[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge by Ord. No. D-185 (Sec. 11-1 of the 1973 Revised General Ordinances). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Fences — See Ch. 164.
Fire fighting — See Ch. 176.
Fire prevention — See Ch. 185.
Flood damage prevention — See Ch. 198.
Heating devices — See Ch. 226.
Housing — See Ch. 235.
Property maintenance — See Ch. 366.
A. 
Establishment and composition. There is hereby established in the Township of Old Bridge a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency, to be known as the "Division of Code Enforcement in the Department of Community Development," consisting of a Construction Official, Building Subcode Official, Plumbing Subcode Official, Fire Protection Subcode Official, Electrical 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.
[Amended 1-9-2006 by Ord. No. 38-2005]
B. 
Qualifications; dual office; on-site inspection agencies. Each official position created in Subsection A hereof shall be filled by a person qualified for such position pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq. 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 N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 5:23 to hold each such position.
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.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former § 108-3, Construction Board of Appeals, as amended, was repealed 12-5-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-28.
[Amended 3-16-1992 by Ord. No. 9-92; 5-18-1992 by Ord. No. 16-92; 10-28-1993 by Ord. No. 52-93; 1-25-1999 by Ord. No. 2-99; 8-28-2000 by Ord. No. 37-00; 9-8-2003 by Ord. No. 43-03; 6-28-2004 by Ord. No. 17-04; 8-22-2005 by Ord. No. 25-2005; 1-9-2006 by Ord. No. 38-2005; 6-25-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-14; 6-30-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-19; 12-15-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-35; 2-27-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-05]
The fee for a construction permit shall be the sum of the subcode fees below and shall be paid before the permit is issued:
A. 
Building subcode fees.
(1) 
For new construction and additions, the fees shall be calculated (by cubic feet) for the building or structure based on the following use groups:
(a) 
Use Groups R-3, R-5: $0.06.
[Amended 7-20-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-14]
(b) 
Use Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, R-1, R-2, I-1, I-2, I-3: $0.07.
[Amended 7-20-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-14]
(c) 
Use Groups B, E, F-1, F-2, M, U: $0.07.
[Amended 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
(d) 
Use Groups S-1 and S-2 shall be as follows:
[Added 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23[1]]
[1] 
For buildings that are less than 100,000 square feet, the volume fee per cubic foot shall be $0.07 per cubic foot.
[2] 
For buildings in excess of 100,000 square feet, the volume fee per cubic foot shall be $0.0375 per cubic foot.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former Subsection A(1)(d) as Subsection A(1)(e).
(e) 
There will be a minimum fee of $350 for new construction permits and for additions.
(f) 
For purposes of calculating the volume to determine the fee for large, open-volume, single-story spaces in buildings, such as barns, silos, greenhouses, warehouses, distribution centers, and other agricultural and storage-use occupancies, the height shall be limited to 20 feet notwithstanding the fact that the actual height of the space may be greater than 20 feet.
[Added 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
(2) 
For renovations, alterations and repairs related to all use groups except Use Groups S-1 and S-2, the fees shall be based on the estimated cost of construction and shall be based on $30 per $1,000 ($250 minimum for residential; $350 minimum for commercial). Fees shall be rounded to the nearest dollar amounts.
[Amended 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
(a) 
Fees for renovations, alterations, and repairs or site construction associated with premanufactured construction and/or racking for Use Groups S-1 and S-2 shall be based upon the area for racking and/or estimated cost of work, as applicable. The fee shall be in the amount of $30 per $1,000 for the first $50,000, prorated. From $50,001 to and including $100,000, the fee on the amount exceeding $50,000 shall be in the amount of $26 per $1,000 of estimated cost, prorated. Above $100,000, the fee on the amount exceeding $100,000 shall be in the amount of $22 per $1,000 of estimated cost, prorated.
(3) 
For a combination of renovations and additions, the sum of the fees shall be computed separately as renovations and alterations.
(4) 
Establishment of fees for installations of:
(a) 
Installation of in-ground swimming pools and/or spas: $250.
(b) 
Installation of aboveground pools: $150.
(c) 
Installation of a fence for a swimming pool: $50.
(d) 
Installation of woodburning stove or prefabricated fireplace: $200.
(e) 
Installation of a masonry fireplace: $250.
(f) 
Installation of windows: $150.
(g) 
Installation of temporary structures: $100.
(h) 
Installation of a wooden deck (Use Group R):
[1] 
Under 12 square feet: $250.
[2] 
Over 12 square feet: $350.
(i) 
Satellite (dish-type) antennas over 24 inches: $100.
(j) 
Roof replacement (Use Groups R-3, R-4 and R-5): $100.
[1] 
With plywood replacement: $150.
[2] 
In multiple-family buildings, price is per upper-floor unit.
(k) 
Commercial roof replacement: based on renovation and repair schedule; $30 per $1,000 cost of construction, but not less than $250.
(l) 
Installation/replacement of exterior siding (Use Groups R-3 and R-4): $100.
(m) 
Demolition.
[1] 
Structure: R-3, R-4, R-5: $250.
[2] 
Commercial building demolition: $500.
(n) 
Installation of a sign:
[1] 
Wall signs: $2/square foot surface area.
[2] 
Freestanding sign: $250.
[3] 
Minimum fee for sign: $100.
(o) 
Installation of elevator: $30 per $1,000 of cost of construction.
(p) 
Asbestos removal permit: $100.
(q) 
Lead abatement: $100.
(r) 
Sheds under 200 square feet: $100.
(s) 
Three-season rooms:
[1] 
On deck: $30 per $1,000.
(t) 
Generator, residential: $150.
(u) 
Solar installation, residential: $250.
(v) 
Retaining walls. Fees for retaining walls shall be as follows:
[Added 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
[1] 
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 $210.
[2] 
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 $106.
[3] 
The fee for a newly constructed retaining wall of any size other than a Class 3 residential structure shall be based on the cost of the construction as calculated § 108-4A(2)(a).
(5) 
The training fee shall be collected at the rate in effect at the time of permit issuance as per N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.19(b).
(6) 
Prototype processing shall receive a plan review credit of 20%.
(7) 
Minimum building subcode fee shall be $100.
(8) 
Certificate fees shall be as follows:
(a) 
Certificate of occupancy (CO): $250.
(b) 
Certificate of continued occupancy (CCO): $250.
(c) 
Certificate of clearance (lead): $100.
(d) 
Annual permit fee shall be as specified in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)5.
(e) 
Variation application: $500 (building codes).
(f) 
Temporary certificate of occupancy: $200 and in accordance with § 250-88.
[Amended 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
(9) 
A nonrefundable deposit of $200 shall be submitted with all permit applications for new construction, additions or major renovations as per N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(a)1.
(10) 
Permit update fees: $50 per hour (or portion thereof) per subcode.
B. 
Plumbing subcode fees.
(1) 
Installations of the following:
(a) 
Water closet: $25.
(b) 
Urinal/bidet: $25.
(c) 
Bathtub: $25.
(d) 
Lavatory: $25.
(e) 
Shower: $25.
(f) 
Floor drain: $25.
(g) 
Sink: $25.
(h) 
Dishwasher: $25.
(i) 
Drink fountain: $25.
(j) 
Washing machine: $25.
(k) 
Hose bib: $25.
(l) 
Gas piping: $35/unit.
(m) 
Fuel oil piping: $75.
(n) 
Steam boiler: $150.
(o) 
Hot-water boiler: $150.
(p) 
Water heater: $75.
(q) 
Sewer pumps.
[1] 
Residential single fixture: $75.
[2] 
Residential multifixture: $150.
[3] 
Commercial: $300.
(r) 
Interceptor.
[1] 
Interior: $100.
[2] 
Exterior: $300.
(s) 
Comm. backflow: $100.
(t) 
Water cooled.
[1] 
Refrig. unit: $150.
[2] 
Residential A/C: $50.
[3] 
Commercial A/C: $100.
(u) 
Sewer connection: $125.
(v) 
Water service: $125.
(w) 
Active solar system: $50.
(x) 
Vents/stacks: $30 vent/stack.
(y) 
Lawn sprinkler system: $75.
(z) 
Water filter/cond. system: $75.
(aa) 
Sump pump: $50.
(bb) 
Roof drains: $75/drain.
(cc) 
Condensate drain: $35/unit.
(dd) 
Medical gas system: $150 each.
(ee) 
Pressure booster: $75.
(ff) 
Pool heater: $150.
(gg) 
Commercial RTU: $100.
(hh) 
Pool piping: $100.
(ii) 
Commercial HVAC hydronic piping: $75/zone.
(jj) 
Residential HVAC hydronic piping: $75.
(kk) 
Commercial roof drain leaders: $75 each.
(ll) 
New furnace install: $50.
(mm) 
Residential backflow: $75.
[Amended 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
(2) 
The minimum fee for plumbing subcode shall be $75.
(3) 
Demolition of a structure to include capping of sewer and water services is $100.
(4) 
Annual permits: fee charged as per current N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)5, State of New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
(5) 
Installation of liquid propane gas tanks (LPG): $150/each.
(6) 
Annual recertification of commercial backflow preventers as per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.23(l): $75/unit.
C. 
Electrical subcode fees.
(1) 
Receptacles and fixtures:
(a) 
First 25: $75.
(b) 
Each additional 25 up to 150: $40.
(c) 
Each additional 25 over 150: $75.
(2) 
Motors and electrical devices:
(a) 
Over 1 HP to 10 HP: $75.
(b) 
Up to 50 HP: $90.
(c) 
Up to 100 HP: $190.
(d) 
Larger than above: $450.
(3) 
Transformers and generators:
(a) 
Over 1 KW to 10 KW: $60.
(b) 
Up to 45 KW: $95.
(c) 
Up to 121.5 KW: $175.
(d) 
Larger than above: $450.
(4) 
Service panels, entrances and subpanels:
(a) 
Up to 100 amps: $125.
[Amended 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
(b) 
Up to 200 amps: $175.
[Amended 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
(c) 
Up to 400 amps: $250.
(d) 
Larger than above: $450.
(5) 
(Reserved)
(6) 
The following shall establish flat fees:
(a) 
Annual commercial pool inspection: $200. The fee for annual electrical inspection for each swimming pool or hot tub: $150.
[Amended 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
(b) 
Residential aboveground pool permit: $85.
(c) 
Residential in-ground pool permit: $165.
(d) 
Air conditioner over 1 HP: $60.
(e) 
Electrical signs: $100.
(7) 
Annual permits: fee charged as per current N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)5, State of New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
(8) 
The minimum fee for electrical subcode shall be $75.
(9) 
Photovoltaic systems.
(a) 
1 to 50 kw: $100.
(b) 
51 to 100 kw: $250.
(c) 
101 kw and above: $650.
(10) 
Meter reset/remount meter/cut in card required: $75.
[Added 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
(11) 
Car charger: $75; for more than one charger, $60 per charger.
[Added 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
D. 
Fire-protection subcode fees.
(1) 
Wet and/or dry sprinkler heads.
(a) 
Fee.
Number of Heads
Fee
1 to 20
$150
21 to 100
$300
101 to 200
$400
201 to 400
$600
401 to 1,000
$900
Over 1,000
$1,000
(2) 
Smoke and heat detectors.
Number of Detectors
Fee
1 to 5
$75
6 to 10
$100
11 to 15
$150
16 to 20
$170
21 to 25
$190
26 to 30
$210
Over 30
$250
(a) 
Manual pull stations (each): $50.
(b) 
Audible devices (each): $50.
(c) 
Control panel: $150.
(d) 
Tamper and supervisory switches (each): $50.
(e) 
Fire alarm device changes (each): $50.
(3) 
Pre-engineered systems:
(a) 
Carbon dioxide (CO2): $150.
(b) 
Foam suppression: $200.
(c) 
Wet chemical: $150.
(d) 
Clean agent: $150.
(4) 
Standpipes: $300/riser.
(5) 
Kitchen hood exhaust systems: $150.
(6) 
Incinerators and crematoriums: $450.
(7) 
Gas- or oil-fired appliance: $75.
(8) 
Smoke control systems: $400.
(9) 
Underground fire mains: $200.
(10) 
Fire pump (review and field accept.): $400.
(11) 
Flammable or combustible liquid tank installations:
(a) 
Up to 275 gallons: $125/tank.
(b) 
276 to 1,000 gallons: $150/tank.
(c) 
1,001 gallons to 2,000 gallons: $300/tank.
(d) 
Over 2,000 gallons: $400/tank.
(12) 
Removal or abandonment of AST or UST:
(a) 
Up to 275 gallons: $125/tank.
(b) 
276 to 1,000 gallons: $150/tank.
(c) 
Over 1,000 gallons: $350/tank.
(13) 
Photovoltaic for fire: $100.
[Added 12-19-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23[2]]
[2]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former Subsection D(13) as Subsection D(14).
(14) 
Minimum fee for fire subcode: $100.
E. 
Mechanical fees.
(1) 
Chimney liners: $75.
(2) 
Gas fireplaces: $75.
F. 
Elevator subcode fees.
(1) 
Elevator registration and fees shall be as per N.J.A.C. 5:23, Subchapter 12.
[Amended 9-6-1988 by Ord. No. 35-88]
The Construction Official shall, with the advice of the subcode officials, prepare and submit to the Township Council, 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.
[Amended 9-6-1988 by Ord. No. 35-88; 10-16-1989 by Ord. No. 39-89; 12-5-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-27]
In order to provide for the training, certification and technical support systems 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 $0.00371 per cubic foot of volume of new construction and $1.90 per $1,000 of actual cost of construction for permits to perform alterations, renovations, repairs and reconstruction, but not less than $1. Such surcharge fee shall be remitted to the Division of Codes and Standards, Department of Community Affairs, on a quarterly basis for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, December 31, March 31 and June 30 and not later than one month succeeding the end of the quarter for which it is due. The enforcing agency shall report annually, at the end of each fiscal year, to the Division of Codes and Standards, and not later than January 31, the total amount of the surcharge fees collected in the fiscal year.
The following fire limits are established pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23 to be established by July 1, 1977.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The fire limits are on file in the Township Clerk's office.
[Added 8-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-20]
A. 
For inspections made after 4:00 p.m. on normal business days, Monday through Friday and weekends, there will be an hourly fee as set forth in Subsection B.
B. 
Fee. Construction Subcode Official/Inspector: $90 per hour, with a minimum of two hours per discipline multiplied by the applicable rate.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 108-8, Inspections; penalty for reinspections, added 10-16-1989 by Ord. No. 39-89, as amended, was repealed 2-27-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-06. Original Sec. 11-1.8b, which contained an inspection fee for weekends and holidays, amended 5-21-1990 by Ord. No. 12-90, which previously followed this subsection, was deleted 1-9-2006 by Ord. No. 38-2005.
[Added 3-9-1998 by Ord. No. 17-98]
A. 
Purpose.
(1) 
The State of New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-126e permits the governing body of any municipality to provide by ordinance that 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) 
The Township Council of the Township of Old Bridge believes that the promotion of such accessibility improvements in residential buildings is for the public good.
B. 
Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
DISABLED PERSON
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 Township 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 the purposes of this definition, "blindness" means central visual acuity 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 an angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be considered as having a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less.
C. 
Waiver of fees. 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.
D. 
Exclusions. This section specifically excludes accessibility improvements made to buildings or structures devoted to commercial use.
[Added 9-16-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-25]
A. 
Pursuant to the State of New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-126b, notwithstanding the provisions Section 3 of P.L. 1979. c. 121 (N.J.S.A. 53:27D-126a), or any standard adopted thereto to the contrary, there shall be a waiver of any and all enforcing agency fees for construction contracted for or conducted by the Township of Old Bridge within its municipal boundaries.
B. 
No county, municipality, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, including the Old Bridge Municipal Utilities Authority, shall be required to pay any municipal fee or charge in order to secure a construction permit for the erection or alteration of any public building or structure, or part thereof, constructed within Old Bridge Township.