[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Maplewood as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 4-2-2019 by Ord. No. 2953-19; amended 12-21-2021 by Ord. No. 3047-21; amended in its entirety 6-4-2025 by Ord. No. 3159-25]
Every inquiry regarding development and renovations subject to the Township's zoning laws shall require a Zoning Review by the Zoning Officer. The information required for a Zoning Review shall include, but not be limited to:
A. 
Two copies of the appropriate application forms signed by the applicant;
B. 
Two copies of each of:
(1) 
Survey of property; and
(2) 
Dimensioned drawings of all proposed signs, accessory structures, and/or site changes, if applicable.
Application for a Zoning Review shall be a condition precedent to any application for the issuance of a Zoning Permit, application to either the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment, or application for a construction permit that requires a zoning determination.
A. 
The Zoning Officer shall complete the Zoning Review and advise the applicant in writing whether the project may be completed as of right, certifying that the proposal is in full compliance with the zoning regulations where the property is located, and all other applicable land use ordinances and statutes.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 271, Zoning and Land Development Regulations.
B. 
The Zoning Officer shall include a copy of the applicable zoning law permitting the project, the design standards required by special improvement districts, if applicable, and advise the applicant which permits are required to complete the project, within 10 business days of submission of the complete application.
C. 
If the design standards of a special improvement district are implicated, the Zoning Officer will direct the applicant to the manager of the special improvement district for separate approval.
D. 
If the Zoning Officer determines that the proposal is not in full compliance with the zoning regulations and all other applicable land use ordinances and statutes,[2] and that additional reviews are required by any other officers, boards or agencies, he/she shall issue or authorize the issuance of a formal written letter to the applicant, setting forth the grounds upon which the project violates the Zoning Regulations and other applicable Land Use Ordinances and Statutes, and refer the applicant to the Board of Adjustment or Planning Board within 10 business days of submission of a completed application.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 271, Zoning and Land Development Regulations.
Appeals to the Board of Adjustment pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70a), may be taken by any interested party affected by any decision of the Zoning Officer based on or made in the enforcement of this article or other land use ordinances. Such appeal shall be taken within 20 days of the letter of denial by filing a notice of appeal with the Zoning Officer stating the grounds of such appeal. Upon receipt of notice of appeal, the Zoning Officer shall transmit to the Board of Adjustment all papers constituting the record upon which the action appeal was taken.
The fee for a Zoning Review shall be $100 for both residential and commercial Zoning Reviews, which sum shall accompany the application for the Zoning Review and shall be nonrefundable.
[Adopted 5-7-2019 by Ord. No. 2956-19; amended in its entirety 6-4-2025 by Ord. No. 3159-25]
The Maplewood Zoning Division shall issue Zoning Permits for projects that fall under the jurisdiction of the Maplewood Zoning Law.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 271, Zoning and Land Development Regulations.
As a condition precedent to obtaining a Zoning Permit, an applicant must obtain a Zoning Review, pursuant to Ordinance No. 2953-19[1] incorporated by reference herein.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Art I, Zoning Review, of this chapter.
Zoning Permits shall be issued by the Maplewood Zoning Officer, upon an applicant's completion of forms provided by the Department of Community Development.
A. 
Failure to secure a Zoning Permit as herein required, or willfully making a false or misleading statement on the application for a Zoning Permit, or failing to comply with a stop-work order, shall result in a penalty of:
(1) 
First offense: $1,500.
(2) 
Second offense: $1,750.
(3) 
Third offense: $2,000.
B. 
The aforementioned penalties are in addition to any other remedies available to the Township including and other available legal and equitable remedies for violations of the Zoning Law[1] and International Property Maintenance Code.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 271, Zoning and Land Development Regulations.