SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

SENATE, No. 3223

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED:  DECEMBER 10, 2020

 

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 3223. 

      This bill provides that electric vehicle charging infrastructure is an inherently beneficial use pursuant to the “Municipal Land Use Law,” P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-1 et seq.), may require minor site plan approval from the municipal administrative officer, and is a permitted accessory use and permitted accessory structure in all zoning or use districts of a municipality and would not require use variances.

      Specifically, a municipality may, by ordinance, authorize the administrative officer to review and approve an application for development, submitted solely to seek approval of the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, in the manner of a minor site plan approval, and the review and approval of the application shall not require reference to, or approval by, the planning board or zoning board of adjustment.

      Additionally, under the bill, electric vehicle charging infrastructure would be a permitted accessory use and permitted accessory structure in all zoning or use districts of a municipality and shall not require a use variance pursuant to subsection d. of section 57 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-70).