Hillsborough Township in New Jersey has started a 30-day amnesty program to help homeowners fix building permit issues without facing penalties. The program began after it was announced by Mayor John Ciccarelli during the March 25, 2025, Township Committee meeting. It will run until April 25, 2025.
The amnesty program covers specific problems related to home construction and renovation. Homeowners will not be fined for having open permits, doing non-structural interior work without permits, failing to get a Certificate of Occupancy, or having an expired Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. These are common issues, especially for residents who may have done work themselves or were not aware of the rules.
During this 30-day period, residents must visit the Hillsborough Building Department to report these issues. Staff will help them bring their property into compliance, which means the department will guide them through what is required, such as submitting permit applications and completing inspections.
However, permit fees still apply, and inspections will be required for the work that was done. The main benefit is that no extra penalties will be charged if homeowners come forward during the amnesty window.
According to Construction Official John Fiedler, the program’s main goal is to ensure homes meet safety standards. The township wants to check that all building work is done properly and safely. The focus is not on punishing homeowners but on helping them meet the rules.
The Building Department understands that many people might not know they are out of compliance. For example, someone might have finished a basement or renovated a bathroom without knowing they needed a permit. Others may have bought a house with open permits left by a previous owner. These problems can delay home sales or refinancing, so the amnesty is a chance to solve them now.
To use the program, homeowners must act before the deadline on April 25, 2025. After that date, regular penalties for noncompliance will return. The township encourages anyone who thinks they might have permit issues to reach out to the Building Department soon.
