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1. What is a building permit required for?

A building permit is required for everything that is not considered an ordinary repair or maintenance. Permits are required for finishing basements, decks, raised patios, swimming pools, renovating bathrooms & kitchens, water heaters, sheds, gazebos, new electrical wiring and new plumbing installations. A building permit is required whenever you are constructing, moving, altering, converting, improving, repairing or demolishing a structure in any area of the Township. It applies to work on the interior as well as exterior of the structure. Work covered by the building permit must be inspected by the Township before the project can be considered complete.

Please note that this list is not all-inclusive; contact the building department with any questions regarding building permits.

2. What happens if I am caught working without a permit?

A penalty of $2,000 is assessed. Any work completed may require removal.

3. How much do permits cost?

Permits are calculated based on the project and in accordance with the construction code fee schedule, which can be found in the town codes. Building Permit Fees depend on the valuation of the work to be completed including labor and materials. Fees are charged per permit — for example, you’ll pay one fee for an electrical permit, and another for a plumbing permit. Permit Fees can be paid by check or exact cash at Town Hall, or through mail.

4. When are inspections required for new buildings, alterations, additions, and renovations?

1. Footing Inspections, Bottom of Trench- Prior to pouring of concrete. 

2. Foundation Inspection- Prior to placement of backfill. Note: A Final Approval of the foundation will not be made until and As-Built Location Survey of the foundation is prepared, signed and sealed by a Licensed Land Surveyor and submitted for zoning review and approval. 

3. Slab Inspection- Prior to the placement of concrete. 

4. Sheathing Inspection 

5. Electric Inspection- Rough Wire. 

6. Plumbing Inspection- Rough Installation. 

7. Framing Inspection- After rough plumbing/rough electric inspection but prior to insulation installation. 

8. Insulation- Prior to the Installation of Sheetrock. 

9. Final Plumbing, Electric, & Fire Inspections. 

10.Final Building Inspections- After Final Plumbing, Electric, and Fire Inspections are completed and approved. 

5. Is a C.O (Certificate of Occupancy) required for sale of my home?

No. You will need a smoke detector certification, which you can obtain by calling the Millburn Fire Department at 973-564-7043. However, we recommend that you call the Building Department at 973-564-7055 to determine if there are open permits on your property, which could slow the process of selling your home. Be sure to do this well in advance of your closing date in order to ensure receiving the information in time.

6. Will I be able to schedule an inspection the same day I make the request?

No. Every inspection is unique and some may take longer than others. When the department schedules your inspection, you will receive the soonest available appointment date. Inspections can be scheduled on the SDL Portal. Inspections are conducted Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

7. What if I have an old permit for which I never scheduled an inspection?

Call the office and schedule the inspections. No penalty will be incurred. If you are cited for not obtaining final inspections the penalty will be $2,000.

8. How do I obtain a building permit?

To obtain a permit, you must hire a contractor licensed in the State of New Jersey. Residents also have the option to perform the work themselves. Applicants will be required to provide proof of ownership to take on the liability if performing the work themselves. All Applicants will need to submit the required paperwork, and pay a fee. Residents also have the option of performing the work themselves. Gather your materials and copies to complete the permit application and bring it to the Building Department. All copies of the electrical, plumbing, and mechanical technical sections must be sealed by the corresponding licensee. Please provide one original plus three photocopies of each completed applicable form. For any originals that are required to have a raised seal, the photocopies are also required to contain this raised seal. In other words, fill out one form and photocopy it, then seal the original and all copies.

Permits are issued in person at Town Hall and inspections are scheduled when the permit application is approved and the permit fee is paid.

Most people hire an architect or designer to draw their plans; however, for small projects, you may wish to submit drawings yourself. Please ensure that drawings submitted are to scale and clear enough that we may fully understand the work.

9. What does the Zoning Official do?

The Zoning Official issues zoning permits for all site improvements, as well as all necessary zoning approvals, in accordance with the Township Zoning Ordinance, required prior to the issuance of a building permit. The Zoning Official is the Administrator for the Millburn Township Board of Adjustment.

10. Do I Need Zoning Approval?

Zoning approvals are required for all exterior building and site improvements and for all changes in use or tenancy of any rental space, building, or property. Zoning approval and related building permits are required for most projects. Please contact the Building Department if you are unsure as to what approvals and permits will be required for your projects.

11. What is the Uniform Construction Code?

The Uniform Construction Code is administrated by the Construction Official, and includes the Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire subcode officials and inspectors, which serve to enforce the various codes adopted by the Uniform Construction Code. Building permits are required for most projects in strict accordance with the requirements of the State of New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23.

12. Do I need Historic Preservation Commission Approval?

If you live within the Historic District, you may need approval from the Historic Preservation Commission for work. Check your property status through the SDL Portal.