COVID-19 Updates: Governor Takes Action & Other Information
April 15, 2020COVID-19 Updates: Governor Murphy Plans to Announce Groups to Create Blueprint to Reopen NJ
April 27, 2020DCA Issues Clarification on Executive Order 122
Last week, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order #122 that directs all non-essential construction activity to cease indefinitely. DCA has issued clarification that in order to continue as an essential construction project, documentation must be submitted to the local construction office attesting to how the project qualifies as an essential construction project and the measures/precautions put in place to satisfy sections 3 and 4 of EO 122. The Department also notes that construction offices may still accept permit applications for non-essential construction projects but may not issue the permit until EO 122 is lifted. To read the full DCA guide, click here.
DLGS Offers Guidance on Continuity of Services
The Division of Local Government Services within the DCA distributed new guidance to help local governments successfully maintain continuity of services during this time of heightened need, while keeping staff and residents safe. Specifically, the Division states the importance of local governments avoiding backlogs in building permits and land use applications in order to facilitate economic recovery as we weather and emerge from this crisis. The Division suggests local units perform take-home or on-site rotating reviews of construction blueprints and land use applications and to arrange for telephone calls and email exchange to communicate review comments to applicants. The guidance document also highlights the need for local governments to facilitate multiple forms of payment including drop boxes and electronic payments. To facilitate real estate transactions, the Division recommends: requests for tax searches to be emailed, applications be made downloadable and printable from the municipal website, and diverting title searchers to internet-based options on the county database. To read the full guidance document, click here.