Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Purpose and Background
On July 7, 2005 an act providing for the mandatory, one-time training of planning and zoning board (and consolidated land use board) members was signed into law. (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-23.3 and 23.4) The training consists of five contact hours within the same calendar day. Areas of study include: the roles and responsibilities of planning and zoning board members under the MLUL, understanding the master plan and sub-elements and its relationship to other local, regional and state planning documents and the local development application review process. Each participant will complete a simple standardized test at the end of the course. All board members are required to satisfactorily complete this course.

The purpose of the course is to provide a uniform educational experience for all planning and zoning board members throughout the state and to provide the basic practical information they will need to fulfill their responsibilities. The course is offered regionally and frequently. Both the instructors and their course schedules are subject to change. It is best to contact the course providers directly for the most up to date information. Their contact information is listed below. For questions related to certification, course content or administration of the program please contact Maria Connolly at  (609) 913-4445 or LandUseBoard.Education@DCA.NJ.Gov.

Starting in January 2022, municipalities are required to provide a bi-annual roster of current board members, their addresses, the date of their appointment to the board, and the date of their term expiration.  Reporting is due in January and July of each year using this Roster of Planning/Zoning Officials form.


Approved Courses Below