This article establishes standards for the collection, maintenance, and expenditure of development fees that are consistent with COAH's regulations developed in response to P.L. 2008, c. 46, Sections 8 and 32-38 (C. 52:27D-329.2) and the Statewide Nonresidential Development Fee Act (C. 40:55D-8.1 through 8.7). Fees collected pursuant to this article shall be used for the purpose of providing very-low-, low- and moderate-income housing in accordance with a court-approved spending plan.
A. 
This article shall not be effective unless and until approved by the Superior Court in connection with the Village of Ridgefield Park's declaratory judgment action concerning its Third Round affordable housing obligations, Docket No. BER-L-6143-15.
B. 
The Village of Ridgefield Park shall not spend development fees collected pursuant to this article unless and until the Superior Court has approved a spending plan for such fees.
The following terms, as used in this article, shall have the following meanings:
AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
A development included in the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, and includes, but is not limited to, an inclusionary development, a municipally sponsored construction project or a 100% affordable housing development.
COAH or THE COUNCIL
The New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing established under the Fair Housing Act, or any successor agency.
DEVELOPER
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.
DEVELOPMENT FEE
Money paid by a developer for the improvement of property as authorized by Holmdel Builder's Association v. Holmdel Borough, 121 N.J. 550 (1990) and the Fair Housing Act of 1985, N.J.S.A. 52:27d-301, et seq., and regulated by applicable COAH Rules.
EQUALIZED ASSESSED VALUE
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 (C.54:1-35a through C.54:1-35c).
GREEN BUILDING STRATEGIES
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. 
Imposition of fees.
(1) 
Within the Village of Ridgefield Park, all residential developers, except for developers of the types of developments specifically exempted below and developers of developments that include affordable housing, shall pay a fee of 1.5% of the equalized assessed value for all new residential development provided no increased density is permitted. Development fees shall also be imposed and collected when an additional dwelling unit is added to an existing residential structure; in such cases, the fee shall be calculated based on the increase in the equalized assessed value of the property due to the additional dwelling unit.
(2) 
When an increase in residential density is permitted pursuant to a "d" variance granted under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d(5), developers shall be required to pay a "bonus" development fee of 6% of the equalized assessed value for each additional unit that may be realized, except that this provision shall not be applicable to a development that will include affordable housing. 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.
B. 
Eligible exactions, ineligible exactions and exemptions for residential developments.
(1) 
Affordable housing developments and/or developments where the developer has made a payment in lieu of on-site construction of affordable units, if permitted by ordinance or by agreement with the Village of Ridgefield Park, shall be exempt from the payment of development fees.
(2) 
Developments that have received preliminary or final site plan approval prior to the adoption of this chapter shall be exempt from the payment of development fees, unless the developer seeks a substantial change in the original approval. Where site plan approval is not applicable, the issuance of a zoning permit and/or construction permit shall be synonymous with preliminary or final site plan approval for the purpose of determining the right to an exemption. In all cases, the applicable fee percentage shall be determined based upon the Development Fee Ordinance in effect on the date that the construction permit is issued.
(3) 
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.
(4) 
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 requirements. The development fee shall be calculated on the increase in the equalized assessed value of the improved structure.
(5) 
Developers of one and two owner-occupied dwelling units that are demolished and replaced as a result of a natural disaster shall be exempt from paying a development fee.
A. 
Imposition of fees.
(1) 
Within all zoning districts, nonresidential developers, except for developers of the types of developments specifically exempted below, 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) 
Within all zoning districts, nonresidential developers, except for developers of the types of developments specifically exempted below, 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 pre-existing land and improvements and the equalized assessed value of the newly improved structure, i.e., land and improvements, and such calculation shall be made at the time a 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 a 2.5% development fee, unless otherwise exempted below.
(2) 
The 2.5% development fee shall not apply to an increase in equalized assessed value resulting from alterations, change in use within the 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 the Statewide Nonresidential Development Fee Act (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-8.1 through 8.7), as specified in Form N-RDF "State of New Jersey Nonresidential Development Certification/Exemption." 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 the Statewide Nonresidential Development Fee Act shall be subject to the fee at such time as 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 for 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 Village of Ridgefield Park 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 approving authority or entity shall notify or direct its staff to notify the Construction Official responsible for the issuance of a construction 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 construction permit shall notify the Village Tax Assessor of the issuance of the first construction permit for a development which is subject to a development fee.
D. 
Within 90 days of receipt of such notification, the Village Tax Assessor shall prepare an estimate of the equalized assessed value of the development based on the plans filed.
E. 
The Construction Official responsible for the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy shall notify the Village Tax Assessor of any and all requests for the scheduling of a final inspection on a property which is subject to a development fee.
F. 
Within 10 business days of a request for the scheduling of a final inspection, the Village Tax Assessor shall confirm or modify the previously estimated equalized assessed value of the improvements associated with the development; calculate the development fee; and thereafter notify the developer of the amount of the fee.
G. 
Should the Village of Ridgefield Park 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 (C.40:55D-8.6).
H. 
Except as provided in § 57-54A(3) hereinabove, 50% of the initially calculated development fee shall be collected at the time of issuance of the construction permit. The remaining portion shall be collected at the time of issuance of the certificate of occupancy. The developer shall be responsible for paying the difference between the fee calculated at the time of issuance of the construction permit and that determined at the time of issuance of the 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 Village of Ridgefield Park. 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 Village of Ridgefield Park. 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. 
The Village has established a separate, interest-bearing Affordable Housing Trust Fund to be maintained by the Chief Financial Officer of the Village of Ridgefield Park 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 a fraction of an affordable unit, where permitted by Ordinance or by Agreement with the Village of Ridgefield Park;
(2) 
Funds contributed by developers to make 10% of the adaptable entrances in a townhouse or other multistory attached dwelling unit 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 Village's affordable housing program.
C. 
The Village has previously provided COAH with written authorization, in the form of a three-way escrow agreement between the Village, Valley National Bank, and COAH, to permit COAH to direct the disbursement of funds as provided for in N.J.A.C. 5:93-8, et seq. The Superior Court shall now have such jurisdiction to direct the disbursement of the Village's trust funds in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:93-8, et seq.
D. 
In the event of a failure by the Village of Ridgefield Park to comply with trust fund monitoring and reporting requirements or to submit accurate monitoring reports; or a failure to comply with the conditions of the judgment of compliance or a revocation of the judgment of compliance; or a failure to implement the approved spending plan and to expend funds within the applicable required time period as set forth in In re Tp. of Monroe, 442 N.J. Super. 565 (Law Div. 2015) (aff'd 442 N.J. Super. 563); or the expenditure of funds on activities not approved by the court; or for other good cause demonstrating the unapproved use(s) of funds, the court may authorize the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services (LGS), to direct the manner in which the funds in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund shall be expended, provided that all such funds shall, to the extent practicable, be utilized for affordable housing programs within the Village of Ridgefield Park, or, if not practicable, then within the county.
E. 
Any party may bring a motion before the Superior Court presenting evidence of such condition(s), and the court may, after considering the evidence and providing the municipality a reasonable opportunity to respond and/or to remedy the noncompliant condition(s), and upon a finding of continuing and deliberate noncompliance, determine to authorize LGS to direct the expenditure of funds in the Trust Fund. The court may also impose such other remedies as may be reasonable and appropriate to the circumstances.
F. 
Interest accrued in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund shall only be used to fund eligible affordable housing activities approved by the court.
A. 
The expenditure of all funds shall conform to a spending plan approved by the Superior Court. Funds deposited in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund may be used for any activity approved by the court to address the Village of Ridgefield Park'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; housing rehabilitation; new construction of affordable housing units and related costs; accessory apartments; a market to affordable program; 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; and/or any other activity permitted by the court and specified in the approved spending plan.
B. 
Funds shall not be expended to reimburse the Village of Ridgefield Park for past housing activities.
C. 
At least 30% of all development fees collected and interest earned on such fees 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 the median income for Housing Region 1, in which Ridgefield Park is located.
(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. The specific programs to be used for affordability assistance shall be identified and described within the spending plan.
(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. The specific programs to be used for very-low income affordability assistance shall be identified and described within the spending plan.
(3) 
Payments in lieu of constructing affordable housing units on site, if permitted by ordinance or by agreement with the Village of Ridgefield Park, and funds from the sale of units with extinguished controls shall be exempt from the affordability assistance requirement.
D. 
The Village of Ridgefield Park may contract with a private or public entity to administer any part of its Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, including its programs for affordability assistance.
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 consultants' fees necessary to develop or implement a new construction program, prepare a Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, and/or administer an affirmative marketing program or a rehabilitation program.
(1) 
In the case of a rehabilitation program, the administrative costs of the rehabilitation program shall be included as part of the 20% of collected development fees that may be expended on administration.
(2) 
Administrative funds may be used for income qualification of households, monitoring the turnover of sale and rental units, and compliance with monitoring requirements. Legal or other fees related to litigation opposing affordable housing sites or objecting to the Council's regulations and/or actions are not eligible uses of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
On the first anniversary of the execution of the June 24, 2021 Amended Settlement Agreement between the Village and Fair Share Housing Center, and on every anniversary of that date thereafter through July 1, 2025, the Village agrees to provide annual reporting of trust fund activity to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Council on Affordable Housing, or Local Government Services, 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 New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Council on Affordable Housing, or Local Government Services. The reporting shall include an accounting of all housing trust fund activity, including the source and amount of funds collected and the amount and purpose for which any funds have been expended.
A. 
The ability of the Village of Ridgefield Park to impose, collect and expend development fees shall be permitted through the expiration of the repose period covered by its judgment of compliance and shall continue thereafter so long as the Village of Ridgefield Park has filed an adopted Housing Element and Fair Share Plan with the court or with a designated state administrative agency, has petitioned for a judgment of compliance from the court or for substantive certification or its equivalent from a state administrative agency authorized to approve and administer municipal affordable housing compliance and has received approval of its Development Fee Ordinance from the entity that will be reviewing and approving the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan.
B. 
If the Village of Ridgefield Park is not pursuing authorization to impose and collect development fees after the expiration of its judgment of compliance, it may be subject to forfeiture of any or all funds remaining within its Affordable Housing 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 (C. 52:27D-320).
C. 
After the expiration of the judgement of compliance, if the Village does not pursue or obtain continued authorization, the Village of Ridgefield Park shall not impose a residential development fee on a development that receives preliminary or final site plan approval, retroactively impose a development fee on such a development, or expend any of its collected development fees.