ZONING ORDINANCE and the ZONING BOARD of ADJUSTMENT

Planning & Zoning Staff
Title	Name	908-647-8000
Administrator	Dawn Wolfe	ext. 218
Office Secretary	---	ext. 235

Click here for the Zoning Board of Adjustment agenda.

---

Long Hill Township has had a Zoning Ordinance since 1937. Buildings and structures and various types are limited to specific districts and are regulated with respect to type, nature and extent of their use. These ordinances reflect the goals of the master plan for the township, which was prepared by the Planning Board.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment is empowered to grant exceptions to the zoning ordinances in cases where the literal and rigid interpretation and enforcement of the zoning laws would work hardship or injustice. The board adjusts zoning to the particular parcels of property. The Zoning Board of Adjustment is established pursuant to state laws which govern its conduct, and which insure that its actions and conduct are uniform and meet the standards similar to those applied in a court of law.

Any person who has matters to bring before the Zoning Board of Adjustment should contact the Planning and Zoning Board Administrator. If you are advised that an application must be made to the board, an application will be provided to you. Experience has shown that most residents are capable of completing the application ( for their own residence) without professional help. The Administrator is available to assist, but is NOT PERMITTED to complete those parts of the application that must be stated in the applicant’s own words. For example, “Explain why you think this variance should be granted.” All applications require photographs of the property showing the area where the variance is proposed.

Zoning variances may infringe on the rights of neighbors (i.e., rights which protect the property values of all residents of a neighborhood or zone). Therefore, the zoning laws require that notice be served on every property owner within 200 feet of the property requesting the variance. This notice advises neighboring property owners of the relief being sought and of the fact that all interested citizens will have an opportunity to be heard at the meeting.

All meetings of the Zoning Board of Adjustment are conducted formally. Applicants and witnesses are sworn, the meeting is recorded, and a court stenographer keeps an official record of testimony. Applicants must present their case to the Board. Individuals MAY be represented by an attorney, and corporations MUST be represented by an attorney. Residents who intend to request a variance are advised to attend a meeting prior to the one where their case is to be heard, to become familiar with the procedure.

The Board is assisted by its attorney, a professional planner, and the Township Engineer. These professionals always inspect the site of any project to be discussed, and their opinions are considered by the Board in its deliberations.

The Zoning Enforcement Officer enforces the ordinances, acts on complaints, and issues warnings and summonses for violations. 

---

Zoning Board of Adjustment 2008

Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. with the following exceptions: In July 2nd Tuesday only; August and December the Board meets only on the 1st Tuesday.

• Thomas Behr, Chair
• Sandi Raimer, Vice-Chair
• John Fargnoli
• Edwin F. Gerecht
• Joseph Pagano
• Guy T. Piserchia
• Michael Smargiassi
• Frank Chambers, 1st Alt.
• Maureen Malloy, 2nd Alt.
• Dawn Wolfe, Planning & Zoning Administrator ext. 218

1/15/08