On July 7, 2005 Acting Governor Codey signed into law an act providing for the mandatory training of planning and zoning board members. (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-23.3 and 23.4) The training consists of five contact hours within the same calendar day. Areas of study include: the roles and responsibilities of planning and zoning board members under the MLUL, understanding the master plan and sub-elements and its relationship to other local, regional and state planning documents and the local development application review process. Each participant will complete a simple standardized test at the end of the course. All current and future board members are required to take this course.

The purpose of the course is to provide a uniform educational experience for all planning and zoning board members throughout the state and to provide the basic practical information they will need to fulfill their responsibilities. The course will be delivered in the most cost effective and convenient manner possible. Courses can be offered only by organizations approved by the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. A list of approved course providers will appear on this website in the near future.