[Ord. No. OR:09/01 § 28-201]
For the purpose of this chapter, certain phrases and words are herein defined as follows:
Words used in the present tense include the future tense.
Words used in the singular number include the plural number and vice versa.
Words used to include the male gender include the female gender and vice versa.
The word "used" shall include "arranged," "designed," "constructed," "altered," "converted," "rented," "leased" or "intended to be used."
The word "lot" includes the words "plot" and "premises."
The word "building" includes the word "structure."
The word "shall" is mandatory and not discretionary.
The word "may" is discretionary and not mandatory.
[Ord. No. OR:09/01 § 28-202]
Whenever a word or term is used in this chapter which is not defined in this chapter, but is defined in the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) or the New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS), the word or term is intended to be consistent with the meaning as defined in the MLUL or the RSIS and with the permissible standards pertaining to the word or term. Any word or term used in this chapter which is not defined in this chapter or in the MLUL or RSIS is being used with a meaning of standard usage as defined in Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language, unabridged and latest edition.
[Ord. No. OR:07/21 § 1; Ord. No. OR:09/01 § 28-203]
The following words and terms shall have the meanings as indicated below. For ease of reference, terms defined below are italicized where used in this chapter.
ACCESSORY APARTMENT
In accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:93-5.9 of the Substantive Rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing, the term accessory apartment shall mean a self-contained residential dwelling unit with a kitchen, sanitary facilities, sleeping quarters, and a private entrance, which is created within an existing home, or through the conversion of an existing attached accessory structure on the same site, or by an addition to an existing home or accessory building. An accessory apartment shall only be permitted in accordance with the applicable requirements of this chapter and the Housing Element and Fair Share Plan that has received Substantive Certification from the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing.
ACCESSORY BUILDING, STRUCTURE
A building or structure that is customarily associated with and subordinate and incidental to the principal building(s) or principal structure(s) and not intended for habitation. Any accessory building or accessory structure attached to the principal building shall be considered part of the principal building.
ACCESSORY USE
A subordinate use, which does not violate this chapter, the purpose of which is subordinate and incidental to the principal use and located on the same lot thereto.
ADDITION
An extension or an increase in the floor area, height or coverage of a building or structure.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
The Clerk of the Planning Board or the Clerk of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, as the case may be, unless a different municipal official is designated by this chapter to administer certain of the responsibilities specified for the Administrative Officer in the MLUL.
ADVERSE EFFECT
Conditions or situations created by a proposed development that impose, aggravate or lead to impractical, unsafe or unsatisfactory conditions on properties including, but not limited to, inadequate drainage facilities, unsuitable street grades, street locations that fail to compose an effective circulation system, failure to provide or make future allowance(s) for access to the interior portion of adjoining lots or for other facilities required by this chapter, and danger from fire, flooding, erosion or other menace.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
A residential dwelling that is sold or rented for an amount within the means of a low or moderate income household as defined by the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing.
ALTERATION
As applied to a building or structure, a change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the means of ingress and egress; or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height; or the moving from one location or position to another.
APPLICANT
A developer submitting an application for development.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The application form and all accompanying documents required by ordinance for approval of a subdivision plat, site plan, planned development, conditional use, zoning variance or direction of the issuance of a permit pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-34 or C. 40:55D-36.
ATTIC
A space between the ceiling beams of the top habitable story and the roof rafters. Attic space which has a stairway for access and egress and in which the ceiling area at a height of seven feet four (7' 4") inches above the attic floor is more than one-third (1/3) the area of the floor next below shall be considered a story for the purposes of this chapter.
BASEMENT
That portion of a building partly below and partly above grade, where the ceiling of such area averages four (4) feet or more above the finished grade where such finished grade meets the outside walls of the building. A basement shall be considered a story when the distance from finished grade to the finished surface of the floor above the basement is more than six (6) feet for more than fifty percent (50%) of the total perimeter surrounding the interior basement area or when the distance from finished grade to the finished surface of the floor above the basement is more than twelve (12) feet at any point.
BEDROOM
A room planned or used primarily for sleeping.
BILLBOARD
Any structure or portion thereof on which lettered or pictorial matter is displayed for advertising purposes which is located on a site other than the site to which the advertising relates.
BOARD
The Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Borough, as the case may be.
BOARDING HOUSE
A building or part thereof, other than a building containing apartments or townhouses as permitted by this chapter, arranged or used for lodging for compensation, monetary or otherwise, with or without meals included, and not occupied as a single housekeeping unit.
BOROUGH
The Borough of Watchung, Somerset County, New Jersey.
BRIDGE
A structure designed to convey motorized/nonmotorized vehicles and/or pedestrians over a watercourse, railroad, street or other obstacle or depression.
BUFFER or BUFFER STRIP
An unoccupied portion of land maintained as a landscaped area and used to visibly separate one structure or use from another structure or use.
BUFFER SCREENING
An unoccupied portion of land maintained as a landscaped area, consisting primarily of densely planted vegetation, fencing and/or walls used to visually shield or obscure one abutting or nearby structure or use from another.
BUILDING
A structure constructed for the permanent, temporary or continuous occupancy and having a roof.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance measured from the lowest exterior finished grade elevation adjacent to the building to the highest point of the building in the case of flat roofs, or measured to the mean level between the eaves and the highest point of the roof in the case of pitched roofs. In all cases where this chapter provides for height limitations by reference to a specified height and a specified number of stories, the intent is to limit height to the specified maximum footage and the specified number of stories within said footage.
CARTWAY
That paved portion of a street (public or private) or right-of-way that is intended for vehicular movement.
COAH
The New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing.
CELLAR
That portion of a building partly below and partly above grade, where the ceiling averages less than four (4) feet above the finished grade where such grade meets the outside walls of the building.
CEMETERY
Any land or place used for the interment of human remains.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
The certificate issued by the Construction Official pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23 and in accordance with this chapter permitting the use of a structure.
CONDITIONAL USE
A use permitted in a particular zoning district when it is shown that such use in a specified location will comply with all the conditions and standards for the location or operation of the use as specified in § 28-501.
CONSERVATION EASEMENT
An easement in favor of the Borough for the purpose of preserving open space, aquatic buffers and/or the natural, scenic, aesthetic or historic value of land and precluding any disturbance of the area.
COVERAGE, BUILDING
That proportion of a lot covered by buildings as measured in a horizontal plane around the periphery of the foundation and including the area under any roof extending more than two (2) feet beyond the foundation.
COVERAGE, LOT
That proportion of a lot covered by impervious surfaces. The area is measured in a horizontal plane to the limits of the structure or improvement.
CRITICAL AREAS
Wetlands, 100-year floodplain or flood hazard areas, and lands with a topographic slope fifteen (15%) percent or greater.
DEVELOPER
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
The division of a parcel of land into two (2) or more parcels, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any building or other structure, or of any mining excavation or landfill, and any use or change in the use of any building or other structure, or land or extension of use of land, for which permission may be required pursuant to the MLUL.
DEVELOPMENT FEES
Money paid by an individual, person, partnership, association, company, or corporation to the improvement of property as permitted in N.J.A.C. 5:92-18 et seq.
DRIVEWAY
A private travel way providing access for a lot to a street or highway.
DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE
The area of the driveway within the right-of-way limits of any street extending from the cartway to the street line.
DRIVEWAY TURNAROUND
An area adjacent and connected to the driveway providing a convenient location for vehicles to reverse direction.
DWELLING UNIT
A room or series of connected rooms designed for permanent residency and containing living, cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities for one (1) housekeeping unit. A dwelling shall be self-contained and shall not require the use of outside stairs, passing through another dwelling unit or any other indirect route(s) to get to any portion of the dwelling unit, nor shall there be shared facilities with another housekeeping unit.
a. 
APARTMENT (RENTAL OR CONDOMINIUM)A building, other than a building of attached townhouses, containing a minimum of three (3) dwelling units.
b. 
DETACHED SINGLE FAMILYA building containing sleeping, sanitary and general living facilities which is physically detached from any other building or portion thereof and which is occupied or intended to be occupied for residential purposes by one (1) housekeeping unit only, including any domestic servants employed on the premises.
c. 
PATIO HOMEA one-family dwelling unit on an individual lot which may be attached to a second one-family dwelling unit on an adjacent lot.
d. 
TOWNHOUSEA building containing at least three (3), but no more than eight (8), connected dwelling units, where each dwelling unit:
(1) 
Has its own front and rear access to the outside;
(2) 
Is not located over any portion of another unit;
(3) 
Is separated from any other dwelling unit by one (1) or more common fire resistant walls; and
(4) 
Is compatibly designed in relation to all other units, but is distinct by such design features as width, setback, roof design, color, exterior materials, and other features, singularly or in combination.
ENLARGEMENT
An addition to the floor area of any existing building, or an increase in the size of any existing structure, or an increase in that portion of a tract of land occupied by any existing use.
EQUALIZED ASSESSED VALUE
The value of a property determined by the Borough Tax Assessor through a process designed to ensure that all property in the Borough is assessed at the same assessment ratio or ratios required by law. Estimates at the time of building permit may be obtained by the Tax Assessor utilizing estimates for construction cost. Final equalized assessed value will be determined at project completion by the Tax Assessor.
ERECT
To construct, build, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw or in any other way bring into being or establish, but it shall not include any of the foregoing activities when performed as an incident to the change of advertising message or normal maintenance or repair of a sign or sign structure.
ESTATE FENCE
An ornamental fence style reminiscent of elegant wrought iron custom craftsmanship. Fencing materials shall be aluminum, steel, wrought iron, metal or composite; finished or painted in one (1) color only, harmonized with the surrounding area. An estate fence section shall consist of a combination of horizontal rails and vertical pickets in either a straight, concave or convex style. Pickets may not be fitted with finials or spear points at the top of the fence. Circles and scroll castings may be added between the rails and pickets to enhance the uniqueness of the design. Each fence section shall attach to posts of similar construction. Monumental columns, which may be of wood, stone, brick or masonry construction not to exceed three (3) feet of any side or diameter and located at the corners of the fence or driveway entrance or walkway entrance.
FAMILY
The word family shall mean the same as housekeeping unit.
FARM
A lot with at least five (5) acres of land devoted to the growing and harvesting of crops and/or the raising and/or breeding of animals, including truck farms, fruit farms, nurseries and greenhouses, silva culture operations, dairies and livestock produce, except that commercial piggeries and commercial slaughtering are prohibited. Structures incidental to a farm such as barns and packing, grading and storage buildings for produce raised on the premises; fences; buildings for the keeping of permitted poultry and livestock; and garages for the keeping of trucks and other equipment used in farm operations are permitted when accessory to a permitted farm.
FENCE
An artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials erected to enclose, screen or separate areas. All fences shall be symmetrical in appearance, with posts separated by identical distances, with the fencing conforming to a definite pattern and uniform design.
FLAG LOT
A lot whose building area, i.e., the "flag" portion, is connected to the street giving access to it by a strip of land, i.e., the "pole" portion, whose principal purpose is to provide legal and/or actual access to the buildable area. In general, the buildable area of a flag lot is located to the rear of another lot(s) fronting on the same or intersecting street.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS (G.F.A.)
The sum of the area of all floors of buildings or structures.
FLOOR AREA, NET HABITABLE (N.H.F.A.)
The finished and heated area fully enclosed by the inside surfaces of walls, windows, doors and partitions including working, living, eating, cooking, sleeping, stair, hall, service and storage areas, but excluding garages, carports, parking spaces, cellars, utility (heating and cooling) rooms, half-stories, and unfinished attics and basements. Moreover, for the purposes of determining the off-street parking requirements of this chapter for nonresidential uses, any net habitable floor area having a headroom of six and one-half (6 1/2) feet or more shall be utilized in the calculation.
FLOOR AREA RATIO
The ratio of the gross floor area of all buildings on a lot divided by the lot area.
FRONT FACADE AREA
The square footage of the total wall surface of the front of building below the roofline, including any windows or doors. The front of the building shall be where the main entrance is located.
GARAGE, PRIVATE NONRESIDENTIAL
An accessory building to a principal nonresidential building and use, which is utilized primarily for the parking and storage of vehicles operated by the customers, visitors and employees of such nonresidential building and use, and which is not available to the general public.
GARAGE, PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL
An accessory building for the storage of motor vehicles regularly operated by occupants of the principal building.
GARAGE, PUBLIC
A building or portion thereof, other than a private nonresidential garage or private residential garage, utilized primarily for the parking and storage of vehicles and available to the general public.
GARAGE, REPAIR
Any building, premises and land in which or upon which a business, service or industry involving the maintenance, servicing, repair or painting of vehicles is conducted or rendered.
GOLF COURSE
A land area at least one hundred (100) acres in size containing an eighteen (18) hole play area, together with necessary and usual accessory uses and accessory structures.
GRADE
The slope of a road, path, driveway, swale or other surface, or the finished ground elevation adjoining a building or structure at project completion.
HISTORIC RESOURCE
Any site, building, area, structure or object important in American history or prehistory, architecture, archaeology and culture at the national, State, County, local or regional level.
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
An organization operating in a development under recorded agreements through which each lot owner shall be a member and each dwelling unit is subject to a charge for a proportionate share of the expenses for the organization's activities and maintenance, including any maintenance costs levied against the association by the Borough in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-43.
HOTEL AND MOTEL
A building or group of buildings consisting of individual sleeping units designed for transient travelers and not for permanent residency.
HOUSEKEEPING UNIT
One (1) or more persons living together in one (1) dwelling unit on a nonseasonal basis and sharing living, sleeping, cooking and sanitary facilities on a nonprofit basis.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
As applied to all surfaces, that portion of the premises covered by buildings, principal and accessory, and improvements, such as driveways, parking lots, pools, tennis courts (except grass), patios, porches and walkways. All surfaced parking areas and driveways, all required parking areas which are permitted to remain unsurfaced, and all gravel driveways and gravel parking lots shall be considered an impervious surface for the purposes of this chapter. In the event that a deck is constructed above ground and the area below the deck is highly resistant to infiltration by water, the total area of the deck shall be considered an impervious surface for purposes of this chapter. In the event that a deck exceeds eight hundred (800) square feet and the area below the deck is not highly resistant to infiltration by water, the area of the deck that exceeds eight hundred (800) square feet shall be considered impervious surface for the purposes of this chapter. Further, in order to be excluded from the definition of "impervious surface," the decking surface of the deck shall be composed of wood, composite lumber or other such material placed in the form of generally parallel boards to the pervious surface beneath and shall not consist of concrete, tile, pavers or other such surface that does not allow water runoff to fall to the pervious surface below.
[Amended 9-9-2021 by Ord. No. 21/06]
JUNK YARD
Any space, whether inside or outside a building, used for remuneration in connection with the storage, keeping or abandonment of junk, including scrap metals or other scrap materials, or for the dismantling, demolition, salvage, resale or abandonment of automobiles or other vehicles or machinery or parts thereof.
LAND DISTURBANCE
Any activity involving the clearing, cutting, excavating, or grading of land or any other activity which alters land topography and/or vegetative cover exclusive of personal or home gardening by a homeowner on their own real property.
LOADING SPACE
An off-street space or berth on the same lot with a building or group of buildings for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading.
LOT
A designated parcel, tract, or area of land established by plat, or otherwise as permitted by law, and to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.
LOT AREA
The area contained within the lot lines of a lot and not including any portion of a street right-of-way.
LOT, CORNER
A lot abutting the intersection of two (2) or more streets, where the interior angle of intersection does not exceed one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees. Each corner lot shall have two (2) front yards (along each street), one (1) side yard and one (1) rear yard, the side yard and rear yards to be designated at the time of application for a construction permit.
LOT DEPTH
The shortest perpendicular distance, or radial distance in the case of a curved frontage, between the street line and the midpoint of the rear lot line. The lot depth requirements shall apply to lots created subsequent to the adoption of this chapter. (See Figure 1: Lot Depth and Lot Width graphic in Appendix A.[1])
LOT FRONTAGE
The distance between side lot lines measured along the street line. In the case of a corner lot created subsequent to the adoption of this chapter, the shorter street line shall equal or exceed the minimum frontage requirement, while the other street line shall equal or exceed the applicable lot depth requirement.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot other than a corner lot.
LOT LINE
Any line forming a portion of the exterior boundary of a lot and is the same line as the street line for that portion of a lot abutting a street.
LOT WIDTH
The straight line distance between side lot lines measured at the minimum required front yard setback line. In the case of a corner lot created subsequent to the adoption of this chapter, lot width shall be measured parallel to the shorter street line along the minimum required front yard setback line. (See Figure 1: Lot Depth and Lot Width graphic in Appendix A.[2])
LOW INCOME HOUSING
Housing affordable according to COAH regulations, to a household with a total gross annual income equal to fifty (50%) percent or less of the median gross household income for households of the same size within the housing region in which the housing is located as adopted by COAH, and which is subject to affordability controls consistent with COAH regulations.
MAJOR SITE PLAN
Any site plan that is not classified as a minor site plan.
MAJOR SUBDIVISION
Any division of land not classified as a minor subdivision.
MARQUEE
A permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a building face.
MEMBERSHIP SWIM CLUB
A swimming pool and the apparatus and equipment pertaining thereto, operated on a membership basis without a daily admission charge.
MINOR SITE PLAN
Any plan for development which:
a. 
Is limited to the proposed construction of any permitted or accessory use which is not exempted from site plan review pursuant to this chapter; or
b. 
Consists of an expansion of, or addition to, an existing conforming structure and/or use which is not exempted from site plan review pursuant to this chapter and which:
(1) 
Does not account for more than five thousand (5,000) square feet of additional lot coverage;
(2) 
Does not exceed more than one thousand (1,000) square feet of enclosed and roofed area;
(3) 
Does not involve a planned development; and
(4) 
Does not entail the installation of any road improvements or the expansion of public facilities.
c. 
The minor site plan application shall contain information reasonably required in order to make an informed determination as to whether the requirements established by chapter for approval of a minor site plan have been met.
MINOR SUBDIVISION
Any division of land for the creation of not more than three (3) lots none of which can be further subdivided except upon filing of major subdivision application, each fronting upon, and provided vehicular access to, an existing street either improved in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-35 or granted relief therefrom in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-36, and which:
a. 
Does not involve any new street or access easement or the installation of any street improvements or the extension of Borough facilities, except as may be required along the street frontage of the subject property.
b. 
Does not involve any streets requiring additional right-of-way width as specified in the currently adopted Traffic Circulation Plan Element of the Borough Master Plan and/or the street requirements of this chapter, unless such additional right-of-way width, either along one (1) or both sides of said street(s), as applicable, is offered in fee to the Borough or to some other governmental authority prior to classification as a minor subdivision and deeded over in fee as a condition of any approval.
c. 
Does not involve any required off-tract improvements.
d. 
Does not involve a planned development.
e. 
Is not deficient in those details and specifications required of minor subdivisions as specified in this chapter.
f. 
Is not a further division of an original tract of land for which previous minor subdivision approval had been granted by the Borough and where the combination of the proposed and any previously approved minor subdivisions constitute a major subdivision.
g. 
Any readjustment of lot lines resulting in no additional lots shall be classified as a minor subdivision for purposes of the application and review requirements specified in this chapter.
MODERATE INCOME HOUSING
Housing affordable according to COAH regulations, to a household with a total gross annual income in excess of fifty (50%) percent but less than eighty (80%) percent of the median gross household income for households of the same size within the housing region in which the housing is located as adopted by COAH, and which is subject to affordability controls consistent with COAH regulations.
MUNICIPAL LAND USE LAW or MLUL
N.J.S.A. 40-55D-1 et seq.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot having an area and dimensions which were lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of this chapter, but which fails to conform to the currently applicable requirements of this chapter by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A structure, the size, dimensions and location of which were lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of this chapter, but which fails to conform to the currently applicable requirements of this chapter by reasons of such adoption, revision or amendment.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use or activity which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of this chapter, but which fails to conform to the currently applicable requirements of this chapter by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment.
NUISANCE
Any offensive, annoying, unpleasant or obnoxious thing or practice which unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment and use of property.
OPEN PORCH
A porch that is open on three (3) sides except for possible wire screening. A porch shall not be considered to be an open porch if it is enclosed either by permanent or detachable glass panes on any of the three (3) open sides.
OPEN SPACE ORGANIZATION
An incorporated, nonprofit organization, oftentimes called a "Homeowners' Association," which operates under a recorded land agreement and provides that:
a. 
Each owner is automatically a member;
b. 
Each occupied dwelling unit is automatically subject to a charge for a proportionate share of the expenses for the organization's activities and maintenance, including any maintenance costs levied against the organization by the Borough; and
c. 
Each owner and tenant has the right to use the common property.
OWNER
An individual, firm, association, syndicate, partnership, or corporation having sufficient proprietary interest to seek development of land.
PARKING AREA
Any public or private area designed and used for parking of motor vehicles, including parking lots and garage, and legally designated areas of public streets.
PARKING SPACE
Any area for the parking of motor vehicles within a public or private parking area.
PERMITTED USE
Any use of land or buildings as permitted by this chapter.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
An area to be developed as a single entity according to a plan in accordance with the applicable requirements of this chapter and which includes common or public open space area as an appurtenance; i.e., a development in which the permitted buildings are grouped closer to each other than would otherwise be permitted, and in which the open space so saved remains an integral element of the development.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING ENVELOPE
The two-dimensional space within a lot defined by the minimum required yard setback dimensions, upon which a principal building or structure is permitted to be built. (See Figure 3: Required Setbacks, Yards and Principal Building Envelope graphic in Appendix A.[3])
PRINCIPAL BUILDING, STRUCTURE OR USE
A building, structure or use that is the main or primary building, structure or use on the lot.
PRIVATE STREET
A street that is not publicly maintained or not intended to be publicly maintained.
PROFESSIONAL RESIDENT HOME OFFICE
The office of a member of a recognized profession as hereinafter indicated when conducted on a residential property and conducted by a member or members of the residential family entirely within a residential building, and including only offices of ministers, architects, professional engineers, land surveyors, lawyers, accountants, medical doctors and dentists.
PUBLIC PURPOSE USES
The use of land or buildings by the Borough or any officially created authority or agency thereof.
PUBLIC VIEW
Visible from a public thoroughfare, public lands or public building.
REGIONAL RETAIL SHOPPING COMPLEX
A shopping center which contains at least seven hundred fifty thousand (750,000) gross square feet of floor area on at least seventy (70) acres of contiguous land and which includes at least three (3) commercial establishments which individually occupy at least fifty thousand (50,000) gross square feet of floor area and at least two (2) additional commercial establishments which individually occupy at least forty thousand (40,000) gross square feet of floor area.
RESIDENTIAL TOOL SHED
A building, accessory to a detached dwelling unit, which is utilized for the storage of tools, lawn and garden equipment and furniture and similar items of personal property owned by the occupants of the detached dwelling unit.
RESTAURANT
Any establishment, however designated, at which food is sold primarily for consumption on the premises and within a building, providing that a drive-through window shall be considered as an accessory use to the restaurant requiring conditional use approval by the Borough where permitted and in accordance with the applicable provisions of this chapter. However, a snack bar or refreshment stand at a public swimming pool, golf course, playground, playfield or park, operated solely by the agency or group operating the recreational facility and for the convenience of the patrons of the facility, shall not be deemed a restaurant.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
Any property either owned by the Borough, County of Somerset or State of New Jersey in fee simple, dedicated for street purposes by way of a filed plat approved pursuant to the law or over which the Borough has an easement which is held for road, utility or any other municipal purpose.
SEARCH AREA
That geographic area (which may or may not extend beyond Borough boundary lines) within which additional wireless telecommunications facilities are required to provide reliable and adequate coverage consistent with the licensing requirements of the Federal Communications Commission.
SENIOR CITIZEN
A person who is sixty-two (62) years of age or older.
SERVICE STATION
Lands and buildings providing for the sale of automotive fuel, lubricants, and automotive accessories. Maintenance and minor repairs for motor vehicles may be provided, but no body repairs or painting or the storage of inoperable, wrecked or unregistered vehicles shall be permitted. Additionally, no car wash operation, car or truck rental, parking for a fee or other activity not specifically a part of the service station shall be permitted.
SETBACK
A line that is established a minimum horizontal distance from the street line or proposed street line or lot line and beyond which a building or part of a building is not permitted to extend toward the street line or proposed street line or lot line. (See Figure 3: Required Setbacks, Yards and Principal Building Envelope graphic in Appendix A.[4])
a. 
FRONT YARD SETBACKThe minimally required distance between the street line and the closest point of a building on a lot, measured horizontally and at right angles to either a straight street line or the tangent of curved street lines, and extending across the full width of the lot. The required front yard setback shall be measured from the street line when the street line and property line do not coincide.
b. 
REAR YARD SETBACKThe minimally required distance between the rear lot line and the closest point of a building on the lot, measured horizontally and at right angles to either a straight rear lot line or the tangent of curved rear lot line, and extending across the full width of the lot.
c. 
SIDE YARD SETBACKThe minimally required distance between each side lot line and the closest point of a building on the lot, measured horizontally and at right angles to either a straight side lot line or the tangent lines of curved side lot lines, and extending from the required front yard setback to the required rear setback and lying between.
SHARED DRIVEWAY
A single driveway serving two (2) or more adjoining lots.
SHOPPING CENTER
A group of commercial establishments which are planned, constructed and managed as a total entity in accordance with a common architectural theme and which are provided on-site customer and employee parking and the location for the delivery of goods separated from customer access.
SIGHT TRIANGLE EASEMENT AT INTERSECTION
A triangular area established in accordance with the requirements of this chapter in which no grading, planting or structure shall be erected or maintained more than twelve (12) inches above the street centerline except for street signs, fire hydrants and light standards.
SIGN
Any object, device, display, or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is used to advertise, identity, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images, provided that the display of public notices, the flag, emblem or insignia of the United States of America, political unit, temporary signs or temporary display in connection with a charity drive for contributions shall not be considered signs under the provisions of this chapter.
SIGN AREA
The entire area within a continuous perimeter enclosing the limits of the actual message or copy area. It does not include any structural elements outside the limits of the sign surface and not forming an integral part of the display. For projecting or double-faced signs, where the sign faces are parallel, the sign area of only one (1) display face shall be measured in computing total sign area.
SIGN, BUSINESS
A sign which directs attention to a business, industry, profession, commodity, service or entertainment sold or offered upon the same premises where such sign is located
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL
A sign containing directional information about public places owned or operated by Federal, State or local governments or their agencies; publicly or privately owned natural phenomena, historic, cultural, scientific, educational and religious sites; and areas of natural beauty or naturally suited to outdoor recreation.
SIGN, FLASHING
A sign, the illumination of which is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use.
SIGN, INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED
An illuminated sign with illumination that is derived from an external artificial source.
SIGN, NAMEPLATE
A sign that states the name or address or both of the occupant of the premises where the sign is located.
SIGN, OPEN HOUSE
A sign noticing a real estate event whereby a residential property in the Borough is made available for public inspection without the necessity of an interested person having to make a specific appointment for inspection.
SIGN, OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
A sign which directs attention to a business, industry, profession, commodity, service or entertainment not necessarily sold or offered upon the premises where the sign is located.
SIGN, PROFESSIONAL
A sign listing only the name and profession of the practitioner.
SIGN, PROJECTING
A sign that is attached to the building wall and extends more than eighteen (18) inches from the face of such wall.
SIGN, REVOLVING
A sign which moves in any manner by mechanical means.
SIGN, ROOF
A sign constructed or supported upon the roof of any building or structure.
SIGN, TEMPORARY
A sign which is intended to advertise community or civic projects, real estate for sale or lease, or other special events on a temporary basis. Except for real estate and nonprofit community or civic projects, all temporary signs shall require a zoning permit except for those specifically exempted by this chapter.
SIGN, WALL
A sign which is attached to the wall of a building with the face in a plane parallel to such wall and not extending more than eighteen (18) inches from the face of the wall.
STEEP SLOPE
Any slope exceeding ten percent (10%) in grade.
STORMWATER DETENTION FACILITY
Any storm drainage technique that provides for the controlled release of stored water and that also provides water quality enhancement or ground water infiltration, such as bioremediation, detention or retention basins, parking lot storage, rooftop storage, dry well, water quality swales or any combination thereof.
STORY
That portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the next floor above it or, if there is no floor above it, then the surface between the floor and the ceiling next above it. For the purpose of this chapter:
a. 
The interior of a roof shall not be considered a ceiling.
b. 
Cellars shall not be considered a story.
c. 
A basement shall be considered a story when the distance from finished grade to the finished surface of the floor above the basement is more than six (6) feet for more than fifty percent (50%) of the total perimeter surrounding the interior basement area or when the distance from finished grade to the finished surface of the floor above the basement is more than twelve (12) feet at any point.
d. 
Regardless of the level of the finished grade surrounding it, a finished basement and/or cellar in a nonresidential buildings shall be considered a story for the purposes of the height, floor area, and parking requirements of this chapter, unless used solely for ancillary storage.
e. 
A half-story is the area under a pitched roof at the top of a building that has possible headroom of seven feet four (7' 4") inches or greater occupying less than one-third (1/3) of the area of the floor next below. Additionally, in order to be considered a "half-story," the floor area of such space shall not be more than three (3) feet above the line of the intersection of the roof and wall face. An area under a pitched roof at the top of a building that is accessed by a stairway and that has area with possible headroom of seven feet four (7' 4") inches or greater occupying one- third (1/3) or more of the area of the floor next below shall be considered a story for the purposes of this chapter.
STREET LINE
The dividing line between the street right-of-way and the lot which is shown upon a plat approved pursuant to law and recorded in the office of the County Clerk or which is approved by official action as provided by law. Where the street line has not been established, the street line shall be assumed to be twenty-five (25) feet from the centerline of the existing road.
STRUCTURE
A combination of materials to form a construction for occupancy, use or ornamentation, whether installed on, above or below the surface of a parcel of land.
SUBDIVISION AND SITE PLAN COMMITTEE
A committee appointed by the Chairperson of the Planning Board for the purpose of reviewing, commenting and making recommendations with respect to subdivision and site plan applications. Only those Committee members who are members or alternates of the Board having jurisdiction to act have the power to vote on a matter involving a minor site plan or minor subdivision pursuant to the MLUL.
SWIMMING POOL
A water-filled enclosure, above and/or below the ground, having a depth of more than twenty-four (24) inches and designed, used and maintained for swimming and bathing.
a. 
The term swimming pool includes hot tubs and whirlpools and other similar water-filled enclosures.
b. 
The term swimming pool includes all ordinary appurtenances such as buildings, structures and equipment.
c. 
Any portable pool that is not permanently installed and that meets all of the following criteria is not considered a swimming pool and is not subject to the provisions of this chapter:
(1) 
Does not require water filtration, circulation and purification;
(2) 
Does not exceed twenty-four (24) inches in depth;
(3) 
Does not exceed a water surface of two hundred fifty (250) square feet; and
(4) 
Does not require braces or supports.
TRACT
An area of land composed of one (1) or more lots adjacent to one another, having sufficient dimensions and area to make one (1) parcel of land meeting the requirements of this chapter for the use(s) intended.
USE
The purpose or activity for which land or structures are arranged or designed, or the purpose or activity for which either land or structures are, or may be, used, occupied or maintained. The term permitted use does not include the term nonconforming use.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA
A system of electrical conductors that transmit or receive radio frequency signals, digital signals, analog signals, or electromagnetic waves for wireless communications.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT COMPOUND
A fenced-in area which houses any combination of wireless telecommunications structures, buildings, antennas, equipment and/or towers.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS STRUCTURES, ANTENNAS, EQUIPMENT AND/OR TOWERS
Buildings and/or structures and equipment for the receiving or sending wireless telecommunications except for satellite dish antennas. For purposes of this definition, "wireless telecommunications structures, antennas, equipment and/or towers" may be collectively referred to herein as "wireless telecommunications facilities." This definition shall not include any tower, or the installation of any antenna, that is under fifty (50) feet in height and is owned and operated by a federally licensed amateur radio station operator or is used exclusively for receive only antennas.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER
A vertical structure designed for and intended to support wireless telecommunications antennas.
YARD
The open space existing between the principal building or accessory building and the nearest lot line.
a. 
FRONT YARDThe open space extending across the full width of the lot and lying between the street line and the closest point of any building on the lot. The depth of the front yard shall be measured horizontally and at right angles to either a straight street line or the tangent of curved street lines.
b. 
REAR YARDThe open space extending across the full width of the lot and lying between the rear lot line and the closest point of the principal building on the lot. The depth of the rear yard shall be measured horizontally and at right angles to either a straight rear lot line or the tangent of curved rear lot lines.
c. 
SIDE YARDThe open space extending from the front yard to the rear yard and lying between each side lot line and the closest point of the principal building on the lot. The width of the side yard shall be measured horizontally and at right angles to either a straight side lot line or the tangent lines of curved side lot lines. (See Figure 3: Required Setbacks, Yards and Principal Building Envelope graphic in Appendix A.[5])
ZONING MAP
The map referred to in Article 28-300 of this Ordinance which shows the boundaries of the zoning districts within the Borough.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[2]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[3]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[4]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[5]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.