Wood Ridge City Zoning Code

A deed restriction governing a restricted ownership unit that is part of a housing element that received substantive certification from COAH pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:93, as it was in effect at the time of the receipt of substantive certification, before October 1, 2001, or any other deed restriction governing a restricted ownership unit with a seller repayment option requiring 95% of the price differential to be paid to the municipality or an instrument of the municipality at the first non-exempt sale following the expiration of the deed restriction.

The Fair Housing Act of 1985, P.L. 1985, c. 222 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq.), as amended through P.L. 2024, c.2.

Constructed in compliance with the technical design standards of the Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7.

The individual or entity designated by the Borough and approved by the Division as pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:99-7, to administer affordable units in accordance with this article, the regulations of the amended Fair Housing Act (P.L. 1985, c. 222 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq.)), and the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls set forth at N.J.A.C. 5:80-26 et seq.

A regional marketing strategy designed to attract buyers and/or renters of affordable units pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.16.

The average percentage of regional median income at which new restricted units in an affordable housing development are affordable to low- and moderate-income households.

A sales price or rent level that is within the means of a low- or moderate-income household as defined within N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq., and, in the case of an ownership unit, that the sales price for the unit conforms to the standards set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.7, as may be amended and supplemented, and, in the case of a rental unit, that the rent for the unit conforms to the standards set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.13, as may be amended and supplemented.

A development included in or approved pursuant to the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan or otherwise intended to address the Borough's fair share obligation, and includes, but is not limited to, an inclusionary development, a municipal construction project or a 100% affordable housing development.

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) or Department's cloud-based software application, which shall be the central repository for municipalities to use for reporting detailed information regarding affordable housing developments, affordable housing unit completions, and the collection and expenditures of funds deposited into the municipal affordable housing trust fund.

Any method of creating or preserving actual housing units available to low- and moderate-income households or creating a realistic opportunity for the construction of such units, and any mechanism in a municipal fair share plan prepared or implemented to address a municipality's fair share obligation.

A housing unit proposed or created pursuant to the Fair Housing Act and approved for crediting by the court and/or funded through an affordable housing trust fund.

A housing unit designed to meet the needs of, and exclusively for, the residents of an age-restricted segment of the population where the adult member of the family who is the head of the household for the purposes of determining income eligibility and rent is a minimum age of either 62 years, or 55 years and meets the provisions of 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 through 3619, except that due to death, a surviving spouse of less than 55 years of age is permitted to continue to reside in the unit.

The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency established by P.L. 1983, c. 530 (N.J.S.A. 55:14K-1 et seq.).

A structure in which households live in distinct bedrooms, yet share kitchen and plumbing facilities, central heat and common areas. Alternative living arrangements include, but are not limited to: transitional facilities for the homeless; Class A, B, C, D and E boarding homes as regulated by the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs; residential health care facilities as regulated by the State of New Jersey Department of Health; group homes for the developmentally disabled and mentally ill as licensed and/or regulated by the New Jersey Department of Human Services; and, congregate living arrangements.

A facility that is licensed by the State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to provide apartment-style housing and congregate dining and to assure that assisted living services are available when needed for four or more adult persons unrelated to the proprietor and that offers units containing, at a minimum, one unfurnished room, a private bathroom, a kitchenette and a lockable door on the unit entrance.

The holding of funds collected to adapt affordable unit entrances to be accessible in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-311a et seq. Such funds shall be held in a municipal affordable housing trust fund pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:99-2.6.

The Borough of Wood-Ridge, in Bergen County, New Jersey.

A household that has been certified by an administrative agent as a very-low-income household, low-income household or moderate-income household.

The no-longer-active Choices in Homeownership Incentives for Everyone Program, as it was authorized by the Agency.

The Council on Affordable Housing, as previously established by the New Jersey Fair Housing Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq.), abolished effective March 20, 2024 pursuant to Section 3 at through P.L. 2024, c.2 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-304.1).

The certification issued to a municipality by a county-level housing judge pursuant to section 3 at P.L. 2024, c. 2, that protects the municipality from exclusionary zoning litigation during the current round of present and prospective need and through July 1 of the year the next affordable housing round begins, which is also known as a "judgment of compliance" resulting in an "order for repose." The term "compliance certification" includes a judgment of repose granted in an action filed pursuant to section 13 at P.L. 1985, c. 222 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-313).

New construction and additions, but does not include alterations, reconstruction, renovations, conversion, relocation, or repairs, as those terms are defined in the State Uniform Construction Code promulgated pursuant to the State Uniform Construction Code Act, P.L. 1975, c. 217 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.).

One of the 16 local planning bodies in New Jersey that coordinate service providers and other interested parties to prevent and end homelessness, as authorized by subtitle C of Title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, 42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 through 11435.

A judge appointed pursuant to section 5 at P.L. 2024, c. 2 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-313.2), to resolve disputes over the compliance of municipal fair share affordable housing obligations and municipal fair share plans and housing elements with the Act.

The State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs.

A housing unit with health and safety code violations that requires the repair or replacement of a major system. A major system includes weatherization, roofing, plumbing (including wells), heating, electricity, sanitary plumbing (including septic systems), lead paint abatement and/or load bearing structural systems.

Any person, partnership, association, company or corporation that is the legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or any land included in a proposed development including the holder of an option to contract to purchase, or other person having an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.

The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any use or change in the use of any building or other structure, or of any mining, excavation or landfill, and any use or change in the use of any building or other structure, or land or extension of use of land, for which permission may be required, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.

The application form and all accompanying documents required by ordinance for approval of a subdivision plat, a site plan, planned development, conditional use, zoning variance, or direction of the issuance of a permit pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-34 or 40:55D-36.

The Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program, established pursuant to section 5 of P.L. 2024, c.2 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-313.2). The Dispute Resolution Program is established within the Executive Branch of the State, for the purpose of resolving disputes associated with the Fair Housing Act with respect to municipalities seeking to obtain a certification of compliance of their adopted Housing Element & Fair Share Plan.

Means the Division of Local Planning Services in DCA.

A circumstance that has arisen whereby affordable housing will be able to be produced through a delivery mechanism not originally contemplated by or included in a fair share plan that has been the subject of a compliance certification.

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 at P.L. 1973, c. 123 (N.J.S.A. 54:1-35a, 54:1-35b, and 54:1-35c). Estimates at the time of building permit may be obtained by the tax assessor using construction cost estimates. Final EAV shall be determined at project completion by the municipal assessor.

Litigation challenging the fair share plan, housing element, ordinances, or resolutions that implement the fair share plan or housing element of a municipality based on alleged noncompliance with the Act or the Mount Laurel doctrine, which litigation shall include, but shall not be limited to, litigation seeking a builder's remedy.

Extending the deed restriction period on units where the controls will expire in the current round of a housing obligation, so that the total years of a deed restriction is at least 60 years.

The total of the present need and prospective need as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The plan that describes the mechanisms, strategies and the funding sources, if any, by which the Borough proposes to address its affordable housing obligation as established in the Housing Element, including the draft ordinances necessary to implement that plan, and addresses the requirements of P.L. 1985, c. 222 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq.).

A household's gross annual income calculated in a manner consistent with the determination of annual income pursuant to section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (Section 8), not in accordance with the determination of gross income for Federal income tax liability.

The portion of the Borough's Master Plan, required by the Municipal Land Use Law ("MLUL"), N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28b(3) and the Act, that includes the information required by N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq., and establishes the Borough's fair share obligation.

A project, or distinct portion of a project, which is designed and intended to provide decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings, apartments, or other living accommodations for persons of low- and moderate-income; such work or undertaking may include buildings, land, equipment, facilities, and other real or personal property for necessary, convenient, or desirable appurtenances, streets, sewers, water service, parks, site preparation, gardening, administrative, community, health, recreational, educational, welfare, or other purposes. The term "housing project" may also be applied to the planning of the buildings and improvements, the acquisition of property, the demolition of existing structures, the construction, reconstruction, alteration, and repair of the improvements, and all other work in connection therewith.

A geographic area established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-304.2b.

A development containing both affordable units and market rate units, in which a substantial percentage of the housing units are provided for a reasonable income range of low- and moderate-income households. This term includes, but is not limited to: new construction, the conversion of a non-residential structure to residential use and the creation of new affordable units through the gut rehabilitation or reconstruction of a vacant residential structure.

A determination issued by the Superior Court approving a municipality's fair share plan to satisfy its affordable housing obligation for a particular ten-year round.

A household with a household income equal to 50% or less of the regional median income.

A restricted unit that is affordable to a low-income household.

The primary structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, or occupant service components of a building which include but are not limited to, weatherization, roofing, plumbing (including wells), heating, electricity, sanitary plumbing (including septic systems), lead paint abatement and load bearing structural systems.

Housing not restricted to low- and moderate-income households that may sell or rent at any price.

A household with a household income in excess of 50% but less than or equal to 80% of the regional median income.

A restricted unit that is affordable to a moderate-income household.

The no-longer-active Market Oriented Neighborhood Investment Program, as it was authorized by the Agency.

A structure containing five or more dwelling units.

An appointed municipal employee who is, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:99-6, responsible for oversight and/or administration of the affordable units created within the municipality, and oversight of the authorization of individuals being provided access to the AHMS.

A separate, interest-bearing, account held by a municipality for the deposit of development fees, payments in lieu of constructing affordable units on sites zoned for affordable housing, barrier-free escrow funds, recapture funds, proceeds from the sale of affordable units, rental income, repayments from affordable housing program loans, enforcement fines, unexpended RCA funds remaining from a completed RCA project, application fees, and any other funds collected by the municipality in connection with its affordable housing programs, which shall be used to address municipal low- and moderate-income housing obligations within the time frames established by the Legislature and as governed at N.J.A.C. 5:99-2.

The creation of a new housing unit under regulation by a code enforcement official regardless of the means by which the unit is created. Newly constructed units are evidenced by the issuance of a certificate of occupancy and may include new residences created through additions and alterations, adaptive reuse, subdivision, or conversion of existing space, and moving a structure from one location to another.

Any sale or transfer of ownership of a restricted unit to one's self or to another individual other than the transfer of ownership between spouses or civil union partners; the transfer of ownership between former spouses or civil union partners ordered as a result of a judicial decree of divorce or judicial separation, but not including sales to third parties; the transfer of ownership between family members as a result of inheritance; the transfer of ownership through an executor's deed to a class A beneficiary and the transfer of ownership by court order.

The protection a municipality has from a builder's remedy lawsuit for a period of time from the entry of a judgment of compliance by the Superior Court. A judgment of compliance often results in an order for repose.

The payment of funds to the municipality by a developer when affordable units are not produced on a site zoned for an inclusionary development.

The number of substandard existing deficient housing units in the municipality currently occupied by low- and moderate-income households, which is calculated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-329.1 et seq. Also known as the "rehabilitation obligation."

The difference between the controlled sale price of a restricted unit and the contract price at the exit sale of the unit, determined as of the date of a proposed contract of sale for the unit. If there is no proposed contract of sale, the price differential is the difference between the controlled sale price of a restricted unit and the appraised value of the unit as if it were not subject to UHAC, determined as of the date of the appraisal. If the controlled sale price exceeds the contract price or, in the absence of a contract price, the appraised value, the price differential is zero dollars.

A housing unit that addresses a municipality's fair share obligation from a round prior to the fourth round of affordable housing obligations, including any unit that: (1) received substantive certification from COAH; (2) is part of a third-round settlement agreement or judgment of compliance approved by a court of competent jurisdiction, inclusive of units created pursuant to a zoning designation adopted as part of the settlement agreement or judgment of compliance to create a realistic opportunity for development; (3) is subject to a grant agreement or other contract with either the State or a political subdivision thereof entered into prior to July 1, 2025, pursuant to either item (1) or (2) above; or (4) otherwise addresses a municipality's fair share obligation from a round prior to the fourth round of affordable housing obligations. A unit created after the enactment of P.L. 2024, c. 2 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-304.1) on March 20, 2024, is not a prior round unit unless: (1) it is created pursuant to a prior round development plan or zoning designation that received COAH or court approval on or before the cutoff date of June 30, 2025, or the date that the municipality adopts the implementing ordinances and resolutions for the fourth round of affordable housing obligations, whichever occurs sooner; and (2) its siting and creation are consistent with the form of the prior round development plan or zoning designation in effect as of the cutoff date, without any amendment or variance.

A lottery process by which currently income-eligible households are selected, at random, for placement in affordable housing units such that no preference is given to one applicant over another, except in the case of a veteran's preference where such an agreement exists; for purposes of matching household income and size with an appropriately priced and sized affordable unit or another purpose allowed pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.7(k)3. This definition excludes any practices that would allow affordable housing units to be leased or sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

The maximum housing value in each housing region affordable to a four-person household with an income at 80% of the regional median as defined by duly adopted Regional Income Limits published annually by the Affordable Housing Professionals of New Jersey or other entity approved by the court.

A contractual agreement, pursuant to the Act, into which two municipalities voluntarily entered into prior to July 18, 2008, to transfer a portion of a municipality's affordable housing obligation to another municipality within its housing region.

The median income by household size for an applicable housing region, as calculated annually in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.3.

The repair, renovation, alteration or reconstruction of any building or structure, pursuant to the Rehabilitation Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-6.

The gross monthly cost of a rental unit to the tenant, including the rent paid to the landlord, as well as an allowance for tenant-paid utilities computed in accordance with allowances published by DCA for its Section 8 program. In assisted living residences, rent does not include charges for food and services.

A dwelling unit, whether a rental unit or an ownership unit, that is subject to the affordability controls of N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.1, as amended and supplemented, but does not include a market-rate unit that was financed pursuant to UHORP, MONI, or CHOICE.

The Uniform Housing Affordability Controls, as set forth in N.J.A.C. 5:80-26 et seq, as amended and supplemented.

The Agency's Urban Homeownership Recovery Program, as it was authorized by the Agency Board.

A household with a household income less than or equal to 30% of the regional median income.

A restricted unit that is affordable to a very-low-income household.

A veteran as defined at N.J.S.A. 54:4-8.10.

The agreement between a municipality and a developer or residential development owner that allows for low- to moderate-income veterans to be given preference for up to 50% of rental units in relevant projects, as provided for at N.J.S.A. 52:27D-311j.

Building insulation (for attic, exterior walls and crawl space), siding to improve energy efficiency, replacement storm windows, replacement storm doors, replacement windows and replacement doors, and is considered a major system for purposes of a rehabilitation program.