GUIDE TO DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATIONS
PLANNING & ZONING BOARDS
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I
need to submit a development application?
- What is the
application filing procedure?
- Planning or Zoning Board?
- What is a Bulk
("C") Variance?
- What is a Use
("D") Variance?
- Who
should I contact about Development Applications?
Any persons, firm and/or corporation desiring to develop, build, and/or
renovate properties within the City of Passaic must obtain Board approval only
if one or more of the following conditions apply:
- New development or construction that is on an undersized lot, exceed
maximum lot coverage and/or density.
- Change in the number of dwelling units.
- Change of use (example: using residential unit for commercial purposes).
- Use of attic or cellar for human habitation (Although strictly prohibited
Ord. 317-125)
These activities require a Bulk ("C") or Use ("D")
Variance; therefore, you will need to submit a development application!
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- Obtain
application. Applications can be obtained from the Community
Development Department Office upon request.
- To file an application you need to submit four (4) copies of the completed
Development Application and four (4) sets of plans containing the
information on the list entitled "Contents of Proposed Site
Plans", which should be attached to your application.
- Fill out the Applicant's
Right to Fair Representation Information Waiver Form if you
decide you do not want to be represented by an attorney.
- Once the application is deemed complete, you will be informed of the
required fees and hearing date.
- The applicant will be required to notify property owners within 200 feet
of their site and send copies of the plans and application to each
applicable Board member and board attorney.
- NOTE: Incomplete applications will be returned!
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In order to determine which Board you need to appear before, you need to know
what type of variance is needed.
- The Planning Board hears applicants applying for Bulk ("C")
Variances in connection with a subdivision, site plan, or conditional
use. In this case, applicants must go before the Planning Board for
both subdivision and variance approval.
- The Zoning Board of Adjustment hears applicants applying for Use
("D") Variances and/or Bulk ("C") Variances not
connected to subdivision applications.
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Bulk ("C") Variances are filed for the following reasons:
- Exceptional narrowness, shallowness, or shape of a specific piece of
property.
- Exceptional topographic condition shape of a specific piece of property.
- Exceptional topographic condition.
- Physical features which prohibit the construction of a dwelling unit if
strict ordinance is applied.
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Use ("D") Variances are filed for the following reasons:
- To construct or create a use or principal structure in a zoning district
that has restrictions against such use or principal structure.
- To expand a non-conforming use.
- To deviate from a conditional use requirement.
- To increase the permitted floor area ration in a specific Zoning district.
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If you need further information, you should contact:
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