New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 7 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Chapter 7 - COASTAL PERMIT PROGRAM RULES
Subchapter 15 - USE RULES
Section 7:7-15.7 - Industry

(a) Industry uses are uses that involve industrial processing, manufacturing, storage, or distribution activities. These uses include, but are not limited to, electric power production, food and food by-product processing, paper production, agri-chemical production, chemical processes, storage facilities, metallurgical processes, mining and excavation processes, and processes using mineral products. Industrial uses do not include petroleum refining which is considered an energy use and, therefore, subject to the standards of 7:7-15.4.

(b) Industrial uses are encouraged in special urban areas. Elsewhere, industrial uses are conditionally acceptable provided they comply with all applicable location and resource rules. Particular attention should be given to location rules which reserve the water's edge for water dependent uses (7:7-9.16 and 9.30); to the buffers and compatibility of uses rule, 7:7-16.11, which requires that the use be compatible with existing uses in the area or adequate buffering be provided; and the lands and waters subject to public trust rights rule, 7:7-9.48, and the public access rule, 7:7-16.9, which places public access requirements upon the use.

(c) New industrial development is encouraged to locate at or adjacent to existing industrial sites, to the maximum extent practicable.

(d) Industry that is easily accessible to its labor force by foot or public transportation is encouraged.

(e) Marine resource-dependent industry, such as commercial fishing, is encouraged and shall have priority over other waterfront uses, except for recreation.

(f) The cogeneration of electricity with process steam is encouraged.

(g) Rationale: A strong industrial base is vital if an area is to be healthy and vibrant. Many of the developed parts of the coast are suffering from a declining industrial base. Land which had been productive is now vacant and in need of redevelopment. The industry rules encourage industry to locate in the vacant areas of the cities of the Northern and Delaware waterfronts. However, the rules recognize that a healthy waterfront will host a mix of uses. By asking waterfront industries to create public access to the water and make sites they would vacate available to the public, the rules also recognize the waterfront as a valuable public resource.

The industry rules address the conflicting demands and effects of industrial waterfront development. The rules recognize several factors which must be considered during the decision-making process. First, water dependent industry must locate somewhere along the waterfront. Other industry which needs water for operating or processing, some or all of the time, might also require a location near the waterfront, but landward of the water's edge. Second, as a result of environmental degradation, urban areas are suffering from unmet recreation and open space needs. Third, urban areas typically suffer from high unemployment and deteriorating tax bases. Fourth, city dwellers must be supported in their efforts to rejuvenate and revitalize their cities to make them pleasant and economically viable places to live.