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--- Document: Download Guide - How To Start a Business in Vernon Document ---
V1. Issued December 2022
Opening Your Business in Vernon: A How-To Guide
V1. Issued December 2022
We Are So Excited You Are Thinking of Opening Your Business in Vernon!
Some key facts about Vernon
• It is home to roughly 25,000 people
• It is in the northeast corner of Sussex County, flanked by Wantage Township, Hardyston Township, and West Milford in
neighboring Passaic County
• It shares its northern border with New York state and the popular NY town, Warwick
• More than 40% of Vernon’s 70 square miles is preserved open space and the township is criss-crossed by both federal
and state parks as well as a 20-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail
• Communities within the township include Glenwood, Highland Lakes, McAfee, Vernon Valley, Barry Lakes and Lake
Wallkill
Vernon thrives as a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The convergence of skiers and snowboarders during the
winter months gives way to hikers, golfers, mountain bikers, kayakers, campers, picnickers in the spring, summer, and fall
months.
Resources to help you
Please review the following instructional guide containing steps and links to facilitate a smooth process to opening your
business in Vernon. If you have questions about any of this information, please contact:
• Construction Code Official, 973-764-4055, x2254
• Allison Larocca, Zoning Officer, alarocca@vernontwp.com, 973-764-4055, x2248
• Mary Dugan, Technical Assistant, mdugan@vernontwp.com, 973-764-4055, x2251
You also have the support of the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) in Vernon, a group formed to
encourage, promote and assist business growth, increase employment opportunities and improve the quality of life of
Vernon Township residents while enhancing the area environment. Additional information about EDAC can be found at this
link: Econ Development (vernontwp.com).
V1. Issued December 2022
Steps To Follow to Open a Business in Vernon
1. New Jersey requires that several steps be taken, and forms completed, BEFORE you begin the process within Vernon.
Please consult the New Jersey Tax Guide to Starting a Business in New Jersey as your first step. It can be found here:
https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/documents/pdf/guides/Starting-a-Business-in-New-Jersey.pdf
2. Vernon-specific information
a. The Vernon Township Building Department administers and enforces the regulations of the NJ Uniform
Construction Code, NJAC Chapter 23.
b. Before performing any Building, Plumbing, or Electrical work, please call and speak with one of the Technical
Assistants or Code Officials who can advise on which permits may be required. The office is open on weekdays
from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Phone 973-764-4055, x2254.
c. Permit costs vary and will be provided upon request from Vernon for permit
d. For building department permits, please enroll with the portal to check status of your file, applications, permit
costs, and inspection results. The portal can be found here: https://www.sdlportal.com/
e. The Vernon Township Land Use Board hears two different types of applications—those which are generally in
compliance with the township’s land development regulations and those which are not. For questions about
Land Use, contact Kimberley Decker, Land Use Administrator, at kdecker@vernontwp.com. This application is
always needed for new construction and for change of use (or if you are referred by another office).
f. Information about the permits can be found in the table below.
Permit Type
What to Know
Where to Find
Date
Completed
Zoning Permit
(Change of use
Permit)
•
Same document is used for change of signage
zoning_permit.pdf
(vernontwp.com)
Construction/Building
permit
•
Required when more than an ordinary repair is being
done.
•
Sometimes requires architectural plans.
•
Check with the Zoning Officer to confirm that what you
want to do is a permitted use in that zone. (Zoning & Code
Enforcement Officer: 973-764-4055, x2248.
Permit: f100-1 8-2008 Inet rev.pmd
(vernontwp.com)
Zoning map:
http://www.vernontwp.com/pdf/z
oning_map.pdf
V1. Issued December 2022
Zoning Permit
(Change of signage)
•
Same document is used for change of use
zoning_permit.pdf
(vernontwp.com)
Framing Checklist
•
This document requires the builder or the builder’s
representative to verify that the construction undertaken
conforms to the approved plans
http://www.vernontwp.com/pdf/u
cc_f390_framing_chklst.pdf
Electrical
•
A licensed electrician must sign and seal the application
unless the work is being completed by homeowners in an
owner occupied single family dwelling
Internet f120 11-2009 (purple).pmd
(vernontwp.com)
Plumbing
•
This form should be used for all plumbing work related to a
project. A licensed plumber must sign and seal the
application unless the work is being completed by the
homeowners in an owner occupied single family dwelling.
Internet f130 11-2009 (blue).pmd
(vernontwp.com)
Mechanical
•
This form is to be used when replacing water heaters,
furnaces and boilers, installation of a fireplace, wood or
pellet stove, tanks and air conditioning.
Internet f145 11-2009.pmd
(vernontwp.com)
Fire Code
•
This form should be used when installing smoke detectors,
commercial furnaces, tanks, fire suppression systems, fire
alarms, kitchen hood systems and fireplaces.
•
Business also have to register with the fire marshal by
calling the office at 973.764.4055, ext. 2271
http://www.vernontwp.com/pdf/u
cc_f140_fire_prot.pdf
Variations
•
Any variations or exceptions from the requirements of any
subcode will require this form. Generally speaking, no
variance can be granted unless it’s found that strict
compliance would result in practical difficulty to the owner
and that if requested variance is granted, it will not
jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of intended
occupants and the public generally
http://www.vernontwp.com/pdf/u
cc_f160_app_for_var.pdf
Health Department
Approval
•
If you’ll be selling or serving food, check the link to the right
for any additional requirements.
Health (Division of) - Sussex County
Certificate of
Occupancy
•
The final step! You must apply for a certificate of
occupancy.
http://www.vernontwp.com/pdf/u
cc_f270_cert_app.pdf