In This Guide
Why NJ Building Codes Matter for Your Roof
New Jersey has the strictest uniform building code enforcement of any state in the Northeast. While neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania allow significant local variation in code adoption and enforcement, New Jersey mandates that every one of its 565 municipalities enforce the identical Uniform Construction Code (UCC), codified at N.J.A.C. 5:23. Every municipality must employ licensed construction officials and subcode officials. Every roofing project requires a permit. Every permit requires an inspection.
This uniformity is both a benefit and a complexity for homeowners. The benefit is predictability: the same technical requirements apply in Hoboken as in Cherry Hill, in Montclair as in Toms River. The complexity comes from the fact that while the technical code is uniform, the administrative requirements (permit fees, processing times, inspection scheduling, and documentation requirements) vary across all 565 municipalities. A roofing permit that costs $100 and takes one day in one town may cost $400 and take two weeks in the neighboring municipality.
Understanding New Jersey's building codes protects you in three critical ways:
- Legal compliance. New Jersey actively enforces its construction codes. Municipal construction officials have the authority to issue Notices of Violation, impose fines, and require removal and reinstallation of non-compliant work. The NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) oversees municipal enforcement and can intervene if municipalities fail to enforce the code.
- Insurance protection. If your roof was installed without a permit or in violation of the UCC, your homeowner's insurance carrier can deny claims related to roof damage. This is not a theoretical risk in New Jersey; carriers routinely check permit records during the claims process.
- Property transactions. New Jersey real estate attorneys routinely request open permit searches as part of the title examination process. Unpermitted roofing work discovered during a sale can delay or derail the transaction, require costly retroactive permitting, or result in price reductions.
What This Guide Covers
The NJ UCC framework, Section R908 re-roofing requirements, permit process variations by municipality, inspection requirements and what inspectors check, consequences of unpermitted work, ice and water shield and weather protection, wind speed and coastal zone requirements, contractor licensing and registration, energy subcode requirements, and current New Jersey roofing costs by material.
The NJ Uniform Construction Code Framework
New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code (UCC) was enacted in 1975 and has been continuously updated since. It adopts the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) as its base codes, with New Jersey-specific amendments. The UCC is administered by the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and enforced at the municipal level by licensed construction officials.
| UCC Subcode | Base Code | Roofing Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Building Subcode | IRC / IBC | Structural requirements, R905 materials, R908 re-roofing, R903 weather protection |
| Energy Subcode | IECC | Insulation R-values, air sealing when deck is exposed, cool roof requirements |
| Fire Subcode | IFC | Fire-rated assemblies, Class A/B/C roof covering ratings |
| Plumbing Subcode | IPC / IRC | Roof drain and vent pipe flashing requirements |
Key NJ Amendments to the IRC
New Jersey adopts the IRC with specific amendments that affect roofing projects. The most significant NJ-specific requirements include:
- Mandatory permits for all re-roofing. While some states exempt simple re-roofing overlays from permit requirements, New Jersey does not. Every roofing project requires a permit and inspection.
- Licensed construction officials. NJ requires that the building inspector who reviews your roofing permit and performs inspections hold a specific DCA license (Building Inspector, Building Subcode Official, or Construction Official). This ensures a higher baseline of expertise than states that allow unlicensed inspectors.
- Contractor registration requirement. The NJ Home Improvement Contractor Registration Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-136) requires all contractors to register with the state before performing roofing work. This is more stringent than many neighboring states.
- Energy subcode triggers. When a roof is replaced and the deck is exposed, the NJ energy subcode may trigger insulation upgrade requirements if the existing attic insulation falls below current minimums.
No Local Code Variations
Unlike New York (which has separate NYC codes) or Pennsylvania (which allows opt-outs), New Jersey mandates uniform code adoption statewide. No municipality can adopt lesser or greater technical requirements than the UCC specifies. This means the same R-value requirements, the same ice barrier rules, and the same material standards apply in every NJ town. The only variation is administrative: permit fees, processing times, and inspection scheduling.
Section R908: Re-Roofing Requirements
IRC Section R908, as adopted by the NJ UCC, is the primary code section governing re-roofing. Understanding these requirements is essential for any roof replacement project in New Jersey.
R908.1: General Requirements
Materials and methods of application used for re-roofing must comply with the requirements of Chapter R905 (material-specific standards). All re-roofing must be installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the code and the manufacturer's installation instructions. Where there is a conflict, the more restrictive requirement applies.
R908.2: Structural and Deck Requirements
The roof deck must be verified as structurally sound before any new roofing material is applied. This means:
- The existing deck must support the weight of the new roofing material plus all applicable loads (snow, wind, dead load)
- All deteriorated, damaged, or water-stained deck sheathing must be replaced
- If switching to a heavier material (e.g., asphalt to slate or tile), a structural analysis may be required to verify the framing can handle the additional weight
- Damaged or inadequate roof framing members (rafters, ridge, purlins) must be repaired or reinforced
R908.3: Re-Roofing Limitations (Maximum Layers)
The code limits the number of roofing layers to prevent excessive weight accumulation and ensure proper installation:
| Material Type | Maximum Layers | Tear-Off Required |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | 2 | When 2 layers exist |
| Metal Roofing | 1 | Always when replacing |
| Tile (Clay/Concrete) | 1 | Always when replacing |
| Slate | 1 | Always when replacing |
| Material Type Change | N/A | Always required |
R908.4 & R905: Current Code Compliance
A critical aspect of R908 that many homeowners overlook: when you re-roof, the new installation must comply with the current code requirements for underlayment, ice barriers, flashing, and ventilation — not the code that was in effect when the house was originally built. This means a 1960s ranch home getting a new roof in 2026 must meet 2026 ice and water shield requirements, 2026 ventilation requirements, and 2026 underlayment requirements, even though no such requirements existed when the home was built. This is particularly relevant for ice barrier coverage, synthetic underlayment, and ridge ventilation.
Permit Process by Municipality
While the technical code is uniform across New Jersey, the permit process varies by municipality. Each of New Jersey's 565 municipalities operates its own construction office with its own fee schedule, forms, and processing timelines.
Standard Permit Application Requirements
While specific forms vary, most NJ municipalities require the following for a residential roofing permit:
- Completed permit application form with property address, block, and lot number
- Scope of work description (material type, area of roof, tear-off vs. overlay)
- Contractor's NJ HIC registration number
- Contractor's proof of insurance (general liability and workers compensation)
- Estimated project cost (used for fee calculation in some towns)
- Property owner's authorization (if the contractor is filing on the owner's behalf)
Permit Fee Comparison by Region
| Region | Typical Fee Range | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| North Jersey (Bergen, Passaic, Essex) | $150–$500 | 3–10 business days |
| Hudson County / Jersey City | $200–$500 | 5–15 business days |
| Central NJ (Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer) | $100–$350 | 2–7 business days |
| Shore Towns (Ocean, Atlantic, Cape May) | $100–$400 | 2–10 business days |
| South Jersey (Camden, Burlington, Gloucester) | $75–$250 | 1–5 business days |
Online Permit Filing
Many NJ municipalities now offer online permit applications through platforms like ePermitHub, ViewPoint Cloud, or their own municipal portals. Check your town's construction office website first. Online filing can significantly reduce processing time compared to in-person applications, and some towns offer reduced fees for online submissions.
Inspection Requirements and What Inspectors Check
New Jersey's UCC mandates inspections for all permitted roofing work. The inspection is performed by the municipal building subcode official or building inspector, who must hold a valid DCA license. Understanding what inspectors look for helps ensure your project passes on the first visit.
Common Inspection Stages
Most NJ municipalities require one or two inspections for residential re-roofing:
- Deck/Underlayment inspection (if required by municipality): After tear-off, the inspector verifies deck condition, repair of damaged sheathing, proper ice and water shield installation, and underlayment before the finish roofing material is applied. Not all towns require this intermediate inspection.
- Final inspection (mandatory): After the roof is complete, the inspector verifies overall compliance, proper flashing, ridge vent installation, drip edge, proper nailing patterns, and cleanup. The permit is not closed until the final inspection passes.
What NJ Inspectors Specifically Check
Structural & Deck
- Deck sheathing condition and replacement of damaged areas
- Proper fastening of replacement sheathing
- No more than permitted number of layers
- Adequate structural support for material weight
Weather Protection
- Ice and water shield at eaves (24" past interior wall line)
- Ice and water shield in valleys and at penetrations
- Underlayment type and overlap requirements
- Drip edge at eaves and rakes
Installation Quality
- Proper nailing pattern (4-nail or 6-nail per manufacturer specs)
- Correct exposure and offset for shingle courses
- Hip and ridge cap installation
- Step and counter-flashing at walls and chimneys
Ventilation & Energy
- Adequate attic ventilation (1:150 or 1:300 ratio)
- Balanced intake and exhaust ventilation
- Ridge vent or equivalent exhaust
- Soffit intake not blocked by insulation
Failed Inspection? Here's What Happens
If an inspection fails, the inspector issues a correction notice listing the specific deficiencies. The contractor must correct the issues and schedule a re-inspection. Most municipalities allow one or two re-inspections at no additional charge, but some charge re-inspection fees ($50 to $150). The permit remains open until all deficiencies are resolved and the final inspection passes. An open permit on the property record can complicate a future sale.
Consequences of Unpermitted Roofing Work
New Jersey takes unpermitted construction work more seriously than most states. The consequences of performing or allowing unpermitted roofing work are significant and long-lasting.
Immediate Consequences
- Notice of Violation. The municipal construction official issues a formal Notice of Violation, which is recorded against the property. This becomes part of the permanent property record.
- Stop-work order. If work is discovered in progress without a permit, the construction official issues an immediate stop-work order. All work must cease until a permit is obtained.
- Fines. Penalties for unpermitted work typically range from $500 to $2,000 per violation, with some municipalities imposing daily penalties until the violation is resolved. Under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-138, each day of continued violation can constitute a separate offense.
- Retroactive permitting. An after-the-fact permit application is required, often at double or triple the standard fee. The completed work must pass inspection, which may require destructive testing (removing shingles to verify underlayment and deck condition).
Long-Term Consequences
- Insurance denial. Homeowner's insurance carriers can deny claims for roof damage if the roof was installed without a permit. New Jersey insurers have become increasingly diligent about checking permit records during the claims investigation process.
- Real estate complications. In New Jersey, title searches routinely include open permit searches. Unpermitted work or open permits can delay closings, require retroactive permits at the seller's expense, result in buyer-demanded price reductions, or cause buyers to walk away entirely.
- Warranty voidance. Major shingle manufacturers (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning) can void warranty claims if the installation violated local building codes or was performed without required permits.
- Contractor consequences. Contractors who perform work without permits face suspension or revocation of their NJ HIC registration and fines under the Consumer Fraud Act. The NJ Division of Consumer Affairs maintains a public database of enforcement actions.
Red Flag: “We Don't Need a Permit for This”
In New Jersey, there is no scenario where a full roof replacement does not require a permit. If a contractor tells you a permit is not needed, that is a disqualifying red flag. Either the contractor does not understand NJ code requirements, or they are intentionally avoiding the permit process (often because they lack proper HIC registration or insurance). Walk away and find a properly registered contractor.
Ice and Water Shield and Weather Protection
New Jersey spans Climate Zones 4A (most of the state) and the 4A/3A transition in the southern tier. The UCC requires weather protection measures to guard against ice dams, wind-driven rain, and water infiltration.
Ice Barrier Requirements
- Self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen membrane (ice and water shield) from the eave edge extending at least 24 inches past the interior wall line
- Required in all roof valleys for the full length of the valley
- Required around all chimneys, plumbing vents, skylights, and mechanical penetrations
- Required at all roof-to-wall intersections (dormers, additions, second-story walls)
- Required at low-slope areas (2:12 to 4:12 pitch) with extended coverage
Underlayment Requirements
Beyond ice barriers, the NJ UCC requires underlayment across the entire roof deck. Current code accepts either:
- Asphalt-saturated felt: Minimum 15 lb felt (ASTM D226 Type I) or 30 lb felt (ASTM D226 Type II). Must be applied with proper overlap (2-inch side lap, 4-inch end lap for single-layer application).
- Synthetic underlayment: ASTM D4869 compliant synthetic materials are increasingly standard in NJ. They are lighter, stronger, and more water-resistant than felt, with better lay-flat characteristics. Most NJ contractors have transitioned to synthetic as their standard.
Flashing and Drip Edge
The UCC requires metal drip edge at all eaves and rakes, extending back from the edge at least 2 inches. Valley flashing must be a minimum 24-inch-wide metal (or equivalent) centered in the valley. Step flashing at roof-to-wall junctions must be minimum 4 inches by 4 inches, with counter-flashing to direct water away from the wall assembly. Chimney flashing requires a two-part system of base/step flashing and counter-flashing set into the mortar joints. NJ inspectors pay particular attention to flashing details because water infiltration at flashing points is the most common source of roof leaks.
Wind Speed and Coastal Zone Requirements
New Jersey's geography creates significant wind exposure variation from the inland areas to the Shore. The UCC design wind speed requirements reflect this, with coastal communities facing the most stringent requirements.
Design Wind Speeds by Region
- Jersey Shore coastal zones (Cape May to Sandy Hook): 110 to 130 mph design wind speed. Requires 6-nail pattern for shingles, high-wind-rated materials (ASTM D3161 Class F or ASTM D7158 Class H), and enhanced ridge cap attachment. Barrier island communities may have additional local requirements.
- Coastal plain (within 15 miles of shore): 100 to 115 mph. Six-nail pattern recommended. Enhanced attachment at eaves and rakes per manufacturer high-wind installation instructions.
- Central and Northern NJ inland: 95 to 110 mph. Standard 4-nail or 6-nail pattern per manufacturer specifications. Most shingle manufacturers require 6-nail patterns to maintain warranty validity in New Jersey.
- Northwest NJ (Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon highlands): 90 to 105 mph. Standard nailing patterns acceptable. Elevated terrain may increase local wind exposure.
Shore Community Special Requirements
Properties in FEMA-designated flood zones along the Jersey Shore face additional requirements beyond standard wind speed compliance:
- Continuous load path connections from roof through walls to foundation to resist uplift forces
- Hurricane straps or engineered connectors at every rafter-to-wall plate connection in V-zones and coastal A-zones
- Impact-resistant requirements in some shore municipalities that adopted additional wind-borne debris provisions after Superstorm Sandy (2012)
- Elevated design considerations for homes on pilings or elevated foundations, where roof-to-structure connections must account for the full wind envelope
Post-Sandy Code Updates
Superstorm Sandy in 2012 prompted significant updates to NJ's building codes for coastal construction. Many Shore municipalities adopted more stringent wind and flood provisions. If your property is within a Shore community, check with your local construction office for any additional requirements beyond the baseline UCC, particularly for roof-to-wall connections and wind-rated material specifications.
Contractor Licensing and Registration
New Jersey requires all home improvement contractors to register with the state under the Home Improvement Contractor Registration Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-136 et seq.). This is a statewide requirement with no exceptions for roofing contractors.
NJ HIC Registration Requirements
- Registration number. Every contractor must have a valid NJ Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration number issued by the Division of Consumer Affairs. This number must appear on all contracts, proposals, advertisements, and business cards.
- Insurance. Contractors must maintain general liability insurance (minimum $500,000) and commercial general liability coverage. Workers compensation insurance is required for all employees.
- Bond. While not universally required, some municipalities require performance bonds for larger projects.
- Contracts. NJ law requires written contracts for all home improvement work exceeding $500. The contract must include the HIC registration number, start and completion dates, total price, payment schedule, description of work, and a notice of the homeowner's right to cancel within 3 business days.
Verification and Consumer Protection
Before hiring any roofing contractor in New Jersey, verify the following:
- Check HIC registration status at the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs website or by calling (973) 504-6200
- Request and verify a current Certificate of Insurance directly with the insurance carrier (not just a copy from the contractor)
- Check for complaints or enforcement actions through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau
- Confirm workers compensation coverage through the NJ Department of Labor
Unregistered Contractor? Contract May Be Voidable
Under the NJ Consumer Fraud Act, a contract with an unregistered home improvement contractor may be voidable. This means if you have a dispute with an unregistered contractor, you may have additional legal protections. Conversely, if you knowingly hire an unregistered contractor and the work fails, you may have limited recourse. Always verify registration before signing a contract.
NJ Energy Subcode and Insulation
New Jersey's energy subcode, based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), can be triggered during a roof replacement when the deck is exposed. Understanding these requirements helps avoid unexpected costs and inspection failures.
When Energy Code Applies to Re-Roofing
The energy subcode generally applies to re-roofing when:
- The roof deck is exposed during tear-off, creating an opportunity to insulate or air-seal
- The project involves structural changes to the roof (adding dormers, changing slope, expanding attic space)
- The homeowner is converting attic space to habitable area as part of the project
- The municipality's construction official determines that the scope of work triggers energy code compliance
For a straightforward re-roofing (tear-off and replace in kind), most NJ municipalities do not require full energy code compliance for the existing attic insulation. However, if the existing insulation is significantly below current minimums and the deck is being replaced, some construction officials may require insulation improvements.
NJ Insulation Requirements (Climate Zone 4A)
When insulation upgrades are triggered, the current NJ energy subcode requires:
- Ceiling/attic insulation: R-49 minimum (approximately 16 inches of blown cellulose or 14 inches of fiberglass batts)
- Cathedral ceiling/roof cavity: R-49 (if space allows) or R-30 with continuous rigid insulation above the deck to prevent thermal bridging
- Air sealing: All penetrations through the ceiling plane (wiring, plumbing, HVAC, recessed lights) must be air-sealed when accessible
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New Jersey Roofing Costs by Material
New Jersey roofing costs vary by region, with North Jersey and Shore communities typically 10 to 20 percent higher than South Jersey due to elevated labor rates, higher permit costs, and greater logistical complexity. Architectural shingles in New Jersey currently range from $4.77 to $7.42 per square foot installed. The table below shows current pricing for all major materials.
Prices reflect 2026 installed costs including materials, labor, tear-off, and disposal. Actual costs vary by roof complexity, access, number of stories, and location within the state.
New Jersey Roofing Building Codes FAQ
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code (UCC) requires a building permit for virtually all roof replacements, including re-roofing overlays and complete tear-offs. The permit must be obtained from your municipal construction office before work begins. New Jersey enforces this more strictly than most states: your municipality's construction official is required by law (N.J.A.C. 5:23) to issue a Notice of Violation and can impose fines if unpermitted work is discovered. Permit fees vary by municipality but typically range from $75 to $500 for residential roofing, with most towns in the $100 to $250 range. Your contractor usually handles the application, but you as the homeowner are ultimately responsible for confirming the permit was obtained. After work is complete, an inspection by the municipal building inspector is mandatory before the permit is closed.
What is the NJ Uniform Construction Code and how does it affect roofing?
The New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC), codified at N.J.A.C. 5:23, is the statewide building code that governs all construction activity in New Jersey. Unlike many states where local municipalities can adopt their own codes, New Jersey mandates uniform code adoption statewide, meaning the same technical requirements apply whether you are in Newark, Princeton, or Cape May. The UCC adopts the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) with New Jersey-specific amendments. For roofing, the key sections include Chapter R908 (re-roofing requirements), R905 (material standards), R903 (weather protection), and the NJ energy subcode (based on the IECC). The UCC also establishes the inspection and enforcement framework: every municipality must have a licensed construction official and subcode officials who enforce the code.
What does IRC Section R908 mean for re-roofing in New Jersey?
Section R908 of the IRC, as adopted by the NJ UCC, governs re-roofing (installing new roofing over or in place of existing roofing). The key provisions are: (1) A maximum of two layers of asphalt shingles is permitted on a roof. If two layers already exist, a complete tear-off to the deck is required before new shingles can be installed. (2) Before applying new roofing, the existing roof must be inspected for damage, rot, and structural deficiency. If the deck is deteriorated, it must be repaired or replaced. (3) When the existing roofing is removed, all damaged or deteriorated deck sheathing must be replaced. (4) New roofing must comply with the current code requirements for underlayment, ice barriers, flashing, and ventilation, even though the structure may have been built under older codes. (5) For non-shingle materials (tile, metal, slate), only one layer is permitted and complete tear-off is required when switching material types.
What happens if I do roofing work without a permit in New Jersey?
New Jersey takes unpermitted construction work more seriously than most states. The consequences include: (1) Notice of Violation from the municipal construction official, which goes on the property record. (2) Fines typically ranging from $500 to $2,000 per violation, with some municipalities imposing daily penalties until the violation is resolved. (3) Mandatory retroactive permitting, which means you must apply for an after-the-fact permit, often at double or triple the normal fee, and the work must pass inspection. If it does not pass, you may be required to remove and redo the work at your expense. (4) Insurance implications: homeowner insurance carriers can deny roof damage claims if the installation was unpermitted and not code-compliant. (5) Real estate consequences: unpermitted work must be disclosed when selling, and many buyers' attorneys in New Jersey will require resolution before closing. (6) Contractor penalties: contractors who perform work without permits face suspension or revocation of their NJ HIC registration.
How many layers of shingles are allowed on a roof in New Jersey?
Under the NJ UCC (following IRC Section R908), a maximum of two layers of asphalt shingles are permitted on residential roofs. If your roof already has two layers, a complete tear-off down to the deck is required before new shingles can be installed. For all other roofing materials (metal, tile, slate, composite), only one layer is permitted. When switching from one material type to another, a complete tear-off is always required. In practice, many NJ roofing contractors recommend full tear-off even when an overlay is technically permitted, for several reasons: it allows thorough inspection of the deck sheathing (critical in New Jersey's humid climate where hidden moisture damage is common), it provides a better substrate for ice and water shield installation, and it produces a longer-lasting installation. The cost difference between overlay and tear-off is typically $1,500 to $3,500 for an average-sized home.
What are the ice and water shield requirements in New Jersey?
New Jersey falls within Climate Zone 4A (northern NJ) and Climate Zone 4A/3A transition (southern NJ), and the UCC requires ice barrier membrane (ice and water shield) in areas where the average January temperature is 25 degrees Fahrenheit or less. This applies to most of northern and central New Jersey. The ice barrier must extend from the eave edge to at least 24 inches past the interior wall line. Ice and water shield is also required in all valleys, around chimneys and plumbing penetrations, at skylights, and at roof-to-wall intersections. While parts of southern NJ (Cape May, Atlantic, Cumberland counties) may technically fall outside the mandatory ice barrier zone, virtually all NJ contractors install ice and water shield statewide as standard practice because ice dams do occur throughout the state during severe winters. Many contractors in northern NJ install extended coverage of 3 to 6 feet past the interior wall line as best practice.
Do I need a licensed contractor for roofing work in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey requires all home improvement contractors to register with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs under the Contractor Registration Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-136 et seq.). Contractors must hold a valid NJ Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration number, which must appear on all contracts, proposals, and advertisements. The registration requires proof of general liability insurance (minimum $500,000) and commercial general liability coverage. Additionally, contractors must carry workers compensation insurance for their employees. To verify a contractor's registration, check the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs website or call their verification hotline. Working with an unregistered contractor is risky: the NJ Consumer Fraud Act provides that contracts with unregistered contractors are voidable, meaning you may have legal recourse if work is substandard, and unregistered contractors face fines of up to $10,000 for the first offense.
How much does a roofing permit cost in New Jersey, and how long does it take?
Roofing permit costs in New Jersey vary significantly by municipality because each town sets its own fee schedule within the UCC framework. Typical residential roofing permit fees range from $75 to $500, with most municipalities charging between $100 and $250. Some towns charge a flat fee for re-roofing while others base the fee on project value (typically 1 to 2 percent of contract value with a minimum fee). Turnaround time also varies: most NJ municipalities issue residential roofing permits within 1 to 5 business days for straightforward re-roofing projects. Some smaller municipalities process same-day or next-day. Larger cities like Newark, Jersey City, and Trenton may take 5 to 15 business days. After the work is completed, you must schedule a final inspection with the municipal building inspector. The inspector verifies code compliance, and the permit is closed once it passes. If the inspection fails, corrections must be made and a re-inspection scheduled.