The municipal planning board must act on a variance application within how many days?

The municipal planning board is required to act on a variance application within 120 days in New Jersey. This time frame is established to ensure that the application process is handled efficiently and that applicants receive timely responses to their requests. The 120-day period begins once the application is deemed complete and is intended to provide the necessary time for the planning board to review the proposal, consider any public input, and make a decision in accordance with applicable zoning regulations and standards.

Understanding this timeframe is crucial for both planners and applicants, as it helps in setting expectations and planning for subsequent steps in the development process. Additionally, this time constraint underscores the importance of municipalities being proactive in their planning practices, allowing them to maintain a balance between providing due diligence in reviewing variance applications and facilitating development in a timely manner.