Department of Building, Planning & Economic Development

Phone: (732) 827-2176                       Fax: (732) 680-1375

Acting Director
Richard Watkins
(732) 827-2087

City Planner
Lenore A. Slothower, AICP/PP
 (732) 827-2176

The Department of Building, Planning and Economic Development is responsible for the administration and enforcement of all issues related to economic development, building, zoning, land use, engineering, and community development.

Building Division

Pursuant to the requirements for compliance with New Jersey State Uniform Construction Code, the Building Division is responsible for the review and inspection of new building construction and renovations throughout Rahway.  This office is in charge of plan reviews, issuance of permits and for the performance of inspections regarding building, electrical, fire, and plumbing procedures.

Prior to beginning demolition, construction or rehabilitation, call the Building Department at (732) 827-2087.

Planning and Economic Development

This office provides technical assistance to the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment and Redevelopment Agency.  Duties assigned to this Department also include: zoning, planning, engineering, Master Plan up-dates, grant and program administration, and all other functions related to the physical and economic growth of the city.

The city’s consulting municipal engineer reports to this Department and all Community Development activities are coordinated here.  For information call (732) 827-2160.

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Division of Community Development

Phone: (732) 827-2193                       Fax: (732) 396-1402

Senior Planner
Cindy Solomon

The Division of Community Development oversees the city’s Community Development Block Grant program, which provides funding for many worthwhile activities and projects throughout the City of Rahway.  Funds are used for: senior citizen programs, code enforcement, playground renovations, street resurfacing, public improvements and home improvement loans.

The Home Improvement Program, along with all Community Development Block Grant projects, are made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The City of Rahway administers low-interest or 0% interest deferred home improvement loans to eligible residents.  Typical repairs include roofs, windows, heating, painting, siding, kitchens and bathrooms.

The program is available to owner-occupants of one or two-family homes whose gross income meets the federal requirements for low-moderate income residents.  To download an application, click here.

Please call (732) 827-2193 for additional information.

Division of Building Code Enforcement

Phone: (732) 827-2087                       Fax: (732) 680-1375

Guidelines for Zoning Permits and Construction Permits

Zoning Permits

The purpose of zoning is to guide the appropriate use or development of all lands, to regulate population density, and to provide adequate, light, air, and open space.

Some general zoning violations include; the parking of large trucks or tractor-trailers in residential areas; parking vehicles on illegal driveways; structures erected too close to property lines; illegal conversions of basements into dwelling units; and conducting a business from a residential property.

Zoning permits are required for all sheds, fences, pools, driveways, parking areas, signs, and for all additions to commercial or residential buildings.  A zoning permit is also required for a change in use, and a Certificate for Approval of Continued Occupancy.

Applications for zoning permits may take up to 10 working days for approval or denial.  If a zoning permit is denied, the applicant has the right to apply to the appropriate land development board for a variance.  The cost of a zoning permit is twenty ($20.00) dollars.

Building Permits

Permits are required for all work, other than general repairs, which is performed on all buildings.  Permits are required for construction, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

Permits may be applied for in the Building Division Office from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M.  Fees vary with the cost of the alteration or the size of the addition or new structure.  The waiting period for most permits is several days, but if extensive plan review is required it may take as long as 21 working days.

Many items, such as replacement of kitchen or bathroom cabinets, changing of plumbing or electrical fixtures without alteration of the plumbing or wiring, and replacement of doors and windows in the same opening, are considered ordinary maintenance repairs and do not require a permit.  If you have any doubt as to whether a permit is required, please call the Building Office and explain your project, and we will be glad to advise you whether or not you need permits.

Alterations and additions may require zoning approval prior to application for building permits.  You will be required to submit sealed drawings showing work to be performed.  If you are a homeowner residing in your home, you may prepare your own drawings for work being done on that property.

Inspections are required at the completion of certain phases of the work.  These inspections will be explained to you when you obtain your permit applications.  Failure to have these inspections completed may result in a “stop work order,” fines, and penalties.  New buildings and additions cannot be occupied until all final inspections have been made and a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.

Contact Information

Zoning Officer  (732) 827-2160
Construction Official     (732) 827-2091

For a list of state building regulations and forms you can download and print out on your computer, visit the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division of Codes & Standards.