Bolthole Index

Burlington County, New Jersey

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Eastampton Township, New Jersey

Eastampton Township, New Jersey requires a construction permit for building work, issued by the township's own code enforcement department under the state Uniform Construction Code1. The township adopts and administers its own zoning, Chapter 5402. Septic permits come from the Burlington County Health Department, not the township3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; issued by the township code enforcement department14
Zoning
Township zoning, Chapter 540 of the township code2
Septic
Burlington County Health Department certificate required3
RV living
Only inside a licensed trailer camp5
Owner-builder
Owner may do the work via homeowner affidavit; permits and inspections still apply6
Driveways
Application required; one approach per lot7
Certificate of occupancy
Required; $100 flat fee for one- and two-family groups8

Who to call

Building permits

Eastampton Township Construction Office (shared with Westampton Township)

Building and construction permits, plan review and inspections for Eastampton Township; applications can also be dropped off at the Eastampton municipal building

609-267-1891 ext. 101

710 Rancocas Road, Westampton, NJ 08060

Septic permits

Burlington County Health Department, Environmental Health Division

Applications for permits to construct or alter individual septic systems, repairs, certificates of compliance, and well permits

609-265-5548

15 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, NJ 08060

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 23, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Eastampton Township means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Eastampton Township, NJ?

Yes. Construction work in Eastampton Township requires a permit under the state Uniform Construction Code, with exceptions such as ordinary maintenance, which needs no permit or notice1. New Jersey requires these permits statewide, so there is no part of Burlington County where building work skips them9.

A certificate of occupancy is also required, and the township asks for a current sealed survey before issuing one8. The certificate of occupancy fee is $100 for use groups R-3, R-4 and R-5, and $200 for all other groups8.

New Jersey lets an owner of a one- or two-family home do the work personally with a homeowner affidavit, but permits and inspections still apply6.

Who issues building permits in Eastampton Township, and how do you reach them?

Eastampton Township's code enforcement department, run by the construction official, enforces the Uniform Construction Code and issues building permits4. Beginning September 1, 2026, the township's construction office services are provided through a shared services agreement with Westampton Township10.

Eastampton residents and contractors can still drop off applications, make payments and pick up permits at the Eastampton municipal building, or go to the Westampton construction office10. Inspection requests are made by email at least 24 hours ahead10.

The township's fee schedule charges $0.04 per cubic foot for new building construction, with a minimum fee of $69, and a plan review fee of 20% of the construction permit fee11.

Does Eastampton Township have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, sheds and setbacks?

Eastampton Township adopts and enforces its own zoning ordinance, Chapter 540 of the township code, which covers all land inside the township2. Burlington County does not zone; zoning in New Jersey belongs to municipalities12. The residential districts include R-A Rural Agricultural, ACR Agricultural/Commercial/Recreation and R-L Residential Low Density13.

For accessory buildings in every district, a detached building may not be closer than 15 feet to the principal building14, and may not exceed 15 feet in height15. Sheds must sit at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines16.

Minimum lot area, lot coverage and minimum home size are set district by district in the township's zoning schedule, and we could not confirm those numbers; ask the township zoning officer for your parcel's district.

How do septic permits work in Eastampton Township?

Septic is a county matter even though building permits are township matters. The Burlington County Health Department must issue a certificate showing a septic system complies with its permit before the system goes into operation, and before a new dwelling that relies on it can be sold or occupied3. Repairs and component replacements need the same sign-off3.

The township code adopts the state septic standards, enforced by the county health department and/or the township construction official17. State law bars issuing a building permit until the board of health certifies the sewerage facilities18. The state also requires inspection before a septic tank or field is covered19.

Where public sewer applies, the Mount Holly Municipal Utilities Authority must certify sewer facilities before a building permit issues20. Burlington County soils make this step matter: only about 0.2% of the county's soils rate as not limited for a conventional drain field, so expect a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system21.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Eastampton Township?

An RV or trailer used as a dwelling in Eastampton Township may sit only inside a licensed trailer camp5. Trailer camps need a township council license and may be located only where Chapter 540 authorizes them5. That rules out living in an RV on a private lot while you build.

We could not confirm any township rule on tiny homes or on temporary tent camping, so ask the township zoning officer before relying on either. Manufactured HUD homes are limited statewide to single-family use group R-522.

Building a home in Eastampton Township: the steps, in order

  1. Ask the township zoning officer which district your parcel is in and what Chapter 540 allows there2.
  2. For a new lot or a split, check the Land Use Planning Board's minor subdivision process; minor subdivision approval expires 190 days after township approval unless the plat or deed is filed23.
  3. Get septic approval from the Burlington County Health Department24, or sewer certification where public sewer is available20.
  4. Apply for the construction permit at the township construction office10.
  5. Apply for a driveway; the township requires an application on its approved form, and only one driveway approach per lot7.
  6. Request inspections by email as work proceeds10.
  7. Obtain the certificate of occupancy, with a sealed survey8.

What stays with Burlington County, and what to check before you buy in Eastampton Township

Septic permits and well permits stay with the Burlington County Health Department and the state, not the township2526. For land outside the township, see the Burlington County page.

Before buying, confirm the parcel's zoning district, the township's flood rules (which we could not review) and whether public sewer reaches the lot. A driveway onto a state highway also needs a state access permit27.

Burlington County's effective property tax rate is 2.4%28, and the median bill is $7,902 a year29.

Watch-outs

  • Construction office services for Eastampton Township moved to a shared arrangement with Westampton Township beginning September 1, 2026, so confirm where to file before you go10.
  • Minimum lot size, lot coverage and minimum home size live in the township's zoning schedule, which we could not confirm; ask the zoning officer before you buy13.
  • Short-term rentals and flood-hazard rules have their own township chapters we could not review; ask the township before relying on either30.
  • Eastampton Township's trailer camp rule means RV living on a private lot is not allowed outside a licensed camp5.

Sources

  1. Chapter 205: Construction Codes, Uniform - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  2. Chapter 540: Zoning - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Chapter 415: Sewers and Sewage Disposal - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  4. Chapter 205: Construction Codes, Uniform - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. Chapter 492: Trailer Camps - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15 Construction permits-application (2026 county census)
  7. General Regulations - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. Chapter 205: Construction Codes, Uniform - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  9. N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14, Construction permits—when required (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Eastampton Township Construction Office (shared with Westampton Township) (eastampton.com)
  11. Chapter 205: Construction Codes, Uniform - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  12. P.L. 2013, c.106 — Municipal Land Use Law amendments (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Chapter 540: Zoning - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  14. General Regulations - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  15. General Regulations - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  16. General Regulations - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  17. Chapter 415: Sewers and Sewage Disposal - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  18. New Jersey Statutes, R.S. 58:11-23 through 58:11-43 (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. New Jersey Statutes, R.S. 58:11-23 through 58:11-43 (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Chapter 415: Sewers and Sewage Disposal - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  21. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Manufactured/Modular Buildings Program (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Article II: Minor Subdivision Procedures - Township of Eastampton, NJ (Eastampton Township), quoted and re-checked
  24. Burlington County Health Department, Environmental Health Division (burlingtoncountynj.gov)
  25. Environmental Health (2026 county census)
  26. Bulletin 88-10: Private On-Site Water Supply Systems (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Major Access Permits (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Local Finance Notice 2026-09: Short-Term Transient Accommodations (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 23, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Eastampton Township

Eastampton Township’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction work inside Eastampton township under the Uniform Construction Code.

    • Ordinary maintenance does not require a permit or notice to the enforcing agency.
    • Minor work requires a permit, but work may proceed upon notice before the permit is issued.
    • Emergency work must be permitted or noticed within 72 hours.
    “permits shall be required in accordance with n.j.a.c. 5:23, with the following exceptions, as provided in n.j.a.c. 5:23-2.14(b)1:”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction in Eastampton township under the state Uniform Construction Code, enforced by the township code enforcement department.

    • The state uniform code enforcing agency is administered by the construction official, who is the chief administrator of the agency.
    • Subcode positions must be filled by persons qualified under N.J.A.C. 5:23.
    “there is hereby established in the township of eastampton a state uniform code enforcing agency, to be known as the "code enforcement department,"”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Certificates of occupancy and certificates of continued occupancy in Eastampton township.

    • The issuing official must receive a current sealed survey or a copy of a sealed survey before issuing either certificate.
    • A change of use group requires a new certificate with a separate fee.

    certificate of occupancy fee, groups R-3, R-4 and R-5: 100 USD (flat fee; all other use groups $200)

    “a certificate of occupancy and a certificate of continued occupancy shall not be issued unless the issuing official receives a current sealed survey or a copy of a sealed survey.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    All land inside Eastampton township limits; the township adopts and administers its own zoning ordinance, Chapter 540 Zoning.

    • The township zoning code lists zoning districts in Article III and Article VI-VII; the code history shows the ordinance has been amended repeatedly, most recently a zoning amendment shown on the code page dated 2026-03-09.
    “adopted by the township committee (now township council) of the township of eastampton 11-27-1967 by ord. no. 1967-8”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Eastampton township limits under Chapter 540.

    • The table of contents names the residential districts (R-A, ACR, R-L, RU-L and others); the district dimensional schedule (Attachment 1, Schedule A) was not opened, so district numbers are listed here but their limits are not.
    “article vi residential zoning district regulations § 540-21 r-a rural agricultural district. § 540-22 acr agricultural/commercial/recreation district. § 540-23 r-l residential low density district.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Accessory buildings and structures on lots in all Eastampton township zoning districts (General Regulations applicable to all districts, § 540-11).

    • Accessory buildings attached to and part of the principal building must meet principal-building yard requirements.
    • Detached accessory buildings must be located to the rear of the front building line of the principal building and in a side or rear yard.
    • Principal-building setbacks by district are in Schedule A (Attachment 1), not verified.

    minimum separation from principal building: >= 15 feet (unless attached to and part of the principal building, except as provided in this chapter)

    “no accessory building or structure shall be closer than 15 feet to any principal building unless it is attached to and is part of such principal building, except as provided in this chapter.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Sheds accessory to dwellings in Eastampton township (General Regulations, shed rules).
      “sheds shall be located no closer than five feet to rear and side property lines, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Detached accessory buildings and structures in Eastampton township, all zoning districts (General Regulations).

    • Accessory buildings attached to and part of principal buildings must meet the principal-building height limits in the schedule of district regulations (Attachment 1, not verified).
    • Maintenance buildings for mobile home parks have a separate 18-foot, one-story limit.

    maximum height, detached accessory building: <= 15 feet (except as provided in this chapter)

    “accessory buildings shall not exceed 15 feet in height, except as provided in this chapter.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Trailer coaches or RVs intended for dwelling use anywhere in Eastampton township; dwelling use is allowed only inside a licensed trailer camp.

    • Trailer camps need a township council license and may be located only where Chapter 540 authorizes them.
    • Trailer camp operators must pay an annual base license fee plus a per-space fee.
    • Each trailer coach space must be at least 2,400 square feet and 35 feet wide.
    • Wheels may not be removed from a trailer coach except for repair.

    annual trailer camp base license fee: 200 USD (plus $60 per year for each trailer space, whether occupied or not)

    “no trailer coach intended to be occupied for dwelling purposes within the township of eastampton and hereafter entering said township shall be located in any place within the township except within the confines of a trailer camp.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Farm labor-housing units only, as an accessory use on commercial farms in Eastampton township. This is not a general accessory dwelling unit rule.

    • Each seasonal farm labor-housing unit must have its own individual septic system.
    • Seasonal units must be set back at least 150 feet from both side and rear property lines.
    • Farm labor-housing units must be at least 50 feet apart from each other and from other dwellings.
    • The parcel must be qualified for farmland assessment.

    minimum separation between farm labor-housing units and other dwellings: >= 50 feet · seasonal unit minimum setback from side and rear property lines: >= 150 feet (75 feet if a 25-foot deep landscaped buffer screens the seasonal unit)

    “farm labor-housing units shall be permitted as an accessory use on commercial farms, subject to compliance with the following requirements:”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New realty improvements inside Eastampton township that need sewerage facilities; the Mount Holly Municipal Utilities Authority must certify the sewer facilities before a building permit issues.

    • The township code defines realty improvement as any proposed new residence or other building whose useful occupancy requires sewerage facilities, other than one served by an existing approved water supply and an existing approved sewerage system.
    • The rule is a certification gate for new construction, not a stated mandate to connect an existing home to sewer when available.
    “no building permit for the construction of a realty improvement shall be issued by the construction official nor shall the construction of any realty improvement be begun until the mount holly municipal utilities authority shall have certified that the proposed sewerage facilities for the proposed realty improvement are in compliance”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions in Eastampton township that meet the minor subdivision definition, decided by the Land Use Planning Board under Chapter 460.

    • Minor subdivision approval expires 190 days after township approval unless the plat or deed is filed with the county clerk.
    • Burlington County Planning Board review applies where required by N.J.S.A. 40:27-6.3.
    • Chapter 460 was amended by ord. no. 2026-1 (2026-03-23); the amendment text was not opened.

    minor subdivision approval expiration: 190 days (from township approval, unless plat or deed filed with county clerk)

    “approval of a minor subdivision shall expire 190 days from the date of township approval, unless, within such period, a plat in conformity with such approval and the provisions of the map filing law (n.j.s.a. 46:23-9.9 et seq.) or a deed clearly describing the approved minor subdivision is filed by the applicant with the county clerk, the township engineer, the township construction official and the township tax assessor.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or altered driveways on residential lots inside Eastampton township.

    • Only one driveway approach is permitted per lot unless otherwise provided.
    • Driveways must meet side-yard setbacks for accessory structures.
    • On residential lots under two acres (and all R-M lots), driveways must be paved.

    driveway approach apron width, single-lane: <= 14 feet · driveway approach apron width, double-lane: <= 20 feet

    “a driveway may only be constructed upon submission of an application upon an approved form.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Construction permit fees in Eastampton township, set by Chapter 205 § 205-3.

    • Fee schedule last amended by ord. no. 2010-05 per the history note; the page shows no later fee amendment.
    • Plan review fee is 20% of the construction permit fee and is not refundable.
    • A 5% reduction applies to repeat prototype plans.

    new construction fee, building subcode: 0.04 USD per cubic foot ($0.030 for use groups A-1 to A-4, F-1, F-2, S-1, S-2; minimum fee $69) · renovation, alteration and repair fee, first $50,000 of estimated cost: 36 USD per $1,000 ($27 per $1,000 from $50,001 to $100,000; $22 per $1,000 above $100,000; minimum $69)

    “the fee for a construction permit shall be the sum of the subcode fees listed in subsections a through i below and shall be paid before the permit is issued.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Building permit process at the Eastampton township code enforcement department.

    • The code describes the enforcing agency, its single public office, the Burlington County Construction Board of Appeals, fees and permit categories.
    • The detailed application steps, plan submission requirements and variation procedures are referenced to N.J.A.C. 5:23 and were not opened.
    “the public shall have the right to do business with the enforcing agency at one office location, except for emergencies and unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.”

Rules another office applies inside Eastampton Township

Eastampton Township does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Individual sewage disposal systems serving homes inside Eastampton township, enforced by the Burlington County Health Department and/or the township construction official.

    • The code adopts the state standards for individual subsurface sewage disposal systems (N.J.A.C. 7:9A) by reference.
    • Enforcement is by the county health department and/or the township construction official.
    “the administrative regulations set forth in n.j.a.c. 7:9a-1.1 et seq., as amended and supplemented, are hereby adopted by reference, to be enforced by the burlington county health department and/or the township construction official.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Individual sewage disposal systems serving new dwellings or additions in Eastampton township, issued by the Burlington County Health Department.

    • The system may not be placed in operation, repaired or have components replaced until the county health department issues a compliance certificate.
    • Removal of the contents of any septic tank, cesspool or privy requires a separate county health department permit (§ 415-3).
    “individual sewage disposal systems shall not be placed in operation, repaired or components replaced, nor shall new dwellings or buildings, or additions thereto, be sold or occupied, which must rely on such a system for sewage disposal, until the burlington county health department shall have issued a certificate indicating that said disposal system is in compliance with the terms of the permit issued and the requirements of the aforesaid code.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Eastampton Township or Burlington County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from licensing or permit rules for homeowners building in Eastampton township.
  • Inspections — Building inspections for construction in Eastampton township.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor area in Eastampton township.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot area for residential districts (R-A, R-L and others) inside Eastampton township.
  • Lot coverage — Building and impervious coverage limits for residential districts inside Eastampton township.
6 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Eastampton Township publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Burlington County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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