In New Jersey, just like in many other states, construction or building permits are usually issued by local municipalities. The local authorities will set the standards, establish fees, accept applications for permits and perform any inspections that are required. Before, New jersey contractors, homeowners or anyone looking to build a structure or make any significant change to the structure of an already existing building had to go to the local city hall and get the right application forms, fill them in and then take them back.

However, thanks to technological advancements, the process was made much easier for the general public and local contractors as the permits can be downloaded online. When it comes to the construction permit, the state of New Jersey has a surcharge of $.00334 per cubic foot on any new commercial or residential buildings and additions.

For all other projects, the state has a surcharge of $1.70 per $1,000 with a minimum fee for each subcode at $50.

Demolishing any commercial building will cost $1,500 while a residential building that is less than 5000 square feet will cost $500. Adding a swimming pool will cost $250. The fees are dependent on what you need to build, whether it’s residential or commercial and the square foot as well.

Besides the general construction fees, there are other fees such as electrical fees, plumbing fees, fire protection fee as well as general fees. As mentioned, these fees will depend on the kind of building and other relevant details determined by the State of New Jersey.

Figuring out Construction Permits in New Jersey

For you to fill out your application for a building permit, you will need to have all the necessary documents such as contracts, invoices, and blueprints. Most of the towns in New Jersey will require you to fill a comprehensive building permit application that will also need you to list the name as well as the license of the contractor that will be doing the construction and detailed specs for the entire project.

While certain cities within New Jersey have a website where you can easily find all the costs for the different types of building permits you will need. In other cities that is not the case and you will, therefore, have to contact the authorities by telephone, in person or mail in order to get the relevant information you need.

If you find a website that details the costs of building permits, you can easily calculate the total amount of the building permits that you will need to pay for. There are certain building permits in New Jersey that have a flat fee such as the removal and installation of a tank. Siding/roofing installation, plumbing fixtures or adding landscaping.

However, it’s important to note that building permits fees for larger projects such as a new home, building a deck, constructing a commercial building are calculated based on each dollar spent on the entire project or a set amount per square foot. Construction cost for any new building can be costly. This is because you will have to pay for each square footage being constructed and each plumbing fixture and the electrical outlet that will be installed. Ensure that before you get contractors to start any construction work you have all the necessary permits required in the state of New Jersey.