Application Process and Forms

LAND USE MANAGEMENT DIVISION

NJSEA APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS*

The NJSEA is accepting all applications by electronic submission only, via email to plans@njsea.com, in order to expedite the placement of applications into the queue for review.

All NJSEA Application Forms, available below, shall be fully completed, appropriately signed by all parties, and submitted electronically. If an applicant’s submission is very large (many plan sheets or lengthy reports), we suggest that they set up a Dropbox or other file sharing method and provide a link to the plans and documents. Plan sheets and reports shall include the licensed professional’s signature – electronic signatures are accepted.

When application submissions are received, the applicant will be notified via email of their file number, fees due, and how to pay same.  Applicants may need to follow up the electronic submissions with the submission of hard copies of original signed and sealed plans and reports for review and/or approval. Hard copies shall not be mailed or delivered to the NJSEA Office until requested by NJSEA staff.

TO DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORMS FOR SUBMISSION, CLICK ON THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENT(S) BELOW

• Zoning Certificate/Certificate of Occupancy
• Construction Code Plan Review
• Sign Permit
• Variance from Zoning Regulations
• Special Exception
• Subdivision Approval
• Subdivision Regulations Waiver
• Fill/Stockpile Operation
• Warehouse Sale
• Outdoor Event
• Rezoning Request
• Site Suitability (for residential development only)

GUIDELINES, REFERENCES AND CHECKLISTS:

• Construction Code Project Review Checklist
• Plan Review Requirements for Storage Rack Systems
• Landscape & Open Space Design Guidelines
• Open Space Requirements
• Recommended Plant List (including Native Plants)
• Guideline on Invasive Plants
• Tank Checklist

*  SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATIONS CONCERNING PROPERTIES IN SECAUCUS, KEARNY AND CARLSTADT

Please note, all applications for properties within the Hackensack Meadowlands District located in the opt-out municipalities of Secaucus, Kearny and Carlstadt, shall first be submitted electronically to the NJSEA as noted above.  Applications SHALL NOT be submitted directly to the Town of Secaucus, the Town of Kearny or the Borough of Carlstadt.

The full review of such applications will be conducted by Secaucus, Kearny or Carlstadt, as appropriate. The NJSEA will forward the electronic application package, via email, directly to the appropriate municipality for review, at which time the designated contact person on the application will also be notified. The appropriate municipal representative will then commence the zoning review and reach out to the designated contact person with comments, zoning or plan review fees, etc.

MEADOWLANDS DISTRICT REGULATIONS & ZONING MAP

Click here for the Unofficial Courtesy Copy of the Meadowlands District Regulations
(with the exclusion of Foundation Code at N.J.A.C. 19:6-2.1 et seq.)
NOTE: This is an unofficial courtesy copy of the Regulations, amended through August 19, 2019. The official version is published in the current New Jersey Administrative Code. Should there be any discrepancies between this text and the official version, the official version will govern.
Click here for a copy of the Hackensack Meadowlands District Zoning Map

NJSEA LAND USE STAFF

SITE PLAN REVIEW GROUP

The Site Plan Review group is responsible for establishing and enforcing the zoning and subdivision regulations of the Meadowlands District. All plans and property improvements, including redevelopment projects, are reviewed in accordance with Regulations, which effectuate the Hackensack Meadowlands District Master Plan to ensure orderly development.

To ensure that questions from property owners and businesses are answered in a timely and efficient manner, the assigned Zoning Officer of the Day responds to emails, phone calls and walk-in inquiries related to zoning/permitted land uses, planning, redevelopment, and application procedures in the Meadowlands District. To contact the Zoning Officer of the Day, please email zod@njsea.com  or call 201.460.1700.

PLAN REVIEW GROUP

The Plan Review group is responsible for reviewing all proposed development in accordance with New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code.

SITE PLAN REVIEW AND ZONING CERTIFICATES

The NJSEA’s Site Plan Review group acts in a similar capacity to traditional municipal planning and zoning boards. Site plans for new development are reviewed to ensure compliance with the zoning and subdivision regulations.

Public hearings are held only for applications involving variances or special exception requests and are not required for applications that conform to NJSEA regulations. The Site Plan Review group reviews land use applications and forwards conforming applications to the Chief Engineer for approval.

Site plan reviews are conducted in connection with the submission of applications for a Zoning Certificate and/or a Certificate of Continued Occupancy. Zoning Certificate approval is required for all new buildings, additions, site improvements (including the placement of fill) and changes in use of existing buildings. A Continued Occupancy Certificate or Certificate of Completion and/or Occupancy Approval is required upon each change of tenant or at the completion of a construction project.

The review conducted by the Site Plan Review group includes site plan, grading and drainage, lighting, open space, landscaping and utilities. In addition to reviewing applications for new development, the Site Plan Review staff also reviews sign permit applications and occupancy certification applications, which are required before any tenant can occupy new or additional space within any building in the District. Applications are reviewed by LUM staff for completeness upon receipt of the file. Upon issuance of a Zoning Certificate, the file is referred to the Plan Review group to evaluate the plan’s consistency with applicable building code requirements.

CONTINUED OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE REVIEW

Once an application for occupancy certification, accompanied by the required plans and fees, is digitally submitted, and fees paid, the application is reviewed by LUM staff for completeness upon receipt of the file, and an inspection of the premises will be conducted. The applicant will either receive a letter of findings detailing items to be addressed prior to receiving a Continued Occupancy Certification, or a Continued Occupancy Certification if there are no items to be addressed.

ZONING INSPECTIONS

NJSEA staff conducts routine inspections of properties within the Meadowlands District to ensure compliance with land use regulations pertaining to fill operations, site work and construction, dumping, signage, property maintenance, debris and vegetation, occupancy, and tenants.

CONSTRUCTION CODE PLAN REVIEW

The NJSEA has the responsibility for reviewing construction plans, specifications and details for new construction, alterations and renovations to buildings within the Meadowlands District for conformance with the NJ Uniform Construction Code (NJUCC). Inspections are also performed as deemed necessary, or as requested by the local Code Enforcement Official.

To obtain a construction/building permit, an applicant must digitally submit the applicable NJUCC Sub-Code forms along with construction plans to the NJSEA. A fee for plan review must be paid to the NJSEA.

If the plans comply with applicable codes, the NJSEA will request hard copies of the construction plans, specifications and details and will issue a Certificate of Plan Release. Upon issuance of the release, two sets of plans will be returned to the Municipal Construction Official, who will issue a construction/building permit. The applicant will receive a copy, which is to be displayed at the job site at all times during construction.

The applicant is required to notify the Municipal Construction Official for inspections as required by law.

In addition, upon completion of the work in accordance with the approved plans, the applicant shall notify the NJSEA to schedule a final inspection. The NJSEA will then issue a Certificate of Completion and/or Occupancy Approval, which will be forwarded to the Municipal Construction Official. The Municipal Construction Official is responsible for ensuring that the applicant has complied with all sub-code regulations and issuing a Certificate of Occupancy when applicable.

PROVISIONS FOR WAIVERS AND OTHER RELIEF

On February 24, 2010, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, predecessor to the NJSEA, adopted Resolution No. 10-08 in response to Executive Order No. 2 (2010), which directs certain State agencies to facilitate intermediate relief from regulatory burdens by identifying any regulations and processes that impede economic development.

Pursuant to this regulatory review, the staff has identified a number of existing provisions for waivers and other relief included within the District Zoning Regulations at N.J.A.C. 19:4 and the District Subdivision Regulations at N.J.A.C. 19:5 that are consistent with the intent of Executive Order No. 2 to provide flexibility in the regulatory review process.  Please see the Hackensack Meadowlands District Regulations for specific waiver requirements.

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE NJSEA BY YEAR:

• 2025 Applications
• 2024 Applications
• 2023 Applications
• 2022 Applications
• 2021 Applications
• 2020 Applications
• 2019 Applications
• 2018 Applications
• 2017 Applications
• 2016 Applications
• 2015 Applications
• 2014 Applications
• 2013 Applications
• 2012 Applications
• 2011 Applications