liberty township
 
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Liberty Township Construction Office

Ralph Price
Construction Official
Tuesday evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and
Friday mornings from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon.
phone: 908-637-4579

Do I need a building permit?

Homeowners often ask, "Do I need a building permit?" There is a lot of confusion as to when one is needed. The definition is long and covers many requirements not pertaining to homeowners. Simply put, repairs (other than new construction) are broken down into the following three categories.

1. Ordinary Repairs (no permit required)

  • Examples are replacing an exterior door or windows without altering the structure. Replacing gutters, carpets, repairing wall finishes, molding.
  • Also, fences smaller than 6’ high do not require a permit, but requires zoning. (Please contact the Zoning Officer.)

2. Minor Repairs (permits required)

  • Examples... a new roof if more than 25% is being replaced.
  • New siding if more than 25% of area.
  • Replacing steps, porches, new water heater, furnace, electrical service, etc.

3. Emergency Repairs (permits required but have 72 hours to file for the permit)

  • Examples... are snow or ice damage, roof repairs, heat supply repairs, etc.
  • The nature of the repair is to make the remaining structure safe and secure (if a dwelling).

4. New Construction (always requires a permit)

  • Examples... are a new house, a new deck, enclosing a porch, building accessory buildings (sheds if over 100 sq. ft., garages, barns), finish basements, build patios, pools (above or in ground), additions, or dormers.

If you still have questions as to whether or not a permit is needed, Contact the building department at (908) 637-4579 ext. 21. Our office hours are Tuesday evenings from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Friday mornings from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Home Owners Performing Electrical Work

New Jersey laws require persons doing electrical work to be licensed. An exception to this law are persons doing electrical work on their principle place of residence.

A properly completed electrical application stating the work being done must be submitted. Along with this application, an electrical drawing complying with applicable sections of the National Electrical Code for work being done must be included.

Some of the informations to be on the drawings are location of electrical equipment, switches, lights, receptacles, etc., size of wire, circuit breaker size, line diagram of installation and wiring method (Romex, BX, or pipe). It is incumbent on the homeowner to obtain and supply this information on his own when filing an application.

Well Permit (electrical)

Well drillers or pump installers need to submit an electrical permit (electrical supply from the house to well wiring controls and pump). Inspection is required with an open ditch to be inspected before backfill. The fee is $46.00 plus a DCA fee.

House and Addition Permits

The following is a list of requirements and procedures that need to be followed when applying for a Construction Permit or a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

Requirements for Construction Permits

  1. NJ Department of Environmental Protection (wet lands letter of exemption).
  2. Soil Conservation (letter of approval or exemption) 5,000 sq. ft. disturbed soil.
  3. Zoning application (no charge, see Zoning Officer).
  4. Plot Plan approval (sub division) both township and county.
  5. A driveway on a county road requires prior approval from the county Engineer.
  6. Builder registration number (copy of card).
  7. Health Department (approval letter) Septic and Well.
  8. Construction Plans (3 sets).
  9. Permits (construction permit, building, plumbing, electrical, fire sub code).
  10. Foundation Location (ordinance # 99-15) Upon completion of the foundation, no further construction above the foundation shall proceed until a certified survey, prepared by a licensed land surveyor, licensed in the State of New Jersey is submitted to the Construction Official. Such survey shall contain at a minimum the following information: a) Block, Lot, and Street address.
    1. Exact dimensions of each structure and it’s location on the lot.
    2. All setbacks and widths or depth of all yard spaces

Requirements for Certificate of Occupancy

  1. Health Department (completion letter).
  2. Soil Conservation letter of Approval.
  3. Home Owners Warranty (State or private) or affidavit of homeowner.
  4. "As Built" showing exact dimensions of each structure and exact location with all setbacks and width or depth of al yards- including and propane or oil tank, well, or septic locations.
  5. Driveway release from Township Engineer.
  6. Driveway release from County Engineer.
  7. Final inspection and approval from all Sub Code Officials (Building, Fire, Electrical, Plumbing).