by the Uniform Construction Code, which does not require a permit is $60.00