§ 15.04.020. Fees.

The basic construction permit fee shall be the sum of the parts computed on the basis of the volume of the building or, in the case of alterations, the estimated construction cost, and the number and types of plumbing, electrical and fire protection fixtures and devices as provided herein plus any special fees.

A.

Plan Review Fees.

1.

The fee for plan review, computed as a percentage of the fee for a construction permit, shall be paid at the time of submission of an application for a permit. The amount of this fee shall then be deducted from the amount of the fee due for a construction permit, when the permit is issued. The township, as permitted by N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.18(a), reserves the right to allow the applicant to pay plan review fees when the permit is issued. Plan review fees are not refundable. Plan review fees shall be twenty (20) percent of the fee charged for the construction permit.

B.

Building Sub-code Fees.

1.

Fees for new construction shall be based upon the volume of the structure. Volume shall be computed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.28. The new construction fee shall be in the amount of six cents ($0.06) per cubic foot of volume for buildings and structures of all use groups and types of construction as classified and defined in Articles 3 and 4 of the building sub-code with a minimum fee of four hundred dollars ($400.00); except that the fee shall be six cents ($0.06) per cubic foot of volume for use groups R-3, R-4 and R-5 with a minimum fee of three hundred dollars ($300.00); and the fee shall be two and one-half cents ($0.025) per cubic foot for structures on farms, including commercial farm building under N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.2(d), with the maximum fee for such structures on farms not to exceed one thousand one hundred forty-five dollars ($1,145.00).

2.

Fees for renovations, alterations, re-roofing, repairs, and site construction associated with pre-engineered systems of commercial farm buildings, pre-manufactured construction, and the external utility connections for pre-manufactured construction shall be based upon the estimated cost of work. The fee shall be in the amount of thirty-five ($35.00) per one thousand ($1,000.00) for the first three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00). From three hundred thousand one dollar ($300,001.00) or more the additional fee shall be in the amount of twenty eight dollars ($28.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) of the estimated cost There shall be a minimum fee of three hundred dollars ($300.00) for all use groups, except R-3, R-4 and R-5 the minimum fee shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). For the purpose of determining estimated cost, the applicant shall submit to the Construction Department such cost data as may be available produced by the architect or engineer of record, or by the contractor. A bona fide contractor's bid, if available, shall be submitted. The Construction Department shall make the final determination regarding estimated cost.

3.

Fees for additions shall be computed based upon the volume of the added portion of the structure. The fee shall be in the amount of six cents ($0.06) per cubic foot of volume for buildings of structures of all uses with a minimum fee of four hundred ($400.00) except that the fee shall be six cents ($0.06) per cubic foot of volume for use groups R-3, R-4 and R-5 with a minimum fee of three hundred dollars ($300.00).

4.

Fees for combination renovations and additions shall be computed as the sum of the fees computed separately in accordance to subsections (B)(2) and (3) of this section.

5.

Temporary structures and all other structures, for which volume cannot be computed, such as swimming pools and open structural towers, shall be charged as a flat fee.

a.

The fee for an above ground swimming pool, hot tub or spa constructed as an accessory to use group R-3, R-4 and R-5 shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). The fee for an in-ground swimming pool constructed as an accessory to use group R-3, R-4 and R-5 shall be seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00). All other use groups revert to subsection (B)(2) of this Section.

b.

The fee for an open structural tower, monopole, or temporary structure shall be forty dollars ($40.00) per thousand dollars of estimated cost of construction.

6.

The fee for tents, in excess of 900 square feet or more than (30) feet in any dimension, shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). The fees for tents, tensioned membrane structure, or canopies that require construction permits under N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(b)(4)(ii) shall be calculated as subsection (B)(2) of this Section.

7.

The fee for roofing and siding work completed on a structure in all use group except detached R-3, R-4 and R-5 shall revert to subsection (B)(2) of this Section. The fee for use of polypropylene siding in R-3, R-4, and R-5 uses shall be ninety dollars ($90.00).

8.

Fees for minor construction work shall be based upon the estimated cost of the work. The fee shall be computed as an alteration in subsection (B)(2) of this section.

9.

Fees for fence permits issued pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(b)9 (including barriers surrounding swimming pools) shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00) for up to 400 (four hundred) lineal feet and three hundred dollars ($300.00) for 401 (four hundred one) lineal feet or more.

10.

Fees for fences over six foot high shall be calculated as subsection (B) (2) above.

11.

Fees for permits for garden type utility sheds issued pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(b)(8) and 5:23-9.9 shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). For sheds containing mechanical equipment or utility connections there will be an additional fee charged as per that equipment contained in this fee ordinance.

12.

Fees for retaining walls shall be as follows:

a.

A retaining wall associated with a Class 3 residential structure shall have a flat fee of four hundred dollars ($400.00) plus engineering costs.

b.

A newly constructed retaining wall of any size at other than a Class 3 residential structure shall be based on the cost of construction pursuant to subsection (B)(2) of this section plus engineering costs.

13.

There shall be an additional fee of fifty-five dollars ($55.00) per hour for review of any amendment or change to a plan that has already been released for permit by the Department.

14.

The fee for plan review of a building for compliance under the alternate systems and non-depletable energy source provisions of the energy sub-code shall be two hundred seventy-four dollars ($274.00) for one and two family dwellings (group R-3 or R-5 of the building sub-code), and for light commercial structures having indoor temperature controlled from a single point, and one thousand three hundred sixty-nine dollars ($1,369.00) for all other structures.

15.

The fee for change of contractor shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) per sub-code after the permit is issued.

C.

Plumbing Fixtures and Equipment. The fees shall be as follows:

1.

The fee shall be in the amount of thirty dollars ($30.00) per fixture, piece of equipment, vent, stack, appliance or appurtenance connected to the plumbing system, and roof drains, including roof leaders and for each appliance connected to the gas piping or oil piping system, except as indicated below for all use groups except R-3, R-4 and R-5 where the fee shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00) each.

2.

The fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) per special device for the following: grease traps, oil separators, refrigeration units, initial installation of backflow preventers equipped with test ports (double check valve assembly, reduced pressure zone and pressure vacuum breaker backflow preventers), steam boilers, hot water boilers (excluding those for domestic water heating), HVAC units, active solar systems, sewer pumps and interceptors in all use groups except R-3, R-4 and R-5 where the fee shall be ninety dollars ($90.00). There shall be no fee charged for gas service entrances.

3.

In use groups R-3 and R-5 the fee for each water heater, water conditioner, refrigeration unit, HVAC unit and backflow preventers installed in connection with an underground irrigation system or alteration thereof shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00), except for Berkeley Heights residents in an owner occupied single family dwelling over 65 years of age will pay forty dollars ($40.00) for water heaters only.

4.

In all other use groups the fee for each water heater, water conditioner, refrigeration unit, HVAC unit and backflow preventer installed in connection with an underground irrigation system or alteration thereof shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) each.

5.

In existing buildings of use groups R-3, R-4 and R-5, see the section following on mechanical sub-code fees for new and replacement mechanical equipment fees. New construction and additions in these use groups use the section C (Plumbing fixtures) and section E (Fire Protection) for the appropriate fees.

6.

The fee shall be two hundred dollars ($200.00) for installation, replacement or repair of domestic water and sanitary sewer service for all use groups plus engineering fees and street opening permits where required.

7.

The fee for gas piping and medical gas piping shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for the first outlet and twenty dollars ($20.00) for each additional outlet.

8.

The fee for pool piping, drain covers, anti-syphon devices, and back wash discharge shall be ninety dollars ($90.00) for the first and forty-five dollars ($45.00) for each additional piece of equipment for all use groups.

9.

The fee for condensate pumps shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) for all uses except R-3, R-4 and R-5 the fee shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

10.

The fee for hydronic and/or radiant piping shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).

11.

The minimum plumbing sub-code fee for use groups R-3, R-4 and R-5 shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00). The minimum plumbing sub-code fee for all other use groups shall be ninety dollars ($90.00).

D.

Electrical Fixtures and Devices. The fee shall be as follows:

1.

For the first block consisting of one to fifty (50) receptacles, fixtures, or devices, the fee shall be sixty-five dollars ($65.00), for each additional block consisting of up to twenty-five (25) receptacles, fixtures or devices, the fee shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00). For the purpose of computing this fee, receptacles, fixtures, or devices shall include lighting fixtures, wall switches, convenience receptacles, sensors, dimmers, alarm devices, smoke, carbon monoxide and heat detectors, communications outlets, data and telephone connections, light standards eight feet or less in height including luminaries, emergency lights, electric signs, exit lights or similar electric fixtures or similar fixtures and devices rated twenty (20) amperes or less including motors or equipment rated less than one horsepower (hp) or one kilowatt (kw).

For each motor or electrical device rated from one hp or one kw to ten (10) hp or kw; for each transformer or generator rated from one kw or one kva to ten (10) kw or ten (10) kva; for each replacement of wiring involving one branch circuit or part thereof; for each storable pool or hydro massage bath tub; for each under-water lighting fixture; for household electric cooking equipment rated up to sixteen (16) kw; for each fire security or burglar alarm control unit; for each receptacle rated from thirty (30) amperes to fifty (50) amperes; for each light standard greater than eight feet in height including luminaries; and for each communications closet, the fee shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00);

For each motor or electrical device rated from greater than ten (10) hp or ten (10) kw to fifty (50) hp or fifty (50) kw, for each service equipment, replacement of service entrance conductor or feeder conductor, panel board, switch board, switch gear, motor-control-center, or disconnecting means rated two hundred twenty-five (225) amperes or less; for each transformer or generator rated from greater than ten (10) kw or ten (10) kva to forty-five (45) kw or forty-five (45) kva; for each electric sign rated from greater than twenty (20) amperes to two hundred twenty-five (225) amperes including associated disconnecting means; for each receptacle rated greater than fifty (50) amperes; and for each utility load management device, the fee shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00).

For each motor or electrical device rated from greater than fifty (50) hp or fifty (50) kw to one hundred (100) hp or one hundred (100) kw; for each service equipment, replacement of service entrance conductor or feeder conductor, panel board, switch board, switch gear, motor-control-center, or disconnecting means rated from greater than two hundred twenty-five (225) amperes to one thousand (1,000) amperes; and for each transformer or generator rated from greater than forty-five (45) kw or forty-five (45) kva to one hundred twelve and one-half (112.5) kw or one hundred twelve and one-half (112.5) kva, the fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).

For each motor or electrical device rated greater than one hundred (100) hp or one hundred (100) kw; for each service equipment, replacement of service entrance conductor or feeder conductor, panel board, switch board, switch gear, motor-control-center or disconnecting means rated greater than one thousand (1,000) amperes; and for each transformer or generator rated greater than one hundred twelve and one-half (112.5) kw or one hundred twelve and one-half (112.5) kva, the fee shall be seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00).

The fee charged for electrical work for each permanently installed private swimming pool as defined in the building sub-code, spa, hot tub or fountain shall be a flat fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for all use groups, except above ground pools built as accessory uses to R-3, R-4 and R-5 where the fee shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00). The fee for any required bonding, and associated equipment such as filters pumps, motors, disconnecting means, switches, required receptacles, and heaters, etc., shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00) excepting panel boards and under-water lighting fixtures. For public swimming pools, the fee shall be charged on the basis of number of electrical fixtures and rating of electrical devices involved in accordance with the above.

Annual inspection fees for swimming pools, spas and/or hot tubs. All pools, spas and/or hot tubs other than private swimming pools as defined in the building subcode are subject to an annual electrical inspection. The fee for this shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).

For photovoltaic systems, the fee shall be based on the designated kilowatt rating of the solar photovoltaic system as follows: one to fifty (50) kilowatts, the fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00); fifty-one (51) to one hundred (100) kilowatts, the fee shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00); and greater than one hundred (100) kilowatts shall be six hundred dollars ($600.00).

For installations consisting of multi-meter stacks, the fee shall be based on the ampere rating of the main bus and not upon the number of meters or rating of disconnects on the meter stack. Individual loadside panel boards shall be charged in accordance with the above. There shall be no additional fee charged for the concurrent installation of individual feeder conductors.

For motors or similar devices requiring concurrent installation of individual controls, relays and switches, the fee shall be based upon the rating of the motor or device. There shall be no additional fee charged for the concurrent installation of individual circuit components, for example, controllers, starters, and disconnecting means.

For electrical work requiring replacement of service entrance conductors or feeder conductors only, the fee shall be in accordance with the above based on the designated ampere rating of the overcurrent device of the service or feeder.

The fee charged for process equipment shall be based on the ampere rating of the overcurrent device protecting the conductor feeding the process equipment or the cutoff device.

For the purpose of computing these fees, all electrical and communications devices, utilization equipment and motors which are part of the premises wiring, except those which are portable plug-in type, shall be counted.

The fee for low voltage service equipment such as an alarm systems, communications and /or data wiring shall be eighty-five dollars ($85.00) for the first fifty (50) contacts and forty-five dollars ($45.00) for each additional group of twenty-five (25) contacts for all use groups except use groups R-3, R-4 and R-5 where the fee shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) when penetrating a fire-rated assembly.

The fee for Burglar alarm, security systems and doorbells in all uses except R-3 and R-5 shall be ninety dollars ($90.00).

The fee for installation of heating and air conditioning equipment shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for all use groups except R-3, R-4 and R-5 where the fee shall be fifty-five dollars ($55.00).

The fee for underground trenches for conduit or cable shall be two hundred dollars ($200.00).

The minimum electrical sub-code fee for use groups R-3, R-4 and R-5 shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00). The minimum electrical sub-code fee for all other use groups shall be ninety dollars ($90.00).

E.

Fire Protection Fees. Fire protection and hazardous equipment, sprinklers, standpipes, detectors (smoke, heat and carbon monoxide), pre-engineered suppression systems, new gas and oil fired appliances not connected to the plumbing system, including dryers and generators, kitchen exhaust systems, incinerators and crematoriums, the fee shall be as follows:

The fee for one to twenty (20) detectors, horns, strobes, bells, tampers, pull stations, water flow alarms and similar devices in all use groups the fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) except R-3, R-4 and R-5 where the fee shall be eighty-five dollars ($85.00); for each additional block of up to twenty-five (25) detectors, horns, strobes, bells, tampers, pull stations, water flow alarms and similar devices for all other use groups the fee shall be eighty-five dollars ($85.00) in all uses, except R-3, R-4 and R-5 where the fee shall be sixty-five dollars ($65.00). These fees shall apply to traditional, hard wired, low voltage and wireless systems.

Sprinkler Systems. The fee for twenty (20) or fewer heads shall be one hundred ten dollars ($110.00); for twenty-one (21) to and including one hundred (100) heads, the fee shall be four hundred dollars ($400.00); for one hundred one (101) to and including two hundred (200) heads, the fee shall be five hundred seventy-five dollars ($575.00); for two hundred one (201) to and including four hundred (400) heads, the fee shall be nine hundred dollars ($900.00); for four hundred one (401) to and including one thousand (1,000) heads, the fee shall be one thousand four hundred dollars ($1,400.00); for over one thousand (1,000) heads, the fee shall be two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00).

The fee for the installation of an independent dedicated fire only/sprinkler water supply line shall be four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00).

The fee for each yard or private fire hydrant shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).

The fee for each standpipe shall be four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00).

The fee for each independent, pre-engineered system such as, but not limited to CO(2), Halon, foam, dry chemical or wet chemical shall be two hundred seventy-five dollars ($275.00).

The fee for each kitchen exhaust system in use group R-3, R-4 and R-5 shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00), for all other use groups the fee shall be three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00).

The fee for each gas or oil fired appliance in a new structure or addition in use group R-3, R-4 and R-5 that is not connected to the plumbing system shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00), for all other use groups the fee shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00). For replacement equipment in use group R-3, R-4 and R-5, see mechanical permit fees.

The fee for gas or solid fuel burning appliances, including fireplaces and chimney liners shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for all use groups except use group R-3, R-4 and R-5 where the fee shall be ninety dollars ($90.00).

The Township has established a Fire Sub-Code Plan Review fee to be charged where plan review by the Fire Sub-Code Official is mandated but no permit is required. This fee shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00) except for R-3, R-4 and R-5, which shall be sixty-five dollars ($65.00).

The fee for each incinerator and crematorium shall be three hundred dollars ($300.00).

The fee for a permit for demolition, removal, abandonment or installation of an above-ground or underground storage tank under five hundred fifty (550) gallons shall be eighty dollars ($80.00); for five hundred fifty-one (551) gallons to two thousand (2000) gallons shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00); and for over two thousand one (2001) gallons shall be three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00).

The minimum permit fee for fire related devices and systems NOT Specifically named herein and any others not specifically included above shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00) for all use groups except use groups R-3, R-4 and R-5 where the fee shall be sixty-five dollars ($65.00).

The minimum fire protection sub-code fee for all use groups shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00) except use groups R-3, R-4 and R-5 where the minimum fire protection sub-code fee shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00).

F.

Mechanical Fees. Mechanical Sub-Code fees apply in existing structures of use group R-3, R-4 and R-5 as follows:

The fee for each piece of mechanical equipment or appliance such as wood fired, natural gas fired, oil fired or LPG fired boiler or furnace, fireplace or air-conditioning, shall be ninety dollars ($90.00), except that a water heater shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00). The first connection to natural gas piping or oil piping shall be seventy-five dollars ($75.00) with each additional connection an additional twenty dollars ($20.00). Chimney liners, chimneys and vents shall be ninety dollars ($90.00). The fee for dryer venting shall be fifty-five dollars ($55.00).

The fee for a kitchen exhaust hood is seventy-five dollars ($75.00).

G.

Fees for certificates and other permits are as follows:

The fee for the demolition or removal of a principal building or structure of all use groups shall be one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) except for use groups R-3, R-4 and R-5 the fee shall be five hundred fifty dollars ($550.00). The fee for demolition or removal of an accessory structure used in conjunction with R-3 and R-5 shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00).

The fee for a permit to construct a sign shall be in the amount of three dollars ($3.00) per square foot surface area of the sign, computed on one side only for double-faced signs. The minimum fee shall be one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125.00). The fees for footings and foundations associated with the installation of ground signs shall be calculated under site construction under the building sub-code fees above.

The fee for a permit for the removal of a building or structure from one lot to another or to a new location on the same lot shall be one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) plus twenty eight dollars ($28.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) of estimated cost of moving the structure and the cost of construction of the new foundation and other costs relating to the placement of the structure in a completed condition in the new location. Any person or firm relocating a structure which entails crossing any Township right-of-way may be required by the Township Engineer to post surety in an amount calculated by the Township Engineer sufficient to defray the potential costs of damage which in his or her judgment may occur to the Township's right-of-way during the relocation. Any such person or firm desiring to relocate a structure which entails crossing or using any Township street shall also be required to obtain the approval of the Police Chief and Fire Chief or his or her designee prior to such crossing or use.

The fee for a certificate of occupancy for a new building of use group R-3, R-4 and R-5 shall be three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00); for a new building of use group R-2 and other multi-tenanted B or M buildings, a fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) shall be charged for the core and shell and each individual dwelling unit or tenant space shall pay a fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) each; all other use groups shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00). The fee for a certificate of occupancy for an addition, alteration or reconstruction of use group R-3, R-4 and R-5 shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00); for all other use groups shall be three hundred dollars ($300.00). The fee for a certificate of occupancy for an accessory structure used in conjunction with an R-3 and R-5 use group shall be forty dollars ($40.00).

The fee for a certificate of occupancy granted pursuant to a change of use group shall be four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00).

The fee for a certificate of continued occupancy issued under N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.23(e) shall be three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00).

The fee for the first issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00); each renewal thereafter shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).

1.

Exception. There shall be no fee for the first issuance of the temporary certificate of occupancy provided the certificate of occupancy fee is paid at the time.

2.

Exception. Where a written request for a temporary certificate of occupancy is made for reasons other than uncompleted work covered by the permit (such as uncompleted work required by prior approvals from state or municipal agencies), no renewal fee shall be charged.

The fee for an application for a variation in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.10 shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for use groups R-3, R-4 and R-5 and six hundred dollars ($600.00) for all other use groups.

The fee for a permit for lead hazard abatement work shall be one hundred forty dollars ($140.00). The fee for a lead abatement clearance certificate shall be twenty-eight dollars ($28.00). (Per N.J.A.C. 5:23-8.9.)

The fee for a permit for asbestos hazard abatement work shall be eighty-four dollars ($84.00). The fee for a certificate of occupancy following the successful completion of an asbestos hazard abatement project shall be seventeen dollars ($17.00). (per N.J.A.C. 5:23-8.9)

The fee for a permit for radon hazard remediation in an existing structure shall be fifty-five dollars ($55.00) plus any applicable electrical permit fees.

For cross connections and backflow preventers that are subject to testing, requiring re-inspection annually, the fee shall be eighty-five dollars ($85.00) each for the first five devices and twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each additional device in the same building.

All construction permits issued by the township construction code department are subject to a state of New Jersey surcharge fee to be based on the volume of the new construction or addition and/or the estimated value of the renovation, alteration or repair or a combination of the two as set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.19.

H.

All applications shall pay an administrative fee for scanning of documents. Such fee shall be twenty dollars ($20.00) for a project from use group R-3, R-4, or R-5 and forty dollars ($40.00) for all other uses. In addition there shall be a five dollar ($5.00) per page charge for accompanying drawings in excess of 12 inches × 18 inches.

I.

Zoning Review Fee. Unless otherwise provided, the fee for construction permit applications that require zoning review shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for all residential applications and fifty dollars ($50.00) for all non-residential applications, and shall be paid upon submittal of the application.

J.

There shall be special municipal trust fund established for all penalties collected by the enforcing agency. Such fund will be dedicated for use by the enforcing agency for items over and above what is supplied by the municipal budget to be used for additional education or training and/or new equipment, including a vehicle.

(Ord. 14-07 § 1: Ord. 14-04 § 1: prior code § 25A-3)

(Ord. No. 19-2018, § 1, 10-9-2018)