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.

• ZRA Checklist - New Construction 
• ZRA Checklist - Addition
• ZRA Checklist - Exterior Renovations
• ZRA Checklist - Interior Renovations
• ZRA Checklist - Exterior/Interior Renovations
• ZRA Checklist - Tenant Fit-Out
• ZRA Checklist - Minor Work
• ZRA Checklist - Historic
• ZRA Checklist - Signage
• ZRA Checklist - Certificate of Occupancy
• ZRA Checklist - Land Use Board Approved Plans

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. 

Due to the recent adoption of Ordinance No. 23-048 , there is a new step in the process for applying for permits in Jersey City that took effect on April 1, 2024. After a Zoning Review Application (ZRA) is reviewed and approved, the Division of Zoning must determine whether the application is "exempt" or "not exempt" from the Residential Development Fee (RDF).

If a project is deemed "exempt", a Construction Permit Application link will be added to the Sub-Records tab in the online portal and the applicant is to apply for that application. This will take the application from the Division of Zoning to the Division of Construction Code. Upon approval from the Division of Construction Code, the applicant will receive their permits. This is the same process that existed prior to April 1st, 2024.

If a project is deemed "not exempt", a “Residential Redevelopment Fee Application” link will be added to the Sub-Records tab in the online portal and the applicant is to apply for that application. In this application, there is an opportunity to provide documentation that proves the project is "exempt" from the RDF. The accepted documentation is listed in the Residential Development Fee Application and the exemptions include the following:

• Developments that have received preliminary or final major or minor site plan approval prior to July 31, 2023, unless substantial changes were approved after.
• Owner Occupied residential structures demolished and replaced because of fire caused by the owner, flood, or natural disaster.
• Projects that provide affordable housing.
• Development undertaken by Jersey City Housing Authority or a non-profit corporation that is providing low-income housing.
• Additions to existing homes with a gross floor area of 5,000 sf or less and improvements such as decks & patios.
• Accessory Dwelling Units.

The applicant is responsible for providing proof and if they do not have documentation to prove that they are exempt from the RDF, the application will be assigned to intake personnel in the Tax Accessor's Office. The Tax Accessor’s intake personnel will then evaluate the fee due and upload an invoice to the online portal. The applicant is then responsible for paying the amount requested. Once done, the intake personnel will add the “Construction Permit Application” link to the Sub-Records tab. This will bring the application from the Tax Accessor's Office to the Division of Construction Code. The applicant is to apply for this application and, upon approval, receive their permits.

Phase One and Phase Two of the 2021 Master Plan Implementation have been adopted and are in effect. While these ordinances are still pending codification on the City's digital ordinance, out staff has prepared an Interim LDO User Document to access the latest standards. This document includes the updates to the R-1 Zoning as well as other zones and standards. Phase Two (Ordinance No. 23-103) is in effect as of 11/15/2023.

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.

Cannabis

To learn about cannabis license classifications and how to obtain local approval, please review the Cannabis Businesses and Consumption Areas FAQ, Instructions, and Standards . Please note that to obtain a Class 6 license, an application to the Division of City Planning is not required. However, an application must be submitted to the Cannabis Control Board and a Zoning Determination Letter must be obtained from the Division of Zoning.

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.

• ZRA Checklist – New Construction
• ZRA Checklist – Addition
• ZRA Checklist – Exterior Renovations
• ZRA Checklist – Interior Renovations
• ZRA Checklist – Exterior/Interior Renovations
• ZRA Checklist – Tenant Fit-Out
• ZRA Checklist – Minor Work
• ZRA Checklist – Historic
• ZRA Checklist - Certificate of Occupancy
• ZRA Checklist – Land Use Board Approved Plans

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.

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.

Application for Certificate of Occupancy (CO), Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), and Continued Certificate of Occupancy (CCO) is 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.