Politics
Ringwood Council Approves New Density Bonus Rules Matching Neighboring Towns
Ringwood residents in the central wards will face new rules for apartment projects that match density allowances already operating in the towns of Brookfield and Cedar Grove.
How we reported this
Ringwood City Council voted 6 to 3 on July 7 to adopt the density bonus ordinance that lets developers add extra residential units in exchange for including affordable housing. The measure applies to parcels zoned for multifamily use within the downtown redevelopment district and takes effect on August 15.
The ordinance follows a state directive issued in March that requires municipalities to update zoning codes by the end of 2026. Ringwood officials reviewed implementation plans from five other cities that passed similar measures earlier this year before drafting the local version.
Effects on Housing Supply and Daily Costs
Under the new rules, a project that reserves 15 percent of units for households earning below 80 percent of area median income can exceed the current height limit by two stories. Property owners near Main Street and Elm Avenue will receive the first permit applications under the revised code. Local real estate records show those blocks contain 312 parcels currently limited to three-story buildings.
The city’s planning department estimates the changes will generate 850 new units over the next five years if applications follow the pace recorded in Brookfield after its comparable ordinance. Current rental listings in Ringwood average 1,850 dollars per month for a two-bedroom unit.
Next Steps for Implementation
City staff will hold two public information sessions on July 22 and July 29 at the municipal building to explain the application process. The council also directed the finance department to track permitting revenue, which the 2026 budget lists at 1.2 million dollars from all development fees. Officials expect the first projects under the ordinance to reach the planning board by October.