Pile-Driving Ordinance Proposed to Help Ocean City Residents Recover From Hurricane Sandy

Ocean City, NJ -- A proposed amendment to city ordinance concerning the installation of pilings was requested by homeowners still looking to rebuild following Superstorm Sandy and was not introduced to accommodate contractors, according to ocnjdaily.com.

The proposed ordinance loosens restrictions on the use of mechanical boring/auger and vibration to install pilings. This includes the expansion of hours in which these devices can be used, to Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., year-round.

There is no change on the restriction for the use a pile hammer, known for noisy, groundbreaking vibrations. They can still only be used from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday, in July and August.

No pile driving whatsoever will be permitted on Saturday and Sunday.

The proposed ordinance was unanimously approved on introduction at the council meeting on Thursday night, July 14, according to the report.

The approval came following an amendment to keep in place legislation that says contractors using pile hammers must notify residents within 200 feet of the work area at least 14 days before work begins, according to the Ocean City Gazette. The administration had been proposing a 10-day notification for homeowners within 100 feet of the work area.

The public hearing and final vote is set for July 28.