This bill aims to facilitate the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Jersey by mandating that municipalities adopt or amend land use regulations to allow for their creation on lots containing single-family dwellings. It recognizes ADUs as a valuable housing option that can help meet the state's housing demand while providing benefits to homeowners, such as additional income and security. The bill outlines specific definitions for accessory dwelling units and structures, and it establishes that these units should be permitted as a right in areas where single-family or two-family dwellings are allowed.

The legislation also sets forth various restrictions on municipal zoning ordinances to ensure that they do not impose unnecessary barriers to the development of ADUs. For instance, municipalities cannot require a passageway between the ADU and the principal dwelling, impose minimum age requirements for occupants, or mandate separate utility billing. Additionally, the bill stipulates that applications for ADUs must be processed as ministerial actions without public hearings, and if a municipal agency does not act on an application within 60 days, it will be deemed approved. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the approval process for ADUs while maintaining essential safety and building code requirements.