Frequently Asked Questions

You must obtain a permit from the Building Department before doing the following work:

• Replacing a Roof
• Installing New Siding
• Any Addition
• Interior Alterations
• Constructing a Deck
• Enclosing a Porch
• Installing a Dishwasher
• Most Electrical Work
• Finishing Your Basement
• Central Air Conditioning
• Installing a Swimming Pool (Above or Below Ground)
• New Furnace
• New Boiler
• New Hot Water Heater
• Fence
• Fireplace 
• Sheds
• Underground Sprinkler System
• Driveways and Sidewalks

This is a partial list, when in doubt, call the Building Department at 201-641-4950, opt. 4.

Carpenters do not have to be licensed in New Jersey; however, Plumbers, Electricians, and Fire Alarm contractors are required to have a State License.

Homeowners of an owner-occupied single-family home may do their own work. They may not have a friend, relative, or neighbor do the plumbing or electrical work; the homeowner must personally do the work.

Note: A Permit is Still Required From the Building Department.

Any other structure, including owner-occupied two-family homes, requires that all plumbing and electrical work be performed by NJ-licensed contractors.

For ordinary repairs and maintenance work, including exterior and interior painting (the C-1 Business Zone requires a review from the Historic Preservation Commission for exterior painting). Wallpapering, installation, or repair of any interior finish of less than 25% of the wall area in any room. (Paneling shall not be considered an ordinary repair and requires a permit.)

The installation of any door, window, or garage door in the same opening without altering the dimensions of the framing of the original opening. The repair of any non-structural member, such as a partial railing or kitchen cabinet. The replacement or repair of any interior or exterior trim or molding.

The installation of any flooring material. In a commercial building, carpeting requires a permit. The repair of existing roofing material with a like material, not exceeding 25% of the total roof area within a 12-month period.

Replacing a faucet, as long as the plumbing does not have to be rearranged.

Note: Check With the Building Department Before You Start, to Make Sure.

Ask your contractor for a reference list and check with those on the list. Most legitimate contractors do not go door to door seeking work. Check our list for when permits are required. If your contractor states that he does not need a permit and it is on the list, do not fall for his line; the penalty for working without the required permits can be as much as $500 per day.

The Building Department may not recommend contractors; however, we can give you 3 names of contractors that we have not had any problems with. But we still do not recommend them.

N.J. State Law 13:45A-16.2 States: Final Inspections are Required Before Final Payment is Made to the Contractor.

Either the homeowner or the contractor can take out a building permit; however, this office recommends that you have the contractor take care of this responsibility. Plumbing and Electrical permits, when the work is being done by a contractor, must be taken out by the contractor. Remember, only the owner-occupant of a single-family home may do their own plumbing and electrical work.

Remember, the purpose of construction permits is for the health, safety, and welfare of the building occupants and the public.

Permit requirements are State Law and strictly enforced by the Village Building Department.

You can also help the Village and your neighbors by maintaining your property in a way that you and your neighbors can be proud of.