Calling the construction code or building record office that issued the permit you want to access saves time. Ask about procedures to look at public records before arriving at the center. Specific information expedites the permit search, according to New Jersey Construction and Zoning Official Michael J. Martello--(201) 955-7882. Bring the name of the building owner, its address and a lot number for the site. Request and fill out an OPRA form only if you want a copy of the permit document.
Unless the permit is in storage or archived, the permit must be produced by state mandates for the requester within seven business days.
Information of who, what and why is required by public law, Martello said. You'll have to log in at the front desk of the facility to record that you requested information. Include your name, the purpose for your visit, your address and the time and date of the request to view the permit. This policy was instituted to view building drawings--especially public buildings, according to Martello. "Otherwise it's just a way of creating a paper trail so that we can keep track of who's looking at these records," he said.
Some states require written authorization from the property owner and a copy of a current owner's grant deed--a document describing the property and proves title transfer with signature of owner and buyer--if you want blueprints of the building. The state requires the architect and/or the engineer of record to submit written authorization thereby having the main developers of the project aware of the request.