42. Recording of final approval of major subdivision; filing of all subdivision plats. a. Final approval of a major subdivision shall expire 95 days from the date of signing of the plat unless within such period the plat shall have been duly filed by the developer with the county recording officer. The planning board may for good cause shown extend the period for recording for an additional period not to exceed 190 days from the date of signing of the plat. The planning board may extend the 95-day or 190-day period if the developer proves to the reasonable satisfaction of the planning board (1) that the developer was barred or prevented, directly or indirectly, from filing because of delays in obtaining legally required approvals from other governmental or quasi-governmental entities and (2) that the developer applied promptly for and diligently pursued the required approvals. The length of the extension shall be equal to the period of delay caused by the wait for the required approvals, as determined by the planning board. The developer may apply for an extension either before or after the original expiration date.

b. No subdivision plat shall be accepted for filing by the county recording officer until it has been approved by the planning board as indicated on the instrument by the signature of the chairman and secretary of the planning board or a certificate has been issued pursuant to sections 35, 38, 44, 48, 54 or 63 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-47, 40:55D-50, 40:55D-56, 40:55D-61, 40:55D-67, 40:55D-76). The signatures of the chairman and secretary of the planning board shall not be affixed until the developer has posted the guarantees required pursuant to section 41 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C. 40:55D-53). If the county recording officer records any plat without such approval, such recording shall be deemed null and void, and upon request of the municipality, the plat shall be expunged from the official records.

c. It shall be the duty of the county recording officer to notify the planning board in writing within seven days of the filing of any plat, identifying such instrument by its title, date of filing, and official number.

L.1975,c.291,s.42; amended 1991,c.256,s.18.