Manasquan Approves Zoning Changes for Affordable Housing

New plan aims to meet state requirements and avoid lawsuits

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Borough of Manasquan, New Jersey has approved a series of zoning and regulatory changes to meet the state's latest affordable housing requirements. The changes are part of Manasquan's Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, which outlines how the borough will fulfill its state-mandated affordable housing obligations between 2025 and 2035. The plan would provide the borough with legal protection from potential builder's remedy lawsuits if approved by the courts.

Why it matters

Manasquan, like many New Jersey municipalities, is facing pressure to increase its affordable housing stock to comply with the state's Mount Laurel doctrine. Failure to meet these obligations can leave towns vulnerable to lawsuits from developers that can override local zoning rules. By proactively updating its affordable housing plan, Manasquan aims to secure 'immunity' from such lawsuits while shaping the future of development in the community.

The details

The new zoning changes create new affordable housing zones, update development fee rules, and establish design standards for how affordable units must be integrated into future projects. Key elements include an Affordable Housing AR-3 Zone allowing up to 24 units with 5 affordable units, an AR-4 Zone for 14 townhomes with 3 affordable units, and an Affordable Housing Overlay Zone covering parts of Route 71 and Main Street where redevelopment must include affordable housing.

  • The borough has been working on its fourth-round affordable housing obligations for the past year.
  • The state requires municipalities to adopt these affordable housing measures by March 15, 2026.

The players

Manasquan

The Borough of Manasquan, New Jersey, which is updating its affordable housing plan to comply with state requirements.

Fair Share Housing Center

A statewide organization that monitors whether municipalities comply with affordable housing requirements. Manasquan has reached an amended mediation agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center as part of this process.

Mayor Mangan

The mayor of Manasquan who addressed the affordable housing ordinances during a recent Borough Council meeting.

Wall Township

A neighboring municipality that is facing much larger affordable housing requirements compared to Manasquan.

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What they’re saying

“Every town has an obligation it has to fulfill. About a year ago, Manasquan was looking at a requirement of 78 affordable housing units. Since then, through negotiations and planning, we've been able to reduce that number to 12.5 units.”

— Mayor Mangan (tapinto.net)

“If we have to be part of this process, which we do, we're trying to do it with the least possible impact on the town. These projects still have a long timeline before construction, so this is really the first step in the approval process.”

— Mayor Mangan (tapinto.net)

What’s next

The amended agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center still needs to be approved by the courts in order for Manasquan to receive certification of its affordable housing plan and secure immunity from builder's remedy lawsuits.

The takeaway

Manasquan's proactive approach to updating its affordable housing plan demonstrates how municipalities in New Jersey are navigating the complex requirements of the Mount Laurel doctrine. By working collaboratively with the Fair Share Housing Center and carefully planning the location and design of new affordable units, Manasquan aims to meet its obligations while minimizing the impact on the community.