Fort Lee, NJ — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Fort Lee Building Department

Street address

1365 Inwood Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Phone

(201) 592-3500 x1503

Coverage

All properties within the Borough of Fort Lee.

Website

Department website

Additional resources

NJ UCC Forms ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Fort Lee

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.

Scope of work

Permit?

Painting, interior finishes

Exempt

Window/door replacement (same size)

Exempt

Roof/siding repair on residential

Exempt

Flooring replacement

Exempt

Cabinetry

Exempt

Non-structural repairs

Exempt

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

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

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

Building code: New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (NJAC 5:23), based on IBC with NJ amendments
Permit validity: 12 months from last inspection (NJ UCC standard)
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/

Source: Fort Lee Building Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Contact department for current timelines

01

Contact Construction Official Brian Ribarro at (201) 592-3500 x1025 to discuss project requirements.
02

Determine if zoning approval is required.
03

Submit complete UCC permit application package.
04

Submit required plans and documentation.
05

Pay applicable fees.
06

Permit issued after review approval.
07

Schedule inspections as work progresses.

Typical processing time: Contact department for current timelines

Source: Fort Lee Building Department ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Fort Lee building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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.

State training surcharge applies

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

Source: Fort Lee Building Department ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Fort Lee permits

01 Do I need a building permit in 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.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Fort Lee, NJ? ▸

Building permit fees in Fort Lee, NJ are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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).

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fort Lee, NJ? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Fort Lee, NJ, follow these steps: 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.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fort Lee, NJ? ▸

Building permit processing times in Fort Lee, NJ typically run Contact department for current timelines. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Fort Lee, NJ? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fort Lee, NJ? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fort Lee, NJ via: (201) 592-3500 x1503. Provide permit number and inspection type.

last verified April 2026 source Fort Lee Building Department ↗ entry id permits/new-jersey/bergen/fort-lee

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Fort Lee Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Borough of Fort Lee

Other jurisdictions in Bergen County.