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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.

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1. How do I know if a property has any open permits?

Anyone can get a Permit History for any property in Berkeley Heights.  A Permit History shows all permits for a property and identifies if (and when) those permits were closed.

Please Note that Berkeley Heights is no longer requiring OPRA requests for permit information. You can now log directly into the SDL portal and extract this information anytime. This portal is located at: http://sdl.town/sdlBrklyHghts .  The portal will require you to create an account, but the service is free, and you can log in to access property permit information anytime.

For more information, visit the Check Permit Status Online webpage.

2. What do I need to do before I sell my home?

Prior to selling your home you must obtain a Certificate of Approval for a Smoke Inspection/Fire Extinguisher Inspection.  This Certificate is required prior to the Closing.  To submit an Online Request visit Fire/Smoke Inspection Application (Required for Change of Occupancy) 

The Township of Berkeley Heights does NOT require a CO (Certificate of Occupancy) prior to selling your home.  

For more information, visit the Fire Department webpage or contact the Fire Department at 908-464-0800.

3. Do I need a permit to hold a Block Party?

Residents must submit an Application for a Block Party.

Applications must be submitted to the Municipal Clerk’s Office at least thirty (30) day prior to
the proposed date of a Block Party in order to be submitted to the Township Council for
approval at the Regular Public Meetings of the Township Council. Failure to timely file an
application may result in the denial of a request.

Full instructions are available with the online form.

4. What do I do if a tree falls on my property?

The answer depends on where the tree is/was planted…

If the tree is/was planted on Township property:

The Township will address the issue.  Contact the Zoning Officer or Department of Public Works (DPW) and they will address the issue.

If the tree is/was planted on private property:

Regardless of whether you own the tree or your neighbor owns the tree, if it falls on your property, it is your responsibility.  The Township is not responsible for maintaining or removing privately owned trees.

For more information, visit the Zoning & Tree Removal webpage.

5. What do I need to do to open a business in Berkeley Heights?

If you are thinking about opening a business in Berkeley Heights, you should first speak with the Zoning Officer.  The first step is to obtain Zoning Approval for the type of business that you are looking to open.  The Zoning Officer can help with that application and answer any questions specific to the zoning regulations of the Township.

For more information, visit the Zoning webpage.

6. What do I do if my Recycling was NOT picked up?

If you had your recycling out on time, but it did not get picked up, LEAVE your recycling at the curb.  You should call the Recycling Company directly to schedule a “missed pick-up”.  You do NOT need to call the Township Offices.

If you had your recycling at the curb as required, the Recycling Contractor will let you know when they can come back.  Please note that this will be dependent upon their availability and the day/time that you notify them.

For more information, visit the Public Works / Recycling webpage.

7. What if my garbage was not picked up?

The Township does not contract your garbage hauler.  Residents contract directly with the garbage hauler of their choice; therefore, you must reach out to your garbage hauler directly.  You should NOT call the Township Offices.

For more information, visit the Public Works / Garbage webpage.

8. Does Berkeley Heights offer a Bulk Pickup and if so, when is it?

The Township does not guarantee an annual Bulk Pickup.  However, for the past several years it has been offered.  The Township works to offer this when they can.  It is usually offered in the early Spring with a single pickup per household.

For more information, visit the Public Works / Bulk Pickup webpage.

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1. How do I make a complaint?

Complaints against members of the Berkeley Heights Police Department may be made by phone, letter, in person, or email (InternalAffiars@bhpolice.org).

Complaints may be made to any supervisor in the Police Department; however, a complaint filed directly at the Police Department, or via email can be processed and assigned for investigation fastest. Contact the Police Department by calling 908-464-1111 and the address of the Police Department is:

29 Park Avenue
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

Please use the Internal Affairs Reporting Form for reporting and submit via email (InternalAffairs@bhpolice.org) or drop them off at Police Headquarters. 

2. What is internal affairs?

The Berkeley Heights Police Department Internal Affairs Division is mandated to investigate allegations of misconduct against employees of the Berkeley Heights Police Department. It is a fact finding entity, and its purpose is three-fold:

• Protection of the Department: The department is often evaluated and judged by the conduct of its individual employees. It is imperative that the whole organization not be criticized because of the misconduct of a few. An informed public must have confidence that its police department honestly and fairly investigates and adjudicates all allegations of misconduct against its employees.
• Protection of the Employee: Employees must be protected against false or misinformed allegations of misconduct, this can only be accomplished through a consistently thorough investigative process.
• Protection of the Public: The public has the right to receive fair, efficient and impartial law enforcement. Any misconduct by department personnel must first be detected, then thoroughly investigated and finally, properly adjudicated to assure the maintenance of these qualities.

3. What happens to my complaint after it is received?

All complaints received by the Department are processed through the Internal Affairs Unit. When a complaint is received, it is reviewed to determine the nature of the allegations.

The most serious type of complaints are investigated by the Internal Affairs Division. These complaints involve allegations such as:

• Any discharge of firearms
• Criminal activity such as theft
• Excessive force

Complaints comparatively less serious in nature, such as rude behavior or improper procedure, are forwarded to the individual officer's division for investigation. In every case, the person making the complaint will be contacted during the investigation for additional information, and will be notified by mail of the final disposition.

4. How do I commend an officer?

Citizens who feel an officer has performed his or her duties in a particularly courteous, helpful or competent manner may express their appreciation in a number of ways.

Contact any supervisor (in person or by telephone) at Police Headquarters Write a letter to the officer, the officer's Supervisor or to:

• Lieutenant Edward Gaffney (egaffney@bhpolice.org)
• Lieutenant Frank Mea (fmea@bhpolice.org)

Be sure to obtain the officer's name and badge number if possible.

You can contact the Police Department by calling 908-464-1111 or in person at:
29 Park Avenue
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922