Trenton, NJ Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Chapter 42 designates the Division of Technical Services as Trenton's State Uniform Construction Code Enforcing Agency under § 42-1, staffed by a Construction Official and subcode officials for building, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, and elevator work. Section 42-3E requires a permit application before six categories of work begin: constructing or altering a structure, constructing an addition, demolishing or moving a structure, changing occupancy, installing or altering regulated equipment, or moving a lot line that affects an existing structure. Section 42-3F exempts ordinary repairs, but that exemption does not cover cutting a wall or partition, removing a structural beam or load-bearing support, changing a required means of egress, or altering standpipes, water supply, sewer, drainage, gas, or electrical wiring.

Applications must include at least two sets of construction documents prepared and sealed by a registered design professional under § 42-3J, though the code official can waive that requirement for minor work. 07 per cubic foot for most use groups, other work is billed on a sliding per-$1,000 scale from $54 per $1,000 for jobs of $50,000 or less down to $39 per $1,000 for jobs over $100,000, and the minimum permit fee for alterations and minor work is $45. A certificate of occupancy under § 42-3K is required before anyone can occupy the completed structure.