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Township of West Amwell, NJ
Hunterdon County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Code
New Laws (13) Index
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of West Amwell 3-17-1977 by Ord. No. 3-77. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Fire prevention — See Ch. 88.
Housing standards — See Ch. 104.
Land development — See Ch. 109.
A. 
There is hereby established in the Township of West Amwell a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency, to be known as the "West Amwell Construction Code 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. 
The organization of the West Amwell Construction Code Agency, the responsibilities and duties of the various officials and subcode officials within said Agency and the responsibility of such Agency and the officials thereof and various other municipal subdivisions, boards or agencies of West Amwell Township shall be as may, from time to time, be defined and described by the Township Committee of the Township of West Amwell.
C. 
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.
D. 
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.
Persons aggrieved by a decision of the enforcing agency may appeal such decision to the Construction Board of Appeals established by the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Hunterdon County.
[Amended 5-18-1978 by Ord. No. 4-78; 6-7-1979 by Ord. No. 3-79; 4-3-1980 by Ord. No. 3-80; 4-2-1981 by Ord. No. 5-81; 3-18-1982 by Ord. No. 5-82; 3-15-1984 by Ord. No. 3-84;4-3-1986 by Ord. No. 3-86; 4-20-1989 by Ord. No. 5-89; 3-1-1990 by Ord. No. 4-90; 7-2-1997 by Ord. No. 5-97]
A. 
The fee for a construction permit shall be the sum of the subcode fees herein set forth and shall be paid before the permit is issued.
[Amended 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 15-2007]
B. 
Schedule I, Building subcode. A minimum fee for the building subcode shall be $75.
[Amended 10-6-1999 by Ord. No. 19-99; 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 15-2007; 12-27-2007 by Ord. No. 29-2007; 10-7-2009 by Ord. No. 25-2009; 12-6-2017 by Ord. No. 8-2017; 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
(1) 
New construction for additions per cubic foot of the building or structure volume:
(a) 
Additions (new construction): $0.3800;
(b) 
Premanufactured construction: $0.3800.
(2) 
Rehabilitation includes repair, alteration, renovation and reconstruction:
(a) 
Minimum building fee: $75.
[1] 
$1 to $50,000 estimated cost: $35.
[2] 
$50,001 to $100,000 estimated cost: $26.
[3] 
Over $100,001 estimated cost: $22.
(3) 
Minor work:
(a) 
$1 to $50,000 estimated cost: $25.
(b) 
$50,001 to $100,000 estimated cost: $20
(c) 
Over $100,001 estimated cost: $15.
(4) 
Roofing, siding, fence:
(a) 
$1 to $50,000 estimated cost: $20.
(b) 
$50,001 to $100,000 estimated cost: $15.
(c) 
Over $100,001 estimated cost: $10.
(5) 
Sign, pylon:
(a) 
First 100 square feet: $6.
(b) 
Next 400 square feet: $3.
(c) 
Each additional square foot thereafter: $1.50.
(6) 
Sign, ground or wall:
(a) 
First 100 square feet: $3.
(b) 
Next 400 square feet: $2.
(c) 
Each additional square foot: $1.50.
(7) 
Temporary structures: $100.
(8) 
Open structural towers:
(a) 
$1 to $50,000 estimated cost: $35.
(b) 
$50,001 to $100,000 estimated cost: $26.
(c) 
Over $100,001 estimated cost: $22.
(9) 
Relocation of a structure: minimum fee $200.
(10) 
Radon vent system or remediation:
(a) 
Radon vent system (new construction): $96.
(b) 
Radon remediation: $96.
(11) 
Deck or balcony:
(a) 
One dollar to $50,000 estimated cost: $30.
(b) 
Fifty thousand one dollars to $100,000 estimated cost: $26.
(c) 
Over $100,001 estimated cost: $20.
(12) 
Retaining wall:
(a) 
Class III residential retaining wall: flat fee of $150.
(b) 
Retaining wall of any size other than Class III residential:
[1] 
One dollar to $50,000 estimated cost: $35.
[2] 
Fifty thousand one dollars to $100,000 estimated cost: $26.
[3] 
Over $100,001 estimated cost: $22.
(13) 
Pool - In-ground or aboveground:
(a) 
One dollar to $50,000 estimated cost: $30.
(b) 
Over $50,001 estimated cost: $26.
(14) 
Asbestos hazard abatement: $118.
(15) 
Lead hazard abatement: $196.
C. 
Schedule II, Plumbing subcode. A minimum fee for the plumbing subcode shall be $75.
[Amended 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 15-2007; 10-7-2009 by Ord. No. 25-2009; 12-6-2017 by Ord. No. 8-2017; 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
(1) 
Water closet: $22.
(2) 
Urinal/bidet: $22.
(3) 
Bath tub: $22.
(4) 
Lavatory: $22.
(5) 
Shower: $22.
(6) 
Floor drain: $22.
(7) 
Sink: $22.
(8) 
Dishwasher: $22.
(9) 
Drinking fountain: $22.
(10) 
Washing machine: $22.
(11) 
Hose bibb: $22.
(12) 
Water heater: $60.
(13) 
Fuel oil piping: $100.
(14) 
Gas piping: $100.
(a) 
First four: $100.
(b) 
Each additional: $25.
(15) 
Other fixtures: $22.
(16) 
Backflow preventer: $100.
(17) 
Steam boiler: $100.
(18) 
Hot water boiler: $100.
(19) 
Sewer pump: $100.
(20) 
Interceptor/separator: $100.
(21) 
Grease trap: $90.
(22) 
Sewer connection: $100.
(23) 
Water service connect: $100.
(24) 
LP tank: $75.
(25) 
Stacks: $22.
(26) 
Furnace: $100.
(27) 
Air conditioning: $100.
(28) 
Condensate: $22.
(29) 
Other special devices: $100.
D. 
Schedule III, Electrical subcode. A minimum fee for the electrical subcode shall be $75
[Amended 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 15-2007; 12-27-2007 by Ord. No. 29-2007; 10-7-2009 by Ord. No. 25-2009; 12-6-2017 by Ord. No. 8-2017; 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
(1) 
Receptacles and fixtures:
(a) 
First 50: $60.
(b) 
Each additional 25: $25.
(2) 
Motors and electrical devices:
(a) 
Over 1 horsepower, up to 10 horsepower: $15.
(b) 
Up to 30 horsepower: $75.
(c) 
Greater than 30 horsepower up to 100 horsepower: $150.
(d) 
Greater than 100 horsepower: $1,200.
(3) 
Transformers and generators:
(a) 
Over 1 kw up to 10.0 kw: $15.
(b) 
Up to 45.0 kw: $75.
(c) 
Up to 112.5 kw: $150.
(d) 
Larger than above: $1,200.
(4) 
Service panels, subpanels, and motor control center.
(a) 
Service panels:
[1] 
Less than or equal to 200 amps: $75.
[2] 
Greater than 200 amps but less than or equal to 800 amps: $150.
(b) 
Subpanels:
[1] 
Less than or equal to 200 amps: $75.
[2] 
Greater than 200 amps but less than or equal to 800 amps: $150.
(c) 
Motor control center:
[1] 
Less than or equal to 200 amps: $75.
[2] 
Greater than 200 amps but less than or equal to 800 amps: $150.
(5) 
Spa, hot tub, fountain: $60.
(6) 
Storable pool/hydro massage tub: $15.
(7) 
Solar systems:
(a) 
Disconnects, backfed breakers, subpanels, service panels:
[1] 
Less than or equal to 200 amps: $75.
[2] 
Greater than 200 amps but less than or equal to 800 amps: $150.
[3] 
Over 1,000 amps: $1,200.
(b) 
Inverters, PV systems:
[1] 
Over 1 kw up to 10.0 kw: $15.
[2] 
Up to 45 kw: $75.
[3] 
Up to 112 kw: $150.
[4] 
Larger than above: $1,200.
(c) 
Panels:
[1] 
First 50: $60.
[2] 
Each additional 25: $25.
(d) 
PV arrays:
[1] 
1 kw to 10.0 kw: $15.
[2] 
10.1 kw to 45 kw: $75.
[3] 
45.1 kw to 112 kw: $150.
[4] 
Over 112 kw: $1,200.
(e) 
Car chargers: $75.
E. 
Schedule IV, Fire subcode, all use groups. Fire protection and other hazardous equipment: sprinklers, standpipes and risers; detectors (smoke and heat), smoke-control system; pre-engineered suppression systems; gas- and oil-fired appliances not connected to the plumbing system; fire pump; fireplaces; chimney relining; solid-fuel appliances (wood and coal); kitchen exhaust systems, including incinerators; crematoriums; and flammable and combustible liquid storage systems, spray booths and underground water service (fire protection, underground water storage tanks). A minimum fee for the fire subcode shall be $75.
[Amended 12-27-2007 by Ord. No. 29-2007; 10-7-2009 by Ord. No. 25-2009; 11-18-2009 by Ord. No. 27-2009; 12-6-2017 by Ord. No. 8-2017; 12-27-2017 by Ord. No. 10-2017; 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
(1) 
Flammable/combustible tanks (commercial and new construction):
Size of Tank
(gallons)
Fee
1 to 1,000
$100
1,001 to 1,500
$125
1,501 to 2,000
$175
2,001 to 2,500
$225
2,501 to 3,000
$275
3,001 to 3,500
$350
3,501 to 4,000
$400
4,001 to 4,500
$450
4,501 to 5,000
$500
5,001 to 10,000
$550
Over 10,000
$675
(2) 
Sprinkler heads.
Number of Heads
Fee
Up to 20
$110
21 to 100
$220
101 to 200
$550
201 to 400
$1,000
401 to 1,000
$1,250
Over 1,000
$2,000
(3) 
The fee for each standpipe shall be $275.
(4) 
Pre-engineered systems (commercial).
(a) 
Wet chemical: $200.
(b) 
Dry chemical: $200.
(c) 
CO2 suppression: $200.
(d) 
Foam suppression: $325.
(e) 
FM200 suppression: $325.
(f) 
Other: $200.
(5) 
The fee for each gas- or oil-fired appliance that is not connected to the plumbing system shall be $75.
(6) 
Kitchen exhaust/ventilation.
(a) 
Residential hood exhaust: $60.
(b) 
Commercial hood: $200.
(c) 
Commercial heat sensor (retrofit only): $150.
(7) 
The fee for each incinerator shall be $600.
(8) 
The fee for each crematorium shall be $600.
(9) 
Inspection of smoke-sensitive alarm devices: $50 per inspection.
(10) 
Alarms.
(a) 
Alarm systems.
Number of Devices
Fee
1 to 20
$100
21 to 100
$175
101 to 200
$400
201 to 400
$1,000
401 to 1,000
$1,250
Over 1,000
$1,500
Panel
$125
(b) 
110v interconnected alarms (smoke and carbon monoxide):
[1] 
Up to 12 (per dwelling unit): $150.
[2] 
Each additional (per dwelling unit): $7.50.
(c) 
Smoke/fire damper: $75.
(d) 
Replacement/addition of alarms:
[1] 
Up to two devices (per dwelling unit): $75.
[2] 
Each additional (per dwelling unit): $7.50.
(11) 
Suppression systems.
(a) 
Fire pump: $350.
(12) 
Valves (commercial).
(a) 
Dry pipe/alarm valves: $250.
(b) 
Pre-action valves: $250.
(13) 
Smoke control system (commercial): $350.
(14) 
Spray booth (commercial): $175.
(15) 
Chimney liner/relining: $75.
(16) 
Fireplace, coal stove or wood-burning stove: $75.
(17) 
Annual fire line backflow preventer: $100.
(18) 
Yard/wall hydrants: $200.
(19) 
Water supply tank:
(a) 
Up to 10,000 gallon: $650.
(b) 
Above 10,000 gallon (per gallon): $00.08.
(20) 
Water supply/underground piping: $125. ($1 per foot over 100 feet, $125 minimum).
(21) 
Clean agent systems (FM200, Novec, etc.) (commercial): $325.
(22) 
Fuel dispensing emergency cutoff: $125.
(23) 
Smoke control/evacuation system: $325.
(24) 
Generator, commercial (excludes owner-occupied detached dwelling): $175.
(25) 
Temporary trailer: $125.
(26) 
Oil tank removal: $75.
F. 
Schedule V, Mechanical subcode. A minimum fee for the mechanical subcode shall be $75.
[Added 9-28-2011 by Ord. No. 12-2011[1]; amended 12-6-2017 by Ord. No. 8-2017; 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
(1) 
Boiler install/replacement: $150.
(2) 
Furnace install/replacement: $150.
(3) 
Oil tank installation: $150.
(4) 
Generator installation: $150.
(5) 
Pool heater: $150.
(6) 
Gas piping: $150 (first six outlets).
(7) 
AC replacement/installation: $150.
(8) 
Water heater: $150.
(9) 
LP tanks: $150.
(10) 
Pool heater: $150.
(11) 
Unit heater: $150 (first two).
(12) 
Other: $150.
[1]
Editor's Note: With the addition of Subsection F, former Subsections F through N were redesignated as Subsections G through O.
G. 
Plan review fees.
[Amended 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 15-2007; 12-6-2017 by Ord. No. 8-2017; 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
(1) 
Prototype plans shall be calculated at 5% of construction permit.
(2) 
All other fees not described as herein shall be outlined pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20, department fees.
(3) 
Where plan review fees have been waived, fees shall be calculated at 25% of construction permit fees.
(4) 
The fee for review of any amendment or change to a plan that has already been released, and for any applicable joint plan review between subcodes on an application, shall be charged at a rate of $45 per 1/2 hour, per subcode. Fees shall be rounded to the nearest 1/2 hour. A minimum fee of $45 shall be charged.
(5) 
Change of contractor fee: $25 per subcode technical section issued.
H. 
Demolitions (all use groups).
[Amended 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 15-2007; 12-17-2007 by Ord. No. 29-2007; 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
(1) 
Storage tanks: $75.
(2) 
Accessory structures or buildings: $75.
(a) 
Residential: $100.
(b) 
Commercial: $200.
I. 
[2]Elevators (same as state).
(1) 
Plan review: as per N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.20(c)6 and 7.
(2) 
Inspection and witnessing fees: as per N.J.A.C. 5:23-12.6(a), (b) and (c).
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection I, Removal permit, and Subsection J, Sign permits, were repealed 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019. This ordinance also redesignated former Subsections K through O as Subsections I through M, respectively.
J. 
Certificates.
[Amended 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 15-2007; 10-7-2009 by Ord. No. 25-2009; 12-6-2017 by Ord. No. 8-2017; 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
(1) 
Certificate of occupancy: The fee shall be in the amount of 10% of the new construction permit fee. The minimum shall be $120, except for one- and two-family dwellings (R-5) wherein the minimum fee shall be $75.
(2) 
The fee for a certificate of occupancy granted to a change of use shall be $250.
(3) 
The fee for a certificate of continued occupancy shall be $250 and shall be required for all changes of occupancy of nonresidential use groups.
(a) 
A certificate of occupancy issued for a finished basement in a residential use group, in which the work was completed prior to the issuance of a construction permit, shall be charged a flat rate of $400.
(4) 
(Reserved)
(5) 
Certificate of clearance:
(a) 
Lead hazard abatement: $39.
(b) 
Asbestos hazard abatement: $24.
(6) 
Temporary certificate of occupancy:
(a) 
There shall be no fee charged for the issuance if a temporary certificate of occupancy, provided the certificate of occupancy fee is paid at the time.
(b) 
The fee for a temporary certificate of occupancy or each extension shall not exceed $30.
K. 
Variations.
(1) 
Variation application - Class I: $800.
(2) 
Variation application - Classes II and III: $175.
(3) 
Variation application resubmission - Class I: $300
(4) 
Variation application resubmission - Class II and III: $100.
L. 
Annual permit fees.
(1) 
Per worker of a group in number specified by law: $700.
(2) 
Per additional worker over number specified by law: $300.
(3) 
State permit fee per subcode: $200.
(4) 
Number in core group: $60.
(5) 
Annual pool inspection: $75.
[Amended 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
(6) 
Backflow preventer annual reinspection: $100.
[Amended 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
M. 
Other fees.
[Amended 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
(1) 
State of New Jersey permit fee:
(a) 
In order to provide the training, certification and technical support programs required by the Uniform Construction Code Act, the enforcing agency, including the Department when acting as the local agency, shall collect a surcharge fee of $1.90 per $1,000 of value of construction. The minimum permit surcharge fee shall be $1. Said surcharge fee shall be remitted to the Bureau of Housing Inspections, Department of Community Affairs, on a quarterly basis for the fiscal quarters ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 and not later than one month next succeeding the end of the quarter for which it is due.
(b) 
The enforcing agency shall report annually at the end of each state fiscal year to the Bureau of Housing Inspection, and no later than July 31, the total amount of the surcharge fee collected in a fiscal year. In the fiscal year in which the regulations first become effective, said report shall be for the third and fourth (state fiscal year) quarters.
N. 
Lapsed permits. The fee for the reinstatement of a lapsed permit, for which no changes are made or required by mandated code charges, shall be 50% of the original lapsed fee.
[Added 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
O. 
No refunds will be given after 90 days of issuance of a permit. Prior to 90 days of issuance, the plan review fee shall be held and the remaining fees may be refunded at the discretion of the Construction Official.
[Added 12-30-2019 by Ord. No. 16-2019]
The establishment of fire limits pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23 is reserved and shall be further established by amendment to this chapter on or before July 1, 1977, or on such date as may hereafter be established.
[Amended 5-3-1984 by Ord. No. 5-84; 5-18-2005 by Ord. No. 09-2005; 7-18-2007 by Ord. No. 15-2007]
Regulated by UCC.