Red Bank council introduces historic-preservation design guidelines; public hearing set

The Red Bank Borough Council on Monday introduced Ordinance 2026-01, which would add Attachment 7 — the Historic Preservation Design Guidelines — to the borough’s planning and zoning regulations.

Council members described the 90-plus page document as an effort to provide objective, enforceable criteria for the Historic Preservation Commission when it reviews work in designated historic districts. “This is one of the most important components for a preservation function in a borough,” a council member said, adding the work was largely paid for with a grant and developed by the commission with professional support.

Architect Stephen Smallland of Architectural Heritage Consultants, who joined by Zoom, said the guidelines were written after six months of work with the commission and that similar guidelines have been adopted in Hoboken, Cape May and other New Jersey towns. “I think these are going to be really transformative for Red Bank and really empower the HPC to review stuff a lot more efficiently and fairly going forward,” he said.

Council members said the document will be posted on the borough website and become an attachment to the planning and zoning materials so architects and applicants can consult it when preparing applications. The ordinance’s introduction passed on roll call with affirmative votes recorded for Council member Bitakis, Council member Facy Blackwood, Council member Forest, Council member Janelle, Council member Yura and Mayor Portman.

The council said a public hearing on Ordinance 2026-01 will be held on 12/22/26. If adopted after the public hearing, the guidelines would be added to the borough’s planning and development regulations to guide reviews of alterations and projects in the historic district.

Next steps: The ordinance will return for a public hearing and final consideration on the date noted by council.