Planning & Zoning

The Department assists in all land usage and future development cases for residential and commercial properties. Applications for zoning variances, subdivisions and site plans, and zoning permits are processed through this office. The Planning Department also helps to develop the Township Master Plan and provides professional planning advice and service to the Planning Board, Zoning Board and Environmental Commission.

Revised Construction Review Procedures for any New Zoning/Construction Permits

The Township of Sparta in cooperation with the Sussex County Health Department (SCHD) has streamlined Construction Review Procedures for any New Zoning/Construction Permits effective March 25, 2024.

Where a  zoning permit  proposal contains conditions which are not specifically listed and are unregulated on the SCHD setback list, the Zoning Office will NOT require an application/review from the SCHD as a prior approval. The exemptions from SCHD prior approvals will generally apply to generators/pads, AC units/pads, fences, pergolas, hot tubs, geothermal, retaining/landscape walls, gazebos and pavilions, as they are unlisted. It is the responsibility of the homeowner and/or contractor to ascertain compliance with the SCHD.

Zoning Permits, SCHD application and the associated check can be dropped off at the Planning & Zoning Office at 65 Main St.   Applicants will need to provide a check for $25 for “construction review” made payable to the County of Sussex, when they drop off their application.

Please be certain that all documentation is submitted as per the requirements of the SCHD as referenced on the application denoted with the number 6. Application Checklist.

This streamlined procedure will minimize the need for applicants to travel to the Sussex County Health Department and ensure a more expedient review turnaround.

2021 Sparta Landfill Redevelopment

Redevelopment Plan for Introduction – August 10, 2021

On June 22, 2020, the Township of Sparta Mayor and Council adopted resolution Number 9-16, “Accepting the Recommendation of the Sparta Township Planning Board and Declaring Property Known as Block 12001, Lot 4 (currently known as the Sparta Township Landfill) to be a Non-Condemnation Area in Need of Redevelopment” thereby the Council designated the area as an area in need of redevelopment for non-condemnation purposes. Read through the full Redevelopment Plan (PDF).