[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Pennsauken 3-13-1978 by Ord. No. 78-3 as Ch. 120 of the 1977 Code; amended 3-14-1990 by Ord. No. 90-5; 5-27-1998 by Ord. No. 98-10. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Contractors — See Ch. 135.
Development regulations — See Ch. 141.
Fire prevention — See Ch. 162.
A. 
There is hereby established in the Township of Pennsauken a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency to be known as the "Pennsauken Construction Code Department," consisting of a Construction Official, Building Subcode Official, Plumbing Subcode Official, Electrical Subcode Official, Fire Protection Subcode Official and such other officials for such additional subcodes as the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey, shall hereafter adopt as part of the State Uniform Construction Code. The Construction Official shall be the chief administrator of the enforcing agency.
B. 
Each official position created in Subsection A hereof shall be filled by a person qualified for such position pursuant to P.L. 1975, c. 217, as amended (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.) and N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.1,[1] provided that, in lieu of any particular subcode official, an on-site inspection agency may be retained by contract pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.1 et seq. More than one such official position may be held by the same person, provided that such person is qualified pursuant to P.L. 1975, c. 217 and N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.1 et seq. to hold each such position.
[1]
Editor's Note: N.J.A.C. 5:23.1.1 et seq. contains the regulations for the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code promulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to the authority of the State Uniform Construction Code Act, P.L. 1975, c. 217, as amended. (See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.)
C. 
The public shall have the right to do business with the enforcing agency at one location, except for emergencies and unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances.
A. 
Creation. There is hereby created in the Township the office of Construction Official, who shall be appointed by the Township Committee.
B. 
Term. The Construction Official shall be appointed for a term of four years in accordance with Section 8 of the Uniform Construction Code Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-126).
C. 
Duties. The Construction Official is the chief administrator of the enforcing agency as defined in the Act and shall have the powers, duties and obligations as provided in the Act and the code.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The "Code" refers to the Uniform Construction Code promulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to the authority granted in the Act.
D. 
Qualifications of the person appointed to the office of Construction Official shall be as required in the Act and the Code.
A. 
Creation. There are hereby created the following subcode official positions, which shall be filled by appointment by the Township Committee:
(1) 
Building Subcode Official.
(2) 
Electrical Subcode Official.
(3) 
Plumbing Subcode Official.
(4) 
Fire Protection Subcode Official.
(5) 
Other such inspectors shall include Energy Official, Premanufactured Home Official and Asbestos Official.
B. 
Term. The subcode officials shall be appointed for terms of four years.
C. 
Duties. The subcode officials shall have the powers, duties and obligations as provided in the Act and the code. The subcode officials need not work exclusively for the enforcing agency. The subcode officials shall be primarily responsible to the Construction Official.
D. 
Qualifications. The subcode officials shall possess those qualifications which are required in the Act and the code. An individual may serve as a subcode official under one or more subcodes, provided that such individual is so qualified.
A person who is aggrieved by any ruling, action, order, or decision of a local enforcing agency that enforces either the State Uniform Construction Code, or the Uniform Fire Code, including without limitation, any refusal to grant an application or failure or refusal to act upon an application, may file an application for a hearing with the Secretary of the Camden County Construction Board of Appeals in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23A-2.1 et seq.
A. 
The public shall have the right to do business under the Act and the code at one enforcing agency center known and designated as the "Township of Pennsauken Municipal Building, 5605 North Crescent Boulevard, Pennsauken, New Jersey 08110."
B. 
The central permit office shall be located at the above enforcing agency center and shall operate in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the code.
All personnel appointed in accordance with the Act and the Code are primarily responsible to the Construction Official and are subject to the procedures and policies of the enforcing agency as defined in the Act. Day-to-day procedures which are necessary to coordinate personnel so as to enable the enforcing agency to perform within the provisions of the Act and the code shall be established by the Construction Official.
The issuance of a construction permit or certificate of occupancy shall be conditioned upon the prior approvals as such term is defined and enumerated in N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.4; and the following approvals:
A. 
Pennsauken Township Engineer;
B. 
Camden County Department of Health;
C. 
Pennsauken Sewerage Authority; and
D. 
Merchantville/Pennsauken Water Commission or New Jersey American Water Company.
A permit shall be required for all construction except for ordinary repairs as provided for in Section 5:23-2.7 of the State Uniform Construction Code which do not violate any of the regulations. The fees for such permits shall be as hereinafter provided, and shall be collected prior to the issuance of the permit.
The fee for plan review shall be computed as a percentage of the fee charged for the construction permit set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(b)1 through 3 inclusive. Plan review fees are not refundable.
[Amended ; 5-10-2006 by Ord. No. 06-10; 12-18-2008 by Ord. No. 08-38; 5-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022:14]
The fee for a construction permit shall be as hereinafter provided, and shall be paid prior to the issuance of the permit:
A. 
Building subcode fee. For new construction and:
(1) 
The fee structure shall be based on the volume of the building or structure computed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.28.
(2) 
The fee for new construction, all R use groups shall be $0.05.
(3) 
The fee for all other use groups shall be $0.40.
(4) 
The fee for large open buildings shall be $0.39.
(5) 
There shall be a minimum fee of $250 for all new construction.
B. 
Reconstruction, renovations, alterations, and repairs:
(1) 
Fees for all reconstruction, renovations, alterations, repairs, new decks, ground, or roof mount solar, roofing, siding, and fencing shall be based off the estimated cost of construction in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15(a)4.
(2) 
Fees shall be $0.48 per 1,000, $1 through $50,000; $31.2 per 1,000, $50,001 through $100,000, $26.50 per 1,000, above $100,001, unless specifically stated different in § 133-10. The minimum fee shall be $75.
(3) 
For the purpose of determining estimated cost, the applicant shall submit Pennsauken Construction Building Department cost data produced either by the architect or engineer of record, or by a recognized estimating firm, or by the actual signed contract by owner and contractor. A bona fide contractor’s bid, if available, shall be submitted. The estimated cost of work for which a permit is sought, including but not limited to building construction, onsite construction, and all integral equipment, built-in furnishings and finishes. Where any material or labor proposed for installation in building or structure is furnished or provided at no cost, its normal or usual cost shall be included in the estimate cost. The Pennsauken Construction Department shall use the International Code Council in determining estimated cost and make the final decision regarding the estimated cost.
C. 
Additions. Fees for additions shall be computed on the same basis as for new construction for the added portion; however, that the minimum fee shall be $250.
D. 
Combination of renovations and additions. For combinations of renovations and additions, the fee shall be computed separately as renovations: provided, however the minimum fee is met $250.
E. 
Demolition or removal.
(1) 
The fee for demolition or removal permit shall be $110 for less than 5,000 square feet or $225 for 5,000 square feet or more.
F. 
The fee for a permit to construct a sign shall be as follows:
(1) 
Pylon sign – calculate both sides of the sign for the total square feet. $7.20 per square foot.
(2) 
Ground or wall sign – calculate total square foot. $3.60 per square foot.
G. 
Asbestos abatement. The administrative fee for asbestos abatement shall be $100.
H. 
Tents. The fee shall be $250 for tents in excess of 900 square or more than 30 feet in any direction.
I. 
Lead abatement. Fee shall be $150.
J. 
Annual construction permit.
(1) 
The fee for an annual permit shall be charged annually.
(2) 
The fee shall be 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 purpose of establishing the annual construction permit fee.
(3) 
Annual permits may be issued for building, fire protection, electrical and plumbing.
(4) 
The fee for an annual construction permit shall be as follows:
(a) 
Fees shall be: One to 25 workers (including foremen): $933 per worker; each additional worker over 25: $329 per worker.
(b) 
Prior to the issuance of the annual permit, a training registration fee of $140 for subcode, and a list of not more than three individuals to be trained for subcode shall be submitted by the applicant to the Department of Community Affair, Bureau of Code Services, training section, along with a copy of the construction Form 170. Checks shall be made payable to “Treasure, State of New Jersey.” The Department of Community Affairs shall register these individuals and notify them of the courses being offered.
K. 
Plan review.
(1) 
There shall be an additional fee of $75 per hour for reviewing an amendment or change to a plan that has already been released.
(2) 
The fee for plan review shall be 20% of the amount charged for a construction permit.
(3) 
Prototype plans fees shall be 20% less.
[Amended 5-10-2006 by Ord. No. 06-10; 12-18-2008 by Ord. No. 08-38; 5-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022:14]
The fee for a plumbing permit shall be as hereinafter provided.
A. 
The fee shall be $25 for all work set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)ii. (1).
B. 
The fee shall be $110 for all work set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)ii. (2).
C. 
The minimum fee shall be $75.
D. 
Plan review:
(1) 
Plan review fees for released or no released applications or permits shall be $75 per hour.
(2) 
Prototype plans fees shall be 20% less.
[Amended 5-10-2006 by Ord. No. 06-10; 12-18-2008 by Ord. No. 08-38; 5-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022:14]
The fee for electrical permit shall be as hereinafter provided. The fee shall be $60 for the first 50 devices and $1 for each device thereafter as set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)iii. (1).
A. 
The fee shall be $25 for all work set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)iii. (2).
B. 
The fee shall be $75 for all work set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)iii. (3).
C. 
The fee shall be $150 for all work set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)iii. (4).
D. 
The fee shall be $750 for all work set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)iii. (5).
E. 
The fee shall be $125 for all work set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)iii. (6).
F. 
The fee shall be $50 for all work set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)iii. (7).
G. 
The minimum fee shall be $75.
H. 
The fee for photovoltaic systems shall be as follows:
(1) 
PV panels one to 25 kilowatts, the fee shall be $100.
(2) 
PV panels 26 to 50 kilowatts, the fee shall be $200.
(3) 
PV panels 51 to 75 kilowatts, the fee shall be $300.
(4) 
PV panels 76 to 100 kilowatts, the fee shall be $500.
(5) 
PV panels 101 to 500 kilowatts, the fee shall be $700.
(6) 
PV panels 501 to 999 kilowatts, the fee shall be $850.
(7) 
PV panels each megawatt, the fee shall be $1,000.
(8) 
All inverters, disconnects, panels, and meters shall have separate fees as outlined in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)iii. (3) through N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)iii. (5).
I. 
Plan review:
(1) 
There will be an additional fee of $75 per hour for reviewing an amendment or change to a plan that has already been released.
(2) 
The fee for plan review shall be 20% of the amount charged for a construction permit.
(3) 
Prototype plans fees shall be 20% less.
A. 
Fire protection and hazardous equipment shall include sprinklers, standpipes, fire alarm activation devices, preengineered fire suppression systems, gas, oil, or other fuel-fired devices not connected to the plumbing system, kitchen exhaust systems, incinerators and crematoriums.
[Amended 12-18-2008 by Ord. No. 08-38]
B. 
Sprinklers.
[Amended 5-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022:14]
(1) 
The fee for 20 or fewer sprinkler heads shall be $75.
(2) 
The fee for 21 to and including 100 heads shall be $150.
(3) 
The fee for 101 to and including 200 heads shall be $250.
(4) 
The fee for 201 to and including 400 heads shall be $650.
(5) 
The fee for 401 to and including 1,000 heads shall be $1,000.
(6) 
The fee for over 1000 heads shall be $1,500.
C. 
Smoke and heat detectors.
[Amended 5-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022:14]
(1) 
The fee for up to 12 detectors shall be $50.
(2) 
The fee for each additional detector shall be $1.
D. 
Miscellaneous.
[Amended 5-10-2006 by Ord. No. 06-10; 12-18-2008 by Ord. No. 08-38; 5-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022:14]
(1) 
The fee for each standpipe shall be $250.
(2) 
The fee for each independent pre-engineered system shall be $150.
(3) 
The fee for each gas- or oil-fired appliance is $65.
(4) 
The fee for each commercial exhaust system shall be $150.
(5) 
The fee for installation or removal of a flammable or combustible tank shall be $75 per tank.
(6) 
TThe fee for an incinerator shall be $450.
(7) 
The fee for all photovoltaic systems shall be $100.
(8) 
The fee for a crematorium shall be $450.
(9) 
The fee for a fire pump shall be $250.
(10) 
The minimum fee shall be $75.
(11) 
The minimum fee for pallet racking is $100.
E. 
Plan review.
[Added 5-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022:14]
(1) 
There will be an additional fee of $75 per hour for reviewing an amendment or change to a plan that has already been released.
(2) 
The fee for plan review shall be 20% of the amount charged for a construction permit.
(3) 
Prototype plan fees shall be 20% less.
[Amended 6-4-2020 by Ord. No. 2020:10; 5-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022:14]
A. 
An administrative charge may be added every permit application for the purposes of recovering the additional costs of new computer software and computer hardware.
B. 
An administrative charge may be added to every permit application for any additional cost accrued in processing and storing all data electronically.
[Amended 5-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022:14]
The fee for a certificate of occupancy shall be as follows:
A. 
The fee for a certificate of occupancy shall be $75.
B. 
The fee for a certificate of occupancy granted pursuant to a Change of Use Group shall be $250.
C. 
The administrative fee for each certificate of occupancy issued following the successful completion of an asbestos abatement project shall be $50.
[Amended 5-10-2006 by Ord. No. 06-10]
Fees shall be 100% of state fees in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20.
[Amended 5-10-2006 by Ord. No. 06-10; 5-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022:14]
The fees for mechanical permit shall be as follows:
A. 
The first appliance fee shall be $75.
B. 
Every additional appliance fee shall be $25.
C. 
Plan review:
(1) 
There will be an additional fee of $75 per hour for reviewing an amendment or change to a plan that has already been released.
(2) 
The fee for plan review shall be 20% of the amount charged for a construction permit.
[Amended 5-19-2022 by Ord. No. 2022:14]
A. 
In the event a building permit becomes null and void after one year, no fees shall be returned. If an active permit is requested to be refunded and no work has begun, a 20% for plan review, and all DCA fees will be deducted from the refund.
B. 
In the event a construction permit expires and must be reactivated, a flat fee of $100 per subcode shall be charged.