All construction, remodels and services require a building permit in the City of Newark -

If you are planning on doing any work, see below for information about when a permit is needed. If you are in doubt if your project requires a permit, do not hesitate to contact City Hall.

Your contractor MUST be registered with the city before work begins.

The objective of the City of Newark is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public by enforcing building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical code regulations along with the City’s Code of Ordinances.

Permits

Residential Building Permits

From building a new home to pouring concrete and everything in between.

Get Started here

Food Establishment Permits

Residential Building Permits

From a full-service restaurant to a mobile food truck.

Get Started Here

Commercial Permits

Residential Building Permits

Commercial Permits

Building a new commercial building, certificate of occupancy, fire safety and solicitors.

Get Started Here

When is a building permit reqUIRED?

Permits are required when building, remodeling, or enlarging a building. Permits are also required for other improvements to your property, anything that changes, moves or repairs walls, floors, ceiling, windows, doors, electrical, mechanical or plumbing. Projects that are cosmetic, such as painting, wallpapering, carpeting, cabinets and trim work, etc. do not require permits. Permits are not required when replacing fixtures on existing wiring or plumbing.

The following is a list of projects for which a permit is required:

· Construction of a building: Addition or Accessory building (including garage, permanent and portable storage sheds, gazebos, carports, patio covers, etc.)

· Remodel of existing building– walls, electric, plumbing & window replacement, exterior siding.

· Decks – Building or replacing a deck if it creates more lot coverage or is attached to a home or other structure.

· Demolition of a building

· Roof –Replacing roofing materials or structural members.

· Driveway approach or Sidewalk– Installing or replacing.

· Fence– Building or replacing a fence (if the material type or location changes)

· Air Conditioning/ Heating system– Installing or replacing a furnace or coil.

· Electrical– New lighting, new circuits, meters.

· Solar Panels– Installation and repair

· Irrigation systems- (lawn sprinklers)

· Plumbing– Gas repair, replacing/adding a water heater or water softener and new plumbing lines. Replacing existing water or sewer lines.

· Swimming pool or in Ground Spa– New, remodeling or demo/filling in of a swimming pool or replacing the pool deck.

***This is not an all-inclusive list. Questions concerning your specific project should be forwarded to the Permit Department.

Frequently Asked permit Questions

Why do I need a permit?

A building permit is an approval by the City of Newark that certifies that all work done was performed to a certain standard. Building permits are required by the City of Newark's Code of Ordinances.

ORDINANCE A-358 - Section 35.1

General Requirements
No permanent structure may be constructed or otherwise located within the city limits prior to issuance of a Building Permit by the Building Inspector. No permanent structure constructed or otherwise located within the city limits may be occupied prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Inspector. No change in the existing conforming use of a permanent structure, or of land to a use of a different classification under this ordinance, and no change in the legally conforming use of a permanent structure or of land may take place prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Inspector.

How much does a permit cost?

The cost of each type of permit varies. Please see our fee schedule to see the full list of costs of permits. https://ecode360.com/39681252#39681252

What are some common reasons I would need a permit?

Porches, additions, or garages
Air conditioners
New water heaters
Electric/gas reconnects
Remodel
Fences
Concrete work

* This is NOT an inclusive list. Please read the permit types and descriptions in the beginning of the permits page to understand more.

Who is responsible for obtaining a permit?

Either the homeowner or the contractor can submit the application for the permit, it is ultimately up to the homeowner to ensure a permit is secured and posted at the job site.

What are my responsibilities after obtaining a permit?

Once a permit has been obtained from the City of Newark the homeowner is to ensure that it is posted on the site. The contractor or whomever is completing the work must call for inspections prior to covering or concealing any work.

What version of building codes does the City of Newark currently follow?

The International Codes (I-Codes), developed by the International Code Council, are coordinated, modern building safety codes that help ensure the design and construction of safe, sustainable, and affordable structures.

NEC 2020 - National Electrical Code
IBC 2021 - International Building Code
IFC 2021 - Internation Fire Code
IRC 2021 - International Residential Code
IPC 2021 - International Plumbing Code
IMC 2021 - International Mechanical Code
IFGC 2021 - International Fuel Gas Code