Allendale council introduces ordinances to implement fair-share housing settlement

Allendale’s mayor and council on Feb. 5 introduced two ordinances intended to put into effect a fourth‑round fair‑share housing settlement with the Fair Share Housing Center.

A clerk read Ordinance 26‑04, which amends the Allendale Corporate Center overlay zone (MFRO‑three) and related zoning language, and Ordinance 26‑05, which revises chapter 81 (affordable housing) of the borough code. Both ordinances were introduced on first reading; each is scheduled for further consideration and final passage at the council meeting on Feb. 19, 2026.

A borough staff member described the action as part of a settlement reached Dec. 31 that ‘‘avoided ongoing litigation’’ and said the zoning and code changes are intended to bring borough regulations into conformity with updated fair‑share housing regulations. The official said the ordinances will go to the land use board next week for the required master‑plan and zoning reviews before returning to the council for final approval.

The ordinances amend specific parts of the code: Ordinance 26‑04 updates chapter 275 (zoning) related to the Allendale Corporate Center overlay; Ordinance 26‑05 amends chapter 81 on affordable housing requirements. The clerk said those text changes and procedural steps are necessary to meet requirements in the mediation agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center.

Council members did not vote on the two ordinances at the Feb. 5 meeting; they were introduced and formally published for the statutorily required notice and for review by the land use board. The next public step is the land use board’s review, followed by a return to the council for final passage on Feb. 19, 2026.