On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Washington Township
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, and most alterations within Washington Township.
Work classified as 'Ordinary Maintenance' per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7
- 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.
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
- Building code
- NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
- Permit validity
- 12 months from date of issuance; extendable upon request. Permit expires if no inspection is requested within 12 months of last inspection.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 10-15 working days for residential permits; 30 days for commercial permits.
- 01 Submit proof of ownership to the Construction/Zoning Department.
- 02 Obtain zoning permit from Zoning Office (required prior to construction permit).
- 03 Submit Planning/Zoning Board approval if applicable.
- 04 Provide engineering approvals and payment of bonds/escrows.
- 05 Submit two (2) copies of plans drawn to scale, signed and sealed by NJ-registered architect or licensed engineer.
- 06 Include contractor registration documentation.
- 07 Pay applicable fees.
Typical processing time: 10-15 working days for residential permits; 30 days for commercial permits.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Washington Township building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$125.00
02
Permit fee formula
Per ordinance Chapter 80; contact Construction Office for project-specific quotes.
03
Reinspection fee
$75.00 per reinspection
Fees payable to Washington Township.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Inspections conducted by licensed NJ State inspectors. Certificate of Occupancy (CO) required upon completion.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Washington Township permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Washington Township, NJ? ▸
Building permit fees in Washington Township, NJ are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $125.00. Fees are calculated as: Per ordinance Chapter 80; contact Construction Office for project-specific quotes..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Washington Township, NJ? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Washington Township, NJ, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Washington Township, NJ? ▸
Building permit processing times in Washington Township, NJ typically run 10-15 working days for residential permits; 30 days for commercial permits.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Washington Township, NJ? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Washington Township, NJ? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Washington Township, NJ via: (856) 589-0520, Construction Office. 24-hour advance notice required for inspection requests..
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/new-jersey/gloucester/washington-township
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Code Enforcement and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.