Planning & Zoning
Ocean City Building Permits, Fees, etc.


 BUILDING PERMITS

 

SAVE $2000 READ THIS!

A phone call or e-mail could save you $2000. That’s right just a phone call or an e-mail. Prior to beginning a “simple” home improvement project, a phone call to the Code Enforcement 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.

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 the Code Enforcement Office first. The office hours are Monday through Friday 8:45 am – 4:30 p.m.

Code Enforcement Contact Information

City of Ocean City
Code Enforcement
550 Asbury Ave.
Ocean City, NJ 08226

Phone: 609-525-9179


Downloadable Building Permit Forms

The City of Ocean City Code Enforcement Office understands that there is a lot of paperwork involved with obtaining a permit. To simplify the task somewhat and eliminate an initial trip to the office, necessary forms and guidelines are available for download by clicking here.

Combined Planning and Zoning Board Application

For projects that need review by either or both the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment, there is a new combined application. To download the application, click here.


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HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The City of Ocean City understands and respects the historical and architectural significance of buildings, structures, sites and landmarks that are intertwined with Ocean City’s past or that of the State or Nation. Properties, places, or objects that are determined to be of historic value can be determined as such for their character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage, or cultural characteristics of the, City, State, or Nation; can be identified as having been linked to an individual or individuals who significantly enriched the City, State, or Nation; was the site of an historic event; was the work of a craftsman who influenced the development of the City, State, or Nation; has design elements that make it structurally innovative or architecturally significant; is in a unique location or has a singular physical characteristic that make it an established or familiar visual feature; or is likely to yield historic or prehistoric information.

Determination of historic sites and districts is the responsibility of the Historic Preservation Commission. After designation, the Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment on development and zoning applications for the sites. The Commission is also tasked with making recommendations regarding the historic preservation implications of any plan element of the City’s Master Plan, drafting and amending ordinances relating to historic preservation, and providing educational and informational services regarding the importance of historic preservation in the City, among others.

The City of Ocean City has an Historic District that was created in 1992. As a general rule, in order to conduct certain demolition, new construction, or rehabilitation within the Historic District, Historic Preservation Commission approval is required. Click here to download an application.

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SELLING PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS



For safety reasons, the City of Ocean City requires homes to be inspected before a sale transaction can occur.  Homeowners have to apply for these inspections and should know what to expect.  The City has provided the information below that includes an inspection application for your convenience.  Please click the link below to download.

Zoning Compliance and Detector Inspection Information