The Common Council of the City of Burlington, NJ and the Burlington Township Council voted affirmatively to enter into a Shared Services Agreement to merge its Construction Departments, effective April 15. The new organization will reduce overall labor costs and increase office and inspection hours for the residents of Burlington City. The new shared Construction Office will be located in the current Township of Burlington Construction Office, located on the second floor of the Burlington Township Municipal Building, 851 Old York Road.
City of Burlington Mayor Barry W. Conaway supported the agreement, stating “This partnership with the Township will provide increased service to our residents at a fixed cost with expanded hours for processing permits and scheduling of inspections over five days instead of three. We were also to achieve this without laying off any permanent City staff.”
Burlington Township Mayor Brian Carlin joined in supporting the agreement by stating “The agreement reflects the spirit and intent of Shared Services. It provides efficient municipal services to our residents while benefiting both communities.”
Under the new agreement, City and Township residents now can obtain permit applications and inspections, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. (Under the current system, the City Construction Office was open to the public three days only, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm)
Residents and contractors who have open permits will receive a notice in the mail of this change in status and be advised on how to require inspections for the permitted work to obtain Certificate of Occupancy.
Burlington City will continue to issue Zoning and Historical Construction approvals, where required, in accordance with Uniform Construction Code. Burlington City Land Use Board and City Historical Commission will continue to review and approve certain applications, including those for bulk variances and historical compliance.
In additions to obtaining applications in person at Township Hall during business hours, they also are available on-line at www.twp.burlington.nj.us/content/84/175/default.aspx, but hardcopy applications and fees still must be mailed or returned in person.