Roofers in Garfield, NJ
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Roofers in Garfield: what to know
Garfield is a city of small multi-family buildings. Two-unit buildings make up about 48% of housing units, single-family detached homes 21% and buildings with three or four units about 12%. That mix shapes the permit question for a roof.
When a roof needs a permit
State rules treat repairing or replacing the existing roof covering on a detached one- or two-family dwelling as ordinary maintenance. No permit, inspection or notice is needed. The exemption does not cover cutting structural beams or other work affecting structural safety. A building with three or more units falls outside that line, so check with the Garfield Building Department first.
Garfield's own contractor license
Garfield licenses contractors locally. Chapter 94 of the city code makes it unlawful to act as a builder or contractor in the city without a city license. Its definition names anyone who contracts to reroof or re-side a building. "Roofing and siding contractor" is one of the license classes.
The chapter also limits who can pull permits. The construction official may issue permits for construction, structural alteration or removal only to a licensed contractor, or to an owner doing the work. A private person repairing their own home is exempt from the license.
At the state level, roofing companies register as home improvement contractors with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Check both before you sign. The state registration appears on the Consumer Affairs license lookup.
Older roofs and drainage
About 63% of Garfield housing units were built before 1960. On older houses, ask whether the price covers removing existing layers and replacing any damaged sheathing. Structural repairs can turn a permit-free job into a permitted one.
Gutters and leaders are part of most roof jobs. Garfield's § 265-12 bars connecting roof downspouts to a sewer line that feeds the public sanitary sewer without city approval. Ask your roofer where new leaders will discharge.
Landlords and sales
Most Garfield homes are rented; about 45% are owner-occupied. Before a residential building is sold, the city requires a certificate of continuing occupancy. It follows a general inspection of the building's visible parts.
Garfield permit office
Building, plumbing and electrical permits come from the City of Garfield construction office. Your contractor normally pulls the permit, but it's worth confirming.
- Office
- Building Department
- Phone
- 973-340-2000 ext. 4040
- Address
- 111 Outwater Lane, Garfield, NJ 07026
- Website
- garfieldnj.org
Roofers in Garfield: common questions
Does a roofer need a City of Garfield license?
Yes. Chapter 94 of the Garfield code requires a city license for anyone who contracts to build, alter, repair, reroof or re-side a building. Roofing and siding contractors are a named license class. A firm needs at least one licensed officer, agent or member. Applications go to the Construction Official. This is separate from the state home improvement contractor registration, which you can check on the state lookup.
Do I need a permit to reroof my Garfield two-family house?
Usually not, if the house is detached. Replacing existing roof covering on a detached one- or two-family dwelling is ordinary maintenance under state rules, with no permit or notice. Work that cuts structural beams or affects structural safety is not ordinary maintenance. A three- or four-family building needs a permit for roof replacement. The Garfield Building Department can confirm what applies to your building.
Can new gutters drain into the sewer line in Garfield?
Not without city approval. Garfield's sewer ordinance prohibits connecting roof downspouts, foundation drains or areaway drains to a building sewer that feeds the public sanitary sewer. That sanitary sewer system feeds the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission. Ask your roofer to show where each new leader will discharge.
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