The bill amends Section 19 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-28) to enhance the requirements for the land use plan element and housing plan element of municipal master plans. It introduces new provisions that require the land use plan element to consider its relationship to the housing plan element and other components of the master plan, including a climate change-related hazard vulnerability assessment. The housing plan element is mandated to evaluate the municipality's housing needs, including an inventory of existing housing, future housing projections, and demographic analysis. Key insertions include the requirement for the housing plan to assess its relationship to transit and community facilities, as well as to identify suitable lands for low- and moderate-income housing development.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the alignment of the housing plan with state planning goals and objectives, ensuring that municipalities consider various housing types and their implications for community development. It also specifies that the housing plan element must incorporate factors previously outlined in section 10 of P.L.1985, c.222, which are now removed from that section. The land use plan element must describe its relationship to the housing plan and outline adopted redevelopment plans for areas identified for redevelopment or rehabilitation. These amendments aim to clarify municipal obligations regarding housing planning and ensure that land use planning is effectively aligned with housing needs, particularly in addressing affordable housing obligations. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:55D-28, 52:27D-304, 52:27D-310