From shore-town additions to warehouse build‑outs along the Turnpike, most New Jersey projects need a construction permit before work begins. Below, we’re covering what requires a permit, who issues them, statewide requirements, typical costs, NJ‑specific considerations, and a step‑by‑step process to get approved.

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What requires a building permit in New Jersey?

Local ordinances vary, but under the NJ UCC you will typically need a permit for:

• New construction (residential, commercial, and accessory structures)
• Additions and structural alterations (wall removals, new openings, dormers)
• Decks, porches, balconies, and stairs/egress changes
• Basement finishing (adding bedrooms, bathrooms, or altering egress)
• Pools & spas (in‑ground and most above‑ground), retaining walls above certain heights
• MEP work: new or reconfigured electrical, plumbing, HVAC/mechanical, fire suppression/alarms
• Roofing/siding beyond ordinary repair, window/door changes that alter framing/opening sizes
• Demolition, change of use, or tenant fit‑outs

Often exempt as “ordinary maintenance” (no permit) when like‑for‑like and without structural changes: 

• Painting
• Flooring
• Cabinets/countertops
• Some roofing/siding/windows of the same size/type
• Minor fixture swaps

Inspections or subcode permits can still be required in some cases — confirm locally before starting.

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Who issues building permits in New Jersey?

New Jersey permits are issued locally by the municipal Construction Office (or a shared services/consolidated office) under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC) administered by the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

• The local Construction Official coordinates plan review and inspections across subcodes (building, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and mechanical).
• Some small municipalities use third‑party agencies approved by DCA for plan review/inspections.
• If a town lacks local enforcement, DCA may provide direct services.

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New Jersey building permit requirements

Expect to submit a package that includes:

• Uniform Construction Permit application (UCC) plus subcode technical sections (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire as applicable)
• Construction documents: plans/specs; sealed by a NJ‑licensed design professional when required
• Plot plan/survey showing setbacks, easements, flood zones, and proposed work
• Energy code compliance (e.g., REScheck/COMcheck or equivalent details on drawings)
• Contractor credentials: NJ HIC registration (residential), trade licenses, and insurance/worker’s comp
• Zoning sign‑off or separate zoning permit (many towns require zoning approval before UCC intake)
• Project‑specific items when triggered: truss/engineered calculations, shop drawings, special inspections, DEP or county health approvals (septic/well, flood hazard, wetlands), and historic commission approvals, where applicable.

Pro tip: Label drawings by discipline and sheet number. Include a code summary (use/occupancy, construction type, fire/egress, energy path) on the cover sheet to speed review.

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New Jersey building permit costs

Fees are set by each municipality’s ordinance but follow UCC patterns:

• New buildings/additions: Often based on cubic footage (building subcode) plus separate fees for electrical/plumbing/fire (by device/fixture or service size).
• Alterations/repairs: Commonly based on estimated construction value (per $1,000) plus subcode line items.
• Trade permits: Device‑based (e.g., panels, feeders, receptacle counts), fixture counts (plumbing), appliances/mechanical units, and heads/devices for fire protection.

Plan review fees are typical and may be a percentage of the permit fee, assessed at intake.

Re‑inspection, partial releases, temporary CO, permit extensions/renewals, and lapsed permit reactivations incur additional charges.

A mandatory State DCA surcharge (training fee) is added by all municipalities.

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Unique considerations when permitting in New Jersey

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Widespread in-person permit submission

In our experience, New Jersey has among the greatest percentage of municipalities that require in-person permit submissions. This is a consistent anecdotal frustration for lots of New Jersey builders and contractors we’ve spoken to.

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Uniform Construction Code (UCC) structure

NJ enforces the UCC statewide; local deviations are minimal. Subcode coordination drives separate plan reviews and inspections.

Zoning first, UCC second

Many towns require a zoning permit/denial before the Construction Office accepts your UCC application — especially for setbacks, coverage, height, parking, and use. Variances go through the zoning/planning board and extend timelines.

Flood hazard & coastal rules

Along bays/rivers and the shore, projects can trigger elevation, freeboard, and flood‑resistant construction requirements, plus NJDEP Flood Hazard or CAFRA reviews. Early site verification saves weeks.

Stormwater & soil erosion

Projects disturbing threshold areas may need Soil Conservation District certification and stormwater management submissions (especially commercial sites and large additions).

Historic districts & design review

Town historic commissions (e.g., in older downtowns) can require material matching and façade details before UCC issuance.

How to get a building permit in New Jersey

Step 1: Confirm zoning & scope

Check zoning compliance (use, setbacks, height, lot coverage). If variances are needed, complete board approvals before UCC submission.

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Step 2: Prepare plans & documents

Assemble stamped drawings (when required), application forms for each subcode, survey/plot plan, energy compliance, and any outside approvals (DEP, health, historic).

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Step 3: Submit to the proper department 

File the UCC application with subcode sections (many towns accept digital portals; others require in‑person drop‑off). Pay plan review/intake fees.

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Step 4: Plan review & corrections

Respond quickly to review comments across all subcodes. Track resubmittals and addenda; keep a clear revision log.

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Step 5: Permit issuance & preconstruction

After approval, pay final fees and post the permit on site. If phased work is desired, request partial releases where allowed.

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Step 6: Inspections

Schedule inspections at required milestones: footing/foundation, framing, rough MEP, insulation/energy, fire systems, and finals. Keep approved plans and inspection card on site.

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