Purpose.

Intent. It is the intent of this ordinance to encourage applicants to utilize the design standards provided in this overlay zone to improve the aesthetics and functionality of this area when redeveloping through site plan applications. All site plan applications shall comply with the contents of this ordinance. If a proposed application does not meet the requirements, design waivers may be requested. In cases where variances are required from the bulk standards in the underlying zone, variances still must be sought. Applicants who seek variances from underlying zone requirements are encouraged to meet the majority of the design standards set forth in this ordinance to justify the granting of those variances.

Building setback line: minimum of 25 feet from the property line.

Parking location shall be concentrated at the rear or side of the buildings or central to the proposed development and shall utilize shared parking and driveways with adjacent uses.

Sidewalks and landscaped areas shall create an area in which walking is encouraged between uses. Installation of sidewalks perpendicular to the right-of-way is encouraged when buildings have entrances parallel to the roadway to make it easier for pedestrians to access buildings without having to walk through parking areas. Sidewalks shall be a minimum of six feet wide.

Decorative treatments such as pavers shall be included in sidewalk construction to delineate and enhance public areas. Crosswalks shall be delineated and designed to create a pedestrian-friendly area for walking; these areas shall be constructed with brick pavers, slightly elevated walkways and signage to ensure safety and visibility.

Cross access to adjacent commercial sites shall be required for vehicular and pedestrian connectivity. Barriers between commercial sites shall not be permitted.

Landscaping is to include street trees planted at a minimum of 20 ft. separation on center (refer to § 245-405, Selection of street trees, for species specifications) along all roadways, including internal drive aisles and major arterial roads if applicable.

Grassed areas are to include native and low-maintenance species to reduce water usage and maintenance.

Landscaped planters or beds shall be located in public spaces such as sidewalks and landscaped areas.

Access to buildings is encouraged from the front of the buildings adjacent to the sidewalks as well as permitted at the rear of the buildings adjacent to the parking facilities.

Decorative lighting, such as lampposts or walkway lighting, shall be used in the public areas to enhance the pedestrian realm.

Balconies and awnings eight feet or less in size are not to be considered in the building setbacks as to encourage architectural interest and differentiation between uses.

For visual interest at the pedestrian level, at least 50% of the total ground-floor building frontage of any new or reconstructed building facing the public realm shall have the following: windows with clear untinted glass, recessed entries, residential stoops, or recesses for outdoor dining areas.

The total ground-floor frontage is the length of the building frontage along the pedestrian realm times the first floor height from finished floor to ceiling.

The Herbertsville Road Corridor typifies the architectural themes found in agricultural settlements in the Monmouth and Ocean County area. Farmhouses and businesses built in the mid to late 1800's dot the scenic corridor of Herbertsville Road. Colonial architecture dominates the style of these buildings and is encouraged to be carried out in the implementation of redevelopment in this overlay zone.

The Township's Architectural Review Committee shall utilize the following design guidelines in reviewing all new developments and major renovations in the Herbertsville Road Corridor.

Herbertsville Road Design Guidelines. The desired design theme should be "timeless" and mimic the homes and businesses that dot the historic New Jersey shore corridors. The specific characteristics of these desired structures include: