Meetings - 1st & 3rd Mondays - 7:30 pm 973-635-3204

The Chatham Township Planning Board consists of a total of nine (9) members and two (2) alternates. Two (2) members are elected officials of the Township Committee and one (1) is some other Township official. They provide an important policy element to the Board. The remainder is volunteer residents appointed by the Township Committee and consists of members designated as Chair, Vice-Chair and two Alternate members. A professional staff consisting of an Attorney, a Professional Planner, Township Engineer (s) an Administrative Officer and a Board Secretary assists the Planning Board. The powers, duties and regulations of the Planning Board are contained in the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL).

The Planning Board reviews and acts on the following:

Applications for subdivision approval. The Planning Board when reviewing subdivision and site plan applications can decide "C" Variances and establish procedures for the review of such applications.

Conditional use approval (if an application for conditional use involves a variance, the application is referred to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.)

Preparing and updating the Township Master Plan . An integral part of the Township's decision-making process is the Master Plan. Without the land use element of the Master Plan, a Township cannot have a valid Zoning Ordinance.

The Planning Board may also become involved in the review of other State or Federal programs or plans assemble data for planning purposes and perform other advisory duties as assigned to it by the Governing Body, to aid them in planning process.

PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS (4 Year Terms)

Current Issues & News

Master Plan Update

Every six years the Municipal Land Use Law (Chapter 291, Laws of N.J. 1975, amended) (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et. seq.) requires that Chatham Township provide for a general reexamination of its Master Plan and development regulations by the Planning Board. The law goes on to require that a reexamination be completed at least once every six years from the previous reexamination.

An informational pamphlet explaining the purposes and function of the Master Plan can be found at: Citizens Guide To New Jersey Master Plans .

Cross-Acceptance

The Planning Board is now involved in the New Jersey Consumer Affairs Department of Smart Growth Cross-Acceptance procedure. Cross-acceptance is a bottom-up approach to planning, designed to encourage consistency between municipal, county, regional, and state plans to create a meaningful, up-to-date and viable State Plan. New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs- Office of Smart Growth . This process is ensures that all Chatham Township will have an influence in shaping the goals, strategies and policies of the New Jersey State Plan.

The Planning Board works to compare the Master Plan with the State Plan to identify potential changes that could be made to achieve a level of consistency with State Plan. The recommendations of the Planning Board are submitted through Morris County to the State and in return Chatham Township becomes eligible for various New Jersey grant programs.

Meeting Schedule

The Planning Board usually meets twice each month in the Municipal Building , 58 Meyersville Road . All meetings usually begin at 7:30 PM and are open to the general public in accordance with the requirements of the "Open Public Meetings Act". 2008 Meetings Schedule . The Agenda for each meeting is usually posted prior to each particular meeting. Thereafter the Minutes of each meeting are posted.

Recent Chatham Township Land Use Ordinances

The following are some recent Land Use Ordinances adopted and passed by the Township Committee with regard to Land Use issues. The Planning Board reviewed and provided input with respect to each of these ordinances.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF CHATHAM, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO AMEND THE LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE REGARDING IMPROVEMENTS AND ALTERATIONS TO CERTAIN EXISTING DWELLING

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF CHATHAM, COUNTY OF MORRIS, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS ORDINANCE SUBDIVISION AND SITE PLAN GIS SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Application Forms & Explanatory Material for Applicants

The following are forms required for the submission of an initial application.

• Planning/Zoning Board Application Form
• Chatham Township Land Development Ordinances Chapter XXX Sections 30-17 to 30-135
• Notes Regarding Escrow Fees
• Chatham Township Land Use Ordinance Check List B
• Zoning Table
• Chatham Township Technical Review Escrow Agreement
• Explanation of Application Fees
• Authorization for Access to Government Records
• Sample Copy of Notice of Application
• Sample Legal Notice of Application
• Affidavit for Proof of Service
• Close Out Escrow Account Form
• Morris County Planning Board Land Development Review Application
• Chatham Township Schedule of Zoning Requirements Chapter XXX Sections 30-75.2

A packet of Forms can be picked up during regular business hours at the Construction Office in the Municipal Building located at 58 Meyersville Road . 973-635-4600.

Informational Links

State of NJ
New Jersey Future
NJDCA- Ofc. Of Smart Growth
NJ Future
Highlands Coalition
NJ Alliance for Action
Assoc. of NJ Environmental Commissions
NJ Conservation Foundation
Great Swamp Watershed Association
Ten Town Committee
NJ State League of Municipalities

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