Quick Answer: Demolition permits in Camden County are issued by individual municipalities (like Camden City, Cherry Hill, or Voorhees), NOT by Camden County itself. Each city and township has its own building department, fees, and requirements under New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code.
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Understanding Who Issues Demolition Permits in New Jersey
Many homeowners and contractors mistakenly believe Camden County issues demolition permits. This is incorrect. Here’s how it actually works:
Municipal Authority (Building Permits)
- Who: Individual cities and townships
- What: Demolition permits, building permits, construction permits
- Examples: City of Camden, Cherry Hill Township, Voorhees Township
- Governed by: New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
County Authority (Infrastructure Permits)
- Who: Camden County Department of Public Works
- What: Road opening permits, utility permits, right-of-way permits
- Contact: 856-782-3448
- When needed: Only if demolition affects county roads or utilities
As Junk Rescue, serving Camden County since 2016, we’ve worked on hundreds of demolition cleanup projects where homeowners have navigated these municipal requirements. While we don’t assist with permit applications, our experience helps us understand what’s required for compliant debris removal.
Major Camden County Area Building Departments
City of Camden Building Bureau
Best for: Urban demolition projects, row homes, commercial buildings
- Contact: James Rizzo, Construction Official
- Address: 520 Market Street, City Hall, Room 403, Camden, NJ 08102
- Phone: 856-757-7032
- Email: constructiondept@ci.camden.nj.us
- Website: City of Camden Building Bureau
Key Requirements:
- All applications must be submitted by email
- Compliance with New Jersey UCC required
- Pre-demolition utility disconnection mandatory
- Asbestos inspection may be required for older buildings
Cherry Hill Township Code Enforcement
Best for: Suburban homes, accessory structures, residential demolition
- Address: 820 Mercer Street, Room 205, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
- Phone: 856-488-7855
- Fax: 856-486-4575
- Website: Cherry Hill Building Inspection
- Applications: Permit Requirements
Demolition Permit Fees (as of 2024):
- Residential structures: $92
- Commercial 5,000-10,000 sq ft: $168
- Commercial 10,001-20,000 sq ft: $336
- Each additional 10,000 sq ft: +$168
Required Documents:
- UCC Form F-100
- Two sets of plans (architect/engineer or homeowner-prepared)
- Zoning approval (if required)
- Contractor registration certificate
Voorhees Township Construction Office
Best for: Single-family homes, residential additions, accessory buildings
- Address: 2400 Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees, NJ 08043
- Phone: 856-429-7759
- Email: inspections@voorheesnj.com
- Website: Voorhees Construction Department
Application Process:
- Submit completed UCC Form F-100
- Include applicable subcode forms (building, electrical, plumbing, fire)
- Provide two sets of plans
- Email large documents to inspections@voorheesnj.com
- Allow up to 20 business days for review
Inspection Requirements:
- 24-hour email notice required
- Inspections: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 7 AM – Noon
- Building & Electric: Tuesday/Thursday 9:30 AM – 2 PM
Other Camden County Area Municipalities
| Municipality | Phone | Key Info |
|---|---|---|
| Lindenwold | 856-783-2121 ext. 225 | Construction Office |
| Gloucester City | 856-456-7689 | Municipal Building Department |
| Haddon Township | 856-858-7780 | Zoning Office |
| Haddonfield | 856-429-4222 | Planning & ZoningF |
New Jersey State Requirements
Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Compliance
All demolition work in New Jersey must comply with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, administered by the Department of Community Affairs.
Key UCC Requirements:
- Licensed contractor or homeowner application
- Structural plans and specifications
- Utility disconnection verification
- Environmental assessments (asbestos, lead)
- Debris disposal compliance
Contractor Registration
All contractors performing demolition work must be registered with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Verify contractor licenses: NJ License Verification
Step-by-Step Demolition Permit Process
Step 1: Determine Your Municipality
Don’t assume Camden County handles your permit. Use your property address to identify the correct municipal building department.
Step 2: Contact Building Department
Call your municipal building department to discuss:
- Permit requirements specific to your project
- Required documentation
- Fee schedule
- Timeline expectations
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Typically needed:
- Completed UCC Form F-100
- Demolition plans and specifications
- Proof of contractor registration
- Utility disconnection letters
- Environmental assessment (if required)
Step 4: Submit Application
- Follow municipality-specific submission requirements
- Pay required fees
- Provide all supporting documentation
Step 5: Schedule Pre-Demolition Inspection
Most municipalities require inspection before demolition begins.
Step 6: Complete Your Demolition
Once permits are approved and pre-demolition inspections passed, proceed with demolition work according to your approved plans.
Step 7: Schedule Professional Cleanup
After demolition is complete, professional junk removal services like Junk Rescue can handle debris disposal in compliance with local regulations.
Note: Permit applications and municipal coordination are the property owner’s or contractor’s responsibility. Junk removal services handle post-demolition cleanup only.
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Environmental Considerations
Asbestos Requirements
Buildings constructed before 1980 may require asbestos inspection prior to demolition. Contact:
- NJ Department of Environmental Protection: Environmental Permits
- Your municipal building department for local requirements
Utility Disconnections
Required before demolition:
- Electric service disconnection
- Gas service shutoff and meter removal
- Water service disconnection
- Sewer cap installation
- Cable/internet service removal
Contact utility companies directly for disconnection scheduling.
Professional Demolition Cleanup Services
As experienced demolition debris specialists serving Camden County since 2016, Junk Rescue handles the cleanup after you’ve secured your permits and completed your demolition work.
Our Demolition Cleanup Expertise
- 9 years serving Camden County area municipalities (since 2016)
- 500+ projects completed with compliant debris disposal
- Licensed and insured for construction debris removal
- EPA-compliant disposal and recycling practices
What We Handle After Your Demolition
- Complete debris removal and cleanup
- Proper sorting for recycling and disposal
- Compliance with municipal waste regulations
- Documentation for permit closeout (when required by municipality)
- Site preparation for your next project phase
Important: Junk Rescue does not assist with permit applications or act as a permit expediter. All permit applications and approvals are the property owner’s or contractor’s responsibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues demolition permits in Camden County?
Individual municipalities issue demolition permits, not Camden County. Each city and township has its own building department with specific requirements.
How long does the permit process take?
Most municipalities allow up to 20 business days for permit review, though simple residential demolitions may be approved faster.
Do I need a licensed contractor?
New Jersey allows homeowners to pull permits for their own single-family residences. All other work requires a licensed, registered contractor.
What happens if I start demolition without a permit?
Unpermitted demolition can result in stop-work orders, fines, and requirements to rebuild to previous condition. Always secure permits before beginning work.
How much do demolition permits cost?
Fees vary by municipality and project size. Residential permits typically range from $92-200, while commercial permits can be several hundred dollars.
What about debris disposal?
Professional junk removal services like Junk Rescue can handle debris disposal in compliance with municipal and state regulations after your demolition is complete. Note that permit applications and municipal coordination are the property owner’s responsibility.
Do junk removal companies help with permits?
Most junk removal companies, including Junk Rescue, focus solely on debris removal and cleanup services. Permit applications, municipal coordination, and approvals are the property owner’s or contractor’s responsibility.
Municipal Contact Quick Reference
Need immediate assistance? Contact your local building department:
- Camden City: 856-757-7032
- Cherry Hill: 856-488-7855
- Voorhees: 856-429-7759
- Lindenwold: 856-783-2121 ext. 225
State Resources:
- NJ Department of Community Affairs: https://www.nj.gov/dca/
- Contractor License Verification: https://newjersey.mylicense.com/verification/
Conclusion
Understanding that demolition permits are issued by individual municipalities—not Camden County—is crucial for project success. Each city and township has specific requirements, fees, and processes under New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code.
Key Takeaways:
- Contact your municipal building department, not Camden County
- Verify contractor registration before hiring
- Property owners are responsible for securing all permits
- Coordinate utility disconnections early in the process
- Plan for professional debris removal after demolition is complete
- Allow adequate time for permit review and approval
Ready to start your demolition project? While Junk Rescue doesn’t assist with permits, we’re ready to handle your post-demolition cleanup with professional debris removal services.
Schedule Post-Demolition Cleanup Service
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about demolition permit requirements in Camden County area municipalities. Requirements may change, and specific projects may have unique requirements. Always verify current requirements with your local municipal building department before beginning any demolition work.