City Building Permits

Camden, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Jersey Camden County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Camden.

Department
Construction and Building Bureau
Address
Camden City Hall, 520 Market Street, Room 403, Camden, NJ 08102
Phone
856-757-7032

Online Permit Portal

Platform: NJ Uniform Construction Code • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Download permit application forms from Camden City website Construction and Building Bureau page.
  2. Complete NJ DCA UCC application forms (Form F100 and applicable subcode forms F110, F120, F130, F140).
  3. Prepare required construction plans and supporting documentation.
  4. Submit application and all supporting documents via email to Construction Official.
  5. Applications are reviewed for compliance with NJ Uniform Construction Code.
  6. Permit is issued upon approval and payment of applicable fees.
  7. Obtain permit before beginning any construction work.

Typical processing time: Plan review period typically 10-20 business days depending on application complexity.

Source: Construction and Building Bureau

General Requirements

All construction work must comply with NJ Uniform Construction Code. Permits required for all work except ordinary repairs and minor work.

Required Documents

  • Completed NJ DCA permit application forms (F100 and applicable subcodes)
  • Construction plans per NJ UCC requirements
  • Project scope information
  • Applicant/owner acknowledgements
  • Contractor registration proof with NJ Division of Consumer Affairs
Permit validity
12 months from the date of last inspection if work is started.
Building code
NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC) per NJAC 5:23
Owner-builder
Owner-builders may perform work on single-family dwellings.
Contractor requirements
All contractors performing construction work must be registered with NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Contact Building Bureau at 856-757-7032 for current fee schedule. Fees based on NJ UCC fee schedule with municipal modifications.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Ordinary repairs as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.7 (painting, wallpapering, replacement glass, interior trim, flooring material under 25% of room area)
  • Minor work as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.17A (porches, stoops without roof support, interior alterations without structural changes); permit required but work may proceed before issuance
  • Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less without utilities
  • Fences 6 feet or less in height (except pool barriers)
  • Temporary structures under 120 sq ft for less than 180 days

Important: All construction work must comply with NJ Uniform Construction Code. Confirm edge cases with Building Bureau before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 856-757-7032 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
24-hour advance notice required for all inspections.
Inspection hours
Contact Building Bureau for available hours.
Time windows
Contact Building Bureau for available inspection windows.

Typical inspection sequence: Building Bureau conducts all required inspections. Final inspection required for Certificate of Occupancy. All complaints regarding construction and unsafe structures handled by Building Bureau.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Camden Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Camden, NJ?
All construction work must comply with NJ Uniform Construction Code. Permits required for all work except ordinary repairs and minor work.
How much does a building permit cost in Camden, NJ?
Fees are calculated as: Contact Building Bureau at 856-757-7032 for current fee schedule. Fees based on NJ UCC fee schedule with municipal modifications..
How do I apply for a building permit in Camden, NJ?
1. Download permit application forms from Camden City website Construction and Building Bureau page. 2. Complete NJ DCA UCC application forms (Form F100 and applicable subcode forms F110, F120, F130, F140). 3. Prepare required construction plans and supporting documentation. 4. Submit application and all supporting documents via email to Construction Official. 5. Applications are reviewed for compliance with NJ Uniform Construction Code. 6. Permit is issued upon approval and payment of applicable fees. 7. Obtain permit before beginning any construction work.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Camden, NJ?
Typical processing time is Plan review period typically 10-20 business days depending on application complexity..
What work is exempt from building permits in Camden, NJ?
The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.7 (painting, wallpapering, replacement glass, interior trim, flooring material under 25% of room area); Minor work as defined by NJAC 5:23-2.17A (porches, stoops without roof support, interior alterations without structural changes); permit required but work may proceed before issuance; Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less without utilities; Fences 6 feet or less in height (except pool barriers); Temporary structures under 120 sq ft for less than 180 days. Note: All construction work must comply with NJ Uniform Construction Code. Confirm edge cases with Building Bureau before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Camden, NJ?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 856-757-7032. 24-hour advance notice required for all inspections..

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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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