West New York, NJ Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 414-41 of the Town Code, in Chapter 414 Zoning, is the building permit requirement of the Town of West New York. Subsection A says no building or structure in any district shall be erected, enlarged or structurally altered without a building permit, duly issued, upon application, by the Construction Official. No permit is issued except in conformity with the zoning chapter unless approved by the Planning Board or the Board of Adjustment. The subsection was amended 6-19-1996 by Ord. No. 26/96.

Subsection B sets the filing package. Applications and supporting documentation must be made in duplicate and accompanied by plans in duplicate, drawn to scale. The plans must show an accurate survey at the scale of the Town Tax Maps, with the shape, dimensions, radii, angles and area of the lot, plus the block and lot numbers from the official Town Tax Map. They must also show the exact size and location of the proposed building or alteration and of the other buildings on the lot, the dimensions of all yards, the existing and intended use and number of dwelling units, any topographic information needed to confirm conformity, and the locations, widths and grades of driveways serving parking areas.

The Construction Official issues the permit when the use, plans and application conform to the chapter and all other reviews are complete (§ 414-44A). Permits are issued in duplicate, and one copy stays conspicuously displayed on the premises while construction work is performed (§ 414-44B). Permits are issued separately for each application, and only if adequate water and sanitary sewers are available (§ 414-46).

A denial is sent in writing with the grounds. The applicant has five days to notify the Construction Official of an appeal, and the Board of Adjustment must review and affirm or reverse within 30 days on five days' written notice (§ 414-45). The Official can revoke a permit for false or misleading applications under § 414-47.