The Murphy administration announced that New Jersey has approved more than 200,000 building permits for housing units since 2018. As of September 2025, the state had authorized 204,790 housing units, with expectations that this number will rise when data from the last quarter of the year is available.
“When we came into office in 2018, we promised to cut through red tape and tackle the housing crisis head-on,” said Gov. Phil 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.”
Data shows previous administrations authorized fewer units: 104,480 under McGreevey; 38,228 under Codey; 81,997 under Corzine; and 146,128 under Christie. The figures come from monthly reports submitted by local construction officials to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). DCA compiles these reports and publishes them monthly in the New Jersey Construction Reporter Online Magazine and annually on its website. The actual number may be higher because Jersey City has not submitted its data.
Several factors contributed to this increase in permits. The DCA’s Division of Codes and Standards updates construction codes every three years to keep pace with industry practices and technology. The Office of Regulatory Affairs within DCA has also been strengthened to ensure municipal offices can efficiently process permit applications.
A law passed in 2021 allows for online submission of permit applications. Municipalities can use DCA’s system or their own software if it meets required standards. This change aims to make processing faster.
Affordable housing legislation enacted in March 2024 established guidelines for municipalities to plan new affordable homes. Following this law, DCA provided updated calculations for municipal planning over the next decade and launched NJHOMES to help towns design affordable housing that fits local needs while supporting statewide goals.
