At the time of construction, reduction, enlargement, alteration
or increases of capacity or change in the use of any building, structure
or property in the Borough of Neptune City there shall be provided,
improved and usable off-street parking spaces as well as loading facilities
in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Site Plan Review
Ordinance of the Borough of Neptune City.
Whenever any commercial or industrial property abuts a residential
zone, a landscape buffer strip in accordance with the Site Plan Review
Ordinance of the Borough of Neptune City shall be permanently maintained
along the property line abutting the residential zone.
In any residential zone all parking areas, exclusive of ingress
and egress drives, having a capacity of more than four vehicles, shall
be screened from adjacent property by a buffer strip at least five
feet in width.
Where an area required for a buffer is already wooded, it shall
be left in its natural state and existing growth shall be supplemented
with additional plant material where necessary to bring the buffer
area up to the minimum requirements of this Zoning Ordinance and the
Site Plan Review Ordinance of the Borough of Neptune City.
[Amended 7-10-1995 by Ord. No. 1995-11; 6-28-1999 by Ord. No. 1999-6; 3-11-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-05]
Fences in single family residential type zones (R-1, R-2, RLC,
RC) may be erected, altered or reconstructed to a height not exceeding
six feet above ground level when located to the rear of the front
building line and not exceeding three feet in height when located
in front of the building line or in the front yard.
Fences in high density residential, commercial and business
zones (R-2, R-1T, R-2T, RLC, RC, R-2M, HC, C) may be erected, altered
or reconstructed to a height not exceeding six feet above ground level
when located to the rear of the front building line and not exceeding
four feet in height when located in front of the building line or
in the front yard. Fences erected in front of the building line or
in the front yard shall not be constructed of wire or chain link,
unless same shall be screened from public right-of-way by a buffer
strip of at least five feet in depth. The entire buffer strip shall
be inside the property and shall consist of massed evergreen and shrubs
planted in a manner that will provide a continuous visual screen throughout
the entire year within a period of two growing seasons following the
planting of the buffer.
Fences in the Industrial Zone (I) may be erected, altered or
reconstructed to a height not exceeding six feet above ground level
in any yard except that open wire fences may be erected to a height
not to exceed eight feet above ground level in a side or rear yard.
Fences for corner lots shall be limited to 30 inches in height, or lower within the triangular area as defined under Section
139-23A of the chapter.
All fences shall be erected entirely within the lines. No fences
shall be erected within any public and/or utility right-of-way.
Barbed wire fences shall not be permitted except in the Industrial
Zone (I). When used in the Industrial Zone (I), barbed wire may only
be used when needed for security purposes and shall be mounted on
the top of a fence having minimum height of six feet above ground
level.
All fences shall be maintained in a safe, sound and upright
condition.
No fence shall be erected which is imbedded with or made of
pieces of glass, sharpened metal or sharp or otherwise hazardous material
nor shall any fence be erected which is intended to injure persons
or animals, except as permitted in this section.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the construction
of a retaining wall or other means utilized to enable one to retain
earth or dirt at the level which existed at the time of the passage
of this chapter.
All fences shall be installed with the finished side facing
outward from the fence owner's property and the post-side and/or unfinished
side facing inside toward the fence owner's property, as determined
by the Zoning Officer.
Further, fences shall comply with any standards as may be required
by the Land Use Board or other reviewing board pursuant to the Site
Plan Review Ordinance.
[Amended 10-24-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-13]
Any type of sign not permitted herein as an accessory use is
prohibited in any zone in the borough and the following types and
kinds of signs shall be permitted as accessory uses:
A. Temporary signs.
[Amended 10-24-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-13]
(1) Definition. A temporary sign shall be defined to mean all flags (except
the flag of the United States of America, POW/MIA flag or one additional
international flag), banners, freestanding sandwich boards or other
nonpermanently ground-attached sign, signs with wheels (even if same
have been removed), window signs (whether paper, material or painted
directly on the window), pennants, balloons, streamers, pinwheels,
all placed on property in a nonresidential zone, or property used
for nonresidential purposes.
(2) Prohibition. Except as permitted in this Section 130-50, all temporary
signs in the Borough of Neptune City shall be prohibited.
(3) Exceptions. The following temporary signs shall be permitted:
(a)
Temporary signs approved by resolution of the Land Use Board;
(b)
Two sandwich board signs (consisting of two finished sides with
an "A" frame) shall be permitted for each business existing on a property,
provided that same shall be fabricated from wood with handpainted
or other permanent lettering and shall not exceed two feet in width
and four feet in height.
[Amended 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-10]
(c)
Window signs on those windows facing an improved public street,
provided that such window signs do not exceed 50% of the window area
on the window facing the improved public street.
(d)
Search lights, provided that a special permit shall be first
obtained from the Borough Zoning Officer, which permit shall allow
the search light to be used between dusk and 10:00 p.m., no longer
than three days during any calendar year per property.
(e)
Banner by permit first obtained from the Borough Zoning Officer,
which shall be at a cost set by the Borough Council and limited to
special events such as a grand opening, a holiday or other theme,
for a maximum of one banner per property during a two consecutive
week period per calendar year. The size of such banner shall not exceed
three feet by 10 feet.
(f)
A single sign per property advertising the sale or rental of
a real property not exceeding five square feet for property in a residential
zone and 16 square feet for property in all other zones, provided
that same shall be removed upon the transfer of title for the sale
or signing of the lease (or occupancy, whichever shall first occur)
for a rental.
B. Building signs.
[Amended 10-15-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-6]
(1) Definition. A building sign shall be defined as a sign attached to
or painted upon a building wall and it is not extended above the roof
line.
(2) Building signs are permitted in the commercial or industrial zones
advertising the business conducted on the property.
(3) A single commercial or industrial use building is permitted one building
sign not to exceed 100 square feet.
(4) In case of multiple business or shopping centers, each business or
store shall be permitted one building sign provided that the total
sign area on the face of the business or store shall not exceed 10%
of the area of the face of the wall of that business or store, excluding
roof areas of 100 square feet, whichever is less.
(5) When a business or store is located on a corner lot, one sign shall be permitted on each side of the building facing each street or parking lot not abutting residential properties. The areas of each sign shall be as permitted in Section
139-50B(4).
[Amended 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-10]
(6) Signs approved for funding through the Grow Monmouth Facade Beautification
Grant may be attached to the roof of a building, as long as such sign
does not extend above the highest ridge line of the building.
[Added 12-23-2013 by Ord.
No. 2013-10]
C. One sign advertising a permitted use or indicating the home or office
of a recognized profession or home occupation shall be permitted in
any zone provided same shall not exceed two square feet in area, except
when same advertises a multi-family use or garden apartment use, same
shall not exceed 40 square feet.
D. Freestanding signs in accordance with Section
111-22, except that only one such sign shall be permitted per property, not to exceed 50 square feet.
[Added 10-24-2005 by Ord.
No. 2005-13]
E. Sign area measurement. The area of a sign shall be computed as the
total square foot content of the background upon which the lettering
illustration or display is presented. The area of a sign consisting
of individual letters or figures shall be considered as the total
area of the smallest rectangle which can enclose all letters and/or
figures.
[Added 10-15-2013 by Ord.
No. 2013-6]
F. The following signs shall be exempt:
(1) Signs of government entities:
(2) Church and charitable bulletin boards and signs not exceeding 16
square feet in area;
(3) Construction signs not exceeding 16 square feet in area limited to
a period of not more than 30 days after the period of construction;
(4) Political signs of not more than four (4) square feet in area and
must be removed within seven days after Election Day.
All signs shall comply with any other ordinances of this borough
that may be applicable.
[Amended 9-25-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-10]
The following performance standards shall be considered as minimum
standards under which any business or industrial use or operation
may be commenced or continued in any part of the Borough of Neptune
City.
A. Smoke. No smoke shall be emitted which would create any nuisance,
physical discomfort or irritation, or property damage beyond the boundary
line of any property on which the use emitting the smoke is situated.
In no instance shall any smoke be emitted which has a shade of grey
greater than No. 1 on the Ringelmann Smoke Chart as published by the
U.S. Bureau of Mines.
B. Dust. No dust, dirt or fly-ash and other solid particles shall be
discharged into the atmosphere as a result of any operation on the
site.
C. Toxic or corrosive gases. No toxic, corrosive gases, vapors, or fumes
shall be emitted into the atmosphere.
D. Odors. No odors shall be emitted in such quantities as to be offensive
to the human senses at or beyond any property line of the site from
which the odor is emanating. If a question arises as to the degree
of odor emission, the matter shall be determined by reference to the
guidelines established in the following:
Air Pollution Abatement Manual, Chapter
5, Manual Sheet P-6, "Physiological Effects," Table III, "Odor Thresholds," Manufacturing Chemists' Association, (Washington, D.C. 1951).
E. Heat and glare. No heat or glare (excepting that from outdoor lighting
required by this or other borough ordinances) shall be generated beyond
the boundary lines of any property.
F. Vibration. No operation shall cause any vibration perceptible to
the human senses of feeling at or beyond any property line of the
site.
G. Noise. The purpose of this section is to adopt a comprehensive Noise
Control Ordinance for the Borough of Neptune City pursuant to the
appropriate statutory authority of the Noise Control Act of 1971,
N.J.S.A. 13:1 G-21, and pursuant to the New Jersey Environment Codified
Regulations Chapter 29 - Noise Control as adopted, to accomplish,
without limitation, the following goals pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:29.
The authorized enforcement agency to perform noise enforcement is
designated as the Monmouth County Health Department, pursuant to the
County Environmental Health Act (N.J.S.A. 26:3A2-21 et seq.).
[Amended 4-23-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-06]
H. Waste or sewage. No waste or sewage shall be discharged except as
shall be approved by the Borough Health Officer under applicable municipal
and state regulations and statutes.
I. Radioactive and thermal wastes. No radioactive or thermal waste or
sewage shall be discharged and no devices and equipment shall be installed
except as shall be approved by the Borough Health Officer under applicable
municipal and state regulations and statutes.
J. Electrical disturbances. Electrical and electronic devices and equipment
shall be installed and operated in such a manner that they will create
no electrical disturbances that will adversely affect the operation
and control of any electrical or electronic devices, located beyond
the boundaries of the site.
Prior to the issuance of a permit for any proposed use, the
appropriate municipal officer or body may require approval by a qualified
state or federal agency or private concern relative to the standards
set forth herein. Any costs or fees incurred therefore shall be born
by the applicant.
[Amended 3-14-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-1]
It shall be a violation of the provisions of this chapter to:
A. (1) Erect any building or structure or (2) move, alter, add to or
enlarge any building or structure or (3) use, design or arrange any
land, building or portion of a building or structure, except in conformity
with all regulations herein specified for the district and/or zone
in which it is located.
B. Engage in any of the activities for which zoning approval is required
prior to the issuance of zoning approval.
C. After issuance of zoning approval, fail to follow, during construction,
the approved site or subdivision plans, the requirements of this chapter,
the conditions of approval contained in the resolution of a municipal
agency.
D. Fail to observe any direction of the Administrative Officer or his
designee with regard to the suspension of any work not in compliance
with this chapter, the approved plans or the conditions of any resolution
of a municipal agency or of a zoning approval.
E. Fail to observe any direction of the Administrative Officer or his
designee with regard to the correction, of any work not in conformance
with the approved plans or the conditions of any resolution of a municipal
agency or zoning approval.
F. After completion of a development, fail to operate and maintain the
site in conformance with the approved plans, any condition of resolution
of a municipal agency, zoning approval or any of the provisions of
this chapter.
When questions arise concerning the measurement or enforcement
of the performance standards of this chapter, the Construction Official
and Code Enforcement Supervisor shall seek the assistance of the New
Jersey State Department of Health or other qualified government agencies.
If a violation is established, any cost of said government services
charged to the borough shall be assessed against the violator in addition
to any other penalties established by this chapter of law.
Any use or operation or part thereof found to be in violation
of the performance standards of this chapter shall be discontinued
upon the written order of the Construction Official and Code Enforcement
Supervisor until the cause of such violation is eliminated or altered
to such extent as to assure compliance with the performance standards.
[Added 5-10-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-04; amended 7-25-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-10]
A. All applications for licenses and permits, all licenses and permits
issued and all proceedings under this article shall be in accordance
with all applicable laws of the state.
B. All licenses and permits required by this article shall be approved
by the Borough Council and issued by the Borough Administrator, who
shall also administer the provisions of this article. Any business
duly licensed by the State of New Jersey to conduct legal adult use
cannabis operations, as defined by state law, may operate within the
specified permitted area so long as: (i) the entity maintains its
state license in good standing; (ii) the entity maintains a Borough
of Neptune City Business License in good standing; and (iii) the entity
otherwise remains in full compliance with the laws and regulations
established by the State of New Jersey and the Borough of Neptune
City governing the licensed activity, as may be amended.
C. A business license to operate within the Borough of Neptune City
shall not be granted or renewed without such evidence as may be required
by the Borough Administrator to determine that the entity maintains
all valid state and/or CRC licenses and approvals, and that all such
licenses and/or approvals remain in good standing from the time of
registration.
D. Borough Cannabis Advisory Committee.
(1) A Borough Cannabis Advisory Committee ("CAC") appointed by the Mayor
will act as the body for local review for the Borough for all cannabis
establishments.
[Amended 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
(2) Members of said CAC may include residents and business owners located
within the Borough. The appointees shall include, at a minimum, one
member from the following categories:
(b)
Borough Administrator or designee.
(c)
Neptune City Chief of Police or designee.
(d)
Borough Planning Board Chair or Designee.
(e)
Borough Clerk and/or Designee.
(3) Duties of the CAC shall be to advise the Borough governing body as
to the issuance of cannabis business permits within the Borough based
on the issuance of request for proposals issued by the governing body
and the establishment of the criteria presented herein.
E. Local licensing authority.
(1) The governing body of the Borough of Neptune City is hereby designated
to act as the local licensing authority for the Borough for all cannabis
establishments. The Borough Council, in reviewing and rendering decisions
on all cannabis licenses, shall be assisted by and act upon the recommendation
of the CAC, and any other individual(s) designated by the Mayor.
(2) Under all circumstances in which state law requires communication
to the Borough by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission or any other
state agency with regard to the licensing of cannabis establishments
by the state, or in which state law requires any review or approval
by the Borough of any action taken by the state licensing authority,
the exclusive authority for receiving such communications and granting
such approvals shall be exercised by the Borough Council.
(3) Under no circumstances shall a local license for a cannabis establishment
issued by the Borough Council be effective until or unless the state
has issued the requisite permits or licenses to operate such a facility.
No cannabis establishment may lawfully operate in the Borough of Neptune
City without the issuance of a state permit or license and full regulatory
oversight of the cannabis establishment by the Cannabis Regulatory
Commission or other state licensing authority as well as oversight
and issuance of a license by the Borough.
(4) Any permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be valid for a period
of one year from the date of issuance and shall be renewed in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter.
(5) The Borough Administrator may, at his or her discretion, adjust the
renewal date of the local permit to correlate with an applicant's
state licensing and renewal schedule.
(6) Renewal of any permit shall be governed by any code amendments, additional
restrictions or changes in the Act and N.J.A.C. 17:30-1 et seq., which
have not been adopted since the previous permit was issued or renewed.
[Amended 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
(7) A licensee shall comply with N.J.A.C. 17:30-6.8 governing limitations
on license-holders, owners, principals and passive investors, etc.
(8) A licensee shall comply with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 17:30-9.3
governing transfers of ownership interest.
(9) Transfer of a license or change of location or modification to expand
a permitted premise shall be subject to the approval of the Administration,
the Planning Board, and Borough Council. A potential transfer of a
license caused by the death of a spouse, domestic partner or adult
child shall not be unreasonably denied.
(10)
Except where the Borough has received a complete renewal application
along with the requisite fees, and has issued a license renewal, it
shall be unlawful for any person to operate after the date of a license
expiration.
F. Limitation on number of licenses. Within the geographic boundaries
of the Borough of Neptune City, the maximum number of Class 5 licensed
cannabis retailers shall be two.
G. Conditions on conditional use. Any Class 5 cannabis retailer is subject
to the following conditions on conditional use:
[Amended 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
(1) Shall
only be located in Borough districts zoned as HC Highway Commercial.
(2) Shall
not be permitted within 1,000 feet of another Class 5 licensed cannabis
retailer.
(3) Shall
have vehicular ingress/egress to NJ State Highway 33.
(4) Shall
not be located on any property that abuts a residential zone.
(5) Shall
not be permitted within 200 feet of a Borough district zoned as residential.
Said 200 feet shall be measured in the normal way that a pedestrian
would properly walk from the nearest entrance of said residential
property to the nearest entrance of the premises sought to be licensed.
(6) A
Class 5 cannabis retailer may not locate within 1,000 feet from any
school identified on the Borough’s Official Drug Free School
and Park Zones Map, and pursuant to regulations and definitions in
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 et seq., and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7.1 et seq.
(7) There
shall not be any drive-through associated with any Class 5 cannabis
retailer.
H. Hours of sale. Hours of operation for Class 5 cannabis retailer license
businesses shall be limited to 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Mondays through
Saturdays, and 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sundays in the HC Zone.
[Amended 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
I. Prohibition of certain activities.
(1) It is hereby established that it is unlawful for any person, who is of legal age to consume cannabis products, to smoke, vape, aerosolize, ingest or otherwise consume in any public place any cannabis products on a public street, highway, avenue, alley or road of the Borough; or upon any public or quasi-public parking lots, or any other parking facilities in the Borough; or on any public grounds, parks, sidewalks, beaches, marine basins, promenade or quasi-public areas; or any shopping center common areas; or in any automobile, or other vehicle or in any other means of transportation on the public streets, highways, alleys, avenues, grounds, sidewalks, parks, marine basins, beachfronts or promenade or quasi-public areas in the Borough. Any unlawful consumption shall be a disorderly persons offense. Any person who is found to be in violation of this section may be subject to a penalty as provided in Chapter
1, Article
III, Violations and Penalties, §§
1-16 to
1-20.
J. Application process.
(1) Any license conditionally issued by the Borough is contingent upon
the locally licensed entity's or individual's subsequent receipt of
a state permit or license of the same class or type of regulated cannabis
activity.
(2) Persons wishing to obtain a Class 5 cannabis license shall file a
license application with the CAC, on a standardized form established
by the Borough Administrator and available in the Borough Clerk's
office. The Borough Administrator shall establish a reasonable application
period and deadline for all applications. An application shall be
deemed incomplete, and shall not be processed by the Borough Administrator,
until all documents and application fees are submitted. To be deemed
complete, all applications shall be accompanied by the following:
(a)
The applicant shall submit proof that the applicant has or will
have lawful possession of the premises proposed for the cannabis establishment,
which proof may consist of: a deed, a lease, a real estate contract
contingent upon successful licensing, or a binding letter of intent
by the owner of the premises indicating an intent to lease the premises
to the entrant contingent upon successful licensing.
(b)
The applicant shall submit an affidavit and documentary proof
of compliance with all state and local laws regarding affirmative
action, antidiscrimination and fair employment practices. The applicant
shall also certify under oath that they shall not discriminate based
on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age,
national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation,
or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
(c)
The location proposed for licensing by the applicant shall comply
with all applicable municipal zoning laws and the location restrictions
set forth in this Code.
(d)
The applicant shall submit, to the satisfaction of the Borough
Administrator, proof of financial capability to open and operate the
cannabis establishment for which the applicant is seeking a license.
Standards for proof of financial capability shall be determined by
the CAC.
(e)
The applicant and the application shall otherwise comply with
any, and all qualification standards set forth by the State of New
Jersey and Borough of Neptune City laws, regulations or ordinances.
(f)
In the event there are multiple applicants for a license, the
Borough Administrator shall evaluate all applicants and issue a notification
of award after consideration and evaluation of the following criteria:
[1]
Applicant's owners' or principals' qualifications and experience
operating in highly regulated industries, including cannabis, healthcare,
pharmaceutical manufacturing, and retail pharmacies, with preference
to experience operating such businesses within the State of New Jersey
and where the value of owners' experience shall outweigh the experience
of nonowner principals; and
[2]
Applicant's qualifications and experience related to public
safety and security, including any of the applicant's owners' or principals'
experience in law enforcement and drug enforcement and a summary of
the applicant's plans for storage of products and currency, physical
security, video surveillance, security personnel, and visitor management;
and
[3]
Applicant's or its owners' experience conducting or supporting
or plans to conduct institutional review board-approved research involving
human subjects that is related to medical cannabis or substance abuse,
where the value of past or ongoing clinical research with IRB approval
shall outweigh plans to conduct such research, whether the applicant
has had any assurance accepted by the U.S. Department of Health &
Human Services indicating the applicant's commitment to complying
with 45 CFR Part 46, and whether the applicant has a research collaboration
or partnership agreement in effect with an accredited U.S. school
of medicine or osteopathic medicine with experience conducting cannabis-related
research; and
[4]
Applicant's brand and proposal for the physical presence of
the business, including but not limited to: the site's ability to
meet all land use regulations (parking, landscaping, signage, etc.),
architectural treatments, customer experience; and
[5]
Applicant's or its owners' demonstrated commitment to the community
and social responsibility; or sufficient evidence related to N.J.A.C.
17:30-30-7.10(a)(13); and
[6]
Summary of the applicant's environmental impact and sustainability
plan; whether the applicant entity or its parent company has any recognitions
from or registrations with federal or New Jersey state environmental
regulators for innovation in sustainability; and whether the applicant
entity or its parent company holds any certification under international
standards demonstrating the applicant has an effective environmental
management system or has a designated sustainability officer to conduct
internal audits to assess the effective implementation of an environmental
management system; and
[7]
Applicant's demonstrated commitment or sufficient experience
as responsible employers, defined as the applicant entity being committed
to a local program in collaboration with organizations committed to
the well-being of residents, including but not limited to the Borough
and surrounding service area. This may be evidenced by letters in
support and agreements, a local workforce hiring and development plan,
community service, and/or collaborations with a university or specialized
training facility; and
[8]
Applicant's demonstrated commitment to diversity in its ownership
composition and hiring practices.
(3) A notification of award and conditional municipal license shall entitle
the recipient applicant to pursue a state permit or license in the
appropriate classification for up to 12 months. No license to operate
shall issue until the applicant has received a state permit and satisfied
other prerequisites of municipal licensure. If the recipient of a
notice of award and conditional license has not received a state permit
or license within 12 months from issuance, the Borough Administrator
shall issue a new request for applications and evaluate all applicants
for licensure under the above criteria.
(4) In addition to complying with any state requirement related to good
character and criminal background, any person proposed to have an
ownership interest in the license shall not have had any cannabis
license or permit revoked for a violation affecting public safety
in the State of New Jersey or a subdivision thereof within the preceding
three years.
(5) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Borough from conducting
a background check at the time of receipt of the application. Submission
of an application shall constitute consent on behalf of the applicant
and any persons proposed to have an ownership interest to such background
check.
K. Term of license and license renewals.
(1) Any local license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be valid
for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance and shall be renewed
yearly in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(2) The Borough Administrator may, at his/her discretion, adjust the
renewal date of the local license to correlate with an applicant's
state licensing and renewal schedule.
(3) Renewal of any license shall be governed by any amendments to state
law, regulations and/or the Borough of Neptune City Code.
(4) Except where the Borough Administrator has received a complete renewal
application along with the requisite fees, and has issued a license
renewal, it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell,
distribute, transfer, transport, or otherwise remove cannabis or cannabis
products from the premises of any license after the expiration date
recorded on the face of the license.
L. Fees.
(1) The following fees shall apply to all cannabis businesses:
(a)
Application fee: $10,000.
(b)
Annual renewal fee: $10,000.
(2) The above fees shall be submitted to the Borough at the time the
cannabis business submits its initial application or the renewal application
to the Borough. If the cannabis business's application is denied,
the Borough shall refund 80% of the initial application or renewal
fee if the applicant is not approved for a cannabis license by the
State of New Jersey and/or is not selected by the Borough for issuance
of a Class 5 license.
M. Disciplinary actions; sanctions; penalties.
(1) Nuisance.
With respect to the operation of any cannabis license, the following
is hereby declared to be an unlawful public nuisance:
[Amended 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
(a) Odors or noise which are disturbing to people of reasonable sensitivity
who may be residing near or present on nearby property, including
areas open to the public.
(b) Repeated dispatches to the property by law enforcement.
(c) Disruption to and/or obstruction of the free passage of persons and/or
vehicles in the immediate vicinity of the property.
(d) Any other condition or act which may be deemed a violation of this
chapter.
(2) Disciplinary actions. Procedures for investigation of license violations
and for suspension, revocation, or other licensing sanctions as a
result of any such violation shall be as follows:
(a)
First offense: up to $500 per violation per day;
(b)
Second offense: up to $1,000 per violation per day;
(c)
Third offense: up to $2,500 per violation per day;
(d)
Fourth violation shall result in a summary suspension.
(3) Summary suspension. Notwithstanding the foregoing section, when the
Borough has reasonable grounds to believe that a licensee has engaged
in a willful violation of any applicable law, regulation or Borough
of Neptune City Code provision, or that the public health, safety,
and/or general welfare has been jeopardized and requires emergency
action, the Borough Administrator may enter a summary suspension order
for the immediate suspension of such license pending further investigation.
(a)
The summary suspension order shall be in writing and shall state
the reasons therefore. The licensee shall be afforded an opportunity
for a hearing as outlined herein.
(b) The Borough Administrator shall convene a review panel consisting
of the Borough Administrator, a second administrative officer designated
by the Mayor, and an officer designated by the Chief of Police. The
hearing shall be scheduled within 30 days of the date of the order.
(c)
The review panel is authorized to impose any fines, conditions,
restrictions, suspensions, or combination thereof authorized by the
State of New Jersey. The Borough may issue fines up to, but not to
exceed, $2,500 per offense and/or suspension of license for a period
not to exceed six months.
(4) Inactive licenses. Following the commencement of retail sales of
cannabis or cannabis products, the Borough may suspend or revoke any
license if the licensed premises have been inactive or unoccupied
by the licensee for at least six months.
(5) Revocation of license. In addition to the foregoing, any cannabis
mercantile registration shall be deemed null and void at the discretion
of the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Borough or any authorized
Borough representative for violation of any Borough Ordinance, unless
but not limited to a dormant license as determined by the CAC and
or any violation of any New Jersey State regulation shall be a basis
for nonrenewal.
(6) Reissuing
of licenses. The Borough may reissue any licenses that become inactive
or revoked by utilizing the same licensing process as outlined in
this chapter.
[Amended 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
(7) State license. The Borough may suspend or revoke any license if the
corresponding state license or permit for the subject location is
expired, surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
N. Site plan review requirements.
(1) The Borough's Zoning Officer will review and determine whether any
proposed Cannabis establishment requires approval from the Zoning
Board of Adjustment and or Planning Board through the zoning permit
approval process.
O. Signage and display of products.
(1) Each business shall be permitted two signs.
(2) Signs shall be limited to location identification/name of business.
(3) Signs shall not promote consumption of any cannabis product.
(4) Signage design shall not include artistic or photographic renderings
of cannabis plants or paraphernalia.
(5) Neon signs shall be prohibited.
(6) The following words shall be prohibited from appearing on any sign:
"pot" and "weed."
(7) Signage shall comply with the Borough's Signage Ordinance, as may
be amended from time to time.
(8) No cannabis products shall be displayed in any windows or doors.
P. Requirements for cannabis businesses.
(1) All cannabis businesses.
(a)
There shall be no on-site sales of alcohol or tobacco products,
and no on-site consumption of food, alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis
by patrons.
(b)
No outside storage of any cannabis, cannabis products, or cannabis
paraphernalia shall be permitted.
(c)
All licensed cannabis facilities shall have a round-the-clock
video surveillance system, 365 days a year.
(d)
Video surveillance shall be retained a minimum of seven days
or pursuant to state and federal law, whichever is greater.
(e)
All licensed facilities must provide the Neptune City Police
Department with access to security footage immediately upon request
by the department.
(f)
All licensed facilities must provide at least one licensed security
guard (or more if required by the state) during all times the facility
is open to the public. All patrons must be screened by said security
employee and patrons must demonstrate proof of minimum age (21 years
old).
(g)
As applicable and to the fullest extent possible, all licensed
facilities must provide for adequate buffering as otherwise required
by Borough of Neptune City Ordinance.
(h)
All cannabis establishments shall conduct business and operations
indoors.
(i)
No more than one ounce of cannabis or cannabis product may be
sold to a specific customer at a given time.
(j)
Use or consumption of cannabis or cannabis products in any manner
shall not be permitted within the cannabis retailer's facility, whether
in the building or on its grounds or parking lots. Cannabis consumption
areas are not permitted.
(k)
All licensed facilities shall be enclosed in heated/air-conditioned
permanent buildings, not trailers, outdoors, movable kiosks, etc.
(l)
Any cannabis retailer shall only have one primary public access
point, which shall be directly adjacent to the right-of-way or parking
area of the building. Access should not be through common entrances
with other uses.
(m)
Drive-through facilities are not permitted.
(n)
All licensed facilities' interiors shall provide a secure location
for storage of products with minimum products in any customer service
area.
(o)
The cannabis retail facility shall be responsible for ensuring
compliance with all interior capacity restrictions, including, but
not limited to, customer wait lines. Should the Borough's Police Department
be necessary to provide security related to customer management, the
cannabis retailer shall be responsible for the sole costs of such
security.
[Amended 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
Q. Odor mitigation/smoking.
(1) All cannabis businesses must provide adequate HVAC air quality equipment.
(2) Cannabis odor must not permeate outside any cannabis business establishment.
(3) All cannabis businesses shall adhere to generally applicable Borough
ordinances regulating odor emissions and environmental impacts.
(4) All retail cannabis businesses must follow the protocols set forth
in the Clean Air Act.
(5) No smoking is permitted inside or outside of any cannabis business
establishment.
R. Noise mitigation. All cannabis businesses shall adhere to all generally
applicable noise ordinances, nuisance ordinances, other Neptune City
Borough Code requirements and all other state and federal requirements.