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Woolwich Committee introduces tree, stormwater ordinances to comply with NJDEP requirements
Summary
The Woolwich Township Committee introduced Ordinances 2024-17 (trees) and 2024-18 (stormwater management) on Sept. 3, 2024, saying the changes respond to a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection mandate; details on fines and enforcement were left for later meetings.
The Woolwich Township Committee on Sept. 3 introduced two ordinances to update local rules on trees and stormwater management after township staff said the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requires municipalities to revise local codes.
Mayor Matthias read Ordinance 2024-17, amending Chapter 177 ("Trees"), and Ordinance 2024-18, amending Chapter 157 ("Stormwater Management"), by title. Both motions to introduce were made by Committeeman McGovern and seconded by Deputy Mayor Nocentino; each motion passed on a 5-0 roll call.
Engineer Ted Wilkinson told the committee the changes stem from a new statewide requirement and explained differences the ordinance will treat between street trees and hazardous trees. "This was a new statewide requirement from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection," Wilkinson said, noting that some classifications and procedures are being added to align the township code with NJDEP guidance. He also said the fine and fee structure has not been finalized and that he would provide a comparative ordinance from Washington Township for the committee to review.
Committee members asked for more detail on penalties and enforcement. Committeeman Frederick requested a redline version showing the precise changes and suggested adding community service as a possible penalty. Administration Watson responded during public comment that "the state was mandating each municipality to update their ordinances for stormwater management," framing the ordinances as compliance measures rather than originating local policy shifts.
Members also discussed adding a new chapter addressing pet-waste provisions as part of the stormwater update; Wilkinson clarified how the new sections would differ from existing rules.
During public comment, resident Laszlo Szabo asked about the purpose of Ordinance 2024-17 and who would be responsible for enforcement; Solicitor Alice and Administration Watson provided procedural clarifications and noted enforcement details would be finalized with staff recommendations.
Next steps: the committee requested a redline draft and comparative ordinance for review and indicated the fee/fine schedule and enforcement responsibilities will be decided in future sessions before second reading or adoption.
