New Jersey Statutes Title 52. State Government, Departments and Officers 52 § 27D-316

a. For those exclusionary zoning cases instituted more than 60 days before the effective date of this act, any party to the litigation may file a motion with the court to seek a transfer of the case to the council. In determining whether or not to transfer, the court shall consider whether or not the transfer would result in a manifest injustice to any party to the litigation. If the municipality fails to file a housing element and fair share plan with the council within five months from the date of transfer, or promulgation of criteria and guidelines by the council pursuant to section 7 of this act,  1 whichever occurs later, jurisdiction shall revert to the court.

b. Any person who institutes litigation less than 60 days before the effective date of this act or after the effective date of this act challenging a municipality's zoning ordinance with respect to the opportunity to provide for low or moderate income housing, shall file a notice to request review and mediation with the council pursuant to sections 14 and 15 of this act.  2 In the event that the municipality adopts a resolution of participation within the period established in subsection a. of section 9 of this act,  3 the person shall exhaust the review and mediation process of the council before being entitled to a trial on his complaint.