Waldwick August 24, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 Waldwick is currently making the first comprehensive revision to the borough’s zoning ordinance since 1976. Professional Planner Paul Grygiel of Hoboken and Planning Board Chairman E. Scott Lemmon reviewed the proposal with the mayor and council at a recent work session and received comments to be considered for further revisions. The document must ultimately be adopted by the borough council to become law. “Everything is in one place,” said Borough Administrator Gary Kratz. “It improves what’s there. It simplifies things, makes sure all complies with state regulations. It balances the business needs with the residential needs, and it’s user friendly,” said Grygiel. No zone changes are proposed, he said, but lot coverage con- Council sees first draft of zoning ordinance revisions cerns are addressed, including “McMansion” requirements. Also addressed are technological advances, including solar and wind energy. Grygiel said the proposed 250-page document consolidates four previous code books totaling more than 900 pages, which included land use procedures, site plan review, subdivision and soil movement requirements, and zoning. The original code was adopted in 1936, and revised in 1953 and 1976. Lemmon said the timing of the new document is particularly relevant, because the planning board is now in the process of reexamining the borough’s master plan. “It’s the ideal time to incorporate all at the same time,” Lemmon said. The parking requirements would be cut in half, from one space per 100 square feet to one per 200 square feet of commercial space. “We’re built up, but we’ve tried to fit in the businesses’ needs. It’s difficult to run a business if you don’t have parking,” said Lemmon. He suggested the town could look into converting a suitable area into municipal parking as other municipalities have. Borough Attorney Craig Bossong noted that by reducing the parking requirements, which he said many applicants now find too onerous, the borough might end up with more green areas. Tree requirements have also been addressed. Lemmon said shade trees would no longer be permitted in the rights-of-way because of maintenance requirements and the damage trees cause to sidewalks. “We don’t want to see no trees, and we don’t want to remove the obligation to plant trees,” said Councilwoman Anita Bozzo. “Sometimes they (developers) have already knocked down all the trees on the property,” she said. Lemmon said no changes are contemplated in setback requirements. “They work well. We have no complaints,” he said. Kratz noted that the setbacks have minimal impact on homes, unless they are non-conforming or unless the homeowner is attempting to put up a major addition. “They come into play with major subdivisions,” he said. Councilman Don Sciolaro said he would li ke the cou ncil to spend more t i me (continued on page 17)