Hunterdon County Master Plan

Do you have specific questions about this project? See our Frequently Asked Questions below.

If you don’t see your specific question or answer, you can contact us directly on our CONTACT page or by emailing info@hunterdoncountymasterplan.org

1. What is a Growth Management Plan and how does it affect me?
2. Why is the County preparing a new Growth Management Plan?
3. How is the County gathering input from stakeholders and the general public?
4. How can I receive updates and stay informed on the process?
5. How can I get involved?
6. Is climate change being considered in the planning process?
7. What is the timeline for completing the project?
8. Who can I contact if I have specific questions about this project?

1. What is a Growth Management Plan and how does it affect me?

The County Growth Management Plan is an element of the County Master Plan, which may also be referred to as a “Land Use Element.” Plan Elements are best thought of as chapters in the overall plan. Other elements include the Circulation Element, Farmland Preservation Plan, and Open Space and Recreation Plan.

The County Planning Act is the New Jersey Law that provides the county planning board with the ability to adopt a master plan for the physical development of the County. Most of the control over land use in New Jersey takes place at the municipal level, but counties can guide their own investments and work with municipalities to encourage collaboration.

The County Growth Management Plan may impact how investment and resources are allocated in the future and can provide support to municipalities for continuing to plan for how to deal with flooding, extreme weather events, and managing scarce resources.

2. Why is the County preparing a new Growth Management Plan?

The current Growth Management Plan effort is an update on the 2007 Plan. One of the reasons why the effort is happening now is because the County has engaged in a collaborative process with the Highlands Council. The Highlands Council is providing funding to support the effort and is an important partner in planning for growth management and resource preservation and conservation in the northern part of Hunterdon County.

A lot has changed since 2007 – there was a recession and housing crisis, numerous flooding events, a global pandemic, and many changes in development pressures and how people live and work in Hunterdon County.

There are also state-wide efforts to embrace planning for resiliency and extreme weather events. Municipalities are required to incorporate new sections into their local master plans, so the County’s effort can be a resource for towns in Hunterdon County as they move ahead with that work.

3. How is the County gathering input from stakeholders and the general public?

The County and its consultant, HGA, will be soliciting input from the public using:

1. This website and social media
2. A postcard that will be placed around various community sites throughout the County and available digitally on this site.
3. An online survey to follow-up on the postcard responses.
4. Presence at County events including the County Fair in August.
5. Dedicated public meetings to receive feedback on the project.

4. How can I receive updates and stay informed on the process?

Sign up for email updates to this website and follow the project on the County’s social media accounts.

5. How can I get involved?

Respond to the postcard and survey when they are available, come see us at the County Fair, and attend the public meetings. You can always submit comments or questions through the contact section of this website.

6. Is climate change being considered in the planning process?

Yes – an assessment of climate change risks is required for municipal master plans. The County is undertaking a similar effort to support its municipalities and provide a County-wide assessment of climate change vulnerabilities that can be used to guide future investment decisions.

7. What is the timeline for completing the project?

The project began in April 2022, it is anticipated that a final plan will be completed in early 2023.

8. Who can I contact if I have specific questions about this project?

You can reach us through our Contact page on this website, or email us directly at info@hunterdoncountymasterplan.org