Township of Alexandria, NJ Building Construction

There is hereby established in the Township of Alexandria a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency to be known as the Alexandria Township Construction Department, 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.

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, 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 in qualified pursuant to P.L. 1975, c. 217[2] 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.

[2]

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

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.

§ 64-2 Appeals.

Persons aggrieved by a decision of the enforcing agency may appeal such decision to the Construction Board of Appeals established by the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Hunterdon County.

§ 64-3 Fees.

The following fees are hereby established for the securing of construction permits:

[Amended 8-10-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07-05; 12-14-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-11-11; 12-27-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-10; 12-27-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-11; 3-10-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-003]

(1)

Building subcode fees:

Item	Fee
Minimum fee	$75
New construction/addition R-3, R-5, per cubic foot	$0.045
All other use groups up to and including the first 100,000 cubic feet, per cubic foot	$0.040
Over 100,000 cubic feet, per cubic foot	$0.035
Structure on Bonafide Farm per N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.2(d), per cubic foot	$0.01
Renovations/alterations/repairs	$30 per $1,000 cost of construction
Decks	$30 per $1,000 cost of construction (minimum $100)
Roof/siding/fences over six feet and replacement of pool barriers for Group R-3, R-5	$100 (flat fee)
Photovoltaic systems
One- and two-family structures	$200 (flat fee)
All other use groups	$30 per $1,000 cost of construction
Demolitions
One- and two-family structure	$200
Structure accessory to above and/or on Bonafide Farm	$75
All other use groups	$300
Signs, per square foot	$3 ($75 minimum)
Temporary structures including but not limited to tents and site trailers, each	$200
Pools
Aboveground	$100
In-ground	$350
Annual Inspection of commercial pool, spa, or hot tub [per N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(1)]	$100
Pre-fab sheds over 200 square feet	$100
Retaining walls
Class 3 residential structures, surface less than 550 square feet	$125
Class 3 residential structures, surface more than 550 square feet	$200
For all other use groups	$30 per $1,000 cost of construction
Asbestos/lead abatement	$150

(2)

Fire subcode fees:

Item	Fee
Minimum fee	$75
Sprinklers:
1 to 20	$100
21 to 100	$200
101 to 1,000, per head	$2
Over 1,000, per head	$1.50
Detectors:
1 to 12, each	$75
Each additional 25 detectors	$50
Sprinkler valves, each	$150
Standpipes, each	$290
Pre-engineered systems, each	$200
Gas/oil-fired appliance, each	$75
Solid-fuel-burning appliance (wood, pellet, coal), each	$75
Metal chimney and chimney liners, each	$75
Fire tanks, each	$150
Fire pump, each	$300
Underground piping, each	$100
Hoods and kitchen exhaust system:
Residential, each	$75
Commercial, each	$200
Alarm system:
Group R-3, R-5	$75
All other use groups, per device	$5
Smoke control systems, each	$250
Fire Alarm Control Panels, each	$100
Fuel tank install - underground:
Up to 10,000 gallons, each	$200
Over 10,000 gallons, each	$250
Fuel tank install - aboveground:
2,000 gallons or less	$75 for first and $25 for each additional
Over 2,000 gallons, each	$200
Removal/abandonment nonregulated fuel tank, each	$75

(3)

Electric subcode fees.

(a)

Minimum fee: $75.

(b)

For the first block consisting of one to 10 receptacles, fixtures or devices, the fee shall be $75; for each additional block consisting of up to 25 receptacles, fixtures or devices, the fee shall be $25. For the purpose of computing this fee, receptacles, fixtures or devices shall include lighting fixtures, wall switches, convenience receptacles, sensors, dimmers, alarm devices, smoke and heat detectors, communications outlets, light-standards eight feet or less in height including luminaries, emergency lights, electric signs, exit lights or similar electric fixtures and devices rated 20 amps or less including motors or equipment rated less than one hp or one kw.

(c)

For each motor or electrical device rated from one hp or one kw to 10 hp or 10 kw; for each transformer or generator rated from one kw or one kva to 10 kw or 10 kva; for each replacement of 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 kw; for each fire, security or burglar alarm control unit; for each receptacle rated from 30 amps to 50 amps; for each light-standard greater than eight feet in height including luminaries; and for each communications closet, the fee shall be $75.

(d)

For each motor or electrical device rated from greater than 10 hp or 10 kw to 50 hp or 50 kw; for each service equipment, panel board, switch board, switch gear, motor-control-center, or disconnecting means rated 225 amps or less; for each transformer or generator rated from greater than 10 kw or 10 kva to 45 kw or 45 kva; for each electric sign rated from greater than 20 amps to 225 amps including associated disconnecting means; for each receptacle rated greater than 50 amps; and for each utility load management device, the fee shall be $125.

(e)

For each motor or electrical device rated from greater than 50 hp or 50 kw to 100 hp or 100 kw; for each service equipment, panel board, switch board, switch gear, motor-control-center or disconnecting means rated from greater than 225 amperes to 1,000 amps; and for each transformer or generator rated from greater than 45 kw or 45 kva to 112.5 kw or 112.5 kva, the fee shall be $200.

(f)

For each motor or electrical device rated greater than 100 hp or 100 kw; for each service equipment, panel board, switch board, switch gear, motor-control-center or disconnecting means rated greater than 1,000 amperes; and for each transformer or generator rated greater than 112.5 kw or 112.5 kva the fee shall be $576.

(g)

Pools:

Type	Fee
Spa/hot tub:	$100
Aboveground pool	$100
In-ground pool	$200
Annual electric inspection of public pools, spas or hot tubs	$100

(h)

Photovoltaic systems, the fee shall be based on designated kilowatt rating of solar photovoltaic system as follows:

Kilowatt Rating (kw)	Fee
1 to 10	$100
11 to 50	$200
51 to 100	$400
101 to 150	$700
Every 50 over 150: Additional fee of	$75

(i)

New residential install of generator and transfer switch rated 20kw and 200 amps or less: $200.

(4)

Plumbing subcode fees:

Type	Fee
Minimum fee	$75
Fixture or piece of equipment connected to plumbing system, each	$20
Dishwasher, each	$20
Washing machine or standpipe, each	$20
Drains, each	$20
Hose bib, each	$20
Stacks, each	$20
Sewer or septic connection, each	$95
Air conditioning and refrigerator or similar device, each	$95
Domestic water heater, boiler or similar device, each	$95
Backflow preventer, each	$95
Sump pump, each	$95
Sewer or ejector pump, each	$95
Solar system, each	$95
Underground and aboveground tank, each	$95
Recertification of backflow preventer, each	$95
Lawn sprinkler system, each	$95
Service connections, each	$95
Grease trap or interceptors, each	$95
Interception/separator, each	$95

(5)

Mechanical subcode (Groups R3, R5):

Type	Fee
Gas/oil piping	$115 for first; $30 each additional
Boiler/furnace or similar device	$115 for first; $30 each additional
Air conditioning, refrigeration or similar device	$115 for first; $30 each additional
Underground or aboveground storage tank	$115 for first; $30 each additional
Generator	$115 for first; $30 each additional
Fireplace	$115 for first; $30 each additional

(6)

Certificate and other permit fees:

Type	Fee
Certificate of occupancy	10% of total permit fee
Certificate of occupancy pursuant to change of use	$200
TCO Extensions	$35
***TCO Exception: there will be no fee for the first issuance provided the certificate of occupancy fee is paid at that time.
Update fee	$25
Change of contractor	$25
Application for variation:
Class 1 structure	$400
Resubmission for Class 1 structure	$125
Class 2 and 3 structures	$150
Resubmission for Class 2 and 3 structures	$100
Plan review fee $100 per hour (minimum review time 1/2 hour will be charged; review time rounded to nearest 1/4 hour)
Fees for any permit not listed shall be charged in accordance with the provisions of NJAC 5:23-4.20 et seq.
Elevators	Per state fee schedule
Zoning:
Zoning permit or land use ordinance interpretation	$50
Highlands exemption fee (per § 109-10G)	$300
Single-family dwelling (includes foundation location review)	$125

The Construction Official shall, with the advice of the subcode officials, prepare and submit to the Mayor and 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.[1]

[1]

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

In order to provide for the training, certification and technical support programs required by the Uniform Construction Code Act and the regulations, the enforcing agency shall collect fees as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.19 et seq.

[Amended 8-10-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-07-05; 12-27-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-10; 3-10-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-003]

The enforcing agency shall report annually at the end of each fiscal year to the Bureau of Housing Inspection, and not later than July 31, 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.

§ 64-4 Fire limits.

The following fire limits are established pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23: (Reserved for boundaries of fire limits to be adopted at a later date.)

§ 64-5 Annual report.

The Construction Official shall prepare and submit to the Mayor and Committee 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.

§ 64-6 Construction records clearance (CRC).

[Added 4-8-2009]

When required. No building or structure shall be occupied in whole or in part prior to the issuance of a certificate of construction records clearance (CRC). A CRC shall be required prior to the sale of any residential or commercial structure and prior to the rental of any tenant space in a commercial structure within the Township.

Exceptions. The following transactions are exempt from obtaining a CRC as long as no change in physical occupancy occurs:

(1)

Transfer of title to correct a previously recorded deed.

(2)

Title eligible to be recorded as an ancient deed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 46:16-7.[1]

[1]

Editor's Note: N.J.S.A. 46:16-7 was repealed by L. 2011, c. 217, § 2, effective 5-1-2012. See now N.J.S.A. 46:26A-4.

(3)

Transfer of title between husband and wife, whether or not relating to divorce, or between former spouses if the transfer is incident to an order or judgment from any court of competent jurisdiction.

(4)

Transfer of title relating to new construction for which a certificate of occupancy is required.

(5)

Transfer of title by or to an executor, administrator or court order which affects a distribution of a descendant's estate in accordance with the provisions of the descendant's will or the interstate laws of the state.

(6)

Transfer of title due to refinancing, home equity loans, second mortgages.

(7)

Transfer of title by or to a receiver, trustee in bankruptcy or liquidation, or assignee for the benefit of creditors.

(8)

Residential rentals.

Responsibility. No owner shall permit the sale of a residential or commercial premises or rental of commercial premises covered under this section unless the requisite CRC has been issued. No purchaser or tenant shall occupy any premises covered under this section until the requisite CRC has been issued. Owners, tenants and occupants shall be jointly and separately responsible for failure to obtain the requisite CRC required hereunder. The owner or his authorized agent shall submit a written application and payment of fees at least 10 business days prior to the change of ownership and/or occupancy on the form provided by the Township.

Preoccupancy records inspection. Prior to the issuance of any such certificate for any transaction, the enforcing agency shall conduct a records inspection to ensure that there are no open construction permits on subject premises. Should there be open permits on subject premises, all final inspections and prior approvals shall be obtained and appropriate Uniform Construction Code certificates shall be issued prior to issuance of the CRC.

Fees. The applicant shall submit with the application fees for the CRC as follows to cover the administrative cost: $50.

Violations and penalties.

(1)

Any person, firm or corporation violating any provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000, imprisonment for a period not exceeding 90 days and/or a period of community service not exceeding 90 days.

(2)

The issuance of a CRC shall not preclude the imposition of penalties upon subsequent discovery of violations.