Township Committee approves first readings of two companion affordable‑housing ordinances

The Township Committee on a voice and roll‑call vote approved on first reading two companion ordinances intended to implement the township's obligations under a court‑approved consent order governing affordable housing.

Madame Clerk read Ordinance 20263, which repeals and replaces development‑fee and affordable‑housing provisions in chapter 35 of the municipal code to align with the Fair Housing Act and the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls. The committee then read Ordinance 20264, a companion ordinance that amends overlay‑zone regulations and mandatory set‑asides tied to the township's fourth‑round housing element.

According to the committee's planner and affordable‑housing counsel, the ordinances consolidate development‑fee rules with affordable‑housing code language and implement terms required by the consent order. As one official summarized, the changes are intended to make local land‑use requirements consistent with state regulations and the court order connected to the township's fourth‑round obligations.

Both ordinances were moved for approval on first reading, ordered published in the local source on Feb. 26, 2026, and scheduled for final hearing on March 10, 2026. Roll‑call votes were recorded as 'yes' from Committeeman Capid, Deputy Mayor Kaiser, Committeeman Weber and Mayor Laer.

The ordinances will proceed to a public hearing, where members of the public and affected stakeholders can comment before any final adoption. The committee noted a companion overlay‑zone ordinance will follow to provide detail on bulk and zoning requirements for new development.

The committee did not vote on final adoption at this meeting; the next procedural step is the March 10 public hearing and vote.