This article provides design guidelines, design standards and
construction specifications which shall apply to all applications
for site plan or subdivision approval. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards shall supersede
the standards in this article, as set forth in § 10.02.
Effective June 3, 1997, the New Jersey Residential Site Improvement
Standards shall be considered to be incorporated herein by reference.
A copy of the standards shall be available for inspection in the office
of the Zoning Officer. The following provisions shall govern the application
of the standards (as used in this section, the residential site improvement
standards are referred to as "the standards"):
A.
Any project for which preliminary subdivision or site plan approval
has been given prior to June 3, 1997 shall continue to be subject
to the standards and provisions of this Land Use Ordinance which were
in effect prior to June 3, 1997.
B.
Any project for which application is made after June 3, 1997 shall
be governed by the standards.
C.
The standards shall not be construed as requiring the revision or
amendment of any application for site plan or subdivision approval
which is pending on June 3, 1997. Such pending applications may, however,
be amended provided that any such amendments shall meet the requirements
of the standards. For any project for which a completed application
has been submitted on or before June 3, 1997, but which has not yet
received preliminary approval, the applicant shall have the option
of amending the application in its entirely to comply with the standards
or of requesting that the Board continue to review the application
under the provisions of this Land Use Ordinance in effect at the time
of application.
D.
The standards shall apply to all applications for residential subdivision
and site plan approval, and shall apply to all site improvement work
and appurtenant construction including streets, roads, parking facilities,
sidewalks, drainage structures, grading and utilities.
E.
The standards shall not apply to driveways on private property held
in fee-simple as individual residential lots outside of the public
right-of-way, including common driveways established by easements
shared by more than one dwelling unit on private property.
F.
Where both residential and commercial development are planned in
a mixed-use development, the standards shall apply to the residential
part or parts of such development where such residential part or parts
are discrete and separate from planned commercial parts as evidenced
by, for example, separate building(s), separate parking, and separate
access features.
G.
The standards shall supersede and replace all technical requirements
of this article with regard to streets, parking, water supply, sanitary
sewers and storm water management in residential development.
H.
The standards shall not supersede, and shall not replace, standards
in this article or in any other article, concerning:
1.
Layout, arrangement, and location of improvements, shade trees,
landscaping, or reservation of areas for public use, pursuant to N.J.S.A.
40:55D-38;
2.
Preservation of existing natural resources; arrangement of physical
elements for safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation,
by, for example, traffic calming measures, parking and loading; screening,
landscaping, and location of structures; or conservation of energy
and use of renewable resources; pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-41; or
3.
Use, bulk, height, number of stories, orientation and size of
buildings and other structures; the percentage of lot or development
area that may be occupied by structures, lot sizes and dimensions,
floor area ratios, or other measures to control development intensity;
or the provision of adequate light and air pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-65.
I.
Choice among options contained in the standards shall be the applicant's
unless otherwise specified in the standards.
J.
Administration, approval, waivers and exceptions, enforcement and
violations concerning the standards shall be as set forth in N.J.A.C.
5:21.
K.
Those provisions of this article containing standards which may be
superseded by the New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards
are designated with the letters "RSIS" at the end of the provision.
The final determination of applicability shall be made by the Zoning
Officer.
Site plans and subdivisions, to the maximum extent practicable
and permitted by law, shall be designed to:
A.
Be consistent with the Town Master Plan, Official Map and with the
zoning regulations, Articles 11 through 19 of this ordinance;
B.
Consider County, regional and State plans for the Town, and to conform
to all applicable regulations of the County, State or federal governments,
as well as any regional entities having jurisdiction;
C.
Minimize negative impacts to the natural and man-made environment,
including wetlands, areas prone to flooding, stream corridors, steep
slopes, surface and ground water systems, significant stands of trees
over one foot in trunk diameter, threatened or endangered wildlife,
historic landmarks, existing structures, neighborhood character and
the fiscal stability of the community; and
D.
Advance the purposes of this ordinance and the Municipal Land Use
Law, as applicable.
A.
General. The layout of blocks and lots shall be designed to:
1.
Be compatible with the lot and block patterns established in
the neighborhood, as appropriate;
2.
Minimize negative impacts to the natural and man-made environments;
3.
Provide for a well-designed system for circulation and access;
and
4.
Provide a suitable amount of land on each lot that will enable
appropriate development according to this ordinance without undue
environmental impact.
B.
Block length. No block shall exceed 1,000 feet in length.
C.
Block corners. Block corners at intersections shall be rounded at
the property line with a minimum radius of 25 feet.
D.
Conformance with zoning. Whenever a new lot is formed from a part
of any other lot or lots, the assembly or separation shall be affected
in such a manner as not to impair any of the requirements of this
ordinance. No subdivision shall be permitted which results in a change
in area, width, or front, side or rear yard that fails to comply in
every respect with the required provisions of the district in which
it is located.
E.
Lot shape. Lots shall be shaped to enable proper use, maintenance
of and access to the lot, and in keeping with the planned future development
of the area, as indicated in the Master Plan and zoning regulations.
Insofar as is practical, side lot lines shall be at right angles to
straight streets and radial to curved streets.
F.
Lot access. Each lot must front upon an approved street at least
50 feet in width, or such greater width that may be required by the
Town Master Plan, official map or by any other law. (RSIS)
G.
Reserve access strips. No subdivision showing reserve strips controlling
access to streets shall be approved unless the control and disposal
of land comprising such strips has been placed in the Town Council
under conditions approved by the Board and the Council.
H.
Suitability of lots for development. The Board may, after adequate
investigation, withhold approval of any lot which in its opinion is
not suitable for its intended use due to factors such as, but not
limited to, rock formations, surface or underground mines, flooding,
wetlands, soil conditions, presence of hazardous materials, excessive
slopes, etc.
The following standards shall apply for all streets which are
within the jurisdiction of the Town of Westfield:
A.
General. Streets, driveways, aisles and sidewalks shall be designed
to:
1.
Comply with the proposals in the Town Master Plan and Official
Map; (RSIS)
2.
Permit the safe, efficient, and orderly movement of vehicular
and pedestrian traffic;
3.
Discourage heavy volumes of through traffic on minor streets
and in residential areas;
4.
Provide for anticipated future volumes and speeds of traffic;
5.
Provide for adequate access and movement of emergency and service
vehicles, including police and fire-fighting equipment, school buses,
street maintenance vehicles, garbage trucks, delivery vehicles, etc.;
6.
Provide access to adjacent properties without unduly interfering
with the flow of traffic;
7.
Provide a simple and logical street pattern; and
8.
Provide an attractive streetscape.
B.
Street width. The width of street right-of-way and pavement shall
be as set forth below, according to the Master Plan street classifications,
unless in a particular situation the Master Plan or official map require
a greater width, and provided that the Board may require greater width
in a particular situation based upon analysis of traffic and street
conditions: (RSIS)
1.
|
Street Classification
|
Right-of-Way
(feet)
|
Pavement
(feet)
|
|---|---|---|
|
Town arterial
|
50
|
36
|
|
Town collector
|
50
|
30
|
|
Minor
|
50
|
30
|
2.
Subdivisions which abut existing streets that do not conform
to the width standards of this ordinance shall dedicate additional
width along one or both sides of such street so as to conform with
the width and future alignment of said existing street, as may be
required or permitted by law. (RSIS)
C.
Street grades and grading. Streets shall be graded in accordance
with the following standards: (RSIS)
1.
Minimum grade. All streets shall have a minimum centerline grade
of 0.5%.
2.
Maximum grade. No street shall have a centerline grade which
exceeds 10%.
3.
The developer shall be required to grade the full width of the
street right-of-way, and to grade abutting property as necessary to
comply with the standards of this ordinance for streets. Where required
by the Board, the developer shall provide slope-right easements on
property abutting the street right-of-way.
D.
Sight easements for horizontal curves. Sight easements shall be provided
at horizontal curves when it is determined by the Planning Board and
the Town Engineer that same are necessary for proper visibility. The
boundaries of the easement shall be determined based upon conditions
which exist at the curve. (RSIS)
E.
Street intersections. The following standards shall apply: (RSIS)
1.
Street intersections shall be as nearly at right angles as possible
and in no case shall the angle of intersection be less than 60°.
2.
New intersections created with an existing street shall be aligned
with any existing or planned streets on the opposite side of the intersecting
street and shall minimize jogs and sharp angles.
3.
Sight easements shall be provided at all intersections when
essential for traffic safety, as determined by the Board.
F.
Dead end streets. The following standards shall apply to dead end
streets: (RSIS)
1.
Maximum length. Dead end streets shall not exceed 500 feet in
length, except where unusual topography or other unusual conditions
require a longer length. The length shall be measured along the center
line of the street(s) between the extreme dead end of the right-of-way
line at the turning circle to the center line of the nearest intersecting
through street.
2.
There shall be a turnaround provided at the end of all dead
end streets with a minimum outside curb radius of 50 feet, and a minimum
right-of-way radius of 60 feet. Whenever possible, the turnaround
shall be tangent to the right side of the street as one approaches
the turnaround.
3.
If a dead end street is of a temporary nature, a turnaround
shall be provided in accordance with the standards for permanent turnarounds.
Provision shall be made for the future extension of the street and
the reversion of excess right-of-way to abutting property owners.
Removal of the temporary turnaround and installation of permanent
improvements, including but not limited to pavement, sidewalks, curbs,
topsoil, shade trees, driveway aprons, etc. shall be at the developer's
sole expense.
G.
Street pavement. All streets shall be paved in with full depth pavement
6 1/2 inches thick, consisting of a five inch stabilized base
course and a 1 1/2 inch bituminous surface course. Prior to the
installation of pavement, the subgrade shall be approved by the Town
Engineer. (RSIS)
H.
Private streets. Any private street proposed for any development
shall follow the same standards required for public streets. (RSIS)
Streets shall be bounded by standard granite block curbs constructed
according to the Town street curb standards. (RSIS)
Sidewalks shall be constructed in accordance with the following
standards: (RSIS)
A.
Sidewalks shall be installed on both sides of through streets and
along any side of existing through streets upon which the subject
property has frontage; provided no sidewalk shall be required when
neither of the abutting properties have sidewalks along their frontage.
B.
Sidewalks shall be at least four feet wide, except where site conditions
warrant a greater width.
C.
Sidewalks shall be four inches thick, except at driveway crossings,
where the sidewalk shall be six inches thick.
D.
Provisions are to be made for access by disabled persons, particularly
as they relate to entrance ways and ramps, both within new and remodeled
buildings and structures.
Flared driveway aprons shall be provided between the street
pavement and the sidewalk, or, when no sidewalk is required, between
the street pavement and the right-of-way line, as approved by the
Town Engineer.
All streets and properties shall be designed to safely accommodate
anticipated storm water flows and to protect against flooding and
flood damage. The following provisions shall apply: (RSIS)
A.
General guidelines. The storm water drainage system for site plans
and subdivisions shall be designed to:
1.
Prevent the increase of storm water flows or concentrations
which would increase the potential for flooding in the Town or adjacent
municipalities;
2.
Minimize the potential for erosion and sedimentation;
3.
Prevent degradation of habitat for threatened or endangered
wildlife, including but not limited to stream, swamp, lake and pond
habitats;
4.
Consider the impact of the proposed development on the total
watershed area;
5.
Provide for proper maintenance and repair of storm water facilities;
6.
Provide for proper security of storm water facilities and prevent
undue hazards;
7.
Be esthetically pleasing; and
8.
Comply with the Town Storm Water Control and Flood Plain Ordinance.
(RSIS)
B.
Off-site stormwater impact. All lots shall be graded to prevent erosion
or directing of surface water onto adjacent lots, or if same is not
practical, grades shall be established that will not adversely affect
any other adjacent lot or the lot in question.
C.
Construction impact. Provision shall be made to prevent any adverse
impacts from storm water drainage during site construction.
D.
Enclosure of open water courses. Open water courses shall be enclosed
with adequate drainage pipes if determined by the Board to be necessary
for public health, safety or welfare, subject to applicable state
regulations.
E.
Manhole covers and grates. All manhole covers and grates shall be
provided with a locking device, unless located within the pavement
of a public street. (RSIS)
F.
Roof drains. All roof drains shall be piped to either dry wells or
existing storm drains as required by the Town Engineer. (RSIS)
G.
Development in flood areas. Development within flood areas shall
comply with the requirements of § 18.21.
The following standards shall apply to the placement of street
trees:
A.
Location and spacing. Street trees shall be placed on both sides
of the street within the right-of-way, and spaced not more than 50
feet apart.
B.
Conflict with street improvements or sight distance. Street trees
shall be located where they will not interfere with sidewalks, utility
lines or pipes located above or below the ground; where they will
not interfere with the proper distribution of light from street lighting
fixtures, and where they will not interfere with proper sight distance.
C.
Type. The choice of tree specie shall be as approved by the Board.
Tree species to be used shall be appropriate for their neighborhood
location, hardiness, soil characteristics, light exposure, and available
moisture, and shall not be unusually susceptible to pests or diseases,
nor shall they require a high degree of maintenance.
D.
Size. All street trees shall have a minimum trunk caliper of 1.75
to two inches at the time of installation.
E.
Vertical clearance. Street trees shall be trimmed so that the lowest
branches will be at least six feet above the ground at the base of
the tree at the time of planting.
Illumination for streets and properties shall be designed in
accordance with the following standards:
A.
General. Site lighting shall be designed to:
1.
Provide adequate illumination in appropriate locations for site
users and the general public for purposes of traffic and pedestrian
safety, security, property and building identification, and aesthetic
improvement;
2.
Prevent excessive illumination and glare; and
3.
Provide proper orientation and shielding of fixtures to prevent
undue illumination of adjacent properties.
B.
Street lighting. Light fixtures and standards shall be installed
in accordance with the standards and specifications of the utility
company providing the service.
C.
Shielding of fixtures. All lighting fixtures shall directed downward
and shall be equipped with the necessary shielding so as to prevent
the direct source of light from being visible from any point beyond
the property lines of the premises upon which the lighting structure
is located.
D.
Height of fixtures. No lighting structure shall exceed a height of
15 feet above normal grade in the vicinity of the light fixture. Normal
grade shall be construed to be the newly established grade after construction,
exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, excavating or curbing
or retaining wall which alters the grade at the base of the light
fixture from the grade in the general vicinity of the fixture.
E.
Maximum illumination level at property line. The level of illumination
at ground level shall not exceed 0.5 of a footcandle at the property
line, nor 0.3 of a footcandle at any property line abutting a property
used by or zoned for residential use.
F.
Duration of illumination. Duration of operation of all lighting and
maximum lumen power permitted shall be as determined satisfactory
by the Planning Board with due regard to whether any limitations imposed
will deprive the applicant of a reasonable use of his property and
whether the application will be detrimental to the public health and
general welfare or to the property and personal rights of the abutting
owners. Provision shall be made for the reduction in the intensity
of illumination to the minimum needed for security purposes when the
facility is not in operation.
G.
Underground installation. All wiring for light fixtures shall be
laid underground, and not strung between poles or buildings.
H.
Illumination of parking and loading areas. In addition to the requirements
of this section, the illumination of parking and loading areas shall
be subject to the provisions of § 17.10.
The following provisions shall apply to the placement of street
name signs:
A.
General location. Street name signs shall be placed at all street
intersections, including those intersections where new streets intersect
an existing street. (RSIS)
B.
Type and precise location. Street name signs shall be of a type and
at locations approved by the Town Engineer. (RSIS)
C.
Names. No name applied to any street shall duplicate or so nearly
resemble the name of any existing street within the Town or nearby
locations outside the Town as to cause confusion. When a street is
proposed as an extension of an existing street, the proposed street
shall use the same name as the existing street, unless the Board directs
otherwise.
All survey monuments shall be designed, constructed and located
as required by the Map Filing Law.
A.
General. The grading of land for development shall be designed to:
1.
Minimize disturbance of steep slopes and vegetation;
2.
Minimize as well as balance the amount of cut and fill, and
minimize the transportation of soil and other materials to and from
the site;
3.
Minimize the potential for erosion, sedimentation, landslides
and subsidence;
4.
Prevent undue concentration or alteration of storm water flows;
5.
Avoid directing runoff over walks and paved areas, where the
freezing of such runoff would create hazardous conditions for vehicles
and pedestrians;
6.
Protect ground water supplies, including aquifer recharge areas;
7.
Enable safe and convenient access to properties, seeking to
avoid excessive or insufficient slopes for paved areas and to avoid
steps for pedestrian walks; and
8.
Enable appropriate maintenance of properties.
B.
Preservation of topsoil. Topsoil moved during the course of construction
shall be redistributed so as to provide at least four inches of cover
to all areas of the site, provided that the depth of topsoil need
not exceed six inches. Said topsoil shall be stabilized by seeding
and/or planting.
[Amended 5-9-2023 by G.O. No. 2023-22]
A.
Striking dissimilarity, visual discord, as well as excessive uniformity
or monotonous similarity in the exterior appearance of structures
erected in the Town of Westfield can affect the desirability of a
community by marring its appearance and thereby impairing its visual
character. It is the purpose of this section to prevent this effect
and thus to promote the public health, safety, morals and general
welfare of the community; and, promote a desirable visual environment
through creative development techniques and good civic design and
arrangement. Each site plan shall provide for the following:
1.
General.
a.
All exterior walls of a building shall be designed to be consistent
in architectural style, materials, and details.
b.
HVAC systems and satellite dishes and telecommunications equipment
shall be screened from the public view and from adjacent properties
by the use of walls, fencing or landscaping. If such elements are
located on the rooftop, they shall be screened from public view with
an architectural feature compatible in design with the style, materials,
colors and details found on the building.
c.
Transparent windows shall be provided. The use of mirror or
reflective glass is not permitted.
d.
Existing window and door openings on a facade may not be filled
in unless the finished materials and their color are made to match
immediately adjacent finishes and color.
e.
The use of exposed concrete block is prohibited, unless the
same is textured.
f.
All exterior walls are to be constructed of durable materials
such as brick, stone and cast stone, glass, pre-cast concrete, pretreated
wood, and other materials as approved by the reviewing board.
2.
Single-family residential uses in attached single-family residential
structures (townhouses).
a.
Architectural style. The overall development shall have a consistent
architectural style. All exterior walls of a building shall be designed
to be consistent in architectural style, materials, and details.
b.
Orientation. The principal faces or front elevations and primary
entrances of a building shall be oriented to the street upon which
the structure is located. Primary entrances shall be emphasized through
the use of distinctive architectural treatments.
3.
Multifamily dwellings.
a.
Architectural style. The overall development shall have a consistent
architectural style. All exterior walls of a building shall be designed
to be consistent in architectural style, materials, and details.
b.
Orientation. The principal face or front elevation and primary
entrance of a building shall be oriented to the street upon which
the structure is located. Primary entrances shall be emphasized through
the use of distinctive architectural treatments. The primary building
orientation shall not be toward a parking lot or parking structure.
In situations where this is not possible, such as when there are multiple
principal buildings on a lot, each building shall have a primary front
entrance. Primary entrances shall be emphasized through the use of
distinctive architectural treatments.
c.
Articulation. Buildings shall avoid long, monotonous uninterrupted
walls. Architectural design shall provide visual interest and variety
to relive the visual effect of a simple, long wall.
(1)
Vertical articulation. Each building facade facing
a public street must have elements of vertical articulation examples
of which include columns, piers, recessed windows or entry designs,
overhangs, ornamental projection of the moulding, different exterior
materials or wall colors, fenestration changes, or recessed or projected
portions of the main surface of the wall itself.
(2)
Horizontal articulation. Each building facade facing
a public street must have elements of horizontal articulation examples
of which include changes in materials corresponding to changes in
facade planes, fenestration changes, recessed or projected portions
of the main surface of the wall itself, stepbacks of upper stories
from the floor below, and changes in the roofline.
d.
Roofs. The top floor of all buildings must be capped by a cornice
or sloping roof element. Flat roofs shall be enclosed with by parapets
or similar architectural feature.
e.
Maximum continuous wall length. Unless a different requirement
exists within the bulk standards for a zone or overlay zone district
in which a property is located, the longest horizontal dimension of
any continuous exterior wall of a building shall not be greater than
50 feet. For the purpose of administering this provision, any exterior
wall that is offset for a depth of four feet or greater shall be construed
as a separate wall.
f.
Lots with multiple principal buildings. A lot with multiple
principal buildings shall be organized around site design features
such as courtyards accessible to pedestrians to encourage pedestrian
activity and social interaction.
4.
Mixed-non-residential/residential development and nonresidential
development.
a.
Architectural style. The overall development shall have a consistent
architectural style. All exterior walls of a building shall be designed
to be consistent in architectural style, materials, and details. Storefronts
and upper floors shall be compatible in design with the overall architectural
character of a building.
b.
Orientation. Buildings shall be oriented with a primary entrance
facing at least one adjacent public street. The primary building orientation
shall not be toward a parking lot or parking structure. On corner
lots, building entrances shall be located at or near the corner. Primary
entrances shall be emphasized through the use of distinctive architectural
treatments.
c.
Articulation. Buildings shall avoid long, monotonous uninterrupted
walls. Architectural design shall provide visual interest and variety
to relive the visual effect of a simple, long wall.
(1)
Vertical articulation. Each building facade facing
a public street must have elements of vertical articulation examples
of which include columns, piers, recessed windows or entry designs,
overhangs, ornamental projection of the moulding, different exterior
materials or wall colors, fenestration changes, or recessed or projected
portions of the main surface of the wall itself.
(2)
Horizontal articulation. Each facade shall be designed
to have a delineated floor line between the street level and upper
floors. This delineation may be in the form of a masonry belt course,
concrete lintel or a cornice line delineated by wood detailing. Each
building facade facing a public street must have elements of horizontal
articulation examples of which include changes in materials corresponding
to changes in facade planes, fenestration changes, recessed or projected
portions of the main surface of the wall itself, stepbacks of upper
stories from the floor below, and changes in the roofline.
d.
Roofs. The top floor of all buildings must be capped by a cornice
or sloping roof element. Flat roofs shall be enclosed with by parapets
or other acceptable architectural feature.
e.
Facades facing public alleyways. Facades facing public alleyways
shall be treated consistent with the primary front building facade
facing the public street(s), including such design elements as building
articulation, entranceways and storefronts.
f.
Pedestrian entrances. The difference between pedestrian entrances
for ground floor commercial uses and entrances for upper level commercial
or residential uses shall be clearly delineated. This delineation
can be accomplished through the use of different building materials,
colors, or doorframe designs. Pedestrian entrances shall be emphasized
through the use of distinctive architectural treatments.
g.
Security gates or doors. The use of rolling, swinging, sliding
or accordion style security gates or doors, whether solid or not solid,
shall not be permitted on or in any building so as to be visible from
a public street, except that such doors may be used to cover the vehicular
entrances to a building.
B.
Design standards for Architectural Review Board. In reviewing an
application for preliminary site plan approval or for a building permit,
the Architectural Review Board shall be guided by the following standards.
These standards are intended to provide a guide for the applicant
in the development of site and building plans as well as a guide for
the reviewing authorities. These standards are not intended to discourage
creativity, invention and innovation, nor shall they be utilized to
specify any particular architectural style.
1.
The intent and purpose of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use
Law and the Zoning Plan of Westfield shall serve as a guideline and
the provisions thereof which are on file in the Office of the Clerk
of the Town of Westfield, are incorporated herein by reference and
made a part hereof.
2.
All lot areas not covered by buildings, parking space, driveways
and walkways shall be landscaped.
3.
The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar
as practicable and where desirable by minimizing tree and soil removal,
and any grade changes shall be in conformity with the general appearance
of neighboring developed areas.
4.
Not more than 10% of the landscaped area shall be covered by
ornamental gravel or stones.
5.
Artificial landscaping may not be used on the exterior.
6.
Electric and telephone lines shall be underground whenever practicable.
(RSIS)
7.
Any utility installations remaining above ground shall be located
so as to have practical and non-interfering relationships to neighboring
properties and the site.
8.
Free-standing air conditioning units, or other exterior heating
or cooling units or necessary machinery or mechanical equipment or
other utility hardware on roof, ground or buildings or truck loading
and unloading areas or garbage disposal areas and/or recycling bins,
shall whenever practical, be screened by solid fencing, solid evergreen
or other effective screen.
9.
Where screening is required, such screening shall be effective
in winter and summer wherever practical.
10.
Proposed structures, additions or alterations shall be consistent
in character to the terrain and to existing buildings in the zone
that have a visual relationship to the proposed structure.
11.
Architectural design shall not substantially depart from the
character of existing development.
12.
The use of exterior colors, facade or roof materials or such
combination of colors and materials shall not substantially depart
from the character of existing development.
13.
The relationship of design features such as height and mass,
building proportions, roof lines, building projections and ornamental
features shall not substantially depart from the character of existing
development.
14.
No structure, addition or exterior alteration shall be of such
character as to cause substantial depreciation of property values
or impair appropriate development of neighboring properties in any
zone.
15.
No structure, addition, or exterior alteration shall be erected
which would constitute excessive uniformity, monotony or design, dissimilarity
or inappropriateness of design in regards to the character, of existing
development in the neighborhood.
16.
Building components such as windows, doors, eaves and parapets
shall have proportions in keeping with each other, the building and
the neighborhood as a whole.
17.
Bright or brilliant colors shall be used only for accent and
shall not substantially depart from the character of existing neighborhood
colors so as to detract from the overall appearance of the neighborhood.
18.
All exterior walls are to be constructed of durable materials
such as brick, stone, glass, pre-cast concrete and properly treated
wood.
19.
The use of exposed concrete block is prohibited, unless the
same is textured.
20.
Metal siding with exposed fastenings shall not be allowed.
21.
The materials and treatment of all elevations of the building
shall contribute to the architectural unity of the structure. The
use of large, unbroken masses is discouraged.
22.
Open spaces, access driveways and the location and design of
parking area shall be in scale with the project as a whole, so as
not to detract from the design of the proposed buildings and structures
and the neighboring properties.
23.
Exterior lighting when used should enhance the building design
and adjoining landscape. Lighting standards and fixtures shall be
of design and size compatible with the building and adjacent areas.
Lighting shall be designed to have low glare and be restrained in
design. Excessive brightness or brilliant colors shall be avoided,
but safety shall be the overriding factor.
24.
The size, location, design, color, lighting, texture, and materials
of sign, outdoor advertising structure or features as well as fences
or other man-made visual barriers and mailboxes shall not detract
from the design and appearance of existing or proposed structures
and the surrounding area, nor create confusion with traffic or other
signs.
A.
Provision of adequate supply. The developer shall make an adequate
supply of water available to each property within the development.
The installation of all water supply shall be in accordance with the
specifications of the public utility serving the area as approved
by the Board of Public Utility Commissioners. (RSIS)
B.
Flood water protection. Water supply systems shall be designed to
prevent infiltration of flood waters into said systems or discharges
from such systems into flood waters. (RSIS)
C.
Fire protection facilities. Fire protection facilities shall be provided
for any development connected to a public water system. Hydrants shall
be installed and connected in locations approved by the Town. (RSIS)
The developer shall provide for the installation of sanitary
sewers to service the development in accordance with the standards
of the Town of Westfield, and as follows: (RSIS)
A.
Flood water protection. Sanitary sewer systems shall be designed
to prevent infiltration of flood waters into said systems or discharges
from such systems into flood waters. Septic disposal systems shall
be designed and located so as to avoid impairment of them or contamination
from them during periods of flooding.
B.
Manholes. Locking-type manholes shall be provided except when located
in the pavement of a public street. (RSIS)
The applicant shall arrange with the serving utility for the
underground installation of the utility's distribution supply lines,
appurtenant equipment and service connections in accordance with the
provisions of the applicable standards, terms and conditions incorporated
as a part of its tariff as the same are then on file with Board of
Public Utilities. Prior to the grant of final approval, the developer
shall submit to the Board a written instrument from each serving utility
which shall evidence full compliance with the provisions of this article;
provided, however, that lots which abut existing streets where overhead
electric or telephone distribution supply lines have theretofore been
installed on any portion of the streets involved may be supplied with
overhead service, but the service connections must be underground.
(RSIS)
A.
General. Landscaping for site plans and subdivisions shall be designed
to:
1.
Preserve and enhance the visual identity of the site, neighborhood
and Town as a whole;
2.
Mitigate the potentially harmful effects of soil and vegetative
disturbance, lighting, and noise;
3.
Buffer incompatible uses;
4.
Screen various improvements, including buildings, parking and
loading areas, utilities and drainage structures, storage areas, etc.
from streets and adjacent properties, as appropriate; and
5.
Not conflict with traffic safety, light fixtures, electric and
telephone lines or other utilities.
B.
General site landscaping. Any part or portion of the site which is
not used for buildings, accessory structures, loading or parking spaces
or aisles, sidewalks and designated storage areas, and which does
not contain existing vegetation to remain, shall be landscaped in
accordance with an overall landscape planting plan, as approved by
the Board. All landscaped portions of the site shall be maintained
adequately throughout the year.
C.
Protection of existing vegetation. Existing vegetation shall be preserved
to the maximum extent practicable. The following shall apply:
1.
Snow fence or silt fence shall be installed at the limits of
disturbance as shown on the approved development plans, which shall
be at a sufficient distance to prevent disturbance of the root systems
or branches of the vegetation to be preserved.
2.
Cut or fill near existing trees to be preserved shall require
the installation of tree wells or retaining walls, as appropriate,
to maintain the existing grade above the roots of the tree.
D.
Buffers. A buffer in the form of landscaping, fences, berms and/or
walls shall be provided by the developer of any nonresidential use
which abuts a residentially zoned property, and by the developer of
any multi-family residential use, community residence or shelter which
is regulated as a conditional use which abuts a property located in
a single-family or two-family residential zone. Any buffer provided
between properties shall be sufficient to provide visual separation
during all seasons and to minimize the effects of headlights from
vehicles, light from structures, noise and the movements of people
and vehicles. The following provisions shall apply, provided that
additional and/or more restrictive standards may be required by the
zoning regulations, Articles 11 through 19 of this ordinance:
1.
When topographical conditions, existing vegetation or other
conditions provide a sufficient buffer as determined by the Board,
no additional buffer shall be required.
2.
Buffer depths shall be sufficient to accommodate the ultimate
growth of any plantings in the buffer. In the case of gasoline filling
stations, gasoline service stations, automotive service shops, automotive
repair shops, automatic car washes and drive-through lubricating establishments,
automobile body repair shops and automobile painting facilities, any
of which abut a residentially zoned property, the buffer depth shall
be at least 10 feet.
3.
Trees and shrubs used in a buffer shall be at least five feet
high at the time of planting.
4.
Buffers shall be protected from impact by motor vehicles, and
from the negative effects of road salt and snow plowing. A granite
block curb shall separate buffers from vehicle use areas.
A.
Energy conservation. Site plans and subdivisions shall be designed,
to the greatest degree practicable, in accordance with the following
provisions:
1.
Streets and lots shall be oriented in order to permit buildings
to be constructed to maximize solar gain. Where possible, streets
shall run in an east-west direction, and the long axis of a lot shall
run in a north-south direction.
2.
Development shall take advantage of topographic conditions in
order to permit buildings to be constructed to maximize solar gain
and in order to provide protection from winter winds. Where possible,
development shall be oriented to south-facing slopes.
3.
Existing vegetation shall be preserved, and new landscaping
provided, to enable vegetation to provide protection from winter winds
and summer sun. Where practical, evergreen trees shall be placed on
the north and west sides of buildings, and deciduous trees placed
on the south and east sides of buildings.
B.
Waste removal and recycling. Every site plan shall show an area reserved
for storage and removal of trash, refuse and recyclable materials,
which shall comply with the following provisions:
1.
Such areas shall be accessible to solid waste trucks at all
times.
2.
Areas for storage of trash or refuse shall be screened by an
attractive and appropriate wall, fence and/or planting to obscure
same from view of adjacent properties.
3.
New multifamily housing developments shall conform with the
model ordinance promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection and Department of Community Affairs pursuant to Section
2 of P.L. 1993, c.81 (C. 13:1E-99.13a) regarding the inclusion of
facilities for the collection or storage of source separated recyclable
materials.
