The purpose of the permit process is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.  The Division of Inspections has the solemn responsibility to protect the current occupants of a building as well as all future occupants.  The division does this by enforcing regulations and construction codes adopted by the State of New Jersey.  The New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Act, and the regulations it promulgated, purpose is to provide a minimum standard for construction while, encouraging innovation and economy in construction, allow for the use of modern technical methods, eliminate restrictive and unnecessary regulations that increase construction costs, and insure adequate maintenance of structures. 

A property owner benefits from the permit process.  Your home or business is an investment.  You protect the value of that investment when a construction project adheres to the minimum construction standards.  Property insurers may not cover injuries, property damage, or lawsuits that occur because of construction undertaken without permits. Evidence that all permits were issued, inspections performed, and certificates issued  makes for a stronger defense in a court of law.    

Additionally, when a property is sold, a home inspector hired by the purchaser will request proof that modifications were legally constructed with all the required approvals.  When construction without the proper permits is discovered, sometimes years after the work was done, the owner may need to tear down an addition, or make costly repairs to correct violations.  Often sales are lost or selling prices are adjusted lower follow these disclosures.