Phone: 201-794-5307
E-mail: buildingdept@fairlawn.org

Thinking of Renovating?
If you are thinking of renovating your bathroom or kitchen,  building a deck, putting up a new fence or other home improvements, you will need to know which permits are required.  Call the Building Department at 201-794-5307 for assistance.  The Building Department will also determine if Zoning Approval is needed, explain what kind of documentation should be provided with your application and help to streamline the process of applying for a permit.  Please remember when submitting applications, to allow ample time for both Zoning and Building review, and plan accordingly when scheduling your project start date.

Building Permits are required for water heater, boiler or furnace replacements, interior alterations, steps, roofing, siding, chimney relining, decks, sheds, fences, additions, above or in-ground swimming pools, etc.  When applying for outside projects such as decks, sheds, fences, additions, pools, etc., you will need to bring a copy of your property survey in addition to your permit applications.

Zoning permits are required for sheds, fences, patios, replacement or widening of driveways, etc.  Zoning approval is required for the placement of Temporary Storage Units during construction projects, or prior to moving and for the removal of any  tree.  Please bring a copy of your survey to apply for these items.  For zoning information please call 201-794-5308 or 201-703-4255.

The Borough requires a Certificate of Continued Occupancy on all re-sales of one and two family homes, townhomes and condos, prior to closing.  The applications are available at the Building Department. 

Property Maintenance Inspector is available in the office from 8:30am - 9:30am and 3:30pm - 4:30pm, or by calling 201-794-5325.

If you have any questions concerning requirements for a proposed project, code questions or paperwork requirements, call the Building Department at 201-794-5307.

THE BOROUGH OF FAIR LAWN BUILDING DEPARTMENT OFFICES ARE LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING IN ROOM 216.  OFFICE HOURS ARE 8:30AM  - 4:30PM, PERMITS ARE ISSUED BETWEEN 9:00AM & 4:00PM ONLY. THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT ALSO HOUSES THE  ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND RESALE-CCO INSPECTORS.

PLEASE CALL  201-794-5307 FOR BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION, 201-794-5308 FOR ZONING INFORMATION, OR 201-794-5325 FOR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE.  

Certiicateof Continuing Occupancy 
A certificate of continuing occupancy is required for the sale of one and two family homes as of January 2000 in the Borough of Fair Lawn. You may obtain an application at the Building Department, in room 216 at the Borough Hall, 8-01 Fair Lawn Avenue. Call 794-5308 or e-mail zoningdept@fairlawn.org for more information. 

Green Building:
Download the Green Building Manual (courtesy of the WARM Training Center) to learn more about how to make your home a more environmentally friendly structure.