Do cities have a set time to respond to permit applications??

[Christopher Prince-Barry]

I understand we are in difficult times. I am hoping to understand what my options are. I submitted permit applications for building, plumbing and electrical to Orange NJ seven weeks ago. When submitted they noted covid was affecting them but they were not backed up. They estimated four weeks for review.

In the last couple of weeks my contractor has called (voicemail is full) and emailed every few days to get an update. I emailed last week and cc'd all building department emails I could find. My goal is not to apply pressure necessarily, but I do need to know when it will be reviewed.

Are there limits in how long the process can take? Is there any recourse? I dont want to piss off the city workers where I will own property for years :)

What would you do?