Sandy Volunteer 'Encampment' Ordinance Introduced

The Brick Township council unanimously voted this week to introduce an ordinance that would allow volunteers in town to help with Superstorm Sandy relief efforts to stay overnight in places where such a use would not normally be allowed.

Such places could include properties owned by churches, businesses or other "places of assembly" not normally zoned for residential use. As long as the property is a place of assembly, the ordinance says, the use of the facility as a temporary encampment for volunteers would be allowed regardless of the property's zoning.

"We do have people just coming in and staying at places that aren't fire regulated, where there aren't restroom facilities," said Councilwoman Susan Lydecker. "This allows people to come in, in a safe and secure manner, and we can keep tabs on them."

Lydecker said concerns about a lack of volunteer housing have been brought up by organizations in town, and an influx of volunteers may be on tap during the summer months.

The ordinance allows people to stay in a facility only if a number of conditions are met, including a requirement that the organization is a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's long term recovery program, the site is kept free of litter and garbage, and various building, health and fire codes are met.

Additionally, the operator of an encampment must register all new residents with the township clerk, in a packet that will include a recent photograph and a photocopy of a person's identification.

The provisions of the ordinance will expire Dec. 31, 2014.

The ordinance is subject to a public hearing and second council vote before it becomes law.