Borough of Spotswood

OUR MISSION

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The goal of the Division is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all the residents and occupants of buildings and structures located within the Borough. This is accomplished by enforcing the Uniform Construction Code of New Jersey and the International Property Maintenance Code.  The Division will also assist in the following:

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• Help applicants in the process of obtaining the necessary permits for repairs, reconstruction, and new construction of properties within the Borough.

• Assist the Administration in developing updated ordinances as regulations changes.

• Provide assistance to residents during times of disaster.

• To provide a better quality of life for residents and visitors by enforcing the building codes and property maintenance codes adopted by ordinance.

 

There are many types of construction projects that you may encounter.  Some types are classified as Ordinary Repairs, Minor Work, New Construction, and Emergency Repairs.  Below is a description of each.

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Ordinary Repairs

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This type of repair does not require a permit.  This work includes:

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• The replacement of a roof on a single family home

• The replacement of siding on a single family home (except polypropylene siding)

• The installation or replacement of a burglar alarm in a single family home

• The replacement of  a porch or stoop which does not support any roof structure

• The replacement of gutters or leaders

• The replacement any door or window as long as the opening size does not change and no framing members are removed or added

• The replacement of a smoke detector with a similar type

• The replacement of any plumbing fixtures as long as the locations do not change

• The repair or replacement of one electrical receptacle, switch, or light fixture (this does not include GFCI circuits)

 

Minor Work

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This type of work does require permits.  This work includes but not limited to:

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• Electrical service upgrade or replacement

• The installation of 1-5 new electrical outlets or fixtures

• The replacement or new installation of boilers, water heaters, air conditioning units, and furnaces

• The installation or replacement of propane tanks

• The installation of new gas piping due to oil to gas conversions

• The removal and replacement of any finish material consisting of more than 25% of the structure

• Lawn irrigation systems and back-flow preventers

 

New Construction

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This type of work does require a permit prior to starting.  This work includes but not limited to:

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• Additions

• New homes

• Basements

• Generators

• Installation of pools and pool heaters

 

Emergency Repairs

 

Any work requiring a permit which is a result of an emergency may be started prior to obtaining the necessary permits. However, notice of the work shall be given to this office as soon thereafter practicable and a permit shall be applied for not later than 72 hours thereafter.  Any repairs need to remain open for inspections.  Some types of work would include but not limited to:

 

• Replacements of water heaters, boilers, HVAC systems, water service, and sewer replacements.  

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Any time a permit is required there needs to be plan review for that permit.  Plan review can take up to 20 business days to complete. The following documents need to be included with your application:

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• Subcode permit form completely filled out

• Two copies of signed sealed plans, diagrams, and specifications

• Zoning application and approvals

• Copy of licenses

 

If, during the plan review process, a violation is found, the applicant will be notified and updated documents will need to be provided.

 

The four Subcodes are Building, Electric, Fire, and Plumbing.  The following is a brief description of each:

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Building Subcode

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The Building Subcode Official is the field inspector responsible for inspections which include, but are not limited to, the following:

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• Footings and foundations

• Sheathing

• Insulation

• Open deck

• Framing

• Slab (prior to pouring concrete)

• Above ceiling

• Finals

 

Electric Subcode

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The Electric Subcode Official is the field inspector responsible for inspections which include, but are not limited to, the following:

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• Rough inspections of wiring

• Service and meter installations

• Underground wiring trenches

• Above ceiling

• Pool bonding

• Finals

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Fire Subcode

 

The Fire Subcode Official is the field inspector responsible for inspections which include, but are not limited to, the following:

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• Oil tank installations (above and underground)

• Chimney installations (B-vent)

• Fire alarm systems

• Fire protection sprinkler systems;  underground and above ground piping

• Commercial kitchen suppression systems

• Rough

• Above ceiling

• Finals

 

Plumbing Subcode

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The Plumbing Subcode Official is the field inspector responsible for inspections which include, but are not limited to, the following:

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• Water and sewer piping installations

• Gas piping

• Rough piping

• Underground piping

• Above ceiling

• Finals

 

The Inspection Division office is staffed with a full-time Technical Assistant, who will assist you with any questions that you may have.  

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Before you start your project, you will need to:

 

• Get a "Construction Permit Application." This would include an application jacket and one or more "Technical Sections" which can be picked up at the Construction Department or downloaded from below.

• Submit your completed applications and any plans to the Construction Office for review.  If a Zoning permit is required, your application will be given to the Zoning Officer first for approval.

• When we complete the plan review process, if the application is incomplete we will notify the applicant.

• When we complete the approval process, you will also be notified that your permits are ready.

• You may start work when you have paid for and received your construction permit.

• Remember that N.J. State Law 13:45 A- 16.2 states: "Final inspections are required before final payment is made to the contractor."

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CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

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• Construction Permit Application

 

• Building Subcode

 

• Electrical Subcode

 

• Plumbing Subcode

 

• Fire Subcode

 

• Mechanical Inspector

 

• Certification Application

 

• Chimney Certification

 

• Framing Checklist

 

• Underground Storage Tank

 

• Complaint Form

 

• Call Before You Dig