Regulations already in place for construction on waterfront properties are now being closely monitored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and Bureau of Coastal and Land Use Compliance and Enforcement (CLUE).

CLUE will be making sure all marine contractors are in compliance with regulations when performing work near and around the water.  Compliance with regulations will insure the safety of the ecology necessary for the wildlife affected, including both land and water-dwelling animals.

Marine contractors building structures such as piers, mooring piles, boat/jet ski lifts, bulkheads, floating docks and hard docks are required to be properly registered with the State Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA).  Prior to the start of construction, contractors are required to have all permits, construction notification, mitigation requirements (e.g., required contribution to shellfish mitigation), Tidelands grants, licenses and any other required approval in place.  In addition, any removal or backfilling with material below the mean high waterline (dredging) requires a permit from the NJDEP Office of Dredging and Sediment Technology.

All structures must be completed in accordance with the plans approved when obtaining the initial permits.  Any changes must be approved through a permit modification request to the NJDEP’s Land Use Regulation Division.  Homeowners are also urged to hire contractors who are registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs.

CLUE will be making surprise inspections to construction sites to ensure compliance of regulations is being met.  Violations will result in penalties against permit holders and contractors.  CLUE will also notify DCA and local law enforcement of work by unregistered contractors or violations by both registered and unregistered contractors alike.  Any report against the contractor is required to be reported when renewing their registration and may result in the revocation of their registration.

The following web sites can be accessed for additional information regarding this advisory:
Division of Consumer Affairs  www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/index.htm
Land Use Regulation  www.state.nj.us/dep/landuse
Compliance Enforcement  www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement