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Land Development Process

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The development review and approval process as outlined in the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) permits a municipality to take up to 270 days to process minor applications and 320 days for major applications. This time period runs from the submission of the application for completeness review through preliminary and final approval including the memorialization of the Decision and Resolution of the final approval.

The Absecon Planning Board and its professionals will make every effort to afford applicants an expeditious review and has historically not taken the time permitted by the law. The Absecon Planning Board will review and consider most applications for completeness, preliminary and final approval at the same meeting. The level of approvals granted is directly related to the applicant’s ability to address each item on the applicable checklist.

Each applicant is encouraged to request an informal meeting with the Planning Board Planner prior to making a formal application. (See Informal Meeting Request below) The intent of the informal meeting process is to encourage economic growth and assist with the reduction of time and expense usually associated with the land development review process for commercial development. The purpose of the informal meeting is to provide instructions as to the development review process, review compatibility of the proposal with the municipal ordinance, determine which Board has jurisdiction (Planning or Zoning) and provide copies of the submission procedures, application forms, check lists, etc.