When Do I Need a Construction Permit
About Construction Permits
A Construction Permit is more than a piece of paper and a fee. It is a document that sets in place a series of events that actually protect your rights as a homeowner and consumer. Permits ensure the safety of the people that occupy our homes and businesses. And by law, they are required. But not all work requires a construction permit. “Ordinary Maintenance”, for example, as defined by the NJ Uniform Construction Code, does not require a permit.
Regardless of whether a Construction Permit is required, almost all work requires a Zoning Permit and approval. If any doubt exists, email the Zoning Officer, or call 732-872-1224, Ext. 224.
»CLICK HERE FOR THE ZONING DEPARTMENT«
About Construction Permit Fees
Fees for Construction Permits can be found in Chapter 10 of the Borough of Highlands Ordinance.
Work That Requires a Construction Permit
Some common types of work requiring a Construction Permit include:
- Additions to an existing structure
- Deck
- Finishing a basement
- Enclosing a porch
- In-ground or above ground pool, spa or hot tub
- Pool heater
- Interior alteration or renovation
- New or replaced central air, furnace, boiler or water heater
- New or replaced fireplace or insert
- Generator
- Chimney liner
- New ductwork
- Shed larger than 200 square feet
- New wiring or electrical lighting or receptacle outlets
- Underground sprinkler system
- Removing or installing an oil tank
- Upgrading the electric service
- Installing driveway post lights
- Demolition of a shed or building
- Installing a concrete patio with stairs
- Retaining walls
- Installing a fence greater than 6-feet in height (ALL FENCES REQUIRE ZONING)
- Installing any size fence surrounding a pool
- Replacing or installing septic system (Permits with the Monmouth County County Board of Health also required)
- Renovating a garage or other accessory building
- Install a Photovoltaic (solar) system
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Work That Does NOT Require a Construction Permit
Some Common types of work not requiring a Construction Permit include:
- Exterior and interior painting
- Installation, repair, or replacement of interior finishes of less than 25 percent of the wall area in a one or two family dwelling
- Replacement of glass in any window or door
- Replacement of any window, door, or garage door in the same opening
- Replacement of any non-structural component, such as a partition railing in one or two family dwelling
- Replacement or installation of any non-structural elements, such as cabinets, trim, or flooring material, provided it is not part of an alteration project
- Repair or replacement of existing roof covering on detached one or two family dwellings
- Repair or replacement of existing siding (except polypropylene siding) on one or two family dwellings
- 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
- Installation of exterior gutters and leaders
- Replacement of hose bib valves, ball cocks, faucets, valves, traps, or fixtures with a similar fixture provided that no change in the piping arrangement is made
- Replacement of any receptacle, switch, or lighting fixture not containing emergency batteries
- Replacement of domestic dishwashers or kitchen range hoods in dwelling units
- Installation of a burglar alarm, security system, doorbell or plug-in landscape irrigation unit under 30 volts at one or two family dwellings
- Replacement of duct work
- Repair of air conditioning or furnace equipment and systems