Bolthole Index

Morris County, New Jersey

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in the Borough of Madison, New Jersey

The Borough of Madison, in Morris County, New Jersey, has its own zoning, divided into 18 districts1. Building permits are required under the state's Uniform Construction Code and issued by the borough's Building Construction Department23. Septic permits come from the Madison Board of Health4. Living in a trailer or camp car inside the borough is prohibited5.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; issued by the borough's Building Construction Department under the state code23
Zoning
Borough zoning with 18 districts; the zoning map is filed with the Borough Clerk16
Septic
Permit from the Madison Board of Health; not allowed where a sewer is available47
RV or trailer living
Prohibited as a dwelling while parked in the borough5
Trailer parks and camps
Prohibited within borough limits8
Owner-builder
A homeowner may prepare plans for a single-family residence they occupy3

Who to call

Building permits

Borough of Madison Building Construction Department

Construction permits, plan review and inspections under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code for Madison (the department also serves Chatham Borough)

973-593-3064

29 Prospect Street, Madison, NJ 07940

Online permits →

Septic permits

Borough of Madison Health Department (Board of Health)

Individual sewage disposal (septic) permits and certificates inside Madison, issued by the Board of Health

973-593-3079

50 Kings Road, Madison, NJ 07940

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 13, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Borough of Madison means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Does Madison, NJ have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs and lot size?

Yes. The Borough of Madison adopts and administers its own zoning in Chapter 195 of the borough code, which divides the borough into 18 zones1. The district boundaries are drawn on the Borough Zoning Map, which is filed in the Borough Clerk's office6. Morris County does not zone; New Jersey gives zoning power to municipalities, not counties9.

Minimum lot sizes, setbacks, lot coverage and building height all vary by district under state law, so the answer for a specific parcel depends on which Madison district it sits in1011. We could not confirm a minimum dwelling size, accessory-dwelling rules or any agricultural exemption in Madison's code, so ask the borough's zoning officer through the Building Construction Department before you rely on any of them3.

Trailers and camp cars cannot be used as a dwelling, place of abode or sleeping place while parked within Madison5. The code also bans trailer parks, tourist camps and camp parks inside borough limits8.

Do you need a building permit in Madison, NJ, and who issues it?

Yes. Construction in Madison is regulated by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, and the borough's own Building Construction Department issues the permits, not Morris County212. The same department also covers Chatham Borough3.

State rules make it unlawful to construct, alter, repair or demolish a structure, or change its use, without first filing an application and obtaining the permit13. The department states it has 20 business days to prepare a permit once a completed application, including any prior approvals, is submitted3.

A homeowner may prepare plans for their own single-family residence3. Owner-builders should know that the state still requires an affidavit before a certificate of occupancy for an owner-built home, and the work is not covered by the state's new-home warranty14. We could not confirm the text of Madison's own permit chapter, so call the department for current requirements.

How do septic permits work inside Madison, NJ?

Inside Madison, the Borough Board of Health issues septic permits, not Morris County4. No one may locate, construct or alter an individual sewage disposal system until the Board of Health issues a permit15.

A property served by a sanitary sewer may not use an individual system, and a property counts as served when a sewer is within 100 feet of the property line or can be directly connected to an existing main with capacity available15. Because Madison is a dense, sewered borough, many lots will not qualify for a septic system at all.

Where septic is allowed, the Board of Health may issue the permit when the application comes with a certificate from a New Jersey licensed engineer that the design complies with the code16. Fees include $50 for a construction permit application and $25 for an alteration permit application, with a $15 annual renewal17. Denials can be appealed by requesting a hearing within 15 days16.

Building a home in Madison: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning district and what it allows with the borough, using the zoning map filed with the Borough Clerk6.
  2. Check sewer availability and, if there is none, apply to the Board of Health for septic approval; state law requires the board of health's certification before a building permit can issue18.
  3. File the construction permit application with the Building Construction Department, which has 20 business days to prepare a permit once the application is complete3.
  4. Request each required inspection, including footings and foundation before backfill, and do not proceed past a stage until it is approved19.
  5. Obtain a certificate of occupancy before moving in; the state requires all utilities, including water, sewer, electric and gas, to be in service first20.

What stays with Morris County and the state?

Morris County does not issue building permits or zoning approvals for land inside Madison; those stay with the borough29. The county's role is narrower: subdivision applications that front on county roads go to the county for review, and a driveway or utility work within a county right-of-way needs a permit from the County Engineering Division2122. A driveway onto a state highway needs a state access permit23.

Wells are permitted through municipal or county health officials after a state drilling permit24; we could not confirm a Madison-specific well rule. For land outside the borough, see the Morris County page. Morris County's effective property tax rate is 1.8%25.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm the operative text of Madison's building-permit chapter, certificate-of-occupancy rule, driveway standards, short-term-rental rules or accessory-dwelling rules; ask the Building Construction Department3.
  • Trailers and camp cars may not be lived in anywhere in Madison, and street parking for them is limited to 2 hours5.
  • Septic systems are not allowed on a property served by a sanitary sewer, so confirm sewer availability with the Board of Health before you plan on one7.

Sources

  1. Chapter 195: Land Development - Borough of Madison, NJ (Borough of Madison), quoted and re-checked
  2. Town of Morristown - Division of Building and Uniform Construction Code (2026 county census)
  3. Borough of Madison Building Construction Department (rosenet.org)
  4. Chapter 226: Sewage Disposal - Borough of Madison, NJ (Borough of Madison), quoted and re-checked
  5. Chapter 177: Trailers; Tourist and Trailer Camps - Borough of Madison, NJ (Borough of Madison), quoted and re-checked
  6. Chapter 195: Land Development - Borough of Madison, NJ (Borough of Madison), quoted and re-checked
  7. Chapter 226: Sewage Disposal - Borough of Madison, NJ (Borough of Madison), quoted and re-checked
  8. Chapter 177: Trailers; Tourist and Trailer Camps - Borough of Madison, NJ (Borough of Madison), quoted and re-checked
  9. P.L. 2013, c.106 — Municipal Land Use Law amendments (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. P.L. 2013, c.106 (Municipal Land Use Law amendments) (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. P.L. 2013, c.106 (Municipal Land Use Law amendments) (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Chapter 75: Building Construction - Borough of Madison, NJ (Borough of Madison), quoted and re-checked
  13. N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14, Construction permits—when required (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. N.J.A.C. 5:23, Uniform Construction Code (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Chapter 226: Sewage Disposal - Borough of Madison, NJ (Borough of Madison), quoted and re-checked
  16. Chapter 226: Sewage Disposal - Borough of Madison, NJ (Borough of Madison), quoted and re-checked
  17. Chapter 226: Sewage Disposal - Borough of Madison, NJ (Borough of Madison), quoted and re-checked
  18. New Jersey Statutes, R.S. 58:11-23 through 58:11-43 (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Chapter 75: Building Construction - Borough of Madison, NJ (Borough of Madison), quoted and re-checked
  20. N.J.A.C. 5:23, Uniform Construction Code (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Land Development Review, quoted and re-checked
  22. Morris County Land Development Standards, quoted and re-checked
  23. Major Access Permits (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Bulletin 88-10: Private On-Site Water Supply Systems (New Jersey statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 13, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Borough of Madison

Borough of Madison’s own rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building construction inside Madison borough under the State Uniform Construction Code.

    • The statewide code takes precedence over local building codes.
    • The code and all amendments apply upon adoption of the statewide building code.
    “Therefore, upon the adoption of such a statewide building code, to be known as the "State Uniform Construction Code," that code and all amendments thereto shall be applicable to building construction in the Borough of Madison.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction inside Madison borough subject to the Building Code.

    • The builder must request inspections.
    • Work may not proceed beyond each stage until inspection, approval, and authorization by the Building Official.
    • Required stages include footings, foundation before backfill, rough plumbing/piping/air ducts, final electrical/plumbing/fire inspections, and site-plan projects before occupancy.
    “The following inspections shall be requested by the builder and work shall not proceed beyond each stage until said stage has been inspected, approved and further procedure authorized by the Building Official.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Madison borough; the borough's Chapter 195 establishes and administers zoning districts.

    • The zoning map is filed in the Borough Clerk's office.
    • Conditional uses require site plan approval by the appropriate board.
    “For the purposes of this article, the Borough is hereby divided into 18 zones as follows:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Madison borough zoning districts and zoning-map administration.

    • The district boundaries are established on the Borough Zoning Map filed in the Borough Clerk's office.
    • The code lists 18 zones, including R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-5A, R-6, RC, P, CBD-1, CBD-2, CC, U, OR, PCD-O, R-SH, OSGU, POR, R-PH, and R-9; the text says 18 zones but the list includes later-added entries.
    “The location and boundaries of the above districts are hereby established on the Zoning Map of the Borough of Madison in Morris County which is filed in the office of the Borough Clerk.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Trailer or camp-car occupancy inside Madison borough.

    • Use as a dwelling, place of abode, or sleeping place is prohibited while parked within borough limits.
    • Street parking is limited to two hours.
    • Parking in public parks or public school grounds is prohibited.
    • The code separately prohibits trailer parks, tourist camps, camp parks, and trailer camps.

    maximum street parking: 2 hours

    “No trailer or camp car, while parked within the limits of the Borough of Madison, shall be used by any person as a dwelling place, place of abode or sleeping place.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Trailer camps, tourist camps, camp parks, and trailer camps inside Madison borough.

    • The operation of trailer parks, tourist camps, camp parks, and trailer camps is prohibited within borough limits.
    • The chapter also prohibits trailer or camp-car sleeping occupancy while parked within the borough.
    “It shall be unlawful for any person, persons, firm or corporation to conduct or operate any trailer park, tourist camp, camp park or trailer camp within the limits of the Borough of Madison.”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    Individual sewage disposal systems inside Madison borough; the Borough Board of Health administers permits and certificates.

    • The code was adopted by the Borough Board of Health.
    • Engineer certifications are required for permit and certificate issuance.
    “Permit required. No person shall locate, construct or alter any individual sewage disposal system until a permit for the location, construction or alteration of the sewage disposal system is issued by the Board of Health.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Locating, constructing, or altering an individual sewage disposal system inside Madison borough.

    • The permit is issued by the Board of Health.
    • An application may require a certificate from a New Jersey licensed professional engineer stating that the proposed design complies with the code.
    • A property served by a sanitary sewer may not use an individual sewage disposal system.

    sewer availability threshold: 100 feet from property line (A property is also deemed served if directly connectable to an existing sewer main without extension and capacity is available.)

    “Permit required. No person shall locate, construct or alter any individual sewage disposal system until a permit for the location, construction or alteration of the sewage disposal system is issued by the Board of Health.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Individual sewage disposal systems used for sanitation inside Madison borough.

    • Septic systems require Board of Health permits and certificates.
    • Individual sewage disposal systems are prohibited where sanitary sewer service is available within 100 feet or direct connection is possible with capacity.
    • The code imposes additional design and testing requirements.
    “No individual sewage disposal system shall be installed upon a property served by a sanitary sewer system.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Individual sewage disposal permits and related inspections inside Madison borough.

    • Construct/locate permit application and plans: $50; annual renewal: $15.
    • Alteration permit application and plans: $25; annual renewal: $15.
    • Construct/locate permit issuance: $50; permit valid one year; annual renewal $15.
    • Alteration permit issuance: $25; permit valid one year; annual renewal $15.
    • Reinspection caused by permittee failure: $50.
    • Observed soil test: $100 up to three hours, then $40 per excess hour.
    • Miscellaneous inspection: $20 per half-hour or part thereof.

    construction permit application: 50 USD (Annual renewal $15) · alteration permit application: 25 USD (Annual renewal $15) · reinspection: 50 USD (When caused by permittee failure)

    “For the filing of an application and plans for a permit to locate and construct an individual sewage disposal system: $50. The application shall be valid for one year from the date of filing but may be renewed upon payment of an annual renewal fee of $15.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Individual sewage disposal permit process inside Madison borough.

    • Applicant submits an application and plans.
    • Construction/alteration design may require a New Jersey licensed professional engineer's certificate.
    • The Board of Health issues the permit and later certificate.
    • Denial may be appealed by requesting a hearing within 15 days; the Board acts within 15 days after the hearing.
    “Issuance of permit. The Board of Health may issue a permit if an application is accompanied by a certificate made by an engineer licensed to practice professional engineering in New Jersey stating that the design of the individual sewage disposal system as proposed is in compliance with the code.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Borough of Madison or Morris County directly.

  • Building permit — Building permits for land inside Madison borough.
  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders performing construction inside Madison borough.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings inside Madison borough.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Dwellings in Madison borough residential zones.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Madison borough.
6 more unanswered
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Borough of Madison publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Morris County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Morris County: county rules, score and offices