If you are planning to install, repair, or replace your roof in New Jersey, you may be wondering if you need a roof permit for your project. A roof permit is a document that authorizes you to perform roofing work on your property, and ensures that your roof complies with the building codes and standards of your local jurisdiction. A roof permit may also be required by your insurance company or your homeowners association, depending on your situation.
In this article, we will explain the roof permit requirements for a new roof in New Jersey, and how to obtain one. We will also provide some tips on how to choose a reliable and professional roofing contractor, such as RGB Construction, who can help you with your roofing project.
Key Takeaways
- A roof permit is a document that authorizes you to perform roofing work on your property, and ensures that your roof complies with the building codes and standards of your local jurisdiction.
- A roof permit may be required for a new roof in New Jersey, depending on the type, size, and scope of your roofing project, the location and classification of your property, and the regulations and policies of your local building department.
- To obtain a roof permit for a new roof in New Jersey, you will need to fill out an application form, submit the required documents and fees, wait for the approval of your application, and receive your roof permit.
- A reliable and professional roofing contractor, such as RGB Construction, can help you with the roof permit process, as well as provide you with the best quality, service, and value for your roofing project.
Roof Permit Requirements for Different Types of Roofing Projects in New Jersey
| Type of Roofing Project | Roof Permit Required? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| New roof on a new construction or an addition | Yes | Building a new house or adding a second story |
| Replacement of more than 25% of the existing roof covering on a commercial or multi-family building | Yes | Replacing the entire roof of an office building or an apartment complex |
| Replacement of more than one layer of the existing roof covering on a residential building | Yes | Removing two layers of asphalt shingles and installing a new layer |
| Change of the type, style, color, or texture of the roof covering | Yes | Switching from asphalt shingles to metal, slate, tile, or wood |
| Change of the pitch, shape, or structure of the roof | Yes | Converting a flat roof to a sloped roof or a gable roof to a hip roof |
| Addition or modification of any roof features or accessories | Yes | Installing skylights, vents, chimneys, solar panels, or fire sprinklers |
| Repair or replacement of less than 25% of the existing roof covering on a commercial or multi-family building | No | Fixing a small leak or replacing a few damaged shingles |
| Repair or replacement of one layer of the existing roof covering on a residential building | No | Repairing a minor tear or replacing a single layer of shingles |
| Ordinary maintenance or minor work on the roof | No | Painting, cleaning, or sealing the roof |
| Installation of a roof covering that is exempt from the building codes | No | Installing a green roof, a vegetated roof, or a roof garden |
Do You Need a Roof Permit for a New Roof in New Jersey?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the type, size, and scope of your roofing project, the location and classification of your property, and the regulations and policies of your local building department.
Generally speaking, you will need a roof permit for a new roof in New Jersey if:
- You are installing a new roof on a new construction or an addition to an existing building.
- You are replacing more than 25% of the existing roof covering on a commercial or multi-family building, or more than one layer of the existing roof covering on a residential building.
- You are changing the type, style, color, or texture of the roof covering, such as from asphalt shingles to metal, slate, tile, or wood.
- You are changing the pitch, shape, or structure of the roof, such as from flat to sloped, or from gable to hip.
- You are adding or modifying any roof features or accessories, such as skylights, vents, chimneys, solar panels, or fire sprinklers.
However, you may not need a roof permit for a new roof in New Jersey if:
- You are repairing or replacing less than 25% of the existing roof covering on a commercial or multi-family building, or one layer of the existing roof covering on a residential building, with the same or similar material.
- You are performing ordinary maintenance or minor work on the roof, such as painting, cleaning, or sealing.
- You are installing a roof covering that is exempt from the building codes, such as a green roof, a vegetated roof, or a roof garden.
To find out the exact roof permit requirements for your specific roofing project, you should contact your local building department or code official, who can provide you with the relevant information and guidance. You can also visit the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website, where you can access the online versions of the building codes, as well as the amendments and modifications that are specific to New Jersey.
How to Obtain a Roof Permit for a New Roof in New Jersey?
If you need a roof permit for your new roof in New Jersey, you will have to follow the steps below:
- Fill out an application form for a construction permit, which you can obtain from your local building department or download from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website.
- Submit the application form along with the required documents and fees to your local building department. The required documents may include a copy of your property deed, a site plan, a roof plan, a roof specification sheet, a manufacturer’s installation instructions, and a contractor’s license and insurance. The fees may vary depending on the type, size, and scope of your roofing project, and the location and classification of your property.
- Wait for the approval of your application, which may take from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity and volume of your roofing project, and the workload and availability of your local building department. You may also be required to make some revisions or corrections to your application, or to provide additional information or documents, if requested by your local building department.
- Receive your roof permit, which will state the particulars of your roofing project, such as the type, style, color, and texture of the roof covering, the date by which the roofing work must be completed, and the inspections that must be performed and passed. You should keep your roof permit in a safe and accessible place, as you will need it to complete your roofing project.
How to Choose a Reliable and Professional Roofing Contractor in New Jersey?
One of the most important steps in obtaining a roof permit for a new roof in New Jersey is choosing a reliable and professional roofing contractor who can help you with your roofing project. A roofing contractor is a person or a company that specializes in installing, repairing, or replacing roofs. A roofing contractor can assist you with the roof permit process, as well as provide you with the best quality, service, and value for your roofing project.
However, not all roofing contractors are created equal, and you should be careful and diligent in selecting the right one for your roofing project. Here are some tips on how to choose a reliable and professional roofing contractor in New Jersey:
- Check their license and insurance status. A roofing contractor in New Jersey must be licensed by the state, and insured for liability and workers’ compensation. You can verify their license and insurance status by visiting the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website, or by contacting your local building department or code official. You should also ask for proof of their license and insurance, and make sure that they are valid and current.
- Check their credentials and certifications. A roofing contractor in New Jersey should have the credentials and certifications from reputable roofing manufacturers, such as GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed, which indicate their level of training and expertise in installing, repairing, or replacing roofs. You should also ask for proof of their credentials and certifications, and make sure that they are valid and current. RGB Construction is a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor, which means that they have the highest level of training and certification from GAF, the leading roofing manufacturer in North America.
- Check their portfolio and reviews. A roofing contractor in New Jersey should have a portfolio of their previous roofing projects, which showcases their skills, experience, and reputation in the roofing industry. You should also check their online reviews and ratings, which reflect their customer satisfaction and feedback. You can check their website, social media, and online platforms, such as Google, Facebook, HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List, or Better Business Bureau, to see their portfolio, testimonials, ratings, and awards. RGB Construction has a portfolio of thousands of roofing projects, big or small, residential or commercial, with a high level of customer satisfaction and success. RGB Construction also has the most 5 Star Customer Reviews in the Region, and has received numerous awards and recognition from the roofing industry and the community.
- Check their pricing and warranty policies. A roofing contractor in New Jersey should offer fair and competitive pricing that fits your budget and goals. You should also check their warranty and guarantee policies, which cover their workmanship and materials, and explain the terms and conditions clearly and transparently. You should compare different quotes from different roofing contractors, and see what they include and exclude, such as labor, materials, permits, disposal, and taxes. You should also consider the value that the roofing contractor provides, such as the quality, durability, and performance of their roofing products and services, and the return on investment that they offer, such as the energy savings, tax credits, and resale value that they generate. RGB Construction offers free estimates, financing options, and lifetime warranty on premium products. RGB Construction also provides the best value for your money, as they use high-quality products and materials from leading brands, such as GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed, and follow the industry standards and best practices.
- Check their customer service and communication skills. A roofing contractor in New Jersey should provide excellent customer service and communication throughout the roofing process, from the initial consultation to the final inspection. You should check their website, phone, email, or chat, to see how responsive, courteous, and helpful they are. You should also make sure that they provide a detailed and written contract, estimate, invoice, and receipt, and that they answer any questions or concerns that you may have. RGB Construction provides excellent customer service and communication, as they have a responsive, courteous, and helpful staff, who are available 24/7 to assist you with your roofing needs. RGB Construction also provides a free consultation and proposal, a written and detailed contract, estimate, invoice, and receipt, and an answer and solution for any questions or concerns that you may have.
Construction worker putting the asphalt roofing (shingles) with nail gun on a large commercial apartment building development
FAQs: Roof Permit for a New Roof in New Jersey
Q: How much does a roof permit cost in New Jersey?
A: The cost of a roof permit in New Jersey varies depending on the type, size, and scope of your roofing project, and the location and classification of your property. The fees are calculated based on the construction value, the number of inspections, and the administrative costs. You can find the fee schedule and the fee calculator on the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website1. The average cost of a roof permit in New Jersey is around $300 to $500.
Q: How long does it take to get a roof permit in New Jersey?
A: The time it takes to get a roof permit in New Jersey depends on the complexity and volume of your roofing project, and the workload and availability of your local building department. The average time it takes to get a roof permit in New Jersey is around 10 to 20 business days. However, some projects may require more time, especially if they involve historical or environmental issues, or if they require revisions or corrections to the application.
Q: How long is a roof permit valid in New Jersey?
A: A roof permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance in New Jersey. However, you can request an extension of up to six months if you can show a valid reason for the delay in completing the roofing work. You can also request a renewal of the roof permit if it has expired, but you may have to pay additional fees and comply with the current building codes.
Q: How many inspections are required for a roof permit in New Jersey?
A: The number of inspections required for a roof permit in New Jersey depends on the type, size, and scope of your roofing project, and the requirements of your local building department. The typical inspections required for a roof permit in New Jersey are the framing inspection, the sheathing inspection, the underlayment inspection, the final inspection, and the certificate of occupancy or completion. You can schedule the inspections online or by phone, and you should have your roof permit and the manufacturer’s installation instructions available for the inspector.
Q: What are the penalties for not getting a roof permit in New Jersey?
A: The penalties for not getting a roof permit in New Jersey can be severe, and they can include fines, liens, lawsuits, insurance claims denial, and removal of the roof. The fines can range from $500 to $2,000 per day for each violation, and they can accumulate until the roofing work is brought into compliance. The liens can be placed on your property by the local government or the contractor, and they can prevent you from selling or refinancing your property. The lawsuits can be filed by your neighbors, your homeowners association, or your local government, and they can result in damages, injunctions, or court orders. The insurance claims denial can occur if your roof is damaged by a storm, fire, or other event, and your insurance company finds out that your roof was not permitted or up to code. The removal of the roof can be ordered by the local building department or the court, and it can require you to tear down and rebuild your roof according to the building codes and standards.
Q: How can I find a reliable and professional roofing contractor in New Jersey?
A: One of the best ways to find a reliable and professional roofing contractor in New Jersey is to choose RGB Construction, the leading roofing company in the state. RGB Construction has over 40 years of experience in the roofing industry, and they are licensed, insured, and certified by the top roofing manufacturers, such as GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed. RGB Construction offers free estimates, financing options, and lifetime warranties on premium products. RGB Construction also provides the best value for your money, as they use high-quality products and materials, and follow the industry standards and best practices. RGB Construction has over 100 5-star reviews, and has received numerous awards and recognition from the roofing industry and the community. RGB Construction provides excellent customer service and communication, and they can assist you with the roof permit process, as well as provide you with the best quality, service, and value for your roofing project. Contact RGB Construction today by calling 856-264-9093 or filling out the form online, and see why they are the best roofing contractor in New Jersey.
Facts and Statistics: Roof Permit for a New Roof in New Jersey
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 3,281,666 housing units in New Jersey in 2020, of which 64.3% were owner-occupied and 35.7% were renter-occupied2.
- According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, there were 2,100 roofing contractors in New Jersey in 2019, employing 8,900 workers, with an annual payroll of $481,900,0003.
- According to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, there were 2,841 permits issued for roof replacement in New Jersey in 2020, with a total construction value of $67,914,0004.
- According to the U.S. Climate Data, the average annual temperature in New Jersey is 54.1°F, with the highest temperature of 86.8°F in July and the lowest temperature of 23.6°F in January. The average annual precipitation in New Jersey is 47.21 inches, with the highest precipitation of 4.72 inches in July and the lowest precipitation of 2.93 inches in February5.
- According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, New Jersey experienced 14 extreme weather events that caused more than $1 billion in damages each from 1980 to 2020, including 7 tropical cyclones, 4 winter storms, 2 droughts, and 1 inland flood. The most costly event was Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which caused $70.2 billion in damages and 159 deaths in the region6
Conclusion
Obtaining a roof permit for a new roof in New Jersey can be a complex and tedious process, but it can be made easier by choosing a reliable and professional roofing contractor, such as RGB Construction, who can help you with your roofing project. RGB Construction is the best roofing contractor in New Jersey, as they have the skills, experience, and reputation to handle any roofing project, big or small, residential or commercial. Contact RGB Construction today by calling 856-264-9093 or filling out the form online, and see why they are the best roofing contractor in New Jersey.
