I will try to keep this brief. (Edit: This is in state of NJ).
Back in 2014, I put in a couple of complaints to the local township construction office (they are the building inspections people) regarding conditions in an apartment complex. One of the complaints was minor, but the other ended up being a big deal.
In 2015, I requested from the construction office copies of the relevant documentation from these inspections. I kept getting put off over a period of weeks. Finally, I put in an open records request.
I (only) then received a reply in a day or two that "We do not have any permits or inspections showing on our system related to [my complaints] in 2014.."
This is hard to believe. One of these complaints was a serious structural safety issue throughout the apartment complex, and involved extensive inspections and repairs over a period of months. I had emailed the construction official (inspector) while this was going on in 2014 and requested a copy of any reports. He had replied and said that the issue was still ongoing, but that he would provide the results after everything was done. I found out later that he had left his position shortly after all this concluded.
I guess my question is... are these townships required to generate/keep copies of inspection reports, work ordered, etc., in cases like this? I did briefly look into this, but so far, I seemed to only find requirements for documentation for inspections of NEW construction. Thanks.

