Building Department

Ordinance #09-2440 Construction Start Times

Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Legal Holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

> Click for Building Department Notices

The Bergenfield Building Department is the Local Municipal Enforcing Agency which issues construction permits, conducts progress inspections and issues certificates of occupancy in accordance with the State of New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Act regulations. The Building Department also administers the Borough of Bergenfield Development Regulations and provisions of the State of New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law.

If you have any questions such as if permits are required or what is involved in getting a permit, please feel free to call the Building Department.

Mission Statement

1. To protect the health, safety and welfare of all users of buildings and structures within the Borough of Bergenfield through the enforcement of the Uniform Construction Code of the State of New Jersey.
2. To insure the adequate maintenance of buildings and structures throughout the Borough by the active enforcement of the Uniform Construction Code of the State of New Jersey.
3. To provide and maintain a pleasing visual environment through the application and enforcement of the Borough's Development Regulation.
4. To assist in the orderly development of the Borough by applying the rules and regulations established by the Borough Mayor & Council.
5. To assist the Borough Mayor and Council in providing a better community by suggesting the elimination of unnecessary or obsolete regulations, the alteration of regulations to recognize new and innovative technologies and the establishment of new regulations to address changing lifestyles and objectives.
6. To assist applicants in the process of obtaining necessary approvals for use and development of properties within the Borough of Bergenfield.
7. To provide assistance to property owners, business owners, and users, in times of crisis, to minimize disturbance of life and livelihood.
8. To maintain and advance the quality of life of people living, working and visiting the Borough of Bergenfield by promoting the ideals and principals set forth by the Borough's Mayor and Council through their legislative action.

What is a survey?

A survey is a drawing document prepared by a land surveyor. It indicates all physical improvements on a property including, but not limited to, buildings, driveways, walkways, swimming pools, decks, fences, patios, parking lots, sheds, etc. The survey will also indicate any restrictions, covenants, or easements connected with the property. The survey that is submitted with your application must accurately depict the conditions of the property existing at the time of application submission. The survey must also be drawn to scale and contain the surveyor's information. Many zoning questions cannot be answered unless an accurate survey of the property is presented.

What types of home or business improvements require a permit?

In the Borough of Bergenfield a permit is required for almost all home and business improvements except for interior and exterior painting, flooring and replacement windows and doors of the same size. It is best to call the Building Department at (201) 387-4055 ext. 4092 and ask who in our department can assist you with specific questions relating to your project.

What do I need to submit with my permit application?

Completed applications and all supporting documents are required with your construction permit applications. Depending on the type of work proposed, whether it be building, electrical, plumbing or fire, more information and details may be needed for completed submittals. The required forms that you will need can be downloaded from the state website at http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/resources/constructionpermitforms.html  (3) three sets of constructions plans are required to be submitted with your application. It is best to call the Building Department at (201) 387-4055 ext. 4092 and ask who in our department can assist your specific questions relating to your project.

Do I need an architect for my residential or business project?

For work that is done to a single family owner occupied dwelling, the homeowner and only the homeowner is permitted to prepare the plans. The plans must be legible and complete. The plans must also be in compliance with state regulations relating to the project. All plans must contain the owner's name, the address of the project, the block number and lot number and the signature of the preparer and the date of the plans. The only other person permitted to prepare plans for a single family dwelling is an architect, licensed in the State of New Jersey. The plans must then be signed and sealed by the architect for submission to the Building Department.

Do I need licensed contractors?

In New Jersey, homeowners of single family, owner occupied, and dwelling are permitted to perform their own work if they possess the knowledge of the regulations and the skill and physical ability to perform the work. If the homeowner is not able to perform the work they may hire contractors to do the work. For all home improvement projects in excess of $500, contractors must possess a Home Improvement Contractor license. More information on HIC license provisions can be obtained from the Department of Consumer Affairs website at http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/contractors/. In all case of commercial or two family homes, the State of New Jersey requires contractors to be licensed to insure that they possess basic knowledge to perform the work and required insurance coverage. All contractors performing electrical, plumbing, fire alarm and sprinkler work must be licensed in those particular fields.

What construction codes or construction regulations are used in Bergenfield?

All construction in the State of New Jersey is regulated under The Uniform Construction Code Act. Model codes adopted in the regulations include the 2015 International Building Code (New Jersey Edition) adopted September 21, 2015, the 2009 International Residential Code/2015, (New Jersey Edition), the 2014 NFPA 70, National Electric Code, the 2015 National Standard Plumbing Code adopted January 4, 2016, International Energy Conservation Code/2015, International Mechanical Code/2015, International Fuel Gas Code/2015, Rehabilitation Subcode subchapter 6 NJUCC, Barrier Free-Subcode chapter 11 of IBC/2015 & NJAC 5:23-7 NJUCC, and Elevator Subcode NJAC 5:23-12. For additional information all current codes and standards, along with recent amendments can be found at http:/www.state.nj.us/dca/codes.

What is zoning and when is a zoning permit required?

Zoning is the delineation of districts and the establishment of regulations governing the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. A zoning permit is required for commencement of a use, or change of use, or the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion or installation of a structure. Zoning permits are also required for the installation of fences, patios, driveways, walkways, sheds, recreational vehicles and some temporary uses. It is best to call the Building Department at (201) 387-4055 ext. 4092 and request to speak to the zoning officer and he will help you with specific questions relating to your project.

What is the zone of a property?

You can find the zoning of a property by clicking the link to the zoning map. The dimensional, density and other bulk restrictions can be found online at bergenfieldboro.com. You can also find all Borough of Bergenfield Code's and Ordinances on bergenfieldboro.com and clicking on Access the Borough Codes Online.

What do I do if I cannot comply with the zoning requirements?

If an applicant cannot comply with the requirements of the Development Regulations, the applicant must either modify the project to conform to the adopted ordinances or make application to deviate from the particular zoning requirement by obtaining a variance. It is best to call the Building Department at (201) 387-4055 ext. 4092 and request to speak to the zoning officer and he will help you with specific questions relating to your project.

What is a variance?

A variance is permission to depart from the literal requirements of a particular zoning ordinance. Based on the nature of the project, variance applications may be heard by either the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the Planning Board. The processes and procedures of these authorities are governed by the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law. Additional information on the process can be obtained from the Borough Zoning Officer.

Where can I obtain a copy of my survey?

In most cases, a copy of the property survey is attached to the official documents received at the time of transfer of title. Copies of the survey may be obtained from the attorney who handled the real estate transfer, from the surveyor who performed the original work, or from the Bergen County Clerk's Office. If an updated survey is required, you can contact any local Land surveyor to draw you an updated copy.

Do I need a permit for a garage sale?

Yes, a permit is required. It is $5.00 and is good for two consecutive days. You are allowed two permits per year. It is best to call the Building Department at (201) 387-4055 ext. 4092 and request information on how to obtain a garage sale permit.

Personnel Contact Information