Definitions and usages. Unless otherwise expressly
stated, the following terms shall, for the purpose of this chapter,
have the meanings as herein defined. Any word or term not noted below
shall be used with a meaning as defined in Webster's Third New International
Dictionary of the English Language, unabridged (or the latest edition).
Whenever a term is used in this chapter which is defined in N.J.S.A.
40:55D-1, et seq., such term shall have the same meaning as the state
statute.
ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION LANE
An added roadway lane to the right side of the road which
permits integration and merging of slower-moving vehicles into the
main vehicular stream or slowing down of vehicles. See Figure 1.
ACCESS
A physical entrance to property.
ACCESSORY BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
A building or structure, the use of which is customarily
incidental and subordinate to that of the principal building located
on the same lot.
ACCESSORY USE
A use of land or of a building or portion thereof customarily
incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building
and located on the same lot as the principal use.
ADDITION
Any structure added to the original structure at some time
after the completion of the original; any extension or increase in
building size, floor area or height.
[Amended 2-27-2006 by Ord. No. 01-06-02]
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
The Township Clerk of the Township of Cranbury, unless a
different municipal official is designated by the Township to administer
its land development ordinance.
AGRICULTURAL STAND
A booth or stall located on a farm from which agricultural
products are sold to the general public.
AGRICULTURE, COMMERCIAL
The production, storage, harvesting, grading, packaging,
processing, boarding or wholesale and retail marketing of crops, plants
and animals useful to man, whether produced on or off site, including
but not limited to forages and sod crops; grains and seed crops; dairy
animals and dairy products; poultry and poultry products; livestock,
including beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules or goats,
or any mutations or hybrids thereof, including the breeding, boarding
and grazing of any or all of such animals; bees and apiary products;
fur animals; fruits of all kinds, including grapes, nuts and berries;
vegetables; floral, ornamental and greenhouse products; or lands devoted
to a soil conservation or forestry management program.
AGRICULTURE, HOME
The production, principally for use or consumption of the
property owner, of plants, animals, or their products, including,
but not limited to, gardening, fruit production, poultry and livestock
products. This does not include the sale of products produced off-site,
but does include the sale of products produced on-site.
AISLE
The traveled way by which cars enter and depart parking spaces.
ALLEY
A service roadway providing vehicular service access to the
back or side of properties otherwise abutting on a street.
ALTERATION
Any change or rearrangement in the supporting members of an existing building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, girders or interior partitions, as well as any change in doors or windows or any enlargement or diminution of a building or structures. For the purposes of Chapter
93, Historic Preservation, only, the term "alteration" shall mean any change or rearrangement in the structural parts or the means of ingress and egress, as well as any change in doors or windows or any enlargement or diminution of a building or structure, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height or the moving from one location or position to another, or the change in appearance of the exterior surface of any improvement. Except for any building or structure located in a historic district or designated as a historic site, alteration shall not be construed to mean any necessary repairs and renovation of an existing structure solely for the purpose of maintenance and/or improvements of the appearance.
[Amended 2-27-2006 by Ord. No. 01-06-02]
ANIMAL KENNEL
Any building, structure or premises in which animals are
kept, boarded, bred or trained for commercial gain.
APPLICANT
The landowner or the agent, optionee, contract purchaser
or other person authorized to act for the landowner in submitting
an application under this chapter.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The application form and all accompanying documents required
by ordinance for approval of a subdivision plan, site plan, planned
development, conditional use, zoning variance or direction of the
issuance of a permit pursuant to § 25 or § 27
of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-34 or N.J.S.A. 40:55D-36).
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
A residential health-care facility furnishing rooms, meals,
dietary services, personal care and supervision of medication to the
frail elderly who are ambulatory and not in need of skilled nursing
care. They may provide other services, such as recreational activities,
financial services and transportation.
[Added 10-24-2016 by Ord.
No. 10-16-22]
AUTOMOBILE SALES LOT OR BUILDING
A lot or building used for the sale or hire of automobiles
generally but may include light trucks or vans, trailers, recreational
vehicles, farm vehicles and construction equipment, motorcycles or
similar vehicles, and including any vehicle preparation or repair
work conducted as an accessory use. This shall be interpreted to include
new and used car dealerships, motorcycle dealerships and auto accessory
salesrooms but not the sale of junked automotive equipment, parts
or inoperable motor vehicles.
[Amended 8-26-1996 by Ord. No. O-06-96-10]
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION
Any building, structure, lot or land used or intended to
be used for the sale of motor vehicle fuels dispensed directly into
motor vehicles and including as an accessory use, repair services
and the sale and installation of lubricants, tires, batteries and
similar accessories and food and beverages, provided that the food
and beverage sales area shall not exceed 1,000 square feet.
BASEMENT
A space having 1/2 or more of its floor-to-ceiling height
above the average level of the adjoining ground and with a floor-to-ceiling
height of not less than 6 1/2 feet.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
A dwelling in which overnight accommodations and a morning
meal are provided for transients for compensation, and which the overnight
accommodations are accessory to the principal use of the dwelling
as a residence.
BERM
A mound of earth or the act of pushing earth into a mound.
BICYCLE LANE
A lane at the edge of a roadway reserved and marked for the
exclusive use of bicycles.
BICYCLE PATH
A pathway, often paved and separated from streets and sidewalks,
designed to be used by bicycles.
BIG BOX GENERAL RETAIL STORE
A retail store with a ground floor area of 60,000 square
feet or more in which the general merchandise, including but not limited
to the following, comprises over 20% of the gross floor area: toys,
clothing, sporting goods, automotive supplies, electronics, appliances,
home and garden supplies, pool supplies and equipment, discount dollar
items, bedding, photo processing, a portrait studio, cell phone sales,
a bank, pet shop, video rental, hair and/or nail salon, hardware,
jewelry, banks and fast food outlets.
[Added 3-26-2013 by Ord. No. 02-13-08]
BLOCK
A unit of land bounded by streets or by a combination of
streets and public land, railroad rights-of-way, waterways or any
other barrier to the continuity of development.
BOARDINGHOUSE
A dwelling unit or part thereof in which, for compensation,
lodging and meals are provided; personal and financial services may
be offered as well.
BUFFER
Open spaces, landscaped areas, fences, walls, berms or any
combination thereof used to physically separate or screen one use
or property from another so as to visually shield or block noise,
lights, or other nuisances.
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof supported by columns, posts,
piers or walls and intended for the shelter, business, housing or
enclosing of persons, animals, property or materials of any kind.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The ratio of the horizontal area of all principal and accessory
buildings measured from the exterior surface of the exterior walls
of the ground floor on a lot to the total lot area. See Figure 2.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
The two-dimensional space within which a structure is permitted
to be built on a lot and that is defined by minimum yard setbacks.
See Figure 2. In the A-100 Zone, the maximum building envelope is
an area equal to 40% of the lot area or 20,000 square feet, whichever
is less.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance of a building measured from the finished
grade of the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of the building
to the highest roof beams on a flat or shed roof, the deck level on
a mansard roof and the average distance between the eaves and the
ridge level for gable, hip and gambrel roofs. Mechanical equipment,
chimneys, air conditioners and similar appurtenances may exceed the
maximum height by no more than 10 feet. Church spires and steeples
and antennas may exceed the maximum height by no more than 25 feet.
See Figure 3.
BUILDING LINE
A line parallel to the street line touching that part of
a building closest to the street. In the case of a cantilevered section
of a building, the building line will coincide with the most projected
surface. All yard requirements shall be measured to the "building
line." See Figure 2.
CALIPER
The diameter of a tree trunk measured in inches a distance
of six inches off the ground.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
A timetable or schedule of all future capital improvements
to be carried out during a specific period and listed in order of
priority, together with cost estimates and the anticipated means of
financing each project.
CARTWAY
The paved area of a street between the curbs, including travel
lanes and parking areas but not including shoulders, curbs, sidewalks
or swales. Where there are no curbs, the "cartway" is that portion
between the parallel edges of the paved street width.
CELLAR
A space with less than 1/2 of its floor-to-ceiling height,
above the averaged finished grade of the adjoining ground or with
a floor-to-ceiling height of less than 6 1/2 feet.
CELLULAR TOWER
A cellular tower is a support structure for antennas capable
of transmitting and receiving radio frequencies for digital or analog
wireless communication. For purposes of this chapter, a cellular tower
is considered part of a cellular site which usually consists of an
equipment shed containing transmitters, receivers, switching gear
and similar equipment located at the base of the tower and the antennas
affixed to the tower. Certain provisions of this chapter apply only
to the specific parts of a cellular site and are so indicated.
[Added 3-22-1999 by Ord. No. O-02-99-05]
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
A document issued by the Construction Official allowing the
occupancy or use of a building and certifying that the structure or
use has been constructed and will be used in compliance with all the
applicable state codes and municipal ordinances.
CHILD-CARE CENTER
An establishment providing for the care, supervision, and
protection of children that is licensed by the State of New Jersey
pursuant to P.L. 1983, c. 492 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-1 et seq.).
CHURCH
See "house of worship."
COMMON OPEN SPACE
Land within or related to a development, not individually
owned or dedicated for public use that is designed and intended for
the common use or enjoyment of the residents and their guests of the
development and may include such complementary structures and improvements
as are necessary and appropriate.
COMMON WATER/SEWERAGE
Water supply and sewage disposal systems, whether privately
or publicly owned and operated, that serve two or more dwellings or
other buildings.
COMMUNITY IMPACT STATEMENT
A study to determine the potential direct or indirect effects
of a proposed development on community facilities.
COMMUNITY RESIDENCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED
Any community residential facility licensed pursuant to P.L.
1977, c. 448 (N.J.S.A. 30:11B-1 et seq.) providing food, shelter,
and personal guidance, under such supervision as required, to not
more than 15 developmentally disabled or mentally ill persons, who
require assistance, temporarily or permanently, in order to live in
the community, and shall include, but not be limited to: group homes,
halfway houses, intermediate care facilities, supervised apartment
living arrangements, and hostels. Such a residence shall not be considered
a health-care facility within the meaning of the "Health Care Facilities
Planning Act" (P.L. 1971, c. 136; N.J.S.A. 26:2H-1 et seq.). In the
case of such community residence housing mentally ill persons, such
residence shall have been approved for a purchase of service contract
or an affiliation agreement pursuant to such procedures as shall be
established by regulation of the Division of Mental Health and Hospitals
of the Department of Human Services.
COMMUNITY SHELTER FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Any shelter approved for a purchase of service contract and
certified pursuant to standards and procedures established by regulation
of the Department of Human Services pursuant to P.L. 1979, c. 337
(N.J.S.A. 30:40-1-14) providing food, shelter, medical care, legal
assistance, personal guidance, and other services to not more than
15 persons who have been victims of domestic violence, including any
children of such victims, who temporarily require shelter and assistance
in order to protect their physical and psychological welfare.
CONCEPT PLAN
An informal map of a proposed subdivision or site plan of
sufficient accuracy and detail to be used for the purpose of discussion
and classification.
CONDITIONAL USE
A use permitted in a particular zoning district upon showing
that such use will comply with the conditions and standards for the
location or operation of the use as specified in the zoning ordinance and authorized by the approving agency.
CONSERVATION EASEMENT
The grant of a property right stipulating that the described
land will remain in its natural state and precluding future or additional
development.
CONSTRUCTION OFFICIAL
The Township official specified in the Building Code who is charged with administering the land development
regulations, together with the Administrative Officer of the Township.
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
An age-restricted development that provides a continuum of
accommodations and care, from independent living to long-term skilled
nursing care, and enters into contracts to provide lifelong care in
exchange for the payment of monthly fees and an entrance fee in excess
of one year of monthly fees.
CONVENIENCE RETAIL
Any retail establishment offering for sale prepackaged food
products, households items, newspapers and magazines, sandwiches and
other freshly prepared foods, such as salads. Food products are generally
for off-site consumption but may contain seating accommodations of
not less than eight seats.
COURT
Any open space, unobstructed from the ground to the sky,
that is bounded on two or more sides by the walls of a building that
is on the same lot.
CRITICAL AREA
Water bodies, including streams, ponds and lakes, one-hundred-year
floodplains, freshwater wetlands, transition areas and slopes over
25%.
CURB CUT
The depression of the curbline at which point vehicles, people
or surface water runoff cross the curbline.
DEDICATION
The transfer of property by the owner to another party.
DENSITY, GROSS
The number of dwelling units per gross area of land to be
developed.
DENSITY, NET
The total number of dwelling units per unit of land excluding
all areas designated as common open space, streets, easements, water
areas and wetlands.
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; any
mining, excavation, landfill or land disturbances and any use, change
in use or extension of use of land for which permission may be required
pursuant to this chapter.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE
An advisory committee established pursuant to §
150-76 of the Code of the Township of Cranbury to review applications for development pending before the Board of Adjustment and Planning Board.
DOCK
A structure, whether fixed or floating, attached at one end
to the shoreline and extending on or over the surface of a lake and
intended to facilitate access to the lake for boating or swimming.
For purposes of this chapter, "dock" and "pier" shall mean the same.
[Added 8-30-2004 by Ord. No. 07-04-17]
DRAINAGE
The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by
drains, grading or other means and includes control of runoff during
and after construction or development to minimize erosion and sedimentation,
to assure the adequacy of existing and proposed culverts and bridges,
to induce water recharge into the ground where practical, to lessen
nonpoint pollution, to maintain the integrity of stream channels for
their biological functions as well as for drainage, and the means
necessary for water supply preservation or prevention and alleviation
of flooding.
DRIVEWAY
A paved or unpaved area used for ingress or egress of vehicles
and allowing access from a street to a building or other structure
or facility.
DWELLING
A structure or portion thereof that is used exclusively for
human habitation. "Dwellings" may include but are not limited to the
following types:
B.
GARDEN APARTMENTThree or more dwelling units located within a single building, with an entrance to each dwelling by direct access from the outside or through a common hall. "Garden apartments" may include buildings in cooperative or condominium ownership. Also see "dwelling, multifamily."
C.
TOWNHOUSEA one-family dwelling unit in a row of at least three such attached units in which each unit has its own front and rear access to the outside, no unit is located over another unit and each unit is separated from any other unit by one or more vertical common fire-resistant walls.
D.
ZERO LOT LINEA single-family detached building located on a lot in such a manner that one or more of the building's sides rests directly on a lot line. Side, rear or front yards may be enclosed by walls, provided that such yards remain unoccupied and open to the sky.
E.
MULTIFAMILYA building containing three or more dwelling units that share common vertical and/or horizontal separations, including garden apartments.
F.
SEMIDETACHED SINGLE-FAMILYA single-family dwelling attached to one other single-family dwelling on an adjoining lot by a common vertical wall erected on the lot line dividing the two lots.
G.
TWO-FAMILYA building on a single lot containing two dwellings, each of which is separated from the other by an unpierced fire resistant wall extending from ground to roof or an unpierced ceiling and floor extending from exterior wall to exterior wall, except for a common stairwell exterior to both dwelling units.
EASEMENT
A grant of one or more property rights by the property owner
to and/or for use by the public, a corporation or another person or
entity.
EXTENDED-CARE FACILITY
A long-term care facility or a distinct part of a facility
licensed or approved as a nursing home, infirmary unit of a home for
the aged, or a governmental medical institution.
FAMILY
A group of individuals not necessarily related by blood,
marriage, adoption, or guardianship living together in a dwelling
unit as a single housekeeping unit under a common housekeeping management
plan based on an intentionally structured relationship providing organization
and stability.
FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME
A private residence which is registered as a family day-care
home pursuant to the "Family Day Care Provider Registration Act,"
P.L. 1987, c. 27 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-16 et seq.); and is further defined
as a private residence in which child-care services are provided for
a fee to not less than three and no more than five children at any
one time for no less than 15 hours per week; except that the division
shall not exclude a family day-care home with less than three children
from voluntary registration.
FARM
A parcel of land used for agricultural activities.
FARM BUILDINGS
All structures useful or necessary for the conduct of agricultural
activities, including but not limited to barns, silos, cribs, mechanical
equipment storage sheds, animal pens, stables or other shelters.
FARMSTEAD LOT
The lot in a lot averaged subdivision that is permanently
deed restricted to agricultural use or open space and which may contain
one residential structure.
FENCE
An artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination
of materials erected to enclose, screen or separate areas.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
Any structure wherein business of primarily a monetary nature
is transacted, such as banks, savings and loans associations, mortgage
companies and similar institutions.
FLOOD FRINGE AREA
That portion of the flood hazard area outside the floodway,
based on the total area inundated during the regulatory base flood
plus 25% of the regulatory base flood discharge. See Figure 4.
FLOOD HAZARD AREA
The floodway and flood fringe areas of a delineated stream
as determined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
under N.J.A.C. 7:13 et seq. (Flood Hazard Control). See Figure 4.
FLOODPLAIN
The relatively flat area adjoining the channel of a natural
river, stream, watercourse, or any body of standing water that has
been or may be covered by floodwater. See Figure 4.
FLOODWAY
The channel of a natural stream or river and portions of
the floodplain adjoining the channel which are reasonably required
to carry and discharge the floodwater or flood flow of any natural
stream or river. See Figure 4.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all floors of a
building or group of buildings on a lot, measured from the exterior
faces of exterior walls or from the center line of a wall separating
two buildings, but excluding the following:
B.
Any floors or portions thereof contained on
terraces or balconies projecting beyond the exterior face of the building.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
A structure that is an accessory to the principal building
and that is used for the storage of motor vehicles and in which no
occupation, business or service for profit is carried on.
GARAGE, REPAIR
Any building, premises or land in which or upon which a business,
service or industry involving the maintenance, servicing, repair or
painting of motor vehicles is conducted or rendered. Sales of motor
vehicle accessories are permitted. This term does not include car
washes and motor vehicle showrooms for new or used motor vehicles.
GARDEN CENTER or NURSERY
Land, greenhouses and other temporary and permanent structures
used for the production and sale of flowers, shrubs, trees and plants
and the sale of gardening and landscaping equipment, supplies and
accessories. Landscaping equipment shall not include equipment typically
used for commercial operations such as backhoes, tractors and snowplows.
GROUND FLOOR
The first floor of a building other than a cellar or basement.
GROUP HOME
Any single-family dwelling used in the placement of children
pursuant to law recognized as a group home by the Department of Institutions
and Agencies in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the
Commissioner of Institutions and Agencies; provided, however, that
no group home shall contain more than 12 children.
HISTORIC DISTRICT
One or more historic sites and intervening or surrounding
property significantly affecting or affected by the quality and character
of the historic site or sites.
HISTORIC SITE
Any real property, man-made structure, natural object or
configuration or any portion or group of the foregoing of historical,
archaeological, cultural, scenic or architectural significance.
HOME OCCUPATION
Any activity carried out for gain by a resident and conducted
as a customary, incidental and accessory use in the resident's dwelling
unit.
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
A community association, other than a condominium association,
that is organized in a residential development in which individual
owners share common interests and responsibilities for costs and upkeep
of common open space or facilities.
HOTEL
A facility offering transient lodging accommodations to the
general public and which may provide additional services, such as
restaurants, reception rooms, meeting rooms, entertainment and recreation
facilities.
HOUSEHOLD
A family living together in a single dwelling unit, with
common access to and common use of all living and eating areas and
all areas and facilities for the preparation and serving of food within
the dwelling unit.
HOUSE OF WORSHIP
A building or structure, or groups of buildings or structures,
that by design and construction are primarily intended for conducting
organized religious services and associated accessory uses.
IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE
That portion of the lot that is covered by nonpermeable surfaces,
including but not limited to, buildings, parking areas, driveways,
service areas, streets, walkways, patios, pools and plazas. All required
parking areas which are permitted to remain unimproved and all gravel
areas and landscape areas lined with weed-inhibiting plastic sheeting
shall be considered as impervious surfaces.
LANDSCAPE PLAN
A component of a development plan on which is shown: proposed
landscape species (such as number, spacing, size at time of planting
and planting details); proposals for protection of existing vegetation
during and after construction; proposed treatment of hard and soft
surfaces; proposed decorative features; grade changes; buffers and
screening devices; and any other information that can reasonably be
required in order that an informed decision can be made by the approving
authority.
LIGHT INDUSTRY
Industrial uses that meet the performance standards, bulk
controls and other requirements established in the land development
ordinance.
LOT
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by
plat, subdivision, court order or as otherwise permitted by law, to
be separately owned, used, developed or built upon.
LOT AREA
The total area within the lot lines of a lot.
LOT AVERAGING
A form of development of contiguous or noncontiguous tracts of land which are in the same ownership and which permit a reduction in individual lot areas and bulk requirements, provided that the remaining land area is devoted to open space, agriculture or preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, at a maximum density as permitted in §§
150-14,
150-15 and
150-17, Article
III.
[Amended 11-28-2011 by Ord. No. 10-11-19]
LOT, CORNER
A lot or parcel of land abutting upon two or more intersecting
streets, or upon two parts of the same street forming an interior
angle of less than 135°.
LOT DEPTH
The average distance measured from the front lot line to
the rear lot line.
LOT, FLAG
A lot not meeting minimum frontage requirements and where
access to the public street is by a private right-of-way or driveway.
See Figure 5.
LOT FRONTAGE
The length of the front lot line measured at the street right-of-way
line.
LOT LINE
A line of record bounding a lot that divides one lot from
another adjoining lot or from a public or private street or any other
public space.
LOT LINE, FRONT
The lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way,
also referred to as a "street line." See Figure 2.
LOT LINE, REAR
The lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot
line, or, in the case of triangular or otherwise irregularly shaped
lots, a line at least 10 feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel
to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDE
Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line. See Figure
2.
LOT, PENINSULA
A lot or parcel of land abutting upon three or more intersecting
streets.
LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGE
A through lot which is not accessible from one of the parallel
or nonintersecting streets upon which it fronts. See Figure 6.
LOT, THROUGH
A lot that fronts upon two parallel streets or that fronts
upon two streets that do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.
LOT WIDTH
The horizontal distance between the side lines of a lot measured
at right angles to its depth along a straight line parallel to the
front lot line at the minimum building setback line.
LOW-INCOME HOUSING
Housing affordable according to Federal Department of Housing
and Urban Development or the standards established by the New Jersey
Council on Affordable Housing for home ownership and rental costs,
occupied or reserved for occupancy by households with a gross household
income equal to 50% or less of the median gross household income for
households of the same size within the housing region in which the
housing is located, and which is subject to affordability controls
promulgated by the Council.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE
Any security, including but not limited to letters of credit
and surety bonds, that may be required and accepted by the Township
to assure the necessary improvements will function as required for
a specific period of time.
MARQUEE
Any hood, canopy, awning or permanent construction that projects
from the exterior wall of a building, usually above an entrance, or
the front face of the building.
MASTER PLAN
A composite of one or more written or graphic proposals for
the development of the Township as set forth in and adopted pursuant
to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28 et seq.
MINIMUM USABLE YARD AREA
An area measuring 20% or more of all yards, exclusive of
critical areas, for use by the occupants.
MINING
The extraction of minerals, including solids, liquids and
gases, through quarrying, groundwater diversion, soil removal and
similar activities.
MINOR SITE PLAN
A development plan for less than 5,000 square feet of new
or additional gross floor area or less than 20% increase in impervious
surface coverage, provided the site plan: (1) conforms to all applicable
zoning, site plan and subdivision requirements; (2) involves neither
a planned development, a new street, or the extension of any off-tract
improvements that are to be prorated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-52;
and (3) contains the information reasonably required to make an informed
decision on the application.
[Amended 12-28-1998 by Ord. No. O-11-98-25; 10-9-2017 by Ord. No. 09-17-14]
MINOR SUBDIVISION
A subdivision of land that does not involve any of the following:
A.
The creating of more than two lots (one new
lot and the remaining parcel), each fronting on an existing street
or road;
D.
The extension of any off-tract improvements.
Any subdivision application from a subdivider or owner which has previously
been subdivided or granted a minor subdivision shall be classified
as a major subdivision.
MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING
Housing affordable according to Federal Department of Housing
and Urban Development or the standards established by the New Jersey
Council on Affordable Housing for home ownership and rental costs,
occupied or reserved for occupancy by households with a gross household
income in excess of 50% but less than 80% of the median gross household
income for households of the same size within the housing region in
which the housing is located, and which is subject to affordability
controls promulgated by the Council.
MOTEL
An establishment providing sleeping accommodations with a
majority of all rooms having direct access to the outside without
the necessity of passing through the main lobby of the building.
MUNICIPAL AGENCY
The Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation
Advisory Committee or Township Committee or any agency created by
or responsible to Cranbury Township when acting pursuant to this chapter.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot, the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to
the adoption, revision or amendment of the zoning ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption to conform to
the requirements of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
Any sign lawfully existing on the effective date of an ordinance
or any amendment thereto, that renders such sign nonconforming because
it does not conform to all the standards and regulations of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A structure or building, the size, dimensions or location
of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment to
the zoning ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision
or amendment to conform to the requirements of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use or activity that was lawful prior to the adoption,
revision or amendment of the zoning ordinance but that fails by reasons
of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the requirements
of this chapter.
NONRESIDENTIAL ZONES
Nonresidential zones include the Village Commercial (VC),
Highway Commercial (HC), General Commercial (GC), Professional Office/Residential
(PO/R), Research Office/Light Industrial (RO/LI) and Industrial-Light
Impact (I-LI) zones.
OFF-SITE
Located outside the lot lines of the lot in question but
within the property (of which the lot is a part) that is the subject
of a development application or within a contiguous portion of a street
or other right-of-way.
OFF-TRACT
Not located on the property that is the subject of a development
application nor on a contiguous portion of a street or other right-of-way.
ON-SITE
Located on the lot that is the subject of an application
for development.
ON-SITE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEM
A watertight receptacle that receives the discharge of sewage
from a building, sewer or part thereof and is designed and constructed
so as to permit settling of solids, digestion of the organic matter
and discharge of the liquid portion into a disposal area in accordance
with current regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection and Energy and the Middlesex County Health Department.
ON-TRACT
Located on the property that is the subject of a development
application or on a contiguous portion of a street or other right-of-way.
OPEN SPACE
Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved
and set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for agricultural
uses or passive recreation.
OUTBUILDING
A separate accessory building or structure not physically
connected to the principal building and located on the same lot.
OUTDOOR STORAGE
The keeping, in an unroofed area, of any items, including,
but not limited to, goods, junk, material, trailers, merchandise and
vehicles in the same place for more than 24 hours.
OWNER
An individual, firm, association, syndicate, partnership,
or corporation having sufficient proprietary interest to seek development
of land.
PARKING LOT
An off-street area, usually improved, for the temporary storage
and circulation of motor vehicles.
PARKING SPACE
A space for the parking of one motor vehicle within a public
or private parking area, but not within a dedicated street.
PATIO
A level, impervious surfaced area directly adjacent to a
principal building at or within three feet of the finished grade,
not covered by a permanent roof and used primarily for passive recreation.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE
Any security, including but not limited to letters of credit,
surety bond that may be accepted by the Township to ensure that improvements
required as part of an application for development are satisfactorily
completed.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
An area of a minimum contiguous size as specified by this
chapter, to be planned, developed, operated and maintained as a single
entity according to a plan and containing one or more structures with
appurtenant common areas.
PLAT
A map of a subdivision or site plan.
PORCH
A roofed open area, which may be screened, usually attached
to or part of and with direct access to or from a building.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
The office of a member of a recognized profession maintained
for the conduct of that profession.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign, other than a flat, wall sign, that projects more
than 12 inches from the face of the building to which it is attached.
[Added 7-23-2012 by Ord. No. 07-12-12]
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 biological as well as drainage function
of the channel and providing for the flow of water to safeguard the
public against flood damage, sedimentation and erosion and to assure
the adequacy of existing and proposed culverts and bridges, to induce
water recharge into the ground where practical, and to lessen nonpoint
pollution.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
Improvements which the Board may deem necessary or appropriate,
including but not limited to streets, grading, pavement, gutters,
curbs, sidewalks, streetlighting, shade trees, surveyor's monuments,
water mains, culverts, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, drainage structures,
erosion control and sedimentation control devices, public improvements
of open space and, in the case of site plans, other on-site improvements
and landscaping.
QUORUM
A majority of the full authorized membership of a board or
agency.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicular-type portable structure without permanent foundation
that can be towed, hauled or driven and primarily designed as temporary
living accommodation for recreational, camping and travel use, and
including but not limited to travel trailers, truck campers, camping
trailers and self-propelled motor homes.
RESEARCH LABORATORY
An establishment or other facility for carrying on investigation
in the natural, physical or social sciences, which may include engineering
and product development.
RESIDENTIAL CLUSTER
A form of planned residential development to be developed
as a single entity according to a plan, and containing residential
housing units that have a private or public open space area as an
appurtenance.
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Residential zones include the Agriculture Preservation (A-100),
Residential-Light Impact (R-LI), Residential-Low Density (RLD-1 and
RLD-3), Village/Hamlet Residential (V/HR), Residential-Mount Laurel
(R-ML) and Residential-Affordable Housing (R-AH) Zones.
RESTAURANT
An establishment where food and drink are prepared, served
and consumed primarily within the principal building.
RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD
A business establishment whose principal business is the
sale of preprepared or rapidly prepared food directly to the customer
in a ready-to-consume state for consumption either within the restaurant
building, in cars on the premises, or off the premises.
RESUBDIVISION
The further division of a lot or the relocation of lot lines
of any lot or lots within a subdivision previously approved and recorded
according to law; or the alteration of any streets or the establishment
of any new streets within any such subdivision, but not including
conveyances made so as to combine existing lots by deed or other instrument.
SANDWICH BOARD or A-FRAME SIGN BOARD
A sandwich board sign, also called an "A-frame" sign board,
is a self-supporting, portable sign, not attached to the ground or
other permanent structure, A-shaped, constructed with two sides (or
planes) joined at the top, with two visible sides, containing commercial
speech, situated adjacent to a business, typically on a sidewalk.
[Added 7-23-2012 by Ord. No. 07-12-12]
SATELLITE EARTH STATION
Any apparatus capable of transmitting and/or receiving signals
from geostationary orbital satellites.
SCHOOL
Any building or part thereof which is designed, constructed
or used for education of students up to and through the secondary
level.
SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING
Housing within which residency shall be restricted to permanent
residents of the age 62 years and over, except for the spouse and
one child 18 years or more of age of a qualifying resident.
SETBACK
The distance between a building and any lot line.
SHOPPING CENTER
A group of retail commercial establishments planned, constructed
and managed as a total entity, with customer and employee parking
and internal traffic circulation on site, provision for goods delivery
separated from customer access, aesthetic consideration, e.g., landscaping,
comprehensive signage plan and shopper protection from the elements.
SIGHT TRIANGLE
A triangular shaped portion of land established at street
intersections in which nothing is erected, placed, planted or allowed
to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance
of motorists entering or leaving the intersection.
SIGN
Any object, device, display or structure or part thereof,
situated outdoors or indoors, which is used to advertise, identify,
display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution,
organization, business, product, service, event or location by any
means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures,
colors, illumination or projected images.
SIGN, ANIMATED OR MOVING
Any sign or part of a sign which changes physical position
or light intensity by any movement or rotation or that gives the visual
impression of such movement or rotation.
SIGN AREA
The entire face of a sign, including the advertising surface
and any framing, trim or molding, but not including the supporting
structure.
SIGN, AWNING
A sign that is mounted, painted, or attached to an awning
or other window or door canopy that is otherwise permitted by ordinance.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, BANNER
A sign of fabric or similar material that is mounted on a
pole(s) and/or building by any means. A banner is not defined by shape,
and it may be square, rectangular, round, triangular or pennant shaped.
National flags, state, county and municipal flags or the official
flag of any institution or business shall not be considered a banner.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, BILLBOARD
A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service
or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than
the premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN, BUSINESS
A sign that directs attention to a business or profession
conducted or to a commodity or service sold, offered or manufactured,
or to an entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located.
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION
A temporary sign erected on the premises on which construction
is taking place, during the period of such construction, which may
indicate the name of the development project and the names of the
occupant and principal designers such as architects, engineers, landscape
architects, contractors or similar artisans and the owners, financial
supporters, sponsors and similar individuals or firms having a role
or interest with respect to the structure or project.
SIGN, DIGITAL BILLBOARD
Changeable electronic variable message signs (CEVMS) on billboards
that have changeable messages or displays and meet requirements related
to duration of messages, transition time, lighting and brightness.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL OR WAYFINDING
A sign limited to directional symbols and/or messages, principally
for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
[Amended 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, FACE
The area or display surface used for the message.
SIGN, FLAGS, STREAMERS AND PENNANTS
A flag is a piece of cloth or plastic, supported by a staff,
which is intended to flutter in the wind. National, state, county,
municipal and corporate flags are exempt. A streamer or pennant is
an individual object or series of small objects made of a lightweight
plastic or fabric or other material, which may not contain text and
which is suspended from or twined around a rope, wire or string.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, FREE EXPRESSION
Any sign which expresses free speech protected under the
First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, GOVERNMENTAL
A sign erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge
of any governmental functions or required by law, ordinance or other
governmental regulation.
SIGN, GROUND OR MONUMENT
Any sign, other than a pole sign, in which the entire bottom
is in contact with or is close to the ground and is independent of
any other structure.
[Amended 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, ILLUMINATED
A sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either
by lights on or in the sign or directed towards the sign.
SIGN, INFLATABLE
Any display capable of being expanded by air or other gas
and used on a permanent or temporary basis to advertise a product
or event.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, MENU BOARD
A sign containing a menu, or a portion thereof, of food products
for sale from the restaurant with which it is associated.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, NONCONFORMING
Any sign lawfully existing on the effective date of an ordinance,
or any amendment thereto, that renders such sign nonconforming because
it does not conform to all the standards and regulations of this chapter.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, PERMANENT WINDOW
A permanent sign that is painted or mounted onto a windowpane,
or that is hung directly inside a window solely for the purpose or
effect of identifying any premises from the sidewalk or street.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, POLE
A sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole or other support.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, POLITICAL ELECTION
A temporary sign announcing or supporting political candidates
or issues in connection with any national, state or local election.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, PROJECTING
A sign, other than a flat, wall sign, that projects more
than 12 inches from the face of the building to which it is attached.
[Amended 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, REAL ESTATE
A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises or
a portion of the premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN, ROOF
A sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or that
is wholly dependent upon a building for support and that projects
above the top walk or edge of a building with a flat roof, the eave
line of a building with a gambrel, gable or hip roof or the deck line
of a building with a mansard roof.
SIGN, SANDWICH BOARD or A-FRAME SIGN BOARD
A sandwich board sign, also called an "A-frame" sign board,
is a self-supporting, portable sign, not attached to the ground or
other permanent structure, A-shaped, constructed with two sides (or
planes) joined at the top, with two visible sides, containing commercial
speech, situated adjacent to a business, typically on a sidewalk.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, TEMPORARY
A sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas
fabric, plywood or other light material and designed or intended to
be displayed for a short period of time.
SIGN, TEMPORARY EVENT
A sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is
mounted on a pole or building by any means, or inflatable signs, or
signs temporarily painted or taped onto a window and intended to be
displayed for a limited period of time only, including banners, balloons,
flags (not including national, state, county, municipal or corporate
flags) and pennants or streamers.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, TEMPORARY WINDOW
A temporary sign, painted or taped to a window, advertising special sales, events or products for a limited duration. Such signs shall be considered a temporary event sign and subject to the requirements set forth in §
150-37E(8).
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord.
No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, WALL
A sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or
structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure
for, or forms the background surface of, the sign and that does not
project more than 12 inches from such building or structure.
SIGN, WINDOW
A sign that is applied or attached to the exterior or interior
of a window or located in such a manner within a building that it
can be seen from the exterior of the structure through a window.
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, structures and signs, lighting,
screening devices; and any other information that may be reasonably
required in order to make an informed determination pursuant to the
Planning Board, adopted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-37 et seq.
SKETCH PLAT
A concept, informal map of a proposed subdivision or site
plan of sufficient accuracy to be used for the purpose of discussion
and classification.
STORAGE SHED
An accessory building used for the storage of items such
as, but not limited to, tools, lawn and garden equipment, furniture,
and similar items of personal property belonging to the occupant of
the principal structure.
STORY
That portion of a building included between the surface of
any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there
is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling
next above it and including those basements used for the principal
use.
STORY, HALF
A space under a sloping roof that has the line of intersection
of the roof and wall face not more than three feet above the floor
level and in which space the possible floor area with headroom of
five feet or less occupies at least 40% of the total floor area of
the story directly beneath.
STREAM
A watercourse having a source and terminus, banks and channel
through which waters flow at least periodically.
STREET
Any vehicular way that is: (1) an existing State, County
or municipal road; (2) shown upon a plat approved pursuant to law;
(3) approved by other official action; or (4) shown on a plat duly
filed and recorded in the office of the County Clerk prior to the
appointment of a Planning Board and the grant to such Board of the
power to review plats. A "street" includes the land between the street
right-of-way lines, whether improved or unimproved, and may comprise
pavement, shoulders, gutters, curbs, sidewalks, parking areas and
other areas.
STREET, COLLECTOR
A street that collects traffic from local streets and connects
with major and minor arterials. See Figure 7.
STREET, CUL-DE-SAC
A street with a single common ingress and egress with a turnaround
at the end. See Figure 7.
STREET, DEAD-END
A street with a single common ingress and egress. See Figure
7.
STREET, LOCAL
A street intended primarily for access to individual properties
and designed for local traffic. See Figure 7.
STREET, LOOP
A local street that has its only ingress and egress at two
points on the same collector street. See Figure 7.
STREET, MAJOR ARTERIAL
Any street or road intended to carry large traffic volumes
at steady speeds through the Township. See Figure 7.
STREET, MINOR ARTERIAL
Any street that collects and distributes traffic to and from
collector streets. See Figure 7.
STREET, SERVICE
A street running parallel to a freeway or major arterial
and serving abutting properties. See Figure 7.
STRUCTURE
A combination of materials to form a construction for occupancy,
use or ornamentation, whether installed on, above or below the surface
of land or water.
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:
A.
Divisions of land found by the Planning Board
or Subdivision Committee thereof appointed by the Chairman to be for
agricultural purposes where all resulting parcels are five acres or
larger in size;
B.
Divisions of property by testamentary or intestate
provisions;
C.
Divisions of property upon court order, including
but not limited to judgments of foreclosure;
D.
Consolidation of existing lots by deed or other
recorded instrument; and
E.
The conveyance of one or more adjoining lots,
tracts or parcels of land, owned by the same person or persons, and
all of which are found and certified by the Administrative Officer
to conform to the requirements of the Land Development Ordinance of
Cranbury Township and are shown and designated as separate lots, tracts
or parcels on the Tax Map or Atlas of the Township. The term "subdivision"
shall also include the term "resubdivision."
SUPERMARKET
A retail establishment with 40,000 square feet of gross floor
area or more selling primarily food as well as other convenience and
household goods, including the sale of fresh produce, prepared and
preprepared foods for on- or off-site consumption, baked goods, cheese,
meat, groceries, beer, wine, liquor, household items, flowers, gifts,
cosmetics and pharmaceutical goods.
[Added 4-8-2013 by Ord. No. 03-13-10]
TEMPORARY EVENT SIGN
A sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is
mounted on a pole or building by any means, and intended to be displayed
for a limited period of time only, including banners, balloons, flags
(not including national, state, county, municipal or corporate flags)
and pennants or streamers.
[Added 7-23-2012 by Ord. No. 07-12-12]
TOWNSHIP
The Township of Cranbury, Middlesex County, New Jersey.
TRACT
A parcel, property or area of land comprised of one or more
lots adjacent to one another established by a plat or otherwise as
permitted by law to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.
TRANSITION BUFFER
A landscaped area intended to act as a visual separation
between two land uses of different intensity.
TRUCK STOP
Any building, premises or land in which or upon which a business,
service, or industry involving the maintenance, servicing, storage,
cleaning or repair of a commercial vehicle is conducted, including
fuel and truck accessory sales, overnight storage of trucks and may
include restaurants and overnight accommodations for drivers.
USE
The purpose or activity for which land or buildings are arranged,
designed or intended or for which land or buildings are occupied or
maintained.
UTILITY BOXES
An aboveground structure or box that encloses a utility structure,
including but not limited to electric transformers, switch boxes,
telephone pedestals and telephone boxes, cable television boxes, traffic
control boxes, backflow preventers and meters for water, sewer or
gas service and sewage pump devices.
[Added 4-8-2019 by Ord.
No. 03-19-05]
UTILITY STRUCTURES
Aboveground devices required by a public utility, including
poles, lines, wires, utility boxes and substations used for telephone,
electric, natural gas, water, sewer, cable, and for other distribution
or transmission purposes.
[Added 4-8-2019 by Ord.
No. 03-19-05]
WAREHOUSE
A building used primarily for the storage of goods and materials.
WAREHOUSE/DISCOUNT CLUB
A retail store selling a wide variety of merchandise in which
customers purchase large, wholesale quantities of the store’s
products, and where the customers may be required to pay an annual
membership fee.
[Added 3-26-2013 by Ord. No. 02-13-08]
WELL
On-site subsurface source of water supply, including pumping
and treatment equipment to provide irrigation or potable water service
to a lot or lots in accordance with regulations of the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection and Energy and the Middlesex
County Health Department.
WHOLESALE SALES AND SERVICES
Establishments or places of business primarily engaged in
selling merchandise to retailers; industrial, commercial, institutional
or professional business users; other wholesalers; or acting as agents
or brokers and buying merchandise for, or selling merchandise to,
such individuals or companies, but excluding lumber and building material
sales.
YARD
An open space that lies between the principal building or
buildings and the nearest lot line. The minimum required yard as set
forth in the chapter is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground
upward except as may be specifically provided in the zoning ordinance.
YARD, FRONT
A space extending the full width of the lot between any building
and the front lot line and measured perpendicularly to the building
at the closest point to the front lot line. See Figure 8.
YARD LINE
A line drawn parallel to a lot line at a distance therefrom
equal to the depth of the required yard.
YARD, REAR
A space extending across the full width of the lot between
the principal building and the rear lot line and measured perpendicular
to the building to the closest point of the rear lot line. See Figures
2 and 8.
YARD, SIDE
A space extending from the front yard to the rear yard between
the principal building and the side lot line and measured perpendicular
from the side lot line to the closest point of the principal building.
See Figures 2 and 8.
ZONE
A specifically delineated area or district within which uniform
regulations govern the use, placement, spacing and size of land and
buildings.
ZONING BOARD
The Zoning Board of Adjustment as established under this
chapter.
ZONING MAP
The map annexed to and made a part of this chapter, indicating
zone boundaries.
ZONING PERMIT
A document, signed by the Zoning Officer, which either is
required by ordinance as a condition precedent to the commencement
of a use or the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration,
conversion or installation of a structure or building or which acknowledges
that such use, structure or building complies with the provisions
of the Municipal Zoning Ordinance or variance therefrom duly authorized
by the appropriate agency of Cranbury Township pursuant to N.J.S.A.
40:55D-60 and 40:55D-70.