Morris Plains the Community of Caring
531 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950     973-538-2224

Zoning Checklist and Fees

Before any building permits can be issued on certain projects, approval is needed from the Borough Zoning Officer. Our Zoning & Permit Requirements Chart can help you determine whether your project requires zoning approval, a construction permit, or both.

The chart below outlines the requirements you will need to submit for various types of zoning approvals.

Type of ProjectRequirementsZoning Permit Fee
New Home Construction Additions Covered Deck Accessory Structure (Shed, Detached Garage; Hot Tub, Gazebos) Above & In-Ground Swimming PoolsA survey to scale showing existing conditions with proposed conditions drawn to scale on the survey and showing dimensions and distance from construction to property lines. Other Construction Department approvals may be required$15 for Accessory structures only
Finished basement with new walls or roomsFloor Plan of home and finished basement showing rooms and entry Other Construction Department approvals may be requiredN/A
Patios, Sidewalks & Driveway Replacement or Expansion (No Permit Needed for Driveway Coating & Sealing)Copy of survey to scale showing existing conditions with proposed conditions drawn to scale on the survey and showing dimensions and distance from construction to property lines. Other Construction Department approvals may be required.N/A
Uncovered DeckCopy of survey to scale showing existing conditions with proposed deck drawn to scale on the survey showing dimensions and distances from the deck to the property lines.N/A
FenceCopy of survey to scale with proposed fence drawn on the survey indicating the height of the fence.$40
Retaining Walls Over 4 FeetCopy of survey to scale showing location of wall(s) Elevation plan of wall showing height-cross section Any wall over 4 feet requires signed and sealed drawing by an engineerN/A
Change of Use, Change of Tenancy & Change of OwnershipZoning Permit application indicating current use/tenancy and proposed use/tenancyN/A
Free Standing SignRendering to scale of proposed sign showing all dimensions and method of illumination. Two copies of the survey or site plan showing the location of sign and proposed setbacks.N/A
Wall-Mounted SignRendering to scale of proposed sign showing all dimensions and method of illumination. Elevation drawing of wall of building where sign is to be placed showing all dimensions (height and width of space in question).N/A

Contact the Construction Dept.

Office Location
531 Speedwell Avenue (small white building adjacent to parking lot of Borough Hall)
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
 

Telephone: 973-538-0325

 
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 
Zoning Officer
Don Salerno
973-538-0325 
Office Hours:
Tuesday and Thursday 
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
 
Construction Official Office Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m
 

NOTE: The building is currently closed to the public due to Covid-19. Please call the office to arrange to drop off, pick up, or speak to a staff member.