[HISTORY: Adopted by the Council of the City of Northfield as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 8-21-2018 by Ord. No. 5-2018.[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 128, Construction Codes, Uniform, adopted 12-20-1976 by Ord. No. 10-76, as amended.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
FACADE SIGN
Any sign placed or inscribed upon the face of a building.
GROUND SIGN
A sign mounted on the ground or on multiple pole supports with its lower edge less than 15 feet above grade measured at the longest pole.
GROUND/MONUMENT SIGN
A ground or monument sign is a permanent sign with its entire bottom edge affixed to the ground. They are often made of materials like aluminum and acrylic and incorporating glass or stone and can help give your business a sense of permanence and sophistication.
MINIMUM FEE
The minimum amount to be applied for each individual subcode technical sheet, building/plumbing/fire/electrical/mechanical, if the total fees for the individual subcode do not add up to the minimum amount.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign, other than a facade sign, suspended from or attached to a building or wall in a manner which is other than parallel to the building or wall, including a sign hung under a canopy.
PYLON SIGN
An elevated sign supported either by a monopole or by multiple pole supports and having its bottom edge 15 feet or more above ground level, measured at the base of the longest pole if there is more than one, or an elevated sign mounted on the roof of another structure.
PYLON/FREESTANDING SIGN
Any sign supported by uprights or braces placed upon the ground and not attached to any building.
RETAINING WALL
A structure more than 18 inches high erected between lands of different elevation to protect structures and/or to prevent the washing down or erosion of earth from the upper slope level.
VARIATION
An exception from the requirements of any subcode of the UCC regulations.
WALL SIGN
A sign mounted on the wall of another structure in a manner such that it is exposed to wind loads from one side only.
WHIRLPOOL/SPA/POOL/FOUNTAIN – FREESTANDING/PORTABLE
Those that are constructed on or above the ground and are capable of holding water to a maximum depth of 42 inches, or a pool, spa, or hot tub with nonmetallic, molded polymeric walls or inflatable fabric walls, regardless of dimension.
WHIRLPOOL/SPA/POOL/FOUNTAIN – PERMANENT PRIVATE
Those that are constructed in the ground or partially in the ground, and all others capable of holding water in a depth greater than 42 inches, and all pools installed inside of a building, regardless of water depth, whether or not served by electrical circuits of any nature; or in a building in such a manner that the fountain cannot be readily disassembled for storage, whether or not served by electrical circuits of any nature. These units are primarily constructed for their aesthetic value and are not intended for swimming or wading.
A. 
There is hereby established in the City of Northfield a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency to be known as the "Building Department," consisting of a Construction Official, Building Subcode Official, Plumbing Subcode Official, Electrical Subcode Official, Fire Protection Subcode Official and 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,[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 the State Uniform Construction Code Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.
C. 
The public shall have the right to do business with the Building Department at the Municipal Building, 1600 Shore Road, Northfield, New Jersey, except for emergencies and unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances.
[Amended 6-3-2025 by Ord. No. 10-2025; 8-12-2025 by Ord. No. 12-2025]
A. 
Plan review fees.
(1) 
The fee for plan review shall be 20% of the construction permit fee. The fee for plan review shall be payable at the time the construction permit application is submitted.
(2) 
The amount of the plan review fee shall be deducted from the amount of the fee due for a construction permit when the construction permit fee is paid and the permit is issued.
(3) 
Plan review fees are not refundable.
(4) 
For projects which do not require plan review for all subcodes, the fee shall be the appropriate percentage of the subcode fee which is applicable.
B. 
Construction permit fees.
(1) 
The building subcode fees shall be:
(a) 
For new construction:
[1] 
Per cubic foot of building or structure volume (volume to be computed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.28): $0.038 with a minimum fee of $100, except as otherwise provided in Subsection B(1)(a)[2] or [3] immediately below.
[2] 
Per cubic foot of building or structure volume (volume to be computed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.28), for Use Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, F-1, F-2, S-1 and S-2 of Article 3 of the International Building Code, New Jersey Edition: $0.021.
[3] 
Per cubic foot of building or structure volume (volume to be computed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.28), for structures on farms, including commercial farm buildings used exclusively for the storage of food, grain and livestock, with the maximum fee for such construction on the farms not to exceed $1,602: $0.0011.
(b) 
For renovations, alterations and repairs, and solar panel racking units:
[1] 
For the first $50,000 of estimated cost of work, the fee shall be $34 per $1,000 of estimated cost or fraction thereof of the work, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
[2] 
From $50,001 to and including $100,000, an additional fee in the amount of $26 per $1,000 of estimated cost or a fraction thereof of the work.
[3] 
From $100,001 estimated cost, an additional fee of $22 per each $1,000 of estimated cost or fraction thereof of the work greater than $100,001 estimated cost.
[4] 
For the purpose of determining estimated costs, the applicant shall submit to the Building Department such data as may be available, produced by the architect or engineer of record, or by a recognized estimating firm, 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.
(c) 
For additions: The fees for additions shall be computed on the same basis as for new construction as set forth in Subsection B(1)(a) above.
(d) 
Retaining walls: For Class 3 Residential: with a surface area of 550 square feet or less, the fee shall be $106; for surface area greater than 550 square feet, the fee shall be $210. For other than Class 3 Residential: the fee shall be $34 per $1,000 of estimated cost, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
(e) 
Swimming pools, towers, solar panel racking units, etc.: Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(c)(1)(vi), the following flat fees are hereby established:
[1] 
Residential (Use Groups R3 and R5):
[a] 
Aboveground swimming pool installation: 550 square feet or less, the fee shall be $75; greater than 550 square feet, the fee shall be $140. Demolition of an aboveground swimming pool, the fee shall be $75.
[b] 
In-ground swimming pool installation: 550 square feet or less, the fee shall be $180; greater than 550 square feet, the fee shall be $210. Demolition of an in-ground swimming pool, the fee shall be $75.
[c] 
Tower or dish: $45. The minimum fee shall be $75. Demolition of tower or dish, the fee shall be $75.
[d] 
Demolition of a solar panel racking unit, the fee shall be $75.
[e] 
Removal and reinstallation of a solar panel racking unit, the fee shall be $75.
[2] 
Commercial (other than Use Groups R3 and R5):
[a] 
Tower or dish: $175.
[b] 
Fence over six feet in height: $130.
(f) 
Combination renovations and additions shall be computed as the sum of the fees computed separately, in accordance with the Subsection B(1)(b) and (c).
(g) 
Premanufactured construction: for work performed at the site, including but not limited to foundation systems, structural installations and external utility connections, $34 per $1,000 of estimated cost or a fraction thereof, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
(h) 
Minor construction work: $34 per $1,000 estimated cost of work or a fraction thereof, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
(i) 
Asbestos removal: $80 for each construction project or such fee as otherwise established by the state or any subdivision or agency thereof.
(j) 
Demolition fees: For the demolition of a building or structure less than or equal to 5,000 square feet in area and less than 30 feet in height, the fee shall be $150 for R3 and R5 structures. For all other buildings or structures, the fee shall be $200.
(k) 
Relocation of building/structure: The fee for a permit for the relocation of a building or structure from one lot to another or to a new location on the same lot shall be $150 for structures of less than 5,000 square feet in area and less than 30 feet in height. For all other buildings or structures, the fee shall be $200.
(l) 
Sign permit fee: The fee for a permit to construct a sign shall be $6 per square foot of the surface area of the sign, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75. The fee shall be computed on one side only for double-faced signs.
(2) 
The plumbing subcode fees shall be:
(a) 
For commercial dishwashers: $55 per fixture, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
(b) 
Plumbing fixtures and stacks: $20 per fixture connected to the plumbing system for all fixtures and appliances, except as listed in Subsection B(2)(c) below. The minimum fee shall be $75.
(c) 
The fee shall be $91 per special device for the following: 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 zone and pressure vacuum breaker backflow preventers), steam boilers, hot water boilers (excluding those for domestic water heating), swimming pool heaters, sewer pumps and interceptors. There shall be no inspection fee charged for gas service entrances.
[1] 
Testing and recertification of backflow preventers: The fee shall be $12 each, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
(d) 
Gas piping: $85.
(e) 
Air-conditioning condensate drain: $15, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
(f) 
Lawn sprinkler backflow preventer: $91.
(3) 
The electrical subcode fees shall be:
(a) 
For from one to 50 convenience receptacles, fixtures, detectors, communication points, alarm devices or motors under one horsepower/20 amperes/one kilowatt, the fee shall be in the amount of $55; and for each additional 25 receptacles, fixtures, detectors, communication points, alarm devices, or motors under one horsepower/20 amperes/one kilowatt, the fee shall be in the amount of $15. The minimum fee shall be $75. For the purpose of computing this fee, receptacles or fixtures shall include lighting outlets, wall switches, fluorescent fixtures, convenience receptacles or similar fixtures and motors or devices of less than one horsepower/20 amperes/one kilowatt.
[1] 
Receptacles from 20 amperes and less than or equal to 50 amperes, the fee shall be $15 each; receptacles greater than 50 amperes, the fee shall be $65 each. The minimum fee shall be $75.
(b) 
For each motor or electrical device greater than 100 horsepower/100 kilowatts; for transformers and generators greater than 112.5 kilowatts; for each service entrance, disconnecting means greater than 1,000 amperes; and for each motor control center, subpanel greater than 1,000 amperes, and for each air handler or air-conditioning unit greater than 100 horsepower/100 kilowatts, the fee shall be $640.
(c) 
For each motor or electrical device greater than 10 horsepower/10 kilowatts and less than or equal to 50 horsepower/50 kilowatts; for each pool bonding, for each electrical device, transformer, generator greater than 10 kilowatts and less than or equal to 45 kilowatts; for each service entrance, disconnecting means greater than one ampere and less than or equal to 225 amperes, for each motor control center, subpanel greater than one ampere and less than or equal to 225 amperes, for each air handler or air-conditioning unit greater than 10 horsepower/10 kilowatts and less than or equal to 50 horsepower/50 kilowatts; telephone data panel, temporary pole, the fee shall be $65. The minimum fee shall be $75.
(d) 
For each motor or electrical device greater than 50 horsepower/50 kilowatts and less than or equal to 100 horsepower/100 kilowatts; for each transformer and generator greater than 45 kilowatts and less than or equal to 112.5 kilowatts: for each service entrance, disconnecting means greater than 225 amperes and less than or equal to 1,000 amperes, and for each motor control center, subpanel greater than 225 amperes and less than or equal to 1,000 amperes; air handlers or air-conditioning units greater than 50 horsepower/50 kilowatts and less than or equal to 100 horsepower/100 kilowatts, the fee shall be $129.
(e) 
For each air handler or air-conditioning unit less than or equal to 10 horsepower/10 kilowatts; for each range, oven and other cooking equipment less than or equal to 16 kilowatts; dishwasher, garbage disposal, clothes dryer, whirlpool/spa, pool light, water heater, baseboard heat, heater, for each sign and light standard; for each motor, transformer or electrical devices or service equipment less than or equal to 10 horsepower or one to 10 kilowatts, the fee shall be $15. The minimum fee shall be $75.
(f) 
For the purpose of computing these 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.
(g) 
Lawn sprinkler, rain sensor: $25, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
(h) 
PV solar system arrays: less than or equal to 50 kilowatts, the fee shall be $240; greater than 50 kilowatts but less than or equal to 100 kilowatts, the fee shall be $300; greater than 100 kilowatts, the fee shall be $950.
(i) 
PV solar system arrays: the fee for removal and reinstallation shall be $75.
(4) 
The fire protection subcode and other hazardous equipment fee shall be:
(a) 
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.
[1] 
The fee for fire protection systems shall be $55 for R3 and R5 structures. For all other use groups, the fee for 20 or fewer heads shall be $91; for 21 to and including 100 heads, the fee shall be $168; for 101 to and including 200 heads, the fee shall be $321; for 201 to and including 400 heads, the fee shall be $831; for 401 to and including 1,000 heads, the fee shall be $1,150; for greater than 1,000 heads, the fee shall be $1,469. The fee for 12 or fewer detectors shall be $82, and $17 for each additional 25 detectors. 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. The minimum fee shall be $75.
[2] 
The fee for each standpipe shall be $321.
[3] 
The fee for each independent pre-engineered system shall be $129.
[4] 
The fee for each gas- or oil-fired appliance which is not connected to the plumbing system shall be $85. The fee for the installation of a flue liner in conjunction with the installation of a gas- or oil-fired appliance shall be $30; all others, $55. The minimum fee shall be $75.
[5] 
The fee for each kitchen exhaust system will be $65. The minimum fee shall be $75.
[6] 
The fee for each incinerator or crematory shall be $511.
[7] 
The fee for fire alarm systems shall be $75 minimum, or $28 per $1,000 for cost of work or a fraction thereof, provided that the cost of work exceeds $2,000.
[8] 
Oil or natural/propane gas tank installation and/or removal: for Use Groups R-3 and R-5, the fee shall be $75; for all other Use Groups, the fee shall be $180.
[9] 
The fee for solar panel racking unit installation is $75.
(5) 
Mechanical inspection subcode.
(a) 
Replacement of like mechanical equipment in residential buildings R3, R4, and R5: the fee shall be $60 for the first device and $15 for each additional device, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
C. 
Certificate fees.
(1) 
The fee for a certificate of occupancy shall be $75 for new buildings and additions. Where a certificate of occupancy is granted pursuant to a change of use or under similar condition, the fee shall be $168. Where multiple certificates of occupancy are granted (for example, in a shopping center), the fee shall be $75 for each certificate issued. The fee for a certificate of continued occupancy, where applicable, shall be $168. The fee for a temporary certificate of occupancy shall be $30. The fee for a certificate of occupancy letter shall be $25.
D. 
Housing, zoning and land use fees.
(1) 
Fence: The fee shall be $50 for Use Groups R3 and R5; the fee for all other use groups shall be $130.
(2) 
Dumpster: $15 per dumpster.
(3) 
Construction trailer, on-site: $20 per month per trailer.
(4) 
The fee for a certificate of occupancy required by Chapter 275, Rental Unit Registration, shall be $65, provided that the inspection is scheduled more than 10 days prior to the sale, rent, transfer, grant, lease, let, or mortgage with right of occupancy. All other certificates of occupancy required by Chapter 275, Rental Unit Registration, shall be $75. Reinspection fees are $25.
E. 
Report of Construction Official. The Construction Official shall, with the advice of all subcode officials of the City of Northfield, prepare and submit to the City Council of the City of Northfield, once every two years, a report indicating his recommendations for a fee schedule based on the operating expenses of the Building Department and any other expenses of the municipality fairly attributable to the enforcement of the State Uniform Construction Code Act.[1] The report shall be structured in accordance with such guidelines as shall be issued from time to time by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs so as to accurately portray true enforcing agency expenses in general and for structures of different use groups. This report shall then serve as a basis for this chapter to be enacted by the municipality, establishing such revisions to the fee schedule as it may deem appropriate and necessary.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.
F. 
New Jersey state permit surcharge fees (formerly training fees). In order to provide for the training and certification and technical support programs required by the Act, 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 Regulatory Affairs in the manner herein provided.
(1) 
Volume shall be computed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.28.
(2) 
Remitting and reporting. The municipality shall remit fees to the Bureau on a quarterly basis, in conjunction with Report No. R-840B, State Training Fee Report, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.5(e). Fees remitted shall be per quarter. Checks shall be made payable to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey."
G. 
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section and of the State Uniform Construction Code Act, P.L. 1975, c. 217 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.), or any rules, regulations or standards adopted pursuant thereto, to the contrary, 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. Further, 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. For the purposes of this section, "disabled person" and "blindness" shall be as defined by N.J.S.A. 52:27D-126e, as subsequently amended.
A. 
Annual permits. The fee to be charged for an annual construction permit shall be charged annually. This fee shall be a flat fee based upon the number of maintenance workers who are employed by the facility and who are primarily engaged in work that is governed by a subcode. Managers, engineers and clericals shall not be considered maintenance workers for the purpose of establishing the annual construction permit fee. Annual permits may be issued for building/fire protection, electrical and plumbing. The fee shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)5.
B. 
Periodic inspections and variations.
(1) 
For cross-connections and backflow preventers that are subject to testing, requiring reinspection every three months, the fee shall be $35 for each device when it is tested (thrice annually), and $100 for each device when it is broken down and tested (once annually).
(2) 
Variations, N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.10. The fee shall be $821 for Class I structures and $168 for Class II and Class III structures. The fee for the resubmitting of an application for a variation shall be $321 for Class I structures and $91 for Class II and Class III structures.
(3) 
On-site agency. See N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20.
(4) 
For annual electrical inspections of swimming pools, spas and hot tubs not associated with one- or two-family dwellings, the fee shall be $65, and $34 for each additional on-site pool, spa and hot tub. The minimum fee shall be $75.
All appeals from decisions made by the Building Department shall be referred to and heard by the Atlantic County Construction Board of Appeals.
[Adopted 5-20-2025 by Ord. No. 7-2025]
For the purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:
CONTRACTOR
Refers to any individual or entity engaged in construction, renovation, or maintenance to commercial or residential properties within the City of Northfield.
HOMEOWNER
Refers to any individual or entity engaged in construction, renovation, or maintenance to commercial or residential properties within the City of Northfield without engaging the services of a contractor.
WORKSITES
Shall include all outdoor and indoor worksites within the jurisdiction of the City of Northfield where construction, renovation, or related activities are taking place.
Contractors and homeowners working/operating within the City of Northfield shall do all of the following to control dust, trash, and plastic contaminants at their worksites:
A. 
When cutting or drilling poly carbonate materials, fiberglass, pavers, or wood treated with chemical contaminants, or any materials containing plastics, contractors and homeowners shall use a vacuum attachment, a bag or water attachments on all saws when practical to minimize the release of dust and microplastic particles.
B. 
Contractors and homeowners shall not engage in cutting or drilling activities without placing a tarp under power tools to catch debris and contaminants.
C. 
Contractors and homeowners shall tarp their work areas and clean up all trash and generated from work of the day like dust particles, microplastics and sawdust, a minimum of once a day to prevent the dispersion of dust, trash, debris, and plastic contaminants.
D. 
Contractors and homeowners shall clean up all wood and plastic contaminants before leaving their worksites, ensuring that no waste is left behind nor can be blown into areas beyond the worksite and/or property.
E. 
Contractors and homeowners must separate waste and recyclable materials, such as cardboard, and dispose of in accordance with any and all applicable ordinances, regulations and laws.
A. 
Contractors and homeowners are strictly prohibited from blowing debris, dust, or plastic contaminants into storm drains. All contractors and homeowners must dispose of waste materials properly in accordance with existing municipal waste disposal regulations.
B. 
Contractors and homeowners whose job site drains to a public stormwater inlet after stormwater leaves the property, prior to cutting, drilling, or any activity regulated by this section shall install a filter at that stormwater inlet Polypropylene Geotextile which conforms to ASTM Test D4491, D4751 and D4355.
A. 
Notice of this article shall be given with each new permit issued for construction, renovation, and related activities.
B. 
The City of Northfield may conduct inspections of worksites to ensure compliance with this article. Any person who violates, fails or refuses to comply with this chapter or any part or section thereof, shall, upon conviction in the Court of appropriate jurisdiction be punished for each offense by a fine not to exceed $2,000 or by imprisonment for any term not exceeding 90 days, or both. Every such violation or refusal shall be deemed a separate violation, and each day that the same shall continue shall be deemed a separate violation.
C. 
Contractors are responsible for informing their employees and subcontractors of the requirements and obligations set forth in this article.