Bill

Bill > A458


NJ A458

NJ A458
"Palisades Cliffs Protection and Planning Act"; concerns preservation of Palisades cliffs and creates Palisades Cliffs Preservation Council.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/12/2026

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill, "Palisades Cliffs Protection and Planning Act," would provide for the preservation of the Palisades cliffs and create the Palisades Cliffs Preservation Council. The council created by the bill would constitute a political subdivision of the State exercising public and essential governmental functions, would have 10 voting members appointed by the governing bodies of the municipalities within the Palisades cliffs area, and would be conferred with powers, duties, and responsibilities associated with preserving and protecting the Palisades cliffs. Additionally, the bill creates the Palisades Planning Region that would consist of that land within the municipalities which extends up to 2000 feet east of the Palisades cliff crest at each location along the Palisades cliffs. The bill provides that unless approved by the council, no development may be constructed in the Palisades Planning Region unless the maximum height of the proposed development, including any mechanical structures to be constructed atop the building or structure, is at or below the height whereby the sightline looking east from the crest directly to the west of the proposed development would include at least the eastern half of the Hudson River above the proposed building or structure. Where there is no discernable crest immediately to the west of the proposed development, except as otherwise specified in this bill, the height of the beginning of the sightline looking east would be the elevation of the surface of the portion of Palisades Avenue directly west of the proposed building or structure. Under the bill, on or before March 31 in each year, the council is required to make an annual report of its activities for the preceding calendar year to the governing body and the chief executive officer of the municipalities and Bergen and Hudson counties. Each such report shall set forth a complete operating and financial statement covering its operations during the preceding year.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the "Palisades Cliffs Protection and Planning Act," establishes the Palisades Cliffs Preservation Council, a public entity with 10 voting members appointed by local governments in the affected area, to protect the scenic Palisades cliffs. The bill also defines the Palisades Planning Region as land extending 2000 feet east of the cliff crest and mandates that any new development within this region must not exceed a height that would obstruct the view of at least the eastern half of the Hudson River from the cliff crest, with specific rules for areas lacking a clear crest. The Council is empowered to adopt bylaws, hire staff, apply for grants, and develop model land use ordinances, and it must submit an annual report detailing its activities and finances to local governing bodies. Decisions made by the Council can be appealed to the Superior Court, and the Council can seek court injunctions to enforce its regulations.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Withdrawn from Consideration (on 02/12/2026)

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