The Highlands Council does not issue permits, but is statutorily required to review certain proposed projects throughout the Highlands Region for consistency with the Highlands Act and Highlands Regional Master Plan (RMP). The Highlands Council shares jurisdiction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which is the permitting agency in the Highlands. Please refer to the links below for additional guidance. If you have any questions, please contact the Highlands Council at (908) 879-6737.

Projects Currently Being Considered

Proposed Highlands Redevelopment Area Designation
Phillipsburg Mall Site, Lopatcong and Pohatcong Townships, Warren County

Details regarding a proposed Highlands Redevelopment Area Designation located in Lopatcong and Pohatcong Townships in Warren County are provided below. A public comment period was held from January 22 through February 22, 2024. Staff reviewed  all comments received. Highlands Council Responses to Public Comments may be found in the report (Appendix 6.) A public hearing will be held at the Highlands Council meeting on March 21, 2021. Complete comments as received are also included below as a separate file.

Project Review Status and Tracking

Tracking Sheets
A summary of information regarding past and current projects reviewed by Highlands Council staff can be found in the tracking sheets below.

Full-Council Reviews
Details and documents related to projects that have been review by Highlands Council staff and voted on by the full Highlands Council are available on the page below. 

Highlands Project Review Process Resources

Forms
Please refer to the Project Review Procedures above and/or speak with a Highlands Council Liaison before using these forms.

Highlands Redevelopment Area Designation Procedures

These procedures outline the process and requirements for receiving Council designation of Highlands Redevelopment Areas. Such designations are necessary for any project that requires a Highlands Preservation Area Approval under N.J.A.C. 7:38 (the NJDEP Preservation Area Rules) with a waiver of provisions regarding a brownfield or a site with existing impervious cover of 70 percent or more.