[Amended 3-20-2006 by Ord. No. 3597; 2-26-2008 by Ord. No. 3740; 8-24-2010 by Ord. No. 3890; 8-24-2010 by Ord. No. 3891; 8-24-2010 by Ord. No. 3892; 10-26-2010 by Ord. No. 3905; 3-27-2013 by Ord. No. 4007-13; 7-16-2013 by Ord. No. 4021-13; 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 4333-20; 7-29-2022 by Ord. No. 4371-22]
Establishment of zoning districts. For the purpose of this chapter, the Township of Franklin is divided into the following zoning districts:
A
Agricultural
CP
Canal Preservation
RR3
Rural-Residential
RR5
Rural-Residential
R-40
Single-Family Residential
R-20
Single-Family Residential
R-15
Single-Family Residential
R-10
Single-Family Residential
R-10A
Single-Family Development
R-10B
Single-Family Development
R-7
Single-Family Residential
C-R
Cluster-Residential
N-B
Neighborhood Business
G-B
General Business
B-I
Business and Industry
OP
Office-Professional
M-3
Mining
H
Historic Overlay
RC
Residential Cluster Option
NRPC
Natural Resources Preservation Cluster Option
AC
Agricultural Cluster Option
Note: The zoning requirements for Agricultural Option shall remain in effect for the Wildflower Ridge development.
SCV
Senior Citizen Village
HBD
Hamilton Street Business District
RDO
Retail District Overlay
I-P
Institutional/Public
ISL
Independent Senior Living
PRC
Planned Residential Community
NRPC-R40
Natural Resource Preservation Cluster (R-40 option)
CR-NH
Cluster Residential (Nob Hill)
A. 
Zoning Map. The location and boundaries of districts are hereby established as shown on the Zoning Map-Franklin Township (Somerset County), prepared by Mark Healey, PP/AICP, and dated September 2010, which is hereby made a part of this chapter and incorporated herein by reference.[1]
[Amended 10-26-2010 by Ord. No. 3905]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Zoning Map is available in the Clerk's office or through the Township's online version of the Code (eCode 360®).
B. 
Official Zoning Map. The aforesaid zones are established by the designations, locations and boundaries set forth and indicated on the Official Zoning Boundary Maps to be located in the office of the Township Engineer and to be maintained by him. A Zone Location Map indicating the designations and locations shall be attached to all copies of this chapter for informational purposes only.
(1) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the designation of the following properties from M-3 (Mining) to CP (Canal Preservation) as depicted on Figures 1 and 2:
[Added 3-27-2013 by Ord. No. 4007-13]
(a) 
Part of Lot 34 in Block 1.02;
(b) 
Lot 37 in Block 1.02;
(c) 
Part of Lot 38.01 in Block 1.02;
(d) 
Lot 39.01 in Block 1.02.
(2) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the designation of the following properties from ROL (Research-Office-Laboratory) to M-3 (Mining) as depicted on Figures 1 and 2: Part of Lot 1.02 in Block 5.02.
[Added 3-27-2013 by Ord. No. 4007-13]
(3) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the designation of the following properties from ROL (Research-Office-Laboratory) to RR5 (Rural-Residential) as depicted on Figures 1 and 2: Part of Lot 172.04 in Block 5.02.
[Added 3-27-2013 by Ord. No. 4007-13]
(4) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the designation of the following property from A (Agricultural) to RR5 (Rural-Residential) as depicted on Figures 1 and 2: Part of Lot 172.04 in Block 5.02.
[Added 3-27-2013 by Ord. No. 4007-13]
(5) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the designation of property known as Block 536.01, Lot 2.03, from MR to CB.
[Added 7-16-2013 by Ord. No. 4021-13]
(6) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the designation of the following properties from O-P (Office-Professional) to HBD (Hamilton Street Business District) as depicted on Figure 1: Lots 1.01 and 1.02 in Block 290.
[Added 8-11-2015 by Ord. No. 4115-15[2]]
[2]
Editor's Note: This ordinance, a complete copy of which is on file in the Township offices, also included an illustration of the Zoning Map amendments of Subsection B(6), (7) and (8).
(7) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the designation of the following properties from G-B (General Business) to HBD (Hamilton Street Business District) as depicted on Figure 1:
[Added 8-11-2015 by Ord. No. 4115-15]
(a) 
Lots 1 through 16 in Block 133.
(b) 
Lots 1 through 31 in Block 134.
(8) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the designation of the following properties from R-7 (Residential) to HBD (Hamilton Street Business District) as depicted on Figure 1: Lot 63 in Block 154.
[Added 8-11-2015 by Ord. No. 4115-15]
(9) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the redevelopment district designation of the following properties from CMMU (Churchill Millstone Mixed Use) to CMR (Churchill Millstone Residential) as depicted on Figure 1: Lots 20 to 22 and 45 to 47 in Block 117.
[Added 4-25-2017 by Ord. No. 4197-17]
(10) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to extend the NBR (Neighborhood Business/Residential) Overlay Zone over the following lots (while retaining the existing MFR zoning): Lots 18-25 in Block 149 and Lots 12-15 in Block 141.01.
[Added 9-26-2017 by Ord. No. 4211-17]
(11) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended, as reflected in Figure 1 below,[3] to change the zoning designation of the following properties from the Senior Citizen Village (S-C-V) Zone to the Agricultural (A) Zone: Lots 5, 8, 9 and 14 in Block 513.01.
[Added 4-9-2019 by Ord. No. 4271-19]
[3]
Editor's Note: Figure 1 is on file in the Township offices.
(12) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended, as reflected in Figure 2 below,[4] to change the zoning designation of the following property from the Research-Office-Laboratory (R-O-L) Zone to the Agricultural (A) Zone: Lot 1.03 in Block 511.
[Added 4-9-2019 by Ord. No. 4271-19]
[4]
Editor's Note: Figure 2 is on file in the Township offices.
(13) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended as follows to zone the following properties from the R-7 zone to the R-C (Renaissance-Commercial) zone as reflected on the attached Figure 1 below: Lots 19-22 and 31-34 in Block 162.
[Added 9-24-2019 by Ord. No. 4299-19]
(14) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended as follows to zone the following properties from the C-B (Corporate Business) zone to the B-I (Business and Industry) zone as reflected on the attached maps.[5]
[Added 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 4333-20]
[5]
Editor's Note: The full list of properties and attached maps are on file in Township offices.
(15) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended as follows to zone the following properties from the M-1 (Light Manufacturing) zone to the B-I (Business and Industry) zone as reflected on the attached maps.[6]
[Added 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 4333-20]
[6]
Editor's Note: The full list of properties and attached maps are on file in Township offices.
(16) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended as follows to zone the following properties from the M-2 (Light Manufacturing) zone to the B-I (Business and Industry) zone as reflected on the attached maps.[7]
[Added 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 4333-20]
[7]
Editor's Note: The full list of properties and attached maps are on file in Township offices.
(17) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended as follows to zone the following properties from the M-1 (Light Manufacturing) zone to the A (Agricultural) zone as reflected on the attached maps: Lot 4.05 in Block 516.01.[8]
[Added 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 4333-20]
[8]
Editor's Note: Said maps are on file in Township offices.
(18) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended as follows to zone the following properties from the PAC (Planned Adult Community) to the B-I (Business and Industry) zone, as reflected on the attached maps: Lot 4.03 in Block 516.01.[9]
[Added 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 4333-20]
[9]
Editor's Note: Said maps are on file in Township offices.
(19) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended as follows to place the following parcels, which have been removed and deleted from the Churchill-Millstone Area, into the zoning districts indicated below:
[Added 3-23-2021 by Ord. No. 4336-21]
(a) 
The following parcels shall be placed within the Business and Industry (B-I) Zone as reflected on Figures 1 and 2:[10] Lots 1-36 in Block 108.
[10]
Editor's Note: Said figures are on file in Township offices.
(b) 
The following parcels shall be placed within the N-B Zone as reflected on Figures 3 and 4:[11] Lots 15-22 in Block 122.
[11]
Editor's Note: Said figures are on file in Township offices.
(c) 
The following parcels shall be placed within the R-7 (Single-Family Residential) Zone as reflected on Figures 5 and 6:[12] All lots in Block 128.
[12]
Editor's Note: Said figures are on file in Township offices.
(d) 
The following parcels shall be placed within the R-7 (Single-Family Residential) Zone as reflected on Figures 7 and 8:[13] Lots 6-17, 33 and 34 in Block 131.
[13]
Editor's Note: Said figures are on file in Township offices.
(20) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the zoning district designation of the following properties from HBD (Hamilton Street Business) to R-7 (Residential) as depicted on Figures 1 and 2:[14]
[Added 4-26-2022 by Ord. No. 4359-22]
(a) 
Block 154, Lot 63.
(b) 
Portion of Block 154, Lot 9, as reflected in Figures 1 and 2.
[14]
Editor's Note: Figures 1 and 2 are on file in the Township offices.
(21) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the zoning district designation of the following properties from ROL (Research-Office-Laboratory) to A (Agricultural) as depicted on Figures 1 and 2:[15]
[Added 7-29-2022 by Ord. No. 4371-22]
(a) 
Lots 11.01, 11.02, and 11.03 in Block 512.
(b) 
Lot 1.02 in Block 511.
[15]
Editor's Note: Figures 1 and 2 are on file in the Township offices.
(22) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the zoning district designation of the following properties from ROL (Research-Office-Laboratory) to RR-3 (Rural Residential) as depicted on Figures 1 and 3:[16]Lot 56 in Block 514.
[Added 7-29-2022 by Ord. No. 4371-22]
[16]
Editor's Note: Figures 1 and 3 are on file in the Township offices.
(23) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended to change the zoning district designation of the following properties from B-I (Business-Industrial) to R-40 (Residential) as depicted on Figures 4, 5 and 6:[17]
[Added 7-29-2022 by Ord. No. 4371-22]
(a) 
Lots 44, 45, 46, 59.01, 60.01, 61, 62, 63.01, 63.02, 64, and 65.01 in Block 507.14
(b) 
Lots 19.01, 19.02, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 in Block 514.
[17]
Editor's Note: Figures 4, 5 and 6 are on file in the Township offices.
(24) 
The Official Zoning Map is amended as follows to rezone the following properties, now or formerly designated with the block and lot numbers indicated below, from the RR-3 (Rural Residential) zone to the R-10A (Single-Family Development) zone as reflected on the attached maps:[18]
(a) 
Block 11.01, Lots 10.29. 10.30, 10.31, 10.32, 10.33, 10.34, 10.35, 10.36, 10.37, 10.38, 10.39, 10.40, 10.41, 10.42, 10.43, 10.44, 10.45, 10.46, 10.47, 10.48, 10.49, 10.50, 10.51, and 10.52.
[18]
Editor's Note: Exhibits A, B and C are on file in the Township offices.
C. 
Amendments. If, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the Revised Statutes of the State of New Jersey, changes are made in the district boundaries or other matters portrayed in the map by the Township Council, such changes shall be made promptly by the Engineer after the amendment has taken effect as provided by law. For each change in the map, note shall be made thereon, in the revision box, of the date of revision, zones affected by the revision and a brief identifying description of the revision. These changes are to be endorsed upon the map on the effective date of the amendment.
[Amended 2-14-2006 by Ord. No. 3591]
A. 
Zone boundary lines are intended to follow the center line of streets, railroad rights-of-way, streams, lot or property lines as they exist on plats of record at the time of the passage of this chapter, unless such zone boundary lines are fixed by dimensions as shown on the Zoning Map.
B. 
Where such boundaries are not fixed by dimensions and where they approximately follow lot lines and where they do not scale more than 10 feet distant therefrom, such lot lines shall be construed to be such boundaries unless specifically shown otherwise.
C. 
In unsubdivided land and where a zone boundary divides a lot, the location of such boundary, unless the same is indicated by dimensions shown on the map, shall be determined by the use of the scale appearing thereon.
A. 
A Agricultural District. The purpose of the A District is to preserve those agricultural areas in Franklin Township where it is necessary and desirable because of their highly productive agricultural capability to promote, maintain and enhance the use of the land for agricultural purposes, and to protect from encroachment by nonagricultural uses, structures or activities.
B. 
RR3 Rural-Residential. The purpose of this district is to recognize the development opportunities and limitations of the Brunswick shale formation and underlying soils; to protect groundwater quantity and quality and to limit degradation of this resource; to maintain and enhance forested areas; to preserve stream quality which feeds the Canal; and to permit relatively low-density single-family residential development.
C. 
RR5 Rural-Residential. The purpose of this district is to recognize the development opportunities and limitations of the diabase formation and underlying soils; to protect steep slopes from development activities; to maintain agricultural resources; to protect groundwater quantity and quality and to limit degradation of this resource; to maintain and enhance forested areas; to preserve stream quality which feeds the Canal; and to permit low-density single-family residential development.
D. 
R-40 Single-Family Residential. The purpose of the R-40 District is to provide for the continuance of single-family residential development on one-acre lots.
E. 
R-20 Single-Family Residential. The purpose of the R-20 District is to provide for the continuance of single-family residential development on one-half-acre lots.
F. 
R-15 Single-Family Residential. The purpose of the R-15 District is to provide for the continuance of single-family residential development on lots of 15,000 square feet.
G. 
R-10 Single-Family Residential. The purpose of the R-10 District is to provide for the continuance of single-family residential development on lots of 10,000 square feet.
H. 
R-10A Single-Family Development. The purpose of the R-10A District is to permit single-family development.
[Added 2-14-2006 by Ord. No. 3591]
I. 
R-10B Single-Family Development. The purpose of the R-10B District is permit to preservation of forests identified in the forest survey prepared by the Franklin Township Environmental Commission by providing for development on lots containing 7,500 square feet at a density of 2.1 units per acre and requiring a minimum set aside for open space preservation of 25% of the tract.
J. 
R-7 Single-Family Residential. The purpose of the R-7 District is to provide for the continuance of single-family residential development on lots of 7,500 square feet and also two-family residences on lots of 10,000 square feet.
K. 
C-R Cluster-Residential. The purpose of the CR District is to accommodate single-family, two-family and multifamily residences while fostering the preservation of open space, recreational areas, floodplains and wooded tracts and provide low- and moderate-income housing.
L. 
N-B Neighborhood Business. The purpose of the NB District is to allow for small areas throughout the Township where small retail and service businesses may be located, primarily for the convenience of the residents in the immediate neighborhood.
M. 
G-B General Business. The purpose of the GB District is to provide business and commercial uses for the local traveling public. The district is established to preserve and enhance commercial, financial, retail and similar activities and services.
N. 
B-I Business and Industry. To provide sufficient space in appropriate locations for a mixture of office, laboratory, hotel, data processing and communication, light industrial, manufacturing, and other such compatible uses which provides opportunities for job creation by taking advantage of Franklin's centralized location in the tri-state area with access to the regional transportation corridors, including I-287 and the New Jersey Turnpike as well as public transportation. The standards are intended to require maximum attention to proper site design including the location of structures and parking areas, proper ingress and egress, architectural design, storm water management, landscaping and the need to ensure visual harmony and avoidance of nuisances upon adjacent residential areas.
[Amended 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 4333-20; 2-14-2023 by Ord. No. 4391-22]
O. 
(Reserved)[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection O, regarding the ROL Research-Office-Laboratory District, was repealed 7-29-2022 by Ord. No. 4371-22.
P. 
OP Office-Professional. The purpose of the OP District is to permit small professional office buildings, small general office buildings, and mixed use buildings which are compatible with the single-family detached dwellings and two-family dwellings permitted in the district, and the adjacent, densely developed residential areas.
Q. 
(Reserved)[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection Q, regarding M-1 Light Manufacturing, was repealed 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 4333-20.
R. 
(Reserved)[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection R, regarding M-2 Light Manufacturing, was repealed 12-8-2020 by Ord. No. 4333-20.
S. 
M-3 Mining. The purpose of the M-3 District is to allow quarrying activities consistent with the character of adjacent development and the preservation of environmental and historical features.
[Amended 3-27-2013 by Ord. No. 4007-13]
T. 
H Historic Overlay. The purpose of the H Overlay District is to recognize, preserve and protect the cultural, architectural and historic resources of Franklin Township and to promote the use of scenic and historic areas for the education, pleasure and general welfare of citizens of Franklin Township and its visitors.
U. 
RC Residential Cluster Option. The purpose of the RC option is to recognize, preserve, and protect certain defined natural resources existing in the Township by preserving such features while permitting medium-density residential development within specified areas adjacent or in proximity to such natural resources.
V. 
NRPC Natural Resources Preservation Cluster. The purpose of the NRPC option is to recognize, preserve and protect certain defined natural resources and to preserve an environment for the continuance of viable agricultural and horticultural uses; preserve open space to serve environmental, scenic, and public service purposes; promote imaginative, well-designed residential subdivisions; and respect the physical and socioeconomic qualities of the land.
W. 
AC Agricultural Cluster. The purpose of the AC option is to preserve an environment for the continuance of viable agricultural and horticultural uses; preserve open space to serve environmental, scenic, and public service purposes; promote imaginative, well-designed single-family detached residential subdivisions; and respect the physical and socioeconomic qualities of the land. Note: The zoning requirements for the agricultural option shall remain in effect for the Wildflower Ridge development.
X. 
CP Canal Preservation. The purpose of the Canal Preservation Zone is to recognize, protect and preserve the unique resources of the Delaware and Raritan Canal; to protect and preserve the groundwater and surface water resources which flow into the Canal; to maintain the scenic amenity of the Canal and adjacent slopes and ridges; to reduce the impact upon streets adjacent to the Canal; to protect the wooded slopes and areas from the impact of development, including erosion and increased runoff; and to maintain the agricultural resources which currently exist in the area.
Y. 
HBD Hamilton Street Business District. The purpose of the HBD District is to provide for commercial uses with supportive residential, community and institutional uses that, in combination, contribute to an attractive, vibrant and sustainable business district that is geared towards pedestrian circulation, bicycle circulation and public transportation.
Z. 
RDO Retail District Overlay. The purpose of the RDO Retail District Overlay is to encourage and advance long-term economic vitality through commercial design standards to achieve a premium aesthetic appeal, while discouraging less attractive layouts. Designs should contribute to an attractive commercial center, creating a sound commercial community identity and inviting pedestrian interest and activity.
AA. 
I-P Institutional/Public. The purpose of the I-P District is to retain existing housing, public and institutional uses in the area and to allow the redevelopment of existing low- and moderate-income housing for the purpose of providing new, modern and additional low- and moderate-income housing.
[Added 2-26-2008 by Ord. No. 3740]
BB. 
ISL — Independent Senior Living. The purpose of the ISL District is to allow the development of an independent senior living facility that addresses the need for age-restricted housing in the Township and which addresses the need for affordable housing intended solely for seniors.
[Added 8-24-2010 by Ord. No. 3892]
CC. 
(Reserved)[4]
[4]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection CC, Multifamily Residential, added 8-24-2010 by Ord. No. 3890, was repealed 7-16-2013 by Ord. No. 4021-13.
DD. 
NRPC-R40 Natural Resource Preservation Cluster (R-40 option). The purpose of the NRPC-R40 zone is to recognize, preserve and protect certain defined natural resources and to preserve an environment for the continuance of viable agricultural and horticultural uses; preserve open space to serve environmental, scenic, and public service purposes; promote imaginative, well-designed residential subdivisions; and respect the physical and socioeconomic qualities of the land.
[Added 10-26-2010 by Ord. No. 3905]
EE. 
CR-NH Cluster Residential (Nob Hill). The purpose of the CR-NH option is to recognize, preserve, and protect certain defined natural resources existing in the Township by preserving such features while permitting medium-density residential development within specified areas adjacent or in proximity to such natural resources.
[Added 10-26-2010 by Ord. No. 3905]
A. 
Applications for development within the various zoning districts shall meet all requirements of this chapter. The accompanying chart entitled "Summary of Requirements" is provided as a general reference for development applications.
B. 
This chart is provided for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as complete or limiting in the application of the requirements of this chapter.