Long Branch, NJ Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

City of Long Branch Code § 262-27 authorizes the Fire Official and the Director of the Department of Health, or their agents and employees, to inspect dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and premises citywide to determine their condition under the Property Maintenance chapter. Inspections are limited to such reasonable hours as the circumstances of the case permit, except that officials may enter at any time an actual emergency threatens public health or safety, or whenever an owner or occupant requests the inspection. Section 262-28 requires those officials to present proper identification, after which the owner, occupant or person in charge must give them free access for inspection or for making repairs needed to bring the property into compliance.

If access is refused, § 262-29 lets the Fire Official or Health Director apply by affidavit to the Municipal Court Judge for a search warrant describing the conditions that give reasonable grounds to believe a violation or nuisance exists; once satisfied, the judge authorizes a warrant permitting entry to the specific part of the premises involved. Day-to-day enforcement authority for the chapter rests with inspectors and officers in the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Code Enforcement, Health Department and Police Department under § 262-24. Where an inspection turns up a violation, § 262-30 requires the Director of Buildings or Health, or their agents, to issue a written notice of abatement stating the reasons, allowing reasonable time to comply, and served personally, by certified mail, or by posting at the property. Separately, rental turnover inspections tied to certificates of occupancy under § 262-25 are billed at $60 per inspection for residential property.