This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Township of Mt.
Olive Highlands Preservation Area Land Use Ordinance."
The purpose of this chapter is to effectuate the policies, goals
and objectives of the Township Master Plan, in particular the Highlands
Element of the Master Plan, while at the same time advancing the purposes
of zoning as set forth in the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law ("MLUL",
N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.), addressing the substantive goals and intents
of the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act ("Highlands Act,"
N.J.S.A. 13:20-1 et seq.), and satisfying the goals, requirements
and provisions of the Highlands Regional Master Plan (RMP).
The provisions of this chapter pertain to the use and development
of lands located within the Township Highlands Preservation Area.
The Highlands Preservation Area comprises that portion of the municipality
for which the applicable provisions of the Township Master Plan, land
use ordinances and other pertinent regulations have been deemed by
the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council ("Highlands
Council") to be in conformance with the Highlands RMP. This chapter
governs certain land uses, development and redevelopment activities,
and the management and protection of resources, including but not
limited to water resources, natural resources, agricultural resources,
and scenic resources. The provisions of this chapter shall apply in
conjunction with all other applicable ordinances, rules and regulations
of the municipality. In the event of conflicting or less restrictive
alternate provisions, the provisions of this chapter shall supersede.
This chapter is adopted under the authority of the MLUL and
the Highlands Act. The Highlands Act provides authorities and responsibilities
for municipal planning and development regulation that are complementary
to those set forth under the MLUL. The MLUL gives authority to New
Jersey municipalities to govern land use and development within their
borders. The Highlands Act augments that authority to allow the municipality
the power to enforce the goals, policies, objectives and programs
of the Highlands RMP. The Highlands Act is designed to protect the
natural and agricultural resources of the Highlands through a coordinated
system of regional land use controls. The Highlands Act creates a
system in which a regional plan is implemented primarily through local
government units. The Highlands Act and the RMP together provide the
regional perspective from which local decisions and actions will emanate.