Briefings
What changed in environmental, land-use and permitting rules for development in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania: what happened, who is affected and the next date that matters.
- HighNew JerseyFree to read
New Jersey adopts one-year extension letting complete applications use its older land-use rules until July 2027
Applications the state declares administratively and technically complete before July 20, 2027 will be reviewed under the pre-2026 land-use rules rather than the climate-adjusted flood standards.
- LowHudson County, NJ
New Jersey's Hudson River waterfront projects need a state permit, a public walkway and flood review
Local redevelopment approvals along the Hudson do not settle the state waterfront permit, which carries a permanent public walkway obligation and, unless an application qualifies for legacy review, the climate-adjusted flood standards.
- HighNew Jersey
Federal proposal would regulate only streams and wetlands with water all year; comments close October 9
A supplemental federal proposal would narrow which waters need Army Corps permits in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania to those holding water every day in ordinary conditions; current rules apply meanwhile.
ProposedWetlands & flooding - MediumNew Jersey
New Jersey awards 16 farm-solar projects totaling 52 megawatts with farmland, soil and wetlands conditions
On August 12, 2026 the Board of Public Utilities conditionally approved 16 dual-use solar projects in eight counties and denied one on wetlands grounds. Awardees face 30- and 90-day filing deadlines, a state permitting meeting, and 15 years of annual farm reporting.
- LowNew Jersey
Federal: HUD proposes dropping the higher flood-elevation standard for assisted housing in floodplains
HUD's July 10, 2026 proposal would restore the 100-year floodplain as the standard for HUD-assisted and insured projects. Comments closed September 8, 2026. FEMA already stopped applying the higher standard to its own funding in March 2025.
ProposedWetlands & floodingHousing - MediumNew Jersey
New Jersey amends coastal permit law so nuclear plant review turns on proposed waste storage
A law approved April 8, 2026 amends the Coastal Area Facility Review Act so that DEP may approve a nuclear generating facility only if it finds the proposed waste storage or disposal method safe and consistent with Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards. It took effect immediately.
- LowNew Jersey
Building in New Jersey's Highlands Preservation Area faces strict state limits on paving and septic systems
Major development in the Preservation Area needs a state approval under fixed limits on impervious cover, stream buffers and septic density, so applicability and exemptions should be settled before a parcel is valued.