Township of Little Falls, NJ Purpose; Title

This chapter is adopted for the purpose of defining, regulating and restricting the location, use, height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures; the size of yards, courts and other open spaces; the density of population; the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes; creating zones for such purposes and establishing a Planning Board with powers to determine and vary the application of the regulations hereby established in harmony with their general purposes and intent; providing for the enforcement of the provisions herein and imposing penalties for their violation; all designed for one or more of the following purposes: to lessen congestion in the streets, secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; to promote health, morals and the general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land or buildings; and to avoid undue concentration of population.

Additional purposes of this chapter are:

(1)

Guiding the future growth and development of the Township in accordance with a comprehensive plan of land use which represents the most beneficial, economically productive and socially satisfactory relationships among the residential, commercial and industrial areas within the Township, having regard for their suitability for the various uses appropriate to each of them and their potential for such uses, as indicated by existing conditions and trends in population, in building development and in economic activity.

(2)

Protecting and conserving the value of land throughout the Township and the value of buildings appropriate to the various districts established by this chapter.

(3)

Assuring a harmonious relationship among the various districts established by this chapter, minimizing such conflicts among uses as may arise in connection with the orderly expansion of various use districts in accordance with the purposes and the intent of this chapter.

(4)

Bringing about the gradual conformity of the uses of land and buildings throughout the Township to the comprehensive zoning plan as set forth in this chapter.

(5)

Aiding in bringing the most beneficial relation between the uses of land and buildings and the movement of traffic through and the circulation of traffic within the Township, having particular regard to the avoidance of congestion in the highways and streets in the Township and the provisions of safe and convenient traffic access appropriate to the various uses of land and buildings throughout the Township.

(6)

Aiding and providing a guide for public policy and action in the efficient provision of public facilities and services and for private enterprise in building development, investment, and other economic activity relating to the uses of land and buildings throughout the Township.

(7)

Promoting wholesome and attractive residential areas through securing for each resident the quiet enjoyment of his property and preserving and creating a favorable environment in which to rear children.

(8)

To make provision for future development in the B-2 District by providing a variety of permitted uses which will mitigate a multiplicity of similar uses; eliminate objectionable uses; guide the appropriate use or development of lands in the district in a manner which will promote the general welfare; to prohibit additional fast-food establishments; to prohibit additional motor vehicle sales and service establishments; to promote a desirable visual environment by ensuring a variety of uses and thereby avoid the aesthetically displeasing appearance of strip similitude; to discourage and prohibit uses which will create congestion of traffic; and to regulate the nature and extent of the future uses of land, buildings and structures in the district. The governing body hereby determines and declares that this subsection has been drawn with reasonable consideration to the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses and that this subsection encourages the most appropriate use of land in the district.