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City of South Amboy, NJ
Middlesex County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
[HISTORY: 1984 Code §§ 46-1—46-4 as amended through December 31, 2016. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A. 
There is hereby established in the City of South Amboy a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency to be known as the "Code Enforcement Bureau," 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, subject, however, to the authority of the Director or authority head.
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.
[New]
A. 
The Middlesex County Construction Board of Appeals shall hear appeals from decisions by the enforcing agency.
[Ord. No. 12-1998; Ord. No. 5-2000; Ord. No. 20-2002; Ord. No. 10-2014]
A. 
Establishment of Fees Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.25.
The following schedule of fees is hereby established for various activities within the City of South Amboy:
(1) 
BUILDING FEES:
(1A) 
NEW STRUCTURE FEES:
Use Groups B, H, I-1, I-2, I-3, M, E, R-1,R-2, U, A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, F-1, F-2, S-1, S-2
Volume of bldg.
cu.ft. × .035 = $ (Volume Fee)
Use Groups R-3, R-4, R-5
Volume of bldg.
cu.ft. × .028 = $ (Volume Fee)
Commercial Farm Buildings
Maximum fee not to exceed $1,145.00
Volume of bldg.
cu.ft. × .008 - $(Volume Fee)
Total Fee: = $
(Sum of above three fees)
(1B) 
RENOVATIONS, ALTERATIONS, REPAIRS AND MINOR WORK FEES: (The applicant shall submit cost data by architect or engineer of record, a recognized estimating firm, or by contractor bid. The Department will review the construction cost for acceptability.)
Estimated cost up to and
Including $50,000.00 plus
$30.00 per $1,000.00 =
Portion of cost $50,001.00
To and including $100,000.00 Plus
$25.00 per $1,000.00 =
Portion of cost above $100,000.00
Rounded off to nearest dollar
$20.00 per $1,000.00 =
For combination of renovation and addition: The sum of fees are computed separately as renovations and additions.
NON-REFUNDABLE 10% plan review fee (Prototype) as pursuant to: N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(a)
RENEWAL of Construction Permit: $50.00
Removal of one building from one lot to another, or to another location on the same lot: The fees shall be $20.00 per $1,000.00 of the estimated cost of the foundation and all work necessary to place the building in it's completed condition in the new location.
DEMOLITION OR REMOVAL PERMIT: (if needed)
For a structure less than 5,000 sq. ft. in area and less than 30 feet in height, for one or two-family residences (R-3), and for structures on farms, including commercial farm buildings:
$100.00
All other structures:
$200.00
SIGNS: $2.00 per square foot (Note: fee to be based on one side of double-sided signs) $5.00 per square foot for pylon signs (new install)
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY FEES:
Fee shall be in the amount of 10% of the new construction permit fee. Minimum fee shall be $50.00.
The fee for a certificate of occupancy granted pursuant to a change of use group: $120.00
The fee for a continued occupancy issued under N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.23e: $400.00 flat fee
The fee for an application for a VARIATION in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.10 shall be $748.00 for Class I structures and $120.00 for Class II and Class III structures. The fee shall be $229.00 for Class I structures for resubmission of an application for a variation and $65.00 for Class II and Class III structures.
The fee for a permit for LEAD HAZARD ABATEMENT work
$176.00
The fee for a lead abatement clearance certificate
$35.00
ASBESTOS ABATEMENT FEE: $70.00 fee plus $20.00 Certificate of Occupancy as pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:28-8.9
For cross connections and backflow preventers that are subject to testing, requiring re-inspection annually, the fee shall be $46.00 for each device when they are tested.
STATE TRAINING FEES:
Current fees pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.19
NO STATE OR C/O FEE FOR TANK REMOVAL OR DEMOLITION
FLAT FEE FOR POOLS:
INGROUND
$200.00
ABOVE GROUND
$100.00
Basic Construction Permit Fee:
$50.00
OPEN STRUCTURAL TOWERS:
Towers up to 50 feet:
$200.00
Towers 51 feet and over:
$300.00
ELEVATOR FEE: Current fees pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c) 6&7 and N.J.A.C. 5:23-12.6(a), (b) and (c).
CONTINUED CERTIFICATE of OCCUPANCY for the purpose of sale of a residential property or a mixed use property with a residential unit: $100.00 per unit
ZONING APPLICATION FEE:
Commercial;
$100.00
Residential:
$35.00
(2) 
ELECTRICAL FEES:
Minimum Fee
$50.00
Devices, lighting fixture, receptacles, switches, detectors, fractional HP motors ((less than 1/2 HP), emergency and exist lights.
a. 1-10 devices
$50.00
b. Each additional device
$1.00
c. Burglar Alarm Residential
$50.00
Fire protection signaling devices, alarm devices, computer, communication, telephone, data, cable TV, similar devices. (apply device schedule). (Except one and two family)
Switching devices (disconnects, transfer switches), energy management panels, fire alarm panels, security panels, similar devices:
$58.00
Pool in-ground bounding and equipment/deck bonding with underwater lights:
$150.00
Annual Pool Inspection:
$50.00
Pool above ground bonding and equipment:
$100.00
Spa, hot tub, fountain, hydromassage tub:
$100.00
Lawn Sprinklers
$50.00
*Elec. Range/receptacle, oven surface unit up to 10KW: (Range, oven and surface units above 10KW — apply motor schedule)
$25.00
*Elec. Hot water heater up to 5 KW
(Hot water heater above 5KW — apply motor schedule)
$25.00
*Elec. Dryer/receptacle, dishwasher, garbage disposal:
$25.00
*Apply minimum fee when applied for separate of new construction or addition — Residential/Commercial apply minimum fee
Residential heating, HVAC
$50.00
Commercial HVAC, elec. Space heating, elec. Baseboard heating, elec. Furnace, air, handler, welder and similar equipment. (apply motor schedule) Motors and generators and process equipment
a. Fractional HP motors less than 1/2 HP (apply device schedule)
b. Motors 1/2 HP to less than 1 HP, 1KW, 1KVA
1-10 units — each
$50.00
c. Each additional motor:
$20.00
d. Motors 1HP to 7.5 HP, KW/KVA
$58.00
e. Motors 10HP to 50HP, KW/KVA
$75.00
f. Motors 51HP to 100 HP, KW/KVA
$116.00
g. Motors over 100HP, KW/KVA
(also apply switching devices and service equipment schedules)
$576.00
Transformers, vaults, outdoor substations.
a. Not over 45Kw/KVA
$58.00
b. Not over 112.5 KW/KVA
$116.00
c. Not over 500 KW/KVA
$300.00
d. Not over 1000 KW/KVA
(also apply service equipment schedule)
$576.00
e. Over 1000 KW/KVA — Add per 100 KW/KVA
(also apply service equipment schedule)
$100.00
Service equipment, motor control center (MCC), sub-panel and feeder not over 600 volts, one meter.
a. Not over 100 AMP and panel
$58.00
b. Not over 225 AMP and panel
$58.00
c. Not over 400 AMP and panel
$150.00
d. Not over 1000 AMP and panel
$450.00
e. Over 1000 AMP and panel
$576.00
f. Over 600 volts — ADD per category
$150.00
PV Solar Systems
Up to 50 KW
$58.00
Up to 100 KW
$116.00
Over 100KW
$576.00
Signs:
$100.00
Underground inspection (trench, grounding, bonding)
$50.00
(3) 
FIRE PROTECTION AND HAZARDOUS EQUIPMENT FEE:
Fire Protection and other hazardous equipment, sprinklers, standpipes, detectors (smoke and heat), pre-engineered suppression systems, gas and oil fire appliances not connected to the plumbing systems, kitchen exhaust systems, incinerators and crematoriums:
Sprinkler heads or commercial detectors (smoke or heat)
1-20 heads or detectors
$82.00
21-100 heads or detectors
$151.00
101-200 heads or detectors
$289.00
201-400 heads or detectors
$748.00
401-1,000 heads or detectors
$1,036.00
Over 1,000 heads or detectors
$1,325.00
Smoke Detector — Residential (R-4, R-2, R-3)
1-12 detectors
$45.00
Each additional 25 detectors
$25.00
Central control station
$ 175.00
Alarm devices (horns/strobes pullstations, signaling devices)
Number of devices ×
$18.00=
Standpipe systems: Number of standpipes ×
$250.00=
Pre-Engineered fire suppression system:
Number of systems ×
$120.00=
Gas or oil fired appliance which is not connected to the plumbing systems:
Number of appliances ×
$46.00=
Gas or wood fired stove or fireplace:
Number of appliances ×
$50.00=
Water heaters: Number of appliances ×
$25.00=
Kitchen exhaust systems: Number of systems ×
$100.00=
Chimney liner
$75.00=
Storage tank installation (above and underground)
Up to 2,000 gallons
$100.00
Over 2,001 gallons
$150.00
Storage tank removal/abandonment (above and underground)
Up to 2,000 gallons
$100.00
Over 2,001 gallons
$150.00
Vapor recovery and/or fuel piping installation
$100.00
Incinerators: Number of incinerators: x
$365.00=
Crematoriums: Number of crematoriums: ×
$365.00=
Rooftop HVAC
$100.00
Commercial generators
$100.00
Residential generators
$50.00
Commercial boilers/hot water heaters
$100.00
Industrial unit heaters
$100.00
Motor Vehicle fuel dispenser
$ 100.00
Plan review for new structures, alterations or renovations:
Residential:
$50.00
Commercial:
$100.00
(4) 
PLUMBING FEES:
Minimum Fee
$50.00
First plumbing fixture or vent stack
$40.00 ea.
Water closet
$15.00 ea.
Urinal/bidet
$15.00 ea.
Bathtub
$15.00 ea.
Lavatory
$15.00 ea.
Shower
$15.00 ea.
Floor drain
$15.00 ea.
Sink
$15.00 ea.
Dishwasher
$15.00 ea.
Drinking fountain
$15.00 ea.
Washing machine
$15.00 ea.
Hose bib
$15.00 ea.
Water heater
$30.00 ea.
Fuel oil piping
$15.00 per outlet
Gas piping
$15.00 per outlet
Commercial gas piping
$15.00 per $1,000
Steam boiler/Hot water boiler (residential)
$60.00 ea.
Hot water boiler/Steam boiler (Commercial)
$80.00
Sewer pump
$80.00 ea.
Interceptor/separator
$80.00 ea.
Backflow devices/vacuum breakers (residential)
$15.00 ea.
Reduce pressure backflow devises (commercial/Industrial)
$80.00 ea.
Grease trap
$80.00 ea.
Sewer connection (residential)
$60.00 ea.
Water service connection (residential)
$60.00 ea.
Sewer & Water (commercial)
$80.00
Stacks
$15.00 ea.
Indirect connections
$15.00 ea.
Water cooled A/C or refrigeration unit
$55.00 ea.
Active solar system
$80.00
Lawn Sprinkler systems
$35.00
Condensate drain
$15.00 per unit
Pool heater
$45.00
Gas dryer
$15.00 ea.
Laundry trays
$15.00 ea.
Garbage disposal
$15.00 ea.
Demolition of structure to include capping of sewer and water services:
Residential
$ 60.00
Commercial
$ 80.00
Commercial and/or special fixtures-boilers, dishwashers and tie-in to process equipment:
$ 80.00
Storage drainage systems:
1 roof drain
$45.00
2-6 roof drains
$20.00 ea.
7-12 roof drains
$15.00 ea.
12 and over
$10.00 ea.
Building storm drain:
Up to 8"
$60.00
10" to 15"
$120.00
18" to 24"
$180.00
Over 24"
$250.00
Generator
$13.00
Fireplace
$13.00
Gas Grill
$13.00
Rooftops (Commercial)
$80.00
Sump Pump
$50.00ea
Building Traps:
Residential
$50.00
Commercial
$60.00
Annual Inspections pursuant to N.J.A.C . 5:23-2.23(i)1,2,3,4.
$200.00
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 523-4.17: Fees will be rounded off to the nearest dollar amount.
B. 
City Permit Fees.
[Ord. No.14-2014]
(1) 
Curb: $2.00 per linear foot
(2) 
Sidewalk: $0.50 per square foot
(3) 
Driveway: $0.50 per square root
(4) 
Minimum fee: $50.00
C. 
Waiver of Certain Permit Fees for Construction to Promote Accessibility by Disabled Persons.
[Ord. No. 27-1998]
(1) 
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.
(2) 
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 or her own living unit.
(3) 
For the purposes of this Subsection C., "disabled person" means a person who has the total and permanent inability to engage in any 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 the 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 60% disability or higher pursuant to any federal law administered by the United States Veterans' Act. For purposes of this Subsection C., "blindness" means central visual activity 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 to an angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be considered as having a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less.
D. 
Waiver of certain fees and charges for qualifying volunteers.
All municipal fees or charges, excepting fees or charges by the Department of Community Affairs or for services performed by other than City employees, imposed in order to secure a construction permit for any construction, reconstruction, alteration or improvement to any one or two family home, owned by and in which a qualified volunteer, as hereinafter defined, is or will be a full-time resident, shall be waived upon the filing of an appropriate application therefore. In order to be a qualified volunteer, the following conditions must be satisfied:
[Ord. No. 3-2019]
(1) 
The volunteer must be a volunteer member of a South Amboy Fire Department, First Aid and Safety Squad or Office of Emergency Management for a minimum of one continuous year immediately preceding the date of the application for construction; The volunteer shall have served without remuneration or an agreement or contract for hire in such capacity during the one-year period;
(2) 
The volunteer shall have satisfied the requisite percentage of activity, attendance and participation of the fire company, rescue squad or office of emergency management;
(3) 
The chief executive office of the Fire Company, Rescue Squad or Office of Emergency Management shall certify in writing that the volunteer has satisfied the requirements of paragraphs a through c hereof; and
(4) 
The volunteer shall certify in writing that he satisfies the residency requirements of this subsection.
The Construction Official shall prepare and submit to the Mayor and Council biannually a report reevaluating the delineation of the fire limits. The 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.
[Ord. No. 20-2002; Ord. No. 5-2000; Ord. No. 10-2014]
[Ord. No. 26-2007]
When an applicant seeks to repair, maintain, upgrade or otherwise do construction on an existing residential structure, the Construction Official shall submit the application to the South Amboy Redevelopment Agency for its review and approval. Upon the Agency's approval, the Construction Official shall process the application pursuant to law.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Code Chapter 22, Redevelopment Agency.