N.J. Stat. Ann. § 40:55D-72.1

Any application for development submitted to the board of adjustment pursuant to lawful authority before the effective date of an ordinance pursuant to subsection c. of section 16 of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (C. 40:55D-25) may be continued at the option of the applicant, and the board of adjustment shall have every power which it possessed before the effective date of the ordinance in regard to the application.