the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Palisades Park NJ, in a unanimous decision during a special meeting, the Palisades Park Borough Council approved an ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in one- and two-family homes. The move is part of the borough’s response to increasing affordable housing demands following a recent court ruling.
What Are Accessory Dwelling Units?
The newly adopted ordinance outlines zoning and permitting for ADUs, which can be:
- Within an existing primary dwelling (e.g., basement or attic conversions)
- An extension of the primary dwelling
- A separate detached structure on the same property
The units must meet state standards, providing fully independent living facilities, including space for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation.
Affordable Housing Goals
The introduction of ADUs aligns with the borough’s broader affordable housing initiatives. Borough Attorney Scott Krumholz noted that ADUs offer an opportunity for residents, such as seniors on fixed incomes or individuals with disabilities, to remain in their community.
The ordinance states:
“Older residents… face the possibility of having to leave the borough, taking with them a lifetime of experiences that benefit the entire community. People with disabilities may face challenges finding adaptive housing and risk living away from family and trusted support networks.”
By facilitating the development of ADUs, the borough aims to provide affordable housing options without significant public investment.
Legal Context and Next Steps
The ordinance follows a court ruling against Palisades Park in six builders’ remedy lawsuits, which require municipalities to fulfill their fair share of regional affordable housing needs.
Judge Christine Farrington invalidated the borough’s previous zoning ordinance, stating it failed to provide realistic opportunities for affordable housing. The borough must now develop a fair share housing plan within 90 days, with guidance from a court-appointed adjudicator.
A settlement agreement related to these lawsuits will be discussed at the December 16 council meeting.
Statewide Movement for ADUs
The local ADU ordinance reflects broader state-level efforts to encourage accessory dwelling units as a solution to housing shortages. A proposed bill in the New Jersey Assembly would establish statewide standards for ADUs, allowing property owners in single-family and two-family zones to develop such units.
The bill includes specific regulations, such as:
- Minimum size: 300 square feet
- Maximum size: 1,200 square feet
- Height limit: 20 feet
It also seeks to amend the Fair Housing Act to require municipal housing plans to include strategies for creating affordable ADUs.
A Step Toward Community Stability
The council’s decision is a significant step toward addressing housing challenges while preserving the borough’s sense of community. ADUs offer a flexible, resident-focused solution to meet affordable housing needs without extensive urban redevelopment.
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