This bill aims to enhance the development and use 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 ADUs, ensuring that existing regulations cannot restrict property owners from constructing these units. The legislation defines key terms related to ADUs and outlines the conditions for municipal approval, including size requirements, parking regulations, and utility connections. Additionally, it requires municipalities to submit their regulations to the Department of Community Affairs for review and prohibits associations from enforcing restrictions that would impede ADU development in single-family residential zones.

The bill also amends existing legislation to allow associations to impose design or landscaping conditions on ADUs, provided they do not exceed typical conditions or unreasonably increase costs. It introduces a specific definition for "accessory dwelling unit" and mandates that municipalities include plans for affordable ADUs in their housing elements. Furthermore, it updates the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund to prioritize funding for ADUs aimed at low and moderate-income households. Overall, the legislation seeks to streamline the approval process for ADUs while promoting affordable housing options and ensuring local regulations do not hinder their development.

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