Speaker, New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Advanced Topics in Zoning XIV, "Panel Three: Practical Tips for Preparing for a Pre-application Meeting with the NJDEP"

Join us for the Advanced Topics in Zoning XIV seminar, where we’ll delve into critical zoning issues and practical insights. This online event features expert moderators and panelists discussing key topics.

Panel One: Revisiting MLUL Section 70(b) (interpretations) – Pitfalls and Opportunities
-Moderators: Robert F. Simon, Esq. and  Steven J. Tripp, Esq.
Discussion points:

• Authority of a Planning Board to interpret zoning ordinance provisions while an application is pending
• A discussion of Dash v. Sparta (A-1268-22 App. Div. 2024)
• Revisiting DePetro v. Township of Wayne Planning Board, 367 N.J. Super. 161 (App. Div), certif. den. 181 N.J. 544 (2004)
• Strategies/Risks with interpretations
• Differing roles of the Zoning Officer, Zoning Board and Planning Board in interpreting and applying zoning ordinances

Panel Two: Round 4 and Municipalities: Perfect Together?
– Moderator: Matthew E. Gilson, Esq.
– Panelists: Christine A. Nazzaro-Cofone, AICP/PP; Francis Reiner, PP, LLA and Senator Holly T. Schepisi

Discussion points:

• How towns are responding to requests for residential rezonings/multifamily
• Vacant Land Adjustment towns and other environment constraints
• PILOTS (Payment in Lieu of Taxes): Are inclusionary projects illusory in high-tax municipalities if the jurisdiction has complete discretion on whether to offer a PILOT?
• Short-term density approvals to remove parcels from the Round 4 process
• Types of projects that appeal to municipalities
• Bonus credits under A-4, density bonuses and other strategies for sweetening the pot
• Sites from prior rounds that remain undeveloped
• Using the affordable housing trust funds to create all inclusionary projects

Panel Three: Practical Tips for Preparing for a Pre-application Meeting with the NJDEP
-Moderator: Jennifer Phillips Smith, Esq.
-Panelist: Sean Moriarty, Esq.

Discussion points:

• Overview of the Newly Adopted Inland Flood Protection Rule and the Proposed Resilient Environment and Landscapes (REAL) Rules
• Doing Your Homework: Gathering Information Concerning the Impact of the New Rules on Projects
• Tips for Productive Pre-Application Meetings: Timing, Preparation, Outreach, and Managing Expectations

Panel Four: What Every Land Use Lawyer Needs to Know About the Recent Changes to the Open Public Records Act
-Moderator: Irene Kim Asbury, Esq.