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Commission discusses easing fence approvals and strengthening woodland/chemical rules in Riparian Buffer Zone 2
Summary
Planning staff and consultants discussed shifting fences from a variance to a conditional‑use process in Riparian Buffer Area Zone 2 and flagged potential ordinance updates on woodland removal and chemical use; no formal action was taken.
John Gaadt, planner with Gaadt Perspectives, explained that the township currently treats fence installations within the Riparian Buffer Area’s Zone 2 as requiring a variance, a process he described as “onerous and time consuming” that usually results in approval. He proposed that treating fence work as a conditional use would give the township a chance to impose site‑specific conditions.
Caroline O’Connor, the township’s director of planning and zoning, told the commission there were only three fence/RBA applications in 2025 and asked Mr. Gaadt to expand his memorandum with more specific requirements. Commissioners also identified other possible ordinance updates, including clearer standards for woodland management and limits or controls on chemical use within the RBA.
The discussion was exploratory: commissioners and staff identified topics for further drafting rather than adopting changes at the meeting. Mr. Gaadt said he will enhance his memorandum to include recommended language and specifics for the commission’s review at a future meeting.
