Long Hill Township has had a Zoning Ordinance since 1937. All structuresare 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 that an application must be made to the Board, you may obtain one from the Planning & Zoning Administrator.  Most residents are capable of completing the application forms for their own residence without professional help. The Planning & Zoning 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.  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 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.

Board of Adjustment meetings are broadcast live on local cable television channels.  Prospective applicants are encouraged to watch or attend meeting(s) to become familiar with Board procedures.

You may purchase an audio CD of any meeting of the Board of Adjustment upon completion and submission of an OPRA Request Form which is available on the Township website or at Town Hall.

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

Zoning Board of Adjustment 2010

Meetings: are held in the court room of Town Hall on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. with the following exceptions: In July, August and December, the Board will only meet on the 1st Tuesdays of the month.. 

Zoning Board meetings are broadcast live on local cable television channels.  Prospective applicants are encouraged to watch or attend meeting(s) in advance to become familiar with the Board's procedures.