City Building Permits

Salem, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Jersey Salem County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Salem. Note: State DCA operates construction code enforcement as of October 3, 2011.

Department
NJ Department of Community Affairs, Office of Local Code Enforcement (State-operated)
Address
125 West Broadway, Salem, NJ (Construction Code Office); DCA Regional Office: 852 South White Horse Pike, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Phone
609-567-3653 (Regional Office)
Website
https://cityofsalemnj.gov/construction-office/

Online Permit Portal

Open NJ DCA Office of Local Code Enforcement

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

Application Process

  1. Complete UCC Construction Permit Application (F100).
  2. Prepare all required subcode technical sections.
  3. Submit applications at either: Salem City Construction Code Office (125 W Broadway, Wednesdays 1:00-3:00 PM) OR Mannington Township Construction Office (491 Route 45, Wednesdays 8:30 AM-12:00 PM).
  4. Pay applicable fees per State DCA schedule.
  5. DCA will conduct plan review (20 business days standard).
  6. Respond to any correction comments.
  7. Receive permit issuance.

Typical processing time: 20 business days for standard applications per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15

Source: NJ Department of Community Affairs, Office of Local Code Enforcement (State-operated)

General Requirements

Construction permits required for all regulated work per New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.

Required Documents

  • UCC Construction Permit Application (F100)
  • All required subcode technical sections
  • Site plans and construction drawings
  • NJ licensed architect or engineer seal when required
  • Plot plan/survey showing structures, setbacks, easements
Permit validity
12 months from date of issuance or last approved inspection. Extensions may be granted by Construction Official.
Building code
New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
Owner-builder
Owner-builders must comply with NJ home improvement contractor registration requirements.
Contractor requirements
Licensed contractors required. Home improvement contractors must be registered with NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.

Fees

Payment note
State DCA fee schedule applies. Contact DCA Regional Office at 609-567-3653 for current rates.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the NJ Department of Community Affairs, Office of Local Code Enforcement (State-operated) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 609-567-3653 (DCA Regional Office) (phone)
Inspection hours
DCA Regional Office: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Time windows
Inspections conducted on Wednesdays (Salem City's regularly scheduled inspection day)

Typical inspection sequence: Have ready: permit number, block and lot information, address, phone number.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the NJ Department of Community Affairs, Office of Local Code Enforcement (State-operated) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Salem, NJ?
Construction permits required for all regulated work per New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
How do I apply for a building permit in Salem, NJ?
1. Complete UCC Construction Permit Application (F100). 2. Prepare all required subcode technical sections. 3. Submit applications at either: Salem City Construction Code Office (125 W Broadway, Wednesdays 1:00-3:00 PM) OR Mannington Township Construction Office (491 Route 45, Wednesdays 8:30 AM-12:00 PM). 4. Pay applicable fees per State DCA schedule. 5. DCA will conduct plan review (20 business days standard). 6. Respond to any correction comments. 7. Receive permit issuance.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Salem, NJ?
Typical processing time is 20 business days for standard applications per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15.
What work is exempt from building permits in Salem, NJ?
The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14. Note: Confirm exemptions with DCA Regional Office at 609-567-3653 before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Salem, NJ?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 609-567-3653 (DCA Regional Office).

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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 Salem County

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