New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4

Introduced
12/18/23  
Refer
12/18/23  

Caption

Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million.

Impact

This bill represents a significant shift in how affordable housing is managed in New Jersey, moving from state-controlled oversight under COAH to localized decision-making. By allowing municipalities to adopt binding resolutions for their housing obligations, the bill promotes a tailored approach to local housing needs. However, it also stipulates strict deadlines for compliance to avoid potential legal challenges related to zoning and housing lawsuits, particularly those invoking builder's remedies, which compel municipalities to approve development plans if they fail to meet their affordable housing obligations.

Summary

Bill A4 seeks to reform municipal responsibilities concerning affordable housing by abolishing the existing Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) and establishing a new framework for municipalities to determine their own fair share of affordable housing obligations. It stipulates that municipalities must work with court-appointed obligation special masters, tasked with calculating regional housing needs and obligations based on specific formulas. The bill aims to ensure that municipalities can meet their responsibilities towards low- and moderate-income housing through clear processes and defined deadlines for compliance, particularly ahead of the forthcoming fourth round of housing obligations scheduled to begin in 2025.

Contention

While the bill aims to streamline the affordable housing process and enhance local control, there are points of contention. Supporters argue that the direct involvement of municipalities will lead to more effectively meeting local housing needs, while opponents express concern that dissolving COAH could undermine state-level oversight and protection for low-income housing. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for transitional housing and limits the percentage of housing obligations that can be satisfied through age-restricted units, which has drawn scrutiny from advocates who fear the potential for reduced affordable housing opportunities for families with children.

Companion Bills

NJ S4251

Same As Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4

Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million.

NJ S4251

Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million.

NJ S50

Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million.

NJ A967

Requires COAH to administer affordable housing obligations of municipalities based on statewide obligation.

NJ A245

Requires COAH to administer affordable housing obligations of municipalities based on statewide obligation.

NJ S622

Requires COAH to administer affordable housing obligations of municipalities based on Statewide obligation.

NJ S2104

Requires COAH to administer affordable housing obligations of municipalities based on Statewide obligation.

NJ A971

Prohibits affordable housing obligation exemptions for urban aid municipalities.

NJ A249

Prohibits affordable housing obligation exemptions for urban aid municipalities.

NJ S621

Prohibits affordable housing obligation exemptions for urban aid municipalities.

Similar Bills

NJ S4251

Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million.

NJ A4

Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million.

NJ S50

Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million.

NJ S601

Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.

NJ S2085

Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.

NJ A968

Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.

NJ A246

Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.

NJ A5318

Reduces term of affordability required for affordable housing created through middle housing construction or conversion.