Update To Long Valley Rt. 46 Zoning To Facilitate Rental Market

LONG VALLEY, NJ — The Washington Township Committee adopted an amendment for an existing ordinance this past Monday that should facilitate affordable rental housing on Route 46.

The ordinance amendment was originally up for adoption on July 19, but was deferred to Aug. 16 for the Township Committee’s approval.

On Aug. 9, the Washington Township Planning Board met and determined that the amendment was “not inconsistent with the Washington Township Master Plan,” advising Mayor Matt Murello and the Township Committee of its approval in an Aug. 11 letter.

As part of the amendment that was adopted, the ordinance was changed from floor area ratio standard to “improved lot coverage standard,” previously at 60 percent and updated to 70 percent.

Other ordinances that were adopted on Aug. 16 were:

• An amendment for structures that are partially destroyed or "damaged beyond repair," was adopted, permitting that any structure that was partially damaged or destroyed could be repaired, but not to the area that the first structure had been. Repairs would need to be started within two years. Buildings on farmland preserved lots may be enlarged, as long as the expansion doesn't create a "nonconforming condition."
• One that earmarked $93,079.75 to Washington Township to buy body cameras and related equipment, with $71,330 from the Body-Worn Camera Grant Program and $21,749.75 from Washington Township's General Capital Fund.
• An ordinance that updated the township's code, to remove a present requirement that a National Environmental Health Association CIOWTS advanced license holder needs to be on site for installations and inspections for a septic system and "advanced wastewater pretreatment device."

RELATED: Long Valley Affordable Housing Public Hearing Moved To Aug. 16

Correction: This article was updated to reflect that $21,749.75 is allocated from the General Capital Fund for the body cameras.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.