[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Laurel Springs as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 12-27-1976 by Ord. No. 274 (Ch. 101, Art. I, of the 1973 Code)]
A. 
There is hereby established in the Borough of Laurel Springs a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency to be known as the "Construction Code Office," 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.
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 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.), 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.
[Amended 5-8-2006 by Ord. No. 674-2006]
Appeals from the decisions by the enforcing agency shall be made to the Camden County Board of Appeals pursuant to Article 15 of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Regulations.
A. 
Construction permit. The fee for a construction permit shall be the sum of the appropriate subcode fees listed in Article II of this chapter and shall be paid before the permit is issued.
B. 
Biannual report. The Construction Official shall, with the advice of the subcode officials, prepare and submit to the Mayor and 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 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.).
C. 
Surcharge fee.
(1) 
In order to provide for the training, certification and technical support programs required by the Uniform Construction Code Act and the regulations,[1] the enforcing agency shall collect, in addition to the fees specified above, a surcharge of $0.0019 per cubic feet of volume of the new construction or a surcharge of $0.96 per $1,000 of value of construction for permits, other than new construction, based on estimated cost of work. Said surcharge fee shall be remitted to the Bureau of Housing Inspection, Department of Community Affairs, on a quarterly basis for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30, and it shall be remitted not later than one month next succeeding the end of the quarter for which it is due. In the fiscal year in which the regulations first become effective, said fee shall be collected and permitted for the third and fourth quarters only.
[Amended 5-5-2003 by Ord. No. 629-2003]
[1]
Editor's Note: "The regulations" refers to the regulations established by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.
(2) 
The enforcing agency shall report annually, at the end of each fiscal year and not later than July 31, to the Bureau of Housing Inspection, the total amount of the surcharge fee collected in the fiscal year. In the fiscal year in which the regulations first become effective, said report shall be for the third and fourth quarters only.
The Construction Official shall use existing Borough personnel as staff. All such dispersed personnel shall be subject to the procedures and policies of the enforcing agency and in the conduct of their duties shall be primarily responsible to the Construction Official.
Fees for a plan review, construction permit, certificate of occupancy, demolition permit, moving-of-building permit, elevator permit or sign permit, and fees for the reinstatement of lapsed permits, shall be assessed in Article II of this chapter.
[Adopted 2-27-1978 by Ord. No. 291 (Ch. 101, Art. II, of the 1973 Code)]
[Amended 6-4-1979 by Ord. No. 311; 3-23-1981 by Ord. No. 326; 6-28-1982 by Ord. No. 343; 8-5-1991 by Ord. No. 470; 3-2-1992 by Ord. No. 482; 4-5-1993 by Ord. No. 506; 6-2-1997 by Ord. No. 561; 5-5-2003 by Ord. No. 629-2003; 2-23-2015 by Ord. No. 780-2015; 3-12-2018 by Ord. No. 819-2018; 4-6-2020 by Ord. No. 843-2020; 4-12-2021 by Ord. No. 852-2021; 12-28-2023 by Ord. No. 882-2023; 6-9-2025 by Ord. No. 898-2025]
A. 
The fee for a construction permit shall be the sum of the fees listed in Subsections B though H. The minimum fee for a construction permit shall be $85. The fee for a construction permit shall be paid for before the permit is issued.
B. 
Building subcode fee shall be computed as follows:
(1) 
For new construction:
(a) 
Use Groups B, E, H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, I-1, I-2, I-3, M, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-5 and U shall be $0.045 per cubic foot of building or structure volume: minimum fee $250. Garden type sheds over 201 square feet; minimum fee $250.
(b) 
Use Groups: A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, F-1, F-2, S-1 and S-2, $0.030 per cubic foot of building or structure volume: minimum fee $250.
(c) 
For new construction that cannot be computed by volume:
Estimated Cost of Work
Fee
Minimum
Up to and including $50,000
$34 per 1,000 estimated cost of work
$85
$50,001 to $100,000
$26 per 1,000 estimated cost of work
$85
Over $100,000
$22 per 1,000 estimated cost of work
$85
(2) 
Renovations, alterations, repairs and minor work: $35 per $1,000 of the estimated cost of work; minimum feet $85.
(a) 
Open deck structures: minimum fee $85.
(b) 
Handicapped fees. Pursuant to the authority under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-12e, no construction permit shall be required for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, improvement or repair of a structure and related devices installed or erected for the purpose of promoting accessibility by the handicapped, "handicapped" being defined under N.J.S.A. 52:27d-126e, and conforming to the current N.J.A.C. 5:23-7 Barrier Free Code, and any subsequent amendments or additions thereto. Waiving of the fees in no way waives the right of the enforcing agency to request plans for the purpose of reviewing plans for code compliance.
(c) 
Additions: $0.045 per cubic foot of the building or structure volume for the added portion; minimum fee of $250.
(d) 
Carports: $85.
(e) 
Fees for combinations of renovations and additions shall be computed separately in accordance with Subsection B(1)(c).
(f) 
Demolition and removal permit fees.
[1] 
The fee for demolition or removal permit shall be $170, for a structure of less than 5,000 square feet in area and less than 30 feet in height, for one or two-family dwellings, Use Group R-3 and R-5; the fee for all other use groups shall be $170.
(g) 
The fees for tents, more than 900 square feet or more than 30 feet in any dimension, shall be $150.
(h) 
Fees for retaining walls shall be as follows:
[1] 
The fee for a retaining wall with a surface area greater than 550 square feet that is associated with Class 3 Residential shall be $275;
[2] 
The fee for a retaining wall with a surface area of 550 square feet or less that is associated with a Class 3 Residential structure shall be $50; and
[3] 
The fee for a newly constructed retaining wall of any size other than a Class 3 Residential structure shall be based on $40 per $1,000 of the cost of the construction with a minimum fee of $75.
(i) 
The fee for a permit to construct a sign shall be as follows:
[1] 
The amount of $8 per square foot of the surface area of the sign computed on one side only for double-faced signs. The minimum fee shall be $85.
(j) 
Photovoltaic systems: flat fee of $200.
(k) 
Certificates of occupancy.
[1] 
The fee for a certificate of occupancy granted pursuant to a change of the use group shall be $174.
[2] 
The fee for a certificate of continued occupancy shall be $174.
[3] 
The fee for a certificate of continued occupancy for new construction shall be in the amount of 10% of the construction permit fee. Exceptions: one and two-family residences less than 5,000 square feet in area and less than 30 feet in height.
[a] 
Minimum fee: $100; reinspection fee: $50.
[b] 
Fee for certificate of continued occupancy: $120.
[c] 
Fee for certificate of occupancy granted pursuant to a change of use group: $174.
[d] 
The fee for the first issuance and renewal of a temporary certificate of occupancy shall be $30.
C. 
Elevator subcode fees. The fee for elevator device inspections and test shall be N.J.A.C. 5:23-12, the Department of Community Affairs shall be the sole enforcing agency.
D. 
Plumbing subcode fees. For fixtures and equipment, the fee shall be as follows:
(1) 
The fee shall be in the amount of $20, per fixture, piece of equipment, or appliance connected to the plumbing system, and for each appliance connected to the gas piping or oil piping system, except as indicated in Subsection D(2) below for special devices.
(2) 
The fee shall be $95 per special device for the following: grease traps, oil separators, refrigeration units, water-cooled air-conditioning units, pumps, water or sewer utility service connections, steam boilers, hot water boilers (excluding those for domestic water heating), active solar systems sewer pumps and interceptors. There shall be no fee charged for gas service entrances.
(3) 
For cross-connections and backflow preventers that are subject to testing requiring reinspection every three months: $35 for each device when it is tested (twice annually) and $100 for each device when it is broken down and tested (once annually).
(4) 
The fee for residential and commercial gas piping shall be $95.
(5) 
In any case, minimum fee for any plumbing subcode permit, in part or total: $85.
(6) 
Plan review fee: 25% of the amount to be charged for a new construction plumbing permit as set forth above.
(7) 
For anything not listed above, the minimum fee shall be $85.
E. 
Electrical subcode fees.
(1) 
Minimum fee: $85.
(2) 
Rough wiring (all switches, fixtures, devices, receptacles, sensors, dimmers, alarm devices, smoke and heat detectors, communication outlets, emergency lights, electric signs, exit lights or similar electric fixtures and devices rated 20 amperes or less including motors and equipment rated at less than one horsepower (1 hp) or one kilowatt (1 kW) and lighting outlets shall be counted as outlets.
(a) 
One to 50 outlets: $75.
(b) 
For each additional 25 outlets or fraction: $25.
(3) 
For each motor or electrical device rated from one horsepower (1 hp) or one kilowatt (1kW) to 10 horsepower (10 hp) or 10 kilowatts (10 kW); for each transformer or generator rated from one kilowatt (1 kW) or one kilovolt-amps (1 kVA); for each replacement or wiring involving one branch circuit or part thereof; for each storable pool or hydro massage bath tub; for each underwater lighting fixture; for household electric cooking equipment rated up to 16 kilowatts (16 kW); for each fire, security, or burglar alarm control unit; for each receptacle rated from 30 amperes (30 amps) to 50 amperes (50 amps); for each light standard greater than eight feet in height including luminaries; and for each communication closet, the fee shall be $40.
(4) 
For each motor or electrical device rated from 11 horsepower (11 hp) to 11 kilowatts (11 kW) to 50 horsepower (50 hp) or 50 kilowatts (50 kW); for each service equipment, panel board, switch board, switch gear, motor-control center, or disconnecting means rated 225 amperes (225 amps) or less; for each transformer or generator rated from 11 kilowatts (11 kW) or 11 kilovolt-amps (11 kVA) to 50 kilowatts (50 kW) or 50 kilovolt-amps (50 kVA); for each electric sign rated from greater than 20 amperes (20 amps) to 225 amperes (225 amps) including associated disconnecting means; for each receptacle rater greater than 50 amperes (50 amps); for each utility load management device, the fee shall be $75.
(5) 
For each motor or electrical device rated from greater than 51 horsepower (51 hp) or 51 (51 kW) kilowatts to 100 horsepower (100 hp) or 100 kilowatts (100 kW); for each service equipment, panel board, switchboard, switch gear, motor-control center or disconnecting means rated at greater than 225 amperes (225 amps) to 1,000 amperes (1,000 amps); and for each transformer or generator rated from greater than 45 kilowatts (45 kva) to 112 1/2 kilowatts (112.5 kW) or 112 1/2 kilowvolt-amps (112.5 kVA), the fee shall be $139.
(6) 
For each motor or electrical device rated from greater than 101 horsepower (101 hp) or 101 kilowatts (101 kw); for each service equipment, panel board, switchboard, switch gear, motor-control center or disconnecting means rated at greater than 1,000 amperes (1,000 amps); for each transformer or generator rated at greater than 112 1/2 kilowatts (112.5 kw) or 112 1/2 kilovolt amps (112.5 kVA) the fee shall be $700.
(7) 
Fee charged for electrical work for each permanently installed private swimming pool as defined in the building subcode, spa, hot tub, or fountain shall be a flat fee of $90, which shall include any required bonding, and associated equipment such as filter pumps, motors, disconnecting means, switches, required receptacles and heaters, etc., excepting panel board and underwater lighting fixtures. For public swimming pools, the fee shall be charged based on the number of electrical fixtures and rating of each electrical device involved in accordance with Subsection E(1) through (6) above.
(8) 
The fee charged for the installation of single and multiple station smoke or heat detectors and fire, burglar or security alarm systems in any one- or two-family dwellings, the fee shall be charged in accordance with Subsections B through D.
(9) 
For the installation consisting of multi-meter stacks, the fee shall be based on the ampere rating of the main bus and not upon the number of meters or rating of disconnects on the meter stack. Individual load side panel boards shall be charged in accordance with Subsection E(4), (5), and (6) above. There shall be no additional fee charged for the concurrent installation of the individual feeder conductors.
(10) 
For motors or similar devices requiring concurrent installation of individual controls, relays and switches, the fee shall be based only upon the rating of the motor or device. There shall be no additional fee charged for the concurrent installation of individual circuit components, for example, controllers, starters and disconnecting means.
(11) 
For electrical work requiring replacement or service entrance conductors or feeder conductors only, or panels, sub-panels, service disconnects, the fee shall be based on the designated ampere rating of the overcurrent of the device of the service or feeder as follows:
(a) 
200 amperes (200 amps) or less, the fee shall be $100.
(b) 
201 amperes (201 amps) to 1,000 amperes (1,000 amps), the fee shall be $150.
(c) 
Greater than 1,000 amperes (1,000 amps), the fee shall be $660.
(d) 
The fee charged for the process equipment shall be based on the ampere rating of the overcurrent device protecting the conductor feeding the process equipment or the cut off device.
(e) 
For computing these fees, all electrical and communication devices, utilization equipment and motors which are part of the premise wiring, except those which are portable plug-in type shall be counted.
(f) 
For photovoltaic systems, the fee shall be based on the designated kilowatt rating of the solar photovoltaic system as follows:
(g) 
One kilowatt (1 kW) to 100 kilowatts (100 kW), fee is $200.
(h) 
Greater than 100 kilowatts (100 kW), the fee is $700.
(i) 
Plan review fee: 25% of the amount to be charged for a new construction electrical permit set forth above.
(j) 
For anything not listed above, the minimum fee shall be $85.
F. 
Fire protection subcode fees.
(1) 
For fire protection and 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, the minimum permit fee shall be $85.
(2) 
The fee for sprinklers (wet or dry) or detector heads (smoke or heat) or pull stations shall be as follows.
(a) 
For 20 or fewer heads, the fee shall be $100.
(b) 
For 21 heads up to and including 100 heads, the fee shall be $225.
(c) 
For 101 heads up to and including 200 heads, the fee shall be $350.
(d) 
For 201 heads up to and including 400 heads, the fee shall be $900.
(e) 
For 401 heads up to and including 1,000 heads the fee shall be $1,200.
(f) 
For over 1,000 heads the fee shall be $1,600.
(3) 
The fee for each standpipe shall be $375.
(4) 
The fee for each independent pre-engineered system shall be $175. (Wet chemical, dry chemical, C02 suppression, foam suppression, FM200 suppression, Ansul system, etc.)
(5) 
The fee for each gas or oil-fired appliance that is not connected to the plumbing system shall be $75.
(6) 
The fee for the installation of an above-ground oil tank shall be $70.
(7) 
The fee for each commercial kitchen exhaust system shall be $175.
(8) 
The fee for each crematorium shall be $550.
(9) 
The fee for each incinerator shall be $550.
(10) 
The fee for the fire pumps shall be $200.
(11) 
The fee for gasoline and propane tanks, in-ground and above ground shall be $95 each.
(12) 
The fee for supervisory devices (i.e., tampers, high/low air, etc.) the fee shall be $20 each.
(13) 
The fee for signaling devices (i.e., horns/strobes, bells, etc.) shall be $20 each.
(14) 
The fee for dry pipe alarm and pre-action valves shall be $70 each.
(15) 
The fee for smoke control systems shall be $85 each.
(16) 
Permits for the installation of fireplaces, wood burning stoves and solid fuel burning appliances shall be $40 per $1,000 of estimated cost per unit. Minimum fee shall be $85 per device or appliance.
(17) 
Fireplace venting/metal chimney or chimney liner shall be $85.
(18) 
Fee for the mains to the building shall be $1.50 per linear foot.
(19) 
Fee for fire hydrants shall be $85 each.
(20) 
The fee for fire extinguishers shall be a flat fee of $50.
(21) 
Photovoltaic systems, flat fee of $85
(22) 
Plan review fee. 25% of the amount to be charged for a new construction fire protection permit as set forth above.
(23) 
For anything not listed above, the minimum fee shall be $85.
G. 
Mechanical systems.
(1) 
Oil/electric heat to gas heat.
(a) 
Permits required:
Commercial
Residential
1.
Building
1.
Mechanical
2.
Electric
2.
Fire
3.
Plumbing
4.
Fire
(2) 
Oil/gas heat to heat pump.
(a) 
Permits required:
Commercial
Residential
1.
Building
1.
Mechanical
2.
Electric
2.
Electric
3.
Fire (if gas back up)
(3) 
Oil/electric to propane.
(a) 
Permits required:
Commercial
Residential
1.
Building
1.
Mechanical
2.
Plumbing
2.
Electric
3.
Fire
(4) 
For cross connections and back flow preventers that are subject to re-testing, requiring inspections annually, the fee shall be $50 for each device.
(5) 
The fee for a mechanical inspection in a Use Group R-3 and R-5 structure by a mechanical inspector shall be $100 for the first device and $20 for each additional device. No separate fee shall be charged for gas, fuel oil or water piping connections associated with the mechanical equipment inspected.
H. 
Other fees.
(1) 
State training fees. The fee shall be computed based on the volume of new construction times the current rate set by N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.19 and as amended from time to time. The fee for alteration shall be based on the estimated cost of the alterations per thousand for each subcode involved times the fee set by N.J.A.C. and amended from time to time.
(2) 
Variation fees. The fee for an application for a variation in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23 shall be $820 for Class I structures and $175 for Class II and Class III structures. The fee for re-submission of an application for a variation shall be $320 for Class I structures and $90 for Class II and Class III structures.
(3) 
Reinstatement fee. Whenever a permit shall become void or lapse by definition of N.J.A.C. 5:23, the fee, upon request, and approval of the Construction Official, may be reinstated at a rate not to exceed 75% of the original fee charged. The fee is to be calculated with the use of the current fee schedule, less 25% for reinstatement fees.
(4) 
Swimming pools.
(a) 
Above-ground swimming pools shall be $175.
(b) 
In-ground swimming pools shall be $275.
(c) 
The fee for annual electric inspection of swimming pools, spas or hot tubs shall be $200. The fee for each additional swimming pool, spa or hot tub on a site shall be $100.
(5) 
Plan Review Fees. Plan review fees shall be computed as a percentage of the fee to be charged for the construction permit. This fee shall be 15% of the construction permit fee. For projects which do not require plan review for all subcodes, the fee shall be 15% of the subcode fee or fees which are applicable.
(6) 
The Construction Official shall, with the advice of the subcode officials, prepare and submit to the Mayor and Commissioners, as needed, a report recommending a fee schedule based on operating expenses of the agency and any other expenses of the Borough fairly attribute to the enforcement of the State Uniform Construction Code Act.
(7) 
All payments to private on-site agencies shall be calculated and paid in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(k) or any amendments or subsequent enactments thereto.
(8) 
Refunds. Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.27, in the case of discontinuance of a building project, the plan review fee and state training fees are not refundable.
A. 
Fire limits shall be established pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23. The boundaries of closely built commercial areas as they exist or are developing and as identified by the report of the enforcing agency as modified by the governing body shall be prepared and implemented no later than July 1, 1977, at which time the same shall be, as if presently implemented, the fire limits of the Borough of Laurel Springs, County of Camden.
B. 
The Construction Official shall prepare and submit to the Mayor and Council, biannually, a report reevaluating the delineation of the fire limits. This report shall indicate the recommendations of the Construction Official, the Building Subcode Official and the Fire Subcode Official regarding those areas which should be designated as within fire limits, with the reasons therefor.