Fire Prevention Bureau

The goal of the City of Cape May Bureau of Fire Prevention is to provide a safe environment for our residents and visitors through education and compliance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

All currently registered businesses or properties will automatically be invoiced in January via email. You will also be mailed an invoice along with a required update registration form so we can keep our records up to date.  This form should be completed in its entirety.  Do not submit payment prior to receiving the invoice.

If you are no longer renting or operating your business, select the appropriate box, sign, and return it for processing.

We do strongly urge you to notify us prior to renting or operating your business to schedule your fire inspection.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SCHEDULE YOUR FIRE INSPECTION.  FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN A FINE.

When scheduling your inspection, consider the following:

1. We will utilize a lock box or pick up a key from a local real estate office (Cape May City only) provided that the residence will be unoccupied & not rented during that time. You must notify the realtor we will be coming.
2. We schedule inspections Monday through Friday in two-time frames: Morning, between (9-12pm) & Afternoon, between (1-4pm).
3. If you would like a call prior to arrival, please provide the name and number of an individual.
4. If you schedule when tenants are there, you must notify the tenant we are coming, and we must know their name.

If you are a new business or applicant, please complete the form and check the new registration box. After the review, you will be invoiced as per our local ordinance (Ord. NO 364-2018).  Once payment is received, we will contact you to schedule an inspection.

We now accept payments online for FIRE ONLY. Visit https://cmcbofpnj.tylerportico.com/payments/billsearch/landing to make a payment.

 If you have any questions, you can email the Bureau at fireprevention@capemaycity.com

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TOP 5 VIOLATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL RENTALS

1. Maintain the premises in a clean and safe condition
   • Clutter will interfere with both the occupants attempting to get out and the firefighters attempting to get in.
   • Accumulation of grease in kitchens can cause a fire to spread quickly.
   • Storage around or near heating sources could cause an ignition.

2. Fire Extinguishers must be a minimum size 2A:10BC.
   • It must be either new or serviced within the past 12 months by an NJ DFS licensed company.
   • It must be located within 10’ of the kitchen.
   • It must be mounted in a visible location OR mounted in a cabinet with a sign that depicts or indicates that a fire extinguisher is inside.

3. Maintain your smoke alarms.
   • Smoke alarms cannot be older than 10 years.
   • Smoke alarms must be mounted as to the manufacturer’s directions.
   • If you have hardwired smoke alarms, they must be maintained as hardwired smoke alarms (you cannot replace them with a battery only type).
   • Since 2019, ALL battery only smoke alarms must be of the 10-year sealed battery type.

4. A Carbon monoxide alarm is required to be within the vicinity of the sleeping areas and on every level.
   • They have expiration dates that range from 5,7, and 10 years depending on the manufacturer.
   • Carbon Monoxide Alarms are required if you have fuel burning appliances, attached garages, fireplaces, or you are attached to a dwelling that has one of those items.

5. Extension cords are for temporary use only.
   • They are not to be ran underneath rugs or stapled to the wall.
   • You cannot piggy-back extension cords onto one another or use them with a multi-plug adapter or power strip.
   • You must only use them for what they are rated.