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Bernards Planning Board grants Octa Pharmaceuticals extension to obtain permanent CO, requires as‑built survey
Summary
The Board voted May 5 to extend Octa Pharmaceuticals’ deadline to obtain a permanent certificate of occupancy to Jan. 16, 2027, contingent on submission of an as‑built survey showing courtyard and other site changes not included in the 2024 approval.
The Bernards Township Planning Board on May 5 approved a request from Octa Pharmaceuticals to modify condition 7 of its April 16, 2024 site‑plan resolution and extend the time to obtain a permanent certificate of occupancy (CO) to Jan. 16, 2027. The extension was conditioned on the applicant submitting an as‑built survey documenting changes—including courtyard features and other alterations—not reflected in the 2024 plans.
Attorney Luke Pontier, representing Octa, told the board the company obtained a temporary certificate of occupancy after pulling a construction permit July 16, 2024, but did not complete and file for the permanent CO within the one‑year window because of overseas material delays. John McDonald, the contractor on the project, said shipments were delayed offshore and that the permanent CO application is ready to submit but will be rejected without the extension.
Board members who had visited the site described differences between the as‑built condition and the 2024 plans: Mr. Crane listed a new sprinkler system and fire‑department connection, six EV charging stations, modified handicap markings, relocation of the elevator to the building interior and courtyard elements the 2024 surveyor could not access. Those observations prompted a discussion about whether the board would have required different documentation in 2024 and whether an as‑built should be required now.
After an informal straw poll indicated support for an as‑built condition, Mr. Crane moved to extend the deadline to Jan. 16, 2027, subject to submission of an as‑built showing the courtyard and other changes; Mr. Tommpkins seconded. The board approved the motion on roll call. The applicant must submit the required as‑built before the permanent CO will be accepted by township staff.
Next steps: the board’s minutes record the motion and condition; staff will track resolution compliance and the applicant may apply for the permanent CO once the as‑built is submitted and accepted.
