Long Hill Township has had a Zoning Ordinance since 1937. All structures are regulated with respect to type, nature, and extent of their use according to specific zone districts. The ordinances reflect the goals of the Master Plan for the Township, which is prepared by the Planning Board.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board whose purpose is to provide relief from zoning requirements that cannot be satisfied. Requests for relief are not granted based upon precedent, but upon the ability of an applicant to prove his/her case. The Board of Adjustment is established pursuant to the N.J. Municipal Land Use Law which governs its conduct and insures that its actions are uniform and meet standards similar to those applied in a court of law.
Any person who has matters to bring before the Zoning Board of Adjustment should first apply to the Zoning Official for a Zoning Permit. If denied, he or she will be advised as to the sections of the Ordinance for which relief is needed and how to apply for such relief. If you are advised than an application must be made to the Board, you may obtain an application packet from the Township website, the Planning & Zoning Administrator, or the Planning & Zoning Board Secretary. Most residents are capable of completing the application forms for their own residence without professional help. The Planning & Zoning Administrator and Planning & Zoning Board Secretary are available to assist, but are NOT PERMITTED to complete those parts of the application that must be stated in the applicant’s own words. All applications require completion of one or more checklists and require photographs of the subject property.
Since variances may infringe upon the rights of neighbors, zoning laws require that notice be served to every property owner within 200 feet of the subject property at least 10 days prior to the hearing. The notice must advise neighboring property owners of the date, place and time of the hearing and the nature of the relief being sought. 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 is present to record an official record of testimony. Applicants must present their case to the Board which may include expert witnesses. Individuals MAY be represented by an attorney and corporations MUST be represented by an attorney.
The Board is assisted by its legal counsel (other than the municipal attorney), the Board Planner, and the Board Engineer. The Board Planner and Engineer perform site inspections of each subject property and prepare written reports for consideration by the Board.
Board of Adjustment meetings are broadcast live on Verizon FIOS Channel 37 and Comcast Channel 29. They are rebroadcast on Saturdays at 8:00 P.M. Prospective applicants are encouraged to watch or attend meeting(s) to become familiar with Board procedures.
