Who is responsible to obtain a required permit?
The State of New Jersey has a Uniform Construction Code that is enforced by every municipality throughout New Jersey. In that law, it makes the homeowner the responsible party to obtain or to insure that permits are obtained prior to the work commencing.

2.

Construction permits are required for the following items:
Siding, roofing, fence, shed, pools, decks, hot water heaters, furnace installations, electric service upgrade or change, oil tank abandonment, additions as well as kitchen and bathroom renovations, basement alterations, etc.

3.

Who can design the plans for residential work?
The homeowner may design his/her own construction plans provided that they are the occupants of that single family home. The contractor may not, by State law, design construction projects unless they are licensed Architects or Engineers.

4.

Are inspections required during the course of construction?
The State of New Jersey requires that the construction department conduct the following minimum field inspections; footing, foundation, framing, insulation, electrical rough, plumbing rough, building final, plumbing final, electrical final and fire final inspections.

5.

Should I bother to call for final inspections?
The State Department of Consumer Affairs law 13:45A-16.2 requires that final inspections are completed prior to you mailing final payment to your contractor. Final inspections complete the project and allow our department to issue the appropriate certificate to you. Added assessments are determined at the time the project is completed for its intended use. They do not start when a certificate is issued. This law protects you — use it!

6.

Thinking about selling your home?
You should be aware that it is required that prior to the sale of your home you must make application to both the Construction Department and the Bureau of Fire Prevention for a Certificate of Compliance. Both agencies are located on the second floor of the municipal building for your convenience. Failure to make application in a timely manner may delay your closing.