Township residents may contact this Department for information and service needs relating to planning and land use issues.


            The Planning Department has three divisions: Comprehensive Planning, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment. The staff consists of the Department Head, the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment Secretary, as well as the Zoning Officer.

           One of the Comprehensive Planning Division's main functions is to accept development applications for either the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment. The applications are reviewed for compliance with Township ordinances and the Planning staff makes recommendations as to the plan's feasibility to the respective Boards. The Department and the Boards are governed by the Municipal Land Use Law. This law establishes a time constraint for the review and decision of all applications by the appropriate Board.

            The Comprehensive Planning Division is also involved in the drafting of the Township's Master Plan and Open Space Plan. Additionally, the Department provides technical assistance to the Township Environmental Commission and Historic Preservation Commission.

            Any Township resident contemplating an addition or other alterations to their home is encouraged to find out if all the zoning criteria can be met before proceeding. A zoning permit will be required.  The Zoning Department can assist with any questions you might have in this regard.  They can be reached [email protected] or 973-728-2759.