For municipalities over which population can a planning board that also exercises zoning powers be formed by voter referendum?

A planning board that has the authority to exercise zoning powers can only be formed through a voter referendum in municipalities that have a population of over 15,000. This is specified in New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law, which establishes the framework for land use planning and zoning within the state.

The requirement for a population threshold ensures that larger municipalities, which often face more complex land use and zoning issues, engage the community in the decision-making process through a referendum. This allows citizens directly to influence the formation and governance of the planning board relative to local land use.

In contrast, smaller municipalities are typically governed by planning boards that do not require a referendum to establish zoning authority, reflecting a streamlined process for communities that may not have the same scale of planning needs. Understanding this aspect of New Jersey’s planning practices is crucial for anyone preparing for the professional planner exam, as it underlines the state’s approach to local governance and community involvement in land use decision-making.