City of  Cape May

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Members of all boards and commissioners are citizens from our community and duly appointed by the Mayor. We understand that many of you may have questions regarding this process. It is through our understanding of the procedures that we may serve you better. Our duty is to maintain all records and or decisions of the membership. The responsibilities are determined in accordance with the Municipal Land Use Laws of the State of New Jersey.

In the future, we will be updating this site so you may access various items of interest such as pending applications and project activities that each board or commission may be pursuing. We look forward to up-dating you.

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TOURISM COMMISSION - new
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
SHADE TREE COMMISSION
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Cape May City 
Tourism Commission

The Tourism Commission was established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:54C-1 to promote tourism within the City of Cape May.  It will be funded by an additional assessment imposed on mercantile licenses as well as from permitted sources in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:54C-7.  The Commission will disburse moneys from the assessments for the purpose of publicizing and promoting the City of Cape May to attract tourism.  

The Tourism Commission consists of five members:  one member shall be a representative of City Council responsible for advising City Council of the Commission’s work, and the other four members shall consist of licensees.

David Craig, Chair
Larry Hirsch, Vice-Chair
Curtis Bashaw
Robert Steenrod
Mary Stewart.

Mission Statement:  Promote and develop tourism in Cape May to increase and improve revenues to ensure prosperity and quality of life for Cape May’s visitors, residents, and businesses.  Guide government in decision making to enhance a friendlier, hospitable   experience “A Nice Place to Live is a Nice Place to Visit”.  Work towards making Cape May the Ideal Destination Place.  Go To: discovercapemay.com

 Environmental Commission

The Environmental Commission shall have the powers enumerated in N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq., specifically the power to study and make recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resources management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and protection of flora and fauna.

The Commission may also conduct research into the use and possible use of the open land areas of the City. It shall keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, in order to obtain information on the proper use of the areas, and may recommend to the Planning Board plans and programs for inclusion in the City Master Plan and the development and use of the areas.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission was established to protect our National Historic Landmark Status. Along with their other significant responsibilities the HPC accepts and reviews exterior changes to our historic structures. HPC applications play a vital role in protecting our historic resources.

Go to Questions and Answers on the role of the HPC.

Planning and Zoning Boards

The Planning and Zoning Boards review site plan development applications and variance request from our City of Cape May Land Development Regulations. This includes applications for new projects, and the expansion of use or additions to existing structures. Other important tasks include review of all changes of our zoning ordinances and the master plan review.

Shade Tree Commission

The powers of the Commission are those powers specifically authorized by N.J.S.A. 40:64-5. The Commission shall:

a. Exercise full and exclusive control over the regulation, planting and care of shade and ornamental trees and shrubbery now located, or which may hereafter be planted, in any public highway, park, or parkway, except such are including the planting, trimming, spraying, care and protection thereof.

b. Regulate and control the use of the ground surrounding the same, so far as may be necessary for their proper growth, care and protection.

c. Move or require the removal of any tree, or part thereof, dangerous to public safety.

d. Care for and control such parks and parkways; encourage arboriculture; make, alter, amend and repeal, in the manner prescribed for the passage, alteration, amendment and repeal of ordinances by the City Council, any and all ordinances necessary or proper for carrying out the provisions hereof.

e. Administer treatment to, or remove, any tree situated upon private property which is believed to harbor a disease or insects readily communicable to neighboring healthy trees in the care of the City and enter upon private property for that purpose, with the consent of the owner thereof, provided the suspected condition is first confirmed by certificate issued by or on behalf of the Department of Agriculture.