NJBIA has expressed strong support for Governor Phil Murphy's efforts to reform zoning and permitting rules in New Jersey. These reforms aim to fulfill the goals of a comprehensive affordable housing law signed last year. In his final State of the State address, Governor Murphy urged the Legislature to advance several bills intended to cut pre-construction red tape.
Michele Siekerka, President and CEO of NJBIA, emphasized the need for more affordable housing in New Jersey. "While we understand concerns from municipalities about how they will best achieve their affordable housing targets, at the end of the day, New Jersey needs more affordable housing so we can keep residents here to live, work and play," Siekerka stated.
Governor Murphy is collaborating with Sen. Troy Singleton (D-7) and Asw. Yvonne Lopez (D-19) on legislation aimed at reducing zoning and permitting restrictions:
- S-1408: This bill facilitates mixed-use development on vacant or distressed land or certain office parks.
- S-2974: This bill reduces parking space requirements for housing near mass transit.
- S-2347: This bill provides more options for accessory dwellings on properties with existing homes.
The first two bills have moved forward in the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, while the third has passed the full Senate.
Murphy's proposals are aligned with an NJBIA-backed law from last summer that allows architects and engineers to self-certify compliance with state construction codes. Siekerka noted this law saves time and money without compromising health or safety standards.
However, Siekerka cautioned that potential benefits from these reforms could be offset by proposed Land Use rules from the state Department of Environmental Protection. The 1,057-page rule includes conditions such as establishing "inundation risk zones" and requiring buildings in these areas to be constructed 5 feet above current flood standards. These proposals are based on a 2019 study predicting significant sea level rise over 75 years.
"There is a reason these rules have been vehemently opposed by NJBIA, developers, residents and many municipal and county officials and state lawmakers since being introduced," Siekerka said. She warned that these measures could negatively impact lower-income families in urban areas near tidal waters by creating no-build zones.
Siekerka concluded by urging Governor Murphy's administration to reconsider these Land Use rules as they may hinder affordable housing objectives and overall affordability in New Jersey.
