Department Responsibilities

The Building & Construction Division 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 Highland Park. These responsibilities include issuing construction permits for Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire applications, performing the required inspections for code compliance, and issuing the proper occupancy certificate once the work is completed. Construction work falling under the Division's purview ranges from residential deck installation to construction of new multi-story buildings. This department has state-licensed inspectors which include building, electric, fire, and plumbing inspectors who work to ensure the safety of residents and contractors throughout the Borough of Highland Park.

A construction permit is required for everything that is not considered ordinary repair or maintenance per the NJ STATE UCC. Permits are required for finishing basements, decks, raised patios, swimming pools, renovating bathrooms & kitchens, water heaters, sheds, gazebos, new electrical wiring, and new plumbing installations.

Please keep in mind that this list is not all-inclusive and is meant to provide general information only. For more specific information please contact the construction office at 732-777-6013

Payments

  • ALL PERMIT APPLICATIONS MUST BE PAID FOR BEFORE A PERMIT WILL BE ISSUED AND AN INSPECTION IS SCHEDULED. If paying by cash exact change is needed. Credit card and online payments are currently unavailable.
  • Payments for each permit may vary depending on the project.

Scheduling Inspections

  • Please call (732) 777-6013
  • YOUR PERMIT NUMBER IS REQUIRED WHEN YOU CALL FOR YOUR INSPECTION. If you do not have your permit number available you will need to call back.
  • 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 the office enough notice before your scheduled appointment so the inspector can be informed of the change in your 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.
  • If you need to contact any of the inspectors, please call (732) 777-6013 and you will receive a return call when they are in the office on their scheduled day in the Borough.
  • In the case of a Road Opening, contractors MUST NOTIFY THE CONSTRUCTION OFFICIAL OF THE BOROUGH BEFORE ANY ROAD OPENING to discuss paperwork and to confirm the inspector will be in town for an inspection.
  • A dumpster may be placed on your driveway. You must notify the Highland Park police department to block any street parking.
  • Your project may require Zoning approval.

 

Obtaining a Construction Permit Application

Construction jackets and forms may be requested at the code enforcement/construction department. You can also download these forms by clicking on the link below

General forms

Other applications

Inspector Schedules 

Building Inspector
Mike Luthman
Tuesday & Thursday

Electric Sub Code Official/Inspector
Mario Varone
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Fire Sub Code Official/Inspector
Phil Langon
Monday and Wednesday

Plumbing/Mechanical Official/Inspector
Michael Rossi
Monday and Wednesday