A Receiving Zone is an area within a municipality where growth is desired and where greater development density will be permitted over what is currently zoned. Highlands Receiving Zones can be anywhere in New Jersey, the program is voluntary, and grant funding is available to explore the possibility of establishing Receiving Zones.

Municipalities that establish voluntary Receiving Zones are eligible to receive enhanced planning grants up to $250,000 and will have the ability to charge impact fees up to $15,000 per unit. In addition, the New Jersey Economic Opportunity Act of 2013 includes special incentives and priority funding for developers that choose to locate projects in designated Highlands TDR Receiving Zones.

Municipalities or counties interested in establishing Receiving Zones, along with developers interested in acquiring HDCs, should contact the TDR Program Administrator at the Highlands Council by calling (908) 879-6737.

Additional information is available below.