The purpose of Zoning is to ensure that any proposed use, construction, or alteration is allowed in the subject zone and will be located outside of the property line setbacks required by the Unified Land Development Ordinance (ULDO). Specifically, this code regulates the setbacks and permitting process for principal structures, additions, decks, gazebos, pools, hot tubs, sheds, basketball courts, patios, fencing and all other accessory uses and structures. In turn, the code protects the integrity of the entire township, enabling Voorhees to remain a highly desirable place to live.

Any resident contemplating any change or addition to his/her property or home should review the “Residential Requirements Cheat Sheet” for general information on regulations in their zoning district. For the complete list of regulations, the Unified Land Development Ordinance (AKA Zoning Ordinance) is located within Title XV: Land Usage of the Code Book, which is located within the Resources section toward the bottom of every municipal webpage.

By obtaining the required permits prior to beginning any installations or construction, a resident will avoid creating a violation that may require removal, alteration, or relocation of an improvement. If you are selling your home, the presence of an unpermitted improvement (a violation) may delay settlement since a resale certificate cannot be issued for a transfer of ownership while a violation exists. If you cannot meet the zoning requirements stated in the Code Book, it may be possible to obtain a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment to enable a non-conforming improvement to be permitted. We highly recommend that property owners consult with their professionals prior to submitting a Zoning Board Application since they typically require a considerable amount of time and expense, and could ultimately be denied.

The Zoning Office urges all residents to verify that they have permits for all improvements on their lot. If any improvements (sheds, decks, patios, fences, driveway expansions, etc.) have been installed without a Zoning Permit, we recommend submitting the required Zoning Permit Application immediately upon discovery to avoid potential fines and penalties. (Construction Permits and approvals may also be required, depending on the type of structure or alteration built.)

Submitting a Zoning Permit Application

Please review the instructions and requirements stated within the Zoning Permit Application document (linked below) to ensure that you submit a complete and approvable application. If an application is required to be denied, a resubmission application with subject fee would be required to be submitted to enable the Township to review an additional application. We recommend that all residential applicants review the Voorhees Township Zoning Map and Residential Regulations “Cheat Sheet” (also linked below) to ensure that their proposal will meet the required setbacks for their property. Please note that all application submissions must include a true-to-scale copy of the property survey. For all improvements which are not fences, the submitted plan must show the proposed improvement drawn true-to-scale on that property survey with dimensions and dimensioned setbacks for the proposed improvements included on the survey plan. For fences, the applicant need only highlight the proposed location for the installation (no dimensions or dimensioned setbacks are required for a fence).

Please note that Zoning Permits are legal records which approve only the exact improvements which are applied for and approved under the related Zoning Permit Application. When an application is made for an improvement, the precise nature, size, and location of that improvement are reviewed for compliance with the Zoning ordinance. As a result, those improvements are permitted exactly as described and shown in the application with no room for alteration under the issued permit. If there is to be any change from the nature, exact size, or precise location of a previously permitted improvement, a resubmission application with subject fee must be submitted and approved prior to the installation of the altered improvement. (In other words, the Zoning Permit must match the installed improvement exactly.) If you should have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office via the phone number or email address provided on this page.

Looking for the Zoning Board of Adjustment? Please click here to navigate to that page.

In addition to the applications listed below, the following items are also available on our website:

For other inquiries, please contact our office by emailing zoning@voorheesnj.com or by calling our office.

Zoning Applications

Resales and Rentals

Additional Resource