Getting a Construction Permit in Harding Township

Welcome to the Harding Township Building Department.  We expect your experience working with our staff to get a building permit will be a good one.

Recently we adopted “best practices” to ensure that permits are issued in a timely and professional manner.  We recognize the frustration and added cost a delay can cause a homeowner and we have taken serious and proactive steps to streamline both the submission and review process.

Your cooperation in submitting complete applications and plans is essential to this process.  If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help.

Part of best practices is ensuring total transparency throughout the process.  All applications must include the email address for homeowners as well as design and construction professionals.  Everyone will be copied on all email correspondence.

If we work together, we know you will be pleased with the outcome.

Sincerely,

Gail McKane,

Township Administrator

Getting a Building Permit

The process of obtaining a Construction Permit generally involves two phases, first obtaining "Prior Approvals" from the Township Zoning, Engineering and Health Departments and then submitting the complete application and plans to the Construction Department. To expedite the review process, Harding has created a best practices program under which the Construction Department will accept applications having at least partial approvals from the "Prior Approval" Departments.

Phase One

First you must submit your application to each of the Prior Approval Departments to review the project for compliance with codes within their authority. If the application is complete and the project meets all regulations, the departments will issue their prior approval and then you may apply for a Construction Permit. If the proposed work is not in compliance, the departments will work with you to take the steps necessary to get the approval. Once the departments have determined that the project is viable, even though it may not yet be in total compliance, they will issue a conditional or partial approval.

Phase Two

If all Prior Approval Departments issue a complete prior approval you may submit plans and application forms to the Construction Department for review by the Construction Official and the Technical Sub-Code Officials, each of whom is responsible for reviewing a particular area or discipline of the application – Building, Electrical, Plumbing or Fire.

Once the Construction Department receives communication from the Zoning and Health Departments that the architectural plans submitted will not require revision, they will contact you and advise you to submit your application on a review only basis. That is, the plans and application will be reviewed for completeness and compliance but a Construction Permit will not be issued until all of the conditions of the prior approval process are met. Please remember that it will remain the responsibility of the applicant to complete the process of obtaining final written approvals (and paying all applicable fees) from the Engineering, Health and Zoning Departments.

Depending upon the nature of the project, Affordable Housing Development Fees, Tree Removal Permits, Historic Preservation Review and Road Opening Permits may also be required.

Our goal is to ensure that everyone who applies for a building permit in Harding Township has a positive and rewarding experience with the process.

Mary Ellen Balady,

Construction Official