After certification of a complete application, how long does the zoning board have to act?

Once an application is certified as complete, the zoning board has a determined period to take action on that application. In New Jersey, the stipulated timeframe for the zoning board to act is 120 days. This time frame is set by the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) to ensure that applicants receive timely consideration of their proposals. The purpose of this timeline is to provide a measure of predictability and efficiency in the processing of land use applications, fostering a more orderly development process.

The selection of 120 days reflects the need for adequate time for thorough evaluation while balancing the rights of the applicant to expect a decision within a reasonable period. This regulation helps to streamline the decision-making process for zoning boards, which often handle complex matters involving community planning and land use compatibility.