Jersey City has introduced a key update that will impact all construction projects moving forward. Under Ordinance 25-026, contractors must now meet an important new requirement before they can obtain or amend construction permits.
Here’s what you need to know:
Who This Affects
This ordinance applies to all contractors working within Jersey City who are applying for a construction permit through the Office of the Construction Official. This includes:
- General Contractors (GCs)
- Subcontractors (of all trades)
Whether you’re submitting a new permit application or a post-approval amendment, this requirement applies.
What’s Required
Before a construction permit can be released, all contractors listed on the permit application must be registered with the Jersey City Payroll Tax Unit. This means every business involved must:
- Be properly registered with the Payroll Tax Unit
- Be verifiable via their Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)
If a business is not registered, the permit will be placed on hold until the registration process is completed.
How to Check Your Registration Status
Contractors can quickly verify their registration status by entering their FEIN into the City’s Payroll Tax portal:
🔗 Check or Register with the Payroll Tax Unit
If your FEIN is not found in the system, you must complete the registration process immediately.
Why This Matters
This ordinance was enacted to support city funding for public services, including Jersey City Public Schools, by improving payroll tax collection compliance. For project teams, the practical takeaway is clear: failure to comply will delay your permit.
Avoiding disruptions starts with proactive planning and timely registration.
You can read more about the ordinance here:
🔗Jersey City Council Approves Ordinance 25-026
How Milrose Can Help
At Milrose, we understand how local law changes can impact your project timeline. Our team is monitoring compliance updates across all jurisdictions to help you navigate the permitting process efficiently.
If you need support determining if your contractors are registered or have questions about next steps, we’re here to help.
