Planning & Zoning in Winslow Township
Planning and zoning help shape how our community grows, develops, and functions. These processes ensure that land is used in a way that is safe, organized, and beneficial for residents, businesses, and the environment.
In New Jersey, these responsibilities are guided by the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), which sets the rules for how towns review development, enforce zoning, and make land use decisions.
What is Zoning?
Zoning determines how properties can be used and what can be built on them.
This includes:
Residential, commercial, and industrial uses
Building size, height, and setbacks
Lot coverage and density
Parking and accessory structures
Zoning helps:
Protect neighborhood character
Prevent conflicts between different land uses
Ensure safe and appropriate development
What is Planning?
Planning focuses on the future of the community and how land should be developed over time.
This includes:
Reviewing subdivision and site plan applications
Creating and updating the Township Master Plan
Evaluating new development proposals
Ensuring infrastructure (roads, drainage, utilities) supports growth
Planning helps ensure development is thoughtful, sustainable, and consistent with long-term community goals.
Who Makes Decisions?
Planning Board
Reviews major subdivisions and site plans
Adopts and updates the Master Plan
May hear certain zoning variance requests
Zoning Officer
Reviews zoning permit applications
Ensures properties comply with zoning regulations
Investigates and enforces zoning violations
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Reviews requests for variances (when a project doesn’t meet zoning rules)
The Zoning Board retains jurisdiction for Site Plan and Subdivision applications once a variance is requested and/or granted.
Hears appeals of decisions made by the Zoning Officer
Hears interpreations of the zoning code
Zoning Permit Process & Application
Zoning permits are required prior to the start of any improvement on your property. including and not limited to: erecting/replacing a fence, adding an addition, placing a shed/pole barn/garage, adding a new deck or expanding a existing deck, placing a pool, adding patio pavers and/or concrete slabs, solar (roof or ground mounted), generators, and any other structure or applicable improvement to the property.
(if you are unsure if a permit is required, please contact the office at 609-567-0700 ext. 6)
For a Zoning Permit to be issued, the following must be submitted along with the Zoning Permit application:
1. Beginning April 1st 2024- Zoning Permit fees are $30.00 for residential permits and $50.00 for commercial permits.
2. New Single-Family dwellings- $500.00 grading inspection fee PLUS zoning permit fee. New Townhomes: $250 grading fee PLUS zoning permit fee.
3. 2 copies of property surveys, dated within 5 years of the application showing the improvements and description of proposed work. Survey must show current conditions.
Solar- only requires survey for ground mount. Roof array plan acceptable for roof mounted solar.
4. Homeowner must be current on taxes/utilities. No liens on property. Verify at https://wipp.edmundsassoc.com/Wipp/?wippid=0436
5. HOA approval, if applicable.
6. Permits for animals, in accordance with O-2023-021; Section 82-6.
7. If you are removing trees in connection with the Zoning Permit, please show tree removal plan and provide the # of trees to be removed.
If a permit is placed on hold for any reason, the applicant/homeowner will be contacted and have 10 days to submit the required information, before the permit will be denied and require re-submission.
Have any questions? email zoning@winslowtownship.com
Are you removing trees from your property? In accordance with Ordinance O-2024-011, the removal of up to five trees is exempt from permitting requirements, however if you are removing more than five trees, you must receive a tree removal permit.
For clearing in excess of 1500 sq ft of land, and if you are located in the Pinelands Areas, you must first receive approval by submitting an application to the Pinelands Commission, click here for the application.
For a tree removal permit, click here.
⚠️ Reporting a Concern or Violation⚠️
If you notice a potential zoning issue (such as unapproved construction or improper use of a property), you can report it to the Zoning Office.
Please provide: Property address, description of the issue, photos (if available)
All reports are reviewed and investigated as appropriate. Complainants may remain anonymous.
You may also report complaints by using the MyWinslow app, available for IPhone and Android users, or by emailing: zoning@winslowtownship.com
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Click on the above link.
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