reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287 - Maximum lengths of terms of eligibility; conversion of loans to grants

52:27D-287. Maximum lengths of terms of eligibility; conversion of loans to grants
The Department of Community Affairs shall establish maximum lengths of terms of eligibility for temporary rental assistance and other temporary housing assistance, and varying levels of assistance, and shall be empowered to convert loans into grants when necessary to carry out the purposes of this act.
L.1984, c. 180, s. 9, eff. Nov. 9, 1984.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287b - Findings, declarations relative to county homelessness trust funds.

52:27D-287b Findings, declarations relative to county homelessness trust funds.
2. The Legislature finds and declares:
a. The creation of county homelessness trust funds in counties that have completed and endorsed a plan to end homelessness will provide some of the additional funds necessary to move homeless or formerly homeless individuals toward the goal of permanent affordable housing and self-sufficiency.
b. Despite laudable efforts by all levels of government, private individuals, nonprofit organizations, and charitable foundations to end homelessness, the number of homeless persons in New Jersey is unacceptably high. The State's homeless population, furthermore, includes a large number of families with children, youth, veterans, the elderly, and employed persons.
c. Fiscal and social costs of homelessness are high for both the public and private sectors and ending homelessness should be a joint goal for State and local government.
d. A myriad of factors contribute to homelessness, including a shortage of affordable housing; a shortage of jobs that pay wages and benefits sufficient to support a family; high property taxes which undermine housing affordability; a lack of an accessible and affordable health care system available to all who suffer from physical and mental illnesses and chemical and alcohol dependency; domestic violence; and a lack of education and job skills necessary to acquire adequate wage jobs in the economy of the twenty-first century.
e. It is critical that emergency shelters for the homeless are able to provide sufficient and adequate shelter services to all homeless individuals in their communities when a Code Blue alert is in effect due to severely cold weather. Allowing county homelessness trust funds to be used in support of emergency shelter for the homeless services provided in connection with a Code Blue alert would create an additional funding source to help ensure that this goal is met.
L.2009, c.123, s.2; amended 2019, c.53, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287d - Adoption of homeless housing plan by local government.

52:27D-287d Adoption of homeless housing plan by local government.
4. A local government, in consultation with the Office of Homelessness Prevention in the Department of Community Affairs, may adopt a homeless housing plan to address the housing needs of persons who are homeless within its jurisdiction, which shall be in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2009, c.123 (C.52:27D-287a et al.). The plan shall include provisions for establishing a trust fund for the purposes of receiving funds pursuant to P.L.2009, c.123 (C.52:27D-287a et al.), and shall evidence a strategic local scheme to identify and address the needs of persons who are homeless within the jurisdiction, including strategies to reduce the need for emergency room care, hospital care, law enforcement, foster care, and other social services associated with persons who are homeless and homelessness.
L.2009, c.123, s.4; amended 2019, c.73, s.9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287e - "County Homelessness Trust Fund."

52:27D-287e "County Homelessness Trust Fund."
5. a. Amounts raised by the surcharge imposed pursuant to N.J.S.22A:4-17 as amended by section 8 of P.L.2009, c.123 shall be deposited into a "County Homelessness Trust Fund" to be created by the county and shall be used exclusively for the purposes authorized by P.L.2009, c.123 (C.52:27D-287a et al.). Any interest or other income earned on monies deposited into the county trust fund shall be credited to the fund to be used for the same purposes as the principal. A county may deposit other funds into the County Homelessness Trust Fund, as it may, from time to time, deem appropriate.
b. No monies in the trust fund shall be utilized to pay or discharge the principal or interest on any indebtedness incurred for any purpose by the county or any other governmental entity.
c. Amounts raised by the surcharge must be expended for the purposes detailed in section 6 of P.L.2009, c.123 (C.52:27D-287f) within four years of being collected.
d. Any monies in the trust fund that are not expended after four years will be transferred to the Department of Community of Affairs which will contract with a community based organization in the same county where the Homelessness Trust Fund exists for the purposes of P.L.2009, c.123 (C.52:27D-287a et al.).
L.2009, c.123, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287f - Utilization of County Homelessness Trust Fund.

52:27D-287f Utilization of County Homelessness Trust Fund.
6. a. Each county shall utilize its County Homelessness Trust Fund with the advice of the County Homelessness Trust Fund Task Force for the operation of a homeless housing grant program. This program is established in order to provide:
(1) for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of housing projects or units within housing projects that supply permanent affordable housing for persons who are homeless or families, including those at risk of homelessness;
(2) rental assistance vouchers, including tenant and project based subsidies, for affordable housing projects or units within housing projects that provide permanent affordable housing for persons who are homeless or families, including those at risk of homelessness;
(3) supportive services as may be required by homeless individuals or families in order to obtain or maintain, or both, permanent affordable housing; and
(4) prevention services for at risk homeless individuals or families so that they can obtain and maintain permanent affordable housing.
b. Grants awarded by the governing body of the county shall be used to support projects that:
(1) measurably reduce homelessness;
(2) demonstrate government cost savings over time;
(3) employ evidence-based models;
(4) can be replicated in other counties;
(5) include an outcome measurement component;
(6) are consistent with the local homeless housing plan; or
(7) fund the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation projects that will serve homeless individuals or families for a period of at least 30 years or the equal to the longest term of affordability required by other funding sources.
c. Each county that has established a County Homelessness Trust Fund shall transmit information concerning the uses of the funds to the Office of Homelessness Prevention in the Department of Community Affairs in accordance with requirements established by that office.
d. The governing body of a county may by resolution establish a preference for veterans that gives first priority, in the distribution of grants, for the benefit of homeless veterans, including those at risk of homelessness.
e. A county may utilize its County Homelessness Trust Fund to support emergency shelter for the homeless services provided in connection with a Code Blue alert.
L.2009, c.123, s.6; amended 2017, c.320; 2019, c.53, s.3; 2019, c.73, s.10.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287g - Intercounty collaboration.

52:27D-287g Intercounty collaboration.
7. A county may collaborate with any other county that has established a County Homelessness Trust Fund to provide joint funding for projects permitted under P.L.2009, c.123 (C.52:27D-287a et al.).
L.2009, c.123, s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287.1 - Rental assistance program for low income households, senior citizens, veterans.

52:27D-287.1 Rental assistance program for low income households, senior citizens, veterans.
1. The Commissioner of Community Affairs shall establish a rental assistance program for low income individuals or households. This program shall be in addition to and supplement any existing programs established pursuant to the "Prevention of Homelessness Act (1984)," P.L.1984, c.180 (C.52:27D-280 et al.).
a. The program shall provide rental assistance grants comparable to the federal section 8 program, but shall be available only to State residents who are not currently holders of federal section 8 vouchers.
b. Assistance to an individual or household under the State program shall be terminated upon the award of federal section 8 rental assistance to the same individual or household.
c. The program shall reserve a portion of the grants for assistance to senior citizens aged 62 or older who otherwise meet the criteria of subsection a. of this section.
d. The program shall reserve a portion of the grants for assistance to veterans who have successfully completed the Veterans Transitional Housing Program, or "Veterans Haven," a vocational and transitional housing program for homeless veterans administered by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs.
e. The program shall reserve a portion of the funds available to it for tenant-based vouchers to veterans, other than those veterans eligible for assistance pursuant to subsection d. of this section.
L.2004, c.140, s.1; amended 2007, c.208, s.1; 2007, c.237; 2017, c.29.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287.2 - Regulations.

52:27D-287.2 Regulations.
2. The commissioner shall promulgate regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) necessary to implement this act.
L.2004,c.140,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287.3 - Annual RTF allocation to fund rental assistance grants.

52:27D-287.3 Annual RTF allocation to fund rental assistance grants.
3. The commissioner shall annually allocate from the receipts of the portion of the realty transfer fee directed to be credited to the Neighborhood Preservation Nonlapsing Revolving Fund pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1968, c.49 (C.46:15-8) and pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1975, c.176 (C.46:15-10.1) such amounts as may be necessary to fund rental assistance grants authorized by P.L.2004, c.140 (C.52:27D-287.1 et al.), provided that not less than $3 million be annually allocated for the purposes of subsection c. of section 1 of P.L.2004, c.140 (C.52:27D-287.1) and not less than $7 million be annually allocated for the purposes of subsection a. and subsection d. of section 1 of P.L.2004, c.140 (C.52:27D-287.1).
L.2004, c.140, s.3; amended 2007, c.208, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287.4 - Requirements for certain recipients of rental assistance grants.

52:27D-287.4 Requirements for certain recipients of rental assistance grants.
2. a. Any individual under the age of 65, who is not disabled and who receives a rental assistance grant provided pursuant to subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.2004, c.140 (C.52:27D-287.1), shall apply for employment and training services and seek the counseling required to obtain the employment and training services pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1992, c.43 (C.34:15D-7).
b. The counselor shall develop a written Employability Development Plan in a manner consistent with the provisions of section 7 of P.L.1992, c.43 (C.34:15D-7), if the counselor, after conducting the testing, assessment, and evaluation of, disclosures of information to, and discussions with, the individual required pursuant to that section, determines that:
(1) The individual is eligible for employment and training services under P.L.1992, c.48 (C.34:15B-35 et seq.), P.L.1992, c.43 (C.34:15D-1 et seq.), or P.L.1992, c.47 (C.43:21-57 et seq.);
(2) The individual lacks the basic skills or occupational skills needed to obtain employment which provides self-sufficiency; and
(3) Funds are available to the individual for any remedial education and vocational training needed to permit the individual to obtain employment providing self-sufficiency and that the education and training are available and accessible to the individual in a time and manner which does not result in a reduction of the individual's family income or substantial additional expenses.
c. If the counselor determines that any of the requirements of subsection b. of this section are not met, the counselor shall certify that an Employability Development Plan is not required for continued eligibility for the rental assistance grant. If the requirements are met and an Employability Development Plan is developed pursuant to this section, the individual, to maintain eligibility for the rental assistance grant, shall be required to show satisfactory progress in carrying out the training and educational activities provided under the plan. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development shall adopt regulations setting forth standards regarding what constitutes satisfactory progress, including reasonable adjustments in participation requirements for good cause, including verifiable needs related to physical or mental health problems, illness, accident or death or serious personal or family problems that necessitate reduced participation, and shall develop a system for monitoring satisfactory progress and providing, on a timely basis, notification to the Department of Community Affairs of the loss of eligibility of any individual for rental assistance grants due to a failure to make satisfactory progress.
d. For the purposes of this section, "employment and training services," "remedial education,""self-sufficiency," and "vocational training" have the meanings set forth in section 3 of P.L.1992, c.43 (C.34:15D-3).
L.2005,c.66,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287.8 - Definitions.

52:27D-287.8 Definitions.
2. As used in P.L.2021, c.188 (C.52:27D-287.7 et al.):
"Area median income" means the median income by household size for an applicable county as determined by the department. "Assistance" means cash payments for unpaid rent provided to the landlord by any federal, State, county, or local rental assistance program, including, but not limited to, payments ultimately provided to a landlord through an application submitted by a tenant through the Eviction Prevention Program, as established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2021, c.188 (C.52:27D-287.10).
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Community Affairs.
"Covered period" means the period beginning on March 1, 2020, and ending on August 31, 2021.
"COVID-19 pandemic" means the outbreak of COVID-19 throughout the world, recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020.
"Credit reporting agency" means any consumer reporting agency as that term is defined by the federal "Fair Credit Reporting Act," 15 U.S.C. s.1681 et seq., which shall include any agencies which specialize in tenant screening or rental history reporting.
"Deep subsidy" means a rental housing subsidy which limits the tenant's share of the monthly rent to a percentage of the tenant's income, and which can be adjusted to maintain that percentage should the tenant's income change.
"Department" means the Department of Community Affairs.
"Household income" means the lower of the following numbers: (1) the combined income of all household members over the twelve months immediately preceding an application for assistance or protection, or (2) the combined income of all household members in the three months immediately preceding an application for assistance or protection, annualized by multiplying the combined income by a factor of four.
"Low-income household" means a household with a total current annual household income equal to 50 percent or less of the area median income for a household of the same size and composition.
"Middle-income household" means a household with a total current gross annual household income of 80 percent or more than, but less than 120 percent of, the area median income for a household of the same size and composition.
"Moderate-income household" means a household with a total current gross annual household income in excess of 50 percent but less than 80 percent of the area median income for a household of the same size and composition.
"Shallow subsidy" means a rental housing subsidy that limits the tenant's share of the rent to a percentage of the tenant's income, provided however, that the subsidy shall be capped at a fixed amount.
"Very low-income household" means a household with a total current annual household income less than or equal to 30 percent of the area median income for a household of the same size and composition.
L.2021, c.188, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-287.11 - "Office of Eviction Prevention."

52:27D-287.11 "Office of Eviction Prevention."
5. a. Within 60 days of the enactment of P.L.2021, c.188 (C.52:27D-287.7 et al.), the department shall establish an "Office of Eviction Prevention," which shall be responsible for:
(1) identifying all federal, State, local and other sources of financial assistance which are intended or could be used to prevent the eviction of residential tenants, including but not limited to programs which provide both deep and shallow rental subsidies;
(2) becoming knowledgeable with regard to the application process for each such program; and
(3) identifying, and proposing remedies for, the gaps in the overall assistance system, especially in relation to eligibility requirements and the need for addition to, or revision of, subsidy programs so as to provide appropriate assistance of various sorts and in various amounts to households at different income levels.
b. This office shall be responsible for the compilation, publication, and ongoing update of this information, and shall also be responsible for working collaboratively with at least one non-profit, community-based organization in each county so that such organizations are able to provide information regarding the availability of and means of accessing such financial assistance by at-risk tenants.
L.2021, c.188, s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-289 - Findings, declarations

52:27D-289. Findings, declarations
The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. A major proportion of the publicly assisted population, especially in our urban centers, consists of families headed by single females who, with greater community support, could acquire or upgrade existing job skills;
b. Many urban women formerly dependent upon the income of another person and no longer supported by that income are not now being assisted by any urban-focused State program in enhancing their own employability; and
c. In many cases, child care responsibilities and lack of adequate information about existing community resources prevent women from utilizing those services which already exist.
L. 1985, c. 189, s. 2, eff. June 20, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-290 - Definitions

52:27D-290. Definitions
As used in this act:
a. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs;
b. "Division" means the Division on Women within the Department of Community Affairs;
c. "Director" means the Director of the Division on Women;
d. "Training and resource center" means that center established pursuant to section 4 of this act, in order to enhance the employability of women who are:
(1) Receiving public assistance and wish to attain or upgrade job skills in order to become independent of government support; or
(2) Unemployed or underemployed and are experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment.
L. 1985, c. 189, s. 3, eff. June 20, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-291 - Demonstration training and resource center

52:27D-291. Demonstration training and resource center
The division shall establish a demonstration training and resource center as a model to be duplicated in other parts of the State where disadvantaged women and their families lack these services. The center should be established in a location which is proximate to the division's offices in order to maximize information sharing and departmental input. In selecting the site of the demonstration program, the division shall give due consideration to the needs of women in the municipality and surrounding area. The municipality shall qualify for State aid pursuant to P.L. 1978, c. 14 (C. 52:27D-178 et seq.).
L. 1985, c. 189, s. 4, eff. June 20, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-293 - Purposes

52:27D-293. Purposes
The center and program established under this act shall emphasize activities which provide training and other employment related services which are designed to enhance the employability and earnings of women and impact on the quality of their lives and those of their families. The centers and programs shall, to the extent possible, identify existing job opportunities for women and assist those women who utilize the centers in obtaining employment.
L. 1985, c. 189, s. 6, eff. June 20, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-294 - Coordination

52:27D-294. Coordination
The division shall make a continuous study of employment needs which are peculiar to urban women, and of existing programs and services which are effective in meeting those needs. The division shall also coordinate community organizations, women's groups, and public agencies to maximize the utilization of existing programs and resources. The coordination shall include, but not be limited to, the Office for Equal Access, Division of Vocational Education in the Department of Education, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in the Department of Labor, and the Division of Public Welfare in the Department of Human Services. The goal of this coordination shall be to put women in touch with existing programs and to foster cooperation and the exchange of information among all departments and agencies of State government which sponsor employment and related programs of special interest to women.
L. 1985, c. 189, s. 7, eff. June 20, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-295 - Description and assessment of programs

52:27D-295. Description and assessment of programs
The division shall compile and maintain a description and assessment of each program operating pursuant to this act, including the number of women served, the number of women who were able to participate because of the availability of child care, the number who were unable to participate because of the lack of this assistance, the number who obtained employment, the number who enrolled in educational courses, the number of those enrolled who completed such educational courses, the cost per woman for each program, and the total number of staff and staff ratio to persons served under the program.
L. 1985, c. 189, s. 8, eff. June 20, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-296 - Funding sources

52:27D-296. Funding sources
a. The director may seek, receive and make use of any funds which may be available from federal or other sources in order to augment State funds which are appropriated to effectuate this act, and shall make every effort to qualify the program for federal funding.
b. The director shall apply for and make use of funds made available from federal and other sources for job training, including funds appropriated to the State under the Job Training Partnership Act, Pub.L. 97-300 (29 U.S.C. s. 1501 et seq.).
L. 1985, c. 189, s. 9, eff. June 20, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-297 - Conformity to standards

52:27D-297. Conformity to standards
The commissioner shall consult with the New Jersey State Job Training Coordinating Council established pursuant to Executive Order No. 22, dated December 3, 1982, the Department of Labor and other appropriate State agencies to ensure that job training and other services provided at the job training and resource center established pursuant to this act conform to the applicable State and federal standards.
L. 1985, c. 189, s. 10, eff. June 20, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-298 - Child care

52:27D-298. Child care
Those women who undertake to enhance their employability by using the services of the job training center established herein and who are in need of child care facilities shall, wherever possible, obtain the assistance through existing federal programs such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children or the Social Services Block Grant Act, Pub.L. 97-35 (20 U.S.C. s. 2351 et seq.).
L. 1985, c. 189, s. 11, eff. June 20, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-299 - Expense allowance

52:27D-299. Expense allowance
The division shall, upon application of a woman for enrollment in the job training program established pursuant to section 4 of this act, and who is in need of child care services but does not qualify under programs described in section 11 of this act, provide an expense allowance for child care if the lack thereof would prevent that woman from participating in the job training program. The director shall allocate funds for child care in consultation with the Department of Labor, and funding shall be provided pursuant to P.L. 1983, c. 328 (C. 34:15B-11 et seq.). The services may also be provided from funds appropriated to the State under the Job Training Partnership Act, Pub.L. 97-300 (29 U.S.C. s. 1501 et seq.), or any other State or federal funds appropriated by any other act for this purpose.
L. 1985, c. 189, s. 12, eff. June 20, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-300 - Study of child care lack

52:27D-300. Study of child care lack
The director shall monitor the application process in order to determine whether the lack of adequate child care is preventing women from undertaking job training. Whenever the lack of child care prevents the effective use of job training centers, the director shall report his findings to the Department of Labor and the Department of Human Services, and any other departments with a related interest.
L. 1985, c. 189, s. 13, eff. June 20, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-303 - Declarations

52:27D-303. Declarations
The Legislature declares that the statutory scheme set forth in this act is in the public interest in that it comprehends a low and moderate income housing planning and financing mechanism in accordance with regional considerations and sound planning concepts which satisfies the constitutional obligation enunciated by the Supreme Court. The Legislature declares that the State's preference for the resolution of existing and future disputes involving exclusionary zoning is the mediation and review process set forth in this act and not litigation, and that it is the intention of this act to provide various alternatives to the use of the builder's remedy as a method of achieving fair share housing.
L. 1985, c. 222, s. 3, eff. July 2, 1985, operative July 2, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-306 - Vice-chairman, executive director; other personnel

52:27D-306. Vice-chairman, executive director; other personnel
a. The council may establish, and from time to time alter, such plan of organization as it may deem expedient, and may incur expenses within the limits of funds available to it.
b. The council shall elect annually by a majority of its members one of its members, other than the chairman, to serve as vice-chairman for a term of one year and until his successor is elected. The vice-chairman shall carry out all of the responsibilities of the chairman as prescribed in this act during the chairman's absence, disqualification or inability to serve.
c. The council shall appoint and fix the salary of an executive director who shall serve at its pleasure. The council may employ such other personnel as it deems necessary. All employees of the council shall be in the unclassified service of the Civil Service. The council may employ legal counsel who shall represent it in any proceeding to which it is a party, and who shall render legal advice to the counciL. The council may contract for the services of other professional, technical and operational personnel and consultants as may be necessary to the performance of its duties. Employees shall be enrolled in the Public Employees' Retirement System of New Jersey established under P.L. 1954, c. 84 (C. 43:15A-1 et seq.).
L. 1985, c. 222, s. 6, eff. July 2, 1985, operative July 2, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-307.1 - Definitions

52:27D-307.1. Definitions
1. As used in this act:
"Agency" means the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency established pursuant to section 4 of the "New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Law of 1983," P.L.1983, c.530 (C.55:14K-4).
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Community Affairs.
"Council" means the Council on Affordable Housing created by the "Fair Housing Act," P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-301 et al.)
"Department" means the Department of Community Affairs.
"Housing region" means a housing region as determined by the Council on Affordable Housing pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-307).
"Project" or "housing project" means any specific work or undertaking for the purpose of providing housing accommodations, whether by new construction or by rehabilitation or adaptation of existing structures, that shall be affordable to persons and families of low or moderate income within the meaning of the "Fair Housing Act," P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-301 et al.). Such work or undertaking may include the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of lands, buildings and improvements, and such stores, offices, and social, recreational, communal or other facilities as may be incidental or appurtenant to the housing accommodations that are to be provided.
"Register" means the Register of Housing Projects directed by section 2 of this act to be established and maintained by the commissioner.
L.1991,c.479,s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-307.2 - Register of Housing Projects, requirements, reports

52:27D-307.2. Register of Housing Projects, requirements, reports
2. a. The commissioner shall cause to be established and kept a Register of Housing Projects. The register shall list all projects for which proposal or application has been submitted for assistance under any program of loans, grants or other financial aid administered by the department, including programs administered by the agency, or for which the offices of the department have been solicited in furthering an application for such assistance from any other program of like nature administered by another agency or instrumentality of the State or of the United States government.
b. The register shall identify each such project by name and location, and shall identify the proposed sponsor or developer thereof. If the proposed sponsor or developer is a corporation, association or partnership, the register shall identify by name and address each stockholder, member or partner whose participation therein represents an equity interest exceeding five percent. No application or proposal relating to a project for which the information required by this subsection is not made available to the commissioner shall be received or entertained by the department or any division, bureau, officer or employee thereof, or by the agency; nor shall any action upon such application or proposal heretofore received or entertained be taken after the effective date of this act until the required information is made available to the commissioner.
c. The commissioner shall, not later than the 90th day next following the effective date of this act, file with the Governor and Legislature a copy of the register upon its compilation in accordance with this section, and thereafter shall promptly report to the Governor and Legislature any additional projects to be included therein. The register and subsequent reports shall include for each project the priority designation assigned to it pursuant to section 3 of this act. The register and subsequent supplements pursuant to this subsection shall be filed with the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the General Assembly, and shall be a public record.
L.1991,c.479,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-307.3 - Priority ratings of projects

52:27D-307.3. Priority ratings of projects
3. a. The commissioner shall cause to be developed a system for assigning and designating priority ratings to each project included in the register. Priority ratings shall be based upon the following factors, giving to each factor such weight as the commissioner shall judge to be appropriate:
(1) Feasibility. Each project shall be evaluated for its physical and financial feasibility, giving consideration to the capabilities of the proposed sponsor or developer, market conditions and regulatory requirements in the locality for which it is proposed, and the availability of financing in sufficient amount and at reasonable cost.
(2) Desirability. Each project shall be evaluated with relation to its probable effect in meeting the affordable housing needs of the housing region in which it is to be located, in accordance with the standards and criteria of the council. Consideration shall be given to (a) the number of affordable dwelling units that the project would provide, (b) the proportion of affordable units to the total number of units envisaged in the project plan, (c) the distribution of those affordable units as between those affordable to persons and families of low income and those of moderate income, considered in relation to the needs of the housing region, (d) appropriateness of the proposed tenure of the affordable units, whether to be rental or owner-occupied, in relation to the needs of the housing region, and (e) appropriateness of the proposed distribution of units as to family size, in relation to the needs of the housing region.
(3) Efficiency. Each project shall be evaluated on the basis of the cost to the State, in terms of financial assistance granted or revenue forgone in order to further the project, for each affordable dwelling unit judged by the commissioner to be feasible and desirable according to the terms of the proposal or application made for such assistance.
b. In developing the system of assigning and designating priorities, and in evaluating individual projects for such assignment and designation in the register, the commissioner shall consult with the executive director of the agency and the executive director of the council. The council and the agency shall promptly and fully supply the commissioner with all relevant information necessary for the commissioner's timely and complete fulfillment of the requirements of this act.
L.1991,c.479,s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-307.4 - Reports of communications in furtherance of projects

52:27D-307.4. Reports of communications in furtherance of projects
4. a. Any officer or employee of the department, including any member, officer or employee of the agency or the council, who receives from any person any solicitation, application, proposal or communication of any kind, whether oral or in writing, aimed at furthering the assistance of any project shall promptly report the same to the commissioner. The report shall identify the person or persons making such communication. If any such person is not identified in the register in accordance with the requirements of subsection b. of section 2 of this act, the report shall state the person's relationship to the sponsor or developer of the project and the capacity in which the person represents himself or herself to be acting on behalf of the sponsor or developer; or if the person fails or refuses to supply that information, the report shall so state.
b. The commissioner shall develop a procedure or procedures by which reports required under subsection a. of this section shall be made either to the commissioner directly or through such administrative channels as the commissioner shall devise and direct. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection i. of section 4 of P.L.1983, c.530 (C.55:14K-4) and subsection a. of section 5 of P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-305), the regulations adopted by the commissioner in fulfillment of this subsection shall be of full force and application on and within the agency and the council; and all members, officers and employees of the agency and council shall give full compliance with and obedience to the rules and orders of the commissioner made in pursuance of his duties and responsibilities under this act.
c. Reports made to the commissioner shall be promptly forwarded by him, not later than 10 days after their receipt, to the Governor and to the presiding officers of the Houses of the Legislature, who shall cause all members of their respective Houses to be notified of the receipt of those reports and shall make adequate provision for the inspection of the commissioner's reports by members and committees of either House, and for the dissemination of those reports to the public. The reports forwarded by the commissioner shall in each instance indicate the priority rating that has been assigned in the register to the project to which the report relates.
L.1991,c.479,s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-307.5 - Rules, regulations

52:27D-307.5 Rules, regulations
5. The commissioner shall adopt and promulgate, in accordance with the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), all rules and regulations necessary or expedient for the prompt and effective carrying out of the provisions and purposes of this act.
L.1991,c.479,s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-307.6 - Methodology for change in calculation for use on June 7, 2000 and after.

52:27D-307.6 Methodology for change in calculation for use on June 7, 2000 and after.
6. The change in the calculation of a municipality's determination of present and prospective share of housing need as provided in P.L.2001,c.435 shall apply to the methodology employed by the council for the certification period beginning June 7, 2000 and thereafter.
L.2001,c.435,s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-308 - Procedural rules

52:27D-308. Procedural rules
Within four months after the confirmation of the last member initially appointed to the council, or January 1, 1986, whichever is earlier, the council shall, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L. 1968, c. 410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), propose procedural rules.
L. 1985, c. 222, s. 8, eff. July 2, 1985, operative July 2, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-309 - Municipal housing element

52:27D-309. Municipal housing element
a. Within four months after the effective date of this act, each municipality which so elects shall, by a duly adopted resolution of participation, notify the council of its intent to submit to the council its fair share housing plan. Within five months after the council's adoption of its criteria and guidelines, the municipality shall prepare and file with the council a housing element, based on the council's criteria and guidelines, and any fair share housing ordinance introduced and given first reading and second reading in a hearing pursuant to R.S. 40:49-2 which implements the housing element.
b. A municipality which does not notify the council of its participation within four months may do so at any time thereafter. In any exclusionary zoning litigation instituted against such a municipality, however, there shall be no exhaustion of administrative remedy requirements pursuant to section 16 of this act unless the municipality also files its fair share plan and housing element with the council prior to the institution of the litigation.
L. 1985, c. 222, s. 9, eff. July 2, 1985, operative July 2, 1985.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-310 - Essential components of municipality's housing element.

52:27D-310 Essential components of municipality's housing element.
10. A municipality's housing element shall be designed to achieve the goal of access to affordable housing to meet present and prospective housing needs, with particular attention to low and moderate income housing, and shall contain at least:
a. An inventory of the municipality's housing stock by age, condition, purchase or rental value, occupancy characteristics, and type, including the number of units affordable to low and moderate income households and substandard housing capable of being rehabilitated, and in conducting this inventory the municipality shall have access, on a confidential basis for the sole purpose of conducting the inventory, to all necessary property tax assessment records and information in the assessor's office, including but not limited to the property record cards;
b. A projection of the municipality's housing stock, including the probable future construction of low and moderate income housing, for the next ten years, taking into account, but not necessarily limited to, construction permits issued, approvals of applications for development and probable residential development of lands;
c. An analysis of the municipality's demographic characteristics, including but not necessarily limited to, household size, income level and age;
d. An analysis of the existing and probable future employment characteristics of the municipality;
e. A determination of the municipality's present and prospective fair share for low and moderate income housing and its capacity to accommodate its present and prospective housing needs, including its fair share for low and moderate income housing;
f. A consideration of the lands that are most appropriate for construction of low and moderate income housing and of the existing structures most appropriate for conversion to, or rehabilitation for, low and moderate income housing, including a consideration of lands of developers who have expressed a commitment to provide low and moderate income housing; and
g. An analysis of the extent to which municipal ordinances and other local factors advance or detract from the goal of preserving multigenerational family continuity as expressed in the recommendations of the Multigenerational Family Housing Continuity Commission, adopted pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection f. of section 1 of P.L.2021, c.273 (C.52:27D-329.20).
L.1985,c.222,s.10; amended 2001, c.435, s.2; 2021, c.273, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-310.1 - Computing municipal adjustment, exclusions.

52:27D-310.1 Computing municipal adjustment, exclusions.
1. When computing a municipal adjustment regarding available land resources as part of the determination of a municipality's fair share of affordable housing, the Council on Affordable Housing shall exclude from designating as vacant land:
(a) any land that is owned by a local government entity that as of January 1, 1997, has adopted, prior to the institution of a lawsuit seeking a builder's remedy or prior to the filing of a petition for substantive certification of a housing element and fair share plan, a resolution authorizing an execution of agreement that the land be utilized for a public purpose other than housing;
(b) any land listed on a master plan of a municipality as being dedicated, by easement or otherwise, for purposes of conservation, park lands or open space and which is owned, leased, licensed, or in any manner operated by a county, municipality or tax-exempt, nonprofit organization including a local board of education, or by more than one municipality by joint agreement pursuant to P.L.1964, c.185 (C.40:61-35.1 et seq.), for so long as the entity maintains such ownership, lease, license, or operational control of such land;
(c) any vacant contiguous parcels of land in private ownership of a size which would accommodate fewer than five housing units if current standards of the council were applied pertaining to housing density;
(d) historic and architecturally important sites listed on the State Register of Historic Places or National Register of Historic Places prior to the submission of the petition of substantive certification;
(e) agricultural lands when the development rights to these lands have been purchased or restricted by covenant;
(f) sites designated for active recreation that are designated for recreational purposes in the municipal master plan; and
(g) environmentally sensitive lands where development is prohibited by any State or federal agency.
No municipality shall be required to utilize for affordable housing purposes land that is excluded from being designated as vacant land.
L.1995, c.231, s.1; amended 1997, c.49; 2008, c.46, s.39.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-310.2 - Reservation of park land

52:27D-310.2 Reservation of park land
2. Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, nothing shall preclude a municipality which has reserved less than three percent of its land area for conservation, park lands or open space under the standards set forth in section 1 of this act from reserving up to three percent of its land area for those purposes. Nothing herein is intended to alter the responsibilities of municipalities with respect to plans already approved which were based upon the right to a vacant land adjustment.
L.1995,c.231,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 52 - State Government, Departments and Officers › Section 52:27D-311a - Adaptability requirement; "new construction" defined.

52:27D-311a Adaptability requirement; "new construction" defined.
1. Beginning upon the effective date of P.L.2005, c.350 (C.52:27D-311a et al.), any new construction for which credit is sought against a fair share obligation shall be adaptable in accordance with the provisions of section 5 of P.L.2005, c.350 (C.52:27D-123.15). For the purposes of P.L.2005, c.350 (C.52:27D-311a et al.), "new construction" shall mean an entirely new improvement not previously occupied or used for any purpose.
L.2005,c.350,s.1.