BUILDING PERMITS: WHEN DON’T I NEED THEM?

Many times residents are not aware or are in doubt whether they are required to obtain a permit for various repairs. In 1977, the State of New Jersey adopted the Uniform Construction Code, known as the U.C.C. The U.C.C. regulates when a construction permit is required. The regulation states, “A building or structure shall not be constructed, extended, repaired, removed, or altered “EXCEPT FOR ORDINARY REPAIRS”.

WHAT ARE ORDINARY REPAIRS? The following is a list of ORDINARY MAINTENANCE, which has been supplied by the Southampton Township Construction Office in order to help our residents determine whether a permit is required. This listing is not all-inclusive. Information concerning ordinary maintenance for plumbing and electric will be provided in future newsletters.

1. Exterior and interior painting.

2. Installation, repair or replacement of any interior finishes of less than 25 percent of the wall area in any given room, in a one or two family dwelling. This includes plastering and drywall installation. *Paneling shall not be considered an ordinary repair.

3. Wall papering or vinyl wall covering.

4. Replacement of glass in any window or door. Replacement glass shall be of a type and quality that complies with the minimum requirements of the code.

5. Installation and replacement of any window or door, including garage doors, in the same opening without altering the dimensions or framing of the original opening. This shall include storm windows and storm doors. Installation and replacement of means of egress and emergency escape windows and doors may be made in the same opening without altering the dimensions or framing of the original opening, and shall not reduce the required height, width, or net clear opening of the previous window or door.

6. Repair of any non-structural member such as a partition railing or kitchen cabinet.

7. Repair or replacement of any interior or exterior trim, decoration or moldings.

8. Replacement or installation of any flooring material. Carpet installation or replacement is considered an ordingary repair only in a one or two family dwelling.

9. Repair of existing roofing material not to exceed 25 percent of the total roof area within any 12-month period.

10. Repair of existing siding with like material not exceeding 25 percent of the total building exterior wall area within any 12-month period.

11. Repair or replacement of any part of a porch or stoop, which does not structurally support a roof above.

12. Replacement or installation of screens.

13. Installation of any roll or batt insulation when installed adjacent to or not more than 1 1/2” from an interior finish.

14. Replacement of exterior rain water gutters and leaders.

The Construction Office hours are Monday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday:

8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the Construction Official, Dan McGonigle or his assistant, Debbie Hodgson, at 859-2786.

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