file Photo the Town Garage ,Ridgewood CBD
Planned ‘overlay zone’ in Ridgewood draws questions
Thursday January 17, 2013, 3:27 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Understanding the need for an “overlay zone” in Ridgewood’s Central Business District has been a struggle at all levels.
Developers are pushing for it. Many Ridgewood residents oppose it. The Planning Board is weighing all sides.
In general, an overlay zone is a zoning district that sits on top of an existing zone. The newly formed overlay zone retains the standards of the previously approved zone while creating new or additional building criteria.
According to the American Planning Association, municipalities use overlay zones to protect community features, including historic sites and wetlands. Developers use the zoning technique to build projects such as mixed-use developments and transit villages.
In Ridgewood, the Planning Board is responsible for drafting an amendment to the master plan that creates the new zone. A public hearing and vote on the amendment is held at the Planning Board level, according to board attorney Gail Price, before it is moved in the form of an ordinance to the Village Council.