Construction Department

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:

• Sheds
• Deck or pool
• Addition to a house
• Garage or fence (over 4 feet in height or any fence around a pool)

A construction permit is also required to do the following:

• Any change in lot coverage
• Replace siding or roofing
• Additions/changes to plumbing system
• Install a new water heater, furnace or fireplace
• Install additional electrical receptacles, outlets, or lighting
• Lawn sprinklers, alarm systems
• 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:

• Replacing gutters
• Installing, repairing or replacing any interior trim in a one or two-family dwelling.
• Repaving existing driveway if no change in size or lot coverage

The required documentation for a construction permit includes:

• Permit Application
• Construction Plans
• Plot Plan
• Engineering Department Release and all other required prior approvals
• (Grading Plan, if required)

An application for permit is available from the Construction Department, located in the Borough Hall or can be found under "Forms and Sheet Information" under the Construction webpage. Along with the completed application, the applicant must submit 3 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.

All contractors are required to be licensed by the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs and must provide proof of registration to the Construction Department in order to file and receive a construction permit.

An applicant must also submit a current plot plan for an addition, fence (over 4 feet in height) 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

1. The borough Zoning Officer completes the zoning review.
2. The required documents are submitted to the Construction Department, Grading Plan (if required) is to be submitted directly to the Engineering Department by the applicant.
3. After the Zoning and Engineering approval, the documents are reviewed by the building, electrical, plumbing, and fire subcode officials for completeness and code conformance. This process may take up to twenty working days. If the documents do not comply with the Uniform Construction Code, the applicant will be notified of the violations and required to correct and resubmit the documents for further review. Applicant must contact Engineering Department directly for any comments to the Grading Plan (if required).
4. The permit is issued indicating that legal approval has been given to begin the construction project.

State law mandates that the Construction Official issue a fine of up to $2,000 to any person who performs work without a permit.

Building Subcode Inspection
Note: No building inspection will be made prior to any required plumbing or electrical inspection approval.

• Bottom of footings prior to placement of concrete
• Reinforcement prior to placement of concrete
• Foundations and all walls prior to backfilling
• Floor slab(s) prior to placement of concrete
• Rough inspection which includes all structural walls, floors and roofs prior to covering with finish or infill materials. This inspection shall be called for after rough plumbing and electrical approvals have been obtained
• Insulation inspection prior to installation of finish materials
• Final inspection which includes equipment, final connections and all finish materials
• Rated assemblies

Electric Subcode Inspections

• Rough electric under concrete slab prior to backfill and placement of concrete
• Rough electric which includes outlet spacing, type of box and size, wire size and grounding prior to covering with finish or infill materials
• Service which includes panel(s) wire size, groundings and over current protection
• Final inspection which includes devices, fixtures, appliances, GFI requirements after installation of finish materials and utilization equipment

Plumbing Subcode Inspections

• Rough plumbing under concrete slab prior to backfill and placement of concrete
• Rough plumbing which includes sanitary piping, water piping, storm drains and radon piping
• Water service from building to property line or curb line
• Sewer service from building to property line or curb line or to septic tank
• Final plumbing which includes piping, trim, fixtures, cross connections, back flow preventors and radon
• Rough gas piping, requires air test
• Final gas piping to all appliances requiring gas
• Final on hydronic heating systems and hot water heaters
• Final air conditioning on all units manufactured for domestic and commercial cooling

Fire Subcode Inspections

• Final inspection which includes a performance test to demonstrate its efficiency of operation and alarms

For renovations and projects other than new construction, contact the Construction Department for inspection requirements.

Inspectors must have 24 hours advance notice and must be able to see the part of construction required to be inspected. Any work which does not conform to the approved plans will require re-inspection. If the work continues without resolving the problem the applicant will be fined and the job stopped.  Applicants are required to post the permit prominently on the site and to keep a copy of the approved plans at the site.  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. Property must be properly identified: House number conspicuously displayed for viewing from the street and construction placard conspicuously displayed on the building.