Monday - Friday
8 AM - 4 PM

732-632-8540

500 Main Street,
Metuchen, NJ 08840

Monday - Friday
8 AM - 4 PM

732-632-8540

500 Main Street,
Metuchen, NJ 08840

building

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Building Department Information

The Building Department administers and enforces the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23, and the Municipal Code for all new and existing construction within the Borough of Metuchen. These responsibilities include issuing construction permits for Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire application, performing the required inspections for code compliance, and issuing the proper certificate once the work is completed.

Construction jackets and forms may be obtained at our Construction Code Enforcement Office.

Applications for permits can also be found at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards. When submitting these forms to the Construction Code Enforcement Office, you must provide THREE completed copies with the original signature and original seal (where necessary) for each subcode technical form. CLICK HERE to download these forms.

All permit applications must be paid for before a permit is issued, and an inspection can be scheduled. If paying with cash exact change is needed. Credit card and online payments are currently unavailable.

Payments for each permit may vary depending on the project.

CLICK HERE to view our Fee Schedule.

All inspections must be requested in writing. Please CLICK HERE for an Inspection Request Form and submit it to the Construction Office.

A minimum 24-hour notice is required for all inspection requests and will be scheduled according to the availability of the inspector. Schedules fill up quickly, so plan accordingly. If you need to cancel an inspection, please give our office enough notice before your scheduled appointment so the inspector can be informed of the change in their schedule for that day.

Things to know

  • The inspectors do not call before arriving for your inspection.
  • If you cannot be there, please arrange for someone to be available who is over the age of 18.
  • If you miss your appointment, you will need to call back to reschedule as the inspectors do not return the same day.
  • A dumpster may be placed on your driveway. You must notify the Metuchen Police Department (732-632-8500) if you plan to place the dumpster in the street.
  • Your project may require Zoning approval. CLICK HERE for a Zoning Permit Application.

Obligations During Construction

  • Inspectors must have 24-hour advance notice and must be able to see the part of construction required to be inspected.
  • Applicants are required to post the permit prominently on the site and to keep a copy of the approved plans at the site.
  • Any work which does not conform to the approved plans will require reinspection, and in some cases amended drawings & permits. If the work continues without resolving the problem, the applicant will be fined, and the job stopped.
  • When the project is completed, the applicant must call for final building, electrical, plumbing, and fire inspections.
  • The applicant must also apply for a certificate of occupancy. If the work is approved, a certificate will be issued indicating permission to use the area for the intended purpose.

The Lead-Based Paint Inspection Program implements the requirements of P.L. 2021, c. 182 for the inspection of lead-based paint hazards in certain rental single-family, two-family, and multiple dwelling units. Please click here for the lead-based paint inspection application.

Applicants have the option of having inspections performed by a private lead inspector. For a list of certified lead inspectors, click here.