DEP begins online coastal permit application process

TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday launched a program that will allow property owners to apply online for certain coastal permits.

While the DEP for years has allowed online permit application systems for its air, water and underground storage tank cleanup programs, Commissioner Bob Martin said Wednesday that the new online coastal general permit program is the first of its kind for the DEP’s Land Use Regulation Program.

Property owners or their contractors will be able to apply online for permits and within minutes get decisions on projects to replace bulkheads with identically sized bulkheads or to replace docks in man-made lagoons, DEP said in a release. “Under the old system, applicants for these permits may have waited up to three months for a decision. Now they will be able to save time, money and aggravation,” Assistant Commissioner Marilyn Lennon said in a release.

Users may access the e-permitting system at http://njdeponline.com/ . Follow the registration process and create an account. When setting up your profile, select Land Use Permitting. Instructions are available at this web site, or you may call the Land Use hot line at (609) 777-0454 and select option 3 for Waterfront Development permits.