City Building Permits
Hillsborough Township, NJ - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within Hillsborough Township.
- Department
- Construction Department (Building Department)
- Address
- 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844
- Phone
- 908-369-4313
- Website
- https://www.hillsborough-nj.org
Online Permit Portal
Platform: SDL Portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Permits may be dropped off Monday-Friday or mailed to Municipal Building (attention Construction Department).
- Submit completed UCC F100 application with all applicable technical sections.
- Provide two complete sets of scaled plans signed and sealed by NJ licensed Architect or signed and dated by property owner.
- Signatures required on all pages.
- Include plot plan or property survey.
- Provide manufacturer specifications/installation manuals (2 sets).
- Include copy of contractor licenses or certificates.
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Typical processing time: 20 business days for complete applications
General Requirements
Building permits required for new construction, additions, and most renovation work within Hillsborough Township.
Required Documents
- Completed UCC F100 Construction Permit Application
- Two complete sets of scaled plans
- Plans signed/sealed by NJ licensed architect or signed/dated by property owner
- Signatures required on all pages
- Plot plan or property survey
- Manufacturer specifications/installation manuals (2 sets)
- Copy of contractor licenses or 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
- Permit fee formula
- Fees based on construction valuation and subcodes involved
- Payment note
- State training surcharge fees apply. Specific fee schedule available from Construction Department.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs
- Painting, wallpapering, trim work
- Flooring installation
- Window replacement in same rough opening
- Siding repair (non-polypropylene)
- Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less with no utilities
Important: Exemption from permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. All work must comply with applicable codes.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- SDL Portal (24/7) (online)
- 908-369-4313 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Request through SDL Portal or during business hours
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Permit Pickup: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM; Inspection Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections typically include: Foundation/footing, Framing, Rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, Insulation, and 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 Department (Building Department) before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hillsborough Township Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Hillsborough Township, NJ?
- Building permits required for new construction, additions, and most renovation work within Hillsborough Township.
- How much does a building permit cost in Hillsborough Township, NJ?
- Fees are calculated as: Fees based on construction valuation and subcodes involved.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Hillsborough Township, NJ?
- 1. Permits may be dropped off Monday-Friday or mailed to Municipal Building (attention Construction Department). 2. Submit completed UCC F100 application with all applicable technical sections. 3. Provide two complete sets of scaled plans signed and sealed by NJ licensed Architect or signed and dated by property owner. 4. Signatures required on all pages. 5. Include plot plan or property survey. 6. Provide manufacturer specifications/installation manuals (2 sets). 7. Include copy of contractor licenses or certificates. 8. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Hillsborough Township, NJ?
- Typical processing time is 20 business days for complete applications.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Hillsborough Township, NJ?
- The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs; Painting, wallpapering, trim work; Flooring installation; Window replacement in same rough opening; Siding repair (non-polypropylene); Garden sheds 200 sq ft or less with no utilities. Note: Exemption from permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. All work must comply with applicable codes.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Hillsborough Township, NJ?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: SDL Portal (24/7), 908-369-4313. Request through SDL Portal or during business hours.
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