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Planning commission narrows streetlight requirement to public streets, approves text amendment
Summary
The commission unanimously approved TEXT‑2885 on June 11, clarifying the subdivision regulation that state lighting rules apply to public streets and that private developments are not required to install public‑style street lighting; maintenance was left to developers or neighborhood associations.
The Morristown Regional Planning Commission unanimously approved a staff‑recommended amendment to the subdivision regulations on June 11 that limits the city’s mandatory streetlight requirement to public streets.
Lori Matthews, Senior Planner, presented TEXT‑2885, a staff‑initiated change to Section 5.14.D (Lighting). “Under the current Subdivision Regulations, streetlights are required on all streets,” Matthews said, explaining that the proposed amendment clarifies the requirement applies to public streets and does not force private developments such as apartment complexes or condominiums to install and maintain street lighting.
Matthews told the commission that if a developer elects to provide lighting on private streets, responsibility for maintenance would remain with the developer and, in the long term, the neighborhood association or property owners. “If the residents in the neighborhood want street lighting, it would be upon them and their neighborhood association to provide,” she said.
Secretary Roni Snyder moved to approve the amendment; Commissioner Alpha Alexander seconded. The commission voted 7‑0 to adopt the amendment.
The approval clarifies that the city will not require public‑street style lighting for private streets and places maintenance responsibility on the private parties that elect to install lighting. Staff indicated that the change aligns city practice with state lighting rules and the city’s current approach to private developments.
The amendment will be processed according to the city’s regulatory adoption schedule and will be reflected in future subdivision reviews.
