Doing Business In Highlands, NJ

Welcome to Highlands

Highlands is a waterfront retreat with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and New York City skyline from hills that spiral down to the cool bay and ocean waters. Located on the Northern tip of the New Jersey Shore, Highlands is less than an hour from Manhattan. New Yorkers don't even have to get in a car to relax and enjoy an escape to Highlands. Seastreak ferry, leaves from Manhattan, Pier 11 or East 34th Street and can get you here in about 45 minutes. Taking the ferry is part of the Highlands experience, when you get here, you will feel welcomed with old fashioned charm and friendly faces. Highlands is the first stop on the New Jersey Shore and many people come to enjoy sunbathing, surfing, fishing, wind surfing, boating and to experience year-round adventures such as New Jersey’s long tradition of maritime heritage at our lighthouses and our coastal heritage trails. No matter what season, Highlands has everything for a perfect weekend away from it all.

Working Together:
Highlands is known for its sense of community, especially when it comes to business. Every merchant is a partner working to build a town that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a start-up venture or looking to open your next location, there are services, professionals and volunteers to help every step of the way. Come see why Highlands has so much to offer.

Back to the Basics:
One of the most exciting aspects of a town updating their Master Plan and Zoning Regulations are the incredible new business opportunities. Positive word of mouth, good PR and extensive media coverage have solidified the town’s reputation as a place filled with opportunities for a wide variety of businesses.

Strong Anchors:
Highlands has twenty restaurants but nowhere else will you find such an eclectic selection of cuisine served in a half square mile. From the New York Times to the Asbury Park Press and many regional magazines, the attention has been overwhelming. In the past 3 years alone, 30% of our restaurants have been Zagat rated. Our famous waterfront "Dock and Dine" restaurants and the variety of choices, along with our unique Bed and Breakfasts and full service Marina's, continue to make Highlands a famous visitor destination.

Retail:
While Highlands has less retail than restaurants, our merchants offer a small town personal shopping experience with unique products and services that are becoming increasingly desirable among many consumers, the Highlands Business Partnership and the Borough of Highlands welcome your talents, resources and treasures. Highlands is the perfect place to for an antique market place.

Easy Access:
Located on the Northern tip of the New Jersey Shore, Highlands is an hour from NYC by bus, train or car. First class, high speed ferry service is available from Highlands, perfect for a stress free commute, arriving in downtown Manhattan, Pier 11 in less than 45 minutes.

Public Parking is FREE...

Area Transportation & Directions to Highlands:

Click here for maps, directions and transportation

Opening a Business in Highlands

Help is Around the Corner:
The Highlands Business Partnership and the Borough of Highlands want to make opening your business here as easy as possible. This fact sheet outlines the many steps to the process. With solid planning and communication, these are the things that can easily be incorporated into your plan.

Certificates of Occupancy (C.O.’s):
A Certificate of Occupancy is required at the time of change of occupancy of any property in the Borough of Highlands. The criteria for a CO are contained in Chapter 4-13 of the Highlands General Ordinances which can be viewed from the Borough's website, highlandsborough.org or by clicking here. All commercial units must be inspected between tenants. The Boca National Property Maintenance code of 1993 is the criteria used in these inspections. Click here to download the Commercial Certificate Of Occupancy Application.

Zoning:
Typically if you are changing the use of your property, you need a Zoning Permit which can be downloaded from the Borough Forms area on highlandsborough.org or by clicking here for the Borough Forms list. When in doubt, please call the Zoning Officer. One of the most frequently asked questions regarding both construction and zoning is whether or not a resident needs approval before beginning any type of construction. Whether a resident changes the use or makes an improvement to the property, chances are they will need a permit to legally begin construction.

Construction Code:
The Uniform Construction Code governs all of the construction and renovation of properties located in Highlands. Permits are required by the Borough of Highlands for any renovation of commercial buildings. Permit applications are available at the Borough Hall, 42 Shore Drive. If you have any questions, contact our Construction Code office Monday through Friday. Click here for Borough Phone Directory.

Design Standards:
Built into our Zoning & Construction processes are Design Standards. If you plan on doing construction work of any kind in historic downtown areas, your plan will go in front of a committee for review. An explanation of Guidelines can be found at Borough Hall or can be downloaded by clicking here. Similarly, planned signs are reviewed by a separate committee to ensure all town signage conforms to the Borough Sign Ordinance (chapter 10-7) . This can be obtained from Borough Hall, or by clicking here.

Tax Abatement for Property Improvements:
Based on need, improvements to buildings and their facades may be eligible for special tax abatements for up to five years. Click here to see the Tax Abatement Ordinance or contact the Borough Hall Tax Assessor at 732-872-1224, Ext. 211.

Business Resource Library

Highlands Resources:

Municipal Contacts	General and Land Use Ordinances
Municipal Forms & Applications	Highlands Master Plan 2016 Reexamination PDF (7.4MB)
Tax Maps	Recreation and Open Space Plan PDF (2.6MB)
Trash Collection and Zones	Business District Design Manual PDF (6.6MB)
National Flood Insurance Program	Highlands Sign Regulations PDF (5.7MB)
Tax Abatement

Building Resources:

Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures Below Elevated Buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program PDF (5MB)

Floodproofing Non-Residential Buildings PDF (40MB)

NJ Business Resources:
Below is a list of helpful contacts that may need.

Start a Business in New Jersey

New Jersey Economic Development Authority(EDA)
609-292-1800

NJ Small Business Development Center at Brookdale Community College (NJSBDC)

SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Business
732-224-2573

US Small Business Administration
973-645-2434

UCEDC a private, non-profit economic development lending corporation