Helmetta council introduces ordinance setting 55+ occupancy rules for age-restricted developments

On July 15 the Helmetta Borough Council introduced Ordinance 2026-08, amending borough code to set age and occupancy requirements for age-restricted residential developments. The ordinance requires that "at least eighty percent (80%) of the occupied dwelling units within each age-restricted residential development shall be occupied by at least one permanent resident who is fifty-five (55) years of age or older." The ordinance was introduced on first reading and scheduled for public hearing and second reading on August 19, 2026; the introduction passed on a 5-0 vote.

The ordinance text also allows up to 20% of occupied units to be permanently occupied by residents under 55 where consistent with federal and state law, and defines permanent residency for administration and recordkeeping. The ordinance language requires owners or associations to maintain records demonstrating compliance. Council members did not debate the introduction at length during the July 15 meeting.