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.

A construction permit is generally required when constructing, enlarging, altering, or demolishing a structure, or when a project involves structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work.

Common Projects Requiring a Permit

• Deck
• Pool
• Addition
• Garage
• Shed: Required for structures over 200 sq. ft. or for any shed that includes utilities (electric, plumbing, etc.)
• Privacy Fence: Required only if the fence is over 6 feet in height or will serve as a pool barrier
• New or replacement of electric service, water heater, furnace, boiler, air conditioning, or fireplace
• Rearranging a plumbing system
• Finishing a basement
• Installing new electrical receptacles or outlets
• Repairing or replacing structural members (for example, changing the size of a window)
• Installation or removal of a fuel tank

Permits Required Under Specific Conditions

• Siding: Permit required for commercial properties, and for residential properties when polypropylene siding is used
• Roofing: Permit required for commercial properties and for residential projects when roof sheathing is being replaced

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 three (3) 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

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. 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.