TOWNSHIP OF SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY
PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING A VARIANCE BY
INDIVIDUAL OWNERS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Please read the directions below very carefully! The only way to correctly process your application is to follow the steps as described below.
First apply to the Construction Bureau for a Building Permit. If a Variance is required, the Zoning Officer will make the determination and provide the applicant with a Letter of Denial and the forms needed to apply for the Variance.
THE COMPLETED APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD SECRETARY AT LEAST 21 WORKING DAYS BEFORE THE BOARD MEETING.
Proof of taxes being paid to date must be submitted with the application. This can be obtained from the Tax Collector's office in Town Hall.
The Applicant must fill out an application for a list of property owners within 200' of the site. There is a $10.00 charge for this list. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to notify each property owner on the list of the proposed variance either by Certified Mail or hand delivered to each property owner at least 10 days prior to the Board meeting. If the Applicant chooses to hand deliver the notice of proposed variance, it must be given to the owner of the property, not a tenant, maid, gardener, etc. The property owner must sign and date the original list. If the owner cannot be reached personally, then they must be served by Certified Mail. All this must be performed so that the completed signed list and post office receipts are returned to the Board of Adjustment Secretary at least 10 working days before the Board of Adjustment meeting.
Note: The 200' list is only valid for 30 days. If, for any reason, your request for variance is found to be deficient and you have to renotice, the Applicant would have to receive certification that the list has not changed. If the list has changed, the Applicant has to apply for a current list.
The form used to notify property owners and the proof of service form must be submitted with the Application and it must be notarized.
The Applicant is responsible for placing an ad in either the Springfield Leader or the Star Ledger so that it will appear at least 10 days before the date of the hearing. Also request the paper to send you proof of publication. This is to be submitted to the Board Secretary. Please note that when the ad appears in the paper, the complete application with plans must be in the Board's office so that any interested party may review them. This affidavit of notice must be returned to the Board Secretary no less than 2 business days before the meeting.
If the applicant does not follow the procedures as outlined above, it may result in the Applicant having to start the process all over again.
A SUMMARY OF WHAT THE APPLICANT IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE IS AS FOLLOWS:
A. 15 copies of the application (the original must be notarized)
B. 15 copies of the letter of denial attached to the application
C. 15 copies of the variance request letter
D. 15 copies of the survey
E. 15 copies of the plans
F. The original 200' list and certifications
G. Original proof of taxes paid to date
H. 15 copies of owners consent form if applicable. This form is for an applicant that is renting and must have the owners' consent.
I strongly request that if you have any questions or you may not be clear on certain aspect of the above procedures that you call me (between 9 am and 1pm) at 912-2221 or come into the office so I may assist you.
Lynda Gagliano
Board Secretary
Reference: Land Use Ordinance Section 803.5 Public Notice
TWP12 12/3/1997