CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT

Township of Roxbury

1715 Route 46

Ledgewood, NJ 07852

Information & Inspections: 973-448-2009

 

 

 

The UCC (Uniform Construction Code) combines administrative regulations and technical standards adopted by the State of New Jersey for construction. The Construction Department of the Township has been established in 1976 to provide all the services mandated under the State Uniform Construction Code (UCC).

 

The primary responsibility of the Department is to maintain the state mandated system for processing permits, performing inspections, to track and pursue code violations and unsafe structures. The permit process begins with plan review. This is to insure compliance with applicable codes and standards. Upon final inspections and approvals, the permit process ends when the project or installation is certified for occupancy and/or use. The ultimate goal is to make all buildings and structures erected in the municipality safe for the intended occupancy and use.

 

Current codes and standards applicable to new buildings and structures only:

• 2006 International Residential Code NJ Edition (applies to detached one and two-family dwellings not more than three stories in height and multiple single-family townhouses not more than three stories in height);
• 2006 International Building Code NJ Edition (applies to all buildings and structures not listed above)
• 2006 National Standard Plumbing Code (with NJ amendments);
• 2008 National Electrical Code (with NJ amendments);
• 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (with NJ amendments);
• 2006 International Mechanical Code (with NJ amendments);
• 2006 International Fuel Gas Code (with NJ amendments);
• Fire Protection Subcode (incorporates standards for fire protection as described in Section 5:23-3.4 of the NJ Administrative Code);

 

Current code applicable to existing buildings (repair, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, change of use and addition) only:

Current edition of the Rehabilitation Subcode of the State of New Jersey (also known as Subchapter 6. of the Uniform Construction Code Regulations.   

 

Peripheral fields within the responsibility of the Department include Accessibility or Barrier Free Standards, Radon and Asbestos Hazard Mitigation, Lead Hazard Abatement, Underground and Above Ground Fuel Storage Tank Installations and Demolition.

 

The Construction Permit - a license that grants legal permission to begin construction - is required for all new buildings and structures. Work involving the altering and modifying of existing buildings and structures, renovations and the installation of fixtures and certain equipment also requires a construction permit. There are some exceptions to the mandatory permit rule. Please give us a call if you have questions concerning permit requirements.

 

The permit application will require basic information about the project. The scope of the project and the contractors or individuals slated to perform the work must be indicated. The application must also include sketches, plans or other documentation for review.

 

The Staff will inspect the construction project at specified stages of the work and upon completion. Inspections are required and are necessary to verify whether code standards are met.

 

Hours of operation: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.  Please be prepared to furnish the following information when requesting an inspection: the permit number, the block and lot numbers and address of the property, type of inspection required and the date the inspection is desired. When inquiring about a permit, please refer to the block and lot numbers of the property.

 

 

Frequently asked questions:

 

q. How much will the permit cost?

a. Construction permits are priced according to the type of work performed on the particular project (building construction, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and fire protection). The price of a permit for new construction and additions is based on the volume of the proposed structure (currently $ 0.035 per cubic feet), plus the fee for plumbing, electrical and fire protection work based on a fixture count. Alteration permits are based on the estimated cost of building construction (currently $ 20.00 per $ 1,000/Minimum $50), plus the plumbing, electrical and fire protection fees, as applicable. A copy of the complete construction permit fee schedule is available at the construction counter.

 

q. How long does it take to get a permit? 

a. It depends on the type, size and complexity of the proposed project. When submitting an application, the time of the year is also an important factor. Nevertheless, a well-prepared application (completed application forms, proof of prior approvals, plans which are clear and indicate compliance with the prevailing codes and regulations) will expedite even the largest and most complicated projects. According to State law the department has 20 working days for the initial review (approval or denial) of an application.

 

q. What do I need to submit in order to get a construction permit?

a. The submission to include the completed forms of application, such as the permit folder (or jacket), the counter forms and a copy of a plot plan or survey approved by the Zoning Officer (the purpose of the plot plan or survey is to indicate all existing and proposed structures on the site). Also required is a copy of the Zoning Permit issued by the Zoning Officer. The application must also include two sets of construction plans and specifications to illustrate the full extent of the proposed work, such as floor plans, elevations, structural framing details and cross sections. If applicable, these plans must include the proposed plumbing, electrical and mechanical work, piping, wiring diagram and fixture layout.

 

q. Can a property owner draw his or her plans?

a. It depends. Only the owner of a single-family dwelling may draw plans for his or her project provided he or she is the occupant of the property. Otherwise, only architects and/or engineers can prepare construction plans.

 

q. I am a homeowner; which portion of the work can I do myself?

a. By law, homeowners can perform any and all work on or in the dwelling they own and occupy, including plumbing and electrical work. A homeowner must hire a licensed plumber and/or electrician for any and all installations involving a property other than the single-family dwelling he or she occupies.

 

q. Can I purchase house plans published in a national magazine?

a. Yes. However, such plans can be used as part of an application only if checked and corrected, if required, by an architect or engineer licensed in New Jersey. By signing and sealing these plans, the architect certifies that the design meets the standards adopted by the State of New Jersey for structural, fire and sanitary safety.

 

q. Can the building subcode official help me with my plans?

a. He cannot be the "architect" for your project but he is available for consultation concerning code requirements and standards. Please contact the Technical Assistant of the department if you need help. If she does not have the information you desire, she will be glad to arrange a meeting with the proper code official for you. Generally, code officials cannot review construction plans "in progress". To be reviewed, the plans must be part of a valid permit application. However, to expedite the project, code officials can and will review specific details and issues with you.