Union County Planning Board Adopts New Ordinances on Stormwater Management and Solar-Ready Warehouses
-
Meeting Type:
Planning Board
-
Meeting Date:
09/26/2024
-
Recording Published:
09/26/2024
-
Duration:
12 Minutes
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Union County
-
Towns:
Union (Union County)
- Meeting Overview:
The Union County Planning Board, during its recent meeting, adopted several ordinances related to land use, stormwater management, and solar-ready warehouses to align with updated state regulations and best practices.
The most significant topic discussed was the amendment to Chapter 170 of the land use code, specifically focusing on stormwater management and control. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) had revised the New Jersey Administrative Code, requiring developers to consider both current and future rainfall projections due to climate change. This ordinance, adopted by the board, mandates that any major development project—defined as one on a property over one acre—must now incorporate these updated rainfall projections into their planning. One board member emphasized that these changes are essential to mitigate the impacts of increasingly intense and frequent rainfalls.
Another ordinance discussed was the requirement for large warehouses to be solar-ready. Following a state law enacted two years ago, any warehouse over 100,000 square feet must have the structural capability to support solar panel installations. This ordinance aims to promote renewable energy and reduce electrical costs in the long run. The environmental commission reviewed and unanimously supported this ordinance prior to its introduction at the township committee meeting. It was noted that even though some warehouses were grandfathered out of this requirement, developers have voluntarily complied, recognizing both economic and environmental benefits.
Lastly, the board reviewed an amendment to the property grading and drainage plan. This amendment aims to codify best management practices (BMPs) to prevent improper stormwater diversion that could negatively impact neighboring properties. The engineering department emphasized that this ordinance would enhance the town’s authority to enforce necessary grading and drainage provisions, thereby protecting both private and public properties.
The board opened the floor to questions from both members and the public, addressing concerns about how precipitation adjustment factors are determined and updated. It was clarified that these factors are defined and periodically updated by the NJDEP.
Manuel Figueiredo
Planning Board Officials:
-
Meeting Type:
Planning Board
-
Meeting Date:
09/26/2024
-
Recording Published:
09/26/2024
-
Duration:
12 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Union County
-
Towns:
Union (Union County)
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 09/25/2024
- 09/25/2024
- 202 Minutes
- 09/25/2024
- 09/27/2024
- 36 Minutes