S-4451, which modifies requirements for land use plan element and housing plan element of municipal master plan passed the Senate on Monday by a vote of 23-14 with 3 not voting.
The League raised several concerns with the sponsor, principally because the legislation makes the housing element a mandatory element, and the bill is effective immediately. The implication is that every current master plan could be deemed non-compliant with the statute, forcing the immediate revision of hundreds of master plans.
The new legislation will seemingly require municipalities to completely reassess and revamp their master plans to accommodate the new housing requirements. It will require the expenditure of significant resources to have the appropriate professionals go out into the municipalities to assess the current plans and changes that will need to be made, as well as to create further plans regarding, for example, transportation and access.
The League has engaged with interested parties to address concerns, and we will advise of any developments.
A-5667, the Assembly companion, has been referenced to the Assembly Housing Committee and has not yet been scheduled for consideration.
Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.