Bridgewater Looks To Ban Data Centers, Detention Centers Under Massive Ordinance

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater is set to consider a massive ordinance that would ban data centers and detention centers in the Township.

The omnibus ordinance is set to be introduced at the Thursday Council meeting.

The proposal follows the Township of Bridgewater Planning Board’s adoption of a Comprehensive Master Plan on Sept. 30, 2025.

"This ordinance is about looking ahead instead of reacting after challenges arrive," stated Mayor Matthew Moench in a release. "We will solve tomorrow's problems before they become today's emergencies."

The ordinance states that the Municipal Land Use Law grants municipalities the power to adopt zoning rules governing the use of land, buildings, and structures.

It also says the master plan’s Land Use Element recommended the township "undertake an analysis of its Land Use Code section as part of future Master Plan Reexaminations to ensure consistency between sections and remove any obsolete provisions on a regular basis."

The ordinance also says the Land Use Element recommended periodic review of application and escrow fees.

Data Centers

If adopted, the measure would add a new Section 126-341.6 for data centers.

The proposed standards would apply to any data center use not already in existence in its current condition at the time the ordinance is passed.

The ordinance says applications would need an approval letter from the serving utility, details on substations and utility connections, a closed-loop cooling system, water and wastewater details, renewable energy, heat waste recovery and pre- and post-construction sound studies.

Residential Lighting Standards

The proposal would also create Chapter 152, titled "Light Nuisance in Residential Areas."

Under the draft language, outside lighting in residential areas must be arranged so it does not adversely affect adjacent residential buildings or streets.

It would prohibit spotlights or other artificial lighting on residential properties that create a continuous concentrated beam beyond property lines, with an exception for motion-detected lighting that turns off within 10 minutes.

Detention Centers

Another section would add to the township’s general use restrictions that, except for temporary detention holding areas in a municipal police station, "all detention, correction, or other carceral facilities are expressly prohibited in all zones."

The ordinance says that includes prisons, jails, penitentiaries, detention centers, adult and juvenile detention and correctional facilities, and facilities for people awaiting trial or serving a sentence.

Zoning Permit Changes

The measure would require zoning permits for changes in nonresidential occupancy or use, with permits to be granted or denied within 10 days of receipt by the zoning officer.

It updates definitions including "change in use," "personal service use," "zoning fee" and "zoning permit," and adds conditions for cooperative sober living residences.

The ordinance further revises fee schedules for zoning permits and planning and zoning board applications.

"Whether it's emerging technologies like data centers, protecting neighborhoods from intrusive lighting, ensuring our zoning code keeps pace with changing commercial uses, or preserving the character of our community, we are taking thoughtful, proactive steps today so Bridgewater remains the kind of town families want to call home for generations to come," said Moench.

The omnibus ordinance also implements recommendations from Bridgewater's Comprehensive Master Plan calling for the Township to periodically review its land use regulations, eliminate outdated provisions and ensure zoning standards remain consistent, effective and responsive to modern development trends.

Moench said if the ordinance is adopted following a public hearing, it "would further strengthen Bridgewater's ability to responsibly manage growth while preserving the quality of life that has made the Township one of New Jersey's most desirable communities."

The ordinance is scheduled for introduction at the Township Council meeting on Thursday. To see the ordinance, check out the Council's agenda here or below:

11a (3) by Alexis Tarrazi

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