Usually, yes. New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code requires a construction permit to build, alter or renovate a house (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14) unless the work is ordinary maintenance. Painting, flooring, cabinets and a like-for-like fixture swap need no permit (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7). Moving plumbing, adding wiring or touching structure does.
Work that needs no permit
The code lists work that counts as ordinary maintenance in a one- or two-family home. It needs no permit and no inspection (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7). The list includes:
- Painting and wallpaper, inside and out.
- Replacing flooring.
- Installing or replacing cabinets, built-ins, trim and moldings.
- New drywall or plaster over less than a quarter of the wall area.
- Replacing a window or door in the same opening, without changing its size or framing.
- Replacing faucets, shower valves and traps, or swapping a fixture for a similar one without changing the piping.
- Replacing a switch, outlet or light fixture with a similar one.
Work that needs a permit
The same section says ordinary maintenance never includes:
- Cutting into a load-bearing wall, or removing or cutting a beam or support.
- Changing a required way out of the house, such as an egress window.
- Adding, moving or replacing water, drain, vent or gas piping.
- Electrical wiring, other than low-voltage communications wiring.
- Any work that affects structural or fire safety.
What that means for common projects
- Kitchen. New cabinets, counters and flooring alone are ordinary maintenance. Moving the sink, running gas or adding circuits needs a permit. See kitchen remodel cost.
- Bathroom. Swapping a vanity or toilet in place is ordinary maintenance. Moving a drain, as a tub-to-shower conversion often does, needs a permit. See bathroom remodel cost.
- Basement. Framing, wiring and plumbing all need permits. See basement finishing cost.
- Addition. Always needs a permit, and zoning approval if it breaks setbacks or lot coverage. See home addition cost.
How the permit process works
The application has to list the licensed electrical and plumbing contractors doing that work and the home improvement contractor's registration (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15). The construction office then has 20 business days to approve or deny a complete application (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.16).
During the job, work stops at each required inspection, such as rough plumbing and wiring before the walls close, and the town performs an inspection within three business days of the request (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.18).
Under New Jersey's Home Improvement Practices rules, a contractor may not start work until every required permit has been issued, and must give you copies of the inspection approvals before final payment is due (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-16.2).
Where to get a permit near Hamilton
Each town runs its own construction office. Fees are set locally, so ask the office for its fee schedule.
| Municipality | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Township | 2090 Greenwood Avenue, Hamilton | (609) 890-3666 |
| Princeton | 400 Witherspoon Street, Princeton | (609) 921-7078 |
| West Windsor Township | 271 Clarksville Road, West Windsor | (609) 799-8490 |
| Lawrence Township | 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville | (609) 844-7060 |
| Plainsboro Township | 641 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro | (609) 799-0909 |
| Robbinsville Township | 2298 Route 33, Robbinsville | (609) 259-3600 |
| Hopewell Township | 201 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville | (609) 737-0612 |
| Hopewell Borough | 88 E Broad Street, Hopewell | (908) 713-0722 |
| Pennington Borough | 30 North Main Street, Pennington | (609) 737-0276 |
| East Windsor Township | 16 Lanning Boulevard, East Windsor | (609) 443-4000 |
| Ewing Township | 2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing | (609) 883-2900 |
Yardley, Pennsylvania is outside this system: Yardley Borough takes permit applications at Borough Hall, 56 S. Main Street.
Planning a project?
MHG Contracting (NJ home improvement contractor #13VH13286900) is based at 2145 Nottingham Way in Hamilton. Call (609) 712-2474 or ask for a free estimate.
