Little Falls, NJ Zoning Ordinance

The governing body may by ordinance amend, change, modify or repeal regulations, limitations, restrictions or boundaries of districts herein contained on its own motion, upon resolution of the Planning Board or on petition, in accordance with the regulations set forth in this article.

Petitions to amend this chapter shall be made on forms prescribed by the governing body. Every such petition shall be accompanied by a map showing the area for which the change is asked and all immediately abutting property and uses thereof. Such petition shall state the details of the proposed change in regulations or districts and the reasons advanced by support thereof. The petition shall be signed by a minimum of 20% of the property owners whose land is within a radius of 200 feet of the property which is the subject of the petition.

When such amendment is requested either by petition or by resolution of the Planning Board, the governing body shall either deny such request or introduce the necessary amending ordinance within 60 days after the filing of such resolution or petition with the Secretary of the Planning Board.

A public hearing after notice, as required by law, shall be held on all proposals to amend this chapter. All parties in interest and all citizens shall be given an opportunity to be heard.

Prior to such hearing the proposed amendment shall be referred to the Planning Board, which shall report thereon within 30 days after receiving such request. The report shall be read at the public hearing. If the Planning Board requests such amendment by resolution, the Board may submit the report to the governing body simultaneously with its resolution requesting such amendment. In its report, the Planning Board shall give due consideration to the following:

Whether the proposed amendment is consistent with the aims of the Master Plan.

If it is consistent with the Master Plan, whether the area of change is ready for development, or whether such change would be premature.

If it is not consistent with the Master Plan, the effect of the change upon the pattern of land use and population distribution as set forth in the plan.

If the proposed change will affect land adjacent to the Township boundaries, the effect of such change upon the adjoining municipality.

If the proposed amendment will add additional land to the B-2 District, whether the area involved has direct access to a major traffic artery, for which such districts were specifically created.

Should any proposed amendment consist of or include any change in the boundaries of any district, which change would occur within a distance of 500 feet of the boundary of any other municipality, or any change in the regulations prescribed for any district, any portion of which is located within 500 feet of such boundaries, then the Secretary of the Planning Board shall transmit to the Township Clerk of such other municipality a copy of the official notice of the public hearing thereon not later than the day after such notice appears in the official newspaper of the Township. Failure of the Secretary of the Planning Board to give such notice to another municipality shall invalidate the procedure only if the proposed amendment is adopted.

Should any proposed amendment consist of or include lands adjoining county roads or other county lands; or lands lying within 200 feet of a municipal boundary; or lands lying within 200 feet of proposed facilities or public lands shown on the County Master Plan or official County Map, then the Secretary of the Planning Board shall give notice to the County Planning Board at least 10 days prior to the public hearing thereon by personal delivery or by certified mail of the official notice of the public hearing together with a copy of the proposed amendment.

If the Planning Board unfavorably reports on such change or if the owners of 20% or more either of the area of the lots or land included in such proposed change, or of the lots or land within 100 feet of the rear thereof, or of the lots or land within 100 feet on either side or directly across the street therefrom within 100 feet, exclusive of street space, protest in writing, such amendment shall not become effective except by the favorable vote of 2/3 of all members of the governing body.