Uniform Construction Code (Ordinary Repairs)

5:23-9.3 Interpretation: Ordinary Repairs

The following items are ordinary repairs and shall be treated as such by every enforcing agency. No permits for, inspections of, or notice to the enforcing agency or ordinary repairs shall be required. This is not an all inclusive listing of ordinary repairs.

Ordinary Building Repairs Include

• Exterior and interior painting
• Installation, repair or replacement of any interior finishes of less than 25% of the wall area in any given room, in a one or two family dwelling. This shall include plastering and dry wall installation
• Vinyl wall covering of any amount in an ordinary repair
• Paneling shall not be considered an ordinary repair
• Wall papering at any location
• The replacement of glass in any window or door. However, the replacement glass shall be of a type and quality that complies with the minimum requirements of the 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 shall include storm windows and storm doors. The installation and replacement of means of egress and emergency escape windows and doors may be made in the same opening without altering the dimensions or framing of the original opening, and shall not reduce the required height, width or net clear opening of the previous window or door assembly
• The repair of any non-structural member such as a partition railing of kitchen cabinet
• The repair or replacement of any interior or exterior trim decoration or moldings
• The replacement or installation of any flooring material, except carpeting, with a new material. However, installation of carpeting in one and two family dwellings will be permitted under ordinary repairs
• The repair of existing roofing material not exceeding 25% of the total roof area within any 12 month period
• The repair of existing siding with like material not exceeding 25% of the total building exterior was area within any 12 month period
• The repair or replacement of any part of a porch or stoop which does not structurally support a roof above:
• The replacement or installation of screens
• The installation of any roll or batt insulation when installed adjacent to or not more than one and a half inches from an interior finish
• Replacement of exterior rain water gutters and leaders

Outdoor Plumbing Repairs Include

• Replacement of hose bib valves in single family dwellings. Replacement hose bib valves shall be provided with an approved atmospheric vacuum breaker
• Refinishing of existing fixtures. Relining of fixtures shall not be considered to be an ordinary repair
• Replacement of ball cocks. Replacement ball cocks must be an approved anti-siphon type
• Repair of leaks involving the replacement of piping between two adjacent joints only
• Clearance of stoppages
• Replacements of faucets or working parts of faucets
• Replacement of valves (other than shower or combination bath/shower valves)
• Replacements of working parts of valves, including, but not limited to, shower or combination bath/shower valves
• Replacement of traps except for traps on culinary sinks in food handling establishments
• Replacement of water closet or lavatory or kitchen sink in a single family dwelling with an approved similar fixture provided that no change in the piping arrangement is made. Replacement water closets bearing a date stamp of July 1, 1991 or later must use an average of 1.6 gallons or less of water per flushing cycle
• Replacement of domestic clothes washers and dishwashers

Ordinary Electrical Repairs Include

• The replacement of any receptacle, switch, or lighting fixture rated at 20 amps or less and operating at less than 150 volts to ground with a like or similar item. Replacement of receptacles in locations where ground-fault circuit interrupter protection is required in the electrical subcode, shall not be considered ordinary electrical repairs:
• Repairs to any installed electrically operated equipment such as doorbells, communication systems, and any motor operated device. Provided, however, that if fire protection systems are interrupted for repairs the fire official shall be notified in accordance with the building subcode.
• Installation of communications wiring as covered by article 800 of the electrical subcode in one and two family dwellings or \the alteration/rearrangement of existing communications wiring in other occupancies provided however that the rearrangement does not involve penetration of a fire rated assembly and is not in a hazardous location as defined in chapter 5 of the electrical subcode.
• Replacement of domestic dishwashers.
• Replacement of kitchen range hoods in single family dwellings.

Ordinary Fire Protection Repairs Include

• The replacement of any sprinkler or smoke detector or heat detector head with a like device: and
• The repair or replacement of any components of a fire alarm or smoke and heat detection equipment (other than the replacement of a fire alarm control panel).

Ordinary Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Repairs Shall Include

• Replacement of motors, pumps and fans of the same capacity:
• Repair and replacement of heating, supply and return piping and radiation elements, which does not require rearrangement of the piping system:
• Repair and replacement of duct work:
• Repair of air conditioning equipment and systems: and
• Repair or replacement of control devices for heating and air conditioning equipment and
• Replacement of kitchen range hoods in single family dwellings.
• Replacement of clothes dryers serving and located within dwelling units, provided that no change in fuel type or location or electrical characteristics is required.
• Replacement of stoves and oven in dwelling units, provided no change in fuel type or location or electrical characteristics is required