CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT

Patrick J. Callahan
Department Head
Code Enforcement Officer

732-223-0544   Ext. 243 or 253
732-223-1300   Fax

Office Hours:  Monday through Friday
8:30 AM  to  4:00 PM

RENTAL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY       (Download application now)

A Rental Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained prior to the occupancy of rental property in the Borough of Manasquan.  When making arrangements for obtaining a Rental Certificate of Occupancy, please consider the following process:

1. Submit a completed application to the Code Enforcement Department, making certain all requested information is provided.
2. Check or money order payable to Borough of Manasquan, per fee schedule on  application.
3. At the time of submission, make arrangements for an inspection appointment. A checklist for this inspection may be obtained through this office.
4. Upon completion of the inspection, a placard will be posted by the Code Enforcement Officer in the unit citing the occupancy number of the unit for sleeping.  All units having violations that are health or safety related will not be posted for occupancy. You will be notified as to the violations found and if a reinspection fee is required.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY             (Download application now)

A Transfer Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained prior to the closing and title change of real estate property in the Borough of Manasquan.  When making arrangements for obtaining a Transfer Permit, please consider the following process:

1. Submit a completed application to the Code Enforcement Department, making certain that all requested information is provided, along with the necessary fee.

2. At the time of submission, make arrangements for an inspection appointment.  A checklist for this inspection may be obtained through this office.

3. Upon completion of the inspection you will be notified as whether the property
has been granted a transfer Permit or whether violations have been cited.

ADVISORY SECTION

Manasquan is subject to both tidal and river flooding along the oceanfront.  Manasquan River, Sherman’s Creek, Watson’s Creek, Glimmer Glass Harbor, Stockton Lake, Robert Swamp brook, Judas creek, Deep Creek and Mac’s Brook.  A detailed map showing the 100 year flood plain is on file in the office of the Construction Official (732) 223-0544  Ext. 243.

FLOOD WARNINGS

Manasquan, in conjunction with the state and county, has developed an emergency evacuation system which includes plans for floods and hurricanes.  The Emergency Management Coordinator has the responsibility to decide on partial or total evacuation.  Warnings will be broadcast on AM 1620, WJLK-FM 94.3 and WRAT-FM 95.9 radio and by NJ News Channel 12 and Cablevision Channel 53.

FLOOD PROTECTION MATERIALS

The Borough of Manasquan, in cooperation with the Manasquan Public Library, offers a collection of flooding related material, including the Flood Insurance Rate Map.  There are books dealing with hurricane safety, flood hazard mitigation, flood insurance, coastal construction and the New Jersey Statewide flood control master plan.  These books are available at the Library on Broad Street (732) 223-1503.

FLOOD INSURANCE

Homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover losses caused by flooding.  Manasquan participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which makes flood insurance available to everyone.  We strongly urge you to consider buying flood insurance to protect yourself from devastating losses due to flooding.  Property owners can insure their buildings and contents and renters can insure their possessions.  Just because your house has not flooded in the recent past does not mean you are safe.  There is a 30 days waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect.  Call your insurance agent for more information.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Watercourses and storm sewers are necessary to prevent flooding to properties.  To keep the drainage systems flowing freely, the dumping of any solid waste, garbage, trash, leaves, grass, debris, untreated sewage or industrial waste is prohibited in open channels and closed sewers and in their vicinities by Borough Ordinances.  Any violations of these regulations should be reported to the police or code departments.

FLOOD SAFETY

If you live near the ocean, river or creek, you should be aware of the flood hazard.  There are some actions you can take to mitigate the flood hazard:

• Be aware of possible flooding, and prepare to move your vehicles to higher ground.
  
• Plan your escape route from the beach area via Ocean Avenue.
  
• Monitor water levels in creeks and on roads during heavy rains and high moon tides.
  
• Evacuate the flood hazard areas in times of impending flood or when advised to do  so by the police, fire or OEM Departments.  But first shut off your gas, electric and heating systems.
  
• Keep children away from flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains.
  
• Be especially cautious at night.
  
• When the Emergency Management horn sounds, tune into AM Radio 1620
  for Emergency Information.

PROPERTY PROTECTION MEASURES

All new construction in a flood plain must be built to the flood plain ordinance regulations.  Existing residences and industrial or commercial buildings located in flood plains can be protected by several measures to withstand floods.  Some of the following measures can be used:

• Install a sump pump to dispose of infiltrating water to the outside grounds or roadway. (Chapter 22 – Section 18)
  
• Do not pump into the sewer system.
  
• Strengthen basement walls.
  
• Install/use water resistant paints, flooring, carpets, doors, windows, and other materials.
  
• Elevate electrical and mechanical equipment in the basement.
  
• Flood proof walls, windows and doors.
  
• Construct floodwalls or closures.
  
• Raise the building.

MAP DETERMINATION

The zoning officer provides map interpretations and letters for anyone desiring to verify their locations with respect to flood hazard areas.  The Borough provides to the public, upon request, the base flood elevations within each flood zone.

FLOOD PROTECTION ASSISTANCE

Flood protection assistance is now available from our construction official/building inspector (732) 223-0544 Ext. 243.  This assistance includes:  floor elevations when available; data on historical flooding or similar information regarding neighborhood flood threats to properties; site visit to advise owners of appropriate protection measures, as well as, reviews and critiques of retrofitting plans.

AVOID FLOOD DAMAGE  -  CHECKLIST

• Is the main electrical switch box located above potential floodwaters?
  
• Are electric outlets located above potential floodwaters?
  
• Are waster/dryer, furnace, water heater, central air conditioning units above potential flood waters?
  
• Is the fuel tank (oil) anchored securely?
  Does your sewer system have a back flow valve?