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Construction Department

The West Caldwell Code Enforcement Department (commonly known as the Building Department) is staffed by a combination of full-time, part-time, and private industry professionals. All of our inspectors are licensed by the State of New Jersey to maintain a Class 1 rating, the highest offered by the State.

The requirement for obtaining construction permits is not to ensure quality of construction, but to attain a minimum level of building safety. An example of these concerns is the homeowner who decides to finish a basement. Thousands of dollars are spent and the newly finished basement is a showpiece. The unsuspecting homeowner may not be aware that a beam or column that was removed during construction was supporting the weight of the first and second floors, creating the potential for a partial or complete collapse of the building.

While this is an extreme example, it is not uncommon. Many times, our inspectors will discover a flaw of some nature; once this is brought to the attention of the homeowner or the contractor, the problem is corrected. It is not unusual for this process to result in changes that improve both the safety and the esthetic aspects of the construction.

Guidelines that determine when a construction permit is required have been established by the State. All new construction and alterations must meet the minimum safety standards established by a statewide uniform code. While your contractor may agree to obtain any necessary permits for you, the State places the responsibility for securing building permits on the homeowner. We suggest that while planning any construction projects you contact the Building Department at 973-226-2302. We will be pleased to advise if any permits are required and to assist in completing any required applications.

Lead Based Paint Inspections

New inspection requests, effective immediately.

As per the New Jersey Administrative Code 5:23-2-18 (C), all building inspections must be requested in writing. Inspections can be scheduled by using the SDL Portal. If you are unable to utilize the SDL Portal you may e-mail your request to lwitham@westcaldwell.com. Inspections can no longer be accepted verbally. You will need the permit number or address to schedule an inspection.
 
N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.18 (c) Notice for inspection:
 
1. The owner or other responsible person in charge of work shall notify the enforcing agency, in writing, when the work is ready for any required inspection specified herein or required by the construction official or appropriate subcode official. This notice shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the time the inspection is desired. This notice shall represent an attestation on the part of the owner, other than single-family owner-occupants performing their own work, or other responsible person in charge of work, that the work has been completed in conformance with the code and is ready for inspection. The request shall be considered received on the next business day after it was sent if the request was sent outside of normal business hours.
 
2. Inspections shall be performed within three business days, or other such time within 30 days, as agreed upon by the enforcing agency and the owner, agent, or other responsible person in charge of work, of the time for which it was requested. The enforcing agency shall notify the owner, agent, or other responsible person in charge of work when the inspection will be performed within 24 hours of official receipt of the notice. The agreed upon time shall be confirmed, in writing, and sent within normal business hours. The work shall not proceed in a manner which will preclude the inspection until it has been made.