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Village of Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
This article sets forth the submission requirements for the various categories of subdivision, site plan and variance applications to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The following general procedures shall apply to the completeness review of applications:
A. 
In order to be determined complete for review by the Board, all of the required information must be submitted, provided that the applicant may request that one or more of the submission requirements be waived. A written request, explaining the basis for such request(s) must be submitted for such waiver requests in order to be considered. The Board or its authorized committee shall grant or deny the waiver request within 45 days of receipt of the written request.
B. 
If more than one development application category is to be considered by the Board, the applicant shall be required to submit the information required for all of the individual applications.
C. 
Nothing herein shall be construed as diminishing the applicant's obligation to prove in the application process that he is entitled to approval of the application.
D. 
The Board may subsequently require correction of any information found to be in error and submission of additional information not specified in this chapter or any revisions in the accompanying documents, as are reasonably necessary to make an informed decision as to whether the requirements necessary for approval of the application have been met. The application shall not be deemed incomplete for lack of any such additional information or any revisions in the accompanying documents so required by the Board.
[Amended 7-16-2003 by Ord. No. 2833]
In addition to the submission requirements for the individual categories of applications in the following sections, all categories of applications, except for conceptual site plans, conceptual subdivisions and minor site plans for which a waiver of public hearing is granted, shall be required to submit the following:
A. 
For purposes of completeness review only, three copies of the appropriate application form(s). Thereafter, if the application is determined to be complete, the applicant shall submit 20 copies (if submitting to the Planning Board) or 12 copies (if submitting to the Zoning Board of Adjustment) of the appropriate application form(s), completed and signed. If any item is not applicable to the applicant, it shall be indicated on the application form(s) by the words "not applicable" or "none."
B. 
Written description of the application, including a description of the proposed use and improvements.
C. 
Statements as to any requirements from which a waiver or variance is sought, together with a statement of reasons why same should be granted.
D. 
Receipt indicating that applicable fees and initial escrow deposits are paid.
E. 
Certificate from the Tax Collector indicating that all taxes and assessments for the subject property are paid up to and including the most recent collection period.
F. 
Certificate from both the Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board indicating the nature and date of prior actions, if any, by the respective Boards affecting the subject property.
G. 
Affidavit of ownership. If applicant is not the owner, applicant's interest in land must be indicated; e.g., tenant, contract/purchaser, lien holder, etc., and permission of property owner to file the application must be submitted.
H. 
If the applicant is a corporation or partnership applying to the Board or the Council for permission to subdivide a parcel of land into six or more lots or applying for a variance to construct a multiple dwelling of 25 or more family units or for approval of a site to be used for commercial purposes, list the names and addresses of all stockholders or individual partners owning at least 10% of its stock of any class as required by § 190-64.
I. 
For purposes of completeness review only, three copies of the required plot plan, site plan or subdivision plan. Thereafter, if the application is determined to be complete, the applicant shall submit 20 copies (if submitting to the Planning Board) or 12 copies (if submitting to the Zoning Board of Adjustment) of any required plot plan, site plan or subdivision plan, signed and sealed by the professional who prepared the plot plan, site plan or subdivision plan. Any plan submitted as part of an application to a Village agency shall be prepared by an individual pursuant to the regulations in N.J.A.C. 13:27, 13:40 and 13:41, as amended, provided that the owner of a single-family detached or two-family dwelling may sign the plans for an application if he has prepared them. All such plans shall contain the following information:
(1) 
Title block containing the type of application; name and address of applicant and owner; name, address, signature, license number and seal of plan preparer; existing lot and block numbers; municipality and county, date prepared and date(s) of all plan amendments.
(2) 
Signature block for signatures of Chairman and Secretary of the Board.
(3) 
The name of all adjoining property owners as disclosed by current Village tax records.
(4) 
A key map showing the location of the tract to be considered in relation to the surrounding area within at least 500 feet of the subject property.
(5) 
Scale of map, both written and graphic. The scale shall consist of no more than 50 feet to the inch.
(6) 
North arrow.
(7) 
Zoning district in which parcel is located, and the zone district of adjacent property, with a table indicating tract area, lot area(s), lot width(s), all yard setbacks, coverage by above-grade structures and coverage by improvements, building height, floor area ratio, density and number of parking spaces, both as to required, existing and proposed, for the subject property. If the application involves a conditional use, compliance with the applicable conditional use standards shall be indicated on the plan.
(8) 
Existing and proposed boundaries of the site(s) in question, with bearings and dimensions of the same. The number of each existing tax lot in accordance with the Tax Map shall be shown.
(9) 
Municipal boundary line(s), if any, crossing or adjacent to the subject property.
(10) 
Location and width of existing easements or rights-of-way on or abutting the subject property, including but not limited to streets, utility and drainage easements, sight easements and access easements.
(11) 
Location of existing and proposed buildings, with setbacks from property lines dimensioned on the plan.
(12) 
Location of existing and proposed paved areas, including parking and loading areas, driveways, sidewalks, etc., showing the design of such areas.
(13) 
Location of natural features, including woodlands, streams and other water bodies, wetlands, flood hazard areas and rock outcrops on the property, and also on adjacent properties if the same affect the proposed development.
(14) 
Location of any required dedication or reservation for streets or any area shown on the Official Map or Master Plan.
(15) 
Soil erosion and sedimentation control plan, if required pursuant to P.L. 1975, c. 251.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq.
(16) 
Construction details and specifications sufficient to illustrate the nature of site improvements, including but not limited to the following, when appropriate: paving, curbing, walls, fences, utility and storm drainage structures, soil erosion control structures, tree protection devices, light fixtures and standards, signs, planting and staking details and barrier-free access design.
J. 
A statement of any and all approvals which are required from other governmental entities.
K. 
For minor subdivisions, preliminary major site plans and preliminary major subdivisions, one of the following:
(1) 
A letter of interpretation from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy (NJDEPE) indicating the absence of freshwater wetlands, or indicating the presence and verifying the boundaries of freshwater wetlands, and classifying the same by resource value;
(2) 
A letter of exemption from the NJDEPE certifying that the proposed activity is exempt from the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act, and regulations promulgated thereunder;
(3) 
A copy of any application made to the NJDEPE for any permit concerning a proposed regulated activity in or around freshwater wetlands; or
(4) 
Documentation demonstrating that no wetlands exist on the subject property and demonstrating that no wetlands exist on adjacent property that would affect or limit development on the property which is the subject of the development application.
L. 
A copy of any protective covenants or deed restrictions, if any, affecting the property in question; provided that if none exist, an affidavit from the owner certifying that no such covenants or restrictions exist shall be submitted.
M. 
If the development is classified as a major development as defined by § 190-83, three paper copies and one electronic copy in a pdf format of a stormwater management plan minimally including the submission requirement in § 190-83 and sufficient to demonstrate that the project meets the standards for a major development as defined in § 190-83.
[Added 1-17-2007 by Ord. No. 3035; amended 2-24-2021 by Ord. No. 3844]
N. 
If the development is not classified as a major development as defined by § 190-83G and involves a new building, an addition to an existing building, pool or any site improvement resulting in an increase of at least 200 square feet of impervious surface, three paper copies and one electronic copy in a pdf format of a stormwater management application and plan including the following and sufficient to demonstrate that the project meets the standards for minor development.
[Added 1-17-2007 by Ord. No. 3035; amended 2-24-2021 by Ord. No. 3844]
(1) 
A current survey of the site indicating existing conditions.
(2) 
All existing and proposed impervious cover areas.
(3) 
All methods of capturing and directing stormwater runoff into seepage tanks.
(4) 
All inlet and pipe sizes.
(5) 
Manufacturer's drawings and installation details of all proposed products.
(6) 
Existing and proposed contours and/or spot elevations sufficient to allow calculation of soil movement and accurately depict drainage patterns.
(7) 
Limits of disturbance for all proposed work.
(8) 
All trees with a trunk diameter of at least six inches at breast height to be removed and to remain.
(9) 
Elevations at property corners and key points of proposed buildings, additions, paved areas, property corners, gutters, swales, top and bottom of walls and curbs, and at all significant grade changes.
(10) 
Existing and proposed basement, first floor and garage slab elevations, where applicable. All elevations shall be in the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929. Benchmarks are available at the Village of Ridgewood, Engineering Division.
(11) 
All existing streams, brooks, or other natural or man-made drainage facilities, and including utilities when pertinent to any proposed use or construction.
(12) 
Proposed landscaping, showing the treatment of nonimpervious areas.
(13) 
A soil erosion/sediment control plan, including but not limited to silt fence and/or salt hay barrier(s). A fifty-foot long by ten-foot wide clean crushed stone access drive is required for all sites also obtaining a soil moving permit. Bergen County Soil Conservation District certification shall be required for any project that will disturb an area greater than 5,000 square feet.
(14) 
Information sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the requirements for seepage tank/retention system design in § 190-83.
(15) 
Where applicable, the boundary of the one-hundred-year floodplain and flood hazard area and the base flood elevation, as determined by the latest accepted Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood Insurance Rate Map (information available from the Engineering Division).
(16) 
Limits of wetlands and associated transition areas.
Applications for informal review of conceptual site plans and/or subdivisions shall be required to submit a plan of the proposed development. The procedures for completeness review of formal applications shall not apply to such plan, except as provided below; however, the Board Secretary shall refer the plan to the appropriate persons and agencies, who shall provide suggestions as to any additional information that may be helpful to the Board in reviewing the plan. The applicant may choose to proceed without providing such additional information or may provide some or all of the suggested information. Once the applicant has finalized his plan submittal, the application shall be scheduled for the Board's agenda; provided that any application for informal review shall provide the following prior to referral or review by the Board:
A. 
Twenty copies of the appropriate application form(s), completed and signed. If any item on the form is not applicable to the applicant, it shall be indicated on the application form(s) by the words "not applicable" or "none."
B. 
Twenty copies of the concept plan.
C. 
Written description of the application, including a description of the proposed use and improvements.
D. 
Receipt indicating that applicable fees and initial escrow deposits are paid.
E. 
Certificate from the Tax Collector indicating that all taxes and assessments for the subject property are paid up to and including the most recent collection period.
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 190-67, the information below shall be shown on the plans for all minor subdivision applications. Minor subdivision plans to be filed with the County Recording Officer shall use a sheet size of either 8.5 inches by 13 inches, 15 inches by 21 inches, 24 inches by 36 inches or 30 inches by 42 inches.
A. 
Name of the map.
B. 
Dimensions, bearings and curve data for all property lines and easements.
C. 
Location and description of existing and proposed monuments, including monuments where found, monuments set or reset, and monuments to be set or reset.
D. 
Proposed lot and block numbers for each proposed lot.
E. 
Reference meridian for North arrow shown graphically.
F. 
Date of the survey.
G. 
Required building envelopes drawn for each lot, showing graphically and by dimension the minimum front, side and rear yard setbacks, as well as any easements within which the construction of buildings is prohibited.
H. 
Location, dimensions and nature of existing and proposed improvements in any streets, within or abutting the tract.
I. 
Existing and proposed topographic contours, both for the tract and for adjacent areas affecting and affected by the development. Contour intervals shall not exceed the following: up to 10% grade: two feet; over 10% grade: five feet. Contour elevations shall be referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929.
[Amended 1-17-2007 by Ord. No. 3035]
J. 
Location of existing and proposed wells and septic systems and location of existing and proposed connections to public water and sanitary sewer systems, as well as connections to other utilities.
K. 
Certification from a licensed surveyor as to the accuracy of the details on the plat and as to compliance with provisions of the Map Filing Law.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 46:23-9.9 et seq.
L. 
Certification from a licensed surveyor as to the setting of monuments or from the Village Clerk as to the posting of a bond for the future setting of monuments.
M. 
Certification from the Village Engineer as to the plat's compliance with the provisions of the Map Filing Law and all applicable Village ordinances and requirements.
N. 
A statement from the Village Engineer that he has received a map showing all utilities in exact location and elevation identifying those portions already installed and those to be installed, and that the developer has installed all improvements in accordance with all Village regulations and/or a statement by the Village Clerk that proper performance guaranties have been posted with the Village Council for the installation of required improvements.
O. 
When approval of a plat is required by an officer or agency of the Village, county or state, such approval shall be referenced and certified on the plat.
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 190-67, the information below shall be shown on the plans for all preliminary major subdivision applications:
A. 
The proposed name of the subdivision.
B. 
Curve data for all property lines.
C. 
Proposed lot and block numbers for each proposed lot.
D. 
Required building envelopes drawn for each lot, showing graphically and by dimension the minimum front, side and rear yard setbacks, as well as any easements within which the construction of buildings is prohibited.
E. 
Location and use of open space, if any, to be deeded to the Village or controlled by an open space organization, as well as the use and nature of any other common areas.
F. 
Location, dimensions and nature of existing and proposed improvements in any streets, within or abutting the tract for a minimum distance of 200 feet beyond the tract boundaries, including profiles and cross-sections for all proposed streets, sidewalks, alleys, and planting strips; radii, points of curvature and tangency and central angles of all curves, both center-line and curb.
G. 
Existing and proposed water supply, including plans and profiles of proposed water mains, pipe material and sizes, valves, joints, hydrants and location of private wells.
H. 
Existing and proposed sanitary sewer service. If septic disposal systems are proposed, test hole locations and soil log information shall be submitted, along with the location of existing septic tanks and fields. If connection to public sanitary sewers is contemplated, the applicant shall submit plans and profiles of proposed sanitary sewer lines; pipe length, material and sizes; location of pumping stations, manholes and other structures; and appropriate elevations.
I. 
Plans and profiles of existing and proposed storm drainage design and improvements, including a map showing the entire drainage area; the drainage area contributing to each pertinent drainage structure; drainage tabulation sheets showing calculations for each drainage area; length, size and material of drain pipes; direction of flow; location of inverts, manholes, dry wells, groundwater recharge basins, swales, drainage basins and other structures; and elevations of grates, inverts, etc.
J. 
Proposed location of easements for gas, electric, telephone and cable television service.
K. 
Existing and proposed topographic contours, both for the tract and for adjacent areas affecting and affected by the development. Contour intervals shall not exceed the following: up to 10% grade: two feet; over 10% grade: five feet. Contour elevations shall be referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929.
[Amended 1-17-2007 by Ord. No. 3035]
L. 
If regrading near existing buildings is proposed, proposed spot grades at the corners of all buildings, and finished floor elevations of buildings.
M. 
Location and description of existing and proposed street trees, landscaping and natural vegetation to remain. Information for proposed plantings shall include common and scientific names, number of plants, planted size and root specification.
N. 
The location and design of fences, walls, sidewalks and similar improvements to be proposed.
O. 
If development is proposed in phases or stages, a phasing plan.
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 190-67, the information below shall be shown on the plans for all minor subdivision applications. Minor subdivision plans shall use a sheet size of either 8.5 inches by 13 inches, 15 inches by 21 inches, 24 inches by 36 inches or 30 inches by 42 inches.
A. 
Those items required for preliminary major subdivisions pursuant to § 190-70, shown in final form.
B. 
Information sufficient to demonstrate that all of the conditions of preliminary approval have been satisfied.
C. 
Name of the map.
D. 
Location and description of existing and proposed monuments, including monuments where found, monuments set or reset, and monuments to be set or reset.
E. 
Reference meridian for North arrow shown graphically.
F. 
Date of the survey.
G. 
Certification from a licensed surveyor as to the accuracy of the details on the plat and as to compliance with provisions of the Map Filing Law.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 46:23-9.9 et seq.
H. 
Certification from a licensed surveyor as to the setting of monuments or from the Village Clerk as to the posting of a bond for the future setting of monuments.
I. 
Certification from the Village Engineer as to the plat's compliance with the provisions of the Map Filing Law and all applicable Village ordinances and requirements.
J. 
A statement from the Village Engineer that he has received a map showing all utilities in exact location and elevation identifying those portions already installed and those to be installed and that the developer has installed all improvements in accordance with all Village regulations and/or a statement by the Village Clerk that proper performance guaranties have been posted with the Village Council for the installation of required improvements.
[Amended 7-16-2003 by Ord. No. 2833]
A. 
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 190-67, the following information shall be submitted for all minor site plans for which the public hearing is not waived:
(1) 
A site plan showing the location and design of existing and proposed improvements, including but not limited to parking, loading, access and circulation improvements, signs, exterior lighting, fences and walls, pavement and landscaping. Improvements need be shown only to the extent that such improvements affect or are affected by the proposed development and/or are necessary to determine compliance with this chapter.
(2) 
If interior renovations or alterations are proposed, floor plans for existing and proposed buildings, showing the use and layout of internal space, at a minimum scale of one inch per eight feet.
(3) 
If alterations to the existing building facade are proposed, elevations showing the extent and nature of the construction, including the location and dimensions of walls, doors, windows and signs, and the proposed materials and colors.
(4) 
If revisions to existing topographic contours or spot elevations are proposed, or if the building entrance or finished floor elevation is proposed to be revised, existing and proposed contours and/or spot elevations portraying the change.
(5) 
The nature, location and design of any proposed exterior heating, ventilating, exhaust, air conditioning or other equipment serving similar functions, including any exterior ductwork.
(6) 
If any subsurface stormwater storage/discharge systems are proposed, or other improvements that require discharge of water in the ground, the results of percolation tests shall be submitted with the application, along with test hole locations and soil log information, if determined necessary by the Village Engineer.
(7) 
A statement from the Village Engineer indicating whether or not the existing sanitary sewer service capacity is adequate for the proposed development and stating whether or not any modifications to the sanitary sewer design for the development are necessary.
B. 
For minor site plans for which the public hearing is waived pursuant to § 190-44B, the information required by § 190-67 shall not be required, but the information required by Subsection A(1) through (7) above, plus all of the following information, shall be required:
(1) 
Six copies of the appropriate application form(s), completed and signed. If any item on the form is not applicable to the applicant, it shall be indicated on the application form(s) by the words "not applicable," "none" or other appropriate language.
(2) 
Written description of the application, including a description of the proposed use, hours of operation, number or nature of employees and improvements, both interior and exterior.
(3) 
Receipt indicating that applicable fees and initial escrow deposits are paid.
(4) 
Certificate from the Tax Collector indicating that all taxes and assessments for the subject property are paid up to and including the most recent collection period.
(5) 
Six copies of the site plan, drawn at an appropriate scale but having no more than 30 feet per inch.
(6) 
Six copies of a photograph or photographs showing the existing conditions in the area of the proposed development (e.g., photo of storefront, location of addition, dumpster, fence, etc.).
(7) 
Certification from the Zoning Officer that the proposed development complies with all applicable development regulations. If any relief from such regulations is found to be necessary, a public hearing shall be required, and the submission requirements in §§ 190-67 and 190-72A shall apply.
(8) 
Certificate from both the Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board indicating the nature and date of prior actions, if any, by the respective Boards affecting the subject property.
(9) 
Affidavit of ownership. If applicant is not the owner, applicant's interest in land must be indicated; e.g., tenant, contract/purchaser, lienholder, etc., and permission of property owner to file the application must be submitted.
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 190-67, the following information shall be submitted for all preliminary major site plans:
A. 
Location of existing and proposed buildings and their setbacks from property lines, plus the location of existing buildings and paved areas on adjacent properties.
B. 
Floor plans for existing and proposed buildings, showing the use and layout of internal space, and front, rear and side building facade elevations, both at a scale not exceeding eight feet per inch.
C. 
Location and design of existing and proposed parking, loading, access and circulation improvements, showing dimensions of the same.
D. 
Existing and proposed topographic contours of the site and areas affecting and affected by the site. Contour intervals shall not exceed the following: up to 10% grade: two feet; over 10% grade: five feet. Contour elevations shall be referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929.
[Amended 1-17-2007 by Ord. No. 3035]
E. 
If new buildings or paved areas are proposed or if regrading near existing buildings is proposed, proposed spot grades at the corners of all buildings and in appropriate pavement locations, and finished floor elevations.
F. 
Existing and proposed utility service, including septic systems with test hole locations and soil log information, connections to sanitary sewers, wells, connections to water mains, fire hydrants, etc.
G. 
Existing and proposed storm drainage design and improvements, including a map showing the entire drainage area, the drainage area contributing to each pertinent drainage structure and drainage tabulation sheets showing calculations for each drainage area. Provisions for rooftop drainage shall also be shown.
H. 
Existing and proposed site illumination, including height and location of fixture, type of fixture and bulb, pole material and manufacturer's isocandela diagram superimposed upon the site plan.
I. 
Location and description of existing and proposed landscaping. Information for proposed landscaping shall be include common and scientific names, number of plants, planted size and root specification.
J. 
Existing and proposed signs, including the size, materials, nature of construction, location and any illumination of same.
K. 
The location and design of fences, walls, sidewalks and similar improvements to be proposed.
L. 
The location and design of solid waste disposal containers and recycling containers.
M. 
If development is proposed in phases or stages, a phasing plan.
In addition to the requirements indicated in § 190-67, the following information shall be submitted for all final major site plans:
A. 
Those items required for preliminary major site plans pursuant to § 190-73, shown in final form.
B. 
Information sufficient to demonstrate that all of the conditions of preliminary approval have been satisfied.
All applications or appeals for a "C" variance or "D" variance, when site plan or subdivision approval is not required, or when the variance application has been bifurcated from subsequent site plan or subdivision applications which may be required by this chapter, shall submit the information required by § 190-67. The Board reviewing the application shall have the authority to request additional information not required by § 190-67 if, in its opinion, such additional information is necessary to make an informed decision on the application or appeal.
Applications or appeals for other than variance relief shall be required to submit the information specified in the procedural sections for said appeals, § 190-29, 190-30, 190-31 or 190-32, as appropriate.