Beach Haven council discusses making single‑family conversions in business district a conditional use

Council members reviewed a proposed reorganization of Chapter 212 (general zoning) at the Sept. 8 meeting, describing the rewrite as a clean-up that creates a consolidated schedule of permitted uses across zones while keeping dimensional standards (lot area, lot width, setback, height) unchanged.

A central, substantive change under discussion would reclassify single‑family dwellings in the business district as a conditional use rather than a permitted use. A committee member explained the effect: a property owner seeking to convert a commercial parcel to a single‑family residence would need to meet existing single‑family lot conditions (for example the borough's 5,000 sq. ft. lot standard) and seek land‑use board approval rather than proceed as a by-right conversion.

Supporters framed the proposal as a compromise to preserve the business district’s character while allowing conversions that meet the established conditions. "We want to preserve the commercial zone," the presenter said, adding that the schedule will make it easier for the zoning office and applicants to see what is and is not allowed. Several council members praised the change as a reasonable compromise and thanked staff for the time spent on the review.

The draft schedule also adds entries such as a storage facility and explicitly lists a battery‑storage facility; presenters said the draft will be converted into a formal ordinance, reviewed by the borough engineer and land‑use attorney, and undergo the normal sequence of first reading, land‑use board review (for master-plan conformance), and public comment. The presenter estimated a target to move forward by Jan. 1 but emphasized the change is not final.

No formal vote was taken; council called the effort a draft and invited continued feedback from businesses and residents before drafting ordinance language and beginning the formal adoption process.