FAQ's

For one- to two-family owner/occupied units, a licensed contractor is not required. All two-family non-owner/occupied and three-family units or more are required to have a licensed contractor perform the work.

Yes. The permit(s) should be placed in plain view and be readable from the street.

It is illegal for you to attempt to have the city dispose of construction material. All major construction projects are required to dispose of construction materials to a licensed solid waste disposal company.

For a copy of the Zoning Ordinance that includes Chapter 9 - Historic Sites and Districts, click here. A hard copy of Chapter 9 is available from the Division of City Planning with no charge. A copy of the whole zoning ordinance is available at the City Clerk's Office in room 415 for $24.00. The Zoning Map is available at the City Clerk's Office, room 415 for $14.75. The Zoning Map and Ordinance when purchased together are $31.25.

The city historic districts are Forest Hill, Weequahic Park, James Street Commons, Lincoln Park, Four Corners, Military Park, and North Broad Street. There are also more than 75 individual landmarks. Property owners should check with the Division of City Planning as to whether their property falls within the boundaries of a historic district or is listed individually before commencing any work to their home, garage, stairs, fences, walls, other structures, or property. The Historic Preservation Commission meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Applications that require a Commission hearing must be submitted to the Division of City Planning at least 14 days prior to the scheduled hearing date.

The application for physical alterations to a city landmark or a property within a historic district is available online. To download, please click Landmark Commission link. The Division of City Planning also will mail an information packet that includes the application, a list of city landmarks and Districts, Chapter 9 of the Zoning Ordinance (Historic Sites and Districts), and Historic Design Guidelines to anyone who inquires. Constituents can inquire at Room 407 or call (973) 733-3917.

These applications are available online. To download please click Office of the Board of Commissions Download Links.