DIVISION OF ZONING
At the Division of Zoning, we enforce and interpret the Zoning and Land Use Ordinances of Jersey City, Chapter 345 of Municipal Code, as well as Jersey City’s several dozen Redevelopment Plans.
The Division of Zoning is often the first 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 Zoning Division. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns. To learn about the Zoning and Land Use Ordinance that applies to your property, enter your address here.
To file an application with the Division of Zoning, refer to the application list below. Please note that applications are updated periodically and incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
ZONING LETTERS
A Zoning Letter signed by the Zoning Officer, acknowledges that certain use, structure or building complies with the provisions of Chapter 345, redevelopment plan or whether deviation/variance therefrom is duly authorized.
Completed Zoning Determination Letter Applications must be e-mailed to [email protected] with the subject line: Zoning Determination Letter (Address)
The Division of Housing Preservation oversees the permitting of Short-Term Rentals (STR) and enforcement of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. Applicants applying for Short Term Rental permit must obtain a Zoning Compliance Certificate to include in their permit application. The Zoning Division determines whether the premises are configured and used in compliance with the Jersey City’s Land Use and Zoning Ordinances. The fee for Zoning Compliance Certificate is currently waved.
Please e-mail your requests to [email protected] with the subject line: Zoning Compliance Certificate (Address).
ZONING PLAN REVIEWS
The real or prospective owner and/or developer of any land may apply in writing for the issuance of a plan review and determination certifying that submitted plans comply with the provisions of Chapter 345, redevelopment plan, or deviation/variance therefrom is duly authorized.
Completed Zoning Plan Review applications must be dropped off at the Division of Zoning.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (CO)
At the Division of Zoning, we review all Certificate of Occupancy applications for zoning compliance. Please note that when simply transferring a deed, a new CO document is not required.
Completed applications can be e-mailed, mailed, or dropped off at the Division of Zoning.
SIGNAGE
All building signs are reviewed by the Division of Zoning and/or Division of Historic Preservation based on the location of the property. All new signage must comply with City of Jersey City’s Design and Zoning Standards.
Completed Signage applications can be e-mailed, mailed, or dropped off at the Division of Zoning.
DRIVEWAYS AND RESIDENTIAL CARPORTS
Background: 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 real owner, prospective purchaser, prospective mortgagee, or any person interested in any land may apply in writing for the issuance of a pre-existing curb cut determination certifying that a curb cut existed legally before the adoption of the Ordinance which rendered the curb cut non-conforming or a deviation/variance therefrom is duly authorized. Please note that the applicant shall have the burden of proof.
Approved Carport List: To check whether your driveway was inspected and approved by the Division of Zoning, follow the link and search for your address. Please note that the database does not represent a complete list of legal, pre-existing carports, curb cuts, or parking conditions. For additional inquiries, contact the Division of Zoning.
Driveway Markings: The Parking Enforcement Division paints all driveways. However, at the Division of Zoning we inspect driveways and curb cuts to ensure that they are legal and in conformance. In most Zoning Districts, a maximum of 10-foot wide curb cut and driveway is permitted. There are, however, instances where due to pre-existing conditions wider markings may be permitted. Please note that the Parking Enforcement Division typically paints driveways between the months of April and October.
Completed Zoning Driveway Markings applications can be e-mailed, mailed, or dropped off at the Division of Zoning.
Residential Driveway Parking Permit: The Municipal Engineer may issue to owners of private driveways and to members of the same household permits authorizing the parking of private passenger vehicles in front of the owner's driveway. At the Division of Zoning we inspect all driveways to ensure that the subject driveway is legal.
BUILDING DEMOLITION APPLICATION
All applications for demolition in the City of Jersey City are reviewed by the Division of Historic Preservation and subsequently by the Division of Zoning. Prior to contacting the Division of Zoning, please visit https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/cityhall/HousingAndDevelopment/cityplanning/historicpreservation
CANNABIS
To learn about cannabis license classifications and how to obtain local approval, please visit the the following link.
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.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT CENTERS
To establish an ATC, an applicant must follow the City of Jersey City Alternative Treatment Center Application Procedures which includes receiving a Zoning Determination Letter. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to establish an Alternative Treatment Center (ATC).
*Important: please see the HEDC new policy regarding zoning review of Medicinal Cannabis Alternative Treatment Centers.