The vast majority of Glen Ridge homes are located within the Glen Ridge Historic District, which is recognized on the National Register of Historical Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.

By local ordinance, all exterior changes that can be seen from any street to houses and other properties within the Historic District are subject to review by the Glen Ridge Historic Preservation Commission before a building permit is issued. The types of work covered by the ordinance include alterations, window and door replacement, changes in roofing or siding materials, demolition of exterior structures, and building of new structures. The Glen Ridge Historic Preservation Commission is an agency of the Glen Ridge municipal government, and is not affiliated in any way with the Glen Ridge Historical Society.

The historic preservation ordinance is codified in Chapter 15.32 of the Glen Ridge Municipal Code, and is on-line at http://municipalcodes.lexisnexis.com/codes/glenridge/. The Historic Preservation Commission's website is http://www.glenridgenj.org/hpc.htm.

Interior renovations are not subject to Historic Preservation Commission approval, but may require permits and inspections by the Glen Ridge Building Department. Information is available at 973-748-4444 or at http://www.glenridgenj.org/planning.htm.