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CODE ENFORCEMENT
CONSTRUCTION
OFFICE
The Construction Office is often the applicantıs first stop when thinking about a project. The Technical Assistant/Control Person determines what prior approvals and plan reviews are required for the proposed work. Most often the applicant will be given a Zoning Permit Application if the work requires zoning approval.
The Construction Office provides inspections and issues permits for the following:
Permits must be issued before any work may start on a project. This is for the homeowner's protection. NJ State Law 13:45A-16.2 states "Final Inspections Are Required Before Final Payment Is Made To Contractor". The appropriate inspections will be called for by your General Contractor as the work progresses. After final inspections have passed, a certificate is issued to the property owner indicating the work has passed all inspections. A Five Year Tax Abatement form can then be filled out and submitted to the Tax Assessors Office. If you are not sure whether your project requires a permit, contact the Construction Office for information, or to schedule an appointment. HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Board of Health works in close cooperation with the Mayor and Council and the Middlesex County Health Department. The Borough contracts with Middlesex County to provide an Inspector for Highland Park and other important services, such as educational materials and the sponsorship of health clinics. The Board may pass health ordinances, such as the ordinance which prohibits smoking in local businesses open to the public (except bars and restaurants), and the ordinance which bans cigarette vending machines in the Borough. The Board can also recommend ordinances to the Borough Council. In accordance with state-wide minimum standards, the Board implements state laws and regulations relating to public health in the Borough. Offenders are warned and if corrections are not made, they can be taken to court. The Board also registers vital
statistics, issues licenses and inspects retail food establishments,
operates free rabies clinics for the inoculation of dogs and cats against
rabies, investigates complaints related to health hazards (including
lack of heat in rented dwellings), and sponsors free blood pressure
screenings, flu clinics and educational programs covering health topics
of interest to the public. Sources of Health Related Information The Inspectors, assigned and paid by the County Health Department, enforce the sanitary codes of the Borough. In addition to regular inspections of food establishments, inspectors investigate retail food complaints, overgrown weeds and noxious growth, insect and rodent control problems, dumping and debris situations and communicable disease occurrences. Board of Health Members are appointed by the Mayor and Council.
HOUSING
The Housing Department is responsible for enforcing the Highland Park Property Maintenance Code for residential properties in the Borough. Under this code, all residential properties, except owner occupied single family and two-family owner occupied residences, must be registered with the Housing Department and inspected prior to any change in tenancy, in accordance with the following:
ZONING DEPARTMENT
Whenever you consider altering your property in any way, you probably need to submit an application to the Zoning Office before beginning the work. Why? Each zone in our town (residential, commercial, central business district, light industrial, etc.) has its own specific guidelines and requirements; the Zoning Officer's review ensures compliance with Highland Park Land Use laws. The simple one-page Zoning Permit Application can be mailed or faxed to you OR you can pick it up from our office downstairs at Borough Hall. You will need to submit a survey with your application, and pay a fee: $10 for a residential application, $25 for a non-residential application. The Zoning Officer reviews your application and provides you with zoning approval or, in the case of a denial, the opportunity to revise your application or pursue a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. (A variance gives you permission to depart from the requirements of a zoning ordinance.) You may also be referred to the Planning Board for their review under certain circumstances. Zoning approval is required for most work done to property in Highland Park, including construction, alteration, addition, repair or change in type of use. In
the HOME typical applications include:
For
a BUSINESS, typical applications include:
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