City Building Permits
Washington Township, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Washington Township, New Jersey. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within Washington Township, Gloucester County.
- Department
- Department of Code Enforcement and Inspections
- Address
- 1012 Greentree Road, Washington Township, NJ 08080
- Phone
- (856) 589-0520
- Website
- https://www.TownshipNJ.com
Application Process
- Submit proof of ownership to the Construction/Zoning Department.
- Obtain zoning permit from Zoning Office (required prior to construction permit).
- Submit Planning/Zoning Board approval if applicable.
- Provide engineering approvals and payment of bonds/escrows.
- Submit two (2) copies of plans drawn to scale, signed and sealed by NJ-registered architect or licensed engineer.
- Include contractor registration documentation.
- 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 all new construction, additions, and most alterations within Washington Township.
Required Documents
- Proof of ownership
- Two sets of construction plans drawn to scale
- Plans signed and sealed by NJ-registered architect or licensed engineer
- Zoning permit approval
- Site plan showing proposed structure location
- Contractor registration documentation
- 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.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold valid NJ license and home improvement contractor registration.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $125.00
- Permit fee formula
- Per ordinance Chapter 80; contact Construction Office for project-specific quotes.
- Reinspection fee
- $75.00 per reinspection
- Payment note
- Fees payable to Washington Township.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Work classified as 'Ordinary Maintenance' per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7
Important: Contact the Construction Office to confirm whether specific work qualifies as ordinary maintenance before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (856) 589-0520 (phone)
- Construction Office (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-hour advance notice required for inspection requests.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Inspections conducted by licensed NJ State inspectors. Certificate of Occupancy (CO) required upon completion.
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
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Department of Code Enforcement and Inspections before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Washington Township Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Washington Township, NJ?
- A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, and most alterations within Washington Township.
- How much does a building permit cost in Washington Township, NJ?
- The minimum permit fee is $125.00. Fees are calculated as: Per ordinance Chapter 80; contact Construction Office for project-specific quotes..
- How do I apply for a building permit in Washington Township, NJ?
- 1. Submit proof of ownership to the Construction/Zoning Department. 2. Obtain zoning permit from Zoning Office (required prior to construction permit). 3. Submit Planning/Zoning Board approval if applicable. 4. Provide engineering approvals and payment of bonds/escrows. 5. Submit two (2) copies of plans drawn to scale, signed and sealed by NJ-registered architect or licensed engineer. 6. Include contractor registration documentation. 7. Pay applicable fees.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Washington 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 Washington Township, NJ?
- The following work is generally exempt: Work classified as 'Ordinary Maintenance' per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7. Note: Contact the Construction Office to confirm whether specific work qualifies as ordinary maintenance before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Washington Township, NJ?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (856) 589-0520, Construction Office. 24-hour advance notice required for inspection requests..
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