How does an ordinance become law?

First, local residents, municipal appointees, or governing body members identify a problem in the township which may require legislation.


Second, municipal appointees, staff, and governing body members formulate and circulate draft legislation.

When the governing body is satisfied with a draft, the governing body will, in writing, read the ordinance's title, assign a number to the ordinance, introduce the ordinance by a motion.  A majority of the governing body present must approve.  If approved, a date is scheduled for public hearing and adoption.


Following introduction, the clerk will publish notification of the proposed ordinance in the Hunterdon County Democrat at least seven days prior to the public hearing.


If the ordinance will approve a local improvement, will change the grades of any street, will result in the vacating of a street, will result in the vacating of a public place, or will change Chapter 100, 101 or 102 (the Land Use portion of the Township Code), a notice will be published at least ten days prior to the public hearing.

If the publication in the Hunterdon County Democrat is a summary of the proposed ordinance, residents may obtain a copy from the clerk at no cost.

 At the public hearing, residents may come before the governing body to express their views of support or opposition to the proposed ordinance.

Following public hearing and a motion, the governing body may vote to adopt the proposed ordinance.  A roll call vote shall be recorded.  A majority of the governing body members present must vote in favor of the ordinance to pass.  Bond ordinances must be approved by 2/3 of the governing body members present.