FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES

In New Jersey, most municipalities require an engineered grading plan for additions, new builds, pools, etc., to ensure that stormwater runoff is adequately managed on-site and won’t negatively impact neighboring private or public property.
In New Jersey, a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) is required to prepare, sign, and seal plans, reports, and specifications for projects involving civil engineering and related construction that affects public health, safety, or code compliance.
Yes. We provide site-specific civil engineering for new septic systems and repairs to existing ones, to ensure compliance with NJDEP and local health codes.
- The Essentials
  - Recent Property Survey: This is the literal base map for all of our work. Ensure that it shows existing structures, property lines, and easements as they exist today (or possibly within five years, if unchanged).
  - Property Address, Tax Block and Lot(s)
    This is found on your tax bill or deed.
  - Project Description: A brief summary of your goals (e.g. “I want to redevelop a vacant property,” “I want to build a 20’ x 40’ inground pool and deck,” “I want to add on a two-car garage,” etc.
- Technical and Site Data
  - Topographic Data: Does your property have significant slopes? (If your survey includes contours, that’s even better).
  - Septic and Well Locations: If your property is not serviced by municipal sanitary sewers or drinking water mains, we’ll need to know exactly where these systems are location to ensure proper setbacks are provided for safety and code compliance.
  - Architectural Plans: If you have preliminary floor plans or elevations from an architect, these are vital for our site integration.
A recent property survey (ideally no more than five years old) is the most important starting point. If you do not have one, we can coordinate with one of our trusted Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) subconsultants to obtain the necessary data and plans for our engineering design.

PLANNING & LAND USE SERVICES

While an engineer focuses on the technical “how” of a build project, a Professional Planner focuses on the where and why regarding New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL). We ensure that your conforms with local zoning ordinances, master plans, and the MLUL.
As a licensed Professional Planner, I provide the strategic analysis, due diligence, and expert testimony required during Planning or Zoning Board hearings to justify the variance.
Yes. We represent clients at public hearings, presenting the planning merits of a project to the board members, and addressing technical concerns from the community or the municipality. In instances of proposed non-conformance, typically either ‘c’ or ‘d’ variance relief is required to be granted in order to approve the development application.
We evaluate the history of the property and the current zoning code develop a planning strategy that either seeks to legalize the use or requests the necessary relief from the board.

REGULATORY PERMITTING SERVICES

- State Level
  - New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)
    Division of Land Use Regulation (DLUR)
    Division of Water Quality (DWQ)
    Bureau of Water Systems Engineering (BWSE)
  - Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission (DRCC)
- County Level
  - Planning Boards / Departments
  - Soil Conservation Districts
  - Departments of Public Works
- Local Level
  - Planning Boards and Zoning Boards of Adjustment
  - Redevelopment Authorities
  - Municipal or regional utility authorities
  - Building Departments
    Engineering related site work only
While each site and each municipality are unique, below are approximate timeframes of approval based on prior projects:
- NJDEP Land Use Permits
  - 3 to 4 months
- County Planning Boards
  - 2 to 3 months
- Soil Conservation Districts
  - 2 to 3 months
- Local Board Approval
  - 1 to 3 months+
Yes. For any project in New Jersey that proposes to disturb more than 5,000 square feet (0.11 acres), a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Certification is needed from the local Soil Conservation District (SCD). EJE will prepare the necessary plans, details, supporting documents, and the application itself and coordinate with the local SCD for approval.
We provide the signed and sealed engineering plans and reports required for the application and coordinate directly with officials to resolve any technical comments during the review. We will work with your general contractor and their licensed subcontractors, who actually prepare and submit the building permit applications.
Activities on private properties that involve excavation, cutting, filling, importing, or exporting may trigger the need for a Soil Movement Permit. These permits are intended to regulate the amount of earth being displaced for the construction of homes, additions, pools, decks, patios, etc. These permit applications require a full engineering plan, soil volume (cut/fill) calculations, and cut/fill plans, with which EJE has extensive experience preparing and reviewing/approving such permit applications for municipalities as well.

If you have additional questions, please complete and submit a Project Inquiry Form, on the Contact page. Questions can be entered in the description field of this form.

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