CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT 

As per N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(a), "It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, repair, renovate, alter, reconstruct or demolish a structure, or change the use of a building or structure, or portion thereof, or to install or alter any equipment...without first filing an application with the construction official...in writing and obtaining the required permit"

The Construction Department is the enforcement agency within the Borough of Closter that ensures all construction projects (for work from the street curb in towards one's property) are applied for and implemented as mandated within the Uniform Construction Code of New Jersey.  The Construction Department has the task of ensuring that contractors and residents not only obey state law, but more importantly, perform construction in a safe and responsible manner.  The scope of the Department's jurisdiction includes, but is not limited to the technical fields of Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection.  There is one state-licensed subcode official for each of the above-mentioned technical fields.  In addition to application and plan review, the subcode officials conduct field inspections.  The Department's office procedures are performed by the Technical Assistant. The department head is the Construction Official who oversees all aspects of the office. 

CODE ENFORCEMENT BUREAU

The Code Enforcement Bureau consists of borough officials who ensure that local property maintenance ordinances are obeyed.  They also verify compliance of resolutions (variances) passed by the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board.  In addition, the Code Enforcement Bureau conducts Business and Residential Certificate of Continued Occupancy (BCCO and RCCO) inspections which are required prior to commercial/residential resales and commercial tenant/ownership transactions being finalized at closings.

ZONING OFFICER

The Zoning Officer has the distinction of the being the first, in some instances the sole entity, required to review an application for a project involving the development of land (site work) and the construction/use of accessory and principal structures.  The Zoning Officer's scope of responsibility includes, but is not limited to, applications pertaining to new construction, additions, garages, porches, decks, swimming pools, driveways, patios, fences, sheds, change in commercial tenancy and signs.  When an application is denied by the Zoning Officer, the applicant has the options of resubmitting a new application with proper revisions, abandoning the project, or seeking relief from either the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the Planning Board.

The Building Department, Code Enforcement Bureau and the Zoning Officer pride themselves in assisting applicants through the permit process; please do not hesitate in reaching out to them with your questions and concerns.

Construction Dept Forms and Applications

Construction Dept Staff and Contact Information

Location:

Borough Hall

295 Closter Dock Road

CLOSTER, NJ 07624

OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM