Township of Mansfield, NJ Chapter 14 Construction Codes, Uniform

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Mansfield 6-6-1977 by Ord. No. 1977-3. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Certificates of occupancy — See Ch. 12.

Housing Code — See Ch. 25, Art. III.

Site plan review — See Ch. 44A.

§ 14-1 Enforcing agency established.

There is hereby established in the Township of Mansfield a State Uniform Construction Code enforcing agency to be known as the "Mansfield Code Enforcement Agency," consisting of a Construction Official, Building Subcode Official, Plumbing Subcode Official, Electrical Subcode Official, Fire Protection 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. The Fire Protection Subcode Official shall be appointed by the Township Committee from those persons recommended by the Fire Chief. All others shall be appointed by the Township Committee.

§ 14-2 Qualifications; office location.

A. Each official position created in § 14-1 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. 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.

B. 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.

§ 14-3 Fees.

[Amended 4-19-1983 by Ord. No. 1983-2; 2-19-1985 by Ord. No. 1985-2; 3-10-1988 by Ord. No. 1988-6; 11-16-1989 by Ord. No. 1989-14; 12-13-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-31; 5-9-1991 by Ord. No. 1991-14; 11-7-1991 by Ord. No. 1991-24; 11-24-1992 by Ord. No. 1992-18; 1-24-1996 by Ord. No. 1996-1; 3-10-1999 by Ord. No. 1999-6; 8-14-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-19; 7-22-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-12]

A. Schedule A: Building Fees.

(1) New structure fees:

(a) Use Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5 B, E, F-1, F-2, H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5, I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, M, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, U: $0.040 per cubic foot.

(b) Use Groups S-1 and S-2: $0.035 per cubic foot.

(c) Commercial farm buildings: $0.0010 per cubic foot.

(2) Renovations, alterations, repairs and minor work: estimated cost per $1,000 times $35. The applicant shall submit cost data by an architect or engineer of record, a recognized estimating firm, or contractor bid. The Construction Official will review the cost of the construction for acceptability.

B. Schedule B: Plumbing Fees.

(1) The fee shall be $25 per fixture, vent or stack. For the purpose of computing this fee, fixtures, vents or stacks shall include, but not be limited to, water closets, urinals, bidets, lavatories, sinks, showers, floor drains, washing machines, dishwashers, residential water heaters, hose bibs, residential central air conditioning, indirect connections, residential solar systems, roof drains, storm drains, leaders and gutters, nontestable backflows and appurtenances.

(2) The fee shall be $90 per special device. For the purpose of computing this fee, special devices shall include, but not be limited to, sewer ejectors, grease traps, oil interceptors, backflow devices, pumps, boilers or furnaces, reduced-pressure backflow devices, commercial-industrial water heaters, commercial-industrial water-cooled air-conditioning units, commercial-industrial refrigeration systems and commercial-industrial solar systems and appurtenances.

(3) Cross-connections and backflow preventers that are subject to testing, requiring inspection annually: $75.

(4) Entrapment avoidance device: $55 for each pump.

(5) Lawn sprinkler flat fee (residential nontestable backflows and appurtenances): $55.

(6) The fee shall be $75 for single-boiler hydronic piping for a single-family residence. For all other structures, the fee shall be $85 and $35 per each floor.

(7) The fee shall be $60 per unit for commercial-industrial refrigeration piping.

(8) The fee shall be $85 per unit for commercial-industrial water-cooled air conditioning.

(9) The fee shall be $135 for installation of piping on a commercial-industrial fuel oil tank.

(10) Residential LP gas tanks shall be $85; all others: $125.

(11) The fee shall be $75 for each sewer, septic and water utility connection.

(12) Mechanical fees: The fee for a mechanical inspection in a use group R-3 or R-5 structure by a mechanical inspector shall be $85 for the first device and $25 for each additional device. No separate fee shall be charged for gas, fuel, oil, or water piping connections associated with the mechanical equipment inspected.

[Amended 3-4-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-6]

C. Schedule C: Electrical Fees.

(1) Electrical fixtures and devices:

(a) From one to 40 receptacles, fixtures, or switches: $75.

(b) Each additional 25 receptacles, fixtures, or switches: $50.

(c) Receptacles, fixtures, and switches shall include lighting outlets, smoke detectors, heat detectors, fluorescent fixtures, light standards (eight feet or less) rain sensors, burglar alarm devices, intercom devices, thermostats, telephone outlets and CRT outlets.

(2) Any similar device or motor of one horsepower or one kilowatt or less:

(a) Motors:

Horsepower	Fee
1 to 10	$16
10.1 to 50	$67
50.1 to 100	$133
More than 100 hp	$665

(b) Electrical devices:

Kilowatts	Fee
1 to 10	$16
10.1 to 45	67
45.1 to 112.5	$133
More than 112.5	$665

Note: kilowatts rating must be noted on application in order to assess proper fee.

(c) Transformers or generators:

Kilowatts	Fee
1 to 10.1	$16
10.1 to 45	$67
45.1 to 112.5	$133
More than 112.5	$665

(3) Service equipment, including service panels, service entrances and subpanels:

[Amended 10-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-17]

Amperes	Fee
0 to 200	$100
200.1 to 1,000	$300
More than 1,000	$800

(4) Residential pools. Permanently installed pools, in-ground or aboveground, hot tubs/spas and fountains, including bonding: $65 each; all nonresidential: $85 each.

(5) Light standards exceeding eight feet in height: $75 each.

(6) Commercial alarm control unit: $150.

(a) Note: price does not include devices. Refer to electrical fees, Subsection C(1).

(b) Communications closet: $150.

(7) The minimum fee for an inspection is $75.

D. Schedule D: Fire Protection and Hazardous Equipment Fees.

(1) Sprinkler heads or detectors:

Heads or Detectors	Fee
1 to 20	$100
21 to 100	$159
101 to 200	$305.90
201 to 400	$800
401 to 1,000	$1,600
Over 1,000	$1,600

(2) Independent preengineered systems: $133.

(3) Standpipe fees: $330.

(4) Gas- or oil-fired appliances not connected to plumbing system: $87.

(5) Kitchen exhaust systems: $65.

(6) Smoke control systems: $65.

(7) Incinerator: $450.

(8) Crematorium: $450.

(9) Installation of above- or underground fuel tank: $200.

(10) Installation of above- or underground fuel tank for R-5 use only: $65.

E. Schedule E: Other Fees.

(1) Administrative fees. The department of a subcode performed by a third-party agency shall charge an administrative fee of 20%.

(2) Annual permit:

(a) One to 25 workers: $266.

(b) Each additional worker over 25: $100.

(3) Asbestos hazard abatement fees:

(a) For each construction permit issued for an asbestos hazard abatement, the fee shall be $90.

(b) The fee for a certificate of approval following the successful completion of asbestos hazard abatement project: no fee.

(4) Certificate of occupancy fees:

(a) The fee shall be in the amount of 10% of the new construction permit fee. The minimum fee shall be $150.

(b) Exceptions. For one- and two-family residences less than 5,000 square feet in area and less than 30 feet in height and farm structures and commercial farm buildings, the fee shall be $100.

(c) The fee for a certificate of occupancy pursuant to a change of use group shall be $200.

(d) The fee for a continued certificate of occupancy shall be:

[1] Residential: $150.

[2] All others: $200.

(e) There is no fee for an initial temporary certificate of occupancy. The fee for subsequent renewal(s) shall be $70.

(f) The fee for a lead abatement certificate of compliance shall be $100.

(g) Certificate of occupancy fees are paid with the construction permit.

(h) There shall be no fee for a certificate of approval.

(5) Change of contractor. The fee for a change of contractor shall be $100 per contractor.

(6) Construction trailer set fee. The fee for setting a construction trailer shall be $200.

(7) Demolitions or removal permit. Flat fee depending on building class:

(a) Class 1: $500.

(b) Class 2: $400.

(c) Class 3: $200.

(8) Exemptions:

(a) All buildings owned or leased to the Township of Mansfield and projects being performed by said Township are exempt from all fees.

(b) All buildings owned or leased to the Township's First-Aid Squad(s) and Fire Department(s) are exempt from all fees.

(9) Fence fees. The fee for a fence shall be as follows:

(a) Residential: $75.

(b) All other fences: $20 per $1,000 of estimated cost.

(10) Lead abatement fee. The fee for lead abatement shall be $110.

(11) Mechanical fees:

(a) Mechanical inspection of R-3 or R-5 structures:

[1] First device: $60.

[2] Each additional device: $20.

(12) Minimum basic construction permit. The fee for the minimum basic construction permits covering any or all building, plumbing, electric or fire protection work shall be $75.

(13) Modular home set fee:

(a) The fee for setting a modular home shall be $300.

(b) All site work and alterations will be as per building fee, Subsection A(1) and (2).

(14) Plan review fees:

(a) The fee for a plan review shall be 7% of the amount to be charged for new construction. Prototype plans shall be reduced by the amount of the plan review fees. Plan review fees are nonrefundable.

(b) The fee of $50 per hour or part thereof shall be charged for all plan review revisions.

(15) Pools:

(a) The building permit fee for residential aboveground pools and hot tubs shall be $100.

(b) The building permit fee for a residential in-ground pool shall be $225.

(c) The building permit fee for a public in-ground pool shall be $450.

(16) Radon mitigation. The fee for radon mitigation shall be $75.

(17) Roofing and siding permits. For R-3, R-4 and R-5, there shall be a flat fee of $75. For all other roofing and siding permits, the fee shall be $35 per $1,000 of estimated cost.

(18) Sign fees: square footage surface area of sign, facade and freestanding signs at $2.50 per square foot. (Note: Fee to be based on one side of double-sided sign.) The minimum fee shall be $75.

(19) Tent or membrane structure. The fee shall be $250 each, which will be applied to tents and membrane structures larger than 900 square feet or exceeding 30 feet in any dimension, those containing platforms and/or special electrical equipment, and for those covering an area in excess of 120 square feet, including all connecting area or spaces with the common means of egress and used or intended to be used for gatherings of 10 or more persons.

(20) Third-party inspections. Subcodes using third-party inspections will charge flat fees that are based on a percentage of the state fee per their bid.

(21) Towers and antenna fees:

(a) The fee to set a satellite dish shall be $75.

(b) The fee for communications antennas shall be $35 per $1,000 of estimated cost.

(22) Retaining wall fees:

(a) The fee for residential retaining walls shall be $125.

(b) The fee for any other retaining wall shall be $35 per $1,000 of estimated cost.

(23) Underground storage tank removal. The fee for underground storage tank removal or abatement shall be as follows:

(a) Residential: $100.

(b) All others: $250.

(24) Variation fees. The fee for an application for a variation shall be:

(a) Class I: $200; resubmittal fee: $100.

(b) Class II and Class III: $100; resubmittal fee: $50.

§ 14-4 Contractors, licensing of. [1]

[Added 8-14-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-19]

Unless currently licensed by the State of New Jersey, every general contractor or contractor for masonry, plastering, carpentry, plumbing or electrical wiring or fixtures or heating or cooling systems shall be licensed by the Township prior to the issuance of any construction permit.

A. Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

CONTRACTOR

Any person or firm seeking a construction permit, except a property owner who is working on his own property in which he resides.

B. Term of license. All such licenses shall expire on December 31 of each year.

C. Conditions for issuance of a license. Prior to the issuance of a Township contractor's license, the Construction Official shall be familiar with the applicant's experience, workmanship, and capability of performing the work normally undertaken by such contractors. The Construction Official may request up to three references from other municipalities for applicants who have not previously done work in Mansfield Township. For applicants who have not done prior contracting work, the Construction Official may restrict the new contractor's work until such time as the new contractor has proven his capability to perform in an acceptable manner in accordance with the established code standards.

D. Revocation or denial of license; appeals.

(1) The contractor's Township license may be revoked by the Construction Official upon serious violation of the construction codes or upon repeated minor violations of the construction codes or upon inadequate and poor quality workmanship as determined by consumer complaints and testimony of two other licensed contractors.

(2) The Construction Official may refuse to issue a Township contractor's license or may revoke an issued license only after notice to the contractor stating his reasons for the refusal or revocation and the holding of a hearing at which the contractor may present evidence indicating why the license should be issued or not revoked. The contractor may appeal the Construction Official's decision to the Township Committee within 10 days of receipt of the Construction Official's decision. The Township shall confirm or overturn the Construction Official's determination within 30 days of notice of an appeal.

E. Fees.

(1) The fee for a Township contractor's license shall be $75, and a renewal fee for the same shall be $55 for each subsequent year or portion thereof.

(2) The Township contractor's license shall be waived for those contractors who can present a current registration by the Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey, or up-to-date electrical contractor's license or master plumber's license of the State of New Jersey.

F. Insurance requirements. Prior to the issuance of any license, each contractor shall provide evidence of insurance to the Construction Official for general liability coverage, including completed operations with bodily injury limits of $100,000 for each occurrence and $300,000 aggregate and $50,000 property damage. Such evidence of insurance shall remain in effect during the license year.

G. Violations and penalties. Any person in violation of this section shall, upon conviction, be punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment for a term of not more than 90 days, or both.

[1] Editor's Note: Former § 14-4, Fire limits, was repealed 4-19-1983 by Ord. No. 1983-2.

§ 14-5 When effective.

This chapter shall take effect upon its final adoption and publication of notice thereof according to law.