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1. How can I pay for my permit?

Please note that payments for permits are taken by cash, check, or money order only. We do not accept credit cards.

2. How can I register vacant and abandoned properties?

Complete and submit the Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration (DOC).

3. Who do I contact for Zoning?

Zoning questions must be directed to Zoning Officer Thomas Mahoney at 973-208-6111. Examples of zoning questions: zoning classifications for property, whether a lot is build-able, whether a construction project can be built without a variance, etc.

4. Who do I contact for septic systems and wells?

Contact the Health Department at 973-208-6121 or 973-208-6124.

5. How can I submit a complaint about my property?

Property complaints can go to Code Enforcement Officer Joe Macaluso at 973-208-6112.

6. What do I need to get inspected to sell my home?

There is no Certificate of Occupancy required. The fire marshal performs smoke detector inspections by calling 973-208-6114 for an appointment through the fire bureau. The Building Department does not do anything (inspections, certificates, etc.) for resale of a home. Letters stating no Certificate of Occupancy is required are available for $10. Block, Lot and Address must be provided.

7. How do I schedule an inspection?

Inspections are scheduled at 973-208-6110 or 973-208-6113. Have your block and lot ready when you call.

8. How do I get a permit approved?

Permits will be issued when all preliminary approvals have been met. These include zoning, engineering, and health department, if applicable. The State allows a 20 business day period for plan review of an application, once zoning and any other required preliminary approvals have been granted and an application is complete.

9. How much are general permits?

General roof and siding permits may be issued on the same day as application is made. Fee is between $25 and $35.

10. Why do I need a variance?

If an applicant is denied by the Zoning Officer for proposed construction, he or she must apply for a variance with the Board of Adjustment. Contact Stephanie McCormack at 973-208-6119. If an applicant knows in advance that they need a variance, he or she must apply for a building permit first, in order to be reviewed and denied by the Zoning Officer. Once the variance is issued and the Building Department receives a copy of the Resolution from the Board of Adjustment, the application for the permit may proceed, once the applicant provides complete building plans.

11. What do I do if I fail my inspection?

Inspectors leave stickers on the site after inspections. Red is a failure notice, a white sticker is an approval notice. If you fail your inspection, reschedule your inspection with the Building Department office at 973-208-6110 when you have made the necessary changes as required by the inspector.

12. What are the time constraints on my permit?

Construction must begin within one year of the date the permit was issued. If work is abandoned for more than six months, the permit may be considered expired and application for renewal must be filed, with additional fees. Please view the chart on General State Regulations for more information about permits, inspections, violations and penalties.

13. How do I obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and Certificate of Approval?

Certificates of Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Approval (CA) are issued when all of the inspections are performed and passed. View the Certificate of Occupancy Requirements and Pre-final Construction Checklist.

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy

Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCO) are issued at the discretion of the Construction Official. All final inspections must be performed and inspectors must agree that the project is suitable for a TCO. The unfinished work must be listed on the TCO and the TCO will be issued with an expiration date. The applicant must complete the unfinished work and call for final inspections before the TCO expires. A TCO is generally issued with a time limit of no more than six months. It is illegal to use or occupy a structure without a valid CO or TCO.