Affordable Housing Developers/Consultants HMFA has Worked With HMFA Programs Live Where You Work Proactive Planning

Master Plan
This document guides “the use of lands within the municipality in a manner which protects public health and safety and promotes the general welfare” (MLUL, Article 3).  The Master Plan must be re-examined every six years in order to stay current.  The development of this document should be viewed as an opportunity to map out the potential of the municipality, keeping in mind both the needs of the residents and the health of the local economy.  It can be seen as the ground rules for development and redevelopment in the municipality and every effort should be made to create both a useful and dynamic master plan.  Incorporating affordable housing into the master planning process is an important way to ensure positive integration.

Zoning
The zoning powers of a municipality allow it to appropriately place land uses and govern the placement and bulk of structures; zoning decisions are memorialized in the Zoning Ordinance.  This is a power that must not be taken lightly, and care should ensure that the placement of these uses does not adversely affect the health or welfare of the residents of the municipality.  Furthermore, zoning can be used to promote an innovative mix of uses such that the quality of life is improved.  Combining commercial development with housing development, and mixing housing types and income levels are examples of how zoning can be used pro-actively.  Many of the Smart Growth principals can be used to make zoning decisions that benefit your municipality and its residents.  For more information about Smart Growth, visit http://www.nj.gov/dca/osg/smart/index.shtml

Planning and Zoning Boards
These Boards are often the front line of planning in a municipality as they approve project plans and make decisions about projects that may deviate from the Zoning Ordinance or Master Plan.  Having educated and objective Planning and Zoning Board members ensures that projects that require variances are in the best interest of the municipality and that the members know what their responsibilities are in that regard.  It is important for planning and zoning board members to understand what affordable housing is, and how it can be an asset to the community.