The Department of Municipal Services is inclusive of several divisions, including Engineering, Public Works, Sewer Utility, Code Enforcement, Fire Safety, and Planning/Zoning.

This Department assists and protects all Bridgewater residents and the inherent appeal of the community in many ways including:

• Ensuring all construction within Bridgewater, both residential and commercial, is in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code of New Jersey. Purpose: To safeguard the public’s health, welfare and life safety in buildings;
• Preventing the occurrence of fires through education and compliance inspections Mission: to help prevent the occurrence of fire, protect lives and to preserve property through: Enforcement, Education, Permitting and Inspection, Plan review
• Assist and protect the public, compliance with Township Codes, investigating drainage issues, keeping soil disturbances to a minimum
• Preservation of trees
• Serving as Professional and Administrative Staff to Bridgewater Township Planning Board
• Enforcing compliance with current Zoning Ordinances
• Managing Township Capital Improvement Projects
• Keeping Tax Maps/Zoning Maps available for the public
• Managing the use, construction, operation and maintenance of the Sewer Utility
• Providing exceptional service and maintenance of Public Works structures and facilities

Contacts:

Thomas M. Genova – Director of Municipal Services 

Maria Schaumberg – Project Manager 

Lauren Vitti – Confidential Administrative Assistant

Engineering –

William H. Burr, IV, PE – Township Engineer

Anthony Gallo, PE, CME – Assistant Township Engineer

Kunal Dash – Project Manager

Kyle Boehme – Engineer/Project Manager

Public Works –

Richard Shimp – Superintendent of Public Works

Tyson Murdock – Supervisor/Public Works

Sewer Utility –

Thomas M. Genova – Director of Municipal Services

Richard Shimp – Superintendent Public Works/Sewer Division Maintenance

Code Enforcement –

Steve C. Rodzinak – Construction Official

Fire Safety –

Thomas E. Scalera – Fire Official/Fire Marshall

Xavier Alvarado – Fire Inspector

Planning/Zoning –

Nancy Probst – Land Use Administrator

Roger Dornbierer – Zoning Officer

Sewer Utility

The Sewer Utility Division is responsible for managing the use and construction of sanitary sewerage facilities throughout the Township. To date we have installed 350 miles of collection lines and 50 miles of trunk sewers. We also maintain 5 major pumping stations and 115 residential grinder pumps.

Sewer Utility Division operations are divided into four major functional groups, consisting of: Administration, Construction Inspection, Engineering, and Maintenance. Responsibilities are shared among three municipal departments: Engineering, Finance, and Public Works with support from the Building Code and Enforcement Division, and the Health Department.

Each year the Township Council approves a separate annual operating budget for Sewer Utility activities. The expense of these programs is recovered through a program of annual sewer use charges.

The Sewer Utility Division is constantly in the process of planning, designing, upgrading, and constructing new facilities. Newly constructed facilities consist of private sector development projects, which are required to include provisions for sanitary sewers, and public municipal projects for existing residents. Changes in development trends approved by the Planning Board are also evaluated to help ensure capacity within the existing Township infrastructure. As the Health Department identifies failing onsite treatment facilities the Sewer Utility Division is also advised so that alternative facilities can be evaluated and be added to the Six Year Capital Improvement Plan. Sewer Utility maintenance personnel also keep track of repairs and service calls to help aid in planning systems upgrades.
Sewer Utility Division operations include a variety of activities from general management to planning, design to construction, operations to preventative maintenance, collecting revenues to controlling expenditures, and interaction with the Township’s tax collector to ensure that all sewer users utilizing Bridgewater’s municipal sewage system are paying their fair share.

Sewer Utility Division is managed by Thomas M. Genova, Director of Municipal Services. He can be reached at 908-725-6300 Ext. 5515 or by email: tgenova@bridgewaternj.gov. Sewer Maintenance is managed by Richard Shimp, Superintendent of Public Works. He can be reached at 908-725-6300 Ext. 6000 or by email: publicworks@bridgewaternj.gov. For all sewer billing issues or to set up an account, please contact the Tax Collector’s office at (908) 725 6300 ext. 5145 or email: taxcollector@bridgewaternj.gov.

Become An Emergency Services Volunteer

There is a long tradition of volunteering in Bridgewater and we are asking you to help your friends and neighbors by considering the time and commitment of being an Emergency Services Volunteer in Bridgewater Township.

Who are the volunteers? They are people just like you, men and women of all ages, from all walks and positions in life. They share the common desire to give something that money alone cannot buy … themselves, their time and effort, their care and concern.

In addition to personal rewards, the following Township benefits are available to active volunteers for Bridgewater rescue squads and fire companies:

1. Tuition reimbursement up to $600 per year ($2400 maximum lifetime benefit) to volunteers, and their spouse and dependent children,  making a four-year commitment to voluntary services in either rescue or fire per N.J.S.A. 18A:71-78.

2. Waiver of fees for Planning Board applications for a volunteer’s personal residence.

3. Waiver of fees for Board of Adjustment application fees for a volunteer’s personal residence.

4. Waiver of fees for active members and their family members (including husband, wife, children, father, mother, grandparents, grandchildren, and any stepchild or legally adopted child living in the same household) for recreation programs, and municipal construction permits for a volunteer’s personal residence.

In addition, many rescue squads and fire companies participate in the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) that provides retirement benefits for their volunteer members.

It takes a special person to volunteer as a firefighter or rescue squad member. Someone with the desire to do something important for his or her community. Someone with courage and dedication who isn’t afraid of hard work and is willing to accept the challenge of a difficult job.

If you are this kind of person, you are needed as a volunteer. The hardest part to answering this call is taking the first step. Make a phone call or visit your local squad building or firehouse at the telephone numbers and addresses listed below. All training and equipment are provided by Bridgewater Township and the rescue squads and fire companies.

Click here for Fire District Maps

Click here to access the Zoning Board’s meeting agendas, minutes, and notices. 

Zoning is the establishment of standards across our neighborhoods in an orderly pattern to protect our community’s health, safety, and welfare. It determines how our town’s land is used and what operations or activities may be permitted when and where.  The office reviews construction application permits, it also issues utility shed permits along with patio, fence, and gazebo permits.

Questions regarding construction of additions, decks, and driveways should be referred to Zoning, as well as questions on snow removal from sidewalks.

The Zoning Officer reviews permit requests to ensure all projects and proposals conform to our ordinance standards. In addition, Zoning also investigates property maintenance issues.

The Zoning Enforcement Office is located in the lower level of the municipal building. The office hours are from 9AM – 5 PM. 

Before starting any home project or development, you should check with Zoning to determine if the work requires a permit. Depending on the project, you may also require construction, plumbing, and electrical permits, but a Zoning permit is your first step.

Permits are required for the following:

• New house construction, additions
• Detached garages
• Decks, porches, or patios
• Sheds, fences, retaining walls
• Pools (above and in-ground), hot tubs, spas
• Standby generators
• Signs

If you have questions regarding the permit process or other Zoning matters, please get in touch with Roger Dornbierer at 908-725-6300 x5541.

Property owners and tenants are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks. Snow may not be moved to a cleared public roadway due to public safety concerns. Please refer to Chapter 182, SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL of the municipal code for more information.

The Zoning Officer conducts field investigations. Land use and ordinance violations are two of the areas routinely brought to his or her attention. Complaints often include inoperable or unregistered vehicles. Complaints made by residents are recorded and investigated. Occasionally, summonses are issued and the offenders are required to appear in court.

Attention: All Real Estate Agents – under our ordinance, “For Sale” signs are limited to the listed property only. Any “Open House” or directional signs off the property are allowed for the day of the open house only.

All Planning and Board of Adjustment application questions are referred to the Planning Office and specifically to the Board Secretary at ext. 5530.

The Zoning Office can be reached at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5541

The Land Use Administration Office can be reached at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5530

HOME OCCUPATIONS
Chapter 126-368 to view the ordinance on Home Occupations.
Home-Office-or-Occupation.form-2024

FENCE GUIDELINES

All fencing requires a Zoning Permit issued by the Zoning Office. Permit requires a survey showing the fence location and a picture or specifications of the style of fence. An inspection of the completed fence is only made if a complaint is made with the Zoning Office.  Maximum fine for erecting a fence without a permit may be $1,000.00.

A fence is a structure. It cannot be over six feet in height. Any fence placement that may violate a property line becomes a civil issue and the township does not arbitrate any dispute. Any fence placed along a wall along a property line cannot be higher then six feet on both sides measured at ground level.

Any landscaping along any property line may augment privacy with no regulation.

Solid and Open Fence:

All fences must be installed a minimum of six (6) inches set back from all property lines and shall comply with the following:

• No portion of the fence, including face, footing, foundation, or posts, shall be installed over the property line, or into the road right of way.
• No fence shall interfere with sight distance along any portion of the road right of way or access easement.
• No fence is permitted within an existing sight triangle.
• No fence may encroach onto a public utility easement or public access easement without the written permission of the Township Engineer and a written agreement between the property owner and Township that is to remain in perpetuity for the life of the fence, and must be recorded in the Somerset County Clerk’s Office.  At a minimum, a gate shall be required on one (1) side of the easement for access.
• No fence shall encroach onto a conservation easement.

Height of a fence shall be as follows:

• The maximum height of a fence is six (6) feet along the rear property line.
• The maximum height of a fence is six (6) feet along the side property line if the fence terminates no less than three (3) feet behind the front of the principal building, excluding such projections as porches, steps, bay and bow windows, patios and similar projections.
• The maximum six (6) feet height may be continued from the side property line to the principal building as long as it is no less than three (3) feet behind the front of the principal building.

In all other areas of a lot, the maximum height of a fence is 48 inches and shall contain gaps of at least 50% of the width of the solid vertical portion staggered in a manner similar to a picket fence.

Fences used to enclose non-residential electrical supply stations and mechanical facilities having energized electrical conductors or equipment shall be a maximum of eight (8) feet in height and shall be effectively grounded.       

Fences that are constructed on top of or in association with a retaining wall shall be limited to four (4) feet in height and shall comply with all other applicable provisions of this Chapter.

Measurement of the height of a fence shall be as follows: 

The height of a fence shall be measured from the lowest surface of the ground to the highest point of the fence throughout its entire length.

For a fence placed on top of a retaining wall, the combined structure shall be measured from the bottom elevation of the retaining wall to the highest point of the fence.

Section 196-3, DESIGN STANDARDS

Design Standards for fencing shall be as follows:

• The finished face of the fence must face the abutting property, except:
  • Where the fence encloses an outdoor recreational facility.
  • Where the fence is in a residential zone and where the fence abuts a commercial or industrial property.
• Fence posts may be six inches higher than the fence.
• Fence installation shall not adversely affect drainage.
• Fence shall be constructed out of material customarily used for fence construction.
• Fences or barriers surrounding swimming pools shall be consistent with the currently adopted Building Codes in the State of New Jersey.

SHEDS – GAZEBOS

 All sheds require a permit. Application must include a survey locating the shed and a picture with specification sheet of the shed. 

Sheds – 100 SF or less

1. Requires Zoning permit only.  No UCC building permit needed
2. Height maximum of ten (10) feet as measured from grade to the peak
3. Distance to side and rear property lines is three (3) feet only in the following zones:  R-20.1, R-10.1, R-10, R-10A, and R-10B
4. All other zones the minimum distance to side and rear property lines is ten (10) feet
5. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for footing or foundation
6. Cannot be placed in front yard
7. Height over ten (10) feet, accessory structure setbacks for each zone applies and requires a UCC building permit
8. No utilities allowed without proper UCC building permits
9. This is an accessory structure (maximum of two (2) per lot)

Sheds – 101 – 199 SF

1. Requires Zoning permit only.  No UCC building permit needed
2. Height maximum of ten (10) feet as measured from grade to the peak
3. Taxed
4. Locate on your survey within setback for that zone
5. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for footing or foundation
6. Cannot be placed in front yard
7. Height over ten (10) feet, accessory structure setbacks for each zone applies and requires a UCC Building permit
8. No utilities allowed without proper UCC building permits
9. This is an accessory structure (maximum of two (2) per lot)

Sheds – 200+ SF

1. Requires Zoning and UCC building permits
2. Locate on your survey within setback for that zone
3. Taxed
4. Cannot be placed in front yard
5. Maximum height at peak is sixteen (16) feet as measured from grade to the peak. 
6. No utilities allowed without proper UCC building permits
7. This is an accessory structure (maximum of two (2) per lot)

Gazebos

1. All gazebos require a zoning permit and a UCC building permit
2. Locate on your survey within setback for that zone
3. Taxed
4. Cannot be placed in front yard
5. Maximum height at peak is sixteen (16) feet as measured from grade to the peak
6. Utilities require UCC building permits
7. This is an accessory structure (maximum of two (2) per lot)

Please note that Bridgewater Township does not maintain copies of property surveys.  Each property owner is responsible for obtaining their own survey.

PATIOS & RETAINING WALLS

Patio permits require a survey show the location of the patio and showing the area in square feet. That area is subject to the total improved lot coverage according to the Zoning Chart for that zone.

Patios cannot be closer than five (5) feet to side and rear property lines.

Landscape Retaining Walls require a Zoning Permit.  The height of the wall is the distance it must stay from a property line. An example is a two-foot wall must remain a minimum of two feet from property line.  The application requires the wall must be located on a survey.

Patios and retaining walls that are part of a Building Permit like for a pool, do not require a separate Zoning Permit.  Retaining walls over four (4) feet require a UCC building permit.  The Code Enforcement Office inspects them.

The Bridgewater Fire Marshal is responsible for reviewing fire safety elements of development site plans and new construction plans and Annual, semi-annual, and quarterly fire prevention inspections are performed on commercial properties as required by the State New Jersey Uniform Fire Code. In addition, smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm, and fire extinguisher compliance inspections are performed prior to change of occupancy by sale, lease or rent. If it is a rental the property owner is required by state law to register with the township clerk with contact information.

The mission of the Bridgewater Fire Marshal Office is to help prevent the occurrence of fire, protect lives and to preserve property through:

• Enforcement
• Education
• Permitting and inspection
• Plan review

This office also conducts fire investigations, and conducts fire safety training for civic organizations, industries and businesses. This office now has a Mobile Fire Safety House which can also be used for teaching fire prevention. We act as a liaison between the Township administration and volunteer fire services in Bridgewater, and review and inspect special events such as the 4H Fair and local fireworks displays. All local businesses that are not required to register as a State Required Life Hazard Use is required by Chapter 99 of BWT Ordinance to register with this office.

For all Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide alarms, and Fire Extinguisher inspection, you will either need to come in to the Fire Marshal office, or you can mail the check in with your application or you can apply online with a credit card at the link below. Once paid for and processed, our office will call you to schedule the appointment.

Fee for inspection cost

THE APPROPRIATE FEE IS FOR EACH DWELLING UNIT

1. Requests received more than 10 business days prior to the change of occupant is $60.00

2. Requests received four to 10 business days prior to the change of occupant is $90.00

3. Requests received fewer than four business days prior to the change of occupant is $170.00

4. For each subsequent Re-inspection due to a failed inspection: an additional fee of $25 per inspection.

5. Requests for waiver of CSDMACFE for house demolition/extensive construction permits shall be accompanied with application, affidavits from seller & buyer attorney’s offices and a $20.00 administrative fee.

                                            Fire Safety Permits

The fees for fire safety permits established by the N.J. Uniform Fire Code; N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.7, shall be as follows: 

TYPE 1      $60.00 

TYPE 2      $215.00 

TYPE 3      $430.00

                    TYPE 4      $645.00                    

 Copy of Fire Investigation report  – $25.00  Thumb drive of digital photographs pertaining to fire investigation report  (cost of thumb drive)                   

The Chief/Fire Marshal, Thomas Scalera, can be reached FOR ANY QUESTIONS at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5555 or by email at tscalera@bridgewaternj.gov

Click here to login to SDL Portal

ONLINE APPLICATION FOR INSPECTION OF SMOKE/ CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS & AND PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER COMPLIANCE INSPECTION (SDL/PORTAL) – PLEASE CLICK TO BE REDIRECTED TO SDL PORTAL FOR ALL ONLINE APPLICATION AND CREDIT PAYMENTS

APPLICATION FOR INSPECTION OF SMOKE/ CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS & AND PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER COMPLIANCE INSPECTION & REQUIREMENTS

APPLICATION FOR FIRE PERMIT

BRIDGEWATER FIRE SAFETY PERMIT FEE LIST

APPLICATION FOR MOBILE FOOD TRUCK FIRE PERMIT

HOT ROOF WORK –REQUIREMENTS-FIRE SAFETY

NEW BUSINESS AND MULTI-FAMILY FIRE SAFETY REGISTRATION APPLICATION

BUSINESS FIRE REGISTRATION FEE SCHEDULE

FIRE WATCH GUIDELINES

EXIT EMERGENCY LIGHTS TEST LOG

FIRE SAFETY FALSE ALARM BROCHURE

COMMON FIRE SAFETY VIOLATIONS

TIME EXTENSION FORM

2023-Permit Conditions Requirments

COLD SPARK PERMIT APPLICATION

Common-Fire-Safety-Fire Code Violations

Overview
The Engineering Division deals with a wide range of activities. Our main function is to assist and protect the public by reviewing development applications and monitoring construction for compliance with township codes and conditions of approval. We also work on township improvement projects, investigate and respond to a wide variety of questions and concerns such as construction, drainage, property surveys, street light outages, traffic, utilities, etc.

Available in our office are the official tax maps and zoning maps for your review or purchase. Soil Disturbance permits for disturbances greater than 5,000 sq ft and Road Opening permits are also available in our office or online.

Click here for the Soil Disturbance permits or click here for the Road Opening permits.

Tree removal on private property is governed by Township Ordinance.

 • Click here to view this ordinance

• Click here to access and download the Tree Removal Application

Please contact the Engineering Department by phone at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5500 if you have any questions.

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG

The federally mandated, national phone number, 811, helps prevent you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines. Before you begin projects that involve digging, dial 811 to locate underground electric, gas or other utility lines. Digging without this information can cause power outages, and it’s extremely dangerous. Simply tell the 811 operator where you’re planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing, and your local utility companies will be notified. Within a few days, they will mark the location of underground lines.

Please call at least three days in advance to avoid unnecessary delays to your project. Know what’s below – Call before you dig!

 For more information, visit http://www.call811.com.

OVERVIEW
This Department administers all construction within the Township. It issues building permits for residential, commercial and industrial construction within the Township.
After plans have been reviewed and accepted and the appropriate permits have been issued, inspections are performed to insure that all construction is in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) of New Jersey and its adopted codes. It is also the responsibility of this Department to issue violations and fines when warranted and Certificates of Approval and Occupancy upon final inspections and approval of all projects. All these activities are recorded, tabulated and reported to the State on a monthly basis.

The Construction Official, John Tillotson, may be reached at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5574 or by email at bwtcode@bridgewaternj.gov

PERMIT APPLICATIONS

• Construction Permit Application

The following applications require four copies

• Building Subcode Technical Section
• Electrical Subcode Technical Section
• Plumbing Subcode Technical Section
• Fire Protection Subcode Technical Section 
• Mechanical Inspection  Technical Section
• Elevator Subcode Technical Section
• Chimney Certification for Replacement of Fuel Fired Equipment
• Zoning Permit Application – revised 2020
• Application for a Variation
• Application for Certificate
• Fire Sprinkler Hydraulic Data Plate
• Framing Checklist
  
• Digital Alarm Comm. Trans./Managed Facility Voice Networks
• Air Barrier and Insulation Checklist
• Important Information Concerning your Construction Permit App.
• Use and Occupancy Classification
• If you are adding new or additional gas appliances, please contact PSE& G first

   

WHAT IS A PERMIT?
A construction permit represents legal permission to begin a construction project. The issuance of a permit indicates that plans for a project have been released by Bridgewater Township officials and have complied with the UCC and Township ordinances.

WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?
A permit is generally required if an individual wishes to construct, enlarge, alter or demolish a structure. Included in this category are those projects, which change any existing structure or add to the structure, such as the following:

–    Deck
–    Pool
–    Addition
–    Shed (over 100 sq. ft.) – (Sheds under  100 sq. ft. require a Zoning permit)
–    Garage
–    Privacy Fence

A construction permit is also required to do the following:

–    Siding
–    Roofing
–    New or replacement of electric service, water heater, furnace, boiler, air conditioning or fireplace
–    Rearrange plumbing system
–    Finish basement
–    Install new electrical receptacles or outlets
–    Repair or replace any structural member, such as increasing or decreasing the size of a window –    Installation or removal of a fuel tank

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PERMIT?
The required documentation for a construction permit includes:

–    Permit application
–    Construction plans
–    Plot plan

An application for permit is available from the Code Enforcement Department located in the Municipal Building. The office hours are Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Along with the completed application, the applicant must submit two (2) copies of the construction plans. These drawings may be done by the applicant for his own single-family dwelling or by a New Jersey licensed architect or engineer.

A building contractor is not permitted to do the drawings unless he is licensed by the State as an architect or engineer.

An applicant must also submit a plot plan for new construction, an addition, deck, fence, shed, garage, and pool. The plot plan should indicate:

–    All existing and proposed structures on the property
–    The distances to all lot lines
–    The location of any easements

THE PERMIT PROCESS
All permit applications are brought to the Code Enforcement Department. Code Enforcement will forward any application to the Zoning Officer if required. After zoning approval, if necessary, the documents are reviewed by the building, electric, plumbing and fire subcode officials for completeness and code conformance. This process may take up to 20 working days. Minor work, such as roofing and siding, require minimal plan review. Usually, the permit for minor work is issued within 10 working days. If the documents do not comply with the UCC, the applicant will be notified of the violations and will be required to correct and resubmit the documents for further review.

The permit is issued indicating that legal approval has been given to begin the construction project.

State law mandates that the Construction Official issue a fine of up to $2000 per violation and penalty to any person who performs work without a permit.

INSPECTIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION
Building Subcode Inspections

Note: No building inspection will be made prior to any required electric or plumbing inspection approval.

–    Bottom of footing prior to placement of concrete
–    Reinforcement prior to placement of concrete
–    Foundations and all walls prior to backfilling – new single family construction must have foundation elevation compliance from the Engineering Department before this inspection is scheduled
–    Floor slab(s) prior to placement of concrete
–    Frame inspection which includes all structural walls, floors and roofs prior to covering with finish or infill materials. Rated assemblies. This inspection shall be called for after rough electric and plumbing approvals have been obtained
–    Insulation inspection prior to installation of finished materials
–    Final inspection which includes equipment, final connections and all finish materials

Electric Subcode Inspections

–    Rough electric under concrete slab prior to backfill and placement of concrete
–    Rough electric which includes outlet spacing, type of box and size, wire size and grounding prior to covering with finish or infill materials
–    Service which includes panel(s) wire size, grounding and over current protection
–    Final inspection which includes devices, fixtures, appliances, GFI requirements after installation of finish materials and utilization equipment

Plumbing Subcode Inspections

–    Rough plumbing under concrete slab prior to backfill and placement of concrete
–    Rough plumbing which includes sanitary piping, water piping, storm drains and radon piping
–    Water service from building to property line or curb line
–    Sewer service from building to property line or curb line
–    Final plumbing which includes piping, trim, fixtures, cross connections, backflow preventors, radon, condensate lines and water meters
–    Rough gas piping – requires gas test
–    Final gas piping to all appliances requiring gas
–    Final on hydronic heating systems and hot water heaters
–    Final air conditioning on all units manufactured for domestic and commercial cooling

Fire Subcode Inspections

–    Final inspection which includes a performance test to demonstrate its efficiency of operation and alarms

For renovations and projects other than new construction, contact the Code Enforcement Department for inspection requirements.

OBLIGATION DURING CONSTRUCTION
Code inspections can be scheduled on an am/pm basis. The applicant may request the day and time window (8 am – 12 noon, or 1 pm – 5 pm). In some cases, due to the nature of the inspections, those scheduled for morning might need to be performed in the afternoon. Also, if there is no access for the inspector to conduct his/her inspections, a sticker will be left notifying applicants to reschedule their inspection.

Inspectors must have a minimum of 24 hours advance notice and must be able to see the part of construction required to be inspected.

Any work that does not conform to the approved plans will require re-inspection. If the work continues without resolving the problem, the applicant will be fined and the job stopped.

Applicants are required to post the permit prominently on the site and to keep a copy of the approved plans at the site.

When the project is completed, the applicant must call for final building, electric, plumbing and fire inspections. The applicant must also apply for a Certificate of Occupancy. If the work is approved, a Certificate will be issued indicating permission to use the area for the intended purpose.

Property must be properly identified – House number conspicuously displayed for viewing from the street and construction placard conspicuously displayed on the building.

DEMOLITIONS
The demolishing and removal of a building or structure and the removal of all the debris from the parcel of land require a permit from the Township Department of Code Enforcement.

The following documents must be completed and submitted in order to file an application for the demolition of any structure:

A copy of the property survey showing the location of the structure(s) to be removed.

• Certificate stating the structure has been properly baited.
• Letter from Utility Company stating electric and gas has been disconnected.
• Letter from Telephone Company stating service has been disconnected.
• Construction Permit Application.
• Building Subcode Form.
• Plumbing Subcode Form (Signed and Sealed by a Licensed Plumber for the capping of the sewer and water lines.)
• If a septic tank is utilized, it must be located and abandoned in accordance with N.J.D.E.P. regulations.
• If there is a well, a letter from a Licensed Well Contractor is required stating the well has been capped.
• Debris Disposal Form.
• Compliance with U.C.C. Subchapter 8, Asbestos Abatement, if applicable.
• Compliance with N.J.A.C. 5:17, Lead Hazard Abatement, if applicable.

When the Permit is ready to be issued, you will be notified by phone. You will be told the amount of the permit fee, which you will pay when the Permit is picked up.

For building inspections, a separate inspection is required after the basement has been excavated and removed prior to backfill. All debris must be removed from the excavated site and properly disposed of prior to the first inspection. The final inspection will be performed after area is fine graded and stabilized.

For plumbing inspections, the final inspection for capping of sewer and water lines must be completed prior to building demolition.

Bridgewater Affordable Housing

Bridgewater Township has maintained a successful affordable housing program for many years, supporting the development of over 1,400 affordable units across a variety of housing types, including single family homes, multi-family rentals, and special needs units. There are two primary components of this program – affordable housing units for sale or rent, and a housing rehabilitation program. Township funding for affordable housing units come from development fees collected by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

RENTING OR BUYING AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNIT IN BRIDGEWATER

There are numerous affordable for-sale and rental properties within the municipality.  Click here to apply to rent an affordable housing unit in Bridgewater, or click here to apply to buy an affordable housing unit in Bridgewater. 

Bridgewater Township Housing Rehabilitation Program Application

What is it all about?

The Township of Bridgewater Housing Rehabilitation Program is designed to assist eligible residents with funding for major and minor housing rehabilitation to their principal place of residence.

This brochure provides a brief description of eligibility criteria, the application process and procedures.

So How Does the Program Help?

The program is designed to provide assistance based on the Program Building Inspector’s determination of what eligible items are needed and does not guarantee the maximum assistance.

If eligible, a 100% property rehabilitation Deferred Loan will be made available on a First Come, First Served basis.  A lien will be placed on your home and recorded with your property deed. This Loan (not to exceed $24,000) shall be forgiven ten (10) years from the date it is recorded at the County.  During the ten (10) years, if you should transfer title or rent to someone for any reason, you, your heirs, executors or representative, must notify the Township and repayment must be made within thirty (30) days.

Who is Eligible?

• The applicant must be a resident of Bridgewater Township.
• The applicant must be the owner of the property and the property must be the principal place of residence.
• The Building cannot contain more than one (1) rental units and the principal unit must be owner occupied. All rent received must be declared as income by the applicant.
• The annual GROSS income (amount prior to taxes) of all persons residing in the applicant’s household must not exceed the maximum income level established by State Guidelines. These limits are subject to change annually.
• Property taxes must be current.
• The building must not be utilized for any purpose other than residential use.

Find the number of persons residing in the household to obtain the maximum income allowed. Subject to change without notice. For Households over 8 call Rehabco at 732-477-7750.

ELIGIBLE Rehabilitation and Improvements are:

Major Repairs or Replacements:

• Roof
• Heating System (includes hot water heater)
• Plumbing (includes wells, sewer, and water connections)
• Electrical
• Sanitary Plumbing (including septic systems)
• Weatherization to reduce energy consumption
• Load Bearing structural damage
• Handicap facilities (documentation required)
• Stove (ONLY when a safety hazard exists)

Minor Repairs or Replacements:

• Minor painting
• Masonry
• Gutters and leaders
• Drywall and flooring
• Fixtures
• Minor Carpentry
• Repair Driveways and sidewalks

INELIGIBLE Rehabilitation and Improvements are:

• Custom Painting
• Cosmetic Luxury Fixtures
• Purchase of appliances not required by local code
• Acquisition of land
• Landscaping
• Custom tile
• Retention walls

Next Steps:

If after reading this site, you believe you are eligible for assistance, the first step is to completely fill out and return the Application along with all the documentation requested.  Incomplete applications and/or missing documents will result in delaying your eligibility.

Applications are logged in order of the date a complete application is reviewed and approved and will be served on a First Come, First Served basis.

If your application has been on file for more than six (6) months when it reaches the top of the Application Logbook, your eligibility must be re-verified based on the requirements at the present time.  If determined eligible, an appointment will be scheduled for an electrical inspection and a property inspection.  You, or an adult representative, MUST be present for both inspections.  A Work Write-Up for rehabilitation work will be prepared based upon the results of these inspections.  A copy of the Work Write-Up will be forwarded to you for your review and comments.

The Program Building Inspector and the Homeowner will monitor the construction work in order to determine compliance with the Rehabilitation Contract.  All work must be approved by the applicable Borough Inspectors as well as the Program Inspector prior to the contractor receiving payment.

Have any Questions?

If you require assistance in completing the related forms or need answers to any questions, please contact the Program Staff at:

44 East Water Street, Toms River NJ 08753

Phone:  732-477-7750

Fax:  732-920-9649

Email: rehabco@aol.com

Website:  rehabconj.com

AFFORDABLE HOUSING RESOURCES

• MIDPOINT REVIEW & 2020 Annual Unit, Trust Fund, and VLI Monitoring 
• HOUSING ELEMENT AND FAIR SHARE PLAN 
• Affordable Housing Ordinance
• JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE AND REPOSE 
• SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH FAIR SHARE HOUSING 
• FAIR SHARE HOUSING CENTER AND GENERAL HISTORY OF MT. LAUREL LITIGATION

2024 BULKY TRASH DROP-OFF

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Saturday, September 21, 2024

8:00AM – 1:00PM

15 Polhemus Lane, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 

Must have proof of Bridgewater residency available for display at the site entrance. 

No commercial vehicles, including rental trucks, are allowed.

Acceptable items that may be disposed of are: Furniture, Mattresses, Carpeting, Grills, Small Appliances. 

Items Not Accepted:

• Household Trash
• Construction/Renovation/Demolition Debris: including but not limited to wood framing, roofing, siding, sheetrock, tile, insulation, windows, toilets, bath tubs, concrete, brick, etc.
• Air Conditioners
• Tree/Brush Debris/Grass Clippings
• Chemicals
• Batteries
• Dehumidifiers
• Electronics
• Paints
• Pesticides
• Propane/Helium Tanks
• Recyclable cans or bottles
• Refrigerators
• Tires
• No Engines of any kind, No Lawn Mowers, weed whackers etc., Transmissions,
• Vehicle Parts