A Master Plan is an official document adopted by the municipality that describes the current conditions and establishes a vision for the community's future. A Master Plan is designed to guide all land use decisions – for example, to encourage development or protect open space - within the municipality "in a manner which protects public health and safety and promotes the general welfare."

A Master Plan forms the legal foundation for the zoning ordinance and zoning map. The zoning ordinance and map, which are adopted by the Township Committee, constitute the primary law governing the use of land at the local level. Every variance request from development regulations requested must show that there is still consistency with the intent and purpose of the Master Plan. Also, every land use ordinance or redevelopment plan should be consistent with a municipality’s Master Plan.

In New Jersey, a Master Plan must include a Statement of Objectives, Principles, Assumptions, Policies, and Standards (SOPAPS), a Land Use Element, and a Housing Element (if a municipality wants to utilize zoning). Master Plans sometimes include additional elements relevant to the municipality, such as a Circulation Plan, Economic Plan, or Historic Preservation Plan.

Hillsborough's most recently adopted Master Plan, created in 1996, is outdated. 

Over the years, Hillsborough has periodically reexamined its Master Plan, with the latest review conducted in 2018. These reexaminations have been essential for assessing demographic shifts, land use developments, and policy changes. The 2024 Master Plan Update not only revisits the existing plan but also takes a comprehensive look at Hillsborough's current state and envisions the community's desired future. This update aims to address present-day challenges and opportunities, ensuring that our strategies and policies are aligned with the community's evolving needs and aspirations.

A Master Plan is a document that guides all policy decisions within a municipality and sets the course for future action. The different focus areas affect the Township in different ways, but the common goal is to improve the quality of life for residents.

Hillsborough is a great place to live, work, and shop, and we want to keep it that way. We also want to respond to changes that are affecting our community proactively. The Master Plan will guide how the Township can continue to be an excellent community for current residents and future generations. We need your help to shape this future by getting involved with the Master Planning process.

The Planning Board adopts the Master Plan and the Township Committee implements the Master Plan, but the Master Plan should reflect the vision of the entire community. That is why Hillsborough wants to hear what you have to say. We need you to help guide this process and share your thoughts on how you envision the community's future.

Updating a Master Plan is a significant responsibility, and Hillsborough Township is committed to ensuring the process is thorough, transparent, and community-driven.

The Hillsborough Township Master Plan Subcommittee has been meeting regularly throughout 2024 to carefully plan and guide this process. Our first public survey is now live, and its purpose is to gather initial feedback from our community. We want to understand how residents feel about living in Hillsborough and gather ideas for future planning.

Once the survey results are in, our Project Team will analyze the data to identify the community’s priorities. Using this insight, we will host a Public Meeting where residents will have the opportunity to engage directly with the Project Team and discuss more specific ideas and concerns for the future.

Following the Public Meeting, a second survey will be launched. This survey will be shaped by the feedback received from the initial survey and the Public Meeting, and will help us refine the recommendations for the Master Plan.

The Master Plan Subcommittee will then prepare the first draft of the Master Plan. After a series of revisions, this draft will be finalized and submitted to the Township Committee. Upon review and approval, the Township Committee will formally adopt the updated Master Plan.