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West Long Branch introduces zoning changes to floor area and FAR; public hearing set for May 20
Summary
Ordinance O-26-14, amending Chapter 18 zoning rules on maximum floor area ratio, floor area, building height calculations and exemptions, was introduced April 22. The council set a public hearing for May 20; a resident raised concerns about grandfathering during public comment.
On April 22, the West Long Branch Borough Council introduced Ordinance O-26-14, a comprehensive amendment to Chapter 18 (Zoning) that revises definitions and dimensional requirements including maximum floor area ratio (FAR), maximum floor area, calculation of building height, rear yard coverage, and exemptions for certain undeveloped approved site plans.
Councilman Bray moved to introduce the ordinance and to set the public hearing for May 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.; Councilwoman Ruane seconded and the motion carried on a roll-call vote with AYES: Bray, Cioffi, Gomez, Ruane and Sniffen (Penta absent). The ordinance text included edits to §18-3 (definitions) and §18-5 (dimensional requirements) and referenced attached amendments to the Schedule of Area, Yard and Building requirements for the R-22, R-15 and R-10 zones.
During the public hearing segment, resident Steve Schulz of 56 Summers Ave questioned the ordinance’s grandfathering exemption language, saying it could effectively extend development timelines and give too much leeway for an oversized property. Mr. Menna, appearing on behalf of the Borough Attorney, explained that under the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) approvals are guaranteed for two years following a resolution and that if the borough does not change the ordinance those approvals may remain valid beyond the two-year window. The council reminded the public that the formal public hearing on O-26-14 is scheduled for May 20, 2026, when the ordinance will be considered in detail.
