City Building Permits

Borough of Paramus, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Borough of Paramus, 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 Paramus.

Department
Paramus Borough Building Department
Address
One West Jockish Square, Lower Level, Paramus, NJ 07652
Phone
(201) 265-2100, Ext. 2230

Online Permit Portal

Platform: SDL • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Contact Building Department at (201) 265-2100 Ext. 2230 with questions.
  2. Submit permit application (UCC forms available on website) via SDL portal or in-person.
  3. Provide required subcode technical sections.
  4. Include plans, specifications, survey.
  5. Pay fees (permit and zoning review if applicable).
  6. Receive permit after review.
  7. Schedule inspections via SDL portal or phone.

Typical processing time: Contact department for timelines

Source: Paramus Borough Building Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new construction, additions, renovations, alterations, electrical, plumbing, fire protection work, HVAC installation, site work (patios, walkways, driveways, generators, AC condensers, pool equipment), fences, sheds, decks, pools, signs, and demolition.

Required Documents

  • UCC F170 Construction Permit (for each application)
  • UCC F100 Construction Permit Application
  • UCC F110 Building Subcode Technical Section
  • UCC F120 Electrical Subcode Technical Section
  • UCC F130 Plumbing Subcode Technical Section
  • UCC F140 Fire Protection Subcode Technical Section
  • UCC F145 Mechanical Inspector Technical Section
  • UCC F370 Chimney Verification (for fuel-fired equipment replacement)
  • UCC F390 Framing Checklist (for new construction/additions)
  • Survey (not older than 20 years for site work)
  • Plans sealed by NJ-licensed architect/engineer (commercial)
  • Homeowner-signed plans (for owner-occupied single-family)
Permit validity
12 months from last inspection
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. Licensed electrician must sign electrical applications (unless homeowner in owner-occupied single-family). Licensed plumber must sign plumbing applications (unless homeowner in owner-occupied single-family). Verify at: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/

Fees

Plan check fee
20% of construction permit fee
Permit fee formula
Plan Review: 20% of construction permit fee. New Construction: Per cubic foot of volume. Alterations/Renovations: Per $1,000 of estimated cost.
Penalty (no permit)
Up to $2,000 per violation for work without permit
Payment note
Certificate of Occupancy: Included/Additional fees may apply. Zoning Review: Additional fee applies. State Training Surcharge: Per NJAC 5:23-4.19

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Borough Ordinance Chapter 203, Article III).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Ordinary repairs
  • Painting
  • Window/door replacement (same size)
  • Roof/siding repair (residential)
  • Flooring
  • Cabinetry

Important: Work without permit may be subject to zoning approval requirements, variances, penalties up to $2,000 per violation, and insurance claim denial.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • SDL Portal (online)
  • (201) 265-2100 Ext. 2230 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Contact department for scheduling requirements
Inspection hours
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: footing, foundation (prior to backfill), rough electrical, plumbing, framing, insulation (prior to covering), final inspections (all subcodes). All open permits must be closed one week prior to scheduling resale inspection.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Borough of Paramus Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Borough of Paramus, NJ?
Building permits are required for new construction, additions, renovations, alterations, electrical, plumbing, fire protection work, HVAC installation, site work (patios, walkways, driveways, generators, AC condensers, pool equipment), fences, sheds, decks, pools, signs, and demolition.
How much does a building permit cost in Borough of Paramus, NJ?
Fees are calculated as: Plan Review: 20% of construction permit fee. New Construction: Per cubic foot of volume. Alterations/Renovations: Per $1,000 of estimated cost.. Plan check fee: 20% of construction permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Borough of Paramus, NJ?
1. Contact Building Department at (201) 265-2100 Ext. 2230 with questions. 2. Submit permit application (UCC forms available on website) via SDL portal or in-person. 3. Provide required subcode technical sections. 4. Include plans, specifications, survey. 5. Pay fees (permit and zoning review if applicable). 6. Receive permit after review. 7. Schedule inspections via SDL portal or phone.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Borough of Paramus, NJ?
Typical processing time is Contact department for timelines.
What work is exempt from building permits in Borough of Paramus, NJ?
The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs; Painting; Window/door replacement (same size); Roof/siding repair (residential); Flooring; Cabinetry. Note: Work without permit may be subject to zoning approval requirements, variances, penalties up to $2,000 per violation, and insurance claim denial.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Borough of Paramus, NJ?
Inspections can be scheduled via: SDL Portal, (201) 265-2100 Ext. 2230. Contact department for scheduling requirements.

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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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