The Zoning/Planning Department is responsible for the enforcement of the Borough's zoning ordinances. These regulations set standards for businesses in our commercial zones and the requirements of our residential zones.

The Zoning/Planning Department is staffed by a full time Zoning Official/Land Use Administrator and a part-time Zoning and Planning Board Secretary. It is the Zoning/Planning Department which is responsible for the enforcement of the Borough's zoning ordinances. These regulations set standards for businesses in our commercial zones and the requirements of our residential zones. All zones have specific standards governing permitted uses, signs, structure and building sizes, locations and setback requirements which ensure open space and protect our town's reputation as an older, well-planned community with a balanced mix of commercial and residential uses located in a spacious, attractively landscaped setting.

Although Borough zoning regulations and the NJ Uniform Construction Code are separate departments, in reality they go hand in hand in the daily operation of the Borough's Code Enforcement Bureau. Before any construction permit is issued or before any proposed change of use or new use is allowed, a zoning review must be done to ensure there are no conflicts with the zoning ordinances. If the proposed projects do not comply with the zoning requirements, they can be referred to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for review. Proposals for new projects in permitted zones are subject to review by the Planning Board. As you can see, there is a great deal of work that is necessary before actual construction begins. All these steps are performed on the local level and we haven't touched upon compliance to required county, state and federal regulations.