A petition for substantive certification gives COAH jurisdiction to review which plan?

The correct answer is that a petition for substantive certification gives the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) jurisdiction to review a municipality's fair share plan. This is significant because the fair share plan is designed to outline how a municipality intends to provide for its fair share of affordable housing as mandated by the New Jersey Supreme Court decisions.

Under the Mount Laurel doctrine, municipalities are required to create and implement plans that address their affordable housing obligations. When a municipality submits a fair share plan for substantive certification, it seeks COAH's approval to demonstrate that the plan meets specific criteria laid out in the state's affordable housing regulations. This process involves COAH assessing the plan to ensure it effectively addresses the housing needs of low and moderate-income residents.

This option encapsulates the essence of COAH's role in overseeing municipal compliance with affordable housing requirements. Without this certification, municipalities could face legal challenges regarding their housing practices. Thus, the interplay between a municipality's fair share plan and COAH's jurisdiction is a fundamental aspect of New Jersey's approach to affordable housing.