State would offer free designs for extra living units

The Department of Community Affairs would set up a program to prepare designs for extra living units. These units would provide independent living space on a lot with a main home. They could be inside, attached to, or separate from that home. The coordinator would seek opinions on possible designs from town officials and residents in different parts of New Jersey. If enacted, the law would take effect immediately. The commissioner would appoint staff within one month, and the coordinator would submit designs by the first day of the sixth month after enactment.

The commissioner would approve at least 10 designs, and approved designs would count as meeting the state building code. The designs would be for independent living units on the same lot as a main home. The coordinator must consider construction costs, sizes, neighborhood styles, and town zoning rules when developing designs. After the commissioner approves a design, it would gain building code status and be posted online for free.