This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Land Development
Ordinance of the Borough of Dunellen."
The approval provision of this chapter shall be administered
by the Borough of Dunellen Planning Board or Board of Adjustment,
all in accordance with applicable statutes, laws and ordinances.
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms used herein are
defined as follows:
APPLICANT
A developer submitting an application for development.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The application form and all accompanying documents required
by this chapter for approval of a subdivision plat, site plan, conditional
use, zoning variance or direction of the issuance of a permit pursuant
to applicable statutes, laws and ordinances.
APPROVING AUTHORITY
The Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment of the
municipality, unless a different agency is designated by ordinance,
when acting pursuant to the authority of this Act.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
The Board established by the Zoning Ordinance of the Borough
of Dunellen. May be referred to herein as the "Board."
BUILDING
A combination of materials to form a construction adapted
to permanent, temporary or continuous occupancy and having a roof
as further defined by the Uniform Construction Code.
CIRCULATION
Systems, structures and physical improvements for the movement
of people, goods, water, air, sewage or power by such means as streets,
highways, railways, waterways, towers, airways, pipes, cables and
conduits.
CONDITIONAL USE
A use permitted in a particular zoning district only upon a showing that such use in a specified location will comply with the conditions and standards for the location or operation of such use, as contained in Chapter
115, Zoning, and upon the issuance of an authorization therefor by the Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment.
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
When used in this chapter, the construction specifications
and standard construction details as specified by the Borough Engineer
of the Borough of Dunellen.
COUNTY MASTER PLAN
A composite of the Master Plan for the physical development
of Middlesex County, with the accompanying maps, plats, charts and
descriptive and explanatory matter adopted by the County Planning
Board pursuant to New Jersey statute.
DEVELOPER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or of any
land proposed to be included in a proposed development, including
the holder of an option or contract to purchase, or other person having
an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.
DEVELOPMENT
The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels;
the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration,
relocation or enlargement, of any building or other structure or of
any mining, excavation or landfill; and any use or change in the use
of any building or other structure or land or extension of use of
land for which permission may be required.
DEVELOPMENT REGULATION
A zoning ordinance, subdivision ordinance, site plan ordinance,
Official Map or other municipal regulation of the use and development
of land or amendments thereto.
DRAINAGE
The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by
drains, grading or other means and includes control of runoff to minimize
erosion and sedimentation during and after construction or development
and means necessary for water supply preservation or prevention or
alleviation of flooding.
DRAINAGE RIGHT-OF-WAY OR EASEMENT
The lands required for the installation of stormwater or drainage ditches or required along a natural stream or watercourse for preserving the channel and providing for the flow of water therein to safeguard the public against flood damage in accordance with Chapter
1 of Title 58 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes.
EROSION
The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by
water, wind, ice, gravity or otherwise.
FINAL APPROVAL
The official action of the Planning Board and/or Zoning Board
of Adjustment taken on a preliminary approved major subdivision, site
plan or other application for development after all conditions, engineering
plans and other requirements have been completed or fulfilled and
the required improvements have been installed or guaranties properly
posted for their completion or approval conditioned upon the posting
of such guaranties.
FINAL PLAT
The final map of all or a portion of the subdivision, which
is presented to the Planning Board for final approval in accordance
with these regulations and which, if approved, shall be filed with
the proper county recording officer.
INTERESTED PARTY
In a criminal or quasi-criminal proceeding, any citizen of
the State of New Jersey, and, in the case of a civil proceeding in
any court or in an administrative proceeding before a municipal agency,
any person, whether residing within or without the municipality, whose
right to use, acquire or enjoy property is or may be affected by any
action taken under this Act or under any other law of this state or
of the United States or whose right has been denied, violated or infringed
upon by an action or a failure to act under this Act.
LAND
Includes improvements and fixtures on, above or below the
surface.
LOT
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by
a plat or otherwise permitted by law and to be used, developed or
built upon as a unit.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTY
Any security which may be accepted by a municipality for
the maintenance of any improvements required by this chapter.
MAJOR SUBDIVISION
Any subdivision not classified as a minor subdivision. In
addition, any proposed subdivision which would otherwise qualify as
a minor subdivision shall be classified as a "major subdivision" if
the subdivision under consideration represents a further subdivision
of an original tract of land for which previous minor subdivision(s)
have been approved by the Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment
within the past three years. The original tract of land shall be considered
any tract in existence at the time of the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance
of the Borough of Dunellen.
MASTER PLAN
A composite of the mapped and written proposals recommending
the physical development of the municipality, which shall have been
duly adopted by the municipality.
MINOR SUBDIVISION
Any subdivision containing not more than two lots fronting
on an existing street and not involving any new street, road or the
extension of any off-site improvements.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot, the area, dimension, location or development of which
was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of a zoning
ordinance but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning
district in which it is located by reason of such adoption, revision
or amendment.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use or activity which was lawful prior to the adoption,
revision or amendment of a zoning ordinance but which fails to conform
to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located
by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment.
OFF SITE
Located outside the lot lines of the lot in question but
within the property (of which the lot is a part) which is the subject
of a development application or the closest half of the street or
right-of-way abutting the property of which the lot is a part.
OFF TRACT
Not located on the property which is the subject of a development
application nor on the closest half of a street or right-of-way abutting
the property.
ON SITE
Located on the lot in question and excluding any abutting
street or right-of-way.
ON TRACT
Located on the property which is the subject of a development
application or on the closest half of a street or right-of-way abutting
the property.
OPEN SPACE
Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved
and set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for public or private
use or enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants
of land adjoining or neighboring such open space, provided that such
areas may be improved with only those buildings, structures, streets
and off-street parking and other improvements that are designed to
be incidental to the natural openness of the land.
OWNER
Any individual, firm, association, syndicate, copartnership
or corporation having sufficient proprietary interest in the land
sought to be developed to commence and maintain proceedings to develop
the same under this chapter.
PARTY IMMEDIATELY CONCERNED
For purposes of notice, any applicant for development, the
owners of the subject property and all owners of property and government
agencies entitled to notice under applicable New Jersey statute, the
Municipal Zoning Ordinance and this chapter.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTY
Any security which may be accepted by a municipality, including
cash, provided that the Borough of Dunellen shall not require more
than 10% of the total performance guaranty in cash or equivalent surety.
PLANNING BOARD
The municipal Planning Board of the Borough of Dunellen established
pursuant to applicable New Jersey statute. May be referred to herein
as the "Board".
PLAT
A map or maps of a subdivision, site plan or variance application.
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL
The conferral of certain rights pursuant to this chapter
prior to final approval after specific elements of a development plan
have been agreed upon by the Planning Board and/or Zoning Board of
Adjustment and the applicant.
PRELIMINARY FLOOR PLANS AND ELEVATIONS
Architectural drawings prepared during early and introductory
stages of the design of a project, illustrating, in a schematic form,
its scope, scale and relationship to its site and immediate environs.
PUBLIC AREAS
Includes public parks, playgrounds, trails, paths and other
recreational areas; other public open space; scenic and historic sites;
and sites for schools and other public buildings and structures.
PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
A master plan, capital improvement program or other proposal
for land development adopted by the appropriate public body or any
amendment thereto.
PUBLIC DRAINAGEWAY
The land reserved or dedicated for the installation of stormwater
sewers or drainage ditches or required along a natural stream or watercourse
for preserving the channel and providing for the flow of water to
safeguard the public against flood damage, sedimentation and erosion.
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
An open space area conveyed or otherwise dedicated to a municipality,
municipal agency, Board of Education, state or county agency or other
public body for recreational or conservational uses.
RESUBDIVISION
The further division or relocation of lot lines of any lot
or lots within a subdivision previously made and approved or recorded
according to law or the alteration of any streets or the establishment
of any new streets within any subdivision previously made and approved
or recorded according to law, but does not include conveyances so
as to combine existing lots by deed or other instrument.
SEDIMENTATION
The deposition of soil that has been transported from its
site of origin by water, ice, wind, gravity or other natural means
as a product of erosion.
SITE PLAN
A development plan of one or more lots on which is shown
the existing and proposed conditions of the lot, including but not
necessarily limited to topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains,
marshes and waterways; the location of all existing and proposed buildings,
drives, parking spaces, walkways, means of ingress and egress, drainage
facilities, utility services, landscaping, lighting, structures, signs
and screening devices; and any other information that may be reasonably
required in order to make an informed determination pursuant to this
chapter requiring review and approval of site plans by the Planning
Board and/or Zoning Board of Adjustment adopted pursuant to applicable
New Jersey statute.
SKETCH PLAT
The sketch map of a subdivision of sufficient accuracy to
be used for the purpose of discussion and classification and meeting
the requirements of this chapter.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
Standards adopted by ordinance regulating noise levels, glare,
earthborne or sonic vibrations, heat, electronic or atomic radiation,
noxious odors, toxic matters, explosive and inflammable matters, smoke
and airborne particles, waste discharge, screening of unsightly objects
or conditions and such other similar matters as may be reasonably
required by the municipality or required by applicable federal or
state laws or municipal ordinances.
STREET
Any street, avenue, boulevard, road, parkway, viaduct, drive
or other way which is an existing state, county or municipal roadway
and includes the land between the street lines, whether improved or
unimproved, and may comprise pavement, shoulders, gutters, curbs,
sidewalks, parking areas and other areas within the street lines.
For the purpose of this chapter, "streets" shall be classified as
follows:
B.
SECONDARY TRAFFIC STREETSStreets connecting places of relatively dense settlement with each other and with arterial streets and intended primarily for inter-municipal and commuter traffic.
C.
CONNECTOR STREETSThose which carry traffic from minor streets to the major systems of arterial streets, including the principal entrance streets of a residential development.
D.
MINOR STREETSThose which are used primarily for access to the abutting properties.
E.
MARGINAL ACCESS STREETSStreets which are parallel to and adjacent to arterial streets and highways and which provide access to abutting properties and protection from through traffic.
F.
ALLEYSMinor ways which are used primarily for vehicular service access to the back or the side of properties otherwise abutting on a street.
SUBDIVIDER
Any individual, firm, association, syndicate, co-partnership,
corporation, trust or any other legal entity commencing proceedings
under this chapter to effect a subdivision of land hereunder for himself
or for another.
SUBDIVISION
The division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or
more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land for sale or
development. The following shall not be considered "subdivisions"
within the meaning of this chapter if no new streets are created:
divisions of property upon court order; and conveyances so as to combine
existing lots by deed or other instrument. The term "subdivision"
shall also include the term "resubdivision."
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE
A committee of at least three Planning Board members appointed
by the Chairman of the Board for the purposes of classifying subdivisions
in accordance with the provisions of applicable New Jersey statutes
and municipal ordinances, and such other duties relating to land subdivision
which may be conferred on this Committee by the Board.
WALKWAY or SIDEWALK
A way for carrying pedestrian traffic and may be located
within the right-of-way provided for a street or may be located adjacent
to a property line, between lots and laid out so that it may provide
pedestrian traffic along a street or road or within a subdivision
connecting two streets.
The sketch plat shall be based on a survey of land (prepared
no earlier than two years from the date of the application) prepared
by a New Jersey licensed surveyor at a scale not less than 100 feet
to the inch in order to enable the entire tract to be shown on one
sheet not exceeding 24 inches by 36 inches in size and shall show
or include, in addition to the proposed street layout, the following
information:
A. A key map showing the general location of the site.
B. A map drawn at a minimum scale of one inch equals 100 feet.
C. The location of that portion which is to be subdivided in relation
to the entire tract.
D. The names and addresses of the applicant and the property owner.
E. The Tax Map sheet, block and lot number.
F. Zoning boundaries and a schedule indicating required bulk regulations
and requested variances.
G. The title and date of the plan, revision box and North arrow.
H. All existing structures, topography and wooded areas within the portion
to be subdivided and within 200 feet thereof.
I. The names of the owners and lot and block numbers of all property
located within a 200-foot radius of the site.
J. New Jersey license number of the land surveyor preparing the plat.
K. Flood hazard boundaries affecting the tract.
L. A stockholder's certificate, if applicable.
The preliminary plat shall be clearly and legibly drawn or reproduced at a scale of not less than one inch equals 100 feet. Preliminary plats shall be designed and drawn by a licensed New Jersey land surveyor. All engineering details shown on the plat shall be certified and sealed by a New Jersey licensed engineer. The plat shall be designed in compliance with the provision of §
115A-19 of this chapter and shall show or be accompanied by the following information:
A. A key map showing the entire subdivision and its relation to surrounding
areas within 1,000 feet and zone boundaries.
B. A map drawn at a minimum scale of one inch equals 100 feet.
C. The tract name; Tax Map sheet, block and lot number; date; North
arrow; graphic scale; and the following names and addresses:
(1)
The name and address of the record owner or owners.
(2)
The name and address of the applicant.
(3)
The name, address, New Jersey license number, seal and signature
of the person who prepared the map.
(4)
The names of the owners and the lot and block numbers of properties
within 200 feet of the extreme limits of the subdivision.
D. Acreage of the tract to be subdivided, to the nearest 1/10 of an
acre.
E. Zoning boundaries and a schedule indicating required bulk regulations
and requested variances.
F. Sufficient elevations and contours, drawn at one-foot vertical intervals
for slopes averaging 10% or less and at five-foot intervals for land
of greater slopes, to determine the general slope and natural drainage
of the land and the high and low points.
G. The proposed street system and right-of-way for pedestrian traffic.
Elevations at important points on the street system, such as street
intersections, high and low points, etc., shall be indicated. Plans
and profiles of existing conditions a minimum distance of 200 feet
beyond the subdivision boundaries.
H. The location of existing and proposed property lines, streets, buildings,
watercourses, railroads, bridges, culverts, sewers drainpipes and
any natural features, such as wooded areas and rock formations.
I. Plans for proposed utility layouts (water, gas, cable, telephone
and electricity), showing feasible connections to existing or any
proposed utility system.
J. Plans and profiles of all proposed and existing sanitary sewers,
storm drains, drainage ditches and streams within the subdivision,
together with the locations, size, elevations, grades and capacities
of any existing sanitary sewer, storm drain, drain, drainage ditch
or stream to which the proposed facility shall be connected. The plat
shall show flood hazard boundaries.
K. When the development of the subdivision or improvements within the
subdivision are contingent upon information outside the boundaries
of said subdivision, such information shall be supplied by the subdivider.
L. The proposed stormwater retention or detention facilities.
M. A copy of the deed and any protective covenants or deed restrictions
applying to the land being subdivided.
N. The proposed landscaping and lighting, including intensity patterns.
O. A signature block for required approvals.
P. A stockholders certificate, if applicable.
The final plat shall be drawn in ink or tracing cloth on Mylar
at a scale of not less than one inch equals 100 feet and shall be
in compliance with all applicable provisions of Chapter 358 of the
Laws of 1953 and N.J.S.A. 46:23-9.9 et seq. The final plat shall show or be accompanied by the following:
A. Date, name and location of the subdivision; name of the owner; graphic
scale; and North arrow.
B. Tract boundary lines, right-of-way lines of streets, street names,
easements and other rights-of-way, land to be reserved or dedicated
to public use, all lot lines and other site lines, with accurate dimensions,
bearing or deflection angles and radii, area and central angles of
all curves.
C. The purpose and location of any easement or land reserved or dedicated
to public use and the proposed use of sites other than residential.
D. Each block and lot(s) within each block shall be numbered as assigned
by the Borough Tax Assessor.
E. Minimum building setback lines on all lots and other sites.
F. Location of all existing and proposed monuments.
G. Block and lot numbers of adjoining lots and name(s) of owner(s).
H. Certification by the surveyor as to the accuracy of the details of
the plat.
I. Certification that the applicant is agent or owner of the land or
that the owner has given consent under an option agreement.
J. Certification of approval by any officer or body of a municipality,
county or state when such approval is required.
K. Final cross-sections and profiles of streets, curbs or gutters if
changed from preliminary plat approval or required by the Borough
Engineer.
L. Plans and profiles of storm and sanitary sewers and water mains and
cross-sections of manholes, catch basins and other appurtenances approved
by the Borough Engineer.
M. Plans and profiles of all streams, ditches and watercourses, where
applicable.
N. A certificate from the Tax Collector that all taxes are paid to date.
A site plan, as herein required, shall be submitted in 12 copies
to the Construction Official. The preliminary and final site plans
shall be drawn, show or be accompanied by the following:
A. A minimum scale of 50 feet to the inch, except where otherwise authorized
by the Board. All distances shall be in feet and decimals of a foot,
and all bearings shall be given to the nearest 10 seconds.
B. The names of all owners of record of all adjacent properties and
any property directly across from any official street and the block
and parcel number of the property and a key map showing general location
of the site to adjacent properties.
C. Existing zoning district boundaries, boundaries of the property,
setback lines and lines of existing streets, lots, reservations, easements
and areas dedicated to public use, where applicable.
D. A copy of the deed and any covenants or deed restrictions that exist
or are intended to cover all or any part of the tract.
E. Location of existing buildings and all other physical structures,
such as walls, fences, culverts, bridges and roadways, with spot elevations
of such features. The outline of such structures shall be indicated
by a dashed line.
F. Location of all sanitary and storm drainage structures and utility
lines, whether existing or proposed, publicly or privately owned.
G. Existing and proposed contours with intervals of one foot where slopes
are 10% or less and five feet where slopes are more than 10%, referred
to a datum as required by the Borough Engineer. Control elevations
shall be shown.
H. Location of existing rock outcrops, high points, watercourses, depressions,
ponds, marshes, wooded areas and other significant existing features,
including flood hazard boundaries.
I. Title, date, North arrow, scale, name and address of record owner
and name, address and New Jersey professional license number and seal
of the engineer, architect or land surveyor preparing the site development
plan, to appear in a box at the lower right-hand corner of the site
plan which shall contain the date of revisions.
J. A survey prepared by a surveyor licensed in the State of New Jersey,
which survey shall show the boundaries of the parcel and the limits
of all proposed streets, easements and any other property to be dedicated
to public use, and all existing and proposed monuments.
K. The proposed use or uses of land and buildings and existing and proposed
location of buildings and elevations of all proposed buildings.
L. All proposed means of vehicular access and egress to and from the
site onto public streets, showing the location and dimension of driveways
and curb cuts.
M. The location and design of any off-street parking areas or loading
areas, showing size and location of bays, aisles and barriers.
N. The location of all proposed waterlines, valves and hydrants and
of all sewer lines or alternative means of water supply or sewerage
disposal and treatment in conformance with the applicable standards
of the Borough and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
(NJDEP).
O. The proposed location, direction of illumination, type and shielding
of proposed outdoor lighting.
P. All proposed landscaping, including a planting plan, showing type,
size and quantity of proposed plantings.
Additional improvements and guaranties prior to final approval
where off-tract improvements are required shall be as follows:
A. Where the need for off-tract improvements of the type described in §
115A-14 of this chapter is, in whole or in part, made necessary by the application of the subdivider or developer and the installation of the improvement would confer a benefit upon the subdivision, a determination of the contribution of the developer for said off-tract improvement shall be made in accordance with the provisions as hereinafter set forth, and the performance of the work or the posting of adequate performance guaranties to ensure installation of the required off-tract improvement or improvements shall be made by the developer.
B. Where the Board has determined by resolution the necessity of an
off-tract improvement, it shall forward its recommendation, together
with the estimated cost of the off-tract improvement, to the governing
body of the Borough of Dunellen. Said estimated cost of the off-tract
improvement shall set forth an estimate by which all properties to
be serviced thereby, including the developer's property, shall
be benefited thereby.
C. Upon receipt of the recommendation and report of the Board, the governing
body shall, within 30 days from the date of receipt thereof, make
a determination as follows:
(1)
That the recommended off-tract improvement should not be required
of the developer; or
(2)
If the governing body, by resolution, concurs with the recommendation
of the Board in whole or in part, it shall notify the Board of its
recommendation, and the Board shall then, with the aid of the Borough
Engineer or such other persons who have pertinent information or expertise,
calculate the cost of the improvement and the amount by which all
properties to be serviced thereby, including the subdivider's
or developer's property, will be specifically benefited therefrom.
D. Manner of construction. Upon completion of the Board studies with
respect to the cost of the improvement and special benefits to be
conferred, these reports shall be forwarded to the governing body,
and a determination shall be made by the governing body as to whether
the off-tract improvement is to be constructed:
(1)
By the Borough of Dunellen as a general improvement; or
(2)
By the Borough as a local improvement; or
(3)
By the subdivider or developer under a formula providing for
partial reimbursement by the Borough for benefits to properties other
than the subdivision, if any.
E. Amount of contribution. When this has been determined, the subdivider
or developer may be required to provide, as a condition for final
approval of the subdivision, a bond or a cash deposit in lieu thereof
to ensure payment to the Borough of one of the following amounts:
(1)
If the improvement is to be constructed by the Borough as a
general improvement, an amount equal to the difference between the
estimated cost of the improvement and the estimated total amount,
if less, by which all properties to be serviced thereby, including
the subdivision property, will be specifically benefited by the off-tract
improvement.
(2)
If the improvement is to be constructed by the Borough as a local improvement, then in addition to the amount referred to in Subsection
E(1), the estimated amount by which the subdivision will be specifically benefited by the off-tract improvement.
(3)
If the improvement is to be constructed by the subdivider, an
amount equal to the estimated cost of the off-tract improvement, less
an offset for benefits to properties other than the subdivision.
F. Determination of special benefits. In determining benefits conferred
on properties specially benefited by an off-tract improvement, the
following formula shall be used, subject to adjustment for peculiar
or exceptional conditions:
(1)
The subdivision shall be allocated that percentage of 100 computed
by dividing the subdivision land area by the total land area benefited
by the off-tract improvement.
(2)
The subdivision shall be allotted that percentage of 100 computed
by dividing the maximum potential intensity of use of the subdivision,
total square feet of building floor area, by the maximum potential
intensity of use under existing zoning limitations in the total land
area benefited by the off-tract improvement.
(3)
In the case of linear improvements, i.e., roads, curbing, sidewalks,
pipes, drains, sewers, drainage easements, etc., the subdivision shall
be allotted that percentage of 100 computed by dividing the distance,
measured along the course of the off-tract improvement, from the connecting
facility to the farthest abutting point of the subdivision by the
sum of the distance of all intervening properties, including the subdivision,
abutting the off-tract improvement similarly measured.
(4)
The sum of Subsection
F(1),
(2) and
(3), if applicable, shall be divided by two, or three if Subsection
F(3) is included, to arrive at the percentage which, subject to discretionary adjustment as above stated, shall be the percentage of the total cost of the off-tract improvement which shall be apportioned to the subdivider.
G. The requirement of appropriate off-tract improvements and the apportionment
of the cost of a portion thereof to the subdivider shall, where applicable,
be a condition of either preliminary (tentative) approval or final
approval of the major subdivision or a condition of classification
as a minor subdivision. If not imposed as a condition of preliminary
approval, such off-tract improvements and the apportionment of the
cost thereof shall be considered Improvements under the terms of this
chapter and may be imposed at the time of final approval.
H. Payment of allocated cost.
(1)
The estimated cost of the off-tract improvement allocated to
the subdivider, if deposited in cash, shall be paid by the subdivider
to the Borough Treasurer, who shall provide a suitable depository
therefor, and such funds shall be used only for the off-tract improvements
serving the same purpose. If such improvements are not initiated by
the Borough within a period of 10 years from the date of payment,
then funds so deposited shall be returned, together with accumulated
interest or other income thereon, if any.
(2)
In the event that the payment by the subdivider to the Borough
Treasurer provided for herein is less than its share of the actual
cost of the off-tract improvement, then the subdivider shall be required
to pay its additional share of the cost thereof within 10 days of
receipt of notice to do so.
(3)
In the event that the payment by a subdivider to the Borough
Treasurer provided for above is more than its appropriate share of
the actual cost of installation of the off-tract improvements, the
subdivider shall be repaid an amount equal to the difference between
the deposit and its share of the actual cost.
(4)
Before apportioning the cost of off-tract improvements to a
subdivider, the Board shall notify and afford the subdivider an opportunity
to be heard thereon at a public meeting. If the subdivider shall deem
that any of the amounts so estimated by the Board are unreasonable,
the subdivider may challenge them and seek to have them revised in
appropriate proceedings brought to compel subdivision approval.
(5)
If the subdivider and the Borough cannot agree with respect
to the subdivider's appropriate share of the actual cost of the
off-tract improvement or the determination made by the officer or
Board charged with the duty of making assessments as to special benefits
if the off-tract improvement is constructed as a local improvement,
the dispute shall be decided in an appropriate judicial proceeding.
I. Assessment of properties. Upon receipt from the subdivider of its
allocated share of the costs of the off-tract improvements, the Borough
may adopt a local improvement assessment ordinance for the purpose
of construction and installation of the off-tract improvements based
upon the actual cost thereof. Any portion of the cost of the improvements
not defrayed by a subdivider may be assessed against benefitted property
owners by the Borough. Any assessment for benefits conferred made
against the subdivider or its successors in interest shall be first
offset by a pro rata share credit of the allocated costs previously
deposited with the Borough Treasurer pertaining thereto. The subdivider,
or his successors in interest, shall not be liable for any part of
an assessment for such improvements unless the assessment exceeds
its pro rata share credit for its deposit and then only to the extent
of the deficiency.
J. Credit for work performed. In the event that the subdivider installs
and constructs an off-tract improvement on any portion thereof, which
improvement is accepted by the Borough, then the cost, as submitted
by the assessment commission and certified by the Mayor and Council,
shall be treated as a credit against any future assessment for that
particular off-tract improvement or portion thereof constructed by
the Borough in the same manner as if the subdivider had deposited
its apportioned cost with the Borough Treasurer as provided herein.
K. Installation of improvements by applicant.
(1)
At the discretion and option of the Borough, the Borough may
enter into a contract with the subdivider providing for the installation
and construction of the off-tract improvements by the subdivider upon
contribution by the Borough of the remaining unallocated portion of
the cost of the off-tract improvement.
(2)
In the event that the Borough so elected to contribute to the
cost and expense of installation of the off-tract improvements by
the subdivider, the portion contributed by the Borough shall be subject
to possible certification and assessment as a local improvement against
benefiting property owners in the manner provided by law, if applicable.
L. Design standards. Should the subdivider and the Borough enter into
a contract for the construction and erection of the off-tract improvements
to be done by the subdivider, the subdivider shall observe all requirements
and principles of the Land Subdivision Ordinance and other ordinances
in the design of such improvements.
The subdivision plat shall conform to design standards that
will encourage good development patterns within the municipality.
Where either or both an Official Map and a Master Plan has or have
been adopted, the subdivision shall conform to the proposals and conditions
shown thereon. The streets, drainage, rights-of-way, school sites,
public parks and playgrounds shown on an officially adopted Master
Plan or Official Map shall be considered in connection with the approval
of subdivision plats. Where no Master Plan or Official Map exists,
streets and drainage rights-of-way shall be shown on the final plat
in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-41 and shall be such as to lend
themselves to the harmonious development of the municipality and to
enhance the public welfare in accordance with the following design
standards:
A. The arrangement of streets not shown on the Master Plan shall be
such as to provide for the appropriate extension of existing streets.
Whenever a cul-de-sac is permitted, the subdivider shall dedicate
a parcel of land 50 feet wide to be used as a future street and running
from the cul-de-sac to any adjoining land not fronting on a street,
as defined in this chapter, whether such adjoining land is owned by
the subdivider or not.
B. Minor streets shall be so designed as to discourage through traffic.
C. Subdivisions abutting arterial streets shall provide a marginal service
road or reverse frontage with a buffer strip for planting or some
other means of separation of through and local traffic as the Board
may determine appropriate.
D. Right-of-way widths.
(1)
The right-of-way width for streets under the Borough's
jurisdiction shall be in accordance with the following:
(a)
Arterial streets: 80 feet.
(b)
Minor arterial streets: 66 to 72 feet.
(c)
Connector streets: 60 feet.
(2)
Notwithstanding the above, it is recognized that rigorous application
of such standards for arterial and minor arterial streets may be impractical,
and the applicant may propose deviation from such standards.
E. No subdivision showing reserve strips controlling access to streets
shall be approved.
F. Subdivisions that adjoin or include existing streets that do not
conform to widths as shown on the Master Plan, or the street width
requirements of this chapter, shall dedicate additional width along
either one or both sides of said road. If the subdivision is along
one side only, 1/2 of the required extra width shall be dedicated.
G. Street grades. Grades of through and main traffic streets shall not
exceed 10% except under special conditions which may be approved by
the Planning Board. No street shall have a minimum grade of less than
1/2 of 1%.
H. Street intersections shall be laid out as nearly at right angles
as possible and in no case shall be less than 60°. The block corners
at intersections shall be rounded at the curbline with a curve having
a radius of not less than 20 feet.
I. A tangent of at least 100 feet long shall be introduced between reverse
curves.
J. When connecting street lines deflect each other, they shall be connected
by a curve extending one center line to the other. Radii for minor
streets shall be a minimum of 125 feet on the center line. Radii for
all other streets shall be designed in accordance with the American
Association of State Highway Officials or other accepted traffic engineering
standards.
K. All changes in grade shall be connected by vertical curves of sufficient
radii to provide a smooth transition and proper distance.
L. Connecting streets shall be planned wherever possible. Dead-end streets,
where planned, shall not be longer than 600 feet, except where unusual
circumstances require granting additional footage at the direction
of the Board, and shall provide a turnaround at the end with a radius
of not less than 50 feet and tangent wherever possible to the right
side of the street. If a dead-end street is of a temporary nature,
a similar turnaround shall be provided and provision made for future
extension of the street and reversion of the excess right-of-way to
the adjoining properties.
M. No street shall have a name which will duplicate or so nearly duplicate
as to be confused with the names of existing streets. The continuation
of an existing street shall have the same name. All street names shall
be approved by the Board after consultation with other appropriate
agencies.
N. Existing vegetation. To the greatest extent possible, significant
existing vegetation in good health and condition shall be preserved.
Particular consideration shall be given to preserving any existing
tree greater than four inches in diameter at breast height, as well
as existing stands of trees and tall shrubs and hedgerows along or
near lot lines.
O. Building location. A building shall be located to front toward and
relate to a public street, both functionally and visually. In a multiple-building
development, buildings located on the interior of a site shall front
towards and relate to one another, both functionally and visually.
To the greater extent possible, the development shall divide proposed
buildings into smaller, individualized groupings, utilizing such features
as courtyards, quadrangles and alleys that encourage pedestrian activity
and incidental social interaction among users. Spatial relationships
between buildings shall be geometrically logical and architecturally
formal. No building shall be oriented to front toward a parking lot.
All buildings shall be located to allow for adequate fire and emergency
access.
P. Parking lot location. A parking lot shall be located to the rear
of a building and/or the interior of the site where its visual impact
to adjacent properties and the public right-of-way can be minimized,
whenever practical and the circumstances permit.
Q. Decorative lampposts. The exterior of a site with greater than 100
feet of street frontage shall provide decorative lampposts approximately
10 feet to 12 feet high, spaced at intervals of approximately 40 feet
to 60 feet along or near all street lines and driveways. Walkways
in the interior of a site shall have decorative lampposts approximately
10 feet to 12 feet high, spaced at intervals of approximately 30 feet
to 40 feet. The style, size, color and type of light source of such
lampposts shall be determined by the Board based on existing fixtures
located in other similar type developments in the Borough. Lighting
levels from such fixtures shall be subject to Board approval.
R. Walkways.
(1)
Lot access. All lots shall have private walkway access to a
public sidewalk in the right-of-way. Such access shall be designed
for the safety, control, efficient movement, convenience and encouragement
of pedestrian traffic into and out of the site and to promote pedestrian
circulation generally within the Borough.
(2)
Materials. The Board may require that paving material(s) will
be architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors and
details of buildings and other structures on the site, adjacent properties
and public sidewalks and will create a more attractive development
generally. In no instance, however, shall a sidewalk located in a
public right-of-way be permitted to be constructed of asphalt.
S. Layout. All parking lots and loading areas shall be designed for
the safety, control, efficient movement and convenience of motor vehicles
circulation within a site. Traffic circulation shall be designed to
minimize the use of aisles serving parking areas as access drives.
For nonresidential uses, parking areas with more than 25 spaces shall
have separate entrances and exits, where possible. Trees and/or other
vegetation as required by the Board shall be planted in all landscaped
islands within and surrounding said parking lot.
These rules, regulations and standards shall be considered the
minimum requirements for the protection of the public health, safety
and welfare of the citizens of the Borough of Dunellen. Any action
taken by the Board and the governing body under the terms of this
chapter shall give primary consideration to the above-mentioned matters
and to the welfare of the entire community. However, if the subdivider,
developer or his agent can clearly demonstrate that, because of peculiar
conditions pertaining to his land, the literal enforcement of one
or more of these regulations is impractical or will exact undue hardship,
the Board may permit such variance or variances as may be reasonable
and within the general purpose and intent of the rules, regulations
and standards established by this chapter and the Municipal Land Use
Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.
If any article, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase
of this chapter is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional or
invalid, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of
this chapter.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-39e, all applicants for development
approval must obtain from the office of the Dunellen Borough Tax Collector
a certification providing that all taxes and assessments are paid
as of the date the Board first considers any application and as of
the date the Board is prepared to take final action on an application.
Standard required improvements set forth under §
115A-14 of this chapter shall apply to both subdivision and site plan applications. Also, the design standards set forth under §
115A-19 shall apply not only to subdivision applications, but also to site plan applications and variance applications.