This chapter shall be known as the "Land Subdivision and Site Plan Review Ordinance of the Borough of Wood-Ridge."
Such regulations are deemed necessary to protect the character, stability and orderly development of all areas of the community; to secure safety from fire, flood, panic and other natural and man-made disasters and hazards; to encourage the proper location and design of streets; to promote a desirable visual and aesthetic environment through creative development techniques and good civic design and arrangements; to promote the conservation of open space and valuable resources; to prevent degradation of the environment through improper land use; to provide adequate light, air and open space; and to provide rules, regulations and procedures which will guide the appropriate development of lands within the community in order to promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare.
A. 
Words used in the present tense include the future; the singular number shall include the plural, and the plural the singular; the word "structure" shall include the word "building"; the word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual; the word "lot" includes the word "plot"; the word "occupied" includes the words "designed or intended to be occupied"; the word "used" shall include the words "arranged, designed, constructed, altered, converted, rented, leased or intended to be used"; and the word "may" is permissive.
B. 
Unless the context otherwise indicates, the following definitions shall be used in the interpretation and construction of this chapter:
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
The Construction Code Official of the Borough of Wood-Ridge.
[Amended 8-16-1982 by Ord. No. 12-82]
APPLICANT or DEVELOPER
(1) 
A developer submitting an application for development.
(2) 
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or of any land proposed to be included in the proposed development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase or other person having an enforceable proprietary interest in the land.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The application form and all accompanying documents required by ordinance for approval of a subdivision plat, site plan, conditional use, zoning variance or direction of the issuance of a permit pursuant to law.
APPROVING AUTHORITY
The Planning Board of Wood-Ridge, as provided in § 335-4.[1]
BOARD
The Planning Board of the Borough of Wood-Ridge.
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.
COMPLETE APPLICATION
An application form complete as specified by ordinance and the rules and regulations of the municipal agency 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 municipal agency 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 municipal agency. 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 municipal agency and shall be deemed complete as of the day it is so certified by the administrative officer for purposes of commencement of the time period for action by the municipal agency.
CONDITIONAL USE
A use permitted in a particular zoning district only upon 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 Chapter 530, Zoning, and upon the issuance of an authorization therefor by the Planning Board.
CONVENTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Development other than planned development.
COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
The County Planning Board, as defined in Section 1 of P.L. 1968, c. 285 (N.J.S.A. 40:27-6.1), of the county in which the land or development is located.
DAYS
The number of calendar days for the purpose of this chapter.
DEVELOPMENT
The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any mining, excavation or landfill, any building or other structure or land or extension of use of land, for which permission may be required.[2]
DRAINAGE
The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading or other means, including the 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 RIGHT-OF-WAY
The lands required 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 therein to safeguard the public against flood.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
A municipal advisory body created pursuant to P.L. 1968, c. 245 (N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1 et seq.).
EROSION
The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice and gravity.
FINAL APPROVAL
The official action of the approving authority 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, which in the case of subdivision shall be filed with the proper County Recording Officer. "Final approval" may also encompass preliminary approval at the simultaneous time if in the opinion of the approving authority both final approval and preliminary approval may be granted in accordance with the rules and standards required by law.
FLOOR AREA
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of several floors of a building measured from the exterior walls in a building. "Floor area" shall not include areas devoted to mechanical equipment serving the building, stairways and elevators or areas devoted exclusively to off-street parking and loading space for motor vehicles or any space where floor-to-ceiling height shall be less than seven feet.
GOVERNING BODY
The Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Wood-Ridge.
HISTORIC SITE
Any building, structure, area or property that is significant in the history, architecture, archaeology or culture of this state, its communities or the nation and has been so designated.
INTERESTED PARTY
(1) 
In a criminal or quasi-criminal proceeding, any citizen of the State of New Jersey.
(2) 
In the case of a civil proceeding in any court or an administrative proceeding before a municipal agency, any person, whether residing within or without the Borough of Wood-Ridge, whose right to use, acquire or enjoy property is affected by an action taken under this chapter or whose rights to use, acquire or enjoy property under this chapter or under any other law of this state or the United States have been denied, violated or infringed by an action or failure to act under this chapter.
LAND
Includes improvements and fixtures on, above or below the ground surface.
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.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTY
Security, other than cash, which may be accepted by Wood-Ridge for the maintenance of any improvements required by this chapter.
MAJOR SUBDIVISION
Any subdivision not classified as a minor subdivision.
MASTER PLAN
A composite of one or more written or graphic proposals for the development of Wood-Ridge which shall have been duly adopted by the Wood-Ridge Planning Board.
MINOR SITE PLAN
A development plan of one or more lots which:
(1) 
Proposes new development within the scope of development specifically permitted by ordinance as a minor site plan;
(2) 
Does not involve planned development, any new street or extension of any off-tract improvement which is to be prorated pursuant to Section 30 of the Act (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-42); and
(3) 
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 three lots fronting upon an existing street, provided that such subdivision does not involve a planned unit 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 Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-42).
OFFICE BUILDING
Under the provisions of N.J.S.A. 52:32-4 et seq., pertaining to physically handicapped persons, a building or structure of more than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area wherein commercial or business activity or service is performed or a profession is practiced or wherein any combination thereof is performed or practiced in all or the majority of such building or structure.
[Amended 10-20-1986 by Ord. No. 86-16]
OFFICIAL MAP
A map and accompanying ordinance adopted by the governing body of Wood-Ridge pursuant to law. Such a map shall be deemed to be 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, whether or not such streets, ways, basins or areas are improved or unimproved or are in actual physical existence.
OFF-SITE
Located outside the lot lines of the lot in question but within the property (of which the lot is a part) which is the subject of a development application or contiguous portion of a street or right-of-way.
OFF-TRACT
Not located on the property which is the subject of a development application nor on a contiguous portion of a street or right-of-way.
ON-SITE
Located on the lot in question.
ON-TRACT
Located on the property which is the subject of a development application or on a contiguous portion of a street or right-of-way.
OPEN SPACE
Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, 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.
PARTY IMMEDIATELY CONCERNED
Any applicant for development, the owners of the subject property and all owners of property and government agencies entitled to notice.
PERFECTED APPLICATION
One that is submitted in a proper and complete form, including all required application forms, maps and reviews, prior to scheduling of a public hearing, where required, or formal action being taken by the approving authority; all required fees are submitted and filed within the appropriate time schedules; and proof that no taxes or assessments for local improvements are due or delinquent on the property for which approval is sought and all other governmental approvals are received by the approving authority within the required time periods. This definition is to be read in pari materia with the definition of "complete application."
PERFORMANCE GUARANTY
Any security which may be accepted by the Borough of Wood-Ridge, including cash, provided that the Borough shall not require more than 10% of the total performance guaranty in cash.
PERSON
Any individual, firm, association, partnership, corporation, syndicate, copartnership, trust or other legal entity.
PHYSICAL HANDICAP
A physical impairment which confines a person to a wheelchair, causes a person to walk with difficulty or insecurity, affects the sight or hearing to the extent that a person functioning in public areas is insecure or exposed to danger, causes faulty coordination or reduces mobility, flexibility, coordination and perceptiveness to the extent that facilities are needed for the safety of that person.
PLAT
A map or maps of a subdivision or site plan pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL
The conferral of certain rights pursuant to this chapter prior to final approval after specific elements of a development plan have been agreed upon by the approving authority and the applicant.
PRELIMINARY FLOOR PLANS AND ELEVATIONS
Architectural drawings prepared during early and introductory stages of the design of a project illustrating in a schematic form its scope, scale and relationship to its site and immediate environs.
PUBLIC AREAS
Includes public parks, playgrounds, trails, paths and other recreational areas; other public open spaces; scenic and historic sites; and sites for schools and other public buildings and structures.
PUBLIC BUILDING
Under the provisions of Chapter 220 of the Laws of 1975[3] pertaining to physically handicapped persons, any building, structure, facility or complex used by the general public, including but not limited to theaters, concert halls, auditoriums, museums, schools, libraries, recreational facilities, public transportation terminals and stations, factories, office buildings, business establishments, passenger vehicle service stations, shopping centers, hotels or motels and public eating places, constructed by any state, county or municipal government agency or instrumentality or any private individual, partnership, association or corporation, with the following exceptions: one- to four-family private residences, warehouse storage areas and all buildings classified as hazardous occupancies. As used herein, "hazardous occupancy" means the occupancy or use of a building or structure or any portion thereof that involves highly combustible, highly flammable or explosive material or which has inherent characteristics that constitute a special fire hazard.
PUBLIC DRAINAGEWAY
The land reserved or dedicated for the installation of stormwater sewers or drainage ditches or required along a natural stream or watercourse for preserving the channel and providing for the flow of water to safeguard the public against flood damage, sedimentation and erosion.
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
An open space area conveyed or otherwise dedicated to a municipality, municipal agency, board of education, state or county agency or other public body for recreational or conservational uses.
RESIDENTIAL CLUSTER
An area to be developed as a single entity according to a plan containing residential housing units which have a common or public open space area as an appurtenance.
RESUBDIVISION
The further division or relocation of lot lines of any lot or lots within a subdivision previously made and approved or recorded according to law or the alteration of any streets or the establishment of any new streets within any subdivision previously made and approved or recorded according to law, but does not include conveyances so as to combine existing lots by deed or other instrument.
SEDIMENTATION
The deposition of soil that has been transported from its site of origin by water, ice, wind, gravity or other natural means as a product of erosion.
SIGHT TRIANGLE
A triangle-shaped easement established at the intersection of two streets or a driveway and a street in which nothing shall be erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as to obstruct vision over a height of three feet above the curb level of the street or driveway. The Borough shall have the right of entry to remove any obstruction to vision within the sight area not conforming to the standards of this definition following due notice to the property owner. Said triangle shall be determined along such street lot lines or edge of driveway 30 feet distant from their joint intersection.
SITE PLAN
A development plan of one or more lots on which are 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, lighting and screening devices; and any other information that may be reasonably required in order to make an informed determination pursuant to this chapter.
SKETCH PLAT
The sketch plat of a subdivision to be used for the purposes of discussion and classification and meeting the requirements of Article II, § 335-10, herein.
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 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 and parking areas within the street. For the purpose of this chapter, streets shall be classified as follows:
(1) 
ARTERIAL STREETSThose which are used primarily for fast or heavy traffic.
(2) 
COLLECTOR STREETSThose 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 a development.
(3) 
MINOR STREETSThose which are used primarily for access to the abutting properties.
(4) 
MARGINAL ACCESS STREETSStreets which are parallel and adjacent to arterial streets and highways and which provide access to abutting properties and protection from through traffic.
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.
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 or extension of utilities is required: divisions of land found by the approving authority to be for agricultural purposes where all resulting parcels are five acres or larger in size; divisions of property by testamentary or intestate provisions; divisions of property upon court order, including but not limited to judgments or foreclosures; 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.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III).
[2]
Editor's Note: The definition of "Division," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. III).
[3]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:32-4 et seq.
The provisions and terms of Chapter 80, Land Use Procedures, shall apply herein for purposes of the administration and enforcement for this section specifically and this chapter generally.
The fee schedule set forth in Chapter 530, Zoning, in Article X, Land Use Fees, is hereby adopted as part of this chapter, and the fees enumerated therein shall be applicable in proceedings hereunder.
The provisions and terms of Chapter 80, Land Use Procedures, shall apply herein for purposes of the administration and enforcement for this section specifically and this chapter generally regarding public hearings.
A. 
The rules, regulations and standards contained herein shall be considered the minimum requirements for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Borough of Wood-Ridge. Any action taken under the terms of this chapter shall give primary consideration to the above-mentioned matters and to the welfare of the entire community. However, if the applicant can clearly demonstrate that, because of peculiar conditions pertaining to his land, the literal enforcement of one or more of these regulations is impracticable or will exact undue hardship, the approving authority may permit such waivers as may be reasonable and within the general purpose and intent of the rules, regulations and standards established by this chapter.
B. 
The waiver provisions of this section shall be applicable to the entire chapter herein except where specifically prohibited by law. Any waiver provided hereunder by the approving authority shall be specified in the written resolution of approval, whether conditional or otherwise, with the reasons for granting such waiver also specified.