Manalapan Zoning Permits: 3 Full-Size Plot Plans, 2 Elevation Sets, and What Changes by Project
Manalapan’s Zoning Office states its main printing rule in capitals: “NO PARTIAL, TAPED, FAXED, REDUCED OR ENLARGED PLOT PLAN/SURVEY COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.” That line is in the township’s Zoning Permit Fee and Application Requirements sheet. So whatever size your surveyor drew, print it at that size and at 100%. Don’t scale it down to fit letter or tabloid paper.
The base package for a zoning permit
Every residential zoning application starts with:
- Three full-size copies of the plot plan or survey, to scale, prepared by a New Jersey licensed surveyor. They have to show every structure, the lot and structure dimensions, setbacks to the property lines (for a pool, measured from the outermost part of the sun deck), and adjacent streets and waterways.
- Two copies of the plan with dimensions and heights, including a scaled elevation of what you’re building.
- “Plot plans/surveys and building plans must match for complete review.”
Zoning approval comes first. Per the Zoning/Enforcement page, approved permits “are then forwarded on to the Construction Department.”
What changes by project
HOA neighborhoods. Add two copies of the association’s approval letter, plus everything you sent the association.
Basement or garage conversions. Zoning wants three copies of “a simple layout labeling each room as to its intended ‘use.'” The Construction Department’s basement page then wants two copies of construction plans, sealed by an architect or engineer. A homeowner can draw their own if they sign an affidavit saying they did.
Decks. The deck page wants a detailed plan signed and sealed by an architect or engineer, or marked and signed as homeowner-designed. It must show the footing layout (36-inch minimum depth), post sizes and the ledger attachment. Attaching a ledger to cantilevered house framing is not allowed.
Raised patios. These need a NJ engineer’s certification for the fill against the foundation, plus two sets of plans to scale (raised patio page).
Sheds. Every shed needs a zoning permit. Over 200 square feet, you also need a building permit with two copies of the plans. For a prebuilt shed, the brochure counts (shed and fence page).
Fences in an easement. Bring three copies of the utility company’s approval letter. In a township drainage easement, you also need a $100 Revocable Fence License Agreement.
Anything with engineered lumber or trusses. The Building page asks for a layout plan with a signed and sealed drawing from a NJ architect or engineer. The Permit Guidelines add that Manalapan is “in a 110-mph wind zone.”
Homeowner-drawn plans. Allowed for an owner-occupied single-family home. The name, address, block and lot “MUST APPEAR ON ALL PLANS.”
Fees
From the Zoning/Enforcement page:
- $100 for additions, decks, sheds, fences, pools, patios, driveways, generators and similar work, and $100 is also the minimum zoning fee
- $150 for new construction, commercial alterations, new businesses and signs
- $20 for garage or yard sales
The residential information sheet adds $20 for PODs or dumpsters, and grading and drainage review by the Township Engineer at $200 initial and $100 for each revised plan.
Pay by check, never by wire
Both the Zoning and Construction pages carry a scam warning about fake township invoices: “Manalapan Township will never ask for wire transfers of any kind.” Payments go by check, cash or money order to the township at 120 Route 522, Manalapan, NJ 07726. To check an invoice, call Construction at 732-446-8319 or Planning/Zoning at 732-446-8322. Both offices are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Printing a Manalapan set
A typical deck or addition is 3 plot plans plus 2 elevation and plan sets. Then add the construction sets once zoning approves. Upload your PDFs at full size (18×24, 24×36, 30×42, 36×46 or 36×48). It’s $1.95 a sheet in black and white (pricing). Order by 3 PM ET, ships same day, arrives as soon as the next day. First time ordering? Enter WELCOME20 for 20% off your first order.
See also: Howell · Middletown · Monmouth County plan printing · all NJ permit guides
Based on Manalapan Township forms and pages checked Oct 18, 2026. The residential zoning information sheet is the April 2022 version the Zoning page links today. Not legal advice.
Zoning approval comes first, then the construction plans; full-size construction set printing covers how those sheets are printed.
