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Building and Zoning Department

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

The Borough of Highlands is excited to announce the creation of a new Department of Buildings & Housing, which  will be operational effective January 1, 2024. Its responsibilities include:

  • Uniform Construction Code (UCC) plan review and inspections
  • Zoning application and plan review, and zoning determination
  • Floodplain Administration, plan review, determination, and inspections
  • Code Enforcement
  • Property Maintenance

The new office will consist of a Construction Official, Certified Floodplain Administrator, Technical Assistant, Building Subcode Official, Fire Subcode Official, Electrical Subcode Official, Plumbing Subcode Official, Mechanical Inspector, Zoning Officer, and Code Enforcement Officer.

This newly created Department will consolidate and better manage numerous complex construction, land use, and floodplain functions into one office that will more efficiently process development permits and better serve the public. All operations, payments, applications, submittals, communications, and all other related business will be done through one office, located in the new Borough of Highlands municipal building. 

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND FOR THE TRANSITION PLAN


Construction Department Building & Inspections

Construction Official: Joseph Kachinsky
Email: construction@highlandsborough.org
Phone: (732) 615-2105

Call Middletown Construction office to schedule inspections at (732) 615-2105. Inspections will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Office Hours:  

Middletown Office
Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm

Building sub-code walk-ins: Monday - Friday, 8-9am and 3-4pm
1 Kings Hwy, Middletown

The Department of Inspections provides for cooperative inspection and enforcement of all Construction Codes relating to the construction, maintenance, use and occupancy of buildings and structures.

Building Information

The administrative code that is used throughout New Jersey is known as the Uniform Construction Code (U.C.C.). The U.C.C. adopts other National Code Books as the technical text for each discipline. Sub codes include building, plumbing, fire and electric.
Construction Plans/Layout Drawings

A New Jersey licensed architect is recommended for the preparation of plans for major projects. Major projects may need to include floor plans drawn to scale, sections, elevations and details. Minor projects such as decks and small additions can be drawn by a homeowner.

The Construction Inspection Office has standard specifications that can be followed within certain limitations for routine projects such as decks and retaining walls. These specs along with a plot plan/survey depicting your project are accepted as the required plans.

There are some projects which require a New Jersey licensed engineer to prepare plans. Examples are an in-ground pool, grading plans and retaining walls more than 4 feet in height.


Zoning Department

Zoning Map July 2018 (pdf)

Zoning Official: Brian O'Callahan
Email: bocallahan@middletownnj.org
Phone: (732) 615-2106 

Middletown Office
Walk-ins: Monday - Friday, 9am -  12pm
1 Kings Hwy, Middletown

Permit & Zoning applications can also be dropped off in Highlands at 42 Shore Drive, Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm or drop box in front of building 24 hours a day.

Zoning Officer

Department personnel are available to the public to provide general zoning information. Prior to constructing additions, garages, sheds, pools or other accessory structures, homeowners may contact the zoning department to review specific zone requirements and application procedures. An application for development is required prior to obtaining construction permits.


UCC Forms


Borough Forms and Documents

File NameCategoryLink
Zoning Denial Now What, Download
Zoning Bulk Area RequirementsDownload
Zoning Application, Download
Vacant Property Registration Form, Download
Tree Permit Application, Download
The Transition PlanDownload
Street Excavation Permit, Download
Sign Permit, Download
Sidewalk & Curb Permit Application, Download
Requirements for Certificate of Occupancy for New Construction, , Download
Highlands Building Department FAQs, Download
Grease Trap Application, Download
Grading Review Application, , Download
Flood Development Permit Application, Download
Elevation – Demolition Requirements, Download
Container Permit, Download
Construction Rehab FAQs, Download
Chimney Certification, Download
2018 May: Adopted Zoning Map, Download