[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Mount Laurel 12-3-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-16.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 66, Construction Codes, Uniform, adopted 12-20-1976 by Ord. No. 1976-12, as amended.
A. 
There is hereby established in the Township of Mount Laurel a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency to be known as "Division of Inspection," consisting of a Construction Official, Building 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 the Mount Laurel Municipal Center, 100 North Mount Laurel Road, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, except for emergencies and unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances.
[Amended 2-3-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-1; 4-21-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-10; 8-2-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-13[1]; 6-1-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-10; 3-15-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-7; 9-20-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-16; 4-8-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-9; 3-8-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-5; 2-2-2026 by Ord. No. 2026-2]
A. 
Building fees.
(1) 
New construction and additions.
(a) 
Fees shall be based upon the volume of the structure.
[1] 
Volume shall be computed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.28.
[2] 
Use groups shall be classified and defined in Chapter 3 of the Building Subcode as adopted by N.J.A.C. 5:23-3. Class of building shall be determined in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.3A(d).
(b) 
All use groups except as listed below in Subsection A(1)(c): $0.050 per cubic foot.
(c) 
Single-story structures or portions thereof for Uses S-1, S-2: $0.036 per cubic foot.
[1] 
The calculated height shall be limited to 20 feet (plus below-floor calculation) for Uses S-1, S-2.
(2) 
Reconstruction, alteration, renovation, repair.
(a) 
Fees shall be based upon the estimated cost of work.
[1] 
Estimated cost of work shall be computed per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15(a)4 and N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)2i3.
[2] 
Where any material or labor proposed for installation in the building or structure is furnished or provided at no cost, its normal or usual cost shall be included in the estimated cost.
[3] 
If requested by the Construction Official, for the purpose of determining estimated cost, the applicant shall submit to the Construction Official such cost 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.
[4] 
The Construction Official shall make the final decision regarding cost.
(b) 
Use groups R-3 and R-5 shall be:
[1] 
Up to $50,000: $45 per $1,000.
[2] 
$50,001 to $100,000: $35 per $1,000.
[3] 
Over 100,000: $30 per $1,000.
(c) 
All other use groups shall be:
[1] 
Up to $50,000: $45 per $1,000.
[2] 
$50,001 to $100,000: $35 per $1,000.
[3] 
Over $100,000: $30 per $1,000.
(3) 
Tents requiring a UCC permit: $155.
(4) 
Roofing and siding (as applicable per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2): All use groups for both roofing and siding shall be calculated per Building Subsection A(2).
(5) 
Swimming pools.
(a) 
Aboveground pools for use groups R-3 and R-5: $105.
(b) 
Aboveground pools for all other uses: $350.
(c) 
In-ground pools for use groups R-3 and R-5: $255.
(d) 
In-ground pools for all other uses: $750.
(6) 
Fences and pool barriers.
(a) 
Fences used as pool barriers: $75.
(b) 
Fences requiring a UCC permit, other than pool barriers shall be calculated per Building Fees, Subsection A(2).
(7) 
Storage sheds and similar non-occupiable structures, i.e., gazebo, carport, trellis, etc.
(a) 
Up to 225 square feet: $75.
(b) 
226 to 400 square feet: $130.
(c) 
Over 400 square feet shall be calculated per Building Fees, Subsection A(1) or (2), as applicable.
(8) 
Decks.
(a) 
The fee shall be calculated per Building Fees, Subsection A(2).
(9) 
Demolition.
(a) 
Demolition of a building or structure has determined in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.3A(d).
[1] 
Class I: $300.
[2] 
Class II: $200.
[3] 
Class III: $100.
(b) 
Note: All R-3 and R-5 uses are class III.
(10) 
Radon mitigation system: $75.
(11) 
Storage and racking systems for all use groups except R-3 or R-5 shall be calculated per Building Fees, Subsection A(2).
(12) 
Solar/photovoltaic systems.
(a) 
Use group R-3 or R-5: $175.
(b) 
All other use groups shall be calculated per Building Fees, Subsection A(2).
(13) 
Retaining walls.
(a) 
Use group R-3 or R-5.
[1] 
Less than 550 square feet of surface area (above and below grade): $150.
[2] 
550 sf or greater: $275.
(b) 
All other use groups shall be calculated per Building Fees, Subsection A(2).
(14) 
Lead/asbestos abatement.
(a) 
Lead hazard abatement work requiring a UCC permit: $235.
(b) 
Lead abatement clearance certificate: $50.
(c) 
Asbestos abatement work requiring a UCC permit: $118.
(d) 
Asbestos abatement certificate: $24.
(15) 
Signs.
(a) 
Sign size shall be gross overall size of sign based upon one side only.
(b) 
Pylon signs.
[1] 
First 100 square feet: $7 per square foot.
[2] 
Next 400 square feet: $6 per square foot.
[3] 
Thereafter: $4 per square foot.
(c) 
Ground or wall signs.
[1] 
First 100 square feet: $4 per square foot.
[2] 
Next 400 square feet: $3 per square foot.
[3] 
Thereafter: $2 per square foot.
(16) 
Pre-manufactured solid fuel (wood) stoves, fireplaces, heaters, etc.: $150.
(17) 
Chimney liner dedicated for solid-fuel-burning appliance or equipment: $50.
(18) 
Relocation of a building or structure/set fee.
(a) 
Includes construction trailer, premanufactured construction, modular, etc.
(b) 
Shall be calculated per Building Fees, Subsection A(2).
(c) 
Cost shall include new foundation, anchorage, pad, placement of structure in a completed condition at the site, etc.
(d) 
Structures as listed in Building Fees, Subsection A(7), shall be excluded.
(19) 
Light standard, light pole, lamppost, flagpole, etc. requiring a footing.
(a) 
Up to eight feet in height: $25.
(b) 
Over eight feet in total height: $40.
(20) 
Towers or dish antennas $200.
B. 
Plumbing fees.
(1) 
Plumbing fixtures, devices, stacks.
(a) 
All fixtures, appliances, equipment, and devices, such as but not limited to, water closets, urinals, bidets, bathtubs, showers, lavatory, floor drain, floor sink, standpipe, sink, dishwasher, drinking fountain, washing machine, hose bib/sillcock, condensate drain, air admittance device, area drain, vent/drainage stack, indirect waste trap, food waste disposer, roof drain, water filtration, roof hydrant, misc. connection, etc.
[1] 
Use group R-3 or R-5: $25.
[2] 
All other use groups: $30.
(2) 
Backflow preventers.
(a) 
Non-testable backflow preventer: $75.
(b) 
Use group R-3 or R-5 testable: $75.
(c) 
All other uses testable: $115.
(d) 
Certificate of compliance for testable backflow preventers: $100.
[1] 
Minimum charge does not apply.
[2] 
Not applicable for use groups R-3 or R-5.
[3] 
Not applicable for initial testing and commissioning.
(3) 
Interceptors (including grease), separators, neutralizes, dilution tanks: $130.
(4) 
Pumps.
(a) 
Sump pump or individual fixture pump: fee per Plumbing Fees Subsection A(1).
(b) 
Sewage pump, ejector/grinder/booster pump, etc.: $125.
(5) 
Sewer piping and connection: $125.
(6) 
Water service and connection: $125.
(7) 
Combination domestic and fire water service all uses except R-3 or R-5: $175.
(8) 
Pools.
(a) 
Pool drain: $75.
(b) 
Hydrostatic pool pressure test per ISPSC: $35.
(c) 
Pool heater, use group R-3 or R-5: $75.
(d) 
Pool heater all other use groups: $100.
(9) 
Gas, oil, or LPG piping systems (including rearrangement, extension, or new).
(a) 
Use group R-3 or R-5 piping system: $50.
(b) 
All other use groups piping system: $109.
(c) 
Use group R-3 or R-5 outlet or appliance/equipment connection: $20.
(d) 
All other use groups outlet or appliance/equipment connection: $28.
(e) 
Pressure test on existing gas piping system with no other work: $65.
(f) 
LPG Tank.
[1] 
R-3 or R-5: $50.
[2] 
All other uses: $150.
(10) 
Chimney liner served by all types of fuel (except solid fuels): $50.
(11) 
Equipment/appliance.
(a) 
Water heater: $65.
(b) 
Use groups R-2, R-3 or R-5 steam or hot-water boiler, furnace/Air handler: $85.
(c) 
All other use groups steam or hot-water boiler, furnace/Air handler, RTU, etc.: $150.
(d) 
Use groups R-2, R-3 or R-5 air conditioning or Heat Pump: $50.
(e) 
All other use groups air conditioning or Heat Pump: $150.
(f) 
Fireplace inserts all except solid fuel: $65.
(g) 
Generator or pool heater use group R-3 or R-5: $75.
(h) 
All other use groups generator or pool heater: $100.
Note: This fee shall be in lieu of the fee calculated per Subsection B(11)(a) through (d).
(12) 
Miscellaneous.
(a) 
The fees in Plumbing Fees, Subsections B(12)(b) through (e) are in addition to all associated devices/fixtures and appurtenances as calculated per Subsection B(1) through (10).
(b) 
Dental/medical vacuum system/medical gas: $150.
(c) 
Hydronic piping for geothermal, baseboard, floor heating, etc. (includes hydrostatic pressure test where applicable): $150.
(d) 
Active solar thermal system: $150.
(e) 
Refrigeration system: $100.
(f) 
Carbonated beverage system requiring UCC permit: $75.
(g) 
Septic tank/cesspool abandonment: $85.
C. 
Mechanical fees.
(1) 
Use group R-3, R-4 or R-5 only. These fees shall be in lieu of plumbing fees when the mechanical subcode is used and is for replacement or installation in an existing dwelling only. No separate fee shall be charged for gas, fuel oil, or water piping connections associated with the mechanical equipment inspected.
(a) 
Equipment/appliance.
[1] 
Water heater: $85.
[2] 
Steam or hot water boiler, furnace/Air handler: $85.
[3] 
Air conditioning/Heat pump: $50.
[4] 
Fireplace inserts all except solid fuel: $65.
[5] 
Generator or pool heater: $75.
[6] 
Chimney liner: $50.
D. 
Electrical fees.
(1) 
Fixtures or receptacles (shall include lighting fixtures/outlets, wall switches, convenience receptacles, low-voltage outlets, sensors, dimmers, alarm devices, smoke and heat detectors/alarms, communication outlets, light standards eight feet or less in height including luminaries, emergency lights, electric signs, exit lights, or similar electric fixtures and devices rated 20 amps or less, including motors or equipment rated less than one horsepower or kilowatt.
(a) 
First 25: $69.
(b) 
Each additional 25: $45.
(2) 
Motors, electrical devices, transformers, generators (each) in horsepower, kilowatt, or kilovolt.
(a) 
1 to 9 hp/kw/kv: $30.
(b) 
10 to 50 hp/kw/kv: $100.
(c) 
51 to 100 hp/kw/kv: $200.
(d) 
Over 100 hp/kw/kv: $750.
(3) 
Service panels, service equipment, sub-panel, switchgear, switchboard, motor control center, disconnecting means, solar battery backup, service entrance or feeder conductors, based upon the designated ampere rating of the overcurrent device (each).
(a) 
Up to 150 amps: $100.
(b) 
150.01 to 300 amps: $175.
(c) 
300.01 to 800 amps: $350.
(d) 
Each additional 100 amps: $100.
(4) 
Miscellaneous.
(a) 
Replacement of wiring involving one branch circuit or part: $25.
(b) 
Use groups R-2, R-3 or R-5 security/fire/burglar alarm control unit only: $75.
(c) 
All other use groups security/fire alarm control unit only: $100.
(d) 
Receptacle rated from 20.01 to 30 amps: $28.
(e) 
Receptacle rated over 30 amps: $100.
(f) 
Light standard, light pole, lamppost, including luminaries over eight feet high: $28.
(g) 
Communications closet: $100.
(h) 
Electric sign including disconnecting means: $100.
(i) 
For installations consisting of multimeter stacks, the fee shall be based upon the ampere rating of the main bus and not upon the number of meters or rating of disconnects on the meter stack. Individual load side panel boards shall be charged in accordance with Electrical Fees, Sections D(2) or D(3). There shall be no additional fee for the concurrent installation of individual feeder conductors.
(j) 
Fire pumps shall be calculated per Electrical Fees, Subsection D(2), with a minimum fee of $100. Jockey pumps shall be calculated per Subsection D(2), with no minimum fee.
(k) 
The fee charged for process equipment shall be based upon the ampere rating of the overcurrent device protecting the conductor feeding the process equipment or the cutoff device.
(l) 
For motors or similar devices requiring concurrent installation of individual controls, relays and switches, the fee shall be based only upon the rating of the motor or device. There shall be no additional fee charged for the concurrent installation of individual circuit components, for example, controllers, starters, and disconnecting means.
(m) 
Hydro-massage bathtub: $50.
(n) 
Inspection fee for electric/power shut down:
[1] 
R-3/R-5 uses: $95.
[2] 
All other uses: $225.
(5) 
Photovoltaic.
(a) 
Use group R-3 or R-5.
[1] 
Up to 12 kilowatts: $200.
[2] 
Each additional 10 KW: $50.
[3] 
Inverter (each): $50.
[4] 
Micro inverter (each): $3.
(b) 
All other use groups.
[1] 
Up to 10 kilowatts: $250.
[2] 
Each additional 10KW: $50.
[3] 
Micro inverter (each): $4.
[4] 
All other associated equipment such as inverters, subpanels, disconnects, back-fed circuit breakers, etc. shall be calculated per Electrical Fees, Subsection D(1), (2), (3), or (4).
(6) 
Pools.
(a) 
Use group R-3 or R-5 swimming pool as defined in the building sub code, spa, hot tub, or fountain, including bonding, associated equipment such as pumps, motors, disconnecting means, switches, required receptacles, etc. Does not include heaters, panel boards, or underwater lighting fixtures: $100.
(b) 
Storable pool use group R-3 or R-5: $50.
(c) 
All other use groups shall be calculated on the basis of the number of electrical fixtures and the rating of electrical devices involved per Subsection D(1), (2), (3), or (4).
(d) 
Certificate of compliance for public pools, spas, and hot tubs for first pool, spa, or hot tub on a site (annual pool inspection): $85.
(e) 
For each additional pool, spa, or hot tub on same site: $55.
(f) 
Underwater lighting fixture: $25.
E. 
Fire protection fees.
(1) 
Sprinkler heads.
(a) 
1 to 20 heads: $100.
(b) 
21 to 100 heads: $200.
(c) 
101 to 200 heads: $400.
(d) 
201 to 400 heads: $1,000.
(e) 
401 to 1,000 heads: $1,500.
(f) 
1,001 to 2,000 heads: $2,250.
(g) 
Over 2,000 heads: $2,250 plus $1 per head for every head over 2,000.
(2) 
Initiation and notification devices, such as smoke/heat detectors, alarms, horn/strobe, pull stations, supervisory devices, etc.
(a) 
1 to 10: $75.
(b) 
For each 25 devices in addition to this (or portion thereof): $45.
(3) 
Standpipe (each): $385.
(4) 
Alternate/independent fire extinguishing system (dry/wet chemical, foam, halon, etc.): $160.
(5) 
Clean agent system: $200.
(6) 
Fire pump.
(a) 
Up to 500 gallons per minute: $350.
(b) 
Over 500 gallons per minute: $500.
(c) 
Jockey pump: $50.
(7) 
Fire department connection: $100.
(8) 
Smoke control system (each independent system): $350.
(9) 
Hazardous exhaust system (each independent system): $250.
(10) 
Alarm/dry pipe/pre-action valves: $80.
(11) 
Kitchen exhaust system (each).
(a) 
Domestic: $35.
(b) 
Nondomestic: $175.
(12) 
Incinerator/crematorium: $615.
(13) 
Tanks (does not include LPG).
(a) 
Fire suppression water storage tank for use group R-3 or R-5: $100.
(b) 
Fire suppression water storage tank for all other uses: $200.
(c) 
Fuel tank installation for use group R-3 or R-5: $75.
(d) 
Fuel tank installation for all other uses: $150.
(e) 
Demolition or abandonment of a tank, UST, BST, or AST.
[1] 
Use group R-3 or R-5: $100.
[2] 
All other use groups: $175.
(14) 
Dedicated fire protection water service up to 75 feet in length: $175. Over 75 feet in length: $2.35 per LF.
(15) 
Gas- or oil-fired equipment/appliance.
(a) 
Use group R-3 or R-5: $75.
(b) 
All other use groups: $85.
(16) 
Fireplace venting: $50.
(17) 
Spray booths, spaces, or rooms, dipping operations: $350.
(18) 
Fuel-dispensing unit (service station type, each): $40.
(19) 
Fire alarm panel for all uses except R-3/R-5: $125.
(a) 
R-3/5: $35.
(20) 
Smoke/heat vent: $50.
(21) 
Fire command center: $250.
(22) 
Portable fire extinguisher, all use groups except R-3 or R-5.
(a) 
1 to 5 when applied with other fire protection permit items: no fee.
(b) 
1 to 5: $65.
(c) 
6 to 50: $75.
(d) 
Over 50: $100.
(23) 
Backflow preventer when installed on a dedicated fire main: $115.
F. 
Administrative fees.
(1) 
Certificates.
(a) 
Certificate of occupancy for new construction or additions for all use groups except R-3 and R-5 shall be 10% of the construction permit fee. Minimum fee: $250.
(b) 
Certificate of occupancy issued on existing structures except R-3/R-5: $250.
(c) 
R-3/R-5: $150.
(d) 
Certificate of continued occupancy (constitutes all disciplines): $180.
(e) 
Certificate of occupancy for a change of use: $250.
(f) 
Extension of a temporary certificate of occupancy: $50.
(g) 
Lead abatement clearance certificate: $50.
(h) 
Certificate of compliance for public pools, spas, and hot tubs for first pool, spa, or hot tub on a site: $150.
[1] 
For each additional pool, spa, or hot tub on same site: $100.
(i) 
Certificate of compliance for testable backflow preventer (each): $75.
(2) 
Variation fees.
(a) 
Class I: $500.
(b) 
Class II: $300.
(c) 
Class III: $150.
[1] 
Note: All R-3 and R-5 uses are Class III.
(3) 
New Jersey State permit surcharge fees shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:234.19.
(4) 
Development wide inspection fees shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.17(d).
(5) 
Annual permit fees shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)5.
(6) 
Minimum permit fee per sub code/discipline: $75.
(a) 
Does not apply to administrative fees.
(7) 
Plan review/other fees.
(a) 
Hourly fees for additional review of any amendments or changes to a plan that has already been released (except for use group R-3 or R-5), or development wide inspection fees: $90 per hour with a minimum one hour per plans examiner.
[1] 
Hourly fee for a plan review associated with a submission when a permit for that discipline will not be issued: same fee as Administrative Fees, Subsection F(7)(a).
(b) 
Plan review fee of use R-3 or R-5 for compliance under the alternate systems and non-depletable energy source provisions of the energy subcode and for light commercial structures having an indoor temperature controlled from a single point: $460.
[1] 
All other use groups: $2,298.
(c) 
The plan review fee shall be 5% of the amount to be charged for a new construction permit. This is also the plan review fee for prototype plans.
(d) 
When plans have been reviewed and released by the State of New Jersey DCA, the permit fee shall be reduced by 20% from the amount otherwise specified in our fee schedule.
(e) 
Plan review fees are non-refundable.
(8) 
An administrative fee of 55% shall be assessed on each permit fee for each subcode performed by a third-party inspection agency.
G. 
General provisions.
(1) 
The fee charged for a construction permit will be the sum of the basic construction fee computed in accordance with the fee schedule herein, plus any applicable special fees, such as but not limited to sign fees, racking, etc. This fee shall be paid before a permit is issued.
(2) 
The fee charged for a certificate of occupancy shall be paid before a certificate is issued. This fee shall be in addition to the construction permit fee.
(3) 
All other fees not specifically covered by this section shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.
(4) 
Fees shall be rounded to the nearest dollar amount, and all fees are shown in whole U.S. dollars, except as indicated otherwise, such as Building Fees, Subsection A(1).
(5) 
The fee for elevator plan review, test and inspection shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c) and N.J.A.C. 5:23-12.6.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided that: "This waiver of fees shall end one year from the date of the adoption of this ordinance."
[Added 4-1-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-3]
A. 
Except where more-restrictive provisions govern, the design, construction, installation, maintenance and operation of elevators shall conform to ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, and shall meet the technical criteria of N.J.A.C. 5:23-12.1 et seq., the Elevator Safety Subcode.
B. 
Elevator service shall be provided for access by firefighting and rescue operations to all floors.
C. 
At least one elevator shall have a cab with a minimum distance between walls or between wall and door, excluding return panels, not less than 80 inches by 54 inches and a minimum distance from wall to return panel not less than 51 inches, with a forty-two-inch side-slide door to allow for turning a wheelchair and accommodating an ambulance cot or stretcher measuring 24 inches by 84 inches in its horizontal open position.
D. 
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to one- or two-family dwelling units.
E. 
Any changes, alterations or amendments made to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-123.14 and N.J.A.C. 5:23-12.1 et seq. shall automatically become applicable and incorporated into this article.