Prohibits municipalities from requiring certain plan approval related to addition of up to five van accessible parking spaces to existing parking facilities.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight and 1 co-sponsor

Allows adding up to five van-accessible parking spaces in commercial zones without minor-site-plan or construction-code approvals if ADA-compliant.

Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee

Overview

Bill S 693 (Session 222, New Jersey) would prohibit municipalities from requiring certain approvals for modest parking lot improvements aimed at adding up to five van-accessible parking spaces in commercial zones. The measure amends existing accessibility and zoning law to streamline minor enhancements that meet federal accessibility standards.

Main purpose and intent

Facilitate the addition of up to five van-accessible parking spaces in existing parking lots or structures within commercial zones without the usual local approvals.

Ensure these minor improvements conform to the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design, or its successor.

Align local permitting with federal accessibility requirements, reducing administrative barriers for small-scale accessibility enhancements.

Key provisions

Amendment to P.L.1977, c.202 (C.39:4-197.5):

a. Municipal authority remains to establish restricted parking spaces for people with special vehicle identification cards in various locations (unchanged baseline authority).
b. Subsection (1) provides a significant exception:
A municipality may not require approval of a minor site plan or standard site plan, as defined by N.J.S.A. 40:55D-5 and 40:55D-7, or any other approval under the State Uniform Construction Code or related statutes, if the sole purpose is to add up to five van-accessible parking spaces within an existing parking lot or structure in a commercial zone.
The exception applies when the improvement complies with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (or a successor standard) and when the spaces meet van-accessible criteria (wide enough for wheelchair lifts/ramps, higher vertical clearance, and proper signage).
Subsection (2) clarifies definitions:
“2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design” refers to the federal standards published Sept. 15, 2010.
“Van accessible” describes the space characteristics and required signage.

Effective date: immediate upon enactment.

Who is affected

Municipalities: Reduced procedural requirements for specific small-scale accessibility improvements.

Commercial property owners/landlords: Easier path to upgrade parking for accessibility without minor-site-plan reviews.

Individuals with disabilities: Potential for faster addition of van-accessible spaces, improving access and compliance with ADA guidelines.

Local planning/regulatory authorities: Streamlined review process for qualifying projects.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The act would take effect immediately after enactment.

It alters the standard review pathway only for minor site plans or site plans related to seven listed codes, provided the work is limited to up to five van-accessible spaces and complies with ADA standards.

The bill has progressed: introduced in January 2026, reported from Senate committee in May 2026, and passed the Senate by a 36-0 vote in May 2026. It has been referred to the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Summary

S 693 narrows the regulatory hurdle for small-scale, ADA-compliant upgrades to parking facilities in commercial zones by allowing up to five van-accessible spaces to be added without the usual minor-site-plan or construction-code approvals. The measure emphasizes accessibility compliance and seeks to reduce delays and administrative burdens while maintaining adherence to federal standards.