Cherry Hill Zoning Overview

Cherry Hill is a township in Camden County, New Jersey with a population of approximately 74,553 (2020 Census). Like all New Jersey municipalities, Cherry Hill regulates land use under the authority of the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.), which grants municipalities the power to adopt zoning ordinances, create planning boards, and regulate development through site plan and subdivision review.

The township's zoning ordinance divides Cherry Hill into several districts, including low-density residential (R-1), medium-density residential (R-2), high-density residential (R-3), business (B-1), general business (B-2), and industrial (I) zones. Each district carries specific dimensional standards governing lot size, building height, and required setbacks.

Key Residential Zoning Districts

R-1 (Residential Low Density) requires a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet with setbacks of 35 feet in front, 12 feet on each side, and 25 feet in the rear. Maximum building height is 35 feet. This district is intended for single-family homes on larger suburban lots.

R-2 (Residential Medium Density) allows development on lots as small as 10,000 square feet. Setbacks are 30 feet in front, 8 feet on each side, and 20 feet in the rear. Maximum height is 35 feet.

R-3 (Residential High Density) permits higher-density residential development including multi-family dwellings. Dimensional standards vary based on the specific project. Consult the Cherry Hill municipal code for detailed R-3 requirements.

Commercial and Industrial Districts

B-1 (Business) is intended for neighborhood-scale retail and service establishments serving nearby residential areas. B-2 (General Business) accommodates a wider range of commercial activity including larger retail, office, and service uses. The I (Industrial) district is designated for manufacturing, warehousing, and related industrial operations.

New Jersey Regulatory Framework

All construction in Cherry Hill must comply with the NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC), which is New Jersey's statewide building code adopted under NJAC 5:23. The UCC is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with New Jersey-specific amendments. Building permits and inspections are administered locally but must meet UCC standards.

Zoning in New Jersey is governed by the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), which provides the legal framework for municipal zoning ordinances, planning boards, and zoning boards of adjustment. Under the MLUL, property owners who cannot meet zoning requirements may apply for variances — either "c" variances (bulk/dimensional relief) or "d" variances (use variances) — through the local zoning board.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

New Jersey does not currently have a statewide ADU mandate. Whether accessory dwelling units are permitted in Cherry Hill depends on local zoning provisions. Contact Cherry Hill Planning/Zoning to verify current ADU regulations before planning any accessory dwelling construction.

Development Process

Development in Cherry Hill generally follows this process under the MLUL framework:

1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
2. Pre-Application Conference — Meet with township planning staff for guidance on larger projects
3. Site Plan / Subdivision Review — Submit applications to the Planning Board as required
4. Variance Applications — If needed, apply to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for relief
5. Building Permit — Apply for a UCC construction permit with construction documents
6. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction per UCC requirements
7. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Cherry Hill, property owners should:

• Verify the zoning classification of their property via the municipal code
• Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for the applicable district
• Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
• Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
• Confirm whether deed restrictions or HOA covenants apply
• Contact Cherry Hill Planning/Zoning at (856) 665-6500 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Cherry Hill and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with Cherry Hill Township or the municipal code before making development decisions.