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1. Where can I find the Township's Municipal Code?

Please view the Municipal Code for more information.

2. How do I obtain a license to do business in Cherry Hill?

The Township does not require business licenses for most types of businesses; however, every business is required to obtain a Zoning Permit. The zoning permit will determine whether or not the business you wish to open is a permitted use in the location in which you plan to operate. In addition to determining the acceptability of the type of business the Township must determine the suitability of the site to support your business, in most cases this simply involves making sure there is enough on-site parking. All of this is completed as part of the Zoning Permit process. Zoning Permit applications are available on our website or in the Construction Department (Room 205).

3. What businesses do require business licenses?

There are a number of businesses in the Township that require licensing through the Clerk’s Office. If you intend to operate any of the following businesses please contact the Clerk’s Office at (856) 488-7892:
• Food Vendors
• Massage – each masseuse must be licensed by the Township.
• Limousine or Taxi Service
• Gas Stations
• Amusement Centers – including but not limited to such businesses as bowling alleys, billiard halls, miniature golf.
• Liquor Licenses
• Temporary Use/Seasonal or Transient Merchant Licenses

4. Do I need building permits or certificates of occupancy prior to opening?

Whether or not you need building permits or a certificate of occupancy prior to opening is dependent on a number of conditions. If you are doing any construction inside the building it is best to check with the construction department to determine if permits are needed. Some examples of work that requires permits would include new lighting, new plumbing, or adding or removing walls.
If you are not making any changes to the interior or exterior of the building you may still be required to obtain a certificate of occupancy. All businesses fall within a designated “use group” per State building codes. If you are changing the “use group” that is occupying the space from a lower use group (A) to a higher use group (M) you will be required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. The inspection ensures that the building meets all safety requirements mandated for that “use group.” If you are staying within the same “use group” you are not required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. However, the Township will inspect the unit at the new tenants request and will issue a Certificate of Continued Occupancy if the unit passes the inspection. We recommend that new business obtain a Certificate of Continued Occupancy when a Certificate of Occupancy is not required. It is to the new occupants benefit to ensure that all safety requirements are being met prior to occupying the space.

5. When and how do I obtain a sign permit?

Every business in the Township is required to obtain a Sign Permit whenever they are installing a new sign or changing an existing sign. This applies to façade, as well as, freestanding signs. Sign permits are available online or in the Department of Community Development (Room 202). Sign permit applicants will be required to submit an illustration of the sign with the permit application. Please be sure to fully complete the application as incomplete applications will not be accepted.

6. How do I know if I have to obtain Zoning or Planning Board approval?

There are a number of situations that may trigger the need for an application to one of the Township’s Land Use Development Boards. If you are opening a new business in Cherry Hill and you are planning to build a new building, make changes to the building or parking lot, you may need to apply to the Planning Board for a site plan approval. The size of the change will determine if the site plan approval is major or minor. In addition, if you are substantially changing the use of the site from its previous use you may be required to present a Change of Use application to the Planning Board. If the type of business you are intending to operate is not a permitted use in the zone in which you want to locate you must apply to the Township’s Zoning Board of Adjustment for a use variance. If a site plan is required in conjunction with the use variance the Zoning Board will review the site plan instead of the Planning Board.
Each Board has a dedicated administrator that can help you through the application process. Any incorporated business is also required to be represented by Council that can help you with the application requirements. Please keep in mind that the process of applying to either Board can be a lengthy process. Applications that are not complete will be deemed so and a list of items that must still be submitted will be sent to the applicant. An incomplete application can slow down the process significantly. In addition, both Boards meet twice per month so your ability to get on an agenda will depend on the completeness of your application and the number of applications that are already scheduled.