"The Interpretation of a Zoning Ordinance"
By Dennis M. Galvin Published in Local Government Law Review, July, 2014. Zoning boards of adjustment are independent, quasi-judicial bodies.[i] Their jurisdiction springs from N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70. Almost everything a zoning board of adjustment does is judicial in...
"What To Do When Things Go Wrong"
By Dennis M. Galvin Published in New Jersey Municipalities, November, 2013 Every night, when we have a public meeting, we think about how best to conduct it. It is not possible to manage every aspect of a meeting. Some people feel that any attempt to manage a meeting...
"Sign of the Times"
By Dennis M. Galvin, Esq. Published in The New Jersey Planner, September/October, 2013 Digital signs are becoming the rage. They come in many varieties. Some scroll a single color; some have multiple colors, but limited definition; and some of the newest are like...
"Bringing Non-Conforming Uses Into Conformity"
By Dennis M. Galvin, Esq. Published in the New Jersey Planner, November/December 2012 A non-conforming use is a use that was lawful prior to an amendment of a zoning ordinance. A preexisting non-conforming use may continue indefinitely unless it is terminated,...
"Roles of the Zoning Board of Adjustment & the Zoning Officer"
By Dennis M. Galvin, Esq. Published in The New Jersey Planner, May/June 2012 This article seeks to explain the roles of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Municipal Zoning Officer, and the limits of their authority. It is essential that each respects the diligent...
"Honor Does Not Come in a Brown Paper Bag"
By Dennis M. Galvin, Esq. Published in New Jersey Municipalities, November 2011 Based upon my experience, the overwhelming majority of New Jersey's appointed and elected officials are in office for one reason and one reason only: to serve the public. The best...
"It's Time to Have X-Rated Vision"
By Dennis M. Galvin Published in Local Government Law Review, August, 2011 The Federal and State Courts have recently rendered some interesting and instructive cases in the area of “Adult Entertainment.” This article will review these cases and suggest a procedure...
"Board Members Have Immunity – Absolutely!"
By Dennis M. Galvin The New Jersey Planner, July/August 2010 It is important for you, as board members, to remember that emotions run high for and against all controversial actions. Sometimes, when a developer or objector disagrees with your ruling, they might try...
"Pay-to-play ordinances: logical, effective, legal"
By Dennis M. Galvin, Esq. Published in New Jersey Lawyer, August, 2008 Our Democracy depends on the character of our elected officials. From time to time all governments need to examine their conduct and when necessary, undertake reasonable reforms. One can only...
"It Takes Courage to Deny an Inherently Beneficial Use, and Wisdom to be Affirmed"
By Dennis Galvin, Esq. Published as a Special Feature in the NJ Planner, July/August 2007 Zoning Boards of Adjustment are routinely asked to grant use variances for what are commonly referred to as, inherently beneficial uses.[1] As a legal term of art, inherently...
"Despite Court Opinion, Board Members, Should Disclose Reasons for Vote"
By Dennis M. Galvin, Esq. Printed in the Summer 2004 edition of the New Jersey Planning Officials' publication, The New Jersey Planner Every experienced Board member of a Planning Board or a Zoning Board of Adjustment, knows the importance of putting their comments in...
"Radio Towers Are Not Necessarily Beneficial"
By: Dennis M. Galvin, Esq. Published in New Jersey Municipalities, March, 1997 Many municipalities throughout New Jersey have witnessed an increase in the number of applications before their zoning and planning boards seeking approval of radio transmission towers. As...
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