Stafford Township, NJ Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

Article XIII of Chapter 10 of the Stafford Township Code, adopted 6-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-20, establishes an advisory Design Review Committee. Section 10-67 says its purpose is to assist the Planning and Zoning Boards and other governmental agencies in reviewing applications for development, and to protect the current design and appearance of Bay Avenue from Route 9 to Hilliard Boulevard.

What gets referred: under § 10-69A, any site plan involving a new building, an addition to an existing building, or a change in the exterior design or appearance of an existing building, including exterior fencing, signs and walls, can be referred to the Committee. The section says "may be referred," so referral is a decision by the reviewing body, not an automatic step for every application. The Committee's review is limited to design and does not address land use or zoning issues. It can also schedule a meeting with the applicant.

Timing and effect: under § 10-69B the Committee renders a written report with suggested recommendations to the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Construction and Zoning Departments, and/or the Township Council. The deadline is 30 days after receiving the referred application, or 30 days after meeting with the applicant. The report is advisory only and is not binding.

Who sits on it: § 10-68 sets seven persons. A Council Liaison, through the Township Administrator or a designee, serves as Chairperson. The Mayor, with Township Council approval, appointed seven regular members in 2023. Three initial terms run from June 28, 2023 to December 31, 2026, and four run to December 31, 2027. After that each regular term is four years, and a replacement completes any unexpired term.

Meetings: under § 10-70 the Chairperson schedules regular meetings not less often than once a month. A scheduled meeting is held unless it is canceled for lack of applications to review, and special meetings need the consent of a majority of the members.