NJ A4370

Department of Community Affairs (DCA) must develop and offer optional certification courses for planning professionals within 120 days of enactment, covering warehouse development and high-density building topics.

Courses must be developed in partnership with higher education institutions, the State Planning Commission, and planning associations including the NJ Association of Planning and Zoning Administrators, NJ Planning Officials, NJ State League of Municipalities, and NJ Builders Association.

Curriculum must include specific modules on warehouse development and high-density development, with warehouses defined as buildings storing cargo or goods for later distribution to wholesale or retail customers.

DCA will issue certificates of completion to planning professionals who finish the courses, though completion does not satisfy the separate land use law training requirement for planning and zoning board members under existing law.