Municipal ordinances such as zoning laws are laws enacted by municipal governments on matters the state allows to be regulated at the local level—such as whether a building or tract of land can be used for residential purposes, commercial purposes, or both—as well as the permitted height of buildings; building setbacks (from streets); the permitted number of bedrooms; and the required parking spaces.

Municipal ordinances have the same force and effect within a municipality’s limits as a state statute does. If you plan to buy a lot to build a new home or buy, rent, build, or work out of a physical property for your business, make sure your intended use conforms to local zoning requirements.

Neighborhoods are generally zoned for either commercial or residential use. Zoning ordinances can restrict or ban specific kinds of businesses (bars, adult entertainment) from operating in an area.

You may have fewer zoning restrictions if you base your business out of your home, but zoning ordinances can still apply to home-based businesses.

In New Jersey, municipal ordinances, including zoning laws, are established by local governments to regulate land use within their jurisdictions as permitted by state law. These ordinances dictate the permissible uses of buildings and land, such as residential, commercial, or mixed-use, and include regulations on building heights, setbacks, the number of bedrooms, and parking requirements. Zoning laws ensure that the character and use of neighborhoods align with the community's planning goals. They can also prohibit certain types of businesses, like bars or adult entertainment venues, from operating in specific areas. While home-based businesses in New Jersey may face fewer zoning restrictions, they are still subject to local zoning ordinances. It is crucial for individuals and businesses to verify that their intended use of a property is in compliance with the local zoning regulations before purchasing, renting, or developing land or buildings for residential or commercial purposes.