The Murphy Administration has announced that New Jersey has surpassed 200,000 approved building permits for housing units. As of September 2025, the state authorized 204,790 housing units, a figure that exceeds those from the four previous gubernatorial administrations. This total is expected to rise further when data for the last quarter of 2025 becomes available.
Governor Murphy stated, “When we came into office in 2018, we promised to cut through red tape and tackle the housing crisis head-on. 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.”
Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs added, “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. Simply put, this Administration is doing more in the housing space than any of its predecessors this century. The proof is in the numbers.”
Historical data shows that during previous administrations: McGreevey authorized 104,480 units; Codey authorized 38,228; Corzine authorized 81,997; and Christie authorized 146,128.
The data comes from monthly reports submitted by local construction officials across New Jersey to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). These reports detail information about building permits and dwelling units approved for construction. DCA publishes these findings monthly in its Construction Reporter Online Magazine and provides an annual summary on its website at https://nj.gov/dca/. However, officials note that actual permit approvals under Governor Murphy may be higher because Jersey City has not submitted recent data.
Several factors contributed to this increase in building permits:
– The Division of Codes and Standards within DCA regularly updates New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code every three years to encourage modern construction practices.
– The Office of Regulatory Affairs has been strengthened to ensure municipal offices have sufficient staff and resources for timely permit processing.
– Legislation passed in 2021 enabled online submission of permit applications. Municipalities can use DCA’s system or their own compatible software to streamline application processes.
– Affordable housing legislation enacted in March 2024 established new guidelines for municipalities planning future development. Following this law’s passage, DCA released updated calculations to help municipalities plan affordable housing over the next decade and launched NJHOMES as an initiative supporting local affordable housing design.
The administration says these efforts aim to keep New Jersey at the forefront of residential development while helping municipalities meet current and future demand.
DCA also offers other services such as local government management support, fire safety programs, rental assistance initiatives, disaster recovery efforts, privacy protections for information handling, community planning guidance, utility assistance programs and historic preservation resources.
For additional details about DCA programs or updates on statewide construction activity visit https://nj.gov/dca/.
