Community Improvements

The Division of Community Improvements have three main areas of responsibility: 1) provides guidance on how buildings should be constructed in the City of Paterson; 2) administers all construction activity using the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC) which is designed to guarantee consistent construction standards throughout the State of New Jersey; and 3) enforces housing maintenance laws of the City of Paterson.

 Resources within this division can be accessed at the links below.

  CONSTRUCTION BUREAU (UCC)

 Building, electrical, plumbing and fire inspectors enforce the UCC (Uniform Construction Code) and are licensed by the State Department of Community Affairs.  They issue permits for all construction projects large or small and follow through with the required inspections and final approvals including Certificates of Occupancy (CO) and Continued Certificate of Occupancy (CCO).  Building Use Codes are designed to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures.

  HOUSING BUREAU

The Housing Bureau provides minimum standards for occupancy in existing buildings consistent with property maintenance code and in accordance with law.

•  Re-Rentals - Rental inspections are required whenever there is a change in tenancy and before the apt. is re-occupied; the exception is in owner occupied two family dwellings.  Before this inspection can be performed, the owner must submit proof that a Fire and Lead Inspection have been performed.
• Housing Maintenance Code -  The responsibilities of owners, tenants, and the City for maintaining health, safety, repair, and maintenance in dwellings are covered in the Housing Maintenance Code and is enforcement by the Housing Bureau whereby housing inspectors are dispatched daily to ensure compliance.
• Foreclosed, Vacant and Abandoned Properties - Division of Community Improvements is responsible for enforcing ordinances regarding Vacant/Abandoned Building Registration.  Housing inspectors maintain a Vacant/Abandoned Property list.  Failure to register any vacant/abandoned building will result in legal action.  Property Foreclosure Registration Statements are also managed by Community Improvements.  Learn more by reading about the Foreclosed, Vacant and Abandoned Property Program.

  ZONING BUREAU

 The Zoning Bureau is responsible for enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Paterson.

The UCC and Housing Inspectors will only be available in the office between the hours of 8:30- 10:00AM & 3:30-4:30PM any other time during the day they are on inspections.