On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Union City
A construction permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs within the City of Union City.
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 may require zoning compliance verification. Confirm with Building Department and Zoning Officer before proceeding.
Required documents
- Construction Permit Application (F100)
- Applicable Subcode Technical Sections (F110-F150)
- Two sets of plans and specifications
- Site plan showing lot lines, setbacks, existing/proposed structures
- Contractor licenses/certificates if applicable
- Building code
- International Building Code (IBC) with NJ amendments; NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
- 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
- Owner-builders may perform work on own single-family residence with restrictions; state and municipal contractor licensing requirements apply otherwise.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be licensed or registered with NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 20 business days for standard plan review per NJ UCC; 60 business days for projects with asbestos/lead abatement.
- 01 Determine Scope: Contact Building Department at (201) 348-5710 to confirm permit requirements for your project.
- 02 Zoning Compliance: Zoning approval typically required before construction permit issuance. Coordinate with Zoning Officer if needed.
- 03 Prepare Documentation: Gather Construction Permit Application (F100), applicable subcode technical sections, two sets of plans and specifications, site plan showing lot lines/setbacks/existing/proposed structures.
- 04 Submit In Person: Submit complete application package in person to City Hall, 2nd Floor, Building Department.
- 05 Plan Review: Building Department reviews for compliance with NJ Uniform Construction Code and local requirements. Standard review is 20 business days.
- 06 Fee Payment: Fees calculated and collected based on subcode requirements and project value.
- 07 Permit Issuance: Permit issued upon approval and fee payment.
Typical processing time: 20 business days for standard plan review per NJ UCC; 60 business days for projects with asbestos/lead abatement.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Contact Building Department for current fee schedule
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Contact (201) 348-5710 for current rates
02
Plan check fee
20% of permit fee (standard NJ UCC)
03
Permit fee formula
Fee structure based on NJ UCC with local amendments. Contact Building Department for specific calculation.
04
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade; 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 Contact Building Department for current fee schedule) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- building@ucnj.com (email)
- (201) 348-5710 (phone)
- City Hall, 2nd Floor (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- Use Request for Inspection form available from Building Department. 24 hours advance written notice required.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday (verify specific hours with office)
- Time windows
- Inspections scheduled based on availability and project scope
Typical sequence: Standard NJ UCC inspections include foundation/footings, framing, plumbing rough-in, electrical rough-in, fire protection systems, insulation/energy, and final building inspection. Exact sequence depends on project scope.
In-person inspections required; remote inspections not standard practice.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Union City permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Union City, NJ? ▸
A construction permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs within the City of Union City.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Union City, NJ? ▸
Building permit fees in Union City, NJ are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Contact (201) 348-5710 for current rates. Fees are calculated as: Fee structure based on NJ UCC with local amendments. Contact Building Department for specific calculation.. Plan check fee: 20% of permit fee (standard NJ UCC).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Union City, NJ? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Union City, NJ, follow these steps: 1. Determine Scope: Contact Building Department at (201) 348-5710 to confirm permit requirements for your project. 2. Zoning Compliance: Zoning approval typically required before construction permit issuance. Coordinate with Zoning Officer if needed. 3. Prepare Documentation: Gather Construction Permit Application (F100), applicable subcode technical sections, two sets of plans and specifications, site plan showing lot lines/setbacks/existing/proposed structures. 4. Submit In Person: Submit complete application package in person to City Hall, 2nd Floor, Building Department. 5. Plan Review: Building Department reviews for compliance with NJ Uniform Construction Code and local requirements. Standard review is 20 business days. 6. Fee Payment: Fees calculated and collected based on subcode requirements and project value. 7. Permit Issuance: Permit issued upon approval and fee payment.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Union City, NJ? ▸
Building permit processing times in Union City, NJ typically run 20 business days for standard plan review per NJ UCC; 60 business days for projects with asbestos/lead abatement.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Union City, NJ? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Union City, 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 may require zoning compliance verification. Confirm with Building Department and Zoning Officer before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Union City, NJ? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Union City, NJ via: building@ucnj.com, (201) 348-5710, City Hall, 2nd Floor. Use Request for Inspection form available from Building Department. 24 hours advance written notice required..
last verified April 2026
source Building Department / Construction Code Agency ↗
entry id permits/new-jersey/hudson/union-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department / Construction Code Agency before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.