[Amended 12-12-2007 by Ord. No. 0-07-25; 7-9-2008 by Ord. No. 0-08-12]
A. Landscape transition buffers between incompatible
uses. A landscape transition buffer a minimum of 50 feet in width
shall be provided and maintained by the owner between any nonresidential
use and any contiguous residentially zoned lands or lots where the
principal use is residential.
(1)
The buffer landscaping must be designed consistent with the requirements of §
90-4.18N and be designed to compliment any existing trees or vegetation.
(2)
The buffer shall include a planting strip a
minimum of 25 feet in width and may incorporate a fence.
(3)
Where a nonresidential development takes place
adjacent to an occupied residential dwelling within a nonresidential
zone, the buffer may be reduced to 25 feet in anticipation of future
conversion to a commercial use, however the area must be heavily landscaped.
(4)
Where an existing structure in a neighborhood
commercial district is being converted from a residence to a commercial
or office use, the buffer shall be 15 feet, and a six-foot-high fence
may be required to shield parking areas.
B. Scenic rural corridors. Scenic rural corridors are
established along all state and county roadways within the Township
as well as along the following local roads: Cedar Grove Road, Lincoln
Road, Lincoln Mill Road, Marl Road, Porches Mill Road and Vestry Road.
The purpose of the scenic rural corridors is to preserve natural features
and the visual character of the Township to the greatest extent possible
and to prevent visual pollution and driver distraction caused by unplanned
and uncoordinated development.
(1)
Except as provided for in this section, no permit
shall be issued for development within the scenic rural corridor for
development other than farm markets and other ancillary commercial
agricultural uses unless the applicant demonstrates that buildings
are set back at least 200 feet from the centerline of the scenic rural
corridor in addition to the required front yard setback.
(2)
Within the scenic rural corridor setback, a
minimum of 70% of the linear distance along the corridor shall be
screened and designed to incorporate existing healthy trees and vegetation
where they exist. Where existing vegetation is insufficient, the area
shall be designed with berms, trees and landscaping to create a varied
year-round buffer. Where berms are used, they must be sufficiently
wide to support the vegetation planted upon them. Berms and landscaping
are in addition to street trees. Native vegetation is preferred.
(3)
Where the front facade of a structure faces
the scenic rural corridor and the lot is an existing lot (not part
of a major subdivision), the front yard setback may be included in
the scenic rural corridor. Where the rear or side facade of a structure
faces the scenic rural corridor or where the lot is part of a major
subdivision, the required yards shall be in addition to the scenic
rural corridor.
(4)
Existing structures as of the date of adoption
of this section may continue to exist and improvements may be permitted
as long as the addition/improvements do not further encroach upon
the scenic rural corridor.
(5)
Where the scenic rural corridor is part of a
major subdivision, the lands within the corridor may be maintained
by a homeowners association or, in the event that no homeowners association
exists, the scenic rural corridor may be part of individual lots,
but it must be deed restricted to prevent future development or significant
alteration.
(6)
If compliance with the 200 foot setback is constrained by environmental or other physical considerations, such as wetlands, active agricultural operations, or existing lot size, the building shall be setback as close to 200 feet as practical and the site shall be landscaped in accordance with the provisions of §
90-4.18N as to provide screening from the corridor. A variance will be required.
Off-street parking and loading for uses allowed in this Part
5, Zoning, shall be subject to the requirements stipulated in Part
3, Site Plan.
[Added 5-16-2005 by Ord. No. 0-05-06; amended 10-15-2008 by Ord. No. 0-08-25; 12-10-2008 by Ord. No.
0-08-32; 12-29-2008 by Ord. No. 0-08-34]
A. Purpose.
(1)
In Holmdel Builder's Association v. Holmdel Township, 121 N.J.
550 (1990), the New Jersey Supreme Court determined that mandatory
development fees are authorized by the Fair Housing Act of 1985 (the
Act), N.J.S.A. 52:27D-301 et seq., and the State Constitution, subject
to the Council on Affordable Housing's (COAH's) adoption of rules.
(2)
Pursuant to P.L.2008, c. 46 section 8 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-329.2)
and the Statewide Non-Residential Development Fee Act (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-8.1 through 8.7), COAH is authorized
to adopt and promulgate regulations necessary for the establishment,
implementation, review, monitoring and enforcement of municipal affordable
housing trust funds and corresponding spending plans. Municipalities
that are under the jurisdiction of the Council or court of competent
jurisdiction and have a COAH-approved spending plan may retain fees
collected from nonresidential development.
(3)
This section establishes standards for the collection, maintenance,
and expenditure of development fees pursuant to COAH's regulations
and in accordance with P.L. 2008, c.46, Sections 8 and 32 through
38. Fees collected pursuant to this section shall be used for the
sole purpose of providing low- and moderate-income housing. This section
shall be interpreted within the framework of COAH's rules on development
fees, codified at N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.
B. Basic requirements.
(1)
This section shall not be effective until approved by COAH or
the Court pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:96-5.1.
(2)
South Harrison Township shall not spend development fees until
COAH or the Court has approved a plan for spending such fees in conformance
with N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.10 and N.J.A.C. 5:96-5.3.
C. Definitions. The following terms, as used in this section, shall
have the following meanings:
AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
A development included in the Housing Element and Fair Share
Plan, and includes, but is not limited to, an inclusionary development,
a municipal construction project or a one-hundred-percent affordable
development.
COAH or THE COUNCIL
The New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing established
under the Act which has primary jurisdiction for the administration
of housing obligations in accordance with sound regional planning
consideration in the state.
DEVELOPER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or of any
land proposed to be included in a proposed development, including
the holder of an option or contract to purchase, or other person having
an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.
DEVELOPMENT FEE
Money paid by a developer for the improvement of property
as permitted in N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.3.
EQUALIZED ASSESSED VALUE
The assessed value of a property divided by the current average
ratio of assessed-to-true value for the municipality in which the
property is situated, as determined in accordance with sections 1,
5, and 6 of P.L. 1973, c. 123 (N.J.S.A. 54:1-35a through 54:1-35c).
GREEN BUILDING STRATEGIES
Those strategies that minimize the impact of development
on the environment, and enhance the health, safety and well-being
of residents by producing durable, low-maintenance, resource-efficient
housing while making optimum use of existing infrastructure and community
services.
MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT
Any development which includes both a nonresidential development
component and a residential development component, and shall include
developments for which:
(1)
There is a common developer for both the residential development
component and the nonresidential development component, provided that,
for purposes of this definition, multiple persons and entities may
be considered a common developer if there is a contractual relationship
among them obligating each entity to develop at least a portion of
the residential or nonresidential development, or both, or otherwise
to contribute resources to the development; and
(2)
The residential and nonresidential developments are located
on the same lot or adjoining lots, including but not limited to lots
separated by a street, a river, or another geographical feature.
NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
(1)
Any building or structure, or portion thereof, including but
not limited to any appurtenant improvements, which is designated to
a use group other than a residential use group according to the State
Uniform Construction Code promulgated to effectuate the State Uniform
Construction Code Act, P.L. 1975, c.217 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.),
including any subsequent amendments or revisions thereto;
(2)
Hotels, motels, vacation timeshares, and child-care facilities;
and
(3)
The entirety of all continuing care facilities within a continuing
care retirement community which is subject to the Continuing Care
Retirement Community Regulation and Financial Disclosure Act, P.L.
1986, c.103 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-330 et seq.).
NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FEE
The fee authorized to be imposed pursuant to sections 32
through 38 of P.L.2008, c.46 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-8.1 through 40:55D-8.7).
RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF HOUSING
Shall be liberally construed to include the construction,
maintenance, or operation of housing, including but not limited to
the provision of services to such housing and the funding of any of
the above.
SPENDING PLAN
A method of allocating funds collected and to be collected
pursuant to an approved municipal development fee ordinance, or pursuant
to P.L. 2008, c.46 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-329.1 et al.) for the purpose
of meeting the housing needs of low- and moderate-income individuals.
D. Residential development fees.
(1)
Imposed fees.
(a)
Within all zoning districts in the Township, developers of all new residential dwelling units not exempt from the collection of development fees in accordance with §
90-5.28D(2) shall pay a fee of 1.5% of the equalized assessed value for residential development, provided no increased density is permitted.
(b)
When an increase in residential density pursuant to N.J.S.A.
40:55D-70d(5) (known as a "d" variance) has been permitted, developers
may be required to pay a development fee of 6% of the equalized assessed
value for each additional unit that may be realized. However, if the
zoning on a site has changed during the two-year period preceding
the filing of such a variance application, the base density for the
purposes of calculating the bonus development fee shall be the highest
density permitted by right during the two-year period preceding the
filing of the variance application. Example: If an approval allows
four units to be constructed on a site that was zoned for two units,
the fees could equal 1.5% of the equalized assessed value on the first
two units; and the specified higher percentage up to 6% of the equalized
assessed value for the two additional units, provided zoning on the
site has not changed during the two-year period preceding the filing
of such a variance application.
(2)
Eligible exactions, ineligible exactions and exemptions for
residential development.
(a)
Affordable housing developments and developments where the developer
has made a payment in lieu of on-site construction of affordable units
shall be exempt from development fees.
(b)
Developments that have received preliminary or final site plan
approval prior to the adoption of a municipal development fee ordinance
shall be exempt from development fees, unless the developer seeks
a substantial change in the approval. Where a site plan approval does
not apply, a zoning and/or building permit shall be synonymous with
preliminary or final site plan approval for this purpose. The fee
percentage shall be vested on the date that the building permit is
issued.
(c)
Development fees shall be imposed and collected when an existing
structure undergoes a change to a more intense use (such as from a
single family to a two-family dwelling). The development fee shall
be calculated on the increase in the equalized assessed value of the
improved structure. Development fees are not required for additions
to existing dwelling units or for accessory structures.
(d)
Developers of residential structures demolished and replaced
as a result of a natural disaster shall be exempt from paying a development
fee.
E. Nonresidential development fees.
(1)
Imposed fees.
(a)
Within all zoning districts, nonresidential developers, except
for developers of the types of development specifically exempted,
shall pay a fee equal to 2.5% of the equalized assessed value of the
land and improvements, for all new nonresidential construction on
an unimproved lot or lots.
(b)
Nonresidential developers, except for developers of the types
of development specifically exempted, shall also pay a fee equal to
2.5% of the increase in equalized assessed value resulting from any
additions to existing structures to be used for nonresidential purposes.
(c)
Development fees shall be imposed and collected when an existing
structure is demolished and replaced. The development fee of 2.5%
shall be calculated on the difference between the equalized assessed
value of the preexisting land and improvement and the equalized assessed
value of the newly improved structure, i.e., land and improvement,
at the time final certificate of occupancy is issued. If the calculation
required under this section results in a negative number, the nonresidential
development fee shall be zero.
(2)
Eligible exactions, ineligible exactions and exemptions for
nonresidential development.
(a)
The nonresidential portion of a mixed-use inclusionary or market
rate development shall be subject to the development fee of 2.5% unless
otherwise exempted below.
(b)
The fee of 2.5% shall not apply to an increase in equalized
assessed value resulting from alterations, change in use within existing
footprint, reconstruction, renovations and repairs.
(c)
Nonresidential developments shall be exempt from the payment
of nonresidential development fees in accordance with the exemptions
required pursuant to P.L. 2008, c.46, as specified in the Form N-RDF
"State of New Jersey Non-Residential Development Certification/Exemption."
Any exemption claimed by a developer shall be substantiated by that
developer.
(d)
A developer of a nonresidential development exempted from the
nonresidential development fee pursuant to P.L.2008, c.46, shall be
subject to it at such time the basis for the exemption no longer applies,
and shall make the payment of the nonresidential development fee,
in that event, within three years after that event or after the issuance
of the final certificate of occupancy of the nonresidential development,
whichever is later.
(e)
If a property which was exempted from the collection of a nonresidential
development fee thereafter ceases to be exempt from property taxation,
the owner of the property shall remit the fees required pursuant to
this section within 45 days of the termination of the property tax
exemption. Unpaid nonresidential development fees under these circumstances
may be enforceable by South Harrison Township as a lien against the
real property of the owner.
F. Collection procedures.
(1)
Upon the granting of a preliminary, final or other applicable
approval, for a development, the applicable approving authority shall
direct its staff to notify the construction official responsible for
the issuance of a building permit.
(2)
For nonresidential developments only, the developer shall also
be provided with a copy of Form N-RDF "State of New Jersey Non-Residential
Development Certification/Exemption" to be completed as per the instructions
provided. The developer of a nonresidential development shall complete
Form N-RDF as per the instructions provided. The construction official
shall verify the information submitted by the nonresidential developer
as per the instructions provided in the Form N-RDF. The Tax Assessor
shall verify exemptions and prepare estimated and final assessments
as per the instructions provided in Form N-RDF.
(3)
The construction official responsible for the issuance of a
building permit shall notify the local Tax Assessor of the issuance
of the first building permit for a development which is subject to
a development fee.
(4)
Within 90 days of receipt of that notice, the municipal Tax
Assessor, based on the plans filed, shall provide an estimate of the
equalized assessed value of the development.
(5)
The construction official responsible for the issuance of a
final certificate of occupancy notifies the local assessor of any
and all requests for the scheduling of a final inspection on property
which is subject to a development fee.
(6)
Within 10 business days of a request for the scheduling of a
final inspection, the municipal assessor shall confirm or modify the
previously estimated equalized assessed value of the improvements
of the development; calculate the development fee; and thereafter
notify the developer of the amount of the fee.
(7)
Should South Harrison Township fail to determine or notify the
developer of the amount of the development fee within 10 business
days of the request for final inspection, the developer may estimate
the amount due and pay that estimated amount consistent with the dispute
process set forth in subsection b. of section 37 of P.L. 2008, c.46
(N.J.S.A. 40:55D-8.6).
(8)
Fifty percent of the development fee shall be collected at the
time of issuance of the building permit. The remaining portion shall
be collected at the issuance of the certificate of occupancy. The
developer shall be responsible for paying the difference between the
fee calculated at building permit and that determined at issuance
of certificate of occupancy.
(9)
Appeal of development fees.
(a)
A developer may challenge residential development fees imposed
by filing a challenge with the County Board of Taxation. Pending a
review and determination by the Board, collected fees shall be placed
in an interest-bearing escrow account by South Harrison Township.
Appeals from a determination of the Board may be made to the Tax Court
in accordance with the provisions of the State Tax Uniform Procedure
Law, N.J.S.A. 54:48-1 et seq., within 90 days after the date of such
determination. Interest earned on amounts escrowed shall be credited
to the prevailing party.
(b)
A developer may challenge nonresidential development fees imposed
by filing a challenge with the Director of the Division of Taxation.
Pending a review and determination by the Director, which shall be
made within 45 days of receipt of the challenge, collected fees shall
be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account by South Harrison
Township. Appeals from a determination of the Director may be made
to the Tax Court in accordance with the provisions of the State Tax
Uniform Procedure Law, N.J.S.A. 54:48-1 et seq., within 90 days after
the date of such determination. Interest earned on amounts escrowed
shall be credited to the prevailing party.
G. Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
(1)
There is hereby created a separate, interest-bearing housing
trust fund to be maintained by the Chief Financial Officer for the
purpose of depositing development fees collected from residential
and nonresidential developers and proceeds from the sale of units
with extinguished controls.
(2)
The following additional funds shall be deposited in the Affordable
Housing Trust Fund and shall at all times be identifiable by source
and amount:
(a)
Payments in lieu of on-site construction of affordable units;
(b)
Developer-contributed funds to make 10% of the adaptable entrances
in a townhouse or other multistory attached development accessible;
(c)
Rental income from municipally operated units;
(d)
Repayments from affordable housing program loans;
(f)
Proceeds from the sale of affordable units; and
(g)
Any other funds collected in connection with South Harrison's
affordable housing program.
(3)
Within seven days from the opening of the trust fund account,
South Harrison Township shall provide COAH with written authorization,
in the form of a three-party escrow agreement between the municipality,
the bank, and COAH to permit COAH to direct the disbursement of the
funds as provided for in N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.13(b).
(4)
All interest accrued in the housing trust fund shall only be
used on eligible affordable housing activities approved by COAH.
H. Use of funds.
(1)
The expenditure of all funds shall conform to a spending plan
approved by COAH. Funds deposited in the housing trust fund may be
used for any activity approved by COAH to address the South Harrison
Township's fair share obligation and may be set up as a grant or revolving
loan program. Such activities include, but are not limited to, preservation
or purchase of housing for the purpose of maintaining or implementing
affordability controls, rehabilitation, new construction of affordable
housing units and related costs, accessory apartment, market-to-affordable,
or regional housing partnership programs, conversion of existing nonresidential
buildings to create new affordable units, green building strategies
designed to be cost saving and in accordance with accepted national
or state standards, purchase of land for affordable housing, improvement
of land to be used for affordable housing, extensions or improvements
of roads and infrastructure to affordable housing sites, financial
assistance designed to increase affordability, administration necessary
for creation or implementation of the Housing Element and Fair Share
Plan, or any other activity as permitted pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.7
through 8.9 and specified in the approved spending plan.
(2)
Funds shall not be expended to reimburse South Harrison Township
for past housing activities.
(3)
At least 30% of all development fees collected and interest
earned shall be used to provide affordability assistance to low- and
moderate-income households in affordable units included in the municipal
Fair Share Plan. One-third of the affordability assistance portion
of development fees collected shall be used to provide affordability
assistance to those households earning 30% or less of median income
by region.
(a)
Affordability assistance programs may include down payment assistance,
security deposit assistance, low-interest loans, rental assistance,
assistance with homeowners' association or condominium fees and special
assessments, and assistance with emergency repairs.
(b)
Affordability assistance to households earning 30% or less of
median income may include buying down the cost of low- or moderate-income
units in the municipal Fair Share Plan to make them affordable to
households earning 30% or less of median income. The use of development
fees in this manner shall entitle South Harrison Township to bonus
credits pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:97-3.7.
(c)
Payments in lieu of constructing affordable units on site and
funds from the sale of units with extinguished controls shall be exempt
from the affordability assistance requirement.
(4)
South Harrison Township may contract with a private or public
entity to administer any part of its Housing Element and Fair Share
Plan, including the requirement for affordability assistance, in accordance
with N.J.A.C. 5:96-18.
(5)
No more than 20% of all revenues collected from development
fees may be expended on administration, including, but not limited
to, salaries and benefits for municipal employees or consultant fees
necessary to develop or implement a new construction program, a Housing
Element and Fair Share Plan, and/or an affirmative marketing program.
In the case of a rehabilitation program, no more than 20% of the revenues
collected from development fees shall be expended for such administrative
expenses. Administrative funds may be used for income qualification
of households, monitoring the turnover of sale and rental units, and
compliance with COAH's monitoring requirements. Legal or other fees
related to litigation opposing affordable housing sites or objecting
to the Council's regulations and/or action are not eligible uses of
the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
I. Monitoring. South Harrison Township shall complete and return to
COAH all monitoring forms included in monitoring requirements related
to the collection of development fees from residential and nonresidential
developers, payments in lieu of constructing affordable units on site,
funds from the sale of units with extinguished controls, barrier-free
escrow funds, rental income, repayments from affordable housing program
loans, and any other funds collected in connection with South Harrison's
housing program, as well as to the expenditure of revenues and implementation
of the plan approved by the court. All monitoring reports shall be
completed on forms designed by COAH.
J. Ongoing collection of fees. The ability for South Harrison Township
to impose, collect and expend development fees shall expire with its
substantive certification unless South Harrison Township has filed
an adopted Housing Element and Fair Share Plan with COAH, has petitioned
for substantive certification, and has received COAH's approval of
its Development Fee Ordinance. If South Harrison Township fails to
renew its ability to impose and collect development fees prior to
the expiration of its substantive certification, it may be subject
to forfeiture of any or all funds remaining within its municipal trust
fund. Any funds so forfeited shall be deposited into the "New Jersey
Affordable Housing Trust Fund" established pursuant to section 20
of P.L. 1985, c.222 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-320). South Harrison Township
shall not impose a residential development fee on a development that
receives preliminary or final site plan approval after the expiration
of its substantive certification or judgment of compliance, nor shall
South Harrison Township retroactively impose a development fee on
such a development. South Harrison Township shall not expend development
fees after the expiration of its substantive certification or judgment
of compliance.
Home occupations shall be permitted in all districts
which permit single-family residences as a principal use provided
that:
A. No person other than members of the family residing
on the premises plus one outside employee shall be engaged in such
occupation. The person whose occupation is being operated from the
home shall reside on the premises.
B. The use of the dwelling unit for the home occupation
shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential
purposes by its occupants, and not more than 25% of the floor area
of the principal dwelling on the lot, except those used for farm purposes,
shall be used in the conduct of the home occupation.
C. Such occupation shall be pursued only in single-family
dwelling units, shall give no external evidence of nonresidential
use other than a small nameplate sign not to exceed two square feet
in size, and shall not display products visible from the street.
D. The lot upon which the premises is located complies
with minimum zoning standards, and no traffic or parking shall be
generated in excess of three passenger automobile at any one time
in addition to those used by the owner or tenant, all of which must
be parked off street, in properly designed spaces, except that a home
occupation may be located in a single-family dwelling unit on a lot
smaller than 3/4 acre if no employees are hired therefor, the occupation
does not generate more than one passenger automobile at any one time
in addition to those used by the owner or tenant, and only one off-street
parking space is provided for use of customers of the home occupation.
E. No mechanical or electrical equipment is used that
will be detectable to the normal senses or that will create electrical
or audio interference.
F. The retail sale of goods shall not be construed to
be a home occupation under the terms of this chapter.
Electric and telephone lines shall be underground
to the structures from existing utility poles.
For all nonresidential buildings or uses, the
total square footage of a building to be permitted shall be computed
on the basis of the permitted floor area ratio (FAR) multiplied by
the net acreage of a tract remaining after exclusion of environmentally
constrained areas located on the lot. Environmentally constrained
areas shall include areas designated as freshwater wetlands and transition
areas, water bodies, and flood hazard areas. Detailed soil engineering
and geotechnical test data undertaken in accordance with acceptable
engineering standards and practices or permits received from governmental
agencies having jurisdiction over such wetlands or floodplains indicating
a different geographic area may be submitted by an applicant if he
or she seeks amendment of the boundary limits which define such environmentally
constrained areas.
Nothing in this article shall be deemed to prevent normal maintenance and repair, structural alteration in, or the reconstruction after partial destruction, of a noncomplying building, provided that such action does not increase or extend the degree of or create any new nonconformity with regard to the regulations pertaining to such buildings or the lot upon which they are constructed (e.g., an undersized house situated closer to the street line than now specified may have an addition on the back, provided that side and rear yards are not invaded), except that the floor area of a single-family house that occupies a lot that is smaller than the minimum lot area for the district in which the house is located may be increased by not more than 20% of the floor area existing as of the date of adoption of this Part
5, provided that all other provisions of this Part
5 are complied with. Yard reductions for such undersized lots may be permitted according to criteria established in §
90-5.35 of this article. This latter exception shall not apply to those lots in which an increase in floor area of a nonconforming building has occurred since December 6, 1978.
No nonconforming vacant lot shall be further
reduced in size. In the Agricultural-Residential District, such lots,
as well as those which are consolidated into a single lot but still
are nonconforming in area or dimension, may be improved for a single-family
residence and its permitted accessory uses without appeal for variance
relief, provided that the following provisions are met:
A. The lot is in separate ownership and not contiguous
to lots in the same ownership and owner had made a conscientious effort
to acquire additional property. However, in the case of two or more
contiguous lots under the same ownership, regardless of whether or
not each may have been approved as a subdivision, acquired by separate
conveyance or by other operation of law, where one or more of said
lots does not conform with the area and/or division requirements for
the zone in which it is located, the contiguous lots shall be considered
as a single lot, and the provisions of the applicable zoning district
shall apply.
B. As appropriate, all necessary health approvals are
obtained.
C. Floor area ratio/maximum improvement coverage (FAR/MIC)
exceptions. The FAR/MIC of the zoning district in which the vacant
lot is located may either be the maximum permitted FAR/MIC of the
zoning district or 120% of the average FAR/MIC of dwellings immediately
adjacent to the vacant lot, whichever is smaller. In the case of all
vacant lots in a particular block or area, the permitted FAR/MIC of
the zoning district may be increased by 10%.
D. Yard exceptions.
(1)
Where the lot does not have the required width,
each side yard may be reduced by one foot for each five feet that
the lot is below the minimum required width, except that no side yard
shall be less than 1/2 that required by the zoning district.
(2)
Where the lot does not have the required depth,
the rear yard may be reduced six inches for every foot below 100 feet
in depth, except that no rear yard shall be less than 1/2 that required
by the zoning district.
(3)
If after application of exceptions §
90-5.35D(1) and
(2) above, front yard infringement is necessary, no building shall be set back less than 75% of required front yard in the zoning district.
[Amended 12-12-2007 by Ord. No. 0-07-25; 7-9-2008 by Ord. No. 0-08-12]
A. The right to farm is hereby recognized to exist as
a natural right in South Harrison Township and is hereby declared
a permitted use in all zones everywhere within the Township of South
Harrison. The Township Committee recognizes the benefits to society
and the community that accrue as a result of home and commercial farming,
including supplying present and future generations with the bounty
of the farm and the preservation of the rural countryside.
(1)
The right to farm includes, but not by way of
limitation:
(a)
Production of agricultural and horticultural
crops, trees, apiary and forest products, livestock, poultry and other
commodities as described in the Standard Industrial Classification
for agriculture, forestry, fishing and trapping.
(b)
Housing and employment of necessary laborers.
(c)
Erection of essential agricultural buildings,
including those dedicated to the processing and packaging of the output
of the commercial farm and ancillary to agricultural and horticultural
production.
(d)
The grazing of animals and use of range for
fowl.
(f)
The operation and transportation of large, slow-moving
equipment over roads within South Harrison Township.
(g)
Control of pests, including but not limited
to insects and weeds, predators and diseases of plants and animals.
(h)
Conduction of agriculture-related educational
and farm-based recreational activities, provided that the activities
are related to marketing the agricultural or horticultural output
of the commercial farm and permission of the farm owner and lessee
is obtained.
(i)
Use of any and all equipment, including but
not limited to: irrigation pumps and equipment, aerial and ground
seeding and spraying, tractors, harvest aides, and bird control devices.
(j)
Processing and packaging of the agricultural
output of the commercial farm.
(k)
The operation of a farm market with attendant
signage, including the construction of building and parking areas
in conformance with South Harrison Township standards and minor site
plan approval.
(l)
The operation of a pick-your-own operation with
attendant signage.
(m)
Replenishment of soil nutrients and improvement
of soil tilth.
(n)
Clearing of woodlands using open burning and
other techniques, installation and maintenance of vegetative and terrain
alterations and other physical facilities for water and soil conservation
and surface water control in wetland areas consistent with best management
practices.
(o)
On-site disposal of organic agricultural wastes
consistent with best management practices.
(p)
The application of manure and chemical fertilizers,
insecticides and herbicides, though organic material is recommended.
(q)
Installation of wells, ponds and other water
resources for agricultural purposes such as irrigation, sanitation
and marketing preparation.
(2)
Commercial farm operators may engage in any
other agricultural activity as determined by the State Agriculture
Development Committee and adopted by rule or regulation pursuant to
the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, P.L. 1968, c.
410 (N.J.S.A. 52:14B-1 et seq.).
B. Commercial farm operators are strongly advised to
adhere to generally accepted agricultural management practices that
have been:
(1)
Promulgated as rules by the State Agriculture
Development Committee;
(2)
Recommended as site-specific agricultural management
practices by the county agriculture development board;
(3)
Approved by the local soil conservation district
in the form of a farm conservation plan that is prepared in conformance
with the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG), revised
April 20, 1998, as amended and supplemented; or
(4)
Recommended by the Rutgers Agricultural Experiment
Station.
C. The foregoing activities must be in conformance with
applicable federal and state law.
D. The foregoing practices and activities may occur on
holidays, weekdays and weekends by day or night and shall include
the attendant or incidental noise, odors, dust and fumes associated
with these practices.
E. It is hereby determined that whatever nuisance may
be caused to others by these foregoing uses and activities is more
than offset by the benefits of farming to the neighborhood community
and society in general.
F. Any person aggrieved by the operation of a commercial
farm shall file a complaint with the Gloucester County Agriculture
Development Board, or the State Agriculture Development Committee,
prior to filing an action in court.
G. To help parties resolve conflicts involving the operation
of commercial farms, the State Agriculture Development Committee has
also established an Agricultural Mediation Program. Mediation is a
voluntary process in which a trained, impartial mediator helps disputing
parties examine their mutual problems, identify and consider options,
and determine if they can agree on a solution. A mediator has no decision-making
authority. Successful mediation is based on the voluntary cooperation
and participation of all the parties.
H. An additional purpose of this section is to promote
a good neighbor policy by advising purchasers and users of property
adjacent to or near commercial farms of accepted activities or practices
associated with those neighboring farms. It is intended that, through
mandatory disclosures, purchasers and users will better understand
the impacts of living near agricultural operations and be prepared
to accept attendant conditions as the natural result of living in
or near land actively devoted to commercial agriculture or in an agricultural
development area, meaning an area identified by a county agriculture
development board pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 4:1 C-18
and certified by the State Agriculture Development Committee. An applicant
for a major subdivision or a minor subdivision that will result in
new dwelling units shall agree as a condition of approval to include
a provision in each and every contract for, and deed conveying all
or any portion of the subdivided lands a notice disclosing that: "the
property being purchased is located near land actively devoted to
commercial agriculture or in an agricultural development area, meaning
an area identified by the county agriculture development board pursuant
to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 4:1C-18 and certified by the State Agriculture
Development Committee. You may be affected by these agricultural activities
or practices. The effect of these activities or practices may include,
but are not limited to: noise, odors, fumes, dust, smoke, insects,
operation of machinery (including aircraft) during any twenty-four-hour
period, storage and disposal of manure and compost, and the application
by spraying or otherwise of fertilizers, soil amendments, herbicides
and pesticides. One or more of the effects described may occur as
the result of any agricultural operation which is in conformance with
existing federal and state laws and regulations and accepted customs
and standards. If you live near an agricultural area, you should strive
to be sensitive to the needs of commercial farm operators, as their
presence is a necessary aspect of an area with a strong rural character
and a strong agricultural sector. The State Agriculture Development
Committee has established a formal complaint process as well as an
informal Agricultural Mediation Program to assist in the resolution
of any disputes which might arise between residents of South Harrison
Township regarding the operations of commercial farms."
Permanent signs shall be subject to the requirements stipulated in Part
3, Site Plan. Temporary signs shall be governed by the regulations contained in Article
XXIV herein with design standards not stipulated in Article
XXIV, conforming to Part
3, Site Plan. Each site plan application shall include a sign plan showing the specific design, location, size, height, construction and illumination of proposed signs in accordance with the following regulations:
A. Schedule of sign use regulations. Signs shall be permitted in each zoning district according to the following use regulations and other applicable requirements of this section. Standards for the types of signs permitted herein are set forth in §
90-5.37B of this article.
(1)
Permitted signs in residential districts.
|
Uses or Function
|
Type of Sign Permitted
|
Other Regulations
|
---|
|
Advertising
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
|
Business
|
Ground, hanging, wall
|
Only one type per- mitted per lot
|
|
Directory
|
Ground, wall
|
Only one type per- mitted per lot
|
|
Identification
|
Ground, integral, wall
|
Only one type per- mitted per lot. Notwithstanding size standards contained in § 90-5.37B(1) of this article, the maximum size of a sign shall not exceed four square feet.
|
|
Instructional
|
Ground, wall
|
Quantity not restricted but subject to safety considerations. Notwithstanding size standards contained in § 90-5.37B(1) of this article, the maximum size of a sign shall not exceed two square feet per instructional message.
|
|
Nameplate
|
Ground, hanging, integral, wall
|
Only one type of sign permitted per lot. Notwithstanding
size standards contained in § 90- 5.37B(1) of this article,
the maximum size of a sign shall not exceed 1 1/2 square feet.
|
|
"No Solicitation"
|
Wall
|
Sign shall be located on or within two feet
of front door and shall not exceed one square foot.
|
(2)
Permitted signs in nonresidential districts.
|
Uses or Function
|
Type of Sign Permitted
|
Other Regulations
|
---|
|
Advertising
|
Ground
|
Only one per lot permitted on undeveloped lots.
|
|
Business
|
Ground, hanging, marquee, wall
|
Only one type of sign permitted for each separate street frontage of a business occupancy. Marquee signs shall be permitted only for movie or other theatrical establishments and subject to special requirements of § 90-5.37E of this article.
|
|
Directory
|
Ground, wall
|
Notwithstanding § 90-5.37B of this article, only two signs per lot are permitted at its main ingress or egress points.
|
|
Identification
|
Ground, integral, wall
|
Only one type of sign permitted for each occupant of a lot. Notwithstanding size standards contained in § 90-5.37B(1) of this article, the maximum sign area shall not exceed four square feet.
|
|
Instructional
|
Ground, wall
|
Quantity not limited but subject to safety considerations. Notwithstanding size standards contained in § 90-5.37B(1) of this article, the maximum sign area shall not exceed two square feet.
|
|
Nameplate
|
Ground, hanging, wall, integral
|
Only one type of sign permitted per lot. Notwithstanding § 90-5.37B(1) of this article, maximum sign area shall not exceed four square feet.
|
B. Sign standards.
(1)
The types of signs permitted in §
90-5.37A shall comply with the standards listed in the schedule below and shall also be subject to other applicable regulations as set forth herein.
(2)
The aggregate total area of all permanent signs on a lot shall not exceed the limitations of §
90-5.37A. Permanent signs visible on or through windows, and signs on vehicles belonging to the business and parked in public view on the lots, are included within these limitations.
|
Schedule of Sign Standards
|
---|
|
|
|
Type of Sign
|
---|
|
|
|
Ground
|
Hanging
|
Integral
|
Marqueed
|
Wall
|
---|
|
Illumination permitted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential districts
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
NP
|
Yes
|
|
|
Nonresidential districts
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Maximum number per lot
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential districts
|
1a
|
1a
|
1
|
NP
|
1
|
|
|
Nonresidential districts
|
1a
|
1a
|
1
|
1
|
1a
|
|
Maximum area (square feet)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential districts
|
12e
|
6e
|
4e
|
NP
|
12e
|
|
|
Nonresidential districts
|
12b/c
|
6
|
4
|
d
|
12
|
|
NOTES:
|
---|
|
NP
|
Not permitted.
|
|
a
|
Except where larger quantities are permitted by § 90-5.37A.
|
|
b
|
One-half square foot of sign area for each linear
foot of building in a business district measured along a single frontage
or a maximum of up to 60 square feet for said structure, whichever
is less; or 1/2 square foot of sign area for each linear foot of a
building in an industrial district measured along a single frontage
or a maximum of up to 100 square feet for said structure, whichever
is less.
|
|
c
|
Two square feet for each occupant when listed
on a directory sign.
|
|
d
|
Refer to special regulations contained in § 90-5.37E.
|
|
e
|
Provisions of home occupation signing as set forth in Part 5, Zoning, shall supersede these requirements.
|
C. Prohibited signs. Any other provisions of this section
notwithstanding, the following signs shall be prohibited in all zoning
districts:
(1)
Signs which contain or are an imitation of an
official traffic signal or hide from view any traffic street signal
or sign.
(2)
Billboards and other signs which advertise,
promote, indicate the location of or otherwise direct attention to
a business, commodity, service or entertainment that is not available
on the lot upon which the sign is located.
(3)
Signs which are designed to move, either by
mechanical or other means.
(4)
Signs which contain or consist of banners, posters,
pennant ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners, or other
similarly moving devices.
(5)
Signs which flash, except for time and temperature
indicator.
(6)
Signs which emit odors or smoke or produce noise
or sounds capable of being heard even though the sounds produced are
not understandable.
(7)
Silhouetted or three-dimensional signs; e.g.,
signs lacking a background and having letters, figures, or devices
silhouetted against the sky or other open space not a part of the
sign, and/or signs in which objects or representational devices are
present in the round, or other than in a vertical plane.
(8)
Any freestanding sign or any sign protecting
from a building, within a triangular area bounded by the intersection
of two right-of-way lines and a line connecting points 30 feet from
such intersection along the right-of-way lines, whether existing or
shown on the Master Plan or in sight clearance triangles specified
in other regulations.
D. General sign provisions.
(1)
Signs not covered. Any sign for which the purpose,
location, type, or definition is not clearly permitted or prohibited
by this article shall be considered as being a sign of the most closely
resembling purpose, function, type or definition as established by
this article.
(2)
Nonconforming signs. Nonconforming signs which
are structurally altered, relocated, or replaced shall comply with
all provisions of this article.
(3)
Structural requirements. All signs shall comply
with structural requirements as established by the Township's Building
Code. This article, however, shall, where applicable, take precedence
over that code in all matters pertaining to the regulation of design
and location.
E. Supplementary sign regulations and design considerations.
The following regulations shall also apply to all permitted signs
as set forth herein:
(1)
Interior signs. No interior sign shall cover
more than 25% of the window upon which it is affixed, displayed, or
painted. The Construction Official may, upon written application,
grant permission during or prior to community-wide sales days for
the erection or installation of interior signs to cover not more than
50% in area of each window, but such signs shall not be maintained
for more than 15 days.
(2)
Marquee signs. Signs shall not be permitted
on any marquee, other than signs built into and forming a part of
the structure of the marquee. Such signs shall not exceed a height
of three feet, a total area of 21 square feet on any one side of the
marquee and shall not extend beyond the edge of the marquee. Further,
only that portion of the marquee containing such sign may be illuminated.
Minimum clearance, when over a walkway or sidewalk, not in a public
right-of-way, shall be eight feet; when over a thoroughfare, not in
a public right-of-way, it shall be 10 feet.
(3)
Wall signs. Wall signs shall be attached to
the face of the building in a plane parallel to such face and projecting
not more than 12 inches therefrom and shall not extend higher than
the top of the parapet in case of one story buildings; and in the
case of other buildings, they shall not extend above the sill of the
windows of the second story, nor extend more than 15 feet above the
outside grade.
(a)
No wall sign or combination of signs on any
single frontage in a business district, including interior signs,
shall exceed an area equivalent to 100% of the linear length of the
structure on such frontage or a maximum of 60 square feet, whichever
is less, for said structure.
(b)
Where an establishment for which business signs are permitted has a rear entrance on a public way or frontage on two or more streets, such as a corner, wall signs shall be permitted for ground type signs as established in §
90-5.37B(1) of this article.
(c)
Wall signs shall not cover wholly or partially
any wall opening including doors, fire escapes, and windows, nor project
beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached. All such signs
must be safely and adequately attached to said building wall by means
satisfactory to the Construction Official.
(4)
Height of signs. The maximum height to the top
of all permitted freestanding signs shall not exceed the permitted
height limit of the principal structure to be located on the lot or
20 feet, whichever is less.
(5)
Sign location. Signs may be located on a lot
so that they shall not be in or within the public right-of-way nor
interfere with sight distances at street intersections or ingress
and egress points to a lot. Signs designed to be seen from vehicles
should be perpendicular to the line of travel while signs designed
to be read on foot can be parallel with walks. To the extent possible,
adjacent signs on the same or adjoining buildings should be placed
within the same horizontal band and be of reasonably harmonious materials
and colors.
(6)
Maximum sign dimension. The minimum outline
dimension of a sign in any direction shall be no less than 1/3 the
maximum outline dimension of a sign.
(7)
Design theme. There should be a consistent sign
design theme throughout a particular project. The design theme would
include style of lettering, construction, material, type of pole or
standard, (wood or metal, for example), size, and lighting. Color
of letters and background should be carefully considered in relation
to the color of the material of buildings or where the signs are proposed
to be located. Signs should be a subordinate rather than predominant
feature of a plan.
(8)
Sign lettering. The general standard for directional
signs is a letter size of two inches plus one additional inch for
each 25 feet of viewing distance. A sign designed to be read from
100 feet should have letters of at least six inches high. Adjacent
signs should be of the same height.
[Added 12-9-2015 by Ord.
No. 0-15-08]
Flagpoles are permitted in all districts and may be installed
on a lot meeting the following requirements:
A. No more than three flagpoles may be installed on any lot; provided,
however, that the maximum distance between clustered flagpoles on
a single lot shall not exceed nine feet.
B. No flag or flagpole may exceed the maximum height for the building(s)
permitted in the applicable zoning district in which the flagpole
is to be located.
C. The front, side or rear yard setbacks applicable to flagpoles shall
be a minimum of 3/4 of the applicable minimum building front, side
and rear yard setback in the applicable zoning district or not less
than 15 feet, whichever is greater; provided, however, that no flagpole
may be installed or erected in any required buffer area.
D. No more than three flags shall be flown and displayed from a single
flagpole, with each flag having an area of no more than 40 square
feet.
E. Lighting of flagpole.
(1)
Lighting of the flagpole(s) is permitted; however, the following
lighting is prohibited:
(a)
Floodlights, searchlights, beacons, and laser source lighting
fixtures which are not confined to illumination of the pole and flag
only.
(c)
Lighting which creates hazards to pedestrian and traffic safety
and which is a nuisance to surrounding properties because of excessive
glare, excessive light production in relation to need, and/or lighting
which creates shadow and light which together create a hazard.
(d)
Blinking, flashing, animated, and/or moving lights.
(2)
Whenever possible, downlighting and shielding/baffling of fixtures
shall be incorporated into the design of the flag/flagpole installation.
[Added 12-9-2015 by Ord.
No. 0-15-08]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
FLAG
A fabric or other flexible material attached to or designated
to be flown from a flagpole or similar device.
FLAGPOLE
A freestanding staff or pole on which to display an official
flag of the United States, New Jersey or its political subdivisions,
including military unit flags, and any such flag shall not be considered
signs, and such flags are exempt from the sign regulations. Advertising
flags, banners, streamers, bunting and the like shall fall under the
Sign Ordinance of the Township Code.
[Added 7-14-2021 by Ord. No. 0-21-07]
A. The operation of any class of cannabis business within the geographical
boundaries of the Township of South Harrison, shall be a prohibited
use.
B. The following six marketplace classes of licensed cannabis/marijuana
business shall be prohibited in all zones of the Township of South
Harrison:
(1)
Class 1 cannabis cultivator license: facilities involved in
growing and cultivating cannabis;
(2)
Class 2 cannabis manufacturer license: facilities involved in
manufacturing, preparation, and packaging of cannabis items;
(3)
Class 3 cannabis wholesaler license: facilities involved in
obtaining and selling cannabis items for later resale by other licensees;
(4)
Class 4 cannabis distributer license: businesses involved in
transporting cannabis plants in bulk from a licensed cultivator to
another licensed cultivator, or cannabis items in bulk from any type
of licensed cannabis business to another;
(5)
Class 5 cannabis retailer license: locations at which cannabis
items and related supplies are sold to consumers; and
(6)
Class 6 cannabis delivery license: businesses providing courier
services for consumer purchases that are fulfilled by a licensed cannabis
retailer in order to make deliveries of purchased items to a consumer,
and which service would include the ability of a consumer to make
a purchase directly through the cannabis delivery service which would
be presented by the delivery service for fulfillment by a retailer
and then delivered to a consumer.
C. The purpose of this section is to protect the health and safety of
Township residents and is deemed to be in the best interest of the
Township and the residents of the Township of South Harrison.