Doing Business On the Avenue
Thank you for your interest in doing business on Springfield Avenue. The Springfield Avenue Partnership is here to simplify the process of buying and leasing property, to help you understand the Township Design Ordinance as it applies to Springfield Avenue and to guide you to the appropriate Township of Maplewood departments for your necessary permits. Read below for a brief overview of the Design Ordinance and review process for Springfield Avenue.
Your Business on SAM
With new shops, restaurants and residential communities opening on Springfield Ave in Maplewood, we are excited about the future of our commercial district and would like to help you explore SAM as a place for your business to thrive. We’re here to help you explore your options and guide you through the process as you consider locating your business here.
Available commercial and retail spaces in the SAM district are listed below. Click on a listing to gain more information about a specific property of interest. If you don’t see a property that meets your needs we encourage you to call us, as new listings may be available.
The Springfield Avenue Board of Trustees and staff members are available to discuss the benefits of investing in the district. Send an email and we'll do what we can to help in your search.
An Introduction to the Design Ordinance for Springfield Avenue
These standards apply only to properties located within the Springfield Avenue Special Improvement District. If you are wondering if your property or business is included in the District, contact the Township of Maplewood Tax Assessor’s Office at 973-762-8120 or the Springfield Avenue Partnership.
Documents and Information
The term “design standards” for Springfield Avenue includes the requirements of the township ordinance and the existing municipal codes as the pertain to any physical changes made to a property or structure including, but not limited to, the following: site work, new construction, additions, alterations, exterior restorations, cleaning, lighting, new or replacement signage, painting street furniture and landscaping.
The design standards are recorded in Township Ordinance #2205-03. This ordinance consists of additions to and revisions of the existing zoning ordinance and property maintenance codes, which remain in effect where the design standards are silent. Information on permits, the existing zoning ordinance and Township codes are available from the Township of Maplewood Building Department at the Maplewood Municipal Building (973-762-8120).
For additional information on the design standards and design review process, contact the Springfield Avenue Partnership.
Click on the link in the column to the right or below to download a copy of the Design Standards Ordinance.
When do the Standards Apply?
The design standards apply to all exterior work done within the District. This includes all renovations, new construction and repairs, such as painting, replacing or installing a new sign or awning, putting up a banker, installing permanent window graphics, making changes to doors or windows, and installing fencing, landscaping or street furniture. All such work must be reviewed and approved by the Partnership before a building permit is issued or work is begun. Exterior work within the district that requires no building permit or approval by the planning board or zoning board of adjustment must still be approved by the Partnership.
Click to download a PDF copy of the Design Ordinance
Design Review Committee Meeting: Meetings are held as needed to review current applications. Call the Springfield Avenue Partnership office at nwallace at springfieldavenue.com for information.
Click to download a PDF copy of the Design Review Application
Business ResourceS
Township of Maplewood
Small Business Assistance
New Jersey Business Action Center
Essex County Small Business Development
Signage, Architects, Marketing
Springfield Avenue Partnership is a resource for local businesses and is always happy to work with you and recommend partners that would be a strong fit for your next business need. Contact Us.