This chapter shall be known as the "Cliffside Park Zoning Ordinance".

This chapter is adopted under the authority of the Municipal Land Use Law, as enacted and amended by the State of New Jersey, for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community.

For the purpose described in Subsection 18-1.2, the Borough of Cliffside Park is divided into the following zones:

The location and boundaries of said zones are set forth on the map entitled "Cliffside Park Zoning Map." Such map is declared to be a part of this chapter.[1]

The zone boundary lines are generally intended to follow street or right-of-way lines, lot lines or municipal boundary lines. Where the location of a zone boundary is uncertain, a determination shall be made by the Building Department. An appeal may be taken to the Board of Adjustment.

No land or premises may be used and no building or structure may be erected, raised, moved, extended, enlarged, altered, or used for any purpose other than one permitted by this chapter for the zone in which the land, premises, building or structure is located. All uses and construction shall be in conformity with the regulations provided for the zone in which such land, premises, building or structure is located. Extreme deviations from rectangular lot shapes and straight lot lines shall not be permitted unless made necessary by the presence of special topographic or other special physical conditions affecting a lot found appropriate by the land use board having jurisdiction.

Any use not permitted by this chapter shall be deemed to be prohibited. Any prohibited uses contained in this chapter, shall not be deemed to be an exhaustive list, but have been included for the purposes of clarity and to illustrate, by example, some of the uses deemed undesirable and incompatible.

In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare. It is not intent of this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way impair or interfere with any existing provisions of the law or ordinance, or any rules, regulations, or permits previously adopted or issued, or which shall be adopted or issued, pursuant to law, relating to the use of buildings or premises. However, where this chapter imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises or upon the height of buildings or requires larger yards, or other open spaces, than are imposed or required by other existing provisions of law or ordinance or by such rules, regulations or permits, or by such easements, covenants or agreements, the provisions of this chapter shall control.