| What
is a permit?
A construction permit represents permission to begin a construction
project. The issuance of a permit indicates that plans for a project have
been approved by the Township and have complied with the Uniform
Construction Code and the Township Zoning Ordinances.
When is a Permit
Required?
A permit is generally required if an individual wishes to
construct, enlarge, alter or demolish a structure. Included in this
category are those projects which change and existing structure or add to
that structure, such as:
 |
Deck or pool |
|
Addition to house or garage |
|
Fence, shed or garage |
A
construction permit is also required to do the following:
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Replace siding or roof |
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Rearrange plumbing system |
|
Install new water
heater, furnace or fireplace |
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Install new electrical receptacles or outlets |
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Repair or replace any structural member, such as increasing the size
of a window or door. |
How do I apply
for a permit?
The documentation required for a construction permit includes:
|
Permit Application |
|
Construction Plans |
|
Property Survey |
|
Zoning Application (For application, click
here.) |
A
permit application is available from the construction department, located
on the lower level of the Municipal Building.
Along
with the completed application, the applicant must submit three copies of
the construction plans. These drawings may be done by the applicant
for his own single family dwelling or by a New Jersey licensed architect.
For
any additions to the property, the applicant must also submit a zoning
application along with a property survey. The survey must indicate:
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All existing structures on the property. |
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The location of the proposed structure you are requesting approval
for. |
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Distances to the lot lines, septic system and well. |
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The location of any easements on the property. |
The
Permit Process
1. Submit the required documents to the Construction Department.
2. The
Zoning Officer will complete the zoning review. A $10.00 fee is
required.
3.
Once the zoning is approved, the plans are reviewed by the appropriate
sub-code officials (building, fire, electric, plumbing), whichever apply
to your project, for completeness and code compliance.
4. If
the zoning is denied, you may make application to the Zoning Board of
Adjustment for whatever variances may be required for you project.
5.
Upon approval of the sub-code officials, your permit will be processed.
Once the permit has been processed, paid for and picked up, your project
may begin.
6.
Minor work such as roofing and siding requires minimal plan review.
Usually, the permit can be issued within forty-eight (48) hours of
application.
Inspections During Construction
|
Footing excavation prior to pouring concrete. |
|
If
foundation walls are poured concrete, an inspection of the wall forms
is required prior to the concrete being poured. |
|
A survey of the location of the foundation, by a
licensed surveyor, must be submitted and approved prior to requesting
a foundation inspection.
This applies to new houses only. |
|
Foundation wall prior to backfilling |
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All concrete slabs must be inspected prior to pouring |
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Sheathing inspection |
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Rough plumbing and electrical |
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Rough framing and truss inspection after electric and plumbing are
approved but before insulation is installed |
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Insulation prior to installing sheetrock |
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Final plumbing and electric. |
|
Final building after final plumbing, final electric and final fire are
approved. |
Any work that does not conform to the approved plans will require
re-inspection and work cannot continue until re-inspected.
Safe, clean access must be provided at the location of the inspection.
Safety rated ladders must be provided at the location of the
inspection.
Open stairways and balconies must have safety railings.
Applicants are required to post the yellow permit prominently on the
site and keep a copy of their approved plans at the site.
For a list of common violations, click
here.
When the project is completed, all final inspections have passed, and
all requirements have been met, a certificate of occupancy will be
issued and the new area may be used.
Obligations During Construction
Please see the Inspection Page for
guidelines concerning what inspections you must have.
Please conform to the following guidelines concerning inspections
times and dates:
Building, Fire, Plumbing and Electrical
Inspections are performed Tuesday and Thursday Afternoons after 12 Noon.
Request for Inspections may be made by
calling: (609) 298-0426
(You may call after hours and leave a message on the
answering machine. Your message must include Permit Number
and Type of Inspection requested or you will not receive the
Inspection.)
Requests for Inspections must be received by 12 noon
the day before you would like the inspection.
Do not email requests for
inspections/re-inspections.
Things to Remember
1. Your Tax Collector can answer questions about
your tax collections. The Assessor about assessments.
2. The Assessor cannot legally collect tax money.
3. Tax payments may be made to the Tax collector
by mail addressed to: Tax Collector, 300 Bordentown-Chesterfield Rd,
Trenton, NJ 08620 or paid in person at the Municipal Building.
4. Interest is required to be charged on late
payment of taxes.
5. When you are issued a Building Permit, you may
expect visits from both the Assessor and the Construction Code Official as their
duties require. (If not familiar with these Township Employees, please
check for identification.)
6. On a normally maintained property the
following improvements may not bring an increase in the individual assessment:
| Painting |
| Landscaping |
| Decorating |
| Minor Repairs (when in question contact your Tax
Assessor) |
The following things may affect the assessed value:
| Conversion of attic, basement, garage or porch into
living area. |
Installation of:
| Bath or Powder Room |
| Central heating/cooling |
| Fireplace |
| Patio or Porch |
| Additions |
| Garages and other structures |
| Swimming pools |
| Siding |
(Be sure to check with your
Construction Code Official for Code and Permit Requirements.)
7. Improvements as noted above may be subject to
added assessment beginning the first of the month following substantial
completion, occupancy or use. The added assessment list is submitted to
the County Tax Board on October 1st and the tax thereon is due November 1st of
the same year.
8. If you wish to demolish an old building,
consider its tax cost and usefulness before you tear it down. Remember
that any building standing as of October 1st of the pre-tax year may be
taxable for the entire year following. Also, a demolition permit is
required from the Construction Code Official. The above also applies
to swimming pools.
(Please be advised that the above
information serves only as a guideline. Changes in laws and
requirements are on-going. Contact your local officials with questions or
clarifications.)
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