New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3728

Introduced
10/7/24  

Caption

Requires municipal planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment to incorporate recommendations from certain local environmental commissions on applications for development.

Impact

One of the key implications of S3728 is that it aims to strengthen local governance by requiring boards to not only acknowledge but actively incorporate environmental recommendations into their decisions. Previously, while the law permitted environmental commissions to submit suggestions on development projects, it did not obligate planning boards to take those recommendations into account. The bill, therefore, establishes a more collaborative approach that seeks to align development activities with environmental stewardship, potentially influencing local policies and promoting sustainable practices.

Summary

Senate Bill S3728 introduced in New Jersey aims to enhance the role of local environmental commissions in the development approval process. Specifically, the bill mandates that municipal planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment must review and consider recommendations made by their respective local environmental commissions when evaluating applications for development. This change is intended to integrate environmental considerations more thoroughly into local government decision-making regarding land use and development projects.

Contention

There may be debate regarding the implementation of S3728, particularly concerning the feasibility of requiring planning boards to incorporate environmental recommendations consistently. Some stakeholders may express concern that this could create practical challenges in balancing development needs with environmental considerations. Additionally, developers may argue that such requirements could lengthen the approval process for projects, leading to potential delays and increased costs. Conversely, supporters advocate that integrating environmental factors will lead to more responsible and sustainable development, ultimately benefiting communities in the long run.

Companion Bills

NJ A4791

Same As Requires municipal planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment to incorporate recommendations from certain local environmental commissions on applications for development.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4791

Requires municipal planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment to incorporate recommendations from certain local environmental commissions on applications for development.

NJ S1564

Requires planning board reexamination report to set forth recommendations for the siting of warehouses consistent with State Plan and with warehouse siting guidance policy adopted by State Planning Commission.

NJ A1886

Requires planning board reexamination report to set forth recommendations for the siting of warehouses consistent with State Plan and with warehouse siting guidance policy adopted by State Planning Commission.

NJ S3356

Requires planning board reexamination report to set forth recommendations for the siting of warehouses consistent with State Plan and with warehouse siting guidance policy adopted by State Planning Commission.

NJ A5073

Requires planning board reexamination report to set forth recommendations for the siting of warehouses consistent with State Plan and with warehouse siting guidance policy adopted by State Planning Commission.

NJ A428

Allows planning and zoning board members to satisfy training requirements on Internet.

NJ S680

Allows planning and zoning board members to satisfy training requirements on Internet.

NJ S2957

Allows planning and zoning board members to satisfy training requirements on Internet.

NJ S1684

Provides "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" exemption, and clarifies municipal planning or zoning authority, for certain development along commercial corridors in Highlands Region.

NJ S2843

Requires State Planning Commission to adopt model ordinance for siting certain warehouses and permits conforming updates to municipal master plans and zoning ordinances and establishes fund in DCA; appropriates $5 million.

Similar Bills

TX SB2317

Relating to the composition, duties, recommendations, and expenses of certain entities created to study and provide advice regarding environmental flows.

CA AB652

Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Justice Advisory Committee.

NJ A4791

Requires municipal planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment to incorporate recommendations from certain local environmental commissions on applications for development.

TX HB3526

Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Water Development Board and related entities, including the funding of projects by the board and the composition, duties, recommendations, and expenses of entities created to study and provide advice regarding environmental flows.

TX SB2328

Relating to the development of environmental flow regimes by the Environmental Flows Advisory Group and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

HI HB185

Relating To The Environmental Advisory Council.

HI HB185

Relating To The Environmental Advisory Council.

HI SB422

Relating To The Environmental Advisory Council.