By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR The Township Council addressed ongoing issues regarding the obtainment of planning permits at its April 30 meeting.
Councilman Bryan Maher said he has heard several complaints about how getting a planning permit in West Windsor takes too long, specifically quoting a PSE&G worker who allegedly said West Windsor is one of the worst towns with permits.
”I would hope the permits would get out as quickly as possible,” said Mr. Maher. “The residents are deserving of getting these permits quickly.”
Pat Ward, the director of community development, said the code enforcement division has up to 20 days to review the plan initially before the plan is returned to the applicant with recommendations and comments.
She said that resubmitted plans, which have fixed the according violations, are returned in seven days.
All applications are tracked online and on paper.
However, Ms. Ward said there are delays when applicants do not correct all the violations and must continually resubmit their plans. There are also delays when the designer might be out of state or not local and the Planning Board must wait to receive the needed corrections.
This is usually when Ms. Ward gets involved and holds meetings with the design professionals and the owners to find solutions to whatever problems are holding the process back.
”Getting a permit is a well defined process, it’s the plan review in getting the permit that’s the more intense process,” said Ms. Ward. “We give as much help as we can with the paperwork and getting inspections done to get their projects going and completed.”
