Deck Permits in New Jersey: What Homeowners Need to Know
- Mark Giannone
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Building a new deck in New Jersey? You’ll need more than just tools and materials — you’ll need a permit. At C-JAM Construction, we walk clients through this process every week. Here’s what to expect if you’re planning a deck project in the Garden State.
Do I Need a Permit for My Deck?
Yes — all new deck builds in New Jersey require a permit.Before you can apply for a construction permit, you must first obtain zoning approval from your local building department.
That means submitting a plot plan, site plan, or survey of your property that clearly shows the footprint of your proposed deck — including its distance from all property lines.Each town enforces its own setback requirements, and zoning approval ensures your deck is positioned legally before construction begins.
💡 Pro Tip: You don’t necessarily need to hire a traditional surveyor for this step. Services like MySitePlan.com can create a digital site plan for most residential properties for under $200, usually in 24–48 hours. That’s a huge time and cost saver compared to waiting 2–4 weeks and paying $2,000–$5,000 for a physical survey from a land surveyor — especially when you just need a basic plan for zoning approval.
Who Handles the Paperwork?
At C-JAM Construction, we handle all the drawings and permit applications for our clients.We fill out our contractor information, prepare detailed deck plans, and sign off as the responsible party for construction.The homeowner’s job is to drop off the packet and pay the permit fees to the township.
Your permit package will typically include:
A construction permit application
A building subcode application
Deck drawings showing framing, materials, and dimensions
For a full breakdown of what happens next, check out our post on What to Expect During a Deck Build.
How Long Does It Take?
Once submitted, your application is in the hands of the local construction office.Some towns process deck permits within 10–14 days, while others can take 3–4 weeks depending on workload.
Most deck designs follow standard code-compliant practices, which helps avoid complications — but submitting a complete package (including your site plan or survey) is the best way to prevent delays.
What Causes Delays?
Common reasons towns reject or delay deck permits include:
Missing plot plan or site plan
Incomplete contractor or homeowner information
Unpaid municipal fees or back taxes
Incorrectly marked property setbacks
Submitting everything correctly the first time keeps your project on track.
How Much Does a Permit Cost?
The cost of a deck permit in New Jersey is set by your local construction office and is usually based on a percentage of the total project cost.Smaller decks might only cost around $75–$150 to permit, while larger or more complex builds can range from $300–$600, depending on materials and design.
What Happens If I Skip the Permit?
Plenty of people try to avoid permits — and it can cost them thousands.If you get caught (and you probably will), the town can issue fines, halt your project, or require you to tear the deck down.
At C-JAM Construction, we never skip permits. Period. It protects both the homeowner and the contractor — and ensures your project passes inspections safely and legally.
What Inspections Will Be Done?
Most towns require at least three inspections:
Footing inspection – Verifies depth and width before pouring concrete
Framing inspection – Checks beams, joists, and hardware before decking goes on
Final inspection – Confirms rails, stairs, and finished structure meet code
We never request final payment until final inspection is passed.
Pro Tip for Homeowners
Start early. If you want to build in June, get your site plan and documents in order by March or April.Traditional surveys can take 30–60 days and cost up to $3,000, while online site plans can be completed in just a few days.
Early preparation ensures you’re ready when the weather breaks — and keeps your project ahead of the spring rush.
Bottom Line
Getting a deck permit in New Jersey isn’t as intimidating as it sounds — it just takes preparation. At C-JAM Construction, we help homeowners navigate every step, from drawings and applications to final inspections.
If you’re ready to start your project or want help understanding what’s required in your township, reach out today.
📞 609-302-0249
🧾 Serving South Jersey — Gloucester, Camden, and Salem Counties
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