The Building Department issues building permits and certificates of occupancy in accordance with the State Uniform Construction Code Act and all local ordinances and State regulations. It administers the Township zoning ordinances and supervises all inspections as may be required to enforce the applicable provisions of the Township Code. Property owners or residents with questions, such as if permits are required or what is involved in getting a permit, should contact the Building Department before doing any work.

The Building Department issued 2,267 permits in 2002 with a construction value of $72,204,451, compared to 2,351 permits in 2001 with a construction value of $28,863,978. There were 26 permits with a total construction value of $117,909 where all fees were waived. These permits encompassed both municipal and Board of Education projects.

Several major projects saw their construction starts in 2002. Construction started on the Fairleigh Dickinson University Fitness Center, the Fairleigh Dickinson University Student Resident Building, Willow Street Commons apartment complex, The Highlands at Glenpointe Senior Living Facility and the expansion of Brightside Manor skilled nursing facility. The University's Fitness Center was completed and occupied in 2002. Teaneck has not experienced this magnitude of construction activity in the history of the Building Department. Although this level may not be sustained, a healthy construction future is still projected for the Township. 

The Building Department increased its staff through the addition of temporary part-time Building and Electrical Inspectors to handle the additional activity. The Department's aim has been to increase the level of services provided to the permit holders. This includes reducing the time necessary for required plan reviews and field inspections.

During 2002, the Planning Board initiated the comprehensive review of the Township's Master Plan. The first round of workshops were completed to gather information to be used in the development of this important document. Additional workshop sessions and public hearings will be held during 2003 to complete the process and produce this plan for Teaneck's future development. The Planning Board also heard applications for a new banking facility for NVE Bank and for the expansion of the Stop & Shop parking lot. Planning Board application fees for 2002 totaled $8,715.