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General Information
Phone Numbers
973-857-4772 (Zoning) 973-857-4832 (Building/Construction)
Emergencies: Dial 911
Location
Verona Community Center
880 Bloomfield Ave
Verona,
NJ
07044

Opening A Business in Verona - Frequently Asked Questions

I’m interested in opening a business in Verona. Where do I start?

Start with Verona's Zoning Office. Before signing a lease, purchasing a property, or beginning renovations, determine whether your proposed business use is permitted at the location.

Zoning Office: 880 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044 | 973-857-4772

Below are a few frequently asked questions

Zoning
Do I need a zoning/tenant permit?

Yes. A tenant permit is required for prospective tenants of new businesses, new owners of existing businesses, businesses in single-occupation buildings, businesses in multi-use or mixed-use buildings, and home occupations.

How do I know if my business is allowed at a particular location?

First, determine the zoning district for the property. Then confirm whether your proposed principal business use is permitted within that zone. The Zoning Office can assist you with this determination.

Zoning District Map

Can I open any type of business in a commercial space?

Not necessarily. A property’s zoning district determines which principal uses are permitted. Contact the Zoning Office before committing to a location to confirm that your proposed business use is permitted.

What if my proposed business use is not permitted?

If the proposed use is not permitted in the applicable zone, the zoning permit would be denied, which may allow you to pursue applicable relief, such as a use variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment or an appeal of the Zoning Officer’s decision, as provided by law.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

Board of Adjustment/Variance Application

Can I change the type of business after I receive zoning approval?

A zoning approval is specific to the approved business use. You cannot change or amend the approved use without a new zoning permit. Adding another principal use may require a variance because two principal uses in one business are not permitted under the requirements outlined by the Zoning Office.

What information do I need for my zoning application?

Applicants should be prepared to provide property, applicant, and property owner information, along with details about the existing and proposed business, proposed use, business description, applicable licenses, parking, outdoor storage, and project details. An applicant/owner signature is also required.

Do I need approval for a business sign?

Yes. Business signage is regulated under § 150-7.9, Signs of the Township Code. Requirements vary depending on the type and location of the sign.

What information is needed for a permanent sign?

Depending on the proposal, you may need to provide the sign type, dimensions, building/storefront frontage, illumination information, and two color images showing the proposed sign and specifications.

How long can I display a temporary sign?

Temporary signs may be displayed for up to 30 days, subject to the applicable requirements.

Can my business have a sandwich board sign?

Yes, subject to Township requirements. Only one sandwich board sign is permitted per business, and it may be no larger than 32 inches wide by 36 inches high. Additional requirements address placement, sidewalk clearance, hours of use, materials, lighting, snow removal, insurance, and public safety.

Is zoning approval the only approval I may need?

No. Depending on the business, location, and proposed work, additional approvals, inspections, permits, or specialized licenses may be required. These may include Fire Bureau inspections, Health Department inspections, construction permits, and specialized licenses such as food service, retail, or health-related permits.

Operating a Business in Your Home
Information coming soon