Borough of Seaside Heights, NJ Chapter 68 Construction Inspection Fees

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Seaside Heights 3-17-1999 by Ord. No. 99-10; amended in its entirety 10-15-2008 by Ord. No. 08-15. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Certificates of occupancy — See Ch. 55.

§ 68-1 Adoption of regulations.

The regulations for the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, as promulgated by the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs pursuant to the authority of the State Uniform Construction Code Act,[1] together with any subsequent amendments, changes or supplements thereto, is hereby adopted in and for the Borough of Seaside Heights.

[1] Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.

§ 68-2 Enforcing agency.

The State Uniform Construction Code shall be enforced by the Construction Official, Building Subcode Official, the Plumbing Subcode Official and Fire Subcode Official for the Borough of Seaside Heights and such Electrical Subcode Official as designated by resolution of the governing body of the Borough of Seaside Heights.

§ 68-3 Fee schedule.

[Amended 12-16-2009 by Ord. No. 09-14; 8-21-2013 by Ord. No. 13-22]

A. The following fee schedule is hereby adopted and established for the following construction and subcode fees:

(1) Building subcode fees.

(a) New construction. 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. Use groups and types of construction are as classified and defined in Articles 3 and 4 of the building subcode.

[1] New residential construction.

[a] Per cubic foot of volume: $0.030.

[2] Other use groups.

[a] Use Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, F-1, F-2, S-1 and S-2: $0.020.

[b] Structures on farms, including commercial farm buildings under N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.2(d): $0.010.

[c] Maximum fee for structures on farms shall be $1,000.

[d] Minimum fee: $50.

(b) Renovations, alterations and repairs and site construction associated with premanufactured construction; fee based on estimated cost of the work. To determine estimated cost, the applicant shall submit to the Construction Official such cost data as may be available, produced by the homeowner, the architect or engineer of record, or by a recognized estimating firm, or by the contractor. A bona fide contractor's bid, if available, shall be submitted. The Construction Official shall make the final decision regarding estimated cost.

	Estimated Cost of Work	Fee
	$1 to $2,000	$50
	$2,001 to $50,000	$25 per $1,000
	$50,001 to $100,000	Add $21 per $1,000 of estimated cost above $50,000
	Over $100,000	Add $19 per $1,000 of estimated cost above $100,00

(c) Additions. Fees shall be computed on the same basis as for new construction for the added portion.

(d) Combination renovations and additions. Fees shall be computed separately in accordance with §§ 68-3A(1)(a) and (b).

(e) Temporary structures. The fee for temporary structures, towers, fences greater than six feet in height, open decks not attached to a principal or accessory structure and similar structures for which volume cannot be computed shall be $50.

(f) The fee for roofing or siding in R-3 and R-4 uses shall be $50.

(g) Pools.

[1] Aboveground: $50.

[2] In-ground: $195.

[3] Commercial: $300.

(h) Bulkheads, docks, wharves and piers. The fees shall be computed as an alteration.

(2) Plumbing subcode fees.

(a) Fixtures and appliances. The fee per fixture, piece of equipment, vent or appliance connected to the plumbing system and for each appliance connected to the gas or oil piping system shall be $8, except as provided for in § 68-3A(2)(b).

(b) Special devices. The fee per device for grease traps, oil separators, water-cooled air-conditioning units, refrigeration units, utility service connections, backflow preventers, steam boilers, hot-water boilers (excluding those for domestic water heating), gas piping, gas service entrances, active solar systems, sewer pumps, interceptors and fuel oil piping shall be $50.

(c) Minimum plumbing subcode fee shall be $50.

(3) Fire protection subcode fees.

(a) The fee for sprinklers, standpipes, detectors (smoke and heat), preengineered suppression systems, gas- and oil-fired appliances not connected to the plumbing system, kitchen exhaust systems, incinerators and crematoriums shall be as follows:

[1] For one to 20 heads: $100.

[2] For 21 to 100 heads: $160.

[3] For 101 to 200 heads: $260.

[4] For 201 to 400 heads: $700.

[5] For 401 to 1,000 heads: $1,000.

[6] For over 1,000 heads: $1,500.

(b) Standpipe, each: $300.

(c) Independent preengineered systems, each: $150.

(d) Gas- or oil-fired appliance not connected to the plumbing system, each: $60.

(e) Commercial kitchen exhaust system, each: $60.

(f) Incinerator, each: $425.

(g) Crematorium, each: $500.

(h) For one to 12 detectors, the fee shall be $50; for any number of detectors above 12, the fee shall be $20 for each increment of 25 or less.

(i) Minimum fee: $50.

(4) Electric subcode fees.

(a) The fees for outlets (including lighting, wall switches, fluorescent fixtures, convenience receptacles or similar fixtures, and motors or devices of less than one horsepower or one kilowatt) shall be as follows:

	Number of Devices	Fee
	Outlets 1 to 50	$70
	Each additional 25	$10

(b) The fees for service panels shall be as follows:

	Number of Amps	Fee
	9 to 200	$50
	201 to 1,000	$92
	More than 1,001	$500

(c) The fees for transformers or generators shall be as follows:

	Number of Kilowatts	Fee
	1 to 10	$10
	11 to 45	$50
	46 to 112.5	$92
	More than 112.5	$500

(d) The fees for motors, except those in plug-in appliances, shall be counted, including control equipment, generators, transformers and all heating, cooking or other devices consuming or generating electric current, and shall be as follows:

	Number of Horsepower	Fee
	1 to 10	$10
	11 to 50	$50
	51 to 100	$92
	More than 100	$500

(e) The fee for swimming pools shall be as follows:

[1] In-ground: $150.

[2] Aboveground: $50.

(f) The fee for each of the following items shall be $10:

[1] Electric heater.

[2] Dishwasher.

[3] Hot tubs/Jacuzzi.

[4] Electric dryer.

[5] Range.

[6] Oven.

[7] Surface units.

[8] Heat pump.

[9] Gas/oil heaters.

[10] Hot water heater.

[11] Commercial exhaust fans.

(g) The fee for annual electric inspection of all public swimming pools shall be $100 prior to May 15 of each calendar year and $125 for the remainder of the calendar year. The fee for reinspections shall be $50.

(h) The minimum electric subcode fee shall be $50.

(5) Mechanical subcode fees.

[Added 5-16-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-11[1]]

(a) Appliances/special devices. The fee per appliance/special device for water heaters, fuel oil piping connections, gas piping connections, steam boiler, hot-water boiler, hot-air furnace, oil tank, LPG tank, fireplace, generator or air conditioner/condenser: $50.

(b) Minimum mechanical subcode fee shall be $50, when applicable.

[1] Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the renumbering of former Subsection A(5) as Subsection A(6).

(6) Fees applicable to § 68-3A(1) through (5) above.

[Amended 4-16-2014 by Ord. No. 14-08; 5-16-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-11]

(a) Plan review fee: 20% of the amount to be charged for a new construction permit.

(b) Basic construction fee: the sum of the parts computed on the basis of the volume or cost of construction, the number of plumbing fixtures and equipment, the number of electrical fixtures and devices and the number of sprinklers, standpipes and detectors (smoke and heat) at the unit rates provided herein, plus any special fees.

(c) Certificates and other permits.

[1] Demolition or removal permit.

[a] Structures less than 5,000 square feet in area and less than 30 feet in height (Use Group R-3) and for structures on farms, including commercial farm buildings under N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.2(d): $46.

[b] All other use groups: $85.

[2] Sign permit. Permit fee to construct a sign shall be in the amount of $1 per square foot surface area of the sign, computed on one side only for double-faced signs.

[3] Certificate of occupancy: residential: $50; commercial: $150.

[4] Certificate of occupancy granted pursuant to a change of use group: $150, as follows:

[a] To building: $60.

[b] To plumbing: $30.

[c] To fire: $30.

[d] To electrical: $30.

[5] Certificate of continued occupancy: $100, as follows:

[a] To building: $40.

[b] To plumbing: $20.

[c] To fire: $20.

[d] To electrical: $20.

[6] The fee for elevator devices, where applicable, shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-12.6.

[7] Reinstatement of lapsed permit per subcode: $35.

[8] Cross connections and backflow preventers that are subject to testing and require reinspection for each device when they are tested: $40.

[9] Annual permits.

[a] Construction permits shall be charged annually. This fee shall be a flat fee based upon the number of maintenance workers who are employed by the facility and who are primarily engaged in work that is governed by a subcode. Managers, engineers and clericals shall not be considered maintenance workers for the purposes of establishing the annual construction permit fee.

[b] Annual permits may be issued for building, fire protection, electrical and plumbing. Fees shall be as follows:

[i] For one to 25 workers, including foremen: $667 per worker; each additional worker over 25: $150 per worker.

[ii] Prior to issuance of an annual permit, a training registration fee of $140 per subcode shall be submitted by the applicant. Checks shall be made payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey.

[10] Change of contractor: $50.

B. A schedule of the instruction and subcode fees established by this chapter shall be posted in the office of the Construction Official and shall be made available to the public.

§ 68-4 Fences.

A. The construction of any fence shall require a permit issued by the Zoning Officer. The fee for the permit shall be $35.

B. The Zoning Officer may require the permit applicant to submit a sketch or survey.

C. All fence construction shall conform to the provisions of § 246-44B.

§ 68-5 Enforcement.

[Added 3-17-2010 by Ord. No. 10-06; amended 12-18-2013 by Ord. No. 13-29]

Pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act (P.L. 1983, c. 383),[1] the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code shall be enforced within the Borough of Seaside Heights by the State of New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, except for inspection of non-life hazard uses, which inspections shall be performed by the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

[1] Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-192 et seq.

§ 68-6 Designation of enforcing agency.

[Added 3-17-2010 by Ord. No. 10-06; amended 12-18-2013 by Ord. No. 13-29; 11-4-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-11]

The local enforcing agency shall be the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention, pursuant to the shared services agreement between the Borough of Seaside Heights and the Toms River Fire Districts. Any references within the Code of the Borough of Seaside Heights to the Fire Official, Fire Inspector or Fire Inspection Department shall mean the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention.

§ 68-7 Duties of enforcing agency.

[Added 3-17-2010 by Ord. No. 10-06; amended 12-18-2013 by Ord. No. 13-29]

The local enforcing agency shall enforce the Uniform Fire Safety Act and the codes and regulations adopted pursuant thereto in all buildings, structures and premises within the Borough of Seaside Heights, other than owner-occupied one- and two-family dwellings, and shall faithfully comply with the requirements of the Uniform Fire Safety Act and the Uniform Fire Code.

§ 68-8 Inspections of life-hazard uses.

[Added 3-17-2010 by Ord. No. 10-06; amended 12-18-2013 by Ord. No. 13-29]

The State of New Jersey Division of Fire Safety shall carry out the periodic inspections of life-hazard uses required by the Uniform Fire Code.

§ 68-9 Inspections and fees.

[Added 3-17-2010 by Ord. No. 10-06; amended 3-2-2011 by Ord. No. 11-04; 12-18-2013 by Ord. No. 13-29]

Inspections and fees required for life-hazard uses shall be conducted and charged by the State of New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act and the regulations of the Department of Community Affairs. Inspection schedules and fees for those uses not defined as life-hazard uses pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act are incorporated within the Borough's certificate of occupancy requirements and regulations.

§ 68-9.1 Additional required inspections.

[Added 3-2-2011 by Ord. No. 11-04]

For the purpose of this chapter all uses shall be defined pursuant to the current edition of the latest N.J. State-adopted edition of the International Building Code and the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.

A. For nonresidential uses not subject to certificate of occupancy inspections, inspection fees for an annual permit shall be as follows:

	Square Footage Total Gross	Required Fee
	0 to 1,000	$40
	1,001 to 2,000	$50
	2,001 to 2,500	$55
	2,501 to 3,500	$60
	3,501 to 4,500	$65
	4,501 to 5,000	$70
	5,001 to 6,000	$75
	6,001 to 7,000	$80
	7,001 to 7,500	$85
	7,501 to 8,000	$110
	8,001 to 9,000	$125
	9,001 to 10,000	$135
	10,001 to 11,000	$155
	11,001 to 12,000	$180
	Buildings over 12,000 square feet	Additional fee of $10 per 1,000 square feet

B. All open burning within the boundaries of the Borough of Seaside Heights is prohibited in accordance with this section and the Code of the Borough of Seaside Heights, except as permitted by a special event permit as approved by the governing body. Prior to the conducting of any such approved open burning, an annual permit must be obtained from the Fire Safety Bureau for any and all recreational fires in accordance with the requirements under the State Uniform Fire Code and the General Forest Fire Act (N.J.S.A. 13:9-44.1 et seq.). The fee for a small recreational fire permit shall be $42.

C. All erection of tents, canopies, or any tensioned membrane structure, greater than 900 square feet total and more than 30 feet in any dimension less than 16,800 square feet or contains platforms or bleachers 11 feet or less in height within the boundaries of the Borough of Seaside Heights is be prohibited in accordance with this section and the Code of the Borough of Seaside Heights, except as permitted by a special event permit as approved by the governing body. An annual permit for such activity must also be obtained in accordance with the State Uniform Fire Code from the Fire Safety Bureau at a fee of $42.

D. The storage or discharging of fireworks within the boundaries of the Borough of Seaside Heights is prohibited in accordance with this section and the Code of the Borough of Seaside Heights, except as permitted by a special event permit as approved by the governing body. An annual permit for such activity must also be obtained in accordance with the State Uniform Fire Code from the Fire Safety Bureau at a fee of $331.

§ 68-10 Fire Official; inspectors and employees.

[Added 3-17-2010 by Ord. No. 10-06]

A. Appointment of Fire Official. The governing body of the Borough of Seaside Heights shall appoint the Fire Official, who shall serve as the chief administrative and inspection official for said agency.

B. Inspectors and employees. The governing body of the Borough of Seaside Heights shall appoint such other inspectors and other employees as are deemed necessary.

§ 68-11 Appeals.

[Added 3-17-2010 by Ord. No. 10-06]

Any owner or operator of a building or property affected by the provisions issued pursuant to the Uniform Fire Code, who shall disagree with the determination of the Bureau of Fire Safety and/or its designated agents shall have the right of appeal in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.19, entitled "Appeals."

§ 68-12 Violations and penalties.

[Added 3-17-2010 by Ord. No. 10-06]

All penalties as indicated in the New Jersey Administrative Code, Title 5, Chapters 18 and 18B, (Uniform Fire Code) shall be adopted for the purpose of enforcing this article, except those penalties imposed as provided by the Code of the Borough of Seaside Heights for violations of the Borough Code not included within the Uniform Fire Code or authorized by the Uniform Fire Safety Act. Failure to register non-life-hazard uses or to pay the appropriate fees for registration concerning non-life-hazard uses, as defined in § 68-8, shall result in the imposition of penalties pursuant to the code.