New Jersey Code ???fines etc...

Paul Mitchell_2

Here we as the contractor are required to file the permits for any work requiring permits. Well needless to say twice we have recieved fines. Both times were a little differant scenario. The truth is we probably deserved the fines but after hundreds of jobs and filed permits you think these two misunderstandings or mistakes would be forgiven.Quick overview...One was we were very busy and cold out. We did an emergency boiler the same day...homeowner said he would go up town and file the permits for us..I know our job. That one cost 500.00. Next we filed and forgot to pick up. Did the job....Got our a_ _ handed to us and another 500.00. Which now could be up to 2000.00 in NJ.

So my post is not to complain about the fines but to vent that not all towns, inspectors etc. follow the rules. All the non-permitted jobs I see even when people get caught. No fines. I know we have one town with a real by the book inspector but it annoys me when other guys are not only not filing permits but do terrible work and nothing...no fine no nothing. How about you guys...run into this kind of stuff?
Merry Christmas
Paul

jim murtaugh

permits

here in chicago permits are requred for combustion equiptment/ cranes ect. but rarely applied for been caught a few times. not proud of that. but obtaining these here is quite a diffucult and long process. emergency work does not require a permit until after the job jim murtaugh

jim murtaugh

permits

here in chicago permits are requred for combustion equiptment/ cranes ect. but rarely applied for been caught a few times. not proud of that. but obtaining these here is quite a diffucult and long process. emergency work does not require a permit until after the job jim murtaugh

Dave Yates (PAH)

We see

the same inequity here when it comes to enforcing the codes. The only ones fined, are licensed contractors and not a single record exists for fining or prosecuting those who work outside of the rules.

On another note, plumbing & mechanical codes allow for emergency work to be performed or begun without permits. You still are required to obtain permits and inspections, but they (the code bodies) recognize the fact that code departments aren't open 24/7.

All of the code officials in my home town have been laid off - permanently. A cost cutting measure by the Mayor.

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jim lockard

X-mas eve

Should we have to replace a gas water heater or furnace this weekend. Permits will keep til monday.Best wishes J.Lockard

Bob Schultz

Paul...

Which part of the GREAT state are you in? When doing emergency installs (even after hours or on the weekend) you must notify the municipality regardless and have 5 business days to file. You say you applied for a permit but never picked it up?? The New Jersey Administrative Code addresses this in NJAC 5:23 and states that only a violation notice be issued for your future compliance. The fact that you applied but failed to follow through is acually common but still only warrants the notice without fine (you may make a case for appeals)..As far as inspectors and selective inforcement, many towns that once used full time people now all employ part timers and without benefits. Looking at each situation (town by town) or (inspector x inspector) its kind of like I reffer my "McDonalds" theory (no offense to those hard working servers o' thee fat burgers) You pay minimum wage, you get minimum work. How can you go into Micky D's and complain about the service?? All that being said I agree to an extent. Some inspectors are overloaded with work with very little compensation (nor very little time to follow up on complaints) while others are just power weilding jerks. If I can be of any help in your administrative short commings that you feel the UCC has been side steped by an appointed minor official, please let me know if you need assistants...Robert O'Connor/NJ