Township of Irvington New Jersey
MUNICIPAL BUILDING 1 CIVIC SQUARE IRVINGTON, NJ 07111
Main Phone: 973-399-8111
Township of Irvington New Jersey
Welcome to the Township of Irvington’s Office of Community Development and Planning, where we are dedicated to shaping a thriving and resilient community. This office serves as the central hub for strategic planning, redevelopment initiatives, and economic empowerment, all aimed at enhancing our residents’ and businesses’ quality of life.
Through our Planning & Zoning Board Office, we ensure responsible growth and land use that preserves our Township’s unique character. Meanwhile, the Department of Economic Development works tirelessly to secure funding, administer programs like CDBG and HOME, and drive initiatives that create opportunities for all.
Whether you’re a resident seeking resources, a business exploring opportunities, or a developer contributing to Irvington’s growth, we are here to support you. Together, we’re building a brighter, more sustainable future for our community.
The Office of Community Development and Planning is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive Irvington. Through strategic planning, responsible redevelopment, and innovative initiatives, we aim to enhance the quality of life for all residents, promote economic growth, and preserve the unique character of our community. Our commitment is to create safe, thriving neighborhoods and opportunities that empower individuals, families, and businesses to succeed. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Township for generations to come.
Redevelopment and Planning
This unit will be the engine for defining and developing the physical, economic and social fabric of Irvington. Supported by staff the Director is the Township Planner and the Township Redevelopment Officer responsible for signing off on required plans and studies and interacting with the land development review boards and private land developers.
In defining Irvington, this unit is the repository of data about all aspects of the community: from the entire Township down to statistical Census areas and neighborhoods. It will collect data from a variety of sources including surveys and using models, maps, charts etc. to analyze it into informative reports. Depictions of the Township across age groups, ethnic groups, wealth groups, gender groups, and market segments to name a few groupings will be published to provide decision-support to the Mayor, Municipal Council and the Township Land Development Review Boards and other consumers of information.
Redevelopment is not just the construction of residential and commercial buildings; it ensures that residents of a community are empowered to improve their quality of life and environment because of sound planning practices. That being said, the Planning & Zoning Board Office oversees the Township’s zoning regulations and long-term planning, and our mission is to create a framework that fosters orderly development, protecting the rights of property owners, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents of the Township.
Zoning also involves the rules regulating land use. Zoning governs all improvements on property lots and the relationship between the structural improvements on those lots and the size and configuration of the land. Zoning rules also govern the kinds of uses – residential, commercial, industrial – permitted in certain areas.
Simply put, the primary responsibility of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment is to hear and vote on requests for variances or exceptions to our Zoning Ordinance. For some applications, the Boards will review and approve or deny a site plan. Other powers of the Boards include hearing and deciding appeals of decisions made by an administrative officer such as the Zoning Official or Township Planner. The Boards also interpret the zoning map and zoning ordinance.
The Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), 40:55D, sets forth statutory law guiding the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
– Guiding development projects in compliance with Township regulations.
– Supporting the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
– Advising on land-use policies and community growth initiatives.
The Township’s Zoning Officer is responsible for administering and enforcing Zoning Ordinances under the Township Code, Chapter 650– Zoning and Land Use Regulations. The Zoning Officer has overall responsibility for the administrative oversight of all applications for land development and zoning permits, including:
Zoning Fees and Escrow Deposits
How can I find the zoning information for my property?
To find out your property’s zoning information you must email the Zoning Official aali@irvingtonnj.gov. You must provide the street address and Block and Lot number to determine the zoning of a particular property.
Do I need a permit for a sign?
Yes. A permit is needed for all signs including temporary and permanent signs.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Yes.
How long does it take to obtain a zoning permit?
The Zoning Official has ten (10) working days for her/his approval or referral to the board. Upon review and completion of his decision you will be notified via the communication in which your request was received.
Do I have to create an account to obtain a zoning permit?
Yes. You would go to https://planningandzoning.us/, scroll down to ‘Get an application packet’ and select the ‘Get Started’ tab. If you already have an existing account, please log in. If you do not have an account, select ‘Don’t have an account? Register ‘ and enter your information to Create your account to move forward.
Who is responsible for obtaining a permit?
The owner or his/her agent, a licensed engineer, architect, or plumbing, electrical or other contractor employed in connection with the proposed work can apply for a permit. If the application is by a person other than the owner in fee, it shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the owner or the authorized person making the application, that the proposed work is authorized by the owner in fee, and that the applicant is authorized to make such application. All issued permits shall remain the property of the owner even if the application was made by a contractor or authorized agent
The Department of Economic Development administers federal and state grants and initiatives to stimulate community and housing development, improve safety, and provide critical resources to residents. Key programs include:
CDBG (Community Development Block Grant)
The CDBG funds support the following services and programs: Neighborhood Revitalization through rehabilitation of housing, community facilities, sidewalks and curb appeal; funding to several Township Departments and to local non-profits to provide various social services, including counseling services and programs for youth, adults and seniors.
The application for 501c3 tax exempt nonprofits to apply to obtain grant funds under the CDBG program is usually available during the month of January. Please check our website and the local newspaper for the exact dates of availability.
HOME Investment Partnership Program
This federal block grant program provides formula grants to create affordable housing for low-income households. States and localities can use HOME funds for a variety of activities, including building, buying, or rehabilitating affordable housing.
HOME Owner Rehabilitation Program
HOME grant funds are awarded to income eligible Irvington homeowners to make much needed repairs to their property. The current grant award is up to $50,000.00.
HOME Buyer Program
HOME grant funds are awarded to income eligible applicants looking to purchase a home in the Township of Irvington. Grant funds can be used to assist with down payment or closing costs. The current grant award is up to $25,000.00.
HOME Funds Redevelopment Program
HOME and CDBG Grant Funds are awarded to qualified developers who are seeking grant funds to complete their redevelopment project and to provide affordable housing. The grant award is determined on a project-by-project basis and can only be used as gap funding.
LEAD Hazard Reduction Grant Program
The purpose of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction (LHR) grant program is to maximize the number of children under the age of six protected from lead poisoning by assisting local government in undertaking comprehensive programs to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned rental or owner-occupied housing populations.
Households under this grant must be income eligible to receive a grant of up to $12,000.00 for lead based paint remediation.
ARP Grant (American Rescue Plan)
“Home Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan” is a federal program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides funding to assist individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness by providing housing, rental assistance, and supportive services.
In Addition, The Township’s Business, Economic and Workforce Development Services seeks to attract, grow, and retain our businesses and expand economic and employment opportunities for Irvington Residents. This division of the department undertakes the following activities:
Annual Action Plan and Associated Documents
5 Year Consolidated Plan
– Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
