Frequently Asked Questions

This is an example of a frequently asked question

This is an example of a different, longer worded frequently asked question.

This is an example of a frequently asked question

You need a building permit for all construction that involves the construction, repair, movement to another site, removal, or demolition of any building or structure. All electrical, plumbing and mechanical work needs a separate permit for each trade. The price of the permit is calculated using the cost of the construction. View our Permits, Applications and Procedures.

Work on a project may not legally begin before a permit is obtained and on the work site.

Water heater applications are processed at the counter.

View the Sparta Mailbox Installation document (PDF) to see a detailed diagram describing a mailbox install that is code compliant.

No.  We do not require a Certificate of Continued Occupancy (CCO) on the resale of a home. A Smoke Detector Certification is required and is performed by the Fire Prevention Department; Please call 973-729-4227 to schedule an appointment. 

No. As long as the tank is still being used and it is not leaking it may remain in place.  A prospective buyer may want you to remove or properly abandon it in place, but that is a contractual negotiation between you and the buyer.

No. Codes are updated every three years, there is no requirement that existing buildings conform to new codes unless work is being done. This is a contractual negotiation between you and the buyer.

A permit is required to construct, enlarge, repair, renovate, alter, reconstruct or demolish a structure or to install or alter equipment, such as heating or air conditioning.  There are exceptions for ordinary maintenance.

The following are not considered ordinary repairs and would require a permit:

• Cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof
• The removal or change of any structural beam or bearing support
• The removal or change of any required means of egress
• Any work affecting structural or fire safety
• Any work that will increase the nonconformity of any building or structure
• Addition to, or alteration, replacement or relocation of water supply, sewer drainage, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping
• Addition to, or alteration, replacement or relocation of electrical wiring other than low voltage communication wiring in a one or two family home
• Installation of wood paneling

The following are considered ordinary repairs and would not require a permit:

• Exterior or interior painting
• Installation, repair or replacement of less than 25% of plaster or drywall in any given room
• Vinyl or Paper wall covering
• Replacement of glass in any door or window  (The glass must be of the type required by code)
• The installation and replacement of any window or door, including garage doors, in the same opening without altering the dimensions or framing of the original opening.  This includes storm windows and doors.  Replacement egress doors and windows shall reduce the required height, width or net clear opening of the previous window or door.
• Repair or replacement of any non-structural members such as kitchen cabinets.
• The replacement or installation of any flooring material in a one or two-family home
• The repair or installation of interior or exterior trim or molding
• The repair of existing roof material not exceeding 25% of the total roof area in any 12-month period
• The repair of existing siding, with like material, not exceeding 25% of the total building exterior wall area in any 12-month period
• The repair or replacement of any part of a porch or stoop, which does not support a roof
• The replacement or installation of screens
• Installation of roll or batt insulation when installed within 1 ½ inches of an interior finish
• Replacement of exterior rain gutters and leaders
• Replacement hose bib valves in single-family homes, replacement hose bib valves must have an atmospheric vacuum breaker
• Refinishing of any plumbing fixtures.  Relining of plumbing fixtures is not considered an ordinary repair
• Repair of leaks by replacement of piping between two fittings only
• Replacement of faucets or working parts of faucets
• Replacement of valves other than shower or combination bath/shower valves
• Replacement of working parts of valves
• Replacement of traps in single-family homes
• Replacement of a toilet, bathroom sink or kitchen sink, provided no change in pipe arrangement is needed.  Replacement toilets shall use a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush.
• Replacement of existing domestic clothes washers or dishwashers
• Replacement of any receptacle (outlet), switch, or lighting fixture rated at 20 amps or less and operating at less than 150 volts.  Replacement of a receptacle in a location requiring a ground fault circuit interrupter by the electric code is not considered an ordinary repair and requires a permit.
• The installation of battery-operated smoke detectors
• Repair or Replacement of heating or air conditioning components; motors, pumps and fans of the same capacity; heating supply and return piping and radiation elements not requiring the rearrangement of the piping system; ductwork or control devices (thermostats)
• Replacement of kitchen range hoods in a single-family home
• Replacement of clothes dryers, stoves or ovens within dwelling units provided no change in fuel type, location or electrical characteristics is required

No. You are allowed to make emergency repairs and get a permit as soon as possible, but not more than 72 hours later and have all required inspections.

No. We would refer you to the phone book.

Permits are not required for an individual dwelling. Permits are required for all commercial roofing.

No permits are required for individual dwellings.

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

No. Unfortunately due to the volume of inspections, we cannot guarantee a specific time.

Between 8:30 and 9:30 am on the days that inspections are performed for the subcode.

We use standard multi-part State application forms. They are available at the Building Department office at no charge.

No. The forms are multi-part carbon copy forms.

Yes. As long as they are the standard New Jersey State forms.

Maybe. You can do your own drawings if they are for an owner-occupied single-family home. All other structures need to be drawn and sealed by an architect and/or engineer licensed in New Jersey.

Two copies of the construction drawing will need to be submitted.

The following needs to be included on a construction drawing:

• Occupant load
• Construction type
• Use Group(s)
• Scale, ¼ inch – 1-foot minimum, showing all dimensions
• Code and Year used for the design
• Floor plans of all levels with all rooms labeled
• Location of smoke detectors
• Elevations (front, side and rear) indicating window and door dimensions
• Insulation R-values.  (An Energy Code Compliance Report must be included with your application)
• Location of safety glazing
• Manufacturer’s design specifications for prefabricated fireplaces
• Foundation plan
• Footing details (minimum footing depth is 42”)
• Structural framing plans of all levels accurately detailing all members
• Structural details of connections
• Typical wall section with sheathing thickness and type (special products or devices require a research or evaluation report)
• Roof framing plan
• List of material specifications including but not limited t grade and species of lumber, concrete strength, and steel strength
• List of design load criteria: live load, dead load, snow load, wind load, bearing capacity, and lateral earth pressure (for Sparta Township:  ground snow load = 40 psf and wind speed = 80 mph)
• Name of the person preparing the drawings
• If plans are prepared by a registered design professional, both sets of plans must bear the original seal and signature
• Truss Shop Drawings for pre-engineered floor or roof trusses
• Plumbing fixture layout and riser diagram
• Electrical plan

The Building Department has up to 20 business days to review your complete application after all prior approvals (Health Department, Zoning, etc.) are met. Smaller projects like decks and sheds are generally done more quickly.

No permits are required for sheds up to 100 square feet. A permit is required for all sheds larger than 100 square feet. All sheds 200 square feet and larger also require a foundation. All sheds regardless of size require a zoning permit to determine setbacks.

A building permit is not required for a fence unless it is a barrier for a pool. A zoning permit is required for all fences. If you are replacing a fence around a pool, a building permit is required and it must meet the current code.

A permit is required if any of the following is true about the pool:

• It is capable of holding water more than 24 inches in depth
• It has more than 250 square feet of surface area
• It has a recirculating filter

Requirements for pools can be complicated; we suggest you come to the office and pick up our pool packet.

Maybe. If the replacement window does not require the wall framing to be changed and does not change the original opening size, a permit is not required. If the wall framing or original size were to be changed, a permit would be required.

No. Wells and septic systems are handled by the Health Department. Please direct all questions to them, they will be glad to try to answer any of your questions. Their phone number is 973-729-6174.

Building permits for new structures and additions are based on a fee per cubic foot of volume. Building permits for alterations are based on a fee per dollar amount of the estimated cost of the work. Roofing, siding, pools, and sheds have a flat fee. Electric, plumbing, and fire permits are based on the number of fixtures or appliances being installed.

Yes. Call the Building Department with the address and we’ll check to see if a permit has been issued, if not, we’ll send an inspector put to investigate, but please note to be fair to everyone the inspector may note violations on other properties in the neighborhood, which may include your home.

Yes. Construction activities conducted by a contractor may take place between 7 am and 8 pm Construction activities conducted by a homeowner on his/her own home may take place between 7 am and 9 pm The ordinance is enforced by the Police Department.

International Building and Residential Codes – New Jersey Editions is the code used.

Yes. The maximum height of a fence is 4 feet in your front yard and 50% open, 6 feet in your side and rear yard. Please be aware that if your house faces more than one street you have more than one front yard. The good side of the fence must face out. There is no setback for fences, but we recommend that you keep it back from the property line so that you may maintain your fence without trespassing on your neighbor's property. Fences cannot be topped with barbed wire or razor wire. Houses on corners may not install a fence in the "sight triangle" that would obscure the view of motorists approaching an intersection. A zoning permit is required prior to installing a fence, be sure to bring a copy of your property survey.

There are fourteen voting districts in Sparta.  Your voting poll number and physical location is printed on the front page of the sample ballot you receive approximately one week prior to the elections.

Polls are open from 6 am to 8 pm for Municipal, Primary, and General elections. Should you have any questions regarding voting, please contact the Municipal Clerk’s Office at 729-4493.

Guidelines to follow:

• You must be 18 years of age by the election.
• You must be residing in Sparta Township at least 30 days prior to the election.
• You must be a Citizen of the United States

Voter Registration in New Jersey is permanent except when the voter has moved from the County in which he has registered or changed his/her name. A voter who moves within the same election district remains registered and may be allowed to vote for two years.

If a voter moves within the County at least 29 days prior to an election, the voter must file a Change of Address notice with the County Board of Elections.

Voters who move within the County within the 29 days preceding the election, may vote at their new designated polling place by means of a “Failsafe Ballot”.  You should contact your Municipal Clerk for this information.

You may register at any time prior to the 21st day before any election.

You can register to vote at the Sparta Township Municipal Clerk’s Office, Sussex County Board of Elections, or at any Motor Vehicle Office or Welfare Office.

A mail-in registration form (PDF) can be used if you are unable to appear in person.  When completed, mail it to the Board of Elections, 83 Spring Street, Suite 305, Newton, NJ 07860. This same form can also be used for name and address changes.

Unfortunately, the Board of Elections cannot accept faxed copies or an electronic transmission of a voter registration form since an original signature is required.

A party declaration form (PDF) must be filled out.  Party declaration forms must be received by the Sussex County Board of Elections no later than 50 days prior to the primary election.