Following a public hearing in the colonial courthouse Thursday night, the Gloucester County Planning Commission recommended approval of proposed changes to the zoning ordinance related to garage apartments and cottages.

Anne Ducey-Ortiz, director of planning and zoning, said that the proposed ordinance change would remove the cap of 1,200 square feet for an accessory apartment or accessory dwelling. It would allow such dwelling units to be 800 square feet or 35 percent of the principal dwelling unit located on a lot smaller than two acres, and 49 percent of the principal dwelling unit located on a lot of two or more acres.

Corey Simon, who owns property on Guinea Road, said the changes might unfairly discriminate against homeowners with smaller lots, including many parcels at Gloucester Point. Simon was the lone member of the public to speak at the hearing.

Ducey-Ortiz said the proposed ordinance further defines gross floor area and defines and specifies gross living area to be used...