Jersey City Zoning Decisions: April 2026

In April 2026, Jersey City held 7 public meetings covering zoning matters. 19 zoning decisions had a recorded outcome this month: 12 approved (92% approval rate), 1 denied, 6 deferred. Activity was down 14% compared to March (595 activity items across 7 meetings).

Zoning Decisions This Month

Appeal to Demolish 32 Sherman Place

Denied.

The board denied the appeal by Joseph Berardo/32 Sherman Place (Block 3702, Lot 44) to overturn the Historic Preservation Commission and zoning officer's denial of a demolition permit for a late 19th century Queen Anne-style dwelling. The applicant's expert Peter Primavera argued the building had lost 26 character-defining elements and no longer maintained historic integrity, while HPC staff and neighbors argued the building retains sufficient scale, architectural character, and roofline to contribute to the eligible Sherman Place Historic District.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Major Subdivision at 55-59 Cater Avenue

Approved.

Subdivision of 16,000 sq ft lot into six 25-foot wide lots approved. Five lots conforming, one lot (2,250 sq ft) requires C2 variance for undersized lot area. Three shared curb cuts proposed for six lots, reducing from existing two curb cuts.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

55-Story Mixed-Use Tower at 2859-2873 Kennedy Blvd

Approved.

Kennedy Blvd Acquisitions LLC received preliminary and final major site plan approval for a 55-story, 588-foot tower with 840 residential units (84 affordable), 48,687 sq ft of retail including a national grocery chain, and $3 million contribution to Open Space Trust Fund. Project utilizes commercial use bonus, mandatory affordable housing bonus, and Lowe's Art Walk bonus.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Administrative Amendment at 155 Newark Ave

Approved.

Case P2025-0163 approved site plan amendment removing fitness center and replacing with one-bedroom apartment. Minor facade changes include elimination of sidelights next to commercial storefront door, relocation of intercom panel, and change from wood to porcelain pavers on roof deck.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Rear and Fourth Floor Addition at 366 Fifth St.

Approved.

Case Z2025-0055: Approved rear and fourth floor addition to existing three-story single-family home on undersized lot (12.5 by 50 feet vs. conforming 18 by 100 feet) in RC3 zone. C variance granted for rear yard setback of 8.7 feet where 15 feet required. Building will remain single-family. Architect Jeff Lewis presented plans showing renovation and expansion with fiber cement siding, black frame windows, and shadow gray crown moldings.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Appeal for 615 Jersey Ave.

Deferred.

Case Z2026-0015: Appeal of administrator officer's determination for 615 Jersey Ave. carried to May 7th zoning board meeting with preservation of notice.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Site Plan for 12 Harmon St.

Deferred.

Case Z2025-0023: Preliminary and final major site plan with C&D variances for 12 Harmon St. carried to May 7th zoning board meeting with preservation of notice.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

One-Year Extension for 216 Academy Street

Approved.

Extension granted for site plan approval expiring May 7, 2026. Applicant is negotiating to purchase neighboring property and may return for amended approval.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Showing the 8 most significant of 19 recorded zoning decisions. See all Jersey City meetings →

Zoning Changes

• R1 (single oversized lot) → R1 (six conforming lots), 16,000 square feet (approximately 0.37 acres) at 55-59 Cater Avenue (Steven Joseph representing applicant)
• Surface parking/residential zoning for 1-2 family homes → To be determined through redevelopment plan at Newark and Baldwin Avenues (3 county-owned lots plus 1 private parcel) (Hudson County Improvement Authority)

Top Keywords This Month

• zoning: 145 instances
• historic preservation: 64 instances
• residential: 38 instances
• commercial: 32 instances
• variance: 22 instances

What to Watch

• Zoning mentions were up 53% from March.
• Historic preservation came up 300% more often than March.

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