Deptford Township, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within Deptford Township, Gloucester County.

Department

Deptford Township Construction Office

Address

1011 Cooper Street, Deptford, NJ 08096

Phone

(856) 845-5300

Application Process

1. Submit proof of ownership.
2. Obtain zoning permit from Zoning Office (Extension 2263 or 2237).
3. Submit Planning/Zoning Board approval if applicable.
4. Obtain engineering approvals and pay bonds/escrows.
5. Obtain D.T.M.U.A. permit: (856) 415-1111.
6. Obtain Gloucester County Utilities Authority permit: (856) 423-3500.
7. Submit septic and well approval from Gloucester County Health Department if applicable.
8. Submit two (2) copies of plans and specifications drawn to scale, signed and sealed by NJ-registered architect or licensed engineer.
9. Plans must conform to NJ Uniform Construction Code and National Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Codes.
10. Pay applicable fees.

Typical processing time: 10-15 working days for residential permits; 30 days for commercial permits.

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction within Deptford Township.

Required Documents

• Proof of ownership
• Two sets of construction plans and specifications
• Plans signed and sealed by NJ-registered architect or licensed engineer (for non-single-family projects)
• Zoning permit approval
• All prior agency approvals
• Home Owners Warranty Program certificate (for new construction before CO)

Permit validity

12 months from date of issuance; extendable upon request. Permit expires if no inspection is requested within 12 months of last inspection.

Building code

NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC)

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may prepare own plans for single-family owner-occupied residential projects; other use groups require licensed architect or engineer.

Contractor requirements

NJ-licensed electricians and plumbers must perform work. All use groups other than single-family owner-occupied require NJ-licensed architect signed and sealed plans.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$200.00

Permit fee formula

New Construction: $0.038 per cubic foot (Use Groups B, E, H, I-1, I-2, I-3, M, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, U); $0.021 per cubic foot (Use Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, F-1, S-2); $0.012 per cubic foot (commercial farm buildings). Renovations/Alterations/Repair: $30 per $1,000 estimated cost (minimum $65).

Trade permit fee

$15.00 per plumbing fixture; $65.00-$91.00 per special device

Reinspection fee

Included in permit cost for standard inspections

Payment note

Two sets of plans required for review (office keeps one, owner/contractor keeps one on site).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary maintenance per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7, including painting, trim work, interior finish work in one or two-family dwellings

Important: Contact Construction Office for specific exemption determinations.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (856) 845-5300 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

24-hour advance notice required for inspection requests.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: All final inspections must be made and approved. CO application must be stamped by Deptford Township MUA confirming water meter installation.

Additional Resources

• Building code: NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
• Verify contractor license: NJ Contractor Registration
• License lookup guide: New Jersey Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: New Jersey Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• New Jersey hub: New Jersey Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Deptford Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Deptford Township, NJ?

A building permit is required for most construction within Deptford Township.

How much does a building permit cost in Deptford Township, NJ?

The minimum permit fee is $200.00. Fees are calculated as: New Construction: $0.038 per cubic foot (Use Groups B, E, H, I-1, I-2, I-3, M, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, U); $0.021 per cubic foot (Use Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, F-1, S-2); $0.012 per cubic foot (commercial farm buildings). Renovations/Alterations/Repair: $30 per $1,000 estimated cost (minimum $65)..

How do I apply for a building permit in Deptford Township, NJ?

1. Submit proof of ownership. 2. Obtain zoning permit from Zoning Office (Extension 2263 or 2237). 3. Submit Planning/Zoning Board approval if applicable. 4. Obtain engineering approvals and pay bonds/escrows. 5. Obtain D.T.M.U.A. permit: (856) 415-1111. 6. Obtain Gloucester County Utilities Authority permit: (856) 423-3500. 7. Submit septic and well approval from Gloucester County Health Department if applicable. 8. Submit two (2) copies of plans and specifications drawn to scale, signed and sealed by NJ-registered architect or licensed engineer. 9. Plans must conform to NJ Uniform Construction Code and National Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Codes. 10. Pay applicable fees.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Deptford Township, NJ?

Typical processing time is 10-15 working days for residential permits; 30 days for commercial permits..

What work is exempt from building permits in Deptford Township, NJ?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7, including painting, trim work, interior finish work in one or two-family dwellings. Note: Contact Construction Office for specific exemption determinations.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Deptford Township, NJ?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (856) 845-5300. 24-hour advance notice required for inspection requests..

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