Construction Department

The homeowner is oftentimes confronted with the question as to whether or not a construction permit is required for certain building improvements. Briefly, it is rather common knowledge that the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code requires a permit for all work involving new construction, renovation, and addition to a structure, which may include but not limited to siding, roofing, a deck, a swimming pool, hot water heater, furnace or boiler, electrical wiring and plumbing.

PERMITS PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS AS A HOMEOWNER AND CONSUMER AND ENSURES YOUR SAFETY IN YOUR HOME.

Permits must be obtained from the Building Department for the following:

• Installing a new furnace, water heater or boiler (this also includes having the chimney inspected and certified and having the proper form completed in full)
• Installing central air conditioning
• An addition of any type
• An alteration of any type
• Building a garage
• Buidling a shed over 200 square feet
• Installing a pool (either above ground or in ground)
• New electric wiring or upgrading the electric service in your house
• Enclosing a porch, adding a porch, porch steps and replacement steps
• Finishing of a basement
• Any interior alterations (removal and replacement of sheetrock, etc.)
• Kitchen remodeling and cabinet replacement
• Installing fireplaces and wood burning stoves (either gas or wood burning)
• Bathroom renovations (relocation of fixtures, sheet rocking and tub replacement)
• Adding of new bathroom
• New windows, this does NOT include replacements as long as they are the same size and style as the old ones (ex: double hung to double hung/casement to casement)
• Demolition work of any kind
• Installation of any fire alarm system

Permits are NOT required for the following:

• Roofing or siding as long as the materials are the same
• Replacement of electric outlets or switches that have already been installed
• Installation of flooring material (i.e., carpet, linoleum)
• Painting or wall papering
• Replacement of faucets, bathroom fixtures (in same location) as long as piping does not have to be replaced or rearranged, or no new electric is installed
• Replacement of glass in windows or doors as long as the glass conforms to the minimum requirements
• Repair or replacement of duct work

Miscellaneous:

• Sheds 200 square feet in size or under and less than 10 feet high require a zoning permit only
• Construction Permits are required for retaining walls over 4 ft in height (Zoning and possible Engineering required for ALL retaining walls)
• Do not make any final payments to your contractor until the work has been inspected and final approvals have been granted