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Construction Code

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Welcome to the department of Construction Code.  The construction code division is responsible for issuing building, plumbing, electrical and fire protection permits, and inspecting the work for compliance. For the health, safety and welfare to the citizens of Ocean City and summer crowd. 

Please either view a selection below or enter search information above. or your convenience, our frequently requested forms are listed below.
 
 
 
 
Fire Subcode Technical Electrical Subcode Technical  Building Subcode Technical
Plumbing Subcode Technical  Framing Checklist  Variation Application
 Construction Permit App F100-1  Construction Permit App F100-2  Construction Permit App F100-3
     
     

 

 
Location:
115 12th Street
Ocean City, NJ
609-399-6111 ext 9179/9174

Construction Code team members:
Pat Newton, Bill Hoffmann, Joe Ambrose, Bob Penrose, Glenn Franzoi, Theodore (Dory) Cooper, Sheree Raudenbush, Carrie Dickinson.

Construction Code FAQs

Choosing a Contractor
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.
  • Does the contractor have a permanent business location and a good reputation?
  • How long has he or she been in business?
  • Is the contractor a member in good standing of a professional trade association?
  • CHECK REFERENCES. It’s important that you talk with people who have hired the contractor to do similar jobs to yours and ask if they would hire the contractor again.
  • Have you seen the contractor’s work both in progress and completed?
  • Does the contractor have proof of worker’s compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you may be liable for any construction related accidents on your property or damage to property caused by an accident.
  • Price drives the selection. If you like the contractor and are confident with his or her work, but they came in with a bid which is beyond your price, ask what can be scaled down to meet your budget.
  • Are you able to communicate easily with the contractor? Misunderstandings during the course of the project can lead to cost overruns and delays.
  • Do you feel comfortable with the contractor? Remember, you will be in close contact with them and will share your house with their crew until the project is complete.
  • Will the contractor provide you with a complete and clearly written contract as required by NJ law?
  • Ask what type of warranty is offered. Most contractors offer some sort of warranty in writing.
 
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.
 
Patrick W. Newton, Jr.
Construction Official
 
Save $2000! Read This!
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:
 
  • Painting
  • Residential floor covering
  • Replacing a light fixture without installing new wiring.
  • Replacing a plumbing fixture without installing new piping.
 
Some projects that absolutely require a permit:
 
  • Decks 
  • Replacing railings
  • Kitchen alterations
  • Bathroom alterations
  • Water heaters
 
So save yourself a costly penalty and probability of removing the work for inspections and contact us first.
 
Our office hours are Monday – Friday 8:45 am – 4:30 pm
 
City of Ocean City Code Enforcement
609-525-9179
 
Patrick W. Newton, Jr., Construction Official – pnewton@ocnj.us
James B. Wilson, Building Subcode Official – jwilson@ocnj.us
Todd E. Bower, Fire Subcode Official – tbower@ocnj.us
William J. Hoffmann, Electrical Subcode Official – whoffmann@ocnj.us
Joseph R. Ambrose, Plumbing Subcode Official – jambrose@ocnj.us
Carrie L. Dickinson, Technical Asst. to Construction Official – cdickinson@ocnj.us
Sheree A. Raudenbush, Technical Asst. to Construction Official – sraudenbush@ocnj.us
How do I obtain a Construction Permit application?

You can download the forms here (above), pick up the forms in person, or call us and we can mail you the forms.

How do I know how much a permit cost?

Permit fees calculated based on the Municipal Fee Ordinance once the permit has been reviewed and approved.  Permit fees vary depending on the type of work you’ll be performing.  Permit fees are paid by check to City of Ocean City.

How do I know what hours inspections are made?

Electric and Plumbing inspections are made daily from 8am until 3pm.  Fire inspections are done on Tuesday and Thursday 9am-4pm. Building inspections are done daily 9am to 4pm

How and when do I schedule an inspection?

Call the Construction Code Office a minimum of two days ahead of the day you’d like the inspection.  Be sure to have your construction permit number ready when you call.  Inspections will be performed within 3 business days of when it was requested.

How do I know if I need a permit to replace railings, replace a roof, or install siding?

Yes, a permit is required.

  • replacement windows or doors?  No permit is required for replacement windows or doors as long as the new windows or doors are exact replacements.  If the window or door opening size or window type (double hung, casement, etc.) is changed, a permit is required.

 

  • install a storage shed?  A construction permit is not required for a storage shed unless it is 100 square feet or more in size. 

 

  • permit for a fence?  If the fence is not used as a pool enclosure, and is not over 6 feet tall, then no construction permit is required.  If the fence is used as a pool enclosure or if it will be over 6 feet tall, then a construction permit is required.

 

  • interior work?  A permit may be required for interior work.  There are several variables that help determine if it is needed.  It is best to contact the Construction Code Office with details of your proposed work.
Am I required to use an Ocean City contractor to perform my work?

No, you can choose a contractor from anywhere as long as he/she is properly licensed.

How do I know if I can take the permit out and do the work myself?

Yes, if you own a single family dwelling and it is owner-occupied.  Otherwise, call the office so we can determine if you’re allowed to do the work as an owner.

How do I know what building, electric, plumbing and fire codes do you enforce?

The codes that are currently adopted by the State of New Jersey.

How do I contact the Code Construction office?

115 East 12th Street
Ocean City, NJ 08226
609.399.6111 ext. 9174