The Planning Board was established in 1944. It is responsible for the Township Master Plan under standards defined in the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL). The most current Master Plan was adopted in 1996. A copy is available for inspection at Town Hall and at the public library.
The Planning Board reviews and acts on applications for:
- All major subdivisions
- Site plans (unless a use variance is involved)
- Bulk variances and conditional uses only if ancillary to one of the above
Depending on the type of application, it may be required for a notice to be served to the owner of every property within 200 feet of the subject property.
Each year, the Planning Board evaluates the variances granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment to determine if there are emerging patterns which might call for a change to the Master Plan or the Zoning Ordinance. When appropriate, the Board makes recommendations to the Township Committee to amend the zoning ordinance.
The Board is assisted by its legal counsel (other than the municipal attorney), the Township Planner, and the Township Engineer. The Township Planner and Engineer perform site inspections of each subject property and prepare written reports for consideration by the Board.
Some applicants may first choose to take advantage of the Application Review Committee (A.R.C.). This is a subcommittee consisting of four members of the Planning Board, the Township Engineer, and the Township Planner. The A.R.C. meets on an as needed basis prior to a regularly scheduled Planning Board meeting and all sessions are informal and non-binding. No minutes are taken, no formal presentation is required, and no fees are charged. However, the applicant is required to complete an application before an appearance may be scheduled. Supplemental information such as informal drawings are welcome to accompany an application. The A.R.C. will informally advise the applicant regarding the acceptability of the proposal. The committee allows no more than 15 minutes for each proposal. The meetings are open to the public to hear, but not comment upon.
Any person who has matters to bring before the Planning Board should contact the Planning & Zoning Coordinator at (908) 647-8000, Ext. 218.
Township Committee meetings are broadcast on Long Hill Television. Prospective applicants are encouraged to watch or attend meeting(s) advance to become familiar with the Board's procedures.
You may purchase an audio CD or video DVD of any meeting of the Planning Board upon completion and submittal of an OPRA request form available on the Township website or at Town Hall.
