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Ridgewood’s amnesty program yields about 30 applications

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SEPTEMBER 2, 2015    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015, 9:55 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Ridgewood’s first amnesty program officially came to a close late last month, as residents took advantage of the chance to have work performed on their home without a permit inspected and approved with no administrative penalties levied by the village.

The amnesty period began on April 20 as a way to follow up with the “hundreds” of requests for permits found when Building Department Director Thomas Yotka took over last year.

There was acknowledgement on the part of village officials that past delays in the Building Department could have been partly responsible for residents potentially having work done in their homes without a permit.

The entire program was voluntary and had to be initiated by the homeowners themselves. The Building Department and village as a whole did not seek out violators.

By offering the amnesty to residents, it would eliminate potential safety hazards in the village and additional headaches for those trying to buy or sell a home, officials said.

The program came to an end on Aug. 21.

 

https://www.northjersey.com/news/amnesty-program-provides-permits-1.1402297

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Ridgewood has new building official

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Ridgewood has new building official

OCTOBER 6, 2014    LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD

RIDGEWOOD — The new chief of the village’s Building Department starts today, months after the unit was overhauled.

Thomas Yotka has more than 25 years of experience in code enforcement and administration, according to Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld.

Yotka possesses all of the necessary state licenses and holds a zoning official certificate from Rutgers University.

“Prior to joining Ridgewood, Tom has served as construction official, building and fire subcode official and building and fire inspector in several municipalities where he spearheaded efforts to improve processes, enhance customer service as well as increase efficiencies by implementing performance and software technologies,” Sonenfeld said in an email to the staff.

Since 1999, Yotka has taught building and fire code courses for the state’s Department of Community Affairs at the County College of Morris, and two years ago was retained by the agency to provide continuing education seminars to licensed code officials and design professionals.

– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/news/village-has-new-building-official-1.1103172#sthash.tIxwE4qn.dpuf