WEST CAPE MAY — The borough has taken the first step to meet state Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) requirements by introducing an ordinance that would ease zoning restrictions for the creation of garage apartments and allow them to be placed on properties that may not be eligible under current regulations for additional dwelling units.
The units would be strictly for use as affordable housing.
An affordable, accessory apartment must measure at least 300 square feet, have a kitchen, bath and bedroom, said Mayor Pamela Kaithern at an Oct. 10 commission meeting.
Occupants would be selected through the borough’s affordable housing program with rents determined by COAH.
Borough commission amended the ordinance to require only one, off-street parking space per affordable apartment unit. All regular dwellings require two parking spaces per unit.
Commissioner Peter Burke said the easing of parking regulations for affordable units in all zones would act as an incentive for owners of potential garage apartments.
The ordinance allows use of accessory buildings for affordable apartments that would not qualify under current regulations.
The borough’s housing plan allows for the creation of 10 accessory apartments. A contribution of up to $20,000 to homeowners to create such an apartment would be available from the borough.
The unit must remain as affordable housing for 30 years, said Deputy Mayor Dick Rigby.
Kaithern said there was court action at the state level that could reduce the 30-year requirement.
A public hearing for the ordinance will be held Nov. 28 at 1 p.m.
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