Garwood, NJ · Union County
Certificate of Non-Conformity Application
This application asks the Garwood Planning Board to recognize a pre-existing nonconforming property use or structure, and is filed by an applicant with an interest in the property.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Use this packet to apply to the Garwood Planning Board for a Certificate of Non-Conformity and provide facts showing that the use or structure existed before the ordinance made it nonconforming. The packet includes an application, notice for nearby property owners, and an affidavit of proof of service. Garwood requires one original application with the owner’s notarized signature and 14 collated copies; after a hearing is scheduled, required service and publication documents are due at least one day before the hearing.
Who needs it
An owner, prospective purchaser, mortgagee, or other interested person seeking recognition of a pre-existing nonconforming use or structure by the Garwood Planning Board needs this packet.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Packet
Download the Certificate of Non-Conformity application packet from the Borough of Garwood.
- 2
Complete the Application
Enter applicant and property information, describe the nonconformity, and attach supporting proof and required documents.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Arrange notarization for the owner’s application signature and, when needed, the proof-of-service affidavit.
- 4
Sign on Video
Sign before the commissioned online notary during the remote notarization session.
- 5
Submit to the City
File the original and 14 collated copies, fee, tax proof, and required supporting materials with the Garwood Planning Board.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Garwood. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I apply for a Garwood Certificate of Non-Conformity?
- Complete the application with supporting facts and property details, then submit one notarized original and 14 collated copies, the fee, tax proof, and required property-owner list to the Planning Board.
- Do I need to notarize the application?
- Yes. Garwood’s instructions require the original application to have the owner’s notarized signature. The packet also includes a proof-of-service affidavit that must be completed before a notary.
- Can I sign this form with an online notary?
- New Jersey permanently authorizes remote online notarization and remote ink notarization for its notaries. A commissioned online notary can notarize the signature remotely; confirm the municipality’s submission preferences if unsure.
- When is the proof-of-service affidavit due?
- The instructions say to file the proof-of-service affidavit, notice to adjacent property owners, newspaper publication affidavit, and date-stamped certified-mail stubs at least one day before the hearing.