Building
Maplewood Building Department
Telephone (973) 762 – 8120 * Fax (973) 762- 2894
Robert J. Mittermaier, Construction Official
constructionofficial@twp.maplewood.nj.us
Hours: 9:00 Am to 4:30 Pm – General Office Hours Monday – Friday
(Except for designated Township Holidays)
9:00 Am to 4:00 Pm - Permit receipt and issuance Hours
· 4:30 Pm to 7:00 Pm - Late Night Hours – 1st and 3rd Tuesdays ( Sept – May)
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Building Department is to assure the health, welfare and safety of the people who live, work and otherwise make use of all structures by the consistant and thorough enforcement of the Uniform Construction Code as adopted by the State of New Jersey, zoning regulations, code enforcement ordinances and other regulations as the Township of Maplewood adopts.
2010 Department Goals
Rental Registration
History
In 2003 The Township Committee adopted the Rental Registration Ordinance for the Registry and Inspection of all rental units in Maplewood. This program began with 198 units registered the first year. To accomplish this a Code Enforcement Inspector was hired solely with the intent of being responsible for the first year’s start up, notification, registration, inspection and certification of all units registered and inspected.
In 2004 the goal was to refine the Rental Registration data, register, inspect and issues registration certificates and or summons as it was found appropriate. The challenge with this is that this procedure is contrary to normal operation of a municipal office. We are charged by the ordinance to inspect all units each year.
In 2005 and 2006 this office continued its quest to complete the task originally presented, refine all rentals registration data collected, verify owner certification statements that they are exempt for this registration and attempt to follow each successive year with full compliance. While major progress in the above has been accomplished it has not been completed.
Due to economic conditions staffing has been reduced requiring rethinking of reacting to necessary job duties and staff assignments. Inspection staff has been reduced from four full time members to two full time members and two part time members. All members share all inspection duties including Rental Registration Inspection.
Action Taken
In 2007 a full review of the data base and information collection was made wherein changes were made with enhancements to permit better information review. Primary inspections were assigned and due to the reductions of staff readjusted in attempt to continue to cover all aspects of the office duties.
Goal
In 2010 the further refinements to the database will continue which will result in adjustments of the enrollment of owners, Collection of fees for registrations and late fees as well as issuance of summons for failure to comply with Rental Registration Requirements. Processing of failure to register has been more mechanical toward the end of the year leading to easier enforcement.
Construction Code Enforcement
History
This portion of the office has had an Assistant to the Construction Official for many years. There are two other administrative staff members who are instrumental of the office and field inspectors.
A Certified Principal Technical Assistant was hired in October 2008 in order to replace the loss of the previous Assistant to the Construction Official and to have a Certified, licensed individual to upgrade the Building Department to State Statute and assist in the operation. Unfortunately with the downturn of the economy this individual was another of those released in March 2009 in the Building Department.
Action Taken
Shifting of administrative and inspecting duties has been difficult but it appears that to date most activities have been covered with little lag to customer service. Permit fees were reviewed and increased to cover cost and adopted in November 2009.
Goal
Continued improvement of the overall function of the Building Department administrative staff, creating a more compliant regulatory processing for applicants and the assurance of full service with proper customer assistance to the public continues to be a goal.
Certificate of Continued Use and Occupancy
History
The Certificate of Continued Use and Occupancy Ordinance was first adopted in 1992 to regulate the proper occupancy of tenancy of units to limit the number of occupants, legal use of a property and conditions of the properties. Each unit must have an application for a certification and inspection prior to sale or rental by the owner.
Action Taken
In 2009 with the economy and cost of operation , the timing of attorney and realtor prior to closing and attempting to meet a closer time line for the professionals working for the prospective owners and sellers of a property fees for the certificates were revised increasing a normal fee and creating fee for expediting a certificating inspection. Additionally, there was a penalty fee adopted for reinspection.
Goal
It is the goal to accomplish the same inspection services with the reduced inspection staffing experienced due to the March 2009 reductions. We have adjusted administrative as well as inspections as it pertains to Code Enforcement Inspections which includes Certificates of Continued Use and Occupancy
Construction permits are not taken or issued after 4:00 p.m.
The following extensions will help you direct your call to the staff member who can best address your specific questions:
x 3700, 3703 for general building permit questions or to schedule a building, electrical or plumbing inspection, questions regarding Certification of Continued Use, and Rental Registration
· The Building Department consists of three main groups of enforcement duties. They are Construction Code Enforcement, Property Maintenance Code and Zoning Regulation Administration and Enforcement. There are other duties which come into the realm of the Building Department, as well.
Construction Code Enforcement
The Law reads as follows:
N.J.A.C. 5:23 – 2.14
(a) It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter or demolish a structure, or change the occupancy of a building or structure requiring greater strength, exit way or sanitary provision, or to change a different use group, or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the installation of which is regulated by this chapter, or to undertake a project involving lead abatement in accordance with 5:17, without 1st filing an application with the construction official or the appropriate sub code official where the construction involves only one trade or in writing and obtaining the required permit therefore.
N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.16: Requires that the Building Department complete its review of plans in 20 business days, from the date the application is received to grant or deny in whole or part and notify the applicant.. The office many times complete this review in a more timely matter
Notification will be by telephone to the RESPONSIBLE PERSON- said notification will include the total cost for the permits. Payment may be in the form of cash (exact amount, please) check or money order and is due at the time the permit has been approved. Checks and money orders are payable to: Maplewood Township
Approved “Field Copy” plans must be on site for inspection. Under NJ law you are required to have certain inspections performed. Failure to request these inspections can result in a penalty of up to $2000.00/ NJAC 5:23-2.
Construction permits are required for many home improvement projects. Any structural
or system changes require permits prior to work commencing and inspections during and on completion of the work. An example of work requiring a permit is follows.
(Required Permits: This is not an all encompassing list.)
Roof, Siding, Electric service, Water heater, Furnace, A/C, Kitchen or Bath Renovation, Addition, Central Air Condition, Etc…
Permit application forms may be obtained at the Building Department or found at the following website for submittal to the department for most construction permit applications. Go to http://www.nj.gov/dca/codes and then click on the link for Construction permit forms
Yellow Permit cards must be displayed in the window of worksite and or visible from the street
N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs Rule:
N.J.A.C. 13:45A – 16.2(a) 10.ii
IMPORTANT NOTE TO HOMEOWNER: For inspection on Construction permit for : Building, Electric, Plumbing, Fire
FINAL PAYMENT TO THE CONTRACTOR IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE MADE BEFORE A FINAL INSPECTION IS PERFORMED!
Emergency Repairs
When a condition occurs that affects the environment conditions of an occupied space, that condition may be considered an emergency repair. The replacement of a furnace or hot water heater is an example of an emergency repair. When this occurs, you are required to obtain a permit within 72 hours after work is completed.
BUILDING
All Construction usually requires all or some of the following inspections:
View the International Building Code for NJ 2006
View the International Residential Code for NJ 2006
View the International Energy Code for NJ 2006
1. Footing (Prior to concrete pour)
2. Steel Reinforcement inspection (Prior to pouring concrete)
3. As Built foundation survey
4. Foundation and all Walls up to grade level prior to back filling
5. Slab (Prior to pouring concrete)
6. Sheathing (New Construction)
7. Open deck (Add a level or low decks)
8. Framing (Rough plumbing, electric and fire must pass prior)
9. Insulation
10. Above Ceiling
11. Final (Before Occupancy)
12. Final Survey (New Homes)
13. Fence inspection
PLUMBING
View the International Fuel Gas Code for NJ
1. Sewer Tap- ( At the main – private only)
2. Sewer and/or water (Prior to backfill)
3. Gas pipe air test
4. Underground (Prior to covering any pipe, including water test, 200 lb 2hrs)
5. Above ceiling
6. Storm Drains ( Commercial only)
7. Final ( Prior to using)
ELECTRIC
The electric Code can be viewed NEC 2008 after purchase from NFPA website: http:/www.nfpa.org
1. Underground ( Prior to covering any wire or conduct)
2. Pre-rough before rough electric. ( All heating, cooling duct work complete)
3. Rough wiring ( Prior to covering in walls & ceiling)
4. Above ceiling
5. Service & meter installations ( requires DR#)
6. Final ( Prior to using)
FIRE
View the International Mechanical Code for NJ 2006
1. Underground ( Prior to coving sprinkler pipe)
2. Dry pipe trip test
3. 200 lb hydrostatic test (above & below ground for 2hrs)
4. Full fire alarm test
5. Wet dump test for commercial kitchen (annul)
6. B- Vent
7. Rough
8. Above Ceiling (Prior to placing tiles)
9. Final ( Prior to using)
To request an inspection or have questions answered regarding which of the above inspections are required in your project, call the Building Department at 973-762-8120
Please select a topic from the selections below for more information and requirements by the building department.
New Construction Requiring Permits
Ordinary Repairs Not Requiring a Permit
Repairs or Replacements Requiring a Permit
Sleeping Use in Basement & Attics
Property Maintenance & Complaints
Certificate of Continue Use (CCU)
Rental Registration Information
Location:
Maplewood Municipal Building
574 Valley Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040