Residential Construction
Construction Department
The Construction Department issues and processes permits for all construction in the borough. The Construction Officer can provide specific information about permit requirements, turnaround time, and supporting documentation required.
Detailed construction regulations are documented in the General Code, a database of borough ordinances, available online via the borough website. All new construction, alterations, and landscaping structures are regulated by the Borough Land Use Ordinances and International Residential Building Code.
Construction Permits
Any construction, alteration, demolition, or property improvement, except minor repairs, requires a permit from the Construction Department. Permit applications are submitted to the Construction Department along with construction plans and a property survey. All open permits must be closed out before a home or building can be sold. Some of the more common items for which permits are required include:
• Additions
• Enclosing a porch
• Replacing stucco, siding, and roofing
• Outdoor fireplaces
• Adding/replacing a fence, deck, pool, or shed
• Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom
• Installing a water heater or air conditioner
• Installing an emergency generator
• Electrical work such as adding outlets or service upgrade
• Plumbing work such as adding a hose bib, installing a gas line or installing a sprinkler system
• Removing an oil tank
• Significant ground disturbance (e.g., clearing, grading, fill, tree removal)
No permit is required for:
• Painting or wallpapering
• Replacing gutters and windows
• Installation of trees and shrubs
Landscaping hardscape (e.g., patios, walkways, driveways) must receive approval from the Zoning and/or Construction official(s) prior to installation.
Planning Board/Zoning Board of Adjustment
The Planning Board hears all applications pertaining to lot subdivision and planned development. The Zoning Board of Adjustment reviews any project that does not conform to the Borough Land Use Ordinances, and has the authority to grant or deny a variance.
Historic Preservation Incentives
In 2012, the Borough passed an ordinance designed to encourage preservation, and discourage demolition, of Mountain Lakes’ original historic homes. The ordinance offers broad zoning incentives to owners of historic homes who preserve them.
