Cherry Hill, NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 20-1, Excavations in Streets and Rights-of-Way
- Issuing office
- Township Engineering Department
- Admin fee
- $100 plus inspection fee
- Permit term
- 6 months, extendable 6 months
- Minimum surety
- $500 for openings up to 10 sq ft
- Restriction after paving
- No permit 5 yrs post-reconstruction, 3 yrs post-resurfacing
Summary
Any work that disturbs Cherry Hill Township streets, curbs, sidewalks or driveway aprons within the public right-of-way needs a Street Opening Permit from the Engineering Department under Township Code § 20-1. Applicants post a bond, pay administration and inspection fees, and restore all disturbed paving to Township specifications.
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, association or corporation to cut, break into, excavate, grade, damage, or open any of the roads, streets, avenues, highways and rights-of-way of the Township, or easements granted thereto without first making written application to the Engineering Department stating the kind, character and purpose of the proposed work and such other information as may be required to fulfill the requirements of this section.
Full Breakdown
Township Code § 20-1 makes it unlawful to cut, break into, excavate, grade, damage or open any Township road, street, avenue, highway or right-of-way, including easements, without first filing a written application with the Engineering Department (§ 20-1.1). The permit covers construction, repair or installation touching sidewalks, driveway aprons, curbs, handicapped ramps, sanitary and storm sewer mains, water and gas mains, and utility conduits within the right-of-way, plus temporary storage of equipment or materials there (§ 20-1.4a). Applicants file diagrams or plans with the Engineering Department (§ 20-1.5), which can approve, approve as noted, or deny them (§ 20-1.6); the Department may reject an application that would cause substantial damage or dangerous traffic conditions (§ 20-1.7).
Before a permit issues, the applicant pays a $100 administration fee plus an inspection fee of at least $100 for the first $1,000 of estimated restoration cost and $50 per additional $1,000, or a flat $75 for sidewalk or apron replacement only (§ 20-1.12a), and posts a bond or escrow, with a minimum $500 surety for openings up to ten square feet plus $35 per additional square foot (§ 20-1.12b). The permit is valid six months and can be extended six more (§ 20-1.8b), and no new permit issues for five years after a street is reconstructed or three years after it is resurfaced absent an emergency or Township Council hardship waiver (§ 20-1.8d).
A maintenance bond stays in effect for two years after the Township accepts the restoration (§ 20-1.11f). Opening a right-of-way without a permit violates § 20-1.15 and the general Chapter 1, § 1-5 penalty schedule.
Violations & Fines
Excavating, cutting or opening any Township street, curb or right-of-way without an approved Street Opening Permit violates § 20-1.1 and is punishable under § 20-1.15 and the general Chapter 1, § 1-5 penalty: a fine up to $2,000, up to ninety days in jail, or up to ninety days of community service, at the Municipal Court judge's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put in a new driveway apron in Cherry Hill?
How long is a Cherry Hill right-of-way permit good for?
Can I get a permit to open a street that was just repaved?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cherry Hill
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