Understanding Why Development Continues in Egg Harbor Township

“Local voices matter, but state law sets the boundaries.”

Understanding the Pinelands Commission’s Role and Our Legal Obligations

This FAQ is based on the official Egg Harbor Township infographic. It explains the rules governing land use in the Pinelands and what local officials can (and cannot) do.

1. What is the Pinelands Commission?

The Pinelands Commission is a state-level body created by the State of New Jersey to protect over one million acres of the Pinelands. It adopts the Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP), which sets the rules for how land in the Pinelands can be used.

Municipal zoning and land-use ordinances in towns like Egg Harbor Township must be consistent with this CMP.

2. Why is Egg Harbor Township (EHT) treated differently for development?

Large portions of Egg Harbor Township have been designated by the Pinelands Commission as Regional Growth Areas.

These areas were specifically identified by the State as locations where future residential and commercial growth should occur. As long as a proposed development complies with the CMP, state law, and local ordinances, the Township generally cannot deny it simply because residents oppose growth.

3. Can the Township Committee or Planning Board just reject development projects they don’t like?

No. The Township Committee and Planning Board must follow the law. They cannot arbitrarily deny an application that:

•  Meets Pinelands Commission regulations

•  Complies with Township zoning

•  Satisfies state and local development standards

Doing so could expose the Township to costly lawsuits and court-ordered approvals.

4. What does state law require of municipalities in the Pinelands?

Municipalities within the Pinelands Area are legally obligated to follow the Comprehensive Management Plan. The Pinelands Commission sets the overall framework, and towns must comply.

5. What can Egg Harbor Township do about development?

While the Township cannot simply stop qualifying growth, it can take several proactive steps:

•  Advocate for change: Work with other communities to push for updates to the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan.

•  Work with state legislators: Partner with legislators to pursue reforms that give local communities more flexibility.

•  Request reconsideration: Ask the Pinelands Commission to reconsider specific Regional Growth Area designations.

•  Improve infrastructure planning: Invest in infrastructure to better manage and support future growth.

•  Encourage responsible development: Support smart, well-planned projects that protect quality of life, the environment, and community character.

6. What’s the bottom line for Egg Harbor Township residents?

Egg Harbor Township did not create the Regional Growth Area designation — that came from the Pinelands Commission and the State of New Jersey.

Unless state law or the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan changes, the Township is legally required to process qualifying development applications according to those rules.

If residents want to significantly limit future development, meaningful change must happen at the Pinelands Commission and state government levels, not solely through local Township government.

Patrick Ireland

Egg Harbor Township Committee

Working for our community. Fighting for smart growth and a better future for EHT.