The Township of Mahwah retained our firm to update its zoning ordinance based on the 2013 Master Plan. What began as a minor update expanded to incorporate state and federal laws, relevant case law, previously uncodified ordinances, and recommendations from the Zoning Board’s annual reports. The process integrated input from community members, Township professionals, staff, and developers to create a more user-friendly and contemporary regulatory framework.

The scope of this significant overhaul encompassed three key components: revising the zoning ordinance, creating an updated zoning map, and preparing a reexamination report. The text underwent extensive modifications, including refinements to permitted and conditional uses throughout the Township. To enhance clarity, standards governing individual zones were consolidated into centralized locations.

The modernized code now includes comprehensive standards for solar energy installations, reasonable requirements for home occupations and accessory uses, and a content-neutral sign code that aligns with current legal standards. The project addressed longstanding inconsistencies by repealing an uncodified zone where properties had largely followed neighboring zones’ standards, leading to logical rezoning. Additionally, the revised ordinance incorporated several recently adopted affordable housing zones, ensuring compliance with current requirements.

This thorough update has resulted in a more cohesive, accessible, and legally sound zoning ordinance that better serves the Township’s needs while preparing for future development challenges.