Unless an objection to the substantive certification is filed with the council by any person within 45 days of the publication of the notice of the municipality’s petition, the council shall review the petition and shall issue a substantive certification if it shall find that:

a. The municipality’s fair share plan is consistent with the rules and criteria adopted by the council and not inconsistent with achievement of the low and moderate income housing needs of the region as adjusted pursuant to the council’s criteria and guidelines adopted pursuant to subsection c. of section 7 of this act; and

b. The combination of the elimination of unnecessary housing cost-generating features from the municipal land use ordinances and regulations, and the affirmative measures in the housing element and implementation plan make the achievement of the municipality’s fair share of low and moderate income housing realistically possible after allowing for the implementation of any regional contribution agreement approved by the council.

In conducting its review, the council may meet with the municipality and may deny the petition or condition its certification upon changes in the element or ordinances. Any denial or conditions for approval shall be in writing and shall set forth the reasons for the denial or conditions. If, within 60 days of the council’s denial or conditional approval, the municipality refiles its petition with changes satisfactory to the council, the council shall issue a substantive certification.

Once substantive certification is granted, the municipality shall have 45 days in which to adopt its fair share housing ordinance approved by the council.

L. 1985, c. 222, s. 14, eff. July 2, 1985, operative July 2, 1985.