A. 
Any word or term not defined herein shall be as defined in the Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq., or shall be utilized in standard usage for the context in which the word is used. In interpreting this chapter, words in one tense shall include other tenses or derivative forms; words in the singular shall include the plural, and in the plural, the singular; either gender shall include the other; the word "shall" is mandatory; the word "may" is permissive; the word "used" shall include "arranged," "designed," "constructed," "altered," "converted," "rented," "leased" or "intended to be used"; the word "lot" includes the words "plot" and "premises."
B. 
The word "Borough" means the Borough of Raritan, Somerset County, New Jersey; the term "Borough Council" means the Borough Council of the Borough of Raritan; the term "Planning Board" means the combined Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Borough of Raritan, established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-25c.
[Amended 7-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-07]
The following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONMENT
The relinquishment of property, or cessation of the use of the property, by the owner or lessee without any intention of transferring property rights to another owner or of resuming the use of the property.
ACCESSORY APARTMENT
A self-contained residential dwelling unit with a kitchen, sanitary facilities, sleeping quarters, and a private entrance, which is created within an existing residence or by an addition to an existing residence or accessory building.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A structure or building detached from a principal building located on the same lot and customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal building or use. Where a structure is attached to a principal building by a breezeway, roof, common wall, or the like, such a structure shall be considered part of the principal building.
ACCESSORY USE
A use of land or of a structure or portion thereof customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building and located on the same lot with the principal use.
ADDITION
Any extension or increase in the size, floor area or height of a building or structure.
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
The employee, consultant, authority or governmental or other agency charged by the Council with the responsibility of administering the affordable housing program of the Borough.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
The officer designated by the Borough Council.
[Amended 7-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-07]
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT
A commercial establishment which regularly features sexually oriented entertainment.
ADVERSE EFFECT
Development designs, situations or existing features on a developer's property, or any nearby property, creating, imposing, aggravating or leading to impractical, unsafe, unsatisfactory or noncomplying conditions as set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-38 and measured against the design and performance standards of this chapter.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Newly constructed or rehabilitated housing units meeting the criteria promulgated by the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH).
AGE-RESTRICTED SENIOR HOUSING
A housing development in which a minimum of 90% of the dwelling units are occupied by households in which at least one member is aged 55 or older and no household contains persons under the age of 19. Such housing shall be designed and marketed to age-qualified households; shall have written rules and regulations, covenants, deed or other restrictions reflecting these age restrictions; and shall provide within these written rules and regulations, covenants, deed or other restrictions appropriate procedures to ensure continued compliance with these age restrictions.
AGRICULTURAL or HORTICULTURAL
Any parcel of land three acres or larger in size upon which the principal pursuit for gain is the raising of agricultural or horticultural products.
ALLEY
A thoroughfare less than 30 feet in width dedicated for the public use of vehicles and/or pedestrians, providing a secondary means of access to property and not intended for general traffic circulation.
ALTERATION OF BUILDING
Any change in the supporting members of a building, bearing walls, columns, beams, girders, except such changes as may be required for safety, any changes in the roof or exterior walls, or any addition to or diminution of a building, including the addition, modification, removal or replacement of exterior elements, including changes in door or window locations, but not including alterations which affect primarily the appearance of the structure; also, any change in use from one zoning classification to another or relocation of a structure from one site, location or position to another.
ANTENNA
Any exterior apparatus designed for telephonic, radio or television communications through the sending and/or receiving of electromagnetic waves, digital signals, analog signals, radio frequencies (excluding radar signals), wireless telecommunications signals or other communications signals. Parabolic dish antennas used for satellite communications shall not be included within this definition.
ANTENNA SUPPORT STRUCTURE
A structure, other than a telecommunications tower, which is attached to a building or other structure on which one or more antennas are located.
APARTMENT
See "dwelling, multiple."
APPLICANT
Person, partnership, corporation or public agency requesting permission to engage in land development/soil removal/tree removal activity.
APPROVING AUTHORITY
The Planning Board of the Borough of Raritan.
[Amended 7-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-07]
AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD
The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a one-percent or greater chance of flooding in a given year.
AS-BUILT SURVEY
A property survey prepared and certified by a licensed land surveyor to reflect the actual location of structures and other improvements constructed on a property.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
A facility that is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health to provide apartment-style housing and congregate dining for four or more adult persons unrelated to the proprietor.
AUTOMATIC CAR WASH
A structure containing facilities for washing automobiles and automatic or semiautomatic application of cleaner, brushes, rinse water, and heat for drying.
AUTOMOBILE WRECKING
See "junkyard."
AWNING
Any structure made of cloth, canvas or vinyl, with a frame attached to a building or other structure, which may be raised to a position against the building or structure when not in use.
AWNING, WINDOW
Any structure made of cloth, plastic, metal or other architectural material which provides a permanent roof-like shelter over an upper-story window, either installed to be retractable or in a fixed position.
BANK
A financial organization that provides direct banking services, including but not limited to walk-up tellers, accessory drive-through areas and automatic teller machines.
BANNERS, PENNANTS or BUNTING
Temporary announcement device constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric or other light material.
BAR
Premises used primarily for the sale or dispensing of liquor by the drink for on-site consumption and where food may be available for consumption on the premises as accessory to the principal use.
BASEMENT
For purposes of this chapter, with reference to occupancy or use and to regulate the height and bulk of buildings, the portion of a building in which the ceiling averages less than four feet above the finished grade where such grade meets the outside walls of the building, which shall not be considered a story and habitable.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
An owner-occupied facility providing sleeping or dwelling accommodations and a morning meal to transient guests for compensation.
BILLBOARD
A sign that advertises goods, products, services or facilities not conducted upon the premises where the sign is located.
BOARD
The approving authority as defined above.
[Amended 7-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-07]
BREAKAWAY WALL
A wall that is not part of the structural support of the building and is intended through its design and construction to collapse under specific lateral loading forces without causing damage to the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system.
BUILDABLE AREA
See "building envelope."
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof supported by columns, posts or walls and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of any individual, animal, process, equipment, goods or materials of any kind, including tents, lunch wagons, trailers, dining cars, camp cars or other structures on wheels or other supports, and any unroofed platform, terrace or porch having a vertical face higher than three feet above the level of the ground from which the height of the building is measured.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The percentage of the lot area that is covered by building area, which includes the total horizontal area when viewed in the plan.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
An area, generally described by building setback lines, depicting the area within which the building(s) can be constructed.
BUILDING FOOTPRINT
The horizontal area contained within the outer dimensions of the foundation walls of a building.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The total number of stories in a building and the vertical distance measured from the mean elevation of finished grade along the front of the building to the highest point of the roof adjacent to the street wall for flat roofs, to the deck level on a mansard roof, and to the mean height between the eaves and the ridge level for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs.
BUILDING LINE
A line formed by the intersection of an exterior wall of a building with the ground.
BUILDING LINE, FRONT
A line parallel to the street lot line at a distance therefrom equal to the required front yard for the district in which the lot is located.
BUILDING LINE, REAR
A line parallel to the rear lot line at a distance therefrom equal to the required rear yard for the district in which the lot is located.
BUILDING LINE, SIDE
A line parallel to the side lot line at a distance therefrom equal to the required side yard for the district in which the lot is located.
BUSINESS OFFICE
A business establishment that does not offer a product or merchandise for sale to the public but offers only a service to the public.
BUSINESS SERVICE
A business establishment that offers retail goods or services for local business needs and local business consumption.
BUSINESS USE
An activity engaged within a separate and distinct structure or unit for retail trade, finance, insurance, real estate, or services.
CANOPY
Any structure, in a fixed position, other than an awning or marquee, made of cloth, plastic, metal or architectural material which provides a roof-like shelter.
CANOPY, MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICE OR REPAIR STATION
A roofed, accessory structure with open sides located on the same lot as a motor vehicle service or repair station, used to shield the pumps from the elements.
CARPORT
Any structure or portion of a building or structure other than an attached or detached garage used for the shelter of self-propelled vehicles.
CELLAR
See "basement."
CEMETERY
Property used for interring of the dead.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETENESS
A document issued by the administrative officer specifying that a development application has met the submission requirements set forth in this chapter.
CHANGE OF USE
Any use that substantially differs from the previous use of a building or land.
CHANNEL
The area between the tops of the banks of any watercourse, with or without continuous flow, wherein surface waters are contained under conditions less than flood stage. This area shall also consist of lands lying between two or more branches of the same watercourse.
CHILD-CARE CENTER
An establishment licensed by the Department of Human Services pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:5B-1 et seq., providing for the care, supervision and protection of children.
CLUBHOUSE
A building or portion thereof or premises owned or operated by a corporation, association, person or persons for civic, social, cultural, religious, literary, political, educational or recreational purpose, but not primarily for profit or to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business, but not including shooting clubs, operated for the benefit of its members and not open to the public.
COAH
The New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing.
CO-LOCATION
When two or more receiving and/or transmitting facilities are placed together in the same location, on the same antenna support structure, or on a telecommunications tower.
COMMERCIAL RECREATION FACILITY
A facility designed and equipped for the conduct of leisure, sport or other recreational activities operated as a business for profit and open to the public for a fee.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Any commercially registered vehicle, except a passenger car. Vehicles normally associated with a commercial use, but not registered for commercial use, shall be deemed commercial vehicles.
COMMON OPEN SPACE
A parcel of land or an area of water or a combination of land and water within that part of a townhouse development site that has been designated for the use or enjoyment of residents and owners of the townhouse development. Common open space may contain such nonresidential recreational structures, improvements and landscaping as are necessary or appropriate for use by the residents.
COMMON OWNERSHIP
Ownership of two or more contiguous lots of real property by one person or persons.
COMMUNITY CENTER
A building used for recreational, social, educational and cultural activities, open to the public or a designated part of the public, usually owned and operated by a public or nonprofit group or agency.
COMMUNITY RESIDENCE FOR PERSONS WITH HEAD INJURIES
A community residential facility licensed pursuant to P.L. 1977, c. 448 (N.J.S.A. 30:11B-1 et seq.), providing food, shelter and personal guidance, under such supervision as required, to not more than 15 persons with head injuries who require assistance, temporarily or permanently, in order to live in the community and shall include, but not be limited to, group homes, halfway houses, supervised apartment living arrangements and hostels. Such a residence shall not be considered a health care facility within the meaning in the Health Care Facilities Planning Act, P.L. 1971, c. 136 (N.J.S.A. 26:2H-1 et seq.).
COMMUNITY RESIDENCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
Any community residential facility licensed pursuant to P.L. 1977, c. 448 (N.J.S.A. 30:11B-1 et seq.), providing food, shelter and personal guidance, under such supervision as required, to not more than 15 developmentally disabled or mentally ill persons who require assistance, temporarily or permanently, in order to live in the community and shall include, but not be limited to, group homes, halfway houses, intermediate care facilities, supervised apartment living arrangements and hostels. Such a residence shall not be considered a health care facility within the meaning in the Health Care Facilities Planning Act, P.L. 1971, c. 136 (N.J.S.A. 26:2H-1 et seq.). In the case of such a community residence housing mentally ill persons, such residence shall have been approved for a purchase of service contract or an affiliation agreement pursuant to such procedures as shall be established by regulation of the Division of Mental Health and Hospitals of the Department of Human Services. As used in this chapter, "developmentally disabled person" means a person who is developmentally disabled as defined in Section 2 of P.L. 1977, c. 448 (N.J.S.A. 30:11B-2), and "mentally ill person" means a person who is afflicted with a mental illness as defined in N.J.S.A. 30:4-27.2, but shall not include a person who has been committed after having been found not guilty of a criminal offense by reason of insanity or having been found unfit to be tried on a criminal charge.[1]
COMMUNITY RESIDENCE FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL
Any community residential facility operated as a hospice program providing food, shelter, personal guidance and health care services, under such supervision as required, to not more than 15 terminally ill persons.
COMMUNITY SHELTER FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Any shelter approved for a purchase of service contract and certified pursuant to standards and procedures established by regulation of the Department of Human Services pursuant to P.L. 1979, c. 337 (N.J.S.A.30:14-1 et seq.), providing food, shelter, medical care, legal assistance, personal guidance, and other services to not more than 15 persons who have been victims of domestic violence, including any children of such victims, who temporarily require shelter and assistance in order to protect their physical or psychological welfare.
CONDITIONAL USE
A use permitted in a particular zone district only upon a showing that such use in a specified location will comply with the conditions and standards for the location or operation of such use as contained in this chapter, and upon the issuance of an authorization therefor by the Planning Board.
CONSERVATION EASEMENT
The grant of a property right stipulating that the described land will remain in its natural state and precluding future or additional development.
CONSTRUCTION OFFICIAL
The chief administrative Construction Official for the Borough.
CONVERSION
Alteration in an existing residential structure resulting in an increase in the number of dwelling units.
COURT
An open, unoccupied and unobstructed space on a lot other than a yard, street or way, bounded by two or more sides of a building, including a similar area fully open to the sky but not necessarily beginning at the ground level, including:
A. 
OUTER COURTOne which opens for its full width into a yard or a street. The depth of an outer court is the greatest horizontal dimension measured at right angles for the yard or street upon which such court opens to the face of the opposite building or wall. The width of an outer court is its least horizontal dimension measured at right angles to its depth.
B. 
INNER COURTAny court other that an outer court, including a court completely surrounded by building walls and an interior lot line. The size of an inner court is measured in the same manner as an outer court.
CRITICAL AREA
Land within a flood hazard area (floodway or flood-fringe) as delineated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection or land which contains slopes exceeding fifteen-percent grade or land containing freshwater wetlands.
CURB LEVEL
The elevation of the street curb in front of the midpoint of the front lot line.
CURBLINE
A stone, concrete or other improved boundary marking the edge of a roadway or paved area.
DECK
An above-grade, unroofed structure without walls that is attached to a residential dwelling unit, 12 inches or more above grade.
DEMOLITION
The partial or total razing, dismantling or destruction of any building or of any improvement within the Borough.
DENSITY, GROSS
The permitted number of dwelling units per gross tract area of land to be developed. The result is expressed in dwelling units per acre.
DEVELOPER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or of any land proposed for development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase or other person having an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.
DEVELOPMENT
The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any building or other structure, or of any mining, excavation or landfill, and any use or change in the use of any building or other structure or land or extension of use of land.
DEVELOPMENT FEE
Money paid by an individual, person, partnership, association, company or corporation for the improvement of property as permitted in COAH's rules.
DIAMETER AT POINT OF MEASUREMENT
The diameter of a tree measured 4 1/2 feet (forestry method) above the ground level on the downhill side for existing trees. Trees utilized in the replacement of existing trees or proposed as part of a landscape plan shall be measured 12 inches above ground level for trees over a four-inch caliper. The measurement shall be six inches above grade for trees up to four-inch caliper (nursery method). Diameter at point of measurement may appear as the abbreviation "DPM."
DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
An establishment engaged in the receipt, storage and distribution of goods, products, cargo, and materials, including transshipment by rail or motor vehicle.
DISTURB
To dig, dredge, excavate, remove, deposit, grade, clear, level, fill or otherwise alter or change the location or contour of land or otherwise cause land to be exposed to the dangers of erosion.
DRIPLINE
A limiting line established by a series of perpendicular drop points marking the maximum radius of the crown of an existing tree, but not less than six feet from the trunk, whichever is greater.
DRIVE APRON
That portion of a driveway that lies between the street side of the sidewalk and the curbline or edge of pavement.
DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITY
An establishment that, by design, physical facilities, service or by packaging procedures, encourages or permits customers to receive service or obtain goods while remaining in their motor vehicles.
DRIVEWAY
A private right-of-way providing access for motor vehicles to a garage, dwelling or other building from a street or other right-of-way.
DRIVEWAY, JOINT
A private driveway providing access to two or more properties.
DUMP
A lot or land or part thereof used primarily for the disposal, by abandonment, dumping, burial, burning or any other means and for whatever purposes, of garbage, sewage, trash, refuse, junk, discarded machinery, vehicles, or parts thereof, or waste material of any kind. See also "junkyard."
DUPLEX
A two-unit dwelling sharing a common vertical separation with independent means of ingress and egress for each unit.
DUST-FREE SURFACE
A surface adequately covered with concrete, bituminous products or surface-treated macadam, properly drained and maintained in good condition at all times.
DWELLING, JOINT OCCUPANCY
A building containing both residential and nonresidential uses.
DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY
A building containing three or more dwelling units, including units that are located one over the other.
DWELLING UNIT
A building or entirely self-contained portion thereof intended or designed for nontransient residential use of a single housekeeping unit, separated from all other spaces by lockable doors, having access to the outside without crossing another dwelling, having any cooking facilities, fixed or portable, or food refrigeration facilities, and having any sanitary facilities, and including one-family, two-family and multifamily dwellings. A house trailer, a boardinghouse or rooming house, convalescent home, fraternity or sorority house, hotel, inn, lodging, nursing, or other similar home or other similar structure shall not be deemed to constitute a dwelling unit.
DWELLING UNIT, APARTMENT
See "dwelling, multifamily."
DWELLING UNIT, REHABILITATED
A previously substandard dwelling unit, as further defined herein, which has undergone significant renovation to meet municipal or other applicable housing code standards. Upon rehabilitation of a substandard dwelling unit, housing deficiencies shall be corrected and the house shall be brought up to code standards. The standard for evaluating rehabilitation activity of a substandard dwelling unit shall be the local property maintenance code or, if none is available, the BOCA Property Maintenance Code in effect at the time of evaluation. The rehabilitation activity shall not include luxury improvements, the purchase of appliances (with the exception of stoves) or improvements that are strictly cosmetic. A rehabilitated unit is considered complete at the date of final inspection.
DWELLING UNIT, SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED
A structure containing two housekeeping units that are attached to each other by means of an unpierced wall extending from ground to roof, which may be located on a single lot or subdivided along the common wall.
DWELLING UNIT, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED
A structure containing a single housekeeping unit that is not attached to any other dwelling unit by any means.
DWELLING UNIT, SUBSTANDARD
A dwelling unit with health and safety code violations that require the repair or replacement of a major system. A "major system" shall include weatherization, a roof, plumbing (including wells), heating, electricity, sanitary plumbing (including septic systems) and/or a load-bearing structural system.
DWELLING UNIT, TOWNHOUSE
A one-family dwelling in a connected row of at least three such units in which each unit has its own front and rear access to the outside, no unit is located over another unit, and each unit is separated from any other unit by one or more common vertical fire-resistant walls.
DWELLING UNIT, TWO-FAMILY
A building on a single lot containing two dwelling units, each of which is totally separated from the other by an unpierced wall extending from ground to roof or an unpierced ceiling and floor extending from exterior wall to exterior wall, except for a common stairwell exterior to both dwelling units.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER
A public education facility as defined by the New Jersey Department of Education.
EASEMENT
A grant of one or more of the property rights by the property owner to another person or entity and/or for the use by the public or a corporation.
ELEVATED BUILDING
A nonbasement building built in an area of special flood hazard to have the top of the elevated floor elevated above the ground level by the means of piling, columns (posts or piers), or shear walls parallel to the flow of the water and adequately anchored so as to not impair the structural integrity of the building during a flood of up to the magnitude of the base flood. In an area of special flood hazard, "elevated building" shall also include a building elevated by means of fill or solid foundation perimeter walls with openings sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movement of floodwaters.
EROSION
Detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice or gravity.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
The erection, construction, alteration or maintenance by public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies of underground or overhead facilities or systems reasonably necessary for furnishing adequate service for the public health, safety or general welfare.
EXCAVATION or CUT
Any act by which soil or rock is cut into, dug, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced or relocated.
EXTENDED-STAY LODGING FACILITY
A lodging establishment designed and intended for the temporary lodging of business travelers, which includes a cooking area and related appurtenances in every room, which has limited maid service, front desk and reception services, but which does not include restaurants, conference facilities or retail/convenience stores.
FAMILY
A single, nonprofit housekeeping unit which bears the generic character of a relatively stable and permanent functioning unit.
FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME
A private residence of a family day-care provider which is registered as a family day-care home pursuant to the Family Day Care Provider Registration Act (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-16 et seq.) and which is operated in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-66.5b.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission.
FENCE
A barrier of any material or combination of materials erected to enclose, screen or separate areas.
FINAL APPROVAL
The official action of the Planning Board taken on a preliminary approved major subdivision or site plan after all conditions, engineering plans and other requirements have been completed or fulfilled and the required improvements have been installed or guarantees properly posted for their completion, or approval conditioned upon the posting of such guarantees.
[Amended 7-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-07]
FLOOD, DESIGN
"Design flood" (floodway or flood hazard area) is the relative size or magnitude of a flood, expressed as a design discharge in cubic feet per second, which is developed from hydrologic criteria, represents a major flood of reasonable expectancy, reflects both flood experience and flood potential, and is the basis of the delineation of the floodway and the flood hazard area and of the water surface elevations thereof.
FLOOD-FRINGE AREA
That portion of the flood hazard area outside of the floodway which is subject to less severe flooding.
FLOOD HAZARD AREA
The flood hazard area shall consist of the floodway and flood-fringe area, being the areas that are subject to flooding.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
The official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk-premium zones applicable to the Borough.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY
The official report provided in which the Federal Insurance Administration has provided flood profiles, as well as the Flood Boundary-Floodway Map and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
FLOOD OF RECORD
The greatest flood in a given area for which accurate records are available and/or as determined by the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection.
FLOOD or FLOODING
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of inland or tidal waters and/or the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
FLOODPLAIN
Same as the "flood hazard area."
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than 0.2 foot.
FLOOR AREA
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all the floors of the building or buildings on a lot, measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls equal to or in excess of seven feet to six inches or from the center line of party walls separating two buildings, excluding cellar and basement areas used only for storage or the operation and maintenance of the building.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS
The total floor area of a building computed by measuring the horizontal dimensions of the outside walls of all enclosed portions of the building, including halls, enclosed porches, attics, cellars, basements and garages.
FLOOR AREA, LIVABLE
All finished spaces within the exterior walls of a dwelling, exclusive of garages, breezeways, unheated porches, cellars and basements having a window area of less than 10% of the square foot area of the room. Usable floor area shall include all finished spaces not otherwise excluded above, such as principal rooms, utility rooms, bathrooms, all closets and hallways opening directly into any rooms within the dwelling unit and all attic spaces having a clear height of six feet from finished floor level to pitch of roof rafter with a clear height of seven feet six inches from finished floor level to ceiling level over 50% of the area of such attic space.
FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)
The floor area in square feet of all buildings on a lot divided by the area of such lot in square feet.
FRONT PORCH LINE
A line formed by the intersection of a porch foundation wall with the ground or, when viewed in the plan, the outermost extremity of the roof, whichever is closer to the front lot line.
FUNERAL HOME
A building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial and/or the display of the deceased and rituals connected therewith before burial or cremation.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
A fully enclosed detached accessory building, or a portion of a principal building, used primarily for the storage of vehicles owned or used by the occupant of the principal building or used for the storage of incidental items to which the garage is an accessory. No more than one garage space may be rented to persons not residing on the property, and not more than one commercial vehicle, not to exceed a three-ton rated capacity, may be stored therein.
GARAGE, PUBLIC
A garage, other than a private garage, available to the public, which is used for the parking of automobiles or other motor vehicles.
GARAGE, REPAIR
Any building, premises and land in which or upon which a business or service involving the maintenance, servicing or repair of vehicles in conducted.
GARDEN APARTMENTS
A group of multifamily dwellings, architecturally designed with one unit placed on top of another unit, up to three units in height, designed for rental or sale of the individual units, having common open space and designed in accordance with the requirements for such dwellings as set forth in this chapter.
GARDEN CENTER
Land, greenhouses or structures used to raise and/or sell flowers, shrubs, plants and other garden-related items.
GRADE, ESTABLISHED
The elevation of the center line of streets as officially established be the Borough, county or state.
GRADE, FINISHED
The completed surfaces of lawns, walks and roads brought to grades as shown on official plans or designs related thereto.
GREENHOUSE
A building whose roof and sides are made largely of glass or other transparent or translucent material and in which the temperature and humidity can be regulated for the cultivation of plants.
HAM RADIO ANTENNA
A device mounted on a freestanding support structure or secured to a roof or wall of a building and used to receive and transmit radio communications between other terrestrially based sites.
HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB
An establishment that provides facilities for physical exercises and/or saunas, showers and lockers.
HOME OCCUPATION
An activity carried out for gain by a resident and conducted as a customary, incidental and accessory use in the resident's dwelling unit, providing that there is no external evidence of the nonresidential use; that there is no more than one additional nonresident employee; and that no more than 400 square feet of area is devoted to such occupation.
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
An association of owners of the various properties of a common ownership community, formed under the provisions of a master deed, declaration of covenants and restrictions and a certificate of incorporation and bylaws.
HOME PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
A home occupation consisting of the office of a practitioner of a recognized profession requiring a degree of training, experience or licensure.
HOTEL
A facility offering transient lodging accommodations to the general public and providing additional services, such as restaurants, meeting rooms, entertainment and recreational facilities, and so constructed that access and egress from rooms to the outside passes a control desk.
IMPERVIOUS COVER
Any structure, surface or improvement that reduces and/or prevents absorption of stormwater into land. Porous paving, paver blocks, gravel, crushed stone, crushed shell, elevated structures, and other similar structures, surfaces or improvements are considered impervious cover. Grass, lawns or any other vegetation are not considered impervious cover.
IMPROVEMENT
Any structure or any part thereof installed upon real property by human endeavor and intended to be kept at the location of such construction or installation.
INCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
Any material that will not ignite at or below a temperature of 1,200° F. and will not continue to glow or burn at that temperature.
INDUSTRY, LIGHT
Those fields of economic activity including construction, light manufacturing, warehousing and wholesale trade.
JUNK
Any scrap, waste, reclaimable material, or debris, whether or not stored, for sale or in the process of being dismantled, destroyed, processed, salvaged, stored, baled, disposed, or other use or disposition. This definition also includes, but is not limited to, unregistered, inoperable vehicles, tires, vehicle parts, equipment, paper, rags, metal, glass, building materials, household appliances, machinery, brush, wood and lumber.
JUNKYARD
Any space, whether inside or outside a building, used for the storage, keeping, or abandonment of junk. For the purpose of this definition, the deposit or storage on any lot of two or more wrecked or inoperative vehicles or parts thereof for one month or more shall be deemed to be a junkyard. Also see "dump."
KENNEL
Any building, structure, or premises in which cats, dogs or other domesticated animals are kept, boarded, bred or trained for a fee or compensation.
LAND
Any ground, soil or earth, including marshes, swamps, drainageways and areas not permanently covered by water, within the municipality.
LEASEHOLD AREA
A designated area bound by leasehold lines.
LEASEHOLD LINE
A line of record bounding a leasehold area that divides a leasehold area from another leasehold area, lot, or from a public or private street or any other public space.
LOADING SPACE, OFF-STREET
An off-street space, abutting a street or other appropriate means of access, available for the loading or unloading of goods.
LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY
An institution or a distinct part of an institution that is licensed or approved to provide health care under medical supervision for 24 or more consecutive hours to two or more patients who are not related to the governing authority or its members by marriage, blood or adoption. "Long-term care facility" shall include the terms "skilled nursing facility" and "intermediate care facility."
LOT
A designated parcel, tract, or area of land established by a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed, or build upon as a unit.
LOT AREA
The total area contained within the lot lines, expressed in terms of square feet or acres. Any portion of a lot in a public right-of-way, existing or proposed, shall not be included in the area.
LOT, CORNER
A lot at the junction of and abutting on two or more intersecting streets where the interior angle of intersection does not exceed 135°. A lot abutting a curved street shall be deemed a corner lot if the tangents to the curve at the points of intersection of the side lot lines with the street lines intersect at an interior angle of less than 135°.
LOT COVERAGE
The percentage of lot area that is covered by impervious material, but specifically excluding any emergency generator having a rated generating capacity not exceeding 20 kilowatts; a footprint, including the pad, not exceeding 20 square feet; and a height not exceeding four feet.
[Amended 11-25-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-11]
LOT DEPTH
The mean distance between the front and rear property lines of any lot, measured along a line either parallel to or making equal angles with the sidelines.
LOT, FLAG
A large lot not meeting minimum frontage requirements and where access to a public road is via a narrow, private right-of-way or driveway.
LOT FRONTAGE
The length of the street line of a lot. In the case of a corner lot, the shorter of the two lot lines coinciding with the street lines shall be considered the lot frontage.
LOT LINE
A line of record bounding a lot that divides one lot from another lot or from a public or private street or any other public space.
LOT LINE, FRONT
The lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way.
LOT LINE, REAR
The lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line. In the case of a corner lot, the lot line opposite the shorter front street line shall be considered the rear lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDE
Any lot line other than a front lot line or rear lot line.
LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGE
A through lot that is not accessible from one of the parallel or nonintersecting streets upon which it fronts.
LOT, THROUGH
A lot other than a corner lot which adjoins two street lines which are at opposite ends of the lot. A through lot shall be considered to have two front yard lines.
LOT WIDTH
A distance measured at the front yard setback line along a line perpendicular to parallel sidelines or making equal angles with both converging sidelines. Where a front yard is not required, the lot width shall be measured along the street line.
LOWER-INCOME HOUSEHOLD
A household meeting the regional income eligibility limits for low- and moderate-income households or for low- and very-low-income households in the document entitled "Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, Income by Family Size," published by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest level of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for the parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement is not considered a building's lowest floor, provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of other nonelevation design requirements.
LOW INCOME
Less than 50% of the median income for the region when used with and compared to the term "moderate income"; or 50% to 80% of the median income for the region when used with and compared to the term "very low income" in the document entitled "Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, Income by Family Size," published by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE
Any security which may be accepted by the Borough for the maintenance of any required improvements.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. For floodplain management purposes, the term "manufactured home" also includes park trailers, travel trailers and other similar vehicles placed on a site for greater than 180 consecutive days. For insurance purposes, the term "manufactured home" does not include park trailers, travel trailers and other similar vehicles.
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK or MANUFACTURED HOME SUBDIVISION
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
MANUFACTURING
Any process whereby the nature, size, or shape of articles or raw materials is changed or where articles are assembled or packaged.
MARQUEE
A permanent, roof-like structure extending from part or all of a building or other structure over a public or quasi-public right-of-way and constructed of some durable material such as metal, glass or plastic.
MEDICAL BUILDING
A building intended to house one or more offices and/or laboratories for medical professions licensed by the State of New Jersey.
MEMBERSHIP CLUB
A building, lot, or land area, used as a private club or social organization not conducted for profit or gain, and which is not an adjunct to or operated by or in connection with or as a public tavern, cafe, restaurant or other like public space.
MEZZANINE
An intermediate level between the floor and ceiling of any story and covering not more than 33% of the floor area of the room in which it is located.
MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
A building that contains both residential and nonresidential uses.
[Amended 10-23-2012 by Ord. No. 12-14]
MOBILE HOME
See "manufactured home."
[Amended 10-23-2012 by Ord. No. 12-14]
MOBILE HOME PARK
A site containing spaces with required improvements and utilities that are leased for the long-term placement of manufactured houses and that may include services and facilities for the residents.
MODERATE INCOME
Fifty percent to 80% of the median income for the region. In the document entitled "Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, Income by Family Size," published by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the term "low income" is used instead of the term "moderate income" to refer to the 50% to 80% of median income range.
MONOPOLE
The type of tower that is self-supporting with a single shaft of wood, steel or concrete and a platform (or racks) for panel antennas arrayed at the top.
MORTUARY
See "funeral home."
MOTEL, AUTO COURT, MOTOR LODGE or TOURIST COURT
An establishment providing sleeping accommodations to transient guests, with a majority of all rooms having direct access to the outside without the necessity of passing through the main lobby of the building.
MOTOR VEHICLE
A self-propelled device used for transportation of people or goods over land surfaces.
MOTOR VEHICLE BODY REPAIR AND PAINTING FACILITY
Any building, land area or premises, or portion thereof, used primarily for auto body work, welding and painting.
MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERSHIP
A facility that displays and/or sells new and/or used motor vehicles of any type.
MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR STATION
Any building, land area, or other premises, or portion thereof, used for the mechanical repair of motor vehicles, either solely or in combination with the retail sale and direct delivery to motor vehicles of fuel and lubricating oil, but excluding body repair and painting.
MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICE STATION
Any building, land area, or other premises, or portion thereof, used for the retail sale and direct delivery to motor vehicles of fuel and lubricating oil either solely or in combination with light motor vehicle repairs, but excluding body repair and painting.
MULTILEVEL PARKING STRUCTURE
A building or structure consisting of more than one level and used for the temporary storage of motor vehicles.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL
Retail shops and services serving the immediate residential neighborhood.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of this chapter.
NIGHTCLUB
An establishment dispensing liquor and meals and in which music, dancing or entertainment is conducted. For the purposes of this chapter, a regulated use shall not be considered a nightclub.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot, the area, dimension or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of a zoning ordinance, but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A structure, the size, dimension or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of a zoning ordinance, but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use or activity which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of a zoning ordinance, but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located by reasons of such adoption, revision or amendment.
NUISANCE
An offensive, annoying, unpleasant or obnoxious thing or practice, a cause or source of annoyance, especially a continuing or repeated invasion or disturbance of another's rights, including the actual or potential emanation of any physical characteristics or activity or use across a property line which can be perceived by or affects a human being, or the generation of an excessive or concentrated movement of people or things, such as but not limited to noise, dust, smoke, fumes, odor, glare, flashes, vibrations, shock waves, heat, electronic or atomic radiation, objectionable effluent, noise of a congregation of people, especially at night, passenger traffic, transportation of things by truck, rail or other means, invasion of nonabutting street frontage by parking, the obscuring or masking of adjacent or nearby property by projecting signs, marquees or canopies, or any adverse effect on value or desirability of adjacent or nearby property caused by such matters as incongruous appearance, exposed storage of inoperable automobiles, junk materials and neglect or dilapidation of property.
NURSERY
Land or greenhouses used to raise flowers, shrubs and plants for sale.
NURSING HOME/CONVALESCENT HOME
See "long-term care facility."
OCCUPANCY
The act of occupying land or a building for the purpose it is arranged, intended, designed or maintained.
OFFICE
A room or group of rooms used for conducting the affairs of a business, profession, service, industry, or government and generally furnished with desks, tables, files and communication equipment.
OFFICE BUILDING
A building intended for office use.
OFF-PREMISES PARKING
Parking located on property other than that which is the subject of the development application, which is within 1,000 feet of the subject property and which is the subject of an approved, filed parking agreement.
OFF SITE
Located outside the lot lines of the lot in question but within the property which is the subject of a development application or the closest half of the street or right-of-way abutting the property of which the lot is a part.
OFF TRACT
Not located on the property that is the subject of a development application or on the closest half of the abutting street or right-of-way.
ON SITE
Located on the lot in question and excluding any abutting street or right-of-way.
ON TRACT
Located on the property that is the subject of a development application or on the closest half of an abutting street or right-of-way.
OPEN SPACE
Any space or area characterized by great natural beauty or whose existing openness, natural conditions or present state of use, if retained, would enhance the present or potential value of abutting or surrounding urban development or would maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources. "Open space" includes areas set aside for public use and enjoyment and also includes areas of historic significance.
OPEN SPACE, COMMON
An open space area within or related to a development and designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents and owners of the development. Common open space may contain such complementary structures and improvements as are necessary and appropriate for the use or enjoyment of residents and owners of the development.
OUTDOOR STORAGE
The keeping, other than in a building, of any goods, junk, material, merchandise, or vehicles in the same place for more than 24 hours.
PARK
A tract of land designated and used by the public for active and passive recreation.
PARKING LOT
An improved, off-street, ground-level open area used for the parking of motor vehicles. A parking lot may include access drives or aisles for ingress and egress.
PARKING SPACE, OFF-STREET
A paved or surfaced area for off-street motor vehicle parking designed to meet the specifications of this chapter.
PATIO or TERRACE
A level, landscaped, and/or surfaced area on a lot with a principal building and not covered by a permanent roof, less than 12 inches above grade.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE
Any security which may be accepted by the Borough to assure required improvements associated with an application for development will be satisfactorily completed.
PERMIT
Includes but is not limited to a zoning permit, construction permit, a demolition permit, a permit to move, convert, relocate or remodel.
PERSONAL SERVICE
A service provided to an individual or group of individuals that does not produce tangible goods for retail sale or consumption.
PERSONAL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT
Any business use that provides services to an individual or group of individuals, such as barbershops, dry-cleaning establishments, beauty salons, travel agencies and substantially similar types of uses, and does not provide goods for retail sale or consumption.
PERSON WITH HEAD INJURY
A person who has sustained an injury, illness or traumatic changes to the skull, the brain contents or its coverings which result in a temporary or permanent physiobiological decrease of mental, cognitive, behavioral, social or physical functions which causes partial or total disability.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
A church, synagogue, temple, mosque or other facility that is used for prayer or formal religious services by a religious congregation.
POOLROOM or BILLIARD PARLOR
Any building, structure, room or place in which pool or billiards shall be played for gain, hire or reward or where a fee is charged for the use of the facilities.
PORCH
A roofed, open area attached to and with direct access to or from a building.
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL
The conferral of certain rights pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law, prior to final approval of a major site plan or major subdivision, after specific elements of a development have been approved by the delegated approving authority and agreed to by the applicant.
PREMISES
The land, buildings and all other facilities situated upon a lot or other property.
PRESERVATION
The act or process of applying measures to sustain the existing form, integrity and material of a building or structure and the landscape features and vegetative cover of a site. It may include initial stabilization work, where necessary, as well as ongoing maintenance of the historic building materials.
PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE
A building in which the principal use of the lot is conducted.
PRINCIPAL USE
The primary or predominant use of any lot.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
An office used or occupied by a licensed professional in the fields of accounting, architecture, dentistry, engineering, finance, insurance, law, medicine, planning, landscape architecture, optometrists, and similar occupations and professions which may be determined by the Planning Board upon finding that such occupation is truly professional in character by virtue of similar training and education.
[Amended 7-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-07]
PROHIBITED USE
Any use that is specifically prohibited by this chapter or otherwise not specifically permitted by this chapter.
PROTECTION
The act or process of applying measures designed to affect the physical condition of a property by defending or guarding it from deterioration, loss or attack or to cover or shield the property from danger or injury.
PUBLIC PURPOSE USE
The use of land or buildings by the Borough of Raritan or by any other federal, state, county or municipal governmental body, including the Borough of Raritan Board of Education.
PUBLIC UTILITY
A facility with the primary function of generating, creating or harnessing natural or man-made energy for essential services use or distribution off site, including electrical substations and switching stations, or the disposal or treatment of water or wastes, not including service yards or storage and treatment yards and facilities or wireless telecommunications facilities.
RECEPTION AND BANQUET HALL
A facility specifically geared to providing interior areas for groups of individuals to congregate, socialize or celebrate particular events.
RECONSTRUCTION
The act or process of reproducing by new construction the exact form and detail of a vanished building, structure or object, or any part thereof, as it appeared at a specific period of time.
RECORDING STUDIO, ACCESSORY
A studio for audio or video recording operated as an accessory to a performing arts or music school or studio; a public or private elementary, middle, secondary or vocational school; or a college or university.
[Added 7-24-2012 by Ord. No. 12-12]
RECORDING STUDIO, COMMERCIAL MUSIC
A facility containing one or more studios for the recording or rehearsal of music including but not limited to sound stages, recording production facilities and administrative offices but not including theater facilities for live performances.
[Added 7-24-2012 by Ord. No. 12-12]
RECREATIONAL FACILITY
A place designed and equipped for the conduct of sports and leisure-time activities, excluding billiard parlors, video arcades, adult book and video stores, adult motion-picture theaters, cabarets or massage shops.
REFUSE AND RECYCLING AREA
A designated area, either within a building or a screened space on the exterior of a building, specifically designed to hold waste or recyclable materials.
REGION
For purposes related to affordable housing, the four-county region encompassing Somerset, Middlesex, Warren and Hunterdon Counties.
RESEARCH LABORATORY
An establishment or other facility for carrying on investigation in the natural, physical or social sciences, which may include engineering and product development.
RESTAURANT
Any establishment at which food or drink is prepared, served and consumed primarily within the principal building or at a permitted accessory outside dining facility, excluding bars, pubs, taverns or public houses.
RESTAURANT, DRIVE-THROUGH
An establishment where food and/or beverages are sold in a form ready for consumption, where the consumption may take place or is designated to take place outside the confines of a restaurant, and where ordering or pickup of food may take place from an automobile.
RESTAURANT, TAKEOUT
An establishment where food and/or beverages are sold in a form ready for consumption, where the consumption may take place or is designated to take place outside the confines of a restaurant, and where ordering or pickup of food may not take place from an automobile.
RETAIL SALES AND SERVICES
Establishments engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods.
RETAIL SERVICES
Establishments providing services to the general public for personal or household use.
ROOMING HOUSE (BOARDINGHOUSE)
A dwelling or part thereof in which lodging is provided by the owner or operator to no more than six boarders, with each boarder having his or her own separate sleeping room.
ROW HOUSE
See "townhouse."
SATELLITE DISH ANTENNA
A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh or bar configured and in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, horn or cornucopia, for use to receive and/or transmit radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially and/or orbitally based uses.
SCHOOL, COMMERCIAL
The activity of a person or business engaged in the instruction of children or adults for personal gain. The term "commercial school" shall include such uses as dancing and music schools, art schools and studios, auto driving schools, secretarial schools and business colleges, nursery and play schools, private kindergartens, schools for the development of skills of artisans, martial arts studios, and after-school learning or tutoring centers.
[Amended 10-12-2010 by Ord. No. 10-12]
SCHOOL, PRIVATE ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE OR HIGH
Any building or a group of buildings, the use of which meets state requirements for elementary, secondary or higher education and which use does not secure the major part of its funding from any governmental agency.
SCHOOL, PUBLIC ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE OR HIGH
Any school licensed by the state and that meets the state requirements for elementary, secondary or higher education.
SCHOOL, VOCATIONAL
A secondary or higher educational facility primarily teaching usable skills that prepare students for jobs in a trade and meeting the state requirements as a vocational facility.
SELF-STORAGE FACILITY
A structure or facility containing separate, individual and private storage spaces of varying sizes, leased or rented on individual leases for varying periods of time.
SENIOR CITIZEN DEVELOPMENT
See definition for "age-restricted senior housing."
SETBACK
The distance between a building and any lot line.
SETBACK LINE
That line that is established at the required minimum distance from any lot line and that establishes the area within which the principal structure must be erected or placed.
SETTING
The relationship that a site and its buildings have to its surroundings.
SEXUALLY ORIENTED ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS
An adult bookstore, motion-picture studio, massage parlor, or any other business or establishment dealing predominantly with obscene acts or materials.
SHOPPING CENTER
A group of retail stores and service establishments, with parking facilities and designed to serve a community or neighborhood, which is planned, developed, owned and managed as a total entity.
SIDEWALK
A paved, surfaced or leveled area, paralleling and usually separate from the street, used as a pedestrian walkway.
SIDEWALK SALE
A periodic event that is accessory to a principal permitted retail use and occurs before and after designated holidays during which merchants are allowed to display merchandise for sale on the sidewalk.
SIGN
Any name, identification, description, display or illumination which is affixed to or painted on or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure or parcel of land and which directs attention to a person, organization, institution, activity, event, place, object, product, commodity, business, entertainment, service or profession or which conveys any message, notice or greeting. Not included or restricted are the flag, pennant or insignia of any nation, state, city or other political unit or temporary signs of any political, educational, charitable, philanthropic, civic, religious, or like campaign, drive or event.
SIGN ALTERATION
The enlargement, extension or relocation of an existing sign or support structure.
SIGN, ANNOUNCEMENT
A sign, not exceeding one square foot, identifying the occupant of a structure or space and his activity.
SIGN AREA
The entire area within a contiguous perimeter enclosing the limits of a sign and including the frame of the sign, but not including structural elements outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part thereof.
SIGN, AWNING, CANOPY OR MARQUEE
A sign that is mounted, painted, or attached to an awning, canopy or marquee.
SIGN, BANNER
Any flexible sign supported at its ends, typically by rope or cord.
SIGN, BUSINESS
A sign which directs attention to the business, activity, products, use or other matters concerning the parcel of premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN, CONTRACTOR
A temporary sign that identifies the tradesperson or architect of a specific improvement on the property for which the improvement is being made.
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL
A sign intended to facilitate efficient traffic circulation movement within a particular tract.
SIGN, DIRECTORY
A ground or wall sign listing the tenants or occupants of a building or group of buildings and that may indicate their respective professions or business activities.
SIGN FACE
The area or display surface used for the message.
SIGN, FLASHING
A sign, the illumination of which is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use.
SIGN, FREESTANDING
A single or multifaced sign not attached to a building and with an upright base extending from the ground.
SIGN, GROUND
A sign, other than a pole sign, in which the entire bottom is in contact with or close to the ground and is independent of any other structure.
SIGN, ILLUMINATED
A sign having characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by electric light or luminous tubes as a part of the sign.
SIGN, INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED
An illuminated, nonflashing sign whose illumination is derived from an external artificial source and is so arranged that no direct rays of light are projected from the artificial source into an area where anyone resides or into any public street or public way.
SIGN, POLITICAL
A temporary sign denoting a political campaign headquarters, party affiliation, cause or candidate.
SIGN, PORTABLE
A nonilluminated sign that is not securely affixed to the ground or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to a building or other structure.
SIGN, PROJECT
A temporary sign intended to identify a project under construction, including the project name, general contractor, architect and prime real estate agent.
SIGN, PROJECTING
A sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and that projects more than 15 inches from such building.
SIGN, PUBLIC PURPOSE
A sign designed to promote the public health, safety and welfare, including official government notices, government signs, signs to control and direct traffic on public streets, street identification signs, signs erected by public utility companies to warn of dangerous or hazardous conditions and political signs.
SIGN, READER BOARD
A temporary, portable sign that incorporates changeable lettering and is intended primarily for advertising or announcement purposes.
SIGN, REAL ESTATE
A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises, or a portion thereof, on which the sign is located.
SIGN, RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
A sign identifying a residential major subdivision, condominium, apartment or townhouse complex and located entirely on the property which it is identifying.
SIGN, RESIDENTIAL NAMEPLATE
A wall sign permitted for the sole purpose of identifying the inhabitant residing therein, the house name and/or identifying the address of the house.
SIGN RESTORATION
The routine maintenance and painting of existing, approved signs that does not change the approved design or increase the total sign area.
SIGN, ROOF
A sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or is wholly dependent upon a building for support and that projects above the top walk or edge of a building with a flat roof, the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable or hip roof, or the deckline of a building with a mansard roof.
SIGN, SIDEWALK
A temporary, moveable, nonilluminated sign located within the public right-of-way that is not permanently affixed to a wall, structure or to the ground.
SIGN SUPPORTING STRUCTURE
All frames, glass or other coverings, gooseneck arms, light bulbs, lights, shields, shades, reflectors, supports, brackets, braces, screws, bolts, fastenings or other items or devices which constitute a part of the support system for any sign, awning, canopy or marquee.
SIGN, TRAFFIC CONTROL
A permitted sign for the purpose of identifying private parking areas and directing the flow of traffic on private property.
SIGN, WALL-MOUNTED
A sign attached to, painted on, or erected against the wall of a building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the face of the wall.
SIGN, WINDOW
A sign which is part of or affixed or attached to the interior or exterior of a window or otherwise part of a window and located within 18 inches of the interior of the window and which can be seen from a public street or public parking facility.
SITE PLAN
A development plan of one or more lots on which is shown the existing and proposed conditions of the lot, including but not necessarily limited to topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains, marshes and waterways; the location of all existing and proposed buildings, drives, parking spaces, walkways, means of ingress and egress, drainage facilities, utility services, landscaping, structures and signs, lighting, and screening devices; and any other information that may be reasonably required in order to make an informed determination pursuant to this chapter.
SITE PLAN, MINOR
A development plan of one or more lots which proposes new development within the scope of development specifically permitted by ordinance as a minor site plan; does not involve planned development, any new street or extension of any off-tract improvement which is to be prorated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-42; and contains the information reasonably required in order to make an informed determination as to whether the requirements established by ordinance for approval of a minor site plan have been met.
SITE TRIANGLE
A triangular area abutting two intersecting streets where vision is unobstructed. The site triangle is formed by the intersecting street sidelines and a line connecting a point on each sideline at a set distance from the intersection.
SLOPE
The change in vertical distance over a corresponding horizontal distance.
SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Somerset-Union Soil Conservation District as established in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 4:24-1 et seq.[2]
SOLID WASTE ENCLOSURE
A designated, unroofed, enclosed area for the temporary storage of waste and recyclable materials.
START OF CONSTRUCTION
The date the construction permit is issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, placement, or other improvement is commenced within 180 days of that date.
STATE SOIL CONSERVATION COUNCIL
An agency of the state established in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 4:24-1 et seq.[3]
STORAGE SHED, PRIVATE
An accessory building that is exclusively used by the occupant of the principal building to which it is incidental and contains items customarily associated with residential use, such as personal items, lawn mowers, tools and hardware.
STORY
That portion of a building, exclusive of any basement, consisting of at least seven feet of vertical height, included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or, if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it. If the ceiling or underside of supporting members is less than four feet above average grade of any space, then that space shall not be considered a story nor counted as floor area.
STORY, ONE-HALF
A space under a pitched roof at the top of a building, the floor of which is not more than two feet below any plane, which will not qualify for living space under BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc.).
STREAM CORRIDOR
Any river, stream, pond, lake or wetland, together with adjacent upland areas, that supports protective bands of vegetation that line the water's edge.
STREET
A public thoroughfare which has been dedicated or deeded to the public for public use and which has been improved in accordance with municipal, county and state standards. A street as used herein includes as its width the roadway, curb and sidewalks to the limit of the street line.
STREET GRADE
The officially established grade of the street upon which a lot fronts.
STREET LINE
The dividing line between a lot and a street.
STRUCTURE
A combination of materials constructed for use, occupancy, or ornamentation, whether installed on, above, or below the surface of land.
STRUCTURE, HEIGHT OF (OTHER THAN BUILDING)
The vertical distance measured from the curb level to the highest point of the structure. For building height, see "building, height of."
SUBDIVISION
The division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land for sale or development. The following shall not be considered subdivisions within the meaning of this act if no new streets are created: divisions of land found by the Planning Board to be for agricultural purposes where all resulting parcels are five acres or larger in size; divisions of property by testamentary or intestate provisions; divisions of property upon court order, including but not limited to judgments of foreclosure; consolidation of existing lots by deed or other recorded instrument; and the conveyance of one or more adjoining lots, tracts or parcels of land, owned by the same person or persons and all of which are found and certified by the administrative officer to conform to the requirements of the municipal development regulations and are shown and designated as separate lots, tracts or parcels on the Tax Map or Atlas of the municipality. The term "subdivision" shall also include the term "resubdivision."
SUBDIVISION, MAJOR
Any subdivision not classified as a minor subdivision.
SUBDIVISION, MINOR
A subdivision of land for the creation of not more than three lots, provided such subdivision does not involve a planned development, any new street or the extension of any off-tract improvement, the cost of which is to be prorated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-42.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure where the cost exceeds or equals 50% of the market value of the structure either before the improvements or repair is started or, if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For the purposes of this definition, substantial improvement is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not the alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications, which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions, or any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a state inventory of historic places.
SUBSTANTIVE CERTIFICATION
A determination by COAH approving a municipality's housing element and fair share plan in accordance with the provisions of the Fair Housing Act[4] and the rules and criteria set forth herein. A grant of substantive certification shall be valid for a period of six years in accordance with the terms and conditions therein.
SWIMMING CLUB
A public or privately owned swimming pool open to the general public on a membership or fee basis and having appropriate dressing room facilities and off-street parking areas.
SWIMMING POOL
An accessory structure, whether located above or below the ground, designed and maintained for swimming and bathing purposes by a private residence for use by household members and guests, having a depth of more than 18 inches and/or a water surface in excess of 100 square feet, and including all buildings, structures, equipment and appurtenances thereto.
SWIMMING POOL, PORTABLE
A swimming pool which is located above ground level, otherwise not permanently installed, does not require water filtration, circulation and purification, does not exceed a water surface of 100 square feet, and does not require braces or supports.
TAVERN
An establishment used for the serving and consumption of liquor by the drink to the general public on site as a principal use, including bars, pubs and public houses.
TEMPORARY DWELLING
Any building, including but not limited to mobile homes as defined therein, that is designed exclusively for residential occupancy but is not erected as a permanent structure upon a lot.
THEATER, MOTION-PICTURE
A place where motion pictures are shown to the public for a fee. For the purposes of this chapter, any use defined as a "regulated use" by this chapter shall not be considered a performing arts theater.
THEATER, PERFORMING ARTS
A building designed for the presentation and viewing of live performances. For the purposes of this chapter, any use defined as a "regulated use" by this chapter shall not be considered a "performing arts theater."
TOPSOIL
The top six-inch layer of arable soil.
TOWER, TELECOMMUNICATIONS OR TRANSMISSION
The structure designed to support transmitting or receiving antennas. For the purposes of this chapter, amateur radio transmission facilities and facilities used exclusively for the transmission of television and radio signals are not "transmission towers."
TOWNHOUSE
A one-family dwelling in a row of at least three such units in which each unit has its own front and secondary access to the outside, no unit is located over another unit, and each unit is separated from any other unit by one or more vertical common fire-resistant walls. This definition shall also include such terms as "row house," "patio house," "court dwelling," etc.
TRAILER
A wheel-based noncommercial structure that is used for the transportation or storage of goods or materials, as a construction office, for temporary short-term habitation in case of calamity, or other occupancy subject to the provisions of this chapter. A box container which has been temporarily or permanently removed from a chassis or truck bed shall be considered a trailer.
TRUCK TERMINAL
Any place wherein more than one truck is parked for more than four hours.
USE
The purpose or activity for which land or buildings are designed, arranged, or intended or for which land or buildings are occupied or maintained.
VERY LOW INCOME
Less than 50% of the median income for the region according to the document entitled "Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, Income by Family Size," published by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
WALL, DECORATIVE
A wall constructed of stone or other material erected for the sole purpose of providing a decorative and/or landscaped feature, and not to include structural support walls, retaining walls or any other walls constructed for a purpose other than aesthetics.
WAREHOUSE
A building used primarily for the storage of goods and materials.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
A structure that facilitates personal wireless services as defined in the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, which includes FCC-licensed commercial wireless telecommunications services such as cellular, personal communications services (PCS), specialized mobile radio (SMR), enhanced specialized mobile radio (ESMR), paging, and similar services that currently exist or may be developed in the future.
YARD
An open space that lies between the principal building or buildings and the nearest lot line. The minimum required yard as set forth herein is to be unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as may be provided in this chapter.
YARD, FRONT
An open, unoccupied space (unless occupied by a structure, such as steps, eaves and cornices, hereinafter specifically permitted) extending across the full width of the lot and lying between the street line and the building line. All yards abutting a street shall be considered a front yard.
YARD, REAR
An open, unoccupied space (unless occupied by a permitted accessory structure) extending across the full width of the lot between the rear lot line and the building line.
YARD, SIDE
An open, unoccupied space (unless occupied by a permitted accessory structure) extending along the side lot line from the front yard to the rear yard and lying between the side lot line and the building line.
ZONING OFFICER
An agent appointed by the Borough Council who shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of the provisions, requirements, regulations and standards contained in this chapter and who shall have such other duties and responsibilities as may herein be specified or assigned by an appropriate body.
ZONING PERMIT
A document signed by the administrative officer which is required by ordinance as a condition precedent to the commencement of a use or the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion, or installation of a structure or building and which acknowledges such use, structure or building complies with the provisions of Part 6, Zoning, or variance therefrom duly authorized by a municipal agency pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law.[5]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
[3]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
[4]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.
[5]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.