Piscataway, NJ Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Section 29-4 directs the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Township to identify historic districts and sites worthy of protection, using an identification process approved by the state Historic Preservation Office. After documenting a site's significance, the Commission notifies each owner by certified mail of a tentative landmark designation, the consequences of that designation, and the right to challenge it, then holds a public hearing advertised at least 10 days beforehand before making a final decision. Owner consent is required before the Township Council adopts a designation list by ordinance, and any owner who withholds consent is removed from the list.

Section 29-5 then requires a certificate of appropriateness from the Commission before any demolition, relocation, exterior alteration, or new construction affecting a designated landmark or improvement within a historic district, though exact repainting, repair, or replacement matching previously approved finishes is excepted, and work on municipal property or in a municipal or Middlesex County right-of-way is exempt. Section 29-6 requires applications to be filed at the Public Works Building at 505 Sidney Road, with notice by certified mail to owners within 200 feet when demolition is sought.