Definitions and usages. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings as herein defined. Any word or term not noted below shall be used with a meaning as defined in Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, unabridged (or the latest edition). Whenever a term is used in this chapter which is defined in N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1, et seq., such term shall have the same meaning as the state statute.
ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION LANEAn added roadway lane to the right side of the road which permits integration and merging of slower-moving vehicles into the main vehicular stream or slowing down of vehicles. See Figure 1.
ACCESSA physical entrance to property.
ACCESSORY BUILDING OR STRUCTUREA building or structure, the use of which is customarily incidental and subordinate to that of the principal building located on the same lot.
ACCESSORY USEA use of land or of a building or portion thereof customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building and located on the same lot as the principal use.
ADDITIONAny structure added to the original structure at some time after the completion of the original; any extension or increase in building size, floor area or height.
[Amended 2-27-2006 by Ord. No. 01-06-02]
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERThe Township Clerk of the Township of Cranbury, unless a different municipal official is designated by the Township to administer its land development ordinance.
AGRICULTURAL STANDA booth or stall located on a farm from which agricultural products are sold to the general public.
AGRICULTURE, COMMERCIALThe production, storage, harvesting, grading, packaging, processing, boarding or wholesale and retail marketing of crops, plants and animals useful to man, whether produced on or off site, including but not limited to forages and sod crops; grains and seed crops; dairy animals and dairy products; poultry and poultry products; livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules or goats, or any mutations or hybrids thereof, including the breeding, boarding and grazing of any or all of such animals; bees and apiary products; fur animals; fruits of all kinds, including grapes, nuts and berries; vegetables; floral, ornamental and greenhouse products; or lands devoted to a soil conservation or forestry management program.
AGRICULTURE, HOMEThe production, principally for use or consumption of the property owner, of plants, animals, or their products, including, but not limited to, gardening, fruit production, poultry and livestock products. This does not include the sale of products produced off-site, but does include the sale of products produced on-site.
AISLEThe traveled way by which cars enter and depart parking spaces.
ALLEYA service roadway providing vehicular service access to the back or side of properties otherwise abutting on a street.
ALTERATIONAny change or rearrangement in the supporting members of an existing building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, girders or interior partitions, as well as any change in doors or windows or any enlargement or diminution of a building or structures. For the purposes of Chapter
93, Historic Preservation, only, the term "alteration" shall mean any change or rearrangement in the structural parts or the means of ingress and egress, as well as any change in doors or windows or any enlargement or diminution of a building or structure, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height or the moving from one location or position to another, or the change in appearance of the exterior surface of any improvement. Except for any building or structure located in a historic district or designated as a historic site, alteration shall not be construed to mean any necessary repairs and renovation of an existing structure solely for the purpose of maintenance and/or improvements of the appearance.
[Amended 2-27-2006 by Ord. No. 01-06-02]
ANIMAL KENNELAny building, structure or premises in which animals are kept, boarded, bred or trained for commercial gain.
APPLICANTThe landowner or the agent, optionee, contract purchaser or other person authorized to act for the landowner in submitting an application under this chapter.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENTThe application form and all accompanying documents required by ordinance for approval of a subdivision plan, site plan, planned development, conditional use, zoning variance or direction of the issuance of a permit pursuant to § 25 or § 27 of P.L. 1975, c. 291 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-34 or N.J.S.A. 40:55D-36).
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITYA residential health-care facility furnishing rooms, meals, dietary services, personal care and supervision of medication to the frail elderly who are ambulatory and not in need of skilled nursing care. They may provide other services, such as recreational activities, financial services and transportation.
[Added 10-24-2016 by Ord. No. 10-16-22]
AUTOMOBILE SALES LOT OR BUILDINGA lot or building used for the sale or hire of automobiles generally but may include light trucks or vans, trailers, recreational vehicles, farm vehicles and construction equipment, motorcycles or similar vehicles, and including any vehicle preparation or repair work conducted as an accessory use. This shall be interpreted to include new and used car dealerships, motorcycle dealerships and auto accessory salesrooms but not the sale of junked automotive equipment, parts or inoperable motor vehicles.
[Amended 8-26-1996 by Ord. No. O-06-96-10]
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATIONAny building, structure, lot or land used or intended to be used for the sale of motor vehicle fuels dispensed directly into motor vehicles and including as an accessory use, repair services and the sale and installation of lubricants, tires, batteries and similar accessories and food and beverages, provided that the food and beverage sales area shall not exceed 1,000 square feet.
BASEMENTA space having 1/2 or more of its floor-to-ceiling height above the average level of the adjoining ground and with a floor-to-ceiling height of not less than 6 1/2 feet.
BED-AND-BREAKFASTA dwelling in which overnight accommodations and a morning meal are provided for transients for compensation, and which the overnight accommodations are accessory to the principal use of the dwelling as a residence.
BERMA mound of earth or the act of pushing earth into a mound.
BICYCLE LANEA lane at the edge of a roadway reserved and marked for the exclusive use of bicycles.
BICYCLE PATHA pathway, often paved and separated from streets and sidewalks, designed to be used by bicycles.
BIG BOX GENERAL RETAIL STOREA retail store with a ground floor area of 60,000 square feet or more in which the general merchandise, including but not limited to the following, comprises over 20% of the gross floor area: toys, clothing, sporting goods, automotive supplies, electronics, appliances, home and garden supplies, pool supplies and equipment, discount dollar items, bedding, photo processing, a portrait studio, cell phone sales, a bank, pet shop, video rental, hair and/or nail salon, hardware, jewelry, banks and fast food outlets.
[Added 3-26-2013 by Ord. No. 02-13-08]
BLOCKA unit of land bounded by streets or by a combination of streets and public land, railroad rights-of-way, waterways or any other barrier to the continuity of development.
BOARDINGHOUSEA dwelling unit or part thereof in which, for compensation, lodging and meals are provided; personal and financial services may be offered as well.
BUFFEROpen spaces, landscaped areas, fences, walls, berms or any combination thereof used to physically separate or screen one use or property from another so as to visually shield or block noise, lights, or other nuisances.
BUILDINGAny structure having a roof supported by columns, posts, piers or walls and intended for the shelter, business, housing or enclosing of persons, animals, property or materials of any kind.
BUILDING COVERAGEThe ratio of the horizontal area of all principal and accessory buildings measured from the exterior surface of the exterior walls of the ground floor on a lot to the total lot area. See Figure 2.
BUILDING ENVELOPEThe two-dimensional space within which a structure is permitted to be built on a lot and that is defined by minimum yard setbacks. See Figure 2. In the A-100 Zone, the maximum building envelope is an area equal to 40% of the lot area or 20,000 square feet, whichever is less.
BUILDING HEIGHTThe vertical distance of a building measured from the finished grade of the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of the building to the highest roof beams on a flat or shed roof, the deck level on a mansard roof and the average distance between the eaves and the ridge level for gable, hip and gambrel roofs. Mechanical equipment, chimneys, air conditioners and similar appurtenances may exceed the maximum height by no more than 10 feet. Church spires and steeples and antennas may exceed the maximum height by no more than 25 feet. See Figure 3.
BUILDING LINEA line parallel to the street line touching that part of a building closest to the street. In the case of a cantilevered section of a building, the building line will coincide with the most projected surface. All yard requirements shall be measured to the "building line." See Figure 2.
CALIPERThe diameter of a tree trunk measured in inches a distance of six inches off the ground.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAMA timetable or schedule of all future capital improvements to be carried out during a specific period and listed in order of priority, together with cost estimates and the anticipated means of financing each project.
CARTWAYThe paved area of a street between the curbs, including travel lanes and parking areas but not including shoulders, curbs, sidewalks or swales. Where there are no curbs, the "cartway" is that portion between the parallel edges of the paved street width.
CELLARA space with less than 1/2 of its floor-to-ceiling height, above the averaged finished grade of the adjoining ground or with a floor-to-ceiling height of less than 6 1/2 feet.
CELLULAR TOWERA cellular tower is a support structure for antennas capable of transmitting and receiving radio frequencies for digital or analog wireless communication. For purposes of this chapter, a cellular tower is considered part of a cellular site which usually consists of an equipment shed containing transmitters, receivers, switching gear and similar equipment located at the base of the tower and the antennas affixed to the tower. Certain provisions of this chapter apply only to the specific parts of a cellular site and are so indicated.
[Added 3-22-1999 by Ord. No. O-02-99-05]
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCYA document issued by the Construction Official allowing the occupancy or use of a building and certifying that the structure or use has been constructed and will be used in compliance with all the applicable state codes and municipal ordinances.
CHILD-CARE CENTERAn establishment providing for the care, supervision, and protection of children that is licensed by the State of New Jersey pursuant to P.L. 1983, c. 492 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-1 et seq.).
COMMON OPEN SPACELand within or related to a development, not individually owned or dedicated for public use that is designed and intended for the common use or enjoyment of the residents and their guests of the development and may include such complementary structures and improvements as are necessary and appropriate.
COMMON WATER/SEWERAGEWater supply and sewage disposal systems, whether privately or publicly owned and operated, that serve two or more dwellings or other buildings.
COMMUNITY IMPACT STATEMENTA study to determine the potential direct or indirect effects of a proposed development on community facilities.
COMMUNITY RESIDENCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLEDAny community residential facility licensed pursuant to P.L. 1977, c. 448 (N.J.S.A. 30:11B-1 et seq.) providing food, shelter, and personal guidance, under such supervision as required, to not more than 15 developmentally disabled or mentally ill persons, who require assistance, temporarily or permanently, in order to live in the community, and shall include, but not be limited to: group homes, halfway houses, intermediate care facilities, supervised apartment living arrangements, and hostels. Such a residence shall not be considered a health-care facility within the meaning of the "Health Care Facilities Planning Act" (P.L. 1971, c. 136; N.J.S.A. 26:2H-1 et seq.). In the case of such community residence housing mentally ill persons, such residence shall have been approved for a purchase of service contract or an affiliation agreement pursuant to such procedures as shall be established by regulation of the Division of Mental Health and Hospitals of the Department of Human Services.
COMMUNITY SHELTER FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCEAny shelter approved for a purchase of service contract and certified pursuant to standards and procedures established by regulation of the Department of Human Services pursuant to P.L. 1979, c. 337 (N.J.S.A. 30:40-1-14) providing food, shelter, medical care, legal assistance, personal guidance, and other services to not more than 15 persons who have been victims of domestic violence, including any children of such victims, who temporarily require shelter and assistance in order to protect their physical and psychological welfare.
CONCEPT PLANAn informal map of a proposed subdivision or site plan of sufficient accuracy and detail to be used for the purpose of discussion and classification.
CONDITIONAL USEA use permitted in a particular zoning district upon showing that such use will comply with the conditions and standards for the location or operation of the use as specified in the zoning ordinance and authorized by the approving agency.
CONSERVATION EASEMENTThe grant of a property right stipulating that the described land will remain in its natural state and precluding future or additional development.
CONSTRUCTION OFFICIALThe Township official specified in the Building Code who is charged with administering the land development regulations, together with the Administrative Officer of the Township.
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITYAn age-restricted development that provides a continuum of accommodations and care, from independent living to long-term skilled nursing care, and enters into contracts to provide lifelong care in exchange for the payment of monthly fees and an entrance fee in excess of one year of monthly fees.
CONVENIENCE RETAILAny retail establishment offering for sale prepackaged food products, households items, newspapers and magazines, sandwiches and other freshly prepared foods, such as salads. Food products are generally for off-site consumption but may contain seating accommodations of not less than eight seats.
COURTAny open space, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, that is bounded on two or more sides by the walls of a building that is on the same lot.
CRITICAL AREAWater bodies, including streams, ponds and lakes, one-hundred-year floodplains, freshwater wetlands, transition areas and slopes over 25%.
CURB CUTThe depression of the curbline at which point vehicles, people or surface water runoff cross the curbline.
DEDICATIONThe transfer of property by the owner to another party.
DENSITY, GROSSThe number of dwelling units per gross area of land to be developed.
DENSITY, NETThe total number of dwelling units per unit of land excluding all areas designated as common open space, streets, easements, water areas and wetlands.
DEVELOPMENTThe division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any building or other structure; any mining, excavation, landfill or land disturbances and any use, change in use or extension of use of land for which permission may be required pursuant to this chapter.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEEAn advisory committee established pursuant to §
150-76 of the Code of the Township of Cranbury to review applications for development pending before the Board of Adjustment and Planning Board.
DOCKA structure, whether fixed or floating, attached at one end to the shoreline and extending on or over the surface of a lake and intended to facilitate access to the lake for boating or swimming. For purposes of this chapter, "dock" and "pier" shall mean the same.
[Added 8-30-2004 by Ord. No. 07-04-17]
DRAINAGEThe removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading or other means and includes control of runoff during and after construction or development to minimize erosion and sedimentation, to assure the adequacy of existing and proposed culverts and bridges, to induce water recharge into the ground where practical, to lessen nonpoint pollution, to maintain the integrity of stream channels for their biological functions as well as for drainage, and the means necessary for water supply preservation or prevention and alleviation of flooding.
DRIVEWAYA paved or unpaved area used for ingress or egress of vehicles and allowing access from a street to a building or other structure or facility.
DWELLINGA structure or portion thereof that is used exclusively for human habitation. "Dwellings" may include but are not limited to the following types:
B. GARDEN APARTMENTThree or more dwelling units located within a single building, with an entrance to each dwelling by direct access from the outside or through a common hall. "Garden apartments" may include buildings in cooperative or condominium ownership. Also see "dwelling, multifamily."
C. TOWNHOUSEA one-family dwelling unit in a row of at least three such attached units in which each unit has its own front and rear access to the outside, no unit is located over another unit and each unit is separated from any other unit by one or more vertical common fire-resistant walls.
D. ZERO LOT LINEA single-family detached building located on a lot in such a manner that one or more of the building's sides rests directly on a lot line. Side, rear or front yards may be enclosed by walls, provided that such yards remain unoccupied and open to the sky.
E. MULTIFAMILYA building containing three or more dwelling units that share common vertical and/or horizontal separations, including garden apartments.
F. SEMIDETACHED SINGLE-FAMILYA single-family dwelling attached to one other single-family dwelling on an adjoining lot by a common vertical wall erected on the lot line dividing the two lots.
G. TWO-FAMILYA building on a single lot containing two dwellings, each of which is separated from the other by an unpierced fire resistant wall extending from ground to roof or an unpierced ceiling and floor extending from exterior wall to exterior wall, except for a common stairwell exterior to both dwelling units.
EASEMENTA grant of one or more property rights by the property owner to and/or for use by the public, a corporation or another person or entity.
EXTENDED-CARE FACILITYA long-term care facility or a distinct part of a facility licensed or approved as a nursing home, infirmary unit of a home for the aged, or a governmental medical institution.
FAMILYA group of individuals not necessarily related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship living together in a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit under a common housekeeping management plan based on an intentionally structured relationship providing organization and stability.
FAMILY DAY-CARE HOMEA private residence which is registered as a family day-care home pursuant to the "Family Day Care Provider Registration Act," P.L. 1987, c. 27 (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-16 et seq.); and is further defined as a private residence in which child-care services are provided for a fee to not less than three and no more than five children at any one time for no less than 15 hours per week; except that the division shall not exclude a family day-care home with less than three children from voluntary registration.
FARMA parcel of land used for agricultural activities.
FARM BUILDINGSAll structures useful or necessary for the conduct of agricultural activities, including but not limited to barns, silos, cribs, mechanical equipment storage sheds, animal pens, stables or other shelters.
FARMSTEAD LOTThe lot in a lot averaged subdivision that is permanently deed restricted to agricultural use or open space and which may contain one residential structure.
FENCEAn artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials erected to enclose, screen or separate areas.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONAny structure wherein business of primarily a monetary nature is transacted, such as banks, savings and loans associations, mortgage companies and similar institutions.
FLOOD FRINGE AREAThat portion of the flood hazard area outside the floodway, based on the total area inundated during the regulatory base flood plus 25% of the regulatory base flood discharge. See Figure 4.
FLOOD HAZARD AREAThe floodway and flood fringe areas of a delineated stream as determined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection under N.J.A.C. 7:13 et seq. (Flood Hazard Control). See Figure 4.
FLOODPLAINThe relatively flat area adjoining the channel of a natural river, stream, watercourse, or any body of standing water that has been or may be covered by floodwater. See Figure 4.
FLOODWAYThe channel of a natural stream or river and portions of the floodplain adjoining the channel which are reasonably required to carry and discharge the floodwater or flood flow of any natural stream or river. See Figure 4.
FLOOR AREA, GROSSThe sum of the gross horizontal areas of all floors of a building or group of buildings on a lot, measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the center line of a wall separating two buildings, but excluding the following:
B. Any floors or portions thereof contained on terraces or balconies projecting beyond the exterior face of the building.
GARAGE, PRIVATEA structure that is an accessory to the principal building and that is used for the storage of motor vehicles and in which no occupation, business or service for profit is carried on.
GARAGE, REPAIRAny building, premises or land in which or upon which a business, service or industry involving the maintenance, servicing, repair or painting of motor vehicles is conducted or rendered. Sales of motor vehicle accessories are permitted. This term does not include car washes and motor vehicle showrooms for new or used motor vehicles.
GARDEN CENTER or NURSERYLand, greenhouses and other temporary and permanent structures used for the production and sale of flowers, shrubs, trees and plants and the sale of gardening and landscaping equipment, supplies and accessories. Landscaping equipment shall not include equipment typically used for commercial operations such as backhoes, tractors and snowplows.
GROUND FLOORThe first floor of a building other than a cellar or basement.
GROUP HOMEAny single-family dwelling used in the placement of children pursuant to law recognized as a group home by the Department of Institutions and Agencies in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Institutions and Agencies; provided, however, that no group home shall contain more than 12 children.
HISTORIC DISTRICTOne or more historic sites and intervening or surrounding property significantly affecting or affected by the quality and character of the historic site or sites.
HISTORIC SITEAny real property, man-made structure, natural object or configuration or any portion or group of the foregoing of historical, archaeological, cultural, scenic or architectural significance.
HOME OCCUPATIONAny activity carried out for gain by a resident and conducted as a customary, incidental and accessory use in the resident's dwelling unit.
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATIONA community association, other than a condominium association, that is organized in a residential development in which individual owners share common interests and responsibilities for costs and upkeep of common open space or facilities.
HOTELA facility offering transient lodging accommodations to the general public and which may provide additional services, such as restaurants, reception rooms, meeting rooms, entertainment and recreation facilities.
HOUSEHOLDA family living together in a single dwelling unit, with common access to and common use of all living and eating areas and all areas and facilities for the preparation and serving of food within the dwelling unit.
HOUSE OF WORSHIPA building or structure, or groups of buildings or structures, that by design and construction are primarily intended for conducting organized religious services and associated accessory uses.
IMPERVIOUS COVERAGEThat portion of the lot that is covered by nonpermeable surfaces, including but not limited to, buildings, parking areas, driveways, service areas, streets, walkways, patios, pools and plazas. All required parking areas which are permitted to remain unimproved and all gravel areas and landscape areas lined with weed-inhibiting plastic sheeting shall be considered as impervious surfaces.
LANDSCAPE PLANA component of a development plan on which is shown: proposed landscape species (such as number, spacing, size at time of planting and planting details); proposals for protection of existing vegetation during and after construction; proposed treatment of hard and soft surfaces; proposed decorative features; grade changes; buffers and screening devices; and any other information that can reasonably be required in order that an informed decision can be made by the approving authority.
LIGHT INDUSTRYIndustrial uses that meet the performance standards, bulk controls and other requirements established in the land development ordinance.
LOTA designated parcel, tract or area of land established by plat, subdivision, court order or as otherwise permitted by law, to be separately owned, used, developed or built upon.
LOT AREAThe total area within the lot lines of a lot.
LOT AVERAGINGA form of development of contiguous or noncontiguous tracts of land which are in the same ownership and which permit a reduction in individual lot areas and bulk requirements, provided that the remaining land area is devoted to open space, agriculture or preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, at a maximum density as permitted in §§
150-14,
150-15 and
150-17, Article
III.
[Amended 11-28-2011 by Ord. No. 10-11-19]
LOT, CORNERA lot or parcel of land abutting upon two or more intersecting streets, or upon two parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than 135°.
LOT DEPTHThe average distance measured from the front lot line to the rear lot line.
LOT, FLAGA lot not meeting minimum frontage requirements and where access to the public street is by a private right-of-way or driveway. See Figure 5.
LOT FRONTAGEThe length of the front lot line measured at the street right-of-way line.
LOT LINEA line of record bounding a lot that divides one lot from another adjoining lot or from a public or private street or any other public space.
LOT LINE, FRONTThe lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way, also referred to as a "street line." See Figure 2.
LOT LINE, REARThe lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line, or, in the case of triangular or otherwise irregularly shaped lots, a line at least 10 feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDEAny lot line other than a front or rear lot line. See Figure 2.
LOT, PENINSULAA lot or parcel of land abutting upon three or more intersecting streets.
LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGEA through lot which is not accessible from one of the parallel or nonintersecting streets upon which it fronts. See Figure 6.
LOT, THROUGHA lot that fronts upon two parallel streets or that fronts upon two streets that do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.
LOT WIDTHThe horizontal distance between the side lines of a lot measured at right angles to its depth along a straight line parallel to the front lot line at the minimum building setback line.
LOW-INCOME HOUSINGHousing affordable according to Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development or the standards established by the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing for home ownership and rental costs, occupied or reserved for occupancy by households with a gross household income equal to 50% or less of the median gross household income for households of the same size within the housing region in which the housing is located, and which is subject to affordability controls promulgated by the Council.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTEEAny security, including but not limited to letters of credit and surety bonds, that may be required and accepted by the Township to assure the necessary improvements will function as required for a specific period of time.
MARQUEEAny hood, canopy, awning or permanent construction that projects from the exterior wall of a building, usually above an entrance, or the front face of the building.
MASTER PLANA composite of one or more written or graphic proposals for the development of the Township as set forth in and adopted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-28 et seq.
MINIMUM USABLE YARD AREAAn area measuring 20% or more of all yards, exclusive of critical areas, for use by the occupants.
MININGThe extraction of minerals, including solids, liquids and gases, through quarrying, groundwater diversion, soil removal and similar activities.
MINOR SITE PLANA development plan for less than 5,000 square feet of new or additional gross floor area or less than 20% increase in impervious surface coverage, provided the site plan: (1) conforms to all applicable zoning, site plan and subdivision requirements; (2) involves neither a planned development, a new street, or the extension of any off-tract improvements that are to be prorated pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-52; and (3) contains the information reasonably required to make an informed decision on the application.
[Amended 12-28-1998 by Ord. No. O-11-98-25; 10-9-2017 by Ord. No. 09-17-14]
MINOR SUBDIVISIONA subdivision of land that does not involve any of the following:
A. The creating of more than two lots (one new lot and the remaining parcel), each fronting on an existing street or road;
D. The extension of any off-tract improvements. Any subdivision application from a subdivider or owner which has previously been subdivided or granted a minor subdivision shall be classified as a major subdivision.
MODERATE-INCOME HOUSINGHousing affordable according to Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development or the standards established by the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing for home ownership and rental costs, occupied or reserved for occupancy by households with a gross household income in excess of 50% but less than 80% of the median gross household income for households of the same size within the housing region in which the housing is located, and which is subject to affordability controls promulgated by the Council.
MOTELAn establishment providing sleeping accommodations with a majority of all rooms having direct access to the outside without the necessity of passing through the main lobby of the building.
MUNICIPAL AGENCYThe Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Advisory Committee or Township Committee or any agency created by or responsible to Cranbury Township when acting pursuant to this chapter.
NONCONFORMING LOTA lot, the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of the zoning ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption to conform to the requirements of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING SIGNAny sign lawfully existing on the effective date of an ordinance or any amendment thereto, that renders such sign nonconforming because it does not conform to all the standards and regulations of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTUREA structure or building, the size, dimensions or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment to the zoning ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the requirements of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING USEA use or activity that was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of the zoning ordinance but that fails by reasons of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the requirements of this chapter.
NONRESIDENTIAL ZONESNonresidential zones include the Village Commercial (VC), Highway Commercial (HC), General Commercial (GC), Professional Office/Residential (PO/R), Research Office/Light Industrial (RO/LI) and Industrial-Light Impact (I-LI) zones.
OFF-SITELocated outside the lot lines of the lot in question but within the property (of which the lot is a part) that is the subject of a development application or within a contiguous portion of a street or other right-of-way.
OFF-TRACTNot located on the property that is the subject of a development application nor on a contiguous portion of a street or other right-of-way.
ON-SITELocated on the lot that is the subject of an application for development.
ON-SITE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEMA watertight receptacle that receives the discharge of sewage from a building, sewer or part thereof and is designed and constructed so as to permit settling of solids, digestion of the organic matter and discharge of the liquid portion into a disposal area in accordance with current regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy and the Middlesex County Health Department.
ON-TRACTLocated on the property that is the subject of a development application or on a contiguous portion of a street or other right-of-way.
OPEN SPACEAny parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for agricultural uses or passive recreation.
OUTBUILDINGA separate accessory building or structure not physically connected to the principal building and located on the same lot.
OUTDOOR STORAGEThe keeping, in an unroofed area, of any items, including, but not limited to, goods, junk, material, trailers, merchandise and vehicles in the same place for more than 24 hours.
OWNERAn individual, firm, association, syndicate, partnership, or corporation having sufficient proprietary interest to seek development of land.
PARKING LOTAn off-street area, usually improved, for the temporary storage and circulation of motor vehicles.
PARKING SPACEA space for the parking of one motor vehicle within a public or private parking area, but not within a dedicated street.
PATIOA level, impervious surfaced area directly adjacent to a principal building at or within three feet of the finished grade, not covered by a permanent roof and used primarily for passive recreation.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEEAny security, including but not limited to letters of credit, surety bond that may be accepted by the Township to ensure that improvements required as part of an application for development are satisfactorily completed.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENTAn area of a minimum contiguous size as specified by this chapter, to be planned, developed, operated and maintained as a single entity according to a plan and containing one or more structures with appurtenant common areas.
PLATA map of a subdivision or site plan.
PORCHA roofed open area, which may be screened, usually attached to or part of and with direct access to or from a building.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICEThe office of a member of a recognized profession maintained for the conduct of that profession.
PROJECTING SIGNA sign, other than a flat, wall sign, that projects more than 12 inches from the face of the building to which it is attached.
[Added 7-23-2012 by Ord. No. 07-12-12]
PUBLIC DRAINAGEWAYThe land reserved or dedicated for the installation of stormwater sewers or drainage ditches, or required along a natural stream or watercourse for preserving the biological as well as drainage function of the channel and providing for the flow of water to safeguard the public against flood damage, sedimentation and erosion and to assure the adequacy of existing and proposed culverts and bridges, to induce water recharge into the ground where practical, and to lessen nonpoint pollution.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTSImprovements which the Board may deem necessary or appropriate, including but not limited to streets, grading, pavement, gutters, curbs, sidewalks, streetlighting, shade trees, surveyor's monuments, water mains, culverts, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, drainage structures, erosion control and sedimentation control devices, public improvements of open space and, in the case of site plans, other on-site improvements and landscaping.
QUORUMA majority of the full authorized membership of a board or agency.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLEA vehicular-type portable structure without permanent foundation that can be towed, hauled or driven and primarily designed as temporary living accommodation for recreational, camping and travel use, and including but not limited to travel trailers, truck campers, camping trailers and self-propelled motor homes.
RESEARCH LABORATORYAn establishment or other facility for carrying on investigation in the natural, physical or social sciences, which may include engineering and product development.
RESIDENTIAL CLUSTERA form of planned residential development to be developed as a single entity according to a plan, and containing residential housing units that have a private or public open space area as an appurtenance.
RESIDENTIAL ZONESResidential zones include the Agriculture Preservation (A-100), Residential-Light Impact (R-LI), Residential-Low Density (RLD-1 and RLD-3), Village/Hamlet Residential (V/HR), Residential-Mount Laurel (R-ML) and Residential-Affordable Housing (R-AH) Zones.
RESTAURANTAn establishment where food and drink are prepared, served and consumed primarily within the principal building.
RESTAURANT, FAST-FOODA business establishment whose principal business is the sale of preprepared or rapidly prepared food directly to the customer in a ready-to-consume state for consumption either within the restaurant building, in cars on the premises, or off the premises.
RESUBDIVISIONThe further division of a lot or the relocation of lot lines of any lot or lots within a subdivision previously approved and recorded according to law; or the alteration of any streets or the establishment of any new streets within any such subdivision, but not including conveyances made so as to combine existing lots by deed or other instrument.
SANDWICH BOARD or A-FRAME SIGN BOARDA sandwich board sign, also called an "A-frame" sign board, is a self-supporting, portable sign, not attached to the ground or other permanent structure, A-shaped, constructed with two sides (or planes) joined at the top, with two visible sides, containing commercial speech, situated adjacent to a business, typically on a sidewalk.
[Added 7-23-2012 by Ord. No. 07-12-12]
SATELLITE EARTH STATIONAny apparatus capable of transmitting and/or receiving signals from geostationary orbital satellites.
SCHOOLAny building or part thereof which is designed, constructed or used for education of students up to and through the secondary level.
SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSINGHousing within which residency shall be restricted to permanent residents of the age 62 years and over, except for the spouse and one child 18 years or more of age of a qualifying resident.
SETBACKThe distance between a building and any lot line.
SHOPPING CENTERA group of retail commercial establishments planned, constructed and managed as a total entity, with customer and employee parking and internal traffic circulation on site, provision for goods delivery separated from customer access, aesthetic consideration, e.g., landscaping, comprehensive signage plan and shopper protection from the elements.
SIGHT TRIANGLEA triangular shaped portion of land established at street intersections in which nothing is erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance of motorists entering or leaving the intersection.
SIGNAny object, device, display or structure or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.
SIGN, ANIMATED OR MOVINGAny sign or part of a sign which changes physical position or light intensity by any movement or rotation or that gives the visual impression of such movement or rotation.
SIGN AREAThe entire face of a sign, including the advertising surface and any framing, trim or molding, but not including the supporting structure.
SIGN, AWNINGA sign that is mounted, painted, or attached to an awning or other window or door canopy that is otherwise permitted by ordinance.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, BANNERA sign of fabric or similar material that is mounted on a pole(s) and/or building by any means. A banner is not defined by shape, and it may be square, rectangular, round, triangular or pennant shaped. National flags, state, county and municipal flags or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered a banner.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, BILLBOARDA sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN, BUSINESSA sign that directs attention to a business or profession conducted or to a commodity or service sold, offered or manufactured, or to an entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located.
SIGN, CONSTRUCTIONA temporary sign erected on the premises on which construction is taking place, during the period of such construction, which may indicate the name of the development project and the names of the occupant and principal designers such as architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors or similar artisans and the owners, financial supporters, sponsors and similar individuals or firms having a role or interest with respect to the structure or project.
SIGN, DIGITAL BILLBOARDChangeable electronic variable message signs (CEVMS) on billboards that have changeable messages or displays and meet requirements related to duration of messages, transition time, lighting and brightness.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL OR WAYFINDINGA sign limited to directional symbols and/or messages, principally for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
[Amended 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, FACEThe area or display surface used for the message.
SIGN, FLAGS, STREAMERS AND PENNANTSA flag is a piece of cloth or plastic, supported by a staff, which is intended to flutter in the wind. National, state, county, municipal and corporate flags are exempt. A streamer or pennant is an individual object or series of small objects made of a lightweight plastic or fabric or other material, which may not contain text and which is suspended from or twined around a rope, wire or string.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, FREE EXPRESSIONAny sign which expresses free speech protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, GOVERNMENTALA sign erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental functions or required by law, ordinance or other governmental regulation.
SIGN, GROUND OR MONUMENTAny sign, other than a pole sign, in which the entire bottom is in contact with or is close to the ground and is independent of any other structure.
[Amended 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, ILLUMINATEDA sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by lights on or in the sign or directed towards the sign.
SIGN, INFLATABLEAny display capable of being expanded by air or other gas and used on a permanent or temporary basis to advertise a product or event.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, MENU BOARDA sign containing a menu, or a portion thereof, of food products for sale from the restaurant with which it is associated.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, NONCONFORMINGAny sign lawfully existing on the effective date of an ordinance, or any amendment thereto, that renders such sign nonconforming because it does not conform to all the standards and regulations of this chapter.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, PERMANENT WINDOWA permanent sign that is painted or mounted onto a windowpane, or that is hung directly inside a window solely for the purpose or effect of identifying any premises from the sidewalk or street.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, POLEA sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole or other support.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, POLITICAL ELECTIONA temporary sign announcing or supporting political candidates or issues in connection with any national, state or local election.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, PROJECTINGA sign, other than a flat, wall sign, that projects more than 12 inches from the face of the building to which it is attached.
[Amended 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, REAL ESTATEA sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises or a portion of the premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN, ROOFA sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or that is wholly dependent upon a building for support and that projects above the top walk or edge of a building with a flat roof, the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable or hip roof or the deck line of a building with a mansard roof.
SIGN, SANDWICH BOARD or A-FRAME SIGN BOARDA sandwich board sign, also called an "A-frame" sign board, is a self-supporting, portable sign, not attached to the ground or other permanent structure, A-shaped, constructed with two sides (or planes) joined at the top, with two visible sides, containing commercial speech, situated adjacent to a business, typically on a sidewalk.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, TEMPORARYA sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas fabric, plywood or other light material and designed or intended to be displayed for a short period of time.
SIGN, TEMPORARY EVENTA sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted on a pole or building by any means, or inflatable signs, or signs temporarily painted or taped onto a window and intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only, including banners, balloons, flags (not including national, state, county, municipal or corporate flags) and pennants or streamers.
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, TEMPORARY WINDOWA temporary sign, painted or taped to a window, advertising special sales, events or products for a limited duration. Such signs shall be considered a temporary event sign and subject to the requirements set forth in §
150-37E(8).
[Added 12-13-2021 by Ord. No. 11-21-12]
SIGN, WALLA sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or structure in such a manner that the wall becomes the supporting structure for, or forms the background surface of, the sign and that does not project more than 12 inches from such building or structure.
SIGN, WINDOWA sign that is applied or attached to the exterior or interior of a window or located in such a manner within a building that it can be seen from the exterior of the structure through a window.
SITE PLANA development plan of one or more lots on which is shown the existing and proposed conditions of the lot, including but not necessarily limited to topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains, marshes and waterways; the location of all existing and proposed buildings, drives, parking spaces, walkways, means of ingress and egress, drainage facilities, utility services, landscaping, structures and signs, lighting, screening devices; and any other information that may be reasonably required in order to make an informed determination pursuant to the Planning Board, adopted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-37 et seq.
SKETCH PLATA concept, informal map of a proposed subdivision or site plan of sufficient accuracy to be used for the purpose of discussion and classification.
STORAGE SHEDAn accessory building used for the storage of items such as, but not limited to, tools, lawn and garden equipment, furniture, and similar items of personal property belonging to the occupant of the principal structure.
STORYThat portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it and including those basements used for the principal use.
STORY, HALFA space under a sloping roof that has the line of intersection of the roof and wall face not more than three feet above the floor level and in which space the possible floor area with headroom of five feet or less occupies at least 40% of the total floor area of the story directly beneath.
STREAMA watercourse having a source and terminus, banks and channel through which waters flow at least periodically.
STREETAny vehicular way that is: (1) an existing State, County or municipal road; (2) shown upon a plat approved pursuant to law; (3) approved by other official action; or (4) shown on a plat duly filed and recorded in the office of the County Clerk prior to the appointment of a Planning Board and the grant to such Board of the power to review plats. A "street" includes the land between the street right-of-way lines, whether improved or unimproved, and may comprise pavement, shoulders, gutters, curbs, sidewalks, parking areas and other areas.
STREET, COLLECTORA street that collects traffic from local streets and connects with major and minor arterials. See Figure 7.
STREET, CUL-DE-SACA street with a single common ingress and egress with a turnaround at the end. See Figure 7.
STREET, LOCALA street intended primarily for access to individual properties and designed for local traffic. See Figure 7.
STREET, LOOPA local street that has its only ingress and egress at two points on the same collector street. See Figure 7.
STREET, MAJOR ARTERIALAny street or road intended to carry large traffic volumes at steady speeds through the Township. See Figure 7.
STREET, MINOR ARTERIALAny street that collects and distributes traffic to and from collector streets. See Figure 7.
STREET, SERVICEA street running parallel to a freeway or major arterial and serving abutting properties. See Figure 7.
STRUCTUREA combination of materials to form a construction for occupancy, use or ornamentation, whether installed on, above or below the surface of land or water.
SUBDIVISIONThe division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land for sale or development. The following shall not be considered subdivisions within the meaning of this chapter, if no new streets are created:
A. Divisions of land found by the Planning Board or Subdivision Committee thereof appointed by the Chairman to be for agricultural purposes where all resulting parcels are five acres or larger in size;
B. Divisions of property by testamentary or intestate provisions;
C. Divisions of property upon court order, including but not limited to judgments of foreclosure;
D. Consolidation of existing lots by deed or other recorded instrument; and
E. The conveyance of one or more adjoining lots, tracts or parcels of land, owned by the same person or persons, and all of which are found and certified by the Administrative Officer to conform to the requirements of the Land Development Ordinance of Cranbury Township and are shown and designated as separate lots, tracts or parcels on the Tax Map or Atlas of the Township. The term "subdivision" shall also include the term "resubdivision."
SUPERMARKETA retail establishment with 40,000 square feet of gross floor area or more selling primarily food as well as other convenience and household goods, including the sale of fresh produce, prepared and preprepared foods for on- or off-site consumption, baked goods, cheese, meat, groceries, beer, wine, liquor, household items, flowers, gifts, cosmetics and pharmaceutical goods.
[Added 4-8-2013 by Ord. No. 03-13-10]
TEMPORARY EVENT SIGNA sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted on a pole or building by any means, and intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only, including banners, balloons, flags (not including national, state, county, municipal or corporate flags) and pennants or streamers.
[Added 7-23-2012 by Ord. No. 07-12-12]
TOWNSHIPThe Township of Cranbury, Middlesex County, New Jersey.
TRACTA parcel, property or area of land comprised of one or more lots adjacent to one another established by a plat or otherwise as permitted by law to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.
TRANSITION BUFFERA landscaped area intended to act as a visual separation between two land uses of different intensity.
TRUCK STOPAny building, premises or land in which or upon which a business, service, or industry involving the maintenance, servicing, storage, cleaning or repair of a commercial vehicle is conducted, including fuel and truck accessory sales, overnight storage of trucks and may include restaurants and overnight accommodations for drivers.
USEThe purpose or activity for which land or buildings are arranged, designed or intended or for which land or buildings are occupied or maintained.
UTILITY BOXESAn aboveground structure or box that encloses a utility structure, including but not limited to electric transformers, switch boxes, telephone pedestals and telephone boxes, cable television boxes, traffic control boxes, backflow preventers and meters for water, sewer or gas service and sewage pump devices.
[Added 4-8-2019 by Ord. No. 03-19-05]
UTILITY STRUCTURESAboveground devices required by a public utility, including poles, lines, wires, utility boxes and substations used for telephone, electric, natural gas, water, sewer, cable, and for other distribution or transmission purposes.
[Added 4-8-2019 by Ord. No. 03-19-05]
WAREHOUSEA building used primarily for the storage of goods and materials.
WAREHOUSE/DISCOUNT CLUBA retail store selling a wide variety of merchandise in which customers purchase large, wholesale quantities of the store’s products, and where the customers may be required to pay an annual membership fee.
[Added 3-26-2013 by Ord. No. 02-13-08]
WELLOn-site subsurface source of water supply, including pumping and treatment equipment to provide irrigation or potable water service to a lot or lots in accordance with regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy and the Middlesex County Health Department.
WHOLESALE SALES AND SERVICESEstablishments or places of business primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers; industrial, commercial, institutional or professional business users; other wholesalers; or acting as agents or brokers and buying merchandise for, or selling merchandise to, such individuals or companies, but excluding lumber and building material sales.
YARDAn open space that lies between the principal building or buildings and the nearest lot line. The minimum required yard as set forth in the chapter is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as may be specifically provided in the zoning ordinance.
YARD, FRONTA space extending the full width of the lot between any building and the front lot line and measured perpendicularly to the building at the closest point to the front lot line. See Figure 8.
YARD LINEA line drawn parallel to a lot line at a distance therefrom equal to the depth of the required yard.
YARD, REARA space extending across the full width of the lot between the principal building and the rear lot line and measured perpendicular to the building to the closest point of the rear lot line. See Figures 2 and 8.
YARD, SIDEA space extending from the front yard to the rear yard between the principal building and the side lot line and measured perpendicular from the side lot line to the closest point of the principal building. See Figures 2 and 8.
ZONEA specifically delineated area or district within which uniform regulations govern the use, placement, spacing and size of land and buildings.
ZONING BOARDThe Zoning Board of Adjustment as established under this chapter.
ZONING MAPThe map annexed to and made a part of this chapter, indicating zone boundaries.
ZONING PERMITA document, signed by the Zoning Officer, which either is required by ordinance as a condition precedent to the commencement of a use or the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion or installation of a structure or building or which acknowledges that such use, structure or building complies with the provisions of the Municipal Zoning Ordinance or variance therefrom duly authorized by the appropriate agency of Cranbury Township pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-60 and 40:55D-70.