Permits

The foregoing list is an overview of common permit requirements but not totally inclusive. Check with the building department when in doubt.
For any additional information or questions call the Building Department at 201-445-5720 ext. 8279 between the hours of 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

PERMITS PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS AS A HOMEOWNER AND CONSUMER AND ENSURES YOUR SAFETY IN YOUR HOME.

Permits Must Be Obtained From The Building Department For The Following:
  • Sheds- 200 sf or less, larger ones require a building permit
  • Fence – new and replacement
  • Driveway – new and replacement (A borough permit is also required for aprons, sidewalks and curbs, if being replaced)
  • P.O.D.S.- for a limited time
  • Roof replacement ( this includes rip-off and replace as well as re-roofing)
  • Siding or re-siding of house
  • Installing a new furnace, water heater or boiler (this also includes having the chimney inspected and certified and having the proper form completed in full)
  • Installing central air conditioning
  • An addition of any type
  • An alteration of any type
  • Building a garage
  • Building a shed over 100 square feet
  • Building a pool (either above ground or in ground)
  • New electric wiring or upgrading the electric service in your house
  • Enclosing a porch, adding a porch, porch steps and replacement steps
  • Finishing of a basement
  • Any interior alterations (removal and replacement of sheetrock, etc.)
  • Kitchen remodeling and cabinet replacement
  • Installing fireplaces and wood burning stoves (either gas or wood burning)
  • Bathroom renovations (relocation of fixtures, sheet rocking and tub replacement)
  • Adding of new bathroom
  • New windows, this does NOT include replacements as long as they are the same size and style as the old ones (ex: double hung to double hung/casement to casement)
  • Demolition work of any kind
  • Lead and asbestos removal
  • Installation of any fire alarm system
Permits are NOT Required For The Following:
  • Repairing roofing or siding with the same material and the area is not to exceed 25% of the total roof or siding areas.
  • Replacement of electric outlets or switches that have already been installed
  • Installation of flooring material (i.e., carpet, linoleum)
  • Painting or wall papering
  • Replacement of faucets, bathroom fixtures (in same location) as long as piping does not have to be replaced or rearranged
  • Replacement of glass in windows or doors as long as the glass conforms to the minimum requirements
  • Repair or replacement of duct work
Miscellaneous:
  • Sheds 100 square feet in size or under and less than 10 feet high require a zoning permit only
  • Permits are required for reataining walls over 4 ft in height
  • Do not make any final payments to your contractor until the work has been inspected and final approvals have been granted