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Oxford Township adopts updated stormwater-control ordinance to meet state rules
Summary
Oxford Township Committee voted unanimously July 17 to adopt Ordinance 2024-13, which amends Chapter 285 to align the township's stormwater-control code with recent N.J.A.C. 7:8 rule changes. The ordinance codifies green infrastructure, groundwater recharge and water-quality standards for major development.
Oxford Township’s governing committee voted unanimously Wednesday to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-13, an update to Chapter 285 of the township code that brings local stormwater controls into alignment with the State’s updated stormwater management rules at N.J.A.C. 7:8.
The ordinance, presented at length during the July 17 meeting, establishes minimum stormwater-management requirements for “major development,” including standards for groundwater recharge, erosion control, and post-construction water-quality treatment. The measure incorporates references to the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual and lists specific green-infrastructure best management practices (BMPs) the township may use to meet performance standards such as an 80 percent TSS removal target for qualifying motor-vehicle surfaces.
Township Engineer Mike Finelli explained the ordinance’s purpose during the public hearing, saying it "is to update the ordinance per state regulations." During that hearing a resident, Ms. Keanon, asked for clarification about the change; Finelli responded that the amendment is intended to reflect the State’s March 2, 2020 and July 17, 2023 amendments to N.J.A.C. 7:8 and the municipal obligations to adopt conforming local rules by the State deadline.
Why it matters: the ordinance sets local standards that affect how large residential and nonresidential projects handle runoff, infiltration and pollutant removal. The new language clarifies applicability (including how the code treats public roadway projects and certain exemptions), design and maintenance requirements for BMPs, and recording deed notices and maintenance plans tied to stormwater measures.
Votes at a glance - Ordinance 2024-13 (Stormwater Control): motion to approve by Committee Member Georgette Miller; seconded by Linda Koufodontes. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0, Abstain 0 — approved. - Minutes: July 3, 2024 Committee Meeting minutes approved (Ayes 2, Abstain 1); April 17, 2024 minutes correction approved (Ayes 3).
What’s next: The ordinance, as adopted, will be part of the township code as Chapter 285 and requires applicants for major development to follow the updated design and maintenance standards. The committee did not identify any additional local amendments at the meeting.
Provenance: The ordinance text and definitions were read in the meeting transcript (SEG 002–SEG 036). Adoption and the roll-call vote are recorded at SEG 037.
