How much does a building permit cost in Town of Kearny, NJ?

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Construction Permits: $20 per $1,000 of work listed on Building Subcode Technical Section (minimum $50). Specific fees determined by ordinance for other subcode work. Zoning Permit: $25 (required for most projects).. Plan check fee: 20% of permit fee (standard NJ UCC).

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Kearny, NJ?

1. Zoning Permit First: Required for most projects ($25 fee). Projects requiring zoning permits: new/replacement sidewalks, driveways, aprons, patios, fences, service walks, home improvement (renovations, additions, decks, sheds, fireplaces, pools), electrical work, fire protection work, HVAC/plumbing work. 2. Prepare Documentation: Gather two sets of plans and supporting documentation, plans showing location and manner of construction, survey by licensed land surveyor, drawings to scale, NJ licensed architect/engineer stamps (or homeowner-prepared plans for own single-family residence). 3. Submit Application: Submit in person at Town Hall Annex, 402 Kearny Avenue. 4. Plan Review: 5-7 business days for small jobs; up to 20 working days per UCC for complex projects. 5. Permit Pickup: Office calls when permit is ready. 6. Construction: Begin work only after receipt of permit.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Kearny, NJ?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance (painting, wallpapering, floor covering) without structural or mechanical changes; Minor repairs without structural, fire protection, electrical, or plumbing work; Temporary structures under 120 sq ft for less than 180 days; Fences 6 feet or less in height (except pool barriers); Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less in height, with no utility connections; Replacement of existing fixtures with equivalent units; Repair/replacement of roof covering on detached 1-2 family dwellings; Repair/replacement of siding on 1-2 family dwellings; Replacement of windows/doors in same opening without structural changes. Note: Even exempt work often requires Zoning Permit ($25 fee). Confirm with Construction & Zoning Official (Anthony Chisari, ext. 3005) before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Kearny, NJ?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (201) 955-7880, Town Hall Annex, 402 Kearny Avenue. Call (201) 955-7880 for inspection scheduling. Allow significant time before closing date; last-minute inspections cannot be accommodated..

City Building Permits

Town of Kearny, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Jersey Hudson County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the Town of Kearny.

Department: Construction Code Enforcement Department
Address: Town Hall Annex, 402 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032
Phone: (201) 955-7880
Email: tchisari@kearnynj.org
Website: https://www.kearnynj.org/construction-code-enforcement/

Online Permit Portal

Open Construction Code Enforcement

Platform: In-Person • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Zoning Permit First: Required for most projects ($25 fee). Projects requiring zoning permits: new/replacement sidewalks, driveways, aprons, patios, fences, service walks, home improvement (renovations, additions, decks, sheds, fireplaces, pools), electrical work, fire protection work, HVAC/plumbing work.
Prepare Documentation: Gather two sets of plans and supporting documentation, plans showing location and manner of construction, survey by licensed land surveyor, drawings to scale, NJ licensed architect/engineer stamps (or homeowner-prepared plans for own single-family residence).
Submit Application: Submit in person at Town Hall Annex, 402 Kearny Avenue.
Plan Review: 5-7 business days for small jobs; up to 20 working days per UCC for complex projects.
Permit Pickup: Office calls when permit is ready.
Construction: Begin work only after receipt of permit.

Typical processing time: 5-7 business days for small jobs; up to 20 working days per NJ UCC for complex projects

Source: Construction Code Enforcement Department

General Requirements

A construction permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs within the Town of Kearny.

Required Documents

Zoning Permit ($25 fee) for most projects
Two sets of plans and supporting documentation
Plans showing location and manner of construction
Survey by licensed land surveyor
Drawings to scale
NJ licensed architect/engineer stamps (or homeowner-prepared for own single-family residence)

Permit validity: Permit is valid for 12 months from date of last inspection (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Applicant must maintain permit currency through active inspection.
Building code: Building: IBC 2018 NJ Edition; Electrical: NEC 2017 Edition; Fire/Mechanical: IBC Fire and Mechanical Codes 2018 Edition; Plumbing: National Standard Plumbing Code 2018 Edition
Owner-builder: Homeowner may prepare plans for own single-family residence without licensed professional; licensing requirements apply otherwise.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must be properly licensed. Licensed NJ professionals required for plans unless homeowner doing own single-family work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50
Plan check fee: 20% of permit fee (standard NJ UCC)
Permit fee formula: Construction Permits: $20 per $1,000 of work listed on Building Subcode Technical Section (minimum $50). Specific fees determined by ordinance for other subcode work. Zoning Permit: $25 (required for most projects).
Trade permit fee: Varies by trade and scope; contact office for specifics
Reinspection fee: Charged after failed inspections; amount determined by office
Penalty (no permit): Penalties assessed for construction without permit or prior to permit issuance
Payment note: Fees collected at time of permit issuance. DCA State surcharge applies to all permits.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current as of 2026-03; verify with office for updates).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary maintenance (painting, wallpapering, floor covering) without structural or mechanical changes
Minor repairs without structural, fire protection, electrical, or plumbing work
Temporary structures under 120 sq ft for less than 180 days
Fences 6 feet or less in height (except pool barriers)
Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less in height, with no utility connections
Replacement of existing fixtures with equivalent units
Repair/replacement of roof covering on detached 1-2 family dwellings
Repair/replacement of siding on 1-2 family dwellings
Replacement of windows/doors in same opening without structural changes

Important: Even exempt work often requires Zoning Permit ($25 fee). Confirm with Construction & Zoning Official (Anthony Chisari, ext. 3005) before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(201) 955-7880 (phone)
Town Hall Annex, 402 Kearny Avenue (in-person)

Scheduling deadline: Call (201) 955-7880 for inspection scheduling. Allow significant time before closing date; last-minute inspections cannot be accommodated.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Time windows: Building and Electric inspections Monday-Friday (when available); Plumbing and Fire Protection on select days only; Certificate of Occupancy Monday-Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: foundation/footings, framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical, fire protection, final inspections. Plumbing and fire protection inspections on select days only.

In-person inspections required; remote inspections not standard practice.

Additional Resources

Building code: Building: IBC 2018 NJ Edition; Electrical: NEC 2017 Edition; Fire/Mechanical: IBC Fire and Mechanical Codes 2018 Edition; Plumbing: National Standard Plumbing Code 2018 Edition
Verify contractor license: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs - Contractor Registration
Department Directory
Town Code
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 Code Enforcement Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Kearny Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Kearny, NJ?: A construction permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs within the Town of Kearny.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Kearny, NJ?: The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Construction Permits: $20 per $1,000 of work listed on Building Subcode Technical Section (minimum $50). Specific fees determined by ordinance for other subcode work. Zoning Permit: $25 (required for most projects).. Plan check fee: 20% of permit fee (standard NJ UCC).
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Kearny, NJ?: 1. Zoning Permit First: Required for most projects ($25 fee). Projects requiring zoning permits: new/replacement sidewalks, driveways, aprons, patios, fences, service walks, home improvement (renovations, additions, decks, sheds, fireplaces, pools), electrical work, fire protection work, HVAC/plumbing work. 2. Prepare Documentation: Gather two sets of plans and supporting documentation, plans showing location and manner of construction, survey by licensed land surveyor, drawings to scale, NJ licensed architect/engineer stamps (or homeowner-prepared plans for own single-family residence). 3. Submit Application: Submit in person at Town Hall Annex, 402 Kearny Avenue. 4. Plan Review: 5-7 business days for small jobs; up to 20 working days per UCC for complex projects. 5. Permit Pickup: Office calls when permit is ready. 6. Construction: Begin work only after receipt of permit.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Kearny, NJ?: Typical processing time is 5-7 business days for small jobs; up to 20 working days per NJ UCC for complex projects.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Kearny, NJ?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance (painting, wallpapering, floor covering) without structural or mechanical changes; Minor repairs without structural, fire protection, electrical, or plumbing work; Temporary structures under 120 sq ft for less than 180 days; Fences 6 feet or less in height (except pool barriers); Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less in height, with no utility connections; Replacement of existing fixtures with equivalent units; Repair/replacement of roof covering on detached 1-2 family dwellings; Repair/replacement of siding on 1-2 family dwellings; Replacement of windows/doors in same opening without structural changes. Note: Even exempt work often requires Zoning Permit ($25 fee). Confirm with Construction & Zoning Official (Anthony Chisari, ext. 3005) before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Kearny, NJ?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (201) 955-7880, Town Hall Annex, 402 Kearny Avenue. Call (201) 955-7880 for inspection scheduling. Allow significant time before closing date; last-minute inspections cannot be accommodated..

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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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