Bridgewater's Ordinance Proposes New Residential Lighting Rules, Broad Zoning Changes

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the omnibus ordinance included a section addressing data centers. That portion was removed from the ordinance at the Aug. 6 meeting prior to introduction and will be handled through a separate ordinance.

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater's omnibus ordinance that would amend township fees, revise multiple sections of its land use code and create a new chapter on lighting in residential areas is being backed by the Bridgewater Township Planning Board.

The Board voted Tuesday to deem an omnibus ordinance, introduced by the Council at the Aug. 6 meeting, consistent with the master plan.

At the Aug. 6 meeting, an ordinance that included data centers was initially proposed.

However, the data center provisions were removed from the omnibus ordinance prior to introduction and are being handled through a separate ordinance.

At the Tuesday Planning Board meeting, members were asked to review the omnibus ordinance that was introduced by the Council.

The measure before the board was described during the meeting as an omnibus ordinance that amends Chapter 94-2 on fees, updates parts of Chapter 126 on land use, and adds a new Chapter 152 for lighting in residential areas.

Before the vote, board attorney Mark Peck explained the purpose of the hearing.

"Before a land use ordinance can be adopted, it gets referred to the planning board, who is to consider the ordinance and determine whether or not it's consistent with the master plan, and then render a report back to the council," he said.

Township Planner Katherine Sarmad told the board her review covered the comprehensive master plan adopted in late September 2025 and the reexamination report adopted in December 2025.

She said the ordinance is meant to carry out recommendations in those planning documents by updating definitions, clarifying permitted uses in some zones, refining language on limits for numbers of buildings, and addressing rebuilding rules for pre-existing nonconforming properties damaged by fire, flood or natural disaster.

She also said the ordinance adds provisions related to cooperative sober living residences and revises zoning fees in a way intended to be more favorable to residential applicants.

On residential lighting, Sarmad said, "We have currently no lighting standards related to residents, no enforceable lighting standards related to residential areas."

She said the new chapter was added "as a way to provide some enforcement."

In her overall review, Sarmad told the board, "I did find that I believe the omnibus ordinance furthers the goals and objectives of the master plan."

She added, "I don't think that it contradicts any of the master plan goals, recommendations, or specific, you know, specific recommendations throughout the master plan, and therefore I do not find it to be inconsistent with the master plan."

The ordinance now heads back to the Township Council for a public hearing and final vote on Thursday.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.