The "Palisades Cliffs Protection and Planning Act" aims to preserve the Palisades Cliffs, a significant geological feature along the Hudson River, by establishing the Palisades Cliffs Preservation Council. This council will consist of 10 voting members appointed by the governing bodies of municipalities within the Palisades area and will be responsible for overseeing development in the region. The bill defines the Palisades Planning Region as the land extending up to 2000 feet east of the Palisades cliff crest, emphasizing the need for coordinated land use decisions to protect this natural treasure from overdevelopment and its associated impacts, such as increased traffic congestion and loss of scenic views.

Under the provisions of the bill, any proposed development in the Palisades Planning Region must adhere to strict height limitations unless approved by the council. Specifically, the maximum height of developments must ensure that sightlines from the cliff crest include significant portions of the Hudson River. The council is also tasked with preparing criteria for allowing developments that exceed these height limits, considering factors such as distance from the cliffs and impacts on neighboring municipalities. Additionally, the council is required to submit an annual report detailing its activities and financial statements to the relevant local governing bodies.