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.
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
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Download permit application forms from Camden City website Construction and Building Bureau page.
- Complete NJ DCA UCC application forms (Form F100 and applicable subcode forms F110, F120, F130, F140).
- Prepare required construction plans and supporting documentation.
- Submit application and all supporting documents via email to Construction Official.
- Applications are reviewed for compliance with NJ Uniform Construction Code.
- Permit is issued upon approval and payment of applicable fees.
- 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
- Building code: NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC) per NJAC 5:23
- Verify contractor license: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Contractor Registration
- Code Enforcement (DCCB)
- Housing Bureau
- NJ Department of Community Affairs UCC Information
- 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 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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