A.Â
No building shall hereafter be erected, and no existing building shall be used, moved, structurally altered, converted, rebuilt, added to or enlarged or reduced, wholly or in part, nor shall any land be designed, used or physically altered, for any purpose or in any manner other than those included among the uses listed as permitted uses in each zoning district by this chapter and meeting the requirements set forth in the schedule of regulations (§ 131-7), nor shall any open space contiguous to any building be encroached upon or reduced in any manner, except in conformity to the area and bulk requirements, off-street parking and loading requirements and all other regulations designated in the schedule and this chapter for the zoning district in which such building or space is located.
B.Â
Where a lot is formed from part of a lot already occupied
by a building, such subdivision shall be effected in such a manner
as not to impair any of the requirements of this chapter with respect
to the existing building and all yards and other open space in connection
therewith and so that all resulting lots have adequate dimensions
consistent with the requirements of the zoning district in which it
is located and so that all lots have frontage on a street.
C.Â
No part of a yard or open space required about any
building or off-street parking or loading space required for one building
or use for the purpose of complying with the requirements of this
chapter shall be included in whole or in part as meeting the yard,
open space, off-street parking or loading space requirements for another
building or use.
D.Â
In the event of any such unlawful encroachment or
reduction, such building or use shall be deemed to be in violation
of this chapter, and the certificate of occupancy shall become void.
E.Â
No person shall rent or suffer to be occupied an impermissible
unit in a building which such person owns or otherwise controls.
F.Â
Upon a tenant being required to vacate an impermissible
rental unit, the landlord of said tenant shall pay to said tenant
all reasonable moving and relocation expenses incurred in the procuring
of a new rental unit; any security deposit; any pro rata rent which
may be due to the tenant because of the tenant being required to vacate
the unit prior to the expiration of the tenancy; as well as any attorney
fees and legal costs incurred by the Borough of Rutherford.
A.Â
Schedule of regulations adopted. The schedules of
regulations entitled "Table of General Use Regulations" and "Table
of General Bulk Regulations,"[1] attached hereto and applying to the uses of land and buildings,
the yards and other open spaces to be provided contiguous thereto
and all other matters contained therein or indicated for the various
zones established by this chapter, are hereby declared to be part
of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said tables are included as attachments to this chapter.
B.Â
Regulations as minimum requirements. The regulations
listed for each zone on said schedules of regulations are hereby prescribed
for such zone, subject to other pertinent provisions of this chapter,
and shall be deemed to be the minimum requirements in every instance
of their application.
D.Â
Supplements to schedules of regulations. The following are supplemental schedules to the Table of General Use Regulations (§ 131-7A):
(1)Â
The following is a detailed list of principal permitted
local retail, office and service uses for the B1, B-3, B3/SH and B4
Districts:
[Amended 2-27-2018 by Ord. No. 3449-18]
(a)Â
Uses enumerated.
[Amended 9-13-2021 by Ord. No. 3580-21]
Ambulatory surgical centers
|
Antique shops
|
Appliances and electronics
|
Architects
|
Art and school supply stores
|
Art galleries and studios
|
Barbershops
|
Beauty shops
|
Bicycle stores, including rental and repair
|
Blueprinting and photostating establishments
|
Book or stationery stores, except adult bookstores
|
Camera and photographic supply stores
|
Card shops
|
Catering establishments
|
China and glassware stores
|
Clothing and costume rental shops
|
Coin and stamp stores
|
Computer sales and servicing stores
|
Custom dressmaking and millinery shops
|
Draperies, curtains and upholstery stores
|
Drugstores
|
Dry-cleaning stores, except self-service
|
Employment agencies
|
Finance companies
|
Floor coverings store
|
Florist shops
|
Food stores, grocery stores, meat and fish markets,
bakery good sales, candy and ice cream shops and delicatessens
|
Furniture and home furnishings stores
|
Furrier shops
|
Gift shops
|
Haberdasheries
|
Hardware stores
|
Hobby shops
|
Household appliance stores
|
Insurance offices
|
Interior decorating shops
|
Jewelry stores, including watch repair
|
Laundries employing not more than four persons
in addition to one owner or manager
|
Leather goods and luggage stores
|
Linen stores
|
Liquor stores
|
Locksmith shops
|
Music and record shops
|
Musical instrument shops
|
Newsstands
|
Office supply stores
|
Paint, glass and wallpaper stores
|
Permanent cosmetics establishments
|
Pet shops
|
Physicians
|
Photograph developing and processing shops
|
Photographers' or artists' studios
|
Picture-framing establishments
|
Printing, lithographing or publishing establishments
for letter press, business cards, mimeographing and other similar
services; newspaper publishing, including engraving and photoengraving
|
Radio, stereo and TV sales and repair shop
|
Religious article sales shop
|
Real estate offices
|
Restaurants and food service establishments,
excluding drive-in and walkup window establishments
|
Retail bakeries
|
Schools for music, dance, computer training,
martial arts or tutorial programs
|
Secondhand stores, when conducted wholly within
a completely enclosed building
|
Service stations
|
Sewing machine stores
|
Shoe repair stores
|
Shoe stores
|
Sporting goods stores
|
Tailor shops
|
Theaters, excluding drive-in theaters
|
Tobacco shops
|
Toy shops
|
Travel bureau and ticket offices
|
Vacuum sales and repairs
|
Variety stores
|
Video rental and/or sales stores
|
Wearing apparel shops
|
(b)Â
None of the foregoing permitted uses shall carry
merchandise other than that intended to be sold at retail on the premises.
(c)Â
Any use not specifically and expressly permitted
herein for the B-3 District is prohibited.
(2)Â
The following is a detailed list of principal permitted
automobile serving or transient-oriented retail and service uses permitted
for the HC District:
Carpet, rug and linoleum stores
| |
Electrical and household appliance stores, including
radio and television sales
| |
Furniture stores
| |
Garden centers
| |
Lumberyards
| |
Masonry and building materials sales
| |
New car and truck dealerships
| |
Office supply stores
| |
Paint and wallpaper stores
| |
Plumbing showrooms
| |
Restaurants, including drive-in restaurants,
theaters and bowling alleys
|
(3)Â
ORD District. The following is a list of principal
conditional uses permitted in the ORD District:
(a)Â
Manufacturing plants of a type which carry on
processes within completely enclosed buildings, including the manufacture,
assembly or treatment of products from previously prepared materials.
(5)Â
Amusement game operations, except amusement centers, shall be an additional permitted accessory use in all districts except residential districts, provided that a license is obtained in accordance with Chapter 8, Amusement Games, of this Code and said use is limited to no more than 20% of the floor area of the principal use of the premises.
(6)Â
Residential apartments shall be a permitted conditional
use in B-1, B-3 and B-3/SH Districts, subject to the following conditions:
[Amended 2-16-1999 by Ord. No. 2884-99; 12-28-2010 by Ord.
No. 3218-10; 6-28-2011 by Ord. No. 3230-11]
(a)Â
All residential units shall be located in a building with a
ground floor that is primarily devoted to a permitted nonresidential
use, which is defined as no less than 80% of the gross building area
of the ground floor level of the building being devoted to a nonresidential
use.
(b)Â
The primary public access point to the nonresidential use must
be located on the front facade of the building or structure.
(c)Â
The horizontal width of the front facade of the ground floor
nonresidential space must be no less than 80% of the gross outside
width of the front facade of the building and contain traditional
shop windows. If the building has more than one front facade, this
requirement would be applied along each street frontage.
(d)Â
The entire building facade shall conform to all applicable Downtown
Facade Design Guidelines.
(e)Â
Principally permitted nonresidential uses shall not be restricted
to the ground floor level and may also be situated above the ground
floor.
(f)Â
No residential units shall be permitted on the ground floor
or in the basement area of a mixed-use building.
(g)Â
No residential units shall be permitted in buildings or structures
that include an industrial or light industrial use or a dry cleaning
operation.
(h)Â
Prior to a change of occupancy of a residential unit, a certificate
of occupancy shall be obtained.
E.Â
Supplements to schedules of regulations. The following are supplemental
schedules to the Table of General Bulk Regulations[2] for the B-3 District.
[Added 9-12-2016 by Ord.
No. 3403-16]
(1)Â
General.
(a)Â
This section shall apply to all buildings in the Rutherford
Business District ("the District"), which is specifically designated
in Schedule A[3] attached hereto and made a part hereof, that are or become
used, whether all or in part, for nonresidential use; provided, however,
that these rules shall not apply to public buildings.
[3]
Editor's Note: Schedule A is on file in the Borough Clerk's
office.
(b)Â
The purpose of this section is to provide a clear approach to
design and construction of the built environment in the District with
the goal of improving the appearance of the District by both preserving
existing, architecturally significant buildings and facades and allowing
for the creation of new, architecturally significant buildings and
facades. The exterior architectural appeal and the proposed plan of
a building when erected should not be so at variance with those of
buildings already constructed or in the course of construction in
the immediate neighborhood as to cause a substantial depreciation
of the property values of the surrounding buildings. Additionally,
new signage and other streetscape improvements should reinforce the
goal of improving the appearance of the District.
(c)Â
No construction permit shall be issued for signage, exterior
construction, and/or exterior alteration or renovation for any building
in the District, used in whole or in part for nonresidential purposes,
without the review and approval of plans by the Zoning Officer.
(d)Â
Nothing contained here shall exempt any property owner, tenant,
or applicant from compliance with any requirement of the Rutherford
Building and Zoning Department, the New Jersey State Building Code,
and other applicable laws and codes.
(2)Â
Streetscape Committee.
(a)Â
For each application presented to it, the Streetscape Committee
shall report its final findings and recommendations to the Zoning
Officer.
(b)Â
Composition.
[1]Â
A Streetscape Committee of nine members shall be established,
consisting of the following classes:
[a]Â
Class 1: A member of the Planning Board appointed
by the Mayor.
[b]Â
Class 2: A representative from the Building and
Zoning Department appointed by the Mayor.
[c]Â
Class 3: Four members of the business community
located in the commercial area of the Borough appointed by the Mayor,
at least one of which should be from the West End of the Borough.
[d]Â
Class 4: Three Borough residents appointed by the
Mayor.
[2]Â
At least two of these members shall have had training or experience
in building design.
(c)Â
Terms. All members shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor.
(d)Â
Organization. The Committee shall elect a Chairperson and Vice
Chairperson.
(e)Â
Powers and duties. The Streetscape Committee shall be advisory
to the Zoning Officer and shall function under the Zoning Board's
authority.
(f)Â
The Committee is authorized to adopt its operational procedures.
It shall have the following powers and duties:
[1]Â
Assist applicants in attaining conformance with acceptable design
and construction standards, with emphasis on informal discussions.
[2]Â
Review applications pertaining to design criteria set forth
within this chapter and recommend approval or disapproval to the appropriate
board or official.
[3]Â
Monitor the erection and condition of the streetscape throughout
the Borough for compliance with the streetscape regulations.
[4]Â
Advise the Zoning Officer of violations or noncompliance with
this chapter and recommend measures for their correction.
[5]Â
Review and recommend amendments to this chapter for consideration
by the Mayor and Borough Council.
[6]Â
Meet at least once per month.
(3)Â
Application procedures.
(a)Â
Any improvement or change to a building's facade, signage, lighting
or appearance of the streetscape within the District shall be subject
to review and approval as provided in this section. All applications
requesting review of such improvements or changes shall be filed with
the Zoning Officer and referred to the Streetscape Committee, when
applicable, in accordance with the requirements stated herein.
(b)Â
The applicant shall file seven copies of the application with
the Zoning Officer. The Streetscape Committee shall place all applications
received from the Zoning Officer on its agenda for its next monthly
meeting and shall notify the applicant of the completeness of the
initial application as soon as practical thereafter. An application
will be considered complete if all of the information requested within
same has been provided. New applications filed after the Streetscape
Committee's monthly meeting shall be considered the following month.
(c)Â
For each application presented to it, the Streetscape Committee
shall report its final findings and recommendations to the Zoning
Officer. The Streetscape Committee shall conduct its review of the
application to determine compliance with this section.
(d)Â
Within 10 days of the completed review of the Streetscape Committee's
report, the Zoning Officer will issue his/her decision on the application.
(e)Â
Any person, association of persons or corporation within the
District and subject to this chapter shall have the right of appeal
of any decisions made pursuant to this section in accordance with
N.J.S.A. 40:55D-72; provided, however, that if the application is
part of an application for development before the Planning Board,
the appeal will be before the Planning Board. Nothing herein shall
prevent an application for variance relief under the New Jersey Municipal
Land Use Laws. Each appeal shall be taken within 20 days of receiving
notice of the decision of the Zoning Officer.
(4)Â
Required submissions.
(a)Â
Before commencement of any improvements, an applicant who proposes
signage or construction, alteration, and/or renovation to any building
facade within the District shall submit seven complete sets of the
following documents to the Zoning Officer:
[1]Â
Professional certified accurate drawings, sketch plats and/or
narratives to scale, depicting all elements of signage; building elevation;
any element to be demolished, removed or changed; all proposed materials,
colors and finishes; and all proposed facade construction, alteration,
and/or renovation.
[2]Â
Photographs of the existing subject property and adjacent buildings.
[3]Â
When available, documentation (historic photos or drawings and
the like) of any original conditions or buildings that support restoration
of, or changes to, the building and/or facade.
[4]Â
Such additional documentation as the Zoning Officer may determine
necessary for its review.
(5)Â
Design requirements for rehabilitation or renovation and alteration.
All applications for approval shall comply with the following standards:
(a)Â
Building mass and style.
[1]Â
The proposed design shall consider the original mass (size and shape) of the building and shall be in accordance with the standard set forth in Subsection E(1)(b).
[2]Â
The proposed design shall consider the relationship between
the building facade and its original window and door spacing and heights,
bays and cornices, remaining original upper stories and shall be consistent
with those buildings within 200 feet.
(b)Â
Facade treatments and materials.
[Amended 8-7-2023 by Ord. No. 3656-23]
[1]Â
When facade changes are made, hidden architectural elements
and original materials shall be restored or replaced to match the
original architecture of the building where practicable and if reasonable.
Existing, architecturally significant elements shall not be covered
or hidden.
[2]Â
In any historic structure, materials that were not available
in the era of the building's original construction shall not
be used, except where reproduction materials make historic details
replaceable that otherwise might not be replaceable.
[3]Â
Residentially scaled, horizontal vinyl or aluminum siding and
exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS) are not permitted.
[4]Â
Where the historic construction was brick, stone or stucco,
the original masonry and mortar shall be uncovered, repaired, and
restored, or replaced with historically correct construction products
where practicable and if reasonable. The original color and texture
of masonry surfaces shall be restored.
[5]Â
Old mortar shall be duplicated in color, texture and bonding
strength so as to avoid damage to masonry.
[6]Â
All painting and paint colors shall require approval. Painting
of masonry is prohibited. It may be considered when stained or missing
masonry cannot be restored to a neat and clean appearance by reasonable
means. Colors must be selected to match the section of the Sherwin-Williams
Preservation Palette and/or the Benjamin Moore Historical Collection
that is appropriate for the architectural style and period of the
original building. Vibrant colors in the preservation palette shall
only be used for trim and should be used to accentuate trim and other
architectural elements such as windows, doors and cornices. Only satin,
flat finish or eggshell finish shall be used on the body of the building.
[7]Â
Facades shall be cleaned with the gentlest materials possible
in order to prevent damage to the facade of the existing building.
All facades shall be maintained in a clean condition and shall be
maintained free of animal excreta.
(c)Â
Storefronts.
[1]Â
The design shall be compatible with the proportions of the rest
of the building.
[2]Â
The entry door shall be recessed, with the display windows set
next to the sidewalk in accordance with the applicable building code
of the Borough of Rutherford and other applicable laws.
[3]Â
The storefront shall be bounded by the sidewalk on the bottom,
the lower edge of the upper facade on top, and a wall on either side.
[4]Â
The storefront shall form a definable base for the building
and be designed to fit within its original opening. It shall not extend
beyond the original opening and shall not be reduced from its original
height.
[5]Â
The storefront may have recessed portions but shall not be recessed
as a whole and shall be in accordance with the applicable building
code of the Borough of Rutherford and other applicable laws.
[6]Â
Glass should be a minimum of 70% of the base of the facade of
the storefront to accommodate large display windows.
(d)Â
Windows and doors.
[1]Â
Original door and window openings (including transoms, lintels,
and sills) and accenting features shall be maintained and shall be
restored to historic size and style where practicable and if reasonable.
[2]Â
If a door is replaced, or is not original, the new door must
be selected as part of the entire facade and be compatible in design,
shape, size, and color with the rest of the storefront and building.
[3]Â
Window and door repairs shall replace damaged parts with like
materials to that of the existing windows or doors.
[4]Â
New windows should replicate the originals in size, style, spacing
and division where practicable and if reasonable. They shall replicate
the original height, including transoms, up to the original header
height where determinable. True or architectural divided lights are
required when divided light windows or doors are installed.
[5]Â
Storm windows and storm doors are prohibited. Exterior screened
window and exterior screened doors are prohibited. Glass shall be
clear and untinted. Low-E coatings shall be clear.
[6]Â
Removal of overdoor air-conditioning units and restoration of
transoms is required when new storefronts are being installed unless
the cost for removal exceeds the amount for installing the new storefront.
[7]Â
Secondary doors leading to upper floors, where original or appropriate,
shall be included in and coordinated with the rest of the renovation.
[8]Â
Where a new storefront of windows is being designed and the
original windows have been previously removed or destroyed, new anodized
aluminum or brass frames and modern glass are permitted except where
such product would significantly and adversely affect the historic
nature of the building. The design shall be in keeping with the original
size and style of the building where practicable and if reasonable.
[9]Â
Window frames shall be of darker colors (bronze or copper patina,
for example). White, sand or silver colored frames or unpainted aluminum
frames are prohibited except on modern buildings where the style and
design is original.
[10]Â
Historically correct replacement windows shall be permitted
and shall be made to fit the original opening, provided they are not
egress windows.
(e)Â
Detailing.
[1]Â
Details (any individual feature of a building) shall remain
and be restored wherever practicable and if reasonable. Replacement
materials shall match existing where practicable and if reasonable.
The applicant shall attempt to identify signs of a cornice or other
architecturally significant elements, which may have been removed
from a building, and more subtle details, such as the trim around
windows, which may be important to the design of the overall facade,
and restore or replace same where practicable and reasonable.
[2]Â
New facade details and articulation shall be compatible with
the design of similar nearby buildings within 200 feet and within
Schedule A.[4] Horizontal lines, such as cornices, belt courses (horizontal
banding) and opening heights often continue from one building to the
next and shall not be disrupted where practicable and if reasonable.
[4]
Editor's Note: Schedule A is on file in the Borough Clerk's
office.
(f)Â
Awnings. Awnings are permitted in all zoning districts, and
awning signs shall be permitted in the B-1, B-2, B-3, B-3/SH, B-4,
ORD and PCD Districts. Awnings and awning signs that are located in
a zoning district wherein awning signs are permitted, excepting one-
and two-family dwelling structures, shall be subject to the following
standards:
[Amended 2-27-2018 by Ord. No. 3449-18]
[1]Â
The installation of awnings is encouraged where architecturally appropriate. Awnings may be operable or fixed. Awnings shall be of a size, shape, material, color and design that is appropriate for the building upon which they are affixed and shall be in accordance with the standards set forth within § 131-7E(5)(b). Appropriateness will be determined by reviewing the design of the building to which the awning is affixed, as well as awnings on buildings within 200 feet of the existing building.
[2]Â
The vertical flap of any awning shall not exceed eight inches
in height.
[3]Â
Lettering is restricted to the vertical flap of the awning and
shall not exceed six inches in height.
[4]Â
One emblem logo may be used per awning. Location of the awning's
emblem logo is restricted to the center of the main body of the awning
or to the center of the vertical flap. The maximum allowable size
of an emblem logo shall be computed as follows: the awning's linear
width multiplied by 15% shall be the maximum area (square footage)
of the emblem logo, or four square feet, whichever is less.
[5]Â
The size of awnings (clearances above the sidewalk and projection
from the building) are regulated by the Borough of Rutherford's Zoning
Code. The exact location and sizing of the storefront awning shall
be coordinated with the building's original windows and cornices and
other architectural details as well as existing awnings on adjacent
buildings where they have been installed according to these regulations.
[6]Â
Awning signs shall be calculated as part of the permitted sign square footage for a property as provided in § 131-7E(5)(h).
[7]Â
The minimum height above the sidewalk for awnings shall be seven
feet six inches at its lowest point.
[8]Â
Awnings shall not extend above the first story nor over 12 feet
six inches above the sidewalk, whichever is less, except that the
individual awnings may be erected over windows located on floors above
the first floor.
[9]Â
No awning or awning sign may project more than three feet over
any part of any street or any street right-of-way nor extend more
than five feet from the building or structure to which it is attached.
The owner of the building and/or tenant with an awning or awning sign
accepts all liability for such awnings, awning signs or signage installed
over the right-of-way. Retractable awnings located within the Park
Avenue Business Improvement District may project five feet over any
part of the street or any street right-of-way but may not extend more
than five feet from the building or structure to which it is attached.
The height of the awning, when fully extended, shall not exceed the
length of its projection from the building.
[10]Â
All awnings and awning signs must conform to the applicable
building codes.
[11]Â
No awning or awning sign shall be backlighted or be constructed
of any material which permits the passage of light or allows light
to be seen through the material so as to illuminate the exterior of
the awning.
[12]Â
No awning or awning sign shall have permanent illumination involving
intermittent or flashing lights. This condition does not apply to
temporary holiday/festive lighting decorations.
[13]Â
All awnings, canopies or marquees shall be maintained in a clean
and neat-appearing condition, and such maintenance, where applicable,
shall include regular cleaning and removal and repainting of any chipped
or blistered paint or replacement of fabric or material which is cracked,
torn, ripped or otherwise disintegrating.
[14]Â
Any awning, canopy or marquee which no longer identifies a bona
fide business shall be taken down and removed or modified by the owner
of the premises within 10 days after such business has ceased, and
any permits or approvals therefor shall be deemed to have expired
at such time.
[15]Â
If the Construction Code Official finds that any awning, canopy
or marquee has been erected in such a manner or has deteriorated to
such a degree as to be unsightly or to constitute a hazard to the
general public, the hazard shall be eliminated within 24 hours, and
the awning, canopy or marquee shall be removed or repaired to the
satisfaction of the Construction Code Official within 30 days after
written notice of such condition has been served upon the owner, owner's
agent, lessee or occupant. Failure to comply therewith shall be a
violation of this chapter and subject the offender to its penalties.
[16]Â
The lettering and logo portion of the awning sign shall be limited
to the flap of the awning, not to exceed eight inches in height. There
shall be no profane language on any display.
[17]Â
Any building number on an awning sign shall be in Arabic numerals
and English alphabet letters.
[18]Â
The municipality reserves the right to establish licensing requirements
for awnings which extend onto the Borough right-of-way.
[19]Â
All canopies, awnings or marquees in the Rutherford Business District set forth at § 131-7E(1)(a) shall be reviewed for compliance with this section.
(g)Â
Roof, chimney, and other elements.
[1]Â
The original roof shape shall be maintained where practicable
and if reasonable.
[2]Â
If the roof is visible from street level, roofing materials
that match the original in form, shape, size, color, and texture shall
be used where practicable and if reasonable.
[3]Â
Parapets, bays, towers, turrets, gables and dormers, and the
like shall be preserved, restored and maintained where practicable
and if reasonable.
[4]Â
Satellite dishes, antennas, or mechanical equipment shall not
be visible to pedestrian or vehicular traffic from the street, except
where allowable by local ordinance or federal law.
[5]Â
Chimneys shall remain the original material where practicable
and if reasonable. Metal flue and cinderblock chimneys are prohibited
unless same can be reasonably camouflaged to match the color of the
existing building.
(h)Â
Signage. The following shall apply to all applicable buildings
noted on Schedule A[5] attached hereto:
[Amended 2-27-2018 by Ord. No. 3449-18]
[1]Â
Location. The primary store identification signage must remain
within the defined boundaries of the storefront. For a two-story building,
the signage shall be placed above the storefront windows and below
the second-floor windows. For a one-story building, the signage shall
be placed above the storefront windows and below the top of the pediment.
Secondary locations for signage may include the awning flap, inside
storefront windows, or a small projecting sign attached to the building.
Compliance with the Borough's Zoning Code shall be required.
[2]Â
Size. The maximum allowable primary sign size is one square
foot per linear foot of storefront at the building facade (or 50 square
feet, whichever is smaller), as set forth in the Borough's Zoning
Code.
[3]Â
Design. The overall design of the sign shall complement the
building facade and should reinforce the goal of improving the appearance
of the District in accordance with § 137-7E(1)(b).
[4]Â
Internally illuminated signs may have only separate individual
letters of a single color with alphanumeric lettering containing the
name of the business only. No logos, pictures, phone numbers or other
illuminated items are allowed. Color shall be limited to white, light
green or light blue for translucent characters. Halo-lit signs with
opaque lettering may be any single color.
[5]Â
New nonilluminated or externally illuminated signs are to be
made of solid materials no less than 3/4 inch thick with carved, raised
or hand-painted lettering and detail. They may be of more than one
color and may include logos and other design features so long as free
of clutter.
[6]Â
Sign boxes. Unused sign boxes shall be removed. An existing
box may only be reused by an existing business. If new cover panels
are inserted, the new panel must be entirely opaque except for alphanumeric
lettering which shall consist of a single line with the name of the
business only. No illuminated logos, pictures, phone numbers or other
characters will be approved. Color for the translucent characters
shall be limited to white, light green or light blue.
[7]Â
Prohibited signs. Back-lit sign boxes are prohibited. Existing
back-lit signs must be removed when the existing sign is damaged or
when a business ceases to operate at that location, to the extent
permitted by law. Signs operated by sodium or metal halide lighting
are prohibited. Any sign not specifically allowed in this section
is prohibited.
[8]Â
No sign of any type shall be permitted to obstruct driving vision,
traffic signals, traffic directional and identification signs, other
places of business, other signs or windows of the building on which
they are located. Except for authorized public information and direction
signs, no sign shall be attached to trees, fence posts, stumps, utility
poles, bridges, culverts or other signs but shall be freestanding
or attached to buildings in an approved manner.
[9]Â
A freestanding sign shall not exceed five feet in height, except
as permitted.
[10]Â
Attached signs shall be mounted flush on the building and shall
not project above the roofline or over sidewalk areas in the business
districts, except as permitted.
[11]Â
Uses on corner lots shall be construed as having frontage on
both streets, and signs shall be permitted accordingly.
[12]Â
No billboards shall be erected.
[13]Â
Overhanging signs are prohibited, except as provided in Subsection
E(5)(h)[18][b] below.
[14]Â
No flashing signs are permitted.
[15]Â
All signs not specifically permitted are prohibited.
[16]Â
Each business that shall have a sign designating the name of
a business or the nature of a business using lettering or symbols
of an alphabet other than the English language alphabet shall also
convey on the sign such information in the English language alphabet
with lettering at least four inches in height.
[17]Â
Any sign which no longer identifies a bona fide business shall be taken down and removed by the owner of the premises within 10 days after such business has ceased, and any permits and approvals for such signs shall be deemed to have expired at such time. Before receiving any certificates of occupancy, any new business is required to meet the guidelines set forth at § 131-7E(5)(h).
[18]Â
Permitted signs. The following signs are permitted for uses
as specified in the various zone district regulations:
[a]Â
Churches: one freestanding sign not exceeding 12
square feet in area and seven feet in height and set back at least
25 feet from all street rights-of-way and lot lines, plus one attached
sign not exceeding 25 square feet in area.
[b]Â
Garden apartment dwelling groups. Each development
may have one sign along each arterial or collector road which the
tract in question abuts, provided that there exists at least 150 feet
of unbroken frontage. Such sign(s) shall not exceed 30 square feet
in area and seven feet in height. In addition, each sign shall be
set back from all street rights-of-way and lot lines a minimum of
30 feet and shall display only the development's name.
[c]Â
B-3 and B-3/SH Business District uses.
[i]Â
Each use located on the ground floor may have one
nonflashing lighted or unlighted sign displaying the name of the use,
attached flat to the front of the building, not exceeding an area
equivalent to one square foot per lineal feet of building frontage
occupied by the use on that particular building face or 50 square
feet, whichever is smaller. When the buildings are designed for rear
or side entrances, one unlighted sign may be attached flat against
the building at the rear and side entrances, each sign not to exceed
an area equivalent to 1/2 that of the maximum sign area permitted
on the front of the building.
[ii]Â
Projecting signs. Each building may have one projecting
sign attached to the front of the building, not exceeding 15 square
feet in area, and the greater dimension of the sign shall not exceed
six feet. Said sign shall not extend more than three feet over any
part of any street right-of-way nor extend more than five feet from
the building to which it is attached. The bottom of a projecting sign
shall be at least eight feet above the highest point of the finished
grade along the applicable facade and shall not extend above the roofline
or parapet or project above the highest elevation of the wall to which
it is attached.
[iii]Â
The only signs permitted above the ground floor
shall be a single sign for each business establishment. The sign shall
be painted on a single window in gold leaf, black or white. Each such
sign shall be limited to two lines, and each line shall be limited
to six inches in height. There shall be a maximum distance of separation
of four inches between the two lines.
[19]Â
Retail sale of goods and services, restaurants, banks, theaters
and new car dealerships. Each use may have one freestanding sign not
exceeding 100 square feet in area and 10 feet in height. This sign
shall be set back at least 25 feet from all rights-of-way and lot
lines. In addition, each use may have one attached sign not exceeding
an area equivalent to 5% of the building front or 50 square feet,
whichever is smaller. Where buildings are designed for rear or side
entrances, one unlighted sign may be attached flat against the building
at the rear and side entrances, each sign not to exceed an area equivalent
to 1/2 that of the maximum sign area permitted on the front of the
building.
[20]Â
Office buildings and hotels: one sign used only to display the
name of the office complex or hotel and not exceeding an area equivalent
to 5% of the first-floor portion of the front facade or 100 square
feet, whichever is smaller. Such sign may be either freestanding or
attached and, if freestanding, shall be set back at least 25 feet
from all street right-of-way and lot lines. Where an individual office
unit has direct access from the outside, a sign not exceeding six
square feet, identifying the name of the office, may also be attached
to the building at the office entrance.
[21]Â
Service stations. One freestanding sign and one attached sign
are permitted. The freestanding sign shall not exceed 20 square feet
in area and shall be set back at least 10 feet from all street rights-of-way
and lot lines. The attached sign shall not exceed 30 square feet in
area. In addition, the following special signs shall be permitted:
[a]Â
One temporary sign inside the property line and
specifically advertising special seasonal servicing of automobiles,
provided that such sign does not exceed seven square feet in area.
[b]Â
Directional signs of lettering over individual
entrance doors or bays, consisting only of the words "washing," "lubrication,"
"repairs," "mechanic on duty" or other words closely similar in import,
provided that there shall be not more than one such sign over each
entrance or bay, the letters thereof shall not exceed 12 inches in
height and the total of each sign shall not exceed six square feet.
[c]Â
Customary lettering or other insignia which are
a structural part of a gasoline pump, consisting only of the brand
name of gasoline sold, lead warning sign, a price indicator and any
other sign required by law, and not exceeding a total of three square
feet on each pump; and, if illuminated, such signs shall be nonflashing
and shall not in any manner constitute a traffic hazard with respect
to adjacent streets or intersections.
[d]Â
A nonilluminated credit card sign not exceeding
eight square feet in area, placed on or near the gasoline pumps.
[22]Â
Laboratories, industrial and manufacturing plants, wholesale
distribution centers and warehouses. One sign not larger than the
equivalent of 5% of the area of the front wall of the building or
100 square feet, whichever is smaller, is permitted. If attached,
the sign shall be attached flat against the building and shall not
be higher than the roofline. If freestanding, the sign shall not exceed
10 feet in height and shall be set back from all street rights-of-way
and lot lines at least 50 feet.
[23]Â
Residential uses. One nameplate sign not to exceed one square
foot may be placed anywhere in the front yard. In addition, one customary
professional sign or nameplate not more than two square feet in area
shall be permitted and shall be set back at least 1/2 the setback
required for the principal building in the particular district.
[24]Â
Clubs, lodges, community centers and nonprofit organizations.
Each use may have one freestanding or attached name display sign not
exceeding 10 square feet in area. This shall be set back at least
25 feet from all street rights-of-way and lot lines.
[25]Â
Multifamily dwellings. Each use may have one attached name display
sign not exceeding 10 square feet in area.
[26]Â
University. Each university campus shall be permitted one name
display sign along each collector or arterial street which the tract
abuts. Such sign(s) shall not exceed 10 square feet in area and seven
feet in height. In addition, each sign shall be set back a minimum
of 30 feet from all street rights-of-way and lot lines. Other signs
shall be permitted as determined necessary and reasonable by Planning
Board site plan review.
[27]Â
Miscellaneous signs.
[a]Â
Real estate signs. Real estate signs, not exceeding
six square feet in area in residential districts and 25 square feet
in area in all other districts, shall be permitted. Such signs, advertising
the sale, rental or lease of property, shall be maintained only on
the premises to which they apply. Such signs shall be set back at
least 15 feet from all street rights-of-way and lot lines. In cases
where the building setback is less than 25 feet, such signs shall
be not more than five feet from the building. All real estate signs
shall be removed upon closing of title of said sale.
[b]Â
Construction signs. Signs which identify the architects,
contractors, engineers and other parties involved with the construction
activity shall be permitted. Such signs shall not exceed four square
feet for each firm involved in residential districts and 10 square
feet for each firm involved in all other districts. Such signs shall
be restricted to the construction site for the construction period.
They shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work by the
named parties. Such signs shall not include the advertisement of any
product.
[c]Â
Window display signs. Such signs are permitted
as integral components of the window display of merchandise. No signs,
however, shall be attached in any manner to the outside of display
windows. Window display signs, when attached to the inside of display
windows, shall cover an aggregate maximum of 30% of such window area.
[d]Â
Public signs. Signs of a noncommercial nature in
the public interest are permitted, provided that they are erected
by, or on the order of, a public official in the performance of his/her
public duty. Such signs shall include safety signs, danger signs,
trespassing signs, traffic signs, memorial plaques, signs of historical
interest and other similar signs.
[e]Â
Signs as part of a structure. Names of buildings,
dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets, cornerstones
and other similar signs are permitted as an integral part of the structure,
provided that they are carved in stone, concrete or similar material
or made of bronze, aluminum or another permanent type construction.
[f]Â
Private traffic signs. Signs directing traffic
movement onto or within a premises shall be permitted to a maximum
area of three square feet for each sign. Horizontal directional signs
on and flush with the pavement are exempt from these restrictions.
[28]Â
For buildings containing more than one nonresidential tenant,
one wall-mounted directory sign for each ground floor entrance to
a building shall be permitted, whether such entrance fronts on a street
or a parking lot. The maximum size of a directory sign shall not exceed
six square feet in area. Such sign may identify all building occupant
names and their addresses; however, no individual businesses shall
occupy greater than one square foot in area of such sign. A wall-mounted
directory sign may not be illuminated. All lettering on wall-mounted
directory signs shall have the same font style and color.
[5]
Editor's Note: Schedule A is on file in the Borough offices.
(i)Â
Lighting.
[1]Â
New and existing electrical wiring shall be concealed as part
of facade work, including signage.
[2]Â
Vestibule lighting of the wall-lantern type or recessed downlight
fixtures are allowable. Gooseneck fixtures mounted directly above
a wall-mounted sign or a simple shielded light bar mounted above or
below the sign are acceptable. Sign lighting shall light the sign
area only, shall not spill over onto adjacent properties, and shall
not shine onto the street in such a manner as to interfere with or
distract driver vision.
[3]Â
Neon lighting is prohibited on the exterior of any building
or as a border or framing of any storefront window or door.
[4]Â
Light emission levels are regulated by the Borough's Zoning
Code.
[5]Â
Flashing and scrolling signs are prohibited.
(k)Â
Building colors. The colors of buildings in the street wall
shall be compatible with surrounding buildings within 200 feet. Consideration
should be given to accentuating trim and other architectural elements
such as doors and windows.
(l)Â
Items permitted to be placed on sidewalks in front of buildings
located in the Rutherford Business District.
[1]Â
Items. Sandwich boards, pedestal signs, benches, planters, and
displays may be placed on the sidewalk in front of the business establishment
during hours of operation, subject to application and approval by
the Borough Zoning Officer. The above items shall be placed as close
to the buildings as reasonably practicable, and shall in all cases
provide an area clear of all items between the curb and a point four
feet in from the curb.
[2]Â
Application. An applicant must submit the following for approval
to the Zoning Officer, a copy of which will be provided to the Streetscape
Committee:
[a]Â
Scaled plan and elevation drawings and photograph
of the front of the business establishment, the sidewalk, and the
proposed items;
[b]Â
A list and description of items to be placed on
the sidewalk;
[c]Â
Proof of compliance with the Borough's fire safety
requirements;
[d]Â
A certificate of insurance for liability of $1,000,000
combined single limit and indemnification of the Borough, and naming
the Borough as a covered entity in its insurance policy.
[3]Â
Maintenance. Signs, benches, and plants must be maintained in
visible working condition or be subject to removal by the Borough.
Outdoor items cannot be made of cardboard boxes, shipping crates,
or other disposable containers. There also shall be no lewd or pornographic
displays.
[4]Â
Benches.
[a]Â
Must be made of wood, metal or composite materials,
and placed adjacent to building;
[b]Â
May not exceed five feet in length, 30 inches in
width, and 36 inches in height, and may not block the entrance to
the commercial business;
[c]Â
May not extend beyond the length of the storefront
business establishment.
[5]Â
Sandwich board signs.
[a]Â
Shall be limited to one sandwich board sign in
front of any business;
[b]Â
Shall only be permitted in front of the business
to which they pertain;
[c]Â
Shall be no more than 2.5 feet wide by five feet
high;
[d]Â
Shall not be illuminated;
[e]Â
Must be maintained in visible working condition
by the applicant, or be subject to removal by the Borough;
[f]Â
May be incorporated into a pedestal sign provided
the sign component does not exceed 2.5 feet in height, and the total
height is no more than five feet tall;
[g]Â
Must be related to the applicant's business.
[6]Â
Pedestal signs.
[a]Â
Shall be limited to one pedestal sign in front
of any business;
[b]Â
Shall only be permitted in front of the business
to which they pertain;
[c]Â
Shall be no more than 2.5 feet wide by five feet
high;
[d]Â
The sign component shall not exceed 2.5 feet in
height;
[e]Â
The pole for a pedestal sign may not exceed four
inches in diameter;
[f]Â
Must be weighted to ensure they will not tip over;
[g]Â
Must be related to the applicant's business.
[7]Â
Planters. Decorative planters shall be made of wood, ceramic,
or plastic, and located adjacent to the building establishment. The
planters and plants must be maintained or be subject to removal. Each
planter shall be less than 1.5 feet from the building, and shall be
a minimum of 2.5 feet high (including the height of the plants).
[8]Â
Fees. No fees shall be charged for businesses utilizing the sidewalk as described in § 131-7E(5)(l), subject to approval.
[9]Â
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent herewith
are hereby repealed.
[10]Â
Enforcement. All applications for use of the public sidewalks as described in § 131-7E(5)(l) will be submitted to the Zoning Officer for initial approval and will be forwarded by the Zoning Officer to the Building and Zoning Department for final approval and issuance of the permit. The Zoning Officer will be responsible for review of these items, and will forward information to the Building and Zoning Department or the Health Department as warranted when violations of the approved plans are observed.
(6)Â
Design requirements for new construction. The following design requirements
shall be considered and applied in reviewing applications for new
construction in the District:
(a)Â
New construction elements.
[1]Â
All new construction, including additions to existing buildings, shall be designed to be compatible with the existing building and neighboring buildings in terms of material, height, scale, facade proportions, and window design and proportions set forth within § 131-7E(5) to the extent practicable. New buildings will be evaluated under this standard for their overall proportions, composition, details and quality and their design should contribute to an improved streetscape.
[2]Â
All exterior walls of new construction shall be real brick,
brick veneer, stone, wood siding, fiber cement, or metal panels as
appropriate.
[3]Â
Reflective glazing is prohibited. Glass must be clear, not tinted.
[4]Â
Roofs may be flat or pitched. Consideration should be given
to adjacent buildings within 200 feet.
[5]Â
Blank walls are prohibited at all facades. Storefronts must
follow the applicable subsections above.
[6]Â
Storefront design, including awnings and signage, must conform
to the applicable subsections above.
(7)Â
Enforcement; violations and penalties.
(a)Â
This section shall be enforced by the Building and Zoning Department
of the Borough of Rutherford in accordance with the provisions of
this section.
(b)Â
Any person, firm or corporation that violates any provision
of this section shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined a minimum
sum of not less than $100 per violation and a maximum sum of not more
than $2,000 per violation and may be imprisoned for a period of time
not exceeding 90 days, as the court in its discretion may impose.
(c)Â
Any person, firm, or corporation found to be in violation of
any provision of this section within one year of the date of a previous
violation may be subject to imposition of an additional fine and/or
penalty as a repeat offender as provided in N.J.S.A. 40:49-5.
[2]
Editor's Note: Said table is included as an attachment to this chapter.
A.Â
Accessory buildings and structures as part of principal
buildings. Any accessory building or structure attached to a principal
building shall be considered part of the principal building, and the
total structure shall adhere to the yard requirements for the principal
building regardless of the technique of connecting the principal and
accessory buildings.
B.Â
Accessory buildings and structures not to be constructed
prior to principal building. No building permit shall be issued for
the construction of an accessory building or structure prior to the
issuance of a building permit for the construction of the main building
upon the same premises. If construction of the main building does
not precede or coincide with the construction of the accessory building
or structure, the Building Inspector shall revoke the building permit
for the accessory building or structure until construction of the
main building has proceeded substantially toward completion.
C.Â
Distance between adjacent buildings. The minimum distance
between an accessory building or structure and any other buildings
on the same lot shall be as prescribed in the individual zone district
regulations.
D.Â
Height of accessory buildings and structures. The
height of accessory buildings and structures shall be as prescribed
in the individual zone district regulations.
E.Â
Location. An accessory building or structure may be
erected in rear yard areas only and shall be set back from side and
rear lot lines as prescribed in the individual district regulations,
except that, if erected on a corner lot, the accessory building shall
be set back from the side street to comply with the setback line applying
to the principal building for that side street and shall be set back
from the rear lot line the distance required for a side yard in that
district.
F.Â
Garages. In residential zones, the owner shall not
be required to replace or rebuild any existing vehicular garage building
required by this chapter if said garage is destroyed by fire or condemned
by the Building Inspector or his designee as unsafe; provided, however,
that the same total number of off-street parking spaces are maintained.
G.Â
Garages. Attached garages in residential zones where said garage
is located along the river bank and is facing the river are an exception
to the off-street parking requirement. The owner of said premises
may proceed to change the use of that area of the dwelling previously
designated for use as a garage to living space subject to permit application
and approval in accordance with the applicable construction, electrical,
and plumbing codes.
[Added 3-12-2013 by Ord. No. 3281-13]
Buffer areas are required along lot and street
lines of all nonresidential lots where said property lines or the
center line of adjacent streets abut residential uses or residential
zoning district lines. Each permitted use shall provide and maintain
attractively landscaped grounds and suitable screening in order to
safeguard the character of adjacent districts. The width of the buffer
area for each particular zoning district shall be as prescribed in
the district regulations. Buffer areas shall be measured horizontally
and be either perpendicular to straight lot and street lines or radial
to curved lot and street lines. Buffer areas shall be maintained and
kept clear of all debris, rubbish, weeds and tall grass. No structure,
activity, storage of materials or parking of vehicles shall be permitted
in the buffer area, and all buffer areas shall consist of dense planting,
bushes, trees, earthen berms, grass, ground cover or fences or any
combination thereof deemed sufficient to screen the view of a particular
use. All buffer areas shall meet the following requirements:
A.Â
Plant materials used in screen planting shall be at
least six feet in height when planted and be of such density that
all the glare of automobile headlights emitted from the premises are
obscured throughout the full course of the year. The plant materials
shall be of a species common to the area, be of nursery stock and
shall be free of insects and disease.
B.Â
Buffer areas shall be permanently maintained, and
plant material which does not live shall be replaced within one year
or one growing season.
C.Â
The screen planting shall be so placed that at maturity
the plant material will be no closer than three feet from any street
or property line.
D.Â
The buffer area shall not be broken unless specifically
approved by the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment.
[Amended 12-19-2006 by Ord. No. 3127-06; 3-14-2016 by Ord. No. 3391-16]
Any structure, with the exception of a fence as provided for in § 131-11, located on a corner lot in any district other than B-3 shall be set back from both streets at least the required front yard distances, except as provided in §§ 131-20 and 131-22. No structure, fence, planting or wall over three feet in height shall be maintained within 20 feet of any street intersection to maintain the intersection sight triangle. The rear yard of any single-family or two-family residential structure located on a corner lot shall be permitted to have a minimum setback of 15 feet to the rear property line.
[Amended 3-14-2016 by Ord. No. 3391-16]
A.Â
No fence shall be erected of barbed wire, wire mesh, expanded metal,
chipped glass, topped with metal spikes, electrically charged, temporary
expandable and collapsible or in any manner which may be dangerous
to persons or animals.
B.Â
No fence or wall for an interior lot shall exceed the following heights
in the listed zone, and all front yard fences shall be open fences:
All Other Zones
|
B-2, HC, ORD Zones
| ||
---|---|---|---|
Front yard (feet)
|
3
|
6
| |
Side yard (feet)
|
4
|
8
| |
Rear yard (feet)
|
6
|
8
| |
(See attached Figure A)[1]
| |||
Subject, however, to the following:
|
(1)Â
A dog run may have fencing of a maximum of six feet in height, provided
that such area is located in rear yard areas only and is set back
from any lot line at least 10 feet. In no case may a dog run be closer
to a neighboring building than it is to the principal building on
the lot.
(2)Â
A private residential swimming pool area must be surrounded by a fence as set forth in § 131-20.
(3)Â
A tennis court area, located in rear yard areas only, may be surrounded
by an open fence of a maximum of 15 feet in height, said fence to
be set back from any lot line the distances required for accessory
buildings in the individual zoning districts.
(4)Â
Off-street parking, loading and driveway areas shall meet the requirements specified in § 131-14.
(5)Â
YARD, FRONT
YARD, REAR
YARD, SIDE
YARD, STREET SIDE
With respect to all residential corner lot properties, and only as
it applies to fences, the following terms, definitions, and heights
shall apply:
An open space extending across the full width of the lot
and lying between the frontage street line and the closest point of
any building on the lot, with the front yard being determined by the
street address. The depth of the front yard shall be measured horizontally
and at right angles to either a straight front lot line or the point
of tangent of a curved front lot line.
An open space extending across the full width of the lot
and lying between the rear lot line and the closest point of the principal
building on the lot.
An open space extending from the front yard to the rear yard
and lying between the side lot line opposite the nonfrontage street
and the closest point of the principal building on the lot.
An open space extending from the front yard, as determined
by the street address, to the rear yard and lying between the nonfrontage
street line and the closest point of the principal building on the
lot.
(6)Â
No fence shall exceed the following heights listed or as determined
by the Borough Code Official in reasonable exercise of discretion
in order to protect the health and safety of the public in accordance
with the Borough Code, and all front yard fences shall be open fences:
All Other Zones
| ||
---|---|---|
Front yard (feet)
|
3
| |
Street side yard (feet)
|
4
| |
Side yard (feet)
|
4
| |
Rear yard (feet)
|
6
| |
(See attached Figure B)[2]
| ||
Subject, however, to § 131-11B(1) through (4).
|
[2]
Editor's Note: Said figure is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said figure is included as an attachment to this chapter.
C.Â
Fences in residential zones shall be installed so that the finished
side of the fence faces the street or the neighboring property.
A.Â
Principal building requirements.
(1)Â
No principal building shall exceed 160 feet in length.
(2)Â
No building shall contain less than four nor more
than 24 dwelling units.
(3)Â
The yard requirements for principal buildings shall apply to each principal building except as provided in § 131-12A(10) below.
(4)Â
Minimum yard areas shall be measured horizontally
in feet and shall be measured away from the front, side and rear of
each building. The total minimum distance between buildings shall
be the sum of the two abutting yard areas. No building, as measured
radially from any corners, shall be closer to any other building corner
than the combined distances of the side yard requirements for each
building. The combined distance of two side yards shall exclude any
driveway or vehicular access width, which is in addition to the combined
side yard width.
(5)Â
Clothes drying, off-street parking, play areas, waste
containers or other services are not permitted in any front yard or
any side yard on the street side of a corner lot.
(6)Â
No principal building shall be located within 10 feet
of an interior road or driveway. No building shall be located within
35 feet of any public street.
(7)Â
One apartment for the exclusive use of the superintendent
or caretaker may be located in the basement.
(8)Â
No offices, professional or otherwise, shall be permitted
in any garden apartment dwelling group building.
(9)Â
Where an interior access road or driveway is located
between buildings, the buildings shall be at least 50 feet apart.
(10)Â
Buildings which are parallel to one another
or approximately so, but which overlap by 20 feet or less, may abut
one another, except that there shall be no more than three such buildings
so joined in a group. Such buildings shall be structurally independent.
(11)Â
Cellars may be permitted, but the use of any cellar must be specified in detail in the site plan. No dwelling units shall be permitted in cellars or basements, except as provided in § 131-12A(7) above.
(12)Â
All principal buildings shall provide not less
than two exterior exposures for each unit, each of which shall be
properly placed so as to provide through ventilation or cross-ventilation
for each unit.
(13)Â
No less than 600 cubic feet of storage space
shall be provided in basement areas for each apartment unit in the
building. This shall be separate and apart from garage space requirements.
(14)Â
No air-conditioning unit shall project more
than six inches from the face of the wall of the building in which
it is installed, and no window-type air-conditioning units shall be
permitted.
(15)Â
All principal buildings shall have television
antenna equipment built into the building to eliminate individual
antennas being erected upon the roof. In lieu thereof, cable television
or its equal may be provided. This section shall not apply to a common
antenna tower, subject to Planning Board approval.
(16)Â
The number of living units per building and
the general building plan must be approved by the Planning Board.
B.Â
Density requirements. The maximum permitted density
shall be 20 dwelling units per acre.
C.Â
Dwelling unit requirements.
(2)Â
The floor plan of each garden apartment is to be approved
by the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment. The approved plan shall
not be altered in any way without the consent of the Planning Board
or Board of Adjustment.
(3)Â
In every apartment unit, all rooms occupied for sleeping
purposes shall contain a minimum of 100 square feet of floor space
for the initial occupant and a minimum of 50 additional square feet
for the second occupant thereof.
D.Â
Garage and accessory building requirements.
(1)Â
Each garage space shall be a minimum of 10 feet in
width and 22 feet in depth.
(2)Â
The maximum joint capacity of each group of garage
spaces arranged in a row shall be 12 vehicles.
(3)Â
Vehicular access to garages shall be from the side
or rear of any principal building.
(4)Â
The entrance to such garages shall not be directly
to any main access street or public street.
(5)Â
Architectural design and materials used in construction
of garages and accessory buildings shall conform to those used in
the construction of the principal buildings.
E.Â
Off-street parking and circulation. Off-street parking facilities shall be provided in accordance with Article IV, § 131-14 and, in addition, shall be subject to the following restrictions:
(1)Â
All parking spaces and fire lanes, parking areas and
lines on pavement shall be painted and maintained so as to be visible
at all times.
(2)Â
No parking shall be permitted on any road or accessway
within the garden apartment development. All parking shall be specifically
designated on a site plan for that purpose. Off-street parking areas
shall be located beyond the street setbacks for principal buildings.
(3)Â
Parking areas and access drives shall be paved and
curbed and provided with adequate systems of storm drainage. Furthermore,
each parking space is to be properly marked by lines. Such marking
is to be properly maintained and policed at all times. The parking
plan must be approved by the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment.
F.Â
General requirements.
(1)Â
All traffic ingress and egress to the garden apartment
site shall be from an arterial street and not from a minor street.
Such ingress and egress shall be subject to Planning Board approval.
(2)Â
Sidewalks.
(a)Â
Concrete sidewalks to be constructed in accordance
with the Streets and Sidewalks Ordinance of the Borough of Rutherford[1] to a paved width of not less than four feet shall be provided:
(b)Â
No sidewalks, except those leading to and from
building entrances and exits shall be placed closer to a building
than 10 feet, but may be placed in landscaped areas and within required
yard setback areas.
(3)Â
All areas of a garden apartment site not used for
the construction of buildings, roads, accessways, parking areas or
sidewalks shall be fully and attractively landscaped with trees, shrubs
and grass lawns. Any trees or shrubs in a healthy state at the time
the development begins shall remain and be protected during construction,
provided that they are within areas designated as open space and not
subject to extreme grading. At least 25% of the gross site shall be
devoted to common open space for use of residents.
(4)Â
Exterior garbage containers shall be so located as
to efficiently service all apartments but shall be clustered so as
to have a minimum number of areas. All such areas shall be provided
with sufficient screening on all sides by wood or other similar materials
so as to prevent access to the same by animals, which screening shall
be at least six feet in height and designed so as to harmonize with
the other architectural elements on the site. Garbage containers shall
be a minimum of 25 feet from all property lines.
(5)Â
Interior roads, driveways, private thoroughfares,
parking areas, building entranceways and pedestrian walks shall be
provided with sufficient illumination to minimize hazards to pedestrians
and motor vehicles utilizing the same and shall, where necessary,
be shielded to avoid glare to occupants of buildings and areas. Lighting
shall be so arranged as to reflect away from any adjoining properties.
Wherever practical, bollard-style lighting shall be used.
(6)Â
Recreational equipment shall be permitted only in
such locations as shown on the approved site plan, but at no time
shall such equipment be permitted in front or side yards.
(7)Â
The architecture employed shall not be aesthetically
incongruous with the surrounding area. The outside walls of all buildings
shall be of brick or stone, as approved by the Planning Board and
in accordance with the Building Code[2] of the Borough of Rutherford and the New Jersey Department
of Community Affairs. The exterior of accessory structures shall harmonize
architecturally with and be constructed of materials of a like character
to those used in principal structures.
(8)Â
The interior walls separating dwelling units shall
be constructed with fire-resistant material meeting accepted standards
of the Building Code of the Borough of Rutherford. Each group of four
or fewer dwelling units in a building shall be completely separated
from all other dwelling units in the same building by a masonry wall
extending from foundation to roof, in accordance with the Building
Code.
(9)Â
All apartment dwellings, stairways, furnace rooms,
laundry rooms and garages in apartment dwellings shall have installed
fire, smoke and heat detection devices as required and approved by
the Building Code Official of the Borough of Rutherford.
(10)Â
The exterior of every structure or accessory
structure, including fences, roofs and gutters, shall be maintained
in good repair, and all surfaces thereof shall be kept painted when
necessary for the purpose of preservation and appearance. The same
shall be maintained free of broken glass, loose shingles, crumbling
stone or brick, excessive peeling of paint or other condition reflective
of deterioration or inadequate maintenance to the end that the property
itself may be preserved, safety and fire hazards eliminated and the
adjoining properties and neighborhood protected from blighting influence.
(11)Â
Interior walls, ceilings, stairways and entrances
shall be free from cracks, breaks, loose plaster and other hazards
to health and safety.
(12)Â
Where there are holes, excavations, breaks,
projections, obstructions, icy conditions, uncleared snow and excretions
of pets and other animals on paths, walks, driveways and other parts
of premises which are accessible to and are used by persons on the
premises, all such holes and excavations shall be filled and repaired,
walks and steps replaced and other conditions removed where necessary
to eliminate hazards or unsanitary conditions with reasonable dispatch
upon their discovery.
All parking areas and walkways thereto and appurtenant
passageways and driveways serving commercial, public, office, industrial,
apartment or other similar uses having common off-street parking and/or
loading areas and building complexes requiring area lighting shall
be adequately illuminated for security and safety purposes. The lighting
plan in and around the parking areas shall provide for nonglare, color-corrected
lights focused downward. The light intensity provided at ground level
shall be a minimum of 0.3 footcandle anywhere in the areas to be illuminated,
shall average a minimum of 0.5 footcandle over the entire area and
shall be provided by fixtures with a mounting height not more than
25 feet or the height of the building, whichever is less, measured
from the ground level to the center line of the light source spaced
a distance not to exceed five times the mounting height. Wherever
practical, bollard-style lighting shall be used. Any other outdoor
lighting, such as building and sidewalk illumination, driveways with
no adjacent parking, the lighting of signs and ornamental lighting,
shall be shown on the lighting plan in sufficient detail to allow
determination of the effects to adjacent properties, traffic safety
and overhead sky glow. The objective of these specifications is to
minimize undesirable off-premises effects. No direct lighting shall
be permitted. Additionally, no light shall shine into windows or onto
streets and driveways in such manner as to interfere with or distract
driver vision. To achieve these requirements, the intensity of such
light sources, the light shielding and similar characteristics shall
be subject to site plan approval by the Planning Board or Board of
Adjustment.