[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Harrison as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Development fees — See Ch. 110, Art. I.
Uniform Fire Code — See Ch. 119, Art. I.
[Adopted 12-20-1976 by Ord. No. 5-1976]
A. 
There is hereby established in the Township of Harrison, in the County of Gloucester, a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency to be known as the "Harrison Township Construction Code Enforcing Agency," 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.
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 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 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 location except for emergencies and unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances.
[Last amended 10-20-2025 by Ord. No. 26-2025]
The fee for a construction permit shall be the sum of the subcode fees listed in Subsections A through E hereof and shall be paid before the permit is issued.
A. 
The building subcode fees shall be:
(1) 
For new construction: $0.038 per cubic foot of building or structure volume provided that the minimum fee shall be $200.
EXCEPTION: Exception to such minimum charge shall apply to small sheds (over 200 square feet), residential garages not insulated and other small uninsulated accessory structures on residential properties, as determined by the Construction Official. The minimum fee shall be $95.
(2) 
For renovations, alterations or repairs: $34 for each $1,000 of estimated cost of work. In all cases the minimum fee shall be $90.
(3) 
For additions: $0.038 per cubic foot of building or structure volume provided that the minimum fee shall be $200.
(4) 
For combinations or renovations and additions: the sum of the fee computed separately for renovations and for additions.
(5) 
For construction, addition or alteration of a building (excluding farmhouses) which is utilized for active commercial farming purposes and is located on property which is subject to farmland assessment: $0.006 per cubic foot of building or structure volume provided that the minimum fee shall be $90.
(6) 
Modular and manufactured home installation: fees shall be based upon estimated cost of work, $40 per $1,000 of cost. ("Work" to be defined as installation of home, basements, porches, carports, garages.) Minimum charge of $350. Includes electric, plumbing, and fire hookup cost.
(7) 
The fee for the construction or installation of an aboveground swimming pool shall be $100 for a pool with a surface area greater than 550 square feet; the fee in all other cases shall be $75. The fee for the construction or installation of an in-ground swimming pool shall be $300 for a pool with a surface area greater than 550 square feet; the fee in all other cases shall be $200. For repairs of a swimming pool: aboveground, $100; in-ground, $200; spa, hot tub, $50.
(8) 
For construction or installation of any type of heat-producing, or energy-producing (except photovoltaic solar equipment): $29 per $1,000 of estimated cost of work, and in all cases, the minimum fee shall be $75.
(9) 
For construction or installation of any type of an energy producing windmill: $75.
(10) 
For installation or replacement of roofing and siding (other than one- and two-family dwellings): $34 per $1,000 of estimated work and, in all cases, the minimum fee shall be $90.
(11) 
For installation of a fireplace: $75.
(12) 
For installation of a woodburning stove or chimney flue liner: $75.
(13) 
For installation or replacement of retaining walls:
(a) 
The fee for a retaining wall with a surface area greater than 550 square feet that is associated with a Class 3 residential structure shall be $150;
(b) 
The fee for a retaining wall with a surface area of 550 square feet or less that is associated with a Class 3 residential structure shall be $75;
(c) 
The fee for a newly constructed retaining wall of any size at other than a Class 3 residential structure shall be based on the cost of the construction.
B. 
The plumbing subcode fees shall be as follows and shall be paid before inspection is made. For each plumbing application, a minimum fee shall be $90. Additional fees shall apply to the following devices:
Device
Fee
Water closet
$15
Urinal/bidet
$15
Bathtub
$15
Lavatory
$15
Shower
$15
Floor drains
$15
Sink
$15
Dishwasher
$15
Drinking fountain
$15
Washing machines
$15
Hose bib
$15
Condensate drains
$15
Water heater
$15
Steam boiler
$91
Hot water boiler
$91
Sewer pump
$91
Interceptor/separator
$91
Backflow device
$91
Grease trap
$91
Water-cooled A/C refrigeration unit
$91
Sewer connection
$91
Water connection
$91
L.P. cylinders and piping
$91
Booster pumps
$91
Testing of backflow preventers
$91
Oil piping
$65
Gas piping
$65
Lawn sprinkler (backflow preventer)
$75
Stacks
$15
Swimming pool entrapment protection
$70
C. 
Mechanical subcode fees shall only be applicable to the R-3, R-4 and R-5 Use Groups, and shall be charged as follows:
(1) 
The fee for the replacement of an individual fuel-fired mechanical device shall be a minimum fee for the first device of $60, and $30 for each additional device and shall include inspection for required combustion air.
(2) 
No separate fee shall be charged for gas, fuel oil, or water piping connections associated with the mechanical equipment inspection.
(3) 
A flat fee in the sum of $120 shall be charged for each new or replacement complete HVAC system installation, consisting of a furnace, compressor, a-coil, drip pan, condensate pump or discharge line, humidifier, combustion air, or any combination thereof.
(4) 
A flat fee in the sum of $100 shall be charged for each new fuel-fired generator installation.
D. 
Fire protection subcode. The minimum fee for a permit shall be $90. Permit fees for fire protection devices shall be as follows:
(1) 
Sprinkler systems, all types:
(a) 
One to 20 heads: $91.
(b) 
21 to 200 heads: $321.
(c) 
201 to 400 heads: $831.
(d) 
401 plus heads, additional: $50 per 100 heads.
(2) 
Stand pipes:
(a) 
To 50 feet of pipe: $100.
(b) 
51 to 100 feet of pipe: $175.
(c) 
101 plus feet of pipe, additional: $50 per 100 feet.
(3) 
Special suppression systems:
(a) 
Carbon dioxide system:
[1] 
One to 75 pounds of agent: $60.
[2] 
76 pounds plus: $85.
(b) 
Dry chemical or comparable systems, per 50 pounds: $40.
(c) 
Halogenated or clean agent systems:
[1] 
One to 35 pounds of agent: $60.
[2] 
36 pounds plus: $95.
(d) 
Wet chemical suppression systems:
[1] 
To 25 gallons: $60.
[2] 
26 plus gallons: $95.
(4) 
Commercial kitchen hood exhaust systems. Fee shall be $65 per unit. The minimum fee shall be $90.
(5) 
Fuel-fired equipment, including heat-producing devices, other than in Use Groups R-3, R-4 and R-5, shall be $30 per $1,000 of estimated cost of work (material and labor). The minimum fee shall be $90.
(6) 
Alarms. Smoke detectors, heat detectors, bells, pull stations and all other sounding devices. The minimum fee shall be $90.
(a) 
Fee, Residential R-3, R-4: $5 each unit.
(b) 
All other groups:
Number of Detectors
Fee
1 to 20
$75
21 to 200
$100
201 to 400
$150
400 plus
$50 addition
(7) 
Flammable/combustible tanks. Residential: $40. All other uses $10 per $1,000 costs. The minimum fee shall be $90.
E. 
The electrical subcode inspection fee shall be as follows and shall be paid before inspection is made. For each electrical application, a minimum fee shall be $90.
(1) 
Wiring and fixtures. All switches, receptacles and lighting outlets, detectors F.H.P. motors, emergency and exits, etc., to be counted as outlets.
(a) 
One to 50: $45.
(b) 
For each additional 25 outlets or fraction (increments of 25): $15.
(2) 
Vapor lamps and mogul sockets 300 watts and over:
(a) 
Interior or exterior wall or ceiling mounted:
[1] 
One to five: $45.
[2] 
Each additional one: $8.
(b) 
Exterior lights standards, etc.:
[1] 
Poles one to five (two inspections required): $65.
[2] 
Each additional one: $8.
(3) 
Swimming pools:
(a) 
Aboveground and spas: $100.
(b) 
In-ground (three inspections required): $200.
(c) 
Electric pool heaters: $45.
(d) 
Installation and fees for any items not listed, minimum fee: $90.
(e) 
Water softeners, water fountains, spa hot tubs, hydro-massage bathtubs, therapeutic pools: $50.
(4) 
Residential electric ranges, hot water heaters, welders, clothes dryers and similar devices:
(a) 
For each outlet for single unit of 20 KW or less: $35.
(b) 
Each additional unit: $12.
(c) 
Dishwashers, garbage disposal and trash compactors: $12.
(5) 
Heat pumps, air handlers, air-conditioning compressor/condenser, and furnaces: $35; each additional one, $12.
(6) 
Paddle fans: Fixture Schedule in Subsection E(1).
(7) 
Bath fans: Fixture Schedule in Subsection E(1).
(8) 
Well pumps: $12.
(9) 
Electric baseboard:
(a) 
One to five: $45.
(b) 
Each additional unit (per baseboard): $8.
(c) 
Oil or gas furnaces, residential: $12.
(10) 
Motor-driven equipment: apply Motor Schedule.
(11) 
Motors:
Horsepower or Kilowatt
Fee
1 to 10 HP or KW, each
$45
11 to 30 HP or KW, each
$60
31 to 45 HP
$80
46 to 100 HP
$300
101 HP and up
$500
(12) 
Motor control centers:
Amperes
Fee
0 to 100
$45
101 to 400
$90
401 to 600
$125
601 to 1,000
$250
1,001 to 2,000
$350
2,001 and up
$450
(13) 
Feeders (relocated, replacement, added to or original equipment): apply Service Equipment Schedule.
(14) 
Service and meter equipment and subpanels (relocated, replacement, added to, or original equipment installations):
Amperes
Fee
0 to 100
$50
101 to 200
$60
201 to 400
$175
401 to 600
$275
601 to 1,000
$475
1,000 and up
$625
(15) 
Capacitors:
(a) 
One unit: $25.
(b) 
Each additional unit: $5.
(c) 
Group capacitors: change as per Motor Schedule. Note: Motors equipped with capacitors during original installation, no charge.
(16) 
Transformers vaults - outdoors - enclosures, generators, outdoor substations:
Kilowatt or Kilovolt Ampere
Fee
1 to 10 KW (KVA)
$45
11 to 30 KW (KVA)
$55
31 to 45 KW (KVA)
$85
46 to 100 KW (KVA)
$275
101 and up KW (KVA)
$550
(17) 
The fee for a permit to construct an electric sign, billboard, etc., shall be as follows:
(a) 
Fees for pylon signs shall be $4 per square foot for the first 100 square feet, $3 per square foot for the next 400 square feet and $2 per square foot thereafter;
(b) 
Fees for ground signs or wall signs shall be $2 per square foot for the first 100 square feet, $1.50 per square foot for the next 400 square feet and $1 per square foot thereafter;
(c) 
The minimum fee shall be $90.
(18) 
Annual inspection of public swimming pools, spas and hot tubs as required under N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(1):[1] $100.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18, Subdivision (k).
(19) 
Protective signaling devices:
(a) 
Fire alarm system, burglar alarm system: $25.
(b) 
Smoke detector for R-3, each: $3.
(c) 
Smoke detector for commercial uses and industrial uses, each: $3.
(20) 
Commercial refrigeration, etc., walk-in units: apply Motor Schedule:
(a) 
Display and storage units, each: $40.
(b) 
Additional, each: $5.
(21) 
Electrical power and controls for life support equipment:
(a) 
Emergency backup power: apply Motor and Generator Schedule.
(b) 
Controls: apply Panel Schedule.
(c) 
All others: apply Fire Subcode Schedule.
F. 
The fees for permits, certificates, special and miscellaneous service not hereinbefore provided for shall be as follows and shall be paid before the permit or certificate is issued and before the service is performed:
(1) 
For a permit for demolition of a one-family or two-family residence: $100.
(2) 
For a permit for demolition of a shed or garage: $75.
(3) 
For a permit for demolition of any other building or structure not provided for by Subsection F(1) or (2) set forth above: $200.
(4) 
For a permit for a tank removal for a residential structure: $75. All other use groups up to 2,000 gallons: $100.
(5) 
For a permit for removal of a building or structure from one lot to another or to a new location on the same lot shall be the sum of all the subcode fees for new construction listed in § 97-2A, B and C of this chapter and shall be paid before the permit is issued.
(6) 
A permit shall be required for all signs: $40 up to $500 costs and $75 over $500 costs. However, no permit is required for a freestanding, ground surface sign supported by uprights or braces, not served by electricity, and not having dimensions in excess of 25 square feet in surface area and not more than six feet above the ground (mounted height).
(7) 
For a certificate of occupancy for a newly constructed building or structure, the fee shall be 5% of the total fees, provided that the minimum shall be $25.
(8) 
The fee for reinstatement of a lapsed permit shall be 20% of the cost of the original permit or $25, whichever is greater.
(9) 
The fee for first issuance and the renewal of a temporary certificate of occupancy shall be $30. Exception: There shall be no fee for the first issuance of the temporary certificate of occupancy provided that the certificate of occupancy fee is paid at that time.
(10) 
Asbestos. An administrative fee of $70 for each construction permit issued for an asbestos hazard abatement project.
(a) 
An administrative fee of $14 for each certificate of occupancy issued following the successful completion of an asbestos hazard abatement project.
(11) 
The fee for plan review of new construction, including additions and major alterations, shall be 20% of the construction permit amount, which shall be credited on the amount of the fee charged for the construction permit. For residential property owned by an American veteran, the fee for plan review for new residential construction, including additions and major alterations, shall be 5% of the construction permit amount, which shall be credited on the amount of the fee charged for the construction permit. Proof of veteran status must be presented at the time of application. The plan review fee shall not be refundable.
(12) 
For plans already reviewed, those plans processed as prototype, there will be a discount of 10% of the construction permit fee. Said prototype plan approvals shall be valid for the purpose of applying for the construction permit until six months after the adoption of the addition of the code as set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.6, Subdivision (b). When submitting under prototype plan review, the Construction Code Office must be informed prior to plan review.
(13) 
Code variation. A fee of $50 shall be charged for an application for a variation to the code.
(14) 
On-going inspection: state guidelines as published in UCC of N.J.A.C. 5:23 et seq.
(15) 
Elevator: As established by N.J.A.C. 5:23 et seq.
(16) 
If fee is not listed for specific items the Construction Official and appropriate Subcode Official will set the fee.
(17) 
In order for the training certification and technical support program required by the Uniform Construction Code Act, the regulations, the enforcing agency shall collect, in addition to the fees specified above, a surcharge fee as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23 et seq. Said surcharge fee shall be remitted to the Department of Community Affairs Enforcing Office on a quarterly basis.
(18) 
Photovoltaic solar panel systems:
(a) 
Electrical flat fee, each: $200 for under 10KW, over 10KW: $300, over 20KW to 30KW: $400. See Solar Fees.
(b) 
Building flat fee, each: $200.
(c) 
System greater than 100 kilowatts shall be, building flat fee: $400.
(d) 
System greater than 100 kilowatts shall be, electrical flat fee: $400.
(e) 
Solar farms priced as per fixtures.
(19) 
Any item not listed herein. $75.
(20) 
Electronic permit submission surcharges.
(a) 
In order to support the maintenance and software licensing fees associated with the electronic permitting system, the Township, issuing permits using the NJEPPRS, shall collect a surcharge fee to be based upon the value of new construction under the permit.
(b) 
Amount. This fee shall be in the amount of $1 per $1,000 of value of construction.
[1] 
No fee shall be collected for pre-engineered systems of commercial farm buildings.
[2] 
No fee shall be collected for permits to perform asbestos abatement or lead abatement.
[3] 
No fee shall be collected for permits for the construction or rehabilitation of residential units that are to be legally restricted to occupancy by households of low- or moderate-income, as defined at N.J.A.C. 5:43-1.5.
[4] 
No fee shall be collected for demolition of buildings or structures.
[5] 
No fee shall be collected for work consequential to a natural disaster when the local code enforcement agency is waiving its fee.
[6] 
The minimum permit surcharge fee shall be $5.
[7] 
No fee shall be submitted to the Department if the Township is not utilizing NJEPPRS.
(21) 
Any item not listed herein: $75.
The Construction Official shall, with the advice of the subcode officials, prepare and submit to the Township Committee biannually a report recommending a fee schedule based on the operating expenses of the Agency, and any other expenses of the municipality fairly attributable to the enforcement of the State Uniform Construction Code Act.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.
In order to provide for the training, certification, and technical support programs required by the Uniform Construction Code Act and the regulations, the Enforcing Agency shall collect in addition to the fees specified above, a surcharge fee of $0.0006 per cubic foot of volume of new construction. Said surcharge fee shall be remitted to the Bureau of Housing Inspection, Department of Community Affairs, on a quarterly basis for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30, and not later than one month next succeeding the end of the quarter for which it is due. In the fiscal year in which the regulations first become effective, said fee shall be collected and remitted for the third and fourth quarters only.
The Enforcing Agency shall report annually at the end of each fiscal year to the Bureau of Housing Inspection, and not later than July 31, the total amount of the surcharge fee collected in the fiscal year. In the fiscal year in which the regulations first become effective, said report shall be for the third and fourth quarters only.
A. 
Any person or corporation, including an officer, director or employee of a corporation, who violates any of the provisions of this article; constructs a structure or building in violation of a condition of a building permit; fails to comply with any order issued by the Harrison Township Construction Code Enforcing Agency; makes a false or misleading written statement, or omits any required information or statement in any application or request for approval to the Harrison Township Construction Code Enforcing Agency shall be subject to the penalties provided by the Uniform Construction Code Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-138.
[Amended 12-6-2004 by Ord. No. 40-2004; 10-1-2007 by Ord. No. 45-2007]
B. 
Anyone who knowingly refuses entry or access to an inspector lawfully authorized to inspect any premises, building or structure pursuant to the provisions of this article or the State Uniform Construction Code Act (c. 217, P.L. 1975) or who unreasonably interferes with such an inspection shall be subject to the penalties provided by the Uniform Construction Code Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-138.
[Amended 12-6-2004 by Ord. No. 40-2004; 10-1-2007 by Ord. No. 45-2007]
C. 
With respect to Subsection A(3) of this section, a person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each day that he fails to comply with a stop-construction order validly issued by said Enforcing Agency and for each week that he fails to comply with any other order validly issued by said Enforcing Agency. With respect to Subsections A(1) and (4) of this section, a person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each violation of any provision of this article and for each false or misleading written statement or omission of required information or statement made in any application or request for approval to said Enforcing Agency. With respect to Subsection A(2) of this section, a person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each violation of the conditions of a construction permit.
D. 
The penalties pursuant to this section may be collected in a summary proceeding pursuant to the Penalty Enforcement Law (N.J.S.A. 2A:58-10 et seq.) by suit instituted in any court of competent jurisdiction, including Municipal Magistrates Courts as authorized and provided for by the State Uniform Construction Code Act Section 20(d), c. 217, P.L. 1975[1].
[Amended 10-1-2007 by Ord. No. 45-2007]
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:27D-138(d).
[Adopted 8-31-1992 by Ord. No. 12-1992; amended in its entirety 1-21-2025 by Ord. No. 01-2025]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
APPLICATION FEES, CONSTRUCTION FEES AND SURCHARGES
Refers to charges normally charged by the Township to an applicant for the review of an application for development under Chapters 34, 174, 176 and 192 of the Harrison Township Code, a construction permit and/or building subcode fees imposed pursuant to the Township Construction Fee Schedule.[1]
NONPROFIT CORPORATION
Refers only to any charitable, philanthropic, fraternal or religious nonprofit organization, recognized as holding a tax exempt status under the Federal Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501, Subdivision (c) or (d).
VETERAN
Refers to a person who served in the active military, naval or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Art. I of this chapter.
Any application for land development, construction or building subcode permit filed for or on behalf of a veteran or charitable, philanthropic, fraternal or religious nonprofit organization as defined in this article may request that a portion of the fees for such an application or appeal be waived.
The applicant shall request a waiver of fees under this article as follows:
A. 
A qualified nonprofit organization or veteran seeking a partial exemption from payment of any fee shall request such exemption in writing to the Municipal Clerk.
B. 
Any written application for exemption under this article shall include a copy of the nonprofit organization's current federal tax exemption certificate, and for a veteran, a copy of their DD 214, DD 256 or similar discharge papers and separation documents.
C. 
The applicant shall provide verification from the Township Tax Collector that all municipal taxes and assessments on the property in question are current as of the date of application for waiver of fees.
D. 
The Municipal Clerk shall forward the written request and documentation to the Township Committee for consideration of the exemption.
The Township Committee, upon showing by the applicant that it is a charitable, philanthropic, fraternal or religious nonprofit organization recognized under the Federal Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 501, Subdivision (c) or (d), is the holder of a current federal tax-exempt status, or is a veteran and presents valid discharge papers and separation documents, and is current with all municipal taxes and assessments on the property in question, may waive 50% of the application fees, construction fees and/or surcharges as defined in this article.