Bill > S2347

This bill aims to address New Jersey's housing shortage by promoting the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary housing units on the same lot as a primary residence that offer complete, independent living facilities. The legislation mandates that municipalities must allow ADUs, with specific regulations applying based on population density; municipalities with lower density must permit them, while denser municipalities must have already adopted ordinances allowing ADUs or will need to adopt them incorporating specific standards. These standards include minimum size requirements, setback rules, and limitations on height, while prohibiting additional parking requirements and mandating that ADUs be a permitted use in areas zoned for single or two-family homes. The bill also streamlines the approval process for ADUs, treating applications as ministerial actions that must be decided within 60 days, and prevents municipalities from using other ordinances to delay or deny ADU approvals, with exceptions for sites with inadequate public utilities or those that cannot accommodate the minimum ADU size without violating setback rules. Furthermore, it clarifies utility connection fees for ADUs and ensures that the State Uniform Construction Code still applies.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2347