Once you have secured your plot and hired someone to do the design work, the next step will be going through the permitting process. Without an approved permit, the construction of your project is not permitted to begin… and getting to this stage isn’t as easy as it sounds!

There are many parts of the permitting and plan review process. The very last step is you receiving the actual building permit. The permit is your ‘ticket’ to get through the gate, into ‘Construction Land’. While this isn’t the hardest part of this stage of your journey, it can still cause delays and stress. 

One of the biggest challenges of a permit application is meeting the regulations and standards set out by your local authority. Every construction official will have different criteria (and fees!), and new buildings/remodels will come with their own risks. 

This is why your building department will need to ensure that nothing is amiss before your contractors can get started. 

The town’s review process during their permit application process can feel intense (especially for the architect!), but remember, it’s all happening for good reason. Not only do regulations help protect you from a bad investment, they also ensure that you as an owner will be safe in your new home.

To make the permit process feel less intimidating, we’re going to tell you all about the construction permit process. We’re also filling you in on how your architect can help you get through the process faster and easier, with expert insights we’ve gathered throughout the years.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What a building/construction permit is
• The difference between a plan review and a construction permit
• The process of getting a permit and some common issues
• Our tips on securing your permit faster
• How your architect can help support the permit process

First Up, What Is a Construction Permit/Building Permit?

While researching building or construction permits, you might have noticed these two terms being used interchangeably. This is because it’s usually up to each town department to decide which word they use. Essentially though, the words mean the same thing.

The purpose of this permit is to evaluate the technical aspects of a new building design. It also helps ensure that your building complies with local, state, and national construction codes. Followed by a sometimes longer than expected wait, your application will either be approved or denied.



After your permit is issued to you, our local town building department officials will carry out inspections of the construction at milestones throughout the construction phase.

What Do Construction Permits Generally Consist Of?

Even though there will be different building permits for different projects, the New Jersey State Uniform Construction Code consists of four basic technical subcodes for construction.

They are:

• Building
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Plumbing

In addition to state requirements, many local municipalities require additional permits for mechanical or HVAC.

Other project-specific subcodes will also apply, but in general, applications for construction permits should include information about: 

• The type of project you want to build (incl. its use-type; residential, business, public, etc.)
• The exact location of the build on your property (incl. land quality/stability)
• A description of the work being carried out (incl. details about the structure and infrastructure such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems)
• Technical documents and calculations (incl. architectural drawings)
• The total construction cost estimate of the build and breakdown of specific material costs usually related to plumbing, electrical and mechanical work.
• Accessibility
• A list of all those involved on the project and its construction (including the general contractor, or GC; all subcontractors, any engineer consultants involved, and the architect.)

Local bylaws can differ and will generally dictate what specific details need to be included in your New Jersey construction permit application. Your local authorities, local architecture firm, and your general contractor, will be able to advise further on this.

Plan Review vs Construction Permit

As the first step of the permitting process, your town building department will need to conduct a plan review.

A plan review is not the same thing as a construction permit.

A plan review determines compliance with building code and usually involves the building department conducting an in-depth inspection of your architect’s drawings. The building code includes things like fire-rating qualities of the building materials, proper amount of space around plumbing fixtures and walking paths to and through spaces, proper egress out of the house that includes emergency escape through properly-sized bedroom windows, and how stairs should be designed. The building code the town refers to is the building code your state adopted by law.

A construction permit is just the “okay” from your local building department to start the construction. Compared to other town approval steps, such as with planning, zoning, and historic commission reviews, requiring much more time and, often, public hearings, the construction official’s plan review process is much more straightforward, and in regard to safety and constructability.

The Process of Getting a Permit for your Construction project

When preparing for a New Jersey construction permit, your architect will play an important role in procurement of the permit. This is why it’s good to be aware of these three steps:

1 - Architect Prepares Drawings

“Blueprints” that your architect provides the building department with the permit application will enable the plan reviewers to understand and, ultimately, approve your new home project in New Jersey. 

Technical design drawings also provide essential 'construction instructions' and a shopping list for your contractor. This is why it’s vital to give your architect enough time to complete their technical design drawings in full.

Because these drawings can take a lot of effort and concentration — it’s also important to not let other contractors pressure your architect into rushing this step. No general contractor likes their crews 'leaning on their shovels' waiting for the permit to be issued, so they can begin construction.

2 - Submit Application and Go Through the Plan Review

As part of your plan review, a construction official or building reviewer will check that all necessary documents have been provided.

Even though the actual issuing of the permit to build by the town is technically the 'last step' of your permit application process, the plan review step will have its own set of stages. These can include:

• Clarifications and corrections (something your architect will have a heavy role in)
• Resubmittal, if needed
• Final approval

This stage could have a lot of back and forth between the building department and your architect. This is why when applying for a New Jersey construction permit, you want professionals (such as an experienced architecture firm) involved as early as possible to ensure the smooth inspection of your submitted permit.

Common Snags During the Construction Permit Process

While some people applying for a New Jersey construction permit won’t struggle through the final stages of their permit application, others will find that demanding addenda need to be made, or the construction office might cite pre-requisite approvals from town engineering, zoning, planning, or historic commissions are needed. In the latter case, sometimes an entirely new application might be required. And that, my friend, is a true buzz-kill!

The biggest reason for this is usually project owners trying to rush their applications through and not having the right professionals with the right set of eyes on the whole process to streamline the project. 

Another common, yet simple, snag during the process for your New Jersey construction permit can be with items in the architect's technical drawings that are not in compliance with the construction standards and code. This is why, as mentioned, it's essential that you partner with a professional architect from the start.

Our Key Tips for Approval of Your Construction Permit

When you go through the construction permit process with us, we will be able to give you more tips for your exact situation. For now, our two main tips when applying for a New Jersey construction permit are simple but effective:

1 - Be Patient

It’s understandable to want your new building project to get off the ground as soon as possible, but remember not to rush the professionals you’ve partnered with. Especially when it comes to your architect, their work is an important part of perfecting your building or buildings, so trust their process as much as possible.

2 - Take Matters Into Your Own Hands to Speed Things Up

After submitting your permit application, it can feel like watching grass grow to receive final approval. In New Jersey, the state mandates that the permit office must issue the permit within 20 business days. However, most towns cannot meet this demand, and permits are often issued 2-3 months out.

Your best chance of getting things moving faster is to visit the permit office in person, with a smile (not a pitchfork). This is because even though you’re a project owner, you’re also a local taxpayer and voter. Your voice will hold more weight than with your architect or contractor.

How Your Architect Can Help You Get A Building Permit

An experienced architect is a key part of your build. Without them, you’ll struggle to meet the terms of inspection and construction will likely be delayed. However, as well as being a huge part of your application process in terms of documentation, your architect will also:

1 - Be Your Advocate

Because part of an architect’s job involves being able to see the bigger picture and speak the language of building code, we’re in a prime position to fight in your corner and help you (and your contractors) manage a project we believe in.

2 - Answer Questions From the Code Official

As exciting as our job can be once we’re on-site, there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. During your build, a large portion of our time will be answering questions directly from the code official and your contractor. For us, this is all just part of the process!

3 - Make Sure Your Design is Technically Sound

Making sure your design is in conformity with the construction drawings is one of our biggest responsibilities as architects. We work to ensure that everything we design works, both structurally and aesthetically. It’s a big weight to carry, but we’re happy to do it!

The Permitting Process Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

After reading this article, we hope you feel more confident starting your New Jersey construction application journey. People always think the process will be too overwhelming, but we’re happy to say that once you get started on the right foot, everything falls into place more easily. 

Your New Jersey construction permit can be just as much of a team effort as your actual build, so finding the right architect to alleviate some of the stress can be invaluable! 

If you’d like Sweebe Architecture to be part of your permit application journey (or your entire build), we’re always happy to hear from new clients. From new builds, remodels, and even interior design services — we specialize in single-family residential homes that can change the way you live. 



If you’d like to know more about what our expert team can do for you, contact us to discuss how we can make your dream home a reality!