Construction Code

A phone call or email could save you $2000.  That’s right just a phone call or an email.  Prior to beginning a “simple” home improvement project, a phone call to the Construction Code Office can save you a penalty for performing work without a permit.

 

Penalties for working without permits are mandatory under the NJ Uniform Construction Code and can be assessed for up to $2000.

 

How do you get caught?  Typically work done without permits comes up during a home inspection or a disclosure prior to a property transaction.  The Code Office may also receive a phone call from your neighbor.

 

Some projects that absolutely do not need a permit are listed below:

 

 

Some projects that absolutely require a permit:

 

 

So save yourself a costly penalty and probability of removing the work for inspections and contact us first.

Address:
115 East 12th Street
Ocean City, NJ 08226

Phone:
609.525.9173
609.525.9174
609.525.9179

Fax:
609.399.8419

Business Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 4:30pm

Saturday - Sunday
Closed

E-mail:
Construction Code

Construction Official:
Neil Byrne
609.525.9172

Building Subcode Official:
Michael P. Koochembere
609.525.9178

Building Inspector:
Harvey Lessig

Electric Subcode Official:
William J. Hoffmann
609.525.9176

Fire Subcode Official:
Jay Dilworth
609.525.9175

Plumbing Subcode Official:
James A. Cotton
609.525.9177

Technical Asst. to Construction Official:
Terri L. Ney
Sheree Benoit

Clerk:
Amber N. Oser

Often I am asked questions such as “who would you recommend I have do the work” or “Is this contractor OK”. These questions place my staff and I in a very difficult situation. We are unable to recommend or guide consumers in their choice of contractors. We all feel obligated to serve the residents of Ocean City to the best of our ability. However our legal obligation as Licensed Code Enforcement professionals does not allow us to give the answers that you would like to hear.

 

The same holds true for contractor / consumer disputes.  My staff and I are sometimes asked to take sides and mediate in disputes between parties. Our position is constant; if the work is in compliance with the code we cannot become involved. Legal code compliance, contractual obligations and purchaser expectations may vastly differ. These matters are civil in nature and should be handled accordingly.

 

The bottom line is BUYER BEWARE. You need to do your homework before you have work done in your home. Take steps to prevent being misled or deceived, select a contractor whom you can trust with your most valuable asset. 

 

Here is list of things you should investigate prior to entering into an agreement with a contractor. Keep it for future reference.

 

Do not allow the contractor to start any work before a construction permit has been issued and is on the job site.  If the contractor is willing to work without a permit he or she has something to hide. Obtaining permits is the legal responsibility of the homeowner. Failure to obtain a permit is subject to a penalty of $2000. Most of the time a contractor will work with you to obtain the permits.  

 

Be sure that your agreement states that final payment will not be presented until a Certificate of Approval or Occupancy is obtained from the Construction Official. This is for your protection and is required by NJ state law.

 

As you can see choosing a contractor is a little more than going to the yellow pages and letting your fingers do the walking. You need to do some research and find the best contractor for you and your project.

 

You may be able to obtain additional information from the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs regarding Home Improvement Practices.

 

Neil Byrne, CFM

Construction Official