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Medford City Zoning Code

SECTION 300

Zoning Districts and Zoning Map

§ 301 Zoning Districts.

[Ord. No. 2001-33 § 4; amended by Ord. No. 2004-16 § 5; Ord. No. 2004-17 § 6; Ord. No. 2004-24 § 2; Ord. No. 2004-26 § 5; 9-6-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-12]
For the purpose of this ordinance, the Township of Medford is hereby divided into 25 districts as follows:
GMN
Growth Management Area North
GMS
Growth Management Area South
GD
Growth District
RGD-1
Reserve Growth District 1
RGD-2
Reserve Growth District 2
RS-1
Rural Suburban 1
RS-2
Rural Suburban 2
AR
Agricultural Retention
FD
Forest District
PD
Preservation District
PPE
Park/Public/Education
HC-1
Highway Commercial Zone 1
HC-2
Highway Commercial Zone 2
RHC
Restricted Highway Commercial
CC
Community Commercial
RC
Restricted Commercial
PI
Planned Industrial
HVC
Historic Village Commercial
HVR
Historic Village Residential
VRD
Village Residential Development
RHO
Residential Home Occupation
APA
Agricultural Production Area
SAPA
Special Agricultural Production Area
HM
Highway Management
GMN-AR
Growth Management North — Age Restricted
GMN-AR-2
Growth Management North — Age Restricted 2
The GMS, GD, RGD-1, RS-1, HC-1, HC-2, CC, RC, PI, HVC, HVR, VRD and RHO Zoning Districts in the "Pinelands Area" are located entirely within the "Pinelands Regional Growth Area." Additionally, with the exception of Lots 33.06 and 34.01 of Tax Map Block 3201 along Tomlinson's Mill Road, all lands in the CC Zoning District in the "Pinelands Area" are located within the "Pinelands Regional Growth Area." Finally, that portion of the zoning district containing the YMCA Camp Ockanickon and labeled as "Area #1" on the Zoning Map is to be within the "Pinelands Regional Growth Area" when both Area #1 and Area #2 are approved for development and are appropriately deed restricted in accordance with the requirements of this ordinance.

§ 302 Optional Development Alternatives.

[Ord. No. 1992-1 § 2; amended by Ord. No. 1994-36 § 2; 12-5-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-15]
In addition to the permitted uses within each of the designated zoning districts, three types of planned developments are permitted in accordance with the requirements of this ordinance on certain lands as follows:
Name
Where Permitted
Residential Cluster
Within the GMN, GMS, GD, RGD-1, RS-1, HVR, VRD and AR Districts
Easttown Planned Development
On tracts of land at least 130 acres in area on that portion of the VRD District specifically indicated on the Zoning Map
Senior Citizen Planned Development
On tracts of land at least 100 acres in area on that portion of the AR District specifically indicated on the Zoning Map
Pinelands Forest and Rural Development Area Clustering
Mandatory in FD, RGD-2, and RS-2 Districts

§ 303 Zoning Map.

[Ord. No. 1992-2 § 2; Ord. No. 1995-18 § 1; Ord. No. 1996-4 § 1; Ord. No. 1997-17 § 5; Ord. No. 2001-33 § 5; Ord. No. 2003-25 § 1; Ord. No. 2004-16 § 4; Ord. No. 2004-17 § 5; Ord. No. 2004-26 § 5; Ord. No. 2005-3 § 4; amended 7-28-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-21; 9-6-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-12; 8-15-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-9; 8-15-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-10; 8-15-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-11; 2-20-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-2; 9-4-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-16; 10-6-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-21; 12-15-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-23; 4-6-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-3; 4-6-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-4; 4-6-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-5; 6-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-6; 2-21-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-2; 6-7-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-9; 2-4-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-1; 6-17-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-11]
The boundaries of the zoning districts and the areas designated for the Affordable Housing Developments required by the New Jersey Council On Affordable Housing (COAH) are established on the map entitled "Zoning Map of the Township of Medford," dated December 3, 1996, which accompanies and is hereby made part of this ordinance. Additionally, the maps entitled "Flood Hazard Areas" dated April 1989, "Wetlands" dated April 1989, and "Non-Pinelands Area Portion Of Medford Township With one-hundred-year Floodplain And Freshwater Wetlands" dated January, 1994, are hereby made part of this ordinance for informational purposes.[1]
As noted on the "Flood Hazard Areas" map, the basis for delineation of flood hazard areas were the "Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps" prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. As indicated on the "Wetlands" map, the basis for the delineation of wetlands was the "National Wetlands Inventory" prepared by the U.S. Department of the Interior and dated November 5, 1977, for the Medford Lakes and Mt. Holly Quadrangles. Finally, as indicated on the map entitled "Non-Pinelands Area Portion of Medford Township With one-hundred-year Floodplain And Freshwater Wetlands," the basis for delineation of wetlands was the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Coastal Resources, Freshwater Wetlands Maps.
Regarding both "Flood Hazard Areas" and "Wetlands," it is recognized that other and possibly different "Flood Hazard Areas" and/or "Wetlands" exist in Medford Township other than those indicated on the attached maps. Therefore, while the information presented on the attached maps is appropriate for general planning purposes, it is not intended to take the place of on-site engineering investigation; the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, as the case may be, should consider more detailed and site specific information, such as that information required to be submitted by the applicant as part of a subdivision, site plan and/or variance application, in order to more effectively define the location and extent of the "Flood Hazard Areas" and/or "Wetlands" on any lot or tract.
A. 
Zoning Map amendments.
1. 
Designate Block 6505, Lot 9, as Public/Park/Education (PPE) and Block 6505, Lot 10, as Regional Growth District-1 (RGD-1) from Forest District (FD).
2. 
The boundary line of the RHO Zone is hereby increased to include the following section:
With a place of beginning at the southwesterly corner of Block 1201, Lot 3:
(a) 
Along the property line between Block 1201, Lot 1.01 (St. Mary's School) and Block 1201, Lots 3, 4, 5.01, 5.02, 6, 7, and 8;
(b) 
Along the property line between Block 1201, Lot 1.02, and Block 1201, Lots 8 and 9, to the centerline of an alley;
(c) 
Along the centerline of an alley between Block 1201, Lots 21, 20, 19 and part of 18 and Block 1201, Lots 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13;
(d) 
Along the property line between Block 1201, Lot 14 and Block 1201, Lot 13 to the center line of Cherry Street;
(e) 
Along the center line of Cherry Street between Block 1201, Lots 14 and part of 15.02 and Block 1201, Lots 4 and 3; and
(f) 
Along the property line between Block 1201, Lot 2 and Block 1201, Lot 3, back to the place of beginning.
Which area includes Block 1201, Lots 3, 4, 5.01, 5.02, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13, previously zoned HC-1, as depicted on the Zoning Map and Tax Map of the Township of Medford.
3. 
The Boundary Line of the new HM Highway Management Zone, replacing sections of the HC-1 and HC-2 Districts and within the jurisdiction of the Pineland Comprehensive Management Plan, is hereby created in accordance with the attached Proposed Zoning Map dated January 21, 2004, revised to March 4, 2004, which accompanies and is hereby made part of this ordinance. This map also indicates a number of other changes. The HC-2 District bounded by Chairville, Eayrestown and Branin Roads is also changed by this map proposal to Historic Village Commercial (HVC). The Proposed Zoning Map shall further incorporate the 40(+/-) acre school site on the southeast corner of Branin Road, now in the VRD zone, as part of the Easttown Planned Development Overlay, and shall also change the Senior Citizen Planned Development Overlay to the Eayrestown Planned Development Overlay, which shall require further revisions to the Zoning Map.
4. 
The existing zoning for Block 805, Lot 22.02 is eliminated. Block 805, Lot 22.02 shall be zoned Growth Management North.
5. 
The existing zoning for the northerly end of Cherry Street is changed from commercial (HC1) to residential (RHO).
6. 
The zoning of Block 401, Lot 16, on Hartford Road is changed from PPE Park/Public/Education to HM Highway Management.
7. 
Block 404, Lot 14, Jennings Road, shall be zoned GMN-AR-2.
8. 
62 Branch Street, Block 1803, Lot 2: from PPE to § 414 HVR Historic Village Residential; 66 Branch Street, Block 1803, Lot 3: from PPE to § 414 HVR Historic Village Residential; 16 Mill Street, Block 2001, Lot 11: from PPE to § 416 RHO Residential Home Occupation; 18 Mill Street, Block 2001, Lot 10: from PPE to § 416 RHO Residential Home Occupation; 22 Mill Street, Block 2001, Lot 8: from PPE to § 416 RHO Residential Home Occupation; 24 Mill Street, Block 2001, Lot 7: from PPE to § 416 RHO Residential Home Occupation; 20 Mill Street, Block 2001, Lot 9 (Township owned): RHO to § 409 PPE.
B. 
Redevelopment plans - Zoning Map amendments.[2]
1. 
Adoption of a Redevelopment Plan for Block 401, Lot 14.01, also known as the "Hartford Square Redevelopment Area."
2. 
Adoption of a Redevelopment Plan for Block 2701.20, Lots 9.01, 9.02, 9.03 and 10.01, also known as the "Stokes Square Redevelopment Area."
3. 
Adoption of a Redevelopment Plan for Block 401, Lot 9.02, also known as the "Arc Wheeler Redevelopment Area."
4. 
Adoption of a Redevelopment Plan for Block 401, Lot 13.01, and Block 403, Lots 2 and 7, also known as the "Tofamo Redevelopment Area."
5. 
Adoption of an amended Redevelopment Plan for Block 2701.20, Lots 9.01, 9.02, 9.03 and 10.01, also known as the "Stokes Square Redevelopment Area."
6. 
Adoption of a Redevelopment Plan for the Taunton and Tuckerton Rehabilitation Area, being Block 3201, Lots 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32.03, and 39; Block 3307.02, Lots 9, 10, and 11; Block 3202.01, Lots 1.01 and 1.06; Block 2907, Lots 1, 25.01, 26, 25.02, 12.01, 12.02, 13.01 and 13.02; and Block 2702.01, Lots 12.03, 12.01, 12.02, 12.04, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 11.
7. 
Amendment and readoption of a Redevelopment Plan for the Taunton and Tuckerton Rehabilitation Area, being Block 3201, Lots 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32.03, and 39; Block 3307.02, Lots 9, 10, and 11; Block 3202.01, Lots 1.01 and 1.06; Block 2907, Lots 1, 25.01, 26, 25.02, 12.01, 12.02, 13.01 and 13.02; and Block 2702.01, Lots 12.03, 12.01, 12.02, 12.04, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 11, to incorporate revisions required by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission.
8. 
Adoption of an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for Block 401, Lot 9.02, also known as the "Arc Wheeler (now Autumn Park) Redevelopment Area."
9. 
Adoption of an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for Block 401, Lot 13.01, and Block 403, Lots 2 and 7, also known as the "Tofamo (now Timber Ridge at Medford) Redevelopment Area."
10. 
Adoption of a Redevelopment Plan for Block 301, Lot 5.01, and Block 303, Lots 1, 3 and 4, also known as the "Flying W Redevelopment Area."
11. 
Amendment of the Redevelopment Plan for the Taunton and Tuckerton Rehabilitation Area, being Block 3201, Lots 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32.03, and 39; Block 3307.02, Lots 9, 10, and 11; Block 3202.01, Lots 1.01 and 1.06; Block 2907, Lots 1, 25.01, 26, 25.02, 12.01, 12.02, 13.01, and 13.02; and Block 2702.01, Lots 12.03, 12.01, 12.02, 12.04, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 11.
12. 
Amendment of the Redevelopment Plan for the Taunton and Tuckerton Rehabilitation Area, being Block 3201, Lots 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32.03, and 39; Block 3307. 02, Lots 9, 10, and 11; Block 3202. 01, Lots 1. 01, and 1. 06; Block 2907, Lots 1, 25. 01, 26, 25. 02, 12. 01, 12. 02, 13. 01, and 13. 02; Block 2702. 01, Lots 12. 03, 12. 01, 12. 02, 12. 04, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 11.
13. 
Adoption of a Redevelopment Plan for 17 North Main Street for Block 1801, Lot 4 (former municipal offices).
14. 
Adoption of a second amendment to the Redevlopment Plan for the Tofamo (now Timber Ridge at Medford) Redevelopment Area, formerly known as Block 401, Lot 13.01 and Block 403, Lots 2 and 7.
[2]
Editor's Note: The redevelopment plans listed below represent plans adopted after Ord. No. 2015-11. Information regarding plans adopted prior to Ord. No. 2015-11 may be found in the Township offices.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said maps are included as attachments to this ordinance.

§ 304 Interpretation of Boundaries.

[Ord. No. 1992-1 § 2]
A. 
Zoning district boundary lines are intended to follow street centerlines, railroad rights-of-way, streams and lot or property lines as they exist on lots of record at the time of enactment of this ordinance unless otherwise indicated by dimensions on the Zoning Map.
B. 
Any dimensions shown on the Zoning Map are in feet and are measured horizontally and, when measured from a street, are measured from the street right-of-way line even if the centerline of that street is used for the location of the zoning district line.
C. 
The exact location of any disputed zoning district boundary line shall be determined by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
D. 
The zoning standards, controls and designations apply to every structure, lot and use within each district and the district lines extend vertically in both directions from ground level.

§ 305 Principal Dwellings and Buildings Per Lot.

[Ord. No. 1992-1 § 2]
Unless otherwise specifically permitted within this ordinance, no more than one principal dwelling or one principal building shall be permitted on one lot.

§ 306 Airport Hazard Areas.

[Ord. No. 1992-1 § 2]
As required by the Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.), the boundary of the "Airport Hazard Area" including the "Runway Subzone," the "Runway End Subzones" and the "Clear Zones," is delineated on the Zoning Map pursuant to the Air Safety And Hazardous Zoning Act of 1983, c.260 (N.J.A.C. 6:1-80 et seq.). Development on lands located within the delineated "Airport Hazard Area" shall be in accordance with the provisions specified within Subsection 601 of this ordinance.

§ 307 Right to Farm, Permitted Use in All Zones.

[Ord. No. 2000-5 § 1]
A. 
The right to farm land is hereby recognized to exist in the Township of Medford, in the County of Burlington, and is hereby declared a permitted use in all zones of this Township, where an agricultural use is pre-existing, and a permitted use in the following zones under any circumstances: Agricultural Production Area (APA), Special Agricultural Production Area (SAPA), Growth Management Area North (GMN), Growth Management Area South (GMS), Growth District (GD), Agricultural Retention (AR), Forest District (FD), and Highway Commercial Zone-2 (HC-2). This right to farm includes, but not by way of limitation:
1. 
Production of agricultural and horticultural crops, trees and forest products, livestock and poultry and other commodities as described in the Standard Industrial Classification for agriculture, forestry, fishing and trapping.
2. 
Housing and employment of necessary farm laborers.
3. 
Erection of necessary agricultural buildings ancillary to agricultural and horticultural production.
4. 
The grazing of animals and use of range for fowl.
5. 
Construction of fences for livestock and fowl, as well as to control depredation by wildlife.
6. 
The operation and transportation of large, slow-moving equipment over roads within the Township of Medford.
7. 
Control of pests, predators and diseases of plants and animals.
8. 
Conduction of agriculture-related education and farm-based recreational activities, provided that the activities are related to marketing the agricultural or horticultural output of the commercial farm and permission of the farm owner and lessee is obtained.
9. 
Use of irrigation pumps and equipment, aerial and ground seeding and spraying, tractors, harvest aides and other equipment.
10. 
Processing and packaging of the agricultural output of the commercial farm.
11. 
The operation of a farm market, including the construction of business and parking areas in conformance with Medford Township standards.
12. 
The operation of a pick-your-own operation, meaning a direct marketing alternative wherein retail or wholesale customers are invited onto a commercial farm in order to harvest agricultural, floriculture or horticultural products.
13. 
Replenishment of soil nutrients and improvement of soil filth.
14. 
Clearing of woodlands using open burning and other techniques, installation and maintenance of vegetative and terrain alterations and other physical facilities for water and soil conversation and surface water control in wetland areas.
15. 
On-site disposal of organic agricultural wastes.
16. 
The application of manure and chemical fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.
17. 
Agricultural-related educational and farm-based recreational activities, provided that the activities are related to marketing the agricultural or horticultural output of the farm, including, but not limited to equestrian activities, including the boarding of horses and riding instructions.
B. 
The foregoing activities must be in conformance with applicable Federal and State law.
C. 
The foregoing practices and activities may occur on holidays, weekdays weekends by day or night and shall include the attendant or incidental noise, odors, dust and fumes associated with these practices.
D. 
It is hereby determined that whatever nuisance may be caused to others by these uses and activities is more than offset by the benefits of farming to the neighborhood community and society in general.
E. 
Any person aggrieved by the operation of a commercial farm shall file a complaint with the applicable county agriculture development board or the State Agriculture Development Committee in counties where no county board exists prior to filing an action in Court.
F. 
An additional purpose of this ordinance is to promote a good neighbor policy by advising purchasers and users of property within 500 feet from the lot line of any agricultural operation of the potential discomforts associated with such purchase or residence. It is intended that, through mandatory disclosures, purchasers and users will better understand the impacts of living near agricultural operations and be prepared to accept attendant conditions as the natural result of living in or near land actively devoted to commercial agriculture (or in an Agricultural Development Area, meaning an area identified by a County Agriculture Development Board pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 41C-18, and certified by the State Agriculture Development Committee). The disclosure required by this subsection is set forth in the disclosure form attached hereto and made a part hereof.[1]