The mission of the Raritan Township Planning and Zoning Department is to plan, guide and coordinate land development in a manner that strengthens the local economy, improves and protects the quality of the environment and enhances the overall quality of life and the well-being of current and future generations. 

This office provides consistent policy advice to assist in understanding and addressing key land use issues and priorities.  We work toward implementing the 2008 Master Plan, while encouraging citizen participation in the planning process, assuring a firm and expedient approval and permitting process, and promoting the principles of smart growth and the Land Development Code which guides the development regulations

This office provides administrative and technical support to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the Technical Review Committee.  We accept all application for site plan, subdivision, variance and informal plans.  To help facilitate the process, the application forms and guidelines are available on the Township’s website.  Board agendas, minutes, land development applications and Board resolutions are also kept in the Planning and Zoning Office and are available to the general public. 

The Planning Board processes applications for “permitted uses” for subdivisions and site plans. The Planning Board also prepares the Master Plan. Any amendments have to be submitted to the Planning Board for their review.  The Planning Board meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the court room at the Municipal Building.  

The Zoning Board hears cases for “non-permitted uses” and variances. They are the entity that grants a use variance. The zoning ordinance establishes specific requirements for a zone which regulates uses for that zone, setbacks, and other regulations specific to a zone. The Zoning Board meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:30pm in the court room at the Municipal Building.

The Township Zoning and Planning Office is responsible for enforcement of the Land Development Code and selective General Ordinances, reviewing changes to Property Site Plans, issuing Zoning Permits,  Change in Use/Occupancy Permits, Fence/Wall Permits, Sign Permits and Temporary Sign or Banner Permits.  We process approximately 65 permits a month.  The Zoning Officer also assists residents in determining if a proposed project/change in use is permitted by the Land Development Code.