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

Wayne Township Code § 134-19.4 governs how a landmark is created. The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee begins with structures already on the State or National Registry of Historic Places, then considers other buildings, structures, objects, sites and districts that show integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship or association. The Code itself lists candidates, from the Van Riper-Hopper House at 533 Berdan Ave. to the Upper Preakness School at 1022 Paterson-Hamburg Tpke.

Every owner of a proposed landmark gets a certified-mail notice that explains the reasons, the consequences of designation, the right to challenge it and the date of the public meeting. A preliminary list and map are published in an official newspaper of the Township at least 10 days before the Committee hearing. After the Committee votes, its report goes to the Planning Board and the Township Clerk, and a published notice sets the Planning Board's final designation meeting not less than 15 nor more than 45 days after publication.

The Planning Board's final determination creates landmark status, and the Planning Board issues a certification of designation. Within seven days it notifies the owner by certified mail of appeal rights. A member of the public has 45 days to appeal to the Township Council, which can affirm, modify or vacate the decision. The Township Council then considers the designation list and map and can approve, reject or modify them by ordinance. The adopted list is incorporated by reference into the Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance, and a copy of each certificate of designation is filed with the County Clerk like a lien certificate.

Designation matters because § 134-19.5 sends every building permit and development application touching a landmark to the Committee, including demolition, relocation, exterior changes, signs and exterior lighting. The Committee reports to the Administrative Officer within 45 days, and silence counts as a report in favor of the permit. Under § 134-19.9, the Planning Board can postpone demolition for up to one year on a two-thirds vote.