Perth Amboy, NJ Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

Article II of Chapter 374 of the Perth Amboy City Code regulates the facade design and appearance of buildings throughout the City of Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey (§ 374-14). Where it conflicts with the zoning provisions of Chapter 430 on facade design, Article II wins. Under § 374-14.1, the construction or alteration of building and structure facades is subject to prior review and approval against the design criteria developed by the Downtown Perth Amboy Business Improvement District, Inc. The City Council designated the Department of Code Enforcement to review and grant or deny facade approvals, and all signs and awnings must meet that Department's approval. None of this excuses compliance with any zoning regulation or decision.

Section 374-15 sets the test. A reviewing Facade Committee, appointed by the Business Improvement District, imposes conditions, and a facade plan is approved only if the proposal is compatible with the existing structures of the District and would not adversely affect the character and appearance of the District, the relationships among structures and public ways, or the exterior architectural features of the structure. The Committee sorts new structures, additions and alterations into higher impact or lower impact. Higher-impact work must be visually compatible in height, the width-to-height relationship of the front elevation, window proportions, solids to voids, spacing between buildings, entrances, materials, roof shape, walls and fencing, and mass, and parking areas must be screened from the public right-of-way. Lower-impact work meets a shorter list of those same standards.

Color gets a specific rule: whites, grays and earth tones except in unusual circumstances, with approved colors kept by the Business Improvement District for guidance. The section states it does not discourage contemporary architectural expression or encourage imitation of historic styles. For alterations, the goal is to preserve or enhance architectural value and return the structure toward its known appearance: original materials are maintained and repaired rather than replaced, and details such as cornices, brackets and window trim are retained.