When must an appeal for a zoning ordinance be filed?

An appeal for a zoning ordinance must be filed within 10 days of the final decision because this timeframe is established under New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law. This specific period is designed to provide a balanced approach, allowing sufficient time for a party to prepare their appeal while also ensuring a prompt resolution of zoning disputes. A 10-day window fosters efficiency in the land use decision-making process and allows for timely responses from governing bodies and affected parties.

Other timeframes, such as 5, 15, or 30 days, do not align with the stipulations set forth in New Jersey law regarding zoning ordinances. Adhering to the specified 10-day deadline is crucial, as missing it could result in the appeal being dismissed or deemed invalid, thereby impacting the rights of the appellants to contest the zoning decision.