Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Endorsement by the State Planning Commission (SPC) marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership between the municipality, or regional entity, and the State. The Office of Planning Advocacy (OPA) will monitor the Plan Implementation Agreement (PIA) to ensure that the municipality and other participants are meeting the PIA timelines and requirements. One year from the date of endorsement, the municipality or regional entity shall submit to OPA a brief narrative report regarding the progress of the PIA including the status of PIA efforts – both past due and upcoming. Biennial reports are then due every two years thereafter. The reports shall include any new or significant updates to planning materials submitted as part of the petition, including zoning ordinances, master plan elements, redevelopment plans, and other implementation measures adopted or updated since endorsement. Reports shall state how the new or updating items reflect consistency with the State plan and terms of the PIA. See N.J.A.C. 15:30-7.22(b). In instances where no planning materials have been substantially updated or newly adopted, the municipality may, in-lieu of a narrative report, address the status of each of the PIA items within the PIA document itself under a new column within the table. 

In addition, the report should: 

• Outline any concerns or potential revisions sought for the PIA
• Identify any need to amend or update the endorsed plan, the State Plan Policy Map, or the PIA
• Discuss the level and quality of assistance by State agencies and whether additional assistance is requested

OPA will report on the endorsed municipality’s progress under the PIA and forward any annual or biennial reports received to the SPC for its consideration. Discussion of issues relevant to the endorsed plan will occur at regularly scheduled SPC and PIC meetings as necessary. Example of monitoring reports are available upon request. 

Additionally, a municipality must consult with OPA at least thirty (30) days prior to adoption of any significant revision(s) to its endorsed plan. Any proposed revision that does not comply with the endorsed plan and PIA is subject to revocation of Plan Endorsement by the SPC. Examples of revisions that are subject to this consultation are changes to the following documents to the extent they deviate from the endorsed plan and PIA: 

• Master plan
• Reexamination report(s)
• Land use ordinances or regulations that provide basis of endorsement
• Zoning map or zoning schedule

This consultation is to ensure that the proposed revision(s) will maintain the consistency of the endorsed plan with the State Plan (before adoption) such that the benefits from the state agencies may continue to flow to the municipality to fully implement the endorsed plan. See N.J.A.C. 15:30-7.22(c). 

Additionally, within 30 days after adoption or significant revisions to the planning documents identified above, petitioner shall submit a copy of the final document(s) to OPA.