The ordinance codified in this chapter shall be known and cited as the "Land Development Ordinance of the Borough of Essex Fells."
The purposes of the ordinance codified in this chapter are as follows:
A. 
To plan and guide the appropriate use of development of all land in a manner which will promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare;
B. 
To secure safety from fire, flood, panic and other natural and man-made disasters;
C. 
To provide adequate light, air and open space;
D. 
To ensure that land development does not conflict with the development and general welfare of neighboring municipalities, the county and the state as a whole;
E. 
To promote the establishment of appropriate population densities and concentrations that will contribute to the well-being of persons, maintenance of the character of neighborhoods, preservation of the environment and quality of life;
F. 
To encourage the appropriate and efficient expenditure of public funds by the coordination of public development with land use policies;
G. 
To provide sufficient space in appropriate locations for a variety of residential, recreational, and other uses and open space, both public and private, according to their respective environmental requirements;
H. 
To encourage the location and design of transportation routes which will promote the free flow of traffic while discouraging the location of such facilities and routes which will result in congestion or blight;
I. 
To promote a desirable visual environment through creative development techniques and good civic design and arrangements;
J. 
To promote the conservation of open space and valuable natural resources and to prevent urban sprawl and degradation of the environment through improper use of land;
K. 
To encourage coordination of various public and private procedures and activities shaping land development with a view to lessening the cost of such development and to the more efficient use of land;
L. 
To regulate the location of buildings and establish standards of development; to establish building lines and the location of buildings designed for residential and other uses within such lines and to fix reasonable standards to which buildings or structures shall conform;
M. 
To prohibit incompatible uses; to prohibit uses, buildings or structures which are incompatible with the character of development of the permitted uses within specified zoning districts and surrounding areas;
N. 
To regulate alterations of existing buildings; to prevent such additions to, and alterations or remodeling of, existing buildings or structures as would not comply with the restrictions and limitations imposed under this chapter;
O. 
To conserve the value of land and buildings throughout the Borough;
P. 
To minimize losses and damages to public and private property due to inundation caused by floodwaters and storm runoff;
Q. 
To restrict structures and land uses which increase flood heights, velocities, erosion and siltation;
R. 
To prevent an increase in volume and rate of surface runoff due to development;
S. 
To prevent further unwise development in floodplains, thus reducing future expenditures for protective measures;
T. 
To preserve, protect and enhance the natural environment of the floodplain;
U. 
To maintain the useful life of water detention and retention areas by preventing sedimentation;
V. 
To prevent dangers to life and property from flooding resulting from excessive water runoff and clogging of drainage structures;
W. 
To preserve the recreational use of water bodies and enhance water quality by preventing stagnation;
X. 
To prevent pollutants from entering streams, rivers and potable water supplies;
Y. 
To reduce public expenditures for repair of public facilities resulting from soil erosion and sedimentation;
Z. 
To preserve, protect and enhance the potable water supply for the Borough and surrounding municipalities by maintaining adequate recharge areas to allow for natural percolation of water into the aquifers.
[Amended 4-17-1990 by Ord. No. 90-565; 10-15-1991 by Ord. No. 91-589; 11-17-1992 by Ord. No. 92-604; 7-19-1994 by Ord. No. 94-630; 8-19-1997 by Ord. No. 97-677; 2-20-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-725; 6-19-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-733; 11-19-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-750; 12-21-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-782]
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms or phrases shall have the meanings indicated, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
ABUTTING COUNTY ROAD
Any existing or proposed county road shown on the adopted county Master Plan or Official Map which adjoins or lies within a lot or parcel of land submitted for subdivision or site plan approval.
ACCESSORY USE OR STRUCTURE
A use or structure subordinate to and customarily incidental to the principal use or structure on the same lot. When an accessory building is attached in a substantial manner by a wall or roof to a principal building or structure, it shall be considered a part thereof.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
The Borough Clerk.
ADVERSE DRAINAGE CONDITION
The absence of drainage facilities, drainage easements, or drainage rights-of-way leading to, along or through a street, road, drainage structure, or property either within or exterior to a proposed subdivision or site plan of such location, size, design, construction or condition, which would provide adequately for storm drainage, or which would prevent flooding, erosion, silting or other damaging effect to a street, road, drainage structure, or property, or remove the threat of such damage.
ALLEY
A minor way which is used primarily for vehicular service access to the back or the side of properties otherwise abutting on a street.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
A place where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment. Use as a kennel shall be limited to short-term boarding and shall be incidental to such hospital use.
ANIMAL KENNEL
Any building, structure or premises in which animals are kept, boarded, bred or trained for commercial gain.
ANTENNA
Any exterior transmitting or receiving device mounted on a tower, building or structure and used in communications that radiate or capture electromagnetic waves, digital signals, analog signals, radio frequencies (excluding radar signals), wireless telecommunications signals or other communications signals. The term "antenna" does not include the installation of any tower.
APARTMENT, SUPPLEMENTARY
A dwelling unit in an existing carriage house.
APPLICANT
A developer submitting an application for development.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The application form and all accompanying documents required for approval of a subdivision plat, site plan, conditional use, zoning variance or direction of the issuance of a permit pursuant to this chapter.
APPROVED PLAN
A plan which has been granted final approval by the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment of the Borough.
APPROVING AUTHORITY
The Planning Board or Board of Adjustment.
ARTERIAL STREET
Includes the following streets: Roseland Avenue and Eagle Rock Avenue.
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION
The highest elevation, expressed in feet above sea level, of the level of floodwaters occurring in the regulatory base flood.
BASEMENT
A space having 1/2 or more, but not all, of its floor-to-ceiling height above the average level of the adjoining ground and with a floor-to-ceiling height of not less than 6 1/2 feet. A basement shall be counted as a story if the floor-to-next-above-floor height is greater than 9 1/2 feet or there is a cellar beneath it.
BLOCK
The area bounded by one or more streets or a municipal boundary of sufficient size to accommodate a lot or lots of the minimum size required in this chapter.
BOARDER
See "roomer."
BOARDING HOME FOR SHELTERED CARE
An establishment licensed by the New Jersey State Department of Health to operate as a boarding home for sheltered care.
BOARDINGHOUSE
See "rooming house."
BOARDS
The Essex Fells Planning Board and the Essex Fells Zoning Board of Adjustment.
BRIDGE
A structure having a clear span of more than 20 feet designed to convey vehicles and/or pedestrians over a watercourse, railroad, street, or any depression.
BUILDING
A combination of materials to form a construction adapted to permanent, temporary or continuous occupancy and having a roof.
BUILDING, ACCESSORY
A subordinate building on the same lot with the principal or main building occupied or devoted exclusively to an accessory use.
BUILDING COVERAGE
That area of a lot or site which is occupied or proposed to be occupied by a building. (See also "lot coverage" and "open space.")
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building in which is conducted the principal use of the site on which it is situated.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
A governmental construction project or acquisition of equipment or real property.
CARPORT
A roofed structure providing space for the parking of motor vehicles and enclosed on not more than three sides.
CARRIAGE HOUSE
A one-family dwelling combined with a present or former garage or stable, originally constructed as an accessory use for a house on the same lot.
CELLAR
A space with less than 1/2 of its floor-to-ceiling height above the average finished grade of the adjoining ground or with a floor-to-ceiling height of less than 6 1/2 feet. A cellar shall be counted as a story if the floor-to-next-above-floor height is greater than 9 1/2 feet or there is a cellar beneath it.
CERTIFICATION
A signed, written statement by the appropriate officer that specific construction, inspections, tests, or notices, where required, have been performed and that such comply with this chapter.
CHANNEL
A watercourse with a definite bed and banks which confine and conduct continuously or intermittently flowing water.
CIRCULATION
Systems, structures and physical improvements for the movement of people, goods, water, air, sewage or power by such means as streets, highways, railways, waterways, towers, airways, pipes and conduits, and the handling of people and goods by such means as terminals, stations, warehouses, and other storage buildings or transshipment points.
COLLECTOR STREET
Includes the following streets: Fells Road and Runnymede Road.
COMMON OWNERSHIP
Ownership of two or more contiguous parcels of real property by one person or by two or more persons owning such property jointly.
COMMUNICATIONS TOWER
Means and includes any and all antennas and towers as defined in this section, together with other accessory structures and equipment associated therewith. The term "communications tower" does not include any tower that is under 35 feet in height and is owned or operated by a federally licensed amateur radio station operator or is used exclusively for receive-only antennas.
COMPLETE APPLICATION
An application form completed as specified by this chapter and the rules and regulations of the Boards and all accompanying documents required for approval of the application for development.
CONDITIONAL USE
A use permitted in a particular zoning district only upon a showing that the 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.
COUNTY MASTER PLAN
A composite of the plan elements for the physical development of Essex County, with the accompanying maps, plats, charts and descriptive and explanatory matter adopted by the county Planning Board pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:27-2 and N.J.S.A. 40:27-4.
COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
The Essex County Planning Board.
CRITICAL AREA
A sediment-producing, highly erodible or severely eroded area.
CUL-DE-SAC
The turnaround at the end of a dead-end street.
CULVERT
A structure with a clear span of 20 feet or less under a driveway, road, railroad or pedestrian walk, not incorporated in a closed system.
CUT
A portion of land surface or area from which earth has been removed or will be removed by excavation; the depth below original ground surface or excavated surface.
DAYS
Calendar days.
DEAD-END STREET
A street or portion of a street with a single common ingress and egress.
DEDICATION FOR STREET PURPOSES
A dedication of land for the construction, reconstruction, widening, repairing, maintaining or improving of a street, public or private, and for the construction, reconstruction or alteration of facilities related to the safety, convenience or carrying capacity of the street, including, but not limited to, curbing, pedestrian walkways, drainage facilities, traffic control devices, and utilities in or along road rights-of-way.
DEVELOPER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or of any land 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
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; any mining, excavation, landfill or land disturbance and any use or extension of use of land, for which permission may be required pursuant to this chapter.
DEVELOPMENT, CONVENTIONAL
Development other than planned development or cluster development.
DEVELOPMENT, MAJOR
Any development not a minor development.
DEVELOPMENT, MINOR
A minor subdivision, or site plan of less than 10 acres.
DEVELOPMENT REGULATION
Zoning, subdivision, site plan, Official Map or other municipal regulation of the use and development of land, or amendment thereto adopted and filed pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law.[1]
DIVERSION CHANNEL
A channel constructed across or at the bottom of a slope.
DRAINAGE
The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading or other means and includes control of runoff to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after construction or development and the means necessary for water supply flooding.
DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY
A building containing one dwelling unit.
DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY
A building containing more than two dwelling units.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A building containing two dwelling units.
DWELLING UNIT
Two or more rooms, designed, occupied or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters with cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities provided within the dwelling unit for the exclusive use of a single-family maintaining a household.
EMBANKMENT
A man-made or natural deposit of soil, rock or other materials. (See "fill.")
ENCROACHMENT
Any obstruction within a delineated floodway, right-of-way, or adjacent land.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
A municipal advisory body created pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq.
EROSION
The detachment, movement or wearing away of land surface, soil or rock by water, wind, ice or gravity.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
The erection, construction, alteration or maintenance of underground, surface or overhead gas, electrical, steam or water transmission systems, including poles, wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, traffic signals, light stanchions, telephone lines, hydrants and other similar equipment and accessories, reasonably necessary for the furnishing of adequate service to the zone or neighborhood where located by public utilities, municipal, or other governmental agencies. "Essential services" includes first aid and emergency aid squad buildings.
EXCAVATION
The removal or recovery by any means whatsoever of minerals, mineral substances or organic substances, other than vegetation, from the water, land surface, or beneath the land surface, whether exposed or submerged. Normal agricultural activities shall not be considered to be excavation.
EXISTING GRADE
The vertical location of the ground surface prior to excavating or filling.
FAMILY
Any number of persons maintaining a nonprofit household. A family includes foster children placed with a family by the State Division of Youth and Family Services or a duly incorporated child-care agency but shall not include roomers or members of a fraternity or sorority. (See also "household.")[2]
FILL
Sand, gravel, earth or other materials of any composition whatsoever placed or deposited by any person or persons.
FINAL APPROVAL
The official action of the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment taken on a development plan which had been given preliminary approval and 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 position of such guarantees.
FLOOD DAMAGE POTENTIAL
The susceptibility of a specific land use at a particular location to damage by flooding, and the potential of the specific land use to increase off-site flooding or flood-related damage.
FLOOD-FRINGE AREA
That portion of the flood hazard area outside of the floodway, based on the total area inundated during the regulatory base flood plus 25% of the regulatory base flood discharge.
FLOOD HAZARD AREA
The floodplain, consisting of the floodway and the flood-fringe area.
FLOOD HAZARD DESIGN ELEVATION
The highest elevation, expressed in feet above sea level, of the level of floodwaters which delineates the flood-fringe area.
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 community, adopted May 17, 1977, as Community Parcel No. 340575 0001 B, or as revised by the Federal Insurance Administration.
FLOOD MAP
A map entitled "Delineation of Floodway and Flood Fringe Area," and approved by the State of New Jersey Water Policy and Supply Council, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 58:16A-52, or as revised by the Federal Insurance Administration.
FLOODPLAIN
The same as "flood hazard area" and includes Zones A-1 through A-30 on the Flood Insurance Rate Map.
FLOODWAY
See "regulatory floodway."
FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)
A. 
The sum of the area of all floors of buildings and/or structures compared to the total area of the lot. When calculating the floor area ratio (FAR), the following items shall be excluded from the computation of floor area:
(1) 
Half stories (except for the area under dormers, which is included);
(2) 
Cellars;
(3) 
Fifty percent of the floor area of basements;
(4) 
Structures to the extent not covered by a roof, portico or upper floor.
B. 
Floor area shall be measured from the exterior surface of the exterior walls of each story. The area of a lot shall be measured to the sidelines of abutting street rights-of-way. Any room that penetrates the floor or floor plane of the story above by more than five feet has the square footage of such penetration included in the original floor and in each of the floor or floor plane(s) penetrated.
FLOOR PLANE
The horizontal extension of any floor throughout the entire structure.
GARAGE
A building or structure used for the storage of one or more vehicles. If it is maintained for the resident occupant of the premises and no service is rendered to the public or any business conducted therein, it is a private garage. Any garage other than a private garage is a public garage.
GARAGED
To be stored or parked entirely within the perimeter walls of a garage, with the doors closed except for purposes of ingress and egress.
GLARE
The effect produced by brightness sufficient to cause annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual performance and visibility.
GOVERNING BODY
The Borough Council.
GOVERNMENT AGENCY
Any department, commission, independent agency or instrumentality of the United States and of the state, and any county city, township, village, authority district or other governmental unit.
GRADE, FINISHED
The final grade or elevation of the ground surface conforming to the proposed design.
GRADING
Any stripping, culling, filling, stockpiling or any combination thereof, including the land in its cut or filled condition.
GROSS VEHICULAR WEIGHT
The gross vehicle weight rating established by the manufacturer.
HABITABLE ROOM
Any room in a dwelling unit other than a kitchen or bathroom.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Includes but is not limited to inorganic mineral acids of sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, nitrogen, chromium, phosphorous, selenium and arsenic and their common salts; lead, nickel and mercury and their inorganic salts or metallo-organic derivatives; and coal tar acids, such as phenols and creosol and their salts.
HEIGHT
The average vertical distance from the finished grade, measured 10 feet horizontally from the foundation of the structure at twenty-foot intervals around the entire structure, to the highest point of the roof.
HISTORIC SITE
Any building, structure, area or property that has been designated to be significant in the history, architecture, archaeology or culture of this state, its communities or the nation, pursuant to the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law.[3]
HOME OCCUPATION
Any activity carried out for gain by a resident conducted as an accessory use in his dwelling unit. Newspaper delivery by minors shall not be considered a home occupation.
HOUSEHOLD
A family living together in a single dwelling unit with common access to, and common use of, all living and eating areas and all areas and facilities for the preparation and storage of food within the dwelling unit.
HOUSE OF WORSHIP
A building designed and attended as a place of assembly for common religious services and worship and including customary accessory facilities.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Any constructed hard surface that replaces open soil, lawns, naturally vegetated areas or landscaped areas or prevents or retards the flow of water into the soil, including but not limited to sidewalks, patios, pools, decks of synthetic materials, parking areas and driveways constructed of asphalt, concrete, pavers or gravel. This definition shall also include areas covered by rooftops, whether or not same has replaced open soil, lawns, naturally vegetated areas or landscaped areas.
[Amended 11-7-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-814]
INSTITUTIONAL AND PUBLIC USES
Nonprofit public or quasi-public institutions and uses such as houses of worship, public and private schools, libraries and municipally owned or operated buildings, structures or land used for public purposes.
INTERESTED PARTY
A. 
In a criminal or quasi-criminal proceeding, any citizen of the state;
B. 
In the case of a civil proceeding in any court or in an administrative proceeding before a municipal agency, any person, whether residing within or without the municipality, whose right to use, acquire or enjoy property is or may be affected by any action taken under this chapter or whose rights to use, acquire or enjoy property under this chapter, or under any other law of this state or of the United States, have been denied, violated or infringed by an action or a failure to act under this chapter.
JUNK
Any scrap, waste, reclaimable material and debris, whether or not stored or used in conjunction with the dismantling, processing, salvage, storage, baling, disposal or other use or disposition. Junk may include, for purposes of illustration, vehicles, tires, vehicle parts, equipment, paper, rags, metal, glass, plaster, household appliances, wood, lumber, brush and building materials.
JUNKYARD
Any area, lot, parcel, building or structure used for the storage, sale, processing, abandonment or storage of junk.
LAND
Ground, soil or earth, including improvements and fixtures on, above or below the surface thereof.
LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
An ordinance adopted by the governing body to control and regulate development in the Borough.
LAND DISTURBANCE
Any activity involving the clearing, cutting, excavating, filling, grading and any other activity which causes land to be exposed to the danger of erosion.
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 built upon as a unit.
LOT AREA
The computed area contained within the lot lines but not including any street rights-of-way.
LOT, CORNER
A parcel of land either at the junction of and abutting on two or more intersecting streets or abutting a single street at the point where the road tangents deflect by more than 45°.
LOT COVERAGE
That portion of one lot or more than one lot which is improved or is proposed to be improved with buildings and structures, including but not limited to driveways, parking lots, pedestrian walkways, signs and other man-made improvements on the ground surface which are more impervious than the natural surface. (See also "building coverage" and "open space.")
LOT, INTERIOR
A parcel of land other than a corner lot.
LOT LINE
A line of record bounding a lot.
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 or the point at which the side lot lines meet. On corner lots, there shall be only one rear lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDE
Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
LOT, THROUGH
An interior lot which extends from one street to another.
LOT WIDTH
The distance between the side lot lines measured at the required minimum building setback line.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE
Any security, other than cash, which may be accepted by the Borough for the maintenance of any improvements required by this chapter.
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT
A major site plan or major subdivision.
MAJOR SITE PLAN
A development plan for one or more lots which meet one or more of the following criteria:
A. 
Five or more acres;
B. 
A planned development;
C. 
Any new street; or
D. 
Any off-tract improvement which is to be provided pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-42.
MAJOR SUBDIVISION
A subdivision not classified as a minor subdivision.
MASTER PLAN
A composite of one or more written or graphic proposals for the development of the Borough prepared and adopted pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law.[4]
MAYOR
The chief executive of the Borough.
MINOR SITE PLAN
Any site plan not a major site plan.
MINOR SUBDIVISION
A subdivision of land for the creation of not more than three lots, provided that the subdivision does not involve:
A. 
A planned development;
B. 
Any new street; or
C. 
The extension of any off-tract improvement, the cost of which is to be prorated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-42.
MULCHING
The application of suitable materials on the soil surface to conserve moisture, hold soil in place and aid in establishing plant cover.
MUNICIPAL LAND USE LAW
N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 through N.J.S.A. 40:55D-92, as amended.
NATURAL GROUND SURFACE
The ground surface in its original state before any grading, excavation or filling.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot the area, dimension or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of the ordinance codified in this chapter 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 the ordinance codified in this chapter 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 the ordinance codified in this chapter 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.
NUISANCE ELEMENT
Any smoke, solid particles or fly ash, odors, liquid wastes, solid wastes, radiation, noise, vibration, glare or heat.
NURSERY SCHOOL
A facility designed to provide daytime care or instruction for five or more children from two years to five years of age, inclusive, and operated on a regular basis.
NURSING HOME
A building providing shelter and/or supplemental health care for the elderly or infirm and meeting the standards, and licensed by the state, to operate as a nursing home.
OBSTRUCTION
Includes, but is not limited to, any structure, fill, excavation, channel modification, rock, gravel, refuse or matter in, along, across or projecting into any channel, watercourse or flood hazard area which may impede, retard or change the direction of the flow of water, either in itself or by catching or collecting debris carried by such water, or that is placed where the flow of water might carry the same downstream to pose a danger to life or property.
OFFICIAL COUNTY MAP
The map, with changes and additions thereto, adopted and established, from time to time, by resolution of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the county pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:27-5.
OFFICIAL MAP
A map adopted in accordance with the Municipal Land Use Law, or any prior act authorizing the adoption, which map shall be deemed conclusive with respect to the location and width of the streets, public parks and playgrounds and drainage rights-of-way shown thereon.
OFF-SITE
Located outside the lot lines of the lot in question but within the property (of which the lot is a part) which is the subject of a development application or contiguous portion of a street or right-of-way.
OFF-TRACT
Not located on the property which is the subject of a development application nor on a contiguous portion of a street or right-of-way.
ON-SITE
Located on the lot in question.
ON-TRACT
Located on the property which is the subject of a development application or on a contiguous portion of a street or right-of-way.
OPEN SPACE
Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for public or private use or enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open space, provided that such area may be improved with only those buildings, structures, streets and off-street parking and other improvements that are designed to be incidental to the natural openness of the land. (See also "building coverage" and "lot coverage.")
OPEN SPACE, COMMON
An open space area within or related to a site designated as 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.
OPEN SPACE, GREEN
An area not occupied by structures or impervious surfaces.
OPEN SPACE, PUBLIC
An open space area conveyed or otherwise dedicated to the Borough or a Borough agency, board of education, state or county agency, or other public body for recreational and conservational uses.
OWNER
An individual, firm, association, syndicate, copartnership or corporation having sufficient proprietary interest to seek or authorize development of land under this chapter.
PARABOLIC OR SATELLITE ANTENNA
Any apparatus which is designed for the purpose of receiving television, radio, microwave, satellite or similar signals and which is characterized by a round dish-type structure.
PARKING AREA, PRIVATE
Any open area, including parking spaces, driveways and access aisles or other public way, used for the temporary storage of automobiles and other permitted vehicles for the private use of the owners or occupants of the lot on which the area is located.
PARKING AREA, PUBLIC
Any open area, including parking spaces, driveways and access aisles, other than a street or other public way, used for the temporary storage of automobiles and other permitted vehicles and available to the public, with or without compensation or as an accommodation for clients, customers and employees.
PARKING FACILITY
Any public or private parking area or garage.
PARTY IMMEDIATELY CONCERNED
For purposes of notice, any applicant for development, the owners of the subject property, and all owners of property and government agencies entitled to notice under this chapter.
PERCOLATION TEST
A test designed to determine the ability of ground to absorb water.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE
Any security, which may be accepted by the Borough, provided that 10% of the total performance guarantee shall be in cash.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The maximum emission level that a nuisance element is permitted under this chapter.
PERMIT
A certificate issued to perform work under this chapter.
PERMITTED USE
Any use which shall be allowed, subject to the provisions of this chapter.
PERMITTEE
Any person to whom a permit is issued in accordance with this chapter.
PERSON
A corporation, company, association, society, firm, partnership or joint-stock company, as well as an individual, the state and all political subdivisions of the state or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
PESTICIDE
Any substance or mixture of substances labeled, designed, intended for or capable of use in preventing, destroying, repelling, sterilizing or mitigating any insects, rodents, nematodes, predatory animals, fungi, weeds and other forms of plant or animal life or viruses, except viruses on or in persons or animals. The term "pesticide" also includes any substance or mixture of substances labeled, designed or intended for use as a defoliant, desiccant or plant regulator.
PLAT
A map or maps of a subdivision or site plan.
PLAT, FINAL
The final map of all or a portion of a subdivision or site plan which is presented to the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment for final approval in accordance with this chapter.
PLAT, PRELIMINARY
The preliminary map indicating the proposed layout of the subdivision or site plan which is submitted to the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment for consideration and preliminary approval.
PLAT, SKETCH
The sketch map of a subdivision or site plan of sufficient accuracy to be used for the purpose of discussion and classification.
PORTICO
A permanent, rooflike extension from a building supported by columns or other uprights intended as a covering over a patio or protection of a building entrance.
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL
The conferral of certain rights pursuant to this chapter prior to final approval after specific elements of development plan have been agreed upon by the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment and the applicant.
PRELIMINARY FLOOR PLANS AND ELEVATIONS
Architectural drawings prepared during early and introductory stages of the design of a project illustrating, in a schematic form, its scope, scale and relationship to its site and immediate environs.
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER
An engineer duly licensed by the state.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
The office of a physician in a single-family detached dwelling as regulated in § 170-138.
PROHIBITED USE
A use which is not permitted in a zone district.
PUBLIC AREAS
Existing or proposed:
A. 
Public parks, playgrounds, trails, paths and other recreational areas;
B. 
Other public open spaces;
C. 
Scenic and historic sites; and
D. 
Schools and other public buildings and structures.
PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
A master plan, capital improvements program or other proposal for land development adopted by the appropriate public body, or any amendment thereto.
PUBLIC DRAINAGEWAY
The land reserved or dedicated for the installation of stormwater sewers or drainage ditches or required along a natural stream or watercourse for preserving the channel and providing for the flow of water to safeguard the public against flood damage, sedimentation and erosion.
QUORUM
The majority of the full authorized membership of the Board.
RAINFALL EXCESS
The portion of rainfall which becomes direct surface runoff.
RECREATION, COMMERCIAL
Facilities operated as a business and open to the public for a fee.
RECREATION EQUIPMENT
Equipment such as, but not limited to, recreation trailers, home or travel trailers, pickup campers, motor homes, camp trailers, and boats.
RECREATION, PERSONAL
An accessory use located on the same lot as the principal permitted use and designed to be used primarily for the occupants of the principal use and their guests.
RECREATION, PRIVATE
Facilities operated by a nonprofit organization and open only to bona fide members and guests of the nonprofit organization.
RECREATION, PUBLIC
Facilities operated by the Borough, county, or other governmental agency.
REGULATORY BASE FLOOD
A flood having a one-percent chance of being equalled or exceeded in any given year.
REGULATORY BASE FLOOD DISCHARGE
The rate of flow produced by the regulatory base flood, measured in cubic feet per second.
REGULATORY FLOODWAY
The channel and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the regulatory base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than two-tenths of one foot.
RESIDENTIAL CLUSTER
An area to be developed as a single entity according to a plan containing residential housing units which have a common or public open space area as an appurtenance.
RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
The number of dwelling units per gross acre of residential land area, including streets, easements and open space portions of a development.
RESTAURANT
An establishment in which food or drink is prepared, served and consumed within the principal building.
RESUBDIVISION
The further division or relocation of lot lines of any lot or lots within a subdivision previously made and approved or recorded according to law, or the alteration of any streets or the establishment of any new streets within any subdivision previously made and approved or recorded according to law, but does not include conveyances so as to combine existing lots by deed or other instrument
RIGHTS OF DISCHARGE
A legally recordable instrument granting to the developer the right to discharge collected waters upon lands exterior to the development.
ROOMER
A person other than a member of a family occupying a part of any dwelling unit who, for a consideration, is furnished sleeping accommodations in the dwelling unit and may be furnished meals as part of this consideration.
ROOMING HOUSE
Any dwelling, or part thereof, in which space is let by the owner or operator to more than three persons who are not members of the family. (See also "boardinghouse.")
SEDIMENT
Any solid material that is in suspension and is being or has been moved by water, ice, wind, gravity or other means.
SEDIMENTATION
The transport and depositing of sediment.
SEDIMENT BASIN
A barrier or dam built across a waterway or at other suitable locations to retain sediment.
SIGHT TRIANGLE
A triangular-shaped portion of land established at intersections in accordance with the requirements of this chapter in which nothing shall be erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct sight distance.
SIGN
A name, identification, description, display or illustration which is affixed to or represented directly or indirectly upon a building structure or piece of land, directing attention to a product business, service or individual. However, a sign shall not include a display of official, court or public notices, any official traffic control device, and shall not include the flag, emblem or insignia of a nation, state, county, municipality or religious group. A sign shall not include a sign located completely within an enclosed building except if it is visible and directed to be seen from outside the building. Each display surface of the sign shall be considered to be a single sign, except that where two such surfaces of a sign are physically attached, parallel and separated by less than 12 inches, the two surfaces shall be considered a single sign.
SINGLE OWNERSHIP
Ownership by one or more persons in any form of ownership of a lot not adjacent to a lot or lots partially or entirely in the same ownership.
SITE
Any plot or parcel of land or combination of contiguous lots or parcels of land.
SITE PLAN
A development plan of one or more lots on which is shown:
A. 
The existing and proposed conditions of the lot, including but not necessarily limited to topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains, marshes and waterways;
B. 
The locale of all existing and proposed buildings, drives, parking spaces, walkways, means of ingress and egress, drainage facilities, utility services, landscaping, structures and signs, lighting, screening devices; and
C. 
Any other information that may be reasonably required in order that an informed determination may be made by the Boards pursuant to this chapter.
SLOPE
The degree of deviation of a surface from the horizontal, usually expressed in percent or degree.
SOIL
All unconsolidated mineral and organic material of whatever origin that overlies bedrock and which can be readily excavated.
SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Hudson, Essex, Passaic Soil Conservation District.
SOIL ENGINEER
A professional engineer who is qualified by education and experience to practice applied soil mechanics and foundation engineering.
SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN
A plan which indicates necessary land treatment measures, including a schedule for installation which will effectively minimize soil erosion and sedimentation. Such measures shall be at least equivalent to the standards and specifications as adopted by the soil conservation district.
STORMWATER DETENTION
Any storm drainage technique which retards or detains runoff, such as a detention or retention basin, parking lot storage, rooftop storage, porous pavement, dry wells or any combination thereof.
STORY
That portion of a building 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.
STORY, HALF
A space under a sloping roof which has the line of intersection of the roof decking and the exterior wall face not more than three feet above the top floor level and in which space the possible floor area with a headroom of five feet or more is not more than 60% of the total possible floor area of such story. Furthermore, the total width of all dormers in a half story shall not exceed more than 30% of the horizontal width of any roof face on which they are installed. In order to calculate the total possible floor area of the half story, the exterior length and width of the half story shall be measured at the elevation of the intersection of the roof decking and the wall face that qualifies as a half story herein (i.e., not more than three feet above the floor). No half story as a second story can have a floor-to-roof ridge height of greater than 12 feet. No half story can be the first floor of any structure.
STREAM ENCROACHMENT PERMIT
A permit issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
STREET
Any street, avenue, boulevard, road, parkway, viaduct, drive or other way a) which is an existing state, county or municipal roadway or b) which is shown upon a plat heretofore approved pursuant to law or c) which is approved by official action as provided by this act or d) which is shown on a plat duly filed and recorded in the office of the county recording officer prior to the appointment of a Planning Board and the grant to the Board of the power to review plats, and includes the land between the street lines, whether improved or unimproved, and may comprise pavement, shoulders, gutters, curbs, sidewalks, parking areas and other areas within the street lines.
STRIPPING
Any activity which removes or significantly disturbs the vegetative surface cover.
STRUCTURE
A combination of materials to form a construction for occupancy, use or ornamentation, whether installed on, above, or below the surface of land or water.
SUBDIVISION
A. 
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 chapter if no new streets are created:
(1) 
Divisions of land found by the Planning Board to be for agricultural purposes where all resulting parcels are five acres or larger in size;
(2) 
Divisions of property by testamentary or intestate provisions;
(3) 
Divisions of property upon court order, including but not limited to judgments of foreclosure;
(4) 
Conveyances so as to combine existing lots by deed or other recorded instrument; and
(5) 
The conveyances 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 development coordinator to conform to the requirements of this chapter and are shown and designated as separate lots, tracts or parcels on the Tax Map or atlas of the Borough.
B. 
The term "subdivision" also includes the term "resubdivision."
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
A. 
Any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure either:
(1) 
Before the improvement or repair is started; or
(2) 
If the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred.
B. 
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 that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include either:
(1) 
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 ensure safe living conditions; or
(2) 
Any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a state inventory of historic places.
SURFACE WATER
Water on land surface.
TEMPORARY PROTECTION
Stabilization of erosive or sediment-producing areas.
TOPSOIL
The surface soil and soil material to a depth of six inches tillage, its equivalent in cultivated soil, or the original or present A-horizon plus B-horizon (if in top six inches), as defined by the National Cooperative Soil Survey of the United States Department of Agriculture, before its removal or displacements for any purposes whatsoever. Topsoil shall be capable of supporting vegetation indigenous to the area.
TOWER
Any structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas for telephone, radio and similar communication purposes, including self-supporting lattice towers or monopole towers. The term includes radio and television transmission towers, common carrier towers, cellular telephone towers, alternative tower structures and the like. Specifically excluded are guyed towers and microwave towers.
TRACT
Property which is the subject of a development application.
TRAILER
A vehicle designed to be hauled by another vehicle and used for carrying people, material or objects or for working, living or sleeping purposes.
TRANSCRIPT
A typed or printed verbatim record of the proceedings or reproduction thereof.
VARIANCE
Permission to depart from the literal requirements of this chapter.
VEGETATIVE PROTECTION
Stabilization of erosive or sediment-producing areas by covering the soil with permanent or short-term seeding, mulching, or sodding.
VEHICLE, COMMERCIAL
Any currently registered and operational motor vehicle containing advertising, signs, lettering, names or addresses other than trademarks and labels of manufacturer and dealer, but not including any omnibus, school bus or school vehicle as defined by Title 39 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes.
VEHICLE, LIGHT
Pedal-operated vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds and other similar vehicles; the following light motor vehicle classes as recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency:
A. 
Cars, including station wagons;
B. 
Pickup trucks, vans and special-purpose vehicles with a gross vehicular weight which does not exceed 8,600 pounds.
VEHICLE, MOTOR
A self-propelled device which is licensed as a motor vehicle by the state.
VEHICLE, RECREATIONAL
A vehicular-type portable structure which can be towed, hauled or driven, primarily designed as temporary living accommodations for recreational, camping and travel use and including travel trailers, truck campers, camping trailers and self-powered motor homes.
WATER BODY
Any natural or artificial collection of water, whether permanent or temporary.
WATER-CARRYING CAPACITY
The ability of a channel or floodway to transport flow as determined by its shape, cross-sectional area, bed slope and coefficient of hydraulic friction.
WATERCOURSE
Any natural or artificial watercourse, stream, river, creek, ditch, channel, canal, conduit, culvert, drain, waterway, gully, ravine or wash in which water flows in a definite direction or course, either continuously or intermittently, and which has a definite channel, bed and banks, and shall include any area adjacent thereto subject to inundation by reason of overflow or floodwater.
YARD
An open space which lies between the principal or accessory building or buildings and the nearest lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as permitted in this chapter.
YARD, FRONT
A space extending the full width of the lot between any building and the front lot line and measured perpendicular to the building at its closest point to the front lot line. The front yard shall be unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as may be permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
YARD, REAR
A space extending across the full width of the lot between the principal building and the rear lot line measured perpendicular to the building at its closest point to the rear lot line. The rear yard shall be unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as may be permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
YARD, SIDE
A space extending from the front yard to the rear yard between the principal building and the side lot line measured perpendicular to the side lot line at its closest point to the principal building. The side yard shall be unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as may be permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
ZONING PERMIT
A document which is required by this chapter 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 that such use, structure or building complies with the provisions of this chapter or variance therefrom. If a building permit is issued, it is assumed to include a zoning permit.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
[3]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.
[4]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.