Zoning Permits & Code Enforcement

A+
A
A-

Zoning Permits

The Department is responsible for the issuance of zoning permits on a daily basis in connection with new residential dwellings and improvements to existing dwellings such as additions, fences, pools, etc. The Department is also responsible for zoning permits in connection with site plan and subdivision approvals granted by the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment.

The Stafford Township Code Book is available as a link on the home page of the Township's website. You will find the Zoning regulations under Chapter 211 of the Code Book. The Township Zoning Map is available at the Municipal Building outside of the Community Development Department office. Also, a link to an electronic version of the map can be found on the home page of the Township's website. Additional development information can be found in Chapter 130 (Land Use & Development) of the Code Book. For any questions regarding zoning or the zoning map, please feel free to call (609) 597-1000, extensions 8529, 8531 or 8530 to speak with a Zoning Officer

In connection with issuing permits, the Zoning Officer may perform any of the following actions: review of current and previous zoning requirements, review of site plans and surveys, review of Board resolutions, transmittal of grading and drainage and other plans to the Township Engineer, review of floodplain construction plans and elevation certificates to insure compliance with our CRS program and review of any outside agency reports that may be received. The Zoning Officer performs inspections and coordinates with the Township Engineer, Board professionals, applicants, private engineers, architects and surveyors as well as other agencies and departments. This may include contact with the Building Department, Fire Prevention, Public Works Department, Tax Department, Water & Sewer Department, NJ DEP, Pinelands Commission, Ocean County Soil Conservation, etc. A permit in connection with a Board approval is issued after all Board requirements are met and Board professionals are satisfied.

The Department renews home occupation permits on an annual basis as well as issuing any new home occupation permits requested. Follow up is also done in connection with expired permits to determine whether any violations exist.

The Department handles the annual licensing for the mobile home parks in the Township. This includes correspondence with the park owners, fee collection, site inspections and license processing. In addition, periodic inspection and inventory of said developments is done throughout the year.

The Department is responsible to permit/register and monitor all charitable clothing collection bins throughout the Township. Letters must be sent to the owner of the bins as well as the owner of the property where the bins are located. Annual inventory and registration is required. When necessary, arrangements for the removal of unregistered bins may be required.

The Department performs an annual inspection of all drainage basins and notifies property owners of the requirements of cleaning and maintaining the basin. The Department reviews and insures that complete drainage basin maintenance reports are submitted.

Please refer to the following forms for common zoning permit requests and other information. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (609) 597-1000 x 8535.

Sample Zoning Permit Application Our application folder may be picked up from the Department or mailed upon request.

Residential Zoning Requirements (setbacks)

Important Links:

Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement Officers investigate all complaints within the Township and enforce regulations regarding property maintenance and adherence to the Zoning, Land Use and Development and other chapters of the Township Code. Site inspections are performed which may or may not result in an actual violation being present. If a violation exists, a notice is sent to the property owner with a time frame to comply. Follow up with the property owner is handled in connection with the exact reason for the violation and possible remedies that may be done to abate same. A second site inspection is performed after the deadline for resolution elapses or after the property owner advises that the violation no longer exists. If no correction is done, a second notice is sent. If the violation continues to exist after the second deadline, then a summons is issued. This results in a mandatory court appearance and testimony by the officer. There may be instances where a summons is immediately issued or shorter time frames are given for compliance. This is on a case-by-case basis and depends on the nature of the violation and if it poses any immediate danger to persons or property.

Complaint Form