Welcome to the Borough of Hawthorne

Initial questions about applications may be directed to the Building & Zoning Office in the Municipal Building at (973) 427-5555 ext. 214.

The Planning Board has the responsibility for review and approval of applications for site development and subdivision of property, for approval of a Master Plan or changes to the Master Plan, reporting on a periodic review of the Master Plan, reviewing and approving applications for certificate of compliance for commercial properties, and advising the Council on changes to the Zoning Ordinance.

Applications for use variances must be submitted to and reviewed by the Zoning Board of Adjustment

Chapter 34, paragraph 34-3, of the Code of the Borough of Hawthorne establishes Hawthorne's Planning Board pursuant to N.S.J.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. The Mayor serves as the Class I member of the Board during his term of office. The Mayor appoints as the Class II member for a one-year term one of the officials of the Borough other than a member of the Borough Council. The Borough Council appoints one of its members as the Class III member for a one-year term. The Mayor appoints four Class IV members Mayor to 4-year overlapping terms, and two alternate members to two-year overlapping terms.