What is the minimum time frame for the governing body to hold a hearing on a development ordinance?

The minimum time frame for the governing body to hold a hearing on a development ordinance is indeed 10 days. This requirement ensures that there is adequate notice for the public and interested parties to prepare for the hearing, fostering transparency and community involvement in the planning process.

Under New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law, proper public notice is vital for the legitimacy of the ordinance process. By providing a minimum of 10 days' notice, the governing body allows stakeholders to be informed about the specifics of the ordinance and any implications it might have on local development, encouraging public dialogue and input during the hearing.

Other time frames, such as 5 days or fewer, do not provide sufficient notice to the public, compromising the democratic process of local governance, while 15 days or 30 days are longer than necessary according to current regulations. Hence, 10 days strikes an appropriate balance between public notification and expediency in the legislative process for development ordinances.