Township of Toms River, NJ Article IV Construction Fees

§ 252-6 Fee schedules.

[Amended 7-14-2009 by Ord. No. 4212-09; 2-21-2017 by Ord. No. 4530-17; 3-27-2018 by Ord. No. 4575-18; 4-24-2018 by Ord. No. 4581-18; 2-9-2021 by Ord. No. 4693-21]

Under the provisions of this chapter, the following fee schedules are established:

A. Building Subcode fees. All fees charged pursuant to this chapter shall be rounded in accordance with standard mathematical practices (i.e., $105.44 becomes $105, and $198.67 becomes $199).

(1) Plan review.

(a) For the purpose of N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(a)1, the plan review fee shall be 15%.

(b) The minimum plan review fee shall be $90.

(c) The amount paid as the plan review fee will be deducted from the total permit fee upon issuance. The plan review fee is nonrefundable.

(d) The State of New Jersey training fee shall be collected at the rate in effect at the time of permit issuance per N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.19(b) and shall be rounded to the nearest whole dollar.

(e) Review of documentation or change of contractor: $75.

(2) New construction. The fee should be based upon the volume of the structure. Volume computation shall be determined by N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.28. Use groups and types of construction are classified and defined in the currently adopted Building Subcode.

(a) New residential construction:

[1] Per cubic feet of volume: $0.043.

[2] Minimum fee: $90.

(b) New construction, all other use groups (per cubic foot of volume):

[1] Use Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, B, F, S-1, S-2 and H: $0.033.

[2] All other use groups: $0.025.

[3] Minimum fee for Subsection A(2)(b)[1] and [2]: $120.

[4] Structures on farms used exclusively for the purpose of storage of food or grain or the sheltering of livestock: $0.0075.

[5] Maximum fee for Subsection A(2)(b)[4]: $750.

[6] Minimum fee for Subsection A(2)(b)[4]: $75.

(3) Modular and premanufactured building and moving houses, basic unit set on footing and foundation (minimum): $170.

(4) Renovations, alterations and repairs, etc.

(a) Fees shall be based on the estimated cost of work. (For the purpose of determining the estimated cost, the applicant shall submit to the Construction Official such cost data as may be available produced by an architect or engineer of record or by a recognized estimating firm or by the contractor. A bona fide contractor's bid shall also be submitted. The Construction Official shall make the final decision regarding the estimated cost.):

[1] $1 to $50,000 (per thousand): $39.

[2] $50,001 to $100,000 (per thousand): add $25.

[3] Over $100,000 (per thousand): add $19.

[4] Minimum fee: $90.

(b) For the combination of addition and renovation, etc., the sum of the fees shall be computed separately as additions and renovations.

(5) Fireplaces and masonry chimneys, wood stoves and chimneys, minimum fee: $75.

(6) Installation of swimming pools/spas:

(a) Aboveground: $90.

(b) In-ground: $225.

(c) Public/commercial: $275.

(7) Installation of temporary structures and other structures for which volume cannot be computed:

(a) Minimum fee: $75.

(b) Sheds more than 200 square feet: $90.

(8) Demolition of structure:

(a) Use Group R, less than 5,000 square feet and 30 feet high or less: $75.

(b) All others: $120.

(9) Signs.

(a) Per square foot surface area computed on one side only for double-faced signs: $1.25.

(b) Minimum fee: $55.

(c) Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(b)6, signs less than 25 square feet in surface area (one-sided) and not more than six feet in height will not require a sign permit.

(10) Installation of elevator devices. The plan review fees for elevator devices shall be as described in N.J.A.C. 5:23-40.20(c)6 and 7.

(11) Asbestos removal.

(a) Per N.J.A.C. 5:23-8.9.

(b) Administrative fee: $70.

(c) Fee for certificate of occupancy after the completion of asbestos abatement: $14.

(12) Tanks, removal/installation (each): $90.

(13) Lead hazard abatement fee: $100.

B. Certificate of occupancy. All fees charged pursuant to this chapter shall be rounded in accordance with standard mathematical practices.

(1) One- or two-family structures (Use Group R of Building Subcode) of less than 30 feet in height and structures on farms, including commercial farm buildings: subject to N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.2(d).

(a) Minimum fee: $90.

(2) All other use groups, basic building, excluding individual tenant occupancies: 10% of new construction permit fees.

(a) Minimum fee: $90.

(b) Individual tenant occupancies, per unit: $90.

(3) Change of use certificate of occupancy:

(a) Building inspection fee: $55.

(b) Plumbing inspection fee: $50.

(c) Fire inspection fee: $40.

(d) Electrical inspection fee: $45.

(e) Certificate of occupancy, minimum fee: $75.

(4) Continued use certificate of occupancy:

(a) Minimum building inspection fee: $55.

(b) Minimum plumbing inspection fee: $50.

(c) Minimum fire inspection fee: $40.

(d) Minimum electrical inspection fee: $45.

(e) Certificate of occupancy, minimum fee: $50.

(5) A certificate of approval shall be required for all work requiring a construction permit and certifying work completed under the permit has been done in a workmanlike and satisfactory manner. There shall be no fee for the same.

(6) Fee for an application for a variation in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.10:

(a) For Class I structures: $35.

(b) For Class II and Class III structures: $25.

(c) Resubmission fee, Class I structures: $15.

(d) Resubmission fee, Class II and III structures: $15.

(7) Reinstatement of a lapsed permit:

(a) Building: $55.

(b) Plumbing: $50.

(c) Fire: $40.

(d) Electrical: $50.

(8) Periodic inspections:

(a) For cross-connections and backflow preventors that are subject to testing, requiring reinspection every 12 months:

[1] For each device annually: $50.

(b) Elevator device inspections and tests shall be per the fee schedule described in N.J.A.C. 5:23-12, plus 15% administrative charge thereof.

(9) Lead abatement clearance certificate: $40.

(10) Temporary certificates of occupancy. A temporary certificate of occupancy may be given for a period as determined by the Construction Official. The fee for a certificate is $30. Further extensions may be given at a fee of $30 for each extension. The owner of the property and contract purchaser of residential property where a temporary certificate of occupancy is to be given must be informed of the reason for the temporary certificate of occupancy, and both, if applicable, must sign an acknowledgment of same. The owner must inform the Township if there is a contract of sale for this property.

C. Electrical Subcode fees. The fees shall be as follows:

(1) Electrical fixtures and devices, including but not limited to lighting outlets, wall switches, fluorescent fixtures, convenience receptacles, smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors, voice and data and similar fixtures or devices and motors or devices less than one horsepower or one kilowatt and are not limited elsewhere in this schedule and connected to nominal 240/120 VAC 20 amp or less branch circuits. The fee shall be:

(a) One to 25 fixtures or devices for lighting and ceiling fans, bathroom exhaust fans only: $60.

(b) For each additional increment of 25 fixtures or devices: $40.

(c) For each dedicated 20 amp 120 volts circuit: $15.

(d) Circulator pumps and blower motors that are a part of a furnace and are rated at less than one horsepower: $15.

(e) Utility load management device (power plus saver): $11.

(f) Time of day relay switch for electrical water heaters: $22.

(2) Special electrical fixtures and devices for but not limited to electric heating, cooking, service conductors, feeders, switches, switchboards, panel boards, motors, control equipment generators, transformers, smoke detectors, air conditioners, cooling equipment, lighting standards, swimming pools, hot tubs, hydro massage tubs, spas, steam baths and similar fixtures or devices. The fee shall be:

(a) Residential steam rooms, sauna, indoor installation of hot tubs and similar devices: $40.

(b) Indoor installation of hydro massage (no heating unit): $17.

(c) Aboveground swimming pool and installation of hot tubs with 120 volts service: $50.

(d) In-ground swimming pool and installation of hot tubs with 240 volts service: $75.

(e) Motor or electrical devices, each:

[1] Greater than one hp to five hp: $7.

[2] Greater than five hp to 10 hp: $11.

[3] Greater than 10 hp to 50 hp: $28.

[4] Greater than 50 hp to 100 hp: $39.

[5] Greater than 100 hp: $110.

(f) Furnace replacement/heat conversions: $35.

(g) Central air conditioning for existing dwellings (not new construction): $45.

(h) Commercial cooking hood systems with make-up air: $45.

(i) Transformers and generators, each:

[1] Greater than one kilowatt to five kilowatts: $7.

[2] Greater than five kilowatts to 10 kilowatts: $11.

[3] Greater than 10 kilowatts to 45 kilowatts: $28.

[4] Greater than 45 kilowatts to 112.5 kilowatts: $39.

[5] Greater than 112.5 kilowatts: $110.

(j) Annual pool inspection: $75.

(k) Pool bonding, or grid inspection: $50.

(l) Service meter equipment, subpanel and feeders and subfeeders:

[1] One amp to 225 amp: $50.

[2] Two hundred twenty-five amp to 600 amp: $150.

[3] Six hundred one amp to 1,000 amp: $225.

[4] Greater than 1,000 amp: $400.

(m) Service feeders and ranch circuits, trenches:

[1] Each trench for first 1,000 feet: $35.

[2] Each additional 1,000 feet or part thereof: $7.

(n) Electrical signs, each: $35.

(o) Electrical discharge lighting system up to 3,000 watts: $35.

[1] Each additional 1,000 watts: $7.

(p) Protective signaling system. This includes, but is not limited to, fire alarms, burglar alarms, nurse call systems, video systems, communications, intercom systems, outlets and other monitoring systems. The fee shall be:

[1] One to 50 devices: $45.

[2] Each additional 25 devices: $35.

(q) Solar devices. For photovoltaic systems, the fee shall be based on the designated kilowatt rating of the solar photovoltaic system, as follows:

[1] One kilowatt to 50 kilowatts: $150.

[2] Fifty-one kilowatts to 100 kilowatts: $300.

[3] Greater than 100 kilowatts: For each additional 100 kilowatts add $300.

(r) Inverter fees, other than microinverters (inverters under one kilowatt), shall be based on the kilowatts as follows:

[1] From one kilowatt to 10 kilowatts, the fee shall be $25.

[2] From 11 kilowatts to 45 kilowatts, the fee shall be $65.

[3] Over 45 kilowatts, for each additional 10 kilowatts add $25.

(s) Microinverters, inverters with a rating of less than one kilowatt, the fee shall be a flat fee of $75, regardless of the number of microinverters.

(t) Disconnects and combiner panels. Disconnect and combiner box panel fees are based on the ampere rating as follows:

[1] For one amperes to 100 amperes, the fee is $75.

[2] For greater than 100 amperes to 225 amperes, the fee shall be $180.

[3] For greater than 225 amperes to 600 amperes, the fee shall be $275.

[4] For greater than 600 amperes to 1,000 amperes, the fee shall be $650.

[5] For greater than 1,000 amperes, for each additional 100 amperes add $75.

(3) Reinstatement of lapsed permit: $45.

(4) Change of use group: $45.

(5) Certificate of continued occupancy: $45.

(6) Minimum fee: $65.

D. Plumbing Subcode fees. All fess charged pursuant to this chapter shall be rounded in accordance with standard mathematical practices. For plumbing fixtures and equipment, the fees shall be as follows:

(1) Fixtures and appliances, 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 [except as listed in Subsection D(2)]: $15.

(2) Special devices. Grease traps, oil separators, water-cooled air-conditioning units, refrigeration units, utility service connections, backflow preventers equipped with test ports (double-check valve assembly, reduced pressure one and pressure vacuum breaker backflow preventers), steam boilers, hot water boilers (excluding those for domestic water heating), gas or fuel oil piping, sewer pumps and interceptors, ductwork systems, pool heaters: $65.

(3) The minimum Plumbing Subcode fee shall be $65.

(4) Reinstatement of a lapsed permit: $50.

(5) Volume discount off permit fee for replacement of 50 or more water heaters when 50 or more applications are made at one time to be charged $40 per heater.

E. Fire Subcode fees. All fees charged pursuant to this chapter shall be rounded in accordance with standard mathematical practices.

(1) Plan review, Fire Subcode fees, Use Groups R-3 and R-5 only:

(a) Minimum fee: $85.

(b) Smoke detectors; fire sprinklers:

[1] One to 20 heads: $85.

[2] Twenty-one or more heads: each additional 20 heads add $50.

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

(d) Tank installation: $85.

(e) Tank removal: $150.

(f) Reinstatement of lapsed permit: $75.

(g) Fireplace/wood-burning stove: $60.

(2) Plan review, Fire Subcode fees, all other use groups:

(a) Minimum fee: $125.

(b) Smoke detectors; fire sprinklers:

[1] One to 20 heads: $150.

[2] Twenty-one to 100 heads: $240.

[3] One hundred one to 200 heads: $300.

[4] Two hundred one to 400 heads: $425.

[5] Four hundred one to 1,000 heads: $500.

[6] One thousand heads and above: $650.

[7] Underground fire main/water tanks: $250.

(c) Suppression systems other than sprinklers:

[1] Local application systems, pre-engineered (per system): $150.

[2] Total flooding systems: $180.

[3] Kitchen exhaust hoods/ducts, per linear foot: $5.

[4] Standpipe systems, per unit: $240.

[5] Fire pumps (each): $235.

[6] Incinerators/crematoriums: $425.

(d) Reinstatement of lapsed permit: $90.

(e) Gas- or oil-fired appliance not connected to plumbing system (each appliance): $100.

(f) Tank installation:

[1] One gallon to 6,000 gallons: $150.

[2] Six thousand one gallons to 10,000 gallons: $200.

[3] Ten thousand one gallons to 100,000 gallons: $300.

[4] One hundred thousand gallons and above, per tank: $350.

[5] Tank removal, per tank: $200.

[6] Fireplace/wood-burning stove: $85.

F. Mechanical Subcode fees. The Mechanical Inspector, or in the absence of a Mechanical Inspector, the Plumbing Subcode Official, shall have the responsibility for the enforcement of provisions of the code, except electrical, for the installation and replacement of heating or cooling equipment or water heaters or other mechanical equipment such as refrigeration, air-conditioning or ventilating apparatus, gas piping or hearing systems, or standby power generators, in existing buildings of use R-3 or R-5.

(1) The fee for a mechanical inspection shall be $65 for the first device and $25 for each additional device. No separate fee shall be charged for gas, fuel oil, or water piping connections associated with the mechanical equipment inspected.

§ 252-7 Biannual report.

The Construction Official shall, with the advice of the subcode officials, prepare and submit to the Township Council, 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, P.L. 1975, c. 217,[1] as amended.

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

§ 252-8 Surcharge fees and annual report.

A. Fee. In order to provide for the training, certification and technical support programs required by the State Uniform Construction Code Act and its regulations, as amended, the enforcing agency shall collect, in addition to the fees specified herein, a surcharge fee of $0.0006 per cubic foot of volume of new construction. Said surcharge fee shall be permitted to the Bureau of Housing Inspection, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, on a quarterly basis, for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30 of each year, and not later than one month next succeeding the end of the quarter for which it is due. In the fiscal year in which the state regulations first become effective, said fees shall be collected and remitted for the third and fourth quarters only.

B. Annual report. The enforcing agency shall report annually at the end of each fiscal year to the Bureau of Housing Inspection, of the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs, and not later than July 31, the total amount of the surcharge fee collected for the fiscal year. In the fiscal year in which the state regulations first become effective, said report shall be for the third and fourth quarters only.

§ 252-9 Waiver of fees to promote accessibility by handicapped persons.

A. No person shall be charged a construction permit surcharge fee or enforcing agency fee for any construction, reconstruction, alteration or improvement designed and undertaken solely to promote accessibility by disabled persons to an existing public or private structure or any of the facilities contained therein.

B. A disabled person, or a parent or sibling of a disabled person, shall not be required to pay any municipal fee or charge in order to secure a construction permit for any construction, reconstruction, alteration or improvement which promotes accessibility to his own living unit.

C. For the purposes of this section, "disabled person" means a person who has the total and permanent inability to engage in a substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment, including blindness, and shall include, but not be limited to, any resident of this state who is disabled pursuant to the Federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 416) or the Federal Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. § 231 et seq.) or is rated as having a sixty-percent disability or higher pursuant to any federal law administered by the United States Veterans' Act. For purposes of this section "blindness" means central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens. An eye which is accompanied by a limitation in the fields of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20° shall be considered as having a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less.