[HISTORY: Adopted by the Council of the City of Northfield 8-21-2018 by Ord. No. 5-2018.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[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Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 128,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 chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any sign placed or inscribed upon the face of a building.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Any sign supported by uprights or braces placed upon the
ground and not attached to any building.
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.
An exception from the requirements of any subcode of the
UCC regulations.
A sign mounted on the wall of another structure in a manner
such that it is exposed to wind loads from one side only.
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.
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.
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:
[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]
Solar panel racking unit installation, the fee
shall be $250. Demolition of a solar panel racking unit, the fee shall
be $75.
(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, active solar systems, 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.
(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.
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 $39. 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.
