All definitions found in Chapter
150, Zoning, of the Township of Verona shall apply to this chapter.
Preliminary approval of a site plan shall confer upon the applicant
the following rights for a three-year period from the date of the
preliminary approval:
A. That the general terms and conditions on which preliminary approval
was granted shall not be changed, including but not limited to use
requirements; layout and design standards for streets, curbs and sidewalks;
lot size; yard dimensions and off-tract improvements; natural resources
to be preserved on the site; vehicular and pedestrian circulation,
parking and loading; screening, landscaping and location of structures;
exterior lighting both for safety reasons and streetlighting; except
that nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the Township from
modifying by ordinance such general terms and conditions of preliminary
approval as relate to the public health and safety.
B. That the applicant may submit for final approval on or before the
expiration date of preliminary approval the whole or a section or
sections of the preliminary site plan.
C. That the applicant may apply for and the Planning Board may grant
extensions on such preliminary approval for additional periods of
at least one year but not to exceed a total extension of two years,
provided that if the design standards have been revised by ordinance,
such revised standards may govern.
The zoning requirements applicable to the preliminary approval
first granted and all other rights conferred upon the applicant pursuant
to this chapter, whether conditionally or otherwise, shall not be
changed for a period of two years after the date of final approval.
If the applicant has followed the standards prescribed for final approval,
the Planning Board may extend such period of protection for extensions
of one year but not to exceed three extensions. Notwithstanding any
other provisions of this chapter, the granting of final approval terminates
the time period of preliminary approval pursuant to this chapter for
the section granted final approval.
Prior to site plan approval for a planned development, the Planning
Board shall find the following facts and conclusions:
A. That departures by the proposed development from zoning regulations otherwise applicable to the subject property conform to standards for planned development contained in Chapter
150, Zoning.
B. That the proposals for maintenance and conservation of the common
open space are reliable and the amount, location and purpose of the
common open space are adequate.
C. That provision through the physical design of the proposed development
for public services, control over vehicular and pedestrian traffic
and the amenities of light and air, recreation and visual enjoyment
are adequate.
D. That the proposed planned development will not have an unreasonably
adverse impact upon the area in which it is proposed to be established.
E. In the case of a proposed development which contemplates construction
over a period of years, that the terms and conditions intended to
protect the interests of the public and of the residents, occupants
and owners of the proposed development in the total completion of
the development are adequate.
The following criteria have been set forth as a guide for evaluating
the adequacy of proposed development in the Township. The Planning
Board shall review the site plan for compliance with all applicable
ordinances and the Master Plan; for harmony with surrounding uses
and the overall plan for development of the Township; for the promotion
of the health, safety, order, efficiency and economy of the Township;
and for the maintenance of property values and the general welfare.
Based upon its review and the degree to which it can make positive
findings, the Board may approve, conditionally approve, request modifications
or deny approval of the site plan based on evaluation of the site
plan details with respect to:
A. The site plan's compliance with all provisions of Chapterr 150,
Zoning, including but not limited to off-street parking and loading;
signs and lighting; open space and the generation of objectionable
smoke, fumes, noise, odors, dust, glare, vibration or heat.
B. The site plan's compliance with all requirements and standards of Chapter
466, Subdivision of Land, including but not limited to standards for construction, layout, dimensions, materials, stormwater retention or detention facilities and sewerage facilities.
C. The environmental impact of the development relating to the preservation
of existing natural resources on the site and the impact on the natural
resources of the surrounding properties and neighborhood.
D. The relationship of the development to adjacent uses in terms of
harmonious use and design, setbacks, maintenance of property values
and negative impacts.
E. The provision of a safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation
system.
F. The design and location of off-street parking and loading facilities
to ensure that all such spaces are usable and are safely and conveniently
arranged.
G. The sufficient width and suitable grade and location of streets designed
to accommodate prospective traffic and to provide access for firefighting
and emergency equipment to buildings.
H. The coordination of streets so as to compose a convenient system
consistent with the circulation element of the Master Plan.
I. The design and location of buildings in an efficient and aesthetically
pleasing manner.
J. The use of landscaping and screening to provide adequate buffers
to shield lights, noise, movement or activities from adjacent properties
when necessary; and to complement the design and location of buildings
and be integrated into the overall site design.
K. Exterior lighting to ensure safe movement and for security purposes,
which shall be arranged so as to minimize glare and reflection on
adjacent properties.
L. The location, size and configuration of open space areas to ensure
that such areas are suitable for intended recreation and conservation
uses.
M. Protection and conservation of soils from erosion by wind or water
or from excavation or grading.
N. Protection and conservation of watercourses and areas subject to
flooding.
O. The adequacy of water, drainage, sewerage facilities, garbage disposal
and other utilities necessary for essential services to residents
and occupants.
P. The design and location of signs so as to be aesthetically pleasing,
harmonious with other signs on the site and located so as to achieve
their purpose without constituting hazards to vehicles and pedestrians.,
[Added 8-13-2012 by Res.
No. 74]
Fees for copies of ordinances and the Master Plan are as follows:
A. Chapter
150, entitled "Zoning": $30.
B. Chapter
466, entitled "Master Plan": $150.