Murphy Administration Surpasses Milestone of 200,000 Housing Permits

• Posted on: 12/18/2025

204,790 Permits Have Been Approved Since 2018 – More Than the Last Four Gubernatorial Administrations

TRENTON, NJ – The Murphy Administration today announced it has reached and exceeded the milestone of 200,000 building permits approved for housing units in New Jersey. As of the most recent data in September 2025, the State has authorized 204,790 housing units to be built, a significantly higher number than the four prior gubernatorial administrations. This number is expected to increase once the data for the final quarter of 2025 becomes available.

“When we came into office in 2018, we promised to cut through red tape and tackle the housing crisis head-on,” said Governor Murphy. “We are incredibly proud to announce that we’ve delivered on our promise and have exceeded 200,000 approved housing permits – more permits than any of the past four gubernatorial administrations. Through our Department of Community Affairs, we are cementing our legacy of expanding housing supply and building a stronger, fairer state for the people of New Jersey.”

“Whether its advancing affordable housing initiatives, providing proper staffing, or streamlining government functions through technology, the Murphy Administration has shown time and again – through its actions – how committed it is to building housing for New Jerseyans,” said New Jersey Department of Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Simply put, this Administration is doing more in the housing space than any of its predecessors this century. The proof is in the numbers.”

According to the data, 104,480 housing units were authorized during the McGreevey Administration; 38,228 during the Codey Administration; 81,997 during the Corzine Administration; and 146,128 during the Christie Administration.

This data is collected from monthly reports submitted to DCA by local construction officials from across the state. These reports highlight information about building permits, including the number of dwelling units authorized for construction. DCA summarizes and publishes the data on a monthly basis in the New Jersey Construction Reporter Online Magazine and shares an annual report on the Construction Reporter page of DCA’s website. The number of permits approved under the Murphy Administration is estimated to be substantially higher than 204,790 because Jersey City – the second-most populous city in the state – has failed to submit their data to DCA.

The following factors have contributed to the increase in building permits for housing units during the Murphy Administration:

·       DCA’s Division of Codes and Standards adopts and maintains the Uniform Construction Code, as well as updates the subcodes every three years. These adoptions guarantee New Jersey remains at the forefront of construction methodology and technology, which encourages housing production throughout the state.

·       The Division of Codes and Standards has strengthened its Office of Regulatory Affairs, which oversees the municipal construction officials in their administration of the Uniform Construction Code. This ensures municipal offices have the appropriate staffing and resources needed to handle incoming permit applications and keep projects moving in a timely fashion.

·       Legislation signed into law in 2021 as P.L.2021, c.70 allows for online submission of permits. DCA created a program, and municipalities can choose to utilize the Department’s program or utilize their own software as long as it has the same functionality. The ability to submit information online streamlines the permit process and accelerates construction timelines in the early stages.

·       Landmark affordable housing legislation became law in March 2024, establishing a clear framework for municipalities to plan and build the housing their communities require. Following the law’s passage, DCA released updated housing calculations to guide municipalities in developing their affordable housing plans over the next decade. Building on this foundation, DCA this year launched NJHOMES, which is an initiative to help municipalities design affordable housing that aligns with local needs while contributing to meeting the state’s housing goals.

The Murphy Administration has worked to ensure New Jersey remains on the vanguard of housing development while supporting municipalities in meeting the housing needs of their existing and prospective residents.  

DCA offers a wide range of other programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, rental and utility assistance, disaster recovery and mitigation, information privacy, and historic preservation.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: