East Brunswick, NJ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Article IV of Chapter 189, adopted 10-9-67 and amended by Ord. No. 08-11 on 7-7-08, controls private work in the public right-of-way. Section 189-23 makes it unlawful to construct or remove, or cause to be constructed or removed, any sidewalk, driveway apron, curb or gutter or any part of one within any public right-of-way in East Brunswick Township without a permit from the Manager of Engineering Services or his or her designee. This article is the Code's permit for that class of work; the sections read here cover sidewalks, aprons, curbs and gutters rather than structures placed in the right-of-way.

Section 189-24 requires the owner of the premises or his agent to apply on Township forms. The application gives the applicant's name and address, the name and address of the person doing the work and of the owner if different, the location of the premises, the estimated cost, and a line and grade plan showing the exact location against a street intersection or other fixed object, its width, its relationship to the grade of the street and adjacent property and, for a driveway apron, its slope or pitch. Section 189-25 charges $25 per permit, payable when the application is filed, with test costs paid before issuance.

Section 189-26 requires work to follow the current NJDOT Specification Manual and Township specifications, prompt replacement of anything removed, no blacktop over or on a concrete sidewalk, and replacement of the entire section of curb for a curb cut, with breaking and recapping of curbing specifically prohibited. New or replacement sidewalks in historic districts are brick, and curbing is Belgian block. Section 189-27 requires notice to the Department of Planning and Engineering at least twenty-four (24) hours before pouring or laying. Section 189-28 exempts initial installation in a major subdivision under performance guaranties and repair or replacement of less than eight (8) lineal feet of existing sidewalk. Excavating in or tunneling under a street needs a separate road opening permit under § 189-5.