One of the primary issues tackled at the meeting was the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance, following the 2023 master plan reexamination. Notably, the board recommended removing an industrial commercial district zone from the ordinance, which had never been applied to any area. This amendment aims to prevent confusion and required renumbering of ordinance sections to maintain logical sequencing.

A significant proposed change involved the two-family residential zone (RB zone). The current ordinance restricts two-family dwellings to configurations where one unit is above the other, described as “unpierced by ceilings.” The board proposed allowing side-by-side units, separated by a wall, thus expanding permissible configurations. This amendment reflects a broader trend toward accommodating diverse housing needs while maintaining neighborhood character.

The board also reviewed amendments concerning the central business district, which currently restricts professional offices to upper floors. The proposed change would allow ground-floor offices, acknowledging the evolving role of office space in complementing retail functions. These zoning changes are intended to provide flexibility and adapt to contemporary business and housing trends.

Further discussion delved into the responsibilities of the borough and planning board engineers, particularly in stormwater control and application reviews. A participant highlighted that current regulations specify the borough engineer for application reviews. This adjustment aims to streamline the review process and ensure accountability in managing stormwater control, especially for residential additions.

Another topic was the submission requirements for building plans. The board discussed the qualifications needed for homeowners to prepare their plans, with current regulations allowing single-family homeowners to prepare and sign their building plans. This provision led to debate over the professionalism and accuracy of such submissions. One member noted that homeowners often submit marked-up surveys for improvements like fences and patios, raising concerns about compliance with borough regulations.

The meeting also addressed the threshold for impervious coverage in submissions. The board proposed aligning the threshold with the lower figure of 400 square feet.

Attention then turned to the borough’s affordable housing obligations, particularly in light of the fourth round of affordable housing legislation. A memo outlined the deadlines for adopting the housing element and fair share plan by June 30, 2025. The borough’s housing obligation was calculated at 80 units, but due to the classification of developable land, a recommendation was made to not accept this obligation. Instead, the obligation was revised to 79 units, with plans to submit a summary report to the borough attorney for adoption in January.

The board acknowledged potential legal challenges from developers regarding the borough’s resolution, though the limited developable land in Garwood made such challenges unlikely.