Department of Building and Development
The Building Department, Planning and Zoning Office and the Office of Community and Economic Development are three divisions of the Department of Building and Development. Plan review and inspection of all new construction in the City is the responsibility of the Building Department. Homeowners and contractors must obtain building permits for construction projects prior to beginning work from this office. The City strictly enforces these requirements under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. Fines and penalties can be severe.
The Planning and Zoning Office helps homeowners who need Planning Board or Zoning Board applications and approvals. Most construction projects require a Zoning Permit from this office in order to obtain construction permits. There is a waiting list to appear before the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, so please allow extra time for the process. The Planning and Zoning Office is constantly working on maintaining the City's Master Plan and is instrumental in the Redevelopment program.
The Office of Community and Economic Development provides many community-based programs to assist residents of the City. The Mt. Laurel Home Improvement Program has been one of the most successful programs that the OCED provides. this program offers eligible homeowners assistance in making repairs and improvements to their homes. This program has also been successful in the rehabilitation of hundreds of affordable housing units in the City. In addition, the OCED has been successful in partnering with private developers in constructing dozens of new first time home buyer and affordable housing units in the City. The Urban Coordinating Council helps property owners in the UCC designated areas meet the challenges they face in the community.