Mary Ellen Ries
Zoning, Code Enforcement and Health
(856) 854-0720, ext. 130
Click here to email
(CO) Resale l (CO) Rentals l Property Maintenance
Health and Nuisance Inspections l How to Make a Complaint
Zoning Ordinanace l Zoning Board Of Adjustment l Planning Board
For the Borough of Collingswood Zoning Map click here (4.7 mb PDF)
For a complete listing of the Borough Code click here
This office maintains the public interest in both safety and property related conduct in the borough. Here are some examples and more information:
Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Resale:
There are several types of Certificates of Occupancy (CO’s). This type is required at the time of resale of any property in the Borough of Collingswood. The criteria for this CO are contained in Chapter 227-3 of the Collingswood Code which can be found here in our online forms area. It was adopted in 1994 and primarily concerns the inspection of the concrete for example: sidewalks, driveways, driveway aprons and gutters. If you have any questions regarding the Certificate of Occupancy, please call the Collingswood Fire Department at (856) 854-1043.
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Certificate of Occupancy (CO) Rentals:
This type is required at the time of the rental of all commercial and residental units in Collingswood. All commercial units must be inspected between tenants. Dwelling units in triplexes and larger must be inspected between tenants. The Boca National Property Maintenance code of 1993 is the criteria used in these inspections.
If you have any questions regarding the Certificate of Occupancy, please call Mary Ellen Ries at (856) 854-0720, ext. 130.
Property Maintenance:
The property maintenance code is contained in Chapter 227 of the Collingswood Code. The Board of Commissioners adopted it by Ordinance 1014. The BOCA National Property Maintenance Code of 1993 is the code used by the borough as its criteria. This code covers the inside and the outside of all properties in the borough and sets forth the minimum standards of maintenance. Property Maintenance is an essential part of maintaining the appearance of the Borough of Collingswood. This code holds property owners responsible for the upkeep of their properties. The Borough takes an aggressive approach toward addressing and correcting property maintenance violations. In addition to regulating the overall appearance of properties, the code addresses maintenance of grass, weeds, trees, shrubs, trash, debris, building exteriors, fences, and vehicle storage. Owners whose property violates any provision of the code are notified to correct the violation(s) and comply with the regulations. Owners who do not abide by the laws are taken to court and if necessary, the Borough will make the necessary repairs and bill the owners.
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Health and Nuisance Inspections:
The Nuisances and Public Health issues are contained in the Collingswood Code in chapter 211. The Board of Commissioners 8-16-71 adopted it by Ordinance 662 as Chapter 65 of the 1971 Code.
This code address as well as nuisances and health issues, heating, noises and sounds, lease and rental of certain buildings, inspections, etc. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Nuisances and Public Health at 854-0720 ext 130.
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How to Make a Complaint:
If you have a complaint about a neighbor or any property owner in the Borough, you may contact the Borough's Health & Nuisance Officer,
Mary Ellen Ries at (856) 854-0720, ext. 130 or via mail at:
Borough of Collingswood
678 Haddon Avenue
Collingswood, NJ 08108
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Zoning Ordinanace: Who needs zoning approval?
This is a very frequently asked question. And the answer is, if you are changing the use, or if you are making an improvement to your property, you need a Zoning Permit which can be found here in our online forms area. When in doubt, please call the Zoning Officer at (856) 854-0720, ext. 130.
The present Zoning Ordinance for Collingswood, NJ was adopted in 1990 and has been continually updated as new ordinances and amendments have been passed. The Zoning Ordinance is also known as the Development Regulations and is found in the Code of Collingswood in Chapter 141.
Zoning laws are passed to control the use of properties in the separate zones of a municipality. The laws encompass how these properties can be used and improved upon within a specified area. They also cover what specific type of structure can be constructed in a zone. The Construction Office of Collingswood constantly inspects and oversees the development and improvement of new and existing buildings within the borough.
The Construction Official and Inspector for the Borough of Collingswood is Mr. William Joseph. Officials are licensed through the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. A few of the Construction Officials many duties is to attend administrative and technical seminars sponsored by the Department of Community Affairs, and update and regulate the procedures of the Construction Office regarding issuing permits.
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding both construction and zoning is whether or not a resident needs approval before beginning any type of construction. Whether a resident changes the use or makes an improvement to the property, chances are they will need a permit to legally begin construction.
Both the Zoning and Construction Offices are located in the Collingswood Borough Hall at 678 Haddon Avenue.
For information regarding the zoning laws of Collingswood, please contact Zoning Officer Mary Ellen Ries at (856) 854-0720, ext. 130.
For William Joseph, please call 854-0720, ext. 118 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Or you may call the Technical Assistant to the Construction Official Christine Hill at ext. 132.
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Zoning Board Of Adjustment:
The Zoning Board of Adjustments consist of seven voting members and two alternates. It is a board of Collingswood residents who volunteer their time to serve the Borough and its citizens.
The Zoning Board has jurisdiction in the following areas:
• All applications seeking a use not permitted in a zone
• Requests for interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance
• Certification of a prior non-conforming use
• Appeals from decisions of the Zoning Officer in connection with the Zoning Ordinance.
• Bulk variances, site plan approval and subdivisions, if associated with a use variance
• Residential bulk variances
Zoning Board meetings are regularly scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Municipal Building. For more information or for applications, please call Mary Marker at (856) 854-0720, ext. 122.
Zoning Board Members
Tim Search - Chairman
Jeff Sollengerber - Vice Chairman
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Planning Board
The Planning Board consist of seven voting members and two alternates. It is a board of Collingswood residents who volunteer their time to serve the Borough and its citizens.
The Planning Board has specific jurisdiction in the following areas:
• Applications for minor and major site plans.
• Applications for minor and major subdivisions.
• Applications for conditional uses.
• Applications for change of use.
• Bulk variances for signs (with site plan waiver).
• All bulk ("C") variances in conjunction with subdivisions, site plans
or conditional use applications.
The Planning Board meets at 7:00 p.m. on the last Monday of each month in the Municipal Building. For more information or for applications, please call Carol Sickler at 856-854-0720, ext. 125.
Planning Board Members:
James Verzella - Chairman
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