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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cape May
A building permit is required for all regulated construction within Cape May City.
Ordinary repairs and maintenance
Cosmetic improvements
Portable equipment installations
Small accessory structures
Certain fencing
- Exempt Ordinary repairs and maintenance
- Exempt Cosmetic improvements
- Exempt Portable equipment installations
- Exempt Small accessory structures
- Exempt Certain fencing
Note: Even exempt work in historic districts may require review. Verify exemption status with Construction Official.
Required documents
- Completed UCC permit application
- Two sets of construction plans
- Site plan showing property lines and setbacks
- Elevation certificate for flood zone properties
- CAFRA documentation
- Proof of contractor licensing
- Historic Preservation Commission approval (if applicable)
- Building code
- New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC), N.J.A.C. 5:23
- Permit validity
- All permits are valid for 12 months from the date of the last inspection.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may perform work on their own primary residence with certain restrictions.
- Contractor requirements
- Licensed contractors required for all regulated work. Verify contractor licensing through NJ DCA.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-4 weeks for standard permits; longer for CAFRA-regulated or historic properties
- 01 Complete UCC permit application for all applicable subcodes
- 02 Submit construction plans (two sets)
- 03 Provide site plan showing property lines and setbacks
- 04 Include elevation certificate for flood zone properties
- 05 Submit CAFRA documentation
- 06 Verify contractor licensing
- 07 Pay applicable fees
- 08 Obtain zoning clearance
- 09 Historic properties may require Historic Preservation Commission review
- 10 Schedule inspections
Typical processing time: 2-4 weeks for standard permits; longer for CAFRA-regulated or historic properties
§ 04
Fee schedule
Cape May building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Based on NJ UCC Fee Schedule calculated on construction valuation
Contact Cape May City Construction Code Office for specific fee schedule
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (609) 884-9525 (phone)
- Cape May City Construction Code Office (in-person)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-48 hours in advance recommended
Typical sequence: Foundation, rough, and final inspections required. Trade inspections separate. Certificate of Occupancy required.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cape May permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Cape May, NJ? ▸
A building permit is required for all regulated construction within Cape May City.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cape May, NJ? ▸
Building permit fees in Cape May, NJ are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on NJ UCC Fee Schedule calculated on construction valuation.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cape May, NJ? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Cape May, NJ, follow these steps: 1. Complete UCC permit application for all applicable subcodes 2. Submit construction plans (two sets) 3. Provide site plan showing property lines and setbacks 4. Include elevation certificate for flood zone properties 5. Submit CAFRA documentation 6. Verify contractor licensing 7. Pay applicable fees 8. Obtain zoning clearance 9. Historic properties may require Historic Preservation Commission review 10. Schedule inspections
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Cape May, NJ? ▸
Building permit processing times in Cape May, NJ typically run 2-4 weeks for standard permits; longer for CAFRA-regulated or historic properties. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Cape May, NJ? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Cape May, NJ. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs and maintenance; Cosmetic improvements; Portable equipment installations; Small accessory structures; Certain fencing. Note: Even exempt work in historic districts may require review. Verify exemption status with Construction Official. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cape May, NJ? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Cape May, NJ via: (609) 884-9525, Cape May City Construction Code Office. 24-48 hours in advance recommended.
last verified April 2026
source City of Cape May Construction Code Office ↗
entry id permits/new-jersey/cape-may/cape-may-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Cape May Construction Code Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.