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.
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
- Contact Building Department at (201) 265-2100 Ext. 2230 with questions.
- Submit permit application (UCC forms available on website) via SDL portal or in-person.
- Provide required subcode technical sections.
- Include plans, specifications, survey.
- Pay fees (permit and zoning review if applicable).
- Receive permit after review.
- Schedule inspections via SDL portal or phone.
Typical processing time: Contact department for timelines
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
- Building code: New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (NJAC 5:23), based on IBC with NJ amendments
- Verify contractor license: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs
- Adopted Codes (Chapter 203)
- NJ DCA Codes and Standards
- License lookup guide: New Jersey Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: New Jersey Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- New Jersey hub: New Jersey Contractor License & Permit Hub
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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