In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this
Article shall be held to be minimum requirements adopted for the promotion
of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare, consistent
with the purposes set forth at N.J.S.A. 40:55D-2.
A. It is not intended by this Chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul or
in any way to impair or interfere with existing provisions of the
Revised General Ordinance or with private restrictions placed upon
property by deed, covenant, or other agreements. However, where this
Chapter imposes a greater restriction upon land, buildings or structures
than is imposed by existing provisions of this Chapter, or by deed,
covenant or other agreements, the provisions of this Chapter shall
control.
B. The provisions of this Article, including, but not limited by way
of limitation, the provisions relating to nonconforming uses and nonconforming
structures shall, in conjunction with the provisions of this Chapter,
be construed as the continuation of the substantive provisions of
the Township of Branchburg Zoning Ordinance, and amendments and supplements
thereto in effect at the time of adoption of this Chapter, rather
than new enactments.
No land, lot or premises and no building or structure shall
be used for any purpose other than those permitted by this Article
for the zone in which it is located. No building or structure may
be erected, razed, moved, extended, enlarged or altered unless such
action is in conformity with the regulations provided for the zone
of this Article in which the said building or structure is located.
Any deviation proposed from the use and bulk requirements of this
Article shall require a variance pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70 et
seq.
A. Every lot shall contain front, rear and side yards as required in
the zone in which said lot is located unless otherwise regulated.
All lots shall have a minimum of one front yard fronting on a street,
as defined in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-7, which has been improved to Township
standards or accepted by the Township.
B. No open space which has been counted or included as part of a side
yard, rear yard, front yard, court or other open space as required
by this Article for one building may, by reason of change of ownership
or for any other reason, be counted or included in order to comply
with yard, court or other open space requirement of any other building.
A lot which at the time of the adoption of this revised Chapter
fails to comply with the minimum lot size requirements of this Chapter
may be used for any use otherwise permitted in the zone in which it
is located, provided required side and rear yards are proportionate
to the ratio of lot area to the zone specified minimum lot area. In
no event shall reductions greater than 50% of the minimum required
setbacks be permitted. In the event that a lot which fails to comply
with the minimum lot size requirements of this Chapter is contiguous
with and in the same ownership as another lot, such lots shall be
deemed merged and construed to be one lot for all purposes. Use thereof
as other than one lot is prohibited except as may be authorized by
subdivision approval.
All yards on corner lots abutting any street shall be construed
as front yards and shall be subject to the front yard setback requirement
of the zone. One of the remaining yards shall be designated the rear
yard and the other a side yard and shall meet the rear and side yard
setback requirements respectively in the zone.
A. Only one principal building may be erected on a lot except for related
compatible buildings constituting one basic use or operation under
one management and limited to the following:
1.
Planned residential or multi-family developments.
2.
Public or institutional building complexes.
3.
Retail facilities as regulated in this Chapter.
4.
Industrial or manufacturing building complexes.
B. No building to be used as a dwelling shall be constructed, altered
or moved on, to or in the rear of any building situated on the same
lot.
No lot, yard, parking area or other open space shall be so reduced
in area or dimension as to make it less than the minimum required
under this Article. No lot, yard, parking area or other open space
which is already less than the minimum required under this Article
shall be further reduced in area or dimension.
No steps, fences, wall or any other above ground object shall
extend into any street right-of-way.
A. The height limitations required in each zone shall not apply to steeples
of houses of worship, masts, flag poles, antennas and radio towers.
The maximum height for these uses shall not exceed 50 feet or the
height limitation for the zone in which it is located, whichever is
greater. Any freestanding antenna or radio tower shall be set back
from all lot lines a distance equal to its height.
B. In all nonresidential zones, penthouses or roof structures for elevators,
stairways, tanks, ventilating fans, air conditioning equipment or
similar equipment required to operate and maintain the building, skylights,
spires, cupolas, chimneys or similar structures may be erected above
the height limits prescribed by this ordinance but in no case shall
exceed 10% of the maximum height permitted in the zone and further
provided not more than 10% of the roof area is occupied by such facilities.
A. No building shall be erected and no building shall be reconstructed
or altered so as to project in any way beyond the average setback
lines observed by existing buildings on the same side of the street
within the block at the time of the passage of these regulations.
Where the block affected has a length of more than 1,000 feet between
its intersecting or intercepting streets, the average setback line
observed by buildings on the same side of the street within 300 feet
on each side of the lot in question shall control.
[Ord. No. 2008-1093 § 3; Ord. No. 2013-1235 § 1;
Ord. No. 2015-1264 § 2; Ord. No. 2017-1308 § 2;
Ord. No. 2018-1334 § 1; amended 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-1357; 8-26-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-1358; 8-26-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-1359; 10-28-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-1365; 2-10-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-1375; 9-14-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-1390; 3-28-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-1424]
For the purpose of this Article, the Township of Branchburg
is hereby divided into the following zones:
RRC - Raritan River Corridor
|
R3 - R-3 Rural Three Acre Residential
|
LD - Low Density/1 Acre Residential
|
LD/C - Low Density Cluster Option
|
LD/C2 - Low Density Cluster Option 2
|
VR - Village Residential (Neshanic Station)
|
NBH - North Branch Hamlet
|
MH - Mobile Home
|
MDR - Medium Density Residential
|
AH-1 - Affordable Housing 1
|
AH-2 - Affordable Housing 2
|
AH-3 - Route 22 Planned Residential/Affordable Housing
|
AH-4 - Route 22 Affordable Housing 4
|
AH-5 - Route 202 Affordable Housing 5
|
AH-6 - Route 202 South Affordable Housing 6
|
AH-7 - 18 Lamington Road Affordable Housing 7
|
ALO - Assisted Living Overlay
|
CF - Community Facilities
|
U - Public Utility
|
VB - Village Business (Neshanic Station)
|
R/S-1 - Retail Service 1
|
R/S-2 - Retail Service 2
|
R/S-3 - Retail Service 3
|
R/S-4 - Retail Service 4
|
OL - Office/Laboratory
|
I-1 - Industrial (3 Acres)
|
I-2 - Industrial (5 Acres)
|
I-3 - Industrial (2 Acres)
|
O - Office
|
PO - Planned Overlay
|
EWRZP - Evans Way Redevelopment Plan Zone
|
[Ord. No. 2015-1264 § 3; Ord. No. 2017-1308 § 3;
Ord. No. 2018-1334 § 2; Ord. No. 2002-876 § 1;
Ord. No. 2003-928 § 1; Ord. No. 2004-944 § 1;
Ord. No. 2008-1093 § 4; Ord. No. 2012-1195]
A. The Zoning Map dated April 3, 2000, Rev No. 16, dated March 28, 2022 (Ord. No. 2022-1424), delineating the zones set forth in Section
3-3, is hereby declared to be a part of this Article. A copy of said Zoning Map is filed in the office of the Township Clerk.
Editor's Note: The Zoning Map is
included as an attachment to this chapter.
[Amended 7-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-1357; 8-26-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-13588-26-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-1359; 10-28-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-1364; 10-28-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-1365; 3-28-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-1424]
B. The zone boundary lines are intended generally to follow street center
lines, existing lot lines, center lines of railroad rights-of-way,
and the like, as indicated on the Zoning Map. Where a zone boundary
line does not coincide with any such line as above set forth, its
location or relation to another boundary line is indicated on the
Zoning Map by means of figures expressing distance in feet from a
street side line or other boundary line. In cases of uncertainty or
disagreement as to the true location of any zone boundary line, the
determination thereof shall lie with the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
[Ord. No. 2004-944 § 1; amended 5-24-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-1410; 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1445]
A. All uses not specifically permitted in each zone are prohibited.
B. Community shopping centers which include more than 60,000 square
feet of gross floor area and/or with an anchor tenant occupying 30,000
or more square feet are prohibited in all zones.
C. Junk yards are prohibited in all zones.
D. Commercial storage of household or consumer goods, such as "mini-storage,"
are prohibited in all zones.
E. All
classes of cannabis establishments, cannabis distributors or cannabis
delivery services as said terms are defined in N.J.S.A. 24:6I-33.
Licensed cannabis delivery services situated outside the geographic
boundaries of the Township may deliver cannabis items and related
supplies within the Township as permitted by the New Jersey Cannabis
Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization
Act, N.J.S.A. 24:6I-31, et. seq., are prohibited in all zones.
F. Warehouses are prohibited in all zones.
G. Major Distribution Centers are prohibited in all zones.
H. Large Fulfillment Distribution Centers are prohibited in all zones.
I. Last-Mile Fulfillment Centers are prohibited in all zones.
J. High Cube Automated Warehouses are prohibited in all zones.
K. Cross Docking is prohibited in all zones.
L. Cold Storage is prohibited in all zones.
The purpose of the LD zone is to provide for low density development
in a manner consistent with the established pattern of development
in the areas of the Township serviced by suburban infrastructure.
Lots previously subdivided under an approved clustering plan
in the former RCL zone shall meet the minimum lot area and bulk requirements
of the approved plan.
[Ord. No. 2014-1244 § 2; Ord. No. 2015-1283 § 17]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Single family residences.
2.
Research farms on tracts of 100 acres or more.
3.
Commercial agriculture as regulated in Section
4-6.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2.
Home occupations as regulated in Section 3-24.
3.
Home agriculture as regulated in Section
4-6.
4.
The keeping of horses, provided that they are kept under sanitary
conditions and provided that unattended horses are at all times kept
within a fence not closer than five feet to any lot line or a structure
which shall not be permitted closer than 35 feet to any lot line.
No horse or pony may be kept on a lot less than 45,000 square feet
in area. Each additional horse or pony shall require an additional
15,000 feet of lot area.
C. Conditional uses.
1.
Government uses and public utility facilities as regulated in
subsection 3-23.1.
2.
Houses of worship as regulated in subsection 3-23.3.
3.
Golf courses as regulated in subsection 3-23.5.
[Ord. No. 2001-865 § 4; Ord. No. 2006-1011 § 3;
Ord. #2006-1044 § 3]
A. Minimum lot area: 43,560 square feet.
B. Minimum lot frontage: 150 feet.
C. Minimum front yard: 75 feet.
D. Minimum side yard: 25 feet.
E. Minimum rear yard: 35 feet.
F. Maximum height: 2-1/2 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less.
G. Lot suitability. No residential lot created hereafter shall contain
less than 10,000 square feet of contiguous unconstrained lot area
within the building envelope.
H. Lot circle. Each new residential lot shall be arranged in such a
manner that a circle with a diameter of at least 90 feet can be inscribed
within the building setback lines, tangent to the front setback line.
I. Maximum density: one unit per acre.
A. Minimum tract size: 20 acres.
B. Gross density: one dwelling per acre.
C. Minimum lot size: 24,000 square feet.
D. Minimum front yard: 50 feet.
E. Minimum side yard: 15 feet.
F. Minimum rear yard: 35 feet.
I. Lot width, corner lot:
1.
100 feet at setback line.
J. Minimum open space: 40% of tract.
[Ord. No. 2006-1034 § 1; Ord. No. 2006-1047 § 1]
The purpose of the VR zone is to ensure that any new development
is consistent with the character and scale of Neshanic Station.
As the village has grown and changed over time, parcels of various
sizes have been created, with some smaller and some larger. However,
prior VR zone standards have encouraged further subdivision and deconstruction
or substantial alteration of the fabric and scenic character of the
village. Stately older homes on "oversized" parcels are a key element
of village character that should not be left on undignified remnant
parcels with large new modern homes and cul-de-sacs erasing the context
of an earlier era and an important element of village character. The
density, bulk and design review standards are intended to preserve,
protect and enhance the village character to the greatest extent practicable.
[Ord. No. 2014-1244; § 3; Ord. No. 2015-1283 § 18]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Single family residences.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2.
Home occupations as regulated in Section 3-24.
3.
Home agriculture as regulated in Section
4-6.
C. Conditional uses.
1.
Government uses and public utility facilities as regulated in
subsection 3-23.1.
2.
Houses of worship as regulated in subsection 3-23.3.
[Ord. No. 2004-955 § 1; Ord. No. 2006-1011 § 4;
Ord. No. 2006-1034 § 2; Ord. No. 2006-1044 § 1;
Ord. No. 2006-1047 § 2]
A. Minimum lot area: 15,000 square feet.
B. Minimum lot frontage: 75 feet.
C. Minimum front yard: 35 feet.
D. Minimum side yard: 10 feet.
E. Minimum rear yard: 15 feet.
F. Maximum height: 2-1/2 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less.
G. Lot circle. Each new residential lot shall be arranged in such a
manner that a circle with a diameter of at least 50 feet can be inscribed
within the building envelope and tangent to the front yard setback
line.
H. Maximum density: one unit per acre.
[Ord. No. 2006-1034 § 3; Ord. No. 2006-1047 § 3]
Development in this zone shall be in reasonable harmony with
the established character of this old nineteenth century village with
respect to size, bulk and general appearance of new construction and
exterior alterations of existing structures as well as the location
and configuration of structures and driveways. Applicants for subdivision
before a Board shall submit detailed plans and architectural elevations
for review and recommendation by the Township Historic Preservation
Commission pursuant to the Land Development Ordinance.
[Ord. No. 2006-1034 § 4; Ord. No. 2006-1047 § 4]
The purpose of the NBH zone is to protect the character of the
historic North Branch Hamlet and its environs, to encourage a gradual
growth on higher and dryer grounds and to discontinue land uses other
than farming in the flood plains.
Due to repeated flooding, the hamlet has changed over time,
with some buildings removed or elevated. Previous lot area standards
permitted subdivision to a least common denominator lot size (8,000
square feet) that invited the deconstruction or substantial alteration
of the fabric and scenic character of the hamlet. The NBH zone density,
bulk and design review standards are intended to preserve the village
character to the greatest extent practicable.
A. Principal uses.
1.
Single family residences.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2.
Home occupations as regulated in Section 3-24.
3.
Home agriculture as regulated in Section
4-6.
C. Conditional uses.
1.
Government uses and public utility facilities as regulated in
subsection 3-23.1.
[Ord. No. 2002-899 § 5; Ord. No. 2006-1011 § 5;
Ord. No. 2006-1034 § 5; Ord. No. 2006-1044 § 5;
Ord. No. 2006-1047 § 5]
A. Minimum lot area: 8,000 square feet.
B. Minimum lot frontage: 50 feet.
C. Minimum front yard: 15 feet.
D. Minimum side yard: 10 feet.
E. Minimum rear yard: 10 feet.
F. Maximum height: 2-1/2 stories or 40 feet, whichever is less, above
the 100-year flood level delineation.
G. A building which is being elevated for flood mitigation in a project
funded in whole or in part by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
shall be deemed to comply with the yard requirements of this subsection
if the preexisting yards are reduced by no more than necessary for
participation in the project.
H. Maximum density: one unit per acre.
[Ord. No. 2006-1034 § 6; Ord. No. 2006-1047 § 6]
Development in this zone shall be in reasonable harmony with
the established character of this old nineteenth century hamlet with
respect to size, bulk and general appearance of new construction and
exterior alterations of existing structures as well as the location
and configuration of structures and driveways. Applicants for subdivision
before a Board shall submit detailed plans and architectural elevations
for review and recommendation by the Township Historic Preservation
Commission pursuant to the Land Development Ordinance.
The purpose of these regulations is to allow the Township's
three existing mobile home courts to operate in accordance with appropriate
bulk and site design standards as set forth in this section. The regulations
recognize the fact that the mobile home courts were built prior to
the enactment of modern standards and construction of larger units.
It provides for the administrative procedure to allow the courts to
modernize in accordance with an approved site plan.
A. Principal uses.
1.
Mobile home park development.
3.
Agricultural uses as regulated in Section
4-6.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2.
Home occupations as regulated in Section 3-24.
C. Conditional uses. Government uses and public utility facilities as
regulated in subsection 3-23.1.
A. Maximum density: seven units per acre.
B. Minimum tract size: 200,000 square feet.
C. Minimum mobile home pad site: 3,200 square feet.
D. Minimum pad width: 40 feet.
E. Minimum front yard setback:
2.
From access road: five feet.
F. Minimum distance between units:
G. Minimum distance to pad boundary line: 10 feet.
H. Maximum building height: 20 feet.
I. Minimum open space: 20% gross tract area.
J. Minimum road width.
1.
Main road: 22 feet plus seven feet for each parking lane provided.
K. Minimum active recreation area: 10% of gross tract area.
L. Parking: 2.0 stalls per unit; one of which may be located off the
pad area.
M. Perimeter buffer: 50 feet.
A. All mobile home units shall be served by public water and public
sewers.
B. Canopies, car ports, and parking spaces shall be permitted in all
minimum setback areas.
C. Each mobile unit shall be allowed one storage shed, not to exceed
eight feet by 10 feet. The shed may be located between units.
A. Whenever a replacement mobile home unit is proposed in a mobile home
park in a manner so as to create variances from the standards set
forth above, a site plan shall be submitted to the approving board.
The plan shall show the location of the existing and proposed unit
and its relationship to surrounding units, dimensions, setbacks, lighting,
car parking, canopies and the location of storage sheds. Any variances
shall be indicated and all necessary notices and variance applications
shall be submitted with the site plan. Site plan approval shall not
be required for the replacement of any mobile home unit provided that
all of the zoning standards set forth above are met.
B. In lieu of submitting a site plan on a case by case basis for a single
unit, an applicant may submit a site plan for the entire mobile home
park. The plan shall show all items required for a site plan as set
forth in this ordinance including but not limited to existing and
proposed unit locations, parking, location of canopies and storage
sheds, lighting and open space.
The site plan shall also indicate all existing and future variances
from the ordinance bulk standards. All statutory requirements for
variances such as advertisements and notices shall be met. Once approved,
an applicant need only apply to the Zoning Officer for any unit change
and as long as the new units meet the approved site plan, a permit
can be issued. If there is any significant change from the approved
plan, an amended site plan is required to be submitted and a new approval
secured.
[Ord. No. 2005-975 § 1]
The purpose of the MDR zone is to provide for one acre development
in a manner consistent with existing development in and contiguous
to the zone.
This zone previously permitted Residential Combination Clusters
as a conditional use. All of the land reasonably appropriate for Residential
Combination Clusters having been developed, new Cluster subdivisions
are no longer permitted. Lots previously subdivided under an approved
Residential Combination Cluster zone shall meet the minimum lot area
and bulk requirements of the approved plan.
[Ord. No. 2005-975 § 2]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Single family residential uses.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2.
Home occupations as regulated in Section 3-24.
3.
Home agriculture as regulated in Section
4-6.
C. Conditional uses.
1.
Government uses and public utility facilities as regulated in
subsection 3-23.1.
[Ord. No. 2001-865 § 5; Ord. No. 2006-1011 § 6;
Ord. No. 2006-1044 § 6]
A. Minimum lot area: 43,560 square feet.
B. Minimum lot width: 150 feet.
C. Minimum front yard: 75 feet.
D. Minimum side yard: 25 feet.
E. Minimum rear yard: 35 feet.
F. Maximum building height: 2-1/2 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less.
G. Lot suitability. No residential lot created hereafter shall contain
less than 10,000 square feet of contiguous unconstrained lot area
within the building envelope.
H. Lot circle. Each new residential lot shall be arranged in such a
manner that a circle with a diameter of at least 90 feet can be inscribed
within the building setback lines, tangent to the front setback line.
I. Maximum density: one unit per acre.
The AH-1 zone had previously been identified as the RMU Residential
Multiple Use zone and was established to provide multiple residential
uses with immediate access to Route 202 and to provide for the opportunity
for low and moderate income housing. The AH-1 zone is established
to provide for multiple residential uses with immediate access to
U.S. Highway 202, including senior citizens housing, townhouses and
flats, and to provide for the opportunity for low and moderate income
housing.
A. In AH-1 zones no lot, building or other structure shall be used,
built or erected for any purpose other than as a part of an integrated
development of townhouses and flats pursuant to this section.
The following accessory uses and structures shall be permitted
in the AH-1 zone only for the use of the occupants of permitted dwellings:
A. Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
B. Clubhouses and community buildings.
D. Recreational facilities such as tennis courts, jogging trails and
the like.
E. Home agriculture as regulated in Section
4-6.
Governmental uses and public utility facilities as regulated
in subsection 3-23.1.
An entire integrated development in the AH-1 zone shall conform
with the following yard, area, height and other restrictions:
A. The minimum area shall be 20 acres.
B. The maximum gross density shall not be more than 12 units per acre.
C. There shall be a minimum of 40% common open space.
D. All buildings shall be set back at least 150 feet from any lot line.
E. All parking shall be set back at least 75 feet from any lot line.
F. No structure shall exceed 35 feet or two stories.
G. 20% of the development shall be designated on the site plan for recreational
uses for the residents of the development, which shall include as
a minimum walking paths and a tennis court. Where a development is
located within 300 feet of an existing Township park, the Planning
Board may reduce or waive this requirement at the time of the site
plan review.
H. Convenient access shall be provided for all residents of the development
to existing or potential public transportation facilities. Pick up
points for existing or potential public transportation shall be provided
in the road plan. The distance between senior citizens units and public
transportation pick up points shall be minimized.
An integrated development in the AH-1 zone shall conform with
the following buffering and landscaping requirements:
A. A fifty-foot landscaped buffer and berm shall be installed wherever
an AH-1 development borders on or is across a Township or County street
from an existing residential use or from a nonresidential use deemed
not compatible by the Planning Board. The buffer shall consist of
deciduous and coniferous trees which shall have a minimum height of
eight feet at planting and shall be maintained at a minimum height
of 15 feet. The buffer may be achieved by planting three staggered
rows of evergreen trees, rows to be 10 feet apart. Evergreen shrubs
shall be planted along with the trees. The Planning Board may approve
a reduction in buffer width if a 100% visually impervious screen,
fence, or wall of permanent material is incorporated. The berm shall
be a minimum of five feet high.
B. The buffer size shall be measured horizontally and at right angles
to any straight lot or street line or to the tangent line of any curved
lot or street line. No above-surface structure or activity and no
storage of materials or parking of vehicles shall be permitted in
the buffer. The buffer shall be planted and maintained with grass
or ground cover, together with a dense screen of trees, shrubs, or
other plantings meeting the requirements.
C. Any part of the AH-1 development not used for structures, roadways,
loading, accessways, parking, or pedestrian walks shall be landscaped
with grass, trees, and shrubs as designed by a certified landscape
architect.
Each housing unit in an AH-1 zone shall have the following parking:
A. Efficiency unit: one parking space.
B. One or more bedroom senior citizens unit: one parking space plus
1/2 space for each bedroom after the first.
C. One or more bedroom unit, not age restricted: one parking space plus
1/2 parking space for each bedroom.
The Planning Board shall require as a condition of approval
of an AH-1 development that 40% of the housing units be age restricted
so that occupancy of such housing will be limited to senior citizens
62 years of age or older. This age restriction may be modified by
the Planning Board upon showing by an applicant that strict adherence
is impracticable and not economically feasible as long as any modified
age restrictions do not violate any State or Federal laws or regulations.
Of the total number of residential units within an AH-1 development,
10% shall be low income dwelling units and a like number shall be
moderate income dwelling units as defined by So. Burlington Cty. N.A.A.C.P.
v. Mount Laurel Tp., 92 NJ 158 (1983). Low and moderate income units
shall be age restricted in the same proportion as other units in the
development. The applicant shall propose, as a part of its application,
a plan by which the low and moderate income dwelling units shall be
restricted for sale or rental to families of low or moderate income
respectively, in conformity with the requirements of the New Jersey
Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) applicable to Somerset County.
A.
Regulations for townhouse units.
1.
Yard and area requirements:
Minimum lot area: 2,000 square feet (per unit).
Minimum lot frontage: 20 feet (per unit).
Minimum lot width: 20 feet (per unit).
Minimum front yard: 30 feet for units with garages, 15 feet
for units without garages.
Minimum side yard: Zero feet if adjoining another unit, 15 feet
if outside wall.
Minimum rear yard: 60 feet (per unit).
2.
The maximum number of townhouse units per building shall be
12.
3.
Townhouse units attached on a single linear plane shall not
exceed a length of 120 feet.
4.
The front facades of at least 40% of the units in a single building
shall be set back at least 10 feet behind the facades of the remaining
units in such building.
5.
The roof lines of at least 30% of the units in a single building
shall be staggered in height by at least 5% of the height of the roof
lines of the remaining units in the building. Chimneys, skylights,
dormers and the like are recommended to vary the visual plan and provide
additional light access to upper stories.
6.
Where an outdoor living space is included for any townhouse
unit, it shall be provided with adequate visual screening from all
neighboring dwelling units, other outdoor living spaces, parking areas
and roadways.
7.
Each townhouse unit shall have a private rear yard of 200 square
feet minimum, which shall be enclosed by means of a four-foot high
wooden fence, hedge or combination of both.
8.
A minimum of 300 square feet of storage shall be provided for
each townhouse unit in the basement, attic or other area attached
to unit. This area shall include storage for garbage in the front
of the unit, bicycles, garden equipment, barbecue equipment and the
like.
B.
Regulations for flats.
1.
Flats shall be designed so that the exterior of each pair of
flats shall have substantially the same appearance as a townhouse
unit.
2.
All flats shall be designed for and sold in the condominium
form of ownership.
3.
The roof lines of at least 30% of the flats in a single building
shall be staggered in height by at least 5% of the height of the roof
lines of the remaining units in the building. Chimneys, skylights,
dormers and the like are recommended to vary the visual plan and provide
additional light access to upper stories.
4.
Where an outdoor living space is included for any flat, it shall
be provided with adequate visual screening from all neighboring dwelling
units, other outdoor living spaces, parking areas and roadways. Screening
may be accomplished with plantings, masonry structures or wood fencing.
Architectural elements, such as masonry walls and fences, shall be
compatible in both style and materials with the dwelling flat.
5.
A minimum of 300 square feet of storage shall be provided for
each flat in the basement, attic or other area attached to the flat.
This area shall include storage for garbage in the front of the flat,
bicycles, garden equipment, barbecue equipment and the like.
6.
The maximum number of flats per building shall be 24.
7.
Each first floor flat shall have a private patio of at least
60 square feet. Each second floor flat shall have a balcony or outdoor
space of at least 60 square feet.
The Planning Board shall require that construction of those units restricted by subsection
3-10.8 and required by subsection
3-10.9 be phased in proportion to construction of other units.
The purpose of the LD/C zone is to provide for compatible low
density clustered development in an area where the established pattern
of development is clustered. It is the intent of this zone to provide
for residential development at densities not to exceed those permissible
in the conventional LD zone while providing for extension of open
space into the existing open space network.
[Ord. No. 2014-1244 § 4]
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2.
Home occupations as regulated in Section 3-24.
[Ord. No. 2001-865 § 6]
A. For conventional, non-clustered development the area and bulk standards
shall be those of the LD zone.
B. Standards for cluster development:
1.
Lot yield: Lot yield for cluster development shall be based
upon the submission of a conforming subdivision plan demonstrating
full compliance with requirements of the LD zone. All lots shall be
buildable from both a regulatory and technical perspective. Lots shall
comply with all of the requirements of the Township's Land Development
Ordinance and those of other agencies, including the State Department
of Environmental Protection.
2.
Minimum tract size: 15 acres.
3.
Minimum lot area: 24,000 square feet.
4.
Minimum lot frontage: 100 feet.
5.
Minimum front yard: 50 feet.
6.
Minimum side yard: 15 feet.
7.
Minimum rear yard: 35 feet.
8.
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
9.
Minimum open space: 40% of gross tract area.
10.
All cluster development shall provide for an Open Space Management
Plan to address the long-term ownership and maintenance of any open
space.
11.
Lot suitability. No residential lot created hereafter shall
contain less than 10,000 square feet of contiguous unconstrained lot
area within the building envelope.
12.
Lot circle. Each new residential lot shall be arranged in such
a manner that a circle with a diameter of at least 65 feet can be
inscribed within the building setback lines, tangent to the front
setback line.
The Community Facilities zone has been created to provide appropriate
zoning for areas where municipal uses, public schools, parks, playgrounds,
or other municipal facilities exist or are planned to be constructed.
[Ord. No. 2014-1244 § 5]
A. Principal uses.
3.
Public utility facilities.
B. Accessory use customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
C. Conditional uses.
1.
Child care centers as regulated in Section 4-7.
2.
Community residences that comply with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:93-5.8 regulating Alternative Living Arrangements and with the requirements of Article
XIII, Affordable Housing, including the establishment of 30 year controls on affordability. Community residences in the CF Zone need not occupy individually subdivided lots.
A. Front yard of 75 feet from street center line or 50 feet from right-of-way
line.
B. Side and rear yard setbacks of 75 feet for principal structure and
25 feet for off-street parking and other accessory structures.
C. Maximum lot coverage of 25%.
D. Lot size sufficient for all required yards and off-street parking.
The purpose of the utility zone is to provide zoning to address
large tracts where major public utility installations presently exist.
A. Principal uses. Natural gas transmission facilities and electric
substation.
B. Accessory uses. Customary utility facilities that may be required
for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy
or other utilities.
C. Conditional uses. Governmental uses and public utility facilities
as regulated in subsection 3-23.1.
No minimum area or bulk standards are included because of the
unique character of these uses. A minimum buffer of 25 feet shall
be provided around the perimeter of all such facilities. Site plan
review by the Planning Board shall determine any other relevant reasonable
requirements to minimize the visual or adverse impacts of these uses
on the surrounding properties.
The purpose of the village business zone is to provide for commercial
uses which have historically existed within the Village of Neshanic
and to provide for additional commercial opportunities for uses which
are compatible with the established village character.
[Ord. No. 2015-1283 § 25]
A. Principal uses.
Retail sales and services as follows:
1.
Retail sales and personal services.
2.
Business and professional offices.
3.
Banks and other fiduciary institutions.
6.
Community residences for the developmentally disabled and community
shelters for victims of domestic violence that contain less than six
occupants.
7.
Child care centers as regulated in Section 4-7.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses which are customarily incidental and ancillary
to a permitted use.
2.
Home occupations as regulated in Section 3-24.
3.
Home agricultural uses as regulated in Section
4-6.
C. Conditional uses. Governmental use and public utility facilities
as regulated in subsection 3-23.1.
A. Minimum lot area: 20,000 square feet.
B. Minimum lot width: 100 feet.
D. Minimum side yard: 15 feet.
E. Minimum rear yard: 15 feet.
F. Maximum building height: 2-1/2 stories of 35 feet, whichever is less.
G. Maximum building cover: 50%.
H. Maximum impervious lot cover: 65%.
These zone districts are for retail and service type businesses
limited to the sale on the premises of commodities and/or services
or furnishings to the ultimate consumer. An additional goal of these
districts is to confine retail uses to the areas so zoned to prevent
sprawling and strip commercial development along the Township's highways.
[Ord. No. 2006-1035 § 1; Ord. No. 2006-1048 § 1;
Ord. No. 2006-1053 § 1]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Retail sales and personal services.
2.
Lumber and other building materials.
3.
Heating and plumbing equipment.
4.
Restaurants, conventional and take-out.
5.
Business and professional offices.
10.
Agricultural uses as regulated in Section
4-6.
11.
Community residences for the developmentally disabled and community
shelters for victims of domestic violence that contain less than six
occupants.
12.
Child care centers as regulated in Section 4-7.
B. Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
C. Conditional uses.
1.
Institutional uses as regulated in subsection 3-23.7.
2.
Governmental uses and public utility facilities as regulated
in subsection 3-23.1.
[Ord. No. 2006-1035 § 2; Ord. No. 2006-1048 § 2;
Ord. No. 2006-1053 § 2]
A. Minimum lot area: 110,000 square feet.
B. Minimum lot width: 325 feet.
C. Minimum front yard: 50 feet.
D. Maximum front yard: 100 feet.
E. Minimum side yard: 25 feet.
F. Minimum rear yard: 25 feet.
G. Maximum height: 50 feet or 3 1/2 stories, whichever is less.
H. Maximum impervious coverage by number of stories in building:
Less than 2 stories
|
40%
|
At least 2 stories but less than 3
|
50%
|
At least 3 stories
|
60%
|
The purpose of this zone is to provide goods and services to
the ultimate consumer in appropriately scaled shops and offices, reflecting
the character of development along Route 202.
[Ord. No. 2015-1283 § 27]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Retail sales and personal services.
2.
Lumber and other building materials.
3.
Heating and plumbing equipment.
4.
Restaurants, conventional and take-out.
5.
Business and professional offices.
10.
Agricultural uses as regulated in Section
4-6.
11.
Community residences for the developmentally disabled and community
shelters for victims of domestic violence that contain less than six
occupants.
12.
Child care centers as regulated in Section 4-7.
B. Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
C. Conditional uses.
1.
Automobile service stations as regulated in subsection 3-23.2.
2.
Institutional uses as regulated in subsection 3-23.7.
3.
Public garages as regulated in subsection 3-23.6.
4.
Governmental uses and public utility facilities as regulated
in subsection 3-23.1.
[Ord. No. 2006-1035 § 3; Ord. No. 2006-1048 § 3;
Ord. No. 2006-1053 § 3]
A. Minimum lot area: 60,000 square feet.
B. Minimum lot width: 200 feet.
C. Minimum front yard: 50 feet.
D. Maximum front yard: 100 feet.
E. Minimum side yard: 25 feet.
F. Minimum rear yard: 25 feet.
G. Maximum height: 50 feet or 3 1/2 stories, whichever is less.
H. Maximum impervious coverage by number of stories in building:
Less than 2 stories
|
40%
|
At least 2 stories but less than 3
|
50%
|
At least 3 stories
|
60%
|
[Ord. No. 2015-1264 § 4]
The purpose of the OL zone is to provide large scale, low intensity
business office and laboratory development in the Route 202 Corridor.
[Ord. No. 2005-977 § 1; Ord. No. 2015-1264 § 5]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Business offices for professional and business use, including
executive, engineering, scientific, and research and development.
2.
Laboratories devoted exclusively to research, product development,
testing and engineering.
3.
Agricultural uses as regulated in Section
4-6.
B. Accessory uses. Uses on the same site which are accessory to the
laboratory, business and professional office, including garages for
the storage of company motor vehicles; parking facilities; maintenance
and utility shops for the upkeep and repair of buildings and structures
on the site and equipment used on the site; central heating and power
plants for furnishing heat and energy to structures on the site only,
water drainage, sewage, fire protection, and other utility facilities;
educational facilities for training and study connected with the operation
and activities of the owner or tenant; buildings for the storage of
documents, records, testing, research, and experimental equipment;
communication facilities, including antenna masts; clinics, cafeterias,
sundry shops for the retail sale of articles to trainees and employees
limited to 1,500 square feet of gross floor area; recreation facilities;
child care facilities.
A. Minimum lot area: 10 acres.
B. Minimum frontage: 500 feet of continuous frontage.
C. Minimum setback: No part of any structure shall be closer than 100
feet to any lot line nor closer than 200 feet to any public road or
street, nor closer than 250 feet to any residential zone boundary
line. Parking areas as required by this Article may be permitted in
any yard provided said parking area is at no point closer than 50
feet to a lot line nor 100 feet to any residential zone line.
D. Maximum height: No structure shall have a height exceeding 50 feet
or four stories, provided, the aggregate roof area covered by roof
structures (above the principal roof) shall not exceed 10% of the
total roof area.
E. Maximum floor area ratio: 0.2.
F. Maximum impervious coverage: 50%.
[Ord. No. 2008-1114 § 2; amended 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1445]
The purpose of the I-1 Industrial zone is to provide for a variety
of industrial and manufacturing uses on three acre or larger lots
and to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community by
managing the location of extraordinarily hazardous substance facilities.
[Ord. No. 2008-1114 § 2; Ord. No. 2015-1264 § 6;
amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-1392; 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1445]
A. Principal uses. The uses described in this paragraph are permitted
principal uses, provided they are not extraordinarily hazardous substance
facilities.
2.
Business office buildings for executive, engineering and administrative
purposes.
3.
Scientific and research laboratories devoted to the research,
design, and experimentation and processing and fabricating incidental
thereto, provided no materials or finished products shall be manufactured,
processed, or fabricated for retail sales on said premises.
4.
Agricultural uses as regulated in Section
4-6.
B. Permitted accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2.
Private garage space necessary to store any vehicles on the
premises.
3. Storage of materials. substances and products accessory to the principal
use.
C. Conditional uses. Uses that would be principal uses in the zone,
except that they are extraordinarily hazardous substance facilities,
as regulated in subsection 3-23.7.
[Ord. No. 2008-1114 § 2]
A. Minimum lot area: three acres.
B. Minimum lot width: 200 feet.
C. Minimum side yard: 30 feet.
D. Minimum front yard: 75 feet.
E. Maximum impervious coverage: 60%.
F. Minimum setback from a property line that abuts with or is located
across from a right-of-way or access easement from a residential zone
or use: 100 feet.
[Amended 7-27-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-1382]
G. Maximum height: 3 1/2 stories or 45 feet.
[Ord. No. 2008-1114 § 3]
The purpose of the I-2 Industrial zone is to provide for a variety
of industrial uses on lots of five acres or more and to protect the
health, safety and welfare of the community by managing the location
of extraordinarily hazardous substance facilities. A range of industrial
uses is permitted in the zone, with the exception of manufacturing
uses.
[Ord. No. 2008-1114 § 3; amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No.
2020-1392; 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1445]
A. Principal uses. The uses described in this paragraph are permitted
principal uses, provided they are not extraordinarily hazardous substance
facilities.
1.
Office buildings for executive, engineering and administrative
purposes.
2.
Scientific and research laboratories devoted to the research,
design and experimentation in processing and fabricating incidental
thereto.
4.
Agricultural uses as regulated in Section
4-6.
B. Permitted accessory uses.
1. Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2. Storage of materials, substances and products accessory to the principal
use.
C. Conditional uses.
1.
Governmental uses and public utility facilities as regulated
in subsection 3-23.1.
2.
Uses that would be principal uses in the zone, except that they
are extraordinarily hazardous substance facilities, as regulated in
subsection 3-23.7.
[Ord. No. 2008-1114 § 3]
A. Minimum lot area: five acres.
B. Minimum lot width: 350 feet.
C. Minimum side yard: 25 feet.
D. Minimum front yard: 75 feet.
E. Maximum building height: 3 1/2 stories or 50 feet.
F. Maximum impervious coverage: 65%.
G. Minimum setback from a property line that abuts with or is located
across from a right-of-way or access easement from a residential zone
or use:: 100 feet.
[Amended 7-27-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-1382]
H. Minimum building area: 20,000 square feet.
I. Minimum rear yard: 50 feet.
[Ord. No. 2004-944 § 2]
The establishment of the LDRC zone is an outcome of a mediated
agreement resulting from a lawsuit (Branchburg Builders, Inc. v. Township
of Branchburg, et als., Docket No. SOM-L-1691-98) that was subsequently
transferred to the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing (COAH).
The LDRC zone is intended to provide the opportunity for low density,
clustered single-family residential development with an inclusionary
component (in the form of a contribution to the Township's affordable
housing trust fund in lieu of the construction of affordable housing
on-site) on a portion of a larger tract (identified on the Branchburg
Township Tax Map as Lot 1, Block 4 and Lot 8, Block 2). A dedication
to agricultural and open space use is required because of the high
proportion of highly productive farmland and environmentally sensitive
land. Clustered development in the LDRC zone is to be served with
public water and public sewage solely from the right-of-way of Burnt
Mills Road.
[Ord. No. 2004-944 § 2]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Single-family residences as regulated in this section.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2.
Utility structures and facilities necessary for the provision
of public sewer service, public water service and other essential
services for clustered single-family lots developed in the LDRC zone.
3.
Stormwater management and detention facilities, as regulated
by subsection 3-20.5.
4.
Home occupations as regulated in Section 3-24.
5.
Home agriculture as regulated in Section
4-6.
6.
The keeping of horses, provided that they are kept under sanitary
conditions and provided that unattended horses are at all times kept
within a fence not closer than five feet to any lot line or a structure
which shall not be permitted closer than 35 feet to any lot line.
No horse or pony may be kept on a lot less than five acres in area.
Each additional horse or pony shall require an additional one acre
of lot area.
[Ord. No. 2004-944 § 2; Ord. No. 2007-1057 § 2]
A. Minimum lot area: 43,560 square feet with both public water and sewer;
20 acres without both public water and sewer.
B. Minimum lot frontage: 150 feet.
C. Minimum front yard: 50 feet.
D. Minimum side yards: for one side - 25 feet; for both sides - 1/3
of the lot width.
E. Minimum rear yard: 35 feet.
F. Maximum height: 2-1/2 stories and 35 feet, whichever is less.
G. In the case of nonrectangular lots or lots on cul-de-sacs, the minimum
frontage requirements as specified shall be measured at the right-of-way
line, but in no case shall the distance between side lot lines be
reduced to less than 50% of the minimum frontage requirement.
H. Lot suitability - No residential lot shall contain less than 10,000
square feet of contiguous unconstrained lot area within the building
envelope.
I. Lot circle - Each residential lot shall be arranged in such a manner
that a circle with a diameter of at least 90 feet can be inscribed
within the building envelope and tangent to the front yard setback
line.
[Ord. No. 2004-944 § 2]
A. In lieu of setting aside 15% of the clustered units actually constructed
on the site for low and moderate income housing, the developer shall
pay into the Township's housing trust fund $25,000 for every unit
that would otherwise be required to be set aside. Thus, for example,
if a developer were to construct 50 clustered market-priced houses,
it would be required to pay into the Township's housing trust fund
a total of $187,500.
B. Payments shall be made to the Township's housing trust fund in lieu
of construction of low and moderate income units as provided for in
subsection 3-20.4A above on the following schedule: a total of $3,750
for each clustered housing unit for which a certificate of occupancy
is received. Of the $3,750, $1,875 shall be paid at the time a building
permit is issued and $1,875 shall be paid at the time a certificate
of occupancy is issued.
[Ord. No. 2004-944 § 2]
Detention basins or other facilities for stormwater management
and drainage for clustered development in the LDRC zone shall be provided
within the LDRC zone, shall be privately owned and shall be required
by perpetual covenant that runs with the land, in a form acceptable
to the Township Attorney, to be maintained by a homeowners' association
or a designated lot owner.
[Ord. No. 2004-944 § 2; Ord. No. 2007-1057 § 3]
A. On lots having frontage on secondary arterial or higher order streets,
permitted accessory buildings and structures may be situated anywhere
within the building envelope on a lot, regardless of the location
of the principal structure, except not closer than 50 feet to any
street sideline.
B. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Township of Branchburg Land Development Ordinance, ordinance provisions regulating the removal of vegetative cover, the disturbance of soil, or the intensity of use in areas of excessive slopes, including but not limited to subsection
5-3.1, shall not apply to clustered development in the LDRC zone.
C. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Township of Branchburg
Land Development Ordinance, cul-de-sacs in the LDRC zone may be up
to 1,200 feet in length. The length of the cul-de-sac shall be measured
from the center line of the intersecting through street along the
center line to the radius point of the cul-de-sac turnaround. The
number of houses to which access is provided through a cul-de-sac
shall be determined in accordance with the New Jersey Residential
Site Improvement Standards. Cul-de-sac turnarounds shall be provided
with a minimum outside cartway radius of not less than 50 feet, tangent
wherever possible to the right side of the street upon entering the
turnaround.
D. Where the New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards and the
Township of Branchburg Land Development Ordinance prescribe different
standards, the applicable standards shall be those prescribed by the
New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards.
E. Due to significant environmental constraints, including flood-prone
areas, open waters, wetlands, slopes and treed areas, the gross density
for the entire tract shall not exceed .25 units per acre.
F. A minimum of 46% of the entire tract shall be restricted from development
by perpetual covenant that runs with the land, in a form acceptable
to the Township Attorney, and permits only agricultural, open space
and recreational uses.
[Ord. No. 2015-1264 § 7]
The purpose of the Office zone is to provide for moderate scale
business office development in the Route 22 corridor. The purpose
of this zone is to upgrade the appearance and the quality of uses
in the Route 22 corridor and to better ensure compatibility with adjacent
residential areas.
[Ord. No. 2015-1264 § 8; Ord. No. 2015-1283 § 29]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Business offices for professional and business use, including
executive, engineering, scientific, administrative and medical office
development.
2.
Agricultural uses as regulated in Section
4-6.
3.
Community residences for the developmentally disabled and community
shelters for victims of domestic violence that contain less than six
occupants.
4.
Child care centers as regulated in Section 4-7.
B. Accessory uses. Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary
to a permitted use.
C. Conditional uses. Governmental uses and public utility facilities
as regulated in subsection 3-23.1.
A. Minimum lot area: five acres.
B. Minimum lot width: 200 feet.
C. Minimum side yard: 30 feet.
D. Minimum rear yard: 75 feet.
E. Minimum front yard: 75 feet.
F. Maximum impervious coverage: 50%.
G. Minimum setback of all development including parking from a residential
zone boundary line: 50 feet.
H. Maximum height: 3-1/2 stories/45 feet.
Any nonconforming use or structure which lawfully existed at
the time of the passage of this Chapter may be continued upon the
lot or in the structure so occupied and any such building or structure
may be restored or repaired provided it shall meet the requirements
of this Article.
Nonconforming uses or structures in all zone districts shall
conform to the following requirements:
A. Any structure or use of land which is nonconforming because of use
shall not be enlarged or extended in any manner whatsoever except
by action of the Board of Adjustment.
B. Alterations may be made in a structure which is nonconforming because
it fails to comply with height, area, yard, off-street parking or
other requirements of this Article, so long as the structural alteration
does not extend, enlarge or aggravate the nonconformance and the land
area occupied by the structures is not increased.
C. A nonconforming use changed or altered to a conforming use may not
thereafter be changed back to a nonconforming use; however, nothing
shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe and lawful
condition any part of any structure declared unsafe by the construction
official, the Chief of the Township Fire Department, or the Township
Engineer.
D. In the event that there shall be a cessation of operation of any
nonconforming use for a period of 12 consecutive calendar months,
the same shall be presumed an abandonment of such nonconforming use.
Any subsequent attempt to rely upon, exercise or reinstate such abandoned
nonconforming use shall be presumptively deemed a violation of the
terms of this Article.
E. Nothing in this Chapter shall require any change in plans, construction
or designated use of a structure or building for which an unexpired
construction permit has been heretofore validly issued if construction
has been started and diligently prosecuted at the time of the adoption
of this ordinance or amendments hereto.
F. Nothing in this Article shall be construed as authorization for an
approval of the continuance of the use of a building, structure or
premises in violation of any zoning ordinances, rules or regulations
in effect at the time of the effective date of this ordinance.
Where any nonconforming building or structure has been destroyed
or damaged by fire, explosion, act of God, or of any public enemy
or the like, to the extent of 50% or more of the fair market value
of the whole building or structure at the time of the destruction,
it shall be presumed to be totally destroyed, and any building, structure
or use thereon shall thereafter conform to all the requirements, terms
and conditions of this Article.
Where more than 50% of the fair market value of the whole building
or structure remains after such damage or destruction, such building
or structure may be repaired and restored to the same nonconforming
use and to the same extent as existed before such damage or destruction.
The Planning Board shall approve a conditional use only if it
finds that the use meets all the requirements of this Article.
A. Any governmental or public utility facility use, as defined in this
Article, may be permitted as a conditional use in any of the zone
districts created by this Article, provided that the following requirements
are met:
1.
Before any development approvals, construction permits, or certificates
of occupancy are issued for any such use in any zone, a site plan
shall be submitted to and approved by the Planning Board.
2.
Any use permitted under this section shall meet the minimum
yard, height and area requirements for the zone in which it is located
except that the Planning Board may require larger yards and more extreme
shielding and screening in order to minimize the impact of the proposed
use on adjacent uses.
3.
Off-street parking shall be provided as needed to accommodate
expected parking demands.
4.
No service storage yards shall be permitted under this subsection
in any residential zone.
5.
As part of site plan review, particular attention shall be given
to the possible impact of the governmental use and public utility
facility on surrounding properties. These impacts may be aesthetic,
lighting, noise and traffic. Where appropriate, screening, buffering,
berms and fences may be required and hours of operation imposed as
well as other appropriate measures to mitigate impacts.
[Ord. No. 2006-1035 § 4; Ord. No. 2006-1048 § 4;
Ord. No. 2006-1053 § 4]
A. Required conditions.
1.
Distance from place of public assembly. Automobile service stations
shall be at least 300 feet measured in a straight line from its lot
line to the nearest lot line of any lot upon which is located as a
theater, auditorium or other place of public assembly, capable of
seating over 100 persons, or a church, hospital for humans, college,
school, public library, or institution for dependents or children,
or any public playground or athletic field.
2.
Mixed use. Automobile service station shall not include car
washes, motor vehicle body repair or convenience stores.
3.
Minimum lot area and frontage. The minimum lot size for any
lot upon which any automobile service station is located shall be
40,000 square feet and the minimum street frontage of said lot shall
be 150 feet. If an automobile service station is located on a corner
lot, the minimum street frontage on each street shall be 150 feet.
4.
Entrance and exit driveways. Entrance and exit driveways to
and from any lot upon which is located an automobile service station
shall have an unrestricted width of not less than 16 feet nor more
than 30 feet, shall be located not nearer than 15 feet from any lot
line nor 50 feet from any street intersection and shall be designed
so that exiting vehicles do not have to back out across any public
sidewalk, street, highway, or right-of-way.
5.
Paving requirements. All driveways and other areas over which motor vehicles are intended to be driven or parked shall be paved in accordance with the standards contained in Article
IV.
6.
Outdoor repair prohibited. On any premises upon which an automobile
service station is located, all services or repairs to or for motor
vehicles, other than such minor items as the changing and filling
of tires or the sale of gasoline or oil, shall be conducted within
the confines of a building capable of being wholly enclosed.
7.
Setback restrictions. No part of any building used as an automobile
service station and no filling pump or other service appliance, whether
for gasoline, oil or any other combustible liquid or material, shall
be erected within 20 feet of any lot line and the twenty-foot free
area required hereunder shall at all times be kept free, open and
unobstructed for the purposes of ready access by emergency fire and
police vehicles.
8.
Storage of flammable materials. At any automobile station, storage
facilities for gasoline, oil, or other flammable materials in bulk
over 55 gallons shall not be located closer than 40 feet from any
lot line other than any street sideline. No gasoline or oil pumps,
oil or greasing mechanism or other service appliance installed for
use at such premises shall be within 25 feet of any street sideline
and no gasoline pump shall be located or permitted within any enclosed
of semi-enclosed building or within 10 feet thereof.
9.
Outdoor displays. As regulated in Section 4-3D.
10.
Location of automobile service stations in relation to residential
zones. No automobile service station shall be located adjacent to
a residential zone.
B. Outdoor storage.
1.
No automobile service station shall store outside in a side
or front yard, wrecked, damaged or disassembled (either whole or in
part) motor vehicles, boats or used automotive or marine parts or
used supplies or materials thereof. Any such storage area located
in a rear yard shall be screened with six-foot high dense evergreen
plantings so that no stored vehicle or article shall be visible from
the front of the premises, from any residential zone, from any adjacent
premises or from any street. On corner lots in those cases where no
rear yard exists, storage areas are restricted to side yards behind
the line projected by the building face and subject further to all
the regulations set forth above. In no event shall storage be closer
than 10 feet to any lot line.
2.
Exception for temporary storage of accident-damaged vehicles
and abandoned motor vehicles.
(a)
Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the storage at a public
garage or gasoline service station, on a temporary basis, of a motor
vehicle damaged in a traffic accident, while insurance claims are
being processed or while junk title is being obtained from the Division
of Motor Vehicles, the temporary storage of abandoned motor vehicles,
pending disposition of court complaints or the processing of junk
title being obtained from the Division of Motor Vehicles; providing,
however, that such vehicles have been brought or stored there at the
direction or request of local, County, State or Federal law enforcement
agency.
(b)
These vehicles shall be stored in approved storage areas on
site, as per paragraph B above.
(c)
In no event shall the temporary storage of more than 10 accident
damaged vehicles be permitted simultaneously at any one public garage
or gasoline service station. The area of such storage shall be maintained
in a clean and safe manner, free from all debris, glass and loose
parts.
Houses of worship permitted as conditional uses shall meet the
following conditions:
A. Minimum lot area: five acres.
B. Maximum FAR for all uses: 25.
C. Maximum impervious surfaces: 50%.
D. Parking shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from all perimeter
boundaries and be shielded from adjacent residences by buffering and
landscaping.
E. Minimum building setbacks:
F. Clergy residences shall be permitted as an accessory use on the same
lot as the house of worship and shall meet the minimum setback requirements
as required for single-family residences in the zone where located.
G. All applications for houses of worship shall be subject to site plan
review and approval.
[Ord. No. 2002-873 § 1]
Golf courses shall be permitted as conditional uses in the LD
zone under the following conditions:
A. Golf courses shall be private or semi-private only.
B. A golf course shall have a minimum of 18 complete holes and 90 acres,
not all of which must be located within the Township.
C. A golf course may have not more than two accessory buildings or structures
with a total floor area of 12,000 square feet or less.
D. A golf course may have a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar. The
clubhouse may have a total floor area of not more than 23,000 square
feet. The combined seating capacity of the restaurant and bar shall
be not more than 225 persons.
E. No building or structure accessory to a golf course shall exceed
35 feet or two stories in height nor extend closer than 100 feet to
any lot line.
F. Any restaurant or bar shall be operated only in a private or semi-private
fashion and only as accessory to the golf course use.
G. Each golf course shall have parking conforming with the requirements of Section
4-4 except that the number of parking spaces shall be four for every hole plus one for every three seats in any restaurant or bar in the clubhouse.
H. For any golf course only part of which is located within the Township,
parking facilities requirements shall apply to the entire golf course.
A. Public garages shall meet the following requirements:
1.
They shall be subject to site plan review and approval by the
approving board.
2.
Only the parking and storage of vehicles shall be permitted.
Vehicle washing and repair shall not be permitted.
3.
Parking spaces shall be available to the general public.
4.
Entrance and exit driveways shall not be located closer than
15 feet to any lot line or 50 feet from any street intersection.
5.
The minimum lot size and bulk standards shall be as required
in the zone where located.
[Ord. No. 2008-1114 § 4; Ord. No. 2010-1146 § 1]
A. Conditional uses in industrial zones that are extraordinarily hazardous
substance facilities shall meet the following enhanced requirements:
1.
Minimum distance to any residential zoning district (measured
from closest edge of structure in industrial zone to the zone boundary):
450 feet.
2.
Minimum distance to public facility or gathering place, including
but not limited to school, day care center, community center or municipal
building (measured from closest edge of structure in industrial zone
to property line of public facility): 450 feet.
3.
Each extraordinarily hazardous substance facility must have
its own freestanding building. Multiple tenant buildings are not permitted.
[Ord. No. 2015-1264 § 10]
A. Required standards for accessory home occupations.
1. The home occupation must constitute the business office of a resident
occupant and must be conducted solely within the dwelling or an accessory
building. The home occupation must be accessory to the principal use
of the premises for living purposes.
2. The residential appearance of the dwelling shall be maintained.
3. Signs shall be limited to one non-illuminated sign of not more than
two square feet.
4. No more than one-third of the floor area of the building may be used
for a home occupation.
5. Not more than one person who is not a member of the resident family
shall be engaged in the home occupation.
6. No material, equipment, or commercial vehicle related to the home
occupation may be stored or parked except in a fully enclosed building.
7. There shall be no greater external evidence of noise, odor, light,
electronic interference, or activity, beyond that which will be incident
to the use of the premises solely as a residence.
[Ord. No. 2008-1093 § 5]
The R3 zone includes land areas predominantly in the southern
part of the Township which were historically rural and agricultural
but have since been developed as three-acre residential lots. In spite
of the development, the area still retains some of its rural characteristics
with an abundance of natural vegetation, small farms and open views
of surrounding districts.
[Ord. No. 2008-1093 § 5; Ord. No. 2014-1244 § 7]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Single family residences.
2.
Commercial agriculture as regulated in Section
4-6.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2.
Home occupations as regulated in Section 3-24.
3.
The keeping of horses and ponies, provided that they are kept
under sanitary conditions and provided that unattended horses are
at all times kept within a fence not closer than five feet to any
lot line. No horse or pony may be kept on a lot less than 45,000 square
feet in area. Each additional horse or pony shall require an additional
15,000 square feet of lot area.
4.
A single seasonal farm stand accessory to a single-family residence.
The farm stand shall not exceed 300 square feet in floor area; shall
not exceed one story or 20 feet in height; and shall be set back a
minimum of 20 feet from the public right-of-way. All other bulk standards
in the zone shall apply. The farm stand shall not be open for more
than 150 days in any year.
C. Conditional uses.
1.
Governmental uses and public utility facilities as regulated
in subsection 3-23.1.
2.
Houses of worship as regulated in subsection 3-23.3.
[Ord. No. 2008-1093 § 5]
A. Minimum lot area: 130,000 square feet. Lot averaging subdivisions
are no longer permitted in this zone. Lots in this zone previously
approved as part of a lot averaging subdivision and having a minimum
lot area of 75,000 square feet are deemed to be conforming lots.
B. Minimum lot frontage: 250 feet.
C. Minimum front yard: 75 feet.
D. Minimum side yard: 50 feet for each side yard.
E. Minimum rear yard: 50 feet.
F. Maximum height: 2 1/2 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less.
G. Lot suitability. No lot may be created that contains less than 10,000
square feet of contiguous unconstrained lot area within the building
envelope.
H. Lot circle. Every lot shall be arranged in such a manner that a circle
with a diameter of at least 140 feet can be inscribed within the building
envelope and tangent to the front yard setback line.
I. Maximum impervious coverage: 15%.
J. Maximum density: 1/3 unit per acre.
[Ord. No. 2008-1093 § 6]
To encourage land use patterns and development practices that
enhance Township, County and State efforts to protect dwindling wildlife
habitat, retain farmland and protect and preserve opportunities for
agricultural activity within the Township;
To protect the substantial public investments in farmland and
open space preservation by limiting the extent of residential development
in the Raritan River Corridor District;
To promote the continuation of farming in the Raritan River
Corridor District as a valuable component of the local economy;
To protect prime soils, soils of State-wide importance and soils
of local importance for their long-term value as an essential natural
resource in any agricultural or horticultural pursuit;
To permit limited non-farm residential development in a manner
and at locations that will be consistent with the continuation of
farming;
To support the preservation of existing farm operations and
limit conflicts between agricultural and nonagricultural uses by encouraging
the separation of residential development from active farms;
To advance the goals of the Master Plan for the Raritan River
Corridor District by protecting agricultural lands and promoting agriculture
as a valuable component of the local economy;
To retain flood plains and other open lands to perform their
natural functions and to advance the State's Wildlife Action Plan
by retaining a diversity of wildlife habitat to the greatest extent
practicable.
[Ord. No. 2008-1093 § 6; Ord. No. 2014-1244 § 8]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Single family residences.
2.
Commercial agriculture as regulated in Section
4-6.
4.
Churches, nursery schools, and child care centers.
5.
Volunteer fire companies and first-aid or rescue squads.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2.
Garages, storage sheds, tennis courts and swimming pools for
single family homes, and uses customarily associated with the above
uses, provided that such accessory uses are subordinate to the principal
use, do not change the character of the principal use and serve only
the principal use.
3.
A single farm stand, conforming to either of the following:
(a)
A seasonal farm stand accessory to a single-family residence.
The farm stand shall not exceed 300 square feet in floor area; shall
not exceed one story or 20 feet; and shall be set back a minimum of
20 feet from the public right-of-way. All other bulk standards in
the zone shall apply. The farm stand shall not be open for more than
150 days in any year. Hours of operation are limited to daylight hours.
(b)
On lots assessed in accordance with the "Farmland Assessment
Act of 1964," N.J.S. 54:4- 23.1 et seq., a permanent farm stand. The
farm stand shall not exceed 300 square feet without site plan approval
or 1,000 square feet with site plan approval; shall not exceed one
story or 20 feet; and shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from
the public right-of-way. Where site plan approval is required, the
Board may require a buffer or screening between the farm stand and
adjacent lots. All other bulk standards in the zone shall apply. Hours
of operation are limited to daylight hours. Off-street parking shall
be provided at a ratio of one space per 100 square feet of roofed
area.
4.
On lots assessed in accordance with the "Farmland Assessment Act of 1964," N.J.S. 54:4- 23.1 et seq., accessory uses and structures customarily incidental to commercial agriculture, pursuant to Section
4-6.
6.
Home occupations in accordance with Section 3-24.
7.
Off-street parking and loading accessory to a permitted use.
C. Conditional uses.
1.
Governmental uses and public utility facilities as regulated
in subsection 3-23.1.
2.
Houses of worship as regulated in subsection 3-23.3.
[Ord. No. 2008-1093 § 6]
A. If the principal use is single family residence:
1.
Minimum lot area:
(b)
One and one-half acres with a lot size-averaging subdivision
in accordance with subsection 3-26.4.
(c)
Existing lots six acres or smaller and lots subdivided prior
to June 1, 2008 shall be deemed to be conforming lots, but shall not
be further subdivided.
2.
Minimum lot frontage: 250 feet.
3.
Minimum front yard: 75 feet.
4.
Minimum side yard: 50 feet for each yard, except 100 feet for
riding arenas and horse boarding stables.
5.
Minimum rear yard: 50 feet, except 100 feet for riding arenas
and horse boarding stables.
6.
Maximum height: 2 1/2 stories or 35 feet, whichever is
less.
7.
Lot suitability. No lot may be created that contains less than
10,000 square feet of contiguous unconstrained lot area within the
building envelope.
8.
Lot circle. Every lot shall be arranged in such a manner that
a circle with a diameter of at least 140 feet can be inscribed within
the building envelope and tangent to the front yard setback line.
9.
Maximum impervious coverage: 15%.
B. If the principal use is other than single family residence:
1.
Minimum lot area: two acres.
2.
Minimum lot width: 250 feet.
3.
Minimum lot depth: 250 feet.
4.
Minimum front yard: 75 feet.
5.
Minimum side yard: 50 feet for each yard, except 100 feet for
riding arenas and horse boarding stables.
6.
Minimum rear yard: 50 feet, except 100 feet for riding arenas
and horse boarding stables.
8.
Maximum impervious coverage: 12%.
[Ord. No. 2008-1093 § 6]
A. Lot-size averaging subdivision. To promote the retention of larger
parcels for agricultural uses and/or conservation of woodlands or
other environmentally sensitive lands, and to encourage and promote
flexibility, economy and environmental soundness in subdivision layout
and design, the following subdivision standards shall apply:
1.
Minimum tract size for subdivision shall be 12 acres. Minimum
residential lot area shall be 1.5 acres.
2.
Maximum dwelling unit density shall be 1/6 per acre.
3.
For tracts greater than 24 acres, at least 80% of the lots created
in a lot-size averaging subdivision shall be no larger than two acres
in area. For tracts between 12 and 24 acres, at least 50% of the lots
shall be no larger than two acres.
4.
All subdivided lots shall be deed-restricted against further
subdivision in a manner approved by the Township Engineer and the
Township Attorney.
5.
The overall site design shall foster the following objectives:
retention of large contiguous farmland and woodland areas; stream
corridor and wetlands preservation; steep slope protection; reduction
of impervious coverage; efficient traffic circulation; and sensitivity
to the site's natural features, topography and relationship to open
lands on neighboring parcels.
[Ord. No. 2015-1261]
The purpose of the Assisted Living Overlay Zone is to provide
for residential developments that meet the growing needs of older
persons, including the need for quality housing, fellowship, oversight,
open space and recreation facilities as an overlay upon the otherwise
applicable zones as delineated on the Township Zoning Map.
[Ord. No. 2015-1261]
The ALO zone contains zoning provisions to allow limited additional
residential development options as an alternative to that which is
permitted in the underlying zones. An applicant can choose to develop
pursuant to either the underlying zones or ALO regulations.
[Ord. No. 2015-1261]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Assisted-living residences.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Medical offices integrated into a residential building such
that the combination of medical office and clinical laboratory space
does not exceed 30% of the gross floor area.
2.
Clinical laboratories, provided that they have no presence or
use of biological select agents, integrated into a residential building
such that the combination of medical office and clinical laboratory
space does not exceed 30% of the gross floor area.
3.
Community rooms integrated into residential buildings or stand
alone.
4.
Swimming pools for the common use of residents.
5.
Outdoor recreational facilities, including tennis or other court
sports, for the common use of residents.
13.
Facility management offices.
14.
Social service facilities for residents.
15.
Congregate dining facility.
16.
Personal services integrated into a residential building occupying
no more than 30% of the gross floor area.
[Ord. No. 2015-1261 § 1]
A. Minimum lot area: five acres.
B. Maximum floor area ratio: 0.35.
C. Maximum impervious coverage: 0.65.
D. Minimum lot width: 500 feet.
E. Minimum front yard setback: 75 feet.
F. Minimum side yard setback: 40 feet.
G. Minimum rear yard setback: 50 feet.
H. Maximum number of dwelling units in one building: 60.
I. Maximum number of beds in one building: 120.
J. Maximum density:
1.
12 units/acre for Assisted Living.
2.
24 beds/acre for Nursing Home.
K. Principal building setback from internal common driveway: 25 feet.
L. Minimum distance between buildings: 25 feet.
M. Maximum principal building height: 2 1/2 stories or 35 feet,
whichever is less.
N. Maximum accessory building height: 15 feet.
O. Minimum open space area: 0.20, of which 75% shall be contiguous to
the residential buildings and usable area for passive and active recreation.
P. Buffers.
1.
Any development pursuant to the ALO zone standards shall comply with Section
4-5, Screening and Buffer Landscaping Requirements.
2.
The depth of frontage and transition buffers shall comply with
the same requirements as in subsection 4-5.4B1.
[Ord. No. 2015-1262; amended 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1445]
The purpose of the 1-3 Industrial zone is to provide for a variety
of business office, research and industrial uses on lots with a minimum
required lot size of two acres in order to foster more options for
commercial and industrial development, including startup businesses,
by providing a wider range of permitted uses and specifically permitting
shared or common commercial support facilities.
[Ord. No. 2015-1262; amended 10-26-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-1392; 3-27-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1445]
A. Principal uses:
4.
Scientific, research and clinical laboratories, provided that
they have no presence or use of biological select agents.
B. Permitted accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
principal use.
2.
Private garage space necessary to store any vehicles on the
premises.
3.
Storage of materials, substances and products accessory to the
principal use.
C. Conditional
Uses. Uses that would be principal uses in the zone, except that they
are extraordinarily hazardous substance facilities, as regulated in
subsection 3-23.7.
[Ord. No. 2015-1262]
A. Minimum lot area: two acres.
B. Minimum lot width: 175 feet.
C. Minimum side yard: 25 feet.
D. Minimum front yard: 50 feet.
E. Maximum impervious coverage: 60%.
F. Maximum height: 3 1/2 stories or 50 feet, whichever is less.
G. Minimum rear yard: 35 feet.
H. Minimum
setback from a property line that abuts with or is located across
from a right-of-way or access easement from a residential zone or
use: 100 feet.
[Added 7-27-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-1382]
[Ord. No. 2015-1262]
The simultaneous use of any conforming building for more than
one permitted principal use or accessory use is permitted.
[Ord. No. 2015-1262]
All work shall be performed inside a fully enclosed building,
with the exception of vehicle loading and deliveries.
[Ord. No. 2015-1262]
Common facilities, such as conference, dining, administration,
reception and reproduction, shared by more than one principal use
or tenant, are permitted.
[Ord. No. 2015-1263]
The purpose of the Planned Overlay Zone is to provide for limited
retail, service, office and restaurant uses in a planned commercial
development to realize additional business opportunities within the
I-1 zone and located on the South side of US Highway Route 22 bounded
by County Line Road, Meister Avenue and the Easton Turnpike, County
Route 614, as delineated on the Township Zoning Map.
[Ord. No. 2015-1263]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Child care centers as regulated by Section 4-7.
2.
Clinical laboratories, provided that they have no presence or
use of biological select agents.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Off-street parking and loading.
2.
Exterior open spaces, such as courtyards, plazas, play areas
and greens.
3.
Exterior refuse and recycling within an enclosure.
4.
Live music performance within an indoor restaurant.
5.
Outdoor dining as part of a restaurant such that the adjacent
walkway maintains a clear width of no less than five feet for pedestrian
movement.
6.
Assembly/conference rooms; restaurant; dining; food preparation/kitchens
within a hotel.
C. Conditional uses.
1.
Houses of Worship as regulated by subsection 3-23.3.
2.
Government uses and public utility facilities as regulated by
subsection 3-23.1.
3.
Restaurants (not including fast food or take out), provided
the combination of restaurant and retail and personal service uses
do not exceed 50% of the total combined building floor area of all
the uses. Restaurants that are accessory to a hotel shall count towards
this threshold.
[Amended 8-26-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-1359]
4.
Retail Sales, provided the combination of restaurant and retail
and personal service uses do not exceed 50% of the total combined
building floor area of all the uses.
5.
Pharmacies, provided that no more than one drive-through service
lane is included.
6.
Banks, provided that no more than two drive-through service
lanes are included.
7.
Commercial recreation, provided that it is completely within
a building.
[Ord. No. 2015-1263]
A. Minimum lot area: 20 acres.
B. Maximum floor area ratio: 0.20.
C. Maximum impervious coverage: 50%.
D. Minimum tract frontage: 500 feet.
E. Minimum front yard setback: 75 feet.
F. Minimum side yard setback: 40 feet.
G. Minimum rear yard setback: 40 feet.
H. Principal building wall setback from internal driveway or off-street
parking area: 15 feet.
I. Setback to an internal driveway or off-street parking area from a
roof, canopy, awning, arcade, or an architectural element supporting
such a structure, that is located at the first floor level of a principal
building: three feet.
J. Minimum distance between buildings: 25 feet.
K. Maximum principal building height: 45 feet or 2 1/2 stories,
whichever is less; except 50 feet or 3 1/2 stories for a hotel
use only, provided that a front building setback of at least 100 feet
is maintained.
L. Floor area of any single building shall not exceed 25,000 square
feet.
M. Buffers.
1.
Any development pursuant to the PO zone standards shall comply with Section
4-5 Screening and Buffer Landscaping Requirements.
2.
The depth of frontage and transition buffers shall comply with
subsection 4-5.4B1.
[Ord. No. 2015-1271]
The purpose of the LD/C2 zone is to provide for compatible low
density clustered development in an area where the established pattern
of residential development exhibits smaller lots in compact arrangements.
Furthermore, clustered development should avoid lands deemed to have
critical environmental features. It is the intent of this zone to
provide for residential development at densities not to exceed those
permissible in the conventional LD zone while providing new open space
that can serve as a connection to the existing open space network
along the North Branch of the Raritan River.
[Ord. No. 2015-1271]
A. Principal uses in non-clustered development. Permitted principal
uses within conventional, non-clustered development shall be the same
as the permitted principal uses of the LD zone.
B. Principal uses in open space cluster development. Principal uses
within open space cluster development shall be:
1.
Single family residences.
C. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted
use.
2.
Home occupations as regulated in Section 3-24.
[Ord. No. 2015-1271]
A. Standards for non-cluster development. For conventional, non-clustered
development the area and bulk standards shall be those of the LD zone.
B. Standards for cluster development.
1.
Lot yield: Lot yield for cluster development shall be based
upon the submission of a conforming conceptual subdivision plan demonstrating
full compliance with the requirements of the LD zone. All lots shall
be buildable from both a regulatory and technical perspective.
2.
Minimum tract size: 10 acres.
3.
Minimum lot area: 15,000 square feet.
4.
Minimum lot frontage: 100 feet.
5.
Minimum front yard: 50 feet; 75 feet on existing streets.
6.
Minimum side yard: 20 feet.
7.
Minimum rear yard: 25 feet.
8.
Maximum building height: 35 feet.
9.
Minimum open space: 40% of gross tract area.
10.
Lot suitability. No lot shall contain less than 4,000 square
feet of contiguous unconstrained lot area within the building envelope.
11.
Lot circle. Each lot shall be arranged in such a manner that
a circle with a diameter of at least 60 feet can be inscribed within
the building setback lines, tangent to the front setback line.
12.
Open space regulations.
(a) The applicant for subdivision shall specify whether
the open space proposed shall be owned and maintained by a property
owners' association or be offered for acceptance by the Township or
other governmental agency. If the open space is not to be dedicated
to the Township or other governmental agency, then the applicant shall
provide for a property owners' association to own and maintain the
open space for the benefit of residents of the development. Documents
establishing and governing the property owners' association shall
be in a form that is consistent with this chapter and N.J.S.A. 40:55D-43.
(b) Open space shall be configured and located in such
a manner as to serve as a connecting space between newly-created lots
and the North Branch Raritan River corridor.
(c) Lots developed as part of a cluster that are adjacent
to open space shall be configured to face the open space and an improved
public street shall be created between the lots and the open space.
Side yards may also face open space. In no case shall a new lot be
configured in such a manner as to create a rear yard that faces open
space.
(d) Where a side yard of a lot is adjacent to open
space, the side yard shall be considered a front yard for bulk zoning
purposes.
(e) Where lots developed as part of a cluster face
open space, and an improved public street is located between the lots
and the open space, the area within a street right-of-way that is
located between residential lots and open space (those having homes
on only one side, with open space on the opposite side) may be counted
towards the minimum open space requirement.
(f) Regardless of the nature of the ownership of the
open space, an Open Space Management Plan shall be submitted for approval
to address long-term ownership and maintenance of the open space.
[Ord. No. 2017-1308 § 4]
The AH-2 zone is established to provide for non-age-restricted,
multi-family, 100% affordable, rental apartments.
[Ord. No. 2017-1308 § 4]
A. Principal use. An integrated development of non-age-restricted, 100%
affordable, one-, two- and three-bedroom rental apartments pursuant
to this section.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Accessory uses customarily incidental and ancillary to the permitted
use.
2.
Clubhouses and community buildings ancillary to the permitted
use.
3.
A management office ancillary to the permitted use.
4.
Recreational facilities, including but not limited to tot lots,
playgrounds and jogging trails, ancillary to the permitted use.
5.
Fully or partially below-grade parking below apartments.
[Ord. No. 2017-1308 § 4]
An AH-2 development shall conform with the following yard, area,
height and other restrictions:
A. Minimum area: nine acres.
B. Maximum gross density: 12 dwelling units per acre.
C. Minimum common open space (excluding wetlands): 20%.
D. Minimum setback from any municipal or County street right-of-way:
40 feet.
E. Minimum setback from any State or Federal highway right-of-way: 30
feet.
F. Minimum setback from any lot line that is not a street or highway
right-of-way: 25 feet.
G. Maximum height: 4 1/2 stories or 55 feet, whichever is less.
Any structure exceeding 35 feet shall be set back a minimum of 100
feet from any municipal or County street right-of-way.
H. The site plan shall provide for a clubhouse or community building
containing at least 2,400 square feet of usable space and shall designate
one or more areas for recreational facilities, which may include but
are not limited to tot lots, playgrounds and jogging trails, for use
by the residents of the development.
[Ord. No. 2017-1308 § 4]
A. A minimum thirty-five-foot buffer shall be provided along every municipal
or County street right-of-way. A minimum of 20 feet of the buffer
shall be landscaped and bermed, except that areas containing permitted
signs need not be landscaped. The landscaping shall consist of a combination
of shade trees, evergreen trees and evergreen shrubs to screen building
and parking views. The berm height shall be a minimum of two feet
and a maximum of five feet. Openings to accommodate entrance and exit
drives and a walking path are permitted. No utility vault or ground-mounted
utility facilities shall be permitted in the landscaped area.
B. A ten-foot non-bermed buffer area shall be provided wherever an AH-2
development borders property not zoned AH-2. The buffer shall consist
of deciduous and coniferous trees. Evergreen shrubs shall be planted
along with the trees to create a varied visual view,
C. A minimum thirty-foot buffer shall be provided along every State
or Federal highway right-of-way. A minimum of 25 feet of the buffer
shall be landscaped, except that areas within wetlands and wetland
transition areas and access areas need not be landscaped. The landscaping
shall consist of a combination of shade trees, evergreen trees and
evergreen shrubs to screen building and parking views. No utility
vault or ground-mounted utility facilities shall be permitted in the
landscaped area.
D. Buffer sizes shall be measured horizontally and at right angles to
any straight lot or street line or to the tangent line of any curved
lot or street line. No above-surface structure or activity and no
storage of materials or parking of vehicles shall be permitted in
any buffer. Buffers shall be planted and maintained with grass or
ground cover, together with a landscaping of trees, shrubs, or other
plantings meeting the requirements.
E. Any part of the AH-2 development not used for structures, roadways,
loading, accessways, parking, or pedestrian walks shall be landscaped
with grass, trees, and shrubs as designed by a certified landscape
architect.
[Ord. No. 2017-1308 § 4]
Parking shall be provided as follows:
A. 2.0 parking spaces for every one-bedroom apartment;
B. 2.3 parking spaces for every two-bedroom apartment;
C. 2.4 parking spaces for every three-bedroom apartment;
D. 5.0 parking spaces for every clubhouse;
E. 1.0 parking space for every management office.
[Ord. No. 2017-1308 § 4]
A. The maximum number of apartments per building shall be 26.
B. Building units attached on a single linear plane shall not exceed
a length of 200 feet.
C. Except in a building served by an elevator, every two-bedroom apartment
and every three-bedroom apartment shall have a patio or balcony of
at least 45 square feet.
D. Every building shall have a gable or hip roof with a minimum slope
of 5 over 12. The plane of the eave or the plane of the roof slope
shall include either dormers or gables perpendicular to the main roof
to provide visual interest and avoid large uninterrupted areas of
roofing material.
[Ord. No. 2017-1308 § 4]
An AH-2 development shall comply in every respect with the affordable
housing requirements of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing,
or any successor or replacement agency; the New Jersey Housing Mortgage
and Finance Agency, or any replacement or successor entity; and the
New Jersey courts, as such requirements exist at the time of final
development approval.
[Ord. No. 2018-1334 § 4]
The AH-3 zone is intended to provide for the development of
multifamily housing of which 25% is restricted to occupancy by households
of very low, low and moderate income. Affordable dwellings shall be
integrated with and indistinguishable in outward appearance from the
market-rate housing. There shall be a minimum of 91 affordable dwelling
units in the AH-3 Zone District.
[Ord. No. 2018-1334 § 4]
The use, bulk, design and performance standards of the AH-3
Zone District shall supersede all other provisions of the Branchburg
Township Land Use Development Ordinance. However, where the regulations
and standards of the AH-3 are silent, the standards of Land Development
Ordinance shall apply.
[Ord. No. 2018-1334 § 4]
A. Principal uses.
1.
Townhouses in common ownership for rental or in condominium
ownership. A maximum of 149 townhouses; and
2.
Rental Apartments. A maximum of 216 apartment units; and
3.
Affordable Housing. A minimum of 91 rental affordable housing
units.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Private garages and off-street parking;
4.
Conservation areas, recreation, open space and public purpose
uses;
5.
Stormwater Management and other utilities;
7.
Buildings for tenant storage, maintenance and storage of maintenance
equipment, or any combination thereof;
8.
Transit structure or building;
9.
Clubhouse; pool; community building, which may include a mock-up
of dwelling unit interior and rental office;
10.
Accessory uses on the same lot and customarily incidental to
the principal use.
[Ord. No. 2018-1334 § 4]
A. Tract Requirements.
1.
The maximum number of dwelling units shall be 365;
2.
The minimum setback from a public street right-of-way to any
building shall be 40 feet;
3.
The minimum setback from any property line (not including streets)
to building front facade shall be 25 feet;
4.
The minimum setback from a public street to off-street parking
area shall be 25 feet;
5.
The minimum planted frontage buffer to Route 22 shall be 40
feet and provided in accordance with Section 4-5.2A. Walls not exceeding
10 feet in height may be included in the frontage buffer;
6.
The minimum planted transition buffer shall be 40 feet and conform
to the requirements in Section 4-5.3A and B1 through 6;
7.
The minimum setback from a public street or property line to
maintenance and storage buildings shall be 50 feet;
8.
Impervious coverage shall not exceed 50% of gross tract area;
9.
Building coverage shall not exceed 20% of gross tract area;
10.
Private streets, off-street parking areas and driveways shall
be located a minimum of 25 feet from any adjacent lot line, excluding
street rights-of-way, except where connectivity to adjacent properties
or streets is necessary.
B. Townhouses:
1.
Maximum Height: 45 feet/3 stories.
2.
Rear-Loaded Townhouses:
Minimum distances from front facade to private streets:
|
Building to sidewalk
|
14 feet
|
Building to curb
|
21 feet
|
Minimum distance from garage facade to curb, edge of alley pavement
or edge of sidewalk
|
20 feet
|
Minimum distances for side façade(s):
|
Building to building
|
28 feet
|
Building to private street
|
15 feet
|
3.
Front-Loaded Townhouses:
Minimum distance from front facade to private streets:
|
Building to sidewalk:
|
20 feet
|
Building to curb:
|
26 feet
|
Minimum distance from garage facade to sidewalk
|
20 feet
|
Minimum distance for side facade(s):
|
Building to building:
|
25 feet
|
Building to private streetline:
|
18 feet
|
C. Apartments.
1.
Maximum Height: 48 feet/3 1/2 stories.
2.
Minimum Building setbacks.
Building to building: 30 feet
Building to private street: 25 feet
Building to parking area or driveway: 15 feet
3.
For each affordable apartment, in addition to any storage areas
contained within the apartment, there shall be provided 300 cubic
feet of storage in a conveniently accessible area either within the
apartment building or in a separate building where storage will not
constitute a fire hazard and where belongings can be kept locked and
separated from the belongings of other occupants.
[Ord. No. 2018-1334 § 4; Ord. No. 2006-1053; Ord.
No. 2008-1093]
A. Community design.
1.
Development in the AH-3 Zone District shall be generally in
accordance with the exhibit entitled "Concept Plan, North Branch Walk",
dated July 27, 2018, prepared by The Reynolds Group, Inc. with input
from the Township (the "Concept Plan").
2.
However, it is not intended that the Concept Plan be definitive
regarding any particular aspect of the community design, it being
intended that Board review of a site plan will result in reasonable
refinements, while still being substantially consistent with the Concept
Plan.
3.
The "Proposed Road Extension", required by the 2011 Land Use
Plan Element of the Master Plan, consistent with the alignment and
connection to Meister Avenue shown on the Concept Plan, and dedicated
to the Township, shall be provided and shall be built in accordance
with the following conditions:
(a)
Conformance with all Township roadway standards including but
not limited to:
(3) 4-foot wide sidewalk on one side of the road.
(b)
No parking shall be permitted on the road extension.
(c)
The road extension shall be screened from any alley in the development
by a solid fence not exceeding six feet in height, a minimum of five
feet from the alley, with a planted buffer on the road extension side
of the fence.
(d)
The intersection of Route 22 and the road extension shall be
constructed and shall be signalized as depicted on the Concept Plan
unless NJDOT rejects signalization. The Board may approve the construction
of site improvements, at the developer's risk, prior to NJDOT approval.
4.
Streets that are not through streets through the development,
and all infrastructure within those streets, shall be privately owned
and maintained.
5.
All public and private streets, alleys, and driveways shall
demonstrate adequate access and circulation of the most restrictive
Branchburg fire apparatus, taking in consideration parking spaces.
6.
No refuse container or trash or recycling collection area shall
be located closer than 20 feet from any residential unit.
7.
Street trees shall be planted an average of 45 feet on center
along the entirety of the public and private frontages, except for
frontages on lanes or alleys and except in front of front-loaded townhouses.
8.
All private streets shall be subject to Title 39 jurisdiction.
B. Open Space Standards.
1.
The minimum open space area shall be 30% of the gross tract
area and consistent with the Concept Plan.
2.
Open spaces shall be planted with double rows of street trees
along thoroughfare frontages. Open spaces abutting alleys or lanes
shall be planted with a single row of street trees.
3.
A detailed site plan for open spaces shall be submitted for
review and approval by the Board.
4.
Common open space that is substantially consistent in size with
the Concept Plan shall be provided, and shall include at a minimum:
(a)
Children's play area, with appropriate amenities approved by
the Board.
(b)
Community building of which a minimum of 4,000 square feet shall
be devoted to uses for the residents;
(c)
In-ground pool with a deck area for seating; and
(d)
Central open space for passive uses.
5.
Stormwater facilities shall not impede function of open space.
6.
Conservation easements shall be clearly and permanently marked
as such in a manner approved by the Board.
C. Parking Requirements.
1.
Townhouses.
(a)
Townhouses shall be provided with the number of parking spaces
pursuant to R.S.I.S. standards.
(b)
Every Townhouse shall have at least one enclosed garage measuring
a minimum of 12 feet wide and 270 square feet.
2.
Apartments.
(a)
Apartments shall be provided with the number of parking spaces
pursuant to R.S.I.S. standards.
D. Stream Corridors and Steep Slopes.
1.
The Board shall grant waivers from stream corridor buffer width
requirements where reasonably necessary, consistent with the Concept
Plan, and in accordance with NJDEP regulations.
2.
The Board shall grant waivers from steep slope grading and development
requirements where reasonably necessary and consistent with the Concept
Plan.
E. Design Standards. Deviations from these standards shall be considered
exceptions pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-51.
1.
Building Design. The purpose of these building design standards
is to ensure that the design of townhouse and apartment buildings
promotes a desirable visual and spatial environment.
(a)
Townhouses.
(1) Townhouses shall be designed substantially in accordance
with the Concept Plan and in accordance with the exhibit entitled
"Alley-Loaded Townhouses, Typical Front Elevation, North Branch Walk,
Branchburg, NJ".
(2) Each building shall contain, at a minimum, one
end unit model and one interior model. Each base model type home in
any block shall have at least two alternative front elevations containing
different design features, including, but not limited to, the following:
Porches;
Porticos;
Columns;
Dormers;
Accent windows;
Door color.
(3) Materials shall be unified among all townhouses.
(4) For alley-loaded townhouses, the finished first
floor shall be a minimum of 18 inches above the front sidewalk elevation.
The difference in elevation between the front sidewalk and the bottom
of the front steps leading to the first floor shall not exceed 16
inches. The difference in elevation between the bottom of the front
steps and the finished first floor shall not exceed 60 inches.
(5) End units may have four bedrooms. Interior units
are not permitted to have more than three bedrooms.
(6) A fence, wall, plantings or some other element
shall be provided to delineate the sidewalk from the front yard.
(b)
Apartments.
(1) Apartments shall be designed substantially in accordance
with the Concept Plan and in accordance with the exhibit entitled
"Typical Three Story Building, 24 Units, North Branch Walk, Branchburg,
NJ".
(c)
Pedestrian Connectivity. Pedestrian walkways connecting streets
and the dwellings shall be provided. Sidewalks shall be provided substantially
in accordance with the Concept Plan.
2.
Signs.
(a)
Community Building: The community building may have one identification
sign which may include the street address. The identification sign
shall not exceed 10 square feet in sign area.
(b)
Route 22 frontage: One V-shaped monument sign with a maximum
area of 60 square feet on each face and located a minimum of 15 feet
from the highway right-of-way may be provided at the Route 22 frontage.
(c)
Interior monument signs: one single-sided interior monument
sign with a maximum area of 30 square feet may be provided at each
road entrance from a public road.
(d)
Directional Signs: Up to two directional signs shall be allowed
on each street or driveway frontage from which vehicular access is
derived. A directional sign shall not exceed six square feet in sign
area and shall not exceed six feet in height. A directional sign shall
be set back from any lot line by at least three feet.
(e)
Residential Building Identification: Each residential building
may have up to two attached identification signs. The maximum sign
area of each shall not exceed six square feet. Such signs shall be
appropriately integrated within the architecture of the buildings.
(f)
The types, designs, lighting and locations of all signs shall
be approved by the Board as a part of a development.
3.
Lighting.
(a)
No building-mounted lighting shall be more than 12 feet above
the closest first floor finished grade. Building-mounted lighting
shall not be directed to parking areas and shall be of full cut-off
design.
(b)
The types, designs and locations of all lighting shall be approved
by the Board as a part of its approval.
F. Affordable Housing.
1.
At least 25% of the dwelling units shall be affordable to very
low, low and moderate income households in accordance with the affordable
housing requirements of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing,
or any successor or replacement agency ("COAH"); the New Jersey Housing
Mortgage and Finance Agency, or any successor or replacement entity
("HMFA"); and the New Jersey courts, as such requirements exist at
the time of final development approval.
2.
A minimum of 91 affordable family apartments shall be provided.
3.
Affordable units shall be dispersed throughout a minimum of
70% of the apartment buildings in the development.
4.
An AH-3 development shall comply in every respect with the applicable
requirements of COAH, HMFA and the New Jersey courts, as such requirements
exist at the time of final development approval.
5.
Affordable housing units shall not be age restricted.
[Added 8-26-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-1358]
The AH-4 Zone is intended to provide for development of multifamily
residential uses with a portion of such housing restricted to occupancy
by households of very low, low and moderate income. Affordable dwellings
shall be integrated with and indistinguishable in outward appearance
from the market-rate housing. The AH-4 Zone shall provide 131 affordable
housing credits, consisting of 92 affordable apartments and 13 apartments
for special needs residents containing 39 special needs bedrooms.
The use, bulk, design and performance standards of the AH-4
Zone shall supersede other zoning provisions of the Branchburg Township
Land Development Ordinance, except that where the regulations and
standards of the AH-4 Zone are silent, the other standards of the
Land Development Ordinance shall apply.
A. Principal uses.
1.
A maximum of 523 multifamily dwelling units, comprised of the
following:
(a)
A maximum of 113 rental or condominium Townhouses; and
(b)
A maximum of 430 rental apartments, of which 13 shall be apartments
for special needs residents containing 39 special needs bedrooms.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Private garages and off-street parking;
4.
Conservation areas, recreation, open space and public purpose
uses;
5.
Stormwater Management and other utilities, including stormwater
management for development permitted in the adjacent R/S-3 Zone;
6.
Business office for on-site management;
7.
Tenant storage, maintenance and storage of maintenance equipment,
superintendent office or any combination thereof;
8.
Clubhouse, pool, community building, rental office, and model
units;
9.
Accessory uses on the same lot and customarily incidental to
a principal use.
C. Common Elements:
This ordinance recognizes that driveways, roadways, plantings
and utilities serving development within this zone will also serve
development permitted in the adjacent RS-3 Zone. Common use of such
elements is permitted and shall not constitute a nonconforming use.
A. All area and bulk requirements in the AH-4 Zone shall be applicable
to the overall zone and not to individual lots within the zone.
B. The minimum tract area shall be the entirety of the zone. Subdivisions
for the purposes of phasing or financing is permitted as long as the
area and bulk requirements for the zone are met.
C. The minimum setback to a building from a public street right-of-way
to any building shall be 30 feet, of which 20 feet shall consist of
a frontage buffer in accordance with paragraph 4-5.2 A; except that
stormwater management facilities, sidewalks, and open space shall
not require frontage buffering.
D. The minimum setback to a building from any zone boundary shall be
40 feet for apartments and townhomes and 10 feet for accessory, maintenance
and storage buildings.
E. Public Road Setback:
1.
The minimum setback to an alley from a public street right-of-way
shall be 30 feet, of which 20 feet shall consist of a frontage buffer
in accordance with paragraph 4-5.2 A;
2.
The minimum setback to a private street from a public street
right-of-way shall be 50 feet, of which 30 feet shall consist of a
frontage buffer in accordance with paragraph 4-5.2 A.
F. Additional Bulk Requirements:
1.
The minimum setback from a public street to off-street parking
area shall be 30 feet;
2.
The minimum setback from public street to a maintenance or storage
building shall be 30 feet;
3.
Impervious coverage shall not exceed 50% of gross tract area;
4.
Building coverage shall not exceed 20% of gross non-mixed-use
area;
5.
Private streets, off-street parking areas and driveways shall
be located a minimum of 10 feet from any zone boundary, except where
connectivity to adjacent properties or streets is necessary.
G. Townhouses.
1.
Maximum Height: 45 feet or 3 stories.
2.
Maximum dwelling units in one building: 8.
3.
Rear-Loaded Townhouses:
(a)
Minimum distances from front facade to private streets:
(1) Building to sidewalk: 14 feet.
(2) Building to curb: 21 feet.
(b)
Minimum distance from garage facade to curb, edge of alley pavement
or edge of sidewalk: 20 feet.
(c)
Minimum distances for side facades:
(1) Building to building: 28 feet.
(2) Building to private street: 15 feet.
4.
Front-Loaded Townhouses:
(a)
Minimum distance from front facade to private streets.
(1) Building to sidewalk: 20 feet.
(2) Building to curb: 26 feet.
(b)
Minimum distance garage facade to sidewalk: 25 feet.
(c)
Minimum distance for side facades:
(1) Building to building: 28 feet.
(2) Building to private street: 15 feet.
5.
Front steps, decks in the rear up to 6 feet in depth, covered
entries and/or porches up to 6 feet in depth and box bays up to 2
feet in depth are permitted in any setback.
6.
Minimum Townhouse setbacks shall be as shown on the exhibit
entitled "Townhouse Minimum Setback Exhibit", dated 05-23-19, prepared
by The Reynolds Group, Inc.
H. Apartments.
1.
Maximum Height: 50 feet or 4 1/2 stories where parking
occurs in the first story. Otherwise the maximum height shall not
exceed 3 1/2 stories or 45 feet.
2.
Maximum dwelling units in one building: 42.
3.
Minimum Building setbacks:
(a)
Building to building: 30 feet.
(b)
Building to private street: 16 feet.
(c)
Building to parking area or driveway: 15 feet.
4.
For each affordable apartment, in addition to any storage areas
contained within the apartment, there shall be provided 300 cubic
feet of storage in a conveniently accessible area either within the
apartment building or in a separate building where storage will not
constitute a fire hazard and where belongings can be kept locked and
separated from the belongings of other occupants.
5.
Box bays up to 2 feet in depth and entrance porticos up to 6
feet in depth are permitted in any setback.
A. Circulation and Streets:
1.
Major circulation in the AH-4 Zone shall be generally in accordance
with the exhibit entitled "Conceptual Vehicular Circulation Plan for
Block 9", dated 5-24-19, revised 8-6-19, prepared by Douglas A. Ball,
P.E., Township Engineer (the "Circulation Plan").
2.
A road extension connecting Meister Avenue and Route 22, shown
on the exhibit entitled "Concept Plan", dated July 3, 2019, prepared
by The Reynolds Group, Inc. (the "AH-4 Plan") as "Prop. Road Extension"
and on the Circulation Plan as "Proposed 60' Municipal Right-of-Way"
(the "Road Extension"), shall be built in accordance with the Master
Plan Land Use Element and the following conditions:
(a)
Conformance with all Township roadway standards including but
not limited to:
(3) 4-foot wide sidewalk on one side of the road; and
(4) Dedication to the Township.
(b)
No parking shall be permitted on the Road Extension.
(c)
Circulation within residential areas of the AH-4 Zone shall
be generally in accordance with the AH-4 Plan.
(d)
Except for public streets and private alleys, streets and roads
shall accommodate on-street parking which shall be in accordance with
the exhibit entitled "On-Street Parking Plan", prepared by The Reynolds
Group, Inc., dated 05/07/19.
(e)
Streets other than the Road Extension, and all infrastructure
within those streets, shall be privately owned and maintained.
(f)
All public and private streets, alleys, and driveways shall
demonstrate adequate access and circulation of the most restrictive
Branchburg fire apparatus, taking in consideration parking spaces.
(g)
Alleys that connect to private streets shall include a depressed
curb with concrete apron and the sidewalk shall traverse the width
of the alley.
(h)
All private streets shall be subject to Title 39 jurisdiction.
B. Community design.
1.
Development in the AH-4 Zone shall be generally in accordance
with the AH-4 Plan.
2.
However, it is not intended that the AH-4 Plan and the Circulation
Plan be definitive regarding any particular aspect of the community
design, it being intended that Board review of a site plan will result
in reasonable refinements, while still being substantially consistent
with the AH-4 Plan and the Circulation Plan.
3.
Pedestrian Connectivity. Pedestrian walkways connecting streets
and the dwellings shall be provided. Sidewalks and trails shall be
provided substantially in accordance with the exhibit entitled "Pedestrian
Connectivity Exhibit", prepared by The Reynolds Group, Inc., dated
05/07/19.
4.
Street trees shall be planted an average of 40 feet on center
along the entirety of the public and private frontages, except for
frontages on lanes or alleys and except in front of front-loaded townhouses.
5.
There shall be provided, for the perpetual use of all residents
of the zone, substantially in accordance with the AH-4 Plan:
(a)
Children's play area, with appropriate amenities approved by
the Board;
(b)
Community building of which a minimum of 4,000 square feet shall
be directly devoted to uses for residents;
(c)
In-ground pool with a deck area for seating; and
(d)
Central open space for passive uses.
6.
No refuse container or trash or recycling collection area shall
be located closer than 20 feet from any residential unit.
C. Open Space Standards.
1.
The minimum open space area shall be 20% of the zone area and
consistent with the AH-4 Plan.
2.
Open spaces shall be planted with double rows of street trees
along thoroughfare frontages, with the exception of undisturbed or
farmed areas abutting thoroughfare frontages, which shall not require
the planting of street trees. Open spaces abutting alleys or lanes
shall be planted with a single row of street trees.
3.
A detailed site plan for open spaces shall be submitted for
review and approval by the Board as part of preliminary site plan
approval.
4.
Stormwater facilities shall not impede function of open space.
5.
Conservation easements shall be clearly and permanently marked
as such in a manner approved by the Board.
D. Townhouse Parking Requirements.
1.
Townhouses shall be provided with parking spaces pursuant to
R.S.I.S. standards.
2.
Every Townhouse shall have at least one enclosed garage measuring
a minimum of 12 feet wide and 270 square feet.
3.
Parking is permitted on a driveway leading to a garage provided
that no vehicle may project into private road or alley or sidewalk.
E. Steep Slopes, Stream Corridors and Walls.
1.
Retaining walls between development in the AH-4 Zone and the
R/S-3 Zone shall be constructed substantially in accordance with the
exhibit entitled "Wall Exhibit at Property Line Between AH-4 Zone
and R/S-3 Zone", dated July 8, 2019, Rev. July 10, 2019, 1 page (the
"Wall Exhibit").
2.
The Board shall require as a condition of approval that the
applicant maintain the landscape area between the retaining walls.
3.
The Board shall require as a condition of approval that the
applicant obtain a permanent, recorded landscape easement for the
area between the base of the wall and the property line on the adjoining
property for the full length of the retaining walls. The maintained
landscape area between the walls straddling the property lines shall
be 15 feet.
4.
The Board shall grant waivers from steep slope grading, retaining
walls and development requirements where reasonably necessary and
consistent with the AH-4 Plan and the Wall Exhibit.
5.
The Board shall grant waivers from stream corridor buffer width
requirements where reasonably necessary and consistent with the AH-4
Plan and in accordance with NJDEP regulations.
F.
Design Standards. Deviations from
these standards shall be considered exceptions pursuant to N.J.S.A.
40:55D-51.
1.
Building Design. The purpose of these building design standards
is to ensure that the design of townhouse and apartment buildings
promotes a desirable visual and spatial environment.
(a)
Townhouses.
(1) Building Design. Townhouses shall be designed substantially
in accordance with the AH-4 Plan and substantially in accordance with
the exhibit entitled "Alley TH Bldg Plan/Elev.", prepared by Appel
Design Group, dated May 28, 2019, pages PB-1.1 through PB-1.3 and
PB- 2.1 through PB-2.5, 8 pages.
(2) Each building shall contain, at a minimum, one
end unit model and one interior model. Each base model type home in
any block shall have at least two alternative front elevations containing
different design features, including, but not limited to the following:
(3) Every townhouse shall have a front porch or a covered
entry.
(4) Materials shall be unified among all townhouses.
(5) For alley-loaded townhouses, the finished first
floor shall be a minimum of 18 inches above the front sidewalk elevation,
and the front sidewalk shall rise no more than 16 inches at the sidewalk
and 60 inches at the stoop, subject to engineering constraints.
(6) End units may have four bedrooms. Interior units
are not permitted to have more than three bedrooms.
(7) A fence, wall, plantings, or some other element
shall be provided to delineate the sidewalk from the front yards of
every townhouse.
(8) Grade changes shall only occur between townhouse
units within one building at a location where the garages are not
located side-by-side.
(b)
Multi-family. All building elevations and building plans, except
for the number of units in a building, provided the number of units
does not exceed 36 units, shall be designed substantially as shown
on the exhibit first page entitled "Typical Apartment Building, 24
Unit & 36 Unit" and second page showing the elevations entitled
"Typical Apartment Building", undated, 2 pages.
2.
Signs.
(a)
Community Building. The community building may have one identification
sign which may include the street address. The identification sign
shall not exceed 10 square feet in sign area.
(b)
Interior Monument. One single-sided interior monument sign with
a maximum area of 30 square feet may be provided at each road entrance
from a public or private road at a minimum setback of 5 feet, substantially
in accordance with the "Signs at Public Road Extension and Private
Drive" detail on the exhibit entitled "Monument Sign Elevation Detail"
and "Monument Sign Plan Detail", 4 images, 1 page, undated.
(c)
Directional. Up to two directional signs may be provided on
each street or driveway frontage from which vehicular access is derived.
A directional sign shall not exceed six square feet in sign area and
shall not exceed six feet in height. A directional sign shall be set
back from any lot line by at least three feet.
(d)
Residential Building Identification. Up to two attached identification
signs may be provided on each residential building. The maximum sign
area of each shall not exceed six square feet. Such signs shall be
appropriately integrated within the architecture of the buildings.
(e)
The types, designs, lighting and locations of all signs shall
be approved by the Board.
3.
Lighting.
(a)
No building-mounted lighting shall be more than 12 feet above
the closest first floor finished grade. Building-mounted lighting
shall not be directed to parking areas and shall be of full cut-off
design.
(b)
The types, designs and locations of all lighting shall be approved
by the Board.
G. Affordable Housing.
1.
The AH-4 Zone shall provide 131 affordable housing credits,
exclusive of rental bonus credits, of which 92 shall be affordable
apartments and 39 shall be special needs bedrooms in 13 apartments.
2.
Affordable housing units shall be dispersed throughout a minimum
of 70% of the apartment buildings in the zone.
3.
Affordable housing units shall not be age-restricted.
4.
Affordable housing shall comply in every respect with the affordable
housing requirements of COAH, or any successor or replacement agency;
the New Jersey Housing Mortgage and Finance Agency, or any successor
or replacement entity; and the New Jersey courts, as such requirements
exist at the time of final approval.
[Added 7-22-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-1357]
The AH-5 Zone is intended to provide for development of 100%
age-restricted, 100% affordable rental apartments. The AH-5 Zone shall
provide 150 affordable apartments.
A. The development regulations set forth herein shall apply to the zone
as a whole, not to individual lots which may be created therein. For
the purposes of this section, the word "tract" shall mean the entire
zone district.
B. The tract shall be permitted to be subdivided into one or more parcels,
and one or more buildings or uses shall be permitted on a single parcel.
The tract shall be permitted to be constructed in one or more phases.
C. The use, bulk, design and performance standards of the AH-5 Zone
shall supersede other zoning provisions of the Branchburg Township
Land Development Ordinance, except that where the regulations and
standards of the AH-5 Zone are silent, the other standards of the
Land Development Ordinance shall apply.
A. Principal use. One hundred fifty 100% age-restricted, 100% affordable
rental apartments.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Clubhouses and community buildings;
4.
Off-Street Parking, either surface (open air) or structured;
5.
Accessory uses customarily incidental to the principal use.
A. Tract requirements:
1.
Tract Area: Minimum 4 acres.
3.
Impervious Coverage: Maximum 60% of the tract.
B. Building Requirements:
1.
Maximum Building Height: 3 1/2 stories or 45', whichever
is less.
2.
Minimum Building Setbacks:
(a)
40' from Old York Road RoW line.
(b)
50' from any property located in Block 62 as shown on the Township
Tax Map as of June 1, 2019.
(c)
None from any other zone or lot line, existing or created.
A. Frontage buffer. There shall be a frontage buffer along Old York
Road, which shall be as follows:
1.
The buffer width shall be a minimum of 20 feet.
2.
The buffer shall be maintained as a planted/landscaped area
and no structures shall be permitted within the buffer except for
access drives, walkways, stormwater basins, utilities and/or signs.
3.
The buffer plantings shall consist of a combination of trees
and shrubs, and may also include native grasses, perennials, and annuals.
4.
The minimum planting height for shrubs shall be 3 feet.
5.
Minimum Shade Tree Size: 13 feet height and 3 inches caliper.
6.
Minimum Deciduous Ornamental Tree Size: 8 feet height and 1 3/4
inches caliper.
7.
Where existing vegetation is preserved and found adequate to
serve as a frontage buffer by the Board, new plantings shall not be
required.
B. Transition buffer. There shall be a transition buffer established
along Block 62 block limit line, which shall be as follows:
1.
The transition buffer width shall be a minimum of 25 feet as
measured from the Block 62 block limit line as shown on the Township
Tax Map as of June 1, 2019.
2.
The transition buffer shall be maintained as a planted area
with no structures except for fencing, walls, walkways, utilities,
and/or stormwater basins.
3.
The buffer plantings shall consist of a continuous row of evergreen
trees in a staggered arrangement. The buffer may also include trees
and/or shrubs and/or ornamental grasses, perennials, and annuals.
Size of buffer plantings shall conform to paragraph 4-5.3 B.
4.
Where existing vegetation is preserved and found adequate to
serve as a transition buffer by the Board, new plantings shall not
be required.
5.
The transition buffer may include a solid privacy fence.
Minimum Off-Street Parking shall be 1.1 spaces per unit.
A. Architecture.
1.
Facades. Building facade length shall not exceed 150 feet without
an architectural facade change. This may be accomplished, by way of
example, through changes in materials, color, pattern and/or texture;
changes in the size and rhythm of fenestration or glazing; or changes
in the roofline such as coping, parapet, cornice or similar ornamental
features.
2.
Roofs. Flat and/or pitched roofs shall be permitted.
3.
Residential density per building. The maximum number of residential
units per building shall be 75.
B. Landscape Architecture.
1.
All areas that do not contain buildings or structures shall
be planted with trees, shrubs and/or lawn.
C. Access, Circulation, and Parking Design.
1.
All access and circulation dimensions shall be in accordance
with Residential Site Improvement Standards ("R.S.I.S.").
2.
Parking areas shall be permitted in any yard, including a front
yard, provided the buffer requirements of this section are met.
D. Stormwater and Utility Design.
1.
All stormwater shall be in accordance with R.S.I.S.
2.
All utility design shall be in accordance with R.S.I.S.
E. Lighting.
1.
All freestanding light fixtures shall be no higher than 20 feet
above grade level.
2.
The maximum illumination at any abutting property in residential
use at the time of site plan approval shall be 0.5 footcandles.
3.
Light fixtures shall be shielded and shall utilize metal halide,
LED or other white light source.
F. Refuse.
1.
All refuse and recycling storage shall be fully enclosed and
screened within the building or, if outside, within a masonry refuse
enclosure that is a minimum of 6 feet high on all sides.
2.
The refuse enclosure shall include a separate access gate for
persons, in addition to the gate for vehicle/container access.
G. Fences and Walls.
1.
Fences and walls shall be permitted in any yard, including a
front yard.
2.
Fences and walls in the front yard shall be a maximum of 4 feet
high.
3.
Fences in the front yard shall be 50% open.
4.
Fences and walls in yards other than the front yard shall be
a maximum of 6 feet high.
H. Signs.
1.
One ground sign shall be permitted for development in the zone
and one wall sign shall be permitted per building.
2.
The maximum sign area for any sign shall be 60 square feet.
3.
The maximum height for any ground sign shall be 8 feet.
4.
If access to development in the zone is shared with an adjacent
lot an additional ground sign may be permitted at that driveway as
long as it complies with the requirements of paragraphs H.2. and H.3.
above.
I. Mechanical Equipment.
1.
Air conditioning units, HVAC systems, exhaust pipes or stacks,
and related mechanical equipment and elevator housings shall be screened
to minimize visual impact.
A. The AH-5 Zone shall provide 150 affordable housing credits, exclusive
of rental bonus credits, with 150 100% age-restricted, 100% affordable
rental apartments.
B. Affordable housing shall comply in every respect with the affordable
housing requirements of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing,
or any successor or replacement agency; the New Jersey Housing Mortgage
and Finance Agency, or any successor or replacement entity; and the
New Jersey courts, as such requirements exist at the time of final
approval.
A. The Planning Board shall require as a condition of approval of an
AH-5 development that 100% of the housing units be permanently age
restricted so that occupancy of such housing shall be limited to persons
55 years of age or older, and other occupants in accordance with applicable
laws, including by way of example the Housing for Older Persons Act
of 1995.
B. The age restriction shall be subject to a permanent deed restriction
in accordance with applicable laws.
[Added 2-10-2020 by Ord.
No. 2020-1375]
The AH-6 Zone is intended to provide for development of two-family
and multifamily residential uses, including family and age-restricted
(senior) dwellings, both for-sale and rental, with a portion of such
housing restricted to occupancy by households of very low, low and
moderate income. The AH-6 Zone shall provide no more than 475 total
dwelling units and shall provide 125 affordable dwelling units consisting
of:
A. 40 Affordable Family Stacked Townhouses.
B. 26 Affordable Age-Restricted Townhouses or Stacked Townhouses.
C. 31 Affordable Family Rental Apartments.
D. 28 Affordable Senior Rental Apartments.
The use, bulk, design and performance standards of the AH-6
Zone shall supersede other zoning provisions of the Branchburg Township
Land Development Ordinance for development within the AH-6 Zone. Where
the regulations and standards of the AH-6 Zone are silent the other
standards of the Land Development Ordinance shall apply.
The following definitions shall apply to the AH-6 Zone. In the
case of any conflict between the definitions in this section and those
found in the Land Development Ordinance or General Ordinance, the
definitions in this section shall apply and supersede the other ordinance
definitions for development within the AH-6 Zone.
AGE-RESTRICTED HOUSING
A housing unit that is designed to meet the needs of, and
is exclusively for, an age-restricted segment of the population such
that: (a) All the residents of the unit are 62 years or older; (b)
At least 80 percent of the units are occupied by one person that is
55 years or older; or (c) The development has been designated by the
Secretary of HUD as "housing for older persons" as defined in Section
807(b)(2) of the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3607.
DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY
A building containing three or more dwelling units, including
units that are located one over the other. Also known as apartment
house, stacked townhouse or garden apartment.
SEMI-DETACHED DWELLING
A dwelling within a building containing two attached dwelling
units that share a common wall, with no opening in the common wall,
at a common lot line and that are on separate lots. Also known as
a twin dwelling.
STACKED TOWNHOUSE
A multifamily dwelling unit within a building containing
three or more dwelling units that has a common side or rear wall with
another dwelling unit and is either above or below another dwelling
unit within the same building (see "Dwelling, multifamily").
TOWNHOUSE
A building consisting of not less than three single-family
dwelling units, with no other dwelling unit or portion of another
dwelling unit directly above or below, each dwelling unit of which
having direct ground level access to the outdoors and connected to
the other dwelling units by no more than two party walls with no opening
in walls between dwelling units. Townhouse does not include "Stacked
Townhouses", which are multifamily dwellings (see "Dwelling, multifamily"
and "Stacked townhouse"). A townhouse may be fee simple, condominium,
cooperative or any combination thereof.
TRACT AREA
The properties identified as Block 70, Lots 18, 24 and 24.01
making up the entire AH-6 zoning district.
A. Principal uses.
1.
A maximum of 475 dwelling units composed of the following:
(a)
A maximum of 62 for-sale market-rate semi-detached dwelling
units; and
(b)
A maximum of 113 for-sale market-rate townhouses; and
(c)
40 for-sale affordable family Stacked Townhouses; and
(d)
26 for-sale affordable age-restricted townhouses or Stacked
Townhouses; and
(e)
A maximum of 175 rental market-rate family apartments; and
(f)
31 rental affordable family apartments; and
(g)
28 rental affordable senior apartments.
2.
Public recreation and open space.
B. Accessory uses.
1.
Private garages and off-street parking;
4.
Conservation, recreation and open space;
5.
Stormwater Management, sanitary sewer and other utilities;
6.
Business office, for on-site management, model homes with sales
offices;
7.
Tenant storage for rental dwelling units;
8.
Maintenance facilities, including superintendent office and
storage of maintenance equipment;
9.
Clubhouse, pool, community building, rental office, and model
dwelling units;
10.
Accessory uses on the same lot and deemed customarily incidental
to a permitted principal use by the approving authority.
11.
Utility enclosures deemed necessary to serve Principal uses
on the site.
A. The minimum Tract Area shall be the entirety of the AH-6 zone.
B. Subdivisions for the purposes of phasing or financing shall be permitted
as long as the area and bulk requirements for the zone are met.
C. Measurement of Setbacks and Lot Areas. Since all thoroughfares, streets
and parking will be held privately, setbacks to streets shall be measured
from a building to the nearest edge of a common sidewalk. Lot depth,
for the purpose of calculating lot area, shall be measured from the
nearest edge of a sidewalk to the real lot line.
D. Semi-detached dwellings.
1.
Minimum lot size: 4,000 sf per dwelling unit.
2.
Minimum front yard setback between building and sidewalk: 20
feet.
3.
Minimum rear yard setback: 25 feet.
4.
Minimum side yard setbacks: 0 feet at common wall/property line;
10 feet to other property line.
5.
Maximum building height: 2.5 stories, not exceeding 35 feet.
6.
Minimum driveway length: 20 feet between building and front
sidewalk.
E. Market-rate family townhouses.
1.
Minimum lot size: 2,500 sf.
2.
Minimum front yard setback between building and sidewalk: 20
feet.
3.
Minimum rear yard setback: 10 feet.
4.
Maximum building height: 3 stories, not exceeding 40 feet and
for those townhouses within 100 feet of the tract boundary that abuts
a residential use shall not exceed 35 feet.
F. Affordable age-restricted townhouses.
1.
Minimum lot size: 800 sf.
2.
Minimum front yard setback between building and sidewalk: 5
feet.
3.
Minimum rear yard setback: 10 feet.
4.
Maximum building height: 2.5 stories, not exceeding 35 feet.
G. Affordable family or age-restricted Stacked Townhouses.
1.
Minimum lot size: 800 sf per 2 stacked dwelling units.
2.
Minimum front yard setback between building and sidewalk: five
feet.
3.
Minimum rear yard setback: 10 feet.
4.
Maximum building height: 3 stories, not exceeding 45 feet and
for those townhouses within 100 feet of the tract boundary that abuts
a residential use shall not exceed 35 feet.
H. Additional standards for townhouses.
1.
Minimum distances between townhouse buildings:
2.
Maximum number of dwelling units in one townhouse building:
eight.
3.
Minimum driveway length: 20 feet between building and front
sidewalk.
4.
Townhouses that have garages shall have at least one enclosed
garage parking space measuring a minimum of 12 feet wide and 270 square
feet.
I. Apartments:
1.
80% of the building facade facing a private road shall be setback
a minimum of ten (10) feet from the sidewalk.
2.
Minimum setback between building facade not facing a private
road and sidewalk: five feet.
3.
Maximum building height: 4 stories, not exceeding 55 feet and
for apartments within 100 feet of the tract boundary that abuts a
residential use shall not exceed 35 feet and 3 stories.
4.
Minimum Distances between buildings.
5.
Maximum dwelling units in one building: 40.
6.
Family apartment storage. For each family apartment, in addition
to any storage areas contained within the apartment, there shall be
provided 200 cubic feet of storage in a conveniently accessible area,
either within the apartment building or in a separate building where
belongings can be kept locked and separated from the belongings of
other occupants.
7.
Age-restricted apartment storage. For each age-restricted apartment,
in addition to any storage areas contained within the apartment, there
shall be provided 200 cubic feet of storage in a conveniently accessible
area, either within the apartment building or in a separate building
where belongings can be kept locked and separated from the belongings
of other occupants.
J. Additional Bulk Requirements.
1.
Impervious coverage shall not exceed 65% of Tract Area;
2.
Building coverage shall not exceed 25% of the Tract Area;
3.
Private streets, off-street parking areas and driveways shall
be located a minimum of 50 feet from any zone boundary, except where
connectivity to adjacent properties or streets is necessary.
4.
Permitted encroachments.
(a)
Entry steps, covered entries, and porches projecting no more
than six feet from the building face are permitted in a front, rear
or side setback.
(b)
Bay windows and chimneys projecting no more than two feet from
the building face are permitted in a front, rear or side setback.
(c)
Decks projecting no more than ten feet from the building face
are permitted in the rear setback.
5.
Building Setback to Zone Boundary. The minimum setback from
a building to any zone boundary shall be 30 feet for apartments and
townhomes and 10 feet for accessory, maintenance, storage buildings
and utility enclosures deemed necessary to service Principal uses
on the site.
A. Deviations from these standards, or de minimis exceptions from requirements
of RSIS, shall be considered exceptions pursuant to MLUL.
B. The Developer may develop the project in phases. The phases will
be determined and approved during preliminary site plan approval.
Developer must demonstrate to the Planning Board that its development
shall be timed and phased to ensure that during the period of construction
no less than the mandatory minimum percentage of affordable housing
units to market rate units for the Tract Area are completed at any
time in accordance with the UHAC regulations and the Township's affordable
housing ordinance.
C. Technical Subdivision.
1.
It is acknowledged that a project to be developed pursuant to
this subsection may be of such a size or type so as to make sectionalization
by subdivision and the use of different forms of ownership a practical
necessity. Therefore, a technical subdivision for such a project may
be required for marketing or financing purposes.
2.
An application for technical subdivision approval may be submitted
with an application for approval of a site plan or subdivision, or
subsequent to the issuance of such an approval.
3.
Such an application shall be considered as a technical subdivision
without the necessity to obtain dimensional variances that would technically
be required.
(a)
The purpose of the technical subdivision is to create a new
lot or lots for the purpose of financing or transfer of ownership
within a development which is, or has been, the subject of site plan
approval.
(b)
A technical subdivision may not substantially modify or otherwise
adversely impact on the integrity of the development plan.
(c)
A technical subdivision must not reduce, limit or modify parking
or access to parking.
(d)
If a technical subdivision includes the division of parking
or other common areas or facilities, the subdivision shall be conditioned
upon appropriate easements for parking, access, drainage and/or utilities
where necessary.
D. Circulation and Parking.
1.
Thoroughfares, streets and parking within in the AH-6 Zone shall
be substantially in accordance with the exhibit entitled "Concept,
Ryan Homes-Branchburg, Block 70, Lots 18, 24, 24.01, Township of Branchburg"
dated August 23, 2019, last revised January 27, 2020, prepared by
E & LP (the "Concept Plan"). Reasonable revisions shall be permitted
provided they are deemed consistent with the design principles expressed
in the Concept Plan or are required to obtain outside agency permits.
2.
Thoroughfares, streets and parking within the AH-6 Zone shall
be owned and maintained by a private entity and shall not be dedicated
to the Township;
3.
Thoroughfares, streets and parking shall comply with RSIS with
respect to the number (in the case of parking spaces) design and configuration
of regulated elements.
4.
Thoroughfares, streets and parking shall be designed to provide
clear access and permit necessary circulation for the most restrictive
Branchburg fire apparatus, assuming that all on-street and off-street
parking spaces are occupied.
5.
Thoroughfares, streets and parking shall be subject to Title
39 jurisdiction.
6.
Parking shall comply with the NJ Barrier-Free Standards/Federal
Accessibility Guidelines (ADA) with respect to the number, design,
configuration and detailing of accessible parking spaces.
E. Community design.
1.
The location and arrangement of buildings and uses within the
AH-6 Zone shall be substantially consistent with the Concept Plan.
Reasonable revisions shall be permitted provided they are deemed consistent
with the design principles expressed in the Concept Plan as determined
by the Planning Board or are required to obtain outside agency permits.
2.
Pedestrian Connectivity. Pedestrian walkways connecting streets
and the dwellings shall be provided. Sidewalks and paths shall be
provided substantially in accordance with the Concept Plan.
3.
Street trees shall be planted an average of 40 feet on center
along the entirety of the public and private frontages, except for
frontages on lanes or alleys and except in front of front-loaded townhouses.
4.
No refuse container or trash or recycling collection area shall
be located closer than 20 feet from any residential unit.
F. Open Space Standards.
1.
Open space shall be substantially consistent with the size,
location and configuration as shown on the Concept Plan.
2.
Open spaces shall be planted with double rows of street trees
along thoroughfare frontages, with the exception of areas abutting
thoroughfare frontages that are to be maintained with existing vegetation
and where plantings of trees are not feasible due to the location
of existing utility infrastructure.
3.
A detailed plan for all open spaces shall be submitted for review
and approval as part of preliminary subdivision or site plan application.
4.
Stormwater facilities are permitted with the open space areas
but shall not impede the function of open space.
5.
Conservation areas shall be delineated and permanently marked
as such in a manner approved by the Board.
6.
Areas containing freshwater wetlands, wetland transition area
boundary or limit of disturbance approved by DEP and stream corridors
shall be delineated and permanently marked as such in a manner approved
by the Board. Markers may consist of monuments, signs or fencing and
shall be clearly perceptible after installation.
7.
Township Recreation. Informal recreational fields with a parking
area is required to be constructed consistent with the Concept Plan.
The Township at its option may take ownership or enter into a long
term lease of said area. Details for the recreational fields and parking
area shall be provided for approval as part of preliminary major subdivision
approval. In the event the Township, does not request the recreational
fields, the area in which said fields are denoted on the Concept Plan
shall be retained pursuant to Paragraph 9 below as open space.
8.
There shall be provided, for the perpetual use of all residents
of the zone, substantially in accordance with the Concept Plan:
(a)
Children's play area, with appropriate amenities approved by
the Board;
(b)
Community building of which a minimum of 2,500 square feet shall
be directly devoted to uses for residents;
(c)
In-ground pool with a deck area for seating; and
(d)
Central open space for passive uses.
9.
Open Space Ownership. All open space shall be owned and maintained
by a private association/entity, except that the planned recreation
fields and parking area referenced in Paragraph 7 above shall be dedicated
to the Township if accepted by the Township Committee.
G. Steep Slope, Tree Replacement and Stream Corridor Consideration.
1.
The Board shall grant exceptions from stream corridor buffer
width requirements where reasonably necessary, consistent with the
Concept Plan, and in accordance with NJDEP regulations.
2.
The Board shall grant exceptions from the limits on the disturbance
of steep slope areas where reasonably necessary and consistent with
the Concept Plan. However, this shall not include the Land Development
Ordinance's technical requirements for stabilization of steep slopes.
3.
In recognition of the terrain of the AH-6 zone, retaining wall
heights of up to 10 feet shall be permitted. However, retaining walls
shall be separated from buildings by 10 feet so that there is sufficient
space for maintenance and emergency access after construction is complete.
4.
Exceptions from tree replacement quantities shall be considered
where reasonably necessary to provide for development consistent with
the Concept Plan, but shall not result in buffering of adjacent zones
or residential uses that is less effective than the minimal buffer
standards of the ordinance.
H.
Design Standards.
1.
Building Design. The purpose of these building design standards
is to ensure that the design of semi-detached, townhouse and apartment
buildings promotes a desirable visual and spatial environment. Building
design shall be substantially consistent with those shown on the Concept
Plan. Reasonable revisions shall be permitted provided they are deemed
consistent with the design principles expressed in the Concept Plan
as determined by the Planning Board or are required to obtain outside
agency permits.
(a)
Semi-detached and townhouse dwellings.
(1) Buildings containing semi-detached and townhouse
dwellings shall be designed, located and arranged in a manner that
is substantially in accordance with the Concept Plan.
(2) Each townhouse building shall contain, at a minimum,
one end unit model and one interior model. Each model type home in
any block shall have at least two alternative front elevations containing
different design features, including, but not limited to the following:
(3) Each semi-detached and townhouse dwelling unit
shall contain a front porch or a covered entry.
(4) Materials and colors shall be unified within buildings
containing semi- detached and townhouse dwellings.
(5) Grade changes shall only occur between townhouse
units within one building at a location where the garages are not
located side by side.
(6) Buildings at corners of intersection streets shall
include a stone or masonry water table matching the front elevation
and shutters on all windows on each facade facing a street.
(b)
Apartments. All buildings shall be designed substantially in
accordance with the architectural style and materials as is provided
for the townhomes and semi-detached dwelling units within the development
of the tract.
(c)
Community Building. Shall be designed to be consistent with
the architecture of the residential buildings within the AH-6 Zone.
2.
Signs.
(a)
Community Building Sign. The community building may have one
identification sign, which shall include the street address. The identification
sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area and six feet in
height.
(b)
Public Entrance Identification Sign. One single-sided monument-style
sign is permitted at each entrance point where the interior roadways
intersect Holland Brook Road and US Route 202. The minimum setback
for these signs shall be 15 feet from a public right-of-way. Public
entrance signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area and eight
feet in height.
(c)
Interior Identification Sign. The zone may have one interior
monument-style identification sign. The identification sign shall
not exceed 24 square feet in sign area and six feet in height.
(d)
Directional. No more than two directional signs shall be allowed
on each street or driveway frontage from which vehicular access is
derived. A directional sign shall not exceed six square feet in sign
area and shall not exceed six feet in height. A directional sign shall
be set back from any lot line by at least three feet.
(e)
Residential Building Identification. Each residential building
may have up to two attached identification signs. The maximum sign
area of each shall not exceed six square feet. Such signs shall be
appropriately integrated within the architecture of the buildings.
(f)
Open Space Identification. Individual open spaces within the
zone may have up to four monument-style identification signs. Such
signs shall not exceed six square feet in sign area and six feet in
height.
(g)
Lighting. Signs shall not be internally illuminated.
(h)
The types, designs, lighting and locations of all signs shall
be subject to approval by the Board.
3.
Lighting.
(a)
No building-mounted lighting shall be more than 12 feet above
the closest first floor finished grade. Building-mounted lighting
shall not be directed to parking areas and shall be of full cut-off
design.
(b)
The types, designs and locations of all lighting shall be subject
to approval by the Board.
A. The AH-6 Zone shall provide 125 affordable dwelling units as follows:
1.
40 Affordable Family Stacked Townhouses.
2.
26 Affordable Age-restricted Townhouses or Stacked Townhouses.
3.
31 Affordable Family Rental Apartments.
4.
28 Affordable Age-restricted Rental Apartments.
B. Affordable family apartment dwelling units shall be distributed equally
among all family apartment buildings.
C. All affordable age-restricted apartments may be located within a
single building, provided that the total number of dwellings permitted
in the building is not exceeded.
D. Affordable housing shall comply in every respect with the affordable
housing requirements of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing,
or any successor or replacement agency; the New Jersey Housing Mortgage
and Finance Agency, or any successor or replacement entity; and the
New Jersey courts, as such requirements exist at the time of final
approval.
[Added 8-26-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-1359]
The R/S-3 Zone is intended to provide goods and services to
the ultimate consumer in appropriately scaled shops and offices, and
the potential of apartments over retail or office space, reflecting
the character of development along Route 22.
The use, bulk, design and performance standards of the R/S-3
Zone shall supersede other zoning provisions of the Branchburg Township
Land Development Ordinance, except that where the regulations and
standards of the R/S-3 Zone are silent, the other standards of the
Land Development Ordinance shall apply.
A. Principal uses, all to be developed substantially as shown on the
exhibit entitled "Overall Commercial Site Plan Exhibit" prepared by
Dynamic Engineering, dated 01/04/19, last revised 08/09/19 (the "R/S-3
Plan"):
1.
One convenience store with motor fuel dispensing of approximately
6,000 sq. ft. and a maximum of 16 fueling positions;
2.
One fast-food restaurant of approximately 5,000 sq. ft.;
3.
Restaurant of approximately 8,000 sq. ft.;
4.
Pharmacy of approximately 15,000 sq. ft.;
8.
Grocery market of approximately 25,000 sq. ft.;
9.
A single story of apartments above retail or office space.
10.
One bus shelter for public bus services;
11.
One identification sign for the residential uses in the AH-4
Zone, as regulated in this section.
B. Preexisting
uses and structures in the zone at the time of adoption of this ordinance
shall continue to be permitted uses and structures, but shall not
be expanded if inconsistent with the use and structure requirements
of the zone. The subdivision of property in accordance with the establishment
and development of the AH-4 Route 22 Planned Residential/Affordable
Housing 4 Zone and R/S-3 Retail Service 3 Zone consistent with the
R/S-3 and AH-4 Concept Plans shall be permitted and shall not be considered
an expansion or intensification of the preexisting uses and structures
in the R/S-3 Retail Service 3 Zone. This provision of the ordinance
shall automatically sunset and expire on July 31, 2025.
[Added 8-24-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-1387]
C. Accessory uses:
1.
Uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted use.
2.
Outdoor dining, as regulated in this section.
D. Common Elements:
This ordinance recognizes that driveways, roadways, plantings
and utilities serving development within this zone will also serve
development permitted in the adjacent AH-4 Zone. Common use of such
elements is permitted and shall not constitute a nonconforming use.
A. The minimum planted frontage buffer to Route 22 shall be 40 feet
and provided in accordance with paragraph 4-5.2A.
B. The minimum setback from the Route 22 right-of-way to any building,
with the exception of a bus shelter, shall be 75 feet.
C. The minimum setback from any other public street right-of-way to
any building shall be 30 feet, of which 20 feet shall consist of a
frontage buffer in accordance with paragraph 4-5.2 A; except that
stormwater management facilities, sidewalks, and open space shall
not require frontage buffering.
D. The minimum setback from any private street to any building shall
be 20 feet.
E. The minimum setback from the curbline shall be 25 feet.
F. Maximum floor area ratio: .20.
G. Maximum impervious coverage: 70%.
J. Minimum distance between buildings: 25 feet.
K. Maximum building height: 45 feet or 2 1/2 stories, whichever
is less; except that a maximum of 50 feet or 3 1/2 stories is
permitted for a building facing Route 22 that includes apartments
above retail or office space, provided that a front building setback
of at least 200 feet is maintained.
L. Maximum floor area of any single retail building shall not exceed
25,000 square feet.
M. Parking is permitted in the front yard, but in no case shall parking
be located within the required frontage buffer along Route 22.
N. Outdoor dining is permitted as accessory to a restaurant, subject
to the following:
1.
A minimum of four feet of unobstructed sidewalk surface or delineated
paved surface adjacent to outdoor dining shall be available for pedestrian
traffic around or through the outdoor dining area;
2.
Umbrellas or awning used in an outdoor dining area shall provide
a minimum clearance of seven feet from the lowest point to grade;
3.
No table, chair, or other item used in conjunction with an outdoor
dining area shall be attached, chained or in any manner affixed to
any tree, post, sign, curb or sidewalk or property of the Township.
O. The minimum planted transition buffer shall be substantially in accordance
with the exhibit entitled "Wall Exhibit at Property Line Between AH-4
Zone and R/S-3 Zone", dated July 8, 2019, revised July 10, 2019, 1
page, which is a part of subsection 3-33 (the "Wall Exhibit").
[Amended 5-8-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-1447]
A. Circulation and Streets.
1.
Major circulation in the R/S-3 Zone shall be substantially in
accordance with the exhibit entitled "Conceptual Vehicular Circulation
Plan for Block 9", dated 5-24-19, revised 8-6-19 prepared by Douglas
A. Ball, P.E., Township Engineer, which is a part of subsection 3-33
(the "Circulation Plan").
2.
The intersection of Route 22 with and across from France Drive
shall be signalized in accordance with the recommendations of the
Master Plan Land Use Element.
3.
All streets, alleys, driveways and parking areas shall demonstrate
adequate access for and circulation of the most restrictive Branchburg
fire apparatus, taking in consideration parking spaces and tree canopies.
4.
All streets, alleys, driveways and parking areas in the R/S-3
Zone, and all infrastructure within them, shall be privately owned
and maintained.
5.
All streets, alleys, driveways and parking areas in the R/S-3
Zone shall be subject to Title 39 jurisdiction.
B. Community design.
1.
Development in the R/S-3 Zone shall be substantially in accordance
with the R/S-3 Plan.
2.
However, it is not intended that the R/S-3 Plan and the Circulation
Plan be definitive regarding any particular aspect of the community
design, it being intended that Board review of a site plan will result
in reasonable refinements, while still being substantially consistent
with the R/S-3 Plan and the Circulation Plan.
3.
Street trees shall be planted an average of 40 feet on center
along the entirety of the public and private street frontages, except
for frontages on lanes or alleys.
4.
The development shall include a transit stop and plaza area
as depicted on the R/S-3 Plan.
5.
No refuse container or trash or recycling collection area shall
be located closer than 50 feet to any residential unit.
C. Steep Slopes, Stream Corridors, and Walls.
1.
Retaining walls between development in the R/S-3 Zone and the
AH-4 Zone shall be constructed substantially in accordance with the
Wall Exhibit.
2.
The Board shall require as a condition of approval that the
applicant maintain the landscape area between the retaining walls.
3.
The Board shall require as a condition of approval that the
applicant provide a permanent recorded easement to the AH-4 developer
for the landscape maintenance from the face of the wall to the common
property line.
4.
The Board shall grant waivers from steep slope grading and development
requirements where reasonably necessary and consistent with the R/S-3
Plan and the Wall Exhibit.
5.
The Board shall grant waivers from stream corridor buffer width
requirements where reasonably necessary and consistent with the R/S-3
Plan, and in accordance with NJDEP regulations.
D. Stormwater Management.
1.
Stormwater quality and recharge requirements for the R/S-3 Zone
may utilize an area within the adjacent AH-4 Zone for a detention
basin as shown on the exhibit "AH-4 Plan", which is a part of subsection
3-33.
2.
The developer shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary
easements and agreements for the construction and perpetual maintenance
of any off-site stormwater facilities.
E. Design Standards. Deviations from these standards shall be considered
exceptions pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-51.
1.
Pedestrian Connectivity. Pedestrian walkways shall coincide
with and connect to the walkways planned for or constructed in accordance
with the exhibit entitled "Pedestrian Connectivity Exhibit" which
is part of section 3-33. Painted pedestrian crosswalks in accordance
with applicable governmental standards shall be provided at intersections.
2.
Signs.
(a)
AH-4 Residential Identification Sign. One "V"-shaped, two-faced
identification sign for the residential uses in the AH-4 Zone, with
a maximum area of 60 square feet on each face and located a minimum
of 15-feet from the highway right-of-way, substantially in accordance
with the sign designated as the exhibit entitled "Monument Sign Elevation
Detail" and dated May 9, 2019..
(b)
Non-Residential Signs Permitted:
(1) One primary freestanding sign, which shall contain
the street address, maximum 16 feet in height, maximum 80 sq. ft.
in area, set back not less than 15 feet from any lot line or right-of-way;
(2) Two secondary freestanding signs, each maximum
12 feet in height, maximum 60 sq. ft. in area, set back not less than
15 feet from any lot line or right-of-way;
(3) Facade, awning, canopy and/or window signs for
each commercial building, the aggregate total of all such signs not
to exceed 5% of the front facade of the principal building.
(c)
Prohibited Signs:
(1) Signs that change message or color, or move or
appear to move;
(2) Signs that use LEDs or other individual lights
to create a message. This prohibition shall not apply to the use of
LEDs or other individual lights to create a message display of fuel
prices on gas station property signs.
(d)
All sign materials, finishes and designs shall be consistent.
3.
Lighting.
(a)
No building-mounted lighting shall be more than 15 feet above
the closest first floor finished grade.
(b)
The types, designs and locations of all lighting shall be approved
by the Board as a part of a its approval.
F. Affordable Housing.
1.
At least twenty percent of any dwelling units in the R/S - 3
Zone shall be affordable housing units.
2.
Affordable housing units shall not be age-restricted.
3.
Affordable housing units shall be dispersed throughout market
rate units of the same type within the development in a manner approved
by the Board.
4.
Affordable housing shall comply in every respect with the affordable
housing requirements of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing,
or any successor or replacement agency; the New Jersey Housing Mortgage
and Finance Agency, or any successor or replacement entity; and the
New Jersey courts, as such requirements exist at the time of final
development approval.
[Added 10-28-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-1365]
The R/S-4 Zone is primarily intended to provide goods and services
to the ultimate consumer in appropriately scaled shops and offices,
and the potential of apartments over retail or office space, reflecting
the character of development along Route 202.
The use, bulk, design and performance standards of the R/S -
4 Zone shall supersede other zoning provisions of the Branchburg Township
Land Development Ordinance, except that where the regulations and
standards of the R/S - 4 Zone are silent, the other standards of the
land development ordinance shall apply
A. Principal uses:
1.
A convenience store with motor fuel dispensing;
2.
A fast-food restaurant with drive-thru;
3.
A restaurant or take-out restaurant;
5.
Retails sales and personal services;
6.
Business and medical offices;
[Amended 3-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-1406]
9.
Commercial agriculture, excluding marijuana production;
10.
A single story of apartments above retail or office space;
11.
Community residences for the developmentally disabled and community
shelters for victims of domestic violence for fewer than six occupants;
12.
Child care centers as regulated in section 4-7;
13. Banks and other financial institutions; and
[Added 3-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-1406]
14. Grocery Market limited to 25,000 square feet.
[Added 3-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-1406]
B. Conditional uses:
1.
Assisted Living as regulated in subsection 3-27.
C. Accessory uses:
1.
Uses customarily incidental and ancillary to a permitted use.
2.
Outdoor dining, as regulated in this section.
A. Minimum lot area: 60,000 square feet.
B. Minimum lot width: 200 feet.
C. Minimum front yard: 50 feet.
D. Minimum side yard: 25 feet.
E. Minimum rear yard: 25 feet.
F. Maximum height: 50 feet or 3 1/2 stories, whichever is less.
G. Maximum impervious coverage shall be 50%.
[Amended 3-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-1406]
H. Outdoor dining is permitted as accessory to a restaurant, subject
to the following:
1.
Seating for outdoor dining may not exceed 50% of the total seating
provided inside;
2.
Seating for outdoor dining is considered seasonal and is therefore
not included in the total seating count for parking demand;
3.
A minimum of four feet of unobstructed sidewalk surface or delineated
paved surface adjacent to outdoor dining available for pedestrian
traffic around or through the outdoor dining area;
4.
Umbrellas or awning used in an outdoor dining area shall provide
a minimum clearance of seven feet from the lowest point to grade;
5.
No table, chair, or other item used in conjunction with an outdoor
dining area shall be attached, chained or in any manner affixed to
any tree, post, sign, curb or sidewalk or property of the Township.
[Added 3-22-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-1406]
A. The
transition buffer requirements set forth in §4-5.4B1 "Frontage
and Transition Buffer Requirements" as they pertain to the adjacent
AH-5 Route 202 Affordable Housing 5 Zone shall be amended to provide
for a minimum buffer of 20 feet within the zone. All other "Frontage
and Transition Buffer Requirements" shall apply within the zone.
B. The
number of parking spaces requirement set forth in 4-4.2 "Number of
Parking Spaces" Exhibit 2 "Off-Street Parking Requirements for Nonresidential
Land Uses" for "Retail Store Business Services and Personal Services
(5 or fewer tenants)" shall be amended to provide for a minimum of
1 space per 250 square feet GFA within the zone. All other "Number
of Parking Spaces" requirements shall apply within the zone.
C. The
parking lot requirement set forth in § 5-2.1J "Parking Size and
Parking Lot Design" as it pertains to the location of parking lots
a minimum of 20 feet from any property line shall not apply to property
lines based on the subdivision of property with the zone. All other
"Parking Size and Parking Lot Design" requirements shall within the
zone.
D. The
permitted signage in the zone shall comply with the regulations and
requirements set forth in § 4-8 "Signs" unless otherwise modified
below:
1. One freestanding monument sign for a combination gas station/convenience
store use, which shall include the street address, maximum 12 feet
in height, maximum 80 square feet in area, with or without internal
illumination, set back not less than 15 feet from any lot line or
right of way shall be permitted in the zone;
2. Three secondary freestanding monument signs, which shall include
the street address, maximum 12 feet in height, maximum 50 square feet
in area, with or without internal illumination, set back not less
than 15 feet from any lot line or right of way shall be permitted
in the zone;
3. Facade, awning, canopy and/or window signs for each commercial building,
the aggregate total of all such signs not to exceed 5% of the front
facade of the principal building. Where no free standing or ground
sign is used the aggregate total of all such signs shall not exceed
7%;
4. All sign materials, finishes and designs shall be consistent.
E. The §
5-8.4 "Design Standards for the R/S-1 and R/S-2 Retail Service Zones and the PO Planned Overlay Zone" shall apply within the zone unless otherwise modified herein.
F. The §
3-2.5 "Second Principle Building on Same Lot Prohibited" provisions under subsection A shall not apply within the zone.
[Added 9-14-2020 by Ord.
No. 2020-1390]
The development of the AH-7 18 Lamington Road Affordable Housing
7 Zone is to be in accordance with the "18 Lamington Road Redevelopment
Plan" attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Editor's Note: Exhibit A, 18 Lamington Road Redevelopment Plan,
is included as an attachment of this chapter.
[Added 3-28-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-1424]
The "Evans Way Redevelopment Plan" attached hereto as Exhibit
A is hereby adopted in accordance with the Redevelopment and Housing
Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-7.
Editor's Note: Exhibit A, Evans Way Redevelopment Plan, is included
as an attachment of this chapter.