BUILDING PERMIT DEPARTMENT
Telephone (732) 721-5600, Ext. 2420 • Fax (732) 607-4832

The Building Division is staffed with four inspectors and one Sub-code official.  Electric division has one inspector and one Subcode Official, Plumbing division has one inspector and one Subcode official, and Fire division has one Subcode Official. 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.

View the Building code for NJ

View the Residential Code for NJ

View the Energy code for NJ

All construction usually requires all or some of the following inspections:

Building

1.  Footing (prior to concrete pour)
2.  Iron inspection (prior to pouring concrete)
3.  As built foundation survey 
4.  Foundation (post pouring) 
5.  Slab (prior to pouring concrete)
6.  Sheathing
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)

Plumbing

View the Plumbing code for NJ

View the 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.  Rough (prior to covering, including water test) 
6.  Above ceiling
7.  Storm Drains (commercial only)
8.  Final (prior to using)

Electric

The Electric division is staffed with One Subcode Official and One Inspector on a full time basis. They are available for questions during office hours.

The Electric code can only be view after purchase from NFPA website:  http://www.nfpa.org/

1.  Underground (prior to covering any wire or conduit)
2.  Pre-rough before rough elec. (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

The Fire Division is staffed with One Subcode Official and one inspector on a full time basis. They are available for questions during business hours. The building code listed above lists the requirements for the Fire Subcode in NJ.

View the mechanical code for NJ

1.  Underground (prior to covering sprinkler pipe) 
2.  Dry pipe trip test
3.  200 lb hydrostatic test (above and below ground for 2 hrs)
4.  Full fire alarm test
5.  Wet dump test for commercial kitchen (ansul)
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 Division of Code Enforcement at 732-721-5600 ext 2420. 
 

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
• Emergency Repairs
• Building a Deck
• Swimming Pool Requirements
• Want to save $2000.00??

New Construction Requiring Permits

Applicant must submit two copies of the construction plans that can be drawn either by the applicant for his/her own one family dwelling or by a licensed NJ Architect or Engineer.  Applicant must also submit a copy of a survey for some of the above, call office for details (732) 721-5600 ext. 2420.

Ordinary Repairs Not Requiring a Permit

• Installation, repair or replacement of any finish material

• The replacement of any glass with the same type; installation or replacement of any door or window as long as the net clear opening of the window is not reduced and no wood framing members are added or removed

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

• The replacement of gutters and leaders

• The repair or replacement of any one plumbing fixture, faucet (except shower valves)

• The repair or replacement of any one electrical receptacle, switch or light fixture except GFI circuits

• The replacement of a smoke detector with a similar detector
  

Repair or Replacement Requiring Permits

Air Conditioning Boiler/Furnace Hot Water Heater Gas Piping Upgrade Electrical Service Replace Electrical Service Replacement Roofing Vinyl, Aluminum, Wood Siding Windows Propane Tanks Replacement of Shower Valve

Plan review may take up to 20 business days.  If the documents do not comply, the applicant will be notified of the violations and corrected documents will need to be submitted.

Emergency Repairs

When a condition occurs that affects the environmental 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.

Constructing a Deck

As per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15(e)1. "Plans drawn to scale, with sufficient clarity & detail dimensions to show the nature & character of the work to be performed.

One of the most likely projects a homeowner will take on is building a deck. You should keep in mind that a deck is rated at a higher pound per square foot (PSF) than the normal house construction is rated, which is between 30 and 40 PSF.

What does this mean to you? It means that the deck must be constructed in a way to achieve the required PSF rating. Usually that occurs when the proper size and type lumber are used. The spans for this lumber is less than the typical lumber used for house construction. In most cases, it is treated or wolmanized lumber that is used. Cedar and other naturally decay resistant wood are very expensive.

The following is a guide to help you through the steps to apply for a permit and to inform you of some basic construction practices in building a deck. Click here for a schedule of yard setbacks for principal structures.

Permits Required
A building permit requires you to submit two copies of your property survey. The survey should show the location and size of the proposed deck. Note: the deck can be hand drawn on the survey by you. You do not need to hire a professional surveyor.

You will need to fill out a building technical card. Don’t let the name fool you. It is relatively simple to complete. It requires that you list your block and lot number, name, address and brief description of the work. You will sign the card and put the estimated cost of the work.

Plans/Footing
The plan for your deck should show the locations of all footings. The footings will support the girder(s) and should be 36” below grade. The diameter of the footings should be a minimum of 12" for a 4x4 or 4x6. The diameter for a 6x6 should be a minimum of 18". The footings should be placed so that each one is eight feet apart from each other. You may need more than one row of these footings depending upon what size deck you are building.

Plans/Ledger Board
A ledger board is used when the deck will be attached to the house. It is a single piece of lumber that is usually the same size as the proposed floor joist. It must be bolted to the house at 24” on center. To this ledger board you will attach the metal hangers that the floor joist will sit into.

Plans/Girders
Girders are the main supports of the deck floor system. They will sit on top of the footings. The girder is usually made by nailing two pieces of lumber together. You are allowed to cantilever (hand over) the footings at each end not more than two feet. You may need more than one girder depending on what size deck you plan to build.

Plans/Floor Joists
Floor joists for decks should be sized according to their allowable span.

Plans/Decking
The most commonly used material for decking is the 5/4” x 6” bullnose decking. This will be applied directly to the floor joist and provide adequate support. There are new types of materials on the market today that hold up just as well such as plastic lumber.

Plans/Guards
The most commonly used guard system is made up of 2” x 2” balusters. They are installed vertically since constructing a guard system horizontally is a violation of the code. The guards must be spaced so that the opening between each one is no greater than 4 inches. They must be at a minimum height of 36”. If you decide to have a sunburst decorative design in your guard system, this too will be required to maintain the maximum space of 4 inches.

Plans/Stairs & Handrails
Stairs should have a minimum tread depth of 9” and a maximum riser of 8-1/4”. The tread is where you place your foot and the riser is the height between one step and the next. The minimum riser height is 4”. Risers should be solid, but if they are to be open they must not be opened more than 4” as in the guard system. Tread nosing should be a minimum 3/4" and maximum 1 1/4" in depth.

Handrails are required when there are three or more risers. Handrails must be graspable. In other words, the circular diameter of the handrail must not be greater than 2” and a minimum of 1-1/4”. This is a round handrail.

You can use another shape other than round but the perimeter dimensions must be at least 4” and not more than 6-1/4”. Example: a 2 x 4 piece of wood will not make the requirements for a handrail because its perimeter dimension is greater than the 6-1/4” maximum.

VERY IMPORTANT!
You must leave your copy of the plans on-site for all inspections. You will require three (3) inspections. The first will be a footing inspection. This will be called in 24 hours in advance and is inspected prior to you pouring your concrete. The second inspection will be a framing inspection. Call this in 24 hours in advance. The third inspection will be a final inspection. At this point the deck should be complete. You do not have to be home for these inspections if you leave access to the area and leave the plans for the inspector. Please keep all pets locked up when you know the inspector will be at your home. If you pass your final inspection you will receive a certificate of approval for the work.

Swimming Pool Requirements

Above Ground Pools With Fence:
Above ground pools will be considered to be protected when the property has a fence around the perimeter and has self-closing and latching gates and swings outward away from the pool. If that is the case, any type of ladder can be used.

Above Ground Pools Without Fence:
Above ground pools will not be considered protected without a fenced in yard (as above). If this is the case, the pool can act as the barrier so long as it is a minimum of 48 inches above finished grade. Also, the ladder that is used must be protected by a 48" high barrier with a self-closing/latching gate and must swing outward away from the pool. The use of a removable ladder is not approved.

If you are installing the top guards (the ones that attach to the top of the pool frame), you must still protect the ladder as above.

Wood fencing requires a maximum space between slats of 4".
Chain link fencing must be 1-1/4" maximum or, if slats are used, 1-3/4" maximum.

Any fencing around your property that belongs to a neighbor requires you to obtain a signed agreement from your neighbor allowing their fence to protect your pool.

In-Ground Pool Permits for the Building Sub-Code is $250.00

Above Ground pool permits for the Building Subcode is $150.00
Fence Permit for a pool is $50.00.

Electric requirements for pools

Inground pools for the Electric Subcode  is $165.00

Above ground pools for the Electric Subcode is $85.00

Inspections for Pools:
Above ground pools - requires a final inspection only.
In-ground pools - requires a pre-collar, collar & final inspection.
Any questions should be directed to the Building Sub-Code Official.

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Township of Old Bridge
1 Old Bridge Plaza
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Main Phone: 732-721-5600