NJ S956

DEP must establish a private wildlife habitat certification program with standards for inspecting and certifying properties, including requirements that promote substantial use of native plants

Nonprofit conservation organizations, landscaping companies, or other qualified private entities may be designated as certifying entities authorized to inspect properties and charge reasonable fees for certification services

Property owners must file a certificate of registration with their municipal clerk (fee capped at $25) before altering property to create certified wildlife habitat, with certificates expiring after two years and eligible for one two-year renewal via written self-certification

Certified property owners gain an affirmative defense against municipal nuisance ordinance violations related to their wildlife habitat, with protection beginning upon filing notice of intent if certification is completed within 60 days

DEP must maintain and publish online a list of all approved certifying entities