Bill > S3065

This bill amends existing law to exclude environmentally sensitive and flood-prone lands from being considered "vacant" or available for the construction of affordable housing when a municipality is determining its fair share of housing obligations. This means that land designated as environmentally sensitive, such as areas protected by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council or regulated under flood hazard or freshwater wetlands laws, and land prone to flooding, will not be counted towards a town's affordable housing requirements. The bill also clarifies that other types of land, including those designated for public use, conservation, parks, open space, small private parcels, historic sites, agricultural land with restricted development rights, and active recreation areas, are already excluded from this designation. The intent is to prevent the development of affordable housing on land that is unsuitable due to environmental concerns or flood risk.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3065