Official Site of The State of New Jersey

A suburban-rural residential community located in northern Somerset County, Bernardsville Borough is home to the Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, a large portion of the Morristown National Historical Park, and the headwaters of the Passaic River. With a mixed-use downtown center, and a station on New Jersey Transit's Gladstone Branch line, Bernardsville is located entirely within the Planning Area of the Highlands region. The Borough’s petition for conformance with the RMP was approved in 2024.

Bernardsville Borough completed a Highlands Center Feasibility Study in November 2025, with a request to amend the Borough's previously approved petition for RMP conformance to include a Highlands Center. The staff Consistency Review and Recommendations Report below provides an analysis of this study. There was a public comment period for review of the Report from December 22, 2025 to January 22, 2026. It is anticipated that the Council will take action at an upcoming public meeting.

Staff Consistency Review and Recommendations Report (pdf)
Public Notice Announcing Public Comment Period (pdf)

Area 8,265 acres/12.91 mi²
Preservation Area 0 acres
Planning Area 8,265 acres
RMP Conformance Status Petition approved; working toward conformance.
Liaison Elizabeth Ward
Bernardsville Borough official website

• Initial Highlands Assessment – 2024