17September 2025
The Permit Surprise That Caught Maria Off Guard
Maria didn’t expect the siding job to turn into a township headache.
She lives in Mount Laurel and had some storm-damaged siding on the back of her home. A contractor started replacing it—no questions asked. Three days in, an inspector showed up. Work stopped. Turns out, she needed a permit. She had already paid for materials that didn’t meet code.
When she called us, the first thing she asked was: “Why didn’t anyone tell me this was a thing?”
And that’s why we’re sharing this guide.
At T.A. Hughes, we don’t just install siding—we navigate it. Every township, every rule, every permit office from Deptford to Ocean City—we’ve worked with them all.
Here’s What Most Homeowners Don’t Realize About Siding in NJ
New Jersey’s not one-size-fits-all when it comes to siding. Whether you’re replacing a few panels or giving your whole home a facelift, there are code and permit hurdles in the way—and skipping them can cost you.
We’ve seen it all:
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Jobs delayed mid-install because of missing permits
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Materials rejected because they didn’t meet coastal wind ratings
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Homes fined because siding went up too soon—or was replaced without approval
The key? Knowing what your township and zoning area require before you even pick a material.
The “25% Rule” Trips Up More Homeowners Than You’d Think
This one’s a common tripwire:
In many NJ townships, if you replace more than 25% of your siding, you’re required to pull a permit. That includes partial wall replacements—not just full facades.
But here’s where it gets trickier:
That 25% is based on exterior surface area, not just what looks like a big job.
One of our customers in Deptford thought they could patch two walls. Turns out, it was closer to 40%. No permit had been pulled. We stepped in, redrew the plan, and got it squared away with the township—before things got more expensive.
Coastal Homes? The Rules Tighten
If you live near the water—Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood—you’re in Zone A or Zone V (FEMA-designated flood and wind zones). That means:
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Materials must meet wind-load ratings
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Certain light vinyl products may be restricted
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Install methods must meet reinforced anchoring specs
We’ll be honest—there are siding products you see at big-box stores that simply won’t pass inspection in these zones.
When we work with coastal homeowners, we help them choose options like fiber cement siding, which holds up against wind, salt, and township scrutiny.
Why We Handle Permits Ourselves (and You’ll Be Glad We Do)
Let’s face it: Permits are paperwork. They’re line waits. They’re inspection appointments. They’re…a pain.
So we take care of it for you.
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We pull the correct permits for your township
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We work with local building officials—we’ve known many of them for years
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We handle inspections at each required stage
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We make sure your siding won’t just look good—it’ll be 100% compliant
“T.A. Hughes handled everything—permits, inspections, even talking to our HOA. It was smooth from start to finish.”
— Karen T., Cherry Hill
Real Examples: Code-Smart Choices That Saved Headaches
🏠 Ocean City: We advised a homeowner to upgrade from hollow vinyl to fiber cement after identifying a wind-rating issue. The inspector even complimented the install.
🏠 Cherry Hill: A homeowner planned to reuse old material to save money. We helped them realize it wouldn’t pass inspection due to fire-rating requirements for multi-unit homes.
🏠 Deptford: Swapping out aluminum siding for code-approved insulated panels brought the home up to date—and saved on energy bills.
Building Codes Don’t Limit Style—They Just Make It Smarter
A lot of folks think codes mean you can’t get the look you want. That’s not true. In fact, many of the most popular modern styles—board-and-batten, two-tone exteriors, high-contrast trim—fit perfectly within NJ code.
The trick is choosing the right material, with the right install method, and at the right time.
And that’s where we come in.
Final Word: We Know the Codes, So You Don’t Have To
Whether you’re in Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester County, we know what your township needs, what the inspectors look for, and how to make your siding project smooth, stylish, and fully code-compliant.
Let’s keep you out of permit limbo and in love with your home’s exterior.
Schedule a free siding consultation today—and we’ll check your township’s requirements before you lift a finger.
FAQs
Q: Can I just replace one wall without a permit?
A: Possibly—but we check for you. It depends on your township’s 25% rule.
Q: What if I want to match my old siding?
A: You can, but if it’s outdated or no longer code-compliant, we’ll help you find a similar look that passes.
Q: How long does the permitting process take?
A: Typically 3–10 business days. We start the paperwork as soon as you approve the proposal.