Howell Township Plot Plans: 3 Copies, and Nothing Bigger Than 24×36
Many plot plan rules only set a minimum sheet size. Brick’s, for example, is 8 1/2 by 14 inches. Howell also sets a maximum. Here’s what the township code and the Engineering Division’s checklist say, answered in the order people ask.
What’s the size limit?
Howell Code §188-31E says each individual plot plan “shall be no larger than 24 inches by 36 inches or smaller than 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches.” The Engineering Division’s Plot Plan Checklist repeats it as item 1: “Plans provided on sheets no smaller than 8-1/2″ x 11″ or greater than 24″ x 36″.”
So a 30×42 or 36×48 plot plan would be over the limit. Have the engineer lay it out on 24×36 or smaller.
How many copies?
§188-31A: “Three copies of the individual plot plan, three copies of the architectural drawings (if applicable) and the plot plan checklist shall be submitted to the Department of Community Development” with permit applications for new residential or commercial construction, and for major renovations or regrading of an existing property.
Who has to sign it?
The same section says each plot plan has to be “drawn to scale, signed and sealed by a professional engineer and land surveyor licensed to practice in the State of New Jersey.” The engineer also fills out the plot plan checklist and puts their NJ license number and seal on it.
Which office reviews it first?
Howell runs the paper through three desks, in order (§188-31B–D):
- Land Use Officer. Checks the bulk rules and issues a land use certificate. Engineering won’t start until that’s done.
- Township Engineer. Checks grading and drainage against the checklist and issues an engineering approval. Construction won’t start until that’s done.
- Construction Code Official. Reviews the architectural plans, jackets and technical sheets, then issues the building permit.
§188-31A also says an application jacket has to be filled out for each of the three: land use, engineering and construction.
What goes on the plot plan?
The checklist has 30 items. A few that catch people:
- A soil boring showing the basement is at least 2 feet above the seasonal high water table
- Elevations on NAVD 1988, with the source noted
- Spot grades at property corners, building corners and septic systems
- Downspout locations, and all drainage systems within 50 feet of the property
- Wetlands, riparian areas and floodplains, “with backup documentation from the approving agency”
In-ground pools add six more items, including the 10-foot equipment setback and the backwash discharge location. Retaining walls over 30 inches need design details and calculations.
Does every project need an engineered plot plan?
No. The township’s permit chart (Permit Compliance Checklist, last revised January 1, 2013) marks it “Yes” for new houses and in-ground pools and “Maybe” for additions, decks and larger sheds. For the maybes, it says to speak with an engineer before you fill out the paperwork. If your work is minor, the Plot Plan Exemption form (rev. 2023-08-10) asks for a survey with the work sketched on it, proof from NJDEP’s iMap that you’re clear of wetlands and flood areas, and color photos.
Sheds of 200 square feet or less and under 10 feet tall need a land use permit but not a building permit, per the township’s shed guide.
Can I file online?
Partly. The SDL Land Use Portal page lists patios, tree removal, fences, sheds under 200 SF and PODs. For those, you upload a survey with the work sketched on it. If your work type isn’t listed, the page says to call ext. 2338 about applying by mail or in person. The Construction Code page says online construction permit submittal is “coming soon.” Inspections can already be requested through the portal, or by phone at ext. 2310.
What about fees?
§188-31A says the application, review and inspection fees are the ones set in Chapter 139 of the township code, paid when you file.
Anything to keep on site?
Yes. The building department’s Field Copy Attachment says: “No inspection will be done without the released field plans.” For new homes, a foundation location survey has to be submitted and approved at the foundation/backfill stage before any more inspections can be scheduled.
Where’s the office?
The Howell Township Municipal Building is at 4567 Route 9 North, 2nd floor, open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The main number is (732) 938-4500, and Engineering is ext. 2300.
Printing for Howell
Three plot plans plus three architectural sets is a normal Howell order. Upload the sealed PDFs at Print My Plans. Pick 24×36 or 18×24 for the plot plans, and for the architectural sheets use whatever size they were drawn at. Pricing is $1.95 per sheet black and white, $3.75 color. Order by 3 PM ET, ships same day, arrives as soon as the next day. Use code WELCOME20 for 20% off your first order.
Nearby: Middletown · Manalapan · Monmouth County plan printing · all NJ permit guides
From Howell Township’s code and forms, checked Oct 18, 2026. Not legal advice. The Engineering Division (ext. 2300) has the final say on your plot plan.
When the architectural plans reach the Construction Code Official, printing a full permit set explains how those sheets are sized and ordered.
