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SCHEDULING INSPECTIONS
For all inspection requests call Emily Wood at 973-543-7152, Ext. 18, between
the hours of 9 AM and 1 PM Monday through Friday.
You must have the following information in order to request an inspection:
Permit #
Block/Lot
Name/Address
Type of Inspection Requested
Only call for inspections when work is ready. Do not anticipate!
N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.18 (c) 1
If your inspection is not approved, do not call for a re-inspection until the
problems are repaired and the work is ready for re-inspection.
If your inspection is not approved a second time for the same violation, you
will receive a Violation Notice. Your next re-inspection will be 3 business days
after your next request.
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CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
According to N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19, effective April 7, 2003, Carbon Monoxide
detectors are required for all residential occupancies. Said detectors shall be
installed in all dwelling units within 10 feet of any sleeping area.
This New Jersey State law now requires that any existing dwelling, that contains
a fuel burning appliance, fireplace, woodstove, or having an attached garage,
that undergo a repair, renovation, alteration, addition or installation of
equipment that requires a permit, be equipped with a Carbon Monoxide (CO)
detector. No additional permit is required for their installation, unless they
are permanently connected to the homes electrical wiring.
These detectors are available from most hardware stores, home centers,
department stores and discount stores. These detectors are available from
approximately $20.00-$100.00 and combination Smoke/CO detectors are available
from approximately $50.00-$80.00. These detectors may be battery operated,
plug-in, or hard-wired with battery back up. These detectors must be installed
(if not already) before calling for final inspections. NOTE: Bedrooms being
altered, renovated or newly created have additional smoke detector requirements.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What type of work on my house requires a Construction Permit?
A: Some home maintenance does not require a Construction Permit; however, there
are maintenance projects that do. Listed below is a general listing of items
that do require a permit. If your project is not listed please call the Building
Department to confirm whether you need one or not.
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Additions/Alterations
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A/C & Furnace Replacement
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Bathroom Renovations
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Decks
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Detached Garages
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Electrical Upgrades
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Finished Basements
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Generators
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Kitchen Renovations
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Lawn Sprinkler Systems
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New Home Window Replacement--Only
if size or function of window
is changing.
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Oil Tank Demolition
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Oil Tank Installations
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Pools
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Radon Remediation
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Roofing
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Sheds (over 100 sq. ft.)
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Siding
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Signs
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Stone Pillars
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Water Heater Replacement
- WHEN IN DOUBT - CHECK WITH THE DEPARTMENT!
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Q: Why should I get a permit?
A: Getting a permit brings you the services of the Building Department's
inspectors for building, plumbing, electric and fire. The inspector approves
each phase of the construction process, checking to see that the work is done
safely and properly.
Q: I like to do my own home improvements around the house and I'm not going to
use a contractor, so why don I need a Construction Permit?
A: Work without a permit is illegal and can pose serious complications for you
when you try to sell your house. Penalties for failure to obtain a permit prior
to construction are up to $2,000 for each offense [N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.31 (e)]. Work
that is done by the homeowner that requires a permit still needs to be inspected
to ensure that the work has been done according to code.
There are also legal and financial liabilities that you face if you don't get a
permit. Any fire and homeowner's insurance you have will be invalidated if you
do work without a permit. If there is a fire in your house, the insurance
company will use the illegal work as an excuse not to pay on your claim.
Q: How long will it take to get my permit?
A: The size and scope of your project will determine the length of time for the
review process-i.e. a roofing permit will take a couple of days, an
addition/alteration could take several weeks, a new home could take several
months. The completeness of the information submitted with your permit can
greatly help with the review and approval process.
Q: How much will by permit cost?
A: The cost of permit is determined by the size and scope of your project. Two
fees are determined for the permit. The first fee is determined by local
ordinances (link) and the second fee is determined by the New Jersey State
Department of Community Affairs based on either the dollar amount of the work to
be done and, if applicable, the total cubic volume of the project.
Q: I will be using a contractor for my project; however, he said that I didn't
need a permit for this work, so why should I get one?
A: A reputable contractor should determine whether a permit is needed before the
work is performed. Different municipalities have different requirements;
therefore, they should check with the Building Department to confirm what is
required in the Borough of Mendham.
Q: Who calls for the inspections?
A: Either the homeowner or the contractor can schedule inspections. However, if
you are using a contractor, be sure to establish who will be calling in for
inspections before the work begins. (link to inspection requests)
Q: My contractor said that the work was finished and I paid him, why do I need a
final inspection?
A: Final inspections should be completed before the final payment. A contractor
that hasn't received final payment will come back to correct a "failed"
inspection quicker than a paid one. The New Jersey State Law 13:45A-16.2 states:
"For inspection building, electric, plumbing, fire protection, elevator-final
inspections are required before final payment is made to the contractor."
Q: I'm selling my home and I had some work done without a permit, now what do I
do?
A: Please call the Building Department so that this can be corrected. A "retro"
permit can be generated that will require the same fees and inspections as a
regular permit. However, since this is a time-sensitive situation and the permit
may take several weeks to process, please call the Building Department as soon a
possible to get the process going.
Q: I obtained permits for all the work done on my home, shouldn't I get a
certificate?
A: Yes, when the final inspections required are completed and passed, you will
receive the appropriate certificate stating so. Permits open and permits close.
If you have had work done on your home with a permit but did not receive a
Certificate of Approval or Certificate of Occupancy, please call the Building
Department to check the inspection status of the permit. If needed, we will
schedule the necessary inspections to close the permit and issue the required
certificate.
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3/3/05 |
