Affordable Housing
New Jersey's constitutional affordable housing obligations and how they interact with municipal planning.
What the issue is
Under New Jersey Supreme Court decisions commonly referred to as the Mount Laurel doctrine, and subsequent state legislation, municipalities have a constitutional obligation to provide a realistic opportunity for a fair share of affordable housing. Obligations are typically addressed through housing element and fair share plans.
Why it matters locally
Affordable housing obligations influence zoning decisions, density, and where new residential construction can occur, which in turn affects traffic, school enrollment, and municipal service demand.
How the Township Committee can influence it
The Township Committee adopts zoning ordinances and housing element and fair share plans, and it authorizes settlement agreements or court filings related to housing obligations. The Planning Board and Board of Adjustment handle site-level applications.
Where to find official information
- Hillsborough Township housing element and fair share plan
- New Jersey Department of Community Affairs affordable housing resources
- Township Committee meeting minutes and adopted ordinances
Source: Official government source
Candidate statements
Candidates without a sourced statement on this issue: No response received through Across the Ballot. Across the Ballot does not infer positions.