Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL)

Establishes framework for adoption of zoning ordinances, approval of site plan and subdivisions, and the grant of variances

Responsible Agency: Individual municipalities and their planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment

Statute: N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.

Relevant case law: Concerned Citizens of Princeton v. Mayor and Council of Borough of Princeton, 370 N.J. Super. 429, 851 A.2d 685 (App. Div. 2004)
City of Trenton v. 222 West Associates Fund, 350 N.J. Super. 600, 796 A.2d 913 (App. Div. 2002)
City of Hoboken v. City of Jersey City, 347 N.J. Super. 279, 789 A.2d 668 (Law Div. 2001)
Hirth v. City of Hoboken, 337 N.J. Super. 149, 766 A.2d 803 (App. Div. 2001)
Estate of Dolente v. Borough of Pine Hill, 313 N.J. Super. 410, 712 A.2d 1258 (App. Div. 1998)

---

State Planning Act

Creates State Planning Commission and requires preparation of State Development and Redevelopment Plan

Responsible Agency: State Planning Commission; Office of State Planning (a/k/a Office of Smart Growth)

Statute: N.J.S.A. 52:18A-196 et seq.

Rules: N.J.A.C. 5:85-1.1 et seq.

Relevant case law:
Southern Burlington County NAACP v. Mount Laurel Tp., 92 N.J. 158, 456 A.2d 390 (1983), on remand, 207 N.J. Super. 169, 504 A.2d 66
Orgo Farms & Greenhouses, Inc. v. Colts Neck Tp., 192 N.J. Super. 599, 471 A.2d 812 (Law Div. 1983)

---

Highlands Water Protection
and Planning Act (HWPPA)

Governs development within the Highlands area

Responsible Agency: Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council

Statute: N.J.S.A. 13:20-1 et seq.

Rules: Not yet adopted

Relevant case law: None

---

Delaware River Basin Compact

Establishes standards of planning, design and operation of all projects and facilities in the Delaware River basin which affect its water resources; operates dams and related facilities for the purpose of generating hydroelectric power and hydroelectric energy; adopts floodplain zoning requirements

Responsible Agency: Delaware River Basin Commission

Statute: N.J.S.A. 32:11D-1 et seq.

Relevant case law: None

---

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Law of 1974

Provides for review of projects that have the potential to cause an adverse impact on the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, including drainage, aesthetic and ecological factors.

Responsible Agency: Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission

Statute: N.J.S.A. 13:13A-1 et seq.

Rules: N.J.A.C. 7:45-1.1 et seq.

Relevant case law: None

---

Pinelands Protection Act

Authorizes adoption of comprehensive plan governing the Pinelands area; establishes development limitations.

Responsible Agency: Pinelands Commission

Statute: N.J.S.A. 13:18A-1 et seq.

Rules: N.J.A.C. 7:50-1.1 et seq.

Relevant case law:
Gardner v. New Jersey Pinelands Com'n, 125 N.J. 193, 593 A.2d 251 (1991)
Uncle v. New Jersey Pinelands Com'n, 275 N.J. Super. 82, 645 A.2d 788 (App. Div. 1994)

---

Hackensack Meadowlands Reclamation
and Development Act

Authorizes adoption of comprehensive plan governing the New Jersey Meadowlands area; establishes development limitations.

Responsible Agency: New Jersey Meadowlands Commission

Statute: N.J.S.A. 13:17-1 et seq.

Rules: N.J.A.C. 19:3-1.1 et seq.

Relevant case law:
Bergen County Associates v. Borough of East Rutherford, 265 N.J. Super. 1, 625 A.2d 524 (App. Div. 1993)
East Rutherford Indus. Park, Inc. v. State, 119 N.J. Super. 352, 291 A.2d 588 (Law Div. 1972)