City Building Permits

Atlantic City, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New Jersey Atlantic County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within Atlantic City.

Department
Division of Construction (Building Division)
Address
City Hall, Atlantic City, NJ
Phone
(609) 347-5300
Website
https://www.acnj.gov/Departments/construction

Application Process

  1. Determine if project requires State NJDCA Bureau of Construction Project Review (electrical generating stations, incineration plants, public mausoleums, casino hotels, premanufactured construction systems).
  2. Submit plans to Division of Construction with all required documentation.
  3. Complete fee calculation worksheet from Plan Review Guide.
  4. Pay applicable permit fees.
  5. Receive permit issuance after plan review approval.

General Requirements

Construction permit required for all construction, renovation, alteration, and change of use within Atlantic City.

Required Documents

  • Site plan and construction documents per Article V of City Code
  • Grading and filling plans where applicable
  • Plans sealed by NJ licensed design professional
  • Two sets of plans required for review
  • Fee calculation worksheet
Permit validity
Construction permits valid for 12 months from last inspection. Permits expire if work abandoned for 12 months.
Building code
New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23)

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$65
Plan check fee
20% of construction permit fee
Permit fee formula
Based on project type and construction value per NJ UCC fee schedule
Payment note
Certificate of Occupancy: $150. Certificate of Occupancy (Change of Use): $174. Certificate of Continued Occupancy: $168. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy: $35. Certificate of Approval: No charge. State DCA Training/Surcharge Fee: Per NJ UCC rates.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • NJ UCC standard exemptions (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.17)
  • Ordinary repairs not affecting structural integrity, egress, or fire safety
  • Cosmetic work
  • Portable equipment
  • Minor replacements

Important: Refer to Atlantic City Construction Code Chapter 111 for specific provisions and exemptions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • At Construction Division office (in-person)

Typical inspection sequence: All subcode inspections required (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire). Final Certificate of Occupancy required before occupancy.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Division of Construction (Building Division) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlantic City Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Atlantic City, NJ?
Construction permit required for all construction, renovation, alteration, and change of use within Atlantic City.
How much does a building permit cost in Atlantic City, NJ?
The minimum permit fee is $65. Fees are calculated as: Based on project type and construction value per NJ UCC fee schedule. Plan check fee: 20% of construction permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Atlantic City, NJ?
1. Determine if project requires State NJDCA Bureau of Construction Project Review (electrical generating stations, incineration plants, public mausoleums, casino hotels, premanufactured construction systems). 2. Submit plans to Division of Construction with all required documentation. 3. Complete fee calculation worksheet from Plan Review Guide. 4. Pay applicable permit fees. 5. Receive permit issuance after plan review approval.
What work is exempt from building permits in Atlantic City, NJ?
The following work is generally exempt: NJ UCC standard exemptions (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.17); Ordinary repairs not affecting structural integrity, egress, or fire safety; Cosmetic work; Portable equipment; Minor replacements. Note: Refer to Atlantic City Construction Code Chapter 111 for specific provisions and exemptions.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Atlantic City, NJ?
Inspections can be scheduled via: At Construction Division office.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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