Bernards Township, NJ — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Construction Code Division

Street address

1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Phone

908-766-2510

Coverage

All properties within Bernards Township.

Online portal

Bernards Township Official Website

SDL Portal

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Bernards Township

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

Scope of work

Permit?

Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs

Exempt

Painting, wall covering, trim

Exempt

Flooring installation

Exempt

Window/door replacement in same opening

Exempt

Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less height, no utilities

Exempt

Exempt Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs
Exempt Painting, wall covering, trim
Exempt Flooring installation
Exempt Window/door replacement in same opening
Exempt 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.

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

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

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 20 business days for complete applications

01

Determine if permit is required by contacting Construction Department.
02

Submit UCC F100 Construction Permit Application.
03

Submit applicable technical subcode sections.
04

For residential permits: Submit payment for Zoning Permit Fees and 3 copies of property survey.
05

For commercial permits: Submit payment and 3 copies of property survey.
06

Provide two sets of plans (signed/sealed by NJ licensed architect/engineer, or owner-prepared for owner-occupied single-family dwelling).
07

Include manufacturer specifications (2 sets).
08

Include copy of contractor licenses/certificates.

Typical processing time: 20 business days for complete applications

§ 04

Fee schedule

Bernards Township building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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)

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.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Bernards Township permits

01 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.

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

Building permit fees in Bernards Township, NJ are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

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

To apply for a building permit in Bernards Township, NJ, follow these steps: 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.

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

Building permit processing times in Bernards Township, NJ typically run 20 business days for complete applications. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Bernards Township, NJ via: SDL Portal, 908-204-3172. Schedule online or by phone during business hours.

last verified April 2026 entry id permits/new-jersey/somerset/bernards-township

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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Construction Code Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Bernards Township

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