September 3, 2014

DISCUSSION Technical Review Subcommittee Ordinance and Application Process. Mr. Grygiel said that at the last regular meeting the Board briefly discussed changing the current Technical Review Ordinance and devising a flowchart or brochure for new Applicants to help guide them through the process of opening a business in West Orange. He said that since the last meeting, he had reviewed a basic flowchart prepared by Susan Borg; additionally the Secretary had found several flowchart examples that could be adapted for West Orange, especially if the Technical Review Committee was revised and would no longer hear smaller applications. Chairman Heller opined the Board should be working on a flowchart to create a more efficient and Applicant friendly process. Mr. Grygiel distributed a memorandum he wrote (dated September 3, 2014) which addressed his recommendations for potential changes to Technical Review and other application procedures per the Board discussion at the August 6, 2014 meeting. He gave a recapitulation of his recommendations including replacing the existing Technical Advisory Committee with a Site Plan Review Advisory Board as permitted by the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL); providing standards for when site plan approval was required; defining “major” and “minor” site plans; and requiring technical review of all major site plans applications to both the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Mr. Grygiel noted that the last item would be a big change; however, the current ordinance already required review by both Boards; but the requirement was not being enforced. Mr. Grygiel told the Board he had prepared a draft of the changes to the Land Use Regulations Ordinance, Site Plan and Technical Review Procedures; for the Board’s reference, additions were show in bald underline; deletions were shown in strikethreugh- He opined the Board should review the memorandum and if the Board so determined, the revisions could be provided to the Council for their consideration. Mr. Eben said there was a helpful guidebook about building in West Orange that had been written in the early 1990's; it just needed to be updated. Ms. Carlucci said the guidebook was available online in the Planning Department document library. Mr. Eben suggested the guidebook be updated and the information incorporated in the proposed flowchart. Chairman Heller opined a visual

as available online in the Planning Department document library. Mr. Eben suggested the guidebook be updated and the information incorporated in the proposed flowchart. Chairman Heller opined a visual guide with bold graphics might be a betier informational tool than a written guidebook. Dr. Bagoff suggested the Board involve the Building Department in the process; what were the top ten things an Applicant should know before starting a project; the overall goal should be to convey essential information to the average person looking to make renovations including plumbing upgrades, electrical upgrades, etc. Chairman Heller said the information should include what were the most common mistakes; what were frequent roadblocks; the goal was to make the process more user-friendly. Council President McCartney said it was important to provide detailed information, she suggested that the updated information forgo the use of acronyms that would be unfamiliar to a layperson. Chairman Heller suggested two brochures be made available; one for professionals, the other for property owners (to help them understand the process and better communicate with their professionals). Ms. Carlucci said the Building and Planning Department had much information currently available; but what was needed was a better way of providing the information to the public. Dr. Bagoff suggested the Board consider making public presentations to the community once or twice a year to discuss the Planning and Building process in West Orange. Council President McCartney suggested a new item be added to the Site Plan/Subdivision checklist to include Title Block requirement. The Board determined that they would review Mr. Grygiel’s memorandum and send any comments to the Secretary prior to the October 1, 2014 meeting. Council President McCartney requested the 9-32-44 Minutes