NJ A1490

Establishes a certification process through the Commissioner of Community Affairs for nonprofits that facilitate housing construction or rehabilitation using sweat equity from future occupants.

Exempts sweat equity housing projects from adaptability requirements under P.L.2005, c.350 and from affirmative marketing requirements typically required for affordable housing units to count toward municipal fair share obligations.

Allows certified nonprofits to substitute their own affordability controls for the standard Uniform Housing Affordability Controls set by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.

Directs the Office of Local Planning Services to provide expedited assistance to certified nonprofits for counting units toward municipal housing obligations, facilitating abandoned property transfers, and accessing affordable housing trust funds.

Defines "sweat equity" as labor provided by members of a low- or moderate-income household in constructing or rehabilitating the dwelling unit they intend to occupy, with required hours determined by the certified nonprofit.