Planning & Zoning

The Division of Planning, Zoning and Community Development includes planning and zoning, conservation, community development and affordable housing. It also provides administrative services to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Environmental Commission. The purpose of these boards and commissions is to promote and ensure the reasonable and appropriate use of our lands and environmental resources.

Services Provided

The division provides administrative services to the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Environmental Commission. The full-time staff of the division includes licensed professional planners and zoning office. This division handles a number of functions, including:

• Review of development applications and variance requests presented to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment
• Issuance of zoning permits
• Protection of trees under the woodlands management ordinance
• Administration of expenditures made under the Community Development Block Grant Program
• Overall coordination of the Township's affordable housing program
• Preparation and regular update of recommendations regarding the municipal Master Plan and development regulations ordinance
• Coordination with county and state long range planning objectives
• Technical assistance to the Environmental Commission
• Coordination and technical advice regarding economic development and redevelopment in the township including the preparation of redevelopment plans

In many respects, the division is the research and recommendation arm of Township Council, providing information for council in order to assist the process of carrying out the policy objectives of the Township.