Council introduces update to Ridgewood's affordable-housing code to comply with 2024 state amendments

On March 4 the Village Council introduced Ordinance 4089, which would repeal the existing Article 13 (Affordable Housing) of chapter 190 and replace it with a new article intended to bring the village into compliance with the amended state Fair Housing Act.

Councilmembers and staff said the ordinance is a housekeeping and compliance measure that does not create new zoning or identify new development sites; rather, it specifies administrative duties required by the state program, such as establishing an administrative agent, a municipal affordable-housing trust fund and a municipal housing liaison. The council set March 25, 2026 as the public hearing date for the ordinance.

Separately, council adopted an affirmative marketing plan required by the state program and moved to appoint James McGrath, the village engineer, as municipal housing liaison — a staff assignment that varies by municipality and supports administrative oversight related to the program.

The council emphasized that the ordinance text aligns village procedures with state requirements; staff noted the ordinance will specify program terms tied to area median income thresholds rather than establishing specific site plans or zoning changes.