New Jersey Highlands Council Implements New Warehouse Development Restrictions
The New Jersey Highlands Council has recently announced a series of updates and policy standards that significantly impact warehouse development in the region. These updates, released under the authority of the council, aim to strike a balance between sustainable land use and the needs of the warehousing industry. If you are a warehouse developer or municipality within the New Jersey Highlands Region, it is crucial to understand these updates and how they will affect future development plans. This article will explore each update and its implications for warehouse development in New Jersey.
Updates Outlined in the New Policy
- Restricting Warehousing in “No-Go” Areas
The first update emphasizes the need to modify master plan use classes and zoning ordinance regulations to ensure that warehousing is strictly prohibited in designated “no-go” areas within the Highlands Region. These areas have been identified as unsuitable for warehouse development. Municipalities that currently allow warehousing in these “no-go” areas need to follow a screening process to assess the suitability of such proposals.
- Warehouse Proximity Corridor
To strike a balance between the need for warehousing and environmental preservation, the second update introduces a proximity corridor concept. Municipalities within Highlands Centers, Highlands Redevelopment Areas, or Planning Area ECZ (Environmentally Constrained Zones) that lie outside the proximity corridor must modify their planning documents to prohibit warehousing in these areas.
- Sustainable Design and Stormwater Management
To ensure responsible development, municipal zoning regulations must be updated to incorporate standards that minimize impervious coverage and maximize groundwater recharge. Projects should adopt stormwater management strategies as outlined in the policy.
- Water and Sewer Service Availability
The council requires that warehouses should only be allowed in areas where there are enough water and sewer services available. If a proposed warehouse is outside of these service areas, it would need to obtain conditional permits after conducting soil testing and evaluating the availability of water. Additionally, the Highlands Council must approve any warehouse proposals in areas where there is a shortage of available water in the surrounding sub-watershed. This measure aims to ensure that warehouses are located in areas with adequate infrastructure and minimize potential strain on water resources.
- Protection of Highlands Resources
To protect important natural areas known as Highlands Resources and Resource Areas, local regulations need to be updated to prevent warehouse facilities from being built in these sensitive locations. Some municipalities already have specific laws in effect, such as the Highlands Land Use Ordinance or Highlands Referral Ordinance, to ensure that warehouses do not disrupt or encroach upon these valuable environmental features. These measures aim to preserve the integrity of the Highlands region and its natural resources.
- Definition and Regulation of Warehouse Typologies
This update calls for clear definitions and regulations for different types of warehouses to be included in the local laws to minimize any negative effects on sensitive areas. The zoning ordinances should have special rules and guidelines to ensure that warehouses are located and developed in appropriate ways. This is important to ensure that warehouses are built in a responsible manner and do not negatively affect the surrounding environment.
- Warehouse-Specific Site Plan Standards
This update is asking for the adoption of specific standards for creating site plans for warehouses, taking into account the guidelines provided by the OPA Policy. These standards are important to ensure that warehouses are developed in a way that aligns with the previous updates and requirements. This will help ensure that warehouse development is done appropriately and in accordance with the set guidelines.
- Conducting Capacity Analysis and Updating Master Plans
The council is requesting municipalities to conduct a capacity analysis to understand the current zoning, regulations, and infrastructure capacity in their areas. This analysis helps municipalities align their development vision with what is feasible and appropriate for their region. By identifying any gaps or areas that need improvement, municipalities can update their master plans and land use regulations to ensure responsible and well-informed development within the New Jersey Highlands Region.
Takeaway:
The newly implemented warehouse development restrictions by the New Jersey Highlands Council have significant implications for warehouse developers and municipalities operating within the region. By adhering to the updates and modifying zoning ordinances accordingly, stakeholders can ensure compliance with the council’s standards while striking a balance between economic needs and environmental preservation. It is vital to stay informed about these updates and work collaboratively to foster responsible and sustainable warehouse development in the New Jersey Highlands Region.
