Office of Construction, Housing and Code Enforcement

The Borough of Bound Brook Building Department administers the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.  In doing so, we are responsible for reviewing construction permit applications, issuing construction permits and inspecting construction projects.

Our objective is to make sure construction and construction materials are consistent with nationally recognized standards, and all work is performed in a manner, which will  protect the health, safety and welfare of anyone living or working in the Borough of Bough Brook. We strive to perform our duties in a professional and  friendly manner.

Our Department consists of a Construction Official, Subcode Officials.  The Construction Official establishes the day-to-day operating routine of the department and coordinates the activities of the Subcode Officials.

There are four Subcode Officials; Building, Plumbing, Electric and Fire.  Each Subcode Official is responsible for the enforcement of the appropriate Subcode or codes that pertain to their trade. This includes plan review and field inspections. The Construction Official, Subcode Officials and Inspectors are all licensed by the NJ Department of Community Affairs at www.state.nj.us/dca/codes/, and they attend continuing education seminars to stay updated and maintain their licenses.

 

 

Code Enforcement Year End Reports:

2016 Year End Report

2017 Year End Report – July

2017 Year End Report – August 

2017 Year End Report – September

If you have any questions regarding ordinances of the town etc.,
click eCode360 logo above or HERE for Borough of Bound Brook General Code.

Office Hours & Contact Information

Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m..

732-356-0833 ext. 630

Director/Code Enforcement Officer
Steve Rodzinak

Construction/Building Subcode Official

Jim Ayotte
Tuesday & Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Technical Assistant
Joanne Awtry – Part-time
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Leticia Rodriguez – Full time

Fire Sub-Code Official
Karl W. McAleer – Part-time

Electrical Sub-Code Official
John Elichko – Part-time

Plumbing Sub-Code Official
Stephen Rodzinak – Part-time

Fire Marshal
Erik Mickelson – Part-time

Deputy Fire Marshal
Jose Nieves – Full-time

Building Inspector 
Frank Lagarina – Part-time

Housing Inspector
Erik Mickelson – Part-time

Property Maintenance
& Housing Inspectors

Jose Nieves – Full-time

Tyler Gronau – Full-time

Zoning Officer

Tyler Gronau – Full-time

 

Inspections:

Tuesday & Thursday
Electric 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Building 12:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Plumbing 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

2nd, 3rd & 4th Wednesday 
Fire
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Permits

A construction permit represents legal permission to begin a construction project. The issuance of a permit indicates that plans for a project have been released by Bound Brook officials and have complied with the UCC and Borough Ordinances.

The Permit Process

All permit applications are brought to the Code Enforcement Department. Code Enforcement will forward any application to the Zoning Officer if required. After zoning approval, if necessary, the documents are reviewed by the building, electric, plumbing and fire subcode officials for completeness and code conformance. This process may take up to 20 working days. Minor work, such as roofin and siding, require minimal plan review. Usually, the permit for minor work is issued within 10 working days. If the documents do not comply with the UCC, the applicant will be notified of the violations and will be required to correct and resubmit the documents for further review.

The permit is issued indicating that legal approval has been given to begin the construction project.

State law mandates that the Construction Official issue a fine of up to $2000 per violation and penalty to any person who performs work without a permit.

The required documentation for a construction permit includes:

  • Permit application
  • Construction plans
  • Plot Plans

An application for permit is available from the Code Enforcement Department located in the Municipal Building.

Along with the completed application, the applicant must submit two (2) 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 or engineer.

A building contractor is not permitted to do the drawings unless he is licensed by the State as an architect or engineer.

An applicant must also submit a plot plan for new construction, an addition, deck, fence, shed, garage, and pool. The plot plan should indicate:

  • All existing and proposed structure on the property
  • The distances to all lot lines
  • The location of any easements

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 any existing structure or add to the structure, such as the following:

  • Deck
  • Pool
  • Addition
  • Shed (over 100 sq. ft.) – (Sheds under 100 sq. Ft. require a zoning permit)
  • Garage
  • Privacy Fence

A construction permit is also required to do the following:

  • Siding
  • Roofing
  • New or replacement of electric service, water heater, furnace, boiler, air conditioning or fireplace
  • Rearrange plumbing system
  • Finish basement
  • Install new electrical receptacles or outlets
  • Repair or replace any structural member, such as increasing or decreasing the size of a window
  • Installation or removal of a fuel tank

Building Subcode Inspections

Note: No building inspections will be made prior to any required electric or plumbing inspection approval.

  • Bottom of footing prior to placement of concrete
  • Reinforcement prior to placement of concrete
  • Foundations and all walls prior to backfilling – new single family construction must have foundation elevation compliance from the Engineering Department before this inspection is scheduled.
  • Floor slab(s) prior to placement of concrete
  • Frame inspection which includes all structural walls, floors and roofs prior to covering with finish or infill materials. Rated assemblies. This inspection shall be called for after rough electric and plumbing approvals have been obtained
  • Insulation inspection prior to installation of finished materials
  • Final inspection which includes equipment, final connections and all finish materials.

Electric Subcode Inspections

  • Rough electric under concrete slab prior to backfill and placement of concrete
  • Rough electric which includes outlet spacing, type of box and size, wire size and grounding prior to covering with finish or infill materials
  • Service which includes panel(s) wire size, grounding and over current protection
  • Final inspection which includes devices, fixtures, appliances, GFI requirements after installation of finish materials and utilization equipment.

Plumbing Subcode Inspections

  • Rough plumbing under concrete slab prior to backfill and placement of concrete
  • Rough plumbing which includes sanitary piping, water piping, storm drains and radon piping
  • Water service from building to property line or curb line
  • Sewer service from building to property line or curb line
  • Final plumbing which includes piping, trim, fixtures, cross connections, backflow preventers, radon, condensate lines and water meters
  • Rough gas piping – required gas test
  • Final gas piping to all appliance requiring gas
  • Final on hydronic heating systems and hot water heaters
  • Final air conditioning on all units manufactured for domestic and commercial cooling

Fire Subcode Inspections

  • Final inspection which includes a performance test to demonstrate its efficiency of operation and alarms.

For renovations and projects other than new construction, contact the Code Enforcement Department for inspection requirements.

Code Inspections can be scheduled on an am/pm basis. The applicant may request the day and time window. In some cases, due to the nature of the inspections, those scheduled for morning might need to be performed in the afternoon. Also if there is no access for the inspector to conduct his/her inspections, a note will be left notifying applicants to reschedule their inspection.

Inspectors must have minimum of 24 hours advance notice and must be able to see the part of construction required to be inspected.

Any work that does not conform to the approved plans will require re-inspection. If the work continued without resolving the problem, the applicant will be fined and the job stopped.

Applicants are required to post the permit prominently on the site and to keep a copy of the approved plans at the site.

When the project is completed, the applicant must call for final building, electric, plumbing and fire inspections. The applicant must also apply for a Certificate of Occupancy. If the work is approved, a Certificate will be issued indicating permission to use the area for the intended purpose.

Property must be properly identified – House number conspicuously displayed for viewing from the street and construction placard conspicuously displayed on the building.

The demolishing and removal of a building or structure and the removal of all the debris from the parcel of land require a permit from the Township Department of Code Enforcement.

The following documents must be completed and submitted in order to file and application for the demolition of any structure:

A copy of the property survey showing the location of the structure(s) to be removed.

  • Certificate stating the structure has been properly baited.
  • Letter from Utility company stating electric and gas has been disconnected
  • Letter from Telephone Company stating service has been disconnected
  • Construction Permit Application
  • Building Subcode Form
  • Plumbing Subcode Form (Signed and Sealed by a Licensed Plumber for the capping of the sewer and water lines.)
  • If a septic tank is utilized, it must be located and abandoned in accordance with N.J.D.E.P. regulations.
  • If there is a well, a letter from a Licensed Well Contractor is required stating the well has been capped.
  • Debris Disposal Form.
  • Compliance with U.C.C. Subchapter 8, Asbestos Abatement, if applicable
  • Compliance with N.J.A.C. 5:17, Lead Hazard Abatement, if applicable.

When the Permit is ready to be issued, you will be notified by phone. You will be told the amount of the permit fee, which you will pay when the Permit is picked up.

For building inspections, a separate inspection is required after the basement has been excavated and removed prior to backfill. All debris must be removed from the excavated site and properly disposed of prior to the first inspection. The final inspection will be performed after area is fine graded and stabilized.

For plumbing inspections, the final inspection for capping of sewer and water lines must be completed prior to building demolition.

The following are REQUIRED INSPECTIONS PURSUANT TO N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.18

New buildings/Additions/Renovations/Alterations (Other inspections may be required depending on the scope of the project. Consult the Subcode Officials if you have any questions):

  • Footing inspections – Bottom of trench – PRIOR to the pouring of concrete.
  • Wall forms & Steel – PRIOR to the pouring of concrete.
  • Foundation Inspection – PRIOR to the placement of backfill.
  • Sheathing inspection – PRIOR to siding & roofing
  • Slab inspection – PRIOR to the placement of concrete.
  • Plumbing rough installation and air test for gas piping.
  • Electric rough wiring.
  • All trenches for plumbing and electric.
  • Framing inspection – AFTER passing electrical, plumbing and BEFORE insulation.

All fire blocking and penetrations must be done at framing inspection.

  • Insulation inspection – PRIOR to the installation of gypsum board.
  • Final Electric, Plumbing & Fire – AFTER all others have passed.

For all inspection requests call the Technical Assistants @732-356-0833 ext. 630.

You must have the following information In order to request an inspection:

  • Permit #
  • Block/Lot
  • Name & Address
  • Type of Inspection

Provide any other information that may be needed.

ONLY CALL FOR INSPECTIONS WHEN THE WORK IS READY.

If you have any questions regarding these procedures please call James Ayotte, Construction Official @732-356-0833 ext. 642.

Requirements in ONE and TWO Family Dwellings

1.   Complete the following forms and technical sections as applicable:

    1. Construction permit application folder
    2. Construction permit form
    3. Building Subcode technical section (include estimated cost of building work)
    4. Electrical Subcode technical section (See note below*)
    5. Plumbing Subcode technical section (See note below*)
    6. Fire Subcode section (See section 9)

*NOTE:  If anyone other than the homeowner performs the Electrical or Plumbing work, the applicable technical section MUST BE SEALED by the contractor who is performing the work.

 

2.   Submit two sets of scaled drawings.  All drawings should indicate owner’s name, address of job site, block and lot number.  To draw your own plans, you must be the owner and occupant of said property.  If not, you will need drawings by a New Jersey Registered Architect.

 

3.   The drawings submitted shall include the following information:

    1. Show entire basement floor plan, indicating partitions, doors, windows, stairways, guardrails, handrails, closets, columns, electric layout, heating layout, furnace, hot water heater, chimney, floor covering, smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors.
    2. Show wall cross section, indicating stud sizes, stud spacing, fire stopping, insulation, wall covering materials, and ceiling material.

 

4.   Guardrails on sides of stairways with three or more risers to be 34″ to 38″ in height measured vertically from leading edge of tread.  The guardrail shall be constructed so that a sphere with a diameter of 4 inches cannot pass through the balusters.  Guardrail shall be designed and constructed for a concentrated load of 200 pounds applied at any point and in any direction along the top railing member.  The in-fill area of a guardrail system shall be designed and constructed for a horizontal load of 200 pounds applied along one square foot area at any point in the system, including intermediate rails or other elements serving this purpose.

 

5.   A stairway with three or more risers requires a handrail.  All stairway handrails shall have a circular cross section with an outside diameter of a least 1 ¼ inches and not greater than 2 5/8 inches.  Handrails are to be smooth and free of any sharp edges or splinters.  All handrail ends shall be returned to a wall or post. Other shapes that provide the same graspable are permissible. A handrail and any wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.  The clear space between the handrail and adjacent wall or surface shall not be less than 1 ½ inches.  Edges shall have a minimum radius of 1/8 of an inch.  Handrails shall not be less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches, measured vertically, above leading edge of the treads.

 

6.   Combustion air is required to keep your furnace and hot water heater burning properly.  Consult the manufacturer’s instruction manual.  The minimum combustion air which must be provided is 50 cubic feet per 1,000 BTU. Clearance to combustibles must be maintained for the equipment and the venting.  Consult the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

7.   Every space intended for human occupancy shall be ventilated by natural or mechanical means.

Natural Ventilation:  The minimum open area to the outdoors shall be 4 percent of the floor area being ventilated.  If natural ventilation cannot be accomplished, mechanical ventilation shall be provided or a combination of both natural and mechanical ventilation can be used.

 

8.   Interior finish to be not less than class III material which has a maximum flame spread between 76-200 and smoke developed rating not greater than 450.  Check packaging of material to be used for specifications.  For paneling the label is on the back.  Finished materials less than 1 ¼ of an inch must be installed directly against a 3/8 sheet rock minimum.

  1. Prior to applying for a construction permit you must obtain approval from the Zoning Office and Board of Health (if you have a septic tank).

 

2. Submit TWO SETS of scaled drawings.  All drawings should indicate owner’s name, address of job site, block and lot.  To draw your own plans you must be the owner and occupant of the property, if not, you will need drawings by a New Jersey register Architect or Engineer.  The homeowner’s signature must be on the plans, which they prepare.

 

3. Submit a completed Construction Permit application and Building Subcode application.

 

4. The drawings submitted shall include the following information:

    1. Show deck in relation to house.
    2. Show door from house to deck.
    3. Indicate distance from top of threshold to deck. (The deck shall not be more than 8 inches below the top of the threshold)
    4. Specify type of wood being used to construct the deck.
    5. Show footings, columns, girders, joists, ledger, flashing, decking, guardrails. (For decks 30 inches above floor or grade below), handrails, stairways, lateral bracing, and connectors.
    6. Indicate the height from grade to the top of the deck.

Additional Information From #4

    1. Pier Footings: Minimum 36″ below grade and 12 inches in diameter cut straight or use Sono Tube forms.
    2. Columns: Minimum 4 inches x 4 inches anchored to footings and secured to girder to prevent girder rotation and deck uplift.
    3. Girders: NOTE –joints in girder must be positive bearing above the support columns.
    4. Floor Joist:

 

Size Spacing Maximum Clear Span
2″ X 6″  16″ on center  9′ – 9″
 12″ on center  10′ – 9″
2″ X 8″  16″ on center  12′ – 10″
 12″ on center  14′ – 2″
 2″ X 10″  16″ on center  16′ – 1″
 12″ on center  18′

 

5. Ledger:

Board against house securely attached with ½ inch diameter Hot dipped galvanized lag bolts of sufficient length to bolt firmly into rim joist.  Lag bolts shall be 16″ on center in a staggered pattern.  Provide two bolts, one above the other, at each end.  Provide hot dipped galvanized washers between heads of bolts and wood.  Through bolting with a washer on the outside and a washer and nut on the inside of the building, with similar bolting pattern as lag bolts is acceptable.

 

6. Flashing:

Provide continuous copper or Bitumen sheet  flashing along ledger in such a manner as to prevent the passage of moisture into the wall, any untreated wood or wood siding.

 

7. Guardrails:

Shall be not less than 36 inches above decking and have balusters or other construction such that a sphere with a diameter of 4 inches cannot pass through any opening.  Guards shall not have an ornamental pattern that would provide a ladder effect.  Guardrails shall be designed and constructed for concentrated load of 200 pounds applied at any point and in any direction along the top rail member.  The in-fill area of a guardrail system shall be designed and constructed for a horizontal concentrated load of 200 pounds applied on a square foot area at any point in the system, including intermediate rails or other elements serving this purpose.  A stairway having three or more risers is required to have a guardrail on both sides measuring 34 to 38 inches in height above the leading edge of the tread.  Balusters are to have two screws or nails at the top or bottom.

 

8. Stairways:

Minimum stair width is 36 inches.  Maximum riser height is 8 ¼ inches.  Minimum tread is 9 inches plus 1 inch nosing where solid risers are used.  Decks with a height of 12 feet or more require an intermediate landing with footings.

 

9. Handrails:

All stairways with three or more risers require continuous handrails and guardrails on one side.  All stairway handrails shall have a circular cross-section with an outside diameter of at least 1 ¼ inches and not greater than 2 5/8 inches.  Handrails are to be smooth and free of sharp edges and splinters.  Handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs on one side.

Approved rails of equivalent grasp ability.  A handrail and any walled surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of any sharp or abrasive elements.  The clear space between the handrail and the adjacent wall or other surface shall not be less than 1 ½ inches.  Edges shall have a radius of 1/8 of an inch.  Handrails shall not be less than 34 inches nor more than 38 inches, measured vertically, above the leading edge of the treads.

 

10. Lateral Bracing:

If deck is far enough above ground to cause it to sway, diagonal bracing is to be installed between the girder and posts.

 

11. Connectors:

All connectors, nails, screws, bolts, and related hardware shall be hot-dipped zinc coated (galvanized), stainless steel, silicon bronze, copper, or other corrosion resistant materials.  When using hangers (TECO) all round holes must be filled using (TECO) nails.  All hangers must be listed G185 or Zmax.

 

12. Required inspections: CALL ONLY WHEN YOU ARE READY FOR INSPECTION.

    1. The bottom of footing before placement of concrete.
    2. Frame inspection for decks less than 5 feet above ground.
    3. Final

The following are REQUIRED INSPECTIONS PURSUANT TO N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.18

New Buildings/Additions/Renovations/Alterations (other inspections may be required depending on the scope of the project. Consult the Subcode Officials if you have any questions):

  • Footing inspections – Bottom of trench – PRIOR to the pouring of concrete.
  • Wall forms & Steel – PRIOR to the pouring of concrete.
  • Foundation Inspection – PRIOR to the placement of backfill.
  • Sheathing inspection – PRIOR to siding & roofing
  • Slab inspection – PRIOR to the placement of concrete.
  • Plumbing rough installation and air test for gas piping.
  • Electric rough wiring.
  • All trenches for plumbing and electric.
  • Framing inspection – AFTER passing electrical, plumbing and BEFORE insulation.

All fire blocking and penetrations must be done at framing inspection.

  • Insulation inspection – PRIOR to the installation of gypsum board.
  • Final Electric, Plumbing & Fire. – AFTER all others have passed.

For all inspection requests call the Technical Assistants @732-356-0833 ext. 630.  You must have the following information In order to request an inspection.  (PERMIT #, BLOCK/LOT, NAME & ADDRESS AND TYPE OF INSPECTION.)  Provide any other information that may be needed.

ONLY CALL FOR INSPECTIONS WHEN THE WORK IS READY.

If you have any questions regarding these procedures please call James Ayotte, Construction Official @732-356-0833 ext. 642.

Where to Locate Smoke Detectors

2018 Regulation Governing Re-Sale/Re-Rent Inspections

5:70-4.19 Smoke alarms for one- and two-family dwellings; carbon monoxide alarms; and portable fire extinguishers
(a) In one- and two-family or attached single family dwellings subject to the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3, smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:

  1. On each level of the premises; and
  2. Outside of each separate sleeping area.

 

(b) The smoke alarms required in (a) above shall be located and maintained in accordance with NFPA 72.

  1. The alarms shall not be required to be interconnected.

 

(c) Ten-year sealed battery-powered single station smoke alarms shall be installed and shall be listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 217, incorporated herein by reference. However, A/C-powered single or multiple-station smoke alarms installed as part of the original construction or rehabilitation project shall not be replaced with battery-powered smoke alarms. The effective date of this subsection shall be January 1, 2019.

  1. A/C-powered smoke alarms shall be accepted as meeting the requirements of this section.

 

(d) Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in all dwelling units in buildings in one- and two-family or attached single family dwellings, except for units in buildings that do not contain a fuel-burning device or have an attached garage, as follows:

  1. Single station carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed and maintained in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping area(s).
  2. Carbon monoxide alarms may be battery-operated, hard-wired or of the plug-in type and shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL-2034 and shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of this section and NFPA-720.

 

(e) A portable fire extinguisher shall be installed in accordance with the following:

  1. The extinguisher shall be within 10 feet of the kitchen and located in the path of egress;
  2. The extinguisher shall be readily accessible and not obstructed from view;
  3. The extinguisher shall be mounted using the manufacturer’s hanging bracket so the operating instructions are clearly visible;
  4. The extinguisher shall be an approved listed and labeled type with a minimum rating of 2A10B:C and no more than 10 pounds;
  5. The owner’s manual or written operation instructions shall be provided during the inspection and left for the new occupant;
  6. The extinguisher shall be serviced and tagged by a certified Division of Fire Safety contractor within the past 12 months or the seller must have a receipt for a recently purchased extinguisher; and
  7. The top of the extinguisher shall not be more than five feet above the floor.

 

Exception: Portable fire extinguishers shall not be required for seasonal summer units. For purposes of applying this exception, “seasonal summer unit” shall mean a dwelling unit rented for a term of not more than 125 consecutive days for residential purposes by a person having a permanent residence elsewhere, but shall not include use or rental of living quarters by migrant, temporary, or seasonal workers in connection with any work or place where work is being performed

 

Further Information on Smoke Detector Location

National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard No. 74-1984, titled “Household Fire Warning Equipment.”   This publication may be obtained by writing to the Publication Sales Department, National Fire Protection Association, Battery March Park, Quincy, MA 02269.