Permits
Sidewalk Permit (Ordinance Number 16-2013)
Any property owner seeking to repair or replace more than eight linear feet of sidewalk must apply for a sidewalk permit. A copy of the application form can be picked up from the Engineering Office in Town Hall or downloaded (PDF). All permit applications must be accompanied by a scaled plot plan indicating the limits of sidewalk repair or replacement and a $40 permit fee. Please note that residents participating in the Township’s Cost-Share Sidewalk Repair Program do not need to apply for a Sidewalk Permit.
Lot Surface Drainage Permit (Ordinance Number 35-2008)
All Applicants for construction permits must apply for a Lot Surface Drainage Permit. Permits are required for the following:
- Construction of new impervious area greater than 300 square feet
- Land disturbance or grading greater than 1,000 square feet
- Placement of 20 CY or more of fill
- Disturbance or grading within 5-feet of a property line
Construction of dry wells, open-space decks, repaving of existing driveways, fences and modifications to existing sump pump or roof drains are exempt from requiring a Lot Surface Drainage Permit. All Applicants are required to submit a $500 escrow fee (per Ordinance 9-2010). A copy of the application form can be picked up from the Engineering Office in Town Hall or downloaded (PDF).
All permit applications should be accompanied by a scaled plot plan (survey) indicating all structures and impervious surfaces that are existing and proposed. Following submission, your application will be reviewed to determine your eligibility for a minor or major permit and you will be contacted with any requests for further information.
Road Opening Permit (Ordinance Number 7-1991)
Any work within the Township right-of-way, including, but not limited to curb changes, water, sewer and gas connections, and connections to sewer catch basins and manholes will require a Road Opening Permit. A copy of the application form can be picked up from the Engineering Office in Town Hall or downloaded (PDF). Prior to a permit being issued, the Applicant will need to pay all permit and application fees, post a surety bond, and provide evidence of insurance and his New Jersey Once Call Confirmation Number to the Township.
All applications must be accompanied by a scaled-sketch depicting the proposed work.Please note that all new roadways and sidewalk areas are under a one-year moratorium, during which no Road Opening Permits will be issued. County and State Road Opening Permits are required for work within the right-of-way on any County or State Roadways. Please contact the respective entity for application forms and fees.
Any moving, removal or excavation of soil or topsoil from, in or upon any property in excess of one acre in area will require a Soil Removal Permit. A copy of the application form can be picked up from the Engineering Office in Town Hall or downloaded (PDF). Prior to a permit being issued, the Applicant will need to pay an application fee of $500.00 and post a performance bond calculated by the Engineering Staff. Application review will be guided by consideration of soil erosion, drainage, grading, health and safety, tree and shrubbery preservation, and other related factors.
- Flood Hazard Areas
- Steep Slope Ordinance
- Riparian Zone Ordinance
- Property EasEment / Sump Pump Ordinance
Flood Hazard Areas (Ordinance Number 9-2007)
Should your property fall within a Flood Hazard Area of the Township of Livingston, you will need to obtain construction approval from the Engineering Department. Flood Hazard Areas are determined by Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA); Flood Maps can be linked to from the FEMA website. Should either of the following situations apply, you will need to provide a flood elevation survey prepared by a New Jersey licensed land surveyor for review and approval:
- The property is either partially or fully located within a designated 100-year flood hazard zone of “AE” or 100 year approximate flood hazard zone “A” and the cost of the proposed construction exceeds 50 percent of the value of the existing structure.
- The property is located within 100 feet of the top of bank of a water course.
Steep Slope Ordinance (Ordinance Number 24-2009)
Should your property contain steep slopes (slopes in excess of 15-percent), you will need to obtain a permit from the Township of Livingston Engineering Department for the disturbance of these regulated areas.
Should it be determined that you will be disturbing over 300-square feet of precautionary slopes or any prohibitive slopes, you will be required to submit a topographic map prepared by a New Jersey licensed land surveyor showing topographic contours at two foot intervals, identifying areas of non-regulated, precautionary, and prohibitive slopes and submit a written report prepared by a New Jersey licensed engineer addressing the requirements of Ordinance Number 24-2009. Following review, you will be contacted with any requests for further information.
Riparian Zone Ordinance (Ordinance Number 8-2011)
Under no circumstances will work be permitted within a Riparian Zone of the Township of Livingston without prior approval from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Throughout Livingston, a minimum riparian zone of 50-feet wide will be maintained along both sides of all surface water bodies.
However, larger buffer areas are required for Category One waters, trout production and maintenance waters, waters flowing through endangered plant or animal habitats and waters flowing through areas containing acid producing soils and all associated upstream areas and tributaries.
Property Easement/Sump Pump Ordinance
Under no circumstances will encroachment upon Township easements be permitted. This will include all of the following:
- Decks
- Driveways
- Footings
- Foundations
- Miscellaneous structures
- Patios
- Pools
- Retaining walls
- Sheds
- Sport courts
Additionally, as per the Township’s Sump Pump and Pipe Drain Discharge Control Ordinance, no new pipe discharges are permitted to drain directly to the sanitary sewer system or to the Township right-of-way or adjacent properties. Pipe discharge locations must be such that no public nuisance, icing, standing water or algae growth is caused.