Bolthole Index

Somerset County, New Jersey

Building permits, zoning and septic in Bedminster Township, NJ

Bedminster Township, New Jersey requires construction permits for covered building work, issued by the township Construction Official.12 Bedminster Township sets its own zoning, and the township Board of Health reviews proposed septic systems for new construction and alterations.34 For a parcel in Somerset County, start with the township offices rather than assuming county zoning or septic approval applies.34

At a glance

Building permits
Required for covered work; township Construction Official12
Zoning
Township zoning and zoning permits apply3
Septic
Township Board of Health reviews new and altered systems4
RV living
Rural residential camper provision prohibits living quarters5
Accessory dwelling
Conditional use in R-10; not township-wide permission6
Owner-builder
Personal-use registration exception does not waive construction permits7
Wells
NJDEP drilling permit plus local health approvals8

Who to call

Building permits

Bedminster Township Construction & Code Enforcement

Construction applications, building inspections, occupancy certificates and driveway-opening inquiries

(908) 212-7000, ext. 422

One Miller Lane, Bedminster, NJ 07921

Online permits →

Zoning

Bedminster Township Zoning/Engineering Office

Zoning permits and proposed-use or site-plan questions

(908) 212-7000, ext. 423

One Miller Lane, Bedminster, NJ 07921

Septic permits

Bedminster Township Board of Health

Review of proposed septic applications for new construction and alterations

(908) 212-7000, ext. 427

One Miller Lane, Bedminster, NJ 07921

Floodplain permits

Bedminster Township Municipal Building — Floodplain Information

Floodplain map and property-certification inquiries

908-212-7000

One Miller Lane, Bedminster, NJ 07921

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Bedminster 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 Bedminster Township, NJ?

Bedminster Township construction projects fall under New Jersey’s permit requirement for new construction and covered alterations, repairs, demolition, equipment installation and changes of use.1 Ordinary maintenance as defined by the state rules does not require a construction permit or notice; ask the Construction Official to classify the proposed work before relying on that exception.1

An owner building a home for personal use may qualify for the state’s new-home-builder registration exception, but construction permits, inspections and code compliance still apply.7 Bedminster Township construction-permit fees follow the township fee-schedule ordinance; request the current project-specific calculation from Construction & Code Enforcement.9

Who issues building permits in Bedminster Township?

Bedminster Township Construction & Code Enforcement receives construction applications, issues building permits and provides building, electrical and plumbing inspections.10 Contact the Construction Official at (908) 212-7000, ext. 422, at One Miller Lane, Bedminster, NJ 07921.10 The same office is the starting point for certificates of occupancy and driveway-opening permit questions.10

For a building-permit search, the township’s SDL portal lets registered users view permit history, permit status and inspection status.10 Use the township Zoning/Engineering Office for proposed-use questions and zoning approval: exterior changes such as additions, patios, driveways and fences require zoning permits under the office’s published instructions.11

Does Bedminster Township have zoning and minimum lot sizes?

Bedminster Township administers its own Land Management ordinance and issues zoning permits.3 Ask the Zoning/Engineering Office to identify the parcel’s district and assess the proposed use before choosing a house location.11

In the R-10 Rural Residential district, detached dwellings and agricultural uses have a minimum lot area of 10 acres and a minimum lot size of 500 feet, measured as the diameter of the largest circle that fits within the lot lines.12 Bedminster Township’s R-10 building-height limit is 35 feet and 2.5 stories, with exceptions for houses of worship and the code’s additional exceptions.13 These district-specific standards should not be applied to every township parcel.1213

How do septic permits and wells work in Bedminster Township?

The Bedminster Township Board of Health reviews proposed septic-system applications for new construction and alterations; septic review is a township responsibility here.4 State law requires the health board’s certification of proposed water supply and sewage facilities before a building permit is issued or construction begins.14 Septic facilities must be inspected by the health board’s authorized representative before covering, and permission to cover is required.15

Within Bedminster Township’s sewer service area, a sewage-producing structure within 400 feet of the sanitary sewer system must connect and abandon the existing septic facilities, subject to Board of Health hardship relief for distance or elevation.16 Private wells require an NJDEP drilling permit and municipal or county health-official construction approval; ask the township Board of Health about local well submissions.84

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

Bedminster Township’s rural residential camper provision allows parking or storage in rear or side yards with screening and prohibits use as temporary or permanent living quarters while situated on a lot.5 The reviewed provision concerns accessory uses in the R-10 and R-3 districts; ask the Zoning/Engineering Office how the proposed vehicle and parcel are classified.511

An accessory dwelling unit is a conditional use in the R-10 district, subject to the code’s accessory-dwelling standards; that does not establish permission for every tiny-home proposal.6 We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule or a general temporary-camping allowance in Bedminster Township; ask the Zoning/Engineering Office about the intended occupancy and layout.11

Building a home in Bedminster Township: what comes first?

  1. Ask the Bedminster Township Zoning/Engineering Office whether the proposed use and site layout are permitted and which zoning applications are needed.11
  2. Resolve septic and water-supply certification with the Board of Health before seeking issuance of a building permit.414
  3. Obtain required site-plan, subdivision and variance approvals, and satisfy review fees, inspection fees, local taxes and assessments before construction-permit issuance.17
  4. Submit the construction application with plans based on an actual survey by a New Jersey licensed surveyor.18
  5. Coordinate construction inspections with the Construction Official and obtain the required certificate of occupancy before using the completed structure.219

What should you check before buying land in Bedminster Township?

For a Bedminster Township parcel in a flood hazard area, township floodplain regulations apply alongside the Uniform Construction Code and state flood-hazard law.20 Ask the Township Municipal Building for floodplain maps and information on property certification before committing to a building site.21 Bring driveway-opening questions to Construction & Code Enforcement; we could not confirm the exact township access standards.10

Somerset County’s soil survey rates only 3.7% of soils not limited for conventional septic drain fields; this county-level figure supports careful site evaluation, not a conclusion that septic is impossible on a particular lot.22 For land outside Bedminster Township, use the Somerset County guide to distinguish municipal responsibilities from county review of subdivisions and site plans affecting county roads or stormwater facilities.23

Watch-outs

  • Bedminster Township sewer connection requirements can override plans to retain septic within the sewer service area when a structure is within 400 feet of the sewer system, subject to hardship relief.16
  • Bedminster Township requires a new certificate of occupancy for a change between permitted-use categories.19
  • We could not confirm Bedminster Township’s minimum dwelling size, alternative off-grid sanitation allowance or general agricultural permit exemption; ask the Zoning/Engineering Office and Board of Health before designing around those assumptions.1124

Sources

  1. N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14, Construction permits—when required (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  2. Construction & Code Enforcement (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Chapter 13: Land Management (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  4. Board of Health (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. Article 13-400: District Regulations (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. Article 13-400: District Regulations (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  7. Builder Registration and New Home Warranty for Builders (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Bulletin 88-10: Private On-Site Water Supply Systems (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. ecode360.com (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  10. Bedminster Township Construction & Code Enforcement (bedminsternj.gov)
  11. Bedminster Township Zoning/Engineering Office (bedminsternj.gov)
  12. Article 13-400: District Regulations (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  13. Article 13-400: District Regulations (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  14. New Jersey Statutes, R.S. 58:11-23 through 58:11-43 (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. New Jersey Statutes, R.S. 58:11-23 through 58:11-43 (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Chapter BH5: Connection and Use of Sanitary Sewers (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  17. ecode360.com (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  18. Article 13-1000: Administration, Waivers, Enforcement, Violations and Penalties (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. Article 13-1000: Administration, Waivers, Enforcement, Violations and Penalties (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  20. Article 13-600: Exceptions, Modifications and Development Alternatives (Bedminster Township), quoted and re-checked
  21. Bedminster Township Municipal Building — Floodplain Information (bedminsternj.gov)
  22. 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
  23. Somerset County Land Development Review Resolution, quoted and re-checked
  24. Bedminster Township Board of Health (bedminsternj.gov)

Written October 12, 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 Bedminster Township

Bedminster Township’s own rules

  • InspectionsLimited

    Construction work inside Bedminster Township, including building, electrical and plumbing work.

    • The township Construction Official provides inspections; the official page does not enumerate every inspection stage or inspection trigger.
    “The Construction Official receives applications, issues permits, provides inspections, collects fees and answers code enforcement questions for all areas of construction - building, electrical and plumbing.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Use or change of use of structures inside Bedminster Township.

    • A new certificate is required for a change from one permitted-use category to another.
    • The certificate is issued by the Construction Official.
    “The following shall be prohibited until a certificate of occupancy is issued by the Construction Official: Occupancy and use of a structure erected, constructed, restored, altered, or moved.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Bedminster Township; the township adopts and administers its own Land Management and zoning ordinance.

    • The code states that the Township Engineer, Township Construction Official and Township Zoning Officer administer and enforce the Land Development chapter.
    “The Bedminster Township Zoning/Engineering Office is responsible for enforcement of Bedminster Township Land Management Ordinances and selective General Ordinances [...] and issuing Zoning Permits”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Detached dwellings and agricultural uses in the R-10 Rural Residential district.

    • The R-10 table also specifies minimum lot size as 500 feet, minimum lot area as 10 acres, minimum frontage as 50 feet, and density as 0.1 units per acre.
    • The code footnote states that lot size is the diameter of the largest circle inscribed within the lot lines.

    minimum lot area: >= 10 acres · minimum lot size: >= 500 feet (lot size is the diameter of the largest circle inscribed within the lot lines)

    “Lot size (1) | 500' | 500' Lot area | 10 acres | 10 acres Lot frontage | 50' | 250'”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in the R-10 Rural Residential district.

    • Maximum height is 35 feet and 2.5 stories.
    • Houses of worship may reach 50 feet.
    • Section 13-602 provides further exceptions.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet (houses of worship up to 50 feet; further exceptions under § 13-602) · maximum stories: <= 2.5 stories (further exceptions under § 13-602)

    “No building shall exceed thirty-five (35') feet in height and two and one-half (2 1/2) stories except that houses of worship shall not exceed fifty (50') feet in height and except further as provided in Section 13-602 of this chapter.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings in the R-3 Rural Residential district.
      “No building shall exceed thirty-five (35') feet in height and two and one-half (2 1/2) stories except that churches shall not exceed fifty (50') feet in height and except further as provided in Section 13-602 of this chapter.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Trailers, boats, boat trailers, motor homes and campers as accessory uses in the R-10 and R-3 districts.

    • The use is conditional and must comply with subsection 13-602.5.
    • The cited provision describes the vehicles as accessory uses; it does not establish unrestricted residential occupancy.
    “Boats on trailers and campers to be parked or stored only and located in rear or side yards only. Their dimensions shall not be counted in determining total building coverage; they shall be adequately screened from adjacent properties; and they shall not be used for temporary or permanent living quarters while situated on a lot.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units in the R-10 district.

    • An accessory dwelling unit is listed as a conditional use and must comply with subsection 13-601.4.
    • This evidence is district-specific and does not establish permission in every Bedminster zoning district.
    “Accessory dwelling unit as a conditional use (see subsection 13-601.4 for standards).”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    Individual septic systems inside Bedminster Township.

    • The Township Board of Health has legal oversight and reviews proposed septic applications.
    • The township works with the Somerset County Department of Health on other public-health matters under contract.
    “The Board of Health (BOH) has legal oversight of public health matters in the Township. The Board's primary activity is the review of all proposed septic system applications for both new constructions and alterations.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Structures producing sewage inside Bedminster Township's sewer service area when the structure is within 400 feet of the sanitary sewer system.

    • Connection is required within the defined sewer service area when the outside boundary of the structure is within 400 feet of the sanitary sewer system.
    • Existing septic facilities must be abandoned for these purposes.
    • The Board of Health may alter or waive the requirement for unusual hardship due to excessive distance or elevation differences.

    maximum distance from sanitary sewer system: <= 400 feet (inside the sewer service area)

    “The owner of any structure which is the source of sewage within the sewer service area of Bedminster Township Sewer Utility and the outside boundary of said structure of which is within four hundred (400') feet of the sanitary sewer system shall be required to connect such structure to the sanitary system and to abandon the existing septic facilities for these purposes.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and construction activity inside Bedminster Township.

    • No construction permit may issue until required prior subdivision, site-plan and variance approvals are granted by the appropriate federal, state or municipal agencies and all review, inspection fees, local taxes and assessments are paid.
    “No construction permit shall be issued for any structure until prior site plan, subdivision and variance approvals, as may be necessary, have been granted by the appropriate Federal, State, or municipal agency or agencies in accordance with the provisions of this Land Development chapter and until all review and inspection fees and all local taxes and assessments on the property have been paid.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Proposed development in Bedminster Township flood hazard areas.

    • The township regulations apply only to proposed development in flood hazard areas established by § 13-605.2-102.
    • The regulations operate together with the Uniform Construction Code and the New Jersey Flood Hazard Area Control Act.
    • Ordinary maintenance and minor work are evaluated through the floodplain development permit for substantial-damage and substantial-improvement compliance.
    “These regulations, in combination with the flood provisions of the Uniform Construction Code and FHACA shall apply to all proposed development in flood hazard areas established in Section 13-605.2-102 of these regulations.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Construction permits inside Bedminster Township.

    • Fees are governed by the township's State Uniform Construction Code enforcing-agency and construction-fee-schedule ordinance, including amendments or supplements adopted later.
    • The opened official material did not provide the current numeric fee schedule.
    “The fee for each construction permit shall be governed by the terms of the ordinance entitled "An Ordinance of the Township of Bedminster in the County of Somerset establishing a State Uniform Construction Code Enforcing Agency and A Construction Fee Schedule [...]" including any amendments or supplements which may from time to time be adopted.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Construction-permit process inside Bedminster Township.

    • Applications require two sets of plans showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed structures, easements, critical areas, uses, dwelling units, parking and other information needed for enforcement.
    • Dimensions must be based on an actual survey by a New Jersey licensed surveyor.
    • The permit must be granted or denied in writing within 10 days of a complete application unless additional time is agreed in writing.
    • Required prior site-plan, subdivision and variance approvals, review and inspection fees, local taxes and assessments must be satisfied before issuance.

    written decision deadline: 10 days (complete application; extension by written agreement)

    “Every application for a construction permit shall be accompanied by two sets of plans drawn in ink or a blueprint showing the actual shape and dimensions of the lot to be built upon; the exact location, size and height of all existing and proposed structures and substructures; all existing easements; a delineation of any and all "critical areas" as defined in Article 13-200 of this chapter; the existing or intended use of each structure; the number of dwelling units the structure is designed to accommodate; the number and location of off-street parking spaces and off-street loading areas; and such other information with regard to the lot and neighboring lots as may be necessary to determine and provide for the enforcement of this Land Development chapter.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from construction-permit requirements inside Bedminster Township.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Bedminster Township residential districts.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Bedminster Township.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Bedminster Township.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy inside Bedminster Township.
6 more unanswered
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • 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 Bedminster Township publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Somerset County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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