Woodbridge Township Permits: Zoning by Appointment, Then Two Sets of Plans for Construction
In Woodbridge, the zoning step decides how fast everything else goes. The Building Department page says zoning approval is required before many construction permits, including decks, sheds, retaining walls, additions, new homes and pools. The zoning sheet asks you to bring a scaled plot plan or survey to an appointment. After that, the Construction Code office’s checklist calls for two sets of plans for residential work and three for commercial.
These are the Township’s own checklists, project by project. They’re for Woodbridge Township, whose Building Department is at 1 Main Street, Woodbridge.
Copies by project
| Project | Zoning | Construction | Who can draw the plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shed | Property survey plus a shed diagram or brochure. Up to 150 sq ft needs a zoning permit only. | Not required up to 150 sq ft. Over 150 sq ft needs a variance; the sheet doesn’t cover construction for those. | Not stated |
| Deck | Zoning approval is required first | Survey showing the deck and anything built since the survey, plus deck drawings (the deck sheet lists what they must show) | A New Jersey licensed architect or engineer, or a homeowner who drew the plans for a home they live in and are building themselves (homeowner guide) |
| Addition or alteration | Plot plan or survey to scale, with dimensions | Two sets of plans for residential work, plus a copy of the survey | Same as decks. Beams spanning more than 8 feet in a load-bearing wall need an architect’s or engineer’s signed and sealed certification. |
| Above-ground pool | Zoning permit required | Survey, the pool company’s plans, electrical plans and the filter brochure | Not stated |
| In-ground pool | Zoning permit required | Architect’s or professional engineer’s plans (usually from the pool company), a topographical survey with Township Engineer grading approval, electrical plans and the filter brochure | Architect or professional engineer |
| Commercial work | Zoning permit required | Three sets of architect’s plans | Architect |
Sources: the Building Department’s Construction Permits checklist, homeowner guide, shed and fence sheet, deck guidelines and pool requirements. All accessed Oct 19, 2026.
The two-set and three-set counts come from the Township’s one-page Construction Permits checklist. It’s an old sheet (2002), but the Township still links it. The 2017 homeowner guide says the same thing for residential work: “Two sets of plans and supporting documentation… are required to obtain a building permit.”
Zoning: bring a scaled survey to an appointment
The Township’s Obtaining a Zoning Permit sheet lays out the steps:
- Fill out the zoning permit application completely.
- Attach a plot plan or survey, drawn to scale and with dimensions.
- Make an appointment with the Assistant Zoning Official through the zoning secretary (732-634-4500 ext. 2815). Bring all the completed paperwork, including the plot plan or survey.
- Pay the non-refundable fee.
The flat zoning fee is $100. Additions and renovations on a single-family property are $25, and so are driveways, fences and sheds on a single-family property.
The 2017 homeowner guide adds that the plot plan or survey “must be prepared based upon a survey performed by a licensed land surveyor. A survey of your property is a MUST.” It says the Zoning Officer reviews an application within 48 hours.
Sheds: 150 square feet is the line
Woodbridge’s shed and fence sheet (2024) asks for a property survey and a diagram of the shed or the shed brochure. Its limits:
- under 150 sq ft and under 10 feet tall
- at least 4 feet from the side and rear property lines
- a variance for any shed over the 150 sq ft maximum
Sheds of 0 to 150 sq ft need a zoning permit only, and the sheet says no appointment is required for those, even though its general list mentions an appointment. The residential fee is $25.
Deck drawings: what has to be on the sheet
The deck guidelines list what your drawings need to show:
- a survey showing the proposed deck and any structures added since the survey was made
- a utility reference number for digging (1-800-272-1000)
- deck length, width and height above grade
- the footing layout, with footings sized by tributary area under Table 507.3.1 of the 2024 IRC, and posts fastened to the footings with approved anchors and bolts
- column size and spacing
- size, length and direction of the main girder, with any splices over columns
- the ledger attachment: lag-screwed 16″ on center with ½” bolts, flashed, and never fastened to stone or brick veneer or an existing cantilever
- joist size, length and hangers. The sheet includes a span table, such as 2×8 joists at 16″ on center spanning up to 11 ft 1 in.
- type of decking
- guards at least 36″ high with balusters no more than 4″ apart
- handrails 30″ to 38″ high on any stair with 4 or more risers
- stairs with treads at least 9″ deep and risers no taller than 8¼”
- the cost of the deck, labor and material
The deck sheet doesn’t give a copy count. Plan on the Township’s standard two residential sets, and confirm when you book your appointment.
Pools and engineering
The pool requirements (revised 07/12) ask for a copy of your contract with a licensed installer or builder, a survey and the zoning permit for every pool. In-ground pools also need plans from an architect or professional engineer, plus a topographical survey approved by the Township Engineer for grading. Pools must sit at least 6 feet from the rear and side lines in the R-5, R-6, R-7.5, R-10 and R-40 zones. On corner lots, the street-side setback matches the house’s. To apply, call the Zoning Officer for an appointment at 732-634-4500 ext. 2815.
Filing and inspections
The Construction Permits checklist asks for:
- the permit application (the jacket) and the subcode technical sections
- the plans
- a copy of the survey if applicable
- the zoning permit application
- a copy of the contract between you and your contractor, for certain work
The 2002 checklist says any contractor doing residential home improvements must be licensed with Woodbridge Township, so confirm current rules with the office. The checklist also says an “Appointment With Plans Examiner” is required. No Township page offers online filing for construction permits, so plan on paper and ask the office if that has changed.
The 2017 guide says the office has 20 days to review an application. Minor work is usually issued the same day, and a small addition or alteration usually takes no more than five working days. Inspections are requested through the Township’s online inspection portal. The deck sheet lists two: after the holes are dug and before concrete goes in, and a final inspection.
Contacts: Building Department, 1 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095, 732-602-6003. Zoning appointments: 732-634-4500 ext. 2815. The 2017 guide gives the hours as 8 AM to 4:30 PM every business day, with extended hours until 6:30 PM on Tuesdays. That guide is several years old, so call ahead.
Getting the sets printed
For a Woodbridge addition, that’s a scaled survey for the zoning appointment, two sets of plans for construction and a set for you. Line drawings like these print fine in black and white. Upload the PDF to the Print My Plans order form and pick 18×24, 24×36, 30×42, 36×46 or 36×48. Use the size the sheets were drawn at so the scale holds. Same price, all sizes (18×24 to 36×48). Every size is $1.95 a sheet in black and white and $3.75 in color. Order by 3 PM ET, ships same day, arrives as soon as the next day. New customers can take 20% off their first order with code WELCOME20, which can’t be combined with other codes.
Nearby guides: Edison · Piscataway · Old Bridge · Middlesex County plan printing · all NJ town guides
Summarized from Woodbridge Township’s published checklists, checked Oct 19, 2026. Not legal advice. Several Township sheets are years old, so confirm counts with the office before you print.
Sources (official, accessed Oct 19, 2026)
- Building Department page (contacts, zoning-first list, inspection portal): https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/1341/Building-Department
- Building Permit Forms page: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/249/Building-Permit-Forms
- Construction Permits checklist (PDF dated Sep 2002): https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/695/Construction-Permits-PDF-
- Planning a Residential Improvement, homeowner guide (updated April 2017): https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/679/Planning-A-Home-Improvement_-PDF-
- Obtaining a Zoning Permit (PDF Sep 24, 2024): https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/677/Obtaining-A-Zoning-Permit-PDF-
- Zoning Permit Application (PDF Sep 24, 2024): https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/688/Zoning-Permit-Application-PDF-
- Sheds and Fences (PDF Sep 24, 2024): https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/683/Sheds-And-Fences-PDF-
- Deck Construction Guidelines: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/680/Requirements-For-Decks-PDF-
- Requirements for Above Ground and In-Ground Pools (revised 07/12): https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/689/Above-Ground-In-Ground-Pools-PDF-
