Official Site of The State of New Jersey
The Highlands Council does not issue permits, but is statutorily required to review certain proposed projects throughout the Highlands Region for consistency with the Highlands Act and Highlands Regional Master Plan (RMP). The Highlands Council shares jurisdiction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which is the permitting agency in the Highlands. Please refer to the links on this page for additional guidance.
Highlands Redevelopment Area Designation - Phillipsburg Mall
Public Comments Currently Being Accepted
The Highlands Council is currently accepting written public comments regarding the designation of a Highlands Redevelopment Area located in Lopatcong and Pohatcong Townships in Warren County. A Highlands Council staff review of the application for consistency with the Highlands Regional Master Plan (RMP) is available below and at the Highlands Council office in Chester, NJ. Comments are being accepted through Friday, November 7, 2025.
- Highlands Council Project Review Procedures (pdf)
Describes Highlands Council procedures and requirements for conducting project reviews. - Highlands Council Project Review Standards (pdf)
Describes the RMP standards used during project reviews. - Digital Plan Submission Standards (pdf)
Provides guidance for submitting digital files to the Highlands Council for project reivews. - Native Plant Availability for the New Jersey Highlands Region (pdf) updated May 2025
Provides a comprehensive list of native plants and their availability at nine different growers. (If you would like to be added to our list of growers, please let us know.)
Please refer to the Project Review Procedures above and/or speak with a Highlands Council Liaison before using these forms.