Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Highlands Conformance Ordinance Adopted in Lebanon Township

For Immediate Release

Contact: Steven Aliano

Lebanon Township Acts to Conform with New Jersey Highlands Master Plan

An ordinance regarding conformance with the Highlands Act was adopted by the Lebanon Township Committee after a public hearing on April 3.


Under the ordinance, the Hunterdon County township must "conform its Master Plan, development regulations, and all other regulations applicable to the use and development of land within the Planning Area of the municipality, to achieve consistency with the goals, requirements, and provisions of the Highlands Regional Master Plan."


The township's petition for plan conformance was accepted in October 2011 by the Highlands Council with certain conditions. Any other ordinances that are inconsistent with the Highlands Act will have to be repealed. Conformance makes Lebanon Township eligible for grants and other financial and technical assistance from the Highlands Council. The Council is expected to provide grant funds for all mandatory aspects of plan conformance and possibly for discretionary work. Conformance in the planning area is voluntary.


Most of Lebanon Township—20,264 acres—is in the Preservation Area and just six acres are in the Planning Area. The township previously “opted in” to both areas. In other business, introduction of an ordinance regarding affordable housing related fees was tabled for the second time in as many meetings.


-- Stephen Aliano

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