This bill amends Section 19 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-28) to enhance the requirements for the land use and housing plan elements of municipal master plans in New Jersey. It introduces a detailed housing plan element that must assess the need for housing, including affordable options, and outline strategies for their provision. The housing plan element is required to analyze the existing housing inventory, project future housing stock, evaluate demographic characteristics, and consider local and regional economic factors affecting housing supply. Additionally, the bill mandates a climate change-related hazard vulnerability assessment and a strategy statement focused on smart growth and environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the relationship between the land use and housing plan elements, ensuring they work in tandem. It removes outdated language and adds new requirements, including the consideration of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure and military facility impacts. The bill also reallocates certain previously required factors from section 10 of P.L.1985, c.222 to section 19 of P.L.1975, c.291 to clarify municipal obligations. Overall, these changes aim to create more comprehensive and responsive municipal master plans that effectively address current and future community housing needs.

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