One of the important considerations built into the Highlands Act is the distinct treatment given to single family dwellings.  While the Highlands Act includes stringent limitations on certain development activities, the Act provides four broad exemptions relating to the construction or expansion of single family dwellings.  Two exemptions allow the construction of a single family dwelling on a lot in existence on August 10, 2004, one exemption allows any improvement to a single family dwelling in existence on August 10, 2004, and the fourth exemption authorizes the reconstruction of any building or structure for any reason within 125% of the footprint of the lawfully existing impervious surfaces on the site.  Please note that these exemptions include specific conditions and may require a determination from the NJDEP.