Driveway aprons shall be required between the curbline and the sidewalk or right-of-way line. They shall be six inches of concrete reinforced with welded wire mesh (6x6-10/10) according to specifications required for curbing described in §
215-90E(4) above.
[Amended 4-24-2012 by Ord. No. 3-2012]
Monuments shall be of a size and shape required by N.J.S.A. 46:23-9.9 et seq., N.J.A.C. 13:40-5.1, and amendments and supplements thereto, and shall be placed in accordance with said statute and Administrative Code. In addition to the required monuments after the grading is finished, the developer shall install a solid steel stake one inch in diameter and 30 inches in length on lot corners, lot line angle points, or other changes in direction not marked by monuments, and at all angle points or discontinuities in easement lines where such easements are not parallel to property lines.
Where recreation areas and facilities are required or provided, the regulations and standards contained herein shall apply, along with appropriate sections of §
215-107 of this chapter.
A.
Sufficient outdoor play and activity equipment shall be installed in accordance with standards of the National Recreation and Park Association for the expected number of residents in the development.
(1)
It should be located in an area which will not be detrimental to adjacent properties or uses.
(2)
It should not produce objectionable features emanating from such facility.
(3)
The provision and location of such equipment shall be subject to Planning Board approval, after review by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
B.
Private swimming pools in residential areas shall have a gross area of water and deck designed for the needs of the residents of the development.
(1)
All swimming pools shall be fully enclosed by a six-foot chain-link or other fully approved fence equipped with gates and locks.
(2)
All swimming pools shall have adequate lifesaving equipment.
(3)
Within an accessory building(s), all swimming pools shall have adequate lavatory facilities, plus, under lock and key, storage facilities wherein shall be kept all pool chemicals and equipment.
(4)
All
swimming pool facilities shall comply with the regulation set forth in §
215-123 of this chapter.
In order to preserve and assure the harmonious relationship of residential units to the comprehensive neighborhood pattern and to prevent undue similarity of design which may lead to undue impairment of the stability and value of residential units and produce neighborhood degeneration and blight with attendant deterioration of conditions affecting the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the inhabitants thereof and the ownership at large, no major subdivision shall be approved until the planned construction (including front, side, and rear elevations) of residential units has been reviewed and approved by the design committee in accordance with the standards enumerated below, or unless a waiver of these requirements has been granted by the municipal agency as provided for elsewhere in this chapter.
A. The residential unit shall be of such character, quality, or architectural design, and construction materials as will assure that the proposed structure will be in keeping with the general character of the area in which it is located:
(1) That the proposed structure will have a harmonious relationship with area residential structures.
(2) That the proposed structure is not likely to produce any of the harmful effects which lead to neighborhood degeneration and blight with attendant deterioration of conditions affecting the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the City at large.
B. The floor plan for each residential unit shall be sufficiently different from the existing or planned residential unit immediately adjacent to it on either side and from the existing or planned residential unit on a lot which is immediately across a street from any portion of its lot or of the adjacent lots, to be deemed sufficiently different.
(1) Said floor plan shall have a substantial reorganization and relocation of the various living areas of the residential units.
(2) Mere variation or room sizes or reversal of floor plans, whether from side to side or front to back, shall not be construed as sufficiently different.
C. The front facade for each residential unit shall be substantially different from the front facade of any existing or planned residential unit within five lots in either direction on the same side of the street from any portion of the above-described lots; in the case of corner lots, the side and rear elevations of any existing or planned residential unit or any other corner lot at the same street intersection. To be deemed substantially different, the facade or side and rear elevation thereof, as the case may be, must be different in at least three of the following five respects:
(1) The relative location of a garage, if attached, a portico, if any, or any other such structural appurtenance with respect to the residential unit itself.
(2) The relative location or type of windows and doors.
(3) The type or pitch of the roof.
(4) The type of siding material.
(5) The type of roofing material, or the color thereof or the pattern.
D. There shall be no fewer than four different residential unit floor plans, together with no fewer than three different front, side, and rear elevations for each.
(1) Such floor plans and elevations shall be sufficiently different and distinct so as to meet the design standards of this chapter.
(2) Such plans and elevations shall be accompanied by a map of the tract indicating the plan and elevation to be placed on each lot in the tract.
(3) In the event that the subdivider contemplates selling lots only or building custom-designed and -built residences, and so indicates on his application, this requirement shall be waived.
[Amended 2-16-1993 by Ord. No. 6-1993]
A. General provisions.
(1) Any signs not specifically permitted are hereby prohibited.
(2) No signs, except window or special event signs, shall be placed on private or public property except for the purpose of identifying a use or uses actually conducted upon the premises upon which such signs are erected and for no other purpose.
(3) No sign shall be located in such a manner as to materially impede the view of any street or intersection.
(4) Except where otherwise provided, no sign or any part thereof shall be located closer than 15 feet to any lot line.
(5) All height limitations shall be measured from ground level to the highest part of the sign or its supporting structure, whichever is higher.
(6) The maximum height for freestanding signs, unless otherwise provided, shall not exceed 12 feet above ground level.
(7) Except where specifically prohibited, all signs may be double-faced, and the maximum area shall apply to each side. The areas of the sign shall include each and every part of the sign, including moldings and frames. Where the sign is supported by a post or pylon whose surface is being used for advertising purposes, the areas of this post, pylon or other supporting members shall be considered as part of the total sign area.
(8) Wherever the name or advertising message on a sign is divided between a number of panels or parts, the total area of all of the panels or parts shall be considered as one sign; and where a sign consists of individual letters or numbers, the area of the sign shall be considered as the total area of the smallest rectangle or rectangles which can collectively enclose all of the letter or numbers. The total area of a neon, LED or electronic light sign shall be measured as provided in Subsection
L(3).
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(9) Signs erected flat against the side of a building shall not extend above the height of the vertical wall or cornice to which they are attached.
(10) Unless specifically prohibited, all signs may be illuminated as provided for in Subsection
E below.
(11) Whenever a parcel is bordered by more than one street, additional signage may be permitted by the municipal agency, in accordance with the standards of this section, for each major street upon which the parcel fronts. This standard shall also apply to the installation of neon, LED or electronic light signs in accordance with Subsection
L(3).
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(12) No display vehicles or display trailer devices for commercial purposes shall be permitted to remain in any district for longer than a consecutive twenty-four-hour period.
(13) No portion of any sign shall be located within or suspended over a public right-of-way or pedestrian walkway.
(14) No sign, other than exempt signs, shall be permitted within 50 feet of the property line of any historical site or monument.
(15) Setbacks from residential district. No sign shall be located closer than 25 feet to any residential zone boundary and, further, shrubbery, a wall or other suitable device shall be provided as a visual barrier between said sign and adjoining residential properties.
(16) No existing sign shall be enlarged, rebuilt, structurally altered, or relocated except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and until a permit has been issued. The issuance of a permit shall not relieve the owner or lessee of the premises from the duty of safely maintaining such structures.
(17) With the exception of any neon, LED or electronic light sign existing on the date of adoption of Ordinance No. 6-1993 which was and can be conclusively established by the owner of the premises to have been in existence prior to June 24, 1986, all other neon, LED or electronic light signs within the City of Northfield require a permit to be issued and must satisfy the requirements of this chapter as they pertain to the placement and operation of neon, LED or electronic light signs, and a permit must be obtained not later than 45 days from the effective date of Ordinance No. 6-1993; and any sign which requires such a permit which shall not have been obtained within 45 days shall be deemed to be in violation of this chapter. No permit shall be issued for any neon, LED or electronic light sign to be installed within any building or structure where there exists any signage in violation of this chapter.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
B. Permits.
(1) All signs and advertising displays, other than those expressly excluded herein, shall require a sign permit. To obtain such permit, the owner of the proposed sign shall make application to the Zoning Officer on forms provided by him/her. The applicant shall also provide all plans and specifications of the proposed construction as provided below.
[Amended 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
(2) It shall be the responsibility of the Zoning Officer to determine whether the proposed signs will be in compliance with all the provisions of this section and all other laws and ordinances of this chapter, and that the same will be erected in such manner as not to constitute any hazard to the public or not likely to cause damage to property. The Zoning Officer shall approve or deny the issuance of a sign permit within 30 days of the receipt by him/her of the completed application form and fee. In the event the Zoning Officer approves the issuance of the sign permit, he/she shall promptly forward the same to the applicant. In the event the Construction Official denies the issuance of the sign permit, the Zoning Officer shall so notify the applicant. Upon such denial, the applicant may appeal the determination of the Zoning Officer, pursuant to §
215-7 of this chapter and all other applicable sections thereof. If the work authorized under a sign permit shall not be completed within one year after the date of its issuance, the permit shall become null and void.
[Amended 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
(3) Application for sign permits shall be made on forms to be furnished by the City and shall be accompanied by a fee of $75 by cash or check payable to the order of the "City of Northfield," which fee shall not be returnable for any reason. The application shall contain the following information hereinafter set forth:
[Amended 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
(a) Name, address and telephone number of the owner of the premises upon which the sign is sought to be erected, and if the applicant is a person other than the owner, then the applicant, in addition, shall set forth his, her or its name, address and telephone number as well as his, her or its relationship to owner.
(b) Name of person, firm, corporation or association erecting the sign.
(c) Written consent of the owner of the building, structure or land to which or on which the sign is to be erected, if applicant is other than the owner.
(d) Attached to each copy of the application shall be a sketch plat prepared by the applicant or on his behalf, which shall include the following information:
[1] Location of the premises on which the sign is to be erected, in relation to surrounding properties, and showing the Tax Map block and lot numbers of said premises along with the names of the owners of all adjoining properties and their respective Tax Map block and lot numbers, and the names of all streets which abut said premises.
[2] The location and dimension of all boundary lines of the premises.
[3] The location and dimensions of all buildings and structures, including existing signs, on said premises, showing their respective setbacks from the boundary lines.
(e) Also attached to each copy of the application shall be an additional sketch prepared by the applicant or on his behalf, which shall include the following information:
[1] A diagram of the proposed sign, with all its dimensions and height above ground shown, and a description of the message, trademark, symbol or insignia to be contained thereon.
[2] The method and materials of construction of said sign, including the mode of illumination, if any, and the manner in which it will be connected to the ground or building. In any business, commercial or industrial zone, this information shall be supplied by virtue of being set forth in blueprint plans.
(4) Nonconforming signs.
(a) Continuance. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the lawful use of any sign existing at the date of the adoption of this chapter may be continued, although such sign does not conform to the regulations specified by this section for said sign; provided, however, that no nonconforming signs shall be enlarged, extended or increased or changed in material, character, location or illumination, with the exception of any neon, LED or electronic light sign which was, and can be conclusively established by the owner thereof to have been, in existence prior to June 24, 1986; all neon, LED or electronic light signs within the City of Northfield must satisfy the requirements of this chapter pertaining to the placement and operation of neon, LED or electronic light signs; and all neon, LED or electronic light signs, whether preexisting the June 24, 1986, date, shall be subject to the permitting requirements of this chapter.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(b) Abandonment. A nonconforming sign shall be presumed to be abandoned when there occurs a cessation of any use of activity pursuant to ordinance. Failure to keep signs in good repair for a period of 12 consecutive calendar months shall constitute abandonment and such sign may not then be replaced or reused and must be removed.
(c) Restoration. If any nonconforming signs shall be destroyed by reason of windstorm, fire, explosion or other act of God or the public enemy, to an extent in excess of 50% of its then true value, said sign shall not be rebuilt or reconstructed except in conformance with the provisions of the section.
(d) Reversion. No conforming sign shall, once changed into a conforming sign, be changed back again into a nonconforming sign.
C. Construction.
[Amended 4-24-2012 by Ord. No. 3-2012]
(1) All signs shall conform to the structural requirements of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and applicant shall be responsible for obtaining any and all other necessary permits and/or approvals, including, but not limited to, the City of Northfield Construction/Building Department, prior to sign installation.
[Amended 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
(2) Freestanding signs shall be supported by posts or pylons of durable materials which may include concrete, steel, treated wood, other suitable materials, or any combination of same. Supports for freestanding signs shall be set securely in the ground or concrete so that the sign will be capable of withstanding high winds. No other bracing or guy wire shall be permitted.
(3) Any sign attached flat against the surface of a building shall be constructed of durable material and attached securely to the building with nonrusting metal hardware. When a sign is to be installed on a masonry building, holes shall be drilled in the masonry, and proper nonrusting hardware of the expansion type shall be used. The use of wood or fiber plugs is prohibited.
(4) All neon, LED or electronic light signs shall satisfy the requirements of this Subsection
C, shall be subject to review and inspection by the Electrical Inspector of the City of Northfield if required, shall be properly insulated and grounded, and shall meet or exceed the requirements of the National Electrical Safety Code and the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019; 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
D. Maintenance. All signs shall be kept and maintained in a safe, secure and good condition. Failure of a permittee and/or property owner to maintain a sign as set forth herein shall constitute a violation of this section by both the permittee and property owner enforceable by the Code Enforcement Officer in a court with appropriate jurisdiction. If the Code Enforcement Officer shall find that any sign is unsafe, insecure or in need of repair, or is not maintained in proper condition, the Code Enforcement Officer may, within his/her discretion, give written notice to the permittee thereof and the owner of the property on which said sign is located. If the permittee fails to repair or remove as required within 10 days after such notice, such sign may be removed by the Code Enforcement Officer at the expense of the permittee and/or owner of property on which it is located. The Code Enforcement Officer may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed at the expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which the sign is located and without notice to said persons.
[Amended 4-24-2012 by Ord. No. 3-2012; 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
E. Illumination.
(1) Wiring for illuminated signs shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the electrical codes of the City. Any fee for an electrical inspection shall be in addition to the fee provided for in the sign permit.
(2) Where illuminated signs are permitted, illumination may be provided by floodlights, spotlights, ordinary incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes, LED or mercury vapor lamps. Neon tube lights and LED strip lights are specifically prohibited except within the C-B Community Business, the O-PB Office Professional Business and the R-C Office Professional Business and the R-C Regional Commercial Zones. However, no neon, LED or electronic light sign shall be permitted to be placed within any window of any structure within any such zone if such window shall face or front upon an immediately adjacent residential zone (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-SC, AH), even if separated from the residential district by a street, road or highway. Regardless of the type of illumination employed, all illuminated signs shall be properly shielded and so located as to prevent glare or blinding effects upon motor vehicle traffic and so as not to cause a nuisance to residents of the area.
[Amended 4-24-2012 by Ord. No. 3-2012; 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(3) Whenever the Code Enforcement Officer, with or without consultation with any member of the City of Northfield Police Department, determines that the lighting on any sign now or hereafter erected constitutes a safety hazard to motor vehicle traffic in the vicinity, the Code Enforcement Officer shall serve written notice of this determination upon the property owner and permittee, directing them to correct the condition within 15 days from the date of the mailing of the notice. Failure to correct the condition or file an appeal within the time specified shall constitute a violation of this section by both the sign owner and property owner.
[Amended 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
F. Signs permitted without a permit. The following signs shall be permitted in any zone in the City without a permit:
(1) Nonilluminated directional signs identifying parking areas, loading zones, entrances, exits, and similar locations. The signs may include a business name or professional name but shall not include any advertising message and shall not exceed three square feet.
(2) Temporary and permanent traffic signs and signals installed by the City, county or state for the purpose of directing and regulating the flow of traffic.
(3) Signs indicating public transportation stops when installed by the City or a public transportation utility.
(4) Historical tablets, cornerstones, memorial plaques and emblems which do not exceed six square feet in area and which are installed by government agencies or civil or religious organizations.
(5) Warning and no-trespassing signs, not exceeding three square feet in area.
(6) Flags or emblems of religious, educational, civic or governmental organizations flown from supports on the buildings or grounds occupied by the organization and the American Flag whenever and wherever flown in accordance with the laws and rules promulgated by the federal government.
(7) Name and number plates identifying residents and affixed to a house, apartment or mailbox, not exceeding 50 square inches in area.
(8) Lawn signs identifying residents, not exceeding 72 square inches in area for each side. The signs shall not contain any advertising message and shall be nonilluminated except by a light which is an integral part of a lamppost if used as a support.
(9) Signs posted by governmental agencies or pursuant to governmental statute, order or regulation.
(10) Signs which are an integral part of vending machines, including gasoline pumps and milk machines, provided that they do not exceed two square feet in area.
(11) Real estate signs, announcing the sale, rental, or lease of the premises on which the sign is located, such sign not to exceed five square feet in area. If double-faced, the sign shall not exceed 10 square feet in area for both sides. The sign shall be nonilluminated. Such sign shall not be closer to the lot line than 1/2 the distance between the building line and the lot line, as defined by this chapter. Such signs shall not be located closer to other such signs than one in every 200 feet, measured either along the front of a lot or along the depth of a lot.
(12) Temporary signs or other advertising materials attached to a window shall be removed at the expiration of the event sale for which it was erected or posted or 90 days whichever is less in duration. Not more than 25% of the square footage of any single window or single window display areas shall be devoted to signs or other advertising material attached thereto or otherwise exposed to public view. Wherever permanent neon, LED or electronic light signs have been installed, no temporary signs or other advertising materials may be attached to any window in which such neon, LED or electronic light sign has been placed.
[Amended 10-9-2012 by Ord. No. 9-2012; 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(13) Temporary signs for advertising public functions or fund-raising events for charitable or religious organizations shall be permitted for a period of 90 days prior to and during the event and shall be removed within five days after the event. The signs shall be nonilluminated, not larger than eight square feet in area, not exceeding eight feet in height and may be erected flat against the building or freestanding. No temporary sign shall be placed within the area of any window in which a neon, LED or electronic light sign has been installed.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(14) Path-marking signs for garage sales, provided that not more than six signs not exceeding two square feet in size are posted no earlier than one week before the beginning of the sale, are removed the day following the sale and are not otherwise prohibited in Subsection
G below.
(15) Professional signs indicating the name and profession of the occupant of a dwelling, provided such signs do not exceed one square foot on any one side.
(16) One sign advertising a permitted nonprofit or public nonresidential use, provided said sign is located on the same premises as the use, and provided that said sign shall not exceed eight square feet in area on any one side. No sign advertising a permitted nonprofit or public nonresidential use shall be placed within any window in which a neon, LED or electronic light sign has been installed.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(17) Political signs, including banners, which are political in nature and which promote the election of a particular candidate(s) or otherwise contain political speech may be placed upon property within the City, provided all such signs and the placement thereof meet the following criteria:
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(a) A sign may be no more than a maximum of 16 square feet.
(b) Each sign shall be a maximum of four feet in height and shall be a maximum of four feet in width and shall not exceed, in the aggregate, a maximum of 16 square feet.
(c) There shall be no moving parts, flashing lights or illumination on or of any sign.
(d) If attached to a building, the top of the sign shall not extend more than six inches above the roof line of said building.
(e) No sign shall be placed or positioned so as to obstruct any intersection or to impede the vision of motorists nor to create a traffic hazard.
(f) No sign shall be erected at a height greater than six feet from the ground to the base of the sign.
(g) There shall be no more than five signs per property (regardless of the number of lots owned).
(h) If a sign contains writing on two or more sides, the maximum square footage of all sides, in the aggregate, shall not exceed 16 square feet, the sign shall meet all other requirements of this chapter as to height and location, and such sign shall be counted as one sign.
(k) There shall be no fees charged by the City for the placement of such signs.
(l) All provisions and conditions pertaining to signs of a political nature shall be applicable within all zones, residential, commercial or otherwise, within the City of Northfield.
(18) Any signs forbidding trespassing, hunting, fishing or trapping as authorized by the New Jersey Fish and Game Laws.
(19) Logoed umbrellas, as portable signs, at sidewalk cafes or restaurants when used for shading approved seating areas.
[Added 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(20) Signs pertaining to First Amendment speech rights.
[Added 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(21) Temporary signs advertising the initial/grand opening of a new business in the City of Northfield shall be permitted for a period of 45 days from either the issuance of a mercantile license or the date the new business operations commenced, whichever is earlier. Said signs shall be immediately removed upon the expiration of the aforesaid forty-five-day period. The signs shall not be illuminated, shall be not larger than eight square feet in area, shall not exceed eight feet in height and may be erected flat against the building or freestanding. No temporary sign shall be placed within the area of any window in which a neon, LED or electronic light sign has been installed.
[Added 4-6-2021 by Ord. No. 3-2021; 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
G. Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited in all zones in the City:
(1) Signs using red, yellow and green lights which, in the judgment of the Chief of Police, interfere with the operation of any traffic control signal.
(2) Moving or revolving signs, strips, tubes or lamps, of any illumination source, using any mode of blinking, flashing, vibrating, flickering, tracer, color changing or sequential lighting, used as sign or as an architectural accent, except for the standard movement of clocks and temperature gauges or signs that indicate the "open" status of business. Signs indicating the "open" status of a building shall not be larger than two square feet in area.
[Amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019; 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
(3) Signs using any material which sparkles or glitters, but nothing herein contained is intended to prohibit the use of reflective paint on signs directing traffic or identifying various locations within a lot or parcel. Signs using neon lights are prohibited in all zones except as specifically provided in Subsection
E(2).
(4) Any sign which, in the judgment of the Chief of Police, unreasonably tends to distract drivers or otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.
(5) Roof signs. No sign may be constructed which attaches to or projects above the roof line. No sign attached to any building may project above the roof line.
(6) Signs or advertising matter of an indecent or obscene nature.
(7) Signs using words such as "stop," "look," "danger," etc. which are placed in a manner or position which, in the judgment of the Chief of Police, constitute a traffic hazard or otherwise interfere with the free flow of traffic.
(8) Signs which attempt to imitate or otherwise cause confusion with existing signs erected by any governmental board, body or agency.
(9) Except where specifically permitted, signs advertising a product or service not sold on the premises, signs advertising or directing attention to another premises and any other signs unrelated to the premises on which the sign is erected.
(10) Signs causing interference with radio or television reception.
(11) Signs obstructing doors, fire escapes or stairways or keeping light or air from windows used for living quarters.
(12) Banners, strings of banners, pennants, pinwheels, sidewalk signs, curb signs, and similar advertising devices.
[Amended 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
(13) Any sign or banner spanning a public street.
(14) Signs placed on trees, fences, utility poles, light poles, signs attached to other signs and signs placed upon motor vehicles which are continuously or repeatedly parked in a conspicuous location to serve as a sign, but nothing herein contained is intended to prohibit the placement of signs directing traffic or identifying various locations within a lot or parcel on light poles and utility poles erected therein.
[Amended 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
(15) Any series of two or more signs placed along a street or highway carrying an advertising message, part of which is contained on each sign.
(16) Signs which advertise that real estate has been sold.
(17) A sign on a motor vehicle, truck, trailer, whether or not operational and whether or not self-propelled, which is used or parked or designated to be parked for advertising purposes. Specifically exempted from this section are those signs, nameplates, or letters affixed to or printed upon commercial vehicles regularly used in the course of business for regular deliveries, pick-ups or other such purposes and/or in compliance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 39:4-46. Specifically included are signs on vehicles, trailers, and the like which have as their prime purpose the advertising of goods, wares, or services of a business which are maintained in a stationary manner at one or more locations for extended periods of time.
(18) Outdoor advertising signs, billboards, or devices which are not directly related to an activity currently being conducted on the lot or premises upon which such sign is located.
H. Signs permitted in residential zones (R-1, R-1A, R-2, and R-3).
(1) Residential nameplates, lawn signs, and real estate signs as specified in Subsection
F.
(2) Signs in connection with each housing or land development, as follows:
(a) At the main entrance to the development, two nonilluminated, freestanding signs which shall state the name of the development and no other advertising material. Each sign shall not exceed 25 square feet in area and eight feet in height.
(b) At each entrance other than the main entrance, one nonilluminated, freestanding sign not exceeding 15 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height.
(c) At the rental or sales office of the development, one freestanding illuminated sign advertising the office, not to exceed 15 square feet in area and not more than five feet in height.
I. Signs permitted in the R-SC Senior Citizen Residential District and AH Adult Housing District:
[Amended 4-24-2012 by Ord. No. 3-2012]
(1) Residential nameplates as specified in Subsection
F.
(2) One freestanding, externally illuminated or nonilluminated project identification sign for each direction of travel on any public street on which the development has frontage, not to exceed 30 square feet in area nor six feet in height and located not less than 20 feet from any street or adjacent property line. Such signs may bear only the name of the development and the owner, the street address, and the presence or lack of vacant units.
(3) Real estate signs, the sole purpose of which is to direct the public to the development; four temporary, freestanding, nonilluminated signs at key intersections. Each sign shall not exceed 15 square feet in area and eight feet in height above the ground. The sign permit shall be issued for a period of six months and shall be renewable for additional periods of six months during the period of construction.
(4) Such other signs as the approving authority may in its discretion deem appropriate.
J. Signs permitted in the O-PB Office Professional Business Zone.
(1) One facade sign may be placed or inscribed upon the front facade of a building for each permitted use or activity. Said signs shall not exceed an area of one square foot for each one foot in width of the front of the building or portion thereof devoted to such use or activity.
(2) Freestanding signs, under the standards/criteria set forth in §
215-113L(2) of this chapter.
[Added 10-9-2012 by Ord. No. 9-2012]
K. Signs permitted in the C-C Country Club Zone.
(1) One nonflashing sign identifying a church, golf course, public building, public or nonprofit recreational use or other such permitted use and not exceeding 16 square feet in area on any one side, provided said side shall not be located closer than 25 feet to any lot line.
L. Signs permitted in the N-B Neighborhood Business, C-B Community Business, R-C Regional Commercial, and O-P Office Professional Zones.
(1) Attached signs. A sign attached to the main building advertising a business conducted on the premises shall be subject to the following regulations:
(a) Such signs shall not exceed 1/2 square foot in area for each one foot in width of a building facade which is devoted to the business and to which it is attached, and in no case shall such sign exceed 100 square feet in area.
(b) Such sign shall not project more than 18 inches from the building facade to which it is attached; provided, however, that where a sign extends more than three inches from the face of said wall, the bottom of said sign shall not be closer than eight feet to the ground level under said sign.
(c) Such sign shall not have a vertical dimension in excess of five feet.
(2) Freestanding signs.
(a) Such signs shall not exceed a height of 15 feet measured from the ground level to the topmost portion of the structure. The bottom edge of the sign shall be not less than three feet above the ground. Supporting frames for all such signs shall be of permanent materials such as steel, concrete, or masonry. All freestanding signs shall be located in a curbed island.
(b) Such sign shall have a minimum area of 10 square feet, and thereafter such sign shall not exceed one foot in area for each ten-foot interval of street frontage of the lot on which the sign is to be located, provided no such sign shall exceed 50 square feet in area.
(c) Not more than one freestanding sign per principal building shall be permitted for each 300 feet of street frontage.
(d) Such sign may be interior lighted with nonglaring lights or may be illuminated by shielded floodlights. No lights of an intermittent or flashing type shall be permitted.
(e) Such signs shall advertise only such business as is conducted on the premises on which the sign is located.
(f) Such sign shall be no closer than 15 feet to any property line nor closer than 50 feet to a residential zone boundary line.
(g) All freestanding signs shall have the numerical address of the property prominently displaying on the sign.
[Added 10-9-2012 by Ord. No. 9-2012]
(3) Interior neon, LED or electronic light signs.
[Amended 4-24-2012 by Ord. No. 3-2012; 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(a) With the exception of any neon, LED or electronic light sign which was, and can be conclusively established by the owners thereof to have been, in existence prior to June 24, 1986, all neon, LED or electronic light signs within the City of Northfield must be in compliance with the requirements of this chapter. No neon, LED or electronic light sign shall be permitted to be placed in any zone within the City of Northfield other than the C-B Community Business, the O-P Office Professional, the O-PB Office Professional Business and the R-C Regional Commercial Zones.
(b) All neon, LED or electronic light signs shall be subject to the provisions of Subsections
A through
G of this section and shall be further subject to the following requirements:
[1] Every neon, LED or electronic light sign requires a sign permit.
[2] No neon, LED or electronic light sign may revolve, flash or display movement or the illusion of movement.
[3] All neon, LED or electronic light signs must be installed within and attached to the area of the interior window of the business premises in which they are installed.
[Amended 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
[4] No neon, LED or electronic light signs shall be installed within doorways nor attached to any glass within a door or door frame; nor shall any neon, LED or electronic light sign be permitted to be installed in any window area other than on the first floor of the business premises.
[5] The area of any neon, LED or electronic light sign shall not exceed 25% of the total window area in which such neon, LED or electronic light sign is to be installed. For purposes of this section, the limitation is imposed upon the aggregate window area of the specific window in which the neon, LED or electronic light sign is placed. The aggregate of all window area of a premises cannot be used to calculate the size of a neon, LED or electronic light sign permitted to be installed within a single window. A window shall be defined as the area of glass within a frame or panel.
[6] The area of the neon, LED or electronic light sign to be measured in calculating the 25% limitation shall be calculated by measuring around the exterior edges of a framed or enclosed sign; or by measuring the area utilized by isolated words and/or symbols, which shall include the background area as if the sign had been enclosed or framed and had been squared off at the highest and widest points, regardless of whether the neon, LED or electronic light sign is open or enclosed; but excluding any bracing incidental to the display itself and which is not made of neon, LED or electronic light or otherwise self-illuminated.
[7] Whenever a parcel in the C-B, O-PB or R-C Zone is bordered by more than one street, road or highway, neon, LED or electronic light signage may be permitted to be installed in compliance with the requirements of this chapter within the first-floor window(s) facing each such street, road or highway upon which the subject business within said parcel fronts; unless prohibited by Subsection
L(3)(b)[8] of this section.
[8] No window within any structure situated in a zone within which neon, LED or electronic light signs are permitted shall be eligible for the placement or installation of any neon, LED or electronic light sign if such window faces or fronts upon an adjacent residential district (R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-2, R-SC, AH) as shown on the Zoning Map of the City of Northfield, regardless of whether such residential district is separated by a street, road, or highway. This limitation shall not apply, however, unless the residential district is directly adjacent to the property upon which the structure is located or immediately adjacent to the street, road or highway between the residential district and such structure.
[9] When neon, LED or electronic light signs have been placed in compliance with this section, no other temporary or permanent signs shall be placed within any window in which such neon, LED or electronic light sign has been installed. This prohibition is intended to apply to all types of temporary or permanent signs, whether constructed of paper, cardboard, wood, or any other material whatsoever.
(4) Electronic message boards; purpose and intent. More businesses desire to utilize advancements in sign technology which permit signs to change content electronically which are known as “electronic message boards,” e.g., LED-type signs. These electronic message boards may adversely impact adjacent areas unless they are regulated in a reasonable fashion. The intent and purpose of this subsection is to establish standards and regulations for electronic message boards to minimize potential adverse impacts, preserve the character of adjacent areas to the extent practical and reasonable and minimize potential traffic safety concerns.
[Added 10-9-2012 by Ord. No. 9-2012; amended 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(a) Electronic message boards shall be permitted uses in the N-B Neighborhood Business; C-B Community Business; and R-C Regional Commercial Zones.
(b) An electronic message board may be placed on a freestanding sign.
(c) On an electronic message board:
[1] Text and messages shall be limited to no more than four lines, shall be nonmoving and shall not contain any animation.
[2] Electronic message boards may display nonmoving pictures, graphics or logos of businesses and/or products sold on premises.
[3] A maximum of one message change every 60 seconds shall be permitted. All transitions between messages shall be by way of nonmoving fades or cuts.
(d) Electronic message boards must conform to all dimensional, location and placement standards as prescribed for nonelectronic message boards in the applicable zoning districts. In no case shall an electronic message board sign face exceed 24 square feet in size.
(e) Electronic message boards are required to have an automated device to be able to dim the sign to the requirements of this chapter. This may be a photocell or a schedule programmed into or by the electronic message board's control system. From sunset to sunrise, an electronic message board shall be controlled to restrict the brightness /luminance of the display to 50 nits or cd/m2, measured while a 100% plain white image is displayed on the electronic message board. Owners or tenants of properties with electronic message boards are required to display a 100% plain white image for measurement upon reasonable written notice and demand from the appropriate enforcement agent for the City of Northfield. The measurement sensor will be positioned to integrate the emission of all colors on the electronic message board, or a diffuse media will be used, to mix the colors of the electronic message board emitters allowing an accurate measurement. If diffusion media is used to accomplish the measurement, a correction factor allowing for the transmission loss of the diffusion will be added to the measurement. This measurement is to be taken no more than six inches from the front of the electronic message board display, on the center axis of the electronic message board's brightest light emitting devices.
(f) If the Code Enforcement Officer finds that the electronic message board causes a glare, illuminates neighboring buildings or otherwise impairs the vision of drivers of motor vehicles, the property owner and/or permittee of the electronic message board, within 24 hours of a notice by the City, will reduce the intensity of the electronic message board to a level acceptable to the City.
f[Amended 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
(g) Preexisting nonconforming signs may not be converted to electronic message boards unless approved by the appropriate land use board and the proposed electronic message board and structure completely conform to all sign regulations, as set forth in Subsection
L(4)(d) above.
(h) Only static images may be displayed on electronic message boards. No movement or animation is permitted in the message, whether same consists of text or images. Transitions between messages can only be by way of dissolves or cuts only. There shall be no wipes or moves. Time and temperature may be displayed on the sign. An electronic message board would not be a violation of this chapter should the time or temperature change during the display of the information.
(i) The content of the electronic message board should reflect the character of the business and respect the environs of the community. The images should be clearly readable and understandable to prevent distraction to drivers. Darker backgrounds should be scheduled during evening hours to facilitate reading and help maintain night vision for drivers.
(j) The liability, content, control and ownership of the electronic message board is strictly limited to the owner/lessee of the property on which the electronic message board is constructed. All advertisement on the electronic message board shall strictly be for products or services offered by the business owner/lessee on the property on which the electronic message board is constructed.
(k) No electronic message board may be used on a portable vehicle or trailer.
(5) Barbershops are entitled to display one barber pole limited in size to 39 inches in height and eight inches in diameter. They shall be mounted to the building wall and shall not project higher than the highest part of the eaves. Low-level, constant internal lighting may illuminate barber poles.
[Added 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(6) Time and temperature displays shall be allowed as long as the square footage of these displays is included in the calculations for the entire sign and remains within the total allowable size permitted.
[Added 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
M. Additional signage permitted in N-B Neighborhood Business, C-B Community Business, C-C Country Club, R-C Regional Commercial and O-PB Office Professional Business Zones and preexisting nonconforming businesses in other zoning districts.
[Added 6-18-2019 by Ord. No. 8-2019]
(1) Sandwich board or A-frame signs. A sandwich board or A-frame sign is a freestanding temporary sign, with no moving parts or lights, no larger than seven square feet total sign size, displayed outside a business during business hours to advertise the business hours of operation, an event, a promotion or the like. A sandwich board or A-frame sign is not intended to be permanent business signage. One sandwich board or A-frame sign per business street frontage shall be permitted as follows:
(a) Location. Signage shall be placed within the subject property boundaries and in the area located between the main business entrance and the portion of sidewalk closest to the main business entrance. The sign shall not interfere with or obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic and shall be in compliance with the City Code. Signs shall not be located within or interfere with any sight triangle or driveway access, ingress or egress. Signs shall not be anchored to the ground nor attached or chained to poles, fences, newspaper vending boxes, or other structures or appurtenances.
(b) Size. Sandwich boards and A-frame signs shall not exceed 24 inches in width and shall have a maximum height of 42 inches for a maximum total area of seven square feet per side. Within these specified dimensions, creative shapes that reflect the theme of the business are encouraged (i.e., ice cream parlors may display a sign in the shape of an ice cream cone).
(c) Appearance. The sign must be constructed of materials that present a finished appearance. Rough-cut plywood is not acceptable. The sign frame shall be painted or stained wood, plastic or anodized aluminum or metal. A locking arm or device is required to keep the sign from collapsing while displayed. Stenciled or spray-painted signs are prohibited. Windblown devices, including balloons, may not be attached or otherwise made part of the sign. The sign lettering should be professionally painted or applied. A yard sale or graffiti look with hand-painted or paint-stenciled letters is not permitted. Artistic chalkboard signs shall be permitted. The written message of the sign should be kept to the minimum necessary to communicate the name of the business or a special message of the business. Lettering on the sign shall be small enough to not be legible from automobile traffic on the street.
(d) Lighting and display hours. Sandwich boards and A-frame signs shall not be illuminated, shall be removed at the end of the business day and will only be displayed during regular business hours. Sandwich boards and A-frame signs must be weighted down or removed if winds gust to 20 m.p.h.
(e) Prohibited signs and devices. Signs made wholly or partially of highly reflective material or high-visibility colors (i.e., neon color on black background), so as to generate a contrast between the sign and adjacent surfaces or the surrounding area are prohibited.
(f) Any person intending to use a sandwich board or A-frame sign is required to obtain a yearly temporary sign permit from the Zoning Officer of the City of Northfield. The permit application form and process shall be in a form and manner acceptable to the Zoning Officer of the City of Northfield. The application fee shall be $25. The application and permit shall confirm the sign location address, the business and property owner's name and address and contact information. A sign number will be assigned for tracking purposes. In the application, the applicant shall indemnify and hold the City of Northfield, its officers, agents, and employees harmless from any claim arising out of the presence of the sign on the City of Northfield property or rights-of-way. A copy of the permit must be attached to the back of the board.
(g) Any signs that do not meet the criteria outlined in this policy shall be subject to removal by the Code Enforcement Office.
N. Additional signage allowed in the C-B Community Business, R-C Regional Commercial, and O-PB Office Professional Business Zones, for commercial businesses that have frontage along Tilton Road or US Route 9 (aka New Road).
[Added 4-18-2023 by Ord. No. 3-2023]
(1) Definitions.
Sail Sign An advertising sign composed of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a vertical pole, and resembles the shape of a boat sail. This type of sign does not require wind to stay open.
Feather Sign/Feather Flag/Feather Banner An advertising sign composed of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a vertical pole, and resembles the shape of a bird's feather (aka quill).
Windless Flag Sign Another name for sail sign, feather sign, feather flag or feather banner; this type of sign does not require wind to stay open.
(2) Windless flag signs, which must be affixed at ground level, are permitted at businesses that have frontage on Tilton Road or US Route 9 (aka New Road), and shall only be placed along Tilton Road or US Route 9 (aka New Road).
(a) As defined in this section, said signs are subject to the following:
[1] No more than one sign per business is allowed.
[2] Signs may only be displayed during hours of operation for the business, and only in the approved location.
[3] Signs must be installed and exhibited within property boundaries.
[4] A minimum separation of 25 feet between signs is required.
[5] All signs must be securely attached to the ground in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
[6] Signs shall not be illuminated.
[7] Signs shall not exceed 12 feet in height at their highest point, nor shall they be wider than 2.5 feet wide at their widest point.
[8] No sign shall exceed 30 square feet in area
(3) Permit required.
(a) A permit issued by the Zoning Officer for the City of Northfield shall be required.
(b) The permit application form and process shall be in a form and manner acceptable to the Zoning Officer of the City of Northfield.
(c) Sign permits shall be valid through December 31 of the year they are issued and are subject to annual renewal, in January of each succeeding year.
(d) The application fee shall be $40; annual renewal shall be $20.
(e) Any new application for a permit filed on or after June 2 of each licensing year shall be issued, upon approval, at 50% of the annual fee.
(f) Applications for renewal of a sign permit issued pursuant to this section shall follow the same procedure as outlined for a new application. Sign permit holders are responsible for annually renewing their sign permit without further notice by the City of Northfield; renewal notices or reminders will not be sent.
(g) Sign permits are not assignable or transferable.
(h) No rebate or refund of any permit fee or any part thereof shall be made for any reason.
(4) Revocation of permit.
(a) Whenever the Zoning Officer determines that any sign is not exhibited in accordance with the Code of the City of Northfield, this chapter or constitutes a safety hazard to motor vehicle or pedestrian traffic in the vicinity, he/she shall serve written notice of his/her determination upon the permittee and the property owner, directing them to immediately render said sign compliant or remove same until the violation is cured.
(b) Failure to immediately remove or render compliant shall constitute a violation of this section by both the permittee and property owner and may result in revocation of the permit by the Zoning Officer.
(5) Violations and penalties.
(a) Violations; penalties. Any person violating any part of this chapter shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000.
[Amended 5-22-2007 by Ord. No. 7-2007; 4-24-2012 by Ord. No. 3-2012; 10-9-2012 by Ord. No. 9-2012]
The following design criteria shall be used for all street design and construction in conjunction with the "Residential Site Improvement Standards" New Jersey Administrative Code Title 5. In the event of any conflict, the "Residential Site Improvement Standards" shall apply.
A. All major and minor arterial, collector, local collector, local and marginal access streets shall be designed in accordance with the proposals contained in the Master Plan of the City and/or in accordance with this section.
(1) Upon receipt by the municipal agency of any subdivisions or site plans calling for the installation of new streets or the extension of old streets, the plats shall be reviewed as follows:
(a) Recommendations shall be made as to the acceptable minimum widths of each street, which recommendations shall be based upon such factors as the location, proposed use and intensity of traffic, with an emphasis upon safety considerations of both a fire and police nature.
(b) These recommendations shall be submitted to the City Engineer to be considered in conjunction with such studies and statistics and other data which the Engineer shall have assembled as a basis for determining minimum street widths within the City.
(2) The design and location of collector, minor and marginal access streets shall be determined by the municipal agency in its review of the applications so as to conform to the Schedule of Street Design Standards (see Figure 9).
(3) The enumerated standards are to be construed as minimum standards and may be increased where, because of high traffic volumes, steep grades or other such reasons, the municipal agency determines that such action is necessary.
(4) In residential subdivisions, the minimum street cartway width required by the attached Schedule of Street Design Standards shall only be the minimum of 30 feet for certain minor streets designed solely to allow access by residents to their homes. Under no circumstances is the minimum width of any street in the City of Northfield to be less than 30 feet.
B. The arrangement of streets not shown on the Master Plan or official map shall be such as to provide for the appropriate extension and/or realignment of existing streets, except that local and collector streets should only be extended when such extension is necessary and the municipal agency concurs that such extension will promote safety and conform to the street standards contained elsewhere in this chapter.
C. Where developments abut existing roadways, sufficient right-of-way shall be reserved to provide the right-of-way width proposed for the functional classification of the street in question.
(1) Subdivisions that adjoin or include existing streets that do not conform to widths as shown on the Master Plan or official map of the street width requirements of this chapter shall dedicate additional width along either one or both sides of said road.
(2) If the subdivision is along one side only, 1/2 of the required extra width shall be dedicated. The additional dedicated width, when improved, shall have a foundation course which shall be constructed in accordance with the street construction standards stated elsewhere in this chapter.
(3) The new cross section for the existing road shall be constructed so as to provide a parabolic contour constructed to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
D. Local streets shall be designed in accordance with the Schedule of Street Design Standards and the requirements contained herein.
(1) No street or road shall be designed which has an elevation at the center line of less than 12 feet above mean low tide and as indicated by the United States National Geodetic Survey.
(2) Local streets shall be arranged so that there exists a minimum possibility of their use by traffic which does not have its origin or destination at the lots to which the local streets provide access.
(3) Culs-de-sac (dead-end streets) should have a center line length, from the intersecting street center line to the center point of the turnaround of the cul-de-sac, of not less than 100 feet nor longer than 600 feet and should not provide access to more than 25 lots.
(a) They shall provide an end turnaround with a pavement radius of not less than 50 feet and a property line radius of not less than 60 feet and tangent whenever possible to the right side of the street, when viewed toward the closed end.
(b) In the event it is contemplated that a dead-end street shall be extended in the future, a temporary turnaround, meeting the aforementioned design criteria, shall be required, and provisions made for future extension of the street and reversion of the excess right-of-way to the adjoining properties.
(4) Loop streets should provide access to not more than 45 lots.
(a) Where access is provided by a combination of a short loop street and cul-de-sac, the maximum shall be 60 lots, provided that the length of the loop street alone will not exceed 3,000 feet.
(b) Loop streets shall have both of their termini located on the same street.
(5) P-loops, which are loop streets with a single access point, should have an entrance not exceeding 700 feet in distance from the loop intersection.
(a) There should also be provided an emergency vehicular and pedestrian right-of-way of 15 feet minimum width from the loop providing access to a street which is not a part of the P-loop.
(b) The loop of a P-loop should have a street length not exceeding 3,000 feet.
(c) P-loops should provide access to no more than 60 lots and the entrance street should be designed in accordance with the design standards for collector streets.
(6) Artificial modifications in street rights-of-way for the purpose of increasing lot frontage shall be prohibited. Such prohibited modification shall include, but not be limited to, widening the right-of-way of a continuous street through the use of semi-circular projections.
(7) Use of reduced paving width may be considered by the municipal agency when a cul-de-sac or loop street provides access to 25 or fewer lots, where, by reason of topography, physical features or other conditions, the reduced paving width would substantially reduce disruption of the development's environment. In no case shall the paving width of a two-way cul-de-sac or loop street be reduced to less than 30 feet.
(8) If a developer is given a variance to exceed the maximum allowable percentage of imperviousness, the developer must mitigate the impact of the additional impervious surfaces. This mitigation effort must address water quality, flooding, and groundwater recharge. A description of mitigation plan requirements is included in the municipal stormwater management plan.
E. In any development, it shall be the duty of the municipal agency to approve classification of proposed streets according to their use and in accordance with the federal classification of roadways. In making decisions, the municipal agency shall refer to the Master Plan and the Atlantic County Planning Board classification of roadways and shall consider conditions within the development and the surrounding areas and shall use as a guide the street classification and criteria contained herein.
(1) A local street is a street serving only single-family residences and, where feasible, should be either a cul-de-sac or a loop street meeting the requirements hereinabove set forth.
(a) A street which serves traffic having origins and destinations other than within the lots which abut the street shall not be considered a local street.
(b) The traffic normally expected on a local street shall be 400 vehicles per day.
(2) A collector street is generally a street gathering traffic from local streets and feeding it into a system of arterial highways.
(a) Even if laid out as a local street, a street should be considered a collector street if it provides access or could provide access to more than 150 lots, or would be utilized by traffic other than residential in nature.
(b) Collector streets should generally be expected to carry traffic volumes of approximately 3,000 vehicles per day.
(c) The design speed of collector streets, for alignment and sight distance purposes, should be 50 miles per hour.
(3) Arterials are any federal, state or county highway intended to carry traffic between other arterials and from the City to destinations outside the City.
(a) Arterial highways should have a design speed 55 miles per hour and should be designed to carry traffic exceeding 10,000 vehicles per day.
(4) Street classifications will be approved by the municipal agency in accordance with the foregoing definitions, in accordance with the provisions of the Master Plan and Official Map, if such be adopted, in accordance with the provisions of applicable county and state regulations or plans or, in the absence of specific information from the above, in accordance with its own best judgment concerning the use to which the various streets in any development will be put.
F. In any subdivision abutting or being traversed by a collector street or arterial highway, one of the following conditions shall be required as the municipal agency deems appropriate:
(1) A marginal street meeting the classifications herein for a local street shall be provided along each collector, or arterial highway, and shall be separated from the collector or arterial highway by a landscaped strip at least 25 feet in width.
(2) The frontage of all lots abutting the collector or arterial highway shall be reversed so that the lots will front on an internal local street; a natural wooded or landscaped buffer strip at least 50 feet in width will be provided on the abutting lots along the right-of-way of the collector or arterial highway. The area of such buffer strip shall not be considered part of the required minimum lot size.
(3) All lots abutting collector streets may, in lieu of the above, be provided with suitable driveway turnarounds eliminating any necessity for vehicles to back into the collector street.
(4) Other means of providing a satisfactory buffer separating through and local traffic shall be provided as may be deemed proper by the municipal agency.
(5) Dwellings on corner lots shall have their driveway access on the roadway designed and intended to carry the lesser amount of traffic.
G. Street design standards shall be appropriate to the expected use of the street, soil, topographical and other physical conditions, and to the maintenance of the purposes of this chapter, but shall not be less than those set forth herein and also in the Schedule of Street Design Standards (Figure No. 9). All street shall be constructed and graded and surfaced in accordance with these standards and specifications.
| Figure 9 |
---|
| Schedule of Street Design Standards |
| | Local Streets | Collector Streets | Arterial Highways |
---|
| Minimum curb return radius at intersection2 | 15 feet | 25 feet | 45 feet |
| Vertical curves5 | Shall be designed in accordance with AASHTO's Police on Geometric Design of Highways and street standards. |
| | Crest: Minimum length equals 100 inches - based on headlight illumination and stopping sight distance at design speed | | | |
| Maximum superelevation | Shall be designed in accordance with AASHTO's Police on Geometric Design of Highways and street standards. |
| Pavement cross slope minimum | 3.00%7 | 3.33%8 | 1.50%8 |
| Curb face required6 | 6 inches | 6 inches | 8 inches |
| Minimum property line corner radius2 | 5 feet | 15 feet | 30 feet |
| Normal traffic capacity (ADT) | 400 | 3,000 | 10,000 |
| Minimum right-of-way width | 50 feet | 60 feet | 100 feet |
| Minimum paving width: | | | |
| | Two-way | 30 feet | 40 feet | 60 feet |
| | One-way | 22 feet | | |
| Shoulder (or parking area width)1 | | | 2 at 8 feet each |
| Sidewalks: | | | |
| | Width | 4 feet | 4 feet | 4 feet |
| | Setback (from face of curb) | 3 feet | 3 feet | 7 feet |
| Design speed (mph)3 | 40 | 50 | 55 |
| Minimum radius of horizontal curvature at center line | 150 feet | 500 feet | 2,000 feet |
| Minimum tangent between reverse curbs | 100 feet | 200 feet | 600 feet4 |
| Maximum longitudinal grade | 8% | 8% | 8% |
| Minimum longitudinal grade | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% |
| Maximum longitudinal grade for 200 feet from each side of an intersection | 3.5% | 3.00% | |
| NOTES: |
---|
| 1 | Shoulders or parking areas as may be required. |
| 2 | When dissimilar streets intersect, the larger radius will be used. |
| 3 | For sight distance and vertical curve calculation only. |
| 4 | As required to run superelevation (1% per sec. of travel at design speed). |
| 5 | Not required if algebraic difference of intersecting grades does not exceed 1. |
| 6 | Except in superelevation areas. |
| 7 | Six-inch crown. |
| 8 | Eight-inch crown. |
(1) All topsoil shall be stripped from the proposed subgrade. The subgrade, when completed, shall be true to the lines, grades and cross sections given on the plan accompanying the road profile.
(a) After the profile has been shaped correctly, it shall be brought to a firm, unyielding surface by rolling the entire surface with a three-wheel power roller weighing not less than 10 tons.
(b) All soft and spongy places shall be excavated to such a depth as shall be necessary to stabilize the foundation of the road and shall be refilled solidly with subbase consisting of broken stone, broken slag, gravel, suitable earth or sand as directed by the City Engineer.
(c) All loose rubble shall be removed or broken off six inches below the subgrade surface. All stumps and roots shall be removed in their entirety.
(d) This shall be done before completing the rolling of the entire surface of the subgrade.
(2) Embankments (fills) shall be formed of suitable material placed in successive layers of not more than 12 inches in depth for the full width of the cross section and shall be compacted by distributing uniformly over each succeeding layer, or by rolling with a ten-ton roller as directed by the City Engineer, to a compaction sufficient to prevent settling.
(a) Stumps, trees, rubbish, and any other unsuitable materials or substances shall not be placed in the fill.
(b) The fill shall be allowed to thoroughly settle before constructing the pavement upon it and must be approved by the City Engineer.
(3) French underdrains shall be installed where the character and composition of the earth in the roadbed itself or adjacent terrain renders such installation necessary.
(a) These underdrains shall consist of vitrified tile, perforated metal pipe or porous wall concrete pipe, to be of a minimum diameter of six inches and to be laid in the bottom of a trench at such depth and width as shall be necessary in view of the conditions involved.
(b) The trench shall then be filled with clean washed gravel or broken stone or other equivalent porous material approved by the City Engineer.
(c) The stone shall be covered with a layer of salt hay a minimum of one inch thick or approved filter fabric and the remainder of the trench shall be filled with suitable earth properly compacted.
(4) No pavement shall be laid unless the subgrade has been thoroughly inspected by the City Engineer and approved by him.
(5) Materials, inspection and general requirements which pertain to this section are as follows:
(a) All material and appurtenances, unless otherwise specified herein, shall comply with the requirements set forth in the current New Jersey State Department of Transportation Standard Specifications.
(b) The work shall be inspected throughout the course of construction by the City Engineer or his duly authorized representatives, who shall be notified in writing 24 hours before any work is started or continued.
(c) The requirements herein shall be considered as minimum requirements for street improvements. Where special circumstances or conditions of drainage, terrain, character of soil or otherwise require different construction or materials, such construction or materials shall be determined by the City Engineer.
(d) All subsurface utilities shall be installed prior to the application of the wearing surface on the streets.
H. Street intersections shall be designed according to the standards contained herein.
(1) No more than two streets shall cross the same point. Street intersections shall be at right angles wherever possible, and intersections of less than 60° (measured at the center line of streets) shall not be permitted.
(2) Local streets should not enter the same side of collector streets at intervals of less than 500 feet, or arterials at intervals of less than 1,200 feet.
(3) Street jogs with center-line offsets of less than 125 feet shall be avoided. Streets which enter collectors or arterials from opposite sides shall be directly opposite to each other or must be separated by at least 300 feet between their center lines measured along the center line of an intersected collector; of 500 feet along the center line of an arterial.
(4) Four-way (cross) intersections involving minor or collector streets shall be avoided.
(5) Approaches of any collector or arterial street to any intersection of another collector or arterial street shall be tangent or have a center-line radius greater than 5,000 feet for at least 500 feet from the intersection.
(6) Where a collector or arterial street intersects with a collector or arterial street, the right-of-way of each collector shall be widened by 10 feet (five feet for each side) for a distance of 300 feet in all directions from the intersection of the center lines and the right-of-way of each arterial shall be widened by 20 feet (10 feet each side) for 500 feet in all directions from the intersection of the center lines.
(7) Approaches of any local street to any other street shall:
(a) Be tangent (straight) for a distance of at least 50 feet from the intersection; or
(b) Have a center-line radius greater than 1,000 feet for at least 150 feet from the intersection; and
(c) Have a clear site of a point three feet high in the intersection for a distance of not less than 400 feet.
I. Street layout should be in accordance with the provisions contained herein.
(1) Curved local streets are preferred to discourage speed and monotony. The maximum straight-line distance should not exceed 1,000 feet.
(2) The municipal agency in all cases may require provisions for continuing circulation patterns onto adjacent properties and, for this purpose, may require the provision of stub streets abutting adjacent properties.
(3) Residential development areas containing more than 150 lots should have two access points from collector streets or arterial highways.
(4) A tangent at least 100 feet long shall be introduced between reverse curves on arterial and collector streets.
J. Street names and development names shall not duplicate, nearly duplicate or be phonetically similar to the names of any existing streets or developments in the City or contiguous areas of other communities. Any continuation of an existing street shall have the same street name.
K. The developer shall complete all improvements to the limits of the development, unless other provisions have been made and approved by the municipal agency.
(1) In those instances where completion of certain improvements would not be possible until the development of adjacent land takes place, alternate temporary improvements may be constructed subject to the approval of the municipal agency.
(2) Cash or a certified check representing the difference between the value of the temporary improvements and the required improvements may be accepted by the City Council to be credited toward the completion of such improvements at such time as the adjacent land develops.
L. The right-of-way width and other standards for internal roads and alleys in multifamily, commercial and industrial developments shall be determined by the municipal agency on an individual basis and shall, in all cases, be of sufficient width and design to safely accommodate maximum traffic, parking and loading needs, and maximum access for fire-fighting equipment and shall generally conform to the requirements herein.
M. There shall be no reverse strips or areas controlling access to streets except where control and disposal of the land comprising such strips or areas has been placed under jurisdiction of the City Council under conditions approved by the municipal agency.
All developments, upon municipal approval of plans and prior to the issuance of a building permit, shall obtain a street excavation permit for any excavation, removal, replacement, repair, construction, or other disturbance of any portion of the public improvements within a public street or drainage right-of-way, and shall be required to observe all other regulations as set forth in this chapter or by the City Engineer.