PERMIT AMNESTY RECAP AND UPCOMING VIRTUAL CODE NIGHT

This past February the Township of Bridgewater/Code enforcement dept offered an amnesty period for construction work performed without permits. We received in excess of 30 applications during that time for various types of construction work ranging from replacement of heating and cooling equipment, water heaters to finished basements.

These permits were issued without assessing violations or penalties as long as the permits were applied for and inspections completed as amnesty suggests. The amnesty period was provided by the Township to allow residents a means to get permits and inspections without the worry of monetary penalties.

The inspections performed and inspectors preforming the inspections were able to if deficiencies were found offer solutions and answer any questions.

Permits and inspections are there to make sure the work meets the code minimum requirements for health and safety. Think of our codes as a history book of everything that has ever gone wrong. They are put in place to protect the health and safety of the residents.

The downside of not getting permits besides the potential safety issues include insurance issues. If in the event of a catastrophic event, fire or flood and your insurance company researches the properties permit history and finds that the cause of the insurance claim was work that required a permit and no permit was applied for they potentially could deny the claim.

During February’s amnesty period we received numerous phone calls asking questions about what required permits, how to go about applying for permits and what were the requirements for applying for permits for different types of work, additions, alterations, bath and kitchen renovations among others.

It seems that based on these phone inquiries there is a lot of confusion regarding what requires permits and the process. The Township in an effort to answer the resident’s construction questions has set up a virtual “Code Night” for a Q &A session with the appropriate Departments there to answer these types of construction and procedural questions. If you have any specific questions or are just curious regarding the process, please join us on Wednesday, March 31st at 7:00PM. Click here to register.

See you then!