MIDDLESEX TWP — Supervisors approved an ordinance amending the township zoning and subdivision code at a meeting Wednesday night.

The ordinance decreases the minimum lot sizes for single-family homes from one acre to three-quarters of an acre and the minimum lot size for multifamily homes from two acres to one-and-a-half acres — but in both cases, only if the homes use public sewer and water.

The plan also tightens restrictions on planned residential developments (PRD), requiring a 50-foot setback around the perimeter of the plan and increasing requirements around open space. Plans will now have to dedicate 40 percent of space to open space, and at least 25 percent of that space must be contiguous. Additionally, at least 35 percent of lots in the plan must now meet the minimum lot sizes in “case-zone districts,” meaning single-family lots must be at least three-quarters of an acre and multifamily lots must be at least one-and-a-half acres.

The ordinance lays out requirements for screening and vegetation in setback areas, and adds guidelines for signage and billboards.

At a public hearing before the meeting, residents gave their feedback, expressing concerns about the lot size reduction, but praising the new requirements on PRDs.

Resident Dave Fowler said he supports the ordinance, despite the lot size decrease.

“I think decreasing the lot size isn't the direction the township is going,” he said. “Other than that, I think the ordinance is good.”

Resident David McMaster said he also opposed the lot size decrease, and added that he wanted to see the township overhaul its comprehensive plan and ordinances to make the two more compatible and in line with the wishes of residents.

Some in attendance asked whether anyone thought that the lot reductions were a good idea.

Resident Jane Peterson said that she disagreed with the other speakers and supported the lot reductions.

“It (restriction) makes it impossible to sell your land,” she said.

Council voted to close the hearing and passed the ordinance at the meeting immediately afterward.