Brick's Land Use Department Swamped With Calls, Permit Applications

Brick Township is asking residents to be patient as it processes thousands of building and land use requests following Superstorm Sandy.

As residents are beginning to rebuild, those with property that was damaged by are seeking permits, substantially damaged reports, elevation certificates and other materials and documents, the township said in a statement Friday.

In all, the office of Community Development and Land Use received 22,594 incoming calls since Nov. 1 and has issued 1,574 permits since Dec. 1.

The township has made accomodations, officials said.

"We have supplemented the staff and opened the office on Saturdays, but we are still facing new procedures in flood zones and other changes that increase response time," said Business Administrator Scott Pezarras. "Residents should provide staff with the information needed to meet their requests and then be patient and trust that we are working as diligently as possible."

Many residents are calling numerous times to check on the status of their requests which, in turn, delays the processing.

"I know residents just want to get back to normal, or begin the rebuilding process, and we can understand their eagerness," said Pezarras. "However, residents also need to understand that everything about this storm and its aftermath presents challenges that require thoughtful and deliberate attention by our staff."

Residents are encouraged to speak to their contractor, builder or architect and other professionals before seeking information from township staff, the statement said.

Residents can also consult the township's website, located at www.bricktownship.net.