Which elements must a municipal comprehensive master plan include?

A municipal comprehensive master plan must include essential components that address the community's development and land use strategy comprehensively. The inclusion of land use, circulation, and housing elements is critical as they form the backbone of community planning.

Land use elements provide insights into how the land in the municipality will be used, guiding decisions about zoning, development, and preservation. Circulation elements outline transportation systems, ensuring that there are adequate pathways for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, which is vital for mobility and accessibility within the community. Housing elements address the community's housing needs, identifying the types and quantities of housing required to fulfill the population's demands and enhance the quality of life.

The option indicating that a municipal comprehensive master plan must include these three elements, while excluding a description of floodplains, reflects the minimum requirements set forth by planning regulations in New Jersey. While information about floodplains might be beneficial, it is not a mandatory component of every master plan, as it can be included in other planning documents or considerations.

Thus, the correct answer effectively captures the essential elements required in a municipal comprehensive master plan while clarifying that not every detail, such as floodplain descriptions, is necessary for fulfilling the statutory obligations of the planning framework.