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State of New Jersey-Department of Environmental Protection-DEP Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act Guidance
State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
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The Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, N.J.S.A. 13:20-1 et seq. protects drinking water for over 5.4 million people and helps preserve New Jersey's dwindling open space. Use this Web site to familiarize yourself with the regulations and the DEP Highlands regulatory program. The information provided here can assist homeowners, property owners, builders, and municipalities in determining if a project is located in the Highlands Region, what exemption criteria may apply, and development standards that may be required.

The Highlands rules implement the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act signed on August 10, 2004. The rules incorporate the requisite standards of various land use, water resource and environmental protection statutes and establish a consolidated Highlands permitting review and approval process for activities constituting major Highlands development proposed in the Preservation Area.

Click here to view the Highlands Rule (pdf)