Planning & Land Use 

The Planning and Land Use Department is a diverse organization consisting of the Planning Services Division including the Open Space and Farmland Preservation Programs, the Division of Geographic Information System (GIS), the County’s Cultural and Heritage Commission, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program.

View the Department of Planning and Land Use staff directory.

Core Responsibilities

Planning Services

The Division of Planning Services is responsible for the County Master Plan, the Farmland Preservation program, the Open Space Preservation program, all Subdivision and Site Plan Development Review, and the County’s Wastewater Management Plan. 

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

The Division of GIS, established in 1998, creates and maintains the spatial data and web mapping applications according to the needs of the County, Departments and Municipal partners. The data created by the Division of GIS is shared with the public, local municipalities, and the state in support of County functions and future planning. 

Cultural & Heritage Commission

The Commission was created by the Board of Chosen Freeholders (now the Board of County Commissioners) by resolution according to State Statute on January 1, 1971. Its responsibilities include the "development of programs to promote interest and participation in and understanding of local history, arts, cultural values and goals of the community and state by working directly with arts and historical organizations, schools, religious organizations, service clubs, municipal governments, and other interested groups and individuals." 

Rutgers Cooperative Extension

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension helps the diverse population of New Jersey adapt to a rapidly changing society and improve their lives and communities through an educational process that uses science based knowledge. Through science-based educational programs, Rutgers Cooperative Extension truly enhances the quality of life for residents of New Jersey and brings the wealth of knowledge of Rutgers, the State University to local communities.  RCE strives to better the lives of the citizens of Hunterdon County through a cooperative agreement between Rutgers and the Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners.