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Building Safety in Paterson, NJ (2026)

7 verified building safety rules for Paterson, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Lead Paint

A Paterson lead paint inspection costs $300 for the first unit in a one-to-three-family dwelling, plus $150 per extra unit inspected the same day, payable to the Division of Health.

Paterson Lead Paint Inspection Fees Set by Code

Some Restrictions

Paterson City Code § 351-5A

A request for lead paint inspection to the Division shall be accompanied by a fee of $300 for a single-family, two-family or three-family dwelling for the first unit inspected, plus an additional fee of $150 for each additional unit inspected. For the reduced fee to be applied, all inspections must be scheduled for the same day and time. By way of example, the inspection of two units in a two-f...

Fire Sprinkler Requirements

Installing or replacing sprinkler heads in Paterson requires a fire subcode permit from the Fire Division before work begins, with fees run by head count under City Code §183-13, $150 for up to 50 heads.

Paterson Fire Sprinkler Permit Required

Some Restrictions

Paterson City Code § 183-13

Pursuant to the Uniform Construction Code, Fire Subcode section, a permit shall be obtained from the fire subcode official of the Fire Division of the City of Paterson or his designee for all automatic sprinkler systems, special suppression systems, standpipes and any and all other related fire protection equipment, prior to the installation or use of any such system or equipment. B. The fee...

Childcare Center Rules

Paterson's zoning ordinance requires child care centers in the B-1 District to provide a fenced play area, off-street drop-off space, and a 5,000-square-foot minimum lot.

Paterson Child Care Center Site Requirements

Some Restrictions

City of Paterson Land Development Ordinance § 500-4.18 (Municipal Code ch. 483)

Such use shall meet the applicable lot area, setback requirements and other applicable requirements of § 500-2.3 except that the minimum lot area shall be 5,000 square feet in the B-1 District, lot coverage shall not exceed 40%... There shall be provided a recreation/play space equal to at least 100 square feet per child, which area shall be completely fenced in. There shall be provided an off-...

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Paterson requires carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping room, enforced through the same fire-code compliance certificate as smoke detectors.

Paterson Carbon Monoxide Detector Rule

Some Restrictions

Paterson City Code § 215-11(C)

As per recent code revisions, N.J.A.C. 5:70-4-19(d), carbon monoxide detectors are required to be installed in the immediate vicinity of all sleeping rooms. The carbon monoxide detectors may be installed on the ceiling or a wall; however, the manufacturer's installation instructions must be followed. Carbon monoxide detectors are required to be manufactured, listed and labeled in accordance wit...

Building Permits

Before any Paterson construction permit issues, the applicant must certify current municipal taxes to the Construction Official, and a certificate of occupancy, confirming the required inspections passed, costs $151 for a small residential building under City Code §183-12.

Paterson Building Permit & Inspection Fees

Some Restrictions

Paterson City Code § 183-12

The fees for certificates of occupancy required for compliance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.23 shall be as follows: A. The fee for a certificate of occupancy for a new building and continuing certificate of occupancy on an existing building shall be $151 if the building is solely for residential purposes with no more than two residential units. B. The fee for a certificate of occupancy for a new ...

Electrical Permits

Electrical work in Paterson needs a permit from the city's electrical subcode official, part of the Construction Code Enforcing Agency, with fees set under City Code §183-7 by class of work: e.g., $46 for the first 25 lighting fixtures.

Paterson Electrical Permit Requirement

Some Restrictions

Paterson City Code § 183-7

The electrical subcode fee shall be based upon the following fee schedule: A. Class 1. (1) Wiring. Wiring for lighting outlets, fluorescent fixtures, pool bonding, intercom devices, thermostats, telephone outlets, CRT outlets and light standards, ARC lamps, mercury vapor lamps, mogul sockets and low sodium lamps, lighting fixtures, receptacles, switches, detectors light poles, motors-frac...

Plumbing Permits

Paterson requires a plumbing subcode permit for fixture and equipment work, issued by the Construction Code Enforcing Agency, with fees set per item under City Code §183-6, $20 per water closet, $75 for gas piping, $40 for a water heater.

Paterson Plumbing Permit Fee Schedule

Some Restrictions

Paterson City Code § 183-6

The plumbing subcode fee shall be based on the following fee schedule: All Fixtures/Equipment Type of Fixture/Equipment Fee Water closet $20 Urinal/bidet $20 Bathtub $20 Laboratory $20 Shower $20 Floor drain $20 Sink $20 Dishwasher $20 Drinking fountain $20 Washing machine/clothes dryer $20 Gas piping $75 Fuel oil piping $75 Water heater $40 Steam boiler $50 Hot-...

Looking for Passaic County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Paterson city rules.

Building Safety in Passaic County