This bill aims to facilitate the development and regulation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Jersey by establishing a clear definition of ADUs as secondary dwelling units that can be either attached or detached from a principal single-family home. It mandates that municipalities permit ADUs on lots with single-family homes while allowing them to impose certain dimensional controls. However, municipalities are prohibited from enforcing restrictions that would hinder ADU construction, such as requiring a passageway to the principal dwelling or setting a minimum age for occupants. The bill also specifies that ADUs should not be classified as new residential uses for utility connection fees unless they are built alongside a new single-family dwelling.

Additionally, the bill amends the "Fair Housing Act" to require municipalities to identify suitable lands and structures for ADU development in their housing plans, particularly to support low- and moderate-income housing. It allows municipalities to opt out of certain requirements through a two-thirds vote after a public hearing. The legislation ensures that ADUs built or permitted after January 1, 2022, will be credited towards a municipality's affordable housing obligation as equivalent to a studio apartment, designed for one-person households. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the process for developing ADUs while integrating them into broader housing strategies.

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