FORMS:

• Permit Application forms and all forms mentioned below can be found in the searchable form section below. 

• Prior to submission, all tech cards must be completed with the exception of having a contractor (if necessary)
• Owner’s name MUST match the tax plate, if not a copy of the deed or contract for sale is REQUIRED
  • Information can be verified on https://tax1.co.monmouth.nj.us/cgi- bin/prc6.cgi?menu=index&ms_user=monm&passwd=data&district=1301&mode=11
• If the OWNER/CONTRACTOR is a CORPORATION OR LLC then an LLC form must be completed to identify the registered agent.
• If work is being done by the owner for 1 and 2 family homes, the certification must be completed inside the folder
• If work is filed by someone other than the owner/contractor or agent, the person filing must be registered with our office as a Permit Processor  
• Jersey City Contractor License – a JC Contractor license is required for all non-state licensed contractors and work done on commercial property 
• Please allow 20 business days for all applications to be reviewed

   

  FEES: https://library.municode.com/nj/jersey_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH160FECH   (See Chapter 160 Subchapter 131)

       

  DRAWINGS:

• 1 set of drawings is required for initial review
• 2 sets of drawings are required ONLY, if partial releases are requested (1 and 2 families do not get partials)
• A electronic copy of the plans & certification form, completed by an architect/design professional, MUST be provided for release of plans  
• Specifications and cut sheet must be provided via SharePoint 

  MINOR WORK:

• These applications can be emailed, mailed, *dropped off in-person, or completed yourself on www.sdlportal.com

  NEW CONSTRUCTION, ADDITIONS, & RENOVATIONS:

• All of these jobs MUST go through Zoning first for prior approvals
• The folder (or CP-1) for new buildings must have boxes 6 and 7 completed
• **PRIOR APPROVALS:
  • Lot Consolidation or Lot separation
  • ***Passaic Valley
  • ***Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA)
  • Soils Erosion (if 5,000 ft² or more) Hudson-Essex Soil Form
  • Nonresidential development fee
  • Soils report (footings and foundations), if applicable. 
  • Adjoining property protection plan, if applicable
  • Flood elevation, if applicable Elevation Certificate | FEMA.gov
  • Approved demolition certificate for existing structures on property
  • Listing of special inspectors and licenses, if applicable
  • Health Department approval for rodent control: https://library.municode.com/nj/jersey_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH182HESA_ARTVROVEINRAPOI VHIWEOVBRGRA11-23-1999ORNO99-170

**The permit office is open from 9am-3pm for submissions, all submissions will receive a control number the same day. 

Please create an account on www.sdlportal.com to find the following statuses:

• UNDER REVIEW – indicates your application is still being reviewed by the sub-codes
• FAILED – indicates that your application has failed plan review & a sub-code(s) must be contacted for corrections
• PICKUP – indicates ready for payment; not that permit is ready to be picked up 
• OPEN – indicates your permits is approved & ready to be picked up

• Online (e-check or credit/debit cards) payments (https://jerseycitynj.gov/pay)
• Business checks accompanied by the approved check registry form CHECK REGISTRY FORM
• Personal checks that match the applicant’s information of the applications with approve check registry form
• Money Orders
• Certified Check

 ***no third party checks/out of state check or starter checks

Once the payment is applied the status will change to OPEN, once that happens permits with plans can be picked up between 9am-3pm, no appointment necessary, those without plans will be mailed to the contractor.
If you are paying for a job with plans, you will receive an email with instructions on how to upload your e-plans into our system prior to pick-up. If you have any questions or do not receive that email [email protected]

Please schedule all inspections on www.sdlportal.com

Inspections can be cancelled by calling the main line: 201 547 5055  or by reaching out to the inspector
***all statuses/updates of inspections can be found on the SDL PORTAL

• Inspections are completed between the hours of 7AM-3PM (contact your inspector directly if you need a specific timeframe)
• Dates/Times for large projects are handled one-on-one by the inspector for that area and entered in SDL
• Required documents that may need to be provided:
  • Footing and Foundation = Foundation survey
  • Framing = Framing Checklist
  • Insulation = Air Barrier Checklist
  • Sprinkler = Above Ground & Underground Certification
  • Fire Pump = NFPA 20 Certification
  • Fire Alarms = NFPA 72 Certification
  • Any Special Inspector Certifications 
  https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/resources/constructionpermitforms.html

• Denials are handled, by appointment only (via email or phone), by the Sub-code(s)/Reviewer(s) & conducted in person
  •   Building Sub-code - Joseph Severini Contact: [email protected] 
  •   Electrical Sub-code - Paul Esposito Contact: [email protected] 
  •   Plumbing Sub-code - Aldo Rizzo/John McMillan Contact: [email protected] 
  •   Fire Sub-Code- Michael Karlok Contact: [email protected] 
  •   Elevator Sub-code - Joseph Snyder Contact: [email protected] 
• These meetings are designed for you to obtain your permit if all denial reason are fulfilled and all information is brought in to satisfy those items
• Application issues pertaining to Plumbing and Electrical MUST by handled by the Licensed Contractors only

Does the project require release from the Department of Community Affairs for Health Facilities?

If yes or not sure, refer to:  https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/publications/pdf_bulletins/b_98_3.pdf

Does the project require a release from NJ Sports and Exposition Authority? (Formerly Meadowlands Authority)

If yes or not sure, refer to:  https://www.njsea.com/

Does the project require a Water Front Development Permit? (Within 500 ft. of the Hudson River)

If yes or not sure, refer to: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/

Will the Project involve the displacement of 5,000 square feet of soil or more?

If yes or not sure, please refer to the following website and make sure all procedures and forms are completed: http://hepsoilnj.org/

Have you filed a Rodent Control Plan with the Jersey City Health Department? (ARTICLE V Section 182-30 of the Jersey City Municipal Ordinances)

 Please contact Jersey City Health and Human Service:

Has a Traffic Safety Plan been filed and approved by the Office of the Construction Official and the Division of Traffic & Engineering [13-15 Linden Ave]? (Reference Jersey City Ordinance 19-014)

Is the project located in a Flood Zone? 

If you are not sure, please go to the following site: https://msc.fema.gov/portal

NJ State Department of Environmental Protection Approval is needed**

**must be constructed in accordance with flood regulations and ordinances

Is the construction near adjoining buildings?

If yes, the applicant is to provide an engineering investigation is required with a report outlining the specific protection of all adjoining properties and, if work needs to be performed on an adjoining property, and permission must be obtained from that property owner and a permit signed by the owner. (NJAC 5:23-2.34, 2.15(F), 2.34  and NJIBC Chapter 33)

Have you obtained a Passaic Valley Sewer Commission (water treatment) release?

*PVSC is required for footings and foundations

Please refer to the following website and make sure all procedures and required forms are completed and proof of payment is submitted: https://www.nj.gov/pvsc/

Have you obtained a JCMUA release? (Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority – sewer connection & sprinkler system) required for footing and foundation.

Form may be found at: https://www.jcmua.com/

You must submit a permit application and building technical sections, along with a picture of the property. If property is attached, then you must show that you notified the adjoining property of the interior demolition.

Please see the demo check list for all requirements and attach to your application when submitting to our office.

NJ DCA UCC

UCC Current Codes

City Ordinance Chapter 105 –Demolitions

City Ordinance Chapter 119-Certificate of Occupancy

City Ordinance Chapter 131-Uniform Construction Code

City Ordinance Chapter 134-Contractors and Permit Processors

City Ordinance Chapter 160-Fees and Charges

City Ordinance Chapter 182-Construction and Demolition Rodent Plan Requirement

City Ordinance Chapter 164-Structural Façade Inspections

City Ordinance Chapter 172-Flood Damage Prevention (Flood Elevation Certification)

Construction Site Safety Manual

Partial Releases for approved sub-codes can be issued if all sub-code reviews are complete, but plans cannot be released until all denials are addressed and plan review has passed all sub-code reviews.

*Exception-Partial releases will not be permitted on 1 and 2 family dwellings.

Plan review can take up to 20 business days. Please utilize www.sdlportal.com to track status. 

A new Certificate of Occupancy is required for new construction or after a major renovation. You must first have the following application approved by zoning. https://cdn5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6189660/File/City%20Hall/Housing%20Economic%20Development/Zoning/2021%20Zoning%20Applications/Zoning_Certificate_of_Occupancy_Application.pdf

Once the application is approved by Zoning it is forwarded to construction code where you must have the following and final inspections for all sub-codes must be complete:

Verify that we have Prior Approvals:

• JCMUA
• Passaic valley

Documents that need to be with application

• Veolia Water Clearance
• Homeowners Warranty (New Construction)
  • If 2 family is a condo, we need a warranty for each individual unit in the new owners name
  • HOW not needed individual built by owner (they must sign the inside of the folder attesting to such)
  • HOW not required if property will solely be used as a rental property. They must provide a notarized affidavit attesting to such.

• Soil erosion may be required if lot is over 5000 sq. ft.
• Elevation certificate may be required based on address
• Additional documents may be required if deemed necessary by the sub-codes or construction official. 

A new Certificate of Occupancy is required for new construction or after a major renovation. You must first have the following application approved by zoning. https://cdn5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6189660/File/City%20Hall/Housing%20Economic%20Development/Zoning/2021%20Zoning%20Applications/Zoning_Certificate_of_Occupancy_Application.pdf

Once the application is approved by Zoning it is forwarded to construction code where you must have the following documentation and final inspections for all sub-codes must be complete:

Verify that we have Prior Approvals:

• JCMUA
• Passaic valley

Documents that need to be with application

• Veolia Water Clearance
• Homeowners Warranty (New Construction Condos)
  • If new construction are condo units will need a warranty for each individual unit in the new owner's name
• DCA Multi-Unit Registration (new construction and change of existing units)

• Soil erosion may be required if lot is over 5000 sq. ft.
• Elevation certificate may be required based on address
• Additional documents may be required if deemed necessary by the sub-codes or construction official

A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy must first have the following application approved by zoning. https://cdn5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6189660/File/City%20Hall/Housing%20Economic%20Development/Zoning/2021%20Zoning%20Applications/Zoning_Certificate_of_Occupancy_Application.pdf

A TCO can be issued for a specified length of time when all utilities are in place, and the building, or specified portions of a building, can be occupied without endangering the health and safety of the occupants.

It requires all the same documentation as the final CO and must be approved and signed off by all sub-codes and the construction official.

A new CO is not required if no major renovation was completed and the business use is staying the same. 

If a tenant fit out is completed then a new application needs to be approved by zoning https://cdn5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6189660/File/City%20Hall/Housing%20Economic%20Development/Zoning/2021%20Zoning%20Applications/Zoning_Certificate_of_Occupancy_Application.pdf

Once approved and all final inspections are complete a new CO showing the new use based on submitted plans and occupancy load.

If the commercial space is undergoing a change a use an approved zoning application along with a permit application and a full set of plans showing the layout, the new use and occupancy load is required in order issue the CO. The plans will undergo plan review and if passed inspections will be completed to insure everything matches the plans. Once inspections are passed a CO for the new use and occupancy load will be issued.

A permit application and building technical section must be submitted where necessary to protect the public right of way, sidewalk, or street bridging, designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of the building sub-code, shall be installed over public rights of way to protect persons and vehicles. Construction documents prepared by a design professional shall be submitted and released prior to the installation of sidewalk or street bridging. The sidewalk or street bridging shall be inspected and certified by the licensed design professional prior to the start of construction work that may threaten the public right of way. The released drawings shall be available, upon request, at the site while the sidewalk or street bridging is in place.

The fee schedule can be found here (link https://library.municode.com/nj/jersey_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH160FECH)

Please see N.J. Admin. Code § 5:23-2.15(f) (Link NJ Department of Community Affairs)

Please utilize the link below for an interactive map that will show if you are in a historic area.

Jersey City Zoning Map (arcgis.com)

If you are you need to submit the following application to historic for approval prior to submitting to construction.

JC Contractor license is required for all non-state licensed contractors and work done on a commercial property.

Please fill out the application and pay the 100.00 fee on www.cityofjerseycity.com/pay then forward the completed application and payment confirmation to [email protected] for processing.

In order to change the contractor, you must submit a Permit Update . If the change is for an electrical or plumbing contractor, then the update must be sealed by the new contractor.

Please submit a letter to our office on company letterhead in person or via [email protected] Please note the permit number, address and date that you stopped working on the job and asked to be removed from the permit.

N.J.A.C. 5:23-24.34

Owners who undertake construction, rehabilitation, or demolition work at their properties shall protect adjoining properties and public rights of way from damage or hazardous conditions caused by the work. 1. In instances where it may be necessary to access the adjoining property to provide such protection, the owner intending to undertake the construction, rehabilitation, or demolition work that could potentially damage adjoining properties shall deliver written notice of such intent to the owners of the affected properties. The notice shall request written permission to enter the adjoining properties to determine the measures that must be taken to safeguard the properties from damage. i. Written consent from the owners of the adjoining properties must be obtained prior to entering the properties. ii. In those cases where owners of adjoining properties refuse access, work shall not proceed unless access to the properties is granted by the courts.2. Upon approval of measures to safeguard adjoining properties, the owner intending to undertake the construction, rehabilitation, or demolition work shall provide a copy of the measures to the owners of adjoining properties and shall request and obtain written permission from the owners of the adjoining properties to implement the measures prior to the commencement of work.(b) The measures to be taken to safeguard adjoining properties or public rights of way shall be submitted with the permit application for review and approval by the construction official. For projects undertaken using partial filing or partial releases, such measures shall be submitted for review and shall have been approved prior to the issuance of a construction permit for the portion of the work requiring the safeguarding of adjoining properties or public rights of way. Effective March 18, 2018: 1. Sections 3302, 3303, 3304, 3306, 3307, and 3308 of the building sub code shall be used as the minimum safeguards for all buildings and structures regulated by the one- and two-family dwelling subcode.2. Where necessary to protect the public right of way, sidewalk, or street bridging, designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of the building sub code, shall be installed over public rights of way to protect persons and vehicles. Construction documents prepared by a design professional shall be submitted and released prior to the installation of sidewalk or street bridging. The sidewalk or street bridging shall be inspected and certified by the licensed design professional prior to the start of construction work that may threaten the public right of way. The released drawings shall be available, upon request, at the site while the sidewalk or street bridging is in place.

N.J.A.C. 5:23-24.34

Effective March 18, 2018, for cranes of more than 160 feet in height, including jibs and any other extensions to the boom, located on a construction site or for cranes of more than 50 feet in height with a maximum rated capacity of greater than 20 tons located in a public right of way, measures shall be taken to protect adjoining property and public rights of way from any hazard to life or property that may be caused by the siting or use of the crane. Such measures may be omitted where the crane placement is such that failure would impact only the construction site itself and would not imperil any adjoining property, public right of way, or any building(s) or area(s) on the same property as the construction site occupied by other than construction workers.1. An owner intending to use a crane that is sited on or lifts over a public way shall obtain approval from the local police or traffic safety department or the appropriate county or State authority. Approval to close the street and sidewalk while the crane is in operation shall be accepted as adequately protecting the public right of way.2. Documentation for operation of a crane shall include a site plan indicating crane placement, support, or foundation, as appropriate, reach and lift limits, crane operating procedures to be followed under various wind or other environmental conditions, and any plans in place to control operation of the crane to minimize risk to adjoining property or public rights of way.3. For erection of a tower crane, the required documentation shall include a signed and sealed plan for the footing layout and design, including a soils report, and a certification by the design professional of record that installation was performed in accordance with this plan and the manufacturer's specifications for the crane.i. The tower and base shall have elevations shot to confirm that no movement has occurred after jumps. Additionally, the entity owning or operating the crane(s) shall maintain weekly reports of maintenance and connections to superstructure, as inspected and certified by the design professional.

N.J.A.C. 5:23-24.34(c)

A permit application and building technical section must be submitted. For erection of a tower crane, the required documentation shall include a signed and sealed plan for the footing layout and design, including a soils report, and a certification by the design professional of record that installation was performed in accordance with this plan and the manufacturer's specifications for the crane. i. The tower and base shall have elevations shot to confirm that no movement has occurred after jumps. Additionally, the entity owning or operating the crane(s) shall maintain weekly reports of maintenance and connections to superstructure, as inspected and certified by the design professional.

The goal our new automated phone system is to get you to the correct person as quickly as possible.  

• Option 1 for Hours and Directions 
• Option 2 for How to Check the Status of a Permit 
• Option 3 to Speak to Sub-code- press (1) for Building, press (2) for Fire, press (3) for Electrical, press (4) for Plumbing, press (5) for Elevator (this will transfer you directly to the sub code official) 
• Option 4 to speak to an inspector press  (1) for Building, press (2) for Fire, press (3) for Electrical, press (4) for Plumbing, press (5) for Elevator then listen for the name of the inspector you wish to speak to and press that option to be transferred directly to them 
• Option 5 for all  permit related questions not answered in our FAQ 
• Option 6 for how to make an online payment 
• Option 7 for how to submit a records request 
• Option 8 for all other questions 

BUILDING: ALL STRUCTURES

Ordinary building maintenance shall include:

Exterior and interior painting.

Vinyl wall covering of any amount is ordinary maintenance.

*Exception: Paneling shall not be considered ordinary maintenance.

Wall papering at any location;

The replacement of glass in any window or door. However, the replacement glass shall be of a type and quality that complies with the minimum requirements of the code;

The replacement of any window or door, including garage doors, in the same opening without altering the dimensions or framing of the original opening. This shall include storm windows and storm doors. The replacement of means of egress and emergency escape windows and doors may be made in the same opening without altering the dimensions or framing of the original opening, and shall not reduce the required height, width, or net clear opening of the previous window or door assembly. Exception: Opening protectives in fire- resistance rated assemblies;

The repair, replacement, or installation of any non-structural elements including, but not limited to, built in or attached furnishings, bookcases, equipment, or accessories, such as cabinets, benches or seats, and bathroom accessories;

The repair, replacement, or installation of any interior or exterior trim, decoration, or moldings;

The repair, replacement, or installation of any flooring material with a new material;

The repair or replacement of existing siding with like material not exceeding 25 percent of the total building exterior wall area in other than one- and two-family dwellings.

*Exception: The repair or replacement of poly- propylene siding shall not be ordinary maintenance

Notwithstanding (b) 2 and 4 above, the repair or replacement of any part of a deck, porch, or stoop that does not provide structural support for any roof or portion of a building. Materials used shall be identical to, or closely similar to, the existing materials and in the same location as those replaced;

The   repair,   replacement, or installation of screens

The installation of insulation, except foam plastic insulation, when installed adjacent to or not more than one and a half inches from an interior finish;

The repair, replacement, or installation of exterior gutters and leaders; and the installation of a storable spa or hot tub that is provided with a lockable safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346.

PLUMBING: ALL STRUCTURES

Replacement of hose bib valves. Replacement hose bib valves shall be provided with an approved at- morphemic vacuum breaker;

Refinishing of existing fixtures. Relining of fixtures shall not be considered to be ordinary maintenance;

Replacement of ball cocks. Replacement ball cocks must be an approved anti-siphon type;

Repair of leaks involving the replacement of piping;

Clearance of stoppages;

Replacements of faucets or working parts of faucets;

Replacement of valves (including shower or combination bath/shower valves);

Replacements of working parts of valves, including, but not limited to, shower or combination bath/shower valves;

Replacement of traps;

Replacement of fixtures with a similar fixture provided that no change in the piping arrangement is made; and

Replacement of domestic clothes washers and domestic dishwashers.

ELECTRICAL: ALL STRUCTURES

The replacement of any receptacle, switch, or lighting fixture, or part thereof, not containing emergency battery packs with a like or similar item. Receptacles in locations where ground-fault circuit interrupter protection, damp/wet, or tamper-resistant are required shall comply with Section 406.4(D) of the electrical sub-code;

Repairs to any installed electrically operated equipment such as doorbells, communication systems, and any motor operated device. Provided, however, that if fire protection systems are interrupted for repairs the fire official shall be notified in accordance with the building sub-code

Installation of communications wiring in a Class 3 structure, provided that the rearrangement does not involve penetration of a fire-rated assembly and is not in a hazardous location as defined in Chapter 5 of the electrical sub-code;

For the purposes of applying these provisions, communications wiring shall mean any wiring covered by Chapter 8 of the electrical sub-code, such as telephone, radio antenna, or coaxial cable TV wiring. Communications wiring shall also include data circuits between computers/information technology equipment, which may be classified as “communications circuits,” in accordance with Article 725 of the electrical sub-code;

Replacement of domestic dishwashers;

Replacement of kitchen range hoods in dwelling units, provided that the replacement hood exhaust rate does not exceed the exhaust rate of the existing hood or the exhaust rate of the replacement hood does not exceed 400 cubic feet per minute (cfm), and provided that the hood recirculates or vents independently to the outdoors;

FIRE: ALL STRUCTURES     

The replacement of any sprinkler or smoke alarm, smoke detector, or heat detector head with a like device;

The repair or replacement of any component of a fire alarm or smoke and heat detection equipment (other than the replacement of a fire alarm control panel);

The installation of battery-powered smoke alarms; and

The installation of battery-powered or plug-in type carbon monoxide alarms.

HVAC: ALL STRUCTURES

Replacement of motors, pumps and fans of the same capacity;

Repair and replacement of heating, supply and return piping and radiation elements, which does not re- quire rearrangement of the piping system;

Repair and replacement of duct work;

Repair of air conditioning equipment and systems;

Repair or replacement of control devices for heating and air conditioning equipment;

Replacement of kitchen range hoods in dwelling units, provided that the replacement hood exhaust rate does not exceed the exhaust rate of the existing hood or the exhaust rate of the replacement hood does not exceed 400 cfm, and provided that the hood recirculates or vents independently to the outdoors;

Replacement of domestic clothes dryers serving, and located within, dwelling units, provided that no change in fuel type, pipe size, or location or electrical characteristics is required;

Replacement of domestic stoves and domestic ovens in dwelling units, provided no change in fuel type, pipe size, or location or electrical characteristics is required;

The replacement of bathroom exhaust fans in dwelling units, provided that the fan vents independently to the outdoors; and The application of liquid applied lining material inside an existing chimney.

BUILDING: ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCES FOR ONE AND TWO FAMILY

The repair or replacement of any non-structural component, such as a non-loadbearing partition and a railing in one- and two-family dwellings. Materials or components used shall be identical to, or closely similar to, the existing materials and in the same location as those replaced;

The repair or replacement of existing roof covering on detached one- and two-family dwellings;

The repair or replacement of existing siding on one- and two-family dwellings.

*Exception: The repair or replacement of poly- propylene siding shall not be ordinary maintenance;

ELECTRICAL: ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCES FOR ONE AND TWO FAMILY

The installation of a burglar alarm, security sys- tem, or doorbell in one- and two-family dwellings; and

The installation of a plug-in landscape irrigation unit under 30 volts at one- or two-family dwellings.

Monday thru Friday 7:00am until 6:00pm (excluding holidays)

Construction is prohibited on all Federal Holidays.

Use the following link to apply for a permit with the Department of Infrastructure https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/cityhall/infrastructure

Use the following link to apply for a permit with the Department of Infrastructure https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/cityhall/infrastructure

Use the following link to apply for a permit with the Department of Infrastructure https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/cityhall/infrastructure

Permits are not required for installing or repairing a fence unless the fence acts as a pool barrier or the fence will be higher than six (6) feet. You will however need zoning approval; please use the following link to apply for zoning plan approval

https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/cityhall/HousingAndDevelopment/Zoning

Driveway approval is handled by zoning; please utilize the following link to zoning for more information. https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/cityhall/HousingAndDevelopment/Zoning

No permit is required from construction code; but you must get zoning approval. Utilize the link below for more information.

Zoning - City of Jersey City (jerseycitynj.gov)

Pools requiring zoning approval; please see https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/cityhall/HousingAndDevelopment/Zoning

Once approved all pools over 24 inches require a Permit Application with the building and technical sections attached.

In ground pools require a Bonding and Grounding Certificate and inspection annually from the city which incurs $25.00 fee.  Invoices are sent out in May of each year.

A permit application and building technical section Is required for structural repairs. Repairs that are non-structural do not require a permit.

Yes, a permit application with building technical section is required along with plans by a NJ licensed design professional. You will also need zoning approval prior to submitting to our office. See link below for Zoning Application. 

Zoning Application

Zoning approval is required for all shed installations. A construction permit for building work shall not be required for garden-type utility sheds and similar structures that are 200 square feet or less in area, 10 feet or less in height, and accessory to buildings of Group R-2, R-3, R-4, or R-5 and which do not contain a water, gas, oil, or sewer connection. A construction permit for electrical work shall be required, when applicable. 

No permit or permissions are needed to repave a parking lot.

All applicants must obtain a Zoning Determination Letter from the Division of Zoning to determine whether the proposed use is permitted and if an additional review by the Historic Preservation Commission might be required. The Zoning Determination Application can be found here. 

Once the Zoning Determination is approved you must complete the following application for the Department of Commerce: Sidewalk Café & Parklet License Application (cognitoforms.com)

If the parklet is over 160 sq. ft. a construction code building permit application and applicable sub-code technical sections along with plans by a NJ Licensed Design Professional (showing snow and wind load) are required. The application and plans must be approved by zoning prior to submittal to our office.

The city charges a $75.00 administrative fee per back flow annually and requires you have all backflow devices tested by a licensed plumber. The annual testing report must then be submitted to the plumbing sub-code for review along with the fee. Failure to do so can lead to a violation.

The city charges a fee annually which is based on the on the type and number of devices registered to your property. These fees are to cover the annual inspections required by the state.

It is the responsibility of your elevator company to contact the City of Jersey City annually to set up all required inspections.

Full Ordinance: Ord. 21-054 Routine Structural and Façade Inspections for Certain Buildings within the City of Jersey City

Does the City have a template or require a format for the inspection reports?

At this time, the City does not have a required template for the inspection reports. The City has provided checklists of inspection items for the architect/engineer to address in the report if applicable to the inspected building. Photos of overall, typical and notable conditions are encouraged.

See the following:

• Link to Checklist for Concrete Structure Inspection
• Link to Checklist for Façade Exterior Inspection

Should properties that are required to submit an inspection report hire a third party to perform the inspections?

Yes, properties should hire an architect or engineer licensed in the state of NJ to evaluate the building using the City’s inspection checklists while making their observations. The observations are to be included in the report.

Can the City recommend engineers or architects that are qualified to conduct inspections and prepare reports? How can properties find qualified professionals?

No, the City cannot recommend architectural or engineering companies. We recommend properties search online for ‘Jersey City façade/structure inspection report’—many of the top results will be firms that are familiar with performing inspections and preparing similar reports in other cities. Confirm that the professional signing the inspection report has a current license in the state of NJ.

How are the inspections required to be conducted?

Jersey City is leaving the chosen method(s) of inspection to the licensed professional--the techniques or process of making inspection observations to fulfill all the applicable items in the checklist(s) are left to the architect/engineer’s discretion.

Waivers for recently constructed buildings:

• Buildings that have not been issued a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) are waived from the reporting requirement(s).
• Buildings that were issued a CO at five years maximum prior to the inspection deadline(s) are waived.

• The building will begin to submit the required reports after the Certificate of Occupancy ages past five years.
• Note that the inspection deadlines differ for the structural and façade reports. If a building falls under both reporting categories, check the age of the building’s CO against both deadlines.

How are the reports submitted for the City’s review?

Send all reports to [email protected] in PDF format. All reports should include the seal or state registration number of the certifying professional.

Physical copies of the reports are not necessary.

Contact [email protected] to:

• Submit all Ord. 21-054 reports.
• Questions on building reporting requirements.
• Verify required structural report requirements for buildings with hybrid/composite structures.
• Verify waivers and exemptions from the reporting requirements.
• Request deadline extensions for the 2022 Structural and 2023 Façade inspections.