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Township of Mine Hill, NJ
Morris County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
This chapter shall be known as the "Land Use Ordinance of the Township of Mine Hill."
It is the intent and purpose of this chapter to bring all the zoning, subdivision, planning and related ordinances and regulations of the Township regulating the subdivision, use and development of land in the Township of Mine Hill into compliance with the Municipal Land Use Law (c. 291, P.L. 1975) and to provide standards, rules and regulations to guide the subdivision, use and development of land within the Township in a manner which achieves and/or advances the various purposes of said Municipal Land Use Law as set forth in the statement of purposes of said law in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-2.
A. 
To regulate land development and provide zoning regulations for the Township of Mine Hill pursuant to the Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-2 et seq., as interpreted by decisional law.
B. 
To implement and give effect to the goals and objectives of the Master Plan for the Township of Mine Hill, adopted February 17, 1999.
C. 
To give municipal effect to the purposes of the Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq., which purposes are as follows:
(1) 
To encourage municipal action to guide the appropriate use or development of all lands in this state, in a manner which will promote the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare;
(2) 
To secure safety from fire, flood, panic and other natural and man-made disasters;
(3) 
To provide adequate light, air and open space;
(4) 
To ensure that the development of the municipality does not conflict with the development and general welfare of neighboring municipalities, the county and the state as a whole;
(5) 
To promote the establishment of appropriate population densities and concentrations that will contribute to the well-being of persons, neighborhoods, communities and regions and preservation of the environment;
(6) 
To encourage the appropriate and efficient expenditure of public funds by the coordination of public development with land use policies;
(7) 
To provide sufficient space in appropriate locations for a variety of agricultural, residential, recreational, commercial and industrial uses and open space, both public and private, according to their respective environmental requirements in order to meet the needs of all New Jersey citizens;
(8) 
To encourage the location and design of transportation routes which will promote the free flow of traffic while discouraging location of such facilities and routes which result in congestion or blight;
(9) 
To promote a desirable visual environment through creative development techniques and good civic design and arrangements;
(10) 
To promote the conservation of historic sites and districts, open space, energy resources and valuable natural resources in the state and to prevent urban sprawl and degradation of the environment through improper use of land;
(11) 
To encourage planned unit developments which incorporate the best features of design and relate the type, design and layout of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational development of the particular site;
(12) 
To encourage senior citizen community housing construction;
(13) 
To encourage coordination of the various public and private procedures and activities shaping land development with a view of lessening the cost of such development and to the more efficient use of land;
(14) 
To promote utilization of renewable energy sources; and
(15) 
To promote the maximum practicable recovery and recycling of recyclable materials from municipal solid waste through the use of planning practices designed to incorporate the State Recycling Plan goals and to compliment municipal recycling programs.
D. 
To preserve the features of the natural environment and to enhance the quality and character of the man-made environment in the Township of Mine Hill.
E. 
To foster economic development and investment in appropriate locations and districts in the Township of Mine Hill.
F. 
To offer the citizens of Mine Hill Township the best opportunities and protections associated with modern zoning and land use planning, while making the municipal review and approval process more responsive to their needs and expectations.
A. 
This chapter shall be interpreted with primary regard to the fundamental purpose(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 current 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 consistent 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 Mine Hill. This chapter shall be given reasonable application to serve the apparent purpose of the chapter. The plain meaning of the language contained herein shall be construed according to the ordinary meanings of the words and phrases contained herein.
B. 
Except where they are specifically defined herein, all words and terms used in this chapter shall carry their customarily accepted meanings: "lot" shall include the word "plots" or "parcels"; "building" shall include the word "structure"; "occupied" or "used" shall be considered as though followed by the words "or intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied"; and "dwelling" shall include the word "residence."
C. 
It is not the intent of this chapter that any prohibited use or occupation shall be allowed because of a technical distinction in the meaning of any word. The following words or terms shall have the following meanings when used herein.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ACCESSORY USE, STRUCTURE OR BUILDING
A use, structure or building subordinate to the principal use or building on the same lot and serving a purpose customarily incidental to the use of the principal building. An accessory structure or building shall be detached from the principal building.
ACRE
A measure of land area containing 43,560 square feet.
ACTIVE RECREATION
Leisure-time activities of a more structured nature often requiring equipment and taking place at prescribed places, sites or fields. Linear systems such as formally designed jogging trails and formally designed bikeways may be included in such areas, but the eligible width of such active recreational/linear systems shall be no greater than five feet on each side of the track or trail. All active recreational facilities must conform to the standards established in the Americans With Disabilities Act.[1]
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 Secretary of the Planning Board or Board or Clerk of the Township, as the case may be, according to which of said agencies is involved in a particular instance.
ADVERSE DRAINAGE CONDITION
The absence of drainage facilities, drainage easements or drainage rights-of-way leading to, along or through a street, road, drainage structure or property, either within or exterior to a proposed subdivision or site plan, of such location, size, design, construction or condition which would provide adequately for storm drainage or which would prevent flooding, erosion, silting or other damaging effect to a street, road, drainage structure or property or which would remove the threat of such damage.
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.
AGRICULTURE
The use of land which is actively devoted to agriculture or horticultural use and which occupies no less than five acres, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 54:4-23.4, 54:4-23.5 and 54:4-23.11, except that no livestock, poultry, fowl or other animals shall be maintained on the premises for commercial gain except where incidental to the major agricultural activity.
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.
ALTER
As applied to a building, a change or rearrangement of supporting members, or exit facilities, or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height or moving from one location or position to another.
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.
ANTENNA
Any exterior transmitting or receiving device mounted on a tower, building or structure and used in communications that radiate or capture electromagnetic waves, digital signals, analog signals, radio frequencies (excluding radar signals), wireless telecommunications signals or other communications signals.
APARTMENT
A building other than a building of attached townhouses containing a minimum of three dwellings.
[Added 2-21-2019 by Ord. No. 04-19]
APPLICANT
A developer submitting an application for development.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The application form and all accompanying documents required by this chapter for a complete application for approval (preliminary or final) of a subdivision plat (minor or major), site plan, conditional use, zoning variance or direction of the issuance of a permit pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-34 or N.J.S.A. 40:55D-36. An incomplete application shall not be considered an application for purposes of this chapter, and the time for approving or denying such application shall not commence to run until a complete application is submitted.
APPROVED INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
A source of supply of potable water approved by state or local health authorities as to purity and fitness for drinking, which is made available to owners or occupants of dwellings in a subdivision development or other service area through a district distribution system of mains and service connections, with appurtenances such as, but not limited to, pumping stations, standpipes, dams and sluices, which has been approved by the Township Council as being adequate to serve all present and prospective residences in the subdivision or service area with sufficient water during all seasons of the year and with adequate pressure to assure a good flow of water through all well-maintained service connections of not less than one gallon per minute.
APPROVING AUTHORITY
The Planning Board, the Board, within their respective jurisdictions, and the Zoning Officer for permitted uses with respect to this chapter and applicable Township Code provisions, as well as applicable state and federal law.
AQUIFER
A geologic formation that contains a potentially usable supply of potable water.
AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS
The areas of Mine Hill 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.
AUCTION MARKET
Any premises on which are held at periodic times, and from time to time, (auction) sales of merchandise or personal property.
AUTO BODY REPAIR
Involves the straightening of damaged and bent parts, smoothing out and repair of damaged finishes, including replacement of parts where necessary, and painting.
AUTOMOBILE OR TRAILER SALES AREA
An open area used for the display, sale or rental of new or used motor vehicles or trailers in operable condition and where no repair work is done.
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION
A building or place of business where gasoline, oil and greases, batteries, tires, and automobile accessories are supplied and dispensed directly into the motor vehicle at retail, and where minor repair service is rendered. Leasing of trailers or trucks shall not be considered as a principal permitted or accessory use of an automobile service station. The sale or lease of not more than a total of three automobiles at any given time shall be considered a permitted accessory use, provided the cars are located on a paved surface.
AVERAGE SETBACK
The mean setback from a street right-of-way of buildings on both sides of a lot.
BACKHAUL NETWORK
The lines that connect communications provider's towers/cell sites to one or more cellular telephone switching offices, and/or long-distance provider, or the public switched telephone network.
BASEMENT
A story partly below the level of the ground surrounding the building. No basement or portion thereof having less than 1/2 of its floor-to-ceiling height above the average level of the ground surrounding the building shall be used as a separate dwelling unit or included as part of the usable floor area for a residence.
BILLBOARD SIGN
A sign which 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.
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
BLOCK
The area bounded by one or more streets or a municipal boundary of sufficient size to accommodate a lot or lots of the minimum size required by this chapter of the Code of the Township of Mine Hill and as further defined herein.
BOARD
The Planning Board, including the Planning Board acting as the Board of Adjustment.
BUFFER
A land or water area used to visibly separate one use from another or to shield or block noise, lights, or other nuisances.
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof supported by columns, posts or walls and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosing of persons, animals or property and including tents and other portable or wheeled structures to be located at a specific site for an indeterminate time.
BUILDING, ACCESSORY
A subordinate building on the same lot as the principal or main building or use.
BUILDING COVERAGE
That area of a lot which is occupied by buildings or structures, but not including uncovered walkways, steps, patios, a parking lot or area or any similar improvements thereto. "Building coverage" shall also mean the ground area of all buildings on the lot, divided by the lot area, and expressed as a percent.
BUILDING FACE
The side of a building facing the street and includes up to the attic floor or the joints of a flat-roof building. In the case of a townhouse, the building face shall include decks and porches, whether roofed or unroofed.[2]
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.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building in which is conducted the primary use of the parcel on which it is located.
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.")
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.
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 1/2 or more than 1/2 of its height below the average grade of the building.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
That permit issued by the Construction Official in accordance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27D-121.
CHANGE OF USE
Any use that 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
Lands and buildings devoted to and used exclusively for religious worship or religious asylum and entitled to exemption from taxation pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.6.
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.
CIVIC BUILDING
Buildings and facilities owned and maintained by a public or semipublic agency, excluding religious institutions, which are used primarily for public gatherings for the purpose of promoting public education, knowledge and welfare.
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.
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.
COMMERCIAL FARM
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 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 USE
An activity involving the sale of goods or services carried out for profit.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE
Any vehicle registered as a commercial vehicle and displaying commercial plates.
COMMON FACILITIES
Includes but shall not be limited to facilities for the common use of two or more dwellings units, such as roads, sidewalks, swimming pools, playgrounds, trees, greens, fairways and parking areas.
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 OWNERSHIP
Ownership of two or more contiguous lots or parcels of real property by one person or by the same two or more persons owning such property jointly or as tenants by the entirety or as tenants in common.
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
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, plans, and support reports and documentation as specified within this chapter and the rules and regulations of Mine Hill Township, including appropriate fees for approval of the application for development, including, where applicable, but not limited to a site plan, subdivision plat, provided that the municipal agency may require such additional information not specified in this chapter or revisions to 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 such additional information or any revisions to the accompanying documents so required by the municipal agency. An application shall be certified as complete upon meeting all requirements specified in this chapter and shall be deemed complete as of the day it is so certified by the administrative officer for the purpose of commencement of the time period for action by the municipal agency.
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 zone district only upon a showing that such use in a specified location will comply with the conditions and standards for the location or operation of such use as contained in this chapter and upon the issuance of an authorization therefor by the Planning Board.
CONDOMINIUM
The form of ownership of real property under a master deed, whether or not contiguous, and all improvements thereon, all owned either in fee simple or under lease, and all easements, rights and appurtenances belonging thereto or intended for the benefit thereof, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 46:8B-1 et seq.
CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
A community association which administers and maintains the common property and common elements of a condominium.
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.
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 N.J.S.A. 40:27-4.
COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
The Morris County Planning Board, as established by N.J.S.A. 40:27-1.
COURT or COURTYARD
Any open, unoccupied area which is bounded by three or more attached building walls.
COVERAGE, BUILDING
See "building coverage."
COVERAGE, LOT
See "lot coverage."
CRITICAL AREA
Any area which is environmentally sensitive or which, if disturbed during construction, would adversely affect the environment, including but not limited to stream corridors, flood hazard areas, slopes greater than 15%, areas of high-water table, previously mined areas, and mature stands of native woodland.
CUL-DE-SAC
A street with a single means of ingress and egress and having a turnaround, the design of which may vary.
CURB
A stone, concrete, or other improved boundary marking the end or edge of the roadway or paved area.
DAY-CARE CENTER
A facility which is maintained for the care, development and supervision of six or more children who attend for less than 24 hours per day and shall not include the following: foster homes, group homes and other types of residence facilities, conforming to the requirements of N.J.A.C. 10:122-1.2.
DAYS
As used in this chapter, shall mean calendar days.
DENSITY
The permitted number of dwelling units per gross area of land to be developed.
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 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 and 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 site plan approval, subdivision approval, a variance, conditional use approval or any other permit or permission is required pursuant to this chapter.
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.
DISPLAY SIGN
A sign, including the type commonly known as a "billboard," which directs attention to a business, commodity, entertainment or attraction sold, offered or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot or development where such sign is displayed, regardless of size.
DISTRICT or ZONE
Any portion of the territory of the Township of Mine Hill within which certain uniform regulations and requirements or various combinations thereof apply under the provisions of this chapter.
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Small tame animals normally kept or maintained in or about a dwelling as a pet, such as dogs, cats and other similar household pets.
DRAINAGE
The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, piping, grading or other means and includes control of runoff to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after construction or development and means necessary for water supply preservation or prevention or alleviation of flooding.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Natural and man-made components that contain, convey, absorb, store, treat, or dispose of surface water runoff or groundwater.
DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT
A structure where food and/or drink is sold ready for consumption and where a substantial portion of the customers consume the food and/or drink elsewhere than at the structure.
DRIVEWAY
A defined paved or unpaved surface providing vehicular access from one or more lots to a street. A driveway is not a road, street, boulevard, highway, or parkway.
DWELLING
Any building or portion thereof designed or used primarily as the residence or sleeping place of one or more persons. A hotel, motel, hospital, nursing home, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house, rooming house, boardinghouse or similar structure shall not be considered a dwelling under the terms of this chapter.
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms, including cooking and sanitary facilities, in a structure, designed as a unit for occupancy by not more than one family for living and sleeping purposes.
DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY
A building containing two or more dwelling units and including apartments and townhouses as defined herein.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY
A building containing one dwelling unit only and occupied exclusively for residence purposes by one family or one housekeeping unit.
EASEMENT
A use or burden imposed on real estate by deed or other legal means to permit the use of land by the municipality, public, a corporation, or particular persons for a specific use.
A. 
EASEMENTA right which one person has to use the lands of another for a specific purpose not inconsistent with the general property rights of the owner.
B. 
CONSERVATIONAn easement limiting or precluding future development of the land.
C. 
DRAINAGE OR UTILITYAn easement 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.
D. 
SIGHT TRIANGLEAn easement consisting of 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.
EDUCATIONAL USE
Public, parochial and private elementary and secondary schools duly licensed by the State of New Jersey, attendance at which is a sufficient compliance with the compulsory education requirements of the state. "Educational uses" shall also include institutions of higher education duly licensed by the State Department of Higher Education. Summer day camps shall not be considered as educational uses or accessories to such uses.
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.
ESSENTIAL SERVICE
The erection, construction, alteration or maintenance, by public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies, of underground, surface or overhead gas, electrical, steam or water transmission, drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants, and other similar equipment and accessories in connection therewith reasonably necessary for the furnishing of adequate service by such public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies or for the public health or safety or general welfare. Essential services shall include firehouses, first aid and emergency aid squads.
EXCEPTION
Permission to depart from the design standards in this chapter.
FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration.
FACADE
The total wall surface, including door and window area, of a building's principal face. In computing permitted sign area, only one face of a building may be used as the principal face.
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
FACADE SIGN
See "wall sign."
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
FAMILY
Any number of persons living together as a single housekeeping unit and using certain rooms, including a kitchen and housekeeping facilities, in common. All adult members of the family shall have their primary domicile at the housing unit. A family shall also include foster children placed with a family in such dwelling by the Division of Youth and Family Services or a duly incorporated child-care agency.
FARM
An area of land which is actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural use which occupies no less than five acres, exclusive of one acre upon which the farmhouse is located and such additional land as may actually be used in connection with the farmhouse as provided in N.J.S.A. 54:4-23.3, 54:4-23.4 and 54:4-23.11.
FCC
The Federal Communications Commission.
FENCE
A structure of wood, metal, stone, masonry or other material, and shall also include barriers formed by living vegetation used to separate land areas. The height of a fence shall be no greater than six feet along the side yards of a property and four feet along the front yard of any property.
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, including payment of all required fees, and the improvements required to be completed prior to final approval have been installed or performance guarantees properly posted for their completion for those improvements which may be completed following final approval, together with the posting of all required maintenance guarantees.
FINAL PLAT
The final map of all or a portion of the subdivision which is presented to the Planning Board for final approval in accordance with these regulations and which if approved shall be filed with the Clerk of the County of Morris for recording in accordance with law.
FLOOD-FRINGE AREA
That portion of the flood hazard area outside the floodway.
FLOOD HAZARD AREA
The floodplain on the total area inundated during the flood of record, or the area delineated by the Department of Environmental Protection, by Housing and Urban Development or by analysis of soil condition characteristics as floodplain, whichever is greater.
FLOOD HAZARD DESIGN ELEVATION
The highest elevation, expressed in feet above sea level, of the flood of record or as determined by the criteria set forth in the definition of "flood hazard area" above.
FLOOD MAP
A map prepared by the Department of Environmental Protection showing the channel, floodway and fringe area, or in the event such map has not been prepared, maps showing the flood hazard area.
FLOODPLAIN
For purposes of this chapter, the flood hazard area.
FLOODWAY
The portions of the floodplain adjoining the channel which are reasonably required to carry and discharge the floodwater or flood flow of any natural stream. The floodway shall be delineated by the Department of Environmental Protection.
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, LIVABLE
The total floor area of a dwelling, but not including rooms with more than 1/2 of their cubic area below finished grade, rooms for heating equipment, garages, unenclosed porches, breezeways or other unheated areas. For the purpose of this chapter, floor area covered in whole or in part by a sloping ceiling shall be counted toward minimum livable floor area only for that portion having headroom of at least five feet six inches, provided further that at least 75% of such floor area has a ceiling height of at least seven feet, and provided further that if such floor is situated above another floor, it shall be accessible from other livable floor areas in the dwelling by means of a permanent built-in stairway.
FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)
The sum of the area of all floors of buildings or structures compared to the total area of the site.
FLY ASH
Particles of gas-borne matter (not including process materials) arising from the combustion of solid fuel, such as coal or wood.
FREESTANDING SIGN
Any immovable sign not affixed to a building.
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
GARAGE, PRIVATE
A garage in which no business, service or industry is carried on and which is not designed to contain more than three motor vehicles.
GARAGE, PUBLIC
Any garage not included within the definition of "private garage."
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.
GARDEN APARTMENT
A building not exceeding two stories in height containing a group of separate dwelling units and which is so designed that not more than two apartments are served by a common entry.
GAS STATION
The same as "automobile service station."
GOVERNING BODY
The Mayor and Township Council of the Township of Mine Hill.
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.
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."
GROUND OR MONUMENT SIGN
Any sign, other than a pole sign, placed upon or supported by the ground independent of any other structure.
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
GROUP HOMES
Community residences for the developmentally disabled and community shelters for victims of domestic violence and community residences for the terminally ill. A "community residence for the developmentally disabled" means any community residential facility licensed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:11B-1 et seq., providing food, shelter and personal guidance, under such supervision as required, to more than six but not more than 15 developmentally disabled or mentally ill persons who require assistance temporarily or permanently in order to live in the community, and shall include but not be limited to group homes, halfway houses, intermediate-care facilities, supervised apartment living arrangements and hostels. "Community shelters for victims of domestic violence" means any shelter approved for a purchase of service contract and certified pursuant N.J.S.A. 30:14-1 et seq., providing food, shelter, medical care, legal assistance, personal guidance and other services to more than six but not more than 15 persons who have been victims of domestic violence, including any children of such victims who temporarily require shelter and assistance in order to protect their physical and psychological welfare. "Community residence for the terminally ill" means any community residential facility operated as a hospice program providing food, shelter, personal guidance and health care services, under such supervision as required, to not more than 15 terminally ill persons.
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.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Includes but is not limited to inorganic mineral acids of sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, nitrogen, chromium, phosphorus, selenium and arsenic and their common salts; lead, nickel and mercury and their inorganic salts or metal-organic derivatives; coal tar acids, such as phenols and cresols and their salts; and any such materials that are determined to be hazardous by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
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 alkalis, 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.
HEIGHT
The vertical distance measured from the lowest finished grade level immediately adjacent to the building or structure foundation to the extreme high point of the building or structure, inclusive of parapets and ornamental design elements, but exclusive of chimneys, antennas, and HVAC mechanical equipment less than eight feet in vertical length.
[Added 3-17-2022 by Ord. No. 04-22]
HOME OCCUPATION
For purposes of this chapter, a dressmaker, hairdresser, seamstress, gunsmith, physician, dentist, lawyer, architect, licensed professional engineer, accountant and tutor, musicians and dance teachers, except that tutors, musicians and dance teachers are limited to three pupils at any one time. Sale of goods or merchandise not produced on the premises shall not be considered a home occupation. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit an occupation conducted solely by members of the family utilizing telephone or other telecommunications. Such home occupation use shall be clearly accessory to the principal use of the structure, and only one such home occupation use shall be conducted at the premises. The home occupation shall be conducted solely by the owner or tenant residing at the premises or members of his immediate family residing on the premises and not more than one nonresident employee. Not more than 25% of the total living area of the dwelling unit shall be used for the home occupation. Such home occupation use shall be conducted solely within the principal structure.
HOTEL
A building which contains furnished living units for transient occupants and in which no living unit contains more than two rooms exclusive of bathroom, foyer, closet or dressing area, terraces or balconies, and providing, among other things, such services and features as a lobby, mail and valet services, linens, central dining rooms, lounges, concessions, room service, dispensary, game and hobby rooms, public assembly areas and other services and features, including twenty-four-hour desk service. Living units may be provided for the sole use of resident employees, provided that the same do not exceed 3% of the living units provided. (See also "motel.")
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.
IMPROVEMENT
Any permanent structure that becomes part of, placed upon or is affixed to land.
INSTITUTIONAL USES
A use by a public or nonprofit quasi-public or private institution for educational, religious, charitable or medical purposes.
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.
JUNK
Any scrap, waste, reclaimable material and debris, whether or not stored or used in conjunction with dismantling, processing, salvage, storage, baling, disposal or other use or disposition. "Junk" may include, for purposes of illustration, vehicles, tires, vehicles parts, equipment, paper, rags, metal, glass, plaster, household appliances, wood, lumber, brush and building materials.
JUNK VEHICLE
A vehicle which, for all intents and purposes, has been abandoned, is no longer in an operable condition or has been extensively vandalized causing it to no longer be operable or serviceable.
KENNEL
An establishment wherein or whereon the business of boarding, selling or breeding of more than six dogs, each over six months old, is carried on.
LAND
Real property, including improvements and fixtures on, above or below the surface.
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 authority.
LIGHTING PLAN
An iso-(lux) 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.
LIGHT WAREHOUSING
Facilities for and the handling of freight for the purpose of permanent or temporary storage of goods, materials or merchandise to be used in conjunction with the principal use and for later or subsequent distribution or delivery elsewhere of products resulting from the principal use, without maintenance facilities, except those which are contained fully inside the building. Light warehousing does not include such uses as terminal freight facilities, break bulk freight or transport freight or the utilizing of a hub for freight carrier service.
LIVING AREA
The area within the wall exteriors, but excluding porches, breezeways, garages or any areas where the average floor-to-ceiling height is less than seven feet, or basements (cellars) if less than 1/2 of the basement floor-to-ceiling height is above the average level of the ground surrounding the building, and any other areas excluded from the definition of "floor area, livable," above.
LOT
A. 
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by an approved subdivision plat or otherwise, as permitted by law, and which may be lawfully used, sold, developed or built upon as a single unit. A street passing through land shall be considered as having divided the land into lots.
B. 
For the purpose of this chapter, contiguous undersized lots under one ownership shown on a plat approved under the Old Map Filing Act shall be considered one lot and further that no portion of an existing public street shall be included in calculating a lot boundary or lot area.
(1) 
LOT AREAThe computed area contained within the lot lines. The area shall not include any area within street rights-of-way.
(2) 
LOT, CORNERA lot abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection or upon two parts of the same street, such streets or parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than 135°. The point of intersection of the street lot lines is the corner. Each corner lot shall have one side yard and one rear yard. The narrower frontage shall conform to the minimum frontage requirement of the zone.
(3) 
LOT COVERAGEThe square footage or other area measurement by which all buildings and impervious surfaces cover a lot as measured in a horizontal plane to the limits of the impervious area(s). All surfaced parking areas and all required parking areas which are permitted to remain unsurfaced shall be included in the computation of lot coverage and shall be represented as a percent of area of all impervious coverage to area of the entire lot.
(4) 
LOT DEPTHThe 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.
(5) 
LOT, INTERIORAny lot not a corner lot.
(6) 
LOT LINESThe property lines bounding the lot.
(a) 
LOT LINE, FRONTThe dividing line between the lot and a street right-of-way.
(b) 
LOT LINE, REARThe lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line.
(c) 
LOT LINE, SIDEAny lot line other than a front or rear lot line. A side lot line separating a lot from a street is called a side street lot line.
(7) 
LOT WIDTHThe shortest distance between the side lot lines measured parallel to the front lot line at the minimum front yard setback line, synonymous with the rearmost limit of the required front yard area. The lot width of a corner lot shall be the narrower frontage of the corner lot.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE
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 SUBDIVISION
Any subdivision which does not meet the requirements of a minor subdivision under this chapter.
MASTER PLAN
A composite of one or more written or graphic proposals for the development of the Township as set forth and described in, and prepared and adopted (following public hearing) and from time to time amended by the Planning Board of the Township of Mine Hill pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28 of the Municipal Land Use Law.
MINOR SITE PLAN
The development plan of a single lot which:
A. 
Proposes new development within the scope of development specifically permitted as a minor site plan;
B. 
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);
C. 
Contains the information reasonably required in order to make an informed determination as to whether the requirements for approval of a minor site plan have been met; and
D. 
Shall be limited to the following classes of development:
(1) 
A change in use involving no building construction other than interior modification or interior structural alteration, and no additional off-street parking.
(2) 
Minor exterior or structural changes, such as entry enclosures, porticos and other structural appurtenances, including roof appurtenances.
(3) 
Building additions not exceeding 100 square feet in ground coverage and accessory structures not exceeding 500 square feet in ground coverage, provided the same do not invade upon any required parking area, setback area or otherwise violate any requirements of this chapter.
MINOR SUBDIVISION
A subdivision of land that does not involve:
A. 
More than two lots, one plus the remainder, fronting on an existing street;
B. 
A planned development;
C. 
Any new street; or
D. 
The extension of any off-tract improvement, including but not limited to water, sewer, drainage and street improvements; and
E. 
Does not adversely affect the development of the remainder of the parcel (tract) or adjoining property and is not in conflict with the Township Master Plan or Official Map and does not include land in a previously mined area.
MOTELS, MOTOR COURTS and MOTOR HOTELS
A series of attached dwelling structures, where each unit has convenient access to parking space for the use of the unit's occupant. The units, with the exception of the manager's or caretakers, are designed to provide sleeping accommodations for automobile transients or overnight guests and without the provision for cooking in any room or suite.
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING
A building containing three or more dwelling units occupied or intended to be occupied by persons living independently of each other as a group of such buildings.
MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING
Two or more residences in a single structure. Mother-daughter units shall be considered to be multiple-family dwellings.
MUNICIPAL AGENCY
The Planning Board or Township Council of the Township of Mine Hill when acting pursuant to this chapter.
MUNICIPALITY
The Township of Mine Hill.
MUNICIPAL LAND USE LAW
Chapter 291 of the Laws of New Jersey, 1975, as amended from time to time.
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 offensive, annoying, unpleasant or obnoxious thing or practice; a cause or source of annoyance, especially a continuing or repeating invasion or disturbance of another's rights, including the actual or potential emanation of any physical characteristics or activity or use across a property line which can be perceived by or affect a human being of ordinary sensibility; or the generation of an excessive or concentrated movement of people or things, such as but not limited to noise, dust, smoke, fumes, odor, glare, flashes, vibrations, shock waves, heat, electronic or atomic radiation, objectionable effluent, noise or congregation of people, especially at night, passenger traffic, transportation of things by truck, rail or other means, invasion of nonabutting frontage by parking.
NURSERY SCHOOL
A school designed to provide daytime care or instruction for two or more children from two to six years of age, inclusive, and operated on a regular basis.
NURSING HOME
Any premises meeting the standards of the New Jersey State Department of Institutions and Agencies to operate as a nursing home.
OFFICIAL MAP
A map adopted by the Township Council by ordinance pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-29. Such map shall be deemed conclusive with respect to the location and width of streets and public drainageways and the location and extent of flood-control basins and public areas, including public parks, playgrounds, trails, paths and other recreation areas, public open spaces, scenic and historic sites, sites for schools and other public buildings and structures, whether or not such streets, ways, basins or areas are improved or unimproved or are in actual physical existence. Upon receiving an application for development, the Township may reserve for future public use any such streets, ways, basins and areas in the manner provided in 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
OWNER
Any individual, firm, association, syndicate, partnership or corporation having sufficient proprietary interest in the land sought to be subdivided to commence and maintain proceedings as an applicant to develop and/or subdivide the same under this chapter.
PARKING AREA
Any open area, other than a street or other public road or way, used for the temporary parking of motor vehicles, including access drives or aisles for ingress and egress thereto and therefrom.
PARKING AREA, COMMERCIAL
An open area, deck or structure, other than a street or other public way, used for the parking of automobiles and available to the public, whether for a fee, free or as an accommodation for clients or customers.
PARKING SPACE
An area for the parking of motor vehicles and measuring nine feet by 18 feet in length on the lot in question. The area of a parking space is intended to be sufficient to accommodate the exterior extremities of the vehicle, whether or not, in addition thereto, wheel blocks are installed within this area to prevent the bumper from overhanging one end of the parking space. A parking space shall consist of a space adequate for parking a motor vehicle with room for operating doors on both sides and shall provide free and totally unobstructed access to the street.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE
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.
PERSON
Includes any person, individual, business entity, partnership, association, corporation, company, organization or legal entity of any kind or nature.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
A. 
A church, synagogue, temple or other facility that is used for prayer and religious services by and for persons of similar beliefs;
B. 
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;
C. 
A group of such buildings or structures that, by design and construction, is primarily intended for conducting organized religious services and associated accessory uses.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
Planned unit development, planned unit residential development, residential cluster, planned commercial development or planned industrial development.
PLANNED UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (PUD)
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 Planning Board of the Township of Mine Hill. When such Board is referred to hereunder in connection with the review of development applications, "Board of Adjustment" and "Planning Board" are interchangeable, as the Planning Board has assumed the functions of the Board of Adjustment.
PLAT
The map or maps of a subdivision or site plan, including those submitted for preliminary or final approval, variance or conditional use approval.
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.
POLE OR PYLON SIGN
A sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole or similar support so that the bottom edge of the sign face is three feet or more above grade.
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
PORTABLE SIGN
A sign that is not permanent, affixed to a building, structure or the ground.
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
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; 40:55D-48 and 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.
PRINCIPAL USE
The primary or predominant use of any lot or parcel.
PUBLIC AREAS
Public parks, playgrounds, trails, paths and other recreational areas and public open spaces; scenic and historic sites; and sites for schools and other public buildings and structures.
PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
Master Plan, capital improvement program or other proposal for land development adopted by the appropriate Township public body, or any amendment thereto.
PUBLIC DRAINAGEWAY
Land reserved or dedicated for the installation of stormwater sewers or drainage ditches, or required along a natural stream or watercourse for preserving the channel and providing for the flow of water to safeguard the public against flood damage, sedimentation, and erosion.
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
An open space area conveyed or otherwise dedicated to the Township, a Township agency, board of education, state or county agency, or other public body for recreational or conservational uses.
PUBLIC SEWERS
A sewage disposal system, including laterals, collectors, interceptors, trunks, as well as treatment and disposal facilities owned and operated by the Township of Mine Hill or an official agency of the Township, or other public agency.
PUBLIC WATER
A water system, including supply, treatment and distribution facilities, owned and operated by the Township of Mine Hill, or by some other public agency, or a franchised water company.
QUORUM
The majority of the full authorized membership of the Planning Board, Township Council or other Township body acting pursuant to this chapter or the Municipal Land Use Law.
RECREATION
A. 
RECREATION, COMMERCIALRecreation facilities operated as a business and open to the general public for a fee.
B. 
RECREATION, PRIVATE, NONCOMMERCIALClubs or recreation facilities operated by a nonprofit organization and open only to bona fide members of such nonprofit organization or their guests.
RECREATION, ACTIVE
See "active recreation."
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.
RECYCLING AREA
An area allocated for the collection and storage of source-separated recyclable materials.
RELIGIOUS USE
A church, mosque, synagogue, temple or other similar place of worship.
RESIDENCE
A dwelling unit where an individual is actually living at a specific point in time.
RESIDENCE DESIGNATION SIGN
A sign or plate indicating the name of the property or occupants.
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
RESIDENTIAL DENSITY or DENSITY
The number of dwelling units per gross acre of residential land area, including streets, easements and open space portions of a development.
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.
RIDGELINE
The highest elevation of a mountain chain or line of hills.
RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE
The property line separating the street from abutting land.
ROOF SIGN
A sign erected above the facade or on the roof of a building.
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
ROOMING HOUSE
A dwelling unit containing rooms for the rooming and/or boarding of individuals.
SCHOOL BUS SHELTER
A bus shelter as defined herein, but devoted exclusively to the protection and convenience of school bus passengers.
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.
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.
SELF-STORAGE BUILDING
A building so designed that portions thereof which are individually secured are leased to individuals for the storage of household goods, furniture and the like, each such area being separated from all other such areas, and to which the lessee has direct access.
SENIOR CITIZEN PROJECT
A residential development, including dwelling units, recreation facilities and other appropriate facilities, within which residency shall be restricted to permanent residents of the age of 55 years and over, except for the spouse and children 18 years or more of age of a qualifying resident.
SETBACK LINE
That line which is the required minimum distance from the street right-of-way line or any other lot line that establishes the area within which the principal structure must be erected or placed.
SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS
The meaning as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:34-6.
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
Two or more retail commercial establishments in one or more structures designed and operated as a coordinated integrated entity with respect to parking, services, signs, and maintenance. Uses may include retail and service establishments, offices and office structures, theaters, recreational facilities, meeting and convention facilities, museums and cultural facilities, motels and hotels, and uses accessory to all such permitted uses.
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, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.
[Amended 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
SITE PLAN EXEMPTION COMMITTEE
A Committee of at least three Planning Board members appointed by the Chairman of the Board for the purpose of reviewing, granting or denying, by a majority of the full Committee, applications for site plan exemptions.
SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEM
A wind energy system that is used to generate electricity and has a nameplate capacity of 10 kilowatts or less.
STACK
A building containing one single-family unit over another in a horizontal regime of at least three lower-level dwelling units with not more than two dwelling units in a vertical plane. The structure shall have the outside appearances of a single dwelling unit lying in a vertical plane and not appear as one unit located above another unit. Access may serve two or more dwelling units.
STEALTH TOWER STRUCTURE
Man-made trees, clock tower, bell steeples, light poles and other similar alternative-design mounting structures that camouflage and/or conceal the presence of antennas or towers.
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
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
A story shall be deemed to be a vertical length of 10 feet. Stories shall be measured from the lowest finished grade level immediately adjacent to the building or structure foundation to the extreme high point of the building or structure, inclusive of parapets and ornamental design elements, but exclusive of chimneys, antennas, and HVAC mechanical equipment less than eight feet in vertical length. Basements that are below finished grade shall not be included as a story.
[Amended 3-17-2022 by Ord. No. 04-22]
STORY, HALF
Where any height standard is hereinafter described and regulated by story, a half story shall be deemed to be any vertical length less than 10 feet and shall be measured from either: 1) the lowest finished grade level immediately adjacent to the building or structure foundation to the extreme high point of the building or structure if such building or structure is not at least 10 feet in vertical length; or 2) the apex of the highest full story of any building or structure to the extreme high point of the building or structure, inclusive of parapets and ornamental design elements, but excluding chimneys, antennas, and HVAC mechanical equipment less than eight feet in vertical length. Basements that are below finished grade shall not be included as a half story.
[Amended 3-17-2022 by Ord. No. 04-22]
STREET
Any street, avenue, boulevard, road, roadway, parkway, viaduct, drive or other way:
A. 
Which is an existing state, county or municipal roadway; or
B. 
Which is shown upon a plan heretofore approved pursuant to law; or
C. 
Which is hereafter approved by official action as provided by this chapter; or
D. 
Which is shown on a plat duly filed and recorded in the office of the Morris County Clerk 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.
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, partnership, corporation, trust or any other legal entity who as a developer submits an application for major or minor subdivision approval pursuant to this chapter.
SUBDIVISION
A. 
The division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land for sale or development. The following shall not be considered subdivisions within the meaning of this chapter, if no new streets are created:
(1) 
Divisions of land found by the Planning Board 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.
B. 
The term "subdivision" shall also include the term "resubdivision."
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE
A Committee of at least three Planning Board members appointed by the Chairman of the Board for the purpose of reviewing subdivisions for report back to the entire Board and such other duties relating to subdivisions which may be conferred on such Committee by the Board and the Board's rules, regulations and/or bylaws.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Communications over a distance by cable, telephone or broadcasting.[3]
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign that is used in connection with a circumstance, situation, or event that is designed, intended, or expected to take place or to be completed within a reasonably short period of time after the erection of such sign; or is intended to remain on the location where it is erected or placed for a period not more than 15 days. If a sign display area is permanent but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign shall not be regarded as temporary.
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
TEMPORARY USE
A use established for a limited duration with the intent to discontinue such use upon the expiration of the time period.
TOWER
Any structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas for telephone, radio and similar communications purposes, including self-supporting lattice towers, guyed towers, or monopole towers. Guyed towers are not permitted within the Township. The term includes, but is not limited to, radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telephone towers, alternative tower structures. The term also includes the structure and any support thereto.
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 common fire-resistant walls.
TOWNSHIP
The Township of Mine Hill in the County of Morris and State of New Jersey.
TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
The governing body (Township Council) of the Township of Mine Hill.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
The engineer designated by the Township Council as the Township Engineer.
TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY
A report analyzing anticipated roadway conditions with and without an applicant's development.
TRANSCRIPT
A typed or printed verbatim record of the proceedings or reproduction thereof.
TUTORING
The teaching or instruction of academic or business subjects.
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, 40:55D-70c, 40:55D-70d) of the Municipal Land Use Law.
VIEW CORRIDOR
An open area, the natural features of which are visually significant or geologically or botanologically unique, visible from highways, waterways, railways, major hiking and biking and equestrian trails providing vistas over water, across expanses of land or from mountaintops or ridges.
WAIVER
Permission to depart from the requirements of this chapter with respect to the submission of required maps or documents. (See "exception.")
WALL SIGN
A sign attached to, painted upon or erected against an awning, canopy, the wall or facade of a building or structure and not extending more than 12 inches from a building face or facade of the structure.
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
WIND TURBINE
Equipment that converts energy from wind into electricity. This term includes the rotor, blades and associated mechanical and electrical conversion components necessary to generate, store and/or transfer energy.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign maintained in or painted upon a window which is clearly visible from the exterior of a structure through a window.
[Added 7-17-2014 by Ord. No. 15-14]
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
A space extending across the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the nearest point on the street line and the nearest part of the main building. In the case of lots abutting a lake, the front yard is measured from the shore of the lake to the nearest part of the main building.
YARD, REAR
A space extending across the full width of the lot between the rear lot line and the building.
YARD, REAR SIDE
That portion of the side yard extending from the nearest point of the rear of the main building to the rear lot line.
YARD, SIDE
A 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 OFFICER
The administrative officer designated to administer Part 6, Zoning, of this chapter and issue zoning permits.
ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP
Part 6 of this chapter, as amended and supplemented from time to time. The original Zoning Ordinance for the Township of Mine Hill was adopted in May of 1952 and was amended from time to time thereafter.
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 and 40:55D-70) of the Municipal Land Use Law.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "building height," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 3-17-2022 by Ord. No. 04-22.
[3]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).