The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for the administration of land use and development and implementation of the Township’s Zoning, Subdivision, Site Plan, and Soil Disturbance Ordinances. The department is also responsible for secretarial and staff liaison duties for the Planning and Zoning Board. The department serves as the information point for land development and all property upgrades including but not limited to; the construction of fences, decks, pools, sheds, garages, additions, signs, patios, sidewalks, home occupations, change in non-residential use, etc. A zoning permit is required for all property upgrades. See Zoning Document link below.
The department is also involved in long-term planning of the community through Master Plan amendments and Land Development Ordinance revisions.
The staff is available to answer any questions and provide assistance to residents who wish to appear before either board or apply for a zoning permit, drywell application, or a land disturbance/soil erosion application. A copy of the Township Zoning Ordinance is available to the public for review online by clicking on the following link, Chester Township Codebook – Land Use Chapter 113.
Permit Review and Exemption Application
The department is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Township’s land use, Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), zoning and property maintenance regulations. The Zoning Official reviews permit applications for new construction, new tenants, additions, accessory structures, pools, signage, walls and fences to assure compliance with all relevant ordinances. The Zoning Official is also responsible for the issuance of Highlands Exemptions, as the Township is located within the Highlands Council’s jurisdiction and subject the provisions of the Highlands Act. Suspected code or ordinance violations can be reported to the department. Department staff will work to resolve all such matters in a timely and efficient manner.
Zoning Districts Regulations
- Permitted Uses in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-5 and R-10 Zones
- Permitted Uses in the B- Business Zone
- Permitted Uses in the LB- Limited Business Zone
- Permitted Uses in the PO/R- Professional Office/ Residential Zone
- Permitted Uses in the WR- Woodland Residential Zone
- Permitted Uses in the RC- Residential Cluster Zone
- Schedule of Area and Bulk Requirements/Schedule for Conditionally Permitted Uses