This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Land Subdivision
and Site Plan Review Ordinance of the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus."
The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidelines, rules,
regulations and standards for land subdivision and for site plan review
in the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus, in order to promote its public health,
safety, convenience and general welfare. Its administration will ensure
the orderly growth, development, conservation, protection and proper
use of land. It will provide for adequate traffic circulation and
utilities and serve to preserve and enhance the unique historical
character, appearance and visual quality of the Borough.
As authorized by N.J.S.A. 40:55D-37, the provisions of this
chapter shall be administered by the Planning Board; provided, however,
that whenever, pursuant to law or ordinance, the Board of Adjustment
has jurisdiction to grant the plan approval, then the applicable provisions
of this chapter shall be administered by the Board of Adjustment.
Certain words and terms in this chapter are to be given the
following meanings:
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
The person with whom applications for development are filed
pursuant to this chapter. The administrative officer for the Board
of Adjustment shall be the Secretary to the Board of Adjustment. The
administrative officer for the Planning Board shall be the Secretary
to the Planning Board.
ALTERATION
As applied to a building, a structure or use, any change
in supporting or nonsupporting members of a building or structure,
any addition to or diminution of a building or structure, or change
in use from that of one district classification to another, or any
removal of a building or structure or part thereof from one location
to another.
APPLICANT
A developer submitting an application for development.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The application form and all accompanying documents required by this chapter, Chapter
32A, Land Use Procedures, and the rules and regulations of the Board for approval of a subdivision plat, site plan, plan development, conditional use, zoning variance or direction of the issuance of a construction permit pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Act.
ARCHITECT
A person licensed to engage in the practice of a professional
architect by the State of New Jersey pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:3-1.
BOARD
The Board of Adjustment or the Planning Board when either one is authorized to act by the Municipal Land Use Law, Chapter
32A, Land Use Procedures, or this chapter.
BUILDING
A structure enclosed within exterior walls or fire walls
built, erected and framed of component structural parts and designed
for the housing, shelter, enclosure and support of persons, animals
or property of any kind.
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.
COMPLETE AND/OR COMPLETED APPLICATION
An application form completed as specified by ordinance and
the rules and regulations of the Board, and all accompanying documents
required by ordinance for approval of the application for development,
including, where applicable, but not limited to, a site plan or subdivision
plat, provided that the Board may require such additional information
not specified in the ordinance, or any revisions in the accompanying
documents, as are reasonably necessary to make an informed decision
as to whether the requirements necessary for approval of the application
for development have been met. The application shall not be deemed
incomplete for lack of any such additional information or any revisions
in the accompanying documents so required by the Board. An application
shall be certified as complete immediately upon the meeting of all
requirements specified in the ordinance and in the rules and regulations
of the Board and shall be deemed complete as of the day it is so certified
by the administrative officer for purposes of the commencement of
the time period for action by the Board.
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 extension or use of land
for which permission may be required pursuant to this chapter or the
Municipal Land Use Law.
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.
DRAINAGEWAY
The lands required for the installation of stormwater sewers,
sanitary sewers or drainage ditches as required along a natural stream
or watercourse for preserving the channel and providing for the flow
of water therein to safeguard the public against flood damage in accordance
with N.J.S.A. 58:1-1 et seq.
DWELLING
A building designed or used exclusively as the living quarters
for one or more families, but not including campers, mobile homes
or trailers.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A detached building designed for or occupied by two families
living independently of each other.
DWELLING UNIT
A building or entirely self-contained portion thereof having
cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities providing complete housekeeping
facilities for only one family.
ENGINEER
A person licensed to engage in the practice of a professional
engineer by the State of New Jersey pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:8-1.
FINAL APPROVAL
The official action of the 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 and entering into a developer's agreement, if required.
FINAL PLAT
The final map of all or a portion of the subdivision or site
plan, which is presented for final approval in accordance with these
regulations and which, if approved, shall be filed with the proper
county recording officer, and meeting the requirements of this chapter.
INTERESTED PARTY
A.
In a criminal or quasi-criminal proceeding, any citizen of the
State of New Jersey.
B.
In an administrative proceeding before a Borough agency, any
person, whether residing within or without the Borough, whose right
to use, acquire or enjoy property is or may be affected by any action
taken under this chapter or whose rights to use, acquire or enjoy
property under this chapter or under any law of this state or of the
United States have been denied, violated or infringed by an action
or a failure to act hereunder.
LOADING SPACE
An off-street space or berth on the same lot with a building
or group of buildings for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle
while loading or unloading material.
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 area of a lot expressed in square feet or acres. Any
portion of a lot included in a street shall not be included in calculating
lot area. However, any portion of a lot or lots dedicated to the Borough
for the public use shall not be deducted from the calculation of the
lot area.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTY
Any security that is acceptable to the governing body to
secure the maintenance of improvements installed by developers for
a period of three years after release of the performance guaranty
with respect to such improvements.
MASTER PLAN
A composite of one or more written or graphic proposals for
the development of the Borough as set forth in and adopted pursuant
to Section 19 of the Municipal Land Use Law.
MINOR SITE PLAN
A development plan of one or more lots which proposes new
development within the scope of development specifically permitted
by ordinance as a minor site plan; does not involve planned development,
any new street or extension of any off-tract improvement which is
to be prorated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-42 of the Municipal Land
Use Act; and contains the information reasonably required in order
to make an informed determination as to whether the requirements established
by ordinance for approval of a minor site plan have been met.
MINOR SUBDIVISION
Any subdivision containing not more than two lots, provided
that such subdivision does not involve a planned development, any
new street or the extension of any off-tract improvement, the cost
of which is to be prorated pursuant to Section 30 of the Municipal
Land Use Act.
MUNICIPAL LAND USE ACT
Chapter 291 of the Public Laws of the State of New Jersey
of 1975, and all amendments and supplements thereto.
OFFICIAL MAP
A map adopted in accordance with the Official Map and Building
Permit Act, N.J.S.A. 40:55-1.30 et seq., or any prior act authorizing such adoption. Such map shall
be conclusive with respect to the locations and width of the streets,
public parks and playgrounds and drainage rights-of-way shown thereon.
OFF-SITE
Located outside the lot lines of the lot in question but
within the parcel of land (of which the lot is a part) which is the
subject of a development application or contiguous portion of a street
or right-of-way.
OFF-TRACT
Not located on the parcel of land which is the subject of
a development application nor on a contiguous portion of a street
or right-of-way.
ON-SITE
Located on the lot in question.
ON-TRACT
Located on the parcel of land which is the subject of a development
application or on a contiguous portion of a street or right-of-way.
OWNER
Any individual, firm, association, syndicate, copartnership
or corporation having sufficient proprietary interest in the land
sought to be developed to commence and maintain proceedings to develop
the same under this chapter.
PARTY IMMEDIATELY CONCERNED
Any applicant for development, the owners of the subject
land and all owners of land and government agencies entitled to notice
under this chapter.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTY
Any security which may be accepted by the Borough, including
cash, provided that the Borough shall not require more than 10% of
the total performance guaranty in cash, in lieu of a requirement that
certain improvements be made before the Planning Board or other approving
body approves a plat, including performance bond, escrow agreements
and other similar collateral or surety agreements.
PERMIT, CERTIFICATE OF USE AND OCCUPANCY
A certificate issued by the Uniform Construction Code Department of the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus upon completion of the construction
of a new building or addition, or upon a change in the occupancy of
a building (other than a dwelling unit as defined in this chapter),
which certifies that all requirements of this chapter, the construction
permit, the Uniform Construction Code and all other applicable laws
and ordinances have been met and that the purpose for which a building
or land is to be used is in conformance with the uses permitted and
all other requirements under this chapter for the zone in which it
is located or is to be located.
PERMIT, CONSTRUCTION
A construction permit issued by the Uniform Construction
Code Department of the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus for the construction,
reconstruction, remodeling, alteration or repair of a building upon
approval of the submitted application and plans.
PLANNER
A person licensed to engage in the practice of professional
planning by the State of New Jersey pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:14A-1
et seq.
PLAT
The map or maps of a subdivision or site plan.
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL
Rights conferred pursuant to this chapter prior to final
approval after a complete application has been submitted and approved
and the requirements established by the Planning Board have been satisfied.
PRELIMINARY PLAT
The preliminary map indicating the proposed layout of a subdivision
or site plan which is submitted to the Secretary of the Planning Board
for its consideration and tentative approval and meeting the requirements
of this chapter.
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 providing 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.
RETAINING WALL
A structure designed for the separation of varying ground
levels.
SEDIMENTATION
The deposition of soil that has been transported from its
site of origin by water, ice, wind, gravity or other natural means
of a product of erosion.
SITE PLAN
A development plan of one or more lots on which is shown
the existing and proposed conditions of the lot, including but not
necessarily limited to topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains,
marshes and waterways; the location of all existing and proposed buildings,
drives, parking spaces, walkways, means of ingress and egress, drainage
facilities, utility services, landscaping structures and signs, and
lighting and screening devices; and any other information required
by this chapter that may be reasonably required in order to make an
informed determination pursuant to this chapter.
SKETCH PLAT
The sketch map of a subdivision or a site plan of sufficient
accuracy to be used for the purpose of discussion and meeting the
requirements of this chapter.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
Standards adopted by ordinance pursuant to Subsection 52d
of the Municipal Land Use Act regulating noise levels, glare, earthborne 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 municipality
or required by applicable federal or state laws or municipal ordinances.
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 the Municipal
Land Use 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.
For the purpose of this chapter, streets shall be classified as follows:
A.
ARTERIALThose which are used primarily for fast or heavy traffic.
B.
COLLECTORThose which carry traffic from minor streets to the major system of arterial streets, including the principal entrance streets of a residential development and streets for circulation within such development.
C.
MINORThose which are used primarily for access to the abutting properties.
D.
MARGINAL ACCESSStreets which are parallel to and adjacent to arterial streets and highways and which provide access to abutting properties and protection from through traffic.
E.
ALLEYSMinor ways which are used primarily for vehicular service access to the back or the side of properties otherwise abutting on a street.
STRUCTURE
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.
SUBDIVIDER
Any individual, firm, association, syndicate, copartnership,
corporation, trust or any other legal entity commencing proceedings
under this chapter to effect a subdivision of land hereunder for himself
or for another.
SUBDIVISION
The division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or
more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land for sale or
development. The following shall not be considered subdivisions within
the meaning of this chapter if no new streets are created: 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; divisions of property
by testamentary or intestate provisions; division of property upon
court order, including but not limited to judgments of foreclosure;
consolidation of existing lots by deed or other recorded instrument;
and the conveyance of one or more adjoining lots, tracts or parcels
of land owned by the same person or persons and all of which are found
and certified by the administrative officer to conform to the requirements
of the municipal development regulations and are shown and designated
as separate lots, tracts or parcels on the Tax Map or Atlas of the
municipality. The term "subdivision" shall also include the term "resubdivision."
TRANSCRIPT
A typed or printed verbatim record of the proceedings or
reproduction thereof.
VARIANCE
Permission to depart from the literal requirements of a zoning
ordinance pursuant to Section 47 and Sections 29.2b, 57c and 57d of
the Municipal Land Use Act.
ZONING PERMIT
A document signed by the administrative officer which is required by ordinance as a condition precedent to the commencement of a use or the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion or installation of a structure or building and which acknowledges that such use, structure or building complies with the provisions of Chapter
85, Zoning, or variance therefrom duly authorized by the Board pursuant to Sections 47 and 57 of the Municipal Land Use Act.
[Added 4-22-1997 by Ord. No. 776]
The Planning Board may waive some or all of the procedural requirements
for site plan approval required for a change of occupancy by expressly
making specific findings that the proposed change of occupancy:
A. Does not involve the construction of a new building or the extension
of an existing building;
B. Does not require additional parking pursuant to the provisions of Chapter
85, Zoning;
C. Does not affect existing parking facilities, vehicular or pedestrian
circulation, drainage, relationship of buildings to each other, buffering,
landscaping or lighting.
For final approval of a major subdivision and/or major site
plan, the procedure shall be as follows:
A. The approved preliminary plat and an application for final approval, in triplicate and in a form approved by the Board, shall be submitted to the proper administrative officer, together with the fee required by §
32A-29 of this Code.
B. The original cloth tracing and five white prints (blue- and black-on-white)
of the final plat of the subdivision or site plan shall accompany
the application.
C. The final plat of the major subdivision or major site plan shall
not differ substantially from the preliminary plat as approved.
D. The final plat of a major subdivision or major site plan shall be
drawn in ink on tracing cloth at a scale of not less than one inch
equals 50 feet and in compliance with all the provisions of the Map
Filing Law and with the plat details contained herein.
E. The administrative officer shall make a record of the date of submission
to him of the final plat and complete application and shall forthwith
transmit the final plat and application to the Board.
F. Prior to final approval, the Board, upon the advice of the Borough
Engineer, shall determine:
(1) The nature of the improvements to be required as a condition of final
approval.
(2) The estimated value of the improvements installed or to be installed
in accordance with this chapter.
(3) The nature and amount of performance guaranties, if any, to be required
as a condition to final approval.
(4) The amounts to be deposited to reimburse the Planning Board and Borough
for costs incurred or to be incurred for legal, engineering and other
consultant reports, for recording fees and for any other costs anticipated
by the Board.
(5) Any other conditions or exceptions upon which final approval will
be granted.
G. Prior to final approval, the applicant shall submit to the Board:
(1) A developer's agreement, if required by the Board, setting forth
the obligations of the applicant in connection with the final approval.
Such agreement shall be prepared by the Attorney for the Board, and
the reasonable cost of drafting the same as set by the rules and regulations
of the appropriate Board shall be paid by the applicant.
(2) A performance guaranty in a form satisfactory to the Board and the
Borough, complying with this chapter and guaranteeing performance
of this developer's agreement if required by the Board or guaranteeing
any conditions which may be set forth in the resolutions of the Board
granting final approval.
(3) Maintenance guaranties, if any, for work completed prior to final
approval.
(4) Deeds for any easements, rights-of-way or public lands in a form
satisfactory to the Board's Attorneys.
(5) Funds to be deposited to reimburse the Board for costs incurred or
to be incurred for legal, engineering and other consultant reports,
for recording fees and for any other costs anticipated by the Board.
(6) Evidence of compliance with any other conditions imposed by the Board.
H. Upon receipt of a complete application, as defined herein and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Planning Board, the Board shall act on said application within the time period prescribed in Chapter
32A of this Code and in accordance with the Municipal Land Use Act. The Planning Board shall approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the final plat and report said action, whether it is approval, conditional approval or disapproval, to the Mayor and Council. In case of approval, the final plat shall be so certified. The applicant shall be notified of the Board's action and the reasons therefor. In no event shall final approval be granted unless the applicant submits proof that no taxes or assessments for local improvements are due or delinquent on the property for which the application for major subdivision and/or major site plan is made.
I. Upon final approval by the Planning Board and after all required
signatures are placed on the original tracing, the administrative
officer shall request the Borough Engineer to have one cloth print
and one Mylar reproducible and 10 copies made of such final plat and
file a copy thereof with each of the following:
(1) The Secretary of the Board.
(4) The Construction Official.
(9) The Shade Tree Commission.
J. Major subdivision and/or major site plan as-built plans.
(1) After installation of the improvements required by this chapter,
the subdivider or applicant for site plan approval shall cause to
be prepared, signed and sealed by a licensed professional engineer
or land surveyor:
(a)
A plan showing:
[1]
The contours (at five-foot intervals for lands having slopes
averaging 10% or greater and at two-foot intervals for lands of lesser
average slopes) of the land as finally graded.
[2]
The location, as built, of all improvements required by this
chapter, including, without intending to limit the generality hereof,
the location of water mains, gas mains and underground supply lines
for light, power and telephone service, and all of their appurtenances.
(b)
Profiles, as built, of streets, storm sewers and sanitary sewers
and their respective appurtenances.
(c)
Cross sections, as built, of streets.
(2) The plans, profiles and cross sections required by this subsection
are hereinafter referred to as "as-built plans."
These rules, regulations and standards shall be considered the
minimum requirements for the protection of the public health, safety
and welfare of the citizens of the Borough. Any action taken by either
Board under the terms of this chapter shall give primary consideration
to the above-mentioned matters and to the welfare of the entire community.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to prohibit or prevent
the use of higher or more restrictive standards or requirements than
may appear in any lawfully applicable statutes, ordinances, regulations,
rules, deeds, restrictions or covenants. However, if the subdivider
can clearly demonstrate that, because of peculiar conditions pertaining
to this land, the literal enforcement of one or more of these regulations
is impracticable or will exact undue hardship, either Board may permit
such variance or variances as may be reasonable and within the general
purpose and intent of the rules, regulations and standards established
by this chapter and the Municipal Land Use Act.
Whenever the definitions, terms or provisions of the Municipal
Land Use Act are inconsistent with the definitions, terms or provisions
of this chapter, the provisions of the Municipal Land Use Act shall
govern, including, without limitation, the time periods therein provided
and any governing statutory procedural requirements.