[Amended 7-25-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-30; 1-29-2009 by Ord. No.
2009-6; 7-22-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-13]
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.
Pursuant to P.L. 2008, c. 46, § 8 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-329.2),
and the Statewide Non-Residential Development Fee Act (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-8.1
through 40:55D-8.7), COAH is authorized 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
the Council or court of competent jurisdiction and have a COAH-approved
spending plan may retain fees collected from nonresidential development.
C.
This article establishes standards for the collection, maintenance,
and expenditure of development fees pursuant to COAH's regulations
and in accordance P.L. 2008, c. 46, §§ 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. 5:97-8.
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, an inclusionary development,
a municipal construction project or a one-hundred-percent affordable
development.
The New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing established
under the Act which has primary jurisdiction for the administration
of housing obligations in accordance with sound regional planning
consideration in the state.
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. 5:97-8.3.
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 §§ 1,
5, and 6 of P.L. 1973, c. 123 (N.J.S.A. 54:1-35a through c).
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.
A judgment issued by the Superior Court approving a municipality's
plan to satisfy its fair share obligation.
A determination by COAH approving a municipality's housing
element and fair share plan in accordance with the provisions of the
Act and the rules and criteria as set forth herein. A grant of substantive
certification shall be valid for a period of six years in accordance
with the terms and conditions contained therein.
A.
Within all zoning districts, residential developers, except for developers
of the types of development specifically exempted below, shall pay
a fee equal to 1.5% of the equalized assessed value for residential
development provided no increased density is permitted.
B.
When an increase in residential density pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d(5)
(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 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.
A.
Within 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.
B.
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.
C.
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.
[Amended 11-14-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-26]
A.
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 this amended article shall be required to
pay development fees calculated based on the development fee ordinance
in effect prior to the adoption of this amended article, 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)
Owner-occupied residential structures demolished and replaced as
a result of a fire, flood, or natural disaster shall be exempt from
paying a development fee.
(5)
Owner-developers of i) newly constructed one- or two-family owner-occupied
dwelling units; or ii) reconstructed one- or two-family owner-occupied
dwelling units; or iii) additions to one- or two-family owner-occupied
dwelling units (but maintaining such units as one- or two-family owner-occupied
dwelling units), shall all be exempt from paying a development fee.
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 two-and-a-half-percent development
fee, unless otherwise exempted below.
(2)
The two-and-a-half-percent fee shall apply to an increase in equalized
assessed value resulting from additions to existing structures to
be used for nonresidential purposes.
(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 Non-Residential 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 that 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 the Borough of Fort Lee as a lien against the
real property of the owner.
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 Non-Residential
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 Fort Lee 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 § 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 Fort Lee. Appeals
from a determination of the Board may be made to the tax court in
accordance with the provisions of the State Tax Uniform 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
Fort Lee. Appeals from a determination of the Director may be made
to the tax court in accordance with the provisions of the State Tax
Uniform 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.
A.
There is hereby created a separate, interest-bearing housing trust
fund to be maintained by the Chief Financial Officer for the purpose
of depositing development fees collected from residential and nonresidential
developers.
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)
Rental income from municipally operated units;
(4)
Repayments from affordable housing program loans;
(5)
Recapture funds;
(6)
Proceeds from the sale of affordable units; and
(7)
Any other funds collected in connection with the Borough of Fort
Lee's affordable housing program.
C.
All interest accrued in the Housing Trust Fund shall only be used
on eligible affordable housing activities approved by COAH.
A.
The expenditure of all funds shall conform to a spending plan approved
by COAH. No money deposited in the Housing Trust Fund may be used
for any activity unless approved by COAH. 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, 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. 5:97-8.7 through
5:97-8.9 and specified in the approved spending plan.
B.
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.
C.
The Borough of Fort Lee 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. 5:96-18.
This article shall expire if:
A.
COAH dismisses or denies a petition for substantive certification
by the Borough.
B.
COAH revokes substantive certification or its certification of this
article.
C.
Substantive certification/judgment of repose expires prior to the
Borough filing an adopted housing element with COAH or petitioning
for substantive certification.
