From The Office of the Construction Official
We have seen a lot of work taking place in our City. Commercial site have been improving their look. New homes have been built. Homeowners have been putting on additions and improving the quality of their homes. It has been a pleasure working with our contractors and homeowners. Many questions still arise about when permits are needed. Here is a little information about permit requirements.
Permits are needed for everything except ordinary maintenance. Some of the items that are considered ordinary maintenance are: painting, wallpaper, replacement of interior moldings, carpeting a one or two family home, repair or replacement of a kitchen cabinet, repair of siding or roofing as long as it is less than 25% of the existing done within a 12 month period. Items outside of this type of work requires a permit. Some of the items that require a permit that some believe does not need a permit are: Replacing more than one kitchen cabinet, replacing the floor boards of a porch, repair of any part of a porch with a roof, re-sheetrocking or new drywall in a room, changing or moving a non-load bearing wall, adding a couple of outlets, replacing a hot water heater. All of the jobs require a permit, though some of them are minor work permits. The list is really endless when you think about it.
Our lives are progressively becoming more and more regulated when it comes to working around our homes and businesses. These regulations are to provide a safe and secure atmosphere to live in and around and to protect those that will be owning our property should we decide to sell and move elsewhere. It is important that all of use comply with the regulations that the State has put in place. Please get your permits and have the work inspected.
Our City is not only regulated by the Uniform Construction Code. It is regulated by the Historical Commission, the D and R Canal Commission and our own zoning ordinances. Please check with these groups prior to requesting permits. The Historical Commission and the D and R Canal Commission has jurisdiction over virtually any exterior project in the City of Lambertville and they both are a primary required pre-approval necessary to obtaining a permit to do work.
Remember homeowners are always responsible for what happens on their property. If you are not sure whether or not you need a permit, please call, we are here to serve you.
The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. everyday. Our inspectors are available at various hours Monday through Thursday. Please call (609) 397-0803 with any questions you may have about permits. |