Approvals for a new single family home in New Jersey
This is the list ShovelCue builds for a new single family home in New Jersey before it knows anything else about the site. It has 39 items in 7 groups.
Required the rules say soLikely usual for this kind of projectCheck locally depends on the site or the town
Due Diligence & Studies
Boundary / ALTA Survey
RequiredA boundary survey fixes the lot lines the building is placed from.
Topographic Survey
LikelyGives the grades the house, driveway and drainage are drawn on.
Geotechnical Investigation / Report
Check locallyOnly where the soils, a slope or the building department call for borings.
Wetlands Delineation
Check locallyLikely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.
Flood / Floodplain Study
Check locallyLikely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.
Stormwater / Drainage Study
Check locallySome towns ask for a drainage plan for a new building.
Land Use & Entitlements
Variance Approval
Check locallyZoning board relief when the plan does not meet a zoning standard.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Rule
- N.J.S.A. 40:55D-73
Historic Preservation Approval
Check locallyOnly in a historic district, where the commission reviews new buildings.
Zoning Permit
RequiredThe zoning office confirms the new building meets the setbacks, height and lot coverage. In New Jersey zoning approval must be in place before the construction permit is issued.
- Agency
- Municipal zoning officer
- Source
- law.cornell.edu
HOA or Architectural Review Approval
Check locallyAn HOA may need to approve the house design before it is built.
Design & Permit Documents
Civil Design Package
Check locallyMany towns ask for a lot grading and utility plan for a new building.
Architectural Design Package
RequiredThe building drawings, from design through the permit set.
Structural Design Package
LikelyThe structural drawings the building permit is reviewed on.
Fire Protection Design Package
Check locallyOnly where the building code or the town requires sprinklers.
Foundation Design
LikelyThe foundation design for the new building.
Energy Code Package
RequiredThe energy code report. New Jersey asks for it with the permit set.
Permit Drawing Set
RequiredThe signed and sealed drawing sets the building department reviews.
Issued-for-Construction Drawing Set
LikelyThe final drawings the trades build from, with the permit comments included.
Environmental & Site Authorizations
Soil / Erosion Control Approval
Check locallyThe soil conservation district certifies the erosion control plan when you disturb more than 5,000 square feet. Who handles it depends on the site, so check locally.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Rule
- N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq. (Chapter 251); N.J.A.C. 2:90
Utilities & Infrastructure
Water Service Approval
Check locallyLikely needed for a project like this, since new buildings need new utility service.
Sewer Service Approval
Check locallyLikely needed for a project like this, since new buildings need new utility service.
Electric Service Approval
Check locallyThe electric utility confirms service and designs it. Transformers can take a long time. Who handles it depends on the site, so check locally.
Road Opening Permit
LikelyA new driveway or utility connection in the street needs a road opening permit.
Permits & Construction Authorizations
Demolition Permit
Check locallyUsual when an existing structure is demolished.
- State rule
- The permit to take down existing structures. It needs utility disconnect letters and an asbestos survey.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Rule
- N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.16
Building Permit
RequiredThe building permit. Many towns start the review only after the earlier approvals are in hand.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Rule
- N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15, 5:23-2.16; NJ DCA Bureau of Construction Project Review
Plumbing Permit
RequiredThe plumbing permit, reviewed on the same clock as the building permit.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Rule
- N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.16
Electrical Permit
RequiredThe electrical permit, reviewed with the building permit.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Rule
- N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.16
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
RequiredThe heating and cooling permit, reviewed with the building permit.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Rule
- N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.16
Fire Protection Permit
Check locallyOnly where the building code or the town requires sprinklers.
- State rule
- The sprinkler permit, reviewed by the fire subcode official.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Rule
- N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.16
Retaining Wall Permit
Check locallyOnly if the scope includes it.
Temporary Power Permit
LikelyLets the utility connect temporary power for construction.
Health Department Approval
Check locallyOnly with a well or septic system, or food service.
Certificate of Occupancy
RequiredEvery occupiable building needs it before use.
- State rule
- Issued once all final inspections pass. The building cannot be used before it.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Rule
- N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.23
Construction Readiness
Construction Entrance Installed
LikelyA stabilized entrance so trucks do not track soil onto the road.
Erosion / Sediment Controls Installed
LikelySilt fence and controls in place. In New Jersey the soil district inspects them before digging.
Utility Mark-Out Complete
LikelyNew Jersey One Call marks the utility lines. Call at least 3 business days before digging.
- Clock
- Set by law
- Rule
- N.J.S.A. 48:2-73 et seq.
Survey Control Established
LikelyThe surveyor sets control points so the building goes in the right place.
Required Site Signage / Postings Complete
LikelyThe permit placard and the labor postings on site.
Site Ready to Mobilize
LikelyThe milestone for your target construction start.
Sources
- law.cornell.eduZoning Permit
Items with no source link come from the national list and are decided by the town or the site. Ask the local office.
Other project types in New Jersey
This is general information from public sources. It is not legal advice. Confirm every item with your town and the agencies named before you rely on it.