[Ord. #413, § 1; Ord. #725]
a. There is hereby established in the Township a State
Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency consisting of a construction
official, building subcode official, plumbing subcode official, electrical
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. The
Construction Official shall be the chief administrator of the enforcing
agency. In all other respects, the Township Committee shall have full
authority to establish and amend the organization of the enforcement
agency.
b. Each official position created in Paragraph a hereof
shall be filled by a person qualified for such position pursuant to
P.L. 1975, c. 217, 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.
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.
[Ord. #413, § 3; Ord. #663; Ord.
#725; Ord. #883; Ord. #851; Ord. #948; Ord. #1109, § 1;
Ord. #1025, § 1; Ord. #1255, 6-10-1997, amended; Ord. #1302, 5-12-1998, amended;
Ord. #1354, 4-13-1999, amended; Ord. #1390, 12-28-1999, amended; Ord. #1451, 3-13-2001, amended;
Ord. #1568, 8-13-2002, amended; Ord. #1579, 9-10-2002, amended; Ord. #1631, 3-25-2003, amended;
Ord. #1769, 12-28-2004, amended; Ord. #1896, 8-29-2006, amended]
a. The fee for a construction permit shall be the sum
of the subcode fees listed as follows, where applicable, and shall
be paid before a permit is issued.
1. Building subcode fees:
(a)
For new construction and additions: $0.040 per
cubic foot of building or structure volume. For commercial farm buildings
as defined in N.J.S.A. 52:27D-121, the fee shall be $0.008 per cubic
foot for the first 100,000 cubic feet of construction and $0.006 for
each cubic foot in excess of 100,000 cubic feet of building or structure
volume.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(b)
For renovations, alterations, repairs, solar
systems and communication towers: $35 per $1,000 for the first $50,000,
$27 per $1,000 from $50,000 to $100,000 and $24 per $1,000 over $100,001
of the estimated cost of the work.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(c)
For retaining walls:
(1)
A retaining wall with a surface area greater
than 550 square feet that is associated with a Class 3 residential
structure: $125.
[Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended]
(2)
A retaining wall with a surface area of 550
square feet or less that is associated with a Class 3 residential
structure: $90.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(3)
A retaining wall of any size at other than a
Class 3 residential structure: the fee shall be calculated in accordance
with Section 12-1.3a1(b) of this chapter.
(d)
For combination of renovations and additions:
the sum of the fees computed separately as renovations and additions.
(e)
Swimming pools.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2316, 5-12-2015, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019,
amended]
(1)
For aboveground pools: $90.
[Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(2)
For in-ground pools: $175.
(3)
For in-ground hot tubs: $125.
(f)
For the construction or placement of an unclassified
structure, including but not limited to fences, tents, sheds and temporary
trailers: $90. For accessory structures over one story in height:
$200.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(g)
The fee for a demolition permit shall be as
follows:
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(1)
Commercial building or structure: $250.
(2)
Use Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 building or
structure: $100.
(3)
Unclassified structures, oil/fuel tank removal
or abandonment or pools: $90 each.
(h)
The fee for a permit to erect a sign:
[Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(1)
Permanent sign: $5 per square foot of sign area.
Fees for double-faced signs shall be based on the total square footage
of one side only.
(i)
Radon systems: $45.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(j)
Roofing or siding: $90. (Use Groups R-2, R-3
and R-4 ) including Use Group U that is an accessory to R-2, R-3 and
R-4. All other Use Groups charged per Subsection 12-1.3.a.1.(b) of
this chapter.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2152, 2-15-2011, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(k)
Asbestos abatement in accordance with N.J.A.C.
5:23-8: $70 and $14 per certificate of occupancy.
(l)
Lead hazard abatement in accordance with N.J.A.C.
5:17: $70 and $14 per lead abatement certificate.
2. Certificates of occupancy fees, miscellaneous fees
and waiver of fees:
[Ord. #1907, 12-26-2006, amended; Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended]
(a)
The fee for a certificate of occupancy for Use
Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 shall be $100.
[Ord. #2316, 5-12-2015, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended]
(b)
The fee for a certificate of occupancy for other
than Use Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5 shall be 10% of the total construction
permit fee.
[Ord. #2316, 5-12-2015, amended]
(c)
The fee for a certificate of continued occupancy:
$500.
[Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(d)
The fee for a change of use: $350.
[Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended]
(e)
Certificate of approval: no fee.
(f)
Temporary certificate of occupancy: $30 for
the issuance and/or renewal of any temporary certificate.
[Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended]
(g)
Public swimming pools, spas and hot tubs except
for one- or two-family residential property, review of bonding and
grounding certificate: $100 for each pool, spa or hot tub renewable
every five years.
[Ord. #2152, 2-15-2011, amended]
(1) Late fee. Each week that renewal of a certificate is overdue: $50
per week.
[Ord. #2468, 4-27-2021, added]
(h)
Public swimming pools, spas and hot tubs except
for one- or two-family residential property, electrical inspection
to include issuance of certificate of compliance: $100 annually for
each pool, spa or hot tub.
[Ord. #2152, 2-15-2011, amended]
(1) Late fee. Each week that renewal of a certificate is overdue: $50
per week.
[Ord. #2468, 4-27-2021, added]
(i)
The fee to reinstate a lapsed permit: 25% of
the initial fee, provided that such application is made within one
year from the date the initial permit lapsed. Thereafter, the fee
to reinstate the permit shall be 100%.
(j)
The fee for an application to the Construction
Board of Appeals shall be based on the fee currently adopted by the
County of Somerset and payable to the County of Somerset.
[Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended]
(k)
The fee for an application for a variation:
(2)
Use Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5: $50.
(l)
Annual permits issued in accordance with N.J.A.C.
5:23-2.14(c):
(1)
One to 25 workers: $500 per worker.
(2)
Over 25 workers: $200 per worker.
(3)
Training fee in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(a)5:
$140 per subcode.
(m)
The fee for plan review shall be 25% of the
amount to be charged for the construction permit or the amount listed
below and shall be paid before the plans are reviewed. The amount
paid for this fee shall be credited toward the amount of the fee to
be charged for the construction permit. Plan review fees are not refundable.
Plan revisions: $90 per subcode to be paid at the time of submission.
[Ord. #2494, 4-12-2022, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(n)
The minimum permit fee for a basic construction
permit covering any or all of building, electrical, plumbing or fire
protection work: $90.
[Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(o)
New Jersey State permit surcharge fees: Fees
shall be collected in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.19.
(p) Waiver of fees: All construction permit fees for any work requiring
a construction permit shall be waived for the following buildings:
[Ord. #2152, 2-15-2011, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2426, 8-27-2019, amended; Ord.
#2494, 4-12-2022, amended]
(1) Buildings owned and operated by Bernards Township, Somerset County,
State of New Jersey, or the federal government.
(2) Buildings owned and operated by the Bernards Township Board of Education.
In accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.11A(b)2, buildings owned and operated
by the Bernards Township Board of Education are subject to payment
of the plan review fee as required in Paragraph (m) above.
(3) Designs solely to promote accessibility by the handicapped to an
existing structure.
(4) Rehabilitation of low- or moderate-income housing in accordance with
N.J.S.A. 52:27D-126d.
(5)
Buildings owned by the Bernards Township Volunteer Emergency
Services are exempt from Township construction permit fees only.
(q) Annual review for commercial backflow prevention device certificate:
$50 each device.
[Ord. #2093, 12-15-2009, added; Ord. #2152, 2-15-2011, amended]
(1) Late fee. Each week that renewal of a certificate is overdue: $50
per week.
[Ord. #2468, 4-27-2021, added]
(r) Change of contractor: $25 per subcode.
[Ord. #2152, 2-15-2011, added]
(s) Change of ownership of a permit: $100.
[Ord. #2152, 2-15-2011, added]
(t) Change of ownership of a permit for a new dwelling: $500.
[Ord. #2468, 4-27-2021, added]
3. Electrical subcode fees:
(a)
Fixtures and devices. For the purpose of computing
this fee, receptacles, switches, fixtures, convenience receptacles
or similar fixtures and motors and devices of one horsepower or one
kilowatt or less shall be counted and totaled.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended]
(1)
First 50 fixtures or devices: $90.
[Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(2)
Each fixture or device over 50: $2 each.
(b)
Swimming pools, in-ground spas and hot tubs:
$200.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2152, 2-15-2011, amended; Ord. #2316, 5-12-2015, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended]
(c)
Storable pool or spa: $90.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2152, 2-15-2011, amended; Ord. #2316, 5-12-2015, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
Calculating. For the purpose of calculating
the following electrical fees, all 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 electrical current.
|
(d)
Motors/electrical devices:
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended]
(1)
One to 10 horsepower: $45.
[Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(2)
To 50 horsepower: $90.
[Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(4)
Above 100 horsepower: $200.
(e)
Transformers/generators:
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended]
(1)
One to 10 kilowatt: $45.
[Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(4)
Above 112.5 kilowatt: $200.
(f)
Services/panels/subpanels/transfer switches:
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2185, 2-28-2012, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019,
amended]
(1)
To 100 amperes: $90.
[Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(8)
Above 1,200 amperes: $1,000.
(9) Service and meter pan repair (not replacement): $50.
[Ord. #2536, 10-24-2023, added]
(g)
Radon systems: $45.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(h)
Rain sensors for irrigation systems: $45.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(i)
Future conduit run without connection:
[Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended]
(j) Photovoltaic solar systems.
[Ord. #2093, 12-15-2009, added; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended]
(2) Fifty-one to 100 kw: $300.
(3) Greater than 100 kw: $1,000.
(k) Bonding of CSST gas piping: $45.
[Ord. #2185, 2-28-2012, added; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
4. Plumbing subcode fees:
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. # 2316, 5-12-2015,
amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2398, 8-14-2018, amended;
Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2468, 4-27-2021, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(a)
Fixtures, including devices and stacks: $20.
(b)
Water service connection: $90.
(c)
Sewer tie-in and septic: $90.
(d)
Gas connections: $90. Each additional connection
shall be $10.
(e)
Boilers (including pool heaters): $90.
(f)
Water-cooled air-conditioning and refrigeration
systems: $250.
(g)
Air-conditioning systems: $40.
(1) Use Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5: $45.
(2) All other use groups: $100.
(h)
Backflow preventers:
(1)
Use Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5: $45.
(j)
Grease traps, interceptors and oil separators:
$90.
(k)
Solar heating devices: $90.
(l)
Steam generator (shower): $45.
(m)
LP gas tank and associated connections: $90.
(n)
Fuel oil connections: $45.
(p) Water heater, fuel-fired: $90.
(q) Water heater, electric: $45.
(r) Swimming pool drains: $90.
(s) Furnace in Use Groups R-3 and R-5: $90.
(t) Gas logs in Use Groups R-3 and R-5: $45.
(u) Generators in Use Groups R-3 and R-5: $45.
(v) Gas fireplaces in Use Groups R-3 and R-5: $90.
(w) Mini split system: $90 each.
5. Fire protection fees:
(a)
Automatic fire alarm systems:
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
Number of Smoke/Heat Detectors and Mass
Evacuation Speakers
|
Fee
|
---|
1 to 20
|
$90
|
21 to 100
|
$150
|
101 to 200
|
$250
|
201 to 400
|
$600
|
401 to 1,000
|
$825
|
Over 1,000
|
$1,200
|
(b)
Automatic fire sprinkler systems:
[Ord. #2316, 5-12-2015, amended]
Number of Sprinkler Heads
|
Fee
|
---|
1 to 20
|
$100
|
21 to 100
|
$150
|
101 to 200
|
$260
|
201 to 400
|
$675
|
401 to 1,000
|
$900
|
Over 1,000
|
$1,350
|
(d)
Commercial kitchen hood: $100.
(e)
Heat-producing devices and venting:
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended; Ord. #2185, 2-28-2012, amended; Ord. #2316, 5-12-2015, amended; Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2398, 8-14-2018, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019,
amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(1)
Factory-built wood fireplaces and solid fuel
stoves: $90.
(2)
Furnaces in all Use Groups except R-3 and R-5:
$90.
(3)
Gas logs in all Use Groups except R-3 and R-5:
$90.
(4)
Factory-built chimneys: $90.
(5)
Chimney lining in all Use Groups except R-3 and R-5: $90.
(6)
Generators in all Use Groups except R-3 and R-5: $90.
(7)
Fuel-fired appliances in new construction, per appliance: $90.
(f)
Standpipe systems: $200 each riser.
(j)
Drafting systems: $200.
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended]
(k)
Smoke control system: $200.
(l)
Supervisory and signaling devices: $15 each.
[Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended]
(m)
Fuel storage tank installation:
[Ord. #2055, 3-10-2009, amended]
(1)
Use Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5: $45.
[Ord. #2331, 2-9-2016, amended; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(2)
All other use groups: $200.
(n) Roof-mounted solar systems: $90.
[Ord. #2468, 4-27-2021, added; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(o) Fire hydrants: $90 each.
[Ord. #2468, 4-27-2021, added; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended
6. Mechanical subcode fees:
[Ord. #2398, 8-14-2018, added; Ord. #2412, 2-26-2019, amended; Ord. #2534, 9-26-2023, amended]
(g)
Air conditioning: $45 each.
(j)
Gas log lighter: $45 each.
(l)
Kerosene heater: $90 each.
(o)
Gas piping connection: $90. Each additional connection shall
be $10.
(p)
Oil piping connection: $45.
(r) Mini split system: $90 each.
7. Elevator subcode fees:
(a)
Elevator subcode fees shall be in accordance
with the elevator subcode fee schedule as adopted in the New Jersey
Uniform Construction Code.
[Ord. #413, § 3; Ord. #725]
The Construction Official shall, with the advice
of the subcode officials, prepare and submit to the Township Committee
biannually a report recommending a fee schedule based on the operating
expenses of the agency and any other expenses of the municipality
fairly attributable to the enforcement of the State Uniform Construction
Code Act.