Jersey City

Ongoing Inspections & Invoices

WHY DID I GET AN INVOICE?

The city charges a $75.00 administrative fee per back flow annually and requires you have all backflow devices tested by a licensed plumber. The annual testing report must then be submitted to the plumbing sub-code for review along with the fee. Failure to do so can lead to a violation.

The city charges a fee annually which is based on the on the type and number of devices registered to your property. These fees are to cover the annual inspections required by the state.
It is the responsibility of your elevator company to contact the City of Jersey City annually to set up all required inspections.

Email: [email protected] to schedule an inspection.

Full Ordinance: Ord. 21-054 Routine Structural and Façade Inspections for Certain Buildings within the City of Jersey City

Does the City have a template or require a format for the inspection reports?
Jersey City does not have a required template for the inspection reports. The City has provided checklists of inspection items for the architect/engineer to address in the report if applicable to the inspected building. Photos of overall, typical and notable conditions are encouraged.

See the following:

Link to Checklist for Concrete Structure Inspection
Link to Checklist for Façade Exterior Inspection

Should properties that are required to submit an inspection report hire a third party to perform the inspections?
Yes, properties should hire an architect or engineer licensed in the state of NJ to evaluate the building using the City’s inspection checklists while making their observations. The observations are to be included in the report.

Can the City recommend engineers or architects that are qualified to conduct inspections and prepare reports? How can properties find qualified professionals?
The city cannot recommend architectural or engineering companies. We recommend properties search online for "Jersey City façade/structure inspection report"—many of the top results will be firms that are familiar with performing inspections and preparing similar reports in other cities. Confirm that the professional signing the inspection report has a current license in the state of NJ.

How are the inspections required to be conducted?
The chosen method(s) of inspection is left to the licensed professional--the techniques or process of making inspection observations to fulfill all the applicable items in the checklist(s) are left to the architect/engineer’s discretion.

Waivers
Waivers for recently constructed buildings:
Buildings that have not been issued a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) are waived from the reporting requirement(s).
Buildings that were issued a CO at five years maximum prior to the inspection deadline(s) are waived.

Reports
The building will begin to submit the required reports after the Certificate of Occupancy ages past five years.

Note that the inspection deadlines differ for the structural and façade reports. If a building falls under both reporting categories, check the age of the building’s CO against both deadlines.

How are the reports submitted for the City’s review?
Send all reports to [email protected] in PDF format. All reports should include the seal or state registration number of the certifying professional.

Physical copies of the reports are not necessary.

Contact [email protected] to:
Submit all Ord. 21-054 reports.

Questions on building reporting requirements.

Verify required structural report requirements for buildings with hybrid/composite structures.

Verify waivers and exemptions from the reporting requirements.

Request deadline extensions for the 2022 Structural and 2023 Façade inspections.