Montclair Issues Temporary Moratorium On Demolition Permits

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair town officials issued a 30-day moratorium on demolition permits on Friday, Feb. 15.

Town Manager Timothy Stafford released the following statement about the temporary moratorium:

“Based upon feedback received over the last five days, given that the Township has many 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-family buildings and structures that are culturally, architecturally and historically significant, given that it is in the Township’s best interest, and in the absence of good cause shown, I shall issue on Friday, February 15, 2019 an Administrative Order instituting a thirty (30) day moratorium on the issuance of new demolition permits for 1- 2-, 3- and 4-family buildings and structures. During this time, the Governing Body can consider any relevant amendments to the Township Code.”

Stafford stated:

“This Administrative Order would be effective immediately and would not affect any permit application that is currently pending but would only apply to demolition permit applications for 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-family buildings or structures that are filed after February 15, 2019. Further this Administrative Order would not apply to any application to demolish any 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-family building or structure deemed unfit for occupancy by the Construction Official or 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-family building or structure that is in immediate danger of collapse.”

Montclair’s temporary moratorium comes after a local mansion dating from the Civil War at 14 Undercliff Road and a second historic home at 172 Lloyd Road were knocked down last week. Both properties were purchased by 14 Undercliff LLC last year, NorthJersey.com reported.

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