Community Development Director: Ed Sayers 374-3512
Planner: Ken Lechner 374-3511
A message from the Zoning Office
The Zoning Office works to monitor and enforce certain minimum community standards and activities established and spelled out in the Gloucester Township Land Development Ordinance.
Among the standards subject to review and enforcement are the permitted uses of all property in the Township and the placement and size of all structures on any property in the Township. This includes building size, height, distance from all property lines and other aspects which help keep our community neat, consistent and desirable. Standards for fences, sheds, swimming pools, and signs are also included in the Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance addressed numerous requirements for all residential, commercial, and industrial uses and construction in the Township. Included in our activities is the issuance of Zoning Permits and Conformity Certificates after proper review and investigation of all new construction, alterations and additions to an existing property and any changes in the use of a property. We are also active in the enforcement of the provisions Zoning Ordinance: included is the investigation of complaints and allegations regarding the improper use of a property and possible illegal construction and the enforcement of the Ordinance where necessary and appropriate.
Whenever you contemplate any additions, alterations or changes to your property or its use, it is suggested that you speak with someone in the office prior to making those improvements or changes. In that way, you will be able to determine the appropriateness of your intentions and plans.
The Zoning Office is open from 8:00am until 5:45pm, Monday through Friday, and we can be reached at 374-3512. We will be glad to answer any questions you may have and assist you in every way possible.
With the approach of spring and warmer summer months, many of us will be turning our attention to the great outdoors and our back yards. This is the time of year when we start thinking about improvements to our backyards and other outside areas. Just remember that a Zoning permit and perhaps a Building Permit will be required when you install a shed, a fence or swimming pool. There are also other requirements that must be addressed and met such as setbacks and distances. If you intend to undertake any outdoor additions and changes, it will be smart to contact the Department of Community Development and find out the particulars. Knowing what needs to be done in advance can save a lot of time, work and money and you will avoid many problems. The Zoning Office is open from 8:00am until 5:45pm. Monday through Friday, and we can be reached at 374-3512. We will be glad to answer any questions you may have and assist you in any way.
Department of Code Enforcement - works to maintain the standards set forth in the Townships Municipal Code, ranging from residential property maintenance to commercial operating standards to animal control. It responds to resident complaints, performs inspections, and directs conformance by local property owners to the code. Some of the most common infractions against the Codes of Gloucester Township are:
Chapter 47 “Pets” - Dogs are required to be licensed once they are 7 months old, and the renewal of the License is each January in the office of the Township Clerk (a current rabies certificate from the Vet is required at that time). Dogs are strictly prohibited from running loose (at large/unleashed), defecating on any portion of public or private property (owners must dispose of feces in a suitable and sanitary manner) and habitual/excessive barking is prohibited.
Chapter 55 “Garbage, Rubbish & Waste” - Trash cannot be placed curbside any sooner than 4:00 PM the day prior to your scheduled pick-up day and put away within 12 hours after trash has been discarded. This also applies to recyclables; paper, glass, & leaves. Dumping of any kind is strictly prohibited including leaves, branches, glass, trash, papers, work related materials, etc.
Chapters 34 & 51 “Abandoned Autos” & “Junkyard”
Unregistered/abandoned vehicles are not permitted on property and/or driveway. *Parking of vehicles on landscaped areas(front, side, rear lawn) is strictly prohibited under the Municipal Land Use Law enforced by the Zoning Office* (Abandoned-Unregistered vehicles on Streets/Roads to be reported to the Gloucester Twp. Police at 228-4500).
Chapter 67A - “Property Maintenance” - The exterior of properties are to be properly maintained, such as repairs, and/or painting of house, garage, down spouts, etc., replacement/repairs of broken windows, fences, and sheds. Grass cannot exceed 10" in height and must be cut and maintained during the growing season. Bushes/Shrubs must be also maintained. Scattered trash/debris is not permitted and must be removed.
Chapter 72 “Streets & Sidewalks” - 72.2 “Encroachments/Right of Way” Portable Basketball Pole and Net and Hockey Nets are not permitted in the street at any time. Portable Basketball Pole and Nets, and Permanent Basketball Pole & Nets are not permitted curbside and must be removed. No Exceptions. All units must remain on property/driveway at all times.
Chapter 72-14B “Streets & Sidewalks” “Removal of Snow & Ice” - The Landowner/Occupant shall remove ice or snow from sidewalk(s) within 12 hours of daylight after the same shall fall or be formed thereon.
PLEASE NOTE: Failure to comply can result in a summons being issued, a mandatory court appearance, and up to $500.00 on fines per day. Code Enforcement - 374-3513.
