Morris Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IX
Off-Street Parking and Loading
§ 95-53 Locations requiring off-street parking and loading spaces.
In all zones, in connection with every industrial, business, institutional, recreational, residential or any other use, there shall be provided, at the time any building or structure is erected or is enlarged or increased in capacity, off-street parking and loading spaces for automotive and other vehicles in accordance with the requirements set forth herein. Such facilities shall be completed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
§ 95-54 Off-street parking requirements.
A.
Number of parking spaces required. The number of off-street parking spaces required shall be as set forth in Subsection C hereof in accordance with the definition of "gross floor area."
[Amended 6-17-2015 by Ord. No. 20-15]
B.
Residential parking stall dimensions shall be consistent with New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS). Nonresidential parking stalls shall have minimum dimensions of nine feet wide by 18 feet deep. Such parking spaces shall be hairpin/double striped. Striping shall be a minimum of four inches in width and the outside dimensions of the double stripe shall be a minimum of 16 inches. Parking stall width shall be measured at nine feet from the center of the double stripe.
[Amended 4-11-1979 by Ord. No. 3-79; 8-14-2002 by Ord. No. 16-02; 6-17-2015 by Ord. No. 20-15; 12-20-2023 by Ord. No. 28-23]
C.
Off-street parking requirements for particular uses.
[Amended 3-21-2012 by Ord. No. 2-12; 10-21-2020 by Ord. No. 20-20]
Use | Required Parking Spaces (GFA - gross floor area) | |
|---|---|---|
Automobile dealership | 2.7 per 1,000 square feet of GFA of customer sales, lounge and waiting areas, plus 1.0 per 250 square feet of GFA of dealership business offices, plus 2 per service bay, plus 1 per 500 square feet of GFA for warehouse, parts and other indoor storage | |
Outdoor vehicle display and vehicle inventory storage areas shall be accurately depicted and dimensioned on a site plan; when approved by the reviewing board, said areas shall not be changed, expanded or relocated without reapproval by the board | ||
Automotive service stations | 5 for each bay, plus 1 for each service vehicle, and 1 per 500 square feet of nonbay GFA | |
Banks and savings institutions | 4 per 1,000 square feet of GFA | |
Bowling lanes | 5 for each lane | |
Colleges and institutions of higher learning | 1 for each full-time or part-time day student | |
Community buildings, clubs, social halls, lodges, fraternal organizations, and places of assembly | 1 per 3 seats, or 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area (GFA), whichever is greater | |
Country clubs | 1 per 100 square feet of GFA occupied by all principal or accessory structures except those used for parking or storage purposes; country clubs with golf courses shall also demonstrate to the satisfaction of the reviewing authority that the additional spaces are not necessary based on actual parking demand surveys. Driving range practice tees shall require 2 spaces per tee | |
Farm market | 5 spaces | |
Funeral homes, mortuaries | 10, plus 1 per 50 square feet of GFA | |
Industrial uses | 1 per 300 square feet of GFA | |
Laboratory and research | 1 per 300 square feet of GFA | |
Medical/dental offices | 5 per 1,000 square feet of GFA | |
Motels, hotels, motor lodges | 1.25 for each guest room, plus 1 per 2 1/2 seats for restaurants, and for restaurants with a bar and/or liquor table service and other auxiliary areas for patrons (nonseating), 1 per 100 square feet of GFA devoted to same, plus 1 per 100 square feet of GFA for each meeting/banquet space. Accessory interior retail space of not more than 3,000 square feet of GFA of interior space shall not require additional parking | |
Museum | 1.5 per 1,000 annual visitors | |
Nursing home | 1 for each bed | |
Offices, business | 4 per 1,000 square feet of GFA | |
Offices, professional (other than medical and dental) | 5 per 1,000 square feet of GFA | |
Places of worship | 1 per 3 seats within the sanctuary or worship hall (or 1 per 72 inches of seating space when pews or benches rather than individual seats or chairs are used), or 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area (GFA) for all buildings on-site, whichever is greater | |
Private recreation clubs, health clubs and recreation facilities | 5 per 1,000 square feet of GFA | |
Public and private schools | Elementary Schools: 2 per classroom Middle Schools: 1.5 per classroom High Schools: 2.5 per classroom For combined Elementary and Middle Schools, the parking requirements for Elementary Schools shall apply | |
Residential dwellings | As required by New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS) | |
Restaurants, eating and drinking establishments and catering facilities | 1 per 2 1/2 seats, and for restaurants, etc., with a bar and/or liquor table service and other auxiliary areas for patrons (nonseating), 1 per 100 square feet of GFA devoted to same, 1 per 100 square feet of GFA with fast-food service at counter, plus 1 per 4 seats of outside food service at the discretion of the reviewing board for any restaurant use | |
Retail stores, store groups, shops, etc. | 5 per 1,000 square feet of GFA | |
Theaters and cinemas | 1 per 2.5 seats | |
Wholesale establishments, warehouses, furniture stores | 1 per 500 square feet of GFA |
D.
Off-street parking requirements for a combination of uses. The parking requirement for each use shall be computed separately and then added together to compute the total number of required parking spaces. In all questionable or doubtful cases, or for uses not enumerated, the Planning Board shall determine the required number of spaces, utilizing as a standard the requirements for the uses which are specifically enumerated in Subsection C hereof.
E.
Parking area design standards.
(1)
Access. There shall be adequate provision for ingress and egress to all parking spaces. Access drives or driveways shall be not less than 15 feet wide for either ingress or egress and 24 feet wide for both ingress and egress, except that for residential structures for fewer than three families, access drives or driveways shall be no less than 10 feet wide for both ingress and egress and may be utilized for part or all of the parking area requirements. No driveway or access drive shall be closer than 50 feet to the road lot lines of any two intersecting streets on the same side of the street as the lot in question.
(2)
Size of aisles. The width of all aisles providing direct access to individual parking stalls shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth below. Only one-way traffic shall be permitted in aisles serving parking spaces placed at an angle other than 90°.
[Amended 10-23-2019 by Ord. No. 24-19]
Parking Angle | Aisle Width (feet) |
|---|---|
0° (parallel) | 12 |
30° | 12 |
45° | 13 |
60° | 18 |
90° (perpendicular) | 24 |
(3)
General location. No off-street parking or loading area shall be located in a minimum required front yard.
(4)
Location in different zones. No access drive, driveway or other means of ingress and egress shall be located in any residential zone to provide access to uses other than those permitted in such residential zone.
(5)
Sidewalks and curbing. Sidewalks between parking areas and principal structures along aisles and driveways and wherever pedestrian traffic shall occur shall be provided with a minimum width of four feet of passable area and shall be raised six inches or more above the parking area except when crossing streets or driveways. Guardrails and wheel stops permanently anchored to the ground shall be provided in appropriate locations. Parked vehicles shall not overhang or extend over sidewalk areas, unless an additional sidewalk width of 2 1/2 feet is provided to accommodate such overhang.
(6)
Other design criteria.
(a)
Landscaping and drainage.
[1]
Parking areas shall be suitably landscaped to minimize noise, glare and other nuisance characteristics as well as to enhance the environment and ecology of the site and surrounding area. Said parking areas shall have suitable drainage facilities as required by the Township Engineer.
(b)
Lighting. All parking areas shall be lighted to provide a minimum of a total average illumination of 1 1/2 footcandles throughout the parking area. Such lighting shall be shielded in such a manner as not to create a hazard or nuisance to the adjoining properties or the traveling public.
(c)
Markings and access. Parking stalls, driveways and aisles shall be clearly marked and delineated. The Planning Board may require that certain areas be maintained for firefighting or other emergency purposes, and these areas shall be appropriately designated.
(d)
Other design requirements. In addition to the standards contained herein, standards governing curbs, sidewalks, drainage, landscaping, lighting, markings, signs, safety features, legal agreements, off-site improvements, bonding and other requirements shall meet the standards established in Chapter 57, Land Development.
§ 95-55 Off-street loading requirements.
A.
In any zone, in connection with every building or building group or part thereof hereafter erected which is to be occupied by industrial, office and laboratory or commercial uses or distribution by vehicles of material or merchandise, there shall be provided and maintained, on the same lot with such building, off-street loading berths in accordance with the requirements set forth below:
Uses | Floor Area (square feet) | Loading Berths | |
|---|---|---|---|
Schools | 15,000 or more | 1 | |
Hospitals and nursing homes (in addition to space for ambulances) | From 10,000 to 30,000 | 1 | |
For each additional 30,000 or fraction thereof | 1 additional | ||
Undertakers and funeral parlors | 5,000 | 1 | |
For each additional 5,000 or fraction thereof | 1 additional | ||
Hotels and offices | From 10,000 or more | 1 | |
Retail, commercial, planned commercial and industrial development groups; wholesaling, manufacturing and industrial uses | From 5,000 to 15,000 | 1 | |
From 15,000 to 30,000 | 2 | ||
From 30,000 to 50,000 | 3 | ||
From 50,000 to 75,000 | 4 | ||
For each additional 25,000 or fraction thereof | 1 additional |
B.
Each loading space shall be no less than 12 feet in width, 50 feet in length and 14 feet in height and may not occupy any part of any required front, side or rear yard; provided, however, that on lots on which the rear yard abuts a limited-access highway or a railroad, such loading space may occupy the rear yard up to the rear property line.
§ 95-56 Joint facilities.
Off-street parking and loading facilities for separate uses may be provided jointly if the total number of spaces so provided is not less than the sum of the separate requirements for each use, provided that all regulations governing the location of accessory spaces in relation to the use served are adhered to. Further, no accessory space or portion thereof shall serve as a required space for more than one use unless otherwise approved by the Planning Board as provided herein in accordance with the purposes and procedures set forth herein.
§ 95-57 Maintenance.
A.
Every parcel of land hereafter used as a public or private off-street parking or loading area shall be maintained in good condition, free of hazards and deterioration. All pavement areas, sidewalks, curbs, drainage facilities, lighting, bumpers, guardrails, markings, signs, landscaping and other improvements shall be maintained in workable, safe and good condition.
B.
The governing body may authorize repairs for such improvements if, after proper notice, the owner fails to maintain such improvements and such conditions constitute a hazard to health and safety or where such improvements are governed by a development or other similar agreement.
§ 95-58 Parking and storage of commercial vehicles.
[Amended 10-15-1997 by Ord. No. 23-97]
A. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE(1) (2) (3) (4)
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Includes:
All commercially licensed vehicles, and/or all vehicles including trailers, with business identification signs or lettering, racks or hangers for exterior tools, ladders, supplies and equipment used for a commercial purpose.
All trucks or vans with a payload or rated capacity in excess of 1 1/2 tons or length in excess of 20 feet and all tractors, dump trucks, medium trucks, semitrucks or trailers, tandem trucks, tow trucks, rack body trucks, flatbed trucks and the like.
All construction equipment, including but not limited to bulldozers, backhoes, payloaders, cranes, equipment carriers and trailers and similar machines.
Any trailer not otherwise fitting within the definition of "commercial vehicle" as used herein shall be treated as a commercial vehicle when attached to such commercial vehicle.
B.
Except as otherwise provided for herein, the parking or storage of commercial vehicles in a residential zone shall be prohibited.
(1)
One commercial vehicle may be parked or stored in a residential zone on a property without a garage, or one commercial vehicle may be parked or stored on a property having a garage in a residential zone, provided that the same is contained within a wholly enclosed garage, and in any case such parking or storage shall be as an accessory use to the principal permitted use, and further provided that such commercial vehicle shall not exceed 1 1/2 tons of payload or rated capacity or have a length in excess of 20 feet. Such vehicle shall not engage in commercial uses from the residential zone. This exception shall not apply to tractors, dump trucks, medium trucks, semitrucks or trailers, tandem trucks, tow trucks, rack body trucks, flatbed trucks, construction equipment and the like.
C.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
(1)
The temporary use for hire of a commercial vehicle at the premises of a client, vendor or customer in the normal course of conducting the activity for which such vehicle is primarily used.
(2)
In cases of emergency, the parking or storage of commercial vehicles owned or leased by municipal, county or state governmental entities.
(3)
The parking or storage of commercial vehicles owned or leased by utility authorities duly constituted by statute and municipal vehicles owned by the Township of Morris, provided that such vehicles do not exceed 1 1/2 tons of payload or rated capacity or have a length in excess of 20 feet.
(4)
The parking or storage of municipal vehicles on municipal property.
D.
This section shall not in any way be construed as an authorization for the use of the premises not otherwise permitted under this chapter. No preexisting nonconforming use validly existing prior to adoption of any zoning ordinance prohibiting or limiting a use of premises shall be affected by this chapter.
§ 95-59 Waiver of parking requirements.
If any applicant can clearly demonstrate to the Planning Board or if the Planning Board determines that, because of the nature of his operation or use, the parking requirements of this article are unnecessary or excessive, the Planning Board shall have the power to approve a site plan showing less paved parking area than is required by this article; provided, however, that a landscaped area of sufficient size to meet the deficiency shall be set aside and reserved for the purposes of meeting future off-street parking requirements in the event that a change of use or operation of the premises shall make such additional off-street parking spaces necessary.
§ 95-59.1 Electric vehicle charging stations.
[Added 12-16-2020 by Ord. No. 29-20]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide a regulatory framework for the construction and operation of electric vehicle charging stations in the Township. Electric vehicles provide many benefits for the public health, safety, and welfare, including reducing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and stormwater runoff contaminants; promoting savings in motor vehicle operating costs for vehicle owners; and contributing overall to sustainability goals and objectives of the Township and the State. New Jersey is becoming a primary market for electric vehicles, and the accompanying demand for charging stations is projected to grow with the increase of electric vehicle models on the market. This section seeks to promote the provision of appropriate infrastructure in the Township to support the transition to electric vehicle use, while ensuring that such infrastructure does not pose detriments to the existing neighborhoods or community character of Morris Township.
B. CHARGING LEVELS(1) (2) (3) ELECTRIC VEHICLE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING EQUIPMENT ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
The standardized indicators of electrical force or voltage, at which an electric vehicle's battery is recharged. The terms Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 are the most common charging levels, and include the following specifications:
Level 1: slow charging; operates on an alternating current (AC) circuit with voltage up to 120 volts.
Level 2: medium charging; operates on an alternating current (AC) circuit with voltage commonly at 208 or 240 volts.
Level 3: fast or rapid charging; operates on a direct current (DC) circuit with voltage of 480 volts or higher. Level 3 charging is primarily utilized for commercial and public applications and is typically characterized by industrial grade electrical outlets that allow for faster recharging or electric vehicles.
Any vehicle that is licensed and registered for operation on public and private highways, roads, and streets; and operates, either partially or exclusively, on electrical energy from the grid or other off-board source that is stored on-board via a battery or similar energy storage device for propulsion.
Any equipment or electrical component used for the purpose of charging an electric vehicle, including but not limited to power cabinets, transformers, switchboards, outlets, electric meters, circuit breakers, network interfaces, point of sale equipment, and other associated apparatus and utilities such as electric lines and cables, conductors, connectors, couplers, enclosures, and attachment plugs. Electric vehicle charging equipment shall not include equipment located within the electric vehicles themselves.
A parking space installed with electric vehicle charging equipment that allows for the transfer of electric energy (by conductive or inductive means) to a battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle.
C.
Siting and design standards.
(1)
Permitted locations. Electric vehicle charging stations shall be permitted as follows:
(a)
Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations shall be permitted in all zoning districts when accessory to a permitted use.
(b)
Level 3 charging stations shall be permitted in all other zoning districts when accessory to a permitted use other than single family detached or two-family dwellings.
(c)
Notwithstanding the above regulations, public electric vehicle charging stations are allowed to be constructed in any public parking lot maintained and operated by the Township or other public entity.
(2)
Minimum charging stations required for multifamily residential and nonresidential uses.
(a)
All new parking facilities and all expansions of existing parking facilities resulting in an increase in parking capacity by more than 50% that are associated with multifamily residential or nonresidential uses shall include electric vehicle charging stations in accordance with the table below.
Required Minimum Number of Parking Spaces | Required Minimum Number of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations |
|---|---|
0 to 25 | 0 |
26 to 100 | 2% of total required number of parking spaces |
> 100 | 3% of total required number of parking spaces |
(b)
It is strongly encouraged but not required, that a minimum of one ADA accessible electric vehicle charging station be provided in any parking facility that is required to have electric vehicle charging stations.
(c)
A fraction of a space shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number for purposes of calculating the minimum required number of parking spaces.
(3)
Design and installation standards. Where provided, electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with the following standards:
(a)
The parking stall of an electric vehicle charging station shall be not less than nine feet wide or 18 feet in length.
(b)
Charging station outlets and connector devices shall be no less than 36 inches and no higher than 48 inches from grade, and shall contain a retraction device and/or a place to hang permanent cords and connectors at a sufficient and safe distance above the ground or pavement surface. Any cords connecting the charger to a vehicle shall be configured so that they do not cross a driveway, sidewalk, or passenger unloading area.
(c)
Equipment mounted on pedestals, lighting posts, or other devices for on-street charging stations shall be designed and located as to not impede pedestrian travel or create trip hazards.
(d)
Adequate charging station equipment protection such as wheel stops and concrete-filled steel bollards shall be used. Non-mountable curbing may be used in lieu of bollards, if the charging station is set back a minimum of 24 inches from the face of the curb.
(4)
Signs. Electric vehicle charging stations, except when accessory to a single-family detached or two-family dwelling, shall have signage subject to the following standards:
(a)
Number of signs: one sign shall be required and permitted for each charging station.
(b)
Maximum sign dimensions: 17 inches by 22 inches.
(c)
Required and recommended notices: each sign shall clearly identify the electric vehicle charging station as reserved for use by electric vehicles for charging purposes. Additional information recommended for inclusion on the signage are as follows:
(5)
Site plan review exemptions. Notwithstanding the above, the following shall be exempt from site plan review:
(a)
Installation of electrical vehicle charging equipment at existing parking facilities, provided that conversions of conventional parking spaces to electric vehicle charging stations do not result in a deficiency in the number of off-street parking spaces below the minimum number required.
(b)
Installation of electric vehicle charging equipment and charging stations that are accessory to a single-family detached or two-family dwelling.
(6)
Restrictions. Except when accessory to a detached single-family or two-family dwelling, all electric vehicle charging stations shall be reserved for charging of electric vehicles only, meaning that an electric vehicle is parked at the station and connected to the charging equipment.