Exisiting
Block
If Non-Residential, Explain.
Borough of Leonia
312 Broad Avenue
Leonia, NJ 07605
Building Department
(201) 592-5780
Other Impervious Surface
Variance
Required
Lot
Zoning Application
Survey
Application Types
Proposed
Coverage sq. ft.
Address *
Property Identifier
Property Details
With this application you are·required to submit one (1) copy of a current survey/plot plan/site plan and one (1) set of architectural plans. Surveys must show the existing conditions and exact location of physical features including metes and bounds, drainage, waterways, specific utility locations and easements, all drawn to scale. All surveys must be prepared by a land surveyor (signed/sealed). Architectural plans must show Zoning data existing and proposed setbacks
Has this property ever been the subject of any prior application before the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the Planning Board?
(If Yes, attach information on the date, nature and disposition of such applications)
Please refer to the Borough of Leonia's ecodes here: Zoning Codes
Existing Use or Last use of property
Zoning District
Please search by address
Proposed Use, Construction Work or Installation - Fully Explain the Project *
Proposed
Required
*Fee will be the highest costing application type
Total Impervious Coverage
Exisiting
Coverage sq. ft.
  • Important
  • Applicant
  • Premise Details
  • Contractor + Architect + Engineer
  • Zoning Worksheet
  • Survey
  • Walls/Decks
  • Submit

OFFICE PROCEDURES FOR PERMIT PROCESSING

Zoning approval is the initial requirement for establishing a new business, constructing a building, or making changes to a property's physical nature, such as adding sheds, driveways, or fences. Most activities involving property use or alterations require zoning approval. Contact the Building Department before starting a project to determine if zoning approval is necessary. The Building Department is responsible for enforcing municipal development regulations, which are designed to guide land use appropriately and ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the people in the Borough of Leonia.

To start the process, obtain an application for Zoning Permit from the Building Department office or online at the borough website, www.leonianj.gov . Complete the application, attach all required documents, and pay the application fee during normal business hours. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. The Zoning Officer can provide information on the Borough's development regulations.

The Property Survey submitted with the application must accurately show the property's existing conditions. The survey must be completed by a licensed surveyor in New Jersey, drawn to scale, and not distorted by copy or fax. It should display all physical improvements on the property, such as buildings, driveways, walkways, pools, decks, fences, patios, and sheds. An inaccurate survey will deem the application incomplete, and zoning review will not proceed until an accurate survey is submitted.

A Site Plan is required for any proposed changes to the property's physical improvements. This plan should include all aspects of the project, like new buildings, driveways, walkways, pools, decks, fences, patios, and sheds, drawn to scale with setback dimensions from buildings to property lines.

For projects involving construction beyond an existing structure's footprint or for establishing/modifying non-residential use, submit proposed floor plans and building elevations. Additionally, provide a narrative describing the business activity, manufacturer's product literature for items to be installed or built, or photos of existing site conditions if necessary to understand the proposal.

A foundation location survey and final as-built survey may be required to verify site conditions and to issue final approvals.

All information requested on the Zoning Worksheet must be submitted in order for the Zoning Permit Application to be deemed complete. lf an Applicant is unable to perform these calculations, the Applicant may need to obtain the assistance of an architect, engineer or surveyor.

The Maximum Building Coverage and Maximum Lot Coverage for each Zone District can be obtained from the Zoning Staff at the Building Department offices or in the Development Regulations section of the Town Code available on the Borough's website at www.leonianj.gov. Multiply these percentages times time lot area to determine the maximum coverage in square feet. The definitions of both Building Coverage and Lot Coverage are contained in the Leonia Borough Code.

Maximum permissible building coverage is 25%
Maximum permissible lot coverage is 25%
Maximum permissible totol combined coverage is 50%

Ordinance # 2020-6 Lot Coverage Exception

Lots 6000 square feet in area or less and have a detached garoge in the rear yard,
only 50% of the driveway located behind the front building facade of the dwelling
shall be counted as lot coverage.

Instructions for Completing the Zoning Worksheet
Emergency Contact Person
Number of Employees
City, State, ZIP *
Phone Number *
Phone Number
Address
Last Name
Phone Number
Are applicant details different from the owner's details? If 'yes' you must fill out the applicant details below *
Name of Principal Officer
Areas of All Other Uses (ft)
Email *
Legal Name of Business
Business Details
Property and Owner Details
Area of Use (ft)
Applicant Details
(if applicant is not owner)
Total # of Parking Spaces on Site
Complete Name *
State
City
Email
Mailing Address *
ZIP
Name Business Trading As
First Name
Proposed
Bldg. Height
Side Setback ( L )
Permitted Sq. Ft.
Width
Stories
Proposed Sq. Ft.
Bldg. Cov. %
Existing Sq. Ft.
Coverage sq. ft.
Variance
Combined Side Setback
Bldg. Height
Required
Variance Sq. Ft.
Side Setback ( L )
Building Requirements - Principal Building (Commercial)
Coverage sq. ft.
Variance
Proposed Sq. Ft.
(if Corner Property)
Area
Bldg. Height
Frontage
(if Corner Property)
Existing Sq. Ft.
Stories
Rear Setback
Required
Exisiting
Side Setback ( R )
Lot Cov. %
Proposed Sq. Ft.
Proposed
Side Setback ( R )
Building Requirements - Accessory Building #1
Proposed
Variance
Front Setback
Rear Setback
Permitted Sq. Ft.
Front Setback
Building Requirements - Principal Building (Residential)
Variance
Required
Variance Sq. Ft.
Existing
Lot Size Requirements
Applicant ID
Front Setback
Combined Side Setback
Existing
Side Setback ( R )
Existing Sq. Ft.
Proposed Sq. Ft.
(if Corner Property)
Side Setback ( L )
Lot Cov. %
Stories
If Other
Proposed
Required
Existing
(if Corner Property)
Variance Sq. Ft.
Front Setback
Variance Sq. Ft.
Rear Setback
Who is completing this worksheet? *
Permitted Sq. Ft.
Front Setback
Bldg. Cov. %
Existing Sq. Ft.
Depth
Permitted Sq. Ft.
Are these owner-prepared plans?
Address
Email
City
Is the contractor the same as owner?
Contact Phone Number
Engineer Details
Email
Contractor Contact Name
City
ZIP
Address
Name
State
City
State
Email
State
Name
Address
Phone Number
ZIP
Contact Phone Number
Architect Details
ZIP
Contractor Details
Proposed Area (Sqft)
Building Coverage (Items 1 through 5)
1. Building Footprint
2. Detached Garage
10. Swimming Pools
(Divide the total square foot area by the lot area to determine the % of coverage)
Lot Coverage (Items 1 through 12)
5. Other Accessory Buildings
Existing Area (Sqft)
(Divide the total square foot area by the lot area to determine the % of coverage)
4. Storage sheds
Remarks
Building % Coverage
6. Driveways and parking areas
Lot % Coverage
12. Other
3. Roofed porches, patios, decks and breezeways
8. Open patios, terraces, and decks
Zoning Worksheet
9. Walkways
11. Other
7. Open entries and steps
Survey Sample
Yard Requirements
Zoning approval must be obtained before applying for a building permit. This requires a copy of your current survey. The survey shall show the location, size and square footage of all structures on the property and distance from property lines. Plans must be to scale; not reduced or enlarged.

3 copies of complete building plans shall accompany the building permit.

INFORMATION REQUIRED ON PLANS

Floor plan showing location, size and square footage of deck.

Front elevation with guardrail shown, label height of baluster spacing (4" max). Include height off grade.

Side elevation with raitings (guardrail & handrail), include stair location if applicable.

Footings - Label location of each footing, size of footings (width & depth - 3' minimum). Label spacing between footings and distance off house/label any existing house overhangs and deck overhangs.

Label attachment to house - size of ledger board, bolt size and pattern (most common is 1/2x5 galvanized bolts 2 at each board end staggered up and down 16" centers), hangers, flashing between ledger board and existing box beam. Ledger must be bolted directly to box beam (minimum 2" thick) with nothing between except flashing. When missing box beam show alternate bolting into masonry. Any ledger board bolted to a house overhang will require additional footings.

Labelsize of floor joists, bridging, decking and girders, spans, types of wood and cross bracing.

Label guard rails - height, baluster spacing (not greater than 4" )

Label stairs (3'wide minimum), include rise, tread depth and handrail details (this is measured from the leading edge of the tread). Handrail must be graspable with a maximum horizontal cross section ot 2 5/8*. Openings (riser) for steps cannot be greater than 4". Closed riser requires a 1" nosing. Beam should be doubled where stairs are attached.

Bottom stair shall rest on solid landing. Most common is a 3 1/2" thick concrete pad 3'6" x 3".

Label door from house to deck. lf new, show door and header size. A light is required outside door. lf new this requires an electrical Permit.

Show exterior light and switch. lnstall GFI receptacle if required.

Plans must be neatly drawn to scale and with straight lines--A licensed architect or engineer must draw any plan for other than a single family owner occupied residence. lf plans are drawn by the owner, they must sign the plans.

Decks aftached to pools require other items.

INSPECTIONS

Footing: No water, roots or loose material in holes. Holes must be straight, inline and plumb.

Framing/Final: all components must be installed. lf deck is close to ground, flooring close to the house cannot Oe installed so we can verify bolting and hangers.

Wall Requirements
Deck Requirements

FYI - COMBINED HEIGHT OF WALLS AND FENCES CANNOT EXCEED MAXIMUM HEIGHT LISTED.  FALL PROTECTION MAY BE REQUIRED

Retaining walls over 4 feet require a Construction Permit and signed and sealed plans by an Engineer, licensed in the state of New Jersey. The plans must be reviewed by our Borough Engineer. Applicant must post an $800.00 escrow fee to cover the plan review.

All walls between 2 1/2, feet and 4 feet require a Zoning Permit, no escrow is necessary.

All walls under 2 1/2 feet do not required any permits.

FRONT YARD - Maximum permitted retaining wall height is 4FT.  Maximum height for FENCE is 4FT high with 50% open

SIDE/REAR YARD - Maximum permitted retaining wall height is 6FT. Maximum height for FENCE is 6FT high 

Type Full Name :
Sign With Hand
Fee
Acknowledgement
Attachments *
Please be advised that In order to receive a license all payments should be made to the Borough of Leonia.
I hereby authorize the submission of this application and agree to bind myself to any terms and conditions stipulated to and agreed by and between said applicant and the Borough of Leonia in the course of approval of this application for zoning permit. I also grant permission to the Building Department staff to enter upon the property for purposes of evaluating this application.
Required Documents:
-Property Survey - Must be up to date, showing all items on the property and in an engineering scale.  Please note, you must also submit two hard copies of the survey to the Zoning Office; the first copy should illustrate the original condition of the property and the second copy should illustrate the proposed work.
-Proposed Site Plan
-Proposed Floor Plans/Elevations
-Historic Property
-Previous Approvals/Variances
-Proof of Business
Application Fee
Applicant Signature *