What is a Building Permit?
What Construction Projects Need Building Permits?
Building permits are typically required for the
following:
- New
building
- Additions
- Renovations
- Demolitions
- Prefabricated
structures
- Temporary
building
- Mobile homes
- Air conditioning systems
- Ventilating systems
- Heating systems
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Miscellaneous for residential (fireplace, pools, decks, sheds, etc.)
- Miscellaneous for commercial (parking, health, food handling,
etc.)
The Purpose of Permits:
Permits allow the enforcement of codes which have
been adopted as law by the state, county or township. No matter what the
specific project may be, the enforcement of codes is carried out to protect the
public health, safety and welfare. The unit of government which enforces
the codes is acting to assure safe construction.
The Use of Permits:
Code officials and inspectors use building permits as
a vital step in their enforcement of codes. You have an investment in the
home or business you are about to build or remodel. When that home or
business building does not comply with the codes, your investment could be
reduced. Applying for a building permit notifies the Code Official that
you are constructing or remodeling a building so he can ensure code compliance.
Why a Building Permit?
Building permits provide the means for Code Officials
to protect us by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and
therefore ensuring the public health, safety and welfare.
The building permit process helps us understand what
our local laws and ordinances are. Before any construction or remodeling
work begins, application for a permit should be made. Building permits
provide the means for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that
minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used. The Tax Assessor
also uses the building permit for tax assessment .
The Permit Process
1. Visit or call the Housing/Zoning and
Construction Code Offices.
The Zoning Enforcement Officer will ask "What are you
planning to do?" and "Where are you planning to do it?"
Then, the Zoning Enforcement Officer will explain the requirements , codes and ordnances, regarding
your project. An application for a zoning permit will be given to you at
this time. Zoning permits must be approved before any construction permits
will be approved.
The initial contact will provide the resources and
information you will need to make your project a success and avoid problems
which could cost you time and money.
2. Submit Application
A building permit application will be given to
you which requires information about the construction project.
You'll be asked to document "who" will perform the work,
"what" work will be done, "where" the work will be done,
"when" the work will be done and "how" the work will be
done. Sketches, drawings, plans or other documentation of the proposed
work will have to be submitted for review. Please submit two sets
of documents.
3. Wait During Review Process
The majority of permit applications are processed with
little delay. The Code Official will determine if it is in compliance
with the construction codes.
4. Receive Results of Review Process
If compliance with the code and other applicable
regulations is determined, the application is approved and a permit issued.
If compliance is not determined, your application as
submitted will be denied. If you are refused a building permit, the
application can be
corrected as per suggestions from the Code Official and resubmitted.
5. Receive Permit
The building permit is the document granting legal
permission to start construction. You must proceed as approved in the review
process. A fee will be collected at this time. The permit fee helps
defray the cost of the Code Official's time spent in the application process,
the review process and on-site inspection process. The fee also gives you
access to the Code Official's knowledge and experience when and if you have any
questions about your construction project. An additional fee for services,
such as water connection and surveys, may be required. Inspections
required for your project will be indicated on the permit. You must post
the construction permit notice card in a window or other prominent place at the construction
site, keep a copy of the building plans at the site, and bring any proposed
changes to the attention to the Code Official immediately. Changes will
require a review and approval in the manner as the original
application.
6. Arrange Inspection Visits
Each major phase of construction must be inspected by
the Code Official to make certain the work conforms to the Code, the building
permit and the approved plans.
The person responsible for the construction
project must request each inspection. Normally, 24 to 48 hours
advance notice is required.
If an inspector finds that some work does not conform
to approved plans, the inspector will advise that the situation is to be
remedied. If the violation is serious, a stop work order may be posted
until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be necessary before
work can be resumed.
7. Receive Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate
of Approval
When code compliance is determined, the
construction official issues a certificate of occupancy,
certification of approval, or continued certificate of
occupancy. This certificate is the formal document
which marks the completion of your construction project and gives you permission
to occupy your new or renovated building or use your new or replacement
equipment ,with the knowledge that it meets the
safety standards of the township and the State of New Jersey Uniform
Construction Code. (N.J.A.C. 5:23)
How
to contact Building and Zoning Officials
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