Building

A construction permit represents legal permission to begin a construction project. The issuance of a permit indicates that plans for a project have been approved by Township of Springfield officials and have complied with the Uniform Construction Code and Township Zoning Ordinance.

A permit is generally required if an individual wishes to construct, enlarge, alter or demolish a structure. Included in this category are those project which change any existing structure or add to that structure, such as the following: * Deck or pool * Addition to a house * Shed, garage or fence or any fence around a pool A construction permit is also required to do the following:

• Replace siding or roofing (Commercial and Multi Residential Units only)
• Rearrange plumbing system
• Install a new water heater, furnace or fireplace
• Install new electrical receptacles or outlets
• Repair or replace and structural member, such as increasing the size of a window

The following projects are examples of ordinary repairs which do not require a permit:

• Replacing gutters
• Painting or trim work Installing, repairing or replacing any interior finish in a one or two-family dwelling. An exception is paneling, which does require a permit.

The required documentation for a construction permit includes:

• Permit application
• Construction plans
• Survey
• Engineering Department Release
• Grading Plan

An APPLICATION for permit is available from the Construction Department, located in the Annex Building, 20 North Trivett Ave. Along with the completed application, the applicant must submit two 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 as an architect or engineer. An applicant must also submit a survey for an addition, fence, shed or pool. The survey must indicate:

• All existing and proposed structures on the property
• The distances to the lot lines, septic system or sewer lines, if known
• The location of any easements

Step 1: The Township Zoning Officer completes the zoning review. Step 2: The required documents are submitted to the construction department, Grading Plan (if required) is to be submitted directly to the Engineering Department for review and approval. Step 3: After the Zoning and Engineering approval, the documents are reviewed by the building, electrical, plumbing and fire subcode officials for completeness and code conformance. This process may take up to twenty working days. Minor work such as roofing and siding require minimal plan review. Usually, the permit is issued within a week. If the documents do not comply with the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), the applicant will be notified of the violations and required to correct and resubmit the documents for further review. Applicants must contact Engineering Department directly for any comments to the Grading Plan (if required). Step 4: 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 to any person who performs work without a permit if the construction is of a nature that requires a permit. INSPECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION New construction usually requires the following inspections:

• Footing excavation prior to pouring concrete
• Foundation wall prior to backfilling
• Rough plumbing and electrical prior to framing and insulation
• Rough framing
• Insulation prior to installing sheetrock

For renovations and projects other than new construction, contact the Construction Department for inspection requirements. OBLIGATIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION: Inspectors must have 72 hours advance notice and must be able to see the part of construction required to be inspected. Any work which does not conform to the approved plans will require re-inspection. If the work continues 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 the original copy of the approved plans at the site. When the project is completed, the applicant must call for final building, electrical, plumbing and fire inspections. Applicants must contact Engineering Department directly to schedule final site inspection. 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. If you need additional information, please contact the Building Department at 973-912-2220