Many cities in New Jersey, such as Jersey City, Lakewood, and Newark, have experienced substantial growth over the last couple of years. More people are coming to these areas, and with a growing population comes the need for new construction.
If your company is planning a new construction project in New Jersey, remember: there are certain protocols to adhere to and applications to fill out. Here’s what the general process looks like, although it can vary from town to town.
Step 1: Create Your Project Plan
You likely already know the basics of your construction project. However, you’ll need to hammer down the nitty-gritty details so that you can prepare and apply for your project. These details include electrical requirements, HVAC and cooling tower plans, the demolition of existing structures, paving, and any necessary environmental remediation.
Before you get the ball rolling, it’s a good idea to meet with some general contractors and put your preliminary plans into writing. This will give you a significant leg up in step number two.
Step 2: Meet with a Local Official
This is the “pre-application” step in which you’ll share your ideas with the local zoning board. Use your project plan to walk someone from the local zoning board through your ideas. This is a great opportunity to spot potential roadblocks and get feedback from a knowledgeable official – before you waste time on your applications.
Note: One thing an official will really care about is your plan for the building’s HVAC system. This could be a huge stumbling block in your application process if you don’t have a solid plan in place. Take time now to plan out your cooling system installation.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you’ve anticipated your roadblocks and cleared your plan with an official, it’s time to submit your application to the local zoning board. You can find every New Jersey construction permit application form on their Department of Community Affairs website.
As the state website instructs, you’ll need to provide one original copy plus three photocopies of each completed application/form.
Step 4: Obtain Your Building Permit
Once you have submitted your application(s), you’ll receive an approval or denial from local officials. If your permit is denied, you’ll need to make modifications to your building plan to seek approval again. If it was approved, you’re free to move forward with the new construction project.
Step 5: Prepare for Inspections
Lastly, you’ll need to ensure your project is entirely up to code. Local officials will be dropping by to inspect everything from your HVAC system to your safety procedures. If you fail these inspections, you’ll struggle to obtain final approval to open your commercial building.
Need Help Preparing for Your New Construction Project?
Onsite inspectors will look for any excuse to write up your construction project. One of the biggest areas of concern is your cooling system. If it’s not in good working order, your inspector could be concerned about the future safety, efficiency, and effects of your cooling tower.
At Pinnacle CTS, we help NJ construction companies (and small teams) ensure their HVAC systems are up to code. If you’re building something in one of the growing New Jersey cities, let us know. Our team will help you implement, maintain, and improve your cooling tower setup.
Contact us
For more information, call 732-570-9392. You can also reach us online.
