Permitting in Bergen County, New Jersey can be complex. Each of its 70+ municipalities operates its own building department with unique requirements, forms, and review processes. The county itself maintains permit services for certain projects and unincorporated areas through its Division of Building Services.
This guide breaks down how the Bergen County building permit system works. You'll learn which municipalities handle their own permits, when you need to work with the county directly, what types of projects require permits, and how to navigate the application process.
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What requires a building permit in Bergen County?
Permit requirements in Bergen County vary slightly by municipality, but most jurisdictions follow the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
You’ll typically need a building permit for:
- New construction, additions, structural alterations (ex: adding rooms, decks, garages)
- Interior alterations that involve structural changes, relocating plumbing fixtures, new wiring, or electrical service upgrades
- Replacing or installing major systems: furnace, boiler, hot water heater (in many towns)
- Pools (above‑ or below‑ground)
- Sheds over a certain size
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC jobs that go beyond like‑for‑like repairs.
Each town issues its own permits, so always check with your local building department within Bergen County.
What doesn’t require a building permit in Bergen County?
According to NJ UCC and local building departments, Bergen County permits are not required for:
- Painting, flooring, or interior trim
- Installing gutters or downspouts
- Swapping out light fixtures or appliances (like dishwashers)
- Replacing existing windows/doors without changing size or structure
Bergen County building permit cost
Permit fees in Bergen County are set by individual municipalities and based on project type, square footage, or estimated construction cost. Here’s a breakdown of fees for several types of projects:
For more information on other fees, see the fee schedule.
How long do building permits last in Bergen County?
In most municipalities within Bergen County, a building permit is valid for as long as your municipal approval is valid and your performance guarantee with the County has not expired.
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Bergen County trade permits
In Bergen County, trade permits (such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and mechanical) are generally covered under the regular permit fee schedule and are not listed as separate fee categories at the county level.
How to get a building permit in Bergen County
Step 1: Create an account in the GeoCivix Portal
Before applying, you must register on the county’s permit platform.
- Navigate to the GeoCivix portal
- Create an account with your email and activate it via the confirmation email
- Log in to access your dashboard
Step 2: Start a new Bergen County building permit application and add basic info
Once logged in, you’ll create a new application and enter basic project details.
- Click "Submit Application" and choose the type (site plan, subdivision, etc.)
- Give your project a descriptive name
- Enter contact info for the applicant, property owner, professionals, and more
- Add the project’s address or parcel number and identify the county road involved
Step 3: Fill out project details and review status
This step collects technical project information.
- Fill in data such as land area, building footprint, or lot sizes, depending on application type
- Confirm if your project has already been reviewed by municipal boards (e.g., zoning or planning board)
Step 4: Upload required documents
Your application won’t be reviewed until documents are submitted, so gather them in advance.
- Upload digital versions (PDF only) of site plans, application checklists, stormwater reports, etc.
- Use clear filenames and ensure engineering plans are professionally sealed (if required)
- You may invite outside consultants to upload files on your behalf
Step 5: Submit for review and pay fees
Once everything is uploaded, your application can be submitted for County review.
- Click “Confirm and Submit for Review”
- You’ll receive email updates on your application status
- When invoiced, pay online via MuniciPay (card or e-check) or send a check by mail:
- County of Bergen
- Attn: Lori Haggerty, Recording Secretary
- Dept. Planning and Engineering, 4th Floor
- One Bergen County Plaza
- Hackensack, NJ 07601-7076
Step 6: Upload revisions and finalize the approval
During the review process, you may be asked to revise your submittals.
- Respond to County comments by uploading updated files (e.g., “Submittal 002”)
- Once all reviews are complete, you’ll receive Conditional Approval
- Final plan sets and any outstanding fees must be submitted before full approval
After final approval, place the sign on the working site. Don't forget to schedule the inspections using the platform.
Note: The county doesn’t provide a Certificate of Occupancy (CO); this comes from the municipality where your project is located.
For more information, visit the applicant user guide page.
Bergen County permitting resources
- Bergen County Planning & Engineering
- Planning & Engineering Dept
- Address: One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ 07601-7076
- Phone: 201-336-6446
- Fax: 201-336-6762
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am – 5pm
- Fee schedule
- Applicant user guide
- Application submission portal
Simplify Bergen County permitting with PermitFlow
With more than 70 municipalities, each with its own building department, forms, and review process, Bergen County permitting is anything but simple. Keeping projects moving means juggling different requirements, tracking submissions in separate systems, and waiting on updates that rarely come when you need them.
PermitFlow cuts through that complexity.
Our AI-powered platform centralizes your entire permitting workflow, from preparation to submission to tracking, across every jurisdiction. With automated updates, a single dashboard for all your projects, and expert guidance along the way, you’ll spend less time managing permitting paperwork and more time keeping projects moving.
Why builders trust PermitFlow:
- Local expertise: We understand the nuances of Bergen County’s permitting requirements, ensuring your applications meet every local standard.
- Centralized platform: Track and manage all your permits, from Hackensack to Paramus to Fort Lee, in one streamlined system.
- Fewer delays: Clean, complete applications reduce rejections and keep approvals moving.
- Scalable efficiency: Manage multiple projects anywhere in New Jersey and across the country with one consistent, reliable process.
Don’t let permits slow you down. Connect with our team to see how PermitFlow simplifies permitting.
