DIVISION OF ZONING

At the Division of Zoning, we enforce and interpret the Zoning and Land Use Ordinances of Jersey City as well as Jersey City's several Redevelopment Plans.

The Division of Zoning is often the fist stop for many. Anyone in the process of building, renovating, starting a new business, buying property, or questioning the legality of a particular use should contact the Division of Zoning. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns.

To learn about the zoning standards that apply to your property, enter you address here. Did you know about the new zoning standards that accommodate ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)? Read or download the guide to the new zoning standards here.

Please note: Zoning does not take in applications in person. All applications must be submitted through the Jersey City Online Permitting and Licensing Portal.

Announcements

With the adoption of Ordinance No. 25-033, the Division of Forestry has amended Chapter 321 to not only require permits for planting a tree in the public right of way, but also for the removal of a public or private tree(s) and for any activity conducted within the Protected Root Zone of a City tree.

The Division of Zoning will now require photos of the front and the rear of the subject property to confirm whether there are existing trees on site. Furthermore, all applicants with construction documents that require existing and/or proposed site plans must include information on existing-to-remain, existing-to-be-removed and proposed trees, including a buffer indicating the Critical Root Radius for existing-to-remain and proposed trees.

Forestry Permits will be required during the Construction Permit Application process. The following resources are available to successfully apply for a Forestry Permit.

A Zoning Determination Letter (ZDL) is a letter provided in response to a request regarding the classification of uses and the interpretation and applicability of Jersey City's Zoning and Land Use Ordinances and Redevelopment plans. A Zoning Review Application (ZRA) is the first step for anyone who is in the process of new construction, rehabilitation, tenant fit out, solar panel installation, or any other work that would require a building permit or approval from the Historic Preservation Office.

You need a ZDL if...

You need information on a property for financing or insurance reasons
You need an official interpretation of Jersey City's Zoning and Land Use Ordinances and Redevelopment Plans
- For example, if your property is (1) located in the R-1 Neighborhood Housing District, and (2) located in Ward C or Ward D, and (3) has a lot width less than 26ft, you can ask if off-street parking is a predominant pattern and would therefor be permitted
You want to know if your off-street parking is legal in the instance that it is not on the list of approved driveways and carports on the Zoning Driveways and Carports website
You want to know if a use is permitted for a license from the Division of Commerce

You need a ZRA if...

You have construction documents of a proposed project on a property
- Even if you are unsure that the project would be permitted and/or may require additional approvals, the review planner will review the details of the construction documents and guide you on the next steps you must take

Zoning Review Application Checklists are now available! Select the checklist below that applies to the type of project you are proposing. Review the checklist to make sure your application contains all the information necessary to successfully apply.

As of November 15, 2024, each full set of construction documents will receive a red stamp saying "Released" on the upper right-hand corner with details of the specific application upon approval of a Zoning Review Application. The zoning signature set will be uploaded to the online portal. The zoning signature set will be required to be submitted as the construction documents set in the Construction Permit Application for the building department for permitting.

How to Submit an Application

All applications for the Division of Zoning can be found on the Jersey City Online Permitting and Licensing Portal. You must register and create an account to submit an application.

You can view the content and status of your applications easily by searching for the application number or address or by going to the "Plans" tab. For any new Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Continued Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy application(s), search the application number or address or go to the "Permits" tab.

Click the banners below to view what applications are available and specific instructions on how to successfully submit each application.

A Zoning Determination Letter (ZDL) is a letter provided in response to a request regarding the classification of uses and the interpretation and applicability of Jersey City’s Zoning and Land Use Ordinances and Redevelopment Plans. A Letter may include a determination about a specific use being permitted in a certain zoning district, or whether a certain use may retain its legal nonconforming status. Click here to see a video on how to submit a ZDL.

One address per application will be accepted. Once submitted and reviewed by admin, the application will be assigned to a review planner and be completed within 10 business days.

The Division of Housing Preservation oversees the permitting process of Short-Term Rentals (STR) and enforcement of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. Applicants applying for Short Term Rental permit must first obtain a Zoning Determination Letter - Short Term Rental to include in their Short Term Rental Permit Application. The Division of Zoning determines whether the premises are configured and used in compliance with the Jersey City’s Land Use and Zoning Ordinances and Forestry Standards.

A Zoning Review Application (ZRA) is the first step for anyone who is in the process of new construction, rehabilitation, tenant fit out, solar panel installation, or any other work that would require a building permit or approval from the Historic Preservation Office. This approval is a pre-requisite for all work requiring permits and verifies that the proposed plan complies with the Jersey City’s Land Use and Zoning Ordinances and Forestry Standards.

To successfully submit a ZRA, review the checklists below. Select the checklist below that applies to the type of project you are proposing.

See the flow chart below to understand the permitting process. Please note that if you wish to resubmit changes post approval, you can contact the review planner of the original application and resubmit the full set of construction documents. A new application is not necessary.

Permit Application Process Flow Chart

As of April 1, 2024, the Division of Zoning makes determinations on whether an application is “exempt” or “not exempt” from the Residential Development Fee (RDF). To learn more about the Residential Development Fee and exemptions, see Ordinance No. 23-048.

A Zoning Review Application (ZRA) – Signage is the first step for anyone who is in the process of installing signage on their property. All signage is required to obtain zoning approval prior to applying for a building permit for installation. This approval is a pre-requisite for any application to the Division of Construction Code.

To successfully submit a ZRA, review the checklist below.

ZRA Checklist – Signage

On May 28, 2001 the City Council of Jersey City adopted the Land Use Development Ordinance No. 01-042 which prohibits off-street parking between the building and street. The Division of Zoning inspects driveways and curb cuts to ensure that they are legal and in conformance. In most Zoning Districts, no front yard parking is permitted. However, where off-street parking is permitted, a maximum of 10-foot wide curb cut and driveway is also permitted. To see approved driveways and curb cuts, please visit the Zoning Driveways and Carports website on the Jersey City Open Data Poral.

All applications for demolition in the City of Jersey City are reviewed by the Historic Preservation Office. To apply for a Building Demolition Application, you can use this link on the online portal.

Applications for Certificate of Occupancy (CO), Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), and Continued Certificate of Occupancy (CCO) are reviewed by the Division of Zoning for compliance with Jersey City’s Land Use and Zoning Ordinances and Forestry Standards. Please note that a CO is not required for the buying, selling or transfer of property if a CO exists for the current use. Download and complete the 270 UCC form for the Certificate of Occupancy application.

Fees and Payments

Application Type	Fee
Residential	$50.00 per unit
Non-residential (including mixed use)	$250.00 for the first 5,000 sq ft and $0.50 per sq ft after
Zoning Determination Letters/Certificates for Short-Term Rentals, Driveways, General	$150.00

Useful Links

Contact Info

phone(201) 547-4832
1 Jackson Square, 2nd floor
Jersey City, NJ 07305

Tanya Marione, PP, AICP
Acting Director, Acting Zoning Officer

Office Hours:
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Directions
[email protected]