The federally mandated, national phone number, 811, helps prevent you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines. Before you begin projects that involve digging, dial 811 to locate underground electric, gas or other utility lines. Digging without this information can cause power outages, and it’s extremely dangerous. Simply tell the 811 operator where you’re planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing, and your local utility companies will be notified. Within a few days, they will mark the location of underground lines.

Please call at least three days in advance to avoid unnecessary delays to your project. Know what’s below – Call before you dig!

 For more information, visit http://www.call811.com.

American Children’s Cancer Association
American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness
Bridgewater Lions Club
Cooperative Housing Corporation
Domestic Violence Help
Easterseals New Jersey Disability Services
Education Foundation of Bridgewater-Raritan
Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County
Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish New Jersey

1.)    Refunds:

Ø  All refunds issued will be charged a $10 administrative fee except for refunds issued due to a program cancellation. One administrative fee will be charged per family. Refunds will not be issued for travel sports.

Ø  We reserve the right to cancel, alter, supplement, limit registration or change any dates times, locations, ages, fees.

Ø  No refunds will be issued after the first class or practice or if a program does not run its full course due to inclement weather, gym cancellations or circumstances beyond our control.

Ø  If checks are payable to an outside organization, refunds will be handled through that organization in accordance with their policies.

2.)    Cancellations:  Bridgewater Recreation and the Board of Education reserve the right to cancel or change sites, dates, and times pending registrations and school priorities.

3.)    Insurance: the Township does not provide individual medical insurance coverage for its participants.  Each participant will be covered under his/her family’s medical policy.  It is recommended that families have insurance before the child participates in a youth sports program as well as adult participants.

4.)    Volunteer Coaching Qualifications:  All coaches (head and assistants) are required to have attended a Rutgers Youth Sports Safety Orientation class and submit to a Criminal History Background Check (for coaches older than 18) to volunteer. Volunteers must be pre-approved by the Recreation Office to be an eligible coach and must attend any mandatory coaches and/or program meetings. There may be additional licensing requirements for coaches, particularly at the travel level.

5.)   Therapeutic Recreation:  We have a working relationship with the Somerset County Therapeutic Recreation Department (TR).  This allows us to have recreation programs that promote an active lifestyle that improves social, cognitive, emotional functioning and enhances participants’ abilities.  Please note appropriately on the registration form if your child has any special needs and/or requires certain accommodations.  Please submit three weeks prior to the deadline, six weeks for Summer Playgrounds and Pee Wee Playgrounds.

6.)   Utilization of Township owned property/facilities: See requirements below; Applications for permits require the following:

1)      Completed Hold Harmless Agreement (signed, witnessed and notarized at the Township).

2)      Certificate of Insurance – The certificate of insurance must list resident’s name or group’s name as the insured. In addition, the Township of Bridgewater must be listed as additional named insured. The liability limit for bodily injury and property damage must not be less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.

After the application, certificate of insurance and hold harmless agreement are received, the application will be processed.  Allow a minimum of two weeks for processing.

7.)    Request for Fields:

Ø  An e-mail must be sent to recreationcs@bridgewaternj.gov at least one month prior to the start of the season with a request for fields.  The email must include the requested facility, dates & times of use, and the start/end date of the season.

Ø  Applicants requesting opening day ceremony services (i.e. parks, police and/or recreation) must provide a detailed description of services needed.  Requests must be e-mailed to recreationcs@bridgewaternj.gov at least one month in advance.

Ø  Applicants planning on hosting a tournament must provide a detailed description of services needed. Requests must be e-mailed to recreationcs@bridgewaternj.gov at least one month in advance.

Ø  Certain issues can arise during the use of Township facilities including problems with lights, lining, equipment, bathrooms, parking lots, damage to actual fields, and vandalism.  Organizations must contact the Recreation office (e-mail recreationcs@bridgewaternj.gov) with a complete description of the issue and should not contact the parks department employees directly.

Ø  Any permit changes and/or additions to existing permits need to be e-mailed to recreationcs@bridgewaternj.gov.

Ø  All inclement weather decisions during the week will be made by 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. on weekends. Decisions will be posted on the website www.bridgewaternj.gov and are available on the code-a-phone system (908) 526-7107.  Failure to cooperate with cancellation decisions will result in loss of permit and/or subject to damage fees.

Ø  Misuse of a permit, such as but not limited to, allowing other groups/parties to utilize permitted facilities under false pretense may result in forfeit of all current permits and possible future permits.

8.)    Assigning of Fields: Fields are assigned based on two criteria.  The first is the compatibility with the sport requested with the facility being requested (i.e. is the field proper size and does it contain the proper fixed equipment).  Secondly, organizations are prioritized in the following order:

1)      Bridgewater Township Recreation Programs

2)      Bridgewater Township Affiliated programs (i.e. programs incorporating recreation sports on behalf of the Township)

3)      Outside Groups, in order of preference by the percentage of Bridgewater residents participating in that organization based on the most recent twelve months for which roster data is available.

9.)    Lightning Policy:  We will monitor the weather and make the decision to notify the head coaches or officials of dangerous situations and recommend the suspension of activity if there is lightning.  If activities have begun for an event, the supervising coach, official, referee or umpire in charge will have the ability to suspend activity.  The decision to suspend activity will be based on the Flash-To-Bang Method utilized by the NOAA Lightning Safety, National Weather Service:

Count the seconds from the time the lightning is sighted to when the clap of thunder is heard.  Divide this number by five to obtain how far away (in miles) the lightning is occurring.  If lightning is within six miles (a 30-second count between flash of lighting and bang of thunder), activity shall be suspended and everyone should seek shelter immediately.  Resumption of athletic activity shall not occur until thirty (30) minutes AFTER the lightning is seen or sound of thunder is heard.

10.) Emergency Reporting Procedures: facility permit holders are required to notify the Recreation office if police, fire or rescue squads are called to the facility in response to an incident that occurred during the event for which the permit was issued.  Permit holders should provide the following information:

(1)   A description of the circumstances that led to such a response (e.g., player suffered apparent broken collarbone)

(2)   The nature of the response (e.g., ambulance)

(3)   The results of the action (e.g., player transported to hospital)

11.)   Jewelry/Casts: Participants are prohibited from wearing jewelry (including earrings, which cannot be taped) while participating in any recreational program.  Anyone who is required to wear a cast or splint that is made of plaster, fiberglass, contains metal stiffeners, or any other hard object that could cause injury to another participant is prohibited from engaging in recreational programs.  Any cast or splint that falls outside this definition will not be permitted if the referee or site supervisor believes it could injure another participant.  Encasing the cast or splint in bubble wrap or other padded covering will not constitute an acceptable remedy for this rule.

12.)   Supervision: Parents/Guardians of minors are responsible for dropping off and picking up children promptly at the conclusion of the event.  Parents/ guardians should arrive before conclusion of the program.

13.)   Inclement weather: we will post inclement weather decisions on both the code-a-phone system (908) 526-7107 and website www.bridgewaternj.gov.  If Bridgewater-Raritan Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, all Bridgewater Recreation activities/programs will also be cancelled.  All decisions will be made by 3:30 p.m. during the week and by 7:30 a.m. on weekends.  Please report to your designated field for a coach/umpire decision.

14.)   Payments: The Township accepts cash, check or credit card (Discover, MasterCard or Visa) payments. Please note: when using a credit card there is a $3.00 finance fee minimum. Checks are the only acceptable form of payment for programs made payable to outside organizations or groups.

15.)   Communication and Social Networking Policy: All communication between coaches/team managers and youth athletes shall be via telephone or e-mail with parents.  Coaches are prohibited from calling youth athletes’ cell phones and/or sending text messages and e-mails directly to youth athletes.  Parents may add their child’s e-mail to the team distribution list, however, parents shall be copied (cc) on any correspondence with coaches.

It is against Bridgewater Recreation policy to use social networking sites (such as Facebook or Twitter) as a means of team communication.  Furthermore, it is considered inappropriate for adult coaches to link or ‘friend’ with youth athletes on social network sites.

16.)   E-Mail distribution lists and Personal Information: Our e-mail distribution lists and databases are strictly to be used for official Township Recreation business only.  E-mail addresses and other personal information are not to be used by coaches or outside organizations for any other purpose other than official Township Recreation business only.  E-mails, including attachments, are intended solely for the attention and use of the intended addressee(s) and should not be forwarded as they may contain privileged and/or confidential information.

17.) Waiver of Fees: The Bridgewater Township Municipal Code provides that active members of volunteer organizations (Fire Departments, Rescue/First Aid Squads) and their family members shall be exempt from certain Township fees.  Family members of active members include husband, wife, children, father, mother, grandparents, and grandchildren.  They also include siblings, stepchildren or legally adopted child living in the same household.

Click here to access the Zoning Board’s meeting agendas, minutes, and notices. 

Zoning is the establishment of standards across our neighborhoods in an orderly pattern 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.

Questions regarding construction of additions, decks, and driveways should be referred to Zoning, as well as questions on snow removal from sidewalks.

The Zoning Officer reviews permit requests to ensure all projects and proposals conform to our ordinance standards. In addition, Zoning also investigates property maintenance issues.

The Zoning Enforcement Office is located in the lower level of the municipal building. The office hours are from 9AM – 5 PM. 

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

If you have questions regarding the permit process or other Zoning matters, please get in touch with Roger Dornbierer at 908-725-6300 x5541.

Property owners and tenants are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks. Snow may not be moved to a cleared public roadway due to public safety concerns. Please refer to Chapter 182, SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL of the municipal code for more information.

The Zoning Officer conducts field investigations. Land use and ordinance violations are two of the areas routinely brought to his or her attention. Complaints often include inoperable or unregistered vehicles. Complaints made by residents are recorded and investigated. Occasionally, summonses are issued and the offenders are required to appear in court.

Attention: All Real Estate Agents – under our ordinance, “For Sale” signs are limited to the listed property only. Any “Open House” or directional signs off the property are allowed for the day of the open house only.

All Planning and Board of Adjustment application questions are referred to the Planning Office and specifically to the Board Secretary at ext. 5530.

The Zoning Office can be reached at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5541

The Land Use Administration Office can be reached at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5530

HOME OCCUPATIONS
Chapter 126-368 to view the ordinance on Home Occupations.
Home-Office-or-Occupation.form-2024

FENCE GUIDELINES

All fencing requires a Zoning Permit issued by the Zoning Office. Permit requires a survey showing the fence location and a picture or specifications of the style of fence. An inspection of the completed fence is only made if a complaint is made with the Zoning Office.  Maximum fine for erecting a fence without a permit may be $1,000.00.

A fence is a structure. It cannot be over six feet in height. Any fence placement that may violate a property line becomes a civil issue and the township does not arbitrate any dispute. Any fence placed along a wall along a property line cannot be higher then six feet on both sides measured at ground level.

Any landscaping along any property line may augment privacy with no regulation.

Solid and Open Fence:

All fences must be installed a minimum of six (6) inches set back from all property lines and shall comply with the following:

• No portion of the fence, including face, footing, foundation, or posts, shall be installed over the property line, or into the road right of way.
• No fence shall interfere with sight distance along any portion of the road right of way or access easement.
• No fence is permitted within an existing sight triangle.
• No fence may encroach onto a public utility easement or public access easement without the written permission of the Township Engineer and a written agreement between the property owner and Township that is to remain in perpetuity for the life of the fence, and must be recorded in the Somerset County Clerk’s Office.  At a minimum, a gate shall be required on one (1) side of the easement for access.
• No fence shall encroach onto a conservation easement.

Height of a fence shall be as follows:

• The maximum height of a fence is six (6) feet along the rear property line.
• The maximum height of a fence is six (6) feet along the side property line if the fence terminates no less than three (3) feet behind the front of the principal building, excluding such projections as porches, steps, bay and bow windows, patios and similar projections.
• The maximum six (6) feet height may be continued from the side property line to the principal building as long as it is no less than three (3) feet behind the front of the principal building.

In all other areas of a lot, the maximum height of a fence is 48 inches and shall contain gaps of at least 50% of the width of the solid vertical portion staggered in a manner similar to a picket fence.

Fences used to enclose non-residential electrical supply stations and mechanical facilities having energized electrical conductors or equipment shall be a maximum of eight (8) feet in height and shall be effectively grounded.       

Fences that are constructed on top of or in association with a retaining wall shall be limited to four (4) feet in height and shall comply with all other applicable provisions of this Chapter.

Measurement of the height of a fence shall be as follows: 

The height of a fence shall be measured from the lowest surface of the ground to the highest point of the fence throughout its entire length.

For a fence placed on top of a retaining wall, the combined structure shall be measured from the bottom elevation of the retaining wall to the highest point of the fence.

Section 196-3, DESIGN STANDARDS

Design Standards for fencing shall be as follows:

• The finished face of the fence must face the abutting property, except:
  • Where the fence encloses an outdoor recreational facility.
  • Where the fence is in a residential zone and where the fence abuts a commercial or industrial property.
• Fence posts may be six inches higher than the fence.
• Fence installation shall not adversely affect drainage.
• Fence shall be constructed out of material customarily used for fence construction.
• Fences or barriers surrounding swimming pools shall be consistent with the currently adopted Building Codes in the State of New Jersey.

SHEDS – GAZEBOS

 All sheds require a permit. Application must include a survey locating the shed and a picture with specification sheet of the shed. 

Sheds – 100 SF or less

1. Requires Zoning permit only.  No UCC building permit needed
2. Height maximum of ten (10) feet as measured from grade to the peak
3. Distance to side and rear property lines is three (3) feet only in the following zones:  R-20.1, R-10.1, R-10, R-10A, and R-10B
4. All other zones the minimum distance to side and rear property lines is ten (10) feet
5. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for footing or foundation
6. Cannot be placed in front yard
7. Height over ten (10) feet, accessory structure setbacks for each zone applies and requires a UCC building permit
8. No utilities allowed without proper UCC building permits
9. This is an accessory structure (maximum of two (2) per lot)

Sheds – 101 – 199 SF

1. Requires Zoning permit only.  No UCC building permit needed
2. Height maximum of ten (10) feet as measured from grade to the peak
3. Taxed
4. Locate on your survey within setback for that zone
5. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for footing or foundation
6. Cannot be placed in front yard
7. Height over ten (10) feet, accessory structure setbacks for each zone applies and requires a UCC Building permit
8. No utilities allowed without proper UCC building permits
9. This is an accessory structure (maximum of two (2) per lot)

Sheds – 200+ SF

1. Requires Zoning and UCC building permits
2. Locate on your survey within setback for that zone
3. Taxed
4. Cannot be placed in front yard
5. Maximum height at peak is sixteen (16) feet as measured from grade to the peak. 
6. No utilities allowed without proper UCC building permits
7. This is an accessory structure (maximum of two (2) per lot)

Gazebos

1. All gazebos require a zoning permit and a UCC building permit
2. Locate on your survey within setback for that zone
3. Taxed
4. Cannot be placed in front yard
5. Maximum height at peak is sixteen (16) feet as measured from grade to the peak
6. Utilities require UCC building permits
7. This is an accessory structure (maximum of two (2) per lot)

Please note that Bridgewater Township does not maintain copies of property surveys.  Each property owner is responsible for obtaining their own survey.

PATIOS & RETAINING WALLS

Patio permits require a survey show the location of the patio and showing the area in square feet. That area is subject to the total improved lot coverage according to the Zoning Chart for that zone.

Patios cannot be closer than five (5) feet to side and rear property lines.

Landscape Retaining Walls require a Zoning Permit.  The height of the wall is the distance it must stay from a property line. An example is a two-foot wall must remain a minimum of two feet from property line.  The application requires the wall must be located on a survey.

Patios and retaining walls that are part of a Building Permit like for a pool, do not require a separate Zoning Permit.  Retaining walls over four (4) feet require a UCC building permit.  The Code Enforcement Office inspects them.