Township of Raritan, NJ Off-Street Parking and Loading

Different zone. No access drive, driveway, pathway or any other means of egress or ingress shall be located in any residential zone to provide access to uses other than those permitted in such residential zone.

Aisle widths. Aisles from which vehicles directly enter or leave parking spaces shall not be less than:

Twenty-five feet wide for perpendicular parking.

Eighteen feet wide for sixty-degree angle parking.

Fourteen feet wide for thirty-degree and forty-five-degree angle parking.

General standards for parking areas.

Design. Parking areas and access to parking areas shall be planned and designed in accordance with accepted engineering parking design principals such as those contained in Transportation and Land Development, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Second Edition, except as modified by requirements contained herein and the design standards for site plan review of the site plan regulations in § 296-75.

Review. All plans shall be reviewed by the Township Engineer and his or her recommendations shall be forwarded to the Planning Board for its review pursuant to the regulations and procedures governing site plan review.

Landscaping and drainage. Parking areas shall be landscaped in accordance with the design standards for site plan review to minimize nuisance characteristics to adjacent properties and for aesthetic reasons. They shall be drained and paved in accordance with good engineering and construction practices as required by the Township Engineer and Township specifications.

Markings and access. Parking spaces, driveways and aisles shall be clearly marked and delineated. For safety, firefighting purposes, and efficiency, direct through vehicular and pedestrian access for emergency services and for the general public between adjacent parking areas shall be provided.

Joint provision of and sharing of parking facilities. Any two or more nonresidential uses may collectively provide the required off-street parking spaces, provided that the total of such parking facilities shall equal the sum of the spaces required for each participating use. Where the Planning Board determines that the proposed location and operation of the facilities and uses is such that the parking facilities may be shared, then the parking may be provided in an amount to be determined by the Planning Board based on the planned peak usage of that use or structure which requires the highest number of spaces as required by this chapter (i.e., if there is a development of two retail uses that have peak usage times that differ substantially enough to permitted shared parking, then parking need only be required for that peak parking period).

Location of parking facilities.

Separate lot. Parking facilities shall be located on the same lot as the principal structure, except if space for the required off-street parking is not available on the same lot, off-street parking may be provided within 1,400 feet of the entrance of the use or structure, provided that a legal agreement ensuring that the parking will be available shall be approved by the Planning Board Attorney.

Parking in rear. Whenever parking is provided in the rear of any nonresidential structure or use, suitable rear entrance to the structure or use shall be provided.

Parking adjacent to residence zone. Where a nonresidential zone abuts a residence zone, no parking spaces shall be located closer than 25 feet to the residence zone line, and no driveway shall be located closer than 15 feet to the residence zone line. For additional site plan standards related to buffering from residential and other properties see § 296-75.

§ 296-154 Off-street loading and unloading.

All nonresidential uses shall have provisions for off-street loading and unloading in accordance with § 296-75. Such plans shall be reviewed by the Township Engineer, and his or her recommendations shall be forwarded to the Planning Board for its review under the design standards for site plan review.

§ 296-155 Minimum required off-street parking.

[Amended by Ord. No. 06-21]

It is the intent to require that all uses provide for adequate off-street parking for employees, clients and visitors. The following standards are expected to meet this objective. In the event that evidence is presented that a particular use or establishment will require more off-street parking spaces than are required by this chapter, the Planning Board may require that additional off-street spaces be provided.

In the event that the number of required parking spaces results in a fraction of a space, one more parking space shall be provided.

Handicapped parking spaces shall be provided as required by the New Jersey Administrative Code.

In the event of a mixed use, the required off-street parking shall be the sum of the required off-street parking for each use. A mixed use is two or more independent and/or distinct uses in the same or separate structures, not the separate portions of any individual use (i.e., a manufacturing use will also contain warehousing and office space, but the parking calculation shall be based on the gross floor area using the manufacturing standard).

If an applicant can demonstrate, or the Planning Board determines, that a particular use does not require all the required off-street parking at the time of approval, the Planning Board may authorize up to 25% of the required off-street parking to be landscaped and maintained as a parking reserve or banked parking. Such parking reserve shall be converted into parking (paved and in full conformance with this chapter) at such time as the Planning Board determines that the need exists. The area to be reserved shall be fully designed at the time of site plan approval. Any area reserved shall be counted as hard surface for the purposes of stormwater management computations and for calculations in relation to hard surface coverage restrictions.

Vehicle storage. Recognizing the difference between areas used for the long-term storage of vehicles either for sale, for rent, for repair, or other use, the following standards shall supplement those standards found elsewhere in this section and those standards for parking lot design, landscaping and lighting:

Stacking of cars two deep is permitted. Parking spaces may measure 8.5 feet by 36 feet.

No storage of vehicles shall be permitted along access aisles. All access aisles shall be kept free and clear to permit emergency vehicle access.

Any vehicle storage area used for the storage of new and/or used vehicles shall provide an area for the loading and unloading of vehicles from car transport trailers.

All storage of vehicles shall take place on paved surfaces in marked spaces.

(5)

Any storage area shall be appropriately screened from adjacent properties and from any public roadway. See § 296-75 for additional screening, fencing and/or buffer requirements.

(6)

Storage areas should be delineated on the site plans and shall be separate and apart from parking and display areas.

(7)

Lighting for storage, display and parking is different. See § 296-75 for lighting guidelines.

Required spaces by use. In cases of uses not specifically mentioned in the following schedule, the Planning Board shall determine the number of spaces required, through review of testimony from the applicant, review of recognized parking standards, review of similar standards contained herein, and through field investigations of similar uses.

Uses	Minimum Number of Required Spaces
Assembly hall	10 spaces per 1,000 square feet or 1 space for every 3 seats (1)
Athletic club	6 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Auditorium	Same as assembly hall
Auto dealer	1 space per employee plus 3 spaces per 1,000 square feet of showroom space plus 4 spaces per service bay; this does not include any area designated as vehicle storage or display
Bank	5 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Bowling alley	5.5 spaces per lane
Car wash	1 space per employee, plus 1 space per self-service station, plus 10 stacking spaces
Carpet store	3 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Child care/day care	0.25 space per student, plus 1 dropoff space per 6 students, to be adjusted based on arrival patterns
Club, lodge or fraternal organization	20 spaces plus 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of floor space
College	1 space for every 2 students
Community center	Same as assembly hall
Convenience store	5 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Discount club	5 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Farm stand	4 spaces per 1,000 square feet or 8 spaces whichever is greater
Funeral home or mortuary	10 spaces plus 20 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Furniture store	3 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Gas station	1 space per employee
Gas station and convenience store	1 space per employee plus 4 spaces per 1,000 square feet of store
Golf course	12 spaces per hole
Grade school	2 spaces per classroom
High school or prep school	0.25 space per student over driving age, plus 1 space per employee
Hospital	5 spaces per bed
House of worship	1 space for every 3 seats, or 1 space for every 3 feet of seating space where benches are used
Industrial park/flex space	2 spaces per 1,000 square feet or 1.5 spaces per employee whichever is greater
Manufacturing	1 space per employee on maximum shift or 1 space per 800 square feet whichever is greater
Mini warehouse	1 space per 6,000 square feet
Miniature golf or driving range	1 space per 3 persons of facility capacity plus 1 space per employee
Motel or hotel	1.25 spaces per room
Museum	2 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Nursing home	1 space per bed
Office, general	4 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Office, home occupation	4 spaces plus 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Office, medical	5 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Research of laboratory use	1 space per employee plus 10% visitor space
Residences, including single-family, multifamily, age-restricted and assisted living	The standards of N.J.A.C. 5:21-4.14 shall govern
Restaurant, fast-food	15 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Restaurant, sit down	1 space for every 2 seats or 16 spaces per 1,000 square feet whichever is greater (1)
Retail store	4 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Supermarket	5 spaces per 1,000 square feet
Theater	1 space for every 3 seats
Vehicle repair	4 spaces per service bay plus 1 space per employee
Warehouse	1 space per 2,000 square feet or 1 space per employee whichever is greater
Wholesale	3 spaces per 1,000 square feet

Notes:
(1)	Notwithstanding the above, an eating and drinking establishment containing a seating capacity of fewer than 50 seats may be established in a retail development containing a gross floor area of not less than 15,000 square feet meeting the following conditions:
	a.	Seventy-five percent of the gross floor area of such retail development shall be devoted to retail stores and shops and service establishments (not including restaurants, eating and drinking places and office use);
	b.	Such retail development shall provide off-street parking in the amount of at least one space per each 250 square feet of gross floor area; and
	c.	All eating and drinking establishments within such retail development shall not exceed the rate of one seat for each 150 square feet of gross floor area, but in no case shall the seating capacity of all eating and drinking establishments in one retail development exceed 250 seats when the required off-street parking for such is based upon one off-street parking space per each 250 square feet of gross floor area.

§ 296-155.1 Electric vehicle charging stations/service equipment.

[Added 7-19-2022 by Ord. No. 22-16]

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles by requiring the safe and efficient installation of electric vehicle supply/service equipment ("EVSE") and Make-Ready parking spaces through municipal parking regulations and other standards. EVSE and Make-Ready parking spaces will support the state's transition to an electric transportation sector, reducing automobile air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and stormwater runoff contaminants. The goals are to:

Provide adequate and convenient EVSE and Make-Ready parking spaces to serve the needs of the traveling public.

Provide opportunities for residents to have safe and efficient personal EVSE located at or near their places of residence.

Provide the opportunity for nonresidential uses to supply EVSE to their customers and employees.

Create standard criteria to encourage and promote safe, efficient and cost-effective electric vehicle charging opportunities in all zones and settings for convenience of service to those that use electric vehicles.

Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

The certificate provided for in N.J.A.C. 5:23-2, indicating that the construction authorized by the construction permit has been completed in accordance with the construction permit, the act and the regulations. See State Uniform Construction Code Act, P.L. 1975, c.217 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.) and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

CHARGING LEVEL

The amount of voltage provided to charge an electric vehicle varies depending on the type of EVSE as follows:

Level 1 operates on a fifteen-amp to twenty-amp breaker on a 120-volt AC circuit.

Level 2 operates on a forty-amp to 100-amp breaker on a 208-volt or 240-volt AC circuit.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY/SERVICE EQUIPMENT (EVSE)

Direct-current fast charger (DCFC) operates on a sixty-amp or higher breaker on a 480-volt or higher three-phase circuit with special grounding equipment. DCFC stations can also be referred to as "rapid charging stations" that are typically characterized by industrial-grade electrical outlets that allow for faster recharging of electric vehicles.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Any vehicle that is licensed and registered for operation on public and private highways, road and streets; and operates either partially or exclusively using an electric motor powered by an externally charged on-board battery.

The equipment, including the cables, cords, conductors, connectors, couplers, enclosures, attachment plugs, power outlets, power electronics, transformer, switchgear, switches and controls, network interfaces, point-of-sale equipment, and associated apparatus designed and used for the purpose of transferring energy from the electric supply system to a plug-in electric vehicle. EVSE may deliver either alternating current or, consistent with fast-charging equipment standards, direct current electricity. "EVSE" is synonymous with "electric vehicle charging station."

MAKE-READY PARKING SPACE

The pre-wiring of electrical infrastructure at a parking space, or set of parking spaces, to facilitate easy and cost-efficient future installation of electric vehicle supply equipment or electric vehicle service equipment, including, but not limited to, Level 2 EVSE and direct current fast chargers. Make-Ready includes expenses related to service panels, junction boxes, conduit, wiring and other components necessary to make a particular location able to accommodate electric vehicle supply equipment or electric vehicle service equipment on a "plug and play" basis. "Make-Ready" is synonymous with the term "charger ready," as used in P.L. 2019, c.362 (N.J.S.A. 48:25-1 et seq.)

PRIVATE EVSE

EVSE that has restricted access to specific users (e.g., single- and two-family homes, executive parking fleet parking with no access to the general public).

PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE EVSE

EVSE that is publicly available (e.g., park-and-ride, public parking lots and garages, on-street parking, shopping center parking, non-reserved parking in multifamily parking lots, etc.).

Approvals and permits.

An application for development submitted solely for the installation of EVSE or Make-Ready parking spaces shall be considered a permitted accessory use and permitted accessory structure in all zoning or use districts and shall not require a variance pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70.

EVSE and Make-Ready parking spaces installed pursuant to Subsection D below in development applications that are subject to site plan approval are considered a permitted accessory use as described in Subsection C(1) above.

All EVSE and Make-Ready parking spaces shall be subject to applicable local and/or Department of Community Affairs permit and inspection requirements.

The Township Zoning Officer and/or Township Engineer shall enforce all signage and installation requirements described in this section. Failure to meet the requirements in this section shall be subject to the same enforcement and penalty provisions as other violations of Township of Raritan's land use regulations as set forth in § 1-5 and § 296-188 of the Township Code.

(5)

An application for development for the installation of EVSE or Make-Ready spaces at an existing gasoline service station, an existing retail establishment or any other existing building shall not be subject to site plan or other land use board review, shall not require variance relief pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70, or any other law, rule or regulation, and shall be approved through the issuance of a zoning permit by the Township Zoning Officer, provided the application meets the following requirements:

The proposed installation does not violate bulk requirements applicable to the property or the conditions of the original final approval of the site plan or subsequent approvals for the existing gasoline service station, retail establishment or other existing building;

All other conditions of prior approvals for the gasoline service station, the existing retail establishment or any other existing building continue to be met; and

The proposed installation complies with the construction codes adopted in or promulgated pursuant to the State Uniform Construction Code Act, P.L. 1975, c.217 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-119 et seq.), any safety standards concerning the installation, and any state rule or regulation concerning electric vehicle charging stations.

(6)

An application pursuant to Subsection C(5) above shall be deemed complete if:

The application, including the permit fee and all necessary documentation, is determined to be complete;

A notice of incompleteness is not provided within 20 days after the filing of the application; or

A one-time written correction notice is not issued by the Zoning Officer and/or Engineer within 20 days after filing of the application detailing all deficiencies in the application and identifying any additional information explicitly necessary to complete a review of the permit application.

(7)

EVSE and Make-Ready parking spaces installed at a gasoline service station, an existing retail establishment or any other existing building shall be subject to applicable local and/or Department of Community Affairs inspection requirements.

(8)

A permit application solely for the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment permitted as an accessory use shall not be subject to review based on parking requirements.

Requirements for new installation of EVSE and Make-Ready parking spaces.

As a condition of preliminary site plan approval, for each application involving a multiple dwelling with five or more units of dwelling space, which shall include a multiple dwelling that is held under a condominium or cooperative form of ownership, a mutual housing corporation or a mixed-use development:

The developer or owner, as applicable, shall:

[1]

Prepare as Make-Ready parking spaces at least 15% of the required off-street parking spaces, and install EVSE in at least 1/3 of the 15% of Make-Ready parking spaces;

[2]

Within three years following the date of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, install EVSE in an additional 1/3 of the original 15% of Make-Ready parking spaces; and

[3]

Within six years following the date of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, install EVSE in the final 1/3 of the original 15% of Make-Ready parking spaces.

Throughout the installation of EVSE in the Make-Ready parking spaces, at least 5% of the electric vehicle supply equipment shall be accessible for people with disabilities.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to restrict the ability to install electric vehicle supply equipment or Make-Ready parking spaces at a faster or more expansive rate than as required above.

As a condition of preliminary site plan approval:

Each application involving a parking lot or garage not covered in Subsection D(1) above shall:

[1]

Install at least one Make-Ready parking space if there will be 50 or fewer off-street parking spaces.

[2]

Install at least two Make-Ready parking spaces if there will be 51 to 75 off-street parking spaces.

[3]

Install at least three Make-Ready parking spaces if there will be 76 to 100 off-street parking spaces.

[4]

Install at least four Make-Ready parking spaces, at least one of which shall be accessible for people with disabilities, if there will be 101 to 150 off-street parking spaces.

[5]

Install at least 4% of the total parking spaces as Make-Ready parking spaces, at least 5% of which shall be accessible for people with disabilities, if there will be more than 150 off-street parking spaces.

In lieu of installing Make-Ready parking spaces, a parking lot or garage may install EVSE to satisfy the requirements of this subsection.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, a retailer that provides 25 or fewer off-street parking spaces or the developer or owner of a single-family home shall not be required to provide or install any electric vehicle supply equipment or Make-Ready parking spaces.

Minimum parking requirements.

All parking spaces with EVSE and Make-Ready equipment shall be included in the calculation of minimum required parking spaces, pursuant to §§ 296-152 through 296-155 of the Township Code.

A parking space prepared with EVSE or Make-Ready equipment shall count as at least two parking spaces for the purpose of complying with a minimum parking space requirement. This shall result in a reduction of no more than 10% of the total required parking.

All parking space calculations for EVSE and Make-Ready equipment shall be rounded up to the next full parking space.

Additional installation of EVSE and Make-Ready parking spaces above what is required in Subsection D above may be encouraged but shall not be required in development projects.

Reasonable standards for all new EVSE and Make-Ready parking spaces.

Location and layout of EVSE and Make-Ready parking spaces is expected to vary based on the design and use of the primary parking area. It is expected flexibility will be required to provide the most convenient and functional service to users. Standards and criteria should be considered guidelines and flexibility should be allowed when alternatives can better achieve objectives for provision of this service.

Installation.

Installation of EVSE and Make-Ready parking spaces shall meet the electrical subcode of the Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.16.

Each EVSE or Make-Ready parking space that is not accessible for people with disabilities shall be not less than nine feet wide or 18 feet in length. Exceptions may be made for existing parking spaces or parking spaces that were part of an application that received prior site plan approval.

To the extent practical, the location of accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities with EVSE and Make-Ready equipment shall comply with the general accessibility requirements of the Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23, and other applicable accessibility standards.

Each EVSE or Make-Ready parking space that is accessible for people with disabilities shall comply with the sizing of accessible parking space requirements in the Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23, and other applicable accessibility standards.

EVSE parking.

Publicly accessible EVSE shall be reserved for parking and charging electric vehicles only. Electric vehicles shall be connected to the EVSE.

Electric vehicles may be parked in any parking space designated for parking, subject to the restrictions that would apply to any other vehicle that would park in that space.

Public parking. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:48-2, publicly accessible EVSE parking spaces shall be monitored by the Raritan Township Police Department and enforced in the same manner as any other parking regulations. It shall be a violation of this section to park or stand a nonelectric vehicle in such a space, or to park an electric vehicle in such a space when it is not connected to the EVSE. Any nonelectric vehicle parked or standing in a EVSE parking space or any electric vehicle parked and not connected to the EVSE shall be subject to a fine and/or impoundment of the offending vehicle as described in the general penalty provisions set forth in § 1-5 and § 296-188 of the Township Code. Signage indicating the penalties for violations shall comply with Subsection F(5) below. Any vehicle parked in such a space shall make the appropriate payment for the space and observe the time limit for the underlying parking area, if applicable.

Private parking. The use of EVSE shall be monitored by the property owner or designee.

Safety.

Each publicly accessible EVSE shall be located at a parking space that is designated for electric vehicles only and identified by green painted pavement and/or curb markings, a green painted charging pictograph symbol, and appropriate signage pursuant to Subsection F(5) below.

Where EVSE is installed, adequate site lighting and landscaping shall be provided in accordance with the Township's ordinances and regulations.

Adequate EVSE protection such as concrete-filled steel bollards shall be used for publicly accessible EVSE. Non-mountable curbing may be used in lieu of bollards if the EVSE is set back a minimum of 24 inches from the face of the curb. Any standalone EVSE bollards should be three feet to four feet high with concrete footings placed to protect the EVSE from accidental impact and to prevent damage from equipment used for snow removal.

EVSE outlets and connector devices shall be no less than 36 inches and no higher than 48 inches from the ground or pavement surface where mounted and shall contain a cord management system as described in Subsection F(4)(e) below. Equipment mounted on pedestals, lighting posts, bollards or other devices shall be designated and located so as to not impede pedestrian travel, create trip hazards on sidewalks or impede snow removal.

(e)

Each EVSE shall incorporate a cord management system or method to minimize the potential for cable entanglement, user injury or connector damage. Cords shall be retractable or have a place to hang the connector and cord a safe and sufficient distance above the ground or pavement surface. Any cords connecting the charger to a vehicle shall be configured so that they do not cross a driveway, sidewalk or passenger unloading area.

(f)

Where EVSE is provided within a pedestrian circulation area, such as a sidewalk or other accessible route to a building entrance, the EVSE shall be located so as not to interfere with accessibility requirements of the Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23, and other applicable accessibility standards.

(g)

Publicly accessible EVSEs shall be maintained in all respects, including the functioning of the equipment. A twenty-four-hour on-call contact shall be provided on the equipment for reporting problems with the equipment or access to it. To allow for maintenance and notification, Raritan Township shall require the owners/designee of publicly accessible EVSE to provide information to the Township Engineering Department on the EVSE's geographic location, date of installation, equipment type and model, and owner contact information.

(5)

Signs.

Publicly accessible EVSE shall have posted regulatory signs, as identified in this section, allowing only charging electric vehicles to park in such spaces. For purposes of this section, "charging" means that an electric vehicle is parked at an EVSE and is connected to the EVSE. If time limits or vehicle removal provisions are to be enforced, regulatory signs including parking restrictions shall be installed immediately adjacent to, and visible from, the EVSE. For private EVSE, installation of signs and sign text is at the discretion of the owner.

All regulatory signs shall comply with visibility, legibility, size, shape, color and reflectivity requirements contained within the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices as published by the Federal Highway Administration.

Wayfinding or directional signs, if necessary, shall be permitted at appropriate decision points to effectively guide motorists to the EVSE parking space(s). Wayfinding or directional signage shall be placed in a manner that shall not interfere with any parking space, drive lane, or exit and shall comply with Subsection F(5)(b) above.

In addition to the signage described above, the following information shall be available on the EVSE or posted at or adjacent to all publicly accessible EVSE parking spaces:

[1]

Hours of operation and/or time limits if time limits or tow-away provisions are to be enforced by the owner/designee;

[2]

Usage fees and parking fees, if applicable; and

[3]

Contact information (telephone number) for reporting when the equipment is not operating or other problems.

(6)

Usage fees.

For publicly accessible municipal EVSE: In addition to any parking fees, the fee to use parking spaces within the municipality identified as EVSE spaces shall be set by resolution adopted by the governing body at a rate per each hour or per kWh that the electric vehicle is connected to the EVSE.

This fee may be thereafter amended by subsequent resolution adopted by the governing body.