12. In addition to the contents of the regional master plan described in section 11 of this act, the plan shall also include, with respect to the preservation area, a land use capability map and a comprehensive statement of policies for planning and managing the development and use of land in the preservation area, which shall be based upon, comply with, and implement the environmental standards adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to sections 33 and 34 of this act, and the resource assessment prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection a. of section 11 of this act.

These policies shall include provision for implementing the regional master plan by the State and local government units in the preservation area in a manner that will ensure the continued, uniform, and consistent protection of the Highlands Region in accordance with the goals, purposes, policies, and provisions of this act, and shall include:

a. a preservation zone element that identifies zones within the preservation area where development shall not occur in order to protect water resources and environmentally sensitive lands and which shall be permanently preserved through use of a variety of tools, including but not limited to land acquisition and the transfer of development rights; and

b. minimum standards governing municipal and county master planning, development regulations, and other regulations concerning the development and use of land in the preservation area, including, but not limited to, standards for minimum lot sizes and stream setbacks, construction on steep slopes, maximum appropriate population densities, and regulated or prohibited uses for specific portions of the preservation area.

L.2004,c.120,s.12.