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Planning board finds Ordinance 2024-15 consistent with Clark Township master plan
Summary
The Clark Township Planning Board reviewed Ordinance 2024-15, which modernizes the township's land development ordinance and zoning map, and adopted a resolution finding the ordinance consistent with the township's 2023 master plan after brief clarifying questions and no public comments.
Clark Township's Planning Board voted unanimously Dec. 5 to adopt a resolution finding Ordinance 2024-15 consistent with the township's 2023 master plan, clearing the way for the council to advance the ordinance.
Township planner Paul Requio, who presented the ordinance revisions, told the board members that the materials in their packets included the proposed ordinance text (Exhibit A), a redline showing changes (Exhibit B), and a new zoning map (Exhibit C), along with a summary of changes and the 2023 master plan reexamination. "I'm really here to answer any questions that the board may have regarding this," Requio said.
Requio said the update largely clarifies uses and administrative rules rather than altering most zone lines: it adds or clarifies permissions for certain uses such as self-storage, car washes and EV charging, revises parking standards, updates accessory-use rules and setbacks, overhauls sign regulations (including new rules for drive-through facilities), updates definitions, and adjusts certain fees. He said the zoning map was revised to consolidate districts, identify affordable housing and redevelopment areas, and bring map labels into alignment with the updated code. "It's my opinion as the primary author of the reexamination report that these changes are effectuating your master plan," Requio said.
Board members asked clarifying questions about several provisions, including a new procedural section (195-10b) outlining how rezoning applications are filed and a height-variance clause (195-18) that references a 10-foot or 10% threshold for requiring a variance. Requio said those changes were intended to align the township ordinance with the Municipal Land Use Law and to provide procedural clarity.
The board briefly considered opening the matter for public comment; counsel (staff member) said a public hearing was not necessarily required but could be offered. The board opened the floor, no member of the public came forward, and the public portion was closed.
After discussion, a motion to adopt the draft resolution finding Ordinance 2024-15 consistent with the municipal master plan was made, seconded, and approved by roll call. According to the roll call, all members present voted yes and the chair announced the motion passed.
Mayor Bonacorso thanked the committee and staff who worked on the update, saying the group's year-long effort "will speak for itself in cleaning a lot of things up and, coming into, compliance," and the board scheduled its next meeting for Jan. 2, 2025. The board adjourned later that evening.
