Planning and Zoning

This series of courses is intended to meet the educational needs of those municipal employees who serve as a zoning officer or zoning official in accordance with the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq., and who have responsibility for enforcing local zoning ordinances. The curriculum encompasses Introduction to Zoning Administration and Enforcement, Understanding Plans, and Zoning Administration and Enforcement II, as described in this brochure. Those seeking the Zoning Official designation offered by Rutgers must enroll in the courses sequentially in the order they are listed. Refer to the back panel of this brochure for information about the certificate program.

University certificates of attendance are awarded upon satisfactory completion of each course, which is defined as attendance at 80% of the class hours, full payment of all fees, and attainment of a passing score where a written examination is required.

Introduction to Zoning Administration and Enforcement - 18 hours

This course focuses on the technical knowledge and skills necessary for an individual to effectively interpret and enforce a municipal zoning ordinance. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of the job, including on-site inspections and compliance options. An introduction to the Municipal Land Use Law is provided, and the content and structure of zoning ordinances are thoroughly discussed. A written examination at the conclusion of the course includes both in-class and take-home components.

Understanding Plans:
Site Plan and Subdivision Review for Zoning Officials - 10 hrs

In this seminar the zoning official is exposed to some of the technical aspects of plan review. The administrative processing requirements for applications are discussed. Planning and engineering terminology is explained, and the symbols for various physical features and design elements are identified. Classroom exercises offer opportunities to become familiar with surveys, site plan and subdivision drawings; to review plans for completeness; and to learn how conditions of approval are enforced. A written examination is given at the conclusion of the course.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Zoning Administration & Enforcement

Zoning Administration and Enforcement II - 12 hours

The third course in the series builds on the first two. Students are taught zoning case law, advanced administrative and investigative techniques, and communication skills. Significant zoning-related court cases are reviewed, and students learn how to perform such tasks as writing reports and conducting survey inspections. Homework assignments, case studies, and other classroom exercises are used extensively. A written examination is given at the conclusion of the course.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Zoning Administration & Enforcement

Complete the attached form and send it with a check or voucher to the Center for Government Services. The registration form with payment must be received prior to the start date in order for your name to be placed on the roster. Registrations will not be processed without proof of payment. If you fail to preregister by mail, you MUST call 732-932-3640, ex. 643 to determine if enrollment is possible via fax. Upon our receipt of your completed application and check or voucher, a class space will be reserved for you, but NO confirmation will be sent. The University reserves the right to cancel any course if enrollment is insufficient.

CGS will refund the full course fee less a $25 processing charge to any student who notifies CGS in writing of his/her intent to withdraw. Notices of withdrawal must be submitted at least 48 hours before the course is scheduled to start. Withdrawal notices sent by fax (732/932-3586) will be accepted as well as notices sent by mail. Send withdrawal notice to:

Zoning Administration and Enforcement
Center for Government Services
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
33 Livingston Avenue, Suite 200
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Questions may be directed to:

The Center for Government Services
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
33 Livingston Avenue, Suite
200, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

To inquire by telephone, call 732-932-3640, ex. 625 or 643.

In cooperation with the New Jersey Association of Planning and Zoning Administrators, the Center now offers a certificate in this field. Those who successfully complete all three courses, including two examinations, are eligible, upon application to the Center, for a Zoning Official certificate. To receive an application, contact

Center for Government Services
Attn: Daphne Johnson-Jones, Program Assistant
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey,
33 Livingston Avenue, Suite 200
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901