Engineering, Planning & Zoning
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The Engineering, Planning & Zoning Department provides review of development applications for the Planning and Zoning Boards, technical assistance to other departments, and general assistance in interpreting zoning requirements, guidelines and maps for the public. The Department implements the annual Capital Improvement Program, as authorized and funded by Council, by planning and prioritizing needs, obtaining grants for project funding, collecting information and preparing plans and specifications for the construction of various public projects. The Department also manages, supervises and inspects the construction of both public and private improvements within the Township. The tax maps, geographic information system, flood zone maps and general engineering records are maintained in the department. The Municipal Engineer also serves as the Zoning Officer and reviews all residential and commercial zoning permit applications. |
James Parvesse, P.E., C.M.E., Municipal Engineer
Telephone: (609) 844-7084
Engineering, Planning and Zoning Calendar
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Assistance to the General Public
The Engineering Division will review the location of a property in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Flood Insurance Rate Maps to determine if the property is in a flood zone and if so, which zone. Topographic maps, aerial photographs, tax maps, and filed subdivision maps are also available for review. Assistance in interpreting the maps is available.
Provide Certified Property Owners Lists
Certified Property Owners Lists are generated for use in applications to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Wetlands/Stream Encroachment Department. Fee: $10.00 for up to 40 names, $0.25 each name thereafter.
Get the Application For Certified Property Owners Lists here.
A Guide to our Permit Process
The Township prepared this booklet, "Working with our Planning and Zoning Boards - A Guide to our Permit Process" to guide individuals and commercial entities through the process of applying for permits and preparing for hearings with our Planning and/or Zoning Boards. Please take some time to review this booklet as it provides some valuable information.
Review Plot Plans and As-built Plans
Prior to issuance of a building permit for a new dwelling, a plot plan prepared by a licensed New Jersey Professional Engineer must be submitted for review and approval. Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for a new dwelling, an as-built plan prepared by a licensed New Jersey Land Surveyor is required. This plan shall show grading and drainage patterns in compliance with the approved plot plan.
Please note that the Engineering Division has new guidelines to assist in preparation of these plans which clearly explain the required information. Fee: $250.00 for non-subdivision lot.
Monitor Construction Sites
The Engineering Division inspects infrastructure improvements on subdivision and site plan applications, soil disturbance measures, and all facets of township capital improvement projects. Inspections are also performed for individual homeowners replacing curb or sidewalk in the right-of-way. Permits for this type of work are obtained in the Engineering Division.
Coordination with Other Departments
Assistance is provided to other Township departments such as Public Works (design of public testing improvement projects), Health (review of septic system design, inspection of soil testing and system installation) and Planning and Redevelopment (inspection of homeowner additions).
Review Planning Board and Zoning Board Applications
Plans are reviewed for compliance with the Lawrence Township Land Use Ordinance. Grading and stormwater management are reviewed to verify that proposed projects will not adversely impact neighboring properties or infrastructure.
Attention Property Owners
- Permit Required: Obtain a permit from the Township for cutting down trees of certain sizes
- Engineering Inspection: The Engineering Department must inspect trees before any removal.
- Residential Allowance: Homeowners can remove up to 5 trees annually, sized 8-29 inches in diameter.
- Specimen Trees: Larger trees are considered specimens and require a special permit and replacement if removed.
- Root System Protection: Damaging root systems or excessive pruning of specimen trees is considered removal.
- Unauthorized Removal: May result in replacement requirements or contributions to the Shade Tree Account.