Morristown Board of Adjustment

Zoning involves the "use" of a property in a specific manner. Questions regarding using property in a manner that is not permitted in that zone or putting additions to a building or property when that is prohibited are directed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Should a resident feel that an error was made in any order, requirement, decision, or refusal by an administrative official or agency based upon the local zoning ordinance, he or she would go before this Board, which would hear the appeal and render a decision. It also hears and decides requests concerning strict application of regulations, when such application would result in undue hardship to the property owner The Board may grant a variance to permit a structure or use in a district restricted against such structure or use.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment, created pursuant to New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law, has the following powers and responsibilities
  • Hear and decide appeals where it is alleged by the appellant that there is an error made by the administrative officer (Zoning Officer) in the enforcement of the zoning ordinance.
  • Hear and decide requests for interpretation of the zoning map or zoning ordinance
  • Grant variances to allow departure from zoning requirements
  • Approve applications or site plans fro development submitted in conjunction with requests for use variances.
Mandatory Course from the NJ Planning officials association must be completed within 18 months of their appointment.  The Morristown Board of Adjustment consists of seven (7) members appointed by the Council to serve four-year terms and two (2) alternates who serve two-year terms.
Click here to be directed to the current Board of Adjustment Application Database