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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Greenwich Township
Building permit required for all construction within Greenwich Township except for work specifically exempted by N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14.
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance: Non-structural replacement-in-kind, painting, wallpapering, floor covering
- Exempt Sheds: Utility sheds 200 sq ft or less, 10 feet or less in height, no utility connections
- Exempt Fences: Six feet or less in height (except pool barriers)
- Exempt Temporary structures: Less than 120 sq ft, in place less than 180 days
- Exempt Retaining walls: Less than 4 feet in height (unless impacting foundation)
Note: Standard UCC exemptions apply. Inspection requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
- UCC construction permit application
- Applicable subcode technical sections
- Construction plans and documentation
- Zoning approval if required
- Plot plan or survey as appropriate
- Building code
- New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
- Permit validity
- 12 months from the date of the last inspection per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.18.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may prepare plans for their own single-family dwelling.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be properly licensed. NJ-licensed architect or engineer required for commercial and multi-family projects.
Application process
Typical processing: 20 business days for initial plan review; inspections conducted within three business days of request.
- 01 Call State Office of Local Code Enforcement at 908-713-0722 before beginning any work.
- 02 Obtain zoning approval from Township if required for your project scope.
- 03 Submit UCC construction permit application to State Office of Local Code Enforcement with all required documentation.
- 04 Pay applicable construction permit fees.
- 05 State Office conducts plan review: Up to 20 business days for complete applications.
- 06 Request inspections at least 24 hours in advance.
- 07 State Office performs inspections within three business days of request.
- 08 Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issued after all applicable subcode inspections passed.
Typical processing time: 20 business days for initial plan review; inspections conducted within three business days of request.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 908-713-0722 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-hour notice required.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Time windows
- CO inspections conducted Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM unless emergency.
Typical sequence: Final inspection required for each applicable subcode before Certificate of Occupancy. Inspectors will not enter occupied homes without person 18+ years present. Complete copy of released plans must be kept on job site.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Greenwich Township permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Greenwich Township, NJ? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Greenwich Township, NJ? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Greenwich Township, NJ? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Greenwich Township, NJ? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Greenwich Township, NJ? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with State Office of Local Code Enforcement (Northern Regional Office) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.