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Morristown council opposes state bill that would change redevelopment rules for religious properties
Summary
The council unanimously adopted Resolution R-163 on Dec. 9 to oppose a state Senate bill (referred to in the transcript as Senate Bill 4736) that would allow religious properties to be developed at densities up to 40 units per acre and add an extra floor above local zoning limits.
Morristown — The Town Council voted Tuesday to adopt Resolution R-163 opposing a pending state Senate bill that, as described during the meeting, would allow religious properties to be redeveloped at up to 40 units per acre and permit an additional floor above local zoning allowances.
Council members said the proposed statewide standard would override local planning judgments and could impose densities much higher than Morristown’s current limits — around 10 to 15 units per acre in many zones — and they cited concerns about infrastructure capacity, including sewer and water systems.
"This is four times what our zoning allows," one councilmember said during debate, adding that while the council supports affordable housing generally, a blanket statewide approach would remove important municipal controls. Council members said the resolution is intended to register Morristown’s objections with the legislature.
The council adopted the resolution by roll call vote. The text, as discussed in the meeting, objects to a statewide, automatic application of high-density allowances to religious properties and notes the potential impacts on adjacent properties and local infrastructure.
The resolution’s passage signals the council’s intent to communicate local land-use concerns to state lawmakers; the council did not direct staff to take further legal action at the meeting.
