Planning Board

Overview

The North Brunswick Planning Board is a nine member board created by ordinance. The Planning Board is charged with the responsibilities of preparing a Master Plan, reviewing for approval all applications for development of used permitted by the Zoning Ordinance, and providing recommendations to the Township Council on all development regulations.

The North Brunswick Master Plan is a comprehensive, long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of the Township into the future. The Master Plan is reexamined and amended as appropriate at least every ten years. It includes analysis and recommendations relative to the types of land uses to be permitted in various areas, future development of market-priced and affordable housing, future economic development, community facilities, recreation and open space needs.

The Municipal Land Use Law (Chapter 291, Laws of New Jersey 1975) specifies the legal requirements for a master plan. State law also requires that the Township’s Zoning Ordinance be consistent with the Master Plan.

Any property owner or developer seeking to build a use permitted by zoning must submit development plans for subdivision or site plan approval before the Planning Board. Development plans for use which is not permitted by zoning are considered a ‘use variance’, and as such are reviewed by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. During the process of subdivision or site plan review, the Planning Board hears testimony and makes recommendations designed to ensure the layout of the site functions properly.

In addition to the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee, the Planning Board is comprised of one member of the Council, one municipal employee, and six citizens of the Township appointed by the Mayor.

The Planning Board conducts its workshop meetings generally on the first Wednesday of each month, with the public meeting scheduled for the following Tuesday. No public comment is permitted on applications at the workshop meeting. The public meetings include public hearings on all applications for development where questions and comments from the public are permitted. Planning Board meetings are currently held virtually via Go To Meeting on the second Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m.