NJ A1620

Directs the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to lift conservation restrictions imposed as conditions of CAFRA (Coastal Area Facility Review Act) permits when the affected property is needed for expanding an existing school for special needs children.

Requires that any lifted conservation easement be replaced with a new, substantively similar restriction on another property that is at least twice the size of the original parcel and located within 20 miles of it.

Defines "conservation restriction" broadly to include deed restrictions for purposes such as retaining land in natural state, wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, public access to waterways, and prohibitions on construction, landfill, vegetation removal, or excavation.

Property owners must apply to DEP for the easement to be lifted, and the department must determine the land will actually be used for the school expansion purpose.