Master Plan
A Master Plan is a planning document developed to guide the use of lands within the municipality in a manner which protects public health and safety and promotes the general welfare. Under New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law, the Master Plan is adopted by the Planning Board.
The Master Plan is essentially the blueprint used by the Township to guide decisions regarding both growth and conservation. It provides a cohesive focus by outlining development goals and objectives for a community and identifying suitable locations for commercial, housing and mixed-use development and open space and recreational areas. The Master Plan establishes mechanisms for preserving environmental, historic and cultural resources and integrates the various components involving community life through community facilities, circulation/transportation and utilities plans.
A periodic reexamination of municipal plans is required under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-89 to be conducted every six years. The reexamination is conducted by the Planning Board and reviews the master plan and development regulations. A report on the findings of such reexamination is adopted by the Planning Board by resolution.
Montclair Township is preparing a Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan which will establish the Township's housing policies for 2025 - 2035. The first Town Hall discussion on the plan took place on Thursday, March 13 and will be discussed by the Planning Board on Monday, March 17. Information on future meeting when the plan will be discussed will be noted here. The presentation from the Town Hall meeting is available here: Housing Element and Fair Share Plan(PDF, 3MB)
Adopted Master Plan Elements
The Township of Montclair has adopted a total of 5 elements which comprise the Township Master Plan. Those elements, along with their year of adoption, are as follows: