Bayonne, NJ Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Bayonne's Housing Code enforcement runs through Chapter 15 of the City Code. The Code Enforcement Agency, headed by the City Engineer under Section 15-16.1, surveys structures for deterioration, overcrowding and unsafe conditions, and its inspectors can enter any premises at reasonable times during business hours, or at other times when necessary in an emergency, to determine whether a dwelling endangers health, safety, morals or welfare under Section 15-16.3. Inspectors must carry official identification and show it on request under Section 15-16.5. If the Enforcement Agency cannot secure voluntary access, it can apply to the Municipal Judge for a search warrant under Section 15-17.

When a violation is found, the Agency serves a written notice specifying the defect and a compliance deadline; the notice becomes a final order automatically if the recipient does not request a hearing within five days, with appeals going to the Hudson County Construction Board of Appeals under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-127 per Sections 15-18.1 and 15-18.2. At the end of the compliance period, the head of the Enforcement Agency must reinspect the premises under Section 15-19.1, and if the violation persists, Corporation Counsel can pursue injunctive or other legal action under Section 15-14.5 without issuing a second notice.

Residents can also request a special housing inspection for a fee: $30 per structure plus $10 per dwelling unit for the initial visit, and $20 per structure plus $5 per unit for a reinspection, with a $20 minimum charge per visit under Section 15-16.4.