West Deptford, NJ

Division of Planning & Zoning

Purpose

The Division is responsible for administration and enforcement of the enforcing the Township's Land Use Procedures (Chapter 102), Subdivision and Development (Chapter 143) and Zoning (Chapter 166) ordinances. The Division reviews all building permit applications to ensure compliance with the Township’s zoning regulations. Additionally, the Division is also responsible for long-range planning activities related to the l development of the community, which is largely accomplished through updates to the Township’s Master Plan and associated elements. The Division is also responsible for the administration and coordination of the Township’s Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Temporary Outdoor Dining Guidelines

In accordance with Governor Murphy’s transition into Stage 2 of the Statewide recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, local restaurants and bars will be allowed to provide Outdoor Dining as of Monday, June 15 2020, subject to the rules established by the State of New Jersey and West Deptford Township Resolution 2020-207, Resolution 2021-141 and State statute under P.L. 2021, c.15.

If interested in applying, please review the Temporary Outdoor Dining Guidelines, Application and Indemnification Agreement. Please make sure to provide all of the required documents, as listed in the Guidelines and Application.

1. Temporary Outdoor Dining Guidelines
2. Temporary Outdoor Dining Application
3. Indemnification Agreement

Zoning Permits & Enforcement

Residents, businesses and contractors are advised to consult with the Zoning Officer before commencing with any type of construction including, but not limited to, new structures, expansion of existing structures and installation of fences or signs. The Zoning Officer should also be contacted prior to starting any alterations or expansion of an existing business or opening of a new business. All construction activity requires a Zoning Permit prior to commencement of work on a project. The Township’s Zoning Permit Application can be found HERE.

West Deptford Township Zoning Map

The Zoning Officer serves as the administrator of the Township’s zoning regulations, as well as the Township’s land use procedures. The Zoning Officer reviews all development applications for compliance with the use, area and bulk requirements (or as stipulated by an approval of the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment). The Zoning Officer is also responsible for the investigation and enforcement of violations in West Deptford Township.

Any questions concerning zoning classification, setback requirements, minimum lot requirements, permitted uses for a property or the enforcement/abatement of zoning violations can be addressed to Zach Hilt, Acting Zoning Officer at (856) 845-4004 ext. 126 or via email at zhilt@westdeptford.com.

Work Committee

All applications for land development must appear before the Work Committee with the exception of Zoning Board of Adjustment bulk (C) variances and/or use (D) variances without a site plan.

Work Committee meets the second (2nd) Monday of every month at 3:00 PM (unless otherwise noted) at the West Deptford Township Municipal Building. Once the Work Committee reviews and provides feedback on the application, the applicant can then make those revisions as directed by the Work Committee and make a full submission to either the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment.

For any/all submissions, please provide electronic plans and submission to zhilt@westdeptford.com in addition to the required paper copies.

The Work Committee Application can be found HERE.

Planning Board

The Planning Board functions under the authority of the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.) and the Township’s General Ordinances including Chapter 102 – Land Use Procedures, Chapter 143 – Subdivision and Development, and Chapter 166 - Zoning.

The Planning Board function is to generate and update a community Master Plan. Other functions of the Planning Board involve subdivision and site plan review, creation of the official maps and recommendations on various zoning ordinances. The Board is also empowered to review and approve “C” variances (departures from zoning ordinances) in conjunction with development applications. The Board also assembles data for planning purposes and performs other referral duties upon request by the Township Committee.

The Planning Board meets the fourth (4^th) Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM (unless otherwise noted) at the West Deptford Township Municipal Building.

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Meeting Minutes are available following approval. Agendas and Meeting Minutes can be found HERE.

For additional information regarding meeting dates, members, professional board consultants and staff contacts, please visit the Planning Board page.

The Planning Board Application can be found HERE.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment is responsible for hearing appeals from a decision by the Zoning Officer, interpretation of the zoning map or Land Development Ordinance, bulk variances (typically setback and coverage), use variances and site plan and subdivisions in connection with a use variance.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board whose purpose is to provide relief from zoning requirements that cannot be satisfied. Requests for relief are not granted based upon precedent but upon the ability of an applicant to prove their case. The Board of Adjustment is established pursuant to the MLUL, which governs its conduct and insures that its actions are uniform and meet standards similar to those applied in a court of law.

Any person who has matters to bring before the Zoning Board of Adjustment should first apply to the Zoning Officer for a Zoning Permit. If denied, an applicant will be advised as to the sections of the Ordinance for which relief is needed and how to apply for such relief. If you are advised than an application must be made to the Board, you may obtain an application packet from the Zoning Officer.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment meets the second (2^nd) Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM (unless otherwise noted) at the West Deptford Township Municipal Building.

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Meeting Minutes are available following approval. Agendas and Meeting Minutes can be found HERE.

For additional information regarding meeting dates, members, professional board consultants and staff contacts, please visit the Zoning Board of Adjustment page.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment Application can be found HERE.

Master Plan & Long Range Planning Documents

Resources & Documents

Staff Contacts

NAME	TITLE	PHONE
Zach Hilt	Director of Planning & Code Enforcement / Secretary to Planning Board & Zoning Board of Adjustment / Zoning Officer	(856) 845-4004 ext. 126
Patricia Austin	Zoning Secretary / Recording Secretary to the Zoning Board	(856) 845-4004 ext. 120