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Permits - Do I Need A Permit For? & General Info

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1. Can homeowner do their own work on the house?

As long as the property owner owns and occupies the property, they can do the work themselves. They have to get the proper permits.

Exceptions

Any air conditioning work involving freon requires that the property owner have an EPA card to do the work themselves.

CSST-any work using flexible gas piping, the homeowner must have certification in this particular brand to install themselves.

Homeowner can do the work if it is using black iron pipes, which is the standard.

2. Can repair / remodeling work be done by property owner or must it be done by a contractor?

As long as the property owner owns and occupies the house, they can do work on their own house.  If they do not own and occupy the house, a contractor must do the work.

3. Do I need a permit for a gazebo?

Yes, depending on the size of the gazebo certain permit(s) are required.

If the gazebo is over 200 square feet a building permit is required. If the gazebo is under 200 square feet you must bring your property survey in to the Land Use office for approval. If the gazebo is going to have footings a building permit is required.

4. Do I need a permit if I am installing new windows?

You do not need a permit if the windows are a direct replacement, no size change.  You do need a permit if you are changing the header and size. 

• Building Permit Application (PDF) (3 signed copies required)
• Construction Permit Application 1 (PDF)
• Construction Permit Application 2 (PDF)

Bring the completed applications to:

Division of Inspections
Room 305
Municipal Building
Hours:  Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

5. Do I need a permit if I am replacing an existing porch?

If the porch is exactly the same, no bigger or smaller, and also being constructed of the same material, it is considered a repair and a permit is not needed.

6. Do I need a permit to install a home alarm system?

A permit is not required to install a burglar alarm as of March 5, 2018.

7. Do I need a permit to install a sidewalk / walkway on my property?

 Only public right-of-way sidewalk (parallel to the street sidewalk) needs a permit. Any sidewalk from doors to driveway, around the house, etc. does not require a permit

8. Do I need a permit to place a charitable donation bin in the township?

Placement of charitable donation bins is not regulated by the township, therefore, a permit is not required.  The bins can be placed on private commercial property with the approval of the business owner.  However, the bins have to be kept out of the township right of way and cannot block the view when pulling out of the parking lot. Also, cannot block the sidewalk of the business.

9. Do I need a permit to put in a patio?

An EZ-permit through Land Use (Room 307) is needed to put in a patio that is flat to the ground - must bring in a property survey. It is just suggested that the patio is approximately 4 feet from the property line so there are no drainage issues with the neighbor's property.

If the patio is going to be on footings then a building permit is needed.

This refers to a patio in the backyard that is to be used for sitting outside. This is not a "patio" or concrete slab that will be used to park a car.

10. Do I need a permit to put up a flag pole?

Yes, you need a permit to put up a flagpole.  Call 609-890-3666 for more information.

11. Do I need a permit to replace bathroom fixtures?

If you are replacing same for same and not moving pipes, etc, you do not need a permit to replace bathroom fixtures (sink, tub, toilet).

12. Do I need a permit to sheet rock?

A building permit is needed if sheet rocking more than 25% of an area. If 25% or less, no permit is needed.

Cost is $30 per $1000 cost of the job - $50 minimum.

13. How long do you have to complete work once a permit is issued?

A permit is good for 5 years from the date the permit is issued but the work must start within 6 months of getting the permit.  An inspection is done at 6 months to ensure that the work has begun.

14. How much is the permit for a water heater?

For a single-family home, a gas water heater requires a mechanical permit and chimney verification. Also need to print the "Front" and "Inside" Construction Permit application.

For a single-family home, an electric water heater requires an electrical and mechanical permit and the "Front" and "Inside" Construction Permit application. Chimney verification is not needed for an electric water heater.

The cost for the permit is between $80 to $100.

15. What are the specifications for a hand / guardrail on a front porch?

Every porch which is more than 36 inches in height high shall have guardrails located and of a design required by the construction code.  Every handrail and balustrade shall be firmly fastened and shall be maintained in good condition. A "grippable" handrail and a guardrail are needed on both sides of an open-sided porch if the length of the steps allows for more than one person at a time.

The spindles on the guardrail must be 4 inches apart. 

16. What permits are needed for a kitchen renovation / remodel?

Two sets of designs are needed.  Permit applications for electrical, plumbing, construction and building are required along with the front and inside construction permit application.

17. What permits are needed for a sunroom?

Two sets of plans along with a property survey are needed.  Also, a building permit is needed.  If electricity is being installed or moved, then an electrical permit is required.

18. What type of permit is needed for rooftop solar panels?

A zoning application is not required.  Roof top solar panels require an electrical and building permit.

19. Who can apply for a permit?

The owner can apply for the permit, as long as they are the owner and occupy the residence.  Otherwise, a licensed contractor must apply. 

20. Why are permits needed?

Permits are required by State Law and local ordinances to protect public health, safety, and welfare of residents.

21. Is there a minimum size requirement for a bedroom closet?

As long as the closet has a 24 inch door frame, there is not a minimum size requirement for a bedroom closet.

22. What type of permits do I need to install an electric vehicle charging station?

Requirements for:

• Wall Chargers: Electrical permit, construction permit application and specifications on the type of charger being installed
• Permanent Charger: Prior approvals on the survey for location, electrical permit, construction permit application, specifications on the charger and two drawings for wire location and sizes. 

 

In order to file a permit, the property owner must reside in the property, or the permit must be filed by a NJ Licensed Electrician.