East Brunswick Township, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within East Brunswick Township.

Department

Division of Construction Inspection

Address

4 Harts Lane, 2nd Floor (Public Works Building), East Brunswick, NJ 08816

Phone

732-390-6875

Website

https://www.eastbrunswick.org

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain NJ DCA UCC Construction Permit Application and applicable technical sections.
2. Determine if project needs Planning Board or Zoning Board review by contacting Division of Construction Inspection.
3. Prepare plans depicting proposed improvements and property survey with improvements drawn.
4. Indicate construction type on application.
5. Submit application in-person at Division of Construction Inspection office.
6. Division staff reviews and processes application.
7. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required.
8. Pay permit fees and obtain permit before starting work.

Typical processing time: Varies depending on project complexity.

Source: Division of Construction Inspection

General Requirements

All new construction, plumbing/electrical/mechanical changes, demolition, relocation.

Required Documents

• Completed NJ DCA UCC Construction Permit Application
• Construction plans
• Property survey
• Indication of construction type

Permit validity

Void if construction does not commence within 1 year, or ceases for 6 months.

Building code

New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC)

Owner-builder

Homeowner may prepare plans for minor projects (decks, small additions) on own single-family residence. NJ Licensed Architect recommended for major projects.

Contractor requirements

NJ licensed contractor required.

Fees

Permit fee formula

New Home/Additions: $0.04 per cubic foot. Alterations: $25 per $1,000 of construction value. Sheds: Starting at $50 (depending on size). Fences: $50.

Payment note

Copy of contractor contract required to determine fees per state requirements.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Wallpapering, painting, similar finishing work
• Replacement/repair of plumbing, mechanical, or electrical fixtures (changing faucets, replacing switches)
• Repair/replacement of roof covering on detached one or two-family dwellings
• Repair/replacement of siding (except polypropylene siding)
• Interior/exterior painting, wallpapering, paneling
• Replacement of windows or doors (no alteration to original opening framing)
• Replacement of trim or moldings
• Replacement of kitchen cabinets
• Replacement of flooring or carpet
• Repair of uncovered porch or stoop
• Repairs to existing steps or stairs
• Replacement of screens
• Replacement of leaders or gutters
• Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less in height, no utility connections
• Fences six feet or less in height (except pool barriers)

Important: Combination permits typical for most homeowner projects.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 732-390-6875 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, framing, insulation, final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
• Verify contractor license: NJ Consumer Affairs License Lookup
• NJ DCA Construction Permit Forms
• License lookup guide: New Jersey Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: New Jersey Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• New Jersey hub: New Jersey Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

East Brunswick Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in East Brunswick Township, NJ?

All new construction, plumbing/electrical/mechanical changes, demolition, relocation.

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

Fees are calculated as: New Home/Additions: $0.04 per cubic foot. Alterations: $25 per $1,000 of construction value. Sheds: Starting at $50 (depending on size). Fences: $50..

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

1. Obtain NJ DCA UCC Construction Permit Application and applicable technical sections. 2. Determine if project needs Planning Board or Zoning Board review by contacting Division of Construction Inspection. 3. Prepare plans depicting proposed improvements and property survey with improvements drawn. 4. Indicate construction type on application. 5. Submit application in-person at Division of Construction Inspection office. 6. Division staff reviews and processes application. 7. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required. 8. Pay permit fees and obtain permit before starting work.

How long does it take to get a building permit in East Brunswick Township, NJ?

Typical processing time is Varies depending on project complexity..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Wallpapering, painting, similar finishing work; Replacement/repair of plumbing, mechanical, or electrical fixtures (changing faucets, replacing switches); Repair/replacement of roof covering on detached one or two-family dwellings; Repair/replacement of siding (except polypropylene siding); Interior/exterior painting, wallpapering, paneling; Replacement of windows or doors (no alteration to original opening framing); Replacement of trim or moldings; Replacement of kitchen cabinets; Replacement of flooring or carpet; Repair of uncovered porch or stoop; Repairs to existing steps or stairs; Replacement of screens; Replacement of leaders or gutters; Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less in height, no utility connections; Fences six feet or less in height (except pool barriers). Note: Combination permits typical for most homeowner projects.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 732-390-6875.

Other cities in Middlesex County