The following information will guide you through the step-wise process of obtaining the necessary approvals and permits required to operate a business, or improve a commercial property, in Bridgeton. City Officials want to assist you as much as possible, and we welcome your questions and comments. Thank you for your interest in Bridgeton.

• Contact the Bridgeton Fire Department (Bureau of Fire Prevention) to fill out/submit a Certificate of Business Compliance or CBC Application. Once you have submitted the completed application form, you will be given a Verification Form that is to be signed by the Zoning Officer, Construction Official, and Fire Safety Inspector.

• Contact the Zoning Officer (Alexxander Bowen) to complete a Zoning Application. You can reach the Zoning Officer at (856) 451-3407 Ext 3 Once the Zoning Officer has issued zoning approval, you would then move on to the Construction Office

• The Construction Office will ensure that your business location complies with any applicable portions of the Uniform Construction Code. You can reach the Construction Office at (856) 455-3230 Ext 218 (Technical Assistant Elizabeth Cruz) or Ext 284 (Construction Official William White)

• The final stop in the process will be the Bureau of Fire Prevention. You can contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention at (856)451-4250

• Since much of Bridgeton is in a Historic District you should also consider if your project (building modifications, fences, etc.) may require you to apply for Historic District Commission approval. This application, if needed, can also be obtained by contacting the Historic District Administration Officer at (856) 455-3230 Ext 261

• If your business deals with food, such as grocery stores, restaurants, etc., after contacting the Construction and Zoning office, you must apply to the Cumberland County Health Department for inspections and permits. If you are unsure whether a health inspection is required for your business, you should contact the County Health Inspector at 856-453-2150 early in the planning process.

                                                   DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

The following information will guide you through the step-wise process of obtaining the necessary approvals and permits required to develop or improve a commercial property, in the City of Bridgeton. City Officials want to assist you as much as possible, and we welcome your questions and comments.

Contact the Office of Development & Planning. This department is the central point of contact for business within the city. Incentives are available to new and existing businesses in Bridgeton including those of the Urban Enterprise Zone.  Call 856-451-3407

PRE-APPLICATION STAGE
• Initial conference with engineer, architect, and planner, etc.
• Site Inspection
• Zoning Analysis
• Review of Plans
• Professional consultants on development team
• Property owner's list & tax certification

INITIAL CONFERENCE WITH CITY PROFESSIONAL STAFF,

• Discussion on property
• Proposed development
• Site control strategy

SITE INSPECTION

• Review of survey
• Review of title – easements, rights of others
• Review of existing onsite and offsite conditions (structures, wetlands, streams, proximity of sensitive uses, etc.) that may impact on proposed project

ZONING ANALYSIS

• Zoning ordinances / Redevelopment plans
• Zoning map
• Site plan / subdivision ordinance
• Master plan
• Other approvals (DEP, DOT, CAFRA, NJMC, County, Soil Conservation)