Union County, New Jersey Building Permit Guide

Union County has 21 municipalities, and Elizabeth is the county seat. Building permits come from the construction office of the town where the work is. The county reviews site plans and subdivisions that affect county roads and drainage, and issues road opening permits in its right-of-way.

This guide covers the county offices a Union County project can run into. The construction permit itself is filed with the town.

What requires a building permit in Union County?

Union County does not write its own construction rules. Whether work needs a permit, counts as minor work or is ordinary maintenance is set by the statewide Uniform Construction Code, which is the same in every New Jersey town; the town adds its fee ordinance and zoning.

New Jersey has one Uniform Construction Code for every municipality; the town supplies the enforcing agency, the fee ordinance and the zoning approvals. New Jersey rules

Who handles permitting in Union County?

Each of the 21 municipalities issues its own construction permits. In Elizabeth:

Union County offices on the way to a permit

County Planning Board

The Union County Planning Board reviews site plans and all subdivision applications as they may affect county roads and drainage facilities, under the County’s Land Development Standards. Mail one paper copy of the plan, the application form and checklist, and a PDF copy to the Bureau of Planning & Economic Development, 2325 South Avenue, Scotch Plains NJ 07076; hand delivery is by appointment only. Board secretary: 908-527-4268.

Work in a county road

Road openings in the county right-of-way are handled by the Department of Engineering, Public Works & Facilities Management, 2371 South Avenue, Scotch Plains (Inspections 908-789-3658). Fees: $36.00 application ($108.00 for a non-reported opening), $48.00 permit fee up to 20 sq. ft., and a cash bond of $800.00 up to 43 sq. ft.; newly paved roads (5 years or less) carry a $10,000.00 minimum bond. Trenches in traffic lanes must be backfilled every night, and the bond is returned after a re-inspection one year after final restoration.

Soil erosion and sediment control

Union County is in the Somerset-Union Soil Conservation District, Somerset County 4-H Center, 308 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, 908-526-2701. Construction activities over 5,000 square feet need an erosion control plan.

Union County permit costs and fees

Each town in Union County sets its construction fees by its own ordinance, so the same job can cost different amounts in neighbouring towns. Ask the town’s construction office for its fee schedule before you price a job.

Fees are set by each town’s ordinance; the plan review fee is paid at submission and deducted at issuance, and the state adds a surcharge on every permit. New Jersey rules

How to get a building permit in Union County

The construction office must act on a complete application within 20 business days, and the permit cannot issue before the zoning and other prior approvals. New Jersey rules

Inspections in Union County

Inspections are done by the town that issued the permit. Elizabeth takes inspection requests online through GovPilot.

Inspections are requested in writing at least 24 hours ahead, and no building may be used before the certificate of occupancy or approval. New Jersey rules

Official Union County permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Union County Planning Board
• Union County planning application form
• Union County Engineering, Public Works & Facilities Management
• Union County road opening form
• Elizabeth Construction

Frequently asked questions

Does Union County issue building permits?

No. Each of its 21 municipalities issues construction permits through its own construction office.

What does a Union County road opening cost?

A $36.00 application fee ($108.00 for a non-reported opening), a $48.00 permit fee up to 20 sq. ft., and a cash bond of $800.00 up to 43 sq. ft.; newly paved roads carry a $10,000.00 minimum bond.

How do I submit to the Union County Planning Board?

Mail one paper copy of the plan, the application form and checklist, and a PDF copy to the Bureau of Planning in Scotch Plains; hand delivery is by appointment only.

Simplify Union County permitting with Alliance Permitting

• Find the right town construction office for the parcel and file the UCC permit package with it
• Track county planning board and soil district approvals that must come before the permit
• Coordinate subcode inspections and the certificate of occupancy through closeout

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in New Jersey. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Union County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.