[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Woolwich as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Land use procedures  — See Ch. 23.
Flood damage prevention — See Ch. 103.
Site plan review — See Ch. 149.
Soil removal — See Ch. 153.
Stormwater management — See Ch. 157.
Subdivision of land — See Ch. 163.
Topsoil — See Ch. 173.
Zoning — See Ch. 203.
[Adopted 2-7-1977 by Ord. No. 77-5]
A. 
There is hereby established in Woolwich Township a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency to be known as the "Woolwich Township Construction Code Department," consisting of a Construction Official, Building Subcode Official, Fire Protection Subcode Official and such other subcode 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. Each construction official shall be the chief administrator of the enforcing agency. Each official shall enforce the subcode corresponding to his title, subject to the supervision of the Construction Official.
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,[1] as amended, and N.J.A.C. 5:23, 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. 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 to hold each such position.
[1]
Editor's Note: 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 office location, except for emergencies, and unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances.
[Amended 5-4-1981 by Ord. No. 81-3; 12-16-1985 by Ord. No. 85-4; 3-6-1989 by Ord. No. 89-4; 4-17-1995 by Ord. No. 95-4; 11-22-1996 by Ord. No. 96-15; 2-2-1998 by Ord. No. 98-7; 4-20-1998 by Ord. No. 98-14]
The fee for a construction permit shall be the sum of the subcode fees listed in Subsections A through E herein, plus any special fees, and shall be paid before the permit is issued.
A. 
The Building Subcode fees shall be as follows:
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15; 11-20-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-25; 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(1) 
Fees for new construction, including additions, 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 $0.030 per cubic foot for use groups designated as B, H, I-1, I-2, I-3, M, E, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and U. Minimum fee for additions shall be $250.
(a) 
For use groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, F-1, F-2, S-1, S-2, the fee shall be $0.025 per cubic foot.
(b) 
Commercial farm buildings shall be at $0.0010 per cubic foot, with the maximum fee not to exceed $1,145 per building.
(2) 
Fees for renovations, alterations and repairs shall be based on the estimated cost of the work. The fee shall be $25 per $1,000.
(a) 
For the purpose of estimating cost, the applicant shall submit to the Construction Official such cost data as may be available, produced by the architect or engineer of record, or by a recognized estimating firm, or by record, 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.
(b) 
Fees for combination renovations and additions shall be computed as the sum of the fees computed in accordance with Subsection A(1) and (2) above.
(3) 
Additional fees:
(a) 
Swimming pools.
[1] 
Aboveground: $100.
[2] 
Below-ground: $250.
(b) 
Satellite dishes and towers:
[1] 
Satellite dishes: $50.
[2] 
Towers: $25 per $1,000; minimum fee: $50.
(c) 
Modular homes: $25 per $1,000 for site work.
(4) 
Minimum fee: $50.
B. 
The Plumbing Subcode fees shall be as follows:
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15; 11-20-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-25; 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(1) 
Minimum fee: $50.
(2) 
For the following devices, the fee shall be as indicated:
Device
Fee
Water closet, bidet, urinal
$12
Bathtub
$12
Sink (any type)
$12
Lavatory
$12
Shower, floor drain
$12
Washing machine
$12
Dishwasher
$12
Commercial dishwasher
$12
Water heater
$12
Domestic boiler, furnace
$12
Hose bibb
$12
Water cooler
$12
Garbage disposal
$12
Any other fixtures connected to plumbing system
$12
Drinking fountain
$12
Air conditioner
$12
Water softener
$12
Radiator
$12
Urinals
$12
Ranges (gas)
$12
Water liner
$12
Solar system
$60
Underground lines (wastewater)
$60
Underground lines (gas)
$60
Rough slab
$60
Aboveground lines (vacuum and chemical)
$60
Water-cooled air-conditioning unit
$60
Lawn sprinkler systems
$60
Gas service connection
$60
Sewer connection
$60
Sewer pump
$60
Refrigeration unit
$60
Indirect connection
$60
Fuel oil piping
$60
Service station delivery system
$60
Sewer ejector
$60
Gas piping, each connection
$60
Gas service
$60
Grease trap
$60
Utility service connections
$60
Interceptor/separator
$60
Backflow preventor
$60
Jacuzzi
$60
Oil separator
$60
Water connection
$60
Hot-water boiler
$60
Steam boiler
$60
Gas-suspended heater
$60
Gasoline piping
$60
C. 
The Electrical Subcode fees shall be as follows:
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15]
(1) 
Minimum fee: $50.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(2) 
For from one to 50 receptacles or fixtures, the fee shall be in the amount of $50; for each 25 receptacles or fixtures in addition to this, the fee shall be in the amount of $15; for the purpose of computing this fee, receptacles, switches, fluorescent fixtures, convenience receptacles or similar fixtures and motors or devices of less than one kilowatt or less.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(3) 
For each motor or electrical device greater than one horsepower and less than or equal to 10 horsepower, and for transformers and generators greater than one kilowatt and less than or equal to 10 kilowatts, the fee shall be $15.
[Amended 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(4) 
For each motor or electrical device greater than 10 horsepower and less than or equal to 100 horsepower; for each service panel, service entrance or subpanel less than or equal to 200 amperes; and for all transformers and generators greater than 10 kilowatts and less than or equal to 45 kilowatts, the fee shall be $50.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(5) 
For each motor or electrical device greater than 50 horsepower and less than or equal to 100 horsepower; for each service panel, service entrance or subpanel greater than 200 amperes and less than or equal to 1,000 amperes; and for transformers and generators greater than 45 kilowatts and less than or equal to 112.5 kilowatts, the fee shall be $75.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(6) 
For each motor or electrical device greater than 100 horsepower; for each service panel, service entrance or subpanel greater than 1,000 amperes; and for each transformer or generator greater than 112.5 kilowatts, the fee shall be $175.
(7) 
For the purpose of computing these fees, all motors except those plug-in appliances shall be counted, including control equipment, generators, transformers and all heating, cooking or other devices consuming or generating electrical current.
(8) 
For in-ground swimming pools, bonding in the amount of $85.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(9) 
For aboveground swimming pools, bonding in the amount of $85.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(10) 
For photovoltaic systems, the fee shall be based on the designated kilowatt rating of the solar photovoltaic system as follows:
[Added 11-19-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-43[1]; amended 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(a) 
One to 50 kilowatts, the fee shall be $50.
(b) 
Fifty-one to 100 kilowatts, the fee shall be $100.
(c) 
Greater than 100 kilowatts, the fee shall be $500.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former Subsection C(10) as C(11).
(11) 
Specific fees. Notwithstanding Subsection C(2) through (7) above, the following fees shall apply and supersede and replace the above fee schedule to the extent there is an overlap:
[Amended 11-20-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-25; 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
Device
Fee
Dishwasher
$12
Garbage disposal
$12
Baseboard heat units
$12
Thermostats
$12
Water softener
$12
Drinking fountain
$12
Clothes washer
$12
Ranges
$50
Ovens
$50
Surface units
$50
Dryer
$50
Water heater
$50
Air-conditioning unit
$50
Intercom panel
$50
Burglar alarm
$50
Central heat
$50
Heat pumps
$50
Whirlpool/mpa
$50
Exterior light standards, one to five
$75 (each additional, $15)
D. 
The Fire Protection Subcode fees shall be as follows:
(1) 
Fire protection and other hazardous equipment. 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.
(a) 
The fee for 20 or fewer heads or detectors shall be $50; for 21 to and including 100 heads or detectors, the fee shall be $80; for 101 to and including 200 heads or detectors, the fee shall be $235; for 201 to and including 400 heads or detectors, the fee shall be $325; for 401 to and including 1,000 detectors, the fee shall be $750; for over 1,000 heads or detectors, the fee shall be $950. 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.
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15; 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(b) 
Standpipes, hose cabinets, systems fees.
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15]
[1] 
The fee for each standpipe shall be $250.
[2] 
The fee for hose cabinet shall be $50.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
[3] 
The fee for each independent pre-engineered system, CO suppression system, halogen suppression system, foam suppression system, wet chemical systems and dry chemical systems shall be $100 per system.
[Amended 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(c) 
The fee for each gas or oil-fired appliance which is not connected to the plumbing system shall be $45.
[Amended 11-20-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-25; 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46]
(d) 
The fee for each incinerator shall be $300.
(e) 
The fee for each crematorium shall be $300.
(f) 
Carbon dioxide systems, dry chemical and halogen JEP systems shall be $50.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(g) 
New tanks:
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15; 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
Type
Fee
1 to 500 gallons
$50
501 to 1,000 gallons
$75
Each additional 1,000 gallons thereafter
$25
(2) 
Minimum fee: $50.
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15; 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
E. 
Miscellaneous.
(1) 
The fee for a demolition or removal permit shall be $75 for a structure of less than 5,000 square feet in area and less than 30 feet in height, for one- or two-family residences (Use Group R-3 of the Building Subcode) and structures on farms, including commercial farm buildings under N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.2(d), and $100 for all other use groups. The fee for a permit for removal of underground storage tanks shall be $75 per tank.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(2) 
The fee for each carbon dioxide system shall be $85.
(3) 
The fee for dry chemical system (cooking) shall be $85.
(4) 
The fee for dry chemical system (comparable) shall be $85.
(5) 
The fee for a halogen JEP system shall be $85.
(6) 
The fee for a permit for the removal of the building or structure from one lot to a new location on the same lot shall be $25 per $1,000 of the sum of the estimated costs for moving.
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15; 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(7) 
The fee for a permit to construct a sign shall be $25 for the first square foot of the surface area of the sign. In the case of double-faced signs, the area of the surface of only one side of the sign shall be used for purposes of the fee computation. The first square foot shall be $25 and $1 per square foot after the first square foot.
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(8) 
Minimum fee [Subsection E(1) through (7) above]: $50.
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(9) 
Certificates of occupancy. The fee for certificates of occupancy shall be as follows:
(a) 
The fee for certificate of occupancy granted for new construction shall be 10% of the total construction fees, provided the minimum shall be $45.
[Amended 11-20-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-25; 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46]
(b) 
Certificate of continued occupancy shall be $175.
(10) 
Certificate of approval: $45.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46]
(11) 
The fee for an application for a variation in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.10 shall be $100 for Class I structures and $50 for Class II and Class III structures. The fee for resubmission of an application for a variation shall be $100 for Class I structures and $25 for Class II and Class III structures.
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(12) 
For cross connections and backflow preventers that are subject to testing, requiring reinspection every three months, the fee shall be $50 for each device when they are tested (once annually) and $100 for each device when they are broken down and tested (once annually).
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46]
(13) 
Annual permit requirements shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)5; and ii(1) and (2).
(a) 
The fee for plan review for elevator devices in structures in Use Groups R-3 and R-4 shall be $50 for each device.
(b) 
The fee for plan review for elevator devices in structures in use groups other than R-3 and R-4 shall be $260 for each device.
(14) 
The fees for elevator device inspections and tests shall be as set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-12.
(15) 
Partial permits for footings and foundations [per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.16(g)]: R-3 shall be $25 per $1,000 estimated cost of footing and foundation and are not credited to total construction permit.
[Amended 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-46; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
F. 
Surcharge fees on new construction and report.
(1) 
In order to provide for the training, certification and technical support programs required by the Act,[2] an enforcing agency, including the Department when acting as the local agency, shall collect a surcharge fee to be based upon the volume of new construction within the municipality. Said fee shall be accounted for and forwarded to the Bureau of Housing Inspection in the manner herein provided.
[2]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq., State Uniform Construction Code Act.
(2) 
Amount. This fee shall be in the amount of $0.00334 per cubic foot volume of new construction. Volume shall be computed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.28. All other construction (alterations and renovations) shall be $1.70 by per $1,000 of value of construction, with a minimum of $1. Pre-engineered systems of commercial farm buildings are exempt from this fee.
[Amended 11-20-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-25; 12-7-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-19]
(3) 
The municipality shall, in addition to the fees described in Subsection F(1) above, collect the above fees as part of its usual responsibilities.
(4) 
Remitting and reporting. The municipality shall remit fees to the Bureau on a quarterly basis, in conjunction with a report number R-840A State Training Fee Report, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.5(d). Fees remitted shall be for the quarter. Checks shall be made payable to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey."
G. 
Plan review fee.
(1) 
The fee for plan review shall be 5% of the fee for a construction permit and shall be paid at the time of granting the permit.
(2) 
Whenever a permit is received based on an approved prototype plan, the permit fee shall be reduced by the amount of the plan review fee.
H. 
Exemption. The only exemption to fees is for municipal buildings or use of a building for municipal purposes.
[Amended 3-19-2001 by Ord. No. 01-05; 6-7-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-15]
[Added 10-19-1981 by Ord. No. 81-6]
Construction Code Assistants may be hired as needed by the Township Committee. Construction Code Assistants shall serve at the pleasure of the Township Committee, and their employment may be terminated at any time with or without cause. Certain assistants may be needed for particular jobs or particular short periods of time, and in such cases their employment will be for very short durations. On the other hand, under some circumstances certain assistants may be needed for longer periods of time. In any event, the employment of all assistants shall automatically terminate on December 31 of the year in which appointed or reappointed. The Construction Official or appropriate Subcode Official shall be responsible for the supervision of any such personnel. The categories of Construction Code Assistants are as follows:
A. 
Building Inspectors. Building Inspectors are authorized to carry out field inspection and plan review work pursuant to the regulations, subject to the limitations specified herein:
(1) 
Building Inspector with a specialty in high-rise and hazardous structures (HHS). Building Inspectors HHS are authorized to review plans and carry out field inspection activities for structures in Class I, II and III (as designated under the Uniform Construction Code).
(2) 
Building Inspector with a specialty in industrial and commercial structures (ICS). Building Inspectors ICS are authorized to review plans for structures in Class II and III and to carry out field inspection activities for structures in Class I, II and III.
(3) 
Building Inspector with a specialty in residential and small commercial structures (RCS). Building Inspectors RCS are authorized to review plans for structures in Class III and to carry out field inspection activities for structures in Class I, II and III.
(4) 
Housing and Code Enforcement Official with a specialty in code enforcement as directed by the Property Maintenance Code to carry out field inspections, with the proper licensure to enforce Property Maintenance Code and the New Jersey State Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law.[1]
[Added 6-6-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-19]
[1]
Editor’s Note: See N.J.S.A. 55:13A-1 et seq.
B. 
Electrical Inspectors. Electrical Inspectors are authorized to carry out field inspection and plan review work pursuant to the regulations subject to the limitations specified herein.
(1) 
Electrical Inspector with a specialty in high-rise and hazardous structure (HHS). Electrical Inspectors HHS are authorized to review plans and carry out field inspection activities for structures in Class I, II and III.
(2) 
Electrical Inspector with a specialty in industrial and commercial structures (ICS). Electrical Inspectors ICS are authorized to review plans for structures in Classes II and III and to carry out field inspection activities for structures in Class I, II and III.
C. 
Fire protection. Fire Protection Inspectors are authorized to carry out field inspection and plan review work pursuant to regulations subject to the limitations specified herein.
(1) 
Fire Protection Inspector with a specialty in high-rise and hazardous structures (HHS). Fire Protection Inspectors HHS are authorized to review plans and carry out field inspection activities for structures in Class I, II and III.
(2) 
Fire Protection Inspector with a specialty in industrial and commercial structures (ICS). Fire Protection Inspectors ICS are authorized to review plans for structures in Class II and III and to carry out field inspection activities for structures in Class I, II and III.
(3) 
Fire Protection Inspector with a specialty in residential and small commercial structures (RCS). Fire Protection Inspectors RCS are authorized to review plans for structures in Class II and to carry out field inspection activities for structures in Class I, II and III.
D. 
Plumbing Inspector. Plumbing Inspectors are authorized to carry out field inspection and plan review work pursuant to the regulations subject to the limitations specified herein.
(1) 
Plumbing Inspectors with a specialty in high-rise and hazardous structures (HHS). Plumbing Inspectors HHS are authorized to review plans and carry out field inspection for structures in Class I, II and III.
(2) 
Plumbing Inspector with a specialty in industrial and commercial structures (ICS). Plumbing Inspectors ICS are authorized to review plans for structures in Class II and III and to carry out field inspection activities for structures in Class I, II and III.
E. 
Elevator Inspector. Elevator Inspectors are authorized to carry out the elevator inspections and tests required by the regulations.
F. 
Mechanical Inspector. Mechanical Inspectors are authorized to carry out the mechanical inspections required by the mechanical subcode.
G. 
Trainees. Trainees acquiring inspection experience shall only perform their services under the direct supervision of a person who is a holder of a license of the type required by N.J.A.C. 5:23-5.1 et seq.
H. 
Administrative Secretary. An Administrative Secretary shall be responsible to the Construction Official for normal secretary activities, including but not limited to typing, filing and mailing reports. In addition, the Administrative Secretary may collect permit fees, deliver permits and sign the name of the Construction Official to permits, when so authorized by the Construction Official, but only after approvals for the permit have been issued by all appropriate subcode officials and the Construction Official.
I. 
Permit Clerk. A Permit Clerk may collect permit fees and deliver permits and sign the name of the Construction Official to permits when so authorized by the Construction Official, but only after approvals for the permit have been issued by all appropriate subcode officials and the Construction Official.