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Somerset County, New Jersey

Building permits, zoning and septic in Bernards Township, NJ

Bernards Township, New Jersey requires construction permits for work beyond ordinary repair or maintenance, and every construction permit requires inspections.12 Bernards Township sets its own zoning in Somerset County.3 Septic systems require Township Board of Health approval, with Sewerage Authority and other governmental approvals where applicable for alternative systems.4

At a glance

Building permits
Required beyond ordinary repair or maintenance; apply through Township Construction Code15
Zoning
Township zoning applies; ask the Zoning Officer about the parcel and proposed use36
Septic permits
Township Board of Health approval; ask Bernards Health about the application and required approvals4
Sewer connection
Required at the owner's expense where the property abuts or has access to an Authority sewer7
Owner-builder
Personal-use builder registration exception; construction permits and inspections still apply82
Private wells
New Jersey DEP drilling permit plus local health construction approval9

Who to call

Building permits

Bernards Township Construction Code Division

Township construction-code office; use the linked page for current contact details.

Zoning

Bernards Township Planning & Zoning — Zoning Officer

Township planning and zoning office; ask about the parcel district and proposed land use.

Septic permits

Bernards Township Health Department — Environmental Services

Township health office; start septic and well approval questions here.

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 Bernards 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 Bernards Township, NJ?

Bernards Township requires a construction permit for work that is not ordinary repair or maintenance, including finishing basements, decks, sheds, new wiring and new plumbing installations.1 Bernards Township lists a $2,000 penalty for working without a construction permit and warns that the work may have to be removed.1

Every Bernards Township construction permit requires inspections; same-day inspections are unavailable.2 A person building a new home for personal use can qualify for the state builder-registration exception, but that exception does not waive construction permits, inspections or licensing requirements.8

Who issues building permits in Bernards Township?

Use the Bernards Township Construction Code Division for construction permit guides and forms; the township publishes guides for different project types and general residential and commercial work.5 Every Bernards Township construction permit requires inspections, which can be requested through the SDL Portal or by telephone; same-day inspections are unavailable.2

Bernards Township advises allowing at least 20 business days for processing when prior zoning, engineering, health or other approvals are not required, depending on the project.5 Ask Construction Code for a project-specific fee estimate: land-development filing fees and escrows do not include construction-permit, inspection or occupancy-certificate costs.10

Does Bernards Township have zoning for RVs and tiny homes?

Bernards Township has its own zoning ordinance and adopted zoning map, with residential and other development districts; the map is available through the Township code and Township Clerk.311

Before buying for an RV, tiny home, manufactured home or temporary camping, ask Bernards Township Planning & Zoning whether the proposed use is permitted on the specific parcel; we could not confirm local occupancy rules for those uses.6 New Jersey allows municipal lot-size, dwelling-floor-area and setback standards to differ by district, so ask for the applicable district standards rather than relying on a township-wide minimum.121314

How do septic permits work inside Bernards Township?

Bernards Township requires Board of Health approval for septic systems, with Sewerage Authority and other governmental approvals where applicable for alternative systems.4 Start with Bernards Health and ask which septic application, fees, site tests and plan submissions the proposed project needs.15

Health approval of a proposed septic system is a prerequisite to the construction permit, and septic compliance certification is required before the building certificate of occupancy.16 State law requires inspection and permission before a septic tank or disposal field is covered, so arrange that inspection with the health office before backfilling.17

What are the steps to build a home in Bernards Township?

  1. Ask Bernards Township Planning & Zoning to identify the parcel district and proposed use; obtain the adopted zoning map through the Township code or Clerk.116
  2. Resolve sanitation before applying for the construction permit: ask whether Sewerage Authority connection is required, or obtain health approval of the septic plan.716
  3. Use the Township Construction Code guides and forms to apply for the construction permit, allowing the published processing time and any required prior approvals.5
  4. Arrange required construction inspections and have septic facilities inspected before covering them.217
  5. Obtain the required certificate of occupancy before occupying the new home; Bernards Township requires zoning compliance and Township Engineer certification as part of that process.18

What should you check before buying land in Bernards Township?

Ask the Bernards Township Sewerage Authority whether the parcel abuts or has access to an Authority sewer: qualifying properties must connect at the owner's expense.7 The restriction on alternative systems outside the sewer service area is specific to The Hills Development; do not assume an off-grid sanitation design can be approved anywhere in Bernards Township.19

Private wells require a New Jersey DEP drilling permit and local health construction approval.9 Residential driveways associated with development require a turnaround, and subdivisions needing Somerset County Planning Board review must be submitted to the county alongside the local application.2021 For land outside Bernards Township, use the Somerset County guide to understand the county's municipal septic-approval framework.22

Watch-outs

  • An owner-built new home in Bernards Township still needs the required affidavit acknowledging the lack of New Home Warranty Act coverage for owner or supervised subcontractor work, with disclosure to purchasers within 10 years after the certificate of occupancy.23
  • We could not confirm the parcel-specific floodplain requirements or agricultural construction exemptions in Bernards Township; ask Planning & Zoning and Construction Code before committing to a design.624
  • Bernards Township does not require a certificate of occupancy for resale or refinancing of an existing single-family dwelling, but the separate fire inspection and property-sale records clearance requirements still apply.25

Sources

  1. Bernards Township NJ - Construction Code (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked
  2. Bernards Township NJ - Construction Code (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Section 21-10: Zones - Township of Bernards, NJ (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked
  4. Bernards Township Sewerage Authority Rates, Rules and Regulations (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. Bernards Township NJ - Construction Code (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. Bernards Township Planning & Zoning — Zoning Officer (bernards.org)
  7. Bernards Township Sewerage Authority Rates, Rules and Regulations (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. Builder Registration and New Home Warranty for Builders (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Bulletin 88-10: Private On-Site Water Supply Systems (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Section 21-58: Fees - Township of Bernards, NJ (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked
  11. Section 21-10: Zones - Township of Bernards, NJ (Bernards 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. P.L. 2013, c.106 (Municipal Land Use Law amendments) (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. P.L. 2013, c.106 (Municipal Land Use Law amendments) (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Bernards Township Health Department — Environmental Services (bernardshealth.org)
  16. BULLETIN 79-7: Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  17. New Jersey Statutes, R.S. 58:11-23 through 58:11-43 (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Ordinance #2531, Certificates of Occupancy (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. Bernards Township Sewerage Authority Rates, Rules and Regulations (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked
  20. Section 21-38: Residential Driveways - Township of Bernards, NJ (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked
  21. Section 21-48: Required Applications - Township of Bernards, NJ (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked
  22. Somerset County Wastewater Management Plan — Septic Management Plan Component, quoted and re-checked
  23. N.J.A.C. 5:23, Uniform Construction Code (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Bernards Township Construction Code Division (bernards.org)
  25. Certificate of Occupancy - Township of Bernards (Bernards Township), quoted and re-checked

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 Bernards Township

Bernards Township’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction and listed improvements inside Bernards Township.

    • A permit is not required for ordinary repair or maintenance.
    • The Township page lists finishing basements, decks, raised patios, swimming pools, bathroom and kitchen renovations, water heaters, sheds, gazebos, new electrical wiring, and new plumbing installations as requiring permits.
    • A penalty of $2,000 is assessed for working without a permit, and work may be required to be removed.

    penalty for work without permit: 2000 USD (work may also be required to be removed)

    “A construction permit is required for everything that is not considered an ordinary repair or maintenance.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Every construction permit issued inside Bernards Township.

    • Inspections may be requested through the SDL Portal 24/7 or by telephone.
    • Inspections are performed during stated weekday time windows; same-day inspections are unavailable.
    “Every permit issued requires inspections.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    A structure or part of a structure in Bernards Township occupied for a new use, nonresidential new occupant, specified affordable-housing sale or rental, or erected, altered, converted, or enlarged in whole or part.

    • The certificate is issued by the Construction Code Enforcement Official with the Zoning Enforcement Officer's consent for matters outside the Uniform Construction Code.
    • The structure must satisfy code requirements; zoning compliance and Township Engineer certification are also required.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued only in extenuating circumstances with approval of the Board that approved the development plan.

    written grant-or-denial deadline: 10 days (unless additional time is agreed upon in writing by the applicant)

    “It shall be unlawful to use or permit the use of any structure or part(s) thereof occupied for a new use; or in the case of any nonresidential use, occupied by a new occupant; or occupied as a low- or moderate-income residential sales or rental unit, whether upon initial sale or rental, resale or rerental; or hereafter erected, altered, converted or enlarged wholly or in part, until a certificate of occupancy shall have been issued by the Construction Code Enforcement Official with the consent (as to matters outside of the Uniform Construction Code) of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Not required — Resale or refinancing of an existing single-family dwelling or commercially zoned building inside Bernards Township.
      “The Township of Bernards does not require the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy on the resale or refinancing of an existing single-family dwelling or commercially zoned building within the Township.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Bernards Township; the Township adopts and administers its own zoning and land-development ordinance.

    • The zoning map is part of the Township code and zone boundaries are maintained by the Township Clerk.
    “The Township is hereby divided into the following development zones:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Bernards Township.

    • The code lists residential, senior, multifamily, mixed-use, employment, business, public, mining, and golf-heritage zones.
    • The zoning map is adopted as part of the chapter and is available through the Township code and Township Clerk.
    “The Township is hereby divided into the following development zones:”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    All subdivisions inside Bernards Township.

    • Applications required to be reviewed by the Somerset County Planning Board must also be submitted to the county at the same time as the local application, with proof attached or submitted before hearings.
    “All subdivisions are subject to the review procedures specified herein.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Residential driveways associated with development inside Bernards Township.

    • A turnaround is required at the end of the driveway and must be designed for a single-unit design vehicle.
    • The Planning Board may permit a maximum driveway grade of 13% when the applicant demonstrates reduced site disturbance, vegetation loss, aesthetic benefits, and no adverse safety or surrounding-property impact.

    maximum permitted driveway grade by Planning Board exception: 13 percent (requires the stated demonstration and Planning Board permission)

    “A turnaround shall be provided at the end of the driveway which shall be designed for a single unit design vehicle.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Land-development applications and related inspection, construction-permit, and certificate-of-occupancy costs inside Bernards Township.

    • Applications require a nonrefundable Table 901 filing fee.
    • Inspection, construction-permit, and certificate-of-occupancy costs are additional to filing fees and escrows.
    “Filing Fees. All applications shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee, as set forth in Table 901,[1] which shall be used to cover the costs associated with review of the application by Township administrative staff.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Construction and land-development applications inside Bernards Township.

    • Construction permit guides and forms are published by the Township Construction Code Division.
    • Depending on the project, if prior zoning, engineering, health, or other approvals are not required, a minimum of 20 business days should be planned for processing.
    • Construction permits may be picked up only between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

    minimum processing time when no prior approvals are required: >= 20 business days (depends on project)

    “Here you will find some helpful guides and information regarding how to and when to obtain permits. There are guides for different project types as well as general residential and commercial projects. Each guide provides a link to the required construction permit forms.”

Rules another office applies inside Bernards Township

Bernards 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)

    On-site or alternative sewage systems inside Bernards Township.

    • The Township Sewerage Authority rules state that septic or alternative systems must be approved by the Township Board of Health, the Township Sewerage Authority, and other governmental bodies having jurisdiction when applicable.
    • Alternative systems outside the sewer service area are restricted to The Hills Development area.
    “Any development or building which is located in the sewer service area not serviced by Authority trunk sewers or which is located outside the sewer service area but within the franchise area of the Sewerage Authority shall be serviced by a septic system approved by the Township of Bernards Board of Health or an alternative system to be approved by the Township of Bernards Board of Health, Township of Bernards Sewerage Authority and other governmental bodies having jurisdiction.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Alternative or private sewage systems inside Bernards Township.

    • Where applicable, the system must be approved by the Township Board of Health, Township Sewerage Authority, and other governmental bodies having jurisdiction.
    • An alternative system outside the sewer service area is permitted only in The Hills Development area, defined as Lot 1.01, Block 174 on the Bernards Township Tax Map.
    • The owner must operate, maintain, and repair the system at the owner's expense.
    “An Alternative system outside the sewer service area shall be permitted only in The Hills Development area which is defined as follows: Lot 1.01, Block 174 on the Tax Map of Bernards Township.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Houses, buildings, and property used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or similar purposes inside Bernards Township where an Authority public or private sanitary sewer is located or may be located in an abutting or accessible street, easement, or right-of-way.

    • Connection is at the owner's expense.
    • A separate connection is required for each building or premises unless the Authority approves a tie-in based on the engineer's recommendation and all owners consent in writing.
    • All permit fees and service charges remain applicable.
    “The owner of each and every house, building or property used for human occupancy, employment or recreation or any other such purpose, situate within the Township and abutting on, or having access to any street, easement or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located a public or private sanitary sewer of the Authority is required at his expense to install suitable toilet facilities therein, and to connect such facilities directly with the proper sewer in accordance with these Rules and Regulations and the provisions of Township Board of Health Ordinance #BH-13 dated December 18, 1980 as amended.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder construction inside Bernards Township.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Bernards Township.
  • Living in an RV — Occupancy of recreational vehicles on land inside Bernards Township.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on land inside Bernards Township.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Bernards Township.
7 more unanswered
  • Manufactured homes
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • 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 Bernards 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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