Despite last-minute efforts by opponents, Legislation further extending relief to development projects delayed by the ongoing economic downturn was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on March 8, 2012. With a bipartisan group of over two dozen sponsors, A-4422 not only further extends the life of permits and approvals but also clarifies that the relief is available to projects in some areas of the State where coverage under the Permit Extension Act is uncertain.

Last minute efforts to exclude the Highlands planning area, growth areas in the Pinelands and to prevent the resuscitation of expired permits were rebuffed.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• An extension of the effect of the Permit Extension Act from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2014.
• Clarification that permits and approvals for development in “smart growth areas” that were valid as of January 1, 2007 are extended. Smart growth areas include:
  • Planning Areas 1, 2, 3, 4A, designated centers or designated growth center in an endorsed plan;
  • Smart growth and planning areas in a master plan adopted by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission
  •  Regional growth areas, villages and towns designated in the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan;
  • Planning Areas of the New Jersey Highlands;
  • Urban Enterprise Zones;
  • “Areas in need of redevelopment” in a redevelopment plan approved by DCA; and
  • “Similar areas” designated by DEP;
• A more focused description of “Environmental Sensitive Areas” in which permits and approvals would not be extended. A copy of the bill as introduced can be accessed by clicking here.