This chapter shall be interpreted with primary regard to the fundamental purposes(s) for which the provisions herein were adopted. The sense of any regulation contained herein is to be gathered from its object, the nature of its subject matter, the context of its setting, the degree to which the provision serves to implement the Master Plan, and the reading of the provisions contained herein in pari materia. Where a literal reading will lead to a result not in accord with the essential purpose and design of this chapter, the spirit of this chapter will control the letter. Wherever it is apparent that the drafters of this chapter or the governing body did not consider or contemplate a specific situation, the circumstances shall be interpreted consonant with the probable intent of the drafters and governing body had they anticipated the situation at hand. Specific provisions in this chapter shall take precedence over general provisions. To the greatest practicable extent, the provisions contained herein, particularly when dealing with the same subject matter, shall be read or construed together as forming one regulation. This chapter is to receive a reasonable construction and be liberally construed in favor of the Township of Vernon. This chapter shall be given reasonable application to serve the apparent purpose of this chapter. The plain meaning of the language contained herein shall be construed according to the ordinary meanings of the words and phrases contained herein.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ACCESSORY BUILDING
See "building, accessory."
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A structure detached from a principal building located on the same lot and customarily incident and subordinate to the principal building or use.
ACCESSORY USE
A use of land or of a building or portion thereof customarily incident and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building and located on the same lot containing the principal use.
ACRE
A measure of land area containing 43,560 square feet.
ADDITION
A. 
A structure added to the original structure at some time after the completion of the original;
B. 
An extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.
ADJOINING LOT OR LAND
A lot or parcel of land that shares all or part of a common lot line with another lot or parcel of land.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
The Clerk of the municipality unless a different municipal official or officials are designated by ordinance or statute.
ADVERSE IMPACT
A condition or effect that creates, imposes, aggravates, or leads to inadequate, impractical, unsafe, or unhealthy conditions on a site proposed for development or on off-tract property or facilities by objective and common analysis.
AESTHETIC
The perception of artistic elements or elements in the natural or created environment that are pleasing to the eye by objective and common analysis.
AGRICULTURE
The production, keeping, or maintenance, for sale, lease, or personal use, of plants and animals useful to man, including but not limited to forages and sod crops; grains and seed crops; dairy animals and dairy products; poultry and poultry products; livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules, or goats or any mutations or hybrids thereof, including the breeding and grazing of any or all of such animals; bees and apiary products; fur animals, trees and forest products; fruits of all kinds, including grapes, nuts, and berries; vegetables; nursery, floral, ornamental, and greenhouse products; or lands devoted to a soil conservation or forestry management program. In the event that this definition shall deviate from the meaning of this term as defined under state law, the definition by law shall control.
AGRICULTURAL USE
When considered in terms of land use, means land devoted to the activities described in N.J.S.A. 54:4-23.3.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
AIR POLLUTION
The presence of contaminants in the air in concentrations beyond the normal dispersive ability of the air and that interfere directly or indirectly with health, safety, or comfort, or with the full use and enjoyment of property.
AISLE
The traveled way by which cars enter and depart parking spaces.
ALLEY
A service road that provides a secondary means of access to lots.
ALTERATION
Any exchange or rearrangement in the supporting members of an existing building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, girders, or interior partitions, as well as any change in doors, windows, means of ingress or egress, or any enlargement to or diminution of a building or structure, whether horizontally or vertically, or the moving of a building or structure from one location to another.
AMENITY
A natural or created feature that enhances the aesthetic quality, visual appeal of, or makes more attractive or satisfying a particular property, place, or area.
AMUSEMENT PARK
A facility, primarily outdoors, that may include structures and buildings, where there are various devices for entertainment, including rides, booths for the conduct of games or sale of items, buildings for shows and entertainment, and restaurants and souvenir sales.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
See "veterinary hospital."
ANIMAL KENNEL
See "kennel."
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, analogue signals, radio frequencies (excluding radar signals), wireless telecommunications signals or other communication signals. Excepted from this definition are antennas used exclusively by ham radio operators or other residential users.
[Added 5-8-2000 by Ord. No. 00-17]
ANTIQUE SHOP
A business enterprise dealing in the buying and selling of antiques.
APPLICANT
A developer submitting an application for development.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The application form and all accompanying documents required by ordinance for approval of a subdivision plat, site plan, planned development, conditional use, zoning variance or direction of the issuance of a permit pursuant to Section 25 or Section 27 of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-34 or N.J.S.A. 40:55D-36).
APPROVING AUTHORITY
The Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Township of Vernon.
[Amended 5-8-2000 by Ord. No. 00-17]
APPURTENANCES
The visible, functional, or ornamental objects accessory to and part of buildings.
AQUIFER
A geologic formation that contains a potentially usable supply of potable water.
AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA
The outcropping part of the aquifer through which water enters.
AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS
The areas of Vernon Township that have been identified by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection or other governmental authority as being vital to the potable water supply of the community and/or surrounding region. An aquifer recharge area for the purposes of this definition is considered to be the exposed outcropping or ground-level area above an aquifer that has been determined to contain substantial volumes of water within unconsolidated subsurface sand and gravel deposits.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Land or water areas that show evidence of artifacts of human, plant, or animal activity, usually dating from periods of which only vestiges remain.
ARTERIAL STREET
A higher-order, interregional road in the street hierarchy; which conveys traffic between centers and should be excluded from residential areas.
ARTS CENTER
A structure or complex of structures for housing the visual and/or performing arts.
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION
Any building, land area, or other premises, or portion thereof, used for the retail dispensing or sales of vehicle fuels, servicing and repair of automobiles, and including as an accessory use the sale and installation of lubricants, tires, batteries, and similar vehicle accessories.
AVERAGE SETBACK
The mean setback from a street right-of-way of buildings on both sides of a lot.
BANK
A place or office where money is kept, deposited, saved, paid out, lent, borrowed, issued or exchanged.
BASEMENT
That portion of a building which is partly below and partly above grade, and having a least one-half its height above grade.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
An establishment in a private dwelling that supplies temporary accommodations, including breakfast, to overnight guests for compensation.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
The board established pursuant to Section 56 of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-69).
BOARDING STABLE
A structure designed for the feeding, housing, and exercising of horses not owned by the owner of the premises and for which the owner of the premises receives compensation.
BOAT
See "large boat."
BOTANICAL GARDENS
A place in which plant collections are grown for display and scientific study, and which may include a herbarium, laboratory, museum and teaching or training facilities.
BUILDABLE AREA
The area of a lot remaining after the minimum yard and open space requirements of this chapter have been met.
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 as the principal or main building or use.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is located.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The ratio of the horizontal area measured from the exterior surface of the exterior walls of the ground floor of all principal and accessory buildings on a lot to the total area of the lot.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance from the average elevation of the finished grade at the front of the building to the top of the highest roof beams on a flat, curved or shed roof, the deck level of a mansard roof, and the average distance between the eaves and the ridge level for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs. (See § 330-175, Height exceptions.)
BUILDING LINE
A line drawn as closely parallel as possible to the street line and touching that part of a building closest to the street.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Artificially created fixed elements, such as buildings, structures, devices and surfaces, that together create the physical character of an area.
BUS SHELTER
A small, roofed structure, usually having three walls, located near or adjacent to a street and designed primarily for the protection and convenience of bus passengers. (See "school bus shelter.")
BUSINESS SERVICES
Establishments primarily engaged in rendering services to business establishments on a fee or contract basis, such as advertising and mailing, building maintenance, employment services, management and consulting services, protective services, equipment rental and leasing, commercial research development and testing, photo finishing, and personal supply services. (See "retail services.")
CABLE TELEVISION COMPANY
A cable television company as defined pursuant to Section 3 of P.L. 1972, c. 186 (N.J.S.A. 48:5A-3).
CALIPER
The diameter of a tree trunk measured in inches, four feet above ground level.
CAMPER
Any person who occupies a campsite. (N.J.A.C. 8:22-1.2.)
CAMPGROUND, PROPRIETARY
Any real property designed and used for the purpose of camping and associated recreational uses under a condominium or cooperative form of ownership.
CAMPGROUND, PUBLIC
A plot of ground upon which two or more campsites are located, established, or maintained for occupancy by camping units of the general public as temporary living quarters for children or adults, or both, for a total of 15 days or more in any calendar year, for recreation, education, or vacation purposes. (N.J.A.C. 8:22-1.2.)
CAMPING UNIT
Any tent or recreational vehicle which is capable of being temporarily located on a campsite; or a cabin, lean-to, or similar structure established or maintained and operated in a public campground. The term "camping unit" does not include a unit kept on land occupied by the owner or any camping unit which is unoccupied and which is kept at a public campground for storage purposes only. (N.J.A.C. 8:22-1.2.)
CAMPING VEHICLE
See "recreational vehicle."
CAMPSITE
Any plot of ground within a public campground which is intended for the exclusive occupation by a camping unit or units. (N.J.A.C. 8:22-1.2.)
CANNABIS
All parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or no, the seeds thereof, and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant or its seeds, except those containing resin extracted from the plant, which are cultivated and, when applicable, manufactured in accordance with P.L. 2016, c. 16, for use in cannabis products as set forth in the Act, but shall not include the weight of any other ingredient combined with cannabis to prepare topical or oral administrations, food, drink, or other product. "Cannabis" does not include: medical cannabis dispensed to registered qualifying patients pursuant to the " Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act," P.L. 2009, c. 307 (N.J.S.A. 24: 6I-1 et al.) and P. L. 2015, c. 158 (N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.22 et al.); marijuana as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:35-2 and applied to any offense set forth in Chapters 35, 35A, and 36 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, or P.L. 2001, c. 114 (N.J.S.A. 2C:35B-1 et seq.), or marijuana, as defined in Section 2 of P.L. 1970, c. 226 (N.J.S.A. 24:21-2) and applied to any offense set forth in the " New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act," P.L. 1970, c 226 (N.J.S.A. 24:21-1 et. al.); or, hemp or a hemp product cultivated, handled, processed, transported, or sold pursuant to the New Jersey Hemp Farming Act," P.L. 2019, c. 238 (N.J.S.A. 4:28-6 et.al.).
[Added 7-26-2021 by Ord. No. 21-16; amended 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
CANNABIS CULTIVATOR
Any licensed business or entity that grows, cultivates, or produces cannabis in this state, and sells, and may transport, this cannabis to other cannabis cultivators, or usable cannabis to cannabis manufacturers, cannabis wholesalers, or cannabis retailers, but not to consumers. This person or entity shall hold a Class 1 cannabis cultivator license.
[Added 7-26-2021 by Ord. No. 21-16; amended 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
CANNABIS DELIVERY
Any licensed business or entity involved in providing courier services for consumer purchases that are fulfilled by a licensed cannabis retailer in order to make deliveries of the 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. This person or entity shall hold a Class 6 cannabis delivery license.
[Added 7-26-2021 by Ord. No. 21-16; amended 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
CANNABIS DISTRIBUTOR
Any licensed business or entity involved in transporting cannabis plants in bulk from on licensed cultivator to another licensed cultivator, or cannabis items in bulk from any type of licensed cannabis business to another. This person or entity shall hold a Class 4 cannabis distributor license.
[Added 7-26-2021 by Ord. No. 21-16; amended 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENT
A cannabis cultivator, a cannabis manufacturer, a cannabis wholesaler, a cannabis retailer, or a cannabis distributor.
[Added 7-26-2021 by Ord. No. 21-16; amended 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
CANNABIS MANUFACTURER
Any licensed business or entity that processes cannabis items in this State by purchasing or otherwise obtaining usable cannabis, manufacturing, preparing and packaging cannabis items, and selling, and optionally transporting, these items to other cannabis manufacturers, cannabis wholesalers, or cannabis retailers, but not to consumers. This person or entity shall hold a Class 2 cannabis manufacturer license.
[Added 7-26-2021 by Ord. No. 21-16; amended 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
CANNABIS MEDICAL DISPENSARY
See "cannabis retailer."
[Added 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
CANNABIS RETAILER
Any licensed business or entity that is involved in the sale of cannabis items and related supplies are sold to consumers. This person or entity shall hold a Class 5 cannabis retailer license. See also "cannabis medical dispensary."
[Added 7-26-2021 by Ord. No. 21-16; amended 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
CANNABIS WHOLESALER
Any licensed business or entity that is involved in obtaining and selling cannabis items for later resale by other licensees. This person or entity shall hold a Class 3 cannabis wholesaler license.
[Added 7-26-2021 by Ord. No. 21-16; amended 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
A governmental acquisition of real property or major construction project.
CARTWAY
The actual road surface area from curbline to curbline which may include travel lanes, parking lanes, and deceleration and acceleration lanes. Where there are no curbs, the cartway is that portion between the edges of the paved, or hard surface, width.
CELLAR
A portion of the building partly underground, having one-half or more than one-half of its height below the average grade of the building.
CHANGE OF USE
Any use that substantially differs from the previous use of a building or land.
CHILD-CARE CENTER
An establishment providing for the care, supervision, and protection of children.
CHURCH
A building or structure, or group of buildings or structures, that by design and construction is primarily intended for conducting organized religious services and associated accessory uses. See "place of worship."
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.
CLEAR-CUTTING
The large-scale, indiscriminate removal of trees, shrubs, and undergrowth with the intention of preparing real property for nonagricultural development purposes.
CLUB
A group of people organized for a common purpose to pursue common goals, interests, or activities, and usually characterized by certain membership qualifications, payment of fees and dues, regular meetings, and a constitution and bylaws.
CLUBHOUSE
A building occupied by a club for its purposes and activities.
CLUSTER
A development design technique that concentrates buildings on a part of the site to allow the remaining land to be used for recreation, common open space, and preservation of environmentally sensitive features.
CLUSTER SUBDIVISION
A form of development that permits a reduction in lot area and bulk requirements, provided there is no increase in the number of lots permitted under a conventional subdivision or increase in the overall density of development, and the remaining land area is devoted to open space, active recreation, preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, or agriculture.
COLLOCATION
The use of a common wireless telecommunications tower or a common structure, by two or more telecommunications license holders or unlicensed holders nevertheless regulated by the Federal Communications Commission or by one telecommunications license holder for more than one type of communications technology and/or the placement of a wireless telecommunications tower on a structure owned or operated by a utility or other public entity.
[Added 5-8-2000 by Ord. No. 00-17]
COMMERCIAL FARM
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
A. 
A farm management unit of no less than five acres producing agricultural or horticultural products worth $2,500 or more annually, and satisfying the eligibility criteria for differential property taxation pursuant to the Farmland Assessment Act of 1964, P.L. 1964, c. 48 (N.J.S.A. 54:4-23.1 et seq.); or
B. 
A farm management unit less than five acres, producing agricultural or horticultural products worth $50,000 or more annually and otherwise satisfying the eligibility criteria for differential property taxation pursuant to the Farmland Assessment Act of 1964, P.L. 1964, c. 48 (N.J.S.A. 54:4-23.1 et seq.).
COMMERCIAL RECREATION
Facilities of an active recreational nature such as riding academy, golf course, tennis club or ski area operated for profit and open to the public.
COMMERCIAL USE
An activity involving the sale of goods or services carried out for profit.
COMMON OPEN SPACE
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.
COMMON SEWERS
Sewerage systems wherein all uses on the property dispose of sewage into a common facility.
COMMON WATER
A water system wherein all water users on the property obtain their drinking water from a central well, or wells, or public water supply system.
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
A homeowners' association organized to own, maintain, and operate common facilities and to enhance and protect their common interests.
COMMUNITY RESIDENCES FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED (CRDD)
A residential facility, licensed by the state, providing food, shelter, and personal guidance, with supervision, to developmentally disabled or mentally ill persons who require assistance, temporarily or permanently, in order to live in the community and shall include group homes, halfway houses, intermediate care facilities, supervised apartment living arrangements, and hostels.
COMPLETE APPLICATION
An application form completed as specified by ordinance and the rules and regulations of the governmental agency and all accompanying documents required by ordinance for approval of the application.
CONCEPT PLAN
An informal review of a plan for development that carries no vesting rights or obligations on any party.
CONDITIONAL USE
A use permitted in a particular zoning district only upon a showing that such use in a specified location will comply with the conditions and standards for the location or operation of such use as contained in this chapter, and upon the issuance of an authorization therefor by the Planning Board.
CONFERENCE CENTER
A facility used for conferences and seminars, with accommodations for sleeping, food preparation and eating, recreation, entertainment, resource facilities, and meeting rooms.
CONFERENCE ROOM
An accessory use in an enclosed space designed, furnished and equipped to accommodate conferences or meetings.
CONSERVATION AREA
An environmentally sensitive area with characteristics such as steep slopes, wetlands, floodplains, high water tables, forest areas, endangered species habitat, dunes, or areas of significant biological productivity or uniqueness that have been designated for protection from any activity that would significantly alter their ecological integrity, balance, or character.
CONSOLIDATION
The removal of lot lines between contiguous parcels.
CONVENIENCE STORE
Any retail establishment offering the sale of prepackaged food products, household items, newspapers and magazines, sandwiches and other freshly prepared foods, such as salads, for off-site consumption.
CONVENTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Development other than planned development.
CONVERSION
A change in the use of land or a structure.
COUNTRY CLUB
Land area and buildings containing such features as golf courses, tennis courts, playfields, beaches, recreational facilities, a clubhouse, and other customary accessory uses, open only to members and their guests.
COUNTY MASTER PLAN
A composite of the Master Plan for the physical development of the county in which the municipality is located, 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 40:27-4.
COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
The County Planning Board, as defined in Section 1 of P.L. 1968, c. 285 (N.J.S.A. 40:27-6.1), of the county in which the land or development is located.
CRITICAL AREA
An area with one or more of the following environmental characteristics: steep slopes; floodplain; soils classified as having high water tables; soils classified as highly erodible, subject to erosion, or highly acidic; land incapable of meeting percolation requirements; land formerly used for landfill operations or hazardous industrial use; fault areas; stream corridors; estuaries; mature stands of native vegetation; aquifer recharge and discharge areas; wetlands and wetland transition areas; and habitats of endangered species. (Synonymous with "environmental sensitive area.")
CUL-DE-SAC
A street with a single means of ingress and egress and having a turnaround, the design of which may vary.
CULVERT
A closed or open conduit designed for the purpose of conveying an open channel watercourse under a road, highway, pedestrian walk, railroad embankment, or other type of overhead structure.
CURB
A stone, concrete, or other improved boundary marking the end of the roadway or paved area.
DAYS
Calendar days unless otherwise specified.
DEDICATION
An appropriation of land to some public use made by the owner and accepted for such use by or on behalf of the public.
DENSITY
The permitted number of dwelling units per gross area of land to be developed.
DESIGN ENGINEER
A person professionally qualified and duly licensed to perform engineering services that may include but not necessarily be limited to development of project requirements, creation and development of project design, and preparation of drawings and specifications.
DESIGN FLOOD
The magnitude of a flooding event that a facility is designed to accommodate. This event can also be used as the basis of a water surface elevation, or the delineation of a floodway and flood hazard area.
DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
A person professionally qualified and duly licensed to perform engineering or other professional design services that may include but not necessarily be limited to development of project requirements, creation and development of project design, and preparation of drawings and specifications.
DETENTION BASIN (POND)
A stormwater management basin or alternative structure designed to temporarily detain stormwater runoff.
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
The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any building or other structure, or of any mining, excavation or landfill, and any use or change in the use of any building or other structure, or land or extension of use of land, for which permission may be required pursuant to this chapter and prevailing law.
DEVELOPMENT REGULATION
A zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, site plan ordinance, official map ordinance or other municipal regulation of the use and development of land, or amendment thereto adopted and filed pursuant to this chapter and prevailing law.
DISABLED VEHICLE
(Reserved)
DIVIDED STREET
A street having an island or other barrier separating opposing moving lanes.
DOCK
Any platform, including a floating raft, designed and used to support boating or swimming activities, or for viewing the scenic vistas associated with a lake or other water body.
DRAINAGE
The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading or other means and includes control of runoff during and after construction or development to minimize erosion and sedimentation, to assure the adequacy of existing and proposed culverts and bridges, to induce water recharge into the ground where practical, to lessen nonpoint pollution, to maintain the integrity of stream channels for their biological functions as well as for drainage, and the means necessary for water supply preservation or prevention or alleviation of flooding.
DRAINAGE FACILITY
Any component of the drainage system.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Natural and man-made components that contain, convey, absorb, store, treat, or dispose of surface water runoff or groundwater.
DRIVEWAY
A paved or unpaved area used for ingress and egress of vehicles and allowing access from a street to a building or other structure or facility.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
DWELLING
A building or portion thereof that is used exclusively for human habitation.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED
A building containing one dwelling unit that is not attached to any other dwelling by any means and is surrounded by open space or yards.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A building to be used as a residence designed for two (2) families having the exterior appearance of a single family dwelling house. Each unit in the duplex can be designed in a stacked or side by side configuration. Each dwelling unit has direct access to the outside.
[Added 5-22-2006 by Ord. No. 06-12]
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms, designed, occupied, or intended for occupancy as a separate living quarter, with cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities provided within the dwelling unit for the exclusive use of a single family maintaining a household.
EASEMENT
A right to use the land of another for a specific purpose.
EASEMENT, CONSERVATION
The grant of a property right stipulating that the described land will remain in its natural state and precluding future or additional development.
EASEMENT, DRAINAGE
Land required for the installation of stormwater sewers or drainage ditches and/or required for the preservation or maintenance of a natural stream or watercourse or other drainage facility.
ELEVATION
A. 
A vertical distance above or below a fixed reference level;
B. 
A fully dimensioned drawing of the front, rear, or side of a building showing features such as windows, doors, and relationship of grade to floor level.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
(Reserved)
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Wildlife species whose prospects for survival are in immediate danger because of a loss or change in habitat, over exploitation, predation, competition, disease, disturbance, or contamination and designated as such by a governmental agency.
ENLARGEMENT
An increase in the size of an existing structure or use, including physical size of the property, building, parking and other improvements.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
A municipal advisory body created pursuant to P.L. 1968, c. 245 (N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq.).
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS)
A statement of the effect of proposed development, and other major private or governmental action, on the natural and built environment.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS
An area with one or more of the following environmental characteristics: (Synonymous with "critical areas.")
A. 
Steep slopes;
B. 
Floodplain;
C. 
Soils classified as having high water tables;
D. 
Soils classified as highly erodible, subject to erosion, or highly acidic;
E. 
Land incapable of meeting percolation requirements;
F. 
Land formerly used for landfill operations or hazardous industrial use;
G. 
Fault areas;
H. 
Stream corridors;
I. 
Estuaries;
J. 
Mature stands of native vegetation;
K. 
Aquifer recharge and discharge areas;
L. 
Wetlands and wetland transition areas;
M. 
Habitats of endangered species.
EROSION
The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice and gravity.
ESTABLISHMENT
An economic unit, generally at a single physical location, where business is conducted or services or industrial operations are performed.
EXCAVATION
Removal or recovery by any means whatsoever of soil, rock, mineral, mineral substances, or organic substances, other than vegetation, from water or land, on or beneath the surface thereof, or beneath the land surface, whether exposed or submerged.
EXCEPTION
Permission to depart from the design standards in this chapter.
EXECUTIVE TRAINING CENTERS
See "conference center."
EXTENSION
An increase in the amount of existing floor area beyond the exterior wall.
FAMILY
A group of individuals, whether related or unrelated by blood, marriage, adoption or guardianship, living together in a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit under a common housekeeping management plan based on an intentionally structured relationship providing organization and stability, including but not limited to arrangements involving foster children placed with a family by the Division of Youth and Family Services or a duly incorporated child care agency, and contemplated in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-66.1.
FARM (or FARMLAND)
A parcel of land used for agriculture and agricultural activities. (See "agriculture" and "agricultural use.")
FARMSTAND
A structure for the display and sale of farm products.
FENCE
An artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials erected to enclose, screen or separate land areas.
FILL
Sand, gravel, earth, or other materials of any composition whatsoever placed or deposited in or upon the land.
FINAL APPROVAL
The official action of the Planning Board taken on a preliminary approved major subdivision or site plan after all conditions, engineering plans and other requirements have been completed or fulfilled and the required improvements have been installed or guaranties properly posted for their completion, or approval conditioned upon the posting of such guaranties.
FINAL PLAT
The final map of all, or a portion, of a subdivision which is presented for final approval.
FINANCIAL OFFICE
An office where monetary advice, resources, products and affairs, including but not limited to securities brokerage, are managed or accomplished.
FLOOD
The temporary overflowing of water onto land that is usually devoid of surface water.
FLOOD FRINGE AREA
That portion of the flood hazard area outside of the floodway based on 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.
FLOODPLAIN
The channel and the relatively flat area adjoining the channel of a natural stream or river that has been or may be covered by floodwater.
FLOODWAY
The channel of a natural stream or river and portions of the floodplain adjoining the channel, which are reasonably required to carry and discharge the floodwater or flood flow of any natural stream or river.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of the building from the exterior face of exterior walls, or from the center line of a wall separating two buildings, but excluding any space where the floor-to-ceiling height is less than six feet.
FLOOR AREA, NET
The total of all floor areas of the building, excluding stairwells and elevator shafts, equipment rooms, interior vehicular parking or loading, and all floors below the first or ground floor, except when used or intended to be used for human habitation or service to the public. Where net floor area cannot be precisely identified, it shall be presumed to mean gross floor area minus 15%.
FLOOR AREA RATIO
The sum of the area of all floors of buildings or structures compared to the total area of the site.
FOREST
Areas of stands of trees, the majority of which are greater than 12 inches' caliper, covering an area greater than 1/4 acre; or groves of mature trees without regard to minimum area and caliper consisting of substantial numbers of individual specimens, or creating the visual impression of a forest as defined irrespective of the numbers and kinds of individual specimens.
FORESTRY
Establishments primarily engaged in the operation of timber tracts, tree farms, forests nurseries, the gathering of forest products or performing forest services.
FOWL
Domesticated chickens (hens only, no roosters) or ducks kept primarily for egg-laying purposes.
[Added 9-10-2018 by Ord. No. 18-25]
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION
A group of people formally organized for a common cultural, religious or entertainment interest, involving regular meetings, rituals or ceremonies, and formal written membership requirements.
FRONTAGE
That side of a lot abutting a street at and along the front lot line.
FUNERAL HOME
A place where the dead are prepared for burial or cremation and where visitation to pay final respects and joining in prayer or other suitable services and ceremonies is invited.
GALLERY
A building or room for the exhibition and sale or brokerage of art.
GARAGE
A deck, building, or parking structure, or part thereof, used or intended to be used for the parking and storage of vehicles.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
A building that is accessory to the principal building and in which no occupation, business or service for profit is carried on, but used primarily for vehicle storage.
GARAGE, PUBLIC
A structure or portion thereof other than a private-customer and/or employee garage or private residential garage, used primarily for the parking and storage of vehicles and available to the general public.
GARAGE, REPAIR
Any building, premises and land upon which a business, service or industry involving the maintenance, service and repair of vehicles is conducted or rendered, but excluding auto body and painting establishments.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
A comprehensive plan for the development of a planned development, as provided in Section 4 of P.L. 1987, c. 129 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-45.2).
GOLF COURSE, MINIATURE
A recreational facility patterned after the game of golf, but involving only the putting stroke.
GOLF COURSE, EXECUTIVE
A tract of land devoted to the playing of the game of golf and improved with tees, fairways, greens and hazards and which may include clubhouses, maintenance buildings, pro shops, shelters and other similar support facilities normally associated with a golf course, and which shall be at least 3,000 yards in length for 18 holes and designed according to the standards of the National Golf Foundation or other prevailing organization exercising authority or design regulation in the game of golf.
GOLF COURSE, PAR 3
A tract of land devoted to the playing of the game of golf and improved with tees, fairways, greens and hazards and which may include clubhouses, maintenance buildings, pro shops, shelters and other similar support facilities normally associated with a golf course, and which shall be at least 2,000 yards in length for 18 holes and designed according to the standards of the National Golf Foundation or other prevailing organization exercising authority or design regulation in the game of golf.
GOLF COURSE, REGULATION
A tract of land for playing golf and improved with tees, fairways, greens and hazards and which may include clubhouses, maintenance buildings, pro shops, shelters and other similar support facilities normally associated with a golf course and which shall have, in the case of a nine-hole course, at least 3,000 yards in length and, in the case of an eighteen-hole course, at least 6,000 yards in length.
GOVERNING BODY
The chief legislative body of the Township.
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY
Any department, commission, independent agency, or instrumentality of the United States, of a state, county, incorporated or unincorporated municipality, township, authority, district, or other governmental unit.
GRADE
The inclination of a sloping surface, usually expressed in percentage terms.
GRADED AREA
As it pertains to streets, land adjacent and parallel to the cartway within the right-of-way which must be flattened or leveled to the same width and cross-slope as the sidewalk if a sidewalk had been required at that location.
GRANITE BLOCK CURB
A curb constructed of rectangular-shaped stone or granite blocks, placed vertically in a concrete foundation, and also known as Belgian block curb.
GREENWAY
A. 
A linear open space established along either a natural corridor, such as a stream valley or ridgeline, or over land along a scenic road or other route;
B. 
Any natural or landscaped course for pedestrian or bicycle passage;
C. 
An open space connector linking park areas, natural reserves, cultural features, or historic sites with each other and with populated areas.
GROUND COVER
Grasses or other plants and landscaping grown or placed to keep soil from being blown or washed away.
GROUNDWATER
The supply of freshwater under the surface in an aquifer or geologic formation that forms the natural reservoir for potable water.
GUARANTIES
Cash, letters of credit, bonds or similar financial instruments deposited with the Township to assure that required improvements will be constructed, installed or maintained.
GUIDE RAIL
A safety barrier designed to protect motor vehicles from hazardous areas.
GUTTER
The shallow channel set along the curb or the paved edge of a road for purposes of catching and carrying off runoff water.
HABITABLE FLOOR AREA
The total floor area of all the habitable rooms in a dwelling unit.
HABITABLE ROOM
Any room in a dwelling unit other than a kitchen, bathroom, closet, pantry, hallway, cellar, storage space, garage and basement recreation room.
HABITAT
The sum total of all the environmental factors of a specific place that is occupied by an organism, population, or a community.
HAZARDOUS USE
A building or structure or any portion thereof that is used for the storage, manufacture, or processing of highly combustible or explosive products or materials, which are likely to burn with extreme rapidity or which may produce poisonous fumes or explosions; for storage or manufacturing that involves highly corrosive, toxic or noxious alkalies, acids, or other liquids or chemicals producing flame, fume, poisonous, irritant, or corrosive gases; and for the storage or processing of any materials producing explosive mixtures of dust or that result in the division of matter into fine particles subject to spontaneous ignition.
HEALTH CARE FACILITY
A facility or institution, whether public or private, principally engaged in providing services for health maintenance and the treatment of mental or physical conditions.
HEALTH CLUB
An establishment that provides facilities for aerobic exercises, running and jogging, exercise equipment, game courts, swimming facilities, saunas, showers, massage rooms and lockers.
HEALTH SERVICES
Health care facilities as well as establishments providing support to the medical profession and patients, such as medical and dental laboratories, blood banks, and miscellaneous types of medical supplies and services.
HEIGHT (when referring to a tower or lawful structure)
The distance measured from the lowest finished grade of the parcel to the highest point on the tower or other structure, including the base pad and any antennas. The height of the tower shall not include a lightning rod.
[Amended 5-8-2000 by Ord. No. 00-17]
HISTORIC DISTRICT
One or more historic sites and intervening or surrounding property significantly affecting or affected by the quality and character of the historic site or sites.
HISTORIC SITE
Any real property, man-made structure, natural object or configuration or any portion or group of the foregoing of historical, archaeological, cultural, scenic or architectural significance.
HOME OCCUPATION
Any activity carried out for gain by a resident and conducted as a reasonable, customary, incidental and accessory use in the residents' dwelling unit.
HOME PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
Partial office use of a single-family detached dwelling by a practitioner of a recognized profession, including but not limited to attorneys, engineers, architects, medical practitioners, planning consultants, insurance agents, accountants and similar professionals offering a service for a fee.
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
A community association other than a condominium association, that is organized in a development in which individual owners share interests and responsibilities for costs and upkeep for common open space or facilities.
HOTEL
A facility offering transient lodging accommodations to the general public and providing additional services, such as restaurants, meeting rooms, entertainment, and recreational facilities.
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 serving of food within the dwelling unit.
IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE
The area of a lot covered by impervious surface.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface that has been compacted or covered with a layer of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by water.
IMPOUNDMENT
A body of water, such as a pond, confined by a dam, dike, flood gate, or other barrier.
IMPROVED PUBLIC STREET
For subdivision or site plan purposes, any street which complies in width and construction with municipal standards.
IMPROVEMENT
Any permanent structure that becomes part of, placed upon or is affixed to land.
INDIVIDUAL SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
A system for disposal of sanitary sewage into the ground which is designed and constructed to treat sanitary sewage in a manner that will retain most of the settleable solids in a septic tank, and to discharge the liquid effluent to a disposal field. The term "system" is equivalent in meaning.
INHERENTLY BENEFICIAL USE
A use which clearly and unequivocally serves the public good according to New Jersey law and which is recognized as such by the upper courts of New Jersey.
INN
A commercial facility for the housing and feeding of transient guests in a building which was formerly a residence or which is akin to a residence in scale and function.
INSTITUTIONAL USE
A nonprofit, religious, or public use, such as a library, public or private school, hospital, or government-owned or -operated building, structure, or land use for public purpose.
INTERESTED PARTY
A. 
In a criminal or quasi-criminal proceeding, any citizen of the State of New Jersey; and
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 act, or whose rights to use, acquire, or enjoy property under this act, 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 act.
ISOLATED LOT
An undeveloped substandard lot in separate ownership from surrounding properties.
JUNK
(Reserved)
JUNKYARD
Any area, lot, land, parcel, building or structure or part thereof used for the storage, collection, processing, purchase, sale, salvage, or disposal of junk, including but not limited to wastepaper, rags, scrap metal or other scrap or discarded or abandoned goods, materials, machinery or one or more unregistered/inoperable/substantially disabled vehicle, or any other solid or bulk waste.[1]
KENNEL
A commercial establishment in which dogs or domesticated animals are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, trained, or sold for a fee or compensation.
KIOSK
A freestanding structure upon which directories, notices, announcements, posters and/or temporary information are posted.
LAKE
An inland water body fed by springs or surrounding runoff and impounded naturally or by a dam, dike, flood gate or other barrier.
LAKE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
A development of housing surrounding a lake comprising at least two acres in surface area.
LAND
Real property, including improvements and fixtures on, above or below the surface.
LANDMARK
Any site, building, structure, or natural feature that has visual, historic, or cultural significance.
LANDSCAPE
A. 
An expanse of natural scenery; or
B. 
Lawns, trees, plants, and other natural materials, such as rock and wood chips, and decorative features, including sculpture, patterned walks, fountains and pools.
LANDSCAPE PLAN
A component of a development plan on which is shown proposed landscape species (such as number, spacing, size at time of planting, and planting details); proposals for protection of existing vegetation during and after construction; proposed treatment of hard and soft surfaces; proposed decorative features; grade changes; buffers and screening devices; and any other information that can reasonably be required in order that an informed decision can be made by the approving authority.
LARGE BOAT
Any boat measuring at least 8 1/2 feet in width and at least 20 feet in length.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
LEVEL OF SERVICE
The description of traffic conditions along a given roadway or at a particular intersection.
LICENSE (CANNABIS)
[Added 7-26-2021 by Ord. No. 21-16; amended 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
A. 
A license issued under relevant state law, including a license that is designated as either:
(1) 
Class 1 cannabis cultivator license.
(2) 
Class 2 cannabis manufacturer license.
(3) 
Class 3 cannabis wholesaler license.
(4) 
Class 4 cannabis distributor license.
(5) 
Class 5 cannabis retailer license.
(6) 
Class 6 cannabis delivery license.
B. 
The term includes a conditional license for a designated class, except when the context of the provisions of relevant state law otherwise intend to only apply for a license and not a conditional license.
LIGHT INDUSTRY
Industrial economic activity involving the production of small or light goods utilizing small amounts of raw materials and machines and/or equipment which cause no steady or significant noise levels beyond the property lines, produce no air pollution, glare or degradation of water quality or routine heavy truck traffic, and involve no inherently hazardous use or activity. For purposes of this chapter, "light industry" shall also mean laboratories and research facilities.
LIGHTING PLAN
An iso-footcandle diagram or diagrams showing existing and/or proposed levels of illumination produced in accordance with standards contained in the IES Lighting Handbook, as amended, or similar prevailing standard.
LIMESTONE
A carbonate sedimentary rock consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate, or any rock consisting of at least 80% calcium or magnesium carbonate.
LOCAL UTILITY
Any sewerage authority created pursuant to the Sewerage Authorities Law, P.L. 1946, c. 138 (N.J.S.A. 40:14A-1 et seq.); any utilities authority created pursuant to the Municipal and County Utilities Authorities Law, P.L. 1957, c. 183 (N.J.S.A. 40:14B-1 et seq.); or any utility, authority, commission, special district or other corporate entity not regulated by the Board of Regulatory Commissioners under Title 48 of the Revised Statutes that provides gas, electricity, heat, power, water or sewer service to the Township or the residents thereof.
LODGE
A building or group of buildings under single management containing both rooms and dwelling units available for temporary rental to transient guests.
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 total area contained within the lot lines.
LOT, CORNER
A lot or parcel of land abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection or upon two parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than 135°.
LOT COVERAGE
Impervious coverage as defined in this chapter.
LOT LINE
A line of record bounding a lot that separates one lot from another lot or from a right-of-way.
LOT, SUBSTANDARD
A parcel of land that has less than the minimum area or minimum dimensions required in the zone in which the lot is located.
LOT AVERAGING
A form of development of contiguous tracts of land which are in the same ownership and which permit a reduction in individual lot areas and bulk requirements, provided that the remaining land area is devoted to open space, agriculture or preservation of environmentally sensitive areas.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
LOT DEPTH
The average distance measured from the front lot line to the rear lot line. Where the front and rear lot lines are not parallel, "lot depth" means the distance measured by drawing several evenly separated lines from the front to rear lot lines, at right angles to the front lot line to the extent possible, and averaging the length of such lines.
LOT FRONTAGE
The length of the front lot line measured between the side lot lines.
LOT, THROUGH
A lot that fronts upon two parallel streets or that fronts upon two streets that do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.
[Added 1-28-2002 by Ord. No. 02-04]
LOT WIDTH
The horizontal distance between side lot lines measured at setback points on each side lot line an equal distance back from the front lot line and/or right-of-way line.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTY
Any security which may be accepted by a municipality for the maintenance of any improvements required by this act, including but not limited to surety bonds, letters of credit under the circumstances specified in Section 16 of P.L. 1991, c. 256 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.5), and cash.
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT
Any development that provides for ultimately disturbing one or more acres of land. Disturbance includes the placement of impervious surface or exposure and/or movement of soil or bedrock or clearing, cutting, or removing of vegetation.
[Added 6-24-2013 by Ord. No. 13-11]
MAJOR SOLAR OR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY FACILITY OR STRUCTURE
See "Solar."
MAJOR SUBDIVISION
Any subdivision not classified as a minor subdivision.
MANUFACTURE (CANNABIS)
The drying, processing, compounding, or conversion of usable cannabis into cannabis products or cannabis resins. "Manufacture" does not include packaging or labeling.
[Added 7-26-2021 by Ord. No. 21-16; amended 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
MASTER PLAN
A composite of one or more written or graphic proposals for the development of the municipality as set forth in and adopted pursuant to Section 19 of P.L. 1975 c. 291 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28).
MAYOR
The Mayor of the Township of Vernon.[2]
[Amended 9-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-21; Ord. No. 2015-08]
MINIMUM IMPROVABLE AREA
The minimum two-dimensional space within which a structure and associated improvements are permitted to be built on a lot and that is defined by minimum yard setbacks and an absence of environmental constraints, including wetlands, floodplains and steep slopes.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
MINOR SITE PLAN
The development plan of a single lot which proposes new development within the scope of development specifically permitted under § 330-50 of this chapter and contains the information reasonably required in order to make an informed determination as to whether the requirements established by this chapter for approval of a minor site plan have been met.
[Amended 1-28-2002 by Ord. No. 02-04]
MINOR SOLAR OR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY FACILITY OR STRUCTURE
See "Solar."
MINOR SUBDIVISION
A subdivision or resubdivision of land for the creation of not more than three lots including the remainder, provided that such subdivision does not involve a planned development; any new street; extension of any off-tract improvements, the cost of which is to be prorated pursuant to this chapter; a parcel of land that was the subject of a minor subdivision approval within five years prior to the submission of the current application.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
MOTEL
An establishment providing sleeping accommodations with a majority of all rooms having direct access to the outside without the necessity of passing through the main lobby of the building.
MOUNTAIN RESORT
A planned commercial development in which a ski area, golf course, recreational facilities, retail sales and/or services, art centers, open air activities, restaurants, galleries, office uses, commercial recreation, hotels or lodges, and other recreational and/or commercial uses, in any approved combination thereof, would establish a resort or resort-oriented community, or both, operated as a single entity under a common theme. The mountain resort shall contain components consisting of a mountain retreat, residential village, and resort village.
[Added 11-15-2001 by Ord. No. 01-26]
MOUNTAIN RETREAT
A component of a mountain resort, including hotels or lodges; accessory commercial uses located in such hotels or lodges, townhouses, duplexes, and/or other vacation-type units; recreational uses; and/or conservation uses.
[Added 11-15-2001 by Ord. No. 01-26]
MUNICIPAL AGENCY
The Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, or the governing body when acting pursuant to this chapter and any agency which is created by or responsible to the Township when such agency is acting pursuant to this chapter or prevailing law.
MUNICIPAL RESIDENT
A person who is domiciled in the municipality.
[Added 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
MUNICIPALITY
The Township of Vernon.
NATURE PRESERVE
An area in which human activity is limited to hiking and walking trails with activities of similar impact and which is restricted by conservation easement.
NOISE
Any undesired audible sound.
NOISE POLLUTION
Continuous or episodic excessive noise in the human environment.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot, the area, dimension or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of a zoning ordinance, but fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A structure, the size, dimension or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of a zoning ordinance, but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located by reasons of such adoption, revision or amendment.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use or activity which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of a zoning ordinance, but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located by reasons of such adoption, revision or amendment.
NUISANCE
An interference with the enjoyment and use of property.
NUISANCE ELEMENT
Any environmental pollutant, such as smoke, odors, liquid wastes, solid wastes, radiation, noise, vibration, glare, or heat.
NURSERY
Land and/or greenhouses used to raise flowers, shrubs and plants for sale, and which may include landscaping and gardening supplies.
NURSERY SCHOOL
See "child-care center."
NURSING HOME
See "residential health care facility."
OFFICE
A room or group of rooms used for conducting the administrative affairs of a business, profession, service, industry, or government and generally furnished with desks, tables, files, communication and electronic equipment.
OFFICE BUILDING
A building containing offices used primarily for conducting the affairs of businesses, professions, services, industry, or government, or like activity, and may include ancillary services for office work, such as a restaurant, coffee shop, newspaper or candy stand, and child-care facilities.
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 by ordinance pursuant to Article 5 of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-32).
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 the closest half of the street or right-of-way abutting the property of which the lot is a part.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
OFF-SITE IMPROVEMENT
Improvement required to be made off site as a result of an application for development and including, but not limited to, road widening and upgrading, stormwater facilities, and traffic circulation improvements.
OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE
A storage area for a motor vehicle that is directly accessible to an access aisle and that is not located within a dedicated street right-of-way.
OFF TRACT
Not located on the property which is the subject of a development application nor on the closest half of an abutting street or right-of-way.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
OFF-TRACT IMPROVEMENT
Improvement required to be made off tract as a result of an application for development.
ON SITE
Located on the lot in question and excluding any abutting street or right-of-way.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
ON-STREET PARKING SPACE
A storage area for a motor vehicle that is located within a dedicated street right-of-way.
ON TRACT
Located on the property which is the subject of a development application or on the closest half of an abutting street or right-of-way.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
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 areas 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.
OPEN-SPACE RATIO
The total area of open space divided by the total site area in which the open space is located.
OUTDOOR STORAGE
The keeping in an unenclosed area of any goods, junk, material, merchandise, or vehicles in the same place for more than 24 hours.
OWNER
An individual, firm, association, partnership, company, corporation or other entity having sufficient proprietary interest in the land sought to be developed to commence and maintain proceedings to develop the same under this chapter.
PANEL
See "Solar."
PARKING SPACE
A space for the parking of a motor vehicle within a public or private parking area.
PARTIAL DESTRUCTION
A building or structure that, because of fire, flood, explosion or other calamity, requires the rebuilding of less than half of its floor area.
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 Section 7.1 of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-12).
PAVEMENT
A. 
A created surface, such as asphalt, brick, concrete or stone, placed on the land to facilitate passage;
B. 
That part of a street having an improvement surface.
PEDESTRIAN GENERATOR
A development which will realize high facility usage by persons arriving on foot.
PERCOLATION TEST ("PERC TEST")
A test designed to determine the availability of ground to absorb water and used in determining the suitability of a soil for drainage or for the use of a septic system.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTY
Any security, which may be accepted by a municipality, including but not limited to surety bonds, letters of credit under the circumstances specified in Section 16 of P.L. 1991, c. 256 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.5), and cash.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
See "standards of performance."
PERMEABILITY TEST
A test designed to determine the rate at which water moves through a unit area of soil or rock material at hydraulic gradient of one, determined as prescribed in N.J.A.C. 7:9A-6.2, 6.3, 6.5 or 6.6.
[Added 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
PERSONAL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT
An establishment primarily engaged in providing services involving the care of a person or his or her personal goods or apparel, including but not limited to beauty shops, barber shops, laundries, cleaners, funeral homes, and clothing rental operations.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
A church, synagogue, temple or other facility that is used for prayer and religious services by and for persons of similar beliefs; a special purpose building that is architecturally designed and particularly adapted for the primary use of conducting regular, formal religious services by a religious congregation; a group of such buildings or structures that, by design and construction, is primarily intended for conducting organized religious services and associated accessory uses. See "church."
PLANNED ADULT COMMUNITY
A residential community provided for permanent residents aged 55 years or over in which the residential property and the residential-related open space, recreational facilities and common area are all owned by a mutual nonprofit corporation or corporations established pursuant to the laws of the State of New Jersey and also governed by Section 213 of Title 11 of the National Housing Act (or provisions of a substantially similar or comparable nature) or by individuals, condominium associations or other entities, all of which shall have rules and regulations controlling the development, operation and maintenance in conformance with this chapter.
PLANNED COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
An area of a minimum contiguous size as specified by this chapter to be developed according to a plan as a single entity containing one or more structures with appurtenant common areas to accommodate commercial or office uses or both and any residential and other uses incidental to the predominant use as may be permitted by this chapter.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
Planned unit development, planned unit residential development, residential cluster, planned commercial development or planned industrial development.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
PLANNED INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
An area of a minimum contiguous size as specified by this chapter to be developed according to a plan as a single entity containing one or more structures with appurtenant common areas to accommodate industrial uses and any other uses incidental to the predominant use as may be permitted by this chapter.
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
An area with a specified minimum contiguous acreage of 10 acres or more to be developed as a single entity according to a plan, containing one or more residential clusters of planned unit residential developments and one or more public, quasi-public, commercial or industrial areas in such ranges of ratios of nonresidential uses to residential uses as shall be specified in this chapter.
PLANNED UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
An area with a specified minimum contiguous acreage of five acres or more to be developed as a single entity according to a plan containing one or more residential clusters, which may include appropriate commercial or public or quasi-public uses all primarily for the benefit of the residential development.
PLANNING BOARD
The municipal Planning Board established pursuant to Section 14 of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-23).
PLAT
A map or maps of a subdivision or site plan.
PLAT, SKETCH
A concept or informal map of a proposed subdivision or site plan of sufficient accuracy to be used for the purpose of discussion and classification.
PLAYGROUND
An active recreation area with a variety of facilities, including equipment for younger children as well as court and field games.
PLOT
A. 
A single unit parcel of land;
B. 
A parcel of land that can be identified in reference to a recorded plat or map.
PREEXISTING TOWERS AND PREEXISTING ANTENNAS
Any tower or antenna for which a building permit has been properly issued prior to the effective date of this chapter, including permitted towers or antennas that have not yet been constructed so long as such approval is current and not expired.
[Added 5-8-2000 by Ord. No. 00-17]
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL
The conferral of certain rights pursuant to Sections 34, 36 and 37 of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-46, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-48 and N.J.S.A. 40:55D-49) prior to development approval after specific fundamental elements of a development plan have been agreed upon by the Planning Board 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.
PREMISES
A lot, parcel, tract or plot of land, together with the buildings and structures thereon.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
See "building, principal."
PRINCIPAL USE
The primary or predominant use of any lot or parcel.
PRIVATE LAKE COMMUNITY
A community of one or more neighborhoods within an identifiable area surrounding one or more lakes, sharing a common residential and social purpose pursuant to a charter, bylaws and other regulations, and in which the rights to the use of the lake(s) and other common areas are exclusive to member residents and their invitees, and which is controlled and managed by a community association as defined in this article.
PRIVATE LEASEHOLD LAKE COMMUNITY
A residential lake community in which the land is not in fee simple ownership in connection with a structure (for example, the Lake Pochung and Laurel Lake communities). Such uses may include existing single-family detached homes, clubhouses and public and private recreational facilities.
[Added 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
The office of a member of a recognized profession maintained for the conduct of that profession.
PROJECT
A development with necessary site improvements on a particular parcel of land.
PROPERTY
A lot, parcel, or tract of land together with the building and structures located thereon.
PUBLIC AREAS
A. 
Public parks, playgrounds, trails, paths and other recreational areas;
B. 
Other public open spaces;
C. 
Scenic and historic sites; and
D. 
Sites for schools and other public buildings and structures.
PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
A master plan, capital improvement 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 biological as well as drainage function of the channel and provided for the flow of water to safeguard the public against flood damage, sedimentation and erosion and to assure the adequacy of existing and proposed culverts and bridges, to induce water recharge into the ground where practical, and to lessen nonpoint pollution.
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
An open space area conveyed or otherwise dedicated to a municipality, municipal agency, board of education, state or county agency, or other public body for recreational or conservational uses.
PUBLIC UTILITY
Any public utility regulated by the Board of Regulatory Commissioners and defined pursuant to N.J.S.A. 48:2-13.
PUBLIC UTILITY FACILITIES
Buildings, structures, and facilities, including generating and switching stations, poles, lines, pipes, pumping stations, repeaters, antennas, transmitters and receivers, valves and all buildings and structures relating to the furnishing of utility services, such as electric, gas, telephone, water, sewer, and public transit, to the public.
QUORUM
The majority of the full authorized membership of a municipal agency.
RACQUET SPORTS FACILITY
A facility for court games played with a racquet and ball and played indoors or outdoors on various surfaces.
RECHARGE
The replenishment of water in an aquifer.
RECREATION, ACTIVE
Leisure time activities commonly of a structured nature and ordinarily involving more than one person, requiring equipment and taking place at prescribed places, sites, or fields.
RECREATION, PASSIVE
Activities that involve relatively inactive or less energetic activities, such as walking, sitting, picnicking, board and table games, and simple appreciation of the environs.
RECREATION FACILITY
A place designed and equipped for the conduct of sports and leisure time activities.
RECREATION FACILITY, ACTIVE
A commercial recreation facility offering action rides and similar activities to the public, but specifically excluding amusement parks and rides typically associated therewith.
RECREATION FACILITY, COMMERCIAL
A recreation facility operated as a business and opened to the public for a fee.
RECREATION FACILITY, PERSONAL
A recreation facility provided as an accessory use on the same lot as the principal permitted use and designed to be used primarily by the occupants of the principal use and their guests.
RECREATION FACILITY, PRIVATE
A recreation facility operated by a nonprofit, private organization and open only to bona fide members and guests of such organization.
RECREATION FACILITY, PUBLIC
A recreation facility opened to the general public owned and operated by a governmental agency, quasi-governmental agency, or other organization on behalf of the governmental agency or the general public.
RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A residential development planned, maintained, operated and integrated with a major recreation facility, such as a golf course, ski area or lake.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicular-type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational camping or travel use, and as otherwise defined in N.J.A.C. 8:22-1.2.
RESEARCH LABORATORY
An establishment engaged in the experimentation, testing and development of products.
RESIDENCE
A home, abode, or place where an individual is actually living at a specific point in time.
RESIDENTIAL ACCESS STREET
The lowest order, other than rural street type, of residential street (see "street hierarchy"). Provides frontage for access to private lots and carries traffic having destination or origin on the street itself. Designed to carry traffic at slowest speed.
RESIDENTIAL APPEARANCE
A building structure having the appearance of a single-family residence, generally similar to single-family residences Classes 15 through 20, inclusive, as depicted in the Real Property Appraisal Manual for New Jersey Assessor, 3rd Edition, issued by the local property and public utility branch, Division of Taxation, Department of the Treasury, State of New Jersey.
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 HEALTH CARE FACILITY
A private or public facility or institution, principally engaged in providing services for health maintenance, diagnosis or treatment of human disease, pain, injury, deformity or physical condition, including, but not limited to, a general hospital, special hospital, mental hospital, public health center, diagnostic center, treatment center, rehabilitation center, extended care facility, skilled nursing home, nursing home, intermediate care facility, tuberculosis hospital, chronic disease hospital, maternity hospital, outpatient clinic, dispensary, home health care agency, boarding home or other home for sheltered care and bioanalytical laboratory or central services facility serving one or more such institutions but excluding institutions that provide healing solely by prayer.
RESIDENTIAL MAJOR COLLECTOR
The highest order of residential street (see "street hierarchy"). Conducts and distributes traffic between lower-order residential streets and higher-order streets (arterials and expressways).
RESIDENTIAL MINOR COLLECTOR
Middle order of residential streets (see "street hierarchy"). Provides frontage for access to lots, and carries traffic to and from adjoining residential access streets.
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD STREET
A type of residential access street conforming to traditional subdivision street design, which provides access to building lots fronting on a street and provides parking on both sides of street (see "street hierarchy").
RESIDENTIAL VILLAGE
A component of a mountain resort, including townhouses, duplexes, and/or other vacation-type units, which is designed to complement a resort village, and is located within a reasonable walking distance of a resort village.
[Added 11-15-2001 by Ord. No. 01-26]
RESORT
A facility for transient guests where the primary attraction generally involves recreational facilities, features or activities. (See "resort-oriented community.")
RESORT-ORIENTED COMMUNITY
A centrally managed facility which provides resort-oriented housing; full service lodging; dining or cooking facilities; and on-site recreational amenities for overnight guests or members. A resort-oriented community shall include an organized program of activities such as hunting, fishing, nature study, arts and crafts, skiing, snowmobiling, boating, horseback riding, and hiking. The community may also include corporate or religious retreats or conference facilities.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
RESORT-ORIENTED HOUSING
Housing associated with a resort-oriented community and may include single-family dwellings, single-family attached (duplex) dwellings, townhouses, and cabins.
[Added 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
RESORT UNIT
A designated facility for lodging of guests in a mountain resort, whether located in a hotel, lodge, townhouse, duplex, or other vacation-type unit.
[Added 11-15-2001 by Ord. No. 01-26]
RESORT VILLAGE
A component of a mountain resort in which there is located various commercial uses, such as bakeries; banks and financial institutions; barber and beauty shops; bicycle and sports-related rentals, sales and service; child-care facilities; cocktail lounges and bars; conference centers; delicatessens; drugstores and pharmacies; galleries; grocery and convenience stores; health clubs; hotels or lodges; indoor recreation uses (e.g., amusements and arcades); liquor stores; miniature golf; nightclubs; offices; restaurants; ski resort support services (e.g., gondolas, resort sales and operation centers, skier information services, transit center, lift ticket offices, event areas); spas; theaters; and/or other commercial, retail, service, and recreational uses normally associated with a resort.
[Added 11-15-2001 by Ord. No. 01-26]
RESTAURANT
An establishment where food and drink are prepared, served, and consumed primarily within the principal building, excluding fast-food and take-out restaurants.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD
A business establishment whose principal business is the sale of prepared or rapidly prepared food directly to the customer and that is ready for consumption either within the restaurant building, in cars on the premises or off the premises.
[Added 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
RESTAURANT, TAKE-OUT
An eating establishment where food and drink are prepared and served and which may be consumed either within the principal building or can be picked up for consumption off the premises, but does not include drive-through window service.
[Added 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
RESUBDIVISION
A. 
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
B. 
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.
RETAIL SALES
Establishments engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption and without necessarily rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods.
RETAIL SALES, OUTDOOR
The display and sale of products and services outside of a building or structure, including garden and landscaping supplies, flowers, shrubs, plants, produce, farm equipment, building and construction materials and boats, but excluding new or used vehicles.
RETAIL SERVICES
Establishments predominately providing services or entertainment as opposed to, but not necessarily exclusive of, products, as where a product is consumed or used in the service.
RETENTION BASIN
A stormwater management basin designed to retain some water on a permanent basis.
RIDING ACADEMY
An establishment where horses are boarded and cared for and where instruction in riding, jumping and showing is offered and where horses may be hired for riding.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
A strip of land occupied or intended to be occupied by a street, crosswalk, railroad, road, electric transmission line, gas pipeline, water main, sanitary or storm sewer main, shade tree, or for another special use.
RIGHT-OF-WAY LINES
The lines forming the boundaries of a right-of-way.
RURAL
As it pertains to streets, when density is one dwelling unit per acre or lower, a road primarily serving as access to abutting building lots, which has no on-street parking, and lot-to-street access is designed so vehicles do not back out of lots onto the street (see "street hierarchy").
SATELLITE EARTH STATION ANTENNA
A parabolic or dish-shaped antenna or any other apparatus or device that is designed for the purpose of receiving radio waves.
SCENIC AREA
An open area, the natural features of which are visually significant or geologically or botanically unique.
SCENIC CORRIDOR
An area visible from a highway, waterway, railway, or major hiking, biking or equestrian trail that provides vistas over water, across expanses of land, such as farmlands, woodlands or coastal wetlands, or from mountaintops or ridges.
SCHOOL
Any building or part thereof which is designed, constructed, or used for education or instruction in any branch of knowledge.
SCHOOL, ELEMENTARY
Any school licensed by the state and that meets the state requirements for elementary education.
SCHOOL, PAROCHIAL
A school supported and controlled by a church or religious organization. (See "school, private.")
SCHOOL, PRIVATE
Any building or group of buildings, the use of which meets state requirements for elementary, secondary, or higher education and which use does not secure the major part of its funding from any governmental agency.
SCHOOL BUS SHELTER
A bus shelter as defined herein, but devoted exclusively to the protection and convenience of school bus passengers. (See "bus shelter.")
SCREENING
A. 
A method of visually shielding or obscuring one abutting or nearby structure or use from another by fencing, walls, berms, or densely planted vegetation;
B. 
The removal of relatively coarse floating and/or suspended solids by straining through racks or screens.
SEDIMENTATION
The deposition of soil that has been transported from its site of origin by water, ice, wind, gravity and other natural means as a product of erosion.
SEPTIC SYSTEM
An underground system with a septic tank used for the decomposition of domestic wastes.
SETBACK
The distance between a building or structure and any side or rear lot line; in front yards, "setback" means the distance between a building or structure and the right-of-way line.
SETBACK, ADJUSTED
A setback requirement which is enlarged as a result of a proposed or claimed right-of-way width pursuant to an official map, or the duly adopted circulation or traffic plan of State of New Jersey, County of Sussex or Township of Vernon.
SETBACK LINE
A line established as parallel as possible to a corresponding right-of-way line or lot line, drawn in such a manner as to touch the nearest part of a corresponding building or structure.
SETBACK, MINIMUM
The minimum allowable distance between a building wall or part of a structure and a corresponding right-of-way line or lot line.
SEWER
Any pipe conduit used to collect and carry away sewage or stormwater runoff from the generating source to treatment plants or receiving streams.
SHADE TREE
A tree, usually deciduous, planted primarily for overhead canopy.
SHARED DRIVEWAY
A single driveway serving two or more adjoining lots.
SHELTERED CARE FACILITIES
A profit or nonprofit boarding home, rest home or other home for the sheltered care of adult persons which, in addition to providing food and shelter to four or more persons unrelated to the proprietor, also provides personal care or service beyond food, shelter and laundry.
SHOPPING CENTER
A group of commercial establishments planned, constructed and managed as a total entity, with customer and employee parking provided on site, provision for goods deliveries separated from customer access, utilizing aesthetic considerations, protection from the elements, and landscaping and signage in accordance with this chapter and an approved plan.
SHOPPING MALL
A shopping center with stores on both sides of an enclosed or open pedestrian walkway.
SIGHT TRIANGLE
A triangular-shaped portion of land established at street intersections in which nothing is erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance of motorists entering or leaving the intersection.
SIGN
Any object, device, display or structure or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images, but excluding the American flag or other governmental flags, window displays, athletic scoreboards on school premises, or official announcements and signs of government.
SIGN, ANIMATED OR MOVING
Any sign or part of a sign that changes physical position or light intensity by movement or rotation or that gives the visual impression of such movement or rotation.
SIGN, AWNING OR CANOPY
A sign that is mounted, painted, or attached to an awning, canopy, or marquee that is otherwise permitted by this chapter.
SIGN, BILLBOARD
A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN, BUSINESS
A sign that directs attention to a business or profession conducted, or to a commodity or service owned, offered, or manufactured, or to an entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located.
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION
A temporary sign erected on the premises on which construction is taking place during the period of such construction, indicating the names of the architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors or similar artisans, and the owners, financial supporters, sponsors and similar individuals or firms having a role or interest in the construction project.
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL
A sign limited to directional messages, principally for pedestrian or vehicular traffic, such as but not limited to "one-way," "entrance" and "exit."
SIGN, DIRECTORY
A sign listing the tenants or occupants of a building or group of buildings and that may indicate their respective professions or business activities.
SIGN, EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED
A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting by light(s) directed toward such sign.
SIGN, FACE
The area or display surface used for the message.
SIGN, FLASHING
Any directly or indirectly illuminated sign that exhibits changing natural or artificial light or color effects by any means whatsoever such as, but not limited to, intermittent lighting.
SIGN, FREESTANDING
See Sign, Ground.
[Amended 5-14-2012 by Ord. No. 12-05]
SIGN, GROUND
Any nonmovable sign not affixed to a building, but excluding "Pylon Sign." A sign which is supported by two or more upright or braces in or upon the ground.
[Amended 5-14-2012 by Ord. No. 12-05]
SIGN, IDENTIFICATION
A sign giving the nature, logo, trademark, or other identifying symbol, address, or any combination of the name, symbol and address of a building, business, development, or establishment on the premises where it is located.
SIGN, INFORMATIONAL
An on-site sign commonly associated with, but not limited to, information and directions necessary or convenient for visitors coming on the property, including signs, marking entrances and exits, parking areas, circulation direction, rest rooms, and pickup and delivery areas.
SIGN, INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED
A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting by lights within such sign.
SIGN, MEMORIAL
A sign, tablet, or plaque memorializing a person, event, structure, or site.
SIGN, NAMEPLATE
A sign located on the premises giving the name or address, or both, of the owner or occupant of the building or premises.
SIGN, POLE
A sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole, post or other support so that the bottom edge of the sign is six feet or more above grade.
SIGN, POLITICAL
A temporary sign announcing or supporting political candidates, parties or issues in connection with any national, state or local election.
SIGN, PORTABLE
A sign that is not permanent, affixed to a building, structure, or the ground.
SIGN, PRIVATE SALE OR EVENT
A temporary sign advertising private sales of personal property, such as "house sale," "garage sale," "rummage sale" and the like, and private not-for-profit events, such as picnics, carnivals, bazaars, game nights, art fairs, craft shows, and Christmas tree sales.
SIGN, PROJECTING OR SHINGLE
A sign that is wholly or partly dependent upon a building for support and that projects more than 12 inches from such building.
SIGN, REAL ESTATE
A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises, or a portion of the premises, on which the sign is located.
SIGN, TEMPORARY
A sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, plywood, paper, or other light material and designed or intended to be displayed for a short period of time.
SIGN, WALL
A sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for, or forms the background surface of, the sign and that does not project more than 12 inches from such building or structure.
SITE
Any plot or parcel of land or combination of contiguous lots or parcels of land.
SITE IMPROVEMENTS
Any construction work on or improvement in connection with residential development limited to streets, roads, parking facilities, sidewalks, drainage structures and utilities.
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 location of all existing and proposed buildings, drives, parking spaces, walkways, means of ingress and egress, drainage facilities, utility services, landscaping, structures and signs, lighting, screening devices; and
C. 
Any other information that may be reasonably required in order to make an informed determination pursuant to an ordinance requiring review and approval of site plans by the Planning Board.
SITE PLAN, MAJOR
Any site plan not classified as a minor site plan.
SKI AREA
An area developed for snow skiing, with trails and lifts, and including ski rental and sale, instruction, and eating facilities.
SKI RESORT
A ski area that also includes sales, rental, and service of related equipment and accessories, eating places, residences, hotels/motels or similar accommodations.
SOLAR
A. 
MAJOR SOLAR OR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY FACILITY OR STRUCTUREMajor solar or photovoltaic energy facility or structure or major solar or photovoltaic energy system — A system of fuel cells, solar or photovoltaic panels and equipment for the production of energy that is not a minor solar or photovoltaic energy facility or structure.
[Added 6-9-2011 by Ord. No. 11-14]
B. 
MINOR SOLAR OR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY FACILITY OR STRUCTURE
[Added 6-9-2011 by Ord. No. 11-14] Minor solar or photovoltaic energy facility or structure or minor solar or photovoltaic energy system — A fuel cell, solar or photovoltaic panel or system of panels for the production of energy that:
(1) 
Uses solar energy as its fuel; is located on the power beneficiary's premises; is designed and intended primarily to offset part or all of the beneficiary's requirements for energy consumption on site; and is secondary to the beneficiary's use of the premises for other lawful purpose(s);
(2) 
Is intended to mitigate electrical system improvement requirements; and
(3) 
Generates not more than 110% of the power consumed by the beneficiary's premises, which shall be documented through the submission of power company electricity usage bills for the 12 months prior to the date of application, or another form of documentation acceptable to the Vernon Township Engineer. This documentation shall be provided at the time of application.
(4) 
If the solar of photovoltaic energy facility or structure is not located on the same property as the use it serves, then the facility shall be treated as a major solar or photovoltaic energy facility or structure.
C. 
PANELA solar panel is an elevated panel or plate, or a canopy or array thereof, that captures and converts solar radiation to produce power, and includes, but is not limited to, flat plate, focusing solar collectors, or photovoltaic solar cells and excludes the base or foundation of the panel, plate, canopy or array.
[Added 6-9-2011 by Ord. No. 11-14]
SPECIALTY FOOD STORE
A retail store specializing in a specific type or class of foods, such as an appetizer store, bakery, butcher, delicatessen, fish market, gourmet shop, or health food store.
SPECIALTY SHOPPING CENTER
A shopping center, the shops of which cater to a specific market and are linked together by an architectural, historical or geographic theme, or by a commonality of goods and services, consisting mainly of small shops with distinctive merchandise.
STABLE
A structure that is used for the shelter and care of horses and cattle.
STABILIZATION
As it pertains to streets, the ability of a surface to resist deformation from imposed loads. Stabilization can be accomplished by adequate thicknesses of asphalt base and surface course, dense graded aggregates, cement treated soil aggregates, or concrete or precast masonry units set on a base course.
STABILIZED BASE COURSE (BITUMINOUS)
Stabilized base course or asphalt concrete base consists of soil aggregate and bituminous material uniformly mixed and placed on a previously prepared surface.
STABILIZED EARTH
Earth or soil, strengthened usually by the mixing of cement or lime with the original material to achieve increased strength, thereby reducing shrinkage and movement.
STABILIZED TURF
Established, mowable vegetation.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE OR PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Standards:
A. 
Adopted by this chapter pursuant to Subsection 52d (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-65d) regulating noise levels, glare, earthborn or sonic vibrations, heat, electronic or atomic radiation, noxious odors, toxic matters, explosive and inflammable matters, smoke and airborne particles, waste discharge, screening of unsightly objects or conditions and such other similar matters as may be reasonably required by the Township; or
B. 
Required by applicable federal or state laws or municipal ordinances.
STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
Man-made trees, clock towers, bell steeples, light poles and similar alternative design mounting structures that camouflage or conceal the presence of antennas or towers.
[Added 5-8-2000 by Ord. No. 00-17]
STEEP SLOPE
A land area where the slope exceeds 15%.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
STORMWATER DETENTION
A provision for temporary storage of stormwater runoff, and the controlled release of such runoff during and after a flood or storm.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MEASURES
A broad term for structural and nonstructural control of stormwater runoff and nonpoint pollution.
STORMWATER RETENTION
A provision for the permanent storage of a fixed volume of water.
STORY
That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next floor above it, or if there be no floor above it, then the space between any floor and the ceiling next above it. For purposes of this chapter, any basement having 50% or more of the surface area of the front wall located above grade shall be considered a story. In addition to the above, a basement located in a nonresidential building shall be considered a story unless the basement is and remains unfinished and unutilized except for storage or utility purposes.
[Amended 12-13-1999 by Ord. No. 99-27]
STORY, HALF
A partial story under a gable, hip or gavel roof, the wall plates of which on at least two opposite exterior walls are not more than four feet above the floor of such story.
STREAM
A watercourse having a source and terminus, banks, and channel through which waters flow at least periodically.
STREAM CORRIDOR
Any river, stream, pond, lake, or wetland, together with adjacent upland areas, that supports protective bands of vegetation that line the waters' edge.
STREET
Any street, avenue, boulevard, road, parkway, viaduct, drive or other way which is an existing state, county or municipal roadway; or which is shown upon a plat heretofore approved pursuant to law; or which is approved by official action as provided by this act; or 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 such 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.
STREET FURNITURE
The functional elements of streetscapes including but not limited to benches, trash receptacles, planters, telephone booths, kiosks, sign posts, streetlights and bollards.
[Amended 3-25-2013 by Ord. No. 13-04]
STREET HARDWARE
The mechanical and utility systems within a street right-of-way such as hydrants, manhole covers, traffic lights and signs, utility poles and lines, parking meters, and the like.
STREET HIERARCHY
The conceptual arrangement of streets based upon function. A hierarchical approach to street design classifies streets according to function, from high-traffic arterial roads to streets whose function is residential access.
STREET, LOOP
A street that has its only ingress and egress at two points on the same street.
STRUCTURE
A. 
A combination of materials to form a construction for occupancy, use or ornamentation whether installed on, above or below the surface of a parcel of land.
B. 
The following shall be exceptions to the definition of "structure" as presently defined in this section:
[Added 5-8-2000 by Ord. No. 00-12]
(1) 
Wells and well lines.
(2) 
Utilities, including lines and poles.
(3) 
Driveways.
(4) 
Subsurface portions of septic systems and related subsurface components.
(5) 
Heating oil tanks, 1,000 gallons or less, located within 10 feet of the principal structure and in conformance with applicable UCC regulations.
(6) 
Propane tanks used for the heating of the principal structure, 500 gallons or less, located within 10 feet of the principal structure and in conformance with applicable UCC regulations.
(7) 
Stormwater leaders which enter underground drainage facilities.
STUB STREET
A street which is to be extended when the adjacent property is developed.
STUDIO
The workshop of an artist, sculptor, photographer, musician, or craftsman.
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.
B. 
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 or Subdivision Committee thereof appointed by the Chairman to be for agricultural purposes where all resulting parcels are five acres or larger in size;
(2) 
Division of property by testamentary or intestate provisions;
(3) 
Divisions of property upon court order, including but not limited to judgments of foreclosure;
(4) 
Consolidation of existing lots by deed or other recorded instrument; and
(5) 
The conveyance of one or more adjoining lots, tracts, or parcels of land, owned by the same person or persons and all of which are found and certified by the administrative officer to conform to the requirements of the municipal development regulations and are shown and designated as separate lots, tracts or parcels on the tax map or atlas of the municipality.
C. 
The term "subdivision" shall also include the term "resubdivision."
SUBGRADE
The prepared surface upon which pavements and shoulders are constructed.
SUPERMARKET
A retail establishment primarily selling food as well as other convenience and household goods on a broad basis.
SURFACE COURSE
The placement of the asphalt concrete material on a previously prepared base course.
SWALE
A low-lying or depressed land area commonly wet or moist, which can function as an intermittent drainageway.
TEMPORARY OUTDOOR ACTIVITY
An event or happening that is carried out primarily out of doors at a scheduled time or for a fixed period of time not to exceed 15 days per year, including flea markets, fireworks and other displays, public speeches or performances, seasonal sales, swap markets, group picnics, concerts and kiosks, and for which a permit or license may be necessary.
[Amended 1-28-2002 by Ord. No. 02-04]
TEMPORARY STRUCTURE
A structure without any foundation or footings and that is removed when the designated time period, activity, or use for which the temporary structure was erected has ceased.
TEMPORARY USE
A use established for a limited duration with the intent to discontinue such use upon the expiration of the time period.
TENNIS COURT
An improved area for playing regulation tennis.
THEATER
A building or part of a building devoted to showing motion pictures or for dramatic, dance, musical, or other live performances.
THEME PARK
An entertainment or amusement facility built around a single theme that may be historical, architectural, or cultural.
THREATENED SPECIES
Wildlife species which may become endangered if conditions surrounding them begin to or continue to deteriorate and are so designated by a governmental agency.
TOPSOIL
A. 
The natural, undisturbed surface layer of soil having more organic matter than subsequent layers, a pH of 5.0 to 7.5, and suitable for satisfactory growth and maintenance of permanent, locally adapted vegetation.
B. 
Where the original surface layer has been removed, the reapplication of soil material used to cover an area so as to improve soil conditions for establishment and maintenance of adapted vegetation. The reapplied material must be friable, loamy soil reasonably free of debris, objectionable weeds, and stones; have a natural pH of 5.0 to 7.5; have an organic matter content greater than 2.00%; and contain no toxic substances which may be harmful to plant growth.
TOT-LOT
An improved and equipped play area for small children usually up to elementary school age.
TOURISM
The attracting and serving of people visiting the Township of Vernon for recreation and vacations.
TOWNHOUSE
A one-family dwelling in a row of at least three such units in which each unit has its own front and rear access to the outside, no unit is located over another unit, and each unit is separated from any other unit by one or more vertical common fire-resistant walls.
TRACT
An area, parcel, site, piece of land, or property that is the subject of a development application.
TRAFFIC GENERATOR
A use in the Township of Vernon that is likely to attract into the Township substantial vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY
A report analyzing anticipated roadway conditions with and without an applicant's development.
TRAILER
A structure standing on wheels, towed or hauled by another vehicle, and used for short-term human occupancy, carrying of materials, goods, or objects, or as a temporary office.
TRANSCRIPT
A typed or printed verbatim record of the proceedings or reproduction thereof.
TRANSIENT GUEST
A person who stays and is the recipient of hospitality in a hotel, lodge, inn or bed-and-breakfast on a brief, short-lived, impermanent basis, generally less than 14 days.
TRAVELED WAY
The portion of a cartway used for vehicular travel.
USE
The purpose or activity for which land or buildings are designed, arranged, or intended or for which land or buildings are occupied or maintained.
VARIANCE
Permission to depart from the literal requirements of a zoning ordinance pursuant to Section 47 and Subsections 29.2b, 57c and 57d (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-40b, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70c, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d) of the Municipal Land Use Law.
VETERINARY HOSPITAL
A place where animals are given medical care, and the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care incident to the hospital use.
VISTA
A unique and scenic view to or from a particular point, including but not limited to mountains, lakes, farmlands, historic sites and settlements, pastures, groves, glens, and similar features.
VISUAL RESOURCE LANDS
Lands broadly comprising a scenic area or scenic corridor, or involving one or more component features such as but not limited to those described in § 330-87.
WAIVER
Permission to depart from the requirements of this chapter with respect to the submission of required maps or documents. (See "exception.")
WALL
The vertical exterior surface of the building.
WATERCOURSE
Any natural or artificial 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 has a definite channel, bed, and banks and includes any area adjacent thereto subject to inundation of reason of overflow or floodwater.
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN
The identification and strategies, polices, and procedures for managing water quality and wastewater treatment and disposal in a subject area.
WATERFRONT PROPERTY
A property that has frontage on a water body.
WETLANDS, FRESHWATER
An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, and which is regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
WHOLESALE TRADE
Establishments or places of business primarily engaged in selling merchandise to other businesses, including retailers, industrial, commercial, institutional, or professional business users, other wholesalers, or acting as agents or brokers and buying merchandise for, or selling merchandise to, such individuals or companies.
[Added 7-26-2021 by Ord. No. 21-16; amended 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22]
WILDLIFE HABITAT
Land identifiable as or set aside for animal habitation.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
All the structures or uses serving the wireless telecommunications site, such as towers, equipment sheds, telecommunications antennas and fences.
[Added 5-8-2000 by Ord. No. 00-17]
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SITE
The enclosed area in which a tower and its appurtenances are located.
[Added 5-8-2000 by Ord. No. 00-17]
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER ("TOWER")
A freestanding or guyed, vertical structure designed to support one or more wireless telecommunications antennas. This definition shall not apply to amateur or ham radio towers.
[Added 5-8-2000 by Ord. No. 00-17]
WOODLANDS, MATURE
A forested area containing deciduous and/or evergreen specimens of which the majority are considered mature by prevailing forestry standards or as otherwise established by a recognized forestry expert.
YARD
An open space extending between the closest point of any building and the nearest lot line or right-of-way line, and which is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as may be specifically provided in this chapter.
YARD, FRONT
The area extending across the full width of the lot between the right-of-way line and the building.
YARD, REAR
An open space extending across the full width of the lot between the rear lot line and the building.
YARD, SIDE
An open space extending from the front yard to the rear yard and lying between a side lot line and the closest point of the building.
ZONING PERMIT
A document signed by the administrative officer:
A. 
Which is required by ordinance as a condition precedent to the commencement of a use or the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion or installation of a structure or building; and
B. 
Which acknowledges that such use, structure or building complies with the provisions of the municipal zoning ordinance or variance therefrom duly authorized by a municipal agency pursuant to Sections 47 and 57 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-60, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70) of the Municipal Land Use Law.
ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN
A place where animals are kept for viewing by the public in a setting akin to a botanical garden, and which may include indoor spaces for animals and public gathering, viewing, food consumption and associated retail sales.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
[2]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "microbusiness (cannabis)," which immediately followed, was repealed 11-27-2023 by Ord. No. 23-22.