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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Kearny
A construction permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs within the Town of Kearny.
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
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance (painting, wallpapering, floor covering) without structural or mechanical changes
- Exempt Minor repairs without structural, fire protection, electrical, or plumbing work
- Exempt Temporary structures under 120 sq ft for less than 180 days
- Exempt Fences 6 feet or less in height (except pool barriers)
- Exempt Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less in height, with no utility connections
- Exempt Replacement of existing fixtures with equivalent units
- Exempt Repair/replacement of roof covering on detached 1-2 family dwellings
- Exempt Repair/replacement of siding on 1-2 family dwellings
- Exempt 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.
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)
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 5-7 business days for small jobs; up to 20 working days per NJ UCC for complex projects
- 01 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.
- 02 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).
- 03 Submit Application: Submit in person at Town Hall Annex, 402 Kearny Avenue.
- 04 Plan Review: 5-7 business days for small jobs; up to 20 working days per UCC for complex projects.
- 05 Permit Pickup: Office calls when permit is ready.
- 06 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Current as of 2026-03; verify with office for updates
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50
02
Plan check fee
20% of permit fee (standard NJ UCC)
03
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).
04
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade and scope; contact office for specifics
05
Reinspection fee
Charged after failed inspections; amount determined by office
06
Penalty (no permit)
Penalties assessed for construction without permit or prior to permit issuance
Fees collected at time of permit issuance. DCA State surcharge applies to all permits.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current as of 2026-03; verify with office for updates) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Kearny permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Kearny, NJ? ▸
A construction permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs within the Town of Kearny.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Kearny, NJ? ▸
Building permit fees in Kearny, NJ are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Kearny, NJ? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Kearny, NJ, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Kearny, NJ? ▸
Building permit processing times in Kearny, NJ typically run 5-7 business days for small jobs; up to 20 working days per NJ UCC for complex projects. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Kearny, NJ? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Kearny, NJ? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Kearny, NJ 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..
last verified April 2026
source Construction Code Enforcement Department ↗
entry id permits/new-jersey/hudson/kearny
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Construction Code Enforcement Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.