Gut Renovation permissions and stop work order

[Jehn Gir]

Hello

Trying to do gut renovation first time. Bought an old property (in NJ) with one existing floor. Got an architect to design a   complete renovation inside and add a new floor. It was approved by the city and a building permit issued in Oct 2024. We started construction - the building frame is up and now I get a stop work order from city. They are saying I lack a zoning permit!! I obviously didn't realize I needed a zoning permit (since I'm building on existing foundation). Also, I'm not sure why they approved my plans and asking for a zoning permit now :(  They are asking for architectural plan of the old structure - I'm not sure if my architect has it. What if my architect doesn't have it? Or if he is not responsive? What are my options now? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Jacob Thorpe]

Quote from @Jehn Gir:

Hello

Trying to do gut renovation first time. Bought an old property (in NJ) with one existing floor. Got an architect to design a   complete renovation inside and add a new floor. It was approved by the city and a building permit issued in Oct 2024. We started construction - the building frame is up and now I get a stop work order from city. They are saying I lack a zoning permit!! I obviously didn't realize I needed a zoning permit (since I'm building on existing foundation). Also, I'm not sure why they approved my plans and asking for a zoning permit now :(  They are asking for architectural plan of the old structure - I'm not sure if my architect has it. What if my architect doesn't have it? Or if he is not responsive? What are my options now? Any advice would be appreciated.

 building permits and inspections and zoning are two separate entities, two completely separate offices. See if the architect or structural engineer are able to draft something based on the old structure, talk to the office and practice strong communication they should be willing to work with you to get whatever is required. Trying to sneak past your zoning or inspector is a quick way to end up on their **** list.