The Department of Building Inspections is to ensure maintenance of buildings and structures and to adequately protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Township of Stafford, Eagleswood, Surf City, Harvey Cedars and Beach Haven.

Inspections

It is the responsibility of the Department of Inspections to review and release construction plans, inspect all phases of construction (new construction and alterations to existing structures), including electric, mechanical, plumbing, fire and building; backflow prevention devices to protect the public water system; public swimming pools; housing inspection for resale and rental properties. The Department is also involved in other activities such as plan reviews for schools located in other municipalities; emergency management damage assessment in the event of a disaster; resolve complaints and enforce Floodplain regulations.

Code Enforcement

This is achieved by enforcing all codes adopted by the State of New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and act as a liaison to other agencies such as:

• Atlantic City Power Company
• Bureau of Water Allocation
• C.A.F.R.A
• D.E.P.
• F.E.M.A.
• NJ Bureau of Rooming and Boarding
• NJ Department of Children and Families for Child Care Operators
• NJ Home Warranty Program
• NJ Natural Gas Company
• Ocean County Soil and Sediment Conservation Districts
• other Stafford Township Departments
• Pinelands
• Stafford Ordinances State and County Departments of Health
• Township Engineer

Construction Official Responsibilities

Duties:

• Provide and review application including prior approvals
• Determine required fees; collection of penalties and ensure funds are properly accounted for
• Issue construction permits upon receiving the approval of subcode officials
• Assign daily all required inspections and ensure they are performed in 3 business days and recorded, completed and properly filed
• Issue Certificate of Occupancy upon approved receipt of required agencies and/or subcode officials
• Prepare and obtain reports
• Attend required meetings and hearings
• Comply with local procedures required by the governing body
• Initiate appropriate disciplinary action in the case of any subcode official or inspector to properly enforce the Uniform Construction Code
• Perform building, fire, plumbing and housing inspections when needed
• Issue Continuing Certificate of Occupancy (rental/resale property)

Inspector Responsibilities

Duties:

• Comply with time limitations for inspections, review plans and applications in the subcode for approval and release to the Construction Official for permit issuance
• Review requests for variations as necessary and issue Notice of Violation for non-compliance of codes and standards
• Ensure all required inspections are performed in 3 business days and recorded.
• Assist the construction Official in the preparation of reports and attend meetings and hearings as required
• Issue documentation and certification, (such as cut-in cards to utilities) and to public agencies if required

Clerical Staff Responsibilities

Duties:

• Assist applicants at the counter and phone, take inspection requests, give general information on the permit process and status and return all voice mail messages received after hours
• Process permits, certificate of occupancy and approvals for Stafford and Eagleswood
• Enter monies and generate daily and monthly reports
• Maintain and organize files.
• Type letters as directed by Construction Code Official or Inspectors and send reminders letters old permit holders requiring final inspection
• Input inspection results for five different municipalities.
• Assemble daily inspection logs and file