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1. What type of work on my house requires a Construction Permit?

If you have any doubt, please call the Building Department at 908-464-2700.

A construction permit is required for any new construction as well as for work on existing buildings. This would include any:

• Addition to or changes to plumbing piping, sewer, drainage, gas or similar piping
• Cutting or removal of any wall
• The installation of new electrical wiring for new or additional outlets or lighting fixtures
• Installation of new or replacement water heaters or heating and air conditioning equipment
• Structural alterations

Other items needing permits include:

• Building, installing or modifying an existing fireplace
• Constructing a deck or patio and renovating an existing deck with new flooring or railings
• Finishing a basement
• Installing a burglar alarm
• Installing lawn sprinkler system
• Lining a chimney
• Removing or installing an oil tank
• Renovating kitchens and bathrooms
• Roofing
• Siding
• Swimming pools and hot tubs
• Upgrading the electrical panel or service
• Whole house generators

Construction permits are not required for ordinary maintenance such as:

• Decoration or moldings
• Painting
• Repair of a porch or exterior steps not supporting a roof
• Repair or replacement of control equipment or thermostats
• Repair or replacement of existing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
• Repairs to doorbells and communication systems
• Replacement of existing appliances, provided there is no change in the type of fuel
• Replacement of existing bath/shower valves in a single family dwelling
• Replacements of faucets or working parts of faucets
• Replacing an existing receptacle, switch or lighting fixture rated at 20 amps or less
• Replacing pumps, motors or fans in existing heating and air conditioning equipment
• Venting or electrical requirements
• Wallpapering trim

2. Why should I get a permit?

To protect the homeowner by ensuring that contractors follow codes and safety regulations. The building department will perform inspections approving each phase of the construction.

In order to get a permit, the contractor is required to show proof of a state license or registration which includes proof of liability insurance. Hiring professional contractors protects the homeowner against a claim by a worker who may become injured on your property.

Failure to get construction permits can complicate the sale of your home in the future. Real estate agents always highlight projects and updates that have been made to the house. Buyer’s attorneys frequently contact the Building Department requesting permit information and some sales have been held up due to lack of permits by homeowners, with and without contractors.

3. I enjoy doing my own home improvements around the house, do I need to get a construction permit when I do the work myself?

Yes. The codes in New Jersey recognize and allow the owner of an owner occupied single family dwelling to do their own building, plumbing and electrical work. Work done by the homeowner is required to be permitted and inspected.

4. How long will it take to get my permit?

Each project is different and some have to go to Zoning or Engineering for approvals prior to the permit being issued.

The turnaround of your permit depends on the completeness of the information provided with your initial application. Typically, if zoning or engineering approval is not required, permits issuance will take approximately 20 business days. If Zoning and/or Engineering approval is required, a permit will take a maximum of 20 working days after it has received approval from Zoning and Engineering.

5. When do we call for inspections and who should we call?

Inspections can be scheduled throughout each phase of the project by calling the building department at 908-464-2700 , extension 2120. The inspector’s schedules are listed on the website. Please discuss scheduling final inspections with your contractor. Final payment to contractor is not required until final inspection is complete.