New Jersey recently passed a law that will allow towns to supplement construction code enforcement with help from the private sector.
The legislation, which received bipartisan support, also allows municipalities to enter into shared service agreements with neighboring towns for construction inspections. The new law also requires towns to complete inspections within three business days of the date requested by a developer. If a town doesn’t meet the deadline, builders can pay for their own private-sector inspection.
The measure requires local governments to submit annual compliance reports to the state Department of Community Affairs and notify the department if they are cannot keep pace with the new timetables. The department can levy penalties on municipalities that consistently fail to meet the new deadlines.
State officials will also look to make additional reforms to state code enforcement, including adding electronic permitting.
Related Stories
| Sep 26, 2012
OSHA fines on fall-protection violations challenged by New York contractor
A New York masonry contractor is contesting an OccupationalSafety and Health Administration $136,290 fine for violations of fall-protection standards.a
| Sep 26, 2012
Construction workplace deaths decline nearly 7% in 2011
There were 721 construction-workplace deaths in 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, down 6.8% from 2010.
| Sep 26, 2012
Contractors save $9 billion due to revised California emissions rule
The California Air Resources Board made changes to a rule limiting off-road diesel emissions that could result in contractors saving about $9 billion.
| Sep 20, 2012
Smithtown, N.Y. considers bigger fines for building code violations
After a Suffolk County grand jury recommended stiffer fines for illegal demolitions, Smithtown, NY officials are weighing tougher penalties for developers who violate the town building code.
| Sep 20, 2012
AGC awarded federal grant to provide fall-protection safety program
The Associated General Contractors of America will continue to provide fall protection safety training next year after being awarded a federal safety grant.
| Sep 20, 2012
East Lansing officials accused of ignoring unauthorized project that led to partial building collapse
The unauthorized construction of a fifth-floor penthouse on a downtown East Lansing, Mich. mixed-use development led to a partial building collapse earlier this year.
| Sep 20, 2012
Reflective roofs could reduce rainfall in Arizona
Green standards may have to take into account the impact of reflective roofs on rainfall in the desert Southwest.
| Sep 20, 2012
Earth Advantage Institute offers green certification for small commercial buildings
Earth Advantage Institute announced a new green building certification aimed at new or substantially remodeled small commercial buildings built to green standards.
| Sep 14, 2012
To create more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, Chicago unveils safety plan
As more urban mixed-use and residential developments aim to encourage residents to walk and use mass transit, cities are addressing pedestrian safety.
| Sep 14, 2012
Worker killed in Brooklyn building collapse; overloaded floor decking blamed
One worker was killed after he and others plunged 40 feet through an unfinished upscale Brooklyn townhouse building.