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

The minimum permit fee is $80. Fees are calculated as: Plan Review Fee: 25% of construction permit fee (paid before plan review, credited toward permit fee, non-refundable). Plan check fee: 25% of construction permit fee.

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

1. Determine if permit is required by contacting Construction Department. 2. Submit UCC F100 Construction Permit Application. 3. Submit applicable technical subcode sections. 4. For residential permits: Submit payment for Zoning Permit Fees and 3 copies of property survey. 5. For commercial permits: Submit payment and 3 copies of property survey. 6. Provide two sets of plans (signed/sealed by NJ licensed architect/engineer, or owner-prepared for owner-occupied single-family dwelling). 7. Include manufacturer specifications (2 sets). 8. Include copy of contractor licenses/certificates.

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

Typical processing time is 20 business days for complete applications.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs; Painting, wall covering, trim; Flooring installation; Window/door replacement in same opening; Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less height, no utilities. Note: Tree Removal Permit required for street trees with DBH 2.5 inches or greater, and non-street trees with DBH 6 inches or greater. Replacement trees required.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: SDL Portal, 908-204-3172. Schedule online or by phone during business hours.

City Building Permits

Bernards Township, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

New Jersey Somerset County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within Bernards Township.

Department: Construction Code Division
Address: 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Phone: 908-766-2510
Website: https://www.bernards.org

Online Permit Portal

Open Bernards Township Official Website

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

Application Process

Determine if permit is required by contacting Construction Department.
Submit UCC F100 Construction Permit Application.
Submit applicable technical subcode sections.
For residential permits: Submit payment for Zoning Permit Fees and 3 copies of property survey.
For commercial permits: Submit payment and 3 copies of property survey.
Provide two sets of plans (signed/sealed by NJ licensed architect/engineer, or owner-prepared for owner-occupied single-family dwelling).
Include manufacturer specifications (2 sets).
Include copy of contractor licenses/certificates.

Typical processing time: 20 business days for complete applications

General Requirements

Building permits required for finishing basements, decks, pools, kitchen/bathroom renovations, water heaters, sheds, additions, and mechanical/electrical work.

Required Documents

Completed UCC F100 Construction Permit Application
Applicable technical subcode sections
3 copies of property survey (residential)
Two sets of plans (signed/sealed or owner-prepared)
Manufacturer specifications (2 sets)
Copy of contractor licenses/certificates

Permit validity: 12 months from date of last inspection
Building code: Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
Owner-builder: Plans may be owner-prepared for owner-occupied single-family dwellings.
Contractor requirements: Licensed NJ architects or engineers required for commercial projects.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $80
Plan check fee: 25% of construction permit fee
Permit fee formula: Plan Review Fee: 25% of construction permit fee (paid before plan review, credited toward permit fee, non-refundable)
Payment note: Electrical Subcode Fees: First 50 fixtures/devices $80, each additional $2 each. Swimming pools/in-ground spas/hot tubs $200. Storable pools/spas $80. Change of Contractor $25 per subcode. Change of Ownership $100 general, $500 new dwelling. State Permit Surcharge per N.J.A.C. 5:23-4.19.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs
Painting, wall covering, trim
Flooring installation
Window/door replacement in same opening
Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less height, no utilities

Important: Tree Removal Permit required for street trees with DBH 2.5 inches or greater, and non-street trees with DBH 6 inches or greater. Replacement trees required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

SDL Portal (online)
908-204-3172 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Schedule online or by phone during business hours
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM; Extended hours Tuesday/Wednesday 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM for certain work
Time windows: 8:00-11:00 AM, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, or 3:00-5:00 PM (Tuesday/Wednesday only)

Typical inspection sequence: Same-day inspections not available. Required inspections: Footings, Foundation/walls, Framing, Rough electrical/plumbing/fire, Insulation, Final inspections.

Additional Resources

Building code: Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
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 Code Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bernards Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Bernards Township, NJ?: Building permits required for finishing basements, decks, pools, kitchen/bathroom renovations, water heaters, sheds, additions, and mechanical/electrical work.
How much does a building permit cost in Bernards Township, NJ?: The minimum permit fee is $80. Fees are calculated as: Plan Review Fee: 25% of construction permit fee (paid before plan review, credited toward permit fee, non-refundable). Plan check fee: 25% of construction permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Bernards Township, NJ?: 1. Determine if permit is required by contacting Construction Department. 2. Submit UCC F100 Construction Permit Application. 3. Submit applicable technical subcode sections. 4. For residential permits: Submit payment for Zoning Permit Fees and 3 copies of property survey. 5. For commercial permits: Submit payment and 3 copies of property survey. 6. Provide two sets of plans (signed/sealed by NJ licensed architect/engineer, or owner-prepared for owner-occupied single-family dwelling). 7. Include manufacturer specifications (2 sets). 8. Include copy of contractor licenses/certificates.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Bernards Township, NJ?: Typical processing time is 20 business days for complete applications.
What work is exempt from building permits in Bernards Township, NJ?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs; Painting, wall covering, trim; Flooring installation; Window/door replacement in same opening; Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less height, no utilities. Note: Tree Removal Permit required for street trees with DBH 2.5 inches or greater, and non-street trees with DBH 6 inches or greater. Replacement trees required.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Bernards Township, NJ?: Inspections can be scheduled via: SDL Portal, 908-204-3172. Schedule online or by phone during business hours.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Bernards Township can be complicated.

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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.

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