Allendale council approves cap-bank and zoning-code changes, introduces public-places fee ordinance

The Borough of Allendale moved two ordinances to final passage and introduced a third at its April 24 meeting.

Ordinance 25-05, the 2025 ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish the cap bank, was opened for second reading and public comment (none). The council moved, seconded and recorded a roll-call vote in favor of adoption.

Ordinance 25-06, which revises the borough code on nonconforming structures (chapter 270-37) to adjust side-yard setback calculations and streamline some land-use processes, had been heard by the land-use board and returned to council for second reading. No members of the public commented; the ordinance was moved, seconded and adopted by roll call.

The council also introduced Ordinance 25-08, a code amendment (chapter 203) establishing definitions and rules for the use of public places and recreational facilities including a limited framework for fees. Mayor and council said the ordinance is intended to allow the borough to accept donations or charge outside groups in specific cases while keeping community access at the core; a film crew donation of $2,000 was cited as an example of an outside use that prompted the change. The ordinance was read by title and scheduled for publication and further consideration.

All votes were recorded on the public record at the meeting during roll calls for each item.