Construction Office

Under the supervision of the Construction Official, the Construction Office is responsible for ensuring that all construction work in the City complies with the requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC), which controls all matters concerning the construction and demolition of all existing or proposed buildings and structures. In addition, the Construction Office performs all appropriate functions associated with:

  • Overseeing the Division of Code Enforcement and Zoning

Determine If You Need a Building Permit

Building permits are generally required for any building, structural, electric, HVAC, and plumbing projects. They can include projects such as:

  • New buildings or structures
  • Additions to a building
  • Structural alterations to a building or structure
  • Interior modifications and changes to a floor plan
  • Changes in building use and/or occupancy
  • Parking layout changes
  • Use-of-land projects, such as recycling deposit center, open-air storage, outdoor temporary events
  • Signs and sign structures
  • Fences, retaining walls, and shoring plans

Apply for a permit

An application for a building permit is available through the local building department or municipal building official. You may also complete and download permit application forms through the State of NJ website at the following link: Permits. In addition to the completed application sketches, building drawings, plans or other documents must be submitted for review.

Construction Permit Applications are available at the Construction Office or online at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website: Click Here. In addition to the completed application, sketches building drawings, plans, and other related documents must be submitted to the Construction Office for review. In some cases, you may be required to hire an architect or engineer to prepare necessary drawings and detailed plans.

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.

The 6-Step Process - Timeline

Before Applying – Before submitting an application, consult with municipal building official.

  1. The Application – Submit application with supporting documentation to local building official, along with fee.
    1. Municipal staff members review submitted applications to make sure they are in accordance with the building code, local zoning, and other applicable laws.
    2. If problems occur with the proposal, building officials meet with the applicant to discuss the needed changes or alterations prior to issuing a permit.
  2. Consideration – Application is reviewed for completeness and against local zoning laws, Building Code, and other legislation.
    1. 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.
  3. Optional Consultation – Comments on proposals obtained from other municipal officials. Other approval may be required.
  4. Decision – Application may be approved or refused. Inspections specified.
  5. Appeal – Formal appeal to the Board of Appeals.
    1. If an applicant is refused issuance of a building permit, he can appeal that decision of the code official to the Board of Appeals.
  6. Inspections During Construction – Building inspector checks major phases of construction to completion.
    1. 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.
    2. 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 possibly send a notice asking that the situation be remedied.
    3. Another inspection may be necessary before work is resumed. If the work continues without resolving the problem, applicants can be subject to legal action.
    4. 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.

Construction Completed

For more information concerning building permits and building code, contact the Construction Dept. Construction Official, Jody Mazeall.

Contact Information

City Hall Municipal Offices
525 High Street,
Burlington, NJ, 08016

Hours: Monday to Friday (9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Tel: 609-386-0200 ext. 132
Fax: 609-386-0214

Jody Mazeall, Construction Official
Tel: 609-386-0200 ext. 143
Email: JMazeall@burlingtonnj.us
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday (12:30pm to 6:00pm)

Salvatore Catania, Electrical Subcode Official
Tel: 609-386-0200 ext. 144
Email: SCatania@burlingtonnj.us
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday (7:30am to 11:30am)

Ryan Hofman, Fire Subcode Official
Tel: 609-386-0200 ext. 148
Email: RHofmann@burlingtonnj.us

Anthony Griffin, Chief Code Enforcement Officer
Tel: 609-386-0200 ext. 146
Email: agriffin@burlingtonnj.us

Ross Kowatsky, Zoning Officer
Tel: 609-386-0200 ext. 171
Email: rkowatsky@burlingtonnj.us

Jacqueline Maxwell, Technical Assistant to the Construction Official
Tel: 609-386-0200 ext. 132
Email: JMaxwell@burlingtonnj.us

Division of Code Enforcement

Responsible for conducting inspections throughout the City.

Division of Zoning

Responsible for examining working plans of proposed structures.

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