Establishing a Business in Teaneck

The following information has been compiled to assist the prospective business owner in understanding the process of establishing a successful venture. The steps necessary in opening a business in the Township of Teaneck have been outlined here, with additional information available from the individual Township Departments. The regulatory procedures and requirements have been developed to protect the health, safety and welfare of employers, employees and clients of commercial ventures as well as protecting the sizable investment in property and goods.

Zoning Requirements

Have you obtained your Zoning Permit?

A Zoning Permit is required for all new businesses or established businesses which relocate within the Township. The Building Department is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the municipal development regulations. These regulations outline where various types of businesses may be located within the municipality. The permitted principal uses for the different commercial zone districts can be viewed in Section 33-24 of the Development Regulations on the Township’s web site at www.teanecknj.gov or by obtaining a copy of the Development Regulations from the Municipal Clerk’s Office.
The required Zoning Permit Application can be obtained in the Building Department office during normal business hours or on the Township’s website at www.teanecknj.gov. The application package contains information on the types of documents necessary for the review and approval process.
Completed applications are accepted at the Building Department office during normal business hours. Once an application is submitted and the required fees paid, the application will be reviewed within 10 business days.
Upon approval of the application, the Zoning Permit will be issued to the business owner. This permit will indicate the location and nature of the business. It will also state any conditions or restrictions being placed upon the business.
For additional information concerning Zoning issues, contact the Building Department at 201-837-1600, extension 1100 and ask to speak to one of the Zoning staff.

Have you obtained your Sign Permit?

The placement, number and size of business signs are regulated by the Township. These regulations are contained in the Township’s Development Regulations at Section 33-18 (c) which can be viewed on the municipal web site indicated above or by obtaining a copy of the Development Regulations from the Municipal Clerk’s Office.
A Sign Permit Application can be obtained in the Building Department office during normal business hours or on the Township’s website at www.teanecknj.gov .
Completed applications are accepted at the Building Department office during normal business hours.
Information on the types of documents to be submitted is attached to the application.
Upon review by the Zoning Staff, if the sign meets the requirements of the ordinance, the application will be approved and the business owner can then obtain the required Construction Permit to erect the sign.
If a business owner wishes to deviate from a requirement of the sign ordinance, an appearance before the Planning Board will be required for approval of the deviation. The Planning Board is the only authority having jurisdiction in these matters. Contact the Technical Assistant for Land Use matters, at 201 837-1600, extension 1110 to be placed on the Board agenda. The Planning Board meets twice a month on the second and fourth Thursdays at 8:00 PM in the Township Council Chambers

Fire Department Requirements

Have you obtained your Continued Use Certificate?

Before a business may open in the Township, the Fire Department inspects the premises for proper fire safety items. These include proper means of egress, correct number and location of fire extinguishers and working exit and emergency lighting fixtures. All of these items must be in place to provide sufficient opportunity for the occupants of a building to evacuate in the case of an emergency.

Contact the Fire Official, through the Fire Prevention Bureau, at 201-837-1600, extension 5200 to schedule an inspection date and time.

The following items will be reviewed by the Fire Official during the inspection:

Means of Egress

Are all doors provided with the proper hardware?
Are all corridors and aisles free of obstructions?

Exit Lights

Are exit lights and signs provided at all required locations?
Are all exit lights functioning properly?

Emergency Lighting

Has adequate emergency lighting been provided?
Are all units functioning properly?

Fire Extinguishers

Have the proper number and type of extinguishers been provided?
Are all of the extinguishers properly secured and labeled for use?
Have all extinguishers been tested and maintained?

Heating Systems

Is the heating system functioning properly?
Are the units provided with adequate service access areas?
Are the areas surrounding the units free of debris and storage?

Cooking Systems

Are all of the cooking areas maintained in a clean manner?
Has the hood / suppression system been properly maintained?

General Housekeeping

Are the public areas well maintained and free of hazards?
Have all electrical extension cords been permanently removed?

Certain business uses must be registered as Life Hazard Uses. This registration process is coordinated by the Fire Official through the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Teaneck Fire Department. You can contact the Fire Official at 201-837-1600, extension 5200.

The Business Owner’s emergency contact information will be provided to the Fire Department should an
after-hours response be necessary.

Permission to begin business operations cannot be given until successful completion of the Fire
Inspection.

Once in operation, all businesses receive annual inspections by the Fire Department to verify compliance
with the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code.

Health Department Requirements

Have you obtained your approvals from the Department of Health and Human Services?

If your business will contain the selling or preparation of food items, approvals will be required from the Township Health Department. The Township Health Department regulates businesses which sell prepared or prepackaged food items. In addition, the Health Department regulates the operation of laundries and dry cleaners
Applications forms and additional information can be obtained at the Health Department office during normal business hours or on the Township web site at www.teanecknj.gov.

Retail Food Establishment General Requirements

The following items will be needed if you sell only factory packaged food or drink:

One bathroom for employees provided with self-closing door and ventilation

Commercial grade refrigerators/freezers with thermometers

Garbage dumpster and pick-up contract

Utility mop sink

Monthly licensed exterminator service

Sidewalk litter container, if required

Proper storage area

Recycling provisions

Food handler training

Screen doors, front and rear

Storage for employee’s belongings

Completed license application and fee

The following items will be needed if you cook, serve, handle or prepare food or drink:

Bathroom (minimum of two for sit-down establishments), both provided with self-closing doors and ventilation

Commercial grade triple compartment sink with approved method of sanitizing

Quarry tile or epoxy finished floor in food preparation, cooking and dishwashing areas

Garbage dumpster and pick-up contract

Hand wash sink with soap dispenser

Monthly licensed exterminator service

Ventilation hood and fire suppression

Tile or stainless steel wall protection in food preparation, cooking and dishwashing areas

Commercial grade refrigerators/freezers with thermometers

Utility/mop sink

Proper storage area

Grease trap

Recycling provisions

Employee changing area

Food handler training

Screen doors, front and rear

Sidewalk litter container, if required

Completed license application and fee

Storage for employee’s belongings

Construction Code Requirements

Some new businesses are commonly referred to as “turn-key” operations where there is only a change of ownership or the new operation is substantially similar to the previous tenant. In these cases, construction work on the tenant space is not done and no construction permits are required. Many new businesses, however, require that the tenant space be modified to accommodate the new use. In these instances permits issued under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code will be required.

Due to the various State construction codes, it is advisable to contact the Building Department at 201-837-1600, extension 1100 to discuss the specific requirements of your project.
If drawings are required, these drawings must be done by an architect, licensed in the State of New Jersey.
The New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and all of the adopted model codes can be viewed online at the website of the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards at www.nj.gov/dca/codes/ .