The short form by which this Ordinance may be known shall be
"The Zoning Chapter of the Land Development Ordinance of the Borough
of Flemington".
It is the intent and purpose of this Ordinance to exercise the
authority delegated to municipalities under the Municipal Land Use
Law (P.L. 1975, c. 291; codified as N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.) to
regulate development.
This Ordinance is intended to implement the policies of the
Master Plan in its provisions:
A. To guide the appropriate use or development of all lands in a manner
that will promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare;
B. To secure safety from fire, flood, panic and other natural and manmade
disasters;
C. To provide adequate light, air and open space;
D. To ensure that the development of the Borough of Flemington does
not conflict with the development and general welfare of neighboring
municipalities, the County and State as a whole;
E. 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;
F. To encourage the appropriate and efficient expenditure of public
funds by the coordination of public development with land use policies;
G. 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;
H. 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 will result in congestion or blight;
I. To provide a desirable visual environment through creative development
techniques and good civic design and arrangements;
J. To promote the conservation of historic sites and districts, open
space, energy resources and valuable natural resources and to prevent
urban sprawl and degradation of the environment through improper use
of land;
K. To encourage senior citizen community housing construction;
L. To encourage the coordination of 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;
M. To promote utilization of renewable energy sources;
N. To promote the maximum practical 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;
O. To encourage a mixture of land uses that facilitates non-vehicular
and pedestrian access;
P. To plan adequately for the timely provision of new community facilities,
including but not limited to:
5. Bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths;
6. Municipal facilities; and
Q. To encourage the redevelopment and revitalization of existing underutilized
or abandoned lands and buildings;
R. To promote the redevelopment and revitalization of the commercial
center of Flemington through coordinated parking, streetscape improvements,
signage, and lighting in keeping with the historic character of this
district;
S. To preserve and enhance historic buildings, places and landscapes,
encourage the maintenance of traditional architectural forms in buildings,
and retain streetscape characteristics.
T. To establish design standards to encourage the construction of new
buildings to complement the style and scale of existing buildings;
U. To promote the preservation of natural features during land development;
V. To promote the visual improvement of the Borough's major arterials
by the coordination of visual design and character of signage, planting
additional street trees, and requiring on-site landscaping improvements
during the redevelopment review process.
W. To encourage the coordination of development through the connection
of commercial properties by easement and physical improvement.
X. To decrease the visibility and extent of parking lots and access
driveways by:
1. Requiring the installation of landscaped traffic islands in parking
lots;
2. Screening parking lots from the traveling public and adjacent residents
by a combination of landscaping, berming, walls and fencing; and
3. Reducing the required number of parking spaces in pedestrian-oriented
development and redevelopment.
[Added 7-12-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-14]
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT CENTER
Means an organization issued a permit pursuant to the "Jake
Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act," P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-1
et al) to operate as a medical cannabis cultivator, medical cannabis
manufacturer, medical cannabis dispensary, or clinical registrant,
as well as any alternative treatment center deemed pursuant to section
7 of that act (C.24:6I-7) to concurrently hold a medical cannabis
cultivator permit, a medical cannabis manufacturer permit, and a medical
cannabis dispensary permit.
CANNABIS CONSUMPTION AREA
Means a designated location operated by a licensed cannabis
retailer or permit holder for dispensing medical cannabis, for which
both a State and local endorsement has been obtained, that is either:
(1) an indoor, structurally enclosed area of the cannabis retailer
or permit holder that is separate from the area in which retail sales
of cannabis items or the dispensing of medical cannabis occurs; or
(2) an exterior structure on the same premises as the cannabis retailer
or permit holder, either separate from or connected to the cannabis
retailer or permit holder, at which cannabis items or medical cannabis
obtained from the retailer or permit holder may be consumed. This
definition shall be consistent with the Recreational Marijuana Act
and all amendments thereto.
CANNABIS CULTIVATOR
Means any licensed person or entity that grows, cultivates,
or produces cannabis in this State, and sells, and may transport,
this cannabis to other cannabis cultivators, or usable cannabis to
cannabis manufacturers, cannabis wholesalers, or cannabis retailers,
but not to consumers. This person or entity shall hold a Class 1 Cannabis
Cultivator license. This definition shall be consistent with the Recreational
Marijuana Act and all amendments thereto.
CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENT
Means a cannabis cultivator, cannabis manufacturer, cannabis
wholesaler, or cannabis retailer. This definition shall be consistent
with the Recreational Marijuana Act and all amendments thereto.
CANNABIS RETAILER
Means any licensed person or entity that purchases or otherwise
obtains usable cannabis from cannabis growers and cannabis items from
cannabis manufacturers or cannabis wholesalers, and sells these to
consumers from a retail store. Cannabis retailers shall hold a Class
5 Cannabis Retailer License pursuant to the Recreational Cannabis
Act. This definition shall be consistent with the Recreational Marijuana
Act and all amendments thereto.
CUMA
Means the New Jersey Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical
Cannabis Act, P.L. 2009, c. 307 (approved January 18, 2010), amended
by P.L. 2019, c. 153 (approved July 2, 2019), codified at N.J.S.A.
24:6I-1 et seq.
MEDICAL CANNABIS CULTIVATOR
Means an organization holding a permit issued by the commission
that authorizes the organization to: possess and cultivate cannabis
and deliver, transfer, transport, distribute, supply, and sell medical
cannabis and related supplies to other medical cannabis cultivators
and to medical cannabis manufacturers, clinical registrants, and medical
cannabis dispensaries, as well as to plant, cultivate, grow, and harvest
medical cannabis for research purposes. A medical cannabis cultivator
permit shall not authorize the permit holder to manufacture, produce,
or otherwise create medical cannabis products, or to deliver, transfer,
transport, distribute, supply, sell, or dispense medical cannabis,
medical cannabis products, paraphernalia, or related supplies to qualifying
patients, designated caregivers, or institutional caregivers.
MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY
Means an organization issued a permit by the commission that
authorizes the organization to: purchase or obtain medical cannabis
and related supplies from medical cannabis cultivators; purchase or
obtain medical cannabis products and related supplies from medical
cannabis manufacturers; purchase or obtain medical cannabis, medical
cannabis products, and related supplies and paraphernalia from other
medical cannabis dispensaries and from clinical registrants; deliver,
transfer, transport, distribute, supply, and sell medical cannabis
and medical cannabis products to other medical cannabis dispensaries;
furnish medical cannabis, including medical cannabis products, to
a medical cannabis handler for delivery to a registered qualifying
patient, designated caregiver, or institutional caregiver consistent
with the requirements of subsection i. of section 27 of P.L.2019,
c.153 (C.24:6I-20); and possess, display, deliver, transfer, transport,
distribute, supply, sell, and dispense medical cannabis, medical cannabis
products, paraphernalia, and related supplies to qualifying patients,
designated caregivers, and institutional caregivers. A medical cannabis
dispensary permit shall not authorize the permit holder to cultivate
medical cannabis, to produce, manufacture, or otherwise create medical
cannabis products.
RECREATIONAL CANNABIS ACT
Means the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance,
and Marketplace Modernization Act (P.L. 2021, c. 16).
The provisions of this Ordinance shall be held to be the minimum
requirements for the protection of the public health, safety, and
welfare. Where this Ordinance imposes a greater restriction than is
imposed and required by other provisions of the Borough of Flemington,
County, State, or Federal government, the provisions of this Ordinance
shall control. Where such other laws, ordinances, rules, regulations,
or resolutions require greater restrictions than are imposed by this
Ordinance, the provisions of such other laws, ordinances, rules, regulations,
or resolutions shall control.
All principal, accessory and conditional uses not expressly
permitted in this Ordinance are hereby prohibited.
All applicable requirements shall be met at the time of erection,
enlargement, alteration, moving or change in any use or structure
and shall apply to the entire structure or structures whether or not
the entire structure or structures were involved in the erection,
enlargement, alteration, moving or change in use.
The time period for the effect of approval shall begin with
the date of the adoption of the resolution memorializing such approval
of the subject application by the Board of Jurisdiction.
The following regulations shall apply to all accessory buildings:
A. Accessory Buildings as Part of Principal Buildings. Any accessory
building attached to a principal building shall be considered part
of the principal building and the total structure shall adhere to
the yard requirements for the principal building regardless of the
technique of connecting the principal and accessory buildings.
B. Accessory Buildings Not to Be Constructed Prior to Principal Building.
No permit shall be issued for the construction of an accessory building
prior to the issuance of a construction permit for the construction
of the main building upon the same premises. If construction of the
main building does not precede or coincide with the construction of
the accessory building, the Construction Official shall revoke the
construction permit for the accessory building until construction
of the main building has proceeded substantially toward completion.
C. Location and Setback of Accessory Buildings. An accessory building
or structure may be erected in side and rear yard areas only excepting
certain limited uses otherwise permitted in this Ordinance and shall
be set back from property lines as required herein. In the event that
no accessory building or structure setback is established in the particular
district, the setback requirements for principal buildings shall apply.
[Added 7-12-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-14]
A. The number
of Cannabis Establishments located within the Borough shall be limited
as follows:
[Amended 3-13-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-02]
1. Cannabis
Retailer: Two (2). This limitation is inclusive of Recreational Dispensaries,
Medical Dispensaries and Alternative Treatment Centers.
2. Cannabis
Cultivator: Two (2). This limitation is inclusive of Recreational
Cannabis Cultivators and Medical Cannabis Cultivators.
B. Cannabis
Manufacturers and Cannabis Wholesalers shall not be permitted.
C. This section
shall in no way shall be construed to prohibit home growing of cannabis
products in the event such is permitted by the New Jersey Legislature
in the future.
D. In the
event more than one land use application for a Cannabis Establishment
of the same classification are submitted to the Borough in close proximity
to one another, and if the applications comply with all the requirements
of this chapter and the Recreational Marijuana Act, the Borough is
not permitted to approve all of the applications because of the limitations
set forth in this subsection. The Borough shall first review for approval
the application that was first submitted and determined to be a complete
and compliant application by the appropriate Borough Official.
[Amended Ord. No. 2009-15; Ord. No. 2017-10; 7-13-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-2]
For the purposes of this Ordinance, the Borough of Flemington
is hereby divided into the following districts:
Zoning District
|
Zoning Symbol
|
---|
Single Family Residential
|
SF
|
Transition Residential
|
TR
|
Townhouse Residential
|
TH
|
Garden Apartment Residential
|
GA
|
Senior Citizen Residential
|
SC
|
Transition Commercial
|
TC
|
Community Business
|
CB
|
Downtown Business
|
DB
|
Downtown II Business
|
DBII
|
Professional Office
|
PO
|
Village Artisan Shopping [Ord. No. 2012-15]
|
VAS
|
Highway Retail
|
HR
|
Super Shopping Overlay
|
O/SS
|
Public School and Parks
|
PS/P
|
Mixed-Use Multifamily Overlay
|
O/MUMF
|
[Ord. No. 2013-11; Ord. No. 2017-10]
The Zoning Map entitled "Zoning, Flemington Borough, Hunterdon
County, NJ," dated June 2013, is hereby adopted and made a part of
this Ordinance.
A. Amendments
1. Ordinance No. 2017-10. The Zoning Map is amended to remove the Inclusionary
Housing Overlay District.
[Ord. No. 2017-10]
2. Ordinance
No. 2020-2. The Zoning Map is amended to include the Mixed-Use Multifamily
Overlay Zone and apply such to the properties identified as Block
45, Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9,11, 12, 13, 15, and 16.
[Added 7-13-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-2]
3. Ordinance
No. 2020-12. The Zoning Map is amended pursuant to the Global Agway
Redevelopment Plan amendment, pertaining to Block 5, Lots 1 and 2.
[Added 8-24-2020 by Ord.
No. 2020-12]
4. Ordinance
No. 2020-16. The Zoning Map is amended pursuant to the 2017 Union
Hotel Redevelopment Plan amendment, pertaining to Block 22, Lots 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 14; Block 23, Lots 1 and 7; and Block
24, Lots 1, 2, 3, and 5.
[Added 10-13-2020 by Ord.
No. 2020-16; amended 10-12-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-23]
5. Ordinance
No. 2021-28. The Zoning Map is amended pursuant to the Liberty Village
Redevelopment Plan pertaining to Block 35, Lots 22, 23, 24, 25, 31,
53, 54, 69, 70 and 71.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-28]
6. Ordinance
No. 2022-18. The Zoning Map is amended to remove Block 14, Lots 11,
12, the eastern portion of 13 (220 feet from Main Street), 14, 15,
16, 17, 17.01 and 20, and Block 18, Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, from the Professional
Office (PO) Zoning District and rezone them into the Downtown Business
(DB) Zoning District.
[Added 10-11-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-18]
7. Ordinance
No. 2022-30. The Zoning Map is amended pursuant to the Global Agway
Redevelopment Plan amendment, pertaining to Block 14, Lot 1.
[Added 12-12-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-30]
8. Ordinance No. 2023-23. The Zoning Map is amended to remove Block
45 Lots 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 from
the Community Business (CB) Zoning District and rezone them into the
Transition Commercial (TC) Zoning District.
[Added 9-11-2023 by Ord.
No. 2023-23]
9. Ordinance No. 2023-23. The Zoning Map is amended to remove Block
45 Lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 100 from the Highway Retail (HR)
Zoning District and rezone them, into the Transition Commercial (TC)
Zoning District.
[Added 9-11-2023 by Ord.
No. 2023-23]
10. Ordinance No. 2023-23. The Zoning Map is amended to remove Block
45 Lot 1 from the Village Artisan Shopping (VAS) Zoning District and
rezone them into the Transition Commercial (TC) Zoning District.
[Added 9-11-2023 by Ord.
No. 2023-23]
11. Ordinance No. 2023-23. The Zoning Map is amended to remove Block
47 Lots 6 and 8 from the Community Business (CB) Zoning District and
rezone them into the Highway Retail (HR) Zoning District.
[Added 9-11-2023 by Ord.
No. 2023-23]
12. Ordinance No. 2023-23. The Zoning Map is amended to remove Block
45 Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 23, 15, and 16 from the Mixed-Use
Multi-Family Overlay (MUMF) Overlay Zone and eliminate the MUMF Overlay
Zone in its entirety.
[Added 9-11-2023 by Ord.
No. 2023-23]
13. Ordinance
No. 2024-01. The Zoning Map is amended pursuant to the Liberty Village
Phase 1 Redevelopment Plan, pertaining to Block 35, Lots 31, 53, 54,
69, 70 and 71 and a portion of Lot 22.
[Added 5-13-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-01]
[Ord. No. 2012-01; Ord. No. 2012-10; Ord. No. 2014-6; amended 2-26-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-1; 5-26-2020 by Ord. No.
2020-7; 7-12-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-14; 4-11-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-3; 3-13-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-04; 9-11-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23]
A. Purpose. The purpose of the Transition Commercial (TC) District is
to provide areas for more intensive commercial uses which are not
appropriate for, or which require larger lots than is typical for,
the Borough's downtown commercial and mixed use districts. The Borough
encourages lot consolidation in order to better host the more intense
uses permitted in the District. Retail sales and service uses are
desirable on larger tracts of land that offer different opportunities
and character than that of the downtown, as well as to further incentivize
lot consolidation.
B. Permitted principal uses. In the Transition Commercial Zone, no lot
shall be used and no structure shall be erected, altered or occupied
for any purpose except as herein described. The following establishments
or uses shall be permitted:
4. Indoor and outdoor recreation.
6. Higher education and training.
12. Health and fitness facilities.
13. Residential uses existing as of the date of adoption of this ordinance
which may be expanded or enlarged without the need for a use variance.
Any such expansion/enlargement should, however, be compliant with
any applicable bulk or other requirements.
14. Any combination of one or more permitted, conditional, or accessory
uses.
C. Accessory uses permitted. Any of the following uses may be permitted
when used in conjunction with a permitted principal use:
1. Any use which is customary and incidental to the principal use.
5. Storage and maintenance buildings.
D. Conditional uses permitted. The following uses may be permitted when
authorized as a conditional use by the Planning Board.
1. Structured parking meeting the following criteria:
a. Along a public street frontage, the first floor of the parking structure
shall be occupied by a permitted use or use otherwise approved by
the Planning Board, except that an access driveway with a maximum
width of 40 feet shall be permitted along the public street frontage.
b. Where the structured parking does not have frontage along a public
street, the parking shall be screened by structural elements that
are compatible with the materials and design of the building facades.
2. Cannabis Retailer, Medical Cannabis Dispensary or Alternative Treatment
Center meeting the following criteria:
a. No certificate of occupancy or other business license for a Cannabis
Retailer to operate within the Borough shall be granted or renewed
without such evidence as may be required by the Borough Clerk's office
to determine that the operator maintains all valid State of New Jersey
licenses and approvals, and that all such licenses and/or approvals
remain in good standing.
b. Cannabis Retailers shall comply with the Recreational Cannabis Act
and all regulations promulgated by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory
Commission. Medical Dispensaries and Alternative Treatment Centers
shall comply with CUMA and all regulations promulgated by the New
Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
c. Only one Cannabis Retailer shall be permitted to locate within the
Transition Commercial District. However, in no event shall more than
two Cannabis Retailers be permitted to locate within the Borough.
This limitation is inclusive of Medical Cannabis Dispensary or Alternative
Treatment Centers.
d. Site Plan Approval and Conditional Use Approval by the Planning Board
shall be required, with notice of any public hearing provided in accordance
with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-12.
e. Maximum permitted hours of operation shall be between 9:00 a.m. and
9:00 p.m.
f. Use or consumption of marijuana or cannabis in any manner shall not
be permitted within the Cannabis Retailer's facility, whether in the
building or on its grounds or parking lots. Cannabis Consumption Areas
are not permitted.
g. Drive thru facilities are not permitted.
h. Primary access shall be from a State or County roadway.
3. Retail sales and services meeting the following criteria:
a. Minimum lot size: one acre.
b. Minimum lot width: 200 feet.
4. Multifamily residential development meeting the following criteria:
a. Shall contain frontage on State Highway Route 12 or South Main Street.
b. Minimum lot size: one acre.
c. Minimum lot width: 200 feet.
d. The development shall be mixed-use, containing residential and non-residential
uses.
e. First floor residential floor area shall not occupy the portion of
any building that has frontage along a public street, with the exception
of a building entrance. First floor residential uses may be located
at the rear of a building, provided first floor nonresidential uses
in the building are located along the public street.
f. Residential units that do not face a public street may be located
on the first floor.
g. Residential use floor area limitations:
(1)
Residential uses which are accessory to a principal non-residential
use include onsite housing units reserved for people employed by or
students of the principal non-residential use, and shall not be for
general rental purposes. Units shall not be rented to households that
are not employed by or students of the non-residential use.
(2)
The maximum percent of total building area that may be residential
uses where said residential uses are accessory to the non-residential
use: 30%.
(3)
The maximum percent of total building area that may be residential
uses where said residential uses are not accessory to the non-residential
use: 20%.
(4)
The floor area calculation herein shall include principal and
accessory uses.
(5)
Structured parking shall be exempt from the herein floor area
calculations.
h. Affordable housing is required is follows:
(1)
For residential uses not accessory to the non-residential use,
the affordable housing set-aside shall be not less than 20%. Affordable
housing units shall be developed in compliance with the Borough's
affordable housing ordinance and the Uniform Housing Affordability
Control Rules (N.J.A.C 5:80-21).
(2)
For residential uses accessory to a principal non-residential
use, an affordable housing set-aside is not required.
5. Contractor use.
a. The hours of operation and all site deliveries shall be between 7:00
a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
b. Outdoor storage of materials and equipment shall be prohibited.
c. All activities, with the exception of employee and visitor parking,
shall be within an enclosed building.
6. Light industrial.
a. The hours of operation and all site deliveries shall be between 7:00
a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
b. Outdoor storage of materials shall be prohibited.
c. All activities, with the exception of employee and visitor parking,
shall be within an enclosed building.
7. Repair facilities.
a. The hours of operation and all site deliveries shall be between 7:00
a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
b. Outdoor storage of materials shall be prohibited.
c. All activities, with the exception of employee and visitor parking,
shall be within an enclosed building.
E. Area, yard, height and building coverage. Except as otherwise modified,
the following bulk standards shall apply to all TC Districts:
Principal Use and Accessory Buildings
|
Min. Lot Area
|
Min. Lot Width
|
Min. Lot Depth
|
Min. Front Yard
|
Min. Side Yard
|
Min. Rear Yard
|
Max. Height
|
Max. Impervious Surface Ratio
|
Floor Area Ratio
|
---|
Properties less than 1 acre in size: Principal Uses
Accessory building (2)
|
20,000 square feet
|
100'
|
175'
|
25'
NP
|
15' (1)
15'
|
50'
30'
|
35'\2.5 stories
18'
|
0.70
Inclusive
|
0.25
|
Properties 1 acre in size or greater: Principal Uses Accessory
building (2)
|
43,560 square feet
|
200'
|
175'
|
25'
NP
|
15'(1)
15'
|
50'
30'
|
45'/3 stories
|
0.70
Inclusive
|
0.50
|
NP = Not Permitted.
|
(1) - Minimum side yard shall increase to 35 feet where adjacent
to a residential use.
|
(2) - Properties must also meet standards for particular accessory buildings, structures and uses, including but not limited to solar facilities, in Chapter 26.
|
F. Additional regulations.
1. Outdoor storage of materials shall be prohibited.
2. All equipment and materials stored on the site shall be placed within
an enclosed building.
3. Surface parking shall not be located less than 25 feet from a public
road or less than 15 feet from a residentially zoned lot.
[Ord. No. 2011-10; Ord. No. 2011-17; Ord. No. 2012-01; Ord.
No. 2012-15; Ord. No. 2014-5; Ord. No. 2018-8; Ord. No. 2020-7; Ord. No. 2021-14; Ord.
No. 2022-3; Ord. No. 2023-04; amended 9-11-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-24]
A. Purpose.
The purpose of the Village Artisan Shopping (VAS) District is to include
destination-oriented retail and art-oriented uses that are not found
in or that complement the Borough's downtown, including artisan manufacturing,
entertainment uses, and farmer's markets. This district is primarily
oriented towards Stangl Road, Fulper Road, and Central Station, and
is designed to encourage walking from store to store once the destination
has been reached. It contrasts with the more historic character of
the Downtown Business district and the more highway oriented shopping
in the Highway Retail zone
B. Permitted
principal uses. In the Village Artisan Shopping Zone, no lot shall
be used and no structure shall be erected, altered or occupied for
any purpose except as herein described. The following establishments
or uses shall be permitted:
2. Indoor/Outdoor recreation.
4. Higher education and training.
11. Any combination of one or more permitted, conditional, or accessory
uses.
C. Accessory
uses permitted. Any of the following uses may be permitted when used
in conjunction with a permitted principal use:
1. Any use which is customary and incidental to the principal use.
6. Storage and maintenance buildings.
D. Conditional Uses Permitted. The following uses may be permitted when
authorized as a conditional use by the Planning Board.
1. Office and Medical Office.
a. Properties shall front on Route 12 with direct access to the State
highway or the use shall only be located on the upper stories, with
the exception of the building entrance.
b. Corporate offices may be permitted only if they constitute at least
7,500 square feet of an existing building.
c. Corporate offices include companies who are engaged in business,
service, education, industry or finance, including professions such
as accounting, law or medicine or related fields. Such offices may
include ancillary services for office workers such as a restaurant,
coffee shop or newspaper stand.
d. Floor area ratio shall not exceed 0.25.
e. Minimum lot area shall be 40,000 square feet.
f. Parking shall comply with §
2629 Parking.
g. Signs shall comply with §
2631 Signs.
2. Structured
parking meeting the following criteria:
a. Along a public street frontage, the first floor of the parking structure
shall be occupied by a permitted use or use otherwise approved by
the Planning Board, except that an access driveway with a maximum
width of 40 feet shall be permitted along the public street frontage.
b. Where the structured parking does not have frontage along a public
street, the parking shall be screened by structural elements that
are compatible with the materials and design of the building facades.
3. Residential
dwellings, including live-work units.
a. Residential units (or living space in the case of live-work units)
that face a public street shall be located on the upper stories, with
the exception of the building entrance.
b. Residential units (or living space in the case of live-work units)
that do not face a public street may be located on the first floor.
4. Retail
Services.
a. Retail service uses that face a public street shall be located on
the upper stories, with the exception of the building entrance.
b. Retail service uses that do not face a public street may be located
on the first floor.
5. Health
and fitness facilities.
a. Health and fitness facilities uses that face a public street shall
be located on the upper stories, with the exception of the building
entrance.
b. Health and fitness facilities uses that do not face a public street
may be located on the first floor.
E. Area, yard, height and building coverage. Except as otherwise modified,
the following bulk standards shall apply to the VAS District.
Principal Use and Accessory Buildings
|
Min. Lot Area
|
Min. Lot Width
|
Min. Lot Depth
|
Min. Front Yard
|
Min. Side Yard
|
Min. Rear Yard
|
Max. Height
|
Max. Impervious Surface Ratio
|
---|
Principal building
|
65,000 square feet
|
150'
|
200'
|
35'
|
15'
|
50'
|
40' (1)
|
0.82
|
Accessory building (2)
|
|
|
|
NP
|
15'
|
30'
|
18'
|
|
Municipal use
|
2,000
|
20'
|
50'
|
5'
|
5'
|
5'
|
|
35'
|
NP = Not Permitted.
|
(1) - Not more than 30% of the rooflines on the property shall
be more than two stories.
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(2) - Properties must also meet standards for particular accessory buildings, structures and uses, including but not limited to solar facilities, in Chapter 26.
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F. Outdoor storage and display. All equipment stored on the site shall
be placed within an enclosed building.
1. Outdoor display. Outdoor displays shall conform to the following
requirements:
a. The location of each display area shall first be reviewed and approved
by the Zoning Officer for conformance with the provisions of this
section. Upon satisfactory review, a zoning permit or other suitable
document shall be issued by the Zoning Officer for the display area.
b. All displays shall allow at least five feet of passage between the
display and the curb.
c. All displays shall allow at least six feet of unobstructed access
to building entrances and exits.
d. No display shall be located in front of any driveway, parking lot
entrance, alley, or other vehicular thoroughfare nor impede adequate
sight distance for motorists.
e. Displays may only be located adjacent to or in front of the building
in which the business displaying wares is located.
f. Displays shall not extend more than four feet from the facade of
the building.
g. The only merchandise which may be displayed is the merchandise sold
by the business.
h. No display may exceed six feet in height.
i. Displays shall be maintained in an orderly fashion and shall not
create a hazard.
j. Displays may only be shown during daylight hours and when the business
is otherwise open to the public.
k. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize outdoor displays for
uses prohibited by the landowner or by this Ordinance or other rule
or regulation.
2. There shall be no retail sales activities open to the public for
the purpose of selling any goods or services in any basement, cellar,
or attic, provided that nothing in this section shall be construed
to prohibit the use of such areas for storage or the basement or cellar
for public restrooms.
G. Additional standards.
1. Building entrances shall be oriented toward the street. On corner
properties the building entrance shall be oriented on the site's primary
frontage.
2. Parking shall not be located between the building and the street,
except for parking existing as of the date of this ordinance on Stangl
Road.
3. Architectural detail and variety for new development is strongly
encouraged. This may include but not be limited to a variety in rooflines,
materials, and finishes. Architectural elements should be contextual,
relating to the character of the area and the overall historic character
of the Borough.
H. Incentives for gathering spaces.
1. The following incentives for the creation of public gathering spaces,
including theaters or indoor/outdoor recreation that is available
to the public, are provided:
a. The application fees related to outdoor seating, theaters, and indoor/outdoor
recreation shall be waived.
[Ord. No. 2012-01; amended 4-22-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-07]
A. Community Shelters. Community residences for the developmentally
disabled, community shelters for victims of domestic violence, and
community residences for persons with head injuries shall be allowed
in any residential district permitting single family detached housing,
provided that:
1. No more than 15 persons, excluding resident staff, shall occupy the
premises except as permitted herein.
2. The facility is duly licensed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 30:11B-1 et seq.
for community residences for the developmentally disabled, N.J.S.A.
30:14-1 et seq. for community shelters for victims of domestic violence,
and N.J.S.A. 30:11B-1 et seq. for community residences for persons
with head injuries.
3. The residential character of the building shall remain unchanged.
4. All other applicable regulations of this Ordinance shall apply.
B. Decks. Decks shall not be attached to any floor higher than the second
floor of a dwelling. Decks for which railings are required shall be
located no closer to a side or rear lot line than permitted by the
principal building setback requirement. Lower decks may be located
to within the required setbacks for accessory buildings but in no
instance closer than 5 feet to a property line, excepting fee simple
townhouses. Decks for which railings are required shall not be permitted
in the front yard. Decks attached to fee simple townhouses may be
located on a side property line provided the townhouse is attached
to another townhouse along such property line. Fee simple townhouse
decks closer than 5 feet to the side property line shall have a decorative
screen at least 60 percent visually opaque attached to its side edge
and 6 feet tall measured from the deck surface.
C. Exterior Equipment. All ground-based utility meters or boxes, air
compressors, heat pumps, or other exterior equipment shall be located
at the side or rear of buildings and shall be screened by architectural
elements or landscape plantings. Roof-based equipment shall be screened
by architectural elements.
D. Family Day Care. Family day care shall be allowed as a home occupation,
as regulated in this Ordinance, in any residential district, provided
that no operator shall provide child care for more than 5 children
at any one time not including children legally related to the care
provider nor children being cared for under a cooperative agreement
with their parents for which no payment is received. In age-restricted
developments, deed restrictions or bylaws may prohibit family day
care homes from being a permitted use. All other applicable regulations
of this Ordinance shall apply.
E. Fences and Walls. The following regulations shall apply to fences
and walls:
1. Fences and walls may be placed with the finished side (without supports)
located on the property line. All permitted fences shall be situated
on a lot in such a manner that the finished side shall face adjacent
properties.
2. No fence shall be erected of barbed wire, topped with metal spikes,
broken bottles and glass, nor constructed of any material or in any
manner which may be dangerous to persons or animals.
3. On any lot in any district, no wall or fence shall be erected or
altered so that said wall or fence shall be over 4 feet in height
in front yard areas and 6 feet in height in side and rear yard areas
except:
a. A dog run or privacy area may have fencing a maximum of 7 feet in
height provided such area is located in rear yard areas only and is
set back from any lot line at least 15 feet.
b. A tennis court area, located in rear yard areas only, may be surrounded
by a fence a maximum of 15 feet in height; said fence to be set back
from any lot line the distances required for accessory buildings in
the zoning district as stipulated in this Article.
c. No fence shall exceed 5 feet in height in a rear yard of a reverse
frontage lot.
d. On corner lots, no fences or walls may be placed within the sight
triangle. Fences or walls shall not exceed 2 feet in height on corner
lots in the front yard setback.
4. A private residential swimming pool area shall be surrounded by a
fence at least 4 feet, but no more than 6 feet, in height.
5. Nonresidential uses may be permitted a fence of up to 8 feet in height
when located behind the front yard provided the specific size, type,
and location is approved by the Planning Board. Deviations from this
subsection shall be considered as waivers from the Ordinance standards.
F. Garage Sales. Garage sales shall be subject to the following regulations:
1. License Regulated. It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct
a garage sale in the Borough of Flemington without first filing with
the Clerk the information hereinafter specified and obtaining from
said Clerk a license to do so, to be known as a "garage sale license".
Any bona fide charitable, nonprofit, educational, cultural or governmental
institution or organization shall be required to obtain a license.
The burden of establishing the exemption from the payment of a license
fee shall be on the organization or institution claiming such fee
exemption.
A license shall be issued for each lot as shown on the official
Borough of Flemington tax map only twice within a 12-month period.
No license shall be issued for more than 2 consecutive calendar days.
Under special circumstances, and for special reasons, more than 2
licenses may be issued in connection with each parcel of property
with the approval of the Common Council. Each license issued under
this section shall be prominently displayed on the premises upon which
the garage sale is conducted throughout the entire period of the licensed
sale.
2. License Information to Be Filed. The information to be filed with
the Borough Clerk, pursuant to this subsection shall be as follows:
a. Name of the person, firm, group, corporation, association, or organization
conducting the sale.
b. Name of the owner of the property on which the sale is to be conducted,
and consent of owner if applicant is other than the owner.
c. Location at which the sale is to be conducted.
d. Number of days of the sale.
e. Date, nature of any past sale.
f. Relationship or connection applicant may have had with any other
person, conducting a sale and the date or dates of such sale.
g. Whether or not applicant has been issued any other vendor's license
by any local, State, or Federal agency.
h. Sworn statement or affirmation by the person signing that the information
therein given is full and true.
3. Hours of Sale. All garage sales shall be conducted between the hours
of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. only, and no sale shall be conducted on
a Sunday.
4. Signs. No person shall make, cause to be made or erected signs other
than those signs provided by the Borough. These signs shall be made
available by the Borough and shall be a uniform size and form (12"
x 12") and must be purchased from the Borough. The signs shall have
a space allotted to place the name and address of the person running
the sale and the signs shall be removed within 48 hours after the
completion of the sale.
5. Persons and Sales Excepted. The provisions of this section shall
not apply to or affect the following persons or sales:
a. Persons selling goods pursuant to an order or process of a court
of competent jurisdiction.
b. Persons acting in accordance with their powers and duties as public
officials.
c. Any person selling or advertising for sale an item or items of personal
property which are specifically named or described in the advertisement
and which separate items do not exceed 5 in number.
d. Any publisher of a newspaper, magazine or other publication or other
communication media who publishes or broadcasts in good faith without
knowledge of its false, deceptive, or misleading character or without
knowledge that the provisions of this section have not been complied
with.
6. Conduct of Sale. The person to whom such license is issued and the
owner or tenant of the premises on which the sale or activity is conducted
shall be responsible for the maintenance of good order and decorum
on the premises during all hours of the sale or activity. No person
shall permit any loud or boisterous conduct on the premises nor permit
vehicles to impede the passage of traffic on any roads or streets
in the area of the premises.
G. Home Occupations. Home occupations shall be subject to the following
regulations:
1. The use is limited to office uses and cottage food operates as defined
in this part and as permitted and regulated by N.J.A.C. 8: 24-11.1
et seq.;
2. The use is operated by or employs in the residence only a resident
or residents who are permanent full-time residents of the dwelling
unit, and no other persons;
3. No nonresident employees, customers, or business invitees or guests
shall visit the dwelling unit for business purposes, excepting that
no more than three customers may be on the residence site of a cottage
food operate at any one time;
4. The use shall be located in only one room of the dwelling unit, which
shall not be served by an entrance separate from the household;
5. Interior storage of materials shall consist only of supplies directly
related to the permitted home occupation;
6. There shall be no change to the exterior of buildings or structures
because of the use, and no outside appearance of a business use, including,
but not limited to, parking, storage, signs, or lights;
7. The use operates no equipment or process that creates noise, vibration,
glare, fumes, odors, or electrical or electronic interferences, including
interference with telephone, radio or television reception, detectable
by neighboring residents;
8. The quantity and type of solid waste disposal is the same as other
residential uses in the zone district;
9. The capacity and quality of effluent is typical of normal residential
use, and creates no potential or actual detriment to the sanitary
sewer system, water supply, or its components;
10. Delivery trucks shall be limited to U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel
Service, Federal Express, and other delivery services providing regular
service to residential uses in the zone district;
11. All vehicular traffic to and from the home office use shall be limited
in volume, type and frequency to what is normally associated with
other residential uses in the zone district.
12. Compliance
with all State and Hunterdon County regulations shall be demonstrated.
H. Off-Street Parking and Private Garages. Off-street parking and private
garages for residential districts shall conform to the following requirements:
1. Garages shall conform to the setback requirements as otherwise established
in this Ordinance.
2. No driveway shall be located closer than 5 feet in the front setback
area to a side or rear property line, except for the driveway access,
which can be on the line.
3. That portion of a driveway from the street to a parking apron located
directly in front of the dwelling shall not exceed 12 feet in width.
4. No curb cut to a single family or two-family dwelling shall exceed
22 feet in width.
5. No parking shall be permitted in the front yard.
6. Commercial vehicles cannot be parked or stored on any site in any
residential zone district.
Deviations from Subsections F2 — F4 shall be
considered as waivers from the Ordinance standards.
I. Recreational Vehicle Storage. The following requirements apply to
recreational vehicle storage:
1. Trailers, boats or boat trailers which are 21 feet or more in length
as measured from outside dimensions, shall be parked or stored inside
the confines of a building only.
2. All trailers, boats or boat trailers shall be stored in side or rear
yard areas only; no trailer, boat, or boat trailer shall be parked
or stored in the front yard area of a lot.
3. Each occupied single family residential property may have outside
parking or storage upon it for 2 recreational vehicles or trailers,
in safe and effective operating condition. All recreational vehicles
and trailers shall display thereon a current State license and/or
registration. No self-propelled recreational vehicle stored on the
property shall exceed 40 feet in length unless within the confines
of a building.
4. At no time shall any recreational vehicle parked or stored on any
lot be used for living or housekeeping purposes.
J. Residential Swimming Pools and Cabanas. The following requirements,
after application for a permit, apply to private residential swimming
pools, hot tubs, and pool cabanas:
1. No private residential swimming pool shall be constructed or installed
on any lot unless the lot contains a residential building.
Pools shall be considered impervious surface, which shall not
exceed the impervious surface ratio of the zone when included with
other impervious surfaces. Pools shall be located in rear or side
yard areas only. No swimming pool or elevated pool deck shall be closer
than 10 feet to any lot line. No pool apron shall be located closer
than 5 feet to any lot line.
2. Cabanas shall not exceed 150 square feet in area and 15 feet in height.
Any cabana shall be located no closer than 10 feet to any lot line
unless a greater setback for an accessory structure is otherwise required.
K. Residential Shed. Private residential sheds shall comply with the
following regulations:
1. No shed shall exceed 160 square feet in floor area.
2. No shed shall exceed 12 feet in height.
L. Satellite Dish and Television Antennas. Satellite dish and television
antennas in single and two-family districts shall conform to the following
requirements:
1. To the greatest extent feasible, consistent with the unimpeded reception
of broadcasts, antennas are to be located in a rear yard or the rear
slope of a roof.
2. An antenna that is in excess of one meter (39.37 inches) but no larger
than 2 meters (78.74 inches) in diameter shall conform to the setback
requirements for accessory uses and structures in the zoning district
in which it is located.
3. An antenna that is in excess of 2 meters (78.74 inches) shall conform
to the rear yard setback requirements for accessory uses and structures
in the zoning district in which it is located.
4. The Administrative Officer shall have the power to waive the enforcement
of this subsection upon certification from a qualified installer that
conformance with these requirements will materially limit the reception
of broadcasts from communications satellites.
M. Animal Shelters and Fencing.
1. The area which animals are kept as measured by the fenced area and
the floor area of the shelter shall not exceed 5 percent of the rear
yard or a maximum of 150 square feet, whichever is lesser. The percent
of yard area shall be calculated based on the rear yard area.
2. Animal shelters and their fenced enclosures shall be located a minimum
of 15 feet from all property lines and a minimum of 25 feet from any
structure used for human habitation, occupation or assembly and owned
by anyone other than the owner of the subject property. Notwithstanding,
in no case shall animal shelters and their fenced enclosure be located
closer to the principal residence of a neighboring property than the
principal residence of the subject property.
3. The maximum height of any animal shelter shall be 8 feet.
4. Additional regulations for the keeping of animals can be found in Chapter
6, Animals, of the Borough Code.
N. Solar facilities shall meet the requirements in Section
2639, Solar Energy Facilities.
[Ord. No. 2012-01]
O. Outdoor Dining.
[Added 5-26-2020 by Ord.
No. 2020-7]
1. Outdoor dining, as defined herein, shall be specifically deemed a permitted, accessory use to a brewery; hotel; restaurant; restaurant drive-in; restaurant, fast food; retail food establishment and social club, as such uses are defined within §
1201 or elsewhere of the ordinance. Notwithstanding, outdoor dining shall not be deemed a permitted, accessory use to convenience stores.
2. Outdoor seating shall comply with federal, state, county and/or local
distancing requirements imposed by any law and/or executive order
in effect at any particular time. To the extent that local requirements
are permitted to preempt such federal, state and county requirements,
such local requirements shall govern.
3. Outdoor Dining Area. The area to be utilized for outdoor dining shall
be known as the "outdoor dining area," which shall:
a. Be utilized to serve food and drink to be consumed by the public
at tables located adjacent to the principal building.
b. Be located solely on the sidewalk area or privately owned property
adjacent to the principal building(s) that are the subject of the
application for the outdoor dining permit.
c. Contain readily removable tables, chairs, umbrellas, heat lamps,
lights and/or planters. Such items shall not be required to removed
daily; however, they must be secured from the elements and improper
use.
d. Be unenclosed by fixed walls or ceilings, except for retractable
awnings, umbrellas or other nonpermanent enclosures which shall in
no way present a safety hazard to or impede pedestrian traffic; and
4. Permit Required. The outdoor dining area shall be subject to the
following permitting requirements:
a. No person shall operate an outdoor dining area within the Borough
without having first obtained an outdoor dining area permit in accordance
with the requirements of this section. The permit shall be issued
by the Zoning Official only if all requirements associated with outdoor
dining herein are or will be satisfied. The use of the permit shall,
however, be subject to other applicable federal, state, county and
Borough regulations, executive orders and states of emergency.
b. Permits shall be not transferable to new uses.
c. Permits shall be automatically renewed annually if no changes to
the outdoor dining plan are proposed. permits shall be newly applied
for where changes to the outdoor dining area plan are proposed.
d. A person who has received approval of the outdoor seating by resolution
of the Borough planning Board or prior land use board with jurisdiction
for outdoor seating is exempt from the above permitting requirement
and fees set forth herein. This exemption applies only for the outdoor
dining plan permitted in the approving resolution.
e. The fee for an outdoor dining area permit shall be $50 payable upon
submission of the application. This fee can be waived by Borough Council
at any particular time period.
5. Application. Each applicant for an outdoor dining area permit shall
submit and file the appropriate application with the Zoning Officer,
together with three copies of an outdoor dining area plan, as defined
below, and the appropriate fee. The application shall be approved
by the property owner. The Zoning Officer, in consultation with the
Fire Marshal as necessary, shall approve, disapprove or modify the
application and outdoor dining area plan within 15 business days following
its submission. Adjacent business/property owners shall be permitted
to submit a joint outdoor dining permit Application for their respective
properties provided that at least one business is a retail food establishment
as defined herein.
6. Outdoor Dining Area Plan. The "outdoor dining area plan" shall include
the following information (and such other additional information,
if any as may be deemed necessary and subsequently requested by the
Zoning Officer):
a. Identification of the principal building and all properties immediately
adjacent to such building, including names and addresses of the adjacent
property owners; and
b. The plan shall be drawn to scale but does not require professional
seals and may be prepared by the applicant.
c. The scaled drawing of the proposed design and location of the outdoor
dining area shall include setbacks from curbs (setbacks to property
lines shall not be required), all temporary structures, equipment
and apparatus to be used in connection with its operation, including
any proposed tables, chairs, planters, awnings, lighting, heat lamps
and electrical outlets (if any); provisions for the storage of such
structures, equipment and apparatus; and the location of any fire
hydrant, plug or standpipe, utility pole, parking meter, or other
permanent fixture between the principal building and the curb, including
a clear indication of the presence of the required pedestrian passageway
and ADA clearance. If the outdoor dining area is located on private
property adjacent to the sidewalk, the outdoor dining area plan shall
demonstrate that pedestrian traffic will in no way be impeded.
7. Additional Rules, Regulations and Specifications. The establishment,
use and operation of the outdoor dining area shall comply with all
of the following additional rules, regulations and specifications:
a. The outdoor dining area shall be operated and maintained in accordance
with the outdoor dining area plan as finally approved, and by the
same person who operates and maintains the abutting retail food establishment.
b. The placement of furniture, apparatus, decoration or appurtenance
used in connection with the operation of the outdoor dining area in
relation to any fire hydrant, plug or standpipe permanent fixture
shall be approved by specific written authorization of the Fire Official
based upon his review of the outdoor dining area plan.
c. No furniture, apparatus, decoration or appurtenance used in connection
with the operation of the outdoor dining area shall be located in
such a way that will impede the safe and speedy ingress and egress
to or from any building or structure.
d. Outdoor dining areas, including associated furniture, apparatus,
decoration or other item used in connection with the outdoor dining,
shall not be located to project or protrude into a four-foot pedestrian
passageway and ADA clearance. The four-foot passageway shall be measured
from the curb.
e. Any table service provided at the outdoor seating shall be provided
by persons engaged or employed for that purpose and shall be furnished
to seated patrons only. Table service is not required, and retail
food establishments that do not provide table service may operate
outdoor seating in which patrons carry their food from inside the
premises to tables located in the outdoor dining area.
f. The outdoor dining area shall be kept clean and free of litter and
shall be washed as required. Trash receptacles shall be provided as
required and approved by the Zoning Officer. If no table service is
provided, the trash receptacles shall include those needed for recycling.
g. Noise shall be kept at such a level as to comply in all respects
with the provisions of applicable ordinances of the Borough.
h. The hours of operation of the outdoor dining area shall coincide
with the hours of operation of the principal use to which it is accessory.
i. Furniture, apparatus, decorations and appurtenances utilized in connection
with the outdoor dining area shall be stored indoors.
j. No food may be cooked in the outdoor dining area. Food and drink
may be prepared, including but not limited to mixing of ingredients
and dishing cooked food.
k. Smoking is prohibited in outdoor dining areas.
l. All other applicable ordinances of the Borough shall also be complied
with.
8. Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages. The applicant may permit the
consumption of alcoholic beverages in the outdoor dining area as follows:
a. An applicant that does not possess a liquor license may permit its
patrons to consume alcoholic beverages brought to the premises its
patrons to the extent permitted by Borough Ordinance and the Alcoholic
Beverage Control Board.
b. An applicant that possesses a plenary retail consumption permit must
amend their liquor permit to include the outdoor dining area in order
to permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages therein by its patrons.
9. Notice of Violation; Failure to Comply. Upon a determination by the
Zoning Officer an applicant has violated one or more of such provisions
applicable to the use or operation of the outdoor dining area, the
Zoning Officer shall give written notice to the applicant to correct
such violation within 24 hours of the receipt of such notice. In the
event that the applicant fails or refuses to correct the violation
within such period, the applicant's outdoor dining area permit shall
be automatically and immediately revoked without the need for further
action.
10. Appeals. Any person aggrieved by any action of the Zoning Officer
may appeal as follows:
a. If the action of the Zoning Officer concerns the denial of an outdoor
dining area permit for failure to comply with the requirements of
the Borough Ordinances, the appeal shall be to the Borough planning
Board pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Land Use Law, specifically
N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(a) or (b). The applicant may also apply to the
Borough planning Board for a variance pursuant to the provisions of
the Municipal Land Use Law, specifically N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(c) or
(d), in the event that it wishes to seek permission to operate an
outdoor dining area in a location or manner that does not comply with
the provisions of the Borough Ordinance.
b. If the action of the Zoning Officer concerns the revocation of an
outdoor dining area permit, the appeal shall be to the Mayor and Borough
Council. The appeal shall be taken by filing a written statement fully
setting forth the grounds for appeal with the Borough Clerk no later
than 30 days after the notice of the action complained of has been
served personally upon the applicant or mailed, postage prepaid, to
the applicant at the address provided on the Application. The Borough
Clerk shall set a time and place of hearing for the appeal, at which
time the Mayor and Borough Council shall conduct a hearing and affirm,
modify or reverse the action of the Zoning Officer that is the subject
of the appeal.
11. Penalties. Any person convicted of a violation of any of the provisions
of this section shall be subject to a fine of at least $200 but not
exceeding $500 for each and every offense for each day in which the
violation has not been abated.
Bus Stops are conditional uses, subject to Planning Board approval
including site plan approval and subject to the following requirements:
1. Adequate
circulation and stopping/drop off/and pickup area for the bus shall
be provided. Turning radius for a AASHTO B-40 design vehicle shall
be provided where necessary.
2. The bus
drop/off pickup area ("bus area") shall utilize an existing parking
area in a commercial zone containing at least 100 parking spaces.
The use of the existing parking area is not to be a deduction from
parking presently credited to the principal use.
3. The bus
area shall be a minimum of 75 feet from any adjoining residential
use or zone.
4. A bus shelter,
not exceeding 250 square feet, may be permitted if it is a roofed
structure without heat or air conditioning.
5. In cases
where the bus area or associated automobile parking abuts a residential
property or zone, there shall be a landscaped buffer strip along the
perimeter of the property or zone. Such buffer strip shall be at least
8 feet in width or depth measured from the residential property line.
The 5 feet of such buffer strip nearest the residential property line
shall be used as a planting strip on which shall be placed a fence
or plant material, trees, shrubs, plants or both, the minimum height
being 6 feet. Such fence or planting strip shall be of sufficient
density to provide adequate screening during all seasons of the year.
[N.J.A.C. 5:21-4.14; Ord. No. 2012-01; amended 5-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-7; 6-28-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-15; 9-11-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-24]
A. An adequate number of on-street and off-street parking spaces shall
be required in all developments to accommodate residents and visitors.
For projects containing dwelling units required by the New Jersey
Uniform Construction Code's Barrier Free Subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-7)
to be accessible, accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities
shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of the Barrier
Free Subcode and shall be considered part of the total number of required
spaces.
B. For residential developments, off-street parking space shall be provided,
as set forth in Table 26.1 below. If applicant does not specify the
number of bedrooms per unit, note "3" for each category in Table 26.1
shall apply for the parking requirement.
C. For nonresidential developments, off street parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with the following and Chapter
26, Table 26.2 in this section.
[Amended 6-28-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-15]
1. In the
Downtown Business (DB) District, off-street parking shall not be required
for uses occupying existing floor area in existence as of the date
of adoption of this Ordinance and that meet the following criteria:
Editor's Note: Paragraph C,1; C,1,a; and C,1,b were adopted
6-28-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-15.
a. The
use is permitted in the DB district, excluding office uses (office
uses are not subject to the exemption);
b. The
use does not require d variance relief pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55d-70d.
D.
Alternative parking standards
to those shown in Table 26.1 shall be accepted if the applicant demonstrates
these standards better reflect local conditions. Factors affecting
minimum number of parking spaces include household characteristics,
availability of mass transit, urban versus suburban location, and
available off-site parking resources.
Table 26.1 Parking Requirements for Residential Land Uses(1)
|
---|
Housing Unit Type/Size(2)
|
Parking Space Requirement
|
---|
Single-Family Detached
|
|
---|
2 Bedroom
|
1.5
|
3 Bedroom
|
2.0
|
4 Bedroom
|
2.5(3)
|
5 Bedroom
|
3.0
|
All other housing unit parking space requirements shall comply
with the requirements of the Residential Site Improvement Standards
(NJAC 5:21).
|
Notes, Table 26.1:
|
(1) When determination of the required number of parking spaces results
in a fractional space for the entire development, any fraction of
one-half or less may be disregarded, while a fraction in excess of
one-half shall be counted as one parking space.
(2) Requirements for attached units (apartment/ condominium/townhouse)
include provisions for quest parking. Guest parking shall not be concentrated
in any one parking area but shall be distributed so as to provide
easy access to the affordable rental residences.
(3) If applicant does not specify the number of bedrooms per unit, this
off-street parking requirement shall apply.
SOURCE: Modified and adapted from U.S. Department of Commerce,
Bureau of the Census, Public Use File — New Jersey
(cross-tabulation of vehicles by housing unit for units constructed
1975 to 1980).
|
Table 26.2 Off-Street Parking Space Requirements for Nonresidential
Land Uses [Amended 9-11-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-24]
|
---|
Nonresidential Land Principal Use
|
Required Off-Street Parking Spaces Per Indicated Area
|
---|
Taverns/Bar
|
1 per 2 seats
|
House of Worship
|
1 per 3 seats
|
Bed and Breakfast
|
1 per guest bedroom, and 1 per employee
|
Banks
|
1 per 300 sf GFA
|
Hotels
|
1 per room plus 1 per employee (maximum shift)
|
Library
|
1 per 300 sf GFA
|
Health or Athletic Club
|
1 per 100 sf GFA
|
Manufacturing
|
1 per 1,000 sf GFA
|
Fire & Rescue
|
1/300 sf GFA
|
Medical & Dental Office
|
1 per 150 sf GFA
|
Convenience Store
|
6 per 1,000 GFA
|
Shopping center
|
1 per 200 sf GFA
|
Offices
|
3.5 per 1,000 sf GFA
|
Outdoor Dining [Added 5-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-7]
|
No additional parking shall be required
|
Mortuary
|
10 per viewing room/chapel
|
Research
|
1 per 1,000 sf GFA
|
Restaurant
|
1 per 3 seats
|
Retail use
|
1 per 250 sf GFA (4 per 1,000 GFA)
|
Schools:
|
|
Elementary
|
2 per classroom; but not less than 1 per teacher & staff
|
Intermediate
|
1.5 per classroom; but not less than 1 per teacher & staff
|
Secondary
|
2.5 per classroom; but not less than 1 per teacher & staff
|
Service station
|
4 per bay & work area
|
Theater (the first 75 seats shall be exempt from the parking
requirement)
|
1 per 3 seats
|
Notes: GFA = Gross floor area
GLA = Gross leasable area
|
E. A one-car garage and driveway combination shall count as 2.0 off-street
parking spaces, provided the driveway measures a minimum of 18 feet
in length between the face of the garage door and the right-of-way.
A two-car garage and driveway combination shall count as 3.5 off-street
parking spaces, provided a minimum parking area width of 20 feet is
provided for a minimum length of 18 feet as specified for a one-car
garage and driveway combination.
F. When housing is included in mixed-use development, a shared parking
approach to the provision of parking shall be permitted, provided
however the applicant demonstrates the adequacy of parking for the
development in accordance with best design practice.
G. When, in the judgment of the local approving authority, on-street
parking is available, then only that proportion of the parking requirement
which is not available on the street shall be provided on site or
in off-street parking facilities. A length of 23 feet per on-street
parking space shall be used in calculating the number of available
on-street parking spaces.
[Amended 6-28-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-15]
H. Shared Parking. Where an applicant persuasively demonstrates that
2 or more parking generators have complementary parking demand as
demonstrated using accepted shared parking analyses, the approving
authority may permit an appropriate reduction in the required total
number of parking spaces.
[Ord. No. 2012-06; Ord. No. 2012-15; Ord.
No. 2016-12; Ord. No. 2013-14; amended 6-10-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12]
A. Signs—Permitted in All Districts.
1. The following signs are permitted in all districts in the Borough:
a. A non-illuminated nameplate, with the name of the principal occupant
and the street number and name of a private dwelling or both, with
an area of not more than 144 square inches.
b. A sign, illuminated or not, for a church, educational institution
or public or quasi-public building or use, with an area of not more
than 16 square feet.
c. The following non-illuminated temporary signs:
(1)
A single sign pertaining to the lease or sale of the premises
upon which it is placed, with an area of not more than 8 square feet;
provided, that such sign shall be removed within 7 days after the
consummation of a lease or sale of the premises.
(2)
Signs for a building, premises or part thereof, under construction
or renovation, with the street number of a building and the name of
the architect, engineer, landscaper, the general contractor and subcontractors,
and the project title during construction on the premises. Such signs
shall be located at the principal entrance and within the street line
and lot lines of the premises and shall be removed within 7 days after
the completion of the construction work. The total area of such signs
on a lot shall not exceed 8 square feet.
(3)
Signs announcing or advertising any political, educational,
religious or like campaign, drive or event; provided that the total
area of all such signs on a lot shall not exceed 8 square feet.
(4)
Temporary banners.
The zoning officer may issue a permit for a banner that meets
the following conditions:
(b) Promotes a one-time event such as a grand opening, holiday sale,
or fund raising event;
(c) Will be used for no more than 14 days;
(d) Will be used (1) at the standard location across Main Street between
the Historic Courthouse and the Union Hotel or (2) at the location
of the business or event being advertised and up to three additional
locations in the Borough, providing that the requesting party provides
written permission from the owner of any location other than his or
her own where the banner is to be placed.
(5)
Default Banner.
A banner (designated by the FCP or its equivalent and reviewed/approved
by the SRC) may be displayed across Main Street at a location(s) approved
by the Council, provided the structural stability has been confirmed
by the Construction Official, for the first available one-week period
every month when no other banner has been approved pursuant to Subsection
A1c(4) above and, in the discretion of the Zoning Officer, it is safe
to display it.
Requests for other banners shall be submitted to Borough Council
for approval.
The zoning officer at his sole discretion may refer a banner
request that meets the conditions listed above to Council for approval
regarding concerns of colors, size, public safety, or frequency of
placement.
[Ord. No. 2016-12; amended 6-10-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12]
d. Directional signs, not to exceed 2 square feet.
B. Permitted Signs.
[Ord. No. 2012-15; amended 6-10-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12]
1. The following sign regulations are supplemented by the Table of Sign
Regulations contained herein. Where a conflict arises, the document with more specificity
shall prevail.
2. The following business signs are permitted for each business building
in the CB, TC, DB, DB II, PO, VAS, and HR/OSS Districts.
a. Facade (wall) signs.
(1)
A facade sign may be located on the wall surface of the principal
facade of the area occupied by such business and extending not more
than four inches from such wall. A business use, if located on a corner
lot or abutting a parking lot containing five or more parking spaces
and that provides building access to a location other than that facade
facing the public street, may have a second sign located on the wall
facing the other street or parking lot. The total length and area
of each sign shall not exceed 50% of the linear length of the building
facade (including window and door areas) to which the sign is affixed
if one business or the portion of the building facade occupied by
the business (demising wall to demising wall). Notwithstanding, no
sign shall exceed 50 square feet except for the HR/OSS District, which
sign(s) shall not exceed 100 square feet. Facade signs, excluding
those in the HR/OSS district, shall not exceed two feet in height.
If a shared space, the multiple tenants shall be allowed exterior
signage but the total signage area for all tenants shall not exceed
the area limitations herein.
(2)
Business uses without street frontage (defined as those located
only in the building rear, on the upper floors, or the basement) may
have one additional facade sign to be shared by all such uses on the
premises. To the extent practical, it shall be located on a wall surface
immediately adjacent to the main entrance to such uses and may extend
not more than four inches from such wall. The total area of such sign
shall not exceed eight square feet. Such businesses may, in addition,
have one sign to be shared by all such businesses on or immediately
adjacent to the door serving as the main entrance to such uses. The
total area of such painted sign shall not exceed two square feet.
b. Freestanding signs.
(1)
Freestanding signs, where permitted, shall be located between
the principal structure and the public street and may be located in
the front yard setback. The business use, if located on a corner lot,
may have a second sign located between the second side of the building
facing a public street and the street.
(2)
Businesses with a minimum of 500 feet on a state highway and
two or more access points may have up to two signs on such frontage.
(3)
Monument signs are considered freestanding signs for purposes
of determining the number or quantity permitted. Either a monument
sign or a freestanding sign shall be permitted, but not both.
(4)
Notwithstanding the required setback from curb, no sign shall
be located in the public right-of-way.
c. Blade signs and canopy/awning signs.
(1)
A blade sign and/or a canopy/awning sign is permitted in addition
to a facade sign.
(2)
The total area of the canopy/awning sign and the facade sign
shall not exceed the area of that which is permitted for the facade
sign(s) on the building facade to which each sign or set of signs
is affixed.
(3)
Blade signs shall be no larger than six square feet. The signs
shall be placed at a height as to not obstruct pedestrians or impair
vehicular sight lines, as determined by the Zoning Officer. Where
located above a pedestrian way, the bottom of the sign shall provide
not less than eight feet of clearance.
3. One canopy/awning sign and one blade sign is permitted on the principal
building facade.
a. Miscellaneous signs.
(1)
Signs on windows, and doors. Each business located at the street
level may have the following signs, for the name, street, number or
type of business or any combination thereof:
(a)
Two signs, with a total area not to exceed six square feet,
painted or applied as a decal(s) on the windows or doors, or both,
but with not more than one such sign on any window or door; except
that an establishment serving food may post its menu and hours or
service on the first floor facade in reasonable proximity to the front
entry. Such menu sign may be no more than six square feet and may
be in addition to the two signs permitted herein.
(2)
A frame sign. An A-frame sign for retail establishments in the
VAS, DB and DB II Zones conforming to the following:
(b)
A temporary freestanding advertisement or menu sign (A-frame
sign or sandwich-board sign) may be displayed, provided only one such
sign be installed per street level business establishment not to exceed
six square feet in size per side. Such sign shall be placed so that
a minimum of three feet of an unobstructed sidewalk width is provided.
(c)
The sign shall consist of a framed chalkboard, tack board, or
similar for the listing of daily specials and hours of operation,
only.
(d)
The location of the sign shall not interfere with pedestrian
or vehicular traffic, as determined by the Zoning Officer.
b. Directory signs.
(1)
A directory sign for any business building; provided, that a
directory sign is minimally set back at the existing building front
facade. Each side of a directory such sign may have the names of all
principal tenants of the building. The area of a directory sign devoted
to each tenant shall not exceed 72 square inches. The total area of
such signs shall not exceed 16 square feet.
c. Menu board signs for uses with a drive-through are permitted. The
sign area of each menu board sign shall not exceed 20 square feet
and shall be located adjacent to the drive-through lane. It may be
internally illuminated.
d. Special signs. Special signs serving the public convenience, such
as "Notary Public," "Public Telephones," "Public Rest Rooms" or words
or directions of similar import. The area of such sign shall not exceed
72 square inches. Only one sign of each type shall be displayed.
e. Temporary paper signs. Temporary signs placed on glass which are
made out of paper or similar material and containing extraordinary
information pertaining to matters of limited duration, such as sales,
product promotion, community, cultural, or other public events, and
employment opportunities. Such signs shall not have an area exceeding
10% of the total square footage of the glass frontage of the establishment.
f. Parking rate sign. Operators of parking garages and open lots shall
post a sign setting forth all pertinent rate information. Such information
shall be readily visible to potential patrons before they pull into
the entryway. Such rate sign may be no more than 10 square feet and
may be in addition to such other signage as is permitted herein.
g. All deviations from the sign ordinance shall be considered "c" variances,
with the exception of signs which are principal uses, including but
not limited to billboards.
4. Prohibited signs.
a. The following signs or artificial lighting are prohibited:
(2)
Flashing signs or moving signs, including any sign or device
or which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant
in intensity and color at all times when in use.
(4)
Signs which compete for attention with, or may be mistaken for,
a traffic signal.
5. Location.
a. Except as otherwise provided in the subsection, no sign shall project
into a required yard or beyond the lot or street line.
b. No sign shall be placed, inscribed or supported upon the roof, or
upon any structure which extends above the roof, of any building,
except such directional devices as may be required by federal or state
aeronautical authorities.
c. No sign shall be so placed as to interfere with the opening of an
exit door or to obstruct any window opening of a room which is used
for dwelling purposes.
d. No part of any business sign shall project above the top or beyond
the ends of the wall surface upon which it is placed.
6. Lighting.
a. Permitted lighting for illuminated signs shall be limited to that
concentrated upon the face of the sign. If any such sign is situated
within 20 feet of a street, the direct source of light shall not be
visible from the street or any neighboring lots or uses.
[Ord. Nos. 13A-2000, 2001-7, 1-2002, 2005-7, 2005-22, 2008-9,
2008-13 and 2009-3]
A. Purpose.
1. In Holmdel Builder's Association V. Holmdel Township, 121 N.J. 550
(1990), the New Jersey Supreme Court determined that mandatory development
fees are authorized by the Fair Housing Act of 1985 (the Act), N.J.S.A.
52:27D-301 et seq., and the State Constitution, subject to the Council
on Affordable Housing's (COAH's) adoption of rules.
2. Pursuant to P.L. 2008, c.46 Section 8 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-329.2) and
the Statewide Non-Residential Development Fee Act (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-8.1
through 8.7), COAH is authorized to adopt and promulgate regulations
necessary for the establishment, implementation, review, monitoring
and enforcement of municipal affordable housing trust funds and corresponding
spending plans. Municipalities that are under the jurisdiction of
the Council or court of competent jurisdiction and have a COAH-approved
spending plan may retain fees collected from nonresidential development.
3. This section establishes standards for the collection, maintenance,
and expenditure of development fees pursuant to COAH's regulations
and in accordance with P.L. 2008, c.46, Sections 8 and 32 through
38. Fees collected pursuant to this section shall be used for the
sole purpose of providing low- and moderate-income housing. This section
shall be interpreted within the framework of COAH's rules on development
fees, codified at N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.
B. Basic Requirements.
1. This section shall not be effective until approved by COAH pursuant
to N.J.A.C. 5:96-5.1.
2. Flemington Borough shall not spend development fees until COAH has
approved a plan for spending such fees in conformance with N.J.A.C.
5:97-8.10 and N.J.A.C. 5:96-5.3.
C. Definitions.
As used in this section, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
A development included in the Housing Element and Fair Share
Plan, and includes, but is not limited to, an inclusionary development,
a municipal construction project or a 100 percent affordable development.
COAH OR THE COUNCIL
The New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing established
under the Act which has primary jurisdiction for the administration
of housing obligations in accordance with sound regional planning
consideration in the State.
DEVELOPMENT
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or of any
land proposed to be included in a proposed development, including
the holder of an option or contract to purchase, or other person having
an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.
DEVELOPMENT FEE
Money paid by a developer for the improvement of property
as permitted in N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.3.
EQUALIZED ASSESSED VALUE
The assessed value of a property divided by the current average
ratio of assessed to true value for the municipality in which the
property is situated, as determined in accordance with Sections 1,
5, and 6 of P.L.1973, c.123 (N.J.S.A. 54:1-35a through 54:1-35c).
GREEN BUILDING STRATEGIES
Those strategies that minimize the impact of development
on the environment, and enhance the health, safety and well-being
of residents by producing durable, low-maintenance, resource-efficient
housing while making optimum use of existing infrastructure and community
services.
D. Residential Development Fees.
1. Imposed Fees.
a. All residential developers, except for developers of the types of
development specifically exempted below, shall pay a fee of 1.5% of
the equalized assessed value for residential development provided
no increased density is permitted.
b. When an increase in residential density pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d(5)
(known as a "d" variance) has been permitted, developers may be required
to pay a development fee of 6% of the equalized assessed value for
each additional unit that may be realized. However, if the zoning
on a site has changed during the two-year period preceding the filing
of such a variance application, the base density for the purposes
of calculating the bonus development fee shall be the highest density
permitted by right during the two-year period preceding the filing
of the variance application.
2. Eligible Exactions, Ineligible Exactions and Exemptions for Residential
Development.
a. Affordable housing developments and developments where the developer
has made a payment in lieu of on-site construction of affordable units
shall be exempt from development fees.
b. Development fees shall not be imposed where reconstruction results
from fire, flood or natural disaster.
c. Developments that have received preliminary or final site plan approval
prior to the adoption of municipal development fee ordinance shall
be exempt from development fees, unless the developer seeks a substantial
change in the approval. Where a site plan approval does not apply,
a zoning and/or building permit shall be synonymous with preliminary
or final site plan approval for this purpose. The fee percentage shall
be vested on the date that the building permit is issued.
d. Expansion of a residential building, where no new units is constructed,
shall be exempt from development fees.
e. Development fees shall be imposed and collected when an existing
structure undergoes a change to a more intense use or is demolished
and replaced if the expansion is not otherwise exempt from the development
fee requirement. The development fee shall be calculated on the increase
in the equalized assessed value of the improved structure.
E. Nonresidential Development Fees.
1. Imposed Fees.
a. Within all zoning districts, nonresidential developers, except for
developers of the types of development specifically exempted, shall
pay a fee equal to 2.5% of the equalized assessed value of the land
and improvements, for all new nonresidential construction on an unimproved
lot or lots.
b. Nonresidential developers, except for developers of the types of
development specifically exempted, shall also pay a fee equal to 2.5%
of the increase in equalized assessed value resulting from any additions
to existing structures to be used for nonresidential purposes.
c. Development fees shall be imposed and collected when an existing
structure is demolished and replaced. The development fee of 2.5%
shall be calculated on the difference between the equalized assessed
value of the pre-existing land and improvement and the equalized assessed
value of the newly improved structure, i.e. land and improvement,
at the time final certificate of occupancy is issued. If the calculation
required under this section results in a negative number, the nonresidential
development fee shall be zero.
2. Eligible Exactions, Ineligible Exactions and Exemptions for Nonresidential
Development.
a. The nonresidential portion of a mixed-use inclusionary or market
rate development shall be subject to the 2.5% development fee, unless
otherwise exempted below.
b. The 2.5% fee shall not apply to any increase in equalized assessed
value resulting from alterations, change in use within existing footprint,
reconstruction, renovations and repairs.
c. Nonresidential developments shall be exempt from the payment of nonresidential
development fees in accordance with the exemptions required pursuant
to P.L. 2008, c.46, as specified in the Form N-RDF "State of New Jersey
Non-Residential Development Certification/ Exemption" Form. Any exemption
claimed by a developer shall be substantiated by that developer.
d. A developer of a nonresidential development exempted from the nonresidential
development fee pursuant to P.L. 2008, c.46 shall be subject to it
at such time the basis for the exemption no longer applies, and shall
make the payment of the nonresidential development fee, in that event,
within three years after that event or after the issuance of the final
certificate of occupancy of the nonresidential development, whichever
is later.
e. If a property which was exempted from the collection of a nonresidential
development fee thereafter ceases to be exempt from property taxation,
the owner of the property shall remit the fees required pursuant to
this section within 45 days of the termination of the property tax
exemption. Unpaid nonresidential development fees under these circumstances
may be enforceable by Flemington Borough as a lien against the real
property of the owner.
F. Collection Procedures.
1. Upon the granting of a preliminary, final or other applicable approval
for a development, the applicable approving authority shall direct
its staff to notify the Construction Official responsible for the
issuance of a building permit.
2. For nonresidential developments only, the developer shall also be
provided with a copy of Form N-RDF "State of New Jersey Non-Residential
Development Certification/Exemption" to be completed as per the instructions
provided. The developer of a nonresidential development shall complete
Form N-RDF as per the instructions provided. The Construction Official
shall verify the information submitted by the nonresidential developer
as per the instructions provided in the Form N-RDF. The Tax Assessor
shall verify exemptions and prepare estimated and final assessments
as per the instructions provided in Form N-RDF.
3. The Construction Official responsible for the issuance of a building
permit shall notify the local Tax Assessor of the issuance of the
first building permit for a development which is subject to a development
fee.
4. Within 90 days of receipt of that notice, the Tax Assessor, based
on the plans filed, shall provide an estimate of the equalized assessed
value of the development.
5. The Construction Official responsible for the issuance of a final
certificate of occupancy notifies the Tax Assessor of any and all
requests for the scheduling of a final inspection on property which
is subject to a development fee.
6. Within 10 business days of a request for the scheduling of a final
inspection, the Tax Assessor shall confirm or modify the previously
estimated equalized assessed value of the improvements of the development,
calculate the development fee, and thereafter notify the developer
of the amount of the fee.
7. Should Flemington Borough fail to determine or notify the developer
of the amount of the development fee within 10 business days of the
request for final inspection, the developer may estimate the amount
due and pay that estimated amount consistent with the dispute process
set forth in Subsection b of Section 37 of P.L. 2008, c.46 (N.J.S.A.
40:55D-8.6).
8. Fifty (50%) percent of the development fee shall be collected at
the time of issuance of the building permit. The remaining portion
shall be collected at the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
The developer shall be responsible for paying the difference between
the fee calculated at building permit and that determined at issuance
of certificate of occupancy.
9. Appeal of Development Fees.
a. A developer may challenge residential development fees imposed by
filing a challenge with the County Board of Taxation. Pending a review
and determination by the Board, collected fees shall be placed in
an interest-bearing escrow account by Flemington Borough. Appeals
from a determination of the Board may be made to the tax court in
accordance with the provisions of the State Tax Uniform Procedure
Law, N.J.S.A. 54:48-1 et seq., within 90 days after the date of such
determination. Interest earned on amounts escrowed shall be credited
to the prevailing party.
b. A developer may challenge nonresidential development fees imposed
by filing a challenge with the Director of the Division of Taxation.
Pending a review and determination by the Director, which shall be
made within 45 days of receipt of the challenge, collected fees shall
be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account by Flemington Borough.
Appeals from a determination of the Director may be made to the tax
court in accordance with the provisions of the State Tax Uniform Procedure
Law, N.J.S.A. 54:48-1 et seq., within 90 days after the date of such
determination. Interest earned on amounts escrowed shall be credited
to the prevailing party.
G. Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
1. There is hereby created a separate, interest-bearing housing trust
fund to be maintained by the Chief Financial Officer for the purpose
of depositing development fees collected from residential and nonresidential
developers and proceeds from the sale of units with extinguished controls.
2. The following additional funds shall be deposited in the affordable
housing trust fund and shall at all times be identifiable by source
and amount:
a. Payments in lieu of on-site construction of affordable units;
b. Developer-contributed funds to make 10% of the adaptable entrances
in a townhouse or other multistory attached development accessible;
c. Rental income from municipally operated units;
d. Repayments from affordable housing program loans;
f. Proceeds from the sale of affordable units; and
g. Any other funds collected in connection with Flemington Borough's
affordable housing program.
3. Within 7 days from the opening of the trust fund account, Flemington
Borough shall provide COAH with written authorization, in the form
of a three-party escrow agreement between the municipality, the bank
and COAH to permit COAH to direct the disbursement of the funds as
provided for in N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.13(b).
4. All interest accrued in the housing trust fund shall only be used
on eligible affordable housing activities approved by COAH.
H. Use of Funds.
1. The expenditure of all funds shall conform to a spending plan approved
by COAH. Funds deposited in the housing trust fund may be used for
any activity approved by COAH to address Flemington Borough's fair
share obligation and may be set up as a grant or revolving loan program.
Such activities include, but are not limited to: preservation or purchase
of housing for the purpose of maintaining or implementing affordability
controls, rehabilitation, new construction of affordable housing units
and related costs, accessory apartment, market to affordable, or regional
housing partnership programs, conversion of existing nonresidential
buildings to create new affordable units, green building strategies
designed to be cost saving and in accordance with accepted national
or state standards, purchase of land for affordable housing, improvement
of land to be used for affordable housing, extensions or improvements
of roads and infrastructure to affordable housing sites, financial
assistance designed to increase affordability, administration necessary
for implementation of the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, or
any other activity as permitted pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:97-8.7 through
5:97-8.9 and specified in the approved spending plan.
2. Funds shall not be expended to reimburse Flemington Borough for past
housing activities.
3. At least 30% of all development fees collected and interest earned
shall be used to provide affordability assistance to low- and moderate-income
households in affordable units included in the municipal Fair Share
Plan. One-third (1/3) of the affordability assistance portion of development
fees collected shall be used to provide affordability assistance to
those households earning 30% or less of median income by region.
a. Affordability assistance programs may include down payment assistance,
security deposit assistance, low interest loans, rental assistance,
assistance with homeowners' association or condominium fees and special
assessments, and assistance with emergency repairs.
b. Affordability assistance to households earning 30% or less of median
income may include buying down the cost of low- or moderate-income
units in the municipal Fair Share Plan to make them affordable to
households earning 30% or less of median income. The use of development
fees in this manner shall entitle Flemington Borough to bonus credits
pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:97-3.7.
c. Payments in lieu of constructing affordable units on site and funds
from the sale of units with extinguished controls shall be exempt
from the affordability assistance requirement.
4. Flemington Borough may contract with a private or public entity to
administer any part of its Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, including
the requirement for affordability assistance, in accordance with N.J.A.C.
5:96-18.
5. No more than 20% of all revenues collected from development fees,
may be expended on administration, including, but not limited to,
salaries and benefits for municipal employees or consultant fees necessary
to develop or implement a new construction program, a Housing Element
and Fair Share Plan, and/or an affirmative marketing program. In the
case of a rehabilitation program, no more than 20% of the revenues
collected from the development fees shall be expended for such administrative
expenses. Administrative funds may be used for income qualification
of households, monitoring the turnover of sale and rental units, and
compliance with COAH's monitoring requirements. Legal or other fees
related to litigation opposing affordable housing sites or objecting
to the Council's regulations and/or action are not eligible uses of
the affordable housing trust fund.
I. Monitoring.
1. Flemington Borough shall complete and return to COAH all monitoring
forms included in monitoring requirements related to the collection
of development fees from residential and nonresidential developers,
payments in lieu of constructing affordable units on site, funds from
the sale of units with extinguished controls, barrier-free escrow
funds, rental income, repayments from affordable housing program loans,
and any other funds collected in connection with Flemington Borough's
housing program, as well as to the expenditure of revenues and implementation
of the plan certified by COAH. All monitoring reports shall be completed
on forms designed by COAH.
J. Ongoing Collection of Fees.
1. The ability for Flemington Borough to impose, collect and expend
development fees shall expire with its substantive certification unless
Flemington Borough has filed an adopted Housing Element and Fair Share
Plan with COAH, has petitioned for substantive certification, and
has received COAH's approval of its development fee ordinance. If
Flemington Borough fails to renew its ability to impose and collect
development fees prior to the expiration of substantive certification,
it may be subject to forfeiture of any or all funds remaining within
its municipal trust fund. Any funds so forfeited shall be deposited
into the "New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund" established pursuant
to Section 20 of P.L. 1985, c.222 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-320). Flemington
Borough shall not impose a residential development fee on a development
that receives preliminary or final site plan approval after the expiration
of its substantive certification or judgment of compliance, nor shall
Flemington Borough retroactively impose a development fee on such
a development. Flemington Borough shall not expend development fees
after the expiration of its substantive certification or judgment
of compliance.
[Ord. No. 2009-15; Ord. No. 2017-10; amended 4-11-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-3]
A. This requirement shall apply beginning with the effective date of
this section to any multifamily or single-family attached residential
development, including the residential portion of a mixed-use project,
which consists of five or more new residential units, whether permitted
by a zoning amendment, a variance granted by the Planning Board, or
adoption of a redevelopment plan or amended redevelopment plan in
areas in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation.
B. For any such development for which the Borough's land use ordinances (e.g., zoning or an adopted redevelopment plan) already permitted residential development as of the effective date of Ordinance No. 2017-10, adopted August 14, 2017, this requirement shall only apply if the Borough permits an increase in the gross residential density to at least twice the permitted density as calculated based upon the zone district's permitted front setback, side setback, rear setback, principal building height, floor area ratio, and impervious coverage (excluding §
2637).
C. For inclusionary projects in which the low- and moderate-units are
to be offered for sale, the set-aside percentage should be 20%, for
projects in which the low- and moderate-income units are to be offered
for rent, the set-aside percentage should be 15%.
D. The developer shall provide that half of the low- and moderate-income
units constructed be affordable by low-income households and that
the remaining half be affordable by moderate-income households. At
least 13% of all restricted units shall be very low-income units (affordable
to a household earning 30% or less of median income). The very low-income
units shall be counted as part of the required number of low-income
units within the development.
E. Subdivision and site plan approval shall be denied by the Board unless
the developer complies with the requirements to provide low- and moderate-income
housing pursuant to the provisions of this section. A property shall
not be permitted to be subdivided so as to avoid meeting this requirement.
The Board may impose any reasonable conditions to ensure such compliance.
F. Nothing in this subsection precludes the Borough from imposing an
affordable housing set-aside in a development not required to have
a set-aside pursuant to this subsection consistent with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-311(h)
and other applicable law.
G. This requirement does not create any entitlement for a property owner
or applicant for a zoning amendment, variance, or adoption of a redevelopment
plan or amended redevelopment plan in areas in need of redevelopment
or rehabilitation, or for approval of any particular proposed project.
H. This requirement does not apply to any sites or specific zones otherwise
identified in the Fair Share Plan, for which density and set-aside
standards shall be governed by the specific standards set forth therein.
[Prior § 2641 Mixed-Use Multifamily Overlay Zone
was repealed 9-11-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-23. History includes Ord. No. 2020-2.]