The Department of Inspections provides for cooperative inspection and enforcement of all Construction Codes relating to the construction, maintenance, use and occupancy of buildings and structures.
Building Information
The
administrative code that is used throughout New Jersey is known as the
Uniform Construction Code (U.C.C.). The U.C.C. adopts other National Code Books as the technical text for each discipline. Subcodes include building, plumbing, fire and electric.
Construction Plans/Layout Drawings
A New Jersey licensed architect is recommended for the preparation of plans for major projects. Major projects may need to include floor plans drawn to scale, sections, elevations and details. Minor projects such as decks and small additions can be drawn by a homeowner.
The Construction Inspection Office has standard specifications that can be followed within certain limitations for routine projects such as decks and retaining walls. These specs along with a plot plan/survey depicting your project are accepted as the required plans.
There are some projects which require a New Jersey licensed engineer to prepare plans. Examples are an in-ground pool, grading plans and retaining walls more than 4 feet in height.