On June 20, 2013, the Christie Administration announced that they have officially adopted rules that simplify the permitting process for certain types of recovery projects relating to Superstorm Sandy. The Administration had implemented some of these rules as an emergency in April 2013, but now they are being formally implemented into the recovery requirements.

The rule changes simplify the permit application procedures for both permits by rule and general permits. Simplified permitting processes mean that less time must be spent by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on reviews, and that results in less expensive applications and permits.

The changes will also implement protection of coastal resources to foster a hardier coastline for New Jersey. According to DEP commissioner Bob Martin, “[t]hese common sense rule changes eliminate unnecessary red tape that would needlessly impede the important work of rebuilding while ensuring continued protection of our important natural resources.”

Projects that will be affected by the new rules are those that occur mainly on “the same footprint” of a property, or that involve minimal expansion. Namely, some rebuilding projects can now be covered under a permit by rule, which means a project is minor and results in no negative environmental impact.

For more information on the new rules and what they cover, read the NJDEP’s original press release.

If you are a home- or business owner having issues with your Sandy recovery, the attorneys at Lieberman Blecher & Sinkevich may be able to assist you. Our skilled legal team has aided many New Jersey residents in their struggles to recover from the storm ; we are also experienced with matters involving toxic torts and mold contaminations , as well as site remediation and cleanups.