Planning & Zoning Board
Riverdale is a joint board
The Planning and Zoning Board consists of volunteer residents appointed by the Mayor & Council who are responsible for preparing the Borough Master Plan in compliance with provisions of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and who are responsible for reviewing zoning ordinances referred to them by the Mayor & Council.
The Planning Board consists of nine (9) members and two (2) alternate members. The Board is assisted by a professional staff consisting of:
- Board Attorney
- Board Engineer
- Board Planner
- Board Secretary
- John Barbarula, Esq.
- Thomas Boorady
- Kristin Russell
Zoning Board Responsibilities
The Riverdale Planning is a joint board in that it fulfills the responsibilities of both a planning board and a zoning board of adjustment. In such cases the mayor and council representative step down and do not participate in or vote on such applications. The Zoning Board reviews applications that propose to utilize property in a manner not consistent with municipal zoning laws. They preview applications for variances that are basically non-permitted uses, and the Zoning Board is empowered to grant exceptions to the zoning ordinances in cases where the literal and rigid interpretation and enforcement of the zoning laws would cause hardship or injustice. These "non-permitted" uses are based upon the zoning ordinances established by the Borough.
| Chairman | Scott Trouse |
| Vice Chairman | Warren Sheps |
| Class IV Member | Rick Malanga |
| Class IV Member | Michael Reilly |
| Class IV Member | Kevin Bulger |
| Class IV Member | Chris Scilingo |
| Class I Member | Mayor Paul M. Carelli |
| Class II Member | Sal Poli |
| Class III Member | Council President Vincent Pellegrini |
| Alternate #1 |
James Talerico
|
| Alternate #2 |
Brendan Lynch
|
| Board Secretary | Stephanie Colella |
Limitations of Variances
Because zoning variances may infringe on the rights of neighbors, an applicant is not automatically entitled to a variance. An applicant must meet specific criteria contained in the Municipal Land Use Laws by satisfying specific legal standards of proof. This burden of proof is placed upon the applicant to demonstrate that the requested relief is justified without impinging upon the rights of others. Some items to consider when requesting a variance are special reason, benefits, negative criteria, and hardship.
Stormwater Management Plan
- NEW: Stormwater Management Morris County Planning Board Approval (3-4-2021)
- NEW: ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 146A ENTITLED "STORMWATER MANAGEMENT" OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE BOROUGH OF RIVERDALE
- Stormwater Management Ordinance
- Stormwater Management Plan for the Borough of Riverdale