This article establishes a site plan review process for proposed
development in Franklin Township. The purpose of the review is to
ensure:
A. Preservation of existing natural resources on the site;
B. Safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation, parking,
loading and access for emergency vehicles;
C. Adequate screening, landscaping and location of structures;
D. Exterior lighting needed for safety reasons in addition to any requirements
for streetlighting;
E. Efficient, safe and aesthetic land development;
G. Compliance with appropriate design standards to ensure adequate light
and air, proper building arrangements, and minimum adverse impact
on surrounding property;
H. Adequate water supply, drainage and stormwater management, sanitary
facilities, and other utilities and services; and
I. Adequate recreation, open space and public use areas.
Approval with variance application. The Board of Adjustment
shall have the power to grant, to the same extent and subject to the
same restrictions as the Planning Board, site plan and/or subdivision
approval whenever the Board of Adjustment is reviewing an application
for approval of a variance pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d and appropriate
sections of the Zoning Ordinance of Franklin Township. All requirements
of this chapter with the exception of time period for approval shall
apply to the Board of Adjustment when acting as the reviewing board
for a and/or subdivision site plan application.
The following criteria have been set forth as a guide for evaluating
the adequacy of proposed development in the Township. The Planning
Board shall review the site plan and/or subdivision for compliance
with all applicable ordinances and the Master Plan; for harmony with
surrounding uses and the overall plan for development of the Township;
for the promotion of the health, safety, order, efficiency and economy
of the Township; and for the maintenance of property values and the
general welfare. Based upon its review and the degree to which it
can make positive findings, the Board may approve, conditionally approve,
request modifications or deny approval of the site plan and/or subdivision
based on evaluation of the site plans details with respect to:
A. The site plan's compliance with all provisions of this chapter, including
but not limited to off-street parking and loading, signs, lighting,
open space and the generation of objectionable smoke, fumes, noise,
odors, dust, glare, vibration or heat.
B. The site plan's compliance with all requirements and standards of Article
XXII, Subdivision of Land, including, but not limited to, standards for construction, layout, dimensions and materials.
C. The environmental impact of the development relating to the preservation
of existing natural resources on the site and the impact on the natural
resources of the surrounding properties and neighborhood.
D. The relationship of the development to adjacent uses in terms of
harmonious use and design, setbacks, maintenance of property values
and negative impacts.
E. The provision of a safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian circulation
system.
F. The design and location of off-street parking and loading facilities
to ensure that all such spaces are usable and are safely and conveniently
arranged.
G. The sufficient width and suitable grade and location of streets designed
to accommodate prospective traffic and to provide access for firefighting
and emergency equipment to buildings.
H. The coordination of streets so as to compose a convenient system
consistent with the circulation element of the Master Plan.
I. The design and location of buildings in an efficient and aesthetically
pleasing manner.
J. The use of landscaping and screening to:
(1)
Provide adequate buffers to shield lights, noise, movement or
activities from adjacent properties when necessary; and
(2)
Complement the design and location of buildings and be integrated
into the overall site design.
K. Exterior lighting to ensure safe movement and for security purposes,
which shall be arranged so as to minimize glare and reflection on
adjacent properties.
L. The location, size and configuration of open space areas to ensure
that such areas are suitable for intended recreation and conservation
uses.
M. Protection and conservation of soils from erosion by wind or water
or from excavation or grading.
N. Protection and conservation of watercourses and areas subject to
flooding.
O. The adequacy of water, drainage, sewerage facilities, garbage disposal
and other utilities necessary for essential services to residents
and occupants.
P. The design and location of signs so as to be aesthetically pleasing,
harmonious with other signs on the site, and located so as to achieve
their purpose without constituting hazards to vehicles and pedestrians.