[1969 Code § 75-9; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738]
No land or premises shall be used and no building or structure
shall be erected, raised, moved, extended, enlarged, altered or used
for any purpose other than a purpose permitted herein for the zone
district in which it is located, and all construction shall be in
conformity with the regulations provided for the zone in which such
building or premises is located.
[Ord. No. 2007-19 § 1]
All construction shall comply with any approved Board of Adjustment/Planning
Board Application, site plan, construction permits or any other Federal,
State and local statutes, ordinances and regulations.
[1969 Code § 75-11; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738; Ord. No. 93-61 § II; New]
No change in use of a nonresidential building and no change,
extension or alteration of a nonconforming use shall be made until
a Certificate of Occupancy shall have been issued by the Construction
Official in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code N.J.A.C.
5:23-2.6.
[1969 Code § 75-12.1; Ord. No.
771; Ord. No. 2006-16 § 2]
The following adult uses shall be prohibited in all zones in
the Township:
a. Any obscene or pornographic books, videos or entertainment which
depicts or describes in a patently offensive way sexual conduct specifically
defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:34-2.
b. Any activity which exposes specified anatomical areas or sexual activity
as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:34-2.
[1969 Code § 75-13; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738]
Every lot must provide front, rear and side yards as required
by its zone. All front yards must abut and face upon a dedicated and
improved public street.
[1969 Code § 75-14; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738]
Only one principal building may be erected on a lot, except
for related, compatible buildings constituting one basic use or operation,
under one management, and limited to the following:
a. Public or institutional building complexes.
b. Shopping center developments.
c. Office building complexes.
d. Industrial or manufacturing building complexes.
[1969 Code § 75-15; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738; Ord. No. 962; Ord. No.
93-64; New; Ord. No. 2005-11 § 2; Ord. No. 2007-07 § 1; Ord. No. 2007-19 § 1; Ord. No. 2008-05 § 4; Ord. No. 2009-09 § 2]
No accessory structures, including but not limited to temporary
accessory structures with or without permanent foundations, or accessory
uses in any district shall be constructed, except in conformance with
the following:
a. No accessory structures or use may be built, placed or permitted
upon any lot on which there is no principal building.
b. Accessory structures or uses shall be permitted only in that area
of the lot between the rear line of the principal structure and the
rear property line, subject to restrictions or allowed uses specifically
mentioned in this chapter and pertinent to the buildings or uses.
c. No accessory building or structure shall be built within 10 feet
of the principal building nor within six feet of another accessory
structure nor encroach in any easements located on the property, unless
specifically permitted by such easement. An applicant must submit
a copy of such easement to enable the Township Board and/or official
to determine compliance with this provision. A deck to or around an
above ground pool which is not attached to a dwelling must be a minimum
10 feet from the principal structure and 15 feet from all side and
rear property lines. A deck that is attached to a dwelling may extend
to or around an above ground swimming pool provided it satisfies the
following conditions.
1. The deck shall be a minimum of 10 feet between the dwelling and the
pool waterline.
2. The deck shall comply with all side and rear yard setback requirements
for a principal structure.
3. All required barriers including fencing, railings, gates, etc. shall
be pool code compliant.
d. If a garage or carport is attached to the principal building, it
shall comply in all respects with the requirements for the principal
building. A maximum of three garage doors shall be permitted, with
the aggregate width not to exceed 27 feet. Garage door openings may
not exceed eight feet in height.
e. No accessory building shall be used as a dwelling unit.
f. No accessory buildings or uses in a residential zone may occupy,
in the aggregate, more than 25% of the accessory use area and in no
event shall the accessory building be larger than 600 square feet.
Private swimming pools shall not be subject to the limitations set
forth in this subsection.
g. Satellite dish transmitting and receiving antennas shall be permitted
as accessory uses in all nonresidential zones in accordance with the
following conditions except that satellite dishes under two meters
are exempt from these regulations:
The public health, safety, morals and general welfare objectives
of this ordinance will be enhanced by the following regulations which
would not unnecessarily burden the Federal interests in ensuring access
to satellite services and in promoting fair and effective competition
among competing communications service providers.
1. The maximum diameter shall be 12 feet.
2. Only one such antenna per principal building shall be permitted.
3. They shall not be located in any front yard.
4. They shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from any lot line.
5. The antenna shall be securely anchored to a concrete pad and the
surrounding area shall be suitably landscaped.
6. The antenna shall be effectively screened from surrounding lots by
landscaping, berming, fence or combination thereof.
7. The maximum height of the antenna (in a vertical position) and mounting
pad shall be 15 feet.
8. All State and Federal requirements pertaining to radiation shall
be complied with and proof of compliance shall be submitted with an
application for a transmitting/receiving satellite antenna.
9. In the event the applicant can demonstrate that the antenna will
not function properly or provide adequate reception where installed
in accordance with the above conditions, the Planning Board or a committee
thereof shall grant a design waiver upon the showing of adequate proofs
by qualified experts.
h. Tents or canopies shall only be located in those areas where accessory
uses or structures are permitted pursuant to this section and shall
be restricted as follows:
1. The use of tents and canopies is prohibited for the storage of property,
or for coverage, protection or storage of motor vehicles, trailers
or boats;
2. Tents or canopies are restricted to a maximum height of 10 feet,
measured from the base of the tents. This height limitation shall
not apply to tents and canopies remaining in place for less than 96
hours.
3. For permitted uses, tents or canopies may be erected or remain in
place from May 1st through October 1st of each calendar year.
4. Tents or canopies shall not be located closer than five feet from
any side or rear lot line.
i. Massage therapy shall be permitted as an accessory use to the following
principal uses wherever they are permitted: health clubs, gyms, chiropractor
offices, physical therapy offices, and medical doctor offices. The
following limitations shall apply:
1. Such accessory use shall occupy no more than 25% of the floor area
open to the public and devoted to the permitted principal use to which
it is an accessory.
2. The operator/owner of such accessory use shall be validly licensed pursuant to Chapter
4, §
4-9, of the Code of the Township of Fairfield.
[1969 Code § 75-20; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738; Ord. No. 945; Ord. No.
97-01 § 1; Ord. No. 2007-19 § 1]
a. For purposes of the within subsection, the term "vehicle" shall include
all motor vehicles, trailers, towed or towable equipment, trucks,
tractors, vans and buses. Vehicles included in this subsection shall
not include boats or motor homes which are regulated by other ordinances
of the Township.
b. On-street or off-street parking of the following vehicles is hereby
prohibited in all residential zones and properties used for residential
purposes, except during course of delivery of goods and/or services
to the owner or occupant of a dwelling in said zone by the following:
asphalt layers, bulldozers, dump trucks, backhoes, steam or compacting
rollers, tractor trailers and/or tractors designed for pulling trailers,
tow trucks, other heavy construction vehicles, and commercial flatbed
or box trailers.
c. On-street or off-street parking in all residential zones and properties
used for residential purposes, of any vehicle exceeding 20 feet in
length, or seven feet in height (inclusive of any racks or similar
features attached to the vehicle) or containing more than four wheels,
or carrying ladders or other equipment that is not an integral part
of the vehicle or any vehicle containing visible debris or odorous
material, is limited to two continuous hours duration per calendar
day.
d. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection
c above, one vehicle owned by the site occupant referred to in Subsection
d herein may be parked in any residential zone or properties used for residential purposes, provided they are garaged in an enclosed structure constructed with an opening not exceeding eight feet in height and one such vehicle owned by the site occupant may be parked off the street in said zones if the vehicle is reasonably screened in order that it may not be observed from any street or from off of the property where it is parked when viewed from no higher than seven feet off the ground surface. Screening must be visually consistent with the neighboring area and may consist of shrubbery, trees, trellis, latticework or basket-weave fencing, or other similar material. All screening shall be maintained in good condition. All screening shall also conform to any other Township ordinance, including any concerning fences.
e. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to Township vehicles
during periods of "on call" status within the Township, or vehicles
for use by the owner or occupant of the premises equipped for usage
by the handicapped and carrying Motor Vehicle Commission handicap
license plates or placards.
f. Measurements of length and height referred to herein shall be performed
so as to include, but not be limited to, any racks, fixtures, devices,
towed equipment, materials, ladders, trailers, or storage bins, permanently
or temporarily carried by, attached to or affixed to the vehicle.
g. Notwithstanding any provisions of this chapter, all vehicles parked in violation of §
3-9 shall be prohibited in all zoning districts of the Township.
[Added 3-23-2020 by Ord.
No. 2020-05]
[1969 Code § 75-21; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738; Ord. No. 2000-19 § 1]
Where a lot is a corner lot or is bound by more than one street,
the front yard setback shall be met on each abutting street. The required
rear yard shall be that yard opposite the shortest street dimension,
provided that where each street line is of equal dimension, the applicant
may choose which yard shall be the rear yard for measurement purposes.
[1969 Code § 75-22; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738; New; Ord. No. 2000-19 § 1; Ord. No. 2004-16 § 4; Ord. No. 2009-03 §§ 1-3; Ord. No. 2016-10 § 3; Ord. No. 2017-05 § 3]
a. A landscape buffer shall be provided within any nonresidential zone
where a development abuts a residential zone, or is adjacent to a
residence. The buffer shall provide a year-round visual screen and
minimize adverse impacts from the site on adjacent properties.
The following buffer and landscaping requirements shall apply:
Zone
|
Buffer Width
(feet)
|
---|
C-1
|
20
|
C-2
|
20
|
C-3
|
50
|
H-D
|
50
|
O-P
|
50
|
L-1
|
50
|
L-2
|
50
|
L-3
|
50
|
MUO-1 [Ord. No. 2016-10 § 3; Ord. No. 2017-05 § 3]
|
15
|
RZO-1 [Ord. No. 2016-10 § 3; Ord. No. 2017-05 § 3]
|
15
|
b. Wherever the property line of a lot in the H-D U.S. Route 46 Special
Highway Development Zone abuts a public school or public playground
area, a buffer area shall be established which shall include an area
of land 15 feet in width as measured from the property line. A stockade
fence of a height of six feet shall be on the lot line of the highway
zone that is adjacent to the public school or public park property.
c. Frontage buffer areas shall be provided for all nonresidential uses.
Frontage buffers shall be shown on the landscape plan and planted
with grasses, deciduous trees, evergreens, berms, boulders, mounds
or combinations thereof as approved by the Board which will enhance
the appearance of the site. The design of landscaped berms shall be
of sufficient height to screen parked cars from motorists on adjacent
rights-of-way. In addition to required street trees, frontage buffers
shall require a minimum of 10 shrubs for every 30 feet of frontage.
If a landscaped berm is provided, the berm shall be at least 2.5 feet
higher than the finished elevation of the parking lot and planting
requirements may be reduced to five shrubs for every 25 feet of frontage.
Frontage buffer plantings may be waived by the Board where existing
natural growth is found to be sufficient for this purpose. No buildings,
structures, accessory structures, parking, driveways, loading areas
or storage of materials shall be permitted in the frontage buffer.
d. A stockade fence of a height of at least six feet shall be erected
at the residence zone boundary for the H-D, O-P, L-1, L-2 and L-3
Zones.
e. Buffer areas will be contiguous with residential property lines and
shall be of uniform width.
f. Buffer areas shall be maintained and kept clean of all debris, rubbish,
weeds and tall grass. Any screen planting shall be maintained permanently,
and any plant material that does not live shall be replaced within
one year or one growing season, provided all landscape plans as approved
shall be continually complied with.
g. No structure, activity, storage of materials, driveways or parking
of vehicles shall be permitted in the buffer area, other than the
crossing of utilities or nonstructural stormwater measures. No land
disturbance shall occur within a buffer area except for utilities
and nonstructural stormwater management measures.
h. Requirements for Planting in Buffer Area.
1. A solid and continuous landscaped screen shall be planted and maintained
to conceal the parking and loading areas, eliminate the glare of vehicle
lights throughout the year and camouflage the building from the abutting
residential areas. The landscaped screen shall consist of native vegetation
including evergreen trees, such as hemlock, Douglas fir, Norway spruce,
etc. Evergreen trees shall not be less than eight feet high when planted,
and the lowest branches shall be not more than one foot above the
ground. In the event that the existing evergreen trees do not cover
the required area from the ground, said landscaping screen shall be
supplemented with evergreen shrubbery. A Landscape Architect or Licensed
Engineer shall certify that native vegetation species are being utilized
pursuant to this section.
2. In addition to the landscaped screen, shade trees shall be planted
by the applicant at a distance of not more than 40 feet from each
other.
3. If the buffer area includes existing growth of evergreen and deciduous
trees and shrubbery, but not enough to provide a suitable screen as
required above, existing trees and shrubbery may remain and shall
be supplemented by additional evergreen plantings to provide the required
landscaped screen. In the event that the approving authority finds
that further plantings of evergreens will not grow satisfactorily
in said buffer areas, stockade fence(s) six feet high shall be erected
in the buffer area.
i. The Board shall have the power to waive any requirements or details
specified above if it determines an adequate buffer can be provided
in less than the required width while affirming the purposes of this
section. The Board, when considering waiving any buffer requirement,
shall review the proposed plan and the standards and purposes of this
chapter and, to these ends, consider the location of buildings, parking
areas, lighting, topographic features of the area and existing features,
such as trees and streams; the efficiency, adequacy and safety of
the proposed layout of driveways, streets, sidewalks and paths; the
adequacy and location of screening and parking areas, structures and
uses; and such other matters as may be found to have a material bearing
on the above standards and objectives.
[1969 Code § 75-22.1; Ord. No.
720]
a. The Planning Board or Board of Adjustment shall approve the type
of materials utilized in the construction of exterior building walls
with particular attention to visual compatibility, aesthetics, proximity
of residential uses, and the character and quality of development
in the immediate surrounding area. The use of plain concrete block
as an exterior finish is prohibited.
b. In the case of a building addition, the Planning Board or Board of
Adjustment shall designate those exterior exposures which are to be
constructed of decorative material.
[1969 Code § 75-22.2; Ord. No.
720]
Mechanical equipment, including equipment located on the roof
and structural supports, shall be concealed by structures which are
integrally designed with the building.
[1969 Code § 75-22.3; Ord. No.
729; Ord. No. 2013-07]
a. In any nonresidential zone, ground-mounted structures such as mechanical
heating and ventilating equipment, air-conditioning units, transformer
boxes, emergency generators, or any other structure may not be located
in the front yard. Ground-mounted equipment may only be placed in
the side and rear yards and must be screened by an enclosure approved
by the Municipal Zoning Officer.
b. In any residential zone or any property used for residential purposes,
ground-mounted generators for emergency use when the municipal power
grid is off-line are permitted to be used when installed and used
in accordance with the following regulations:
1. Must be permanent and incidental to the residential use and meet
the following technical requirements:
(a)
Must be located so as to minimize noise and visual impact on
adjacent properties with use of appropriate sound attenuated enclosures,
screening, and landscaping approved by the Municipal Zoning Officer.
(b)
May not be located in the front yard. May only be placed in
the side and rear yards with a minimum setback of 10 feet from the
rear and side property lines.
(c)
Generator operating sound output may not exceed State statute
(N.J.S.A. 13:1G-T) as measured from the closest property line.
(d)
To be operated only during power loss or for maintenance operation.
Maintenance operation shall only occur between the hours of 11:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and in accordance with manufacturing
specifications.
(e)
Be in compliance with all Federal, State, and Local laws and
regulations.
2. Must obtain all required construction permits.
[1969 Code § 75-23; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 714; Ord. No. 738; New; Ord.
No. 2007-19 § 1; Ord.
No. 2009-03 §§ 4-5]
Merchandise goods and materials may be kept or stored outside
the confines of the building only in an industrial zone, and then
only if all of the following requirements are complied with:
a. Outdoor storage of merchandise, goods and materials normally warehoused
by the occupant on the site and permitted in the zone shall be permitted
only in the area between the rear building line and the minimum required
rear yard lot line and further provided that a permanent slatted chainlink
fence or its equivalent shall surround the storage area in accordance
with the requirements of this chapter relating to fencing. In no event
shall outdoor storage be permitted at any required driveway, parking
spaces, or similar areas. The maximum area of any lot that may be
used for outdoor storage is 25% of the warehouse gross ground floor
area. The maximum height of any material stored outdoors shall be
six feet. Any area used for outdoor storage shall be classified as
an impervious surface and the outdoor storage area shall be included
for purposes of computing minimum required parking requirements. On
corner lots, no outdoor storage shall be permitted between the street
line and the building line as extended to the rear and side lot lines.
All proposed outdoor storage areas shall be indicated on an approved
site plan. Raw materials shall not be stored in such a form or manner
that natural forces such as precipitation, wind, or evaporation can
transfer them off the lot, directly or indirectly. Materials or wastes
that create a pollutant or hazard must be enclosed in appropriate
containers.
b. In all zones, trash and garbage shall only be stored at the rear
of the building in approved containers. All such areas shall be fenced
or screened as required by the Planning Board as part of site plan
review so that said materials cannot be visible from any abutting
street or property.
c. The use of storage containers and container trailers for storage
purposes is prohibited in all zones.
d. The storage of containers and container trailers is prohibited in
all zones.
e. Outdoor storage is prohibited in all zones except L-1, L-2 and C-3.
f. Temporary Storage Containers.
1. Permit Required.
(a)
A site permit is required for the placement of a temporary storage
container at a residential site for any length of time. The owner/occupant
of the site must apply to the zoning officer for a site permit.
(b)
A site permit may be issued to allow the placement of the temporary
storage container at the site for an initial ninety-day period, and
may be renewed for up to three additional thirty day periods, with
additional applications.
(c)
Temporary storage container permits will not be granted to any
user which is found to be in violation of the regulations of the Zoning
Ordinance until such violation is brought into compliance.
2. Violations and Penalties.
(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person to allow a temporary storage
container to remain on a site which he or she owns, rents, occupies
or controls without first obtaining a site permit and approval from
the Township.
(b)
A user who allows a temporary storage container to remain at
a site longer than five days without first obtaining a site permit
as required by this subsection shall be provided a grace period of
two days to remove the temporary storage container or to obtain a
site permit.
(c)
Should the user in violation of the regulations of this subsection
fail to obtain a permit or remove the temporary storage container
at the termination of the grace period, the user shall be considered
in violation of the code.
(d)
It shall be unlawful for a temporary storage container to remain at a site in excess of the time periods permitted under Subsection
f1(b) above. Each day that any such temporary storage container remains at a site in violation of the provisions of Subsection
f2(b) above shall constitute a violation against the user.
3. Applicability.
(a)
In addition to compliance with all other requirements of the
Township of Fairfield development regulations, the use of temporary
storage containers must comply with the standards established by this
section.
(b)
Where the requirements of any part of this subsection may conflict
with any other section of the Township of Fairfield development regulations,
this subsection shall prevail.
4. Temporary Storage Container Use Provisions. Temporary storage container
use shall be permitted in all residential zones of the Township, subject
to the following:
(a)
Location. Temporary storage containers shall be placed only
in the driveway. The following provisions shall also apply:
(1)
No temporary storage container shall be located within five
feet of a property line.
(2)
Temporary storage containers shall be set back minimally 15
feet from the principal building.
(3)
No temporary storage container shall occupy an area greater
than 150 square feet.
(4)
The applicant shall utilize existing buffers when determining
the location for a temporary storage container in order to screen
the container from adjoining properties.
(b)
Use.
(1)
The use of any temporary storage container shall be confined
to the property owner whose land the container is placed upon. The
containers are intended to store common household items.
(2)
The following items are expressly prohibited from being stored
or kept within a temporary storage container: hazardous substances,
including chemical, flammable or explosive materials; trash.
(c)
Lighting. There shall be no lighting fixtures attached to a
temporary storage container, nor shall any lighting fixture be solely
utilized to light a container.
(d)
Maintenance.
(1)
Any temporary storage container shall be in good condition,
free from evidence of deterioration, weathering, discoloration, rust,
ripping, tearing, or other holes or breaks.
(2)
When not in use, the temporary storage container shall be kept
locked.
5. Fee. A fee of $25 shall accompany an application for a temporary
storage container.
[1969 Code § 75-24; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738]
The control and regulation of the uses of buildings as herein
provided shall equally apply to the nature and extent of the use of
land.
[1969 Code § 75-25; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738]
The minimum required lot width as specified for each district
shall be measured at the minimum required front building setback line,
but in no case shall the width of the lot, measured at the street
line, be less than 75% of the minimum required lot frontage as specified
in this chapter.
[1969 Code § 75-26; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738; Ord. No. 96-20 §§ A-E; Ord. No. 2002-19 §§ 1, 2; Ord. No. 2007-19 § 1]
a. All fences erected in the Township of Fairfield shall be subject
to the following requirements:
1. A fence permit shall be issued by the Zoning Official for all fences, except living fences, erected in the Township, up to six feet in height. Fences over six feet in height require a building permit from the Construction Official. Except as provided by Subsection
4, none of the other restrictions or provisions shall apply to living fences.
2. The fee for a fence permit obtained from the Zoning Official shall
be $25.
3. No fence permit shall be issued by the Zoning Official until the
applicant provides the Zoning Official with a set of plans or description
of the proposed fence and a sketch or survey showing the proposed
location of the fence. The proposed fence shall be constructed in
conformity with the plans or description and shall be located as shown
on the sketch or survey. If the Zoning Official, upon inspection,
determines that any fence or wall has not been constructed according
to the plans or description or has not been located as shown on the
sketch or survey, he shall notify the owner of such fence or wall,
in writing, of his findings and order such fence or wall to be constructed
according to the plans or description or order the fence be located
as shown on the sketch or survey. Such owner shall either remove the
fence or comply with the order of the Zoning Official within 30 days
of the date of receipt of the written notice. Each day the owner fails
to obey the order referred to above shall constitute a separate violation
of the chapter.
4. Living fences or screening shall be planted no closer than three
feet of the property line. Living fences shall be maintained in a
neatly trimmed condition, shall not interfere with visibility on corner
lots, and shall not extend off the owner's property.
5. In any nonresidential zone, fences shall be permitted in the side
and rear yards only and not to be higher than eight feet.
6. No fence erected on or around a residential lot or parcel of land
shall exceed six feet in height. Prefabricated fences of a standard
six foot height shall be installed as close to the ground as possible.
The total height of the fence will not include any slight undulations
of the ground, provided that 80% of the fence does not exceed the
maximum height of six feet.
7. No fence shall be erected in a front yard of any lot in a residential
zone or along a public right-of-way unless the fence is less than
50% solid and is not more than four feet in height, and does not otherwise
restrict visibility onto the property.
8. On a corner lot, a fence along the side street shall be subject to
the same restrictions as for a front fence, and the restrictions will
prevail within the setback line of the street. No fence within the
side or rear yard shall exceed six feet in height, except that open-wire
fences surrounding tennis, handball or similar courts may extend up
to 13 feet in height.
9. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, traffic visibility
across corner lots shall be maintained at all times. On any corner
lot, no fence, wall or other structure shall be erected to a height
in excess of 30 inches, and no vehicle or obstruction in excess of
30 inches shall be parked or placed, and no hedge, shrub or other
growth shall be maintained at a height in excess of 30 inches, except
that trees whose branches are trimmed away to a height of at least
10 feet above the curb or edge of pavement shall be permitted within
a triangle, the two sides of which shall be measured 35 feet from
the point of intersection of the street right-of-way.
10.
All fences or walls must be erected within the property lines,
and no fences shall be erected so as to encroach upon a public right-of-way
or to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic or with visibility
on corner lots.
11.
Fences shall be constructed with the face or finished side away
from the owner's property and the structural side toward the interior
of the owner's property. All posts and supports shall be placed on
the owner's side of the property, unless same are of a decorative
nature as designed by the manufacturer.
12.
Fences which are painted shall be painted in a manner and color
which shall be harmonious with the surrounding area.
13.
Fences shall be erected in a manner so as to permit the natural
flow of natural drainage and shall not cause surface water to be blocked,
ponded, diverted or directed.
14.
No fence shall be constructed of any material or in any manner
which may be dangerous to persons or animals.
15.
The following fences and fencing materials are specifically
prohibited: barbed wire fences, short pointed fences, canvas cloth,
electrically charged fences, poultry netting, temporary fences such
as snow fences, expandable fences and collapsible fences at any location
on the lot upon which a dwelling or structure is situated, except
during construction on such property.
16.
Every fence or wall shall be maintained in a safe, sound, upright
condition and in accordance with the approved plan on file with the
Zoning Official.
17.
If the Zoning Official, upon inspection, determines that any
fence or wall or portion of any fence or wall, is not being maintained
in a safe, sound, upright condition, he shall notify the owner of
such fence, in writing, of his findings and state briefly the reasons
for such findings and order such fence or wall or portion of such
fence or wall to be repaired or removed within 30 days of the date
of the written notice. All repairs to fences must be made in a manner
consistent with the remainder of the existing fence. Each day the
person fails to obey the order referred to above shall constitute
a separate violation of the chapter.
b. Existing Fences. This chapter shall not apply to fences existent
at the time of its adoption except to the extent that all repair to
and/or replacements of existing fence shall be in conformance with
this chapter.
This chapter shall not apply to the erection and maintenance
of temporary snow fencing between November 15 and April 15.
c. Violations and Penalties. Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be liable to the penalty stated in Chapter
1, §
1-5.
d. Repealer. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with
or in conflict with this subsection, except those relating to fencing
of swimming pools, are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
[1969 Code 75-27; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738]
In any zone, local municipal uses and local municipal buildings
and any accessory buildings thereto are hereby permitted.
[1969 Code § 75-28; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738; Ord. No. 2007-19 § 1; Ord. No. 2013-21]
a. Parking. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter to the contrary, with the exception of Subsection
b below, mobile dwellings, travel trailers and recreational vehicles (excepting conventional passenger automobiles) whether self-propelled, towed, truck-mounted or licensed as a passenger vehicle, which include but are not limited to all sizes and descriptions of mobile homes, travel trailers, campers, and buses, shall not be parked outdoors in any zone except that a resident may park one such vehicle on said resident's driveway for a period not to exceed 72 hours for purpose of loading or unloading such vehicle. Upon registration with the Police Department, permission for temporary parking of the above vehicles may be granted for a period not to exceed two weeks to non-Fairfield residents, provided such vehicles are not occupied and used for living purposes while parked on the subject premises.
b. Storage. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter to
the contrary, the storage of mobile dwellings, travel trailers and
recreational vehicles are permitted on residential lots, provided
that:
1. Such storage is limited to the side yard area-storage in the front
and rear yard area is strictly prohibited;
2. The mobile dwelling, travel trailer or recreational vehicle shall
be properly screened by, including but not limited to, evergreen shrubbery
or fencing;
3. No more than one mobile dwelling, travel trailer or recreational
vehicle owned by the site occupant may be stored on the property;
4. Such storage is strictly prohibited if the owner of the residential lot is already storing a boat on the lot in accordance with Subsection
45-12.17;
5. The mobile dwelling, travel trailer or recreational vehicle may not
exceed 26 feet in length;
6. The mobile dwelling, travel trailer or recreational vehicle trailer
must be registered; and
7. No such vehicle may be used for living purposes while being so stored
or parked.
[1969 Code § 75-29; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738; Ord. No. 2007-19 § 1; Ord. No. 2013-20]
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter to the
contrary, the storage or parking of boats is permitted on residential
lots, provided that:
a. Such storage is limited to the side yard area-storage in the front
and rear yard area is strictly prohibited;
b. The boat shall be properly screened by, including but not limited
to, evergreen shrubbery or fencing;
c. No more than one boat owned by the site occupant may be stored on
the property;
d. Such storage is strictly prohibited if the owner of the residential lot is already storing a mobile dwelling, travel trailer or recreational vehicle on the lot in accordance with Subsection
45-12.16;
e. The boat may not exceed 24 feet in length;
f. The boat shall be kept on a trailer or other support; and
g. The boat must be registered and seaworthy.
[1969 Code § 75-30; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738]
All corners of a lot shall be at least 170 feet in elevation
above the mean sea level, except that if conditions are such that
it is not feasible to hold the elevations, in the opinion of the Township
Engineer, the Engineer may, in his discretion, change the elevations
and submit to the Construction Official, in writing, the changes as
well as the minimum finished floor elevation for the proposed building.
[1969 Code § 75-32; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738; Ord. No. 848]
Building height regulations as specified in Article
V, Schedule of Area, Yard and Building Regulations, shall not apply to church steeples, flagpoles, and amateur radio towers and other similar structures accessory to or a part of a principal structure and use.
[Ord. No. 2007-19 § 1]
a. All exterior residential lighting fixtures must be installed in a
manner which prevents its emission from being projected onto adjacent
properties. Lighting shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at property
lines. Spotlights shall be shielded to prevent glare on adjacent properties.
b. Residential motion detector lighting fixtures must be maintained
in proper operating condition so as not to be flashing or flickering
with the exception of temporary seasonal displays.
[Ord. No. 93-61 § VIII; Ord. No. 2007-19 § 1; Ord. No. 2018-11]
No shed shall be constructed until a permit is obtained from
the Zoning Officer for sheds up to 200 square feet or larger and a
building permit is obtained from the Construction Official. The fee
for a permit obtained from the Zoning Officer as mentioned herein
shall be $25.
[Ord. No. 2007-19 § 1]
A detached single-family and detached two-family dwelling on
a lot that has a width of a minimum 120 feet shall not be permitted
to have a building length facing the street on which it is situated
that is in excess of 60% of the width of its lot.
[Added 6-28-2021 by Ord.
No. 2021-08]
Cannabis cultivators, cannabis retailers, and cannabis delivery
services shall be prohibited in all zones in the Township.
[Added 6-24-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-09]
Short-Term Rentals as defined in §
45-7.1 shall be prohibited in all zones in the Township.
[Ord. No. 2011-21 § 3]
a. The floodplain areas of the Township of Fairfield are subject to
periodic flooding which causes risk to life and property. Periodic
flooding disrupts business and transportation, requires emergency
response funded by the public and impairs the tax base. The cumulative
effect of increased development in the floodplain results in added
flood risk due to less groundwater recharge, more impervious coverage,
increased flood height and velocity. Minimizing development in flood
hazard areas promotes the public health, safety and welfare.
b. The areas shown on the accompanying map entitled "Floodplain Overlay
District" are lands located in the R-1 District subject to development
restrictions based on their location within a floodplain. Any parcel
in the Floodplain Overlay requires a minimum lot area of 30,000 square
feet as the minimum lot area for future development. The following
table establishes the area, yard and bulk dimensions in the Floodplain
Overlay District:
Requirement
|
Floodplain Overlay
|
---|
Minimum Lot Area (square feet)
|
30,000
|
Minimum Lot Width (feet)
|
125
|
Minimum Lot Depth (feet)
|
125
|
Minimum Front Yard (feet)
|
35
|
Minimum Side Yard (feet)
|
15
|
Minimum Rear yard (feet)
|
30
|
Maximum Lot Coverage (%)
|
10
|
Minimum Impervious Coverage (%)
|
20
|
Minimum Building Height (feet)
|
35
|
The purpose of a larger lot area is to accomplish the following:
protect human life and health, minimize the expenditure of government
funds for emergency response to flood conditions, reduce the need
for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding, generally
undertaken at the expense of the general public and minimize prolonged
business interruption due to flooding.
|
Any property with a valid resolution of subdivision or site
plan approval from the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment,
in effect prior to the date of adoption of this section (September
27, 2011), is exempt from the overlay zoning provisions set forth
herein.
|
Existing dwellings are exempt from the overlay zone requirements.
|
New dwellings must meet the overlay regulations.
|
[1969 Code § 75-34; Ord. No. 591; Ord. No. 738]
Regardless of whether the Township or any duly constituted board,
agency or department thereof is acting in or pursuant to the performance
of a governmental function, carrying out a legislative mandate or
in the exercise of its private right as a corporate body, any municipality
owned, operated or controlled building, structure, facility or use,
either existing or proposed, shall be permitted in any class of zone,
it being the intention that whatever the Township may be authorized
to do shall constitute a function of government and that whenever
the Township shall act, pursuant to granted authority, it acts as
government and not as a private entrepreneur.
[1969 Code § 75-34.1; Ord. No.
848; New]
Offices exceeding three stories in height shall be set back
far enough from adjoining lands so as not to cast shadows on them
and destroy the solar access of the adjoining property. All development
applications proposing buildings in excess of three stories or 36
feet shall provide anticipated shadow patterns from proposed buildings.
[New]
Conditional uses require site plan review and approval by the
Planning Board except when the following conditions are met:
a. The building or site had previous final site plan approval.
b. The new conditional use is substantially the same as the previous
use, i.e. when one commercial use moves out and a similar one moves
in.
c. When there is no change to parking, circulation, lighting, signs
(except lettering), stormwater management or landscaping.
If the above conditions are met, the site plan shall be reviewed
by the site plan waiver committee.
[Ord. No. 2000-7 § 2;
amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-12]
The following specific conditional uses shall be permitted under
the terms and conditions noted.
a. Houses of Worship. Houses of worship with or without clergyman's
residence on the same premises, provided that the following conditions
are met.
1. The minimum lot area shall be three acres.
2. The maximum floor area ratio for all buildings shall be 0.25.
3. The maximum impervious coverage shall be 55%.
4. No house of worship shall be located within 50 feet of any property
line. However, the front yard setback requirement for a separate clergy-man's
residence located on the same premises as a house of worship need
only satisfy the requirement established for other residences in the
zone in which it is located.
5. No parking shall be permitted in the front yard or within 25 feet
of any property line.
6. Parking shall be substantially screened from view from all surrounding
residence property lines.
7. Parking shall be provided as specified in Subsection
45-19.2.
b. Public and Private Nonprofit Schools. Public and private schools,
provided that the following conditions are met:
1. The minimum lot area shall be three acres.
2. The maximum floor area ratio for all buildings shall be 0.25.
3. The maximum impervious coverage shall be 55%.
4. No principal building shall be located within 50 feet of any property
line.
5. No parking shall be permitted in the front yard or within 25 feet
of any property line.
6. No active recreation area shall be permitted in the front yard or
located within 25 feet of a property line.
7. All recreation and parking areas shall be substantially screened
from view from all adjacent residences by landscaping.
8. There shall be no outdoor activities after 8:00 p.m.
9. All exterior lighting, except that required for security, shall be
turned off between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday
and between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, unless modified by
the approving board.
c. Home Offices. Home offices shall meet the following conditions:
Home Offices. The provisions of this section are intended to
apply to the owner-occupied office of physician, dentist, attorney-at-law,
architect, artist, real estate broker, accountant, bookkeeper, engineer,
planner or person of like profession which office is located within
the residence of the person who practices such profession.
1. Such office shall be contained entirely within the residential structure
on the premises and shall not exceed 25% of the total floor area of
that structure except that in no case shall such office exceed 900
square feet exclusive of parking spaces.
2. Adequate parking spaces shall be provided so that no parking related
to the office shall occur on the street. At least one parking space
shall be provided for each 200 square feet or fraction thereof of
gross office floor area unless the applicant can demonstrate that
fewer will be required. No parking shall be permitted in the front
yard. Parking areas shall be screened from adjacent residences by
landscaping or fencing.
3. No more than 150 motor vehicle trip ends per week shall be generated
by the home office use, each arrival or departure being considered
one trip end. Personal trip ends shall not be included in the 150
trip end limit.
4. Safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation, parking
and loading in the vicinity shall not be impaired.
5. No more than two office employees shall be present at any one time.
Nonresident professionals shall not be permitted to use the office
on a regular basis.
6. The hours of normal operation shall be limited to the hours of 8:00
a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
d. Public Utilities and Institutional Uses. Public utilities and institutional
uses shall meet the following conditions:
1. Public utilities and institutional uses in the R-1 and R-2 zones
shall primarily serve the residential neighborhood where located.
2. The minimum lot size shall be 40,000 square feet.
3. Where feasible, access shall be from other than a local street.
4. A minimum ten-foot buffer shall be required around the periphery
of the lot to minimize the impact on surrounding uses.
5. Lighting on the site shall be designed and operated so as to minimize
their impact on surrounding uses.
6. Off-street parking shall be sufficient to accommodate the projected
parking demand.
7. Off-street parking shall be located to the rear or side of the public
utility or institutional use.
e. Restaurants, Conventional. Conventional restaurants shall meet the
following conditions:
1. Minimum lot area of one acres.
2. Minimum building area of 3,000 square feet.
3. On other than Township roads.
f. Limousine Services. Limousine services shall meet the following conditions:
1. All such uses shall be subject to site plan review.
2. A minimum lot area of one acre shall be required for a limousine
service as a sole tenant or occupant on a lot.
3. Minor repairs and minor maintenance and washing of vehicles shall
be permitted only within an enclosed building.
4. No parking of drivers' cars or limousines shall be permitted in the
front yard.
5. All parking areas shall have a minimum of 10 feet of screening and
buffering.
g. Farms. Farms shall meet the following conditions:
1. Minimum area of three acres.
2. All farm buildings shall meet accessory building setback requirements.
3. Shall not cause any nuisance to neighbors.
h. Keeping of Animals. The keeping of animals shall meet the following
conditions:
1. Horses, cows, sheep or fowl shall be permitted.
2. The minimum lot area is three acres.
3. Buildings sheltering animals shall be located not closer than 50
feet to any property line and residences and 100 feet to the street.
4. Only animals owned by the owner or lessee of the property shall be
kept at the site.
i. Supermarkets. Supermarkets shall meet the following conditions:
1. All such uses shall be subject to site plan review.
2. The minimum lot area shall be four acres.
3. The minimum building size shall be 40,000 square feet.
4. The minimum bulk requirements (lot width, lot depth, front, rear
and side yard setbacks) shall meet the bulk requirements in the zone
district in which located.
5. Off-street parking shall be provided at the ratio of four spaces/1,000
square feet of gross floor area.
6. The maximum height shall be 40 feet.
7. The maximum impervious surface shall be 75%.
j. Home Based Businesses. Home based businesses, except for those uses which fall under Subsection
45-22.3c, shall be permitted provided that the following terms and conditions are satisfied:
1. The use is limited solely to office use;
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;
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 only consist of office supplies;
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 interference, including
interference with telephone, radio or television reception, detectable
by neighboring residents;
8. The use does not require any increased or enhanced electrical or
water supply;
9. The quantity and type of solid waste disposal is the same as other
residential uses in the zone district;
10. The capacity and quality of effluent is typical of normal residential
use, and creates no potential or actual detriment to the sanitary
sewer system or its components;
11. 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;
12. 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;
13. The resident shall register the use and their compliance with this
subsection with the Township Clerk's office annually and shall be
presumed to remain in operation until the Clerk is notified otherwise.
k. Outdoor Dining. Outdoor dining areas shall be permitted for restaurants
on private property or upon the sidewalks directly adjacent to any
restaurant provided that the following terms and conditions are satisfied:
[Added 10-26-2020 by Ord.
No. 2020-12]
1. The combined seating capacity of both indoor and outdoor dining shall
not exceed the restaurant's original approved indoor seating capacity.
2. The outdoor dining area shall not have a detrimental impact on the
restaurant's parking requirements.
3. Where applicable, the restaurant must obtain approvals from the New
Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control prior to serving any
alcohol in outdoor dining areas.
4. The outdoor dining area must be approved by the Township Police Department
and Bureau of Fire Prevention to ensure traffic and fire safety requirements
are met.
5. Permanent open-air structures and covers for outdoor dining areas
shall be permitted so long as bulk requirements for the zone in which
the outdoor dining area is located are met.
6. No food or drinks served or consumed at locations permitted for outdoor
dining shall be prepared or stored other than in the interior of the
eating establishment.
7. The tables and chairs shall be sturdy and of sufficient strength
to be used for the purpose intended.
8. Where outdoor dining is proposed to be located directly adjacent
to parking areas, protective bollards or barriers as approved by the
Planning Board shall be required.
9. All tables, chairs, and other items used in the outdoor dining area
must be able to be secured in times of inclement weather or high wind.
[Ord. No. 2000-19 § 1; Ord. No. 2009-03 § 6; amended 6-24-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-11]
a. Purpose. An ordinance to establish requirements for tree removal
and replacement in the Township of Fairfield to reduce soil erosion
and pollutant runoff, promote infiltration of rainwater into the soil,
and protect the environment, public health, safety, and welfare.
b. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following words
shall have the meanings indicated:
APPROPRIATE DECISIONAL AUTHORITY
Shall mean the municipal entity, either the Zoning Officer,
Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, to which the application
for tree removal permit is submitted.
DRIP LINE
Shall mean the limiting line established by a series of perpendicular
drop points marking the maximum radius of the crown of an existing
tree, but not less than six feet from the trunk, whichever is greater.
PERMITS
Shall mean a license issued by the Construction Code Official
or Zoning Officer to remove or destroy trees.
STREET TREE
Shall mean a tree planted in the sidewalk, planting strip,
and/or in the public right-of-way adjacent to (or specified distance
from) the portion of the street reserved for vehicular traffic. This
also includes trees planted in planting strips within the roadway
right-of-way, i.e., islands, medians, pedestrian refuges.
TREE
Shall mean any living tree having a trunk of a diameter point
of measure (DPM) of eight inches or greater measuring at a height
of three feet above natural grade.
TREE CALIPER
Means the diameter of the trunk of a young tree, measured
six inches from the soil line. For young trees whose caliper exceeds
four inches, the measurement is taken 12 inches above the soil line.
TREE REMOVAL
Means to kill or to cause irreparable damage that leads to
the decline and/or death of a tree. This includes, but is not limited
to, excessive pruning, application of substances that are toxic to
the tree, over-mulching or improper mulching, and improper grading
and/or soil compaction within the critical root radius around the
base of the tree that leads to the decline and/or death of a tree.
Removal does not include responsible pruning and maintenance of a
tree, or the application of treatments intended to manage invasive
species.
c. Permit Required. No trees with a diameter point of measure (DPM)
over six inches shall be cut or otherwise removed from any lands in
the Township without a tree removal permit. All applications for approval
of a major subdivision, minor subdivision for nonresidential lots,
or any site plan requiring tree removal, unless otherwise exempted
pursuant to this chapter, shall include an application for a tree
removal permit. When an application for a tree removal permit is made
for purposes not related to a development application, the application
shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer. Trees directed to be removed
by a public utility or governmental authority are exempt from obtaining
a permit.
d. Permit Application Procedures.
1. Tree Removal Application Form for Projects Associated with Development
Application. The application form shall contain the applicant's name,
name of property owner and owner's consent, if different from applicant.
A sketch depicting the location, size and species of trees shall be
provided, along with reasons for the tree removal. Proof of payment
shall also be provided.
2. Tree Removal Requirements for Nonresidential Properties Not Associated
with Site Plans or Subdivisions. The applicant/owner shall submit
an application for a tree removal permit to the Zoning Officer. The
application shall contain the name of the applicant, name of owner
of the property with consent of owner, if different from applicant,
location and species of trees on a sketch of property and reasons
for the removal or destruction.
3. Application
Fee. The fee for a tree removal permit shall be $150 for single dwelling
lots and a fee of $100 per tree with a $150 minimum for multifamily
and nonresidential lots.
e. Review Standards. A tree removal permit may only be granted for the
following reasons and under the following terms and conditions:
1. Upon a finding by the appropriate decisional authority that the proposed
tree removal will not result in or cause, increase or aggravate any
or all of the following conditions: impaired growth or development
of remaining trees or shrubs on the property of the applicant, or
upon adjacent property; soil erosion; sedimentation; and dust; drainage
or sewerage problems; and dangerous or hazardous conditions.
2. The appropriate decisional authority shall have the power to affix
reasonable conditions to the granting of the permit for the removal
of trees.
3. Whenever an application for tree removal is granted under the terms
and conditions of this section. the following protective measures
shall be observed:
(a) No material or temporary soil deposits shall be placed within the
drip line of any existing tree to be preserved;
(b) Except while engaged in tree removal, no equipment shall be operated
within six feet of any tree protected by this section nor shall such
equipment be operated at any time in such a manner as to break, tear
or bruise or otherwise injure any living trees.
4. Appeal.
In the event of denial of any permit submitted to the Zoning Officer,
the applicant seeking appeal from the decision shall proceed before
the Board of Adjustment as provided by statute.
f. Tree Replacement
Requirements.
1. Exemptions. The following shall be exempt from the tree replacement
requirements of this section:
(a) Residents who remove less than four non-street trees per acre that
have a DBH of less than 32.99 inches of the Tree Replacement Requirements
Table within a five-year period.
(b) Removal of evergreen trees or trees that are dead, dying or diseased,
or have suffered damage;
2. Replacement tree(s) shall:
(a) Be replaced in kind with a tree that has an equal or greater DBH
than tree removed or meet the Tree Replacement Criteria in the table
below;
(b) Be planted within 12 months of the date of removal of the original
tree(s) or at an alternative date specified by the municipality;
(c) Be monitored by the applicant for a period of two years to ensure
their survival and shall be replaced as needed within 12 months; and
(d) Shall not be planted in temporary containers or pots, as these do
not count towards tree replacement requirements.
(e) No trees identified as invasive in New Jersey shall be used. The
following is a list of trees and plants that shall not be used as
replacement trees or be planted due to their invasive and damaging
nature. This list has been established in order to protect and promote
public health, safety and welfare, and protect public and private
properties and indigenous and other plant material through the restriction
and prohibition of new plantings of invasive plants, and the cultivating
and/or maintenance and/or growing of existing plantings of invasive
plants.
(1)
Acer platanoides (Norway Maple).
(2)
Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven).
(3)
Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa).
(7)
Pinus nigra (Austrian Pine).
(8)
Prunus cerasifera (Purple Leaf Plum).
(9)
Prunus padus (Purple Leaf Bird Cherry 'Summer Glow').
(10)
Pyrus calleryana (Bradford Pear/Callery Pear).
(11)
Sorbus americana (Mountain Ash).
(12)
Tsuga canadensis (Hemlock) - unless controlled for scale and
adelgid.
Category
|
Tree Removed
|
Tree Replacement Criteria
|
---|
1
|
DBH of 2.5 inches (for street trees) or 6 inches (for non-street
trees) to 12.99 inches
|
Replant 1 tree with a minimum tree caliper of 1.5 inches for
each tree removed
|
2
|
DBH of 13 inches to 22.99 inches
|
Replant 2 trees with minimum tree calipers of 1.5 inches for
each tree removed
|
3
|
DBH of 23 inches to 32.99 inches
|
Replant 3 trees with minimum tree calipers of 1.5 inches for
each tree removed
|
4
|
DBH of 33 inches or greater
|
Replant 4 trees with minimum tree calipers of 1.5 inches for
each tree removed
|
3. Replacement Alternatives:
(a) If the municipality determines that some or all required replacement
trees cannot be planted on the property where the tree removal activity
occurred, then the applicant shall do one of the following:
(1)
Plant replacement trees in a separate area(s) approved by the
municipality.
(2)
Pay a fee of $250 per tree removed. This fee shall be placed
into a fund dedicated to tree planting and continued maintenance of
the trees.
g. Trees and Shrubs Dangerous to Public Safety.
1. Removal Required; Notice. In case any tree or shrub or any part thereof
along the public highway shall become dangerous to public safety,
the owner of the property in front of which such tree or shrub is
located, shall forthwith remove the same, or the required part thereof,
upon receipt of written directive to that effect from the Zoning Officer.
2. Standard Established. The owner or tenant of any lands lying within
the Township shall keep all brush, hedges and other plant life, growing
within both 10 feet of any roadway and within 25 feet of the intersection
of two roadways, cut to a height of not more than 2.5 feet. This shall
not require the cutting down of any trees where there is vision past
the trees at a height of between two and 2.5 feet from the ground
and eight feet from the ground.
3. Removal by Township. If the owner fails to remove the tree or shrub
or portion thereof within two weeks after receipt of written notice
to do so, the work shall be performed by the Township under the supervision
of the Zoning Officer or designated Township agent, who shall certify
the cost thereof to the Council.
4. Costs Charged Against Lands; Lien Established. Upon receipt of the
certified costs, the Township shall examine same and if found correct
shall cause the costs to be charged against the lands, or if the Council
deems the costs to be excessive, shall cause the reasonable cost thereof
to be charged against the lands. The amount so charged shall forthwith
become a lien upon the lands and shall be added to and become and
form part of the taxes next to be assessed and levied upon the lands,
the same to bear interest at the same rate as other taxes, and shall
be collected and enforced by the same officer and in the same manner
as taxes.
h. Surety Bond Required Where Building Permit is Sought. In all cases
of application for permit where a building permit is applied for,
there shall accompany the application a cash or surety bond in a minimum
sum of $500 for each acre with the application for building permit
with the amount to be determined by the Zoning Officer, which bond
shall assure compliance with the preservation of those trees not to
be removed, which bond shall be returned with the certificate of occupancy
less any costs expended by the Township to replace trees improperly
removed or destroyed in violation of the permit.