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December 2019 Updates

admin — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000

CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

Robbinsville, NJ – December 2019, Approval
Project: 12,000 SF Office/Warehouse & Associated Parkingl

Monroe Twp, NJ – December 2019, Monroe Place Apartments construction Completed

Adding More Parking Spaces – Remember a Minor Site Plan may be Required

Even adding more than three parking spaces to a parking lot may require a minor site plan.

According to the NJ State Planning 1997 Municipal Land Use Law, a “Site plan” means a development plan of one or more lots on which is shown (1) the existing and proposed conditions of the lot, including but not necessarily limited to topography, vegetation, drainage, flood plains,marshes and waterways, (2) the location of all existing and proposed buildings, drives, parking spaces,walkways, means of ingress and egress, drainage facilities, utility services, landscaping, structures and signs,lighting, screening devices, and (3) any other information that may be reasonably required in order to make an informed determination pursuant to an ordinance requiring review and approval of site plans by the planning board adopted pursuant to article 6 of this act.

Contact Crest Engineering if you are expanding your parking lot to ensure that your project is compliant with all laws and regulations. Get the BEST with CREST.

November 2019 Updates

admin — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 13:00:00 +0000

CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

Brick, NJ November 2019, Approval
Project: Crystal Point Marina – 3000 SF Community Room & Pool

Riparian Grant

A Riparian Grant is a deed from the State of New Jersey for the sale of its formerly flowed tidelands. Obtaining a riparian grant is appropriate if any portion of the upland of the property was, at one time, flowed by the mean high tide. That portion of the property that was formerly tidal is state-owned property despite the fact that it has been filled in and the former waterway is no longer evident. The state-owned section of the property is known as a Tidelands Claim; a Tidelands Claim is a cloud on a property owner’s title regardless of whether or not that property owner is aware of the claim at the time of purchase.

Obtaining a riparian grant is not mandatory; however, a grant may be desired to clear title to a property encumbered with a Tidelands Claim.

The current policy is to issue grants only for filled tidelands. That is, the State of New Jersey no longer sells currently flowed tidelands.

October 2019 Updates

admin — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Tidelands Act:

Tidelands, also known as riparian lands, are all lands that are currently and formerly flowed by the mean high tide of a natural waterway. Barnegat Bay, a naturally tidal body of water, is an example of tidelands. However, New Creek, a tiny tidal stream that flowed through the city of Newark a century ago but has since been filled in and built over, is also an example of tidelands . New Jersey contains an extensive network of tidelands, both big and small.

The State of New Jersey claims ownership of these tidelands and holds them in trust for the people of the state. All tidelands are overseen by the Tidelands Resource Council, a board of twelve Governor-appointed volunteers, along with DEP staff at the Bureau of Tidelands Management.

September 2019 Updates

admin — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Wetlands Act of 1970:

The land immediately adjacent to tidal water often contains coastal wetlands which are regulated under the Wetlands Act of 1970. NJDEP regulates activities within coastal wetlands pursuant to the Wetlands Act of 1970, N.J.S.A. 13:9A-1 et seq. The Act required the Commissioner to inventory and map the boundaries of all coastal wetlands within the State from the Raritan Bay south. The NJDEP’s Coastal Wetlands maps are used to determine jurisdiction. You must have coastal wetlands permit to excavate, dredge, fill or place a structure on any coastal wetland shown on the maps. Wetlands beyond or inland of these delineated wetlands are regulated under the freshwater wetland regulations, subject of another discussion.

August 2019 Updates

admin — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 12:45:00 +0000

Why you Should Hire a Land Surveyor

CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

Monroe Twp, NJ – Summer 2019 Kiddie Academy, Construction Completed

Jackson, NJ – Jackson Town Center, Use Variance Approval for a mixed use development to allow apartments within the Neighborhood Commercial Zone.

Professional land surveyors are the only people trained and licensed to make property line determinations.

Many people assume telephone poles, fences, or cracks in the sidewalk are the property corners when in reality they most likely are not.

Dividing one land parcel into two or more parcels can be a lengthy process, and every municipality has it own guidelines, size requirements and process for dividing land.

Contact us, Crest Engineering Associates, to help you determine what process is needed and what time constraints may affect you. The process can be a lengthy one even for something as simple as wanting to split off a small piece of the farm for your child for a home site.

Why should you expect from CREST as your land surveyor?

We, our survey crews, will treat you and your neighbors with respect.
We are licensed to conduct surveys in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
You will receive a map showing the results of the work performed, signed and sealed by our licensed land surveyor.
At your request, all the boundaries of your property can be clearly marked.

July 2019 Updates

admin — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 10:00:13 +0000

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CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

Freehold, July 18, 2019, Approval
Project: Second Garage on property to accommodate Motorcycle Storage.

Freehold, July 18, 2019 Approval Resolution
Project: Re Occupancy Approval Resolution for Auto Dealer

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

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What is Stormwater Pollution & How it may Impact Your Project

Water from rain and melting snow that flows over lawns, parking lots and streets is known as stormwater runoff. This water, which travels along gutters, into catch basins and through storm drain pipes and ditches, usually is not treated, but then flows or is discharged into local water bodies. Along the way, the stormwater picks up trash (fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, styrofoam cups, etc.) and toxins and other pollutants (gas, motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides and pet droppings). This polluted stormwater can kill fish and other wildlife, destroy wildlife habitat, contaminate drinking water sources and force the closing of beaches because of health threats to swimmers.

Human activity is largely responsible for stormwater pollution. Everything that we put on the ground or into the storm drain can end up in our water. Each of us has a responsibility to make sure these contaminants stay out of our water. Whether we have clean water is up to you.

Hire CREST to ensure that your latest project will meet the NJ Requirements for Stormwater Pollution Prevention. [/column-third-2-3]

June 2019 Updates

admin — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 10:00:41 +0000

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CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

Marlboro, NJ, June 11, 2019, Variance Approval
Project: Re-Sub Division of a lot at Texas & Wooleytown Road, Hindu American Cultural Center.

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

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Why Soil Conservation Districts in New Jersey Regulate Construction Activity

Prior to 1950, Soil Conservation Districts in New Jersey primarily offered technical conservation assistance to the agricultural community. During the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s the rapid shift of land use to the construction of houses, industrial and commercial developments resulted in major changes throughout the Garden State. This growth accelerated the process of soil erosion and sediment loss, causing sediment pollution to New Jersey’s waterways.

With that in mind, if you are thinking about building a home or other large construction project, remember that what we all do affects one another.

Hire CREST to evaluate your current project plans when you are dealing with excavation/project/disturbance that will require NJ DEP Permits. [/column-third-2-3]

May 2019 Updates

admin — Sat, 25 May 2019 08:00:03 +0000

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CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

South Brunswick Township, May 8, 2019, Planning Board Approval
Project: Planning Board Approval for 2 Lot Subdivision of a shared driveway.

Cranford, NJ, May 1, 2019, Approval
Project: Approval of an additional 12,000 square foot Warehouse in Cranford, NJ for the Moen Organization

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

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Septic Systems will affect your Home Sale or Purchase

Current septic system (underground disposal systems) laws were adopted in 1991.

Therefore, if your septic system is older than that and you are trying to sell your house or buy a new one with an older system, it will not meet the current codes?

Hire CREST to conduct a Septic system inspection and make recommendations for expansion or replacement.

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April 2019 Updates

admin — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 15:05:40 +0000

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CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

Edison, NJ, April 30, 2019, Zoning Board Approval
Project: Zoning board approval for Sai Data Cultural Center in Edison, NJ.

Monroe Township, April 30, 2019, Zoning Board Approval
Project: CEP Solar Farm in an old mining pit.

Millstone Township, April 10, 2019, Site Plan Approval
Project: Site Plan Approval of Trampoline Building at Black Bear Day Camp – Add On Approval.

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

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Do You Need a Plot Plan for an Addition?

If you wish to put an addition on your home that you WILL need a plot plan. What is a plot plan, it is a plan for your plot of land!

A plot plan is a small site plan of your lot showing what physical features are on your lot. An engineer will add the proposed addition based upon a plan by an architect. The way the lands slopes are shown. Modifications may need to be made to provide proper drainage. Dimensions to the property lines are shown to make sure the addition is not too close to the property line.

This plan is submitted with your architectural plans for a building permit. Hire CREST to prepare your plot plan.

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March 2019 Updates

admin — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 20:06:39 +0000

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CREST Monthly Updates

Planning

Millstone Township, February 27, 2019, Variance Approval
Project: Variance approved related to a proposed single family house in an area of steep slopes.

Franklin Township, March 7, 2019, Site Plan Approval
Project: Site Plan Approval of a 4,999 sf cultural and spiritual center for the Adichunchanagiri Cultural and Spiritual Foundation of USA

Surveying

Latest Construction Stakeouts
Project

House Rebuilds

Home Raising
New Houses

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NJ’s Coastal Permitting Program – Buy, Build or Add On?

Are you considering buying property near tidal water? Building a waterfront home, a retail center, or marina? Do you want to put in a bulkhead or a dock? Or maybe an addition to an existing house in a coastal town? In each of these cases, New Jersey’s coastal permitting program may affect where and whether you buy, build, or add on.

New Jersey protect coastal water and the land adjacent to them under a variety of laws including the Waterfront Development Law (N.J.S.A. 12:5-3), the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA N.J.S.A. 13:19), and the Wetlands Act of 1970 (N.J. S.A. 13:9A)

Crest Engineering can help navigate New Jersey’s extensive Coastal regulations to obtain the proper permits for your proposed projects

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