[Adopted by MC 2018-22, September 11, 2018]
(a) 
As allowed by the Charter, there shall be established a Department of Economic Development, the head of which shall be the Director of Economic Development who shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council and may be one of the division heads. The Director shall serve during the term of office of the Mayor appointing him/her and until the appointment and qualification of his/her successor, subject to removal as provided by the Charter.
(b) 
Within the Department of Economic Development there may be an Administrative Assistant designated as Secretary to the Director, who shall be appointed by the Director with the approval of the Administrator. The Administrative Assistant shall serve during the term of office of the Director appointing him/her, subject to removal as provided in the case of a Department Director appointed by the Mayor.
(c) 
Administrative Officer for Development Applications. The Director of Economic Development or his/her designee is to serve as the Administrative Officer for Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment development applications, to be known as Administrative Officer for Development Applications, to perform all functions delegated to the Administrative Officer pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-3, except those functions delegated to the Construction Code Official under the provisions of Chapter 3, Article 11A, Historic Preservation Commission, Part 2.
(a) 
Within the Department of Economic Development, there shall be established the Division of Planning, the head of which shall be the Planning Director. Subject to the direction and supervision of the Director of Economic Development, the Division shall:
(1) 
Assist the Director of the Department of Economic Development in the planning process and policy formulation with respect to the overall master planning, policy and program analysis of Federal, State and County programs, laws and regulations through research and analysis. These services include:
(A) 
Research, analysis and recommendations with respect to the physical development and master planning of the City of Plainfield.
(B) 
Preparation of development of the annual capital improvement program.
(C) 
Research, analysis and recommendations with respect to the transportation and public parking needs of the City.
(D) 
Administration and execution of programs for the improvement, maintenance and preservation of housing including historic preservation planning in the City of Plainfield. The Division shall also administer and execute the City's relocation program and any other related housing programs as authorized by and within the requirements of Federal and State laws and regulations.
(E) 
Technical assistance including program design and financial aid applications as required by law.
[Added 3-15-2021 by Ord. No. MC 2021-05]
There shall be a Division of Building and Construction within the Department of Economic Development. Subject to the direction and supervision of the Director of Economic Development, the Division shall:
(a) 
Administer and enforce the Uniform Construction Code through the Construction Official pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.4(a)1.
(b) 
Administer and enforce the Property Maintenance Code, exercise and discharge the functions, and have the powers and duties therein provided for the "Public Officer."
(a) 
There is hereby established in the City of Plainfield a State Uniform Construction Code Enforcing Agency to be known as the Department of Economic Development, consisting of a Director, Construction Official, a Building Subcode Official, a Plumbing Subcode Official, an Electrical Subcode Official, a Fire Protection Subcode Official and such other subcode officials for 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 (Director of the Division of Inspections) shall be the chief administrator of the enforcing agency. All positions required or necessary to insure the proper enforcement of the State Uniform Construction Code shall be appointed in accordance with the City Charter or, where applicable, in accordance with New Jersey State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
(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 as amended and N.J.A.C. 5:23 to hold such position.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-123 et seq.
(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.
(a) 
All appeals from decisions by the enforcing agency shall be filed within 15 days of the decision with the Union County Board of Construction Appeals, as provided by N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 5:23A-2.
(b) 
The Construction Official shall submit a monthly report to the Director, Finance Officer, Business Administrator, and the Mayor providing detail for the permit activity, and money collected no later than the seventh day of the month.
(c) 
The Construction Official shall make the final decision regarding estimated cost.
[Amended 4-8-2024 by Ord. No. MC 2024-15]
(a) 
Subcode fees shall be as follows:
(1) 
Building subcode fees shall be:
(A) 
For new construction the fee shall be $0.0395 per cubic foot of the building or structure volume, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
(B) 
For renovations, alterations, repairs, re-roofing and re-siding, and for structures and appurtenances for which special volume cannot be calculated a minimum fee of $24 per $1,000 or any portion thereof of the estimated cost of construction up to $50,000; for $50,001 to $100,000 of estimated cost, $18 per $1,000 of estimated cost; over $100,000 of estimated cost, $17 per $1,000.
(C) 
For additions the fee shall be $0.0395 per cubic foot of building or structure volume provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
(D) 
For demolition of a building the fee shall be $300 for structures less 5,000 sq. ft. in area and less than 30 feet in height. For all other structures over 5,000 sq. ft. or over 30 feet in height the fee shall be $450.
(E) 
For large open volume buildings as per N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(c)vi, the fee shall be $0.0011 per cubic foot.
(F) 
For the construction of an above ground pool the fee shall be $75, the fee for an inground pool shall be $250.
(G) 
For the installation of signs, the fee shall be $3 per square foot surface area computed on one side only for double-faced signs, provided that the minimum fee shall be $75.
(H) 
For a certificate of occupancy, the fee shall be $300 per residential dwelling unit; for other than residential $400 per unit. The fee for a continued certificate of occupancy shall be $400 for all groups.
(I) 
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) first issuance and renewals as per N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(f)3, shall be $30.00, except there shall be no fee for the first issuance of a TCO provided that the Certificate of Occupancy fee is paid at that time.
(J) 
Sheds or accessory structures to an R-5 up to 600 sq. ft. the fee shall be $80, for structures over 600 sq. ft. $150.
(K) 
House trailers-per six months, the fee shall be $300, for office or sales type trailers the fee shall be $100 per year.
(L) 
Renewal of a permit fee shall be 10% of the original construction fee or $75 minimum.
(M) 
Asbestos or lead abatement fee shall be $200 per residential unit, for commercial or industrial groups the fee shall be $300.
(N) 
Fences over six feet in height that are not part of a pool barrier system shall be a flat fee of $80.
(O) 
Radon mitigation systems, $100.
(2) 
Plumbing Subcode fees shall be:
(A) 
For fixtures and stacks, $20 each and shall include but not be limited to sinks; urinals, water closets, bath tubs, shower stalls, dishwashers, garbage disposals, drinking fountains, water softeners, sump pumps, water filtration systems, or similar devices the minimum fee shall be $75.
(B) 
For installation or replacement of a water supply or sanitary sewer line the fee shall be $100 each.
(C) 
For the installation of a water heater the fee shall be $75 each.
(D) 
For the inspection of existing cross connections, for each required three-month inspection, $75; annual inspection, $100.
(E) 
For the installation of fuel fired boilers, $75; each additional, $75; fuel oil piping, $75.
(F) 
For the installation of a grease trap or oil separator, $75.
(G) 
For the alteration or decommission of a septic system the fee shall be $75.
(H) 
Gas piping air test, $75.
(I) 
Backflow preventer, $20 for residential, $75 commercial.
(J) 
Refrigeration unit, $75 each.
(K) 
All HVAC systems installations other than $75 each unit.
(3) 
Electrical Subcode fees shall be:
(A) 
For from one to 50 receptacles or fixtures, the fee shall be $75; for each additional 25 receptacles or fixtures, the fee shall be $20. 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 or one kilowatt.
(B) 
For each motor or electrical device greater than one horsepower and less than or equal to 10 horsepower; and for transformers and generators greater than one kilowatt and less than or equal to 10 kilowatts, the fees shall be $75.
(C) 
For each motor or electrical device greater than 10 horsepower and less than or equal to 50 horsepower, the fee shall be $75; for each service panel, service entrance or subpanel less than or equal to 100 amperes, the fee shall be $75; and for all transformers and generators greater than 10 kilowatts and less than or equal to 45 kilowatts, the fee shall be $75.
(D) 
For each motor or electrical device greater than 50 horsepower and less than or equal to 100 horsepower the fee shall be $125; for each service panel, service entrance or subpanel greater than 125 amperes and less than or equal to 1000 amperes, the fee shall be $125.
(E) 
For each motor or electrical device greater than 100 horsepower; for each service entrance or subpanel greater than 1,000 amperes; and for each transformer or generator greater than 112.5 kilowatts, the fee shall be $500.
(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) 
For the installation or wiring of storable pools as defined in the NEC shall be $75 for an above ground pool $150 and $300 for an in-ground pool. For an annual public pool inspection, the fee shall be $250.
(H) 
For the installation or replacement of an HVAC system the fee shall be $75 for each system.
(I) 
For the installation of hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, the fee shall be $75 for up to ten devices and one control panel, $50; each additional control panel or detector $10.
(J) 
Photovoltaic systems new installations fees shall be; battery banks each unit $75, each gateway $100, each disconnect $75, inverters up to 10 kilowatts $75 each, inverters over 10 kilowatts $150 each.
(K) 
Electric vehicle charging station fees shall be; residential systems $100 per charger, commercial systems $150 per charger.
(L) 
Energy management-lighting or motor control panels fees shall be $100 each.
(4) 
Fire Protection Subcode fees shall be;
(A) 
For installation of standpipes, $300.
(B) 
The fee for automatic sprinkler heads and fire detectors for 20 or fewer heads, the fee shall be $75; for 21 to up to 100 heads the fee shall be $100; for 101 to 200 heads, the fee shall be $275; for 201 to and including 400 heads or detectors, the fee shall be $625; for 401 up to 1,000 heads $900; for over 1,000 heads $1,200. In computing fees for heads, the number of each shall be counted.
(C) 
The fee for each gas or oil-fired appliance not connected to the plumbing system shall be $75.
(D) 
The fee for each incinerator shall be $450.
(E) 
The fee for each crematorium shall be $450.
(F) 
For the installation of a fire alarm system, $200.
(G) 
For the installation of heating units for all groups the fee shall be, $75.
(H) 
For the installation or removal of storage tanks, the fee shall be, $200 each.
(I) 
For the installation of fire suppression systems $75 per $1,000 construction cost, minimum fee of, $75.
(J) 
For the installation of commercial cooking equipment, $75 per $1,000 construction cost for each unit, minimum fee of $75.
(K) 
For the installation of other fire suppression systems, the fee shall be, $75 each.
(L) 
For the installation of woodstoves, fireplaces or other unit heaters the fee shall be $75 each unit.
(M) 
Gasoline pump installation shall be $75.
(N) 
Fire pump installation shall be $75 for pumps under 300 GPM, $150 for pumps over 300 GPM and up to 1,000 GPM, and $200 for pumps over 1,000 GPM.
(O) 
Kitchen exhaust systems exceeding 400 CFM shall be $75.
(P) 
Solar array systems for R-5 groups $85; the fee for all groups other than R-5 shall be $250 each.
(Q) 
For the installation or replacement of fire protection water services the fee shall be, $150.
(5) 
For Mechanical Subcode fees:
(A) 
Replacement or installation HVAC systems or generators for groups R-3 and R-5 the fee shall be $75 per unit.
(B) 
For the replacement of water heaters in R-3 or R-5 groups the fee shall be, $75 per unit.
(6) 
General fees:
(A) 
Plan review fees shall be 25% of the amount to be charged for the construction permit and shall be paid before the plans are reviewed. The amount paid shall be credited toward the total of the fees charged for the construction permit, these fees are non-refundable.
(B) 
An application for a variation from the applicable codes the code shall be $125 per effected subcode.
(C) 
The permit renewal fee shall be 10% of the original construction permit fee with a minimum fee of $75.
(D) 
Administrative fee for a change of contractor shall be $25 per update for each subcode.
(E) 
Plan review revision fees shall be $75 per subcode per revision.
(F) 
Notwithstanding the above schedule of fees, a third-party agency fee and
(7) 
Any fees herein omitted from the above schedule of fees shall be adjusted to conform to the provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20, et seq.
[Added 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. MC 2020-21 ; amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. MC 2022-41]
Editor's Note: Ord. No. 2022-41 relocated the Creation of Division of Parking Utility from § 2:9-17, including § 2:9-17A and § 2:9-17B.
[Amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. MC 2022-41]
There shall be within the Economic Development Department a Division of Parking Utility (the "Division" or the "Utility"). The head of the Division shall be the Superintendent of the Parking Utility. Under the direction and supervision of the Superintendent, the Division shall have the duties and responsibilities set forth herein.
[Amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. MC 2022-41]
The purpose of the Division of Parking shall be to provide municipal parking services through the Parking Utility, by delivering parking services with the responsibility of managing, planning, and operating all aspects and functions which include but are not limited to the collection and repair of on- and off-street parking services. The function of parking enforcement shall be within the Department of Public Works.
[Added 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. MC 2020-21; amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. MC 2022-41]
Editor's Note: Ord. No. 2022-41 relocated the Division of Parking Utility from § 2:9-18, including § 2:9-18A and § 2:9-18B.
[Amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. MC 2022-41]
It is the purpose of this section to empower the City, through the Division of Parking Utility, to perform all such reasonable and necessary functions in connection with providing parking services as afforded to the City by the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40A:5A-20 et seq., without limitation, and the collection of fees therefor. The provision of this section is subject to the ability of the City to provide parking service to the extent permitted by the law, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of any existing contracts which are legally binding upon the City. The Division of Parking Utility shall serve the City.
[Amended 9-12-2022 by Ord. No. MC 2022-41]
As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CUSTOMER
The party contracting for parking service and/or any owner, agent, or occupant responsible for the payment of the fees specified herein.
PARKING SERVICES
Delivering parking services with the responsibility of managing, planning, enforcing and operating all aspects and functions which include but are not limited to the collection and repair of on- and off-street parking services.
PARKING UTILITY
The Parking Utility of the City operated by the Division acting pursuant to the direction of the City through its elected and appointed officials, and performing all functions pertaining to the collection, storage, and distribution of adequate parking services heretofore performed by the City of Plainfield, and as may hereafter be necessary in connection with any additional facilities hereafter constituting part of the City's parking services.
SUPERINTENDENT
The duly appointed head of the Division of Parking Utility.