Paterson, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Paterson.

Department

Division of Community Improvements

Address

125 Ellison Street, Paterson, NJ 07505

Phone

973-321-1232

Website

https://www.patersonnj.gov/community-improvements

Application Process

1. Schedule appointment with Zoning Officer (973-321-1343) to meet at start of project.
2. Apply for Zoning Permit; takes approximately 3-7 days with no charge for plan review.
3. Apply for Building Permits by making appointment with Construction Official.
4. Submit Sign/Awning Permit if applicable with Zoning Permit Application.
5. Schedule Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Inspection for new construction.
6. Submit Historic Preservation Commission review for properties in historic districts (973-321-1355).

Typical processing time: 3-20 days depending on extent of plan review required

Source: Division of Community Improvements

General Requirements

Building permits are required for all construction within the City of Paterson.

Required Documents

• Completed NJ UCC F100 Construction Permit Application
• Plans and specifications drawn to scale
• Zoning permit approval required before building permit issuance
• For historic districts: Historic Preservation Commission approval for exterior alterations
• Soil erosion control plan for land disturbance activities involving minimum 5,000 square feet (excluding single-family homes)

Permit validity

Permit is valid for 12 months from date of last inspection per NJ UCC.

Building code

New Jersey Uniform Construction Code

Fees

Permit fee formula

Fees vary with type of permit, cost of construction, and size of addition or alteration

Payment note

Sign Permits: $1.00 per sq. ft. for flat signs; $2.00 per sq. ft. for double-faced signs. Certificate of Occupancy: $75.00 under 5,000 sq. ft.; $150.00 over 5,000 sq. ft. Re-rental Inspection (commercial with residential units): $10.00 ($5.00 for reinspection)

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Division of Community Improvements to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Division of Community Improvements (973-321-1232) (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections arranged through Division of Community Improvements. Certificate of Occupancy required for new commercial buildings, additions, and changes in occupancy. Re-rental inspection required for change in residential tenancy in mixed-use buildings.

Additional Resources

• Building code: New Jersey Uniform Construction Code
• 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

Paterson Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Paterson, NJ?

Building permits are required for all construction within the City of Paterson.

How much does a building permit cost in Paterson, NJ?

Fees are calculated as: Fees vary with type of permit, cost of construction, and size of addition or alteration.

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

1. Schedule appointment with Zoning Officer (973-321-1343) to meet at start of project. 2. Apply for Zoning Permit; takes approximately 3-7 days with no charge for plan review. 3. Apply for Building Permits by making appointment with Construction Official. 4. Submit Sign/Awning Permit if applicable with Zoning Permit Application. 5. Schedule Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Inspection for new construction. 6. Submit Historic Preservation Commission review for properties in historic districts (973-321-1355).

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

Typical processing time is 3-20 days depending on extent of plan review required.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Paterson, NJ?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Division of Community Improvements (973-321-1232).

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