The Planning Board consists of volunteer residents appointed by the Mayor & Council who are responsible for preparing the Borough Master Plan in compliance with provisions of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and who are responsible for reviewing zoning ordinances referred to them by the Mayor & Council.
For a quick jump to the section containing all of the pertinent Planning Board documents, including the Master Plan, Zoning Maps, Minutes of meetings, etc.,Click Here
The Planning Board consists of nine (9) members and two (2) alternate members. The Board is assisted by a professional staff consisting of:
The Planning Board meets for Public Hearing once each month on the fourth (4th) Thursday at 7:30 PM at the municipal building, 91 Newark-Pompton Turnpike, Riverdale, NJ 07457. A Work Session is held at 7:30 PM on the first (1st) Thursday of each month at the same location.
The Riverdale Planning is a joint board in that it fulfills the responsibilites of both a planning board and a zoning board of adjustment. In such cases the mayor and council representative step down and do not participate in or vote on such applications. The Zoning Board reviews applications that propose to utilize property in a manner not consistent with municipal zoning laws. They preview applications for variances that are basically non-permitted uses, and the Zoning Board is empowered to grant exceptions to the zoning ordinances in cases where the literal and rigid interpretation and enforcement of the zoning laws would cause hardship or injustice. These “non-permitted” uses are based upon the zoning ordinances established by the Borough.
Because zoning variances may infringe on the rights of neighbors, an applicant is not automatically entitled to a variance. An applicant must meet specific criteria contained in the Municipal Land Use Laws by satisfying specific legal standards of proof. This burden of proof is placed upon the applicant to demonstrate that the requested relief is justified without impinging upon the rights of others. Some items to consider when requesting a variance are special reason, benefits, negative criteria, and hardship.
Zoning laws require that notice be served on all property owners within 200 feet of the applicant’s property and must be either hand delivered or sent by Certified Mail. The law also requires this notice be published in a local newspaper. Both must be done at least ten days prior to the hearing date. These forms of notification alert neighbors that a variance is being requested so all interested citizens will be assured an opportunity to attend and be heard at the public meeting.