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Preserving the Legacy of 2000-2003
Zoning Considerations and Construction Permit Requirements
This page summarizes many of the activities which a HOMEOWNER may want to undertake to change the appearance or function of his residence.  Activities which primarily affect  businesses are not listed here.  Business owners and their architects or engineers should always familiarize themselves with the Zoning and Construction codes before planning any work.
Just because you don't need a Construction Permit does NOT mean the activity isn't regulated.
If you have any doubt, inquire.
Any time any construction is undertaken on a dwelling that has a previously-granted Variance, ALL the NON-CONFORMING aspects of the property must be reviewed. 
Any time any construction is undertaken on a dwelling that has non-conforming uses which pre-date the current Land Use Ordinance, ALL the NON-CONFORMING aspects of the property must be reviewed. 
For example, if an existing front porch is too close to the street, and the owner wants to repair it (only), he may do so.  But if he wants to REDESIGN IT (even if the new design is no closer to the street than the existing porch), he must apply to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a new VARIANCE. 
NOTE that this page combines functions of several departments for the convenience of the reader.  You must approach either the Zoning Administrator or the Construction Department - depending on the nature of the project.  Please carefully read ALL the columns of the table below.
Additions to an existing dwelling yes yes Lot coverage and setback may be an issue.  Check with the Zoning Administrator.
A Smoke Detector compliance review will be triggered.
Install or replace a central Air Conditioner in an existing dwelling no yes
Asbestos abatement no yes The work must be performed by a state-licensed contractor.  There is no township inspection.
Install a Burglar Alarm no yes If a smoke detector function is included with the burglar alarm, then permits are required for the INSTALLATION.  An ANNUAL permit is also required for OPERATION of the system.  See the Police Department Permits page.
Exterior Commercial Signs yes yes  
Add a Deck to an existing dwelling yes yes Lot coverage and setback may be an issue.  Check with the Zoning Administrator
Demolition of an existing dwelling no yes  
Replace an Exterior Door in an existing dwelling no no No permit required IF the replacement is the same size and type as the existing door.  Otherwise, a Construction Permit is required.
ANY Electrical modifications or improvements no yes  
Add or replace Fences and Walls (except retaining walls) yes no You must comply with the Zoning Ordinance regarding height, setback and many other issues.  Fences OVER 8 feet high, and Retaining Walls may require construction permits. See the notes we have included on the Common Situations page.
Add a Fireplace no yes Either masonry or factory-built requires fire subcode inspection
Replace Furnace, Boiler, Hot Water Heater or Air Conditioner in an existing dwelling no yes If the device is replaced without a permit in an EMERGENCY, you must NOTIFY the Construction Department within 72 hours, and then apply for a permit.  The permit is required so that the installation can be inspected as soon as possible.  Also see Air Conditioners
Landscaping where fill is required no no
  • If the area is classified as Wetlands, it cannot be disturbed.  Contact the Zoning Administrator first.
  • If your dwelling is in the 100-year flood plain, NO NET fill can be added.  Contact the Zoning Administrator first.
  • The Zoning Administrator will show you the maps of wetlands and the flood plain.  These are APPROXIMATE large scale maps and are a general guide only.  If your general area is identified on these maps, ....  READ MORE 
  • Anywhere else, if more than 2 inches of fill is added, obtain a Fill Permit from the Town Clerk.
Lead Paint abatement no yes The work must be performed by a state-licensed contractor.
New Dwelling yes yes Planning Board and/or Zoning Board Approval may be required for variances if setback or lot coverage are beyond ordinance limits.  Check with the Planning/Zoning Board Administrator
Ordinary Repairs no no For a minor repair NOT mentioned elsewhere on this page, no permit is required.  However, the work MUST conform to all the Contstruction Codes.
Add or enlarge a ground-level Patio yes no Lot coverage and setback may be an issue.  Check with the Zoning Administrator.  If the patio project includes other Construction Code matters (outdoor lighting, new exterior doorway from the house, etc.), then Construction Permits for those work items ARE required.
Pave or repave an existing (conforming) driveway no no Except that any (re)construction of the driveway entrance (at the curb line) requires a construction permit.
Reconfigure a driveway yes no Lot coverage and setback may be an issue.  Check with the Zoning Administrator
ANY water supply Plumbing modifications or improvements no yes Wastewater/sewage pipe modifications do not require a permit or inspecton.  Fire sprinkler systems require different permits and inspections. Inquire.
Interior Remodeling or Alterations to an existing dwelling no* yes *EXCEPT that any remodeling to create a separate dwelling unit,  Accessory Apartment ,   Senior Suite , etc. must be reviewed by the Zoning Board.  Contact the Zoning Administrator
Retaining Walls yes yes A fill permit is also required for a retaining wall, since the amount of fill added behind the retaining wall will probably exceed the 2 inch threshhold.
reRoof an existing dwelling no yes Repairs that involve less than 25% of the existing roof area do not require a permit.
Construct or abandon a Septic System yes yes Lot coverage and setback may be an issue.  Check with the Zoning Administrator.  Also requires permits from the Town Health Department.
Connect to the public Sanitary Sewer System no yes Also requires a Sewer Connection Permit from the Municipal Clerk.  Be aware that a Sewer Ban is currently in effect.  Inquire.
Construct a Shed or other Utility Building yes yes Lot coverage and setback may be an issue.  Check with the Zoning Administrator
Replace Siding on an existing dwelling no yes Special consideration if this is an historic building.  Check with the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee

Add Smoke Detectors in an existing dwelling no yes See additional notes on the Common Situations page.
Subdivision of your property yes no
  • The ordinances, codes and zoning maps can be tricky.  To avoid later problems, we suggest you ALWAYS check to be sure that your engineer or architect are familiar with the Township's Land Use Ordinances, or have them check with the Zoning Administrator.
  • If you intend to create three or more parcels, you MUST apply to the Planning Board for a Major Subdivision Approval.
  • If you intend to create two parcels, but there are zoning or lot coverage issues, you MUST apply to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a Minor Subdivision Approval.
  • If you intend to create two parcels, and they each COMPLETELY conform to existing zoning, you MUST apply to the Planning Board for a Minor Subdivision Approval.
Add a Swimming Pool to an existing dwelling yes yes Lot coverage and setback may be an issue.  Check with the Zoning Administrator
Remove an abandoned underground fuel or septicTank no yes Depending on the amount of soil disturbance, this may require additional soil permits.  Removal of a Septic Tank also requires a permit from the Board of Health.
Replace Windows in an existing dwelling no no No permit required IF the replacement is the same size and type as the existing window.  Otherwise, a Construction Permit is required.

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When is a Zoning Variance or Construction Permit Required
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