Some background reading concerning the efforts of the NJ State AG and Department of Justice for the district of New Jersey in Hoboken would be advisable.

Treat the security deposit separate from this deal just like you would with any departing tenant.

Planning departments can condition new developments and REQUIRE a certain amount of units or homes be for low income. this becomes a negotiation you can get a density bonus for doing this in some areas.

He should be at the building department every day until the permit is approved. 

So I contact the collection department and they tell me they can not accept payments over the phone.  

I currently work as a firefighter for the Memphis Fire Department.

It is a daily challenge to navigate the local, county, state and federal governments; local Code Enforcement, Housing Authorities, Department of Real Estate, Franchise Tax Board, Secretary of State, IRS, Dept. of Fair Housing & Employment, HUD...to name a few. 

Check with you local buildings department.

Is this something I should be asking the planning department about?

According to the neighbors and what I found after they departed, not so much.I recently attended a retirement seminar and had my eyes opened to a world I had not thought of, so I started researching.