N.J. Stat. § 40:55D-23.1
The governing body of any municipality in which the planning board exercises the powers of the board of adjustment pursuant to subsection c. of section 16 of P.L. 1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-25) may, by ordinance, provide for the appointment to the planning board of not more than four alternate members, who shall be municipal residents. The governing body of any municipality with a separate planning board and board of adjustment may, by ordinance, provide for the appointment to the planning board of not more than two alternate members, who shall be municipal residents.
Alternate members shall be appointed by the appointing authority for Class IV members, and shall meet the qualifications of Class IV members of nine-member planning boards. Alternate members shall be designated at the time of appointment by the mayor as "Alternate No. 1" and "Alternate No. 2," and, in the case of a municipality in which four alternates have been appointed, "Alternate No. l," "Alternate No. 2," "Alternate No. 3," and "Alternate No. 4." The terms of the alternate members shall be for two years, except that the terms of the alternate members shall be such that the term of not more than one alternate member shall expire in any one year; provided, however, that in any municipality in which four alternates have been appointed, the term of not more than two alternate members shall expire in any one year; and provided further that in no instance shall the terms of the alternate members first appointed exceed two years. A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled by the appointing authority for the unexpired term only.
No alternate member shall be permitted to act on any matter in which he has either directly or indirectly any personal or financial interest. An alternate member may, after public hearing if he requests one, be removed by the governing body for cause.
Alternate members may participate in all matters but may not vote except in the absence or disqualification of a regular member of any class. Participation of alternate members shall not be deemed to increase the size of the planning board established by ordinance of the governing body pursuant to section 14 of P.L. 1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-23). A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote.
N.J.S. § 40:55D-23.1