OFFICE OF CONSTRUCTION AND ZONING

CONSTRUCTION PERMITS
Construction Permits are required to construct, enlarge, repair, alter, renovate, demolish, reconstruct or change the use of a building or structure or to install equipment. This is not an all inclusive listing of permit requirements. Permit questions should be directed to the Technical Assistant at 609-884-9555.
 

Technical Assistant                                              Edie Kopsitz - 609-884-9555
Historic Preservation Commission Assistant        ekopsitz@capemaycity.com
                                                   
Planning & Zoning Board Assistant:                    Tricia Oliver - 609-884-9561
                                                                           toliver@capemaycity.com

Building Inspector:                                               William Mammele - 609-884-9555

Building Subcode Official:                                   Jason Dilworth - 609-884-9557
Floodplain Admin                                                 jdilworth@capemaycity.com

Electrical Subcode Official:                                 WIlliam Gervasi - 609-884-9558
                                                                           bgervasi@capemaycity.com

Plumbing Subcode Official:                                  Lou Vito Jr. - 609-884-9556
                                                                            louv@capemaycity.com

Fire Subcode Official:                                          J. Gregory Neill - 609-884-9559   
                                                                            gneill@capemaycity.com
                            
Construction Official:                                           Lou Vito Jr. - 609-884-9555
                                                                            louv@capemaycity.com

Zoning Officer:                                                     Lou Vito Jr. - 609-884-9555
                                                                            zoning@capemaycity.com

Fax:                                                                     609-884-3355


The Construction & Zoning Officer, and staff, review all applications and plans for compliance with the City of Cape May Land Use Ordinances, the Uniform Construction Code-State of New Jersey (UCC), which has been adopted by the City of Cape May. 

This office is where all applications for Construction Permits, Planning and Zoning boards, and Historic Preservation Commission are submitted for review and approval. The staff will assist the public in the procedures for filling out and submitting the forms for construction permits. Information is available through this office for property owners regarding flood zone map determinations, information pertaining to building codes, City of Cape May ordinance and zoning codes, and zoning district maps. 

A City of Cape May permit is required for the following items: fences, sheds, driveways, curb cuts, sidewalk repair, walkways, pavers, and dumpsters and/or construction equipment located on the street.  The Division of Inspections oversees the enforcement of all New Jersey State adopted construction codes which include building, fire, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, asbestos, barrier free access and lead abatement within the boundaries of the City of Cape May.

Cape May City is a class 1 municipality which by definition requires all code enforcement officials to be licensed as high-rise and hazardous specialist (HHS). All inspectors are licensed by the state and are enrolled in a continuing educational program.
 
Plan review and inspections are performed by the City’s construction office. 

The purpose of the Division of Inspections is to control all matters concerning the construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy of all building and structures and adequately protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of Cape May. Administrative, technical and advisory assistance is provided to all property owners, homeowners, architects, engineers, attorneys, developers, business owners and local and state agencies. To schedule an inspection, contact the Construction Department at 609-884-9555. Notice the Construction Department must be given 24 hours prior to the time the inspection is requested. Inspections will always be completed within three business days.

Our staff will be happy to assist you in any way they can. Please feel free to contact this office with any questions you may have.


CONSTRUCTION PERMITS
Construction Permits are required to construct, enlarge, repair, alter, renovate, demolish, reconstruct or change the use of a building or structure or to install equipment. This is not an all inclusive listing of permit requirements. Permit questions should be directed to the Technical Assistant at 609-884-9555.
     
Prior to applying for a permit there are certain approvals or certifications that may be required. These approvals are called Prior Approvals and are issued by various Federal, State, and/or County agencies. Some prior approval requirements that apply to some building permits are:
 
 

•  Planning/Zoning 609-884-9561
•  Historical Preservation Commission 609-884-9555
• Cape Atlantic Soil Conservation 609-626-3144
• Water/Sewer from the City of Cape May 609-884-9575
• Coastal Area Facilities Review Act (CAFRA) permit 609-292-0060
• Affordable Housing Fee – COAH 609-884-9545
• Shade Tree Commission 609-884-9549
• Cape May City License 609-884-9534