Jersey City

Jersey City (New Jersey) Ordinance

Less than two months after the tragic Champlain Towers South condominium collapse in South Florida, Jersey City’s City Council adopted Ordinance 21-054 (adopted August 18, 2021) requiring routine, cyclical facade and structural inspections as a direct response to the collapse, which killed nearly one hundred people.

Requirement

Routine Structural and Facade Inspections: an inspection of the building’s structure every ten (10) years and the building’s facade every five (5) years.

Buildings Impacted

Structural Inspections: All existing and future concrete buildings (commercial and residential) more than six (6) stories. Initial Inspection to be completed by December 31, 2022, and every 10 years thereafter.

Facade Inspections: All buildings that are six (6) stories or more in height, or buildings with masonry facades that are four (4) stories or more in height. Initial inspection to be completed by December 31, 2023, and every 5 years thereafter.

Responsible Parties

The property owner is responsible for the cost of inspection and any necessary subsequent repairs and follow-up inspections.

Structural Report Requirements

Within 30 days of inspection, property owners to provide written Inspection Report prepared by licensed architect or engineer. Reports to include results of inspection, documentation of building’s condition, and noting safe and unsafe items. Report to provide repair and maintenance recommendations for observed conditions, as applicable with associated timelines for repair completion.

Facade Report Requirements

Within 30 days of inspection, property owners to provide written Inspection Report prepared by licensed architect or engineer. Inspection to include all exterior walls and appurtenances. Reports to include results of inspection, documentation of building’s condition, and noting safe and unsafe items. Report to provide repair and maintenance recommendations for observed conditions, as applicable with associated timelines for repair completion.

Filing Fees

Structural Inspection Report: $100 per report

Facade Inspection Report: $100 per report

CONTACTS

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
Phone: (212) 760-2540
E-mail: facadeordinance@wje.com

City of Jersey City Building Department
360 Martin Luther King Dr, Jersey City, NJ, 07305
Phone: (201) 547-5055