A comprehensive data processing and management information system for state-wide housing code enforcement in New Jersey

Abstract

A unique approach to Housing Code Enforcement has been followed by the State of New Jersey, which has mandated State level housing code administration. By contractual arrangements with the State, the ability of local governments (94 municipalities) to perform inspections and solve code enforcement problems has been preserved and enhanced. This task is ideal for the application of integrated data processing technology to generate legal notices and to produce the nation's only statewide housing information base that is updated by on site inspections. This report presents an overview of New Jersey's recently designed system of statewide code enforcement. The paper covers: (1) Legal parameters; (2) Systems design; (3) File design; (4) Forms design; (5) Management reports; (6) Housing information system; (7) Operations; and (8) a look into the future of wide scale code enforcement.