Department of Planning and Development,
Division of Building
Basic Requirements Overview

The following information is a brief overview of the basic requirements. Specific information must be obtained by contacting the Building Department.

The Uniform Construction Code (NJAC 5:23)
The purpose of the Uniform Construction code is to encourage innovation and economy in construction by the use of modern technical methods and devices. The Uniform Construction Code also eliminates, restrictive, obsolete, conflicting and unnecessary regulations that tend to increase construction cost. It also insures adequate maintenance of buildings and structures throughout the State to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Subcodes
At this time the following Subcodes are in effect in the State of New Jersey:

International Building Code/2000 New Jersey Edition copies are available from:
International Code Council International
4051 W. Flossmoor Road
Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795

The National Standard Plumbing Code/2003 copies are available from:
NA PH CC
PO BOX 6808
Fall Church, VA 22046

The National Electrical Code/2005 copies are available from:
NFPA
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269

International/Mechanical Code/2003 copies are available from:
International Code Council
4051 West Flossmoor Road
Country Club Hills, IL 60477-5795

International/Fuel Gas Code/2003 copies are available from:
International Code Council
4051 West Flossmoor Road
Country Club Hills IL 60477-5795

CABO Model Energy Code/1995 copies are available from:
International Code Council
4051 West Flossmoor Road
Country Club Hills IL 60477-5795

The International Residential Code/2000 New Jersey Edition copies are available from:
International Code Council
4051 West Flossmoor Road
Country Club Hills, IL 60477-5795

Technical Standards for Accessible Design ICC/A117.1- 1998 available from:
ANSI
11 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036

The Rehabilitation Subcode of Existing Structures copies are available from:
The Department of Community Affairs
Construction Code Element
Trenton, NJ 08625-0805

These Codes are adopted by the State of New Jersey and apply to all Municipal, County, State and private building through out the State of New Jersey.

Plans
Plans are required for most applications. Plans must be drawn by a licensed architect or engineer. However, a homeowner can draw plans for their owner-occupied dwelling. For specific information about construction plan requirements, contact the Building Department.

Penalties
Penalty notices shall be sent to a property owner or contractor for: failure to obtain construction permits; occupying a new or altered structure without a certificate of occupancy; giving false information; or failure to comply with a notice issued by the Building Department. Appeals for a notice of penalty or a notice of violation can be brought before the Sussex County Construction Board of Appeals. In the cases were a penalty notice is ignored, the Building Department is forced to issue a summon to municipal court. The summons is for the collection of the accumulated penalties only, not for the code violation.

Interior Alterations
Plans and Permits are normally required for the alteration of interior spaces. This may consist of: the removal of walls; additions of walls; the renovation of unfinished space; the installation of sheetrock of 25% or more of the wall area of any room; the addition of doors or windows; and the installation of paneling. In general, modifications of plumbing and electrical systems always require permits.

Mechanical Equipment
Mechanical equipment in existing single-family homes, both new installation and replacement, requires permits. Mechanical equipment consists of: boilers, furnaces, hot water heater, air conditioning units, wood stoves, fireplace ECT... The installation of appliances must be in conformance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and also the mechanical code. When a gas or oil fired appliance is connected to an existing chimney or vent; the chimney or vent must be certified as to its size, that it is properly lined, and free of obstruction, by the installing contractor.

Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors save lives. The State of New Jersey requires battery operated or hardwired smoke detectors be installed one on every level as part of every permit issued. On applications for additions to single family homes, the smoke detector requirements are based on the percentage of the addition compared to the area of the largest existing floor of the dwelling. Contact the Building department for more information.

Pools
Due to the number of deaths of children in pool-related accidents, the requirements for pool barriers and access have been updated as well as the electrical requirements. Additional specific information can be obtained by contacting the Building Department.

Decks
Decks, new or replacement, must conform to the current Building Codes for structural loads, and life safety requirements such as, guard rails, handrail and stairs. Plans are required with an application. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Building Department.

Sheds
Sheds under 100 sq. ft. and less than ten feet in height do not require a building permit, however a zoning permit is required. Contact the Zoning Department. Sheds between 100 sq ft. and 200 sq. ft. and less than ten feet in height require a building permit and a floor system placed on 4 inches of gravel. Sheds over 200 sq. ft. must conform to all code requirements.

Siding and Roofing
Permits are required for residing if more than 25% of the total wall area is being resided in a twelve-month period. Roofing permits are required for re-roofing if more than 25% of the total roof area of a building is being re-roofed in a twelve-month period.