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Count As Two Parking Spaces For Site Plan Applications

By: Robert C. Shea II, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

Did you know that there is a way to circumvent parking requirements for any commercial construction in New Jersey and remain variance free? In 2021 Governor Murphy signed into law the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Law (“the Act”). This Act seeks to incentivize property owners to install Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (“EVCS”) to offer charging services to electric vehicles (“EVs”). The Act also updated the Municipal Land Use Law’s (“MLUL”) definition of “inherently beneficial use” to specifically include that of EVCS.

These “incentives” occur through numerous different means. First, the Act allows all EVCS’ to be considered permitted accessory uses to structures within your municipalities zoning districts. This means that you will never need to seek a “variance” from the Planning or Zoning Board for the construction of an EVCS.

Second, for multiple dwelling developments, the Act also requires that the developer to provide 15% of the proposed parking spaces as “Make-Ready.” A Make-Ready space is pre-wired with the electrical infrastructure to facilitate the

Robert C. Shea Esq.

future installation of an EVCS.

Last and most important, an EVCS and/ or Make-Ready parking space will count as two spaces when calculating a development’s compliance with minimum parking requirements, up to a maximum 10% reduction. This means that if a developer is having a problem remaining variance or waiver free due to required parking standards in their subject zone, then the installation of an EVCS and/or Make-Ready parking space may cut their parking obligations in half.

Using the Act to your advantage in such a manner could be the determining factor as to whether you receive an approval or denial at a local Planning or Zoning Board.

Please contact the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates (732) 505-1212 for all your Land Use Planning needs.

Child Passenger Safety Checks

BRICK – As we approach the warmer weather seasons, Brick Township Police Department EMS is prepared to perform child passenger safety checks. Whether you are a new or seasoned parent, grandparent or caregiver to a young child/infant, stop by and let one of our certified CPS Technicians give you peace of mind that your child is safe. Our technicians will assist with installation as well as give you guidance based on the latest research and child passenger laws. Thank you to the Laurelton Fire Company as in years past for providing a place to conduct our events.

Dates: August 23, September 27. Child passenger safety checks are from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Laurelton Fire Company, 1725 Route 88 in Brick. For more information call 732-451-2038 ext. 6.

Ocean County Parks Trail App

OCEAN COUNTY – “Don’t hike alone...take your phone!” Introducing the Trail Tracker App to help you pinpoint your location on the trails of Ocean County. Follow the link to download: bit.ly/OceanCountyTrailTracker.

NOTE: This web app was created to assist park visitors. It is currently in a beta test and may not completely, accurately depict information. To better improve this app and user experience, let Ocean County Parks & Recreation know your feedback here: OCParks@ co.ocean.nj.us.