Planning Board

About the Planning Board

Established under the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law, the Planning Board is a quasi-judicial body; meaning it operates similar to, but not as strictly as a court of law. When making decisions, the Board must take into consideration the Township Master Plan, New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law and case law. 

2019 Master Plan Update

2010 Master Plan Reexamination Report, Sustainability Plan and Updated Plan Elements

2004 Master Plan Reexamination Report

1989 Master Plan Township of West Orange, New Jersey

The Planning Board is authorized to exercise power with regard to:

  • Drafting and adopting the Master Plan for the Township;
  • Reviewing subdivision and site plan applications for permitted uses;
  • Reviewing conditional use applications;
  • Drafting recommendations as to the zoning ordinance or amendments;
  • Redevelopment Plan;
  • "C" Variances under certain circumstances in connection with site plans and subdivisions;
  • Housing Plan (Council on Affordable Housing).

The Planning Board consists of nine members and two alternates; all are Township residents:

  • The Mayor (or alternate) (Class I);
  • A Township Official (Class II);
  • A Township Council member appointed by the Council (Class III);
  • Six Township residents (Class IV) appointed by the Mayor, and two alternates appointed by the Mayor.
    • These members shall hold no other municipal office. A member of the Historic Preservation Commission and the Environmental Commission may be a member of the Planning Board.

Planning Board Rules and Procedures (PDF)

Meetings

7:30 P.M. – Generally held on the 1st Wednesday of the month, Township Municipal Building, Council Chamber. All meetings are open to the public in accordance with the requirements of the "Open Public Meetings Act" (Sunshine Law).

2023 Meeting Dates
2022 Meeting Dates
2021 Meeting Dates
2020 Meeting Dates
2019 Meeting Dates 

members

Dr. Robert Bagoff- Chair
William B. WIlkes, II- Vice Chair
Ken Alper
John Cardoza
Jerry Guarino
Lee D. Klein, PE, PTOE
Sal A. Jensen
Susan McCartney-Mayor
Christopher Morgan, Sr.
Peter F. Smeraldo, Jr.
Tammy Williams- Council President

Planning Board Meeting Agendas & Minutes:

Most Recent Agenda | View All

Most Recent Minutes | View All

Applications and Permits:

  • Applications and permits are available for download on the Department of Planning & Development Document Center.