June 3, 2026 Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes

- The governing body submitted amendments to the existing ordinance (Section 25-9.13 of the land use ordinance). - The amendments primarily: © Revise and clarify the ordinance's scope and purpose language, removing wording that was better suited as a "whereas" clause. o Clean up the language describing prohibited activities. o Add the word "publicizing" to reflect methods of promoting pop-up parties, particularly through social media, where people advertise residential events and invite attendees online. - Ms. Apte explained that the Planning Board's responsibility under the Municipal Land Use Law is to determine whether the amendment is consistent with the township's Master Plan. - Although the Master Plan doesn’t specifically discuss pop-up parties, it emphasizes: 50 Improving and maintaining residential neighborhoods © Preserving neighborhood character © Preventing nuisance activities that negatively affect residents' quality of life - She concluded that the ordinance amendment is consistent with the Master Plan and recommended that the Planning Board find it consistent. BOARD DISCUSSION - Chairman Bagoff questioned the wording referring to "the residential zoning district," noting that the township contains approximately 22 residential zoning districts and that no formal definition exists'in the ordinance. He asked Council President Scarpa what was meant by the phrase. Council President Scarpa responded that the ordinance was intended to'apply to all residential districts, explaining that residents from numerous neighborhoods had complained about: ° Noise o Garbage o Significant disruptions caused by pop-up parties - Chairman Bagoff asked whether the problem was isolated or widespread. Council president Scarpa confirmed that complaints came from many different areas throughout town, not just a single neighborhood. - Chairman Bagoff examined the penalty section and asked whether penalties should escalate by offense (first offense, second offense, etc.) or whether judges would have discretion. Council President Scarpa stated the Council intentionally established significant penalties because of the seriousness of the problem. She believes substantial fines provide the strongest deterrent. Ultimately, sentencing is left to the judge's discretion. - Mayor McCartney raised concerns about exemption language allowing pop-up parties if proceeds

tantial fines provide the strongest deterrent. Ultimately, sentencing is left to the judge's discretion. - Mayor McCartney raised concerns about exemption language allowing pop-up parties if proceeds benefit a bona fide charitable organization or political campaigns - She argued: o There is no permitting process to verify whether an event qualifies for an exemption. o The exemption is difficult or impossible to define and enforce. ° If pop-up parties are prohibited, they should simply be prohibited without exceptions. - Council president Scarpa explained that political events were exempted because campaign events are commonly advertised.