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Governing Body, Planning Board, Zoning Board

Governing Body, Planning Board, Zoning Board – Who are Those Guys?

Governing Body

The governing body is the chief legislative body of the municipality comprised of members who have been elected by the citizens of the municipality. There are a variety of forms of municipal government in NJ. You can find a description of the various types of municipal governments at www.njslom.org.

The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the municipality. In some forms of government, the Mayor is elected directly by a vote of the citizizens of the municipality. In others, the Mayor is elected by the members of the governing body from the membership of the governing body.

Planning Board

The governing body may, by ordinance, appoint a planning board of seven members or nine members as follows:

Class I: The mayor or mayor’s designee. (1)

Class II: A municipal official, other than a member of the governing body, appointed by the mayor. (1)

Class III: A member of the governing body, appointed by it. (1)

Class IV: Other citizens of the municipality, appointed by the mayor. Class IV members may not hold any other municipal office or position. (4 or 6)

Zoning Board

Upon adoption of a zoning ordinance, the governing body shall create, by ordinance, a zoning board of adjustment.

The zoning board of adjustment consists of seven members who must be municipal residents and who may not hold any other elected or appointed position in the municipality.

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