Coachman:
First, welcome to the forum from another NJ guy.
I can give you the following NJ info, as I'm in NJ also.
The State Uniform Construction Code (NJUCC), 5:23 et al sets the standards for fines. As Harold said the $500 max was increased to $2000, and yes, I have written a few $2k Notices of Violation.
It's not something that I like to do, but the last guy acted like "oh well" as he came in and wrote the check.
Enforcement is up to the AHJ's and the Construction Official (CO), and remember the $2k is MAXIMUM.
If you need or want specifics, e-mail me or Harold. You can get a UCC (Blue Book) from Trenton, and if you do, subscribe to the update service, as there are constant changes.
BTW, if you're looking for good reading materials, the UCC is NOT it....it's a LAW book, and a lot is written in legaleese.
John
