This bill aims to enhance the development and accessibility of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Jersey, recognizing their potential to address the state's housing demand. It mandates that municipalities create land use regulations that permit the construction of ADUs, ensuring that existing regulations cannot restrict property owners from building these units. The legislation defines key terms related to ADUs and outlines specific conditions for their development, including size, height, and parking requirements. Additionally, it requires that applications for ADUs be processed as ministerial actions within 60 days, prohibiting unreasonable restrictions such as separate utility connections for units within existing structures. Any conflicting existing covenants or regulations will be deemed void.

Moreover, the bill introduces provisions that allow associations to impose design or landscaping conditions on ADUs, provided they do not exceed typical requirements or unreasonably increase costs. It emphasizes the need for municipalities to include plans for affordable ADUs in their housing elements and revises the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund to prioritize funding for these units. The bill establishes statewide standards for ADUs on properties zoned for single-family or two-family residential use, ensuring that they are a permitted use as of right when a primary dwelling exists. Overall, the legislation seeks to streamline the approval process for ADUs while promoting affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income households.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-304, 52:27D-311, 52:27D-320