Gloucester supervisors adopt zoning ordinance corrections to clarify livestock, day care and cluster rules

The Gloucester County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Feb. 3 to adopt amendments to the county zoning ordinance intended to correct drafting errors and clarify land‑use rules.

Planning staff explained that the changes are mostly technical fixes to restore the intent of the 2025 zoning update. Ann Duci Ortiz, senior planner, told the board that the package "clears up confusion over where and how we allow horses" by aligning the definitions of livestock and stables and by allowing horses in single‑family districts under a private stable standard. Ortiz also said the changes would "allow [a long‑standing] day care center to reopen under a conditional use permit" and would restore the reduced setbacks that enable cluster housing developments such as Patriots Walk.

The package also tightens definitions for data centers and crypto‑mining uses, revises home‑occupation rules to remove confusing traffic‑trip language, and clarifies that zoning permits must be consistent with approved site plans.

Board members who spoke said the amendments mostly correct drafting errors and help staff implement rules more predictably. After a brief discussion and a roll‑call vote, Miss Steele recorded each member voting yes; the motion carried.

What happens next: The ordinance amendments take effect as part of the county code; staff said they would follow up on particular situations raised during public comment, including addressing specific blighted properties through existing enforcement mechanisms or additional study if needed.