New Jersey Statutes Title 40. Municipalities and Counties 40 § 55D-110

The planning board and board of adjustment shall refer to the historic preservation commission every application for development submitted to either board for development in historic zoning districts or on historic sites designated on the zoning or official map or identified in any component element of the master plan.  This referral shall be made when the application for development is deemed complete or is scheduled for a hearing, whichever occurs sooner.  Failure to refer the application as required shall not invalidate any hearing or proceeding.  The historic preservation commission may provide its advice, which shall be conveyed through its delegation of one of its members or staff to testify orally at the hearing on the application and to explain any written report which may have been submitted.