Bill > A3295

This bill expands the availability of general development plan approvals and extends the duration for which preliminary and final site plan approvals are valid, specifically within designated "smart growth areas." Smart growth areas are defined as locations encouraged for development, such as urban cores and developed centers, to promote denser, more efficient land use and discourage sprawl. The bill amends existing laws to allow developers of smaller parcels (100 acres or less) in smart growth areas, meeting certain size thresholds for nonresidential floor area or residential units, to submit a general development plan. Furthermore, it allows for longer vesting periods, meaning the terms and conditions of preliminary and final site plan approvals remain valid for a longer duration, up to several years depending on the project's scale and specific circumstances, for developments in these smart growth areas. This aims to provide developers with more certainty and time to complete projects in areas prioritized for growth.