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Permits For a shed or detached garage project of any size, you need a zoning permit. You need a construction permit if: Area of the structure exceeds 200 square feet Structure is greater than 10 feet in height Structure has any utilities A fine (up to $2,000) may be issued to any person performing work...

Permits A permit is not required for the construction of any fence that is 4 feet or less in height. For a fence taller than 4 feet, you will need a Zoning permit A fine (up to $2,000) may be issued to any person performing work without the necessary permits. Rules and requirements Height is the...

Permits For a deck project of any size, you need: Zoning permit Construction permit A fine (up to $2,000) may be issued to any person performing work without the necessary permits. Rules and requirements Decks are not permitted in the front yard The area of the deck, when added to the existing improvement coverage on...

About the Mayor and Council The Council consists of 6 members. The Mayor serves as the chair of the Council meeting and is the 7th member of the Governing Body. The Mayor’s roles and responsibilities are defined by Borough Ordinance. The Borough has ordinances that also define the role of the Borough Council. Meeting schedule...

The Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment have requirements identified in the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), N.J.S.A. 40:55D et. seq. This law provides the procedures in which New Jersey land use proceedings shall take place. All approvals and denials are subject to challenge, therefore following the procedure is vital to the...

Purpose The Zoning Board of Adjustment follows the provisions of the Municipal Land Use Law. We have authority to: Hear and decide appeals where it is alleged by the appellant that there is error in any order, requirement, decision or refusal made by the Zoning Officer based on or made in the enforcement of the...

Purpose Somerville Recreation has at its heart the development of the total person, which includes the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of each individual. Objectives To develop a sensitive understanding of the needs of all people and a concern for their adjustment, happiness and fulfillment through leisure activities. To develop an appreciation for: the...

Purpose The Planning Board follows the provisions of the Municipal Land Use Law. We have authority to: Prepare, adopt, and amend a master plan or component. Exercise control over, and review of, subdivisions, site plans and conditional uses, including certain variances and building permits. (The planning board shall not have the power to review and...

Purpose The Municipal Alliance & Youth Services Commission is comprised of local representatives committed to serving the best interests of the young citizens of Somerville. The commission helps to combat alcoholism and drug abuse by: Empowering residents concerned about substance abuse to provide prevention programs in their community Conducting an assessment of the community's alcoholism...

Purpose The Library Advisory Board of Trustees acts as liaison between the Borough of Somerville and the Somerset County Library Commission. We perform other functions as appropriate for the continuation of a public library within the Borough of Somerville. We adopt bylaws governing the conduct of our business and hold an organizational meeting annually each...

If you enjoy researching the history and architecture of their Somerville home, you can help us develop a database of Somerville’s rich and varied architectural history. We are looking for members to serve on the committee or who are interested in volunteering from time to time when we hold special events. Contact us if you...

About the museum The Somerville Exempt Firemen’s Museum features a visual and interactive walk through 160 years of Somerville firefighting history. Operate a restored fire alarm box system that once summoned volunteers to their stations View a pre-Civil War hand pumper and an 1873 horse-pulled steam engine Learn about advances in fire safety and prevention...

Mission The Environmental Commission's mission is to educate, advocate, and promote best policies and practices for the Borough's environment and the health and safety of its residents. Quick links Join our mailing list! Stay up to date by signing up for our quarterly newsletter and volunteer alerts here! Connect with us: Instagram, Facebook, or email...

Purpose This committee is responsible for for coordinating the activities of the Borough during major disasters, in collaboration with the Office of Emergency Management. Members Members serve a 1 year term, expiring December 31, 2025. The Emergency Management Coordinator serves a 3 year term, expiring December 31, 2027. Emergency Management Committee Jason Kraska, OEM Coordinator...

Purpose Downtown Somerville welcomes, supports, and celebrates people and businesses of every race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and age. It is a hopeful - even magical place -a thriving, warm, beautiful, interesting, convenient, enjoyable, and safe community to visit, live, work, and play. Mission The Downtown Somerville Alliance’s (DSA) mission is...

Residents, elected officials and borough staff were appointed by the mayor and council to represent Somerville on these committees: Raritan River Greenway Advisory Committee The Committee implements programs to improve the greenway and encourage its use. Municipal Representatives Representatives are serving 1-yr terms, which expire on 12/31/25. Kathy Gerndt Rodney Hadley Kevin Sluka Glen Denys,...

Purpose This Committee is responsible for reviewing applications that are filed to operate a Class 5 retail operation within the Borough. In addition, the Committee makes recommendations for the Governing Body with matters related to cannabis retail. Members Members serve a 1 year term, expiring on December 31, 2025. Brian Gallagher, Mayor RanD Pitts, Council...

Purpose The vision on the Somerville Board of Health is to serve, protect, and improve the public health of the community. Mission The primary mission of the Somerville Board of Health is to accomplish our vision through: Regulation of enforcement of public health laws and policies Appointment of a registrar of vital statistics Education Communication...