Zoning/Enforcement
Nancy DeFalco, Code Enforcement/Zoning Officer
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Email: zoning@mtnj.org
Please contact the following individuals directly with any Zoning or “Municipal” Code Enforcement questions:
Code Enforcement matters – Suzanne Krohn, Assistant Code Enforcement/Zoning Officer 732-446-8301 skrohn@mtnj.org
Zoning & Z.C.C.O. matters – Ilona Hofmann, 732-446-8304 Ihofmann@mtnj.org
Nancy DeFalco, Zoning/Code Enforcement/Administrative Officer ndefalco@mtnj.org
The Department of Zoning/Code Enforcement is responsible for regulating and enforcing Manalapan Township’s Zoning Ordinances which have been established to ensure the proper use of land and to protect the integrity of the Master Plan.
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Approval Process
Construction permits which require zoning approval are submitted directly to the Zoning Office for approval. The proposed construction is checked for use and area, yard and building requirements by the Zoning Officer. Approved permits are then forwarded on to the Construction Department.
When a permit is found to be in violation of an ordinance, the homeowner or contractor is called to explain that the proposed construction or use is in violation and they are presented with choices as to how to continue from that point. They can change the proposed construction so that it meets the ordinance requirements, apply for a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, appeal the decision of the Zoning Officer to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, or go before the Zoning Board of Adjustment for an interpretation of the ordinance.
Complaint Process
The Department of Zoning/Code Enforcement receives complaints from citizens regarding alleged violations of various codes of Manalapan Township. The spring and summer months yield the highest number of grass, garbage and debris complaints. Citizens also call to verify whether their neighbors have received permits for construction or simply to report a violation they might have observed. Anyone in the Zoning Office can take the complaint, but the name, address and phone number of the complainant is required. The complainant’s identifying information is required in order to process a complaint.
When complaints are received, we seek compliance of the alleged violation, either by telephone, meetings, on site visits or written violation notice is sent to the person allegedly accused of violating the ordinance explaining that a complaint has been received. The complaint is described to the property owner and the appropriate ordinance section is sited. The property owner is asked to correct said violation. If this first step is not effective and the violation still exists, a final Notice of Violation is sent. If compliance is not achieved, a summons is issued by the Zoning Officer, with a mandatory Court appearance. Compliance is commonly remedied by the first step of this procedure.
This office also reviews and issues road opening permits for excavations in any street or public right of way.
Permits issued by Zoning
The zoning permit fees shall be $100 for the following, except as otherwise noted:
(a) Residential alterations/additions;
(b) Decks;
(c) Certificate of Continued Occupancy;
(d) Certificate of nonconformity;
(e) Fences;
(f) Sheds;
(g) Ornamental landscape structures;
(h) Pools;
(i) Driveways;
(j) Patios/flat work;
(k) Garage/yard sales; $20;
(l) Accessory structures;
(m) Sports courts;
(n) Tennis courts;
(o) Demolition;
(p) Excavation, removal or addition of soil or fill exceeding 10 cubic yards, or alteration exceeding 5,000 square feet on any undeveloped parcel of land;
(q) Temporary sales of outdoor holiday items or trees;
(r) Temporary trailers.
(s) Generators
(t) The minimum zoning fee for anything not specifically listed above which may be subject to zoning review and/or permit shall be $100.
The Zoning permit fees shall be $150 for the following:
(a) New construction – residential or commercial
(b) Commercial alterations/additions
(c) New business
(d) Signs
If you are unclear if a permit is required or have a specific question for Zoning/Code Enforcement please feel free to contact our office at (732)446-8301 during normal business hours.
Zoning Forms
Zoning Information Sheet-Residential
Zoning Information Sheet-Commercial
Code Enforcement Forms
Complaint Form