CAPE MAY — Residents whose homes share a wall with a neighbor may soon be required to notify them of pending construction work.
During a June 17 meeting, City Council introduced an ordinance for notification that is applicable to any dwelling unit having at least one party wall in common with an adjacent dwelling unit proposing new construction, demolition, any addition or other development requiring a construction permit.
Deputy Mayor Maureen McDade said the amendment came out of discussions primarily around the R4 zone.
The notification includes condominium units sharing a party wall with another unit, semi-detached dwellings and quads in the R4 zone.
“I received feedback from council members prior to this meeting suggesting adding a statement of purpose to go into the city code provision that’s included in the ordinance,” Solicitor Chris Gillin-Schwartz said.
He added this section could read as a statement of purpose, with the purpose of aiming to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the city by establishing reasonable notice for requirements of construction activities involving properties that share one or more party walls with adjoining structures.
“This section shall be known as the good neighbor construction notice provision,” Gillin-Schwartz said. “[It’s] enacted to ensure that neighboring property owners are properly informed prior to the commencement of any construction activity that may affect the shared wall or create a condition of potential risk or disruption.”
The notifications should include a clear and concise description of the work to be conducted and be sent by certified mail at least 14 calendar days prior to the start of construction.
McDade said the intention is not to ask for permission but rather to follow a good neighbor policy.
“I think it’s good practice for us to encourage property owners to notify their neighbor that they may be having some activity taking place,” she said. “That there will be contractors in proximity to their property line.”
Both McDade and Gillin-Schwartz emphasized the amendment applies only to party walls and does not apply to shared property lines without a common party wall.
“This [amendment] is something that the zoning officer brought to our attention,” McDade said. “It’s something he’s been doing as a practice to encourage communication.”
The second reading and final vote on the ordinance is scheduled for July 15.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
