This bill aims to enhance the development and regulation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Jersey by establishing a clear definition for ADUs, which can be either attached or detached from a principal dwelling, must be located on the same lot, and cannot exceed 1,200 square feet. It prohibits municipalities from imposing certain restrictions on ADUs, such as requiring a passageway to the principal dwelling or minimum parking spaces, and allows municipalities to amend their land use regulations to align with these new provisions by January 1, 2023. Additionally, the bill provides a process for municipalities to opt out of these requirements under specific conditions.

The legislation also amends the "Fair Housing Act" to ensure that ADUs contribute to affordable housing goals, particularly for low- and moderate-income households. It modifies the definition of "moderate income housing" to include households earning between 50% and 80% of the median income and mandates that any ADU built after the bill's enactment will be credited towards a municipality's affordable housing obligation as equivalent to a studio apartment. By emphasizing the inclusion of ADUs in municipal housing plans and streamlining the development process, the bill seeks to promote affordable housing options while preventing local regulations from obstructing ADU construction.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:55D-3, 52:27D-304, 52:27D-310, 52:27D-311