1. Property Maintenance/Homeowner: My neighbor’s house is poorly maintained. Paint is peeling, shutters are broken; so are windows in garage. Do we have rules about taking care of our property? If so, what are they? What can I do to get it cleaned up?

A-1. The Property Maintenance Code plays an essential role in maintaining the appearance and integrity of Cherry Hill Township. This code holds property owners responsible for the upkeep of their properties. Cherry Hill takes an aggressive approach toward addressing and correcting property maintenance violations. You can find a brief extract of Property Maintenance Guidelines on the Property Maintenance segment of the Township’s Community Development web page. For complaints or concerns, contact us online via our Direct Connect Form at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com/contact.asp. Provide specific information, especially street addresses, so that we may attend to your concerns, or feel free to call Community Development at 856.488.7870 and request an inspection of the property.

2. Lights/Too Bright: My neighbors just installed extremely bright security lights. They affect my sleep; now it looks like noon instead of midnight in my bedroom. They keep me awake! Please help.

A-2. The effects of lighting are controlled by the Zoning Ordinance. If you have concerns, contact us online via our Direct Connect Form at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com/contact.asp or call the Zoning Officer at 856-488-7870 to request an inspection of the property.

3. Property Maintenance/Yard: The yard next to mine is not being properly maintained. How can I file a complaint to get it cleaned up?

A-3. The Property Maintenance Code plays an essential role in maintaining the appearance and integrity of Cherry Hill Township. This code holds property owners responsible for the upkeep of their properties. Cherry Hill takes an aggressive approach toward addressing and correcting property maintenance violations. You can find a brief extract of Property Maintenance Guidelines on the Property Maintenance segment of the Township’s Community Development web page. For complaints or concerns, please contact us online via our Direct Connect Form at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com/contact.asp. Please provide specific information, especially street addresses, so that we may attend to your concerns, or feel free to call Community Development at 856.488.7870 and request an inspection of the property

4. Tree/Overhanging: My neighbor’s tree overhangs the property line into my yard. I was wondering if I could trim it.

A-4. Check with your neighbors first; perhaps, they will trim it. If not, you may trim and/or cut back any overhanging tree to your property line.

5. Tree/Curb/Dead: I have a dead tree at the curb. Who is responsible to take care of this?

A-5. Homeowners have responsibility to maintain all trees on their property, including trees at the curb that are in the park strip area of the property. Before taking action to remove either a live tree or a dead one, homeowners must obtain a permit from Cherry Hill Public Works. For more information, you may download the tree removal permit application process from our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com or call them at 856.424.4422.

6. Signs/Home Office: I live in a residential neighborhood, but my neighbor advertises his home computer repair business with a sign in his garage window. Is it legal to maintain a home office; can he advertise with that sign?

A-6. Home occupations are permitted in all residential zones. The owner must acquire a Zoning Approval Permit from the Department of Community Development and meet very specific terms and conditions. No signs are permitted. If you have concerns, contact us online via our Direct Connect Form at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com/contact.asp or call the Zoning Officer at 856-488-7870

7. Banner Signs/Business: I’d like to put up a banner in front of my store to advertise the deep discounts we offer. What do I need to have a temporary sign?

A-7. Banners are not permitted type signs unless they are placed to indicate the opening of a new business, a business relocation or a new owner. Usage for those specific reasons is allowed for a two-week period with an approved Zoning Approval Permit.

8. Fence Repairs - Minor: I’m only replacing three sections of fencing. Do I still need a permit?

A-8. Yes. Since the original fencing may have been in place for many years, it may no longer comply with current ordinances. Visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com to download the Zoning Approval form. Bring in the completed form, a $10 check and a recent property survey with the existing fence dimensions to the Township Zoning Officer for review and approval. Once the Township issues a permit, it is valid for one year. Check to see if you will also need a Building Permit from our Construction Department.

9. Fencing/Location: I plan to put up a new fence. Can I place the fence on my property line? I thought it had to be five inches in from the property line.

A-9. Placing the fence on the property line is the recommended location. Please note, however, the Township will not rectify property line disputes. These are civil matters.

10. Porch Replacement - Zoning Approval/Permit: I am replacing my existing porch, exactly as it is now. Do I still need a permit?

A-10. Yes. Since the original porch may have been in place for many years, it may no longer comply with current ordinances. Visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com to download the Zoning Approval form. Bring in the completed form, a $10 check and a recent property survey with existing porch dimensions to the Township Zoning Officer for review and approval. Once the Township issues a permit, it is valid for one year. You will need to apply for a Construction Permit from the Township Code Enforcement Department.

11. Zone: What zone is my property in?

A-11. That information is available on line. Visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com. Click on Departments – Community Development and click on the Zoning Map to enlarge it. You are also welcome to get that information in person at the Community Development Office.

12. Fence/Shed Ordinance: Where can I find the Ordinance that speaks to building a shed or erecting a fence?

A-12. Fences and sheds both require a Zoning Approval application. The Zoning Ordinance, which governs that information, is online. Visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com . Click on Departments – Community Development; click again on Zoning. There you will find relevant excerpts from the Zoning Ordinance (76-71) regarding residential accessory structures, including setback requirements.

13. Housing/Low Income: Is there any low income housing currently available?

A-13. No. All waiting lists are currently closed.

14. Zoning Board Applications/Mail Notifications: When I am mailing out notices, do I have to do both certified mail & return receipt?

A-14. No. The Township requires only green and white certified mail slips. Using the return receipts costs residents an unnecessary $2.50 or so per letter.

15. Zoning Board/Number of Copies: How many copies of plans/professional reports/etc., must I submit to the Board?

A-15. Visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com . Click on Forms and Downloads. There you will find the Zoning Board Application, which you may download. All required information and timelines are clearly defined within that packet. You may also call the Community Development at 488-7870.

16. Zoning Board/Receipt of Zoning Board Applicant Notifications: What are these; why did I get it? Who can I speak to about it?

A-16. Residents who have received a Notice of Hearing from Zoning Board applicants are encouraged to read the notice, call the phone number included in the notice and appear at advertised meeting if so inclined.

17. Zoning Board/Agendas: Where or how can I find out when the Zoning Board is planning to meet and what items will be on the agenda?

A-17. Visit us at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com/government/departments/community-dev/zoningboard.asp to find scheduled meetings the latest agenda.

18. Zoning Board/Escrow: My Zoning Board hearing was heard two months ago. Why are charges still being posted on my escrow statement?

A-18. When you receive your statements, there is always a disclaimer that advises the recipient how to question or validate a billing. However, often times the later fees result from the writing and memorializing of the resolution

19. Deck Replacement – Zoning Approval/Permit: Do I have to obtain a permit to replace my deck?

A-19. Yes. Since the original deck may have been in place for many years, it may no longer comply with current ordinances. Visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com to download the Zoning Approval form. Bring in the completed form, a $10 check and a recent property survey with the new dimensions to the Township Zoning Officer for review and approval. Once the Township issues a permit, it is valid for one year. You must also obtain a Construction Permit from the Township Code Enforcement Department.

20. Fence Replacement - Permit: Do I have to obtain a permit to replace my fence, even if I am not changing or extending it?

A-20. Yes. Since the original fence may have been in place for many years, it may no longer comply with current ordinances. Visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com to download the Zoning Approval form. Bring in the completed form, a $10 check and a recent property survey with the existing fence dimensions to the Township Zoning Officer for review and approval. Once the Township issues a permit, it is valid for one year. If the fence surrounds a swimming pool, you must also obtain a Construction Permit from the Township Code Enforcement Department.

21. Tree removal: I want to cut down some trees in my yard. Do I need a permit to do this?

A-21. Yes. You will need a permit to remove a tree, whether living or dead. If you wish to cut down three or less trees you must get a permit from Public Works. If you choose to remove more than three, you must go before the Planning Board. You may visit us at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com to download the applicable instructions and the tree permit form or call us at 856.424.4422.

22. Vehicle/Unmoved in Street: My neighbor has a large vehicle parked in the street in front of the house, and it has not moved in months. How do I file a complaint to get it removed?

A-22. If the vehicle is parked in the street, it is a Police matter; call 856.665.1200. If it parked on the actual property, and is commercial or is over 10,000 lbs, special conditions apply. To report your specific concerns contact us online via our Direct Connect Form at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com/contact.asp or call the Property Maintenance Officer at 856-488-7870.

23. Sunroom/Permit: Do I have to obtain a permit to add a sunroom on my deck?

A-23. You will need to obtain a Zoning Approval. Visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com to download the Zoning Approval form. Bring in completed form, a $10 check and recent property survey with dimensions to Township Zoning Officer for review and approval. Once Township issues permit, it is valid for one year. You will also need to apply to Township Code Enforcement Department for a Building Permit.

24. Permit/Verification: My neighbor is in the process of installing a pool or a large pond. How do I check to see if he obtained proper permits?

A-24. Contact us online with your concerns via our Direct Connect Form at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com/contact.asp. Please provide specific information so that we may address your concerns or feel free to call Community Development at 856.488.7870 for verification.

25. Permit/Driveway: I need to either repair or repave my driveway. Do I need a permit?

A-25. Yes, you will need to obtain a Zoning Approval. If the work extends to replacing your sidewalk or driveway aprons, you will also need a Right-of-Way Permit from the Township Engineering Department. For the Zoning Approval application, visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com to download the Zoning Approval form. Bring in the completed form, a $10 check and a recent property survey with the dimensions to the Township Zoning Officer for review and approval. Once the Township issues a permit, it is valid for one year.

26. Housing Availability: How do I obtain an application for low-cost housing?

A-26. Currently all of our programs are closed, and no applications are available. When applications become available, the Township will advertise it in the Courier Post newspaper, the Cherry Hill Township Web Site, and also in the Cherry Hill Township News Letter.

27. Housing/Section 8: How do I apply for Section 8 Rental Housing?

A-27. At this time we are not accepting applications for our Section 8 Rental Assistance Program. We opened the waiting list in April 2004, for one day. There was such a tremendous response that we probably will not have applications for a few years. However, there are two affordable rental complexes in Cherry Hill Township; the first is Sergi Farms, at (856) 751.4414.The second is Burrough's -Mill Apartments, at (856) 667.0800. Call each of them to check availability or to see if you can obtain their application.

28. Housing/Emergency: I need emergency housing, can you help me?

A-28. Please contact the Camden County Emergency Services at 1.800.786.5080.

29. Housing/Section 8 Voucher: I currently have a Section 8 voucher and would like to move to Cherry Hill, what do I need to do?

A-29. First, contact your current case worker/housing authority to determine eligibility for portability. Once it has been determined that you are eligible to port (or move), your current case worker/ housing authority will forward all of the applicable information to the Township’s Community Development Department.

30. Housing/Payment Section 8: Is Cherry Hill Township billing or absorbing?

A-30. Currently Cherry Hill Township is billing the initial Housing Authority.

31. Housing/Affordable Units: Do you have any affordable units for rent?

A-31. Currently Cherry Hill Township’s Affordable Rental Housing at Tavistock (ARHAT) is listing available units on www.njhousing.gov . There are no waiting lists for these units. All units are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

32. Housing/ARHAT: What is the Affordable Rental Housing at Tavistock (ARHAT)?

A-32. ARHAT is a housing program designed to assist individuals of MODERATE INCOME ONLY.

33. Housing/Voucher: I need additional information regarding the Housing Choice Voucher Program. How do I go about it?

A-33. Please visit http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/hcv/about/fact_sheet.cfm for the information.

34. Change of Copy/Sign Permit: Do I need a sign permit if I am only changing the copy?

A-34. Yes, you will need to submit a Sign Permit. Visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com to download the appropriate Sign Permit (whether freestanding or façade). Follow stated requirements and bring completed form, a $10 check and all required documentation to the Township Zoning Officer for review and approval. Once the Township issues a permit, it is valid for one year. Check to see if you will also need a Building Permit from our Construction Department.

35. Sign Ordinance: Is your sign ordinance online?

A-35. Yes. Visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com. Click on Departments – Community Development, Zoning, for desired information. Sign Permit applications may also be downloaded from the site as well.

36. Rental Inspection/Owner Preparation: What must a landlord do to prepare for an inspection for a Certificate of Occupancy?

A-36. You will need to complete an Application for a Certificate of Occupancy for a Rental Unit. Forms are available to download from our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com. Bring in the completed form and a $65 check to cover the permit fee for review and scheduling by our Rental Property Inspector. Prior to inspection, owners should ensure their unit is in good, clean sound condition. The following are some of the areas checked: that walls are freshly painted, that all surfaces are cleaned, that rugs are cleaned, that toilet seats are new, that ground fault interrupters (GFIs) are installed within 3 ft of every water source, that fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors are installed as necessary.

37. Rental Inspection/Procedure: What kind of inspection does the Inspector perform? What areas and items are inspected?

A-37. The inspector will check the unit’s plumbing, electric, heating and all trades. Also inspected is the exterior of the unit to assure that the rental unit is safe, decent and sanitary.

38. Smoke Detectors/Rental Units: How many smoke detectors must I place in each rental unit? Where are they placed?

A-38. Owners must ensure smoke detectors are placed in the hall and to all ceilings covering bedroom areas. There must be one smoke detector in each bedroom, one in the cellar area and one in the living area.

39. Carbon Dioxide Detector/Rental Units: Do I need to install Carbon Dioxide detectors in a rental unit? If so, how many, and where must they be placed?

A-39. Yes. Owners must place one carbon monoxide per dwelling. The detector should be affixed to the wall between bedrooms, “eye high”.

40. Fire Extinguisher/Rental Units: Do I need to provide fire extinguishers in a rental unit … how many, what type, and where?

A-40. Yes. There must be one fire extinguisher installed in a unit. It should be located no higher than 5 ft; and it must be no further than 10 ft from kitchen area. The type must be ABC, 2.5 to 10 lbs.

41. Rental Inspections/Landlords: How does a landlord or an agent for the landlord arrange for an inspection of a rental unit to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy?

A-41. You will need to complete an Application for a Certificate of Occupancy for a Rental Unit. Forms are available to download from our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com Bring a completed Application for a Certificate of Occupancy for a Rental Unit form and a check for the inspection fee to the Township Community Development Office, Room 202. If you choose not to download the form, we will provide you one when you visit us.

42. Rental Inspections/Fees: Is there a fee for a rental unit inspection for a Certificate of Occupancy?

A-42. Yes. There is a fee of $65.00 for the initial inspection. If the unit fails inspection, there is a $65.00 reinspection fee. Fees must be paid in full before an inspection is scheduled.

43. Rental Inspections/Frequency: How often must my rental unit be inspected?

A-43. A rental unit must be inspected before prior to occupancy of the first tenant, and whenever there is a change of tenant.

44. Rental Inspections/Failures: What happens if my unit fails an inspection for a Certificate of Occupancy? What are the requirements?

A-44. If your unit fails inspection, the Township inspector will send you a letter listing required repairs, as well as the date for his reinspection. For your tenant to move in the unit, all repairs must be satisfactorily completed by the reinspection date so that we may issue a Certificate of Occupancy. Please note: There is a $65.00 reinspection fee,

45. Rental Inspections/Timelines: How long does it normally take from the time I request an inspection of my rental unit until I get my Certificate of Occupancy?

A-45. Inspections normally occur within 3 to 5 days from the time you complete and submit your Certificate of Occupancy application and pay your inspection fee.

46. Mosquitoes/Swimming Pool: My neighbor’s property has been vacant for a long time; their pool is full of dirty water and attracts mosquitoes. Who can I call?

A-46. Call the Mosquito Commission at 856.566.2945. They will come out and spray a pool on an abandoned property about every thirty days.

47. Trash Removal/Fencing: I placed sections of fencing out for trash; the trash men didn’t take the pieces. I don’t know why.

A-47. If a contractor repaired your fence, the contractor is responsible to remove the debris. If you, the homeowner did the repairs, safely remove or hammer down all nails and neatly stack and bundle the 4’ or less sections of wood for pickup.

48. Noise/Hours: There is a contractor next door who is starting work at 7:00 am. Is this too early?

A-48. It depends; on a weekday, contractors may start work at 7:00 am. On the weekends they must wait until 8:00 am. Noise must cease by 8 p.m., or dusk, whichever comes first.

49. Vehicle repair at home: I’m a “do-it-yourselfer” and want to repair my son’s car at my home. I’ll need a couple of months to bring it to the point where I can get it running and inspected. What do I need to do?

A-49. You may be eligible to receive a temporary permit which allows the repair of one unregistered, uninsured or uninspected vehicle for a period up to 90 days. You will need to obtain a Zoning Approval. Visit our web site at http://www.cherryhill-nj.com to download the Zoning Approval form. Bring in the completed form, a $10 check to the Township Zoning Officer for review and approval. Check with the Zoning Officer for specifics. Repairs done without such a permit are a Zoning violation and will be fined.

50. House Numbers: Are street numbers required to be posted on houses?

A-50. Yes. The numbers shall be at least three (3) inches high and one-half inch wide. They must be easily observed and readable from public right of way at all hours of the day and night.

51. Reduced Rentals: Are there any rental communities in Cherry Hill that offer reduced rentals?

A-51. Yes. There are two affordable rental complexes in Cherry Hill Township; Sergi Farms, at (856) 751.4414 and Burrough's -Mill Apartments, at (856) 667.0800. Call for their availability or application.

52. Trash: My neighbors leave their trash receptacles out at the curb for days. Does the Township have guidelines for trash and recycling?

A-52. Yes. See http://www.cherryhill-nj.com/government/departments/public-works/trash-guidelines.asp

53. Basketball Hoops: My neighbor has a hoop set up for his children by the curb in front of his home. I am concerned for the safety of kids playing in the street. Are these allowed?

A-53. According to Zoning Ordinance, basketball backboards and/or hoops are allowed only on cul-de-sacs