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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for New Brunswick
New construction, alterations, additions, changes of use.
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)
- Exempt Repair/replacement of roof covering on detached one or two-family dwellings
- Exempt Repair/replacement of siding (except polypropylene siding)
- Exempt Interior/exterior painting, wallpapering, paneling
- Exempt Replacement of windows or doors (no alteration to original opening framing)
- Exempt Replacement of trim or moldings
- Exempt Replacement of kitchen cabinets
- Exempt Replacement of flooring or carpet
- Exempt Repair of uncovered porch or stoop
- Exempt Repairs to existing steps or stairs
- Exempt Replacement of screens
- Exempt Replacement of leaders or gutters
- Exempt Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less in height, no utility connections
- Exempt Fences six feet or less in height (except pool barriers)
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements.
Required documents
- Completed NJ Uniform Permit Application (four copies)
- Contact Information Sheet
- Construction plans
- Current contractor license
- Building code
- New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
- Permit validity
- 12 months from date of last inspection per NJ UCC.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders permitted for own single-family dwelling.
- Contractor requirements
- Current NJ contractor license required.
Source: Construction Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies based on project complexity.
- 01 Obtain NJ DCA UCC forms and Contact Information Sheet.
- 02 Prepare four copies of NJ Uniform Permit Application.
- 03 Determine if Zoning Permit or site plan/variance approval is required.
- 04 Submit application by mail to: City of New Brunswick Construction Department, 25 Kirkpatrick Street - 2nd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.
- 05 City staff reviews completeness and routes to Planning Division if needed.
- 06 Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required.
- 07 Pay permit fees and obtain permit before starting work.
Typical processing time: Varies based on project complexity.
Source: Construction Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
New Brunswick building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Per State UCC fee schedule
Zoning Permit: $100 application fee (check or money order payable to City of New Brunswick).
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 732-745-5075 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Typical sequence: Per NJ UCC standards. Representative over 18 years must be present during inspection.
Source: Construction Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about New Brunswick permits
01 Do I need a building permit in New Brunswick, NJ? ▸
New construction, alterations, additions, changes of use.
02 How much does a building permit cost in New Brunswick, NJ? ▸
Building permit fees in New Brunswick, NJ are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Per State UCC fee schedule.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in New Brunswick, NJ? ▸
To apply for a building permit in New Brunswick, NJ, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in New Brunswick, NJ? ▸
Building permit processing times in New Brunswick, NJ typically run Varies based on project complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in New Brunswick, NJ? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in New Brunswick, NJ? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in New Brunswick, NJ via: 732-745-5075.
last verified April 2026
source Construction Department ↗
entry id permits/new-jersey/middlesex/new-brunswick
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Construction Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.