Vince Geraldi
Construction Official
609-490-5100 Ext. 622
email – construction@hightstownborough.com
Jane Davis
Administrative Assistant / Zoning Official
609-490-5100 Ext. 617
email – planning@hightstownborough.com
Construction & Zoning
Dave Bell
Housing Inspector
609-490-5100 Ext. 407
email – dbell@hightstownborough.com
Chad Reed
Fire Official
609-490-5100 Ext. 602
email – fireprevention@hightstownborough.com
Council Liaison
Inspection Schedule
Inspections may be scheduled with the Administrative Assistant via phone, email, or in person.
| TYPE OF INSPECTION | INSPECTOR | INSPECTION DAYS | INSPECTION TIME |
| BUILDING | Vince Geraldi | Monday – Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| PLUMBING/MECHANICAL | Eric Muni | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| ELECTRICAL | Bob Davies | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
| FIRE | Rob Weber | Monday – Friday | By Appointment Only |
| ZONING | Jane Davis | Monday – Friday | By Appointment Only |
| HOUSING | Dave Bell | Monday – Friday | By Appointment Only |
You must obtain a Permit from our Construction Office before making the following changes to your house:
| Repair Type | Permit Type |
| Replacing or repairing a roof | Check with Construction Official |
| Porch, patio and stair repairs | Check with Construction Official |
| Installing a dishwasher | Check with Construction Official |
| Replacing an electric stove with a gas stove | Check with Construction Official |
| Installing new wiring or additional outlets | Electrical permit |
| Increase power service to home | Electrical permit |
| Installing a new furnace, boiler or hot water heater | Plumbing permit |
| Installing ductwork | Check with Construction Official |
| Constructing a fence | Zoning permit |
| Replacing a fence | Check with Construction Official |
| Installing a fireplace or repairing chimney | Check with Construction Official |
| Build or erect utility buildings, including aluminum or wood sheds | Zoning permit |
| Repair garages / accessory buildings | Check with Construction Official |
| Installing a hard surface driveway | Check with Zoning Officer |
| Install above-ground swimming pool | Construction permit |
| Create additional off-street parking | Check with Construction Official / Zoning Officer |
| Pipe leaders to existing storm drains | Check with Construction Official |
| Install exterior entry to basement | Construction permit |
| Install driveway post light | Electrical permit |
| Demolish sheds and/or buildings | Demolition permit |
| Installing a water softener | Plumbing permit |
The following improvements will increase your assessment:
| Remodeling of kitchen or bath | Construction permit |
| New exterior siding and veneers | Construction permit |
| Adding a sun deck, patio or porch | Construction permit |
| Installing an in-ground swimming pool | Construction permit |
| Plumbing alterations, modernization and tiling | Construction permit |
| Finishing a basement or attic | Construction permit |
| Additions of any kind | Construction permit |
| Installing central air conditioning | Construction permit |
Other improvements and alterations not listed may need a permit, so it is a good idea to contact the Construction Office to make certain.
You do not need to obtain a permit for ordinary repairs on a one- or two-family dwelling. These include:
- Repairing roofing or siding with like material, if the area does not exceed 25 percent of the total area within one year
- Repairing or replacing duct work
- Installing flooring material, including tile, linoleum and carpeting
- Painting the exterior or interior
- Replacing any window or door, if no change in the dimensions or framing of the opening is involved
- Covering walls, plastering or placing drywall on an existing wall
- Replacing glass in any window or door, if the replacement glass conforms to minimum requirements
- Replacing any faucet or valve, if the piping system does not have to be altered
- Installing window boxes or shutters
- Window glazing and puttying
- Landscaping work
- Installing new gutters and leaders
- Installing storm windows or doors
- Repairing existing driveways or sidewalks
For more information, contact the Construction Office.
About Added Assessments:
Certain improvements to your home will increase its value and, as a result, your property tax assessment will increase. You will receive an Added Assessment tax bill at the end of September after the improvement is substantially completed for its intended use. This bill will be payable on November 1, February 1 and May 1, and then the added assessment amount will be included in your annual tax bill for the new year. If you did not receive an Added Assessment tax bill for work completed in the previous year, you will receive an “Omitted Added Assessment” bill in addition to an Added Assessment bill in the year following the improvement.