A permit is generally required if an individual wishes to construct, enlarge, alter, or demolish a structure. Included in this category are those projects which change any existing structure or add to that structure, such as the following:

• Finished Basement
• Deck or pool
• Addition to a house
• Fence, shed or garage

A construction permit is also required to do the following:

• Rearrange plumbing system
• Install a new water heater, furnace, or fireplace
• Install new electrical receptacles or outlets
• Repair or replace any structural member, such as increasing the size of a window 

The following projects are examples of ordinary repairs which do not require a permit:

• Replace siding or roofing
• Replacing gutters
• Painting and trim work
• Installing, repairing or replacing any interior finish in a one or two-family dwelling. An exception is paneling, which does require a permit 

State law mandates that the Construction Official issue a fine to any person who performs work without a permit if the construction is of a nature which requires a permit.

The required documentation for a construction permit includes:

• Obtain Prior Approvals
• Permit Application
• Construction Plans
• Plot Plan 

An Application for a Permit is available from the Construction Department, located in the Municipal Building.

Along with the completed application, the applicant must submit two copies of the Construction Plans. These drawings may be done by the applicant for his own single family dwelling or by a New Jersey licensed architect or engineer. A building contractor is not permitted to do the drawings unless he is licensed as an architect or engineer.

An applicant must also submit a Plot Plan for an addition, fence, shed, or pool. The plot plan should indicate:

• All existing and proposed structures on the property
• The distances to the lot lines, septic system or sewer lines, if known
• The location of any easements

Permit Application

Step 1: The Township Zoning Officer completes the Zoning Review.

Step 2: After the Zoning approval, the documents are reviewed by the building, electrical, plumbing, and fire sub code officials for completeness and code conformance. This process may take up to twenty working days.

Step 3: The required documents are submitted to the Construction Department, with all required prior approvals from State/County/Local agencies. 

Step 4: The permit is issued indicating that legal approval has been given to begin the construction project.

If the documents do not comply with the Uniform Construction Code, the applicant will be notified of the code violations required to be corrected and resubmit the documents for further review.

New construction usually requires the following inspections:Footing excavation prior to pouring concrete

• Foundation wall prior to backfilling with Engineered location survey
• Rough plumbing, electrical & fire prior to installing insulation
• Rough framing prior to installing insulation with completed Framing Checklist
• Insulation prior to installing sheet rock
• Final inspections prior to occupancy 

• Inspectors must have 24 hours advance notice and must be able to see the part of construction required to be inspected
• Applicants are required to post the permit prominently on the site and to keep a copy of the approved plans at the site
• Any work which does not conform to the approved plans will require reinspection, and in some cases amended drawings & permits. If the work continues without resolving the problem, the applicant will be fined and the job stopped
• When the project is completed, the applicant must call for final building, electrical, plumbing, and fire inspections
• The applicant must also apply for a certificate of occupancy. If the work is approved, a certificate will be issued indicating permission to use the area for the intended purpose

Applications for permits can be found at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards by CLICKING HERE.

When submitting these forms to the Construction Code Enforcement Office, you must provide THREE completed copies with original signature and original seal (where necessary) for each subcode technical form.