Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Step 1: Pre-Petition Requirements
In order to initiate the plan endorsement process, a prospective petitioner must request a pre-petition meeting. The purpose of the pre-petition meeting is to introduce the municipality to the Office for Planning Advocacy (OPA) and other State agency partners and to introduce Plan Endorsement to the municipality. The pre-petition meeting also provides a forum for the petitioner and the state agencies to discuss the petitioner’s planning aspirations as well as the requirements and benefits of plan endorsement. As part of the process, a petitioner’s relevant planning documents receive a preliminary review by the state.
Submission of Letter and Planning Documents
The Mayor of the municipality or designated representative of a regional entity shall submit a letter to the Office for Planning Advocacy requesting a pre-petition meeting with OPA and the state agencies. Depending on the nature of the plan, a letter to request a pre-petition meeting shall be submitted accordingly:
- For a municipal plan, the letter shall be submitted by the Mayor, or a designated representative.
- For a county plan, the letter shall be submitted by the Board of County Commissioners.
- For a regional plan, the letter shall be submitted by the respective governing bodies, regional agency, depending on the nature of the plan.
- For a special resource area plan, the letter shall be submitted by the regional agency or designated planning authority.
The letter should include a statement of goals and intent in pursuing Plan Endorsement, such as center designation or any proposed planning area changes and be accompanied by submission of existing planning documents.
If seeking center designation and/or planning area changes, a petitioner may submit a document outlining any proposed changes to existing planning areas in the State Plan or any proposed center designations
For a municipal plan, the letter should indicate if there is an appointed Green Team and status or level of certification through Sustainable Jersey.
At the pre-petition stage, a petitioner is not required to create new planning documents, only to submit current or draft plans to schedule meeting and for preliminary review by the state agencies, to the extent they exist, in digital form only.
Click here to download a copy of the checklist to complete and submit to OPA prior to scheduling the pre-petition meeting.
Document Format Requirements
All petition documents shall be submitted in electronic format. Electronic documents should be in readily accessible formats, such as a PDF. In addition, zoning maps should be submitted as GIS shape files if available. These documents will be uploaded to OPA’s website for public review.
Pre-Petition Meeting
Within 30 days of receiving the letter requesting a pre-petition meeting and the petitioner’s planning documents, OPA shall schedule a pre-petition meeting with the petitioner, state and regional agencies, and county representatives. Pre-petition meetings are typically held on Tuesday mornings unless otherwise requested.
During the pre-petition meeting, OPA shall explain the goals, requirements, opportunities and benefits of Plan Endorsement and answer questions that the petitioner may have about the process. OPA will provide the petitioner with tools and educational materials to assist in achieving Plan Endorsement, as well as contact information for state agency representatives who will be working with the petitioner throughout the Plan Endorsement process. OPA and state agencies will also discuss any preliminary concerns with the petitioner’s planning. The petitioner should be prepared to discuss their planning goals and objectives and what they seek to achieve through Plan Endorsement.
Who should attend the Pre-petition Meeting?
A member of the governing body or the planning board of the petitioning entity must attend the pre- petition meeting.
Staff List
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.