Monroe Township (Middlesex County), NJ Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Two approvals sit in front of construction in Monroe Township, Middlesex County. The first is the zoning permit. Under § 30-3, the Land Use Administrator/Zoning Officer, called the AZO in the Code, issues it before the erection, construction, structural alteration or enlargement of any building that does not need Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment review and approval. The second is the building permit, and § 30-3 states the zoning permit is required in addition to it. The AZO issues no zoning permit unless the proposed improvement conforms to the development regulations, codes and ordinances of Monroe Township. Section 30-2 puts the AZO's office in the Municipal Complex, open to the public during normal business hours.

Building permits themselves run through the State Uniform Construction Code Enforcing Agency created by § 25-1, with the Construction Official as chief administrator and building, plumbing, electrical and fire protection subcode officials. Section 20-1 adopts the code governing the construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy and maintenance of buildings and structures. Fees follow Chapter 39 under § 25-2, and Schedule II prices a building permit not otherwise listed at $72. Section 25-4 describes the enforcing agency fee as covering plan review, construction permit, certificate of occupancy, demolition permit, moving of building permit, elevator permit and sign permit.

Other gates apply before a permit issues. Section 20-3 requires a flood hazard area determination from the office of the Township Engineer, for a $15 fee, before new construction, alterations or additions. Where tree removal is part of the job, § 97-5 A(2) provides that no building permit issues until the applicant, unless exempt, has obtained any permit required under the tree chapter. Section 25-3 waives permit fees for accessibility improvements to a disabled person's own living unit.