Riverton City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXV
Affordable Housing Development Fees
§ 128-119 Purpose and basic requirements.
A.
In Holmdel Builder's Association v. Holmdel Township, 121 N.J. 550 (1990), the New Jersey Supreme Court determined that mandatory development fees are authorized by the Fair Housing Act of 1985 (the Act), N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq., and the State Constitution, subject to the Council on Affordable Housing's (COAH's) adoption of rules.
B.
COAH was authorized by P.L. 2008, c. 46, Section 8 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-329.2), and the Statewide Nonresidential Development Fee Act (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-8.1 through 40:55D-8.7) to adopt and promulgate regulations necessary for the establishment, implementation, review, monitoring and enforcement of municipal affordable housing trust funds and corresponding spending plans. Municipalities that are under the jurisdiction of COAH or a court of competent jurisdiction and have a COAH or court-approved spending plan may retain fees collected from nonresidential development.
C.
In re: adoption of N.J.A.C. 5:96 and 5:97 by the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing, 221 N.J. 1 (2015), also known as the Mount Laurel IV decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court remanded COAH's duties to the Superior Court. As a result, affordable housing development fee collections and expenditures from the municipal affordable housing trust funds to implement municipal Third Round Fair Share Plans through July 1, 2025, are under the Court's jurisdiction and are subject to approval by the Court.
D.
This article establishes standards for the collection, maintenance, and expenditure of development fees pursuant to COAH's regulations and in accordance with P.L. 2008, c. 46, Sections 8 and 32 through 38. Fees collected pursuant to this article shall be used for the sole purpose of providing low- and moderate-income housing. This article shall be interpreted within the framework of COAH's rules on development fees, codified at N.J.A.C. 5:93-8.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14B-5.1b, Chapter 93, Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing for the Period Beginning June 6, 1994, expired on 10-16-2016.
E.
This article became effective when COAH approved the Borough's development fee ordinance and remains effective pursuant to the Superior Court's jurisdiction in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:93-8.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14B-5.1b, Chapter 93, Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing for the Period Beginning June 6, 1994, expired on 10-16-2016.
F.
COAH approved the Borough's initial Spending Plan on November 1, 2000. Upon the entry of an order granting an unconditional Final Judgment of Compliance and Repose to Riverton, Riverton may spend development fees in conformance with N.J.A.C. 5:93-8.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14B-5.1b, Chapter 93, Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing for the Period Beginning June 6, 1994, expired on 10-16-2016.
§ 128-120 Definitions.
The following terms, as used in this article, shall have the following meanings:
A development included in the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, and includes, but is not limited to, inclusionary development, affordable housing overlay zones or an alternative living arrangement facility.
The New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing established under the Fair Housing Act.[1]
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or of any land proposed to be included in a proposed development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase, or other person having an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.
Money paid by a developer for the improvement of property as permitted in N.J.A.C. 5:93-8.[2]
The assessed value of a property divided by the current average ratio of assessed to true value for the municipality in which the property is situated, as determined in accordance with Sections 1, 5, and 6 of P.L. 1973, c. 123 (N.J.S.A. 54:1-35a through 54:1-35c).
Those strategies that minimize the impact of development on the environment and enhance the health, safety and well-being of residents by producing durable, low- maintenance, resource-efficient housing while making optimum use of existing infrastructure and community services.
§ 128-121 Residential development fees.
A.
Imposed fees.
(1)
Within the Borough, in all zoning districts, residential developers, except for developers of the types of development specifically exempted below, shall pay a fee of 1.5% of the equalized assessed value for residential development, provided no increased density is permitted.
(2)
When an increase in residential density pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d (known as a "d" variance) has been permitted, developers may be required to pay a development fee of 6% of the equalized assessed value for each additional unit that may be realized. However, if the zoning on a site has changed during the two-year period preceding the filing of such a variance application, the base density for the purposes of calculating the bonus development fee shall be the highest density permitted by right during the two-year period preceding the filing of the variance application. Example: If an approval allows four units to be constructed on a site that was zoned for two units, the fees could equal 1.5% of the equalized assessed value on the first two units; and the specified higher percentage up to 6% of the equalized assessed value for the two additional units, provided zoning on the site has not changed during the two-year period preceding the filing of such a variance application.
B.
Eligible exactions, ineligible exactions and exemptions for residential development.
(1)
Affordable housing developments, developments where the developer is providing for the construction of affordable units elsewhere in the municipality, and developments where the developer has made a payment in lieu of on-site construction of affordable units shall be exempt from development fees.
(2)
Developments that have received preliminary or final site plan approval prior to the adoption of a municipal development fee ordinance shall be exempt from development fees, unless the developer seeks a substantial change in the approval. Where a site plan approval does not apply, a zoning and/or building permit shall be synonymous with preliminary or final site plan approval for this purpose. The fee percentage shall be vested on the date that the building permit is issued.
(3)
Development fees shall be imposed and collected when an existing structure undergoes a change to a more intense use, is demolished and replaced, or is expanded, if the expansion is not otherwise exempt from the development fee requirement. The development fee shall be calculated on the increase in the equalized assessed value of the improved structure.
(4)
Developers of one or two owner-occupied dwelling units, residential structures demolished and replaced as a result of a natural disaster, green buildings, etc., shall be exempt from paying a development fee.
§ 128-122 Nonresidential development fees.
A.
Imposed fees.
(1)
Within the Borough, in all zoning districts, nonresidential developers, except for developers of the types of development specifically exempted, shall pay a fee equal to 2.5% of the equalized assessed value of the land and improvements for all new nonresidential construction on an unimproved lot or lots.
(2)
Nonresidential developers, except for developers of the types of development specifically exempted, shall also pay a fee equal to 2.5% of the increase in equalized assessed value resulting from any additions to existing structures to be used for nonresidential purposes.
(3)
Development fees shall be imposed and collected when an existing structure is demolished and replaced. The development fee of 2.5% shall be calculated on the difference between the equalized assessed value of the preexisting land and improvement and the equalized assessed value of the newly improved structure, i.e., land and improvement, at the time final certificate of occupancy is issued. If the calculation required under this section results in a negative number, the nonresidential development fee shall be zero.
B.
Eligible exactions, ineligible exactions and exemptions for nonresidential development.
(1)
The nonresidential portion of a mixed-use inclusionary or market rate development shall be subject to the 2.5% development fee, unless the development is part of a mixed-use affordable housing overlay zone or otherwise exempted below.
(2)
The 2.5% fee shall not apply to an increase in equalized assessed value resulting from alterations, change in use within existing footprint, reconstruction, renovations and repairs.
(3)
Nonresidential developments shall be exempt from the payment of nonresidential development fees in accordance with the exemptions required pursuant to P.L. 2008, c. 46, as specified in the Form N-RDF, "State of New Jersey Nonresidential Development Certification/Exemption" form. Any exemption claimed by a developer shall be substantiated by that developer.
(4)
A developer of a nonresidential development exempted from the nonresidential development fee pursuant to P.L. 2008, c. 46, shall be subject to it at such time the basis for the exemption no longer applies and shall make the payment of the nonresidential development fee, in that event, within three years after that event or after the issuance of the final certificate of occupancy of the nonresidential development, whichever is later.
(5)
If a property which was exempted from the collection of a nonresidential development fee thereafter ceases to be exempt from property taxation, the owner of the property shall remit the fees required pursuant to this section within 45 days of the termination of the property tax exemption. Unpaid nonresidential development fees under these circumstances may be enforceable by Riverton as a lien against the real property of the owner.
§ 128-123 Collection procedures.
A.
Upon the granting of a preliminary, final or other applicable approval for a development, the applicable approving authority shall direct its staff to notify the Construction Official responsible for the issuance of a building permit.
B.
For nonresidential developments only, the developer shall also be provided with a copy of Form N-RDF, "State of New Jersey Nonresidential Development Certification/Exemption," to be completed as per the instructions provided. The developer of a nonresidential development shall complete Form N-RDF as per the instructions provided. The Construction Official shall verify the information submitted by the nonresidential developer as per the instructions provided in the Form N-RDF. The Tax Assessor shall verify exemptions and prepare estimated and final assessments as per the instructions provided in Form N-RDF.
C.
The Construction Official responsible for the issuance of a building permit shall notify the local Tax Assessor of the issuance of the first building permit for a development which is subject to a development fee.
D.
Within 90 days of receipt of that notice, the Municipal Tax Assessor, based on the plans filed, shall provide an estimate of the equalized assessed value of the development.
E.
The Construction Official responsible for the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy notifies the local Assessor of any and all requests for the scheduling of a final inspection on property which is subject to a development fee.
F.
Within 10 business days of a request for the scheduling of a final inspection, the Municipal Assessor shall confirm or modify the previously estimated equalized assessed value of the improvements of the development; calculate the development fee; and thereafter notify the developer of the amount of the fee.
G.
Should the Borough of Riverton fail to determine or notify the developer of the amount of the development fee within 10 business days of the request for final inspection, the developer may estimate the amount due and pay that estimated amount consistent with the dispute process set forth in Subsection b of Section 37 of P.L. 2008, c. 46 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-8.6).
H.
Fifty percent of the development fee shall be collected at the time of issuance of the building permit. The remaining portion shall be collected at the issuance of the certificate of occupancy. The developer shall be responsible for paying the difference between the fee calculated at building permit and that determined at issuance of certificate of occupancy.
I.
Appeal of development fees.
(1)
A developer may challenge residential development fees imposed by filing a challenge with the County Board of Taxation. Pending a review and determination by the Board, collected fees shall be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account by the Borough of Riverton. Appeals from a determination of the Board may be made to the Tax Court in accordance with the provisions of the State Uniform Tax Procedure Law, N.J.S.A. 54:48-1 et seq., within 90 days after the date of such determination. Interest earned on amounts escrowed shall be credited to the prevailing party.
(2)
A developer may challenge nonresidential development fees imposed by filing a challenge with the Director of the Division of Taxation. Pending a review and determination by the Director, which shall be made within 45 days of receipt of the challenge, collected fees shall be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account by the Borough of Riverton. Appeals from a determination of the Director may be made to the Tax Court in accordance with the provisions of the State Uniform Tax Procedure Law, N.J.S.A. 54:48-1 et seq., within 90 days after the date of such determination. Interest earned on amounts escrowed shall be credited to the prevailing party.
§ 128-124 Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
A.
It is hereby reaffirmed that the Borough has created a separate, interest-bearing Housing Trust Fund to be maintained by the Borough Chief Financial Officer for the purpose of depositing development fees collected from residential and nonresidential developers and proceeds from the sale of units with extinguished controls.
B.
The following additional funds shall be deposited in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and shall at all times be identifiable by source and amount:
(1)
Payments in lieu of on-site construction of affordable units;
(2)
Developer-contributed funds to make 10% of the adaptable entrances in a townhouse or other multistory attached development accessible;
(3)
Repayments from affordable housing program loans;
(4)
Recapture funds;
(5)
Proceeds from the sale of affordable units; and
(6)
Any other funds collected in connection with Riverton's affordable housing program.
C.
All interest accrued in the Housing Trust Fund shall only be used on eligible affordable housing activities approved by the Court.
§ 128-125 Use of funds.
A.
The expenditure of all funds shall conform to a spending plan approved by the Court. Funds deposited in the Housing Trust Fund may be used for any activity approved by the Court to address the Borough's fair share obligation and may be set up as a grant or revolving loan program. Such activities include, but are not limited to, preservation or purchase of housing for the purpose of maintaining or implementing affordability controls, rehabilitation, new construction of affordable housing units and related costs, accessory apartment, market to affordable, or regional housing partnership programs, conversion of existing nonresidential buildings to create new affordable units, green building strategies designed to be cost saving and in accordance with accepted national or state standards, purchase of land for affordable housing, improvement of land to be used for affordable housing, extensions or improvements of roads and infrastructure to affordable housing sites, financial assistance designed to increase affordability, administration necessary for implementation of the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, or any other activity as permitted pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:93-8.16[1] and specified in the approved spending plan.
[1]
Editor's Note: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14B-5.1b, Chapter 93, Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing for the Period Beginning June 6, 1994, expired on 10-16-2016.
B.
Funds shall not be expended to reimburse the Borough for past housing activities.
C.
At least 30% of all development fees collected and interest earned shall be used to provide affordability assistance to low- and moderate-income households in affordable units included in the municipal Fair Share Plan. One-third of the affordability assistance portion of development fees collected shall be used to provide affordability assistance to those households earning 30% or less of median income by region.
(1)
Affordability assistance programs may include down payment assistance, security deposit assistance, low-interest loans, rental assistance, assistance with homeowners' association or condominium fees and special assessments, and assistance with emergency repairs.
(2)
Affordability assistance to households earning 30% or less of median income may include buying down the cost of low- or moderate-income units in the municipal Fair Share Plan to make them affordable to households earning 30% or less of median income.
(3)
Payments in lieu of constructing affordable units on site and funds from the sale of units with extinguished controls shall be exempt from the affordability assistance requirement.
D.
The Borough may contract with a private or public entity to administer any part of its Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, including the requirement for affordability assistance, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:93-8.16.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14B-5.1b, Chapter 93, Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing for the Period Beginning June 6, 1994, expired on 10-16-2016.
E.
No more than 20% of all revenues collected from development fees may be expended on administration, including, but not limited to, salaries and benefits for municipal employees or consultant fees necessary to develop or implement a new construction program, a Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, and/or an affirmative marketing program. In the case of a rehabilitation program, no more than 20% of the revenues collected from development fees shall be expended for such administrative expenses. Administrative funds may be used for income qualification of households, monitoring the turnover of sale and rental units, and compliance with the monitoring requirements set forth in the Court-approved April 29, 2019, executed settlement agreement with Fair Share Housing Center. Legal or other fees related to litigation opposing affordable housing sites or objecting to the Council's regulations and/or action are not eligible uses of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
F.
Consistent with the terms and conditions of the Borough's Settlement Agreement with Fair Share Housing Center dated March 4, 2019, as amended, the Borough has set aside and will continue to reserve the sum of $50,000 for the benefit of a potential overlay inclusionary developer(s). The reserved sum of $50,000 will be available to these developer(s) as a financial incentive to create one very-low-income unit when only one or two affordable housing units are proposed in any of the overlay zones outlined in this chapter. In the event the Borough is unsuccessful in attracting any overlay inclusionary developer(s) to utilize the reserved funds within 24 months of the date of the adoption of this ordinance,[3] the Borough commits to immediately revisit the expenditure of these reserved funds so the same will be expended towards the creation of one very-low-income affordable housing unit.
[3]
Editor's Note: "This ordinance" refers to Ord. No. O-2019-06, adopted 9-24-2019.
§ 128-126 Monitoring.
On or about April 29 of each year through 2025, the Borough of Riverton shall provide annual reporting of trust fund activity to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), COAH, or Local Government Services (LGS), or other entity designated by the State of New Jersey, with a copy provided to Fair Share Housing Center and posted on the municipal website, using forms developed for this purpose by the DCA, COAH, or LGS. This reporting shall include an accounting of all Housing Trust Fund activity, including the collection of development fees from residential and nonresidential developers, payments in lieu of constructing affordable units on site, funds from the sale of units with extinguished controls, barrier-free escrow funds, rental income, repayments from affordable housing program loans, and any other funds collected in connection with Riverton's housing program, as well as to the expenditure of revenues and implementation of the plan approved by the Court.
§ 128-126.1 Ongoing collection of fees.
The ability for the Borough of Riverton to impose, collect and expend development fees shall expire with its Court-issued Judgment of Compliance and Repose unless Riverton has filed an adopted Housing Element and Fair Share Plan with the Court or other appropriate jurisdiction, has filed a Declaratory Judgment Action, and has received the Court's approval of its development fee ordinance. If the Borough of Riverton fails to renew its ability to impose and collect development fees prior to the expiration of its Judgment of Compliance and Repose, it may be subject to forfeiture of any or all funds remaining within its municipal trust fund. Any funds so forfeited shall be deposited into the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund established pursuant to Section 20 of P.L. 1985, c. 222 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-320). The Borough of Riverton shall not impose a residential development fee on a development that receives preliminary or final site plan approval after the expiration of its Judgment of Compliance and Repose, nor shall the Borough of Riverton retroactively impose a development fee on such a development. The Borough of Riverton shall not expend development fees after the expiration of its Judgment of Compliance and Repose.