Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Affordable Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jefferson Council adopts inclusionary overlay zones, sets 20% affordable housing requirement
Summary
The Jefferson Township Council adopted Ordinance 26-09 to replace its Affordable Housing Overlay with nine Inclusionary Overlay Zones and a 20% affordable set-aside, authorizing multifamily housing where sewer capacity is available; the vote was 3–0, with two members absent.
The Jefferson Township Council on May 20 adopted Ordinance 26-09, replacing the township's "Affordable Housing Overlay Zone" with nine "Inclusionary Overlay Zones" (AHO-1 through AHO-9) and establishing a mandatory 20% affordable-housing set-aside for multifamily developments.
Council President Pro Tempore Melissa Senatore led the public hearing closure after no members of the public spoke on the measure; Deputy Township Clerk Amanda Nevins confirmed the ordinance was introduced April 8 and adopted May 20. The ordinance sets a maximum residential density of 20 dwelling units per acre in the AHO zones and requires a minimum lot size of one acre and a 20% affordable set-aside "regardless of tenure." It also requires parking at 1.5 spaces per residential unit and compliance with state EV charging rules.
Mayor Eric Wilsusen and Administrator Debi Millikin described related infrastructure work: Millikin said township staff met with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on an RFP for the Lake Hopatcong sewer project and will prepare a phased map; she noted sewer and water capacity would be a condition for development under the new overlay zones. Township Attorney Ms. Leo said parts of the proposal remain pending review and implementation could play out over a multi-year window as sewer capacity and related approvals are resolved.
The ordinance text identifies specific blocks and lots for each AHO zone across the township and preserves the underlying zone standards for nonresidential uses. It also provides standards for building height (maximum three stories/45 feet), lot coverage, yards and other bulk regulations.
The measure passed on a 3–0 roll call with Councilmembers Birmingham, Schultz and Senatore voting yes; Council President Kalish and Vice President Garruto were recorded absent. The ordinance takes effect upon publication and filing with the Morris County Planning Board as provided by law.
Council also authorized the Township Attorney to execute a proposed Final Order resolving the township's fourth-round fair-share affordable housing obligations consistent with the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, subject to attorney and court process.
