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

Fees are calculated as: Per State UCC fee schedule.

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

1. Obtain NJ DCA UCC forms and Contact Information Sheet. 2. Prepare four copies of NJ Uniform Permit Application. 3. Determine if Zoning Permit or site plan/variance approval is required. 4. Submit application by mail to: City of New Brunswick Construction Department, 25 Kirkpatrick Street - 2nd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. 5. City staff reviews completeness and routes to Planning Division if needed. 6. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required. 7. Pay permit fees and obtain permit before starting work.

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

Typical processing time is Varies based on project complexity..

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

The following work is generally exempt: 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: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 732-745-5075.

City Building Permits

New Brunswick, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Jersey Middlesex County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of New Brunswick.

Department: Construction Department
Address: 25 Kirkpatrick Street, 2nd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-745-5075
Email: constructioncode@cityofnewbrunswick.org
Website: https://www.cityofnewbrunswick.org

Online Permit Portal

Open Permits & Licensing

Platform: Manual submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Obtain NJ DCA UCC forms and Contact Information Sheet.
Prepare four copies of NJ Uniform Permit Application.
Determine if Zoning Permit or site plan/variance approval is required.
Submit application by mail to: City of New Brunswick Construction Department, 25 Kirkpatrick Street - 2nd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.
City staff reviews completeness and routes to Planning Division if needed.
Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required.
Pay permit fees and obtain permit before starting work.

Typical processing time: Varies based on project complexity.

Source: Construction Department

General Requirements

New construction, alterations, additions, changes of use.

Required Documents

Completed NJ Uniform Permit Application (four copies)
Contact Information Sheet
Construction plans
Current contractor license

Permit validity: 12 months from date of last inspection per NJ UCC.
Building code: New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
Owner-builder: Owner-builders permitted for own single-family dwelling.
Contractor requirements: Current NJ contractor license required.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Per State UCC fee schedule
Payment note: Zoning Permit: $100 application fee (check or money order payable to City of New Brunswick).

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

732-745-5075 (phone)

Inspection hours: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Per NJ UCC standards. Representative over 18 years must be present during inspection.

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

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Construction Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Brunswick Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in New Brunswick, NJ?: New construction, alterations, additions, changes of use.
How much does a building permit cost in New Brunswick, NJ?: Fees are calculated as: Per State UCC fee schedule.
How do I apply for a building permit in New Brunswick, NJ?: 1. Obtain NJ DCA UCC forms and Contact Information Sheet. 2. Prepare four copies of NJ Uniform Permit Application. 3. Determine if Zoning Permit or site plan/variance approval is required. 4. Submit application by mail to: City of New Brunswick Construction Department, 25 Kirkpatrick Street - 2nd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. 5. City staff reviews completeness and routes to Planning Division if needed. 6. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required. 7. Pay permit fees and obtain permit before starting work.
How long does it take to get a building permit in New Brunswick, NJ?: Typical processing time is Varies based on project complexity..
What work is exempt from building permits in New Brunswick, NJ?: The following work is generally exempt: 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: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements.
How do I schedule a building inspection in New Brunswick, NJ?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 732-745-5075.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in New Brunswick can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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.

Other cities in Middlesex County

Edison Township Woodbridge Township Old Bridge Township Piscataway Township South Brunswick Township East Brunswick Township

View all Middlesex County jurisdictions →