CONSTRUCTION
Phillip Tobaygo, Construction Official
(Plumbing Sub Code Official,Zoning Officer and Building Inspector)
(973) 983-2809
construction@rockawaytownship.org
Building Subcode Official: Thomas Yotka
Plumbing Subcode Official- Phillip Tobaygo
Electrical Subcode Official- Greg Ryan
Fire Subcode Official- Thomas Yotka
The construction department helps to assist residents and contractors with the start of construction. It is the responsibility of the department to comply with all State rules and regulations regarding construction to ensure safety and compliance. All applicants must submit completed application forms for review and approval.
ALL INSPECTIONS MUST BE ARRANGED THROUGH THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS AT 973-983-2809
ALL HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY AND PROVIDE A COPY OF THE LICENSE OBTAINED WHEN APPLYING FOR PERMITS.
For information contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs or call 1-888-656-6225
Project Examples
Below is a list of the most common construction projects for which a permit is required. There may be other situations not listed which may also need a building permit. It is always best to call the Construction Department to check before you begin work.
| NEW HOUSE | ADDITION |
| KITCHEN REMODELS | BATHROOMS |
| FINISHED BASEMENTS |
SHEDS |
| FENCES |
POOLS |
| NEW FURNACE/BOILER | SIDING |
| OIL TANKS/REMOVAL AND INSTALLATIONS | GAS PIPING |
| DEMOLITIONS (BOTH PRIMARY RESIDENCE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES) | DRIVEWAY |
| WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT | NEW SERVICE/SUBPANELS |
| SEWER/WATER CONNECTIONS | Roofs |
| Emergency Generators/Standby Generators |
Procedures of obtaining a building permit for a deck.
1. Submit 2 copies of a SURVEY showing deck location in relation to house and property lines.
2. Submit TWO SETS of scaled drawings showing a top view and side view. 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 need drawings by a New Jersey registered architect or professional engineer.
3. The drawings submitted shall include the following information:
a. Show deck in relation to house and property lines.
b. Show door from house to deck.
c. Specify type of wood. All lumber must be naturally durable or treated with a preservative.
d. Show footings, columns, girders, joists, ledger, flashing, decking, guardrails (for decks 30
inches above floor or grade), handrails, stairways, lateral bracing and connectors.
4. Fill out building subcode form, certificate of occupancy form, construction
jacket.
5. If a general contractor is used, a copy of his/her home improvement contractor
license must be included.
6. Submit all the above paperwork to the Construction Department. PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOUR APPLICATION IS COMPLETE BEFORE SUBMITTING IT. If all paperwork is in order, then the Department has 20 working days to review and issue your permit.
Building Permit Application for Addtions.
Please Provide the following documentation to the Construction/Zoning Department:
1. 2 copies of the property survey showing the location of the proposed addition (dimensions to scale).
2. Indicate measurement from the closest points of setbacks.
2. 2 complete sets of plans showing the following:
a. Elevation drawings
b. Cross section
c. Floor plan
d. Foundation plan
e. Plumbing riser diagram
f. Electric plan
3. Completed folder and subcode technical forms (may include building/fire/
electric/plumbing subcode/ co form and jacket.
4. Engineering approval required for all additions.
5. Health approval required when septic and/or well is involved.
6. New Jersey Energy Code Compliance sheet.
7. Proof of home builders registration from NJ Consumer Affairs.
Contact: 1-888-656-6225 or visit their Website
8. All cover sheet on drawings must include codes used to draft drawings.
Pool Permits
YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. A SURVEY OF YOUR PROPERTY SHOWING LOCATION OF POOL.
YOU MUST INDICATE THE LOCATION OF THE SEPTIC AND/OR WELL IF APPLICABLE.
2. FILTER AND PUMP SPECIFICATIONS SHOWING THE SIZE OF THE
FILTER AND AMOUNT OF WATER IT WILL PROCESS PER HOUR.
3. DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATION OF POOL
4. SPECIFICATIONS OF A HEATER IF INSTALLING ONE.
YOU WILL NEED TO FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING FORMS:
1. Building subcode
2. Electric subcode
3. Plumbing subcode (if installing a heater)
4. Fire subcode (if installing a heater)
ONCE THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED A COMPLETE APPLICATION, IT HAS 20 WORKING DAYS TO REVIEW IT.
DO NOT FILL YOUR POOL WITH WATER UNTIL IT IS PROPERLY PROTECTED BY AN APPROVED ENCLOSURE OR BARRIER.
All pools must be at least 10 feet from all property lines and 10 feet from the principal structure.
NOTE: A corner lot is viewed differently from a typical rectangular lot. A corner
lot has 2 front property lines rather than one. The Construction Department
should be called for clarification of location.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR POOLS ALL POOLS MUST HAVE
A PROTECTIVE BARRIER
IN GROUND POOLS
Electric permit is required for G.F.I., lights, and bonding.
**The National Electric Code (N.E.C) is applied to all pools
**Due to the complexity of pool wiring, it is advisable to get the help
of a licensed electrical contractor.
Building permit is required for the installation of a pool
Plumbing permit is required for gas piping and heater
Fire permit is required for a heater
Pool or yard must be enclosed by at least 4’ fence with a self-
latching gate.
Engineering approval is required.
Above Ground Pools
Electric permit is required for a G.F.I., lights and bonding
Building permit is required for installation of pool
Plumbing and Fire permit required if pool is to be heated
A 4’ (or higher) pool only requires a barrier around the stairs as long
as the pool is not sunken into the ground. The pool must
measure at least 4’ above the level of the ground to meet the
barrier requirements.
Engineering approval may be required.
NOTE: “A removable ladder shall not constitute an acceptable alternative to the enclosure requirements.”
GENERATORS
You will need the following in order to obtain a permit for a stationary generator:
- Survey of property showing location of generator
- Type of gas – Natural or Propane
- If propane, tank location & size must be shown on site plan
- Specifications of generator
- Specs must include required clearances
- Electrical Technical Form
- Plumbing Technical Form
- Fire Technical Form
- Gas piping riser
- Include size and material of piping and BTU’s
PORTABLE GENERATORS THAT ARE HAVING A TRANSFER SWITCH OR SUBPANEL INSTALLED (MUST INCLUDE AMPAGE) REQUIRE AN ELECTRICAL PERMIT, INCLUDING SPECIFICATIONS OF GENERATOR.
ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP CODE REQUIREMENTS - ATTENTION ALL BUILDERS AND ARCHITECTS
All plans shall include "BUILDING CODE INFORMATION" on the front cover page indicating the following:
NUMBER OF STORIES
HEIGHT OF STRUCTURE
AREA-LARGEST FLOOR (BUILDING FOOTPRINT)
SQUARE FEET
NEW BUILDING AREA- SQUARE FEET
VOLUME OF NEW STRUCTURE-CUBIT FEET
CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION
MAX. LIVE LOAD
MAX. OCCUPANCY LOAD OR # OF BEDROOMS
CONSTRUCTION CODES IN EFFECT AS OF 5/7/2012
2009 International Building Code, NJ Edition
2009 International Residential Code, NJ Edition
2009 International Mechanical Code
2009 International Energy Conservation Code
2007 ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (Commercial)
2011 National Electric Code
2009 National Standard Plumbing Code
2009 International Fuel Gas Code
2003 ICC/ANSI A117.1 Barrier Free