MARGATE – The Board of Commissioners March 20 introduced two new ordinances that will benefit the environment.
The first ordinance addresses clean and safe worksites for contractors and the second encourages businesses and developers to provide EV charging stations for certain properties.
Ordinance No. 8-2025 has been two years in the making and was suggested by members of the city’s green team, Sustainable Margate, after green team Chairman Steve Jasiecki noticed contractors working with plastic products were not properly disposing of the plastic dust created when cutting or sawing polycarbonate products such as AZEK or Trex. Some were blowing the refuse into the storm drains, which empty into the bay. While out kayaking one day, he became alarmed when he noticed plastic particles floating in the water.
The ordinance requires building contractors to minimize the release of microplastics, dust, trash, debris and other contaminants at worksites by using containment devices such as vacuum attachments for saws or tarps and tents.
Plastic particles do not decompose and can enter the food chain causing endocrine, digestive and respiratory issues in animals, marine life and humans. When plastic particles enter the ecosystem through storm drains, they eventually wind up in the bay and ocean, are consumed by fish, and then the fish are eaten by humans. Dogs, cats and rabbits may also sniff or eat microplastics left on the ground.
The city was the first NJ municipality to adopt a resolution, but other towns, including Longport and Ventnor, codified the requirements in an ordinance.
The ordinance includes fines for violations: $150 for the first offense, $300 for the second offense and up to $1,000 for every subsequent offense.
The fines may not be required, however, as contractors who have learned about the dangers of microplastics through the green team’s educational campaign are already complying with the requirements of the ordinance, Jasiecki said.
Ordinance 09-2025 supports the state’s transition to electric vehicles and the city’s commitment to sustainability by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The ordinance encourages businesses and developers to install EV charging stations and makeready parking spaces in all residential and commercial districts. When the ordinance is adopted, it will make EV parking spaces a permitted accessory use that will not require a variance.
A developer of a commercial property will not be subject to site plan review by the Land Use Board and will not need to obtain a variance if they comply with the ordinance. Approvals will be granted administratively provided they meet certain requirements. Condominiums or multi-unit properties containing five units or more, will be required to provide make-ready spaces up to 15% of the off-street parking requirements in phases over a six-year period.
Public EV parking spaces that are properly striped, marked and protected with bollards, will be monitored and enforced by the Police Department.
The ordinance supports elements of the city’s Master Plan, including land use, circulation and environmental elements.
Public hearings on the ordinances will be held 5 p.m. Thursday, April 3.
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