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Stanhope introduces Affordable Housing Overlay Zone; mapped blocks and densities specified
Summary
Ordinance 2026-03 was introduced to create Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) zones on specified borough blocks and lots with mandatory 20% affordable set-aside and density standards; the borough attorney corrected a lot number before introduction and the council unanimously approved introduction.
On Feb. 10 the Stanhope Borough Council introduced Ordinance 2026-03 to add an Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) to Chapter 100 (Land Development). The ordinance identifies specific blocks and lots eligible for the overlay and prescribes permitted uses, densities and bulk standards, and requires a 20% affordable set-aside in qualifying developments.
The ordinance lists AHO map areas by block and lot and assigns densities: AHO-1 at 15 units per acre; AHO-2 and AHO-3 at 22 units per acre; and AHO-4 and AHO-5 at 6 units per acre. Permitted uses include townhouses and multi-unit dwellings (and compatible nonresidential uses as allowed by underlying zoning). Bulk standards were specified (minimum lot size 14,250 sq. ft., maximum building height three stories/40 ft., minimum yards and parking at RSIS standards) along with EVSE parking-space requirements as required by state law.
Before introduction, Attorney Leo noted a correction to the lot listing in the ordinance text: Block 11701 should list Lots 1–10 plus 7.01, 9.01, and 9.02 (Lot 11 should be removed). The revision was reflected in the introduced text. Councilman Romano moved the ordinance, Councilman Wachterhauser seconded, and the introduction passed on unanimous roll-call vote; the ordinance was posted and scheduled for public review and a March 10 hearing.
The overlay is intended to provide mapped opportunities for inclusionary development consistent with the Borough’s Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. The measure does not itself rezone parcels beyond overlay authority; site-specific development proposals will proceed through the land-use-review process, and the Land Use Board will review the ordinance as required by statute.
