"The Desegregate New Jersey Act'; promotes equitable residential development throughout State.

S 1156, the "Desegregate New Jersey Act," requires New Jersey municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary housing units on single-family lots - without imposing additional restrictions. The bill prohibits municipalities from mandating passageways between units, minimum occupancy ages, extra parking fees, or separate utility billing for ADUs, while requiring permit decisions within 65 days. It directly affects local governments (which must update zoning rules by June 2022) and property owners seeking to add ADUs. The law also mandates that utilities cannot charge extra fees for ADUs and prohibits municipalities from blocking ADU development through non-compliant zoning. These changes aim to increase housing options in single-family zones without altering existing affordable housing requirements.