Planning board adopts amended fourth‑round housing element and finds eight implementing ordinances consistent with master plan

The Morris Township Planning Board voted to approve an amended fourth‑round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan and, in the same meeting, found eight implementing ordinances consistent with the township master plan.

The board swore in the planner and heard a presentation outlining how the township negotiated its prospective need obligation down from an initial state figure (571) to 375 credits for the 10‑year fourth round. The planner said the reduction relied on a mix of "extensions of affordability controls" for existing units and verified bonus credits available under the amended Fair Housing Act. "The amended Fair Housing Act was adopted in March 2024," the planner said, and the townships numbers were the product of negotiations, program‑judge review and adjustments to the mix of credits and extensions.

Why it matters: Counsel and the planner said adopting the amended housing element and then having the governing body pass implementing ordinances are necessary steps for Morris Township to retain the legal protections that limit…