Mount Laurel Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE III
Residence Districts
§ 154-14 Applicability.
The following regulations shall apply in all residence districts, unless otherwise indicated.
§ 154-15 General use regulations.
A.
General. In residence districts, no building or other structure and no land shall be used and no building or other structure shall be built, altered or erected to be used for any purpose other than that of:
(1)
Single-family dwellings.
[Amended 12-20-1982 by Ord. No. 1982-40; 12-1-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-30]
(2)
Public parks and facilities, golf courses and municipal facilities.
[Amended 2-7-1983 by Ord. No. 1983-2]
(3)
Any form of agriculture or horticulture, with the following limitations:
(a)
Not more than 100 fowl of all kinds nor more than two head of farm livestock may be kept in a building any part of which is closer than 200 feet to any property line.
(b)
No fowl or farm livestock may be kept in a building any part of which is closer to a property line than 100 feet, and no farm building shall be located closer to a property line than 100 feet.
(c)
Confinement of undomesticated animals. Poultry, fowl, rabbits, sheep, swine, goats, pigs and cattle or any similar undomesticated animal shall be permitted to roam at large, provided that it shall be securely confined upon the property of the owner. The penalty for violation of this subsection will be as set forth in the penalty section of the Zoning Ordinance. However, every day that a property owner permits a violation of this subsection, it will be considered a separate violation.
[Amended 11-20-1978 by Ord. No. 1978-23]
(4)
The storage, processing and sale of farm products on the property where grown, but not to include the erection or use of any enclosed building intended or designed for retail sale on public streets or highways.
(5)
Cemetery or funeral home, when authorized by the Planning Board after a public hearing on an application for approval as a conditional use, subject to the requirements of § 154-21D.
[Amended 3-15-1993 by Ord. No. 1993-5]
(6)
Group homes, community residences for the developmentally disabled, community shelters for victims of domestic violence, community residences for the terminally ill, community residences for persons with head injuries, and family day-care homes, as specified in the Municipal Land Use Law.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the repeal of former Subsection A(4) and (5), regarding single-family and multiple-family dwellings, respectively, and subsequently renumbered former Subsection A(6) and (7) as A(4) and (5), respectively.
B.
Supplementary use regulations.
(1)
Golf club. Whenever an area designated as a golf club is shown on an approved final plat, the tract of land for playing golf, including fairways, tees, greens, hazards and roughs but not including any adjacent area designated as a country club, shall thereafter never be subdivided and used for house building lots.
(2)
Country club. Whenever an area designated as a country club is shown on an approved final plat, the following shall apply to the country club area:
(a)
In addition to other uses permitted in this section, the country club area may include any and all facilities for a club for club members and their guests, including a clubhouse, eating facilities, drinking facilities, swimming pool, recreation facilities, such lodging facilities for club members and their guests and related parking and maintenance facilities, but recreation facilities shall not include any outdoor mechanical amusement devices other than playground equipment. Country club areas shall never be subdivided and used for house building lots.
[Amended 12-1-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-30]
(b)
All structures and swimming pools within the country club area must be located at least 150 feet from adjacent existing or proposed residential use property.
(3)
No row houses, apartment houses, trailers, trailer parks, trailer cabins, commercial migrant labor camps or amusement rides for which admission is charged shall be permitted in any residence districts.
[Amended 10-4-1965 by Ord. No. 1965-4]
C.
General. Residential districts are primarily for the use of one-family dwellings and agricultural uses.
D.
Address numbers. House or building address numbers shall be in Arabic numerals, at least three inches in height, and at least 30 inches above ground level. The address numbers shall be sufficiently legible as to contrasting background, and be mounted in a secure fashion to the front wall or porch of the building and the mailbox so as to be clearly visible from the street. For multifamily buildings, the address shall be shown on the front of the buildings. See also Chapter 105, Numbering of Buildings.
[Added 12-1-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-30[3]]
E.
Performance standards. The following performance standards shall apply:
(1)
Noise.
(a)
In residential or commercial districts, when measured at a point 25 feet distant from an establishment wherein a noise originates or at the lot line, whichever is closer; and in manufacturing districts, when measured at any point on the boundary of the nearest residential district, the sound-pressure level radiated continuously from a facility between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. shall not exceed the following in any octave band of frequency:
Frequency Band (cycles per second) | Sound-Pressure Level (in decibels re 0.0002 microbar) | |
|---|---|---|
20 to 75 | 69 | |
75 to 150 | 54 | |
150 to 300 | 47 | |
300 to 600 | 41 | |
600 to 1,200 | 37 | |
1,200 to 2,400 | 34 | |
2,400 to 4,800 | 31 | |
4,800 to 9,600 | 28 |
(b)
If the noise is not smooth and continuous and is not radiated at nighttime, one or more of the following corrections shall be added to or subtracted from each of the decibel levels given above:
Type of Operation or Character of Noise | Correction (in decibels) | |
|---|---|---|
Daytime operation only | +5 | |
Noise source operates less than 20% of the time | +5* | |
Noise source operates less than 5% of the time | +10* | |
Noise source operates less than 1% of the time | +15* | |
Noise of impulsive character (hammering, etc.) | -5 | |
Noise of periodic character (hum, screech, etc.) | -5 |
*NOTE: Applying one of these corrections only. | ||
(c)
The sound-pressure level shall be measured with a sound-level meter and an octave bank analyzer that conforms to the specifications published by the American Standard Association, New York, New York.
[Amended 10-4-1965 by Ord. No. 1965-4]
§ 154-16 General bulk regulations.
[Added 2-2-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-2]
Lot size, yard size, lot area that may be covered by buildings, building floor area per household and building or structure height shall be regulated as specified in the schedule contained in Article X.
A.
Lots existing on September 1, 2008, in the R-3 District that were created under the former lot suitability ordinance[1] and containing an environmental restriction line are subject to the lot suitability envelope only for the initial building permit for the principal building.
[1]
Editor’s Note: The "former lot suitability ordinance" refers to Ord. No. 1997-27, adopted 11-17-1997, which comprised § 138-28D, Lot suitability in the R-3 Residence District. See now § 154-75B(2), Lot Suitability only in the R-3 Residence District.
§ 154-17 Buffer strips.
Buffer strips shall be provided when necessary in accordance with requirements of § 154-68. Also, any of the below-listed uses which are created in a residential district as part or parts of an allowable use, other than as part or parts of a single-family dwelling use, are hereby required to provide buffer strips in accordance with § 154-68, and each of these below-listed uses shall be considered to be an other specified use in accordance with § 154-68:
§ 154-18 Parking.
[Amended 7-21-1969 by Ord. No. 1969-11]
B.
In all residential districts, including planned unit developments, except as modified herein for the R-3 District, the parking on the street of any commercial motor vehicle exceeding four tons gross weight, farm tractor, omnibus, pole trailer, road tractor, school bus, semitrailer, truck tractor, recreational vehicle, boat, and trailer, all of the foregoing as defined in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1 et seq., between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is specifically prohibited.
[Amended 12-20-1982 by Ord. No. 1982-40; 2-25-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-4]
(1)
No persons of the same household shall cause to be parked more than one commercial vehicle of four tons gross weight or less on any residential street between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
(2)
Per N.J.S.A. 39:1-1, "trailer" is defined as "every vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole trailer, designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle." For purposes of this section, "trailer" includes, but is not limited to, any landscape trailer, camper trailer, boat trailer, horse trailer, enclosed trailer and any other type of trailer used for work or recreation.
C.
The above vehicles may be permitted in the R-3 District only if used by the owner for his own farm operations.
[Amended 12-20-1982 by Ord. No. 1982-40]
D.
For the purposes of this section, "parking" is defined as per N.J.S.A. 39:1-1 as "the standing or waiting on a street, road or highway of a vehicle or trailer not actually engaged in receiving or discharging passengers or merchandise, unless in obedience to traffic regulations or traffic signs or signals."
[Amended 12-20-1982 by Ord. No. 1982-40; 2-25-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-4]
E.
Violations and penalties. Any person, entity, firm, corporation or other group that is found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a fine as follows. Each day of violation shall be considered a separate violation.
[Added 2-25-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-4]
(1)
First offense, upon issuance of a motor vehicle summons or special complaint by the Division of Police or Zoning Enforcement Officer: $50.
(2)
Second offense, upon issuance of a motor vehicle summons or special complaint by the Division of Police or Zoning Enforcement Officer: $150.
(3)
Third offense upon issuance of a motor vehicle summons or special complaint by the Division of Police or Zoning Enforcement Officer: $250.
(4)
Fourth offense, upon issuance of a motor vehicle summons or special complaint by the Division of Police or Zoning Enforcement Officer, the violator shall be required to appear in Municipal Court and be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 for each violation.
§ 154-19 Accessory uses.
[Amended 12-20-1982 by Ord. No. 1982-40]
A.
Only the following accessory uses shall be permitted:
(1)
Customary accessory residential uses which do not result in contact with the public for any purposes whatsoever, except that garage sales shall be permitted only two days per year per household or residence, and provided further that charitable, religious, eleemosynary and other similar nonprofit organizations owning premises located in residential zones shall be permitted four garage sales. For purposes of this chapter, "garage sale" shall mean and include all sales entitled "garage sale," "cake sale," "lawn sale," "yard sale," "attic sale," "rummage sale" or "flea market sale" or any similar casual sale of tangible personal property which is advertised by any means whereby the public at large is or can be made aware of such sale.
[Amended 5-16-1983 by Ord. No. 1983-18]
(2)
Utility sheds.
[Amended 10-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-10]
(3)
Private garages, pole barns, pool houses, or ornamental structures.
[Amended 4-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12; 10-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-10]
(4)
Private swimming pools.
(5)
Private greenhouses not exceeding 1,000 square feet.
(6)
Electric vehicle charging stations or EVSE make ready parking spaces.
[Added 2-28-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-9]
(7)
Accessory residential use or home occupation, subject to the following standards:
[Added 10-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-10]
(a)
There shall be no more than one employee of the business to be carried out on the residential property.
(b)
There shall be one off-street parking space in addition to those otherwise required by this chapter if deemed necessary for the operation as determined by the reviewing agency. If the additional parking changes the appearance of the site, then site plan approval from the Planning Board is required.
(c)
The area used for the above uses shall occupy no more than 15% of the total floor area, including basements if so used.
(d)
No storage of materials or products outside of the dwelling unit shall be permitted, including the use of vans, trucks and other vehicles to store materials and equipment.
(e)
The use shall be clearly incidental to the residential use of the dwelling unit and shall not change the essential residential character of the dwelling.
(f)
No external alterations inconsistent with the residential use of the dwelling unit shall be permitted.
(g)
No display of products shall be visible from outside the building.
(h)
Such accessory uses shall be conducted by the residential occupants, who must be continuous occupants of the dwelling while the use is in operation.
(i)
No advertising display shall be visible from the street or elsewhere other than a small professional nameplate, which shall not exceed two square feet in area.
(8)
Accessory apartment, subject to the following additional requirements:
[Added 10-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-10]
(a)
There shall be a maximum of one accessory apartment within any single-family home.
(b)
One additional off-street parking space shall be provided in addition to any other parking requirements for the principal dwelling.
(c)
Accessory apartments shall have a maximum floor area of 600 square feet.
(d)
There shall be no more than one bedroom or space for sleeping quarters in any accessory apartment.
(e)
The accessory apartment shall only be occupied as living quarters by a member of the household that resides in the principal dwelling on the lot.
(f)
The accessory apartment shall not be rented, leased, or sold separately from the principal dwelling on the lot.
C.
For accessory uses on residential lots smaller than 10,000 square feet, rear and side yard setbacks shall be reduced to no less than three feet for utility sheds and private garages.
[Added 4-22-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-12]
D.
Keeping of hens or other domestic fowl such as ducks, pheasants, geese, or grouse, provided the following restrictions are satisfied:
[Added 2-28-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-6]
(1)
All accessory uses of keeping of hens or other domestic fowl shall be licensed by the Township in accordance with Chapter 70 of the Township Code.
(2)
The minimum lot area for such an accessory use shall be as follows:
Minimum Lot Area (square feet) | Maximum Number of Hens or Other Fowl |
|---|---|
5,000 | 3 |
10,000 | 4 |
15,000 | 5 |
20,000 | 6 |
30,000 | 7 |
40,000 or greater | 8 |
(3)
The residential property on which the hens or other fowl are to be kept must be a detached single-family home, or two-family home with an adequate side and rear yard No keeping of hens or other fowl shall be permitted in the yard of a townhouse or multifamily residential use.
(4)
The keeping of any such hen or other fowl shall be in a side or rear yard only and the yard must be enclosed by a fence with a minimum height of four feet.
(5)
A maximum of eight hens or other domestic fowl shall be permitted to be kept on a residential property as an accessory use.
(6)
No roosters shall be permitted to be kept on any residential property.
(7)
A chicken coop and run or similar structure shall be permitted as an accessory structure in the side or rear yard along with the keeping of hens or other fowl. The coop shall have a maximum height of eight feet, and a maximum building area of 120 square feet. The limitations found in § 154-65 on the maximum number of accessory structures shall not apply to chicken coops or runs.
(8)
An enclosed chicken run or pen shall have a maximum area of 200 square feet. The run or pen shall be attached to a chicken coop, and shall be enclosed with a mesh wire fence with a minimum height of three feet and a maximum height of six feet.
(9)
Any chicken coop or run structure shall be setback a minimum of three feet from any principal structure on the property, and 10 feet from any adjacent property line.
(10)
Any chicken coop or run must be constructed to be predator-proof
(11)
All animal byproducts and waste must be collected and removed on a regular basis.
(12)
No commercial sales of eggs, meat, or fertilizer from chicken or fowl waste shall be permitted on any residential property.
§ 154-19.1 Portable home storage units.
[Added 4-20-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-7[1]]
This section shall be known as the "Portable Home Storage Regulations of the Township of Mount Laurel."
A.
Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to regulate portable home storage units within all residential districts to control the duration of temporary storage, the siting and/or placement of such structures on a residential lot, permitting of such storage units, removal of such units and enforcement in the case of a violation. Nevertheless, it is recognized and asserted by the Mount Laurel Township Council that the application of the within provisions is intended to apply to single-family home properties and townhome properties where each townhome is owned in fee simple by its owners and where such townhome has a driveway on the owned lot. The Township Council recognizes that all dwellings that are within multifamily communities that either have no driveways for individual dwellings and/or where the street itself is owned by a condominium association pose difficult problems in terms of ordinance application, implementation and enforcement.
B. PORTABLE HOME STORAGE UNIT
Definitions.
Portable sheds that typically are loaded with materials and placed on a residential property for the purpose of storing materials. For purposes of this section, trash dumpsters shall be deemed a portable home storage unit.
C.
Permit required; application; fee; exception for new residential construction.
(1)
Before placing a portable home storage unit on his, her or its property, a person or other owner of residential property must submit an application and receive a permit from the Township. There shall be a fee of $25 for a thirty-day permit. Applications shall be obtained from the office of the Mount Laurel Department of Community Development. Excepted from the permitting requirements of this section shall be portable home storage units utilized for new residential construction; however, any portable home storage unit shall be removed from the new residential dwelling lot within 30 days of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
(2)
Multifamily districts.
(a)
In the event that the applicant for a permit under this section is an owner or occupant of a multifamily dwelling unit where there is either no dedicated driveway/garage for that unit or where the parking areas for the dwellings are owned by a condominium or other homeowners' association which qualifies for reimbursements from the Township of Mount Laurel pursuant to the New Jersey Condominium Act, then, in that case, the owner or occupant must comply with all condominium or homeowners' association rules and regulations regarding the placement of such storage facilities that are the subject of this chapter.
(b)
The Township Council will insure the communication with all Township condominium associations about this section and ask each such association about the issues, if any, that are raised by this section and whether there are any other suggestions for regulations of the storage units addressed here by such homeowners' and/or condominium associations.
D.
Duration. Except as provided in § 154-19.1E below, permits will be granted for a period of 30 days. Prior to the expiration of the thirty-day period, applicants may seek to extend their permits for an additional 30 days by seeking an extension with the office of the Mount Laurel Department of Community Development. Extension of a permit will cost $25 for each 30 days granted. In no event shall a permit for a portable home storage unit, with extensions, be granted for more than 90 days, except as provided in § 154-19.1F below.
E.
Location.
(1)
Except when the purpose of the portable home storage unit(s) is specifically for receiving debris and demolition material from the replacement of a residential driveway, portable home storage units must be kept in the driveway of the property at the furthest accessible point from the street.
(3)
Roll-off trash containers may be approved for siting on a residential street, when such placement in the driveway is deemed impracticable. In such event, placement must be preapproved by the Mount Laurel Township Police Department, reflective material and cones must be utilized to further ensure proper and safe use and such permit shall be issued for a period of not more than seven days.
F.
Emergency home repairs. In the case of a home repair due to fire or other similar emergency, the Township Code Enforcement Official shall approve the siting of a portable home storage unit on "short notice" to ensure public health and safety. Moreover, the Township Code Enforcement Official shall have discretion to extend the permit beyond 90 days in such circumstance.
G.
Number of units. Only one portable home storage unit may be placed at any residential property at one time, except in the circumstance where more than one portable home storage unit may be necessary for utilization in an emergency home repair situation as set forth in § 154-19.1F.
H.
Enforcement. This section shall be enforced by the Township of Mount Laurel, as directed by the Office of the Township Manager.
I.
Violations and penalties. Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $100. Each day of violation may be the basis of a separate violation.
[1]
Editor's Note: Section 1 of this section stated as follows:
"The 'Whereas' clauses that form the introductory portions of this section are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth at length, it being the intention of the Township Council to incorporate those determinations into the ordained p ortion of the within legislation." A copy of this section is on file in the Township offices.
§ 154-20 Residence District R-1D.
[Amended 10-7-1968 by Ord. No. 1968-18]
In any district hereinafter designated as Residence District R-1D, the following regulations shall apply:
A.
Purposes. The purpose of this subsection in creating a new residence district, R-1D, with its density and open space controls, is:
(1)
To provide a method of development of residential land which will nevertheless preserve desirable and usable open spaces, school sites, recreation and park areas and lands for other public purposes.
(2)
To enable and encourage flexibility of design and development of land in such a manner as to provide the most appropriate use of lands.
(3)
To facilitate the adequate and economical provisions of streets and utilities.
(4)
To preserve the natural and scenic qualities of open lands within the Township.
B.
Use regulations. The general and supplemental use regulations, other regulations, buffer strip requirements, parking requirements, parking restrictions and accessory use regulations contained in §§ 154-14 through 154-20 above regulating resident districts shall be complied with.
[Amended 12-20-1982 by Ord. No. 1982-40]
C.
Development regulations. The regulations applicable to the R-1 Residence District contained in Schedule of Area and Height Requirements shall apply to the R-1D Residence District, subject, however, to the following exceptions:
(1)
Single-family dwellings shall not be erected in excess of an allowable development density of 2.25 dwelling units per gross acre. For determining this density, the area of any tract shall be established from a certified outbound survey of the particular tract being developed.
(2)
Each corner lot shall have a minimum width of 100 feet at the building line. Each interior lot shall have a minimum width of 80 feet at the building line. The building line shall be considered at either the front or rear of the building whichever is narrower.
(3)
No corner lot shall have an area of less than 12,000 square feet, and no interior lots shall have an area of less than 10,000 square feet.
(4)
In order to ensure the fulfillment of the purposes of this section, the developer shall set aside such lands within the subdivision, other than streets or building lots, for public use, in locations, acreage, configuration and topography as approved by the Planning Board of the Township. The uses for which these public lands shall be set aside and dedicated to the municipality, if required by the Planning Board, shall include but not be limited to school sites, parks, playgrounds, recreation areas, public buildings and public utilities. A minimum of 15% and a maximum of 25% of the total acreage of the tract within the R-1D Zone may be required by the Planning Board for such public uses as have just been outlined.
(5)
In the event that a proposed developer or owner of land does not desire to develop his land in such manner as to make available the public land as specified in Subsection C(4) above, then the owner or developer of land may present plans for development, notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, in strict compliance with the requirements of the R-3 Residence District as set forth in §§ 154-14 through 154-19 of this chapter.
§ 154-21 Conditional uses.
[Amended 2-7-1983 by Ord. No. 1983-2]
A.
Child-care centers may be authorized by the Planning Board as a conditional use in all residential districts subject to the following standards, specifications and criteria:
[Amended 10-2-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-10]
(1)
The use will not injure or detract from the use of neighboring property.
(2)
The use will not detract from the character of any residential neighborhood.
(3)
The use of the property adjacent to the area included in the plan is adequately safeguarded.
(4)
The property is suitable for the intended use.
(5)
The use will serve the best interests of the Township.
(6)
The use will not adversely affect public facilities and services, such as water, sewer, utilities and police and fire protection.
(7)
The use will not adversely affect the existing drainage facilities.
(8)
The use will not adversely affect the safe flow of traffic and adequate roadway accesses shall be provided to protect roadways from undue congestion and hazards.
(9)
The architecture will be compatible with the neighborhood.
(10)
Additional parking may be required by the Planning Board if analysis of the proposed type of operation and number of employees and visitors involved indicates the above ratio will not generate sufficient parking spaces.
(11)
Separate vehicle stacking lanes for pedestrian drop-off and pickup shall be provided. The minimum number of stacked cars shall be determined by the Planning Board at time of site plan review.
(12)
All active recreation areas shall be fenced with a four-foot-high vinyl-covered chain link fence or equivalent.
(13)
All property lines adjacent to residential lots shall be buffered with evergreen trees as determined by the Planning Board. The evergreen-buffer species, height at time of planting and spacing shall be sufficient to create a visual buffer within three years from the time of installation. Parking lots, play areas and accessory buildings shall also be buffered if required by the Planning Board.
(14)
Outdoor areas located near hazardous areas as determined by the Planning Board shall be fenced or otherwise protected as directed by the Planning Board.
(15)
The required outdoor play area shall be green, open and unpaved for active recreational activities.
(16)
In residential districts, the exterior of structures used for child-care centers shall be architecturally designed as a residential unit compatible with the types of units existing or to be located in the neighborhood. Drawings of the building's exterior design shall be submitted and approved by the Planning Board. This requirement shall not be applicable to child-care centers operating in churches.
(17)
Child-care centers operated in a residential structure by the owner-occupant with no employees shall be exempt from the applicable standards, provided that no more than five nonresident children are on the premises at any one time.
(18)
The minimum lot size in each district shall be increased by 600 square feet per child for every child in excess of five.
(19)
The minimum outdoor play areas shall be 150 square feet per child.
B.
Churches, including chapels, convents and child-care centers within churches, may be authorized by the Planning Board as a conditional use in all districts, subject to all of the standards, specifications and criteria listed in Subsection A, where applicable.
C.
Schools may be authorized by the Planning Board as a conditional use in all residential districts, subject to all of the standards, specifications and criteria listed in Subsection A, where applicable, except as modified herein:
(1)
There shall be no standard regarding the architecture and exterior appearance of the building.
D.
Cemeteries and funeral homes may be authorized as a conditional use, subject to the following standards:
[Added 3-15-1993 by Ord. No. 1993-5]
(1)
The use will not injure nor detract from the use of neighboring property.
(2)
The use will not detract from the character of any residential neighborhood.
(3)
The use of the property adjacent to the area included in the plan is adequately safeguarded.
(4)
The property is suitable for the intended use.
(5)
The use will serve the best interests of the Township.
(6)
The use will not adversely affect public facilities and services, such as water, sewer, utilities and police and fire protection.
(7)
The use will not adversely affect the existing drainage facilities.
(8)
The use will not adversely affect the safe flow of traffic, and adequate roadway accesses shall be provided to protect roadways from undue congestion and hazards.
(9)
The architecture will be compatible with the neighborhood.
(10)
Additional parking may be required by the Planning Board if analysis of the proposed type of operation and number of employees and visitors involved indicates the above ratio will not generate sufficient parking spaces.
(11)
Full buffer widths and plantings as required by this chapter shall be implemented.
(12)
Lighting shall be shielded so as not to cause glare or adverse effects onto adjoining properties.
(13)
All parking shall be contained on site.
(14)
The hours of operation will be limited so as not to create late nighttime activity unconducive with a residential neighborhood.
(15)
The minimum lot size shall be 20,000 square feet, and all of the bulk area regulations of the R-3 Zoning District shall apply.
E.
Roof-mounted solar energy system, provided the following standards are met:
[Added 7-22-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-7]
(1)
Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall be installed only on the principal building of the property.
(2)
A roof-mounted solar energy system shall be mounted parallel to the roof angle and shall not exceed a height of three feet above the edge of the roofline or above the highest point of the roof surface or structure.
(3)
A roof-mounted solar energy system that is to be mounted on a flat roof may be angled to achieve maximum sun exposure, but shall not exceed five feet above the roof.
(4)
In no instance shall any part of a roof-mounted solar energy system extend beyond the roof edge.
(5)
An external disconnect switch shall be provided, and the owner must file a map with the Township Fire and Police Departments clearly showing where the disconnect switch is located. The location of the external disconnect switch must be reviewed and approved by both the Township Fire and Police Departments prior to installation.
F.
Ground-mounted solar energy system, provided the following standards are met.
[Added 2-25-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-6]
(1)
Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be permitted as an accessory use.
(2)
Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not be located within a front yard or beyond the front wall of the principal building.
(3)
Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall not be applied as lot coverage.
(4)
No lot shall have more than 50% coverage of the rear yard used for ground-mounted solar energy structures.
(5)
A visual impact assessment shall be provided.
(6)
Architectural renderings should be provided to illustrate anticipated visual impact from the proposed improvements.
(7)
Ground-mounted solar arrays in residential areas shall not exceed 400 square feet, or half the size of the principal structure's rooftop, or whichever is smaller.
(8)
Ground-mounted solar arrays shall comply with the setback requirements of the underlying zone.
(9)
Ground-mounted solar arrays exceeding six feet in height as measured from grade shall be set back an additional two feet from the required setback for each additional foot in height.
(10)
Adequate distance between rows shall be provided to allow for access for system maintenance or module replacement.
(11)
The site shall include appropriate warning and guidance signage related to the solar electric system, including but not limited to signs indicating the presence of a solar array and the main service disconnect location.
(12)
All emergency access shall be maintained.
(13)
All proposed utilities should be located underground. If risers and combiner boxes are proposed, details should be provided.
(14)
Surface treatment of ground cover under the panels should be provided, such as, but not limited to, Ernst Solar Farm Seed Mix (ERNMX-186).
(15)
All mechanical and electrical equipment not enclosed within a building shall be fully screened from view. Landscaping shall be provided to adequately screen views of the panels. Larger evergreen shrubs should be specified to screen the proposed solar panels. Fencing shall also be provided at the discretion of the approving authority.
(16)
Energy systems shall meet all New Jersey laws and regulations as may be amended from time to time.
(17)
An external disconnect switch shall be provided, and the owner must file a map with the Township Fire and Police Departments clearly showing where the disconnect switch is located. The location of the external disconnect switch must be reviewed and approved by both the Township Fire and Police Departments prior to installation.
(18)
The structural design of any solar energy system shall be signed and sealed by a professional engineer, licensed in the State of New Jersey, certifying that the structural design complies with all of the standards set forth for safety and stability in all applicable codes then in effect in the State of New Jersey.
(19)
The primary purpose of a solar energy system will be to provide power for the principal use of the property whereon said system is to be located and shall not be for the generation of power for commercial purposes for resale.
G.
Removal of solar energy systems. The Township of Mount Laurel reserves the right to require the removal of any solar energy system, or portion thereof, which is improperly constructed or maintained, or which poses an imminent public safety hazard.
[Added 2-25-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-6]
§ 154-21.1 Prohibited uses.
[Added 7-22-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-7]
A.
Solar energy farms.
[Amended 2-25-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-6]