Land Use

Katherine Sarmad
Township Planner
ksarmad@bridgewaternj.gov
(908) 725-6300 ext. 5535

Nancy Probst
Land Use Administrator/Deputy Zoning Officer
nprobst@bridgewaternj.gov
(908) 725-6300 x5530

Kevin Lewthwaite
Zoning Officer
KLewthwaite@BridgewaterNJ.gov
(908) 725-6300 ext. 5541

The Bridgewater Township Environmental Commission serves in an advisory capacity to promote the protection, conservation, and wise use of the Township's natural resources. The Commission reviews development applications and municipal initiatives for environmental impacts, assists with environmental planning efforts, and helps advance stewardship of Bridgewater's natural, historic, and open space resources.

Statutory Authority:

The Environmental Commission was established pursuant to the New Jersey Environmental Commission Act (N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq.), which authorizes municipalities to create Environmental Commissions to advise local government on environmental matters and natural resource protection.

Meeting Information:

The Environmental Commission generally meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Bridgewater Township Municipal Building. Meeting dates are subject to change; residents should consult the meeting documents page for the most current information.

2026 Anticipated Meetings:
August 6
September 3
October 1
November 5
December 3

Bridgewater’s Land Use Division is split into two separate yet highly collaborative offices.

The Zoning Office oversees the establishment of standards across our neighborhoods in an orderly way to protect our community’s health, safety, and welfare. It determines how our town’s land is used and what operations or activities may be permitted when and where.  The office reviews construction application permits, it also issues utility shed permits along with patio, fence, and gazebo permits.

Before starting any home project or development, you should check with Zoning to determine if the work requires a permit. Depending on the project, you may also require construction, plumbing, and electrical permits, but a Zoning permit is your first step.

Permits are required for the following:

• New house construction, additions
• Detached garages
• Decks, porches, or patios
• Sheds, fences, retaining walls
• Pools (above and in-ground), hot tubs, spas
• Standby generators
• Signs

For a list of general zoning guidelines for the most commonly built projects or to download zoning applications and other pertinent zoning documents, click here.

The Planning Office serves as the professional and administrative staff to the Bridgewater Township Planning Board and the Bridgewater Township Zoning Board. The office also provides assistance to residents, businesses, and builders reviewing and acting on applications for development. The Planning Board is also charged with the adoption of the Township Master Plan and making recommendations to the Township Council.

 To download land development applications and instructions, click here.

Both offices are located on the lower level of the municipal building in the main lobby. The office hours are from 9AM – 5 PM.