Engineering Division FAQ

FAQ - Existing Homeowners

Do I need a permit to change the grading on my property?

You will need to file a Grading and Clearing Permit Application before disturbing or bringing in any soil to your property. This application is available in the Forms, Licenses,and Permits section of the Home Page listed as Grading and Clearing, and has a fee of $50 minimum plus $100 per disturbed land area over 1000 square feet (10’ x 100’ equivalent area). You will have to submit a survey of the property with the affected areas outlined and a topographic map showing existing and proposed contours. If there are no adverse effects to either your property or your neighbor's, and no restrictions on the property, such as: easements, wetlands, stream encroachment, and/or other, your request will be approved. If you are removing trees, please refer to the next question below for complete information on removing trees. Further information may be needed if you are proposing to install a retaining wall. Please refer to the question regarding retaining walls for more information on same. CLICK here for info.

I want to construct an addition to my house. What does the Engineering Division require?

You should first submit an application for the permit to the Zoning Division .. The Zoning Division will give the Engineering Division copies of the survey with the addition drawn on it. The Engineering Division reviews the Permit for impacts pertaining to grading, drainage, retaining wall, tree removal, encroachments on easements or restricted areas such as wetlands, and other items. Once the application is deemed approvable, an approval document will be issued and forwarded to the Construction (Building) Department who will further process the application. There is also an engineering review fee of $50 plus an engineering inspection fee of $50 (if necessary) required prior to the issuance of the engineering approval. In some cases the addition will also be reviewed after construction to confirm no adverse impacts connected with grading, drainage or soil erosion on the property or adjacent properties. If the addition also involves widening of the driveway to the house, a separate permit is needed for the work involving the driveway as further outlined in the Section entitled 'Do I need a permit to extend or re-do my driveway?'

I want to install a patio on my property. What does the Engineering Division require?

You should first submit an application for the permit to the Zoning Division. The Zoning Division will give the Engineering Division copies of the survey with the patio drawn on it. The Engineering Division reviews the Permit for impacts pertaining to grading, retaining wall, tree removal, and other items. Once the application is deemed approvable, an approval document will be issued and forwarded to the
Construction (Building) Department who will further process the application. There is also an engineering review fee of $100.00 required prior to the issuance of the engineering approval. In some cases, the patio will also be reviewed after construction to confirm no adverse impacts connected with grading, drainage or soil erosion on the property.

I want to install a sport court (e.g. tennis court, basketball court) on my property. What does the Engineering Division require?

You should first submit an application for the permit to the Zoning Division. The Zoning Division will give the Engineering Division copies of the survey and/or grading plan and other documents that you include with the Sport Court Permit Package. While the Engineering Division does not issue the Permit, it does have grading, retaining wall, tree removal, and other requirements that must be met before your application can be approved. These requirements are specified in Marlboro Code Section 220-43 Tennis and Sports Courts. Once the requirements are met, an approval document will be issued and forwarded to the Construction (Building) Department who will further process the application. There is also an engineering review fee of $100.00 plus an engineering inspection fee of $100 required prior to the issuance of the engineering approval. The sport court will also be reviewed after construction to confirm no adverse impacts connected with grading, drainage or soil erosion on the property or adjacent properties.

Do I need a permit to knock down trees?

Yes, a Tree Removal Permits needed in order to knock down trees in Marlboro Township. This application is available in the Forms, Licenses and Permits section of the Home Page listed as Clearing/ Tree Removal It costs $35 per application involving 5 or less trees and $100 for removal of 6 or more trees, and is available from the Engineering Division. Click here for information

Do I need a permit to construct a retaining wall?

Since you will be changing the grading of the land by installing a retaining wall, you will have to file a Grading and Clearing Permit application. This Application is available from the Engineering Division and is also available in the Forms, Permits and Licenses section of the Home Page listed as Grading and Clearing. There is a fee of $100 per each 50 linear feet of retaining wall proposed required with the application. The retaining wall location , size and type of material will have to be shown on the application documents. Walls which measure over thirty inches (2 and 1/2/ feet) at its highest point require engineering drawings drawn by a licensed professional engineer, architect or landscape architect, and a safety barrier.
My sidewalk(s) or driveway apron(s) in front of my property are in need of repair. How does the Township assist in this matter?
Per Township Code Section 326-6, the property owner is responsible for the repairs of sidewalks and/or driveway aprons in front of a property that are in disrepair. The Engineering Division does require a permit be applied for. The application is available in the Engineering office and also in the Forms, Licenses, and Permits section of the Home Page listed as Sidewalk Replacement Permit. A review fee of $50 per 100 square feet of sidewalk and $150 per driveway apron is also required to be submitted prior to approval.
Do I need a permit to extend or re-do my driveway?
If your existing driveway is only being resurfaced with no expansion/enlargement. Then a permit most likely will not be required. For expanding an existing driveway, an application for a Zoning Permit is first required. A sketch of the existing and proposed driveway with dimensions should be included with the application. The Zoning Department will check for lot coverage, setbacks and possible encroachments onto utility easements or other types of easements. The application then goes to Engineering for review.
What permits do I need to cut into a road?
A Road Opening Permit from the Township Engineer's office is needed. An application fee of $100, an inspection fee based on the size and length of the opening and a minimum $500 refundable deposit to guarantee proper repaving of the roadway trench is required. The permit application may be picked up at the Engineering Division Office. Please include with the application, a detailed drawing or sketch of the road opening, the number of linear feet of the road, the depth of the trench, the type of utility being installed, and the address at which the utility is being constructed. The name, address and phone number, including emergency numbers of the contractor and expected date of work, is also required. Depending on the road, a traffic control plan may also be needed as per the Traffic & Safety Bureau's requirements.
Can I tie my lawn drain, sump pump and roof drain into the Township storm drain system?
When considering this option, you must contact the Engineering Division directly. You may be asked to provide a detailed sketch or other documentation for your proposed construction. As long as it is in the opinion of the Engineering Division that you will not be adversely impacting the capacity of the storm drain system, the street or your neighbor’s property, your request will likely be granted. If the work involves cutting into a road or other area within a Township right-of-way, a road opening permit will be required. More information is available in the “cutting into a road” section of the Engineering Division’s section of this website.
If approval is granted, you will have to give the Engineering Division at least 24 hours notice for inspection before beginning work. The actual tie-in to the storm system must be finished in a workman-like manner, be watertight and be deemed acceptable by the Engineering Division in order to prevent future sinkholes from developing.

I want to install a pool in my backyard. What does the Engineering Division require?
When you apply for a Pool Permit, the Zoning Division forwards to the Engineering Division copies of the survey and/or grading plan and other documents that you include with the Pool Permit Package for review. While the Engineering Division does not issue the Pool Permit, it does have grading, retaining wall, tree removal and other requirements that must be met before your application can be approved. These requirements are specified here.
I want to install a fence on my property. What does the Engineering Division require?
Questions regarding fence installation should be directed to the Zoning Division . Please refer to the Zoning Division's FAQ or call them at 536-0200 Ext 509.
A neighbor is letting water onto my property through a sump pipe. How can the Township assist in this matter?
Unless the water affects a Township right-of-way (street, sidewalk, or Township-owned land), this is a private matter between two residences. The aggrieved party has the option of hiring their own counsel or filing a complaint with Municipal Court to resolve the matter.

A neighbor is letting water onto the street through a sump pipe. How can the Township assist in this matter?
As the water affects Township right-of-way, the Engineering Division will inspect the premises, then communicate with the discharging party in writing. The communication will request that the party discharging the water find another means of discharge, including but not limited to tieing in to an underground drainage pipe or into a stream. If the matter persists unresolved, the party discharging the water faces a potential Summons to Municipal Court for adversely impacting the road.
There is a street light damaged/out near my house. How do I report it?
The quickest way to have the repair done is by contacting GPU directly at 800-662-3115. You may contact the Engineering Division , however this information will merely be relayed to JCP&L at the above phone number.

My mailbox was knocked over when my street was plowed yesterday. How long will it take to be fixed?
You should call the Department of Public Works directly at 536-0188 if this occurs. The Public Works Dept. may ask you to call the Administration Division during peak times (right after snow storms end). If this is the case, the Administration Division will compile these complaints.

I just moved into my development and have problems with water/soil erosion in my yard. What help can the Township provide?
Provided the Township still retains a bond against the developer, the concerned party should contact the Engineering Division to report exactly what and where the problem is. The Engineering Division will either send out their inspector or relay the information to the inspecting engineer the Township has hired. Either way an inspector will visit the site, assess the problem and interface with the developer to discuss a solution of the problem and a time frame for carrying it out. Resolution of said problem is normally a requirement that needs to be satisfied prior to the release of the developer's performance bond with the Township. If the development is at a stage where the performance bonds have been released, then the homeowner needs to solicit the services of a private engineer or contractor to resolve the problem.

There is water in my basement. What can the Township do for me?
If the house is in a development in which the Township is holding a performance bond, then the grading of the yard will be checked to ensure that the land is not graded toward the house. This is the extent of the Engineering Division's involvement. If the problem is due to high groundwater or defects in the basement walls, the homeowner should contact the Construction Division , or their warranty company if the house is more than one year old.
My neighbor's tree has grown over my property or the sidewalk. What can be done?
If your neighbor's tree has grown over your property line, you should first alert your neighbor to the fact and ask him to trim the offending branches. You have the right to trim the branches if he refuses. At any rate, this is a dispute between two residents and the Township will not be involved.

If a tree limb(s) has grown over a public right-of-way (the sidewalk or road), and it is within six feet of the ground, you should contact the Department of Public Works or the Road Division. Generally, the Township will perform the work if the tree affects the sidewalk or street, using their own forces.

Is my front property line at the curbline of the street? I don't have sidewalks on my street.
Whether a street has sidewalks or not, the street right-of-way line (the property line between your lot and the Township-maintained area) is generally at least three feet in towards your house from the edge of pavement, curbline, or sidewalk at a distance which varies depending on the right-of-way width.

Most residential subdivisions with a 36 foot wide street have a distance of seven feet between the curb and right-of-way line. This seven foot strip encompasses sidewalks and the area between the sidewalk and curb. The distance to the right-of-way line on a chosen street may be obtained from the Township tax maps or by contacting the Engineering Division or the Tax Assessor Division .

FAQ - Prospective Homeowners
I am buying or own a vacant property and plan to construct a new residential dwelling on it. What does the Engineering Division require?
Prior to having a plan drawn and submitted to Engineering for review, you should confirm with the Zoning Department that the property will not require variances (relief) from the Zoning requirements pertaining to the property in order for a house to be built.

The plan (3 copies) to be submitted to Engineering should have on it the information as found in Land Use Code Section §220-23. Generally, a survey of the lot boundaries and dimensions, building envelopes, all easements, the house footprint shown accurately, setbacks from property lines, all proposed grading, tree removal/replacement, retaining walls, driveways, utility system tie-ins, new curb cuts into roads and other as required by Code Section §220-23.

Upon approval of the plan, a $100 driveway inspection fee, a $500 inspection fee (for new lot development) and a residential development fee as required by Land Use Code Section §70-17 to §70-19, and §70-21 are required to be deposited with the Engineering Division. The approved plan will then be forwarded to the Construction (Building) Department for further review and processing.
I'm buying a property and the developer's plan shows a Conservation Easement. What does this mean?
A Conservation Easement means the area within the easement is to remain as is, (conserved). Therefore, clearing (tree or shrub removal), grading, erection of pools, fences, sheds, decks, or any structure is not permitted. Limited trimming of trees to promote better growth is permitted, but no other alteration is permitted. Note: In the cases of fence construction only, if relief from a conservation easement is sought, application may be made to the Zoning Officer, who will also forward to the Township Engineer for additional review.

Fences are permitted within such an easement, provided that all fences must be erected within the property lines. In addition, no fence shall be erected so as to encroach upon any easement or right-of-way, unless an agreement permitting the erection of the fence is executed with the owner of the affected easement or right-of-way (Fence Easement Agreement), and the location of the fence would otherwise conform to the Township's Zoning Ordinance and does not impair the purpose or function of the easement or rightof- way. The Fence Easement Agreement shall contain a provision stating that if access to the affected easement or right-of-way is required, removal and replacement of the subject fence shall be at the sole expense of the owner of the fence. Fences shall be erected in a manner so as to permit the flow of natural drainage and shall not cause surface water to be blocked or dammed to create ponding.

I'm buying a property and the developer's plan shows a Utility Easement. What does this mean?
A Utility Easement indicates that there will be an underground utility pipe (drainage, sanitary sewer and/or water main) running through part of the property. The easement is made so the appropriate authority (Township, Sewer or other) will have the right to enter the land should service or work on the pipe or other structure (manhole, drain) ever be necessary. The easement precludes the erection of fences, sheds, decks, or any other structures. Note: If relief from a Utility Easement is strongly desired, application may be
made to the owner of said easement and the Township Engineer's office.

Fences are permitted within such an easement, provided that all fences must be erected within the property lines. In addition, all requirements as outlined in the question above for fences in easements will have to be met.
I'm buying a property and the developer's plan shows a Wetlands Buffer Area. What does this mean?
A wetlands buffer area is an area designated by the State Department of Environmental Protection to be just that - a buffer from the wetlands against areas of construction activities such as grading, clearing, or the erection of structures. The buffer does, however, allow the planting of gardens and other limited activity. A complete list of prohibited and permitted activities in buffer areas may be obtained by calling the NJ DEP in Trenton at (609)-777-0454 or in the directory found at the NJDEP website http://www.nj.gov/dep/easyaccess/landuse.htm.
I need a list of offsite conditions for _____ development. How do I obtain this list?
By State Law, the Municipal Clerk's Office has this list available during normal Township business hours. You can contact the Municipal Clerk at 732-536-0200, Ext. 1805.

Is there water service on ______ road?
There are two water companies that operate in the Township, who will be able to supply you with this information:

Gordon's Corner Water Company services the area south of both Route 520 and Wyncrest Road. The Gordon's Corner Water Company can be reached at 732-946-9333.
The Township Water Department services the remainder of the Township. The Water Dept. can be reached at 732-536-0200 extension 1816.
Is there sewer service on ______ road?
The Sewer Authority, The Western Monmouth Utilities Authority (WMUA) , will have this information. The WMUA can be reached at 732-446-9300.