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

Chapter 148, Article I, of the Town Code ties inspection to the moment a building changes hands or occupants. Section 148-1A makes it unlawful for an owner or prospective purchaser to sell, convey, deliver or transfer, and for a purchaser to take title or possession of, any residential building or premises until an ownership certificate has been issued by the Director of the Department of Public Affairs or a designee. The certificate issues after a proper application is filed by the owner or purchaser and after inspection and approval by an inspector designated by the Director or the Construction Code Official. Subsection B extends the ownership certificate to commercial and mixed-use sales. Subsection C requires a business certificate for a change in tenancy or use of a commercial or mixed-use building, subsection D requires a residential tenant certificate for the change of tenants in any residential property, and subsection E requires a vacant property certificate for the sale of vacant land.

Section 148-3 covers sales where defects are found. When the agreement provides for an as-is sale, the application is signed by both sides, the Department of Public Affairs inspects for violations of the Housing, Building, Fire or Property Maintenance Codes, and the Director or a designee can issue a nonrenewable temporary ownership certificate for a period not in excess of six months. The purchaser acknowledges the obligation to comply. A final certificate issues once the premises are free of violations. Section 148-4 puts responsibility on both the owner and the buyer, on the owner and the business owner for a business certificate, and on the landlord for a residential tenant certificate. Section 148-5 applies the article to one-, two- and three-family dwellings and to multifamily buildings with more than three dwelling units, and to buildings converting to condominium or cooperative ownership.

Construction inspections run through a separate enforcing agency. Section 161-1A establishes the Code Enforcement Department, with a Construction Official, Building, Plumbing, Electrical and Fire Protection Subcode Officials, and § 161-2A requires all fees for plan review and any permit or certificate to be collected before review or issuance. Fire inspections follow § 198-8, which sets annual fees by use group and puts inspection under the Bureau of Fire Prevention.