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Permits and Contractor Documents for Chimney Work in NJ
Before chimney work starts, ask to see the contractor’s registration, proof of insurance and a written contract. Whether a permit is needed depends on the job and your town.
The documents to ask for
| Document | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Registration | New Jersey home improvement contractors register with the state Division of Consumer Affairs. The registration number should appear on contracts and advertising. |
| Insurance | The state’s checklist says the contract should include a copy of the contractor’s commercial general liability insurance certificate (minimum $500,000 per occurrence) and the insurer’s phone number. |
| Written contract | Required for home improvement contracts over $500, signed by all parties. See below. |
| Permit, if required | Ask who is responsible for it. See below. |
Registration
New Jersey requires home improvement contractors to register annually with the Division of Consumer Affairs under the Contractor’s Registration Act, and to show a registration number (HIC number) on signage, advertising, business documents, contracts and commercial vehicles. To confirm a number, contact the Division of Consumer Affairs; its toll-free number, 1-800-242-5846, appears on the state’s checklist. AM Chimney Sweep is a registered, insured New Jersey home improvement contractor, HIC #13VH14312300.
Insurance
Ask for the certificate itself rather than a verbal assurance. The state’s checklist says it must come with the contract along with the insurer’s contact number.
The written contract
According to the Division’s checklist, the contract must be in writing, signed by all parties, and include the contractor’s name, address and registration number; a description of the work and the main materials; any warranty; the total price; start and completion dates or timeframes; the Division’s toll-free number; and the consumer cancellation notice (you may cancel before midnight of the third business day after receiving a copy). Our guide understanding a chimney repair quote goes through these items.
Do chimney repairs need a permit?
It depends on the work and the municipality, so there is no blanket answer. What the state publishes is general:
- Permits in New Jersey are handled by your municipality’s local construction code office, under the Uniform Construction Code administered by the Department of Community Affairs.
- The state’s permit forms page describes three levels: ordinary maintenance, which requires no permit; minor work, a lighter process; and full permits for other work. It does not say which level a given chimney job falls under.
- The state’s municipal procedures manual says that before minor work begins, the code enforcement office must be notified.
- The DCA permit forms include a chimney verification form for the replacement of fuel-fired equipment, which suggests that appliance changes get special attention.
Because we cannot tell you from here what your town requires, call your local construction code office, describe the planned work, and ask. A contractor should be able to tell you whether a permit applies and who pulls it. If you are replacing an appliance, a liner or a rebuild is involved, ask early. See partial vs full chimney rebuild and clay vs stainless steel liners.
Keep your records
Keep the contract, the certificate, any permit and the inspection report or photos. They help at resale; see chimney inspection when buying or selling a home and how to read a chimney inspection report.
Frequently asked questions
Is registration the same as a license?
Not exactly. New Jersey calls it registration, and the state tells contractors not to use the word “license”.
Do I need a written contract for a small repair?
The state requires a written contract for home improvement jobs over $500. Ask for a written scope even for smaller jobs.
Who is responsible for the permit?
Settle this before work starts and write it into the contract.
Next step
Questions about our paperwork? Request a visit or call (862) 225-6529. We can answer them before you decide. See chimney repair and service areas.
Sources
- NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, Residential Home Improvement Contractor Compliance Checklist (annual registration, registration number display, contract contents, insurance, cancellation notice, toll-free number)
- NJ Business Action Center, Home Improvement Contractor quick start (registration with the Division; proof of insurance)
- NJ Department of Community Affairs, construction permit forms (local construction code office; ordinary maintenance, minor work and full permits; chimney verification form)
- NJ DCA, Municipal Procedures Manual, Part 1 (major and minor work; notify code office before minor work)