Program for Public Information

Build Responsibly and Get Permits Before You Build

If you’re developing property in Somers Point or making substantial home improvements, it is imperative to have the necessary permits to do so. Somers Point’s Construction Office can provide guidance on navigating the construction code and is equipped to answer questions you may have about flood-related construction improvements. The main page for the City’s Construction, Zoning, and Code Enforcement office is here: http://www.somerspointgov.org/mainpages/construction.asp

Contact information for the Construction, Zoning, and Code Enforcement office can be found below:

Construction Office
741 Shore Road
Somers Point, NJ 08244
Telephone: 609-927-9088 X-142
Fax: 609-927-0177
Office Hours: 9:00am ~ 5:00pm
Monday ~ Friday (Excluding Holidays)

Be mindful that your property may be subject to a State permitting process under certain conditions, such as waterfront development. If the specifications for your project exceed the requirements set forth in Somers Point’s zoning code, a zoning board meeting may be required to acquire a variance from the code needed for the development of your project. If you’re building or making substantial improvements to a residential structure, your structure may be elevated up to three (3) feet above the flood zone’s base flood elevation without needing a variance.

Since Hurricane Sandy, the City has instituted new building regulations that may impact your property. One of the most important changes was enacting a cumulative substantial damage ordinance, whereby improvements, reconstructions, or rehabilitations accumulating over a ten-year period are considered “substantial improvements” if the improvements total 40% of the structure’s value during that time.  Substantially damaged structures are treated similar to new construction and will trigger various regulatory requirements.