FAQs • Holmdel Township, NJ • CivicEngage

How do I get a zoning permit for my project or improvement?: You or your contractor must come in person to the Zoning Office and submit a survey with the location of the project or improvement, plans of the project or improvement, complete the zoning permit application, and pay the fee for the permit.

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Zoning

1. What is Zoning?: Zoning is the delineation of districts and the establishment of regulations governing the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. A zoning permit is required for commencement of a use, or change of use, or the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion or installation of a structure.

2. What is the difference between the Zoning Department and the Zoning Board of Adjustement?: The Zoning Department reviews applications for compliance with township regulations. If denied by the Zoning Officer the applicant has the ability to appear before the Zoning Board of Adjustment to seek relief from the township regulations.

3. What are the setbacks for my zone?: The Zoning Office frequently receives calls requesting setbacks for pools, sheds, additions, gazebos, etc. Each zone has its own requirements. Once the zone is identified, the setbacks can easily be determined.

4. What zone is a specific piece of property located in?: Please either come into the Zoning Office in person or send an email please include the block and lot, address, and phone number you can be reached and someone from the Zoning Office will respond with the requested information.

5. I'm buying a new house in Holmdel and I want to know if I can fit a pool in my backyard before I sign the papers?: A current survey is required in order to make this determination. Please understand that we cannot guarantee a proper determination if you do not present a current survey and a pool plan.

6. I cannot find a copy of my survey. Can I use Google Earth or MapQuest for my survey?: No. Google Earth and MapQuest images are not acceptable. In most cases, a copy of the property survey is attached to the official documents received at the time of transfer of title. It might be possible to obtain copies of the survey from the attorney who handled the real estate transfer or from the surveyor who performed the original work. If still cannot find a copy of your survey then you will have to have a new survey prepared by a licensed surveyor.

7. What is a survey?: A survey is a drawing document prepared by a land surveyor. It indicates all physical improvements on a property including, but not limited to, buildings, driveways, walkways, swimming pools, decks, fences, patios, parking lots, sheds, etc. The survey will also indicate any restrictions, covenants, or easements connected with the property. The survey that is submitted with your application must accurately depict the conditions of the property existing at the time of application submission. The survey must also be drawn to scale and contain the surveyor's information. Many zoning questions cannot be answered unless an accurate survey of the property is presented.

8. My application was denied by the Zoning Officer, what can I do?: You can either modify the project to conform with the adopted ordinances or make application to deviate from the particular zoning requirement by obtaining a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

9. What is considered when reviewing my zoning application?: There are several considerations such as easements, coverage, setbacks, heights of structures, proximity to wetlands and properties that front on 2 or more streets that can present a problem.

10. How do I find out more about zoning requirements?: Contact the Zoning Office and ask the Zoning Clerk or the Zoning Officer.

11. How do I get a zoning permit for my project or improvement?: You or your contractor must come in person to the Zoning Office and submit a survey with the location of the project or improvement, plans of the project or improvement, complete the zoning permit application, and pay the fee for the permit.

12. How do I get a Zoning Permit application?: Please visit the Office or download the form (PDF).

13. How do I get a survey of my property?: In most cases, a copy of the property survey is attached to the official documents received at the time of transfer of title. It might be possible to obtain copies of the survey from the attorney who handled the real estate transfer or from the surveyor who performed the original work. If still cannot find a copy of your survey then you will have to have a new survey prepared by a licensed surveyor.

14. How do contact the Zoning Office?: Call the main number 732-946-2820 and dial extension 1301 or send an email.