The
Construction
Official: Charles O’Connor
Construction Office
Bulletin
Office E-mail: kwunder@nac.net
Phone: (973)383-6332
Fax: (973)383-8059
The office is located at
Rita Bernstein, Tech. Asst.
Office Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.-12:30
The Building Inspector is in the office:
Tuesday
Wednesday 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
The Zoning Officer is
in the office:
Tuesday noon-4 p.m.
Thursday
Friday
The office has several subcode officials to handle inspections. Since this is a small town, inspections have to be scheduled with regard to when the inspectors are available. The following is the inspection schedule:
Plumbing: Tuesday/Thursday between 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Electric: Monday/Wednesday between 2 and
Building: Tuesday/
Fire: Wednesday after
Please call in advance for the inspections. The inspectors do not automatically go out on inspections. In order to get a final approval we must be contacted to provide you that service. The Tax Assessor generally considers a property improvement complete within 6 months after the permits are taken. Therefore, please be sure to advise the Construction Department on your progress.
Continued
Certificates of Occupancy
These are required for any change in renters or owners. The inspector will be checking to see if there are adequate smoke detectors and that they are functioning properly. He will also check to be sure that the house is livable. If the roof leaks, if the house does not have running water, if there are no banisters or railings for steps, you may fail inspection. If there are obvious hazards that you know about, remedy the situation prior to the building inspection, or you will fail. You will also need a certification from a certified lab that the water is drinkable. If you have city water (Paulinskill Lake Community), you do not need a water test. A carbon monoxide detector is required in the vicinity of the bedrooms. If you have questions, please call the office so that we may help you.
Zoning Permits
Zoning permits are required to make changes or additions to your property. The Zoning Officer will check which zone your property is located in and verify that the necessary setbacks have been met. A zoning permit is necessary for any type of structure on your property.
Sheds
All sheds, gazebos, and other accessory structures require zoning permits. If a shed or structure is over 100 square feet it will need a construction permit. A structure between 100 and 200 square feet does not need a foundation. Any structure exceeding 200 square feet does require a foundation.
When you apply for building permits, please have the information regarding zoning and variances with you.
Building Permits
The scope and value of the work will determine which subcode permits will be necessary and how much the permits will cost. The only person that can price out the permit is the Construction Official. When permits are submitted to the office, we do our best to expedite the process. The Construction Official has 20 days to review permits if necessary. The Construction Official reviews plans so that you, the homeowner, will be building, or have built, a structure that will provide the services that you expect from it. If you are building a deck, the deck will support the weight and be structurally sound, as well as an addition or entire house. The Construction Official’s duty is to protect the homeowner, property and environment.
Decks need plans. These can be drawn and provided by the homeowner. The plans need a legend that explains and itemizes the structure and its supports. The Construction Official is looking for sound structures.
Architectural plans.
When you are doing an extensive or moderate revision to your home or building a
new home, the Construction Official will need detailed plans on what you are
doing and how. If you do the plans yourself and are your own contractor, as
long as the plans are complete, that will be adequate. If the plans are by an
architect, they must sealed by a
Construction Permit
Notice
Whenever you are issued a permit, you will also be issued a Construction Permit Notice. This permit is to be displayed predominantly at the place of construction. Please also note that New Jersey State Law 13:45A-16.2 states that before final payment is made to any contractor all final inspections must be done. This is to protect the homeowner.
We look forward to working with you to provide you with a pleasant experience in improving your home.
The Construction/Zoning Department Staff