This Article sets forth the submission requirements for the various categories of subdivision, site plan and variance applications to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The following general procedures shall apply to the completeness review of applications:
A. 
In order to be determined complete for review by the Board, all of the required information must be submitted; provided that the applicant may request that one or more of the submission requirements be waived. A written request, explaining the basis for such request(s) must be submitted for such waiver requests in order to be considered. The Board or its authorized committee shall grant or deny the waiver request within forty-five (45) days of receipt of the written request.
B. 
If more than one (1) development application category is to be considered by the Board, the applicant shall be required to submit the information required for all of the individual applications.
C. 
Nothing herein shall be construed as diminishing the applicant's obligation to prove in the application process that he or she is entitled to approval of the application.
[Amended 12-17-01 by Ord. 2118]
D. 
The Board may subsequently require correction of any information found to be in error and submission of additional information not specified in this chapter or any revisions in the accompanying documents, as are reasonably necessary to make an informed decision as to whether the requirements necessary for approval of the application have been met. The application shall not be deemed incomplete for lack of any such additional information or any revisions in the accompanying documents so required by the Board.
[Amended 12-17-01 by Ord. 2118; 12-16-2024 by Ord. No. 2753]
In addition to the submission requirements for the individual categories of applications in the following sections, all categories of applications shall be required to submit the following information and documents; provided, however, that conceptual plans and minor site plans which are submitted to only the Site Plan Waiver Committee or Architectural Review Board shall only be required to submit the information and documents set forth in § 102-70 and § 102-74, as applicable.
A. 
For purposes of completeness review only, three copies of the appropriate application form(s). Thereafter, if the application is determined to be complete, the applicant shall submit 13 additional copies, for a total of 16 copies, of the appropriate application form(s), completed and signed. Please see Subsection I (below) for additional information regarding the drawings. If any item is not applicable to the application, it shall be indicated on the application form(s) by the words "not applicable," "none" or other appropriate language.
B. 
Written description of the application, including a description of the proposed use and improvements.
C. 
Statements as to any requirements from which a waiver or variance is sought, together with a statement of reasons why same should be granted.
D. 
Receipt indicating that applicable fees and initial escrow deposits are paid.
E. 
Certificate from the Tax Collector indicating that all taxes and assessments for the subject property are paid up to and including the most recent collection period.
F. 
Certificate from both the Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board indicating the nature and date of prior actions, if any, by the respective Boards affecting the subject property, as disclosed by the available records of such Boards.
G. 
Affidavit of ownership. If applicant is not the owner, applicant's interest in land must be indicated; e.g., tenant, contract/purchaser, lien holder, etc., and permission of property owner to file the application must be submitted.
H. 
If applicant is a corporation or partnership applying to the Board or the Council for permission to subdivide a parcel of land into six or more lots, or applying for a variance to construct a multiple dwelling of 25 or more family units or for approval of a site to be used for commercial purposes, a list of the names and addresses of all stockholders or individual partners or members of the LLC owning at least 10% of its stock of any class as required by § 102-66.
I. 
For purposes of completeness review only, three copies of the required development plan(s). The plans shall be provided in hard copy and electronic version. The electronic version shall be the form of a PDF or as required by future Statute. Thereafter, if the application is determined to be complete, the applicant shall submit 13 additional copies, for a total of 16 copies, of any required development plan(s), signed and sealed by the professional who prepared the development plan(s). The 13 additional copies can be reduced in size to fit onto 11" x 17" (Tabloid) size paper unless full-size drawings are required by the Board. Any plan submitted as part of an application to a Borough agency shall be prepared by an individual pursuant to the regulations in N.J.A.C. 13:27, 13:40, and 13:41, as amended, provided that the owner of a single-family detached or two-family dwelling may sign the plans for an application if he or she has prepared them. All such plans shall contain the following information:
(1) 
Title block containing the type of application, name and address of applicant and owner; name, address, signature, license number and seal of plan preparer; existing lot and block numbers; municipality and county, date prepared and date(s) of all plan amendments.
(2) 
Signature block for signatures of Chairman, Secretary of the Board and Board Engineer.
(3) 
The name of all adjoining property owners as disclosed by current Borough tax records.
(4) 
A key map showing the location of the tract to be considered in relation to the surrounding area within at least 500 feet of the subject property.
(5) 
Scale of map, both written and graphic. The scale shall consist of no more than 50 feet to the inch.
(6) 
North arrow.
(7) 
Zoning district in which parcel is located, and the zone district of adjacent property, with a table indicating tract area, lot area(s), lot width(s), all yard setbacks, building and impervious coverage, building height, floor area ratio, density and number of parking spaces, both as to required, existing and proposed, for the subject property. If the application involves a conditional use, compliance with the applicable conditional use standards shall be indicated on the plan.
(8) 
Existing and proposed boundaries of the site(s) in question, with bearings and dimensions of same. The number of each existing tax lot in accordance with the Tax Map shall be shown.
(9) 
Municipal boundary line(s), if any, crossing or adjacent to the subject property.
(10) 
Location and width of existing easements or rights-of-way on or abutting the subject property, including but not limited to streets, utility and drainage easements, sight easements and access easements.
(11) 
Location of existing and proposed buildings, with setbacks from property lines dimensioned on the plan.
(12) 
Location of existing and proposed paved and gravel areas, including parking and loading areas, driveways, sidewalks, etc., showing the design of such areas.
(13) 
Location of natural features, including woodlands, streams and other water bodies, wetlands, flood hazard areas and rock outcrops on the property, and also on adjacent properties if same may affect the proposed development.
(14) 
Location of any required dedication or reservation for streets or any area shown on the Official Map or Master Plan.
(15) 
Soil erosion and sedimentation control plan, if required pursuant to P.L. 1975, c. 251.
(16) 
Construction details and specifications sufficient to illustrate the nature of proposed site improvements, including but not limited to the following: paving, curbing, sidewalks, driveway aprons, walls, fences, utility and storm drainage structures, soil erosion control structures, tree protection devices, light fixtures and standards, signs, planting and staking details, EV charging and barrier-free access design.
J. 
A statement of any and all approvals which are required from other governmental entities, as applicable, including but not limited to the following:
(1) 
For the Borough, the Health Department, Fire Subcode Official, Construction Code Official and Architectural Review Board.
(2) 
For Somerset County, the Somerset County Planning Board.
(3) 
For the State of New Jersey, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation.
(4) 
For the United States, the Soil Conservation Service.
K. 
A signed and notarized copy of the escrow agreement. The escrow agreement is included as an attachment in the Development Application and Appeal Form.
L. 
A copy of any protective covenants or deed restrictions, if any, affecting the property in question; provided that if none exist, an affidavit from the owner certifying that no such covenants or restrictions exist shall be submitted.
M. 
Information sufficient to determine if the special notice to Regional Center municipalities in § 102-12B(3) is required.
N. 
Proof of submission of the application to the Somerset County Planning Board (e.g., copy of stamped and dated county application form). It is the policy of the Somerset County Planning Board that all land use applications be reviewed by the county to determine if county approval is needed, therefore, a waiver for not submitting to the Somerset County Planning Board cannot be granted.
O. 
In accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:40-7.2(a) and N.J.A.C. 13:40-5.1(n), as amended, drawings prepared by an individual pursuant to the regulations in N.J.A.C. 13:27, 13:40, and 13:41 may depict survey information from another plan only if the following information is provided: 1) who prepared the survey, 2) date of the survey, 3) who the survey was prepared for, and 4) a signed and sealed copy of the survey must be attached.
P. 
The title block for drawings prepared by an individual pursuant to the regulations in N.J.A.C. 13:27, 13:40, and 13:4, shall contain the Certificate of Authorization number in accordance wit N.J.A.C. 13:40, as amended, unless the drawings are prepared by an individual or by professional service corporation established pursuant to the Professional Service Corporation Act, N.J.S.A. 14A:17-1 et seq.
Q. 
A stormwater management report, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:8, as amended, shall be submitted for development applications meeting the definition of "Major Development."
[Amended 12-17-01 by Ord. 2118]
Applications for informal review of conceptual site plans and/or subdivisions shall be required to submit a plan of the proposed development. The procedures for completeness review of formal applications shall not apply to such plan, except as provided below; however, the Board Secretary shall refer the plan to the appropriate persons and agencies, who shall provide suggestions as to any additional information that may be helpful to the Board in reviewing the plan. The applicant may choose to proceed without providing such additional information, or may provide some or all of the suggested information. Once the applicant has finalized his or her plan submittal, the application shall be scheduled for the Board's agenda; provided that any application for informal review shall provide the following prior to referral or review by the Board:
A. 
Twelve (12) copies of the appropriate application form(s), completed and signed. If any item on the form is not applicable to the applicant, it shall be indicated on the application form(s) by the words "not applicable", "none" or other appropriate language.
B. 
Twelve (12) copies of the concept plan.
C. 
Written description of the application, including a description of the proposed use and improvements.
D. 
Receipt indicating that applicable fees and initial escrow deposits are paid.
E. 
Certificate from the Tax Collector indicating that all taxes and assessments for the subject property are paid up to and including the most recent collection period.
F. 
Proof that notice of the application has been submitted to the Regional Center municipalities, when such notice is required by § 102-12B(3), the same as if the concept application were a formal application.
[Added 12-17-01 by Ord. 2118]
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 102-69, the information below shall be shown on the plans for all minor subdivision applications. Minor subdivision plans to be filed with the County Recording Officer shall use a sheet size of either 8.5" x 13", 15" x 21", 24" x 36" or 30" x 42".
A. 
Name of the map.
B. 
Dimensions, bearings, and curve data for all property lines and easements.
C. 
The location and description of existing and proposed monuments, including monuments where found, monuments set or reset, and monuments to be set or reset.
D. 
Proposed lot and block numbers for each proposed lot.
E. 
Reference meridian for north arrow shown graphically.
F. 
Date of the survey.
G. 
Required building envelopes drawn for each lot, showing graphically and by dimension the minimum front, side and rear yard setbacks, as well as any easements within which the construction of buildings is prohibited.
H. 
Location, dimensions and nature of existing and proposed improvements in any streets, within or abutting the tract.
I. 
Existing and proposed topographic contours, both for the tract and for adjacent areas affecting the development. Contour intervals shall not exceed the following: up to ten percent (10%) grade, two (2) feet; over ten percent (10%) grade, five (5) feet. Contour elevations shall be referenced to the New Jersey Geodetic Control Survey datum.
J. 
Location of existing and proposed wells and septic systems and location of existing and proposed connections to public water and sanitary sewer systems, as well as connections to other utilities. If any septic systems or subsurface stormwater storage systems are proposed, the results of percolation tests shall be submitted with the application, along with test hole locations and soil log information.
[Amended 12-17-01 by Ord. 2118]
K. 
If the subdivision is to be filed by map, certification from a licensed surveyor as to the accuracy of the details on the plat and as to compliance with provisions of the Map Filing Law.
L. 
Certification from a licensed surveyor as to the setting of monuments or signature block for the Borough Clerk as to the posting of a bond for the future setting of monuments.
M. 
If the subdivision is to be filed by map, a signature block for certification from the Borough Engineer as to the plat's compliance with the provisions of the Map Filing Law and all applicable Borough ordinances and requirements.
N. 
A signature block for a statement from the Borough Engineer that he or she has received a map showing all utilities in exact location and elevation identifying those portions already installed and those to be installed, and that the developer has installed all improvements in accordance with all Borough regulations, and/or a statement by the Borough Clerk that proper performance guarantees have been posted with the Borough Council for the installation of required improvements.
[Amended 12-17-01 by Ord. 2118]
O. 
When approval of a plat is required by an officer or agency of the Borough, County or State, such approval shall be referenced and signature blocks for certification that such approvals have been obtained included on the plat.
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 102-69, the information below shall be shown on the plans for all preliminary major subdivision applications:
A. 
The proposed name of the subdivision.
B. 
Curve data for all property lines.
C. 
Proposed lot and block numbers for each proposed lot.
D. 
Required building envelopes drawn for each lot, showing graphically and by dimension the minimum front, side and rear yard setbacks, as well as any easements within which the construction of buildings is prohibited.
E. 
Location and use of open space, if any, to be deeded to the Borough or controlled by an open space organization, as well as the use and nature of any other common areas.
F. 
Location, dimensions and nature of existing and proposed improvements in any streets, within or abutting the tract, including profiles and cross-sections for all proposed streets, sidewalks, alleys, and planting strips; radii, points of curvature and tangency and central angles of all curves, both centerline and curb.
G. 
Existing and proposed water supply, including plans and profiles of proposed water mains, pipe material and sizes, valves, joints, hydrants and location of private wells.
H. 
Existing and proposed sanitary sewer service. If septic disposal systems are proposed, test hole locations and soil log information shall be submitted, along with the location of existing septic tanks and fields. If connection to public sanitary sewers is contemplated, the applicant shall submit plans and profiles of proposed sanitary sewer lines; pipe length, material and sizes; location of pumping stations, manholes and other structures; and appropriate elevations.
I. 
Plans and profiles of existing and proposed storm drainage design and improvements, including a map showing the entire drainage area; the drainage area contributing to each pertinent drainage structure; drainage tabulation sheets showing calculations for each drainage area; length, size and material of drain pipes; direction of flow; location of inverts, manholes, dry wells, groundwater recharge basins, swales, drainage basins and other structures; and elevations of grates, inverts, etc. If any subsurface stormwater storage systems are proposed, the results of percolation tests shall be submitted with the application, along with test hole locations and soil log information.
[Amended 12-17-01 by Ord. 2118]
J. 
Proposed location of easements for gas, electric, telephone and cable television service.
K. 
Existing and proposed topographic contours, both for the tract and for adjacent areas affecting the development. Contour intervals shall not exceed the following:
up to 3% grade, 1 foot interval; between 3% grade and 25% grade, 2 feet interval; 25% grade or more, 5 feet interval. Contour elevations shall be referenced to the New Jersey Geodetic Control Survey datum.
L. 
If regrading near existing buildings is proposed, proposed spot grades at the corners of all buildings, and finished floor elevations of buildings.
M. 
Location and description of existing and proposed street trees, landscaping and natural vegetation to remain. Information for proposed plantings shall include common and scientific names, number of plants, planted size and root specification.
N. 
The location and design of fences, walls, sidewalks and similar improvements to be proposed.
O. 
If development is proposed in phases or stages, a phasing plan.
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 102-69, the information below shall be shown on the plans for all minor subdivision applications. Minor subdivision plans shall use a sheet size of either 8.5" x 13", 15" x 21", 24" x 36" or 30" x 42".
A. 
Those items required for preliminary major subdivisions pursuant to § 102-72, shown in final form.
B. 
Information sufficient to demonstrate that all of the conditions of preliminary approval have been satisfied, including but not limited to proof of all Federal, State, County and Borough governmental agency approvals, shown on the plan or on other written documentation, as applicable.
[Amended 06-16-03 by Ord. 2143]
C. 
Name of the map.
D. 
Location and description of existing and proposed monuments, including monuments where found, monuments set or reset, and monuments to be set or reset.
E. 
Reference meridian for north arrow shown graphically.
F. 
Date of the survey.
G. 
Certification from a licensed surveyor as to the accuracy of the details on the plat and as to compliance with provisions of the Map Filing Law.
H. 
Certification from a licensed surveyor as to the setting of monuments or a signature block for the Borough Clerk as to the posting of a bond for the future setting of monuments.
I. 
A signature block for certification from the Borough Engineer as to the plat's compliance with the provisions of the Map Filing Law and all applicable Borough ordinances and requirements.
J. 
A signature block for a statement from the Borough Engineer that he or she has received a map showing all utilities in exact location and elevation identifying those portions already installed and those to be installed, and that the developer has installed all improvements in accordance with all Borough regulations, and/or a signature block for a statement by the Borough Clerk that proper performance guarantees have been posted with the Borough Council for the installation of required improvements.
[Amended 12-17-01 by Ord. 2118]
[Amended 12-17-01 by Ord. 2118; 06-16-03 by Ord. 2143; 6-7-04 by Ord. No. 2164; 5-15-2023 by Ord. No. 2706]
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 102-69, the following information shall be submitted for all minor site plans; provided, however, that minor site plans which are submitted to only the Site Plan Waiver Committee or Architectural Review Board shall only be required to submit the information required for conceptual plans in § 102-70A through E, along with the following information. Minor site plans shall not be required for seasonal sidewalk cafés.
A. 
Location of proposed parking, loading, access and circulation improvements, signs, exterior lighting and landscaping. Existing improvements shall be shown to the extent that such improvements affect or are affected by the proposed development and/or are necessary to determine compliance with this chapter.
B. 
If interior renovations or alterations are proposed, floor plans for existing and proposed buildings, showing the use and layout of internal space, at a scale of not exceeding eight (8) feet per inch. Horizontal dimensions of all exterior walls and other exterior vertical building surfaces shall be included.
C. 
If alterations to the existing building facade are proposed, facade elevations showing the extent and nature of the construction. The vertical dimension of the building height shall be included.
D. 
If revisions to existing topography are proposed, or if the building entrance or finished floor elevation is proposed to be revised, existing and proposed contours and/or spot elevations portraying the change.
E. 
If the application involves a sidewalk cafe, see the following additional information: this does not apply to seasonal sidewalk cafés, Seasonal sidewalk cafés regulations can be found in Chapter 150, Article III.
(1) 
A statement that if alcohol is to be served it will be served only with food service on the outdoor portion of the premises. (This provision to apply only to those restaurants with valid liquor licenses).
[Amended 7-5-2023 by Ord. No. 2711]
(2) 
The proposed hours of operation.
(3) 
The maximum anticipated seating capacity, including the number and location of tables, walls, planters or barricades.
(4) 
Proof of liability insurance for the sidewalk cafe portion, which names the Borough of Somerville as an additional insured.
(5) 
The location of any utility shut-offs, vents or sidewalk vault covers, bus stops, litter containers, fire hydrants, public telephones, street furniture, or elevators located in the vicinity of the proposed cafe.
(6) 
Detailed design drawings or photographs of the proposed railing or landscaped border which will be used to separate the cafe from the sidewalk area. Colors of material shall be noted in detail.
F. 
If any septic systems or subsurface stormwater storage systems are proposed, the results of percolation tests shall be submitted with the application, along with test hole locations and soil log information.
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 102-69, the following information shall be submitted for all preliminary major site plans:
A. 
Location of existing and proposed buildings and their setbacks from property lines, plus the location of existing buildings and paved areas on adjacent properties.
B. 
Floor plans for existing and proposed buildings, showing the use and layout of internal space, and front, rear and side building facade elevations, both at a scale not exceeding eight (8) feet per inch. Horizontal dimensions of all exterior walls and other exterior vertical building surfaces shall be included on the floor plans, and the vertical dimension of the building height shall be included on the facade elevations.
[Amended 06-16-03 by Ord. 2143]
C. 
Location and design of existing and proposed parking, loading, access and circulation improvements, showing dimensions of same.
D. 
Existing and proposed topographic contours of the site and adjacent areas affecting the site. Contour intervals shall be no greater than: up to 3% grade, 1 foot interval; between 3% grade and 25% grade, 2 feet interval; 25% grade or more, 5 feet interval. Contour elevations shall be referenced to the New Jersey Geodetic Control Survey datum.
E. 
If new buildings or paved areas are proposed, or if regrading is proposed, proposed spot grades at the corners of all buildings and in appropriate pavement locations, and finished floor elevations.
F. 
Existing and proposed utility service, including septic systems with test hole locations and soil log information, connections to sanitary sewers, wells, connections to water mains, fire hydrants, etc.
G. 
Existing and proposed storm drainage design and improvements, including a map showing the entire drainage area, the drainage area contributing to each pertinent drainage structure and drainage tabulation sheets showing calculations for each drainage area. Provisions for rooftop drainage shall also be shown. If any subsurface stormwater storage systems are proposed, the results of percolation tests shall be submitted with the application, along with test hole locations and soil log information.
[Amended 12-17-01 by Ord. 2118]
H. 
Existing and proposed site illumination, including height and location of fixture, type of fixture and bulb, pole material, and manufacturer's isocandela diagram or illumination grid superimposed upon the site plan. Original manufacturer's details of the light fixtures, or photocopies of the same, shall be submitted.
[Amended 12-17-01 by Ord. 2118]
I. 
Location and description of existing and proposed landscaping. Information for proposed landscaping shall be include common and scientific names, number of plants, planted size and root specification.
J. 
Existing and proposed signs, including the size, materials, nature of construction, location and any illumination of same.
K. 
The location and design of fences, walls, sidewalks and similar improvements to be proposed.
L. 
The location and design of solid waste disposal containers and recycling containers.
M. 
If development is proposed in phases or stages, a phasing plan.
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 102-69, the following information shall be submitted for all final major site plans:
A. 
Those items required for preliminary major site plans pursuant to § 102-75, shown in final form.
B. 
Information sufficient to demonstrate that all of the conditions of preliminary approval have been satisfied, including but not limited to proof of all Federal, State, County and Borough governmental agency approvals, shown on the plan or on other written documentation, as applicable.
[Amended 06-16-03 by Ord. 2143]
All applications or appeals for a "C" variance or "D" variance, when site plan or subdivision approval is not required, or when the variance application has been bifurcated from subsequent site plan or subdivision applications which may be required by this chapter, shall submit the information required by § 102-69 and § 102-74. The Board reviewing the application shall have the authority to request additional information not required by § 102-69 and § 102-74, if in its opinion, such additional information is necessary to make an informed decision on the application or appeal.
[Amended 06-16-03 by Ord. 2143]
Applications or appeals for other than variance relief shall be required to submit the information specified in the procedural sections for said appeals, § 102-33, § 102-34, § 102-35 or § 102-36, as appropriate. In the case of applications for certification of nonconforming uses and/or structures, the following information shall be submitted:
A. 
The specific nature of the use and/or structure for which certification is sought.
B. 
The applicable zoning regulations in effect at the time the use began and/or the structure was built, as applicable, sufficient to demonstrate that the use and/or structure was permitted at the time.
C. 
Evidence that the required permits and other approvals for the use and/or structure were granted. If the initial permits have been lost, other evidence that the Borough has acknowledged the legality of the use and/or structure shall be submitted.
D. 
The date the ordinance was adopted that made the use and/or structure nonconforming.