Merged Planning, Zoning Board Looks Likely In Long Valley: Unofficial Results

LONG VALLEY, NJ — The 2023 unofficial general election votes show that Washington Township's referendum, looking to combine the local planning board and zoning board of adjustment, is likely to pass, according to unofficial results.

Washington Township voters were asked to decide on the creation of a Joint Land Use Board, which would act as a combination of the current Zoning and Planning Boards.

The results of the election do not become official until they are certified by the Morris County Clerk's office no later than Nov. 22.

Here are the unofficial tallies, according to the Morris County Clerk:

• Yes: 1,970
• No: 1,765

The idea was first raised to the public at the Township Committee work session meeting on April 12 and has since been discussed at subsequent meetings.

"The township committee is always looking for ways to make our local government more efficient. Each of these two boards has different responsibilities, but both have a mission to approve the development and redevelopment in the town. The idea to consolidate the Planning and Zoning Boards was discussed before the COVID lockdowns but never got past discussions," Mayor Matt Murello said.

The referendum question asked voters whether the Township of Washington should amend the code to allow the planning board to exercise all of the powers and duties of a board of adjustment, in addition to the planning board's duties.

The Joint Land Use Board would be in charge of creating and amending the township's master plan, as well as approving conditional use petitions as needed. The board would include nine sitting members and four alternates, according to the proposed ordinance modification.

Long Valley, according to officials, does not have many sites that can be developed in accordance with the Township's master plan. This has lessened the need for the Planning Board, causing them to consider applications at less than half of their scheduled meetings during the last few years, whereas the Zoning Board has convened on a regular basis.

"This will reduce the number of boards and the paid professionals in town and streamline the process for residents and businesses. Appointments will be made by the Township Committee, the same way that they are done now for all boards. The Committee is asking the public only to help reduce the size, and increase the efficiency, of our local government’s land use process," Murello said.