Official FAQs / Q & As

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FAQ = Frequently Asked Questions
Q & A = Questions & Answers
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• How long does it take to get a Building Permit?
  
  
• How much does it cost for Code Inspections, and for Re-Inpections?
  
  
• How much does it cost for a Certificate of Occupancy?
  
  
• How much does it cost for a Building Permit Fee?
  
  
• How can I access the New Jersey Uniform Construction Codes?
  
  
• Why should I or why must I get a Building Permit, and how do I apply?
  
  
• Do I need State approvals to remodel and build an addition on to my house?
  
  
• To get answers to question about technical matters, what sort of info should I have handy?
  
  
• Does the Construction Official issue Certificate of Occupancy ( C.O., Certificates of Occupancy )?
  
  
• Who is responsible to pay for Certificate of Occupancy ( C.O. ) in an apartment or rental unit?
  
  

• How long does it take to get a Building Permit?
  
  Up to 20 days, depending on review processes required and Construction Office workload. For more information call
  Construction Office of the Code Enforcement Division
  M-F 9am-5pm
  TEL: 609-386-0200 ext. 140
  
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• How much does it cost for Code Inspections, and for Re-Inpections?
  
  Basic Fee
  Housing Code Inspection
  $50
  Housing Code Re-Inspection
  $15
  
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• How much does it cost for a Certificate of Occupancy?
  
  Basic Fee
  Certificate of Occupancy
  $10
  
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• How much does it cost for a Building Permit Fee?
  
  Basic Fee
  Building Permit Fee– costs in accordance with Uniform Construction Code.
  
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• How can I access the New Jersey Uniform Construction Codes?
  
  New Jersey Department of Community Affairs – Division of Codes and Standards offers a webpage from which you may order a copy of the current Code. Their office contacts are
  
  NJ Dept. of Community Affairs
  Division of Codes and Standards
  101 South Broad Street
  PO Box 802
  Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0802
  
  Code Assistance:
  TEL: (609) 984-7609
  FAX: (609) 984-7717
  
  Director's Office:
  TEL: (609) 292- 7899
  FAX: (609) 633-6729
  
  Publications:
  Phone (609) 984-0040
  
  View State Publications Order Form
  
  Office of Regulatory Affairs
  New Jersey Dept. of Community Affairs
  101 South Broad Street
  Division of Codes and Standards
  PO Box 818
  Trenton, NJ 08625-0818
  TEL: (609) 984-7672
  FAX: (609) 984-7718
  
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• Why should I or why must I get a Building Permit, and how do I apply?
  
  For your answer, start with the brief Building Officials and Code Administrators Guide to "Why a Building Permit? A Citizen’s Guide to Why & How" which we reproduce here for your convenience.
  
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• Do I need State approvals to remodel and build an addition on to my house?
  
  Yes, if it is located in a Flood Zone (See Flood Zone Map at City Hall) and is over 400 sq. ft. For more information call the Code Enforcement Division Office
  M-F 9am-5pm
  TEL: 609-386-0200 ext. 140
  
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• To get answers to question about technical matters, what sort of info should I have handy?
  
  In order to answer technical questions, the Technical Assistant would need to know:
  • where the property is located
  • when a permit was issued
  • what code was used to prepare the construction plan
  Without this information, they cannot help you further. For further assistance, contact:
  Technical Assistant
  Ms. Sheryl Hoffman
  TEL: 609-386-0200 ext. 141
  E-mail Tech. Asst.
  
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• Does the Construction Official issue Certificate of Occupancy ( C.O., Certificates of Occupancy )?
  
  The Construction Official’s Office (Code Enforcement) only issues Certificates of Occupancy ( C.O. ) for owner occupied dwellings.
  
  For further assistance, contact:
  Technical Assistant
  Ms. Sheryl Hoffman
  TEL: 609-386-0200 ext. 141
  E-mail Tech. Asst.
  
  Top
  
  
  
• Who is responsible to pay for Certificate of Occupancy ( C.O. ) in an apartment or rental unit?
  
  There are no laws or requirements regarding payment of processing fees in a residential rental. Many of these types of fees have always existed, but were combined into the "application / lease preparation fees". Some landlords state the fees and now require a separate check from the new tenant drawn directly to the municipality for Certificate of Occupancy fees and inspections.
  
  For further assistance, contact:
  Technical Assistant
  Ms. Sheryl Hoffman
  TEL: 609-386-0200 ext. 141
  E-mail Tech. Asst.
  
  Top
  
  
  

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