Zoning

The Zoning Officer is responsible for administering and enforcing the provisions of the zoning department and all zoning ordinances, discover and ascertain the existence of any violations, investigate and inspect any alleged violation within his knowledge or coming to his attention, to prevent further or continued violations which are known by him to exist, and by every lawful means cause the violators to cease and desist from committing such further violations. The Zoning Officer is then responsible for prosecuting violations in the manner provided by law.

In addition to the duty of enforcement, the Zoning Officer is responsible for the administrative duties of the department, which include reviewing zoning permit applications and working alongside the land use board for variance approval when required. The Zoning Officer also works alongside the Construction Official in the approval of zoning permit applications that move forward with requiring building permits.

  • A zoning permit must be obtained prior to any construction, erection, relocation, or the alteration of any structure. 
  • A zoning permit must be obtained prior to the filing of any application change in a commercial occupancy. 
  • A zoning permit certifies that the application is in compliance with all provisions of the Borough’s zoning ordinances.  

William E. Donegan III has been with the Borough since 2002, proudly serving as the Zoning Officer for 21 years. Mr. Donegan attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and graduated Cum Laude in 1976. Some of Mr. Donegan’s extensive experience and knowledge in the field include but are not limited to:

Borough of Hopatcong Planning Board from 1995 until 2002.
Real Estate business owner from 1977 until 2002.
Real Estate Appraiser from 1978 until 2001.





Zoning permit approval is required for most improvements.  Examples:

Sheds Patios Walkways
Decks Driveways Docks (fixed or floating)
Additions Boat lifts Boat houses/piers/marinas
New structures Signs Home professional offices
Fences Ramps Any structures being removed then rebuilt
Pools Garage sales Home occupation/home offices

 

Commonly used forms for the Zoning Department

Land Use Board Agendas and Minutes

Digital Zoning Map of Hopatcong