Why a Building Permit? 
A Citizen’s Guide to Why & How
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CONTENTS
Introduction
Definition of a Building Code
Why Building Permits are Required
How to Apply for a Permit
Delays Due to Permits
The 6 Step Process
Processing of Applications
Zoning Approval
Appealing Refusal of a Building Permit
Obligations During Construction
Inspections During Building
Construction
Facts About Demolition
Additional Information
Instigating safety measures for building construction has been a
priority for civilization through recorded history. In the United
Sates, developing regulations for building was underway even during
the presidencies of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
Two centuries later at the start of a new millennium, buildings
are erected with much regard to standards of public health and safety.
Codes assist in safeguarding against fire, structural defects and
deterioration of the building stock. They also help to insure that
construction is energy-efficient.
An important element behind the success of these codes is the establishment
of a workable relationship between the code enforcement officials
and community groups that they serve.
Such groups include homeowners, developers, urban planners and designers
plus construction industry representatives.
This relationship serves as a means of not merely enforcing the
building code, but also enables local government to remain responsive
to the community’s needs for both public and private construction.
This webpage has been prepared to provide better understanding of
how the building permit process operates.
Definition of a Building
Code | top of page
On a practical level, a building code is the government's official
statement on building safety. For technical purposes, it is a compendium
of laws and ordinances setting minimum safety standards and arranged
in a systematic manner (codified) for future reference.
The code takes into account plumbing, electrical and mechanical
systems along with essential fire and structural aspects.
Why Building Permits are
Required | top of page
A building permit serves as formal and legal permission to start
any construction project. The issuance of a building permit indicates
that plans for a new structure, addition, renovation, foundation,
plumbing, air conditioning or heating system, fireplace, prefabricated
structure, temporary building or mobile home have been approved by
local government officials and that the plans comply with mandated
building codes and zoning laws.
How to Apply for a Permit | top
of page
An application for a building permit is available through the local
building department or municipal building official. In addition to
the completed application, sketches, building drawings, plans or
other documents must be submitted for review.
A fee or charges for services including water connection and surveys
may be required of the applicant. In select cases, an architect or
engineer will be needed to design the building and prepare necessary
drawings and detailed plans.
Delays Due to Permits | top
of page
Homeowners may be led to believe that submitting an application
for a building permit could cause unnecessary and costly alterations
to their plans. They also could feel that going through bureaucratic
channels will create undue delays in construction.
However, the majority of building permit applications are processed
with little delay. If plan modifications are needed, the deficiencies
are based on a careful review of the proposed work to insure safe
and sound construction.
A positive aspect of applying for the permit is that homeowners
have access to the code official’s knowledge and experience
when and if they have any inquiries about their projects or the permit
itself.
Before Applying – Before submitting an application,
consult with municipal building official.
- The Application – Submit application
with supporting documentation to local building official, along
with fee.
- Consideration – Application is reviewed
for completeness and against local zoning laws, Building Code
and other legislation.
- Optional Consultation – Comments on proposals
obtained from other municipal officials. Other approval may be
required.
- Decision – Application may be approved
or refused. Inspections specified.
- Appeal – Formal appeal to the Board of
Appeals.
- Inspections During Construction – Building
inspector checks major phases of construction to completion.
Construction Completed
Processing of Applications | top
of page
Municipal staff members review submitted applications to make sure
they are in accordance with the building code, local zoning and other
applicable laws.
If problems occur with the proposal, building officials meet with
the applicant to discuss the needed changes or alterations prior
to issuing a permit.
When property to be developed is regulated by a local site plan
or zoning law, a building permit will not be issued until all site
plan requirements issued by the municipality are met.
Appealing Refusal of a
Building Permit | top of
page
If an applicant is refused issuance of a building permit, he can
appeal that decision of the code official to the Board of Appeals.
Obligations During Construction | top
of page
A condition of a building permit is that the applicant completes
the work as approved by the municipality in accordance with the building
code and the plans as approved by the code official Applicants are
also required to give advance notice to the code official at key
points in the construction.
Inspections During Building
Construction | top of page
Inspections required under the building code are listed on the building
permit. Such inspections are performed by a building inspector, who
checks each major phase of construction and makes certain that the
work conforms to the building code, the building permit and the approved
building plans.
The inspector must be able to see the part of construction required
to be inspected, and normally 24 to 48 hours of advance notice is
required. Should an inspection find that some work does not conform
to approved plans, the inspector will advise and possible send a
notice asking that the situation be remedied.
Another inspection may be necessary before work is resumed. If the
work continues without resolving the problem, applicants can be subject
to legal action.
Applicants are also required to post their building permit in a
window or other prominent place on the site, keep a copy of the building
plan at the site and bring any proposed changes to the attention
of the code official as soon as possible. These changes will require
review and approval in the same manner as the original building plans.
Facts About Demolition | top
of page
Before any building is demolished, either in part or in whole, the
applicant is required by the building code to apply for a demolition
permit from the municipality's code official.
The process for obtaining one is similar to that for a building
permit. Some cases may require the hiring of a professional engineer
to oversee the demolition.
Additional Information | top
of page
Further information concerning building permits and the building
code is available by contacting your Construction Dept. Construction
Official, Howard N. Wilkins
M–F 9am–5pm
City Hall Municipal Offices
525 High Street
Burlington NJ 08016
TEL: 609-386-0200 ext. 171
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