Hamilton, NJ Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone
- RRC Rural Resource Conservation District
- Base density
- 0.167 units per net developable acre
- Bonus
- +1 dwelling unit for open space dedication
- Min tract size
- 25 contiguous acres
- Open space set-aside
- At least 65% of tract
- Min lot size
- 40,000 square feet
Summary
Hamilton's RRC Rural Resource Conservation zone caps base density at 0.167 units per net developable acre, but § 550-73B(15)(b)3 adds one bonus dwelling unit per qualifying tract when a Conservation Subdivision applicant permanently dedicates open space, a density-bonus zoning technique tied to the Township's farmland and woodland preservation goals.
RRC density. The maximum RRC density shall be 0.167 units per net developable acre, plus one bonus dwelling unit in return for permanent open space dedication. In order to calculate the maximum permissible number of lots, the net developable acreage shall be multiplied by 0.167, to which one additional unit shall be added.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4984352; v35 updated 2026-06-16; through 06-16-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 550-73 governs the RRC Rural Resource Conservation and R-25 Single-Family Residential Districts, and Subsection B lays out three optional subdivision methods for the RRC zone. Development Option III, the Conservation Subdivision, is available only on tracts of at least 25 contiguous acres and requires that at least 65% of the tract be deed-restricted for recreational, agricultural, or conservation use, or conveyed to the Township as open space. 167-unit-per-net-developable-acre formula, rather than simply capping the tract at the multiplied figure. Minimum lot size is 40,000 square feet, and lots remain subject to § 550-135's septic system design standards.
167 density factor but requires a larger 75% open-lands set-aside and grants no extra unit. An applicant must still submit a concept plan to the Planning Board for review under the procedures cross-referenced at Subsection B(13)(e) before the bonus lot yield is confirmed.
Violations & Fines
The density bonus is conditioned on the open-space dedication actually being deed-restricted; if a developer builds the bonus unit without completing that restriction, the Township can enforce the Land Development chapter generally. Under § 550-283A the Township may sue to enjoin construction or use that violates chapter 550, and § 550-284A(1) sets fines of $100 to $2,000 for each day the violation continues, with the Construction Official also able to void the certificate of occupancy under § 550-282C(4) once a violation is confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Hamilton's density bonus for conservation subdivisions work?
What must a developer preserve to earn the extra unit?
Does the Open Lands Subdivision option also get a bonus unit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hamilton
Compare Hamilton to another location·View the New Jersey zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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