Need Permits for:

Air Conditioning (Existing)

• Jacket and Electrical Permit
• Information on U.L. Rating

Banner

• Zoning Permit
• Banner Content
• Size, Freestanding or attached with photo

Deck

• Jacket
• Zoning Permit– Building Permit
• Survey – 2 sets of drawings - 270 Form

Driveway (New & Replacement)

• Zoning Permit - Survey

Electrical Service (AMP Service)

• Jacket & Electrical Permit - Quick Permit

Fence

• Fence Permit & Survey
• 6 Ft. height max., 4 ft. front with 50% visibility

• Jacket– Plumbing, Electrical,
• Chimney Certification

Hot Water Heater

• Jacket– Plumbing & Fire Permit
• If electrical, needs Electrical Permit

Patio

• Zoning Permit & Survey
• Needs to show site and be signed & dated
• Size & setbacks

Pool (Above Ground)

• Jacket– Zoning & Building Permit
• Electrical Permit
• Survey/size of pool

Pool (In-Ground)

• Jacket– Zoning & Building Permit
• Electrical Permit
• Survey & 2 sets of architectural drawings

The purpose is to ensure that any proposed use, construction, or alteration is allowed in the zone and will be located within the required setbacks from the property lines.  In almost all cases, a Zoning Permit will be required before a Building Permit can be issued.  Always check with the building department to determine whether a permit is necessary.  If you cannot meet zoning requirements, it may be possible to obtain a variance.

• Zoning approval and Building Permits are required for most home improvement projects, including additions, decks, sheds, fireplaces, and swimming pools.

• A Zoning Permit is required for a new and replacement sidewalk, driveway, apron, patio, fences, or service walks.

• A Building Permit & Zoning permit, is also required for roofing and siding.

• An Electrical Permit is required for most electrical work.

• A Fire Protection Permit is required for smoke and heat detectors and fire suppression work.

• A Plumbing Permit is required for replacement or installation of a furnace, boiler, water service, hot water heater or sewer or gas lines.  Electrical and Fire Permits are also required for HVAC furnace and boiler replacement or new units.

Practically speaking, any use of your property will require a Zoning Permit $25.00.  We are fortunate in Kearny to have a moderately priced permit:  twenty dollars ($20.00) per thousand dollars ($1000.00) worth of work, with a minimum fee of $50.00.  Depending on the complexity of your job, it will take five to seven business days to process your permit.  You will be called when your permit is ready to be picked up.

The Building Department has 20 working days to issue a permit, but for small jobs, in most cases a permit can be issued in 7 business days.

A survey plan indicating the location of proposed construction on your property and conformity to the applicable setbacks is required to obtain zoning approvals.  The survey plan must be prepared based upon a survey performed by a licensed land surveyor.  A survey of your property is required.

Plans must be submitted in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code:  Two sets of plans and supporting documentation reflecting the manner in which the improvement is to be constructed or installed are required to obtain a Building Permit. All drawings must be to scale.

Plans must be prepared by either a New Jersey licensed architect, engineer, or single-family homeowner who has prepared his or her own plans for construction, alteration, or repair of a structure used or intended to be used exclusively as his or her private residence and to be constructed by him or herself. 

• Building Plans must comply with the IBC (International Building Code NJ Edition), 2000 Edition.

• Plumbing plans must comply with the National Standard Plumbing Code, 2000 Edition.

• Fire plans and mechanical plans must comply with the IBC Fire and Mechanical Codes, 2000 Edition.

• Electrical plans must comply with the NEC (National Electric Code), 2002 Edition

Additions or alterations must necessitate upgrading of the existing building to comply with current requirements, including, but not limited to, light, air, egress, and smoke detectors, as part of the construction.  The Building Department has general guidelines available to assist residents for most home improvement projects.

All permits require an inspection, and many permits require more than one inspection.  Ask our staff about the details on scheduling an inspection.