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Building Department

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1. When is a construction permit required?

A construction permit is required for all work that is not considered minor work. Jobs such as reroofing, siding, water heater and boiler replacement, as well as any renovations, new electrical or plumbing work, structural changes, etc… require a permit. Work such as house painting, replacement of roof drainage systems and repairs or replacement of less than 25% of roofing are a few examples of minor work. For questions about construction permits, please contact the Building Department at (973) 378-7715 ext. 7700.

2. How do I find out the status of my permit application?

When your permit application is ready to be picked up and paid for, you will be contacted immediately. We work to process all permit applications as promptly as possible. If you have not been contacted, your permit application is still in the review process. When there are errors on the process, you will be contacted by our office.

3. Can I start work before I receive my permit?

No work can begin until a yellow place card is presented. This means that all plans and applications have been approved, and all fees have been paid. The rare exception is if it’s an emergency and the resident is without hot water or heat. In this occasion, work may begin prior to the permit being issued, however the Building Department office must be notified and an application must be submitted within 48 hours.

4. How many sets of drawings are required when submitting an application for building permits?

Building Department review only: Two sets of hardcopy drawings and one digital copy are required when plans are being submitted for review. Digital copies may be submitted by CD, e-mail or USB memory drive form. If Health Department review is is required: Three sets of hardcopy drawings and one digital copy are required when plans are being submitted. 

5. When will inspections be made for permit issued?

Inspections for issued permits are made mostly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please click here to see our inspection schedule. All inspections are scheduled for the time available when the caller contacts the office. Messages left on voicemail will not be scheduled. Specific appointments will not be made. A time frame on the day of inspection is all that can be provided.

6. How much do building permits cost?

The cost depends on what work you are doing, and the estimated cost of work of the proposed construction job.

7. Who is responsible for obtaining a permit?

The owner or his/her agent, a licensed engineer, architect, or plumbing, electrical or other contractor employed in connection with the proposed work can apply for a permit. If the application is by a person other than the owner in fee, it shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the owner or the authorized person making the application, that the proposed work is authorized by the owner in fee, and that the applicant is authorized to make such application. All issued permits shall remain the property of the owner even if the application was made by a contractor or authorized agent.

8. When can a permit be paid for and picked up?

After 3:00 pm, no permits will be issued or money accepted.  Permits must be picked up between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm.

On the last day of the month, no permits will be issued or money will be accepted after 11:00 am.

9. How long does it take to obtain a permit?

It depends on what type of work is involved. State law requires that the Building Department review your application within twenty (20) working days of receipt. If the permit requires zoning approval, the Zoning Official has ten (10) working days for her/his approval prior to being reviewed by the building officials. Smaller projects may not require as much time.

10. What hours can construction work be performed?

On weekdays between 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.;  Construction and demolition is not allowed to be done between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day on weekdays or at any time between 6:00 p.m. Friday and 7:00 a.m. on Monday, or 6:00 p.m. the day preceding a legal holiday and 7:00 a.m. the day following a legal holiday, provided that such equipment is equipped with a functioning muffler. An exception to this prohibition shall be such emergency situations when work is permitted by the Village President, the Village Administrator or their designee.

If a resident feels that a neighbor or member of the community is working during hours that they shouldn’t, please call the Police Department at 973-763-3000, ext. 0 for the non-emergency line.

11. I own a single family residence; can I do my own construction work?

Yes, if you are the owner occupant of a single family home you can be your own contractor. You will want to contact the building department to find out if any permits are required for the work you are doing and if so, you can complete the permit as a homeowner, and (if needed) prepare your own plans. Plans for multiple family dwellings and commercial properties require an architect's seal.

12. When is a survey required for a building permit?

Typically, any exterior structure or construction work will require a survey. Its most commonly requested for the construction of an addition, air conditioning condenser, deck or new building.

13. Can I obtain a copy of my property survey from the Township?

No; you need to contact your mortgage company or attorney who did your property closing. You might also check your title insurance papers for an attached copy of your survey. The Building Department would only have a copy of your survey if you did work on the property in the past that required a copy of the document. There are no other Township or County departments that keep your survey on file.

14. Should I be concerned about an oil storage tank when I am purchasing a home?

Yes. In order to find out if there is/was an oil storage tank on the property you should complete an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) form in the Municipal Clerk's office in Town Hall. The Building Department cannot give property information to a person who does not own the property.

Once the OPRA request has been received by the Clerk's office, they will send it to our office; within seven (7) business days we will advise you if we have records available for your review. There is only a fee if you request printed copies of records.

15. What permit is required to fill or remove an oil storage tank?

To fill an oil storage tank or remove an oil storage tank, a building permit is required. Materials such as sand, gravel or foam can be used for filling such tanks.

16. What is the minimum required depth of footings?

Footings have to be at least 42 inches (3'-6") from existing grade.

17. When are railings required for steps on a building?

Railings are required for steps when three (3) or more risers are being constructed.

18. Is a permit required to re-roof my house?

No permit is required for existing detached one- or two-family dwellings for the roof covering materials.  This include all buildings such as garages, sheds, pool houses, and the like that are accessory to a detached one- or two-family home (Group R-5).  Stripping the roof down to existing sheathing or putting on a second layer of roof covering does NOT require a permit.  Townhouses and condos will require roof permits.  Replacing sheathing will always require a permit.

19. What is the required space needed between balusters?

Less than four inch (4") spacing is the maximum dimension between balusters.

20. Do I need a permit to replace my water heater?

Yes, a permit is required to replace your water heater or furnace/boiler. These appliances are probably the most dangerous equipment in your home.

21. Will my taxes go up when I receive a permit?

Most maintenance work does not result in an increase in taxes. If you have a concern, please contact the tax assessor's office at (973) 378-7715 ext. 7729.

22. Is a permit required to build or replace a deck?

In all occupancies, no permit is required for the replacement of any part of a deck, porch or stoop that does not provide support to a building or structure.  Any part includes the deck support posts or columns, headers or girders, floor joists, decking, railing, stairs, etc.  Replacement of any of these parts will NOT require a permit.  A total replacement, from the existing foundation or footing on up, will require a full permit.  A total replacement, expansion of an existing deck, or the new installation of a deck will require a full permit, not a minor work permit. 

For more information on decks, click here.