City Building Permits

Borough of Fort Lee, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Borough of Fort Lee, New Jersey. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New Jersey Bergen County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Borough of Fort Lee.

Department
Fort Lee Building Department
Address
1365 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Phone
(201) 592-3500 x1503
Website
https://www.fortleenj.org/162/Building-Department

Application Process

  1. Contact Construction Official Brian Ribarro at (201) 592-3500 x1025 to discuss project requirements.
  2. Determine if zoning approval is required.
  3. Submit complete UCC permit application package.
  4. Submit required plans and documentation.
  5. Pay applicable fees.
  6. Permit issued after review approval.
  7. Schedule inspections as work progresses.

Typical processing time: Contact department for current timelines

Source: Fort Lee Building Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, electrical, plumbing, HVAC work, fences, decks, pools, sheds, demolition, signs, and change of use/occupancy.

Required Documents

  • UCC F100 Construction Permit Application
  • UCC F170 Construction Permit
  • Applicable subcode technical sections
  • Plans sealed by NJ-licensed architect/engineer (commercial/structural)
  • Property survey (for exterior/site work)
  • Contractor license information
Permit validity
12 months from last inspection (NJ UCC standard)
Building code
New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (NJAC 5:23), based on IBC with NJ amendments
Owner-builder
Homeowners may act as owner-builders for their own primary residence.
Contractor requirements
All contractors must be registered with NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Verify at: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/

Fees

Plan check fee
Percentage of permit fee (typical)
Permit fee formula
Contact Building Department at (201) 592-3500 x1503 for current fee schedule. Typical NJ UCC structure: New construction per cubic foot; alterations per $1,000 of estimated cost.
Payment note
State training surcharge applies

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Painting, interior finishes
  • Window/door replacement (same size)
  • Roof/siding repair on residential
  • Flooring replacement
  • Cabinetry
  • Non-structural repairs

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Verify edge cases with Building Department.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (201) 592-3500 x1503 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Provide permit number and inspection type
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: footing and foundation, rough electrical, plumbing, framing, insulation, final inspections (all subcodes).

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Fort Lee Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Borough of Fort Lee Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Borough of Fort Lee, NJ?
Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, renovations, electrical, plumbing, HVAC work, fences, decks, pools, sheds, demolition, signs, and change of use/occupancy.
How much does a building permit cost in Borough of Fort Lee, NJ?
Fees are calculated as: Contact Building Department at (201) 592-3500 x1503 for current fee schedule. Typical NJ UCC structure: New construction per cubic foot; alterations per $1,000 of estimated cost.. Plan check fee: Percentage of permit fee (typical).
How do I apply for a building permit in Borough of Fort Lee, NJ?
1. Contact Construction Official Brian Ribarro at (201) 592-3500 x1025 to discuss project requirements. 2. Determine if zoning approval is required. 3. Submit complete UCC permit application package. 4. Submit required plans and documentation. 5. Pay applicable fees. 6. Permit issued after review approval. 7. Schedule inspections as work progresses.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Borough of Fort Lee, NJ?
Typical processing time is Contact department for current timelines.
What work is exempt from building permits in Borough of Fort Lee, NJ?
The following work is generally exempt: Painting, interior finishes; Window/door replacement (same size); Roof/siding repair on residential; Flooring replacement; Cabinetry; Non-structural repairs. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Verify edge cases with Building Department.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Borough of Fort Lee, NJ?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (201) 592-3500 x1503. Provide permit number and inspection type.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Borough of Fort Lee can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
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.

Other cities in Bergen County

Hackensack Teaneck Fair Lawn Garfield Englewood Paramus Ridgewood
View all Bergen County jurisdictions →