It is not practical to show all possible design standards in this section. Therefore, standards from the current editions of the following publications shall be considered by Regional Planning and Division of Engineering. (All County details identified in this section can be found on the County website.)
A. 
United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices For Streets and Highways, United States Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
B. 
Institute of Transportation Engineers Trip Generation, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Washington, D.C.
C. 
Institute of Transportation Engineers Parking Generation, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Washington, D.C.
D. 
Stover, Vergil, G., and Koepke, Frank, J., Transportation and Land Development, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
E. 
New Jersey Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction.
F. 
New Jersey Department of Transportation Design Manual-Roadway.
G. 
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.
H. 
Leisch, Jack E. and Associates for Transportation Design Techniques, Incorporated. Turning Vehicle Templates.
I. 
New Jersey Department of Transportation Bicycle Compatible Roadway and Bikeway Planning and Design Guidelines.
J. 
New Jersey Department of Transportation Survey Manual - 2014.
K. 
AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities - 2012.
L. 
Pine Barrens Byway Corridor Management Plan - April 2009.
M. 
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program Green Infrastructure Guidance Manual for New Jersey - 2016.
Any land development subject to County review and approval shall provide on its lot the number of off-street parking and loading and unloading spaces required by the zoning, subdivision, site plan or other ordinance of the municipality in which the land development is to be located. In addition to local requirements, the following criteria are to be accounted for in the design of off-street parking and loading facilities for developments subject to review and approval by the County.
A. 
Off-street parking facilities shall be designed to prevent the storage of any vehicles upon any portion of the existing or future County right-of-way, including the sidewalk area, and within any portion of an entrance driveway or driveway lane that is within 20 feet of the County right-of-way.
B. 
Off-street parking facilities shall be designed to permit all vehicles to maneuver from an access driveway, aisle or parking space without encroaching upon any portion of the existing or future County right-of-way, including the sidewalk area.
C. 
Off-street parking facilities shall be designed to permit all vehicles to turn around on the site to prevent the necessity of any vehicle having to back onto the County road from the site.
D. 
Sufficient reservoir space shall be provided at the entrance drive to prevent queued entering vehicles from spilling back across the existing or future right-of-way of the County road, including the sidewalk area.
E. 
Entrance and exit lanes shall be clearly signed in order to prevent driver confusion.
F. 
No part of any off-street truck loading or unloading space shall be located within the right-of-way of any County road. On-site truck loading berths shall be designed in accordance with the current edition of the ITE's Transportation and Traffic Engineering Handbook.
G. 
Off-street truck loading and unloading spaces shall be located and designed to permit any truck to maneuver from a driveway into and out of such spaces without encroaching upon any existing or future County-owned right-of-way, including the sidewalk area.
H. 
The truck-circulation patterns shall be designed to avoid interference with automobile and pedestrian movements or with high-turnover parking. Truck loading docks shall be located away from areas of pedestrian movement and screened from view of parking areas, adjacent properties or adjacent streets.
I. 
Parking stalls shall be a minimum of nine feet wide by 18 feet long.
J. 
The DRC may require the applicant to enter into a shared parking agreement if adequate off-street parking cannot be provided on-site. The applicant must prove that the shared parking facility has an adequate number of additional parking spaces and is available during nonconflicting hours of operation. A copy of the shared parking agreement shall be submitted to the County for review prior to final approval by the DRC.
K. 
Off-street parking areas and driveways for residences or residential uses shall also be designed to prevent vehicles from backing onto a County road.
L. 
Electric vehicle charging stations should be incorporated into site designs where appropriate.
The intent of the land development standards is to review all development within Atlantic County in accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A. 
The number of parking spaces for individuals with disabilities shall be in accordance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-7) or the Americans with Disabilities Act, as applicable.
B. 
Parking spaces for individuals with disabilities shall be located as close as possible to elevators, ramps, walkways and the accessible entrance(s) they serve. They shall be no more than 200 feet from an accessible entrance.
C. 
Parking spaces for individuals with disabilities shall be as level as possible with surface slopes not exceeding 1:48 (1/4 inch per foot) in any direction.
D. 
Each parking space shall be marked with an R7-8 sign from the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices displaying the international symbol of accessibility.
E. 
Parking spaces for individuals with disabilities shall be a paved surface that is suitable for wheeling and walking. Such parking spaces shall allow room for individuals in wheelchairs or individuals on braces and crutches to get in and out of either side of a vehicle.
F. 
Curb cut ramps shall be provided to permit individuals with disabilities access from the parking area to the parking lot.
A. 
Driveway location. All ingress and egress driveways onto a County road shall be located to allow the greatest degree of safety to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic on the County road.
(1) 
Access to a County road.
(a) 
When a project site abuts both a County road and either a municipal or internal street, the driveway access shall be from the municipal or internal street. Those lots fronting on both a County road and either a municipal or internal street may be deed restricted to prohibit access onto the County road. The following note shall be on the plan.
"Proposed Lot (s)__________, Block(s)__________ is (are) to be deed restricted to prohibit access onto County road_________."
(b) 
In addition to the note on the plans, deeds describing this access restriction are to be reviewed and approved by the County prior to receiving final approval by the DRC.
(2) 
Access to two or more County roads. When a project site abuts two or more County roads, access shall be from the County road with the lower functional classification unless other access standards preclude placement of a drive at this location.
(3) 
Minimum distance between a driveway and a street intersection.
(a) 
The edge of a driveway for uses other than a single-family residential dwelling shall be located a minimum of 75 feet from the right-of-way line of a street intersection. (See Figure 21.[1])
[1]
Editor's Note: The County figures are available at the County Planning Office and are posted on the County's website.
(b) 
The edge of a driveway for a single-family residential use shall be no closer than 25 feet from the right-of-way line of a street intersection. (See Figure 21.)
(4) 
Minimum distance between adjacant driveways. Where two or more driveways connect a single site to any one County road, a minimum clear distance of 50 feet measured along the curbline of the tangents of the proposed driveway curb radii shall be provided. (See Figure 21.)
(5) 
Minimum distance between a driveway and a property line.
(a) 
The edge of a driveway for uses other than a single-family residential dwelling shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from a property line. (See Figure 21.)
(b) 
The edge of a driveway for a single-family residential use shall be located a minimum of 10 feet to the property line or 20 feet from an existing or proposed adjacent driveway. (See Figure 21.)
(6) 
Opposing driveway intersections.
(a) 
Opposing driveway intersections along County roads for uses other than a single-family dwelling shall be located directly across from each other.
(b) 
If conditions prohibit locating a proposed driveway intersection directly opposite an existing or proposed intersection along a County road, the offsets between the existing and proposed intersection shall be a minimum of 150 feet. (See Figure 10.)
B. 
Driveway design. Driveways shall be designed to adequately accommodate the volume and normal character of vehicles anticipated to be attracted to the development. The acceptable ranges for both curb radii and driveway widths are shown in Figure 11. In addition:
(1) 
Driveways shall be designed to allow no backing of vehicles onto the County right-of-way.
(2) 
Depressed curbing may be required across driveway openings in order to promote the continual flow of street stormwater runoff. Depressed curbing shall be in accordance with Figures 2 and 22.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: The County figures are available at the County Planning Office and are posted on the County's website.
(3) 
Driveways shall intersect the County road at an angle as near 90° as site conditions permit, and in no case shall be less than 75°.
(4) 
Driveway radii shall be designed to accommodate anticipated vehicles utilizing the site. Truck turning templates must be shown on plan to demonstrate that the proposed driveway radii will accommodate vehicle movements entering and exiting the site.
C. 
Number of driveways accessing a County road. The number of driveways shall be determined by existing site conditions and ensuring safe and efficient for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic on the County road and the following:
(1) 
Access to a County road from a single-family residential dwelling shall be limited to one driveway per lot.
(2) 
The number of driveways permitted to access a County road from a nonresidential use shall conform to Table 1: Number of Access Drives Permitted.
Table 1
Number of Access Drives Permitted
Length of Frontage
Number of Driveways
150 or less
1
More than 150 - but less than 300
2
300 or more
To be determined by the DRC
(3) 
In higher density, more urbanized or village areas, the DRC encourages the design of common accesses or marginal service roads to minimize the number of intersections from which traffic movements are made along the County road.
D. 
Clear driveway sight area. A clear driveway sight area, also known as a "driveway sight triangle," shall be provided at all driveways that intersect with a County road. The following applies:
(1) 
A clear driveway site area shall be in conformance with the standards set forth in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, as revised. Supporting calculations, prepared by a professional engineer, shall be provided.
(2) 
The clear driveway sight area shall be based on the posted speed limit along the County road plus five miles per hour.
(3) 
The clear driveway sight area is to be maintained and kept clear by the owner of the property as identified in § 86-308B.
(4) 
Driveways that provide access to a single-family home are exempt from providing a clear driveway sight triangle.
E. 
Driveway surfacing.
(1) 
All driveway aprons shall be paved from the existing or proposed edge of pavement back to the existing or proposed right-of-way line. Paving within this area shall comply with the County paving specifications as detailed in Figures 6 and 17.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: The County figures are available at the County Planning Office and are posted on the County's website.
(2) 
The County Engineer may require additional paving or reinforced concrete driveway depending upon expected vehicular traffic.
F. 
Driveway maintenance. All driveways shall be maintained by the property owners served by the driveway(s).
G. 
Additional details. Where applicable, Figures 2, 17, 21 and 22 should be applied when designing driveways onto a County road.
A. 
Intersection location. All intersections with a County road shall, given the physical constraints of the site, be located to afford maximum safety to the traveling public.
(1) 
At no time shall a proposed road intersection be located within 200 feet of a rotary, ramp of an interchange or a bridge.
(2) 
Opposing intersections along County roads shall be located directly across from each other.
(3) 
If conditions prohibit locating a proposed intersection directly opposite an existing intersection along a County road, the offsets between the existing and proposed intersection shall be a minimum of 150 feet. See Figure 10.
B. 
Intersection design. Intersecting streets shall be constructed so that the center line of the intersecting street is perpendicular to the center line of the County road. At no point shall the angle of intersection be less than 75°. Intersections involving a County road shall be designed in accordance with Figure 11.
(1) 
Right-of-way radii. The right-of-way radii at intersections where either one or both roads are County roads shall be in accordance with Figure 11.
(2) 
Right-of-way dedication at intersections. Where any road intersects a County road, the County right-of-way may be increased by up to 20 feet on both roads for the distance of 250 feet from the intersection of the two center lines. This additional right-of-way may be required to ensure adequate land for the construction of additional travel and turning lanes, shoulders and for the location and relocation of utilities and traffic control devices.
C. 
Intersection clear sight area. Intersection clear sight areas, also known as an "intersection sight triangle" shall be provided at all intersections involving a County road. The following applies:
(1) 
An intersection clear site area shall be in conformance with the standards set forth in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, as revised. Supporting calculations, prepared by a professional engineer, shall be provided.
(2) 
The intersection clear sight area shall be based on the posted speed limit on the County road plus five miles per hour.
(3) 
The intersection clear sight area is to be maintained and kept clear by the owner of the property as identified in § 86-308B.
D. 
ADA accommodations. Intersection design should conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide reasonable accommodations. Ramps, sidewalks, pavement markings, signage, signals, pedestrian scale lighting and other design elements should be incorporated as needed.
E. 
Additional intersection details. Where applicable, Figures 7, 10, 11, 15, 16 and 18 should be used when designing intersections along a County road.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The County figures are available at the County Planning Office and are posted on the County's website.
If warranted, the Development Review Committee may require one or more of the following improvements along a County road in order to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
A. 
Traffic signal.
(1) 
The DRC may require the installation of a new traffic signal or modification of an existing signal at the intersection of a County road when a subdivision or site plan application will generate a significant increase in traffic volume, create a traffic safety hazard or other situations sufficient to warrant a traffic signal. All traffic signals must be warranted and shall be designed in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, latest edition, (MUTCD)
(2) 
In accordance with the MUTCD, a traffic signal warrant study shall be prepared to determine whether a traffic signal device or modification of an existing traffic signal is justified. In addition, the design engineer is required to provide a recommendation that if warranted, the signalization is based on their analysis and investigation and that the signalization is in the best interest of safety and the expeditious movement of traffic.
(3) 
The design engineer shall obtain NJDOT's approval that a traffic signal is warranted prior to starting the design of the traffic signal. The Development Review Committee will require that the applicant prepare and have approved by the County Engineer and the New Jersey Department of Transportation all necessary plans and specifications for the traffic signal.
(4) 
The applicant/developer shall be responsible for and bear the expense of securing such approvals as may be required, including the bonding and the costs of installation of the traffic signal in accordance with approved plans.
B. 
Traffic control devices. In accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, latest edition, (MUTCD), the DRC may require the installation of traffic control devices such as specific directional, regulatory or advisory signs, signals, channelization, traffic striping or raised pavement markings at designated locations on the site or in the County right-of-way. Material specifications for traffic control devices are to be in accordance with the NJDOT's Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, latest edition.
C. 
Auxiliary lanes.
(1) 
Widening of the County road, construction of shoulders and auxiliary lanes (acceleration/deceleration, turning lanes) may be required by the DRC. Factors governing this determination shall include roadway classification, current and anticipated traffic volume, speed on the County road, safety concerns or conditions and the character and volume of traffic on the street or road. Auxiliary lanes shall be in accordance with Figure 16 and Figure 18.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The County figures are available at the County Planning Office and are posted on the County's website.
(2) 
If warranted the following auxiliary lanes shall be provided:
(a) 
Right-turn deceleration lane. A right-turn deceleration lanes shall be provided for all developments along those County roads classified as "arterial" in the Official County Map Right-Of-Way Standards in the County Master Plan.
(b) 
Left-turn storage lane.
[1] 
A left-turn storage lane shall be provided when the proposed development meets the warrant for a left-turn storage lane as described by Highway Research Record Number 211.
[2] 
The DRC may also determine that safety conditions warrant a left-turn storage lane after review of accidents in the past three years, existing traffic volumes, speed limits, sight distances and roadway alignment.
D. 
Marginal service road. The DRC may require a marginal service road that runs parallel to a higher order street which provides access to abutting properties and separation from through traffic. It may be designed as a residential access street or minor collector as anticipated daily traffic dictates.
E. 
Common driveways or common access roads. Common driveways or common access roads shall be provided for those lots fronting a County road and not having access to a municipal street.
F. 
Limited access. Access to a County road may be limited to right turn in/right turn out movements, one-way entrances or exits or similar types of turning restrictions.
G. 
Pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. Pedestrian and bicycle scale signals should be incorporated where feasible. Any intersection with sidewalk connections to residential neighborhoods and commercial or other destinations should include pedestrian-actuated call buttons that conform to ADA standards. For intersections where bike lanes are present, consideration should be given to providing priority signals for cyclists.
H. 
Other improvements. Other improvements may be deemed necessary by the DRC for the safe and efficient operation of an existing or proposed County intersection.
Each land development subject to County approval may be required to install curb or curb with gutter for stormwater management purposes, protection of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and delineation and protection of the pavement edge.
A. 
Requirements. Curb and curb with gutter may be required to:
(1) 
Channelize vehicular traffic.
(2) 
Maintain existing stormwater flow or correct an existing drainage problem.
(3) 
Match and maintain the continuity of curbing on adjacent property.
(4) 
Protect pedestrians when sidewalk exists or is to be installed.
B. 
Standards. All curb and curb and gutter to be installed within a County right-of-way shall conform to the standards and specifications below:
(1) 
Curb offsets shall be based on those identified in Table 2: County Roadway Standards and the existing conditions in the area.
Table 2
County Roadway Standards
2-Lane Road
3-Lane Road
4-Lane Road
5-Lane Road
ROW from CL
30 feet
36 feet
42 feet
48 feet
Curb offset from CL
20 feet
26 feet
32 feet
38 feet
Desirable lane striping dimensions from CL
12-foot lane
8-foot shoulder
(10-foot border)
6-foot lane
12-foot lane
8-foot shoulder
(10-foot border)
12-foot lane
12-foot lane
8-foot shoulder
(10-foot border)
6-foot lane
12-foot lane
12-foot lane
8-foot shoulder
(10-foot border)
NOTES:
1.
Widths of auxiliary lanes have not been incorporated into this table.
2.
Widths of bicycle lanes are not incorporated into this table.
3.
For sites where a left-turn lane is proposed, the applicant may be required to improve roadway conditions on both sides of the road.
(2) 
Concrete curb and gutter shall be constructed in accordance with Figure 3.
(3) 
Concrete vertical curb shall be constructed in accordance with Figure 1.
(4) 
Where drainage inlets are constructed but curb is not required, curbing must be provided at least 10 feet on each side of the inlet, set back a minimum of one foot from the pavement edge.
(5) 
Where applicable, depressed curb shall be constructed in accordance with Figure 2.
(6) 
At curbed intersections, depressed curbs and ramps shall be provided within the sidewalk or pedestrian island to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. See Figures 15, 19 and 20.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The County figures are available at the County Planning Office and are posted on the County's website.
(7) 
In order to protect the safety of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, white concrete curb shall be installed when so directed by the DRC.
A. 
Since the County of Atlantic does not assume any responsibility for the maintenance of sidewalks, sidewalks will not be required by the DRC, except if it is determined by the DRC that sidewalk is required to protect pedestrian traffic while facilitating vehicular traffic.
B. 
Sidewalks may be installed within a County right-of-way if it is required by any zoning, subdivision, site plan or other ordinance of the municipality in which the land development is located. If sidewalk is required, curb will also be required to be installed alongside the sidewalk consistent with applicable standards.
C. 
If applicable, site plan and subdivision applications shall provide ADA accessible sidewalks and ramps and demonstrate connections to existing sidewalks or pedestrian destinations within close proximity to the site. If a development is within 1,000 feet of a transit stop, coordination should be made to provide access in a manner consistent with New Jersey Transit and ADA standards.
D. 
The DRC may determine that the installation of sidewalk would create an unsafe drainage, vehicular or pedestrian condition; as such, the sidewalk may not be allowed to be installed within the County right-of-way.
E. 
All sidewalks to be installed within a County right-of-way shall conform to Figures 4, 5, 14, 15 and 20.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The County figures are available at the County Planning Office and are posted on the County's website.
A. 
Bicycle lane specifications.
(1) 
The development of bicycle lanes and facilities should be designed in accordance with the New Jersey Department of Transportation Bicycle Compatible Roadway and Bikeway Planning and Design Guidelines, the 2012 AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, or other best practices. At a minimum, bicycle lanes should be:
(a) 
Five feet wide when against a curb or adjacent to a parking lane.
(b) 
Four feet wide when adjacent to a curb and the curb includes a one- to two-foot gutter pan.
(2) 
Wider lanes are recommended on roads with higher rates of speed and traffic volumes, and wherever feasible.
B. 
Municipal complete streets standards. A number of municipalities in Atlantic County have adopted municipal complete streets standards. Where applicable, these standards may be applied to developments along County roads.
C. 
Pedestrian facilities. As outlined in §§ 86-705, 86-706 and 86-708, pedestrian and ADA accommodations should be provided as part of intersection and sidewalk design. In developed areas with walkable destinations, existing sidewalks should be enhanced and expanded where feasible. In addition, pedestrian-scale lighting, signage, street furniture (benches, garbage cans, etc.) and landscaping should be integrated into the site frontage and/or right-of-way subject to a maintenance agreement with the municipality.
A. 
Bicycle routes. The DRC may require an additional widening of pavement along those roadways designated as bicycle routes in the Atlantic County Bicycle Master Plan, in accordance with New Jersey Department of Transportation Bicycle Design Guidelines.
B. 
Pavement design. Pavement design within a County right-of-way shall conform to the minimum standard pavement specifications in Figure 6.
C. 
Widening of County road. At a minimum, any widening of a County road shall be in accordance with Figures 7, 15, 16 and 18 and Table 2.
D. 
Right-of-way and cartway/shoulder widths.
(1) 
The County may require right-of-way and cartway widths of a new or widened road that is the continuation of an existing road to be at least the same width as the existing road.
(2) 
The right-of-way width shall be of sufficient width to accommodate future development, as identified in the Official County Map of Right-Of-Way Standards and Functional Classifications found in Appendix A of the 2018 Atlantic County Master Plan and in accordance with Figures 7, 15, 16 and 18[1] and Table 2.
[1]
Editor's Note: The County figures are available at the County Planning Office and are posted on the County's website.
(3) 
Where turning lanes are needed based on safety or capacity, additional right-of-way width shall be required, including that required for pavement length and width, borders width and utility provisions.
E. 
Public utilities.
(1) 
The applicant/developer shall be responsible for and bear the expense of the relocation of existing utility poles, light standards, fire hydrants or other utilities within the County right-of-way. When utilities are to be relocated, a note shall be added to the plans as follows: "The applicant/developer shall be responsible for and bear the expense of the relocation of utilities within the County right-of-way."
(2) 
The applicant/developer shall be responsible to coordinate the relocation of the utilities with the respective utility companies. In addition, the applicant/developer shall obtain a written estimate from the utility companies for the costs of relocating utility poles within the County right-of-way. The written estimate from all utility companies shall be attached and added into the cost estimate.
(3) 
All aboveground utilities shall be located behind the curbline.
(4) 
All existing and proposed underground utilities within the County right of way shall be clearly shown on the plan along with limits of road restoration as identified in Figure 13.
F. 
Private utilities. Private utilities shall not be permitted in the County right-of-way absent a detailed showing of necessity and special circumstances as outlined in N.J.A.C. 16:25-11.3. In addition, a licensing agreement outlining the terms of ownership and maintenance of such utility lines shall be required prior to installation.
G. 
Pine Barrens Scenic Byway. Any development on a road under County jurisdiction that is also recognized as part of the Pine Barrens Scenic Byway should refer to the Pine Barrens Corridor Management Plan for additional design specifications. The Pine Barrens Scenic Byway Map can be found on the County website.
All traffic impact studies submitted to Regional Planning shall be prepared in accordance with the applicable guidelines of Traffic Access and Impact Studies for Site Development-A Recommended Practice, Institute of Transportation Engineers, Washington, D.C., 1991. Additions to the following requirements may be made by Regional Planning and relief from these requirements may be granted by Regional Planning upon a written request by the study preparer.
A. 
Scope of study. The scope of the traffic impact study will be consistent with the guidelines of ITE's Traffic Access and Impact Studies for Site Development - A Recommended Practice Chapter 2, subject to approval by Regional Planning. It is strongly recommended that the traffic impact study preparer confirm the scope of work with Regional Planning prior to undertaking the study.
(1) 
Locations. At a minimum, all existing and proposed site access points, significant intersections and the nearest signalized intersection on each street serving the site if within one mile of the site shall be included in the study.
(2) 
Peak periods. A.m. and p.m. peak periods shall be studied, along with Saturday peak periods for retail commercial projects.
(3) 
Study horizon. The following time horizons shall be used for analysis of peak period conditions at all study locations.
(a) 
Existing conditions.
(b) 
Future no-build conditions, i.e., all background and other proposed development traffic [§ 86-711B(4)(b)] and not including traffic generated by the proposed subject development.
(c) 
Future build conditions, i.e., no-build conditions, plus development traffic.
B. 
Content of study. The content of the traffic impact study shall be consistent with the applicable guidelines of ITE's Traffic Access and Impact Studies for Site Development - A Recommended Practice, Chapter 10.
(1) 
Executive summary. The traffic impact study shall include an executive summary outlining the purpose of the report and study objectives and a description of the site location and study area, proposed development, principal findings, conclusions and recommendations.
(2) 
Existing conditions. The existing conditions inventory shall include at a minimum, peak-period turning movement counts, adjustment factors, if applicable, roadway geometry and traffic control devices, including those at nearby intersections or driveways, transit service and other deemed important by the study preparer or required by the Office of Policy, Planning and Economic Development. Volume-capacity analysis of existing conditions may be provided here, or in the analysis section of the study, at the preparer's discretion.
(3) 
Proposed development. The study shall provide a general description of major proposed developments in the vicinity of the site and a detailed description of the subject site, including land use and intensity, location, site characteristics, timing and phasing (if applicable).
(4) 
Future conditions. The traffic impact study shall include a description of anticipated future land use, road network and traffic conditions consistent with the applicable guidelines of ITE's Traffic Access and Impact Studies for Site Development - A Recommended Practice and shall include, at a minimum, the following information:
(a) 
Transportation system. Committed or reasonably anticipated changes to the local roadway or mass transit network shall be incorporated into the analysis [§ 86-711B(5)].
(b) 
Non-site traffic. Non-site background traffic forecasts shall be provided and shall be consistent with the applicable provisions of ITE's Traffic Access and Impact Studies for Site Development - A Recommended Practice, Chapter 4.
(c) 
Site traffic. Site traffic forecasts shall be provided and be consistent with the applicable guidelines of ITE's Traffic Access and Impact Studies for Site Development - A Recommended Practice, Chapters 5 and 6, Site Traffic Generation and Site Traffic Distribution and Assignment.
(5) 
Traffic analysis. All study locations shall be analyzed for all peak periods in accordance with ITE's Traffic Access and Impact Studies for Site Development - A Recommended Practice, Chapter 7. This section shall include an evaluation of intersection and link capacity, safety, sight distance, parking and on-site circulation as they relate to the operation of all driveways intersecting a County road.
(6) 
Improvement analysis. The traffic impact study shall include recommendations for improvements required under build conditions to achieve the level of service standards described in this section.
(a) 
Signalized intersection standards for County road approaches anticipated to operate under no-build conditions at:
[1] 
LOS A or B, deterioration to LOS C will be allowed in the build condition;
[2] 
LOS C or D, deterioration of one-half of LOS D (7.5 seconds) will be allowed in the build condition, provided that the build LOS remains at D or better (less than 40.0 seconds);
[3] 
LOS E or F, no deterioration will be allowed. Delay shall be used to compare no-build and build conditions when the no-build volume/capacity ratio is less than or equal to 1.2. Volume/capacity ratio shall be used to compare the no-build and build conditions when the no-build volume/capacity ratio exceeds 1.2.
(b) 
Unsignalized intersection standards. All unsignalized intersections or site access points anticipated to operate a LOS E or F under build conditions shall be subject to an analysis of signalization or other mitigation techniques. The analysis shall consider such factors as traffic signal warrants, impacts on major street progression or other factors deemed relevant by the analyst or Regional Planning.
(7) 
Certification. All traffic impact studies submitted to Regional Planning shall be signed and sealed by a professional planner or professional engineer licensed by the State of New Jersey.
A. 
Green infrastructure. All developments within the County are encouraged to incorporate green infrastructure design standards. For examples and engineering diagrams, refer to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program Green Infrastructure Guidance Manual for New Jersey.
B. 
Building and site efficiency. Developments within the County are encouraged to design buildings and sites for maximum energy efficiency and water conservation. The use of energy efficient lighting fixtures, programmable building systems, efficient heating, ventilation, and cooling systems, and renewable energy is encouraged.
C. 
Landscaping. Native, and salt- and drought-resistant plants should be used wherever possible. Landscape design should consider maintenance and watering demands and opt for low-maintenance alternatives to turf lawns where feasible. Coastal areas should consider salt and wind tolerance of proposed plantings and select species and choose layouts accordingly. Information about native plant species in Atlantic County is provided on the Atlantic County website.
D. 
Minimum widths of maintenance zones along a County right-of-way. The following criteria shall be considered when determining the minimum right-of-way easement width along a County right-of-way.
(1) 
For County routes within the Pinelands Area. Road infrastructure improvements shall follow the procedures set forth in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Atlantic County and the New Jersey Pinelands Commission and the appended Mowing and Maintenance Best Management Practices for Pine Barrens Roadside Plant Communities. The Pineland's best management practices include the following requirements for roadside improvements and landscape maintenance zone minimum widths within the right-of-way:
(a) 
A regular-mow zone shall be provided within eight feet from the outside edge of the travel lane except in areas that are known to contain rare plant populations which shall be treated as a dormant-season mow zone as described in Subsection D(1)(b) below. The purpose of the regular mow zone is to provide safe emergency vehicle pull-off areas and to allow road maintenance activities, including maintenance of drainage swales and access to utilities. This zone may be wider than eight feet where drainage swales or utilities are set farther back from the roadway.
(b) 
A dormant-season mow zone shall be defined by the edge of the regular mow zone and the undisturbed zone. The widths of the dormant-season mow zones vary and these zones are kept free of all woody plants that present potential hazards to drivers. Where intersection sight lines extend into the dormant-season mow zone, vegetation that is likely to obstruct such sight lines must be maintained below 30 inches at all times. The dormant-season mow zone is mowed no more frequently than one time each year between December 1 and March 31.
(c) 
An undisturbed zone shall begin at the tree line of adjacent forest cover and defines the limit of the dormant-season mow zone.
(2) 
For County routes designated as a Pine Barrens Scenic Byway outside of the Pinelands Area. The clearing and grading of woodlands and native vegetation shall be kept to the minimum amount necessary to provide fire protection and reduce hazards to vehicular traffic along County rights-of-way, as deemed appropriate by the County Engineer.