This bill amends the method for determining regional need for affordable housing in New Jersey, aiming to create more realistic and achievable fair share obligations for municipalities. It directs the Department of Community Affairs to calculate the prospective need for low- and moderate-income housing based on the number of certified residential housing units created in each region, excluding units that replace demolished ones. The new methodology requires dividing this number by five to establish the regional need for affordable housing over a ten-year period. Additionally, municipalities that have already committed to fair share obligations will have their obligations adjusted according to the new standards, with a 90-day period allowed for them to file amended housing plans.

The bill also allows the Commissioner of Community Affairs to revise estimates of municipalities' prospective fair share obligations and deadlines for compliance, bypassing certain procedural requirements of the "Administrative Procedure Act" to expedite the process. Furthermore, it repeals the previous findings section of the Fair Housing Act, reflecting the updated approach to affordable housing obligations. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure that the obligations imposed on municipalities are grounded in reality and can be met without undermining local governance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-304.2, 52:27D-302