This bill seeks to enhance the development and utilization of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Jersey, recognizing their potential to address the state's housing needs. It mandates that municipalities create land use regulations that permit ADUs in single-family and two-family residential zones, ensuring that property owners are not restricted from developing these units. The legislation defines key terms related to ADUs and establishes that they must be treated as a permitted use on lots with existing or proposed primary dwellings. Additionally, the bill sets forth specific standards for ADUs, including floor area, height restrictions, and parking requirements, while requiring that applications be processed as ministerial actions within a 60-day timeframe without public hearings.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws to allow associations to impose design or landscaping conditions on ADUs, as long as these do not exceed typical requirements or unreasonably increase costs. It also introduces a definition for "accessory dwelling unit" and mandates that municipalities include plans for affordable ADUs in their housing elements. The legislation revises the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund to prioritize funding for ADUs aimed at low and moderate-income households, replacing the term "apartments" with "dwelling units." Overall, the bill aims to streamline the approval process for ADUs while promoting affordable housing options and ensuring that local regulations do not impede their development.

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