Oxford introduces ordinance to exempt small expansions from site-plan review, replacing prior ordinance

Oxford Township’s Committee introduced Ordinance 2026-3 at its Jan. 21 meeting to amend Chapter 265 of the township code and exempt defined small-scale expansions from site-plan review.

The draft ordinance sets exemptions that include: individual lot applications for detached one- and two-family dwellings and related expansions, reconstruction or rehabilitation of permitted principal uses when expansions are under stated square-foot thresholds (the ordinance language includes examples of a 500-square-foot threshold for some principal-use expansions), expansions of conforming accessory uses, certain agricultural developments (e.g., fencing, hoop houses and crop-protection improvements), and changes of use to permitted principal uses. The ordinance text repeals Ordinance 2026-1 in its entirety.

Township Planner Tim O'Brien told the Committee that Ordinance 2026-3 is a correction to Ordinance 2026-1 following engineering review and "replaces Ordinance 2026-1." The change was presented to clarify site-plan review applicability and to ease review requirements for small-scale work.

The Committee voted unanimously to introduce the ordinance on first reading and scheduled final consideration for Feb. 18, 2026. Georgette Miller moved to introduce Ordinance 2026-3; Linda Koufodontes seconded and the motion passed by roll-call vote (Ayes: 3, Nays: 0). The Planning Board review process will follow introduction if required by statute.

Why it matters: The ordinance narrows the universe of projects that must undergo formal site-plan review, which could reduce the planning burden for homeowners, small-business owners and agricultural operations undertaking limited expansions or repairs. It also repeals a prior ordinance (2026-1) and replaces it with corrected language.

What happens next: The ordinance was introduced on first reading and is scheduled for final reading and adoption on Feb. 18, 2026.