NJ - F370 :Chimney Certification

Robert O'Connor_7

Some municipalities within the GREAT State of New Jersey are requiring the submission of a completed Chimney Certification Form, Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Standard Form F370, before the issuance of any permit for the replacement of fuel-fired equipment. This should not be!
The chimney certification form is required per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.20(c), "Tests and Special Inspections;" however, as stated on the F370 itself, the code enforcement office must receive the form before final inspection.
Standard Form F370 allows the contractor installing the replacement equipment to certify proper sizing, lining, and cleaning of the chimney/vent. The construction official may refuse to accept a signed certification form from a contractor if the construction official has reason to belive the certification is not accurate.
The contractor may choose not to submit the certification, in which case the contractor must sign and date the form in the space under "Certification Not Submitted." If this option is chosen, the contractor agrees to be present for the inspection to remove and reinstall the chimney vent connector.
NOTE: As stated in N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.20(c), certifications from homeowners will NOT be accepted in lieu of the required inspection.
I'm not aware if other states are using this federal form (F370) or not, but be assured a permit cannot be withheld for not submitting it as you file for the appliance replacement..
Robert O'Connor/NJ