Community Development

The Construction Official and the Building Regulations staff are responsible for the enforcement of building codes, and similar codes or ordinances related to commercial development in the township, as well as the issuance of certificates of occupancy.

In order to enforce these codes this division issue permits and conducts inspections related to building construction.  Please note that the overall processes involved in a construction project will likely also involve additional permits and inspections provided by other divisions in the department.

The Division of Engineering receives, investigates and resolves all complaints relative to drainage issues, deteriorated roadways, curbs and township utility systems associated with residential subdivisions and non-residential developments.

The division reviews and processes applications for site improvements, plot plans, grading, driveway and road opening permits and coordinates day to day functions with the Township’s Consulting Engineer.

The Engineering Manager also administers and manages the annual road improvements program, the township’s Geographical Information System (GIS), and maintains and provides prints of official township tax maps.

The Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for a multitude of inspections and services to the public, including the inspection of every business, warehouse, institution, and school facility on an annual basis to ensure they are not in violation of the Uniform Fire Code of the State of New Jersey.

Fire Marshals also inspect new businesses during the Occupancy for Use application process in conjunction with the Zoning Officer. Homeowners who are selling their homes are required to contact this office in order for inspectors to perform the required Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide, and Fire Extinguisher Inspection which is required by the State.

Additionally, in the month of October, Fire Marshals are tasked with promoting fire safety by making visits to the public elementary schools as well as the majority of the preschool and daycare facilities in the township. The Fire Marshal’s Office is also responsible for handling all complaints that appear to violate the Uniform Fire Code for the State of New Jersey. This division also performs Origin and Cause investigations for all fires within the township. All members of the division are a part of the township’s Arson Task Force.

The Zoning Official is responsible for the review of all development applications including, but not limited to major and minor subdivisions, site plans, use and bulk variances. The Zoning Officer also supports the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance and similar codes or ordinances related to development in the township, as well as the issuance of Occupancy Permits for residential and new tenant/owner occupancies in existing non-residential buildings and structures.

As a condition to the issuance of an Occupancy Permit, a project must comply with all applicable codes and ordinances including, but not limited to, building codes, subdivision and setback requirements, and regulations pertaining to an entry sign board, fire department codes and regulations, applicable zoning laws, landscaping and parking requirements, obtaining appropriate curb cut permits and provisions for applicable sanitary sewer, water, storm drainage and other utilities. The issuance of a Occupancy Permit for a project is evidence that the conditions set forth have been satisfied.

Code Enforcement Inspectors enforce the township’s property maintenance standards for all township properties, inspect and certify housing code compliance for all residential rental properties when there is a change in tenancy, and investigate overcrowding conditions in residential homes. The staff also conducts a comprehensive multi-family housing inspection program on a five-year cyclical basis.