How much does a building permit cost in Ewing Township, NJ?

The minimum permit fee is Contact Construction Office for current fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Based on project type, scope, and construction value. Plan check fee: Percentage of permit fee as established by township ordinance.

How do I apply for a building permit in Ewing Township, NJ?

1. Create an account on the SDL Portal at https://www.sdlportal.com/towns/nj/mercer/ewingtwp (preferred method) 2. For residential (single-family dwelling where homeowner resides): homeowner may prepare own drawings; submit in duplicate with applicable subcode technical sections. 3. For commercial work: drawings must be completed by a New Jersey-licensed architect or engineer; submit in duplicate with applicable subcode technical sections. 4. Commercial projects must also submit final 'as builts' in digital form on CD. 5. Homeowners are not required to sign permit forms; contractors must submit all permit applications. 6. Pay all required permit fees through the SDL Portal or in person. 7. Schedule inspections through the SDL Portal (preferred), by email, or in person.

What work is exempt from building permits in Ewing Township, NJ?

The following work is generally exempt: Day-to-day repairs and improvements including painting, window and door replacement using new material of same dimensions, and carpet installations. Note: Verify your specific project with the Construction Office before proceeding. Additional exemptions as defined by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code may apply.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Ewing Township, NJ?

Inspections can be scheduled via: SDL Portal at https://www.sdlportal.com/towns/nj/mercer/ewingtwp (preferred), Include Permit #, inspection type, 3 dates (no time frame), property address.

City Building Permits

Ewing Township, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Jersey Mercer County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All construction activities within Ewing Township, enforcing the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.

Department: Code Enforcement and Construction Office
Address: 2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing, NJ 08628 (Physical); 1666 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ 08618 (Mailing)
Phone: (609) 883-2900 ext. 7677
Website: https://ewingnj.org/construction

Online Permit Portal

Open SDL Portal (Preferred)

Platform: SDL Portal • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Permit Assistance and Forms

Application Process

Create an account on the SDL Portal at https://www.sdlportal.com/towns/nj/mercer/ewingtwp (preferred method)
For residential (single-family dwelling where homeowner resides): homeowner may prepare own drawings; submit in duplicate with applicable subcode technical sections.
For commercial work: drawings must be completed by a New Jersey-licensed architect or engineer; submit in duplicate with applicable subcode technical sections.
Commercial projects must also submit final 'as builts' in digital form on CD.
Homeowners are not required to sign permit forms; contractors must submit all permit applications.
Pay all required permit fees through the SDL Portal or in person.
Schedule inspections through the SDL Portal (preferred), by email, or in person.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; consult with Construction Office for estimates.

Source: Code Enforcement and Construction Office

General Requirements

A construction permit is required for all construction, enlargement, repair, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, demolition, or change of use.

Required Documents

Completed Construction Permit Application
Two sets of drawings (three sets for health or historical occupancies)
Applicable subcode technical sections (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Mechanical, Elevator)
Valid New Jersey State Registration/License for all contractors (required since January 1, 2006)
Proof of Certificate of Insurance from contractor
Contract including start date, end date, and exact materials to be used

Permit validity: 12 months from the date of the last inspection per New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
Building code: New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (NJ UCC)
Owner-builder: Owner-builders may prepare their own drawings for single-family dwellings where they will reside. Homeowners are not required to sign permit forms.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must hold valid NJ State Registration/License: Home Improvement Contractor (13VH), Electrical Contractor (34EB), Plumbing Contractor (36BI), HVAC Contractor (19HC). License numbers must appear on contractor vehicles and all business letterheads. Verify at https://newjersey.mylicense.com/verification/

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Contact Construction Office for current fee schedule
Plan check fee: Percentage of permit fee as established by township ordinance
Permit fee formula: Based on project type, scope, and construction value
Trade permit fee: Separate fees for each subcode (Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Mechanical, Elevator)
Payment note: Senior Citizen Discount (25% for property owners 65 or older who own and reside at property). Proof of residency and age required (driver's license; NO PO Boxes). Discounts must be requested PRIOR to permit issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Code Enforcement and Construction Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

SDL Portal at https://www.sdlportal.com/towns/nj/mercer/ewingtwp (preferred) (online)
Include Permit #, inspection type, 3 dates (no time frame), property address (email)

Inspection hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Plans and all supporting documentation released by construction department must be on site. If homeowner cannot be present, released plans can be put in conspicuous place (e.g., front door). Any work that will be concealed must receive rough inspection before being covered. Final payment not due until all final inspections completed and approved.

Additional Resources

Building code: New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (NJ UCC)
Verify contractor license: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification
Ewing Township Website
NJ Consumer Affairs Complaints
When Doing Work to Your Home Guidance Handout
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 Code Enforcement and Construction Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ewing Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Ewing Township, NJ?: A construction permit is required for all construction, enlargement, repair, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, demolition, or change of use.
How much does a building permit cost in Ewing Township, NJ?: The minimum permit fee is Contact Construction Office for current fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Based on project type, scope, and construction value. Plan check fee: Percentage of permit fee as established by township ordinance.
How do I apply for a building permit in Ewing Township, NJ?: 1. Create an account on the SDL Portal at https://www.sdlportal.com/towns/nj/mercer/ewingtwp (preferred method) 2. For residential (single-family dwelling where homeowner resides): homeowner may prepare own drawings; submit in duplicate with applicable subcode technical sections. 3. For commercial work: drawings must be completed by a New Jersey-licensed architect or engineer; submit in duplicate with applicable subcode technical sections. 4. Commercial projects must also submit final 'as builts' in digital form on CD. 5. Homeowners are not required to sign permit forms; contractors must submit all permit applications. 6. Pay all required permit fees through the SDL Portal or in person. 7. Schedule inspections through the SDL Portal (preferred), by email, or in person.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Ewing Township, NJ?: Typical processing time is Varies by project complexity; consult with Construction Office for estimates..
What work is exempt from building permits in Ewing Township, NJ?: The following work is generally exempt: Day-to-day repairs and improvements including painting, window and door replacement using new material of same dimensions, and carpet installations. Note: Verify your specific project with the Construction Office before proceeding. Additional exemptions as defined by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code may apply.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Ewing Township, NJ?: Inspections can be scheduled via: SDL Portal at https://www.sdlportal.com/towns/nj/mercer/ewingtwp (preferred), Include Permit #, inspection type, 3 dates (no time frame), property address.

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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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