the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Palisades Park NJ, Palisades Park is taking a significant step toward addressing the region’s affordability crisis by introducing a new ordinance to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for one- and two-family homes. This move comes in response to a court order requiring the borough to develop a comprehensive affordable housing plan.
What Are Accessory Dwelling Units?
Under the proposed ordinance, an ADU can be part of an existing or new primary residence, such as a basement or attic, or built as an extension or standalone structure on the same property. These units must include living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation facilities to function as independent housing, in line with state regulations.
“This ordinance aims to provide additional affordable housing options to help residents remain in the community,” said Scott Krumholz, a borough attorney. He emphasized that Mayor Chong Paul Kim and the Borough Council are committed to tackling the region’s affordability challenges.
Community Concerns Over Meeting Timing
The ordinance was introduced during a special meeting held on a Friday evening, sparking criticism from Jewish residents who were unable to attend due to the Sabbath.
Krumholz defended the timing, stating the meeting was scheduled to address urgent matters affecting the borough. However, residents have called for future discussions to be scheduled more inclusively.
Affordable Housing Mandates and Legal Pressure
The ordinance follows a court ruling against Palisades Park in six builders’ remedy lawsuits, which accused the borough of failing to meet its fair share of affordable housing obligations.
Judge Christine Farrington invalidated a previous zoning ordinance and ordered the borough to develop a fair share housing plan and updated land use controls within 90 days. A special court-appointed adjudicator will assist in the process.
Statewide Push for ADUs
The ADU ordinance aligns with a broader statewide initiative to promote affordable housing solutions. A bill introduced earlier this year by Assemblymen Louis D. Greenwald and Benjie E. Wimberly seeks to standardize ADU regulations across New Jersey.
The bill allows property owners in single- or two-family residential zones to develop ADUs that meet specific guidelines, including:
- A minimum floor area of 300 square feet.
- A maximum floor area of 1,200 square feet.
- A height limit of 20 feet.
The legislation also ties ADUs to affordable housing goals, requiring municipalities to include plans for ADUs in their master housing elements and permitting the use of the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support ADU development.
Next Steps
The Palisades Park ordinance is in its early stages, requiring a public hearing and formal adoption before it takes effect. While the ADU initiative isn’t directly tied to the recent court rulings, Krumholz noted that Mayor Kim’s administration is actively working to address past zoning failures and ensure new developments benefit local residents.
A Path Toward Progress
As Palisades Park navigates the complexities of affordable housing mandates, the ADU ordinance could serve as a crucial piece of the puzzle, offering residents more options while fulfilling legal obligations. With statewide support growing for ADU solutions, the borough’s efforts may set an example for other communities facing similar challenges.
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More people in an already overcrowded area.
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