Monroe Township (Middlesex County), NJ: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Section 108-5.23 of the Monroe Township land development chapter creates a referral step for historic properties in Monroe Township, Middlesex County. All proposed applications for development in which any historic building, or lands containing a historic building, place or structure, established by the Cultural and Heritage Commission, must be referred to that commission for certificate of appropriateness consideration. The referral comes before the municipal agency, meaning the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, acts on the application.

The section sets design goals for any development within or containing a designated historic building, place or structure. First, the existing character and appearance of the historic building shall be preserved. Second, wherever feasible, existing structures should be restored in lieu of new construction. Third, all proposed developments should be compatible and consistent with existing development and the concept of the historic building in five listed respects: architectural design, color scheme of buildings, size, type, color and design of signs, scale of the use and structure, and walls and fences. The section closes by stating that visual compatibility factors will be applied to historic building structures.

The township's governing chapter on boards also creates a Historic Preservation Commission in § 3-88.1. That commission surveys historic sites, advises the Planning Board on the historic preservation plan element of the master plan, and encourages the continued use of historic resources while discouraging the unnecessary demolition of historic resources. Under § 3-88.1 the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment must refer to it every application for development in historic zoning districts or on historic sites designated on the Zoning or Official Map, and failure to refer does not invalidate a hearing. Owners should read both sections, because § 108-5.23 names the Cultural and Heritage Commission while § 3-88.1 creates the Historic Preservation Commission.