[1966 Code § 39-51; Ord. No. 2-77]
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Land Use Procedures Regulations" of the Borough of Bloomingdale.
[1966 Code § 39-46; Ord. No. 2-77]
Whenever a term is issued in this chapter which is defined in P.L. 1975, c. 291, such term is intended to have the meaning set forth in the definition of such term found in the Statute, unless a contrary intention is clearly expressed from the context of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. 43-2006 continued the Planning Board of the Borough of Bloomingdale and abolished the Zoning Board of Adjustment. All rights, powers and duties vested by law in the Zoning Board of Adjustment are transferred to and vested in the Planning Board pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-25c(1).
[1966 Code § 39-1; Ord. No. 2-77; Ord. No. 3-80; Ord. No. 43-2006 § 3]
There is hereby established pursuant to P.L. 1975, c. 291, in the Borough of Bloomingdale, a Planning Board of nine members consisting of the following four classes:
a. 
Class I: The Mayor.
b. 
Class II: one of the officials of the municipality other than a member of the governing body to be appointed by the Mayor, provided that if an Environmental Commission is established, the member of the Environmental Commission who is also a member of the Planning Board, as required by N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1, shall be deemed to be the Class II Planning Board member if there are both a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and a member of the Board of Education among the Class IV or alternate members.
c. 
Class III: A member of the governing body to be appointed by it.
d. 
Class IV: six other citizens of the municipality to be appointed by the Mayor. The members of Class IV shall hold no other municipal office, except that one member may be a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and one may be a member of the Board of Education. A member of the Environmental Commission who is also a member of the Planning Board, as required by N.J.S.A. 40:56A-1, shall be a Class IV Planning Board member unless there are among the Class IV or alternate members of the Planning Board both a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and a member of the Board of Education, in which case the member of the Environmental Commission shall be deemed to be the Class II member of the Planning Board.
e. 
Alternate Members.
1. 
Four alternate members may be appointed by the Mayor. The alternate members shall meet the qualifications of Class IV members of nine member Planning Boards. Alternate members shall be designated at the time of appointment by the Mayor as "Alternate No. 1," "Alternate No. 2," "Alternate No. 3" and "Alternate No. 4," respectively. The terms of the alternate members shall be for two years, except that the terms of the alternate members shall be such that the term of not more than one alternate member shall expire in any one year. The initial terms of "Alternate No. 3" and "Alternate No. 4" shall be two years and one year, respectively, such that each subsequent term of "Alternate No. 3" shall coincide with the term of "Alternate No. 1" and that each subsequent term of "Alternate #4" shall coincide with the term of "Alternate #2." A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled by the Mayor for the unexpired term only.
2. 
No alternate member shall be permitted to act on any matter in which the alternate has either directly or indirectly any personal or financial interest. An alternate member may, after public hearing if the alternate member requests one, be removed by the governing body for cause.
3. 
Alternate members may participate in discussions of the proceedings but may not vote except in the absence of disqualification of a regular member of any class. A vote shall not be delayed in order that a regular member may vote instead of an alternate member. In the event that a choice must be made as to which alternate member is to vote, Alternate No. 1 shall vote.
[1966 Code § 39-2; Ord. No. 2-77]
a. 
The term of the member composing Class I shall correspond with his official tenure. The terms of the members composing Class II and Class III shall be for one year or terminate at the completion of their respective terms of office, whichever occurs first, except for a Class II member who is also a member of the Environmental Commission. The term of a Class II or a Class IV member who is also a member of the Environmental Commission shall be for three years or terminate at the completion of his term of office as a member of the Environmental Commission, whichever comes first.
b. 
The term of a Class IV member who is also a member of the Board of Adjustment or the Board of Education shall terminate whenever he is no longer a member of such other body or at the completion of his Class IV term, whichever occurs first.
c. 
The terms of all Class IV members first appointed pursuant to this section shall be so determined that to the greatest practicable extent the expiration of such terms shall be evenly distributed over the first four years after their appointment as determined by resolution of the governing body; provided, however, that no term of any member shall exceed four years, and further provided that nothing herein shall affect the terms of any present members of the Planning Board, all of whom shall continue in office until the completion of the term for which they were appointed. Thereafter all Class IV members shall be appointed for terms of four years except as otherwise herein provided. All terms shall run from January 1 of the year in which the appointment was made, unless an appointment is made to fill an unexpired term.
[1966 Code § 39-3; Ord. No. 2-77]
If a vacancy of any class shall occur otherwise than by expiration of term, it shall be filled by appointment as above provided for the unexpired term.
[1966 Code § 39-4; Ord. No. 2-77]
The Planning Board shall elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman from the members of Class IV and select a Secretary who may be either a member of the Planning Board or a municipal employee designated by it.
[1966 Code § 39-5; Ord. No. 2-77]
The Planning Board may also employ or contract for the services of experts and other staff and services as it may deem necessary. The Board shall not exceed, however, exclusive of gifts or grants, the amount appropriated by the governing body for its use.
[1966 Code § 39-6; Ord. No. 2-77; Ord. No. 3-80]
The Planning Board is authorized to adopt bylaws governing its procedural operation. It shall also have the following powers and duties:
a. 
To make and adopt and amend a Master Plan for the physical and social development and policy of the Borough, including any areas outside its boundaries which, in the Board's judgment, bear essential relation to the planning of the Borough, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28.
b. 
To administer the provisions of the land subdivision and site plan review regulations of the Borough in accordance with the provisions of the ordinance and the Municipal Land Use Law of 1975 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.).
c. 
To approve conditional uses in accordance with the provisions of the zoning regulations pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-67.
d. 
To participate in the preparation and review of programs or plans required by State or Federal law or regulations, including preparation of grant proposals and evaluation thereof.
e. 
To assemble data on a continuing basis as part of a continuous planning process.
f. 
To consider and make a report to the governing body within 35 days after referral as to any proposed development regulation submitted to it, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-26a, and also pass upon other matters specifically referred to the Planning Board by the governing body, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-26b.
g. 
When reviewing applications for approval of subdivision plats, site plans or conditional uses, to grant to the same extent and subject to the same restrictions as the Board of Adjustment:
1. 
Variances pursuant to Section 51c of Chapter 291, Laws of New Jersey 1975 and Chapter 216 of the Laws of New Jersey, 1979.
2. 
Direction pursuant to Section 25 of the Act for the issuance of a permit for a building or structure in the bed of a mapped street or public drainageway, flood control basin or public area reserved pursuant to Section 23 of the Act.
3. 
Direction pursuant to Section 27 of the Act for the issuance of a permit for a building or structure not related to a street.
Whenever relief is requested pursuant to this subsection, notice of a hearing on the application for development shall include reference to the request for a variance or direction for issuance of a permit as the case may be.
h. 
To perform such other advisory duties as are assigned to it by ordinance or resolution of the governing body for the aid and assistance of the governing body or other agencies or officers.
i. 
Whenever the Planning Board shall have adopted any portion of the Master Plan, the governing body or other public agency having jurisdiction over the subject matter, before taking action necessitating the expenditure of any public funds incidental to the location, character or extent of such project, shall refer the action involving such specific project to the Planning Board for review and recommendation in conjunction with such Master Plan and shall not act thereon without such recommendation. This requirement shall apply to action by a housing, parking, highway, special district or other authority, redevelopment agency, school board or other similar public agency, State, County or municipal (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-31).
j. 
The Planning Board may investigate, study and survey substandard areas within the Borough and recommend to the Mayor and Borough Council such action as it deems advisable for the rehabilitation and preservation of such areas.
[1966 Code § 39-13; Ord. No. 2-77]
a. 
The Planning Board, when acting upon applications for preliminary or minor subdivision approval, shall have the power to grant such exceptions from the requirements for subdivision approval as may be reasonable and within the general purpose and intent of the provisions for subdivision review and approval of an ordinance adopted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-51 if the literal enforcement of one or more provisions of the ordinance is impracticable or will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land in question.
b. 
The Planning Board, when acting upon applications for preliminary site plan approval, shall have the power to grant such exceptions from the requirements for site plan approval as may be reasonable and within the general purpose and intent of the provisions for site plan review and approval of an ordinance adopted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-51 if the literal enforcement of one or more provisions of the ordinance is impracticable or will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land in question.
c. 
The Planning Board shall have the power to review and approve or deny conditional uses or site plans simultaneously with review for subdivision approval without the developer being required to make further application to the Planning Board or the Planning Board being required to hold further hearings. The longest time period for action by the Planning Board, whether it be for subdivision, conditional use or site plan approval, shall apply. Whenever approval of a conditional use is requested by the developer pursuant to this subsection, notice of the hearing on the plat shall include reference to the request for such conditional use.
[1966 Code § 39-19; Ord. No. 2-77]
The Board shall adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry into effect the provisions and purposes of this chapter. In the issuance of subpoenas, and administration of oaths and taking of testimony, the provisions of the County and Municipal Investigations Law of 1953 (N.J.S.A. 2A:67A-1 et seq.) shall apply.
[1]
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. 43-2006 abolished the Zoning Board of Adjustment and reserved subsections 33-4.2—33-4.4. Prior ordinance history includes portions of 1966 Code §§ 39-20 through 39-23 and Ordinance Nos. 2-77, 1-80 and 1-86.
[Ord. No. 43-2006 § 2]
a. 
The Zoning Board of Adjustment of the borough of Bloomingdale, as heretofore established pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-69, be and is hereby abolished.
b. 
All rights, powers and duties vested by law in the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Borough of Bloomingdale be and are hereby transferred to, and vested in, the Planning Board of the Borough of Bloomingdale pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-25c(1).
c. 
All members, officers, agents and/or employees of the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Borough of Bloomingdale be and are hereby discharged from their positions, offices and/or employment.
d. 
All matters presently pending before the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Borough of Bloomingdale be and are hereby deemed transferred to the Planning Board of the Borough of Bloomingdale.
e. 
All references made in the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Bloomingdale to the "Zoning Board of Adjustment" shall hereafter be deemed to refer to the "Planning Board" of the Borough of Bloomingdale.
[1966 Code § 39-24; Ord. No. 2-77; Ord. No. 3-80]
a. 
The powers of the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall be in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-69 et seq., and amendments and supplements thereto, and with the provisions of this chapter.
b. 
It is further the intent of this section to confer upon the Zoning Board of Adjustment as full and complete powers as may lawfully be conferred upon such Board, including, but not by way of limitation, the authority in connection with any case, action or proceeding before the Board to interpret and construe the provisions of this chapter or any term, clause, sentence or word hereof and the Zoning Map, in accordance with the general rules of construction applicable to legislative enactments.
c. 
The Board may in appropriate cases and subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards grant variances from the terms of this chapter in accordance with the general or specific rules contained herein and with the general rules hereby laid down that equity shall be done in cases where the strict construction of the provisions of this chapter would work undue hardship. The powers and duties of the Board having been delegated to and imposed upon it by Statute, the Board shall in all cases follow the provisions applicable to it in c. 291, P.L. 1975, or subsequent Statutes in such case made and provided, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment Secretary shall furnish to any person requesting the same a copy of its rules and information as to how appeals or applications may properly be filed with the Board for its decision thereon.
d. 
The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall have such powers as are granted by law to:
1. 
Hear and decide appeals where it is alleged by the appellant that there is error in any order, requirement, decision or refusal made by the Zoning Officer or an agency based on or made in the enforcement of the zoning regulations.
2. 
Hear and decide requests for interpretation of the Zoning Map or zoning regulations, or for decisions upon other special questions upon which such Board is authorized by the zoning regulations to pass.
3. 
Where, by reason of exceptional narrowness, shallowness or shape of a specific piece of property or by reason of other exceptional topographic conditions or by reason of other extraordinary and exceptional situation or condition of such piece of property, the strict application of any regulation in the zoning regulations would result in peculiar and exceptional practical difficulties to or exceptional and undue hardship upon the owner of such property, grant, upon an application or an appeal relating to such property, a variance from such strict application so as to relieve such difficulties or hardship, including a variance for a conditional use; provided, however, that no variance shall be granted under this subsection to allow a structure or use in a district restricted against such structure or use, and further provided that the proposed development does not require approval by the Planning Board of a subdivision, site plan or conditional use in conjunction with which the Planning Board shall review a request for a variance pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-60c of the Municipal Land Use Law of 1975, revised, P.L. 1979, c. 216.
4. 
In particular cases and for special reasons, grant a variance to allow departure from regulations pursuant to the regulations of the Borough Zoning, including but not limited to allowing a structure or use in a district restricted against such structure or use, but only by an affirmative vote of at least five members of the seven authorized membership of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
e. 
No variance or other relief may be granted under the provisions of this section unless such variance or other relief can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and will not substantially impair the intent and purpose of the zone plan and zoning regulations. Any application under any subsection of this section may be referred to any appropriate person or agency, including the Planning Board, for its report, provided that such reference shall extend the period of time within which the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall act.
f. 
The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall, in addition to the powers specified in this subsection, have power given by law to:
1. 
Direct issuance of a permit pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-34 for a building or structure in the bed of a mapped street or public drainageway, flood control basin or public area reserved on the Official Map.
2. 
Direct issuance of a permit pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-36 for a building or structure not related to a street.
3. 
Grant, to the same extent and subject to the same restrictions of the Planning Board, subdivision or site plan approval pursuant to P.L. 1979, c. 216, conditional use approval pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-67 whenever the proposed development requires approval by the Board of Adjustment of a variance pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d. The developer may elect to submit a separate application requesting approval of the variance and a subsequent application for any required approval of a subdivision, site plan or conditional use. The separate approval of the variance shall be conditional upon a grant of all required subsequent approvals by the Board of Adjustment. No such subsequent approval shall be granted unless such approval can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without substantial impairment of the intent and purpose of the zone plan and zoning regulations. The number of votes of Board members required to grant any such subsequent approval shall be as otherwise provided in this ordinance for the approval in question.
[1966 Code § 39-26; § 39-43; Ord. No. 2-77; Ord. No. 2-78; Ord. No. 3-80; New]
a. 
A developer may file an application for development with the Board of Adjustment for action under any of its powers without prior application to an Administrative Officer. Applications addressed to the original jurisdiction of the Board of Adjustment without prior application to an Administrative Officer shall be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Adjustment. Four copies of the application shall be filed, but in no event less than 10 days prior to the date set for the hearing, the applicant shall also file all plot plans, maps or other papers required by virtue of any provision of this chapter or any rule of the Board of Adjustment. The applicant shall obtain all necessary forms from the Zoning Board of Adjustment Secretary. The Zoning Board of Adjustment Secretary shall inform the applicant of the steps to be taken to initiate proceedings and of the regular meeting dates of the Board.
b. 
Appeals to the Zoning Board of Adjustment may be taken by any interested party affected by any decision of an Administrative Officer of the Borough based on or made in the enforcement of the zoning regulations or Official Map. Each appeal shall be taken within the 20 days prescribed by the Statute by filing a notice of appeal with the Officer from whom the appeal was taken, together with 10 copies of the notice with the Construction Official. The notice of appeal shall specify the grounds for the appeal. The officer from whom the appeal is taken shall forthwith transmit to the Board all the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken. The appeal must be taken within 65 days of filing a notice of appeal in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-72.
c. 
An appeal may be taken to the governing body from the granting of a variance by the Board of Adjustment pursuant tot he provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-17. An appeal may also be filed directly with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Passaic County.
d. 
An appeal stays all proceedings in furtherance of the action in respect of which the decision appealed from was made, unless the Officer from whom the appeal is taken certifies to the Zoning Board of Adjustment after notice of appeal shall have been filed with him that by reason of facts stated in the certificate a stay would, in his opinion, cause imminent peril to life or property. In such case, proceedings shall not be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order which may be granted by the Board of Adjustment or by the Superior Court of New Jersey on application or notice to the Officer from whom the appeal is taken and on due cause shown.
[1966 Code § 39-27; Ord. No. 2-77]
Public notice on any application for variance shall be given in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-12.
[1966 Code § 39-28; Ord. No. 2-77]
In exercising the above-mentioned power, the Board of Adjustment may, in conformity with the provisions of c. 291, P.L. 1975, or amendments thereto or subsequent Statutes applying, reverse or affirm wholly or partly or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from and make such other requirement, decision or determination as ought to be made and to that end have all the power of the Administrative Officer from whom the appeal was taken.
[1966 Code § 39-29; Ord. No. 2-77]
Any variance from the terms of this chapter hereafter granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment permitting the erection or alteration of any structure or structures, or permitting a specified use of any premises shall expire by limitation unless such construction or alteration shall have been actually commenced on each and every structure permitted by the variance or unless such permitted use has actually been commenced, within one year from the date of entry of the judgment or determination of the Board of Adjustment; except, however, in the case of a use variance which also involves a subdivision or site plan approval, the variance shall extend for the full period of preliminary approval [i.e. three years], and except, however, that the running of the period of limitation herein provided shall be tolled from the date of filing an appeal from the decision of the Board of Adjustment to the governing body, or to a court of competent jurisdiction, until the termination in any manner of such appeal or proceeding.
[1966 Code § 39-30; Ord. No. 2-77]
a. 
The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall render its decision not later than 120 days after the date that an appeal is taken from the decision of the Zoning Officer or the submission of a complete application for development to the Board pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-73.
b. 
Failure of the Board to render a decision within such 120 day period or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant shall constitute a decision favorable to the applicant.
[1966 Code § 39-33; Ord. No. 2-77]
No member of the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment shall act on any matter in which he has, either directly or indirectly, any personal or financial interest. Whenever any such member shall disqualify himself from acting on a particular matter, he shall not continue to sit with the Board on the hearing of such matter nor participate in any discussion or decision relating thereto.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Section 2-94.
[1966 Code § 39-34; Ord. No. 2-77; Ord. No. 3-80]
a. 
Meetings of both the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall be scheduled no less often than once a month and any meeting so scheduled shall be held as scheduled unless canceled for lack of applications for development to process.
b. 
Special meetings may be provided for at the call of the Chairman or on the request of any two Board members, which meetings shall be held on notice to its members and the public in accordance with all applicable legal requirements.
c. 
No action shall be taken at any meeting without a quorum being present.
d. 
All actions shall be taken by a majority vote of the members present at the meeting except as otherwise required by any provision of P.L. 1975, c. 291, as amended in P.L. 1979, c. 216.
e. 
All regular meetings and all special meetings shall be open to the public. Notice of all such meetings shall be given in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act, c. 231, P.L. 1975. An executive session for the purpose of discussing and studying any matters to come before either Board shall not be deemed a regular or special meeting in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-9.
[1966 Code § 39-35; Ord. No. 2-77]
Minutes of every regular or special meeting shall be kept and shall include the names of the persons appearing and addressing the Board and of the persons appearing by Attorney, the action taken by the Board, the findings, if any, made by it and reasons therefor. The minutes shall thereafter be made available for public inspection during the normal business hours at the office of the Municipal Clerk. Any interested party shall have the right to compel production of the minutes for use as evidence in any legal proceeding concerning the subject matter of such minutes. Such interested party may be charged a fee for reproduction of the minutes for his use as provided for in the rules of the Board.
Refer to subsection 33-4.7.
Refer to subsection 33-4.7.
[1966 Code § 39-47; Ord. No. 2-77]
All sections of the Land Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance or any other ordinance of the Borough which contains provisions contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall be and are hereby, to the extent of such inconsistency, repealed.
[1966 Code § 39-48; Ord. No. 2-77]
All applications for development filed prior to the effective date of this chapter may be continued, but any appeals arising out of decisions made on any such application shall be governed by the provisions of Section 33-7.
[1966 Code § 39-49; Ord. No. 2-77]
The governing body shall enforce this chapter and any regulations made and adopted hereunder. To that end, the governing body may require the issuance of specified permits, certificates or authorizations as a condition precedent to the erection, construction, alteration, repair, remodeling, conversion, removal or destruction of any building or structure; the use or occupancy of any building, structure or land; and the subdivision or resubdivision of any land. The governing body shall establish an Administrative Officer and offices for the purpose of issuing such permits, certificates or authorizations; may condition the issuance of such permits, certificates and authorizations upon the submission of such data, materials, plans, plats and information as is authorized hereunder and upon the express approval of the appropriate State, County or municipal agency; may establish reasonable fees to cover administrative costs for the issuance of such permits, certificates and authorizations. In case any building or structure is erected, constructed, altered, repaired, converted or maintained, or any building, structure or land is used in violation of this chapter, or other regulation made under authority conferred hereby, the proper local authorities of the municipality or an interested party, in addition to other remedies, may institute any appropriate action or proceedings to prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use, to restrain, correct or abate such violation, to prevent the occupancy of the building, structure or land, or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about such premises.
[1966 Code § 39-50; Ord. No. 2-77]
In the event that, during the period of approval heretofore or hereafter granted to an application for development, the developer is barred or prevented, directly or indirectly, from proceeding with the development otherwise permitted under such approval by a legal action instituted by any State agency, political subdivision or other party to protect the public health and welfare or by a directive or order issued by any State agency, political subdivision or court of competent jurisdiction to protect the public health or welfare and the developer is otherwise ready, willing and able to proceed with the development, the running of the period of approval under this chapter or under any ordinance repealed by this chapter, as the case may be, shall be suspended for the period of time the legal action is pending or such directive or order is in effect.
[1966 Code § 39-53; Ord. No. 2-77]
Immediately upon adoption of this chapter, the Municipal Clerk shall file a copy of this chapter with the County Planning Board as required by law. The Clerk shall also file with the County Planning Board copies of all other ordinances of the municipality relating to land use, such as the subdivision, zoning and site plan review regulations.
[1966 Code § 39-54; Ord. No. 4-87; Ord. No. 19-88; Ord. No. 2-90; Ord. No. 8-92; Ord. No. 9-96; Ord. No. 7-98; Ord. No. 22-99 § I; Ord. No. 13-2013 § 2]
a. 
The following schedule of fees is hereby established for all land use applications and procedures before the Board of Adjustment, the Planning Board and the governing body of the Borough:
1. 
Any person requesting a reproduction of minutes of any regular or special meeting shall pay to the municipality a fee as stated in Chapter 2, Section 2-80.
2. 
All regular and special meetings shall be recorded electronically. Any interested party may request a transcript, or duplicate recording in lieu thereof, at his own cost and expense. Any person wishing a transcript shall provide for a certified stenographer reporter to prepare the transcript and shall pay the reporter directly. Any person requesting duplicate recording shall present himself at the Municipal Building with adequate facilities to make a duplicate recording and shall have the opportunity to make the duplicate recording. If the time and assistance of the Administrative Officer or his municipal officer or employee is required, a fee in the amount of $8 per hour shall be paid to the municipality.
3. 
Any person other than an applicant who requests a copy of a decision of a municipal agency shall pay a fee in the amount as stated in Chapter 2, Section 2-80.
4. 
Any applicant wishing to make his own arrangements for publication of a decision of a municipal agency shall so notify the agency at the time of final hearing. In the absence of such notification, the municipality shall provide for publication, and the applicant shall reimburse the municipality for the actual cost thereof.
5. 
An applicant shall reimburse the municipality for the actual cost of publication pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-12 (P.L. 1975, c. 291, § 7.1A).
6. 
Whenever notice to property owners within 200 feet in all directions of the property involved in an application is required and the applicant requests a certified list of property owners from the administrative officer, a fee shall be paid by the applicant of $10.
7. 
An appeal to the governing body of any decision of a municipal agency shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $200 and the person making the appeal shall furnish the governing body with a transcript of the proceeding below, together with a copy of all documents and exhibits, all at the sole cost and expense of the appellant. The transcript and the documents shall be filed with the governing body at least seven days prior to a scheduled hearing on an appeal.
8. 
Any interested party may obtain a copy of a decision of the governing body on an appeal, and the fee shall be as stated in Chapter 2, Section 2-80. The appellant shall be mailed a copy of the decision without charge. An appellant may make arrangements for publication of the decision, if he has notified the governing body of his intent at the time of the hearing; otherwise, the governing body shall provide for publication, and the appellant shall reimburse the municipality for the actual cost of the publication.
9. 
The fee for an application for a permit pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-34 shall be $200.
10. 
The fee for an application pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-35 shall be $200.
11. 
The fee for an appeal pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-36 shall be $200.
12. 
The fee for a minor subdivision application will be:
(a) 
For a minor subdivision not involving the creation of any new building lot: $250.
(b) 
For a minor subdivision involving the creation of a new building lot: $1,000.
(c) 
The fee for a revision to a current application for a minor subdivision shall be $150.
(d) 
The fee for an amendment to an application previously granted for a minor subdivision shall be a sum equal to 50% of the application fee.
(e) 
The fee for a reapproval of a minor subdivision shall be a sum equal to 50% of the application fee.
13. 
The fee for an application for a classification of subdivision shall be $100.
14. 
The fee for a preliminary approval of a major subdivision shall be $1,000 plus $50 per lot.
15. 
(a) 
The fee for final approval of a major subdivision shall be $1,000 plus $30 per lot.
(b) 
The fee for an application seeking both preliminary and final approval of a major subdivision shall be $1,500, plus $50 per lot.
(c) 
The fee for a revision to a current application for a major subdivision shall be $250.
(d) 
The fee for an amendment to an application previously granted for a major subdivision shall be 50% of the application fee.
(e) 
The fee for an extension of preliminary or final major subdivision approval shall be 50% of the application fee.
16. 
The fee for site plan approval shall be:
(a) 
For commercial or industrial sites, $1,000.
(b) 
For all residential sites involving more than two units the fee is $250 plus $50 per unit.
(c) 
For a minor site plan $250.
17. 
The fee for providing a certificate pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-56 shall be in the maximum amount permitted by N.J.S.A. 54:5-14 and 54:5-15, as it shall be amended.
18. 
In any case in which the appellant requests the Planning Board to use its ancillary powers pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-60, the application shall be accompanied by fees which would be charged under the authority of this chapter by the Board of Adjustment if the application has been made to the Board of Adjustment. Such fees shall be in addition to the fees provided by this chapter for the principal relief requested in the application.
19. 
The fee for an application to the Board of Adjustment for a variance in connection with a residential use shall be $250; for a commercial or industrial use, $750; for a residential conditional use $250; and for a commercial or industrial conditional use, $750.
20. 
The fee for an appeal to the Board of Adjustment from the decision or refusal made by an Administrative Officer based on or made in the enforcement of the zoning regulations shall be $400.
21. 
There shall be no fee for an appeal to the Board of Adjustment to hear and decide requests for interpretation of the Zoning Map or ordinances or for decisions upon other special questions upon which such Board is authorized to pass by any zoning or Official Map ordinance in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(b).
22. 
The fee for an application to the Board of Adjustment pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-76b shall be $400.
23. 
The fee for an application for a sign variance shall be $250.
b. 
Escrow Deposit.
1. 
Escrow Account. In addition to the required application fees established herein, the applicant shall be required to establish one or more escrow accounts with the Borough to cover the reasonable costs of professional review of applications for development, review and preparation of documents, and professional consultation required as a result of an application.
2. 
Professional Services. Professional services shall include the services of a duly licensed engineer, surveyor, planner, attorney, appraiser or other expert who would provide professional services to insure that an application complies with the standards set forth in the Code and whose testimony may be solicited to give further information to the Borough or the approving authority in any area addressed by any of the applicant's experts.
3. 
Escrow Fees.
(a) 
Escrow shall be posted with the Borough by certified check or money order. The escrow fees shall be required for applications for the following:
(1) 
Preliminary major subdivision approval;
(2) 
Final major subdivision approval;
(3) 
Conditional use approval;
(4) 
Site plan approval;
(5) 
Minor subdivision;
(6) 
A variance application determined by the Board of Adjustment to require professional review and consultation.
(b) 
If the applicant at the Borough's request is required to submit two revisions and submissions in addition to the original application with the exception of an application for a minor subdivision, the applicant shall again deposit the initial amount for review as set forth in subsection (d) below after the second revision and submittal is filed.
4. 
Initial amount required for review of applications.
(a) 
The amount for review of applications for developments proposing a subdivision to be deposited in escrow shall be as follows:
Residential Development
Escrow Amount
0-25 units/lots
$500.00 + 100./unit or lot
26-100 units/lots
500.00 + 25./unit or lot
101 and above units/lots
500.00 + 80./unit or lot
Nonresidential Development
Not Involving Structures (Subdivisions)
Escrow Amount
0-3 lots
$600.00 + 50./lot
3 + lot
600.00 + 25./lot
Minor Subdivisions
500.00
(b) 
The amount deposited in escrow for review of applications for developments proposing a site plan shall be as follows:
Nonresidential Development
Involving Structure
(Site plans based on total floor plan)
Escrow Amount
Up to 2,500 square feet
$1,000.00 + 100./100 sq. ft.
2,501 - 20,000 square feet
1,000.00 + 75./100 sq. ft.
20,000 plus square feet
1,000.00 + 50./100 sq. ft.
Residential Development
Escrow Amount
0-25 units/lots
$500.00 + 100./unit or lot
26-100 units/lots
500.00 + 90./unit or lot
101 and above units/lots
500.00 + 80./unit or lot
(c) 
Deposits for inspection fees shall be charged in conformance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53(h).
(d) 
If the application submitted to the Planning Board is not listed in subsection 3(a) or 3(b) above, or if any type of review, inspection, preparation of documents or other type of work related to the developer's application is required which does not fall within any category in this section, the Borough Engineer shall recommend a reasonable amount to be deposited in an escrow account or charged to an escrow account to cover such costs.
(e) 
Fee for updating Tax Map shall be $100 per lot.
5. 
Payments made by Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer of the Borough shall make all of the payments to the professionals for services rendered to the Borough or approving authority for review of applications for development, review and preparation of documents, inspection of improvements or other purposes pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. All fees or charges shall be based upon a schedule established by resolution as adopted by the Planning Board.
6. 
Application review and inspection charges. The application review and inspection charges shall be limited only to professional charges for review of applications, review and preparation of documents and inspections of development under construction and review by outside consultants when an application is of a nature beyond the scope of the expertise of the professionals normally utilized by the Borough.
7. 
Additional charges. The only costs that shall be added to any such charges shall be actual out-of-pocket expenses of any such professionals or consultants including normal and typical expenses incurred in processing applications and inspecting improvements. The Borough or approving authority shall not bill the applicant or charge any escrow account authorized in subsection b4 above, for any clerical or administrative functions performed by the Borough, overhead expenses, meeting room charges, or any other Borough costs and expenses except as provided for in this section nor shall a Borough professional add any such charges to his bill.
8. 
Limitation on charges. If the salary, staff support and overhead for a Borough professional are provided by the Borough, the charge shall not exceed 200% of the sum of the products resulting from multiplying (a) the hourly base salary, which shall be established annually by ordinance, of each of the professionals by (b) the number of hours spent by the respective professional upon review of the application for development or inspection of the developer's improvements, as the case may be. For other professionals, the charge shall be at the same rate as all other work of the same nature by the professional for the Borough when fees are not reimbursed or otherwise imposed on applicants or developers.
9. 
Payment by voucher. Each payment charged to the deposit for review of applications, review and preparation of documents and inspection of improvements shall be pursuant to a voucher from the professional, which voucher shall identify the individual performing the service, and for each date the services were performed, the hours spent to one-quarter (1/4) hour increments, the hourly rate and the expenses incurred. The following must be followed:
(a) 
All professionals shall submit vouchers to the Chief Financial Officer of the Borough on a monthly basis in accordance with schedules and procedures established by the Chief Financial Officer of the Borough.
(b) 
If the services are provided by a Borough professional employee, the employee shall prepare and submit a statement containing the same information as required on a voucher on a monthly basis to the Chief Financial Officer.
(c) 
The professional shall send an informational copy of all vouchers or statements submitted to the Chief Financial Officer of the Borough simultaneously to the applicant. The Chief Financial Office of the Borough shall prepare and send to the applicant a statement which shall include an accounting of funds, listing all deposits, interest earnings, disbursements, and the cumulative balance of the escrow account. If monthly charges are $1,000 or less, this information shall be provided on a quarterly basis. If monthly charges exceed $1,000 this information shall be provided on a monthly basis.
(d) 
If an escrow account or deposit contains insufficient funds to enable the Borough or approving authority to perform required application reviews or improvement inspections, the Chief Financial Officer of the Borough shall provide the applicant with a notice of the insufficient escrow or deposit balance. In order for work to continue on the development or application, the applicant shall within 10 days post a deposit to the account in an amount to be agreed upon by the Borough or approving authority and the applicant. In the interim, any required health and safety inspections shall be made by the Borough and charged back against the replenishment of funds. The Borough shall not make any additional inspections or take any additional action until sufficient funds are deposited.
10. 
Professional charges for review. All professional charges for review of an application for development, review and preparation of documents or inspection of improvements shall be reasonable and necessary, given the status and progress of the application or construction. Review fees shall be charged only in connection with an application for development presently pending before the approving authority or upon review of compliance with conditions of approval, or review of requests for modification or amendment made by the applicant.
11. 
Inspection fees. Inspection fees shall be charged only for actual work shown on a subdivision or site plan or required by an approving resolution. Professionals inspecting improvement under construction shall charge only for inspections that are reasonably necessary to check the progress and quality of the work and such inspections shall be reasonably based on the approved development plans and documents.
12. 
Review required by the State of New Jersey. A professional shall not review items which are subject to approval by any State governmental agency and not under Borough jurisdiction except to the extent consultation with a State agency is necessary due to the effect of State approvals on the subdivision or site plan.
13. 
Close-out procedures. The following close-out procedures shall apply to all deposits and escrow accounts established under the provisions of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (C.40:55D-1 et seq.) and shall commence after the approving authority has granted final approval and signed the subdivision plat or site plan, in the case of application review escrows and deposits, or after the improvements have been approved as provided in Section 41 of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (C.40:55D-53), in the case of improvement inspection escrows and deposits.
(a) 
The applicant will send written notice by certified mail to the Chief Financial Officer of the Borough and the approving authority, and to the relevant Borough professional, that the application is completed or the improvements, as the case may be, completed.
(b) 
After receipt of such notice, the professional shall render a final bill to the Chief Financial Officer of the Borough within 30 days, and shall send a copy simultaneously to the applicant.
(c) 
The Chief Financial Officer of the Borough shall render a written final accounting to the applicant on the uses to which the deposit was put within 45 days of receipt of the final bill.
(d) 
Any balances remaining in the deposit or escrow account, including interest, in accordance with Section 1 of P.L. 1985, c. 315 (C.40:55D-53.1), shall be refunded to the developer along with the final accounting.
14. 
Change of professionals. If the Borough retains a different professional or consultant in the place of the professional originally responsible for the development, application review, or inspection of improvements, the Borough or approving authority shall be responsible for all time and expenses of the new professional to become familiar with the application or the project, and the Borough or approving authority shall not bill the applicant or charge the deposit or the escrow account for such services.
15. 
Estimation for the cost of installation of improvements. The cost of the installation of improvements for the purposes of Section 41 of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (C.40:55D-53) shall be estimated by the Borough Engineer based on documented construction costs for public improvements prevailing in the general area of the Borough. The developer may appeal the Borough Engineer's estimate to the County Construction Board of Appeals established under Section 9 of P.L. 1975, c. 217 (C.52:27D-127).
16. 
Dispute of charges.
(a) 
An applicant shall notify the governing body of the Borough in writing and forward copies to the Chief Financial Officer, the approving authority and the professional whenever the applicant disputes the charges made by a professional for the services rendered to the Borough in reviewing applications for development, review and preparation of documents, inspection of improvements, or other charges made pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (C.40:55D-1 et seq.)
(b) 
The governing body, or its designee, shall attempt to remedy any disputed charges within a reasonable period of time.
(c) 
If the applicant is not satisfied with the resolution of the dispute, the applicant may appeal to the County Construction Board of Appeals established under Section 9 of P.L. 1975, c. 217 (C.52:27D-127) any charge to an escrow account or deposit by any Borough professional or consultant, or the cost of the installation of improvements estimated by the Borough Engineer pursuant to Section 15 of P.L. 1991, c. 256 (C.40:55D-53.4).
(d) 
An applicant or his authorized agent shall submit the appeal in writing to the County Construction Board of Appeals. The applicant or his authorized agent shall simultaneously send a copy of the appeal to the municipality, approving authority, and any professional whose charge is the subject of the appeal.
(e) 
An applicant shall file an appeal within 45 days from receipt of the informational copy of the professional's voucher required by N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.2, except that if the professional has not supplied the applicant with an informational copy of the voucher, then the applicant shall file the appeal within 60 days from receipt of the Borough statement of activity against the deposit or escrow account required by subsection c of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.2.
(f) 
An applicant may file an appeal for an ongoing series of charges by a professional during a period not exceeding six months to demonstrate that they represent a pattern of excessive or inaccurate charges. An applicant is not required to appeal each charge individually.
17. 
County Construction Board of Appeals. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-32.2a(b), the County Construction Board of Appeals shall hear the appeal, render a decision, and file its decision with a statement of the reasons therefor with the Borough or approving authority, not later than 10 business days following the submission of the appeal, unless such period of time has been extended with the consent of the applicant. The County Construction Board of Appeals may approve, disapprove, or modify the professional charges appealed from. A copy of the decision shall be forwarded by certified or registered mail to the party making the appeal, the Borough, the approving authority, and the professional involved in the appeal. Failure by the Board to hear an appeal and render and file a decision thereon within the time limits prescribed in this subsection shall be deemed a denial of the appeal for purposes of a complaint, application or appeal to a Court of competent jurisdiction.
18. 
Pending appeals. During the pendency of any appeal, the Borough or approving authority shall continue to process, hear and decide the application for development and to inspect the development in the normal course, and shall not withhold, delay or deny reviews, inspections, signing of subdivision plats or site plans, the reduction of the release of performance or maintenance guaranties, the issuance of construction permits or certificates of occupancy, or any other approval or permit because an appeal has been filed or is pending under this section. While an appeal is pending, the applicant shall continue to maintain an escrow account and deposit any amounts required as set forth above.
The following procedures shall be followed pending an appeal.
(a) 
The Chief Financial Officer of the Borough may pay charges out of the appropriate escrow account or deposit for which an appeal has been filed.
(b) 
If a charge is disallowed after payment to a professional employee of the Borough, the Chief Financial Officer of the municipality shall reimburse the deposit or escrow account in the amount of any such charge or refund the amount to the applicant.
(c) 
If a charge is disallowed after payment to a professional or consultant who is not an employee of the municipality, the professional or consultant shall reimburse the municipality in the amount of any such disallowed charge.
19. 
Approval of application. No site plan shall be signed nor any building permits or approvals be issued with respect to any approved application for development until all fees as set forth herein are paid.
c. 
The fee for an application for an informal/conceptual review shall be $250. This sum shall be credited toward application fees due in the event that a formal application is filed.
[1966 Code § 39-55; Ord. No. 4-87; Ord. No. 9-96 § IV]
In the event that revisions are required while an application is pending, there shall be supplemental fees as follows:
a. 
Variance: $150.
[1966 Code § 39-56; Ord. No. 4-87]
In the event that any provision of any regulation of the Borough provides a different fee, the fee provided in this section shall be controlling.
[Ord. No. 19-2013 Preamble]
The Borough of Bloomingdale desires to include its Official Zoning Map in the Borough Code. There are no amendments to the current zoning designations. This is to memorialize all Borough zoning designations.
[Ord. No. 19-2013, adopted 6-11-13 included the Zoning Map dated 11/19/12.]
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Bloomingdale that Chapter 33, Land Use Procedures, of the Code of the Borough of Bloomingdale is amended to add Section 33-11, Zoning Map, which shall consist of the attached Zoning Map.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The current Zoning Map, last amended 11-26-2019 by Ord. No. 27-2019, is included as an attachment to Chapter 92, Zoning. See Chapter 92, Zoning, Section 92-5, for Zoning Map amendments.
[Ord. No. 9-96 § 39-58]
Any person requesting a zone change shall file with the Administrative Officer such a request. The filing shall include four copies of the complete application form, 10 copies of any exhibits and related materials, and the fee in accordance with this chapter.
The Administrative Officer shall thereupon notify the Borough Council and Planning Board, in writing, of the zone change application.
[Ord. No. 9-96 § 39-59]
The Administrative Officer shall distribute a copy of the request and accompanying materials to the following:
a. 
Borough Clerk.
b. 
Planning Board Chairman.
c. 
Borough Engineer.
d. 
Borough Attorney.
e. 
Borough Planner.
f. 
Board of Health.
g. 
Environmental Commission.
h. 
At the direction of the Planning Board, additional copies of the application, with or without accompanying materials, may be forwarded to other Borough, County or State Officials.
[Ord. No. 9-96 § 39-60]
a. 
Application. All applications for a change of zone shall be on a form prescribed by the Administrative Officer containing the following information:
1. 
Property description, including address, tax block, lot and sheet number, acreage, dimensions and access.
2. 
Property use, including present zone and use, proposed zone and use and use of adjacent property within 200 feet of the subject property.
3. 
A statement of the change requested and the reason therefor, including how the proposed zone would benefit the community as a whole.
4. 
The application should be signed by the property owners or an authorized agent, if any, and shall include the address and telephone number for each.
b. 
Exhibits. In addition, the application shall be accompanied by an exhibit prepared by a licensed land surveyor or professional engineer which shall meet the following map standards:
1. 
Block and lot number of such property.
2. 
Dimensions of subject property.
3. 
Zoning district boundaries affecting the subject property and all property within 200 feet of all sides of the subject property.
4. 
The location of existing property lines, streets, buildings, driveways, watercourses, railroads, bridges, culverts, drain pipes, and any natural features such as wetlands and treed areas both within the subject property and 100 feet of its boundary.
5. 
A key map showing the subject property in its relation to the surrounding area.
[Ord. No. 9-96 § 39-61]
a. 
A preliminary hearing will be held with the applicant by the Planning Board to determine completeness, adequacy of the application, and to determine what, if any, additional exhibits and application documents are required. This hearing shall be held within 45 days of the date that the application is filed and fees are paid by the applicant.
b. 
The Planning Board may determine that additional investigations are required. Upon a majority vote of the Board, the applicant will supply the additional information which may include, but not be limited to: itemized soil type, topography, geology, vegetation, surface water, existing and proposed soil erosion and sedimentation, flooding water degradation, sewerage/septic disposal, wildlife, scenic and historical features, effect on public services, effect on emergency services and traffic consideration.
c. 
After all application documents, investigations and exhibits required by the Planning Board have been submitted by the applicant, and after all required fees have been paid, the Planning Board shall make a determination on completeness within 45 days thereafter.
d. 
The Planning Board shall adopt a resolution recommending or disapproving of the zone change request within 120 days of the determination of completeness or by such extended date as may be agreed to by the applicant. The resolution of the Planning Board shall contain a summary of the testimony, findings of fact and conclusions in support of its recommendation to the Mayor and Council.
e. 
The Borough shall provide public notice (legal advertising) and the developer shall provide private notice (certified mail). The developer shall serve notice upon all property owners within the zone in which the applicant's property is located and to all owners of property located within 200 feet of the boundaries of the zone. The Planning Board may, if requested, delineate a smaller geographic area for receiving private notice.
[Ord. No. 9-96 § 39-62]
a. 
The Planning Board shall forward its resolution, minutes, exhibits and all other documents relative to the zone change request to the Mayor and Council.
b. 
The Mayor and Council shall conduct a hearing on the application. The applicant shall be given an opportunity to submit additional evidence and to advance legal argument. The public shall also be granted the opportunity to give additional evidence and comment.
c. 
The Mayor and Council shall conclude the hearing(s) within 120 days of its receipt of the Planning Board resolution and file. It shall adopt a resolution following, changing or rejecting the recommendations of the Planning Board.
[Ord. No. 9-96 § 39-63]
a. 
Application Fee. $250 to be submitted when the application is filed.
b. 
Professional Review Fee. The fees for the Planning Board Engineer, Planner and Attorney shall be paid in full by the applicant. The fees shall be paid from an escrow fund maintained by the Planning Board created from deposits paid into the fund by the applicant. The Planning Board Administrative Secretary shall be in charge of the fund.
1. 
With the application and the administrative application fee, the applicant shall also make an initial deposit of $2,500 toward the escrow for professional review fees. When the fund is near depletion, the Planning Board Administrative Secretary shall notify the Planning Board which shall require the applicant to make an additional deposit to the fund in increments of $2,500 each. Under no circumstances shall the applicant be required to pay professional review fees in excess of $10,000 per application.
2. 
The Planning Board Engineer, Planner and Attorney shall submit invoices to the Planning Board Administrative Secretary for their work in reviewing the zone change application and in participating in the Planning Board meetings dealing with same. The charges shall be based upon the prevailing hourly rates set forth in the contracts in effect for the professionals with the Planning Board.
3. 
All invoices shall be reviewed by the Planning Board Finance Committee following the same procedure as for all other vouchers or invoices submitted to the Planning Board. They shall not be paid until they are approved through the regular voucher/invoice approval procedure.
4. 
The professionals shall submit a copy of their invoices to the applicant concurrently with submitting the invoice to the Planning Board. All invoices shall contain an itemization of time and services.
5. 
If professional services are required in connection with the hearing(s) of the Mayor and Council, the invoices shall be paid again from the above escrow fund. However, the invoices for professional services shall be submitted to the Administrator or Clerk as the Council may designate. The Council shall direct payment after review and approval of the invoices/vouchers by a written directive to the Planning Board Administrative Secretary.
6. 
Any funds remaining on deposit in the escrow fund at the conclusion of all hearings (Planning Board and Mayor and Council) in connection with the application shall be refunded to the developer.
c. 
Fee for Updating Zoning Map. $250.