The following eight basic questions and answers are a
start to understanding tidelands. Much more detailed information
is available from the Tidelands
Literature that can be downloaded at the end of this
page or by contacting:
Jose Fernandez, Manager
Bureau of Tidelands Management
(609) 292-2573
BASIC QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. What are tidelands?
Tidelands, also known as riparian lands, are
all those lands now or formerly flowed by the mean high
tide of a natural waterway. Generally, the State does
not own artificial waterways, such as lagoons. However,
the State does claim those lands within a lagoon that
were flowed by the mean high tide of a natural waterway
which existed prior to the alteration.
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2. Who owns the tidelands?
The State of New Jersey owns all tidelands, unless it
has already sold its ownership.
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3. What are riparian rights?
Riparian rights are the rights of owners adjacent to
tidelands to be the first person to request to use those
areas. These lands are owned by the people of the State
of New Jersey. You must first get permission from the
State to use these lands, in the form of a tidelands license,
lease or grant, and you must pay for this use.
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4. What is a tidelands grant?
A tidelands grant is a deed from the State of New Jersey
selling its tidelands. Tidelands grants are generally
only issued for lands already filled in and no longer
flowed by the tide.
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5. What is a tidelands license?
A tidelands license is a short term revocable rental
document to use tidelands, generally for structures such
as docks, mooring piles and other temporary structures,
as well as dredging projects. Licenses have a specific
term, usually three or five years.
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6. What is a tidelands lease?
A tidelands lease is a long term rental document to use
tidelands, generally issued to marinas or homes over water.
The term of a tidelands lease is generally 20 years.
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7. What is a Statement of No Interest?
A recordable document in which the State of New Jersey
agrees that it has no tidelands ownership interest in
your property. The reason may be that the State sold its
tidelands, or that there is no ownership claim on your
property.
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8. What do I need to obtain a grant,
lease, license or Statement of No Interest?
The Bureau will send you an application package which
includes all of the forms required. Our address and phone
number are on the front of this pamphlet.
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TIDELANDS LITERATURE
For Existing Applications
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