Recent legislation created a new process for municipalities to come into constitutional compliance with their affordable housing obligations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The new law, L. 2024, c.. 2, also established the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program ("Program") within the Judiciary for the purpose of resolving disputes associated with the FHA.
Administrative Directive# 14-24
As authorized by the law, the Administrative Director has established the procedures for the Program's operation, as set forth in the attached Administrative Directive #14-24 ("Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program - Implementation of L. 2024, c. 2"). The Program procedures address initiating actions and challenges using the Judiciary's electronic filing systems, criteria for assignment of a case to the Program, appointment of special adjudicators by Program members, settlement conferences and sessions, appeals, codes of conduct, and public access to filings.
Relaxation of Rule 2:2-3
The Supreme Court in the attached November 12, 2024 Order relaxed and supplemented Rule 2:2-3 ("Appeals to the Appellate Division from Final Judgments, Decisions, Actions and from Rules; Tax Court") to provide that appeals arising out of litigation regarding affordable housing obligations and the Program shall be considered as appeals as of right.
Webpage
The Judiciary has created an Affordable Housing webpage on its website (njcourts.gov), which will include case-related filings. The Affordable Housing webpage is located at Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program I NJ Courts (https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/civil/affordable-housing).
Questions regarding the Program, Directive# 14-24, or the November 12, 2024 rule relaxation order should be directed to the AOC's at CivilWebSites.Mailbox@njcourts.gov or .
Document Date: Dec. 18, 2024
Publish Date: Dec. 19, 2024