[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Gloucester 4-10-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-14.[2] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Ch. 20, Trident Solicitor, adopted 2-11-1980 by Ord. No. O-80-02, was repealed 11-10-86 as Ord. No. 0-86-35. Prior to that, former Ch. 20, Shade Tree Commission, adopted 1-17-1972 by Ord. No. 417, amended 2-7-1972 by Ord. No. 418, was repealed 3-26-1976 by Ord. No. O-76-10.
[2]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 43, Construction Codes, Uniform, consisting of Art. I, Administration and Enforcement by Township, adopted 1-14-1977 by Ord. No. O-76-40, and Art. II, Administration and Enforcement by Department of Community Affairs, adopted 6-9-1980 by Ord. No. O-80-16.
A. 
There is hereby established in the Township of Gloucester a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency to be known as the "Construction Code Enforcing Agency of the Township of Gloucester," consisting of a Construction Official, Assistant 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. The Assistant Construction Official shall assist the Construction Official in the administration of this Department and shall be the Construction Official in the absence of the Construction Official. The Township Council of the Township of Gloucester, as it may deem expedient, from time to time, may reorganize positions or open lines of authority between dispersed personnel in different agencies, divisions, departments or capacity by ordinance or resolution.
[Amended 7-10-2017 by Ord. No. O-17-21]
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, as amended,[1] and N.J.A.C. 5:23, provided that, in lieu of any particular subcode official, an on-site inspection agency 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 N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 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.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Section 20-1.A, Certificate of property maintenance compliance required, which previously followed this section, added 10-24-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-41, as amended 3-27-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-11, was repealed 8-24-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-18.
[Amended 6-26-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-29; 5-14-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-19; 12-23-1991 by Ord. No. O-91-62; 12-28-1992 by Ord. No. O-92-67; 12-27-1993 by Ord. No. O-93-62; 9-25-1995 by Ord. No. O-95-44; 10-9-1995 by Ord. No. O-95-51; 5-24-1999 by Ord. No. O-99-16; 7-26-1999 by Ord. No. O-99-23; 12-27-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-40; 5-29-2002 by Ord. No. O-02-21; 2-24-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-07; 7-25-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-22; 9-26-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-33; 1-13-2014 by Ord. No. O-13-22; 4-8-2024 by Ord. No. O-24-08]
A. 
General:
(1) 
Plan review fees, when applicable, are to be computed as a percentage of the overall construction permit fee. The plan review fee is therefore included as part of the cost of the overall construction permit fee(s) and shall be paid upon the issuance of the construction permit.
(a) 
Plan review fees are not refundable.
(2) 
Construction permit fees are to be the total of all applicable fees as stated within Subsection C, titled "Construction Fees," and shall be paid prior to the issuance of the construction permit.
B. 
Plan review fees:
(1) 
The plan review fee, when applicable for all types of construction projects, shall be designated as 10% of the overall construction permit fee(s).
(2) 
The plan review fee for Gloucester Township prototyped construction projects shall be deducted at a rate of 10% from the overall construction fee(s).
(3) 
The plan review fee for projects that have already been reviewed and released by the Department of Community Affairs shall be deducted at a rate of 20% from the overall construction permit fee(s).
(4) 
The plan review fee for projects (that have been statewide prototyped or have other prototype plans where the foundation details are not included) shall be deducted at a rate of 15% from the overall construction permit fee(s).
(5) 
The plan review fee for re-reviewing of previously released plans shall be $75 per hour. This fee will be calculated based on the total of all subcode(s)' hours required to re-release the plans. Fees will be determined at the discretion of the Construction Official with a minimum fee of $57 per subcode.
C. 
Construction fees:
(1) 
The Building Subcode fees shall be:
(a) 
New building and/or addition fee(s) for all use groups shall be charged based on volume at a rate of $0.034 per cubic foot. This shall include the entire structure to be built from footing(s) to the mean height of the roof(s).
[1] 
The minimum fee to be charged for all new buildings and/or additions shall be $200.
[2] 
Exceptions.
[a] 
Exception (1): Large single-story open space buildings over 100,000 square feet shall be charged based on volume at a rate of $0.027 per cubic foot.
[b] 
Exception (2): Garden-type sheds or similar structures that are accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling and no larger than 200 square feet shall be a flat fee of $75.
[c] 
Exception (3): Open structures (roofs without walls) that are accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling shall have a minimum fee of $100.
[d] 
Exception (4): Addition(s) for a one- or two-family dwelling shall be charged at a rate of $0.034 per cubic foot.
(b) 
Alterations, renovations, repairs, re-roofing and all site construction or external utility connections associated with pre-manufactured construction fee(s) for all use groups shall be charged at a rate of $30 per $1,000 of the estimated construction cost. Estimated construction cost shall be defined as the retail value of all materials (purchased or not) and/or labor (charged or not) being provided to complete the project.
[1] 
The minimum fee for alterations, renovations, repairs, re-roofing and all site construction or external utility connections associated with pre-manufactured construction shall be $75.
[2] 
Exceptions.
[a] 
Exception (1): Roofing or Siding for a single family attached dwelling of Use R3 or R-5 shall be a flat fee of $75.
[b] 
Exception (2): Open deck(s) for a one- or two-family dwelling shall be a flat fee of:
[i] 
$75 per deck(s) with an aggregate size of 100 square feet or less.
[ii] 
$125 per deck(s) with an aggregate size of 101 square feet to 200 square feet.
[iii] 
$150 per deck(s) with an aggregate size of 201 square feet to 400 square feet.
[iv] 
$200 per deck(s) with an aggregate size of 401 square feet and over.
(c) 
Fencing for all use groups that is over six feet in height or any fencing being replaced to meet the requirements of the swimming pool code shall be a flat fee of $200.
[1] 
Exception (1): Fencing being installed or replaced to meet the requirements of the swimming pool code for a one or two-family dwelling shall be a flat rate of $75.
(d) 
Temporary structures for all use groups (i.e., tents, trailers, etc.) shall be a flat fee of $150.
(e) 
Retaining wall fee(s) for all use groups shall be charged at a rate of $30 per $1,000 of the estimated cost of construction.
[1] 
Exception (1): Retaining walls associated with a Class 3 residential structure shall be charged a flat fee of:
[a] 
$100 for retaining walls up to and including 550 square feet.
[b] 
$200 for retaining walls over 550 square feet.
(f) 
Swimming pools for all use groups shall be a flat fee of $150 for an aboveground swimming pool; and $300 for an in-ground swimming pool.
[1] 
Exception (1): Swimming pools for one and two-family dwellings shall be a flat fee of:
[a] 
$75 for an aboveground pool; and
[b] 
$150 for an in-ground pool.
(g) 
Signs for all use groups shall be based on the square footage of the sign at a rate of:
[1] 
$4 per square foot for wall-type signs with a minimum fee of $75.
[2] 
$5 per square foot for monument/pylon signs with a min fee of $75.
(h) 
Demolition (removal of building or structure) for all use groups shall be a flat fee of $150.
[1] 
Exception (1): Accessory structure for a one or two-family dwelling (i.e., tanks, garages, pools, etc.) shall be a flat fee of $75.
(i) 
Any and all other structures for all use groups not specifically mentioned in this chapter shall be feed as an alteration at a rate of $30 per $1,000 of the estimated construction cost.
(j) 
Solar photovoltaic system fee(s) for all use groups shall be $500.
[1] 
Exception (1): Solar photovoltaic system fee(s) for a one or two-family dwelling shall be $180.
(k) 
Unless specifically stated otherwise the minimum fee for the Building Subcode shall be $75.
(2) 
The Electrical Subcode fees shall be:
(a) 
The total number of electrical fixtures and devices, lighting outlets, switches, fluorescent fixtures, convenience receptacles or similar devices or motors less than 1 h.p. or 1 kw from quantity 1 to 50: x $50.
(b) 
Each additional increment of 25 fixtures or devices, motors of less than 1 h.p. or 1 kw: x $15.
(c) 
Each service equipment, panel board, switch gear, motor control center or disconnect rated 225 amps or less: x $55.
(d) 
Each service equipment, panel board, switch gear, motor control center, disconnect rated greater than 225 amps and less than 1,000 amps: x $115.
(e) 
Each service equipment, panel board, switch gear, motor control center or disconnect rated greater than 1,000 amps: x $575.
(f) 
Each motor or device 1 h.p. or 1 kw and up to 10 h.p. or 10 kw: x $15.
(g) 
Each motor or device of more than 10 h.p. or 10 kw and not exceeding 50 h.p. or 50 kw: x $55.
(h) 
Each motor or device greater than 50 h.p. or 50 kw and not exceeding 100 h.p. or 112.5 kw: x $115.
(i) 
Each motor or device greater than 100 h.p. or 112.5 kw: x $575.
(j) 
Solar photovoltaic system fee(s) for all use groups sized at 1 kw to 50 kw shall be $180.
(k) 
Solar photovoltaic system fee(s) for all use groups sized at 51 kw to 100 kw shall be $400.
(l) 
Solar photovoltaic system fee(s) for all use groups greater than 100 kw shall be $600.
(m) 
Swimming pool fee(s) for all use groups shall be a flat fee of:
[1] 
$130 for aboveground swimming pools; and
[2] 
$260 for in-ground swimming pools.
[a] 
Exception (1): Swimming pool fee(s) for one- and two-family dwellings shall be:
[i] 
$75 for aboveground swimming pools.
[ii] 
$150 for in-ground swimming pools.
(n) 
Standby generators, solar battery backups and 240v electric vehicle chargers for Use Groups R-3 and R-5 shall be a flat fee of $100.
(o) 
Unless specifically stated otherwise the minimum fee for the Electrical Subcode shall be $75.
(3) 
Fire protection subcode fees:
(a) 
The fee for heads or detectors is as follows:
[1] 
Twenty or fewer heads or detectors: $80.
[2] 
Twenty-one to and including 100 heads or detectors: $150.
[3] 
One hundred one to and including 200 heads or detectors: $280.
[4] 
Two hundred one to and including 400 heads or detectors: $740.
[5] 
Four hundred one to and including 1,000 heads or detectors: $1,030.
[6] 
Over 1,000 heads or detectors: $1,320.
Exception: R-3 and R-5 shall be calculated at $5 per detector or minimum subcode fee. In computing fees for heads or detectors, the number of each shall be counted separately and two fees will be charged.
(b) 
The fee for each standpipe will be: x $280.
(c) 
The fee for each independent pre-engineered system will be: x $110.
(d) 
The fee for each fuel-fired appliance which is not connected to the plumbing system will be: x $56.
(e) 
The fee for each commercial kitchen exhaust system will be: x $156.
(f) 
The fee for each incinerator will be: x $450.
(g) 
The fee for each crematorium will be: x $450.
(h) 
The fee for the removal or installation of each flammable and combustible tank will be: x $75.
(i) 
The fee for the installation of roof-top solar panels where fire setbacks are required shall be a flat fee of $75.
(j) 
Unless specifically stated otherwise the minimum fee for the Fire Subcode shall be $75.
(4) 
The Plumbing Subcode fees shall be:
(a) 
The total number of fixtures, pieces of equipment or appliances connected to the plumbing system and stacks: x $15.
(b) 
The total number of gas piping connections to each appliance: x $15.
(c) 
Grease traps, oil separators, water-cooled air-conditioning units and refrigeration units, utility service connections, backflow preventers, steam boilers, hot water boilers, active solar systems, sewer pumps, interceptors, fuel oil piping and L.P. tanks under 2,000 gallons: x $80.
(d) 
Cross connections and backflow preventers that are subject to testing and which require inspection annually shall be $75 (per device when tested).
(e) 
Swimming pool fee(s) for all use groups shall be a flat fee of $130 for all swimming pools.
[1] 
Exception (1): Swimming pool fee(s) for one- and two-family dwellings shall be: $75 for all swimming pools (not including heaters).
(f) 
Unless specifically stated otherwise the minimum fee for the Plumbing Subcode shall be $75.
(5) 
Elevator subcode fees: All activities relating to elevator subcode as defined in N.J.A.C. 5:23-12, the New Jersey State Department of Community Affairs shall be the sole enforcing agency.
(6) 
The swimming pool permit fees shall supersede the fees required for construction and use of swimming pools under Chapter 75, Code of Gloucester Township.
(7) 
Mechanical Subcode Fees:
(a) 
The fee for a mechanical inspection in Use Group R-3, R-4 or R-5 structure by a mechanical inspector shall be:
[1] 
$75 for the first device.
[2] 
$15 for each additional device.
(b) 
New ductwork installation for existing Use Groups R-3, R-4 or R-5 shall be a flat fee of $75.
(c) 
Ductwork modifications for existing Use Groups R-3, R-4 or R-5 shall be a flat fee of $15.
(d) 
Unless specifically stated otherwise the minimum fee for the Mechanical Subcode shall be $75.
(8) 
Handicapped fees:
(a) 
Pursuant to the authority under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-12e, no construction permit fee shall be required for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, improvement or repair of a structure and related devices installed or erected for the sole purpose to promote accessibility by the handicapped: handicapped being defined under N.J.S.A. 52:27d-126e; and conforming to the current N.J.A.C. 5:23.7 Barrier Free Subcode, and any subsequent amendments or additions thereto. Waiving of the fees, in no way waives the right of the enforcing agency to request plans for the purpose of reviewing plans for code compliance.
(9) 
Miscellaneous fees:
(a) 
The fee shall be computed based upon the volume of new construction X the current rate set by N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.19 and as amended from time to time.
(b) 
Application for variation:
[1] 
Class I structures: $500.
[2] 
Class II structures: $300.
[3] 
Class III structures: $100.
Applicants must submit variation application with the appropriate fee.
(c) 
Reinstatement fee: Whenever a permit has become expired by definition of N.J.A.C. 5:23, the fee, upon request and approval of the Construction Official, may be reinstated at a rate not to exceed 25% of the original fee charged.
(10) 
Refunds: Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.27, in the case of a discontinuance of a building project, the plan review fee and state training fees are not refundable.
D. 
Certificate fees:
(1) 
Certificate of occupancy for all use groups shall be a flat fee of:
(a) 
New building: 10% of the permit fee with a minimum fee of $100.
(b) 
Addition: 10% of the permit fee with a minimum fee of $100.
(c) 
Tenant fit up: 10% of the permit fee with a minimum fee of $100.
(d) 
Reconstruction: 10% of the permit fee with a minimum fee of $100.
[1] 
Exception (1): Certificate of occupancy fee(s) for an addition or reconstruction as defined under the Rehab Code on a one or two-family dwelling shall be 10% of the permit fee with a minimum fee of $50.
(2) 
Temporary certificate of occupancy or any renewals for all use groups shall be a flat fee of $50.
(a) 
Exception (1): There shall be no fee charged for the first temporary certificate of occupancy issued for the project.
(3) 
Certificate of continued occupancy for all use groups shall be a flat fee of $150.
(4) 
Certificate of occupancy for a change of use shall be a flat fee of $150.
(5) 
Certificate of approval for all use groups shall be no charge.
(6) 
Certificate of compliance for all use groups shall be no charge.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 20-4, Fire limits, which immediately followed this section, was repealed 6-26-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-29.
[Added 3-27-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-07]
Any person or corporation who shall violate a provision of this chapter or who shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereto shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of not more than $1,000 or be liable to imprisonment for not more than 60 days. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense and be punished by a like fine or penalty.