Office Hours & Contact Information

The office is open to the general public Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
To schedule inspections, check permit status, submit complaints, or for general information inquiries, please contact the front office at (201) 955-7880.

Inspection schedule is as follows:

• Building and Electric inspections are scheduled, when available, Monday thru Friday.
• Plumbing and Fire Protection inspections are scheduled only on select days and as availability permits.
• Certificate of Occupancy inspections can also be accommodated Monday thru Friday.

Allowing significant time before the closing date is advised. Last-minute inspections, just before closing, cannot be accommodated. The citizens of the community have access to all aspects of The Town Code provided by The Town of Kearny.

The Construction Code Enforcement Department enforces the following ordinances:

• Property Maintenance Ordinance | Chapter 17 of the Town Code
• Land Use Procedures Ordinance | Chapter 35 of the Town Code
• Subdivision and Site Plan Ordinance | Chapter 36 of the Town Code
• Zoning Ordinance | Chapter 38 of the Town Code

FAQ

What is the purpose of zoning?

The purpose is to ensure that any proposed use, construction, or alteration is allowed in the zone and will comply with all the requirements of the Town Code. In almost all cases, a Zoning Permit will be required before a Construction Permit can be issued. Always check with the Construction Code Enforcement Department to determine whether and what kind of permits are necessary. If you cannot meet zoning requirements, it may be possible to obtain a variance.

Examples of required permits include the following:

• Examples of required permits include the following:
• A Zoning Permit is required for a new and replacement sidewalk, driveway, apron, patio, fences, or service walks.
• A Zoning Permit and a Construction Permit are required for most home improvement projects, including interior renovations, additions, decks, sheds, fireplaces, and swimming pools.
• A Zoning Permit and a Construction Permit with Electrical Subcode Technical Section are required for most electrical work.
• A Zoning Permit and a Construction Permit with Fire Protection Subcode Technical Section are required for smoke and heat detectors and fire suppression work.
• A Zoning Permit and a Construction Permit with Plumbing Subcode Technical Section are required for new water service or a new or replacement furnace, boiler, hot water heater, or sewer or gas line. Additionally, Electrical and Fire Protection Subcode Technical Sections are required for HVAC work or a new or replacement furnace or boiler.

Additions or alterations may require upgrading of the existing building to comply with current requirements, including, but not limited to, light, air, egress, and smoke detectors, as part of the construction. The Construction Code Enforcement Department has general guidelines available to assist residents with most home improvement projects. All permits require an inspection, and many permits require more than one inspection. Contact our staff to schedule an inspection.

How long does it take to obtain a permit and what is the cost?

Practically speaking, any use of your property will require a Zoning Permit costing $25.00. We are fortunate in Kearny to have moderately priced Construction Permits: twenty dollars ($20.00) per thousand dollars ($1000.00) worth of work listed on the Building Subcode Technical Section, with a minimum fee of $50.00, and specific fees determined by ordinance for work listed on other Subcode Technical Sections. Depending on the complexity of your job, it will take five to seven business days to process your permit. You will be called when your permit is ready to be picked up. The Construction Code Enforcement Department has 20 working days to issue a permit, but for small jobs, in most cases a permit can be issued in 7 business days.

What information is needed to obtain a permit?

Two sets of plans and supporting documentation reflecting the location and manner in which the improvement is to be constructed or installed are required to obtain Zoning and Construction Permits. The plans must be prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Construction Code and based upon a survey prepared by a licensed land surveyor. All drawings must be to scale. The plans must be prepared by a New Jersey licensed architect or engineer or by a single-family homeowner who has prepared his or her own plans for construction, alteration, or repair of a structure used or intended to be used exclusively as his or her private residence and to be constructed by himself or herself.

How do I know to prepare the plans?

• Building plans must comply with the International Building Code (IBC), 2015 NJ Edition.
• Electrical plans must comply with the National Electric Code (NEC), 2014 Edition
• Fire and mechanical plans must comply with the IBC Fire and Mechanical Codes, 2015 Edition.
• Plumbing plans must comply with the National Standard Plumbing Code, 2015 Edition.