Ridgewood City Zoning Code

§ 190-118.3

AH-2 Affordable Housing District.

[Added 3-23-2016 by Ord. No. 3489]

Intent. The AH-2 District is intended to promote the development of multifamily housing, with a portion of such housing restricted to households of low and moderate income. The standards for the zone are intended to accommodate a type and density of housing consistent with its location at the periphery of the Central Business District, and to provide a compensatory benefit to developers of affordable housing units.

Permitted principal uses and structures. The following principal uses and structures shall be permitted in the AH-2 Zone District:

Multifamily dwellings, including but not limited to garden apartments and other apartments.

Single-family attached residential dwelling units.

Uses and structures which lawfully exist at the time of the adoption of Ordinance 3489 shall be permitted to continue, provided that any change of use or redevelopment of properties in the district shall be limited to the residential uses permitted by this Subsection B.

Permitted accessory uses and structures. The following accessory uses and structures shall be permitted in the AH-2 Zone District, provided that they are located on the same premises as the principal use or structure to which they are accessory:

Surface parking areas, private garages and parking structures.

Other accessory uses customarily incidental to the above permitted principal uses, provided that they shall not include any activity commonly conducted for gain unless specifically permitted in this section.

Prohibited uses. Any uses other than those permitted by this section are prohibited.

Development standards. Uses and structures which lawfully exist at the time of the adoption of Ordinance 3489 shall be governed by the regulations in the B-2 Zone District. Residential uses and structures shall be subject to the following requirements:

Minimum tract area: one acre (43,560 square feet).

Maximum density.

For developments that contain for-sale affordable units, the maximum permitted density shall be 30 units per acre.

For developments that provide rental affordable units, the maximum permitted density shall be 35 units per acre.

Maximum floor area ratio.

For developments that contain for-sale affordable units, the maximum permitted floor area ratio shall be 130% of the lot area.

For developments that contain rental affordable units, excluding developments in Subsection E(3)(c) below, the maximum permitted floor area ratio shall be 135% of the lot area.

For developments that contain rental affordable units and at least 13% of the affordable units are made affordable to very-low-income households, the maximum permitted floor area ratio shall be 140% of the lot area.

Maximum improvement coverage.

For developments that contain for-sale affordable units, the maximum permitted improvement coverage shall be 80% of the lot area.

For developments that contain rental affordable units, the excluding developments in Subsection E(4)(c), below, the maximum permitted improvement coverage shall be 85% of the lot area.

For developments that contain rental affordable units and at least 13% of the affordable units are made affordable to very-low-income households, the maximum permitted improvement coverage shall be 90% of the lot area.

Maximum building height: 50 feet, except for limited architectural features designed in conformance with Subsection E(10)(b) below.

Minimum front yard: 15 feet.

Minimum side yard: 12 feet or 1/2 of the height of the building, whichever is greater.

Minimum rear yard: 12 feet or 1/2 of the height of the building, whichever is greater.

Minimum setback of principal buildings from any property developed for railroad use: 25 feet.

Architectural design.

Buildings shall be required to incorporate high-quality architectural features that are characteristic of exemplary buildings reflecting the traditional architecture in the Central Business District. The applicant for any development shall demonstrate such design by providing examples of and comparisons with existing high-quality buildings in the Central Business District.

Buildings greater than 40 feet in height shall be required to use architectural features such as pitched roofs, varied rooflines, decorative cupolas, pediments, varied parapet heights and similar features designed to provide variety and reduce the visual impact of the building height. In order to accommodate such features, the following exceptions to the height limitation in Subsection E(5) above shall be permitted:

The height of such features shall not exceed the maximum permitted building height by more than eight feet.

The horizontal area of such features, including the area enclosed by such features, that exceed the maximum permitted building height shall not exceed 20% of the horizontal area of that portion of the building having a height greater than 40 feet. This limitation shall be cumulative for all such features. [For example, the horizontal area of that portion of a sloped roof or roofs at an elevation greater than the maximum building height could not exceed 4,000 square feet in the case of a building with a horizontal area of 20,000 square feet (20,000 x 0.20 = 4,000).]

In the case of linear features for which an area calculation is not possible, such as a parapet wall, rooftop screen, etc., the horizontal length of any such features that exceed the maximum permitted building height shall not exceed 20% of the horizontal length of the highest building wall or walls above which the feature is located and toward which such feature faces. This limitation shall be cumulative for all such features. [For example, the length of that portion of a parapet or parapets at an elevation greater than the maximum building height could not exceed 20 feet if located above a wall 100 feet long (100 x 0.20 = 20).]

Buildings having a gross floor area greater than 40,000 square feet shall be required to use architectural features that provide variety and reduce the visual impact of the building mass, through the use of varied facade materials, facade projections and recesses, judicious use of windows and other openings in the facade, and other similar features.

If parking or other exterior areas are provided beneath a building, such areas shall be screened by structural elements that are consistent or compatible with the materials and design of the front and side building facades. The intent of such screening shall be to mitigate the effects of headlights, minimize the view of parked vehicles and pavement, and to provide for a unified architectural design.

Recreational/social amenities. Developments shall be required to include both interior and exterior common areas devoted to recreational, social and similar functions for residents and their guests, as set forth below:

At least 40 square feet per dwelling unit shall be devoted to interior common areas, such as but not limited to meeting rooms, community centers, fitness centers, indoor recreational areas, lounges, libraries, etc. Areas such as hallways, stairs, elevators, entrance lobbies, storage, mail areas, mechanical space or office space and similar areas shall not count towards meeting this requirement.

At least 40 square feet per dwelling unit shall be devoted to exterior common areas, such as but not limited to recreational areas, gardens, courtyards, plazas, decks, patios, etc. Such areas may be located at grade level, on building terraces or on the roof of the building. Lawn or landscaped areas shall not count towards meeting this requirement unless such areas are specifically designed to be part of the aforementioned features.

Parking and access regulations.

Minimum number of parking spaces. The minimum number of parking spaces shall be as required and permitted by the New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards, N.J.A.C. 5:21-1.1 et seq.

Location.

All required parking spaces shall be located on the same property as the principal building or buildings.

Parking shall be located in the side or rear yards only, and/or beneath the principal building or buildings.

Parking areas and driveways shall be located at least five feet from any side lot line or rear lot line.

Other parking and access regulations. Except as provided otherwise by this section, parking areas and driveways shall be required to comply with all applicable requirements of this chapter or the New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards, N.J.A.C. 5:21-1.1 et seq., whichever is applicable.

Signs. The regulations for institutional use signs in the residential zone districts shall apply to signs for permitted residential development in the AH-2 Zone District.

Affordable housing requirements. All residential development shall be required to include affordable housing as a component. The following requirements shall apply:

Location. It is anticipated that all affordable units required by this section shall be provided within the AH-2 Zone District; however, the developer may propose and the Planning Board may accept the provision of some or all of the affordable units in another location, subject to:

Demonstration by the developer of a realistic plan in a known location for the development of an equal or greater number of units by the developer;

Completion of such units within the phasing timeframes required for inclusionary development, unless extended by the Board for good cause shown;

Conformance with all zoning requirements by the off-site development;

Determination by the Planning Board that such off-site units are eligible for credit against the Village's statutorily mandated affordable housing obligation; and

Execution of an agreement with the developer as a prior condition to the acceptance of any such proposal, unless waived by the Planning Board.

Minimum number of affordable units.

For developments that contain for-sale affordable units, 20% of the total number of housing units in the development shall be required to be affordable units.

For developments that contain rental affordable units, excluding developments in Subsection F(2)(c) below, 15% of the total number of housing units in the development shall be affordable units.

For developments that contain rental affordable units and at least 13% of the affordable units are made affordable to very-low-income households, 12.5% of the total number of housing units in the development shall be affordable units.

In calculating the required number of affordable units, fractions of less than one unit shall be addressed by either of the following, with the option being the developer's: 1) development of an affordable unit by the developer, or 2) making a payment in lieu of the fractional unit by the developer. Any such payment shall be in accordance with the applicable rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing.

In no case shall a residential development be permitted without any affordable dwelling units.

Occupancy restrictions. Affordable units shall not be designated as age-restricted units, supportive housing units or special needs housing units unless the applicant demonstrates, and the Planning Board finds, that such units are eligible for credit against the Village's statutory affordable housing obligation.

The general regulations for inclusionary developments in this chapter shall apply.

Ridgewood City Zoning Code

§ 190-118.3

AH-2 Affordable Housing District.

[Added 3-23-2016 by Ord. No. 3489]

Intent. The AH-2 District is intended to promote the development of multifamily housing, with a portion of such housing restricted to households of low and moderate income. The standards for the zone are intended to accommodate a type and density of housing consistent with its location at the periphery of the Central Business District, and to provide a compensatory benefit to developers of affordable housing units.

Permitted principal uses and structures. The following principal uses and structures shall be permitted in the AH-2 Zone District:

Multifamily dwellings, including but not limited to garden apartments and other apartments.

Single-family attached residential dwelling units.

Uses and structures which lawfully exist at the time of the adoption of Ordinance 3489 shall be permitted to continue, provided that any change of use or redevelopment of properties in the district shall be limited to the residential uses permitted by this Subsection B.

Permitted accessory uses and structures. The following accessory uses and structures shall be permitted in the AH-2 Zone District, provided that they are located on the same premises as the principal use or structure to which they are accessory:

Surface parking areas, private garages and parking structures.

Other accessory uses customarily incidental to the above permitted principal uses, provided that they shall not include any activity commonly conducted for gain unless specifically permitted in this section.

Prohibited uses. Any uses other than those permitted by this section are prohibited.

Development standards. Uses and structures which lawfully exist at the time of the adoption of Ordinance 3489 shall be governed by the regulations in the B-2 Zone District. Residential uses and structures shall be subject to the following requirements:

Minimum tract area: one acre (43,560 square feet).

Maximum density.

For developments that contain for-sale affordable units, the maximum permitted density shall be 30 units per acre.

For developments that provide rental affordable units, the maximum permitted density shall be 35 units per acre.

Maximum floor area ratio.

For developments that contain for-sale affordable units, the maximum permitted floor area ratio shall be 130% of the lot area.

For developments that contain rental affordable units, excluding developments in Subsection E(3)(c) below, the maximum permitted floor area ratio shall be 135% of the lot area.

For developments that contain rental affordable units and at least 13% of the affordable units are made affordable to very-low-income households, the maximum permitted floor area ratio shall be 140% of the lot area.

Maximum improvement coverage.

For developments that contain for-sale affordable units, the maximum permitted improvement coverage shall be 80% of the lot area.

For developments that contain rental affordable units, the excluding developments in Subsection E(4)(c), below, the maximum permitted improvement coverage shall be 85% of the lot area.

For developments that contain rental affordable units and at least 13% of the affordable units are made affordable to very-low-income households, the maximum permitted improvement coverage shall be 90% of the lot area.

Maximum building height: 50 feet, except for limited architectural features designed in conformance with Subsection E(10)(b) below.

Minimum front yard: 15 feet.

Minimum side yard: 12 feet or 1/2 of the height of the building, whichever is greater.

Minimum rear yard: 12 feet or 1/2 of the height of the building, whichever is greater.

Minimum setback of principal buildings from any property developed for railroad use: 25 feet.

Architectural design.

Buildings shall be required to incorporate high-quality architectural features that are characteristic of exemplary buildings reflecting the traditional architecture in the Central Business District. The applicant for any development shall demonstrate such design by providing examples of and comparisons with existing high-quality buildings in the Central Business District.

Buildings greater than 40 feet in height shall be required to use architectural features such as pitched roofs, varied rooflines, decorative cupolas, pediments, varied parapet heights and similar features designed to provide variety and reduce the visual impact of the building height. In order to accommodate such features, the following exceptions to the height limitation in Subsection E(5) above shall be permitted:

The height of such features shall not exceed the maximum permitted building height by more than eight feet.

The horizontal area of such features, including the area enclosed by such features, that exceed the maximum permitted building height shall not exceed 20% of the horizontal area of that portion of the building having a height greater than 40 feet. This limitation shall be cumulative for all such features. [For example, the horizontal area of that portion of a sloped roof or roofs at an elevation greater than the maximum building height could not exceed 4,000 square feet in the case of a building with a horizontal area of 20,000 square feet (20,000 x 0.20 = 4,000).]

In the case of linear features for which an area calculation is not possible, such as a parapet wall, rooftop screen, etc., the horizontal length of any such features that exceed the maximum permitted building height shall not exceed 20% of the horizontal length of the highest building wall or walls above which the feature is located and toward which such feature faces. This limitation shall be cumulative for all such features. [For example, the length of that portion of a parapet or parapets at an elevation greater than the maximum building height could not exceed 20 feet if located above a wall 100 feet long (100 x 0.20 = 20).]

Buildings having a gross floor area greater than 40,000 square feet shall be required to use architectural features that provide variety and reduce the visual impact of the building mass, through the use of varied facade materials, facade projections and recesses, judicious use of windows and other openings in the facade, and other similar features.

If parking or other exterior areas are provided beneath a building, such areas shall be screened by structural elements that are consistent or compatible with the materials and design of the front and side building facades. The intent of such screening shall be to mitigate the effects of headlights, minimize the view of parked vehicles and pavement, and to provide for a unified architectural design.

Recreational/social amenities. Developments shall be required to include both interior and exterior common areas devoted to recreational, social and similar functions for residents and their guests, as set forth below:

At least 40 square feet per dwelling unit shall be devoted to interior common areas, such as but not limited to meeting rooms, community centers, fitness centers, indoor recreational areas, lounges, libraries, etc. Areas such as hallways, stairs, elevators, entrance lobbies, storage, mail areas, mechanical space or office space and similar areas shall not count towards meeting this requirement.

At least 40 square feet per dwelling unit shall be devoted to exterior common areas, such as but not limited to recreational areas, gardens, courtyards, plazas, decks, patios, etc. Such areas may be located at grade level, on building terraces or on the roof of the building. Lawn or landscaped areas shall not count towards meeting this requirement unless such areas are specifically designed to be part of the aforementioned features.

Parking and access regulations.

Minimum number of parking spaces. The minimum number of parking spaces shall be as required and permitted by the New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards, N.J.A.C. 5:21-1.1 et seq.

Location.

All required parking spaces shall be located on the same property as the principal building or buildings.

Parking shall be located in the side or rear yards only, and/or beneath the principal building or buildings.

Parking areas and driveways shall be located at least five feet from any side lot line or rear lot line.

Other parking and access regulations. Except as provided otherwise by this section, parking areas and driveways shall be required to comply with all applicable requirements of this chapter or the New Jersey Residential Site Improvement Standards, N.J.A.C. 5:21-1.1 et seq., whichever is applicable.

Signs. The regulations for institutional use signs in the residential zone districts shall apply to signs for permitted residential development in the AH-2 Zone District.

Affordable housing requirements. All residential development shall be required to include affordable housing as a component. The following requirements shall apply:

Location. It is anticipated that all affordable units required by this section shall be provided within the AH-2 Zone District; however, the developer may propose and the Planning Board may accept the provision of some or all of the affordable units in another location, subject to:

Demonstration by the developer of a realistic plan in a known location for the development of an equal or greater number of units by the developer;

Completion of such units within the phasing timeframes required for inclusionary development, unless extended by the Board for good cause shown;

Conformance with all zoning requirements by the off-site development;

Determination by the Planning Board that such off-site units are eligible for credit against the Village's statutorily mandated affordable housing obligation; and

Execution of an agreement with the developer as a prior condition to the acceptance of any such proposal, unless waived by the Planning Board.

Minimum number of affordable units.

For developments that contain for-sale affordable units, 20% of the total number of housing units in the development shall be required to be affordable units.

For developments that contain rental affordable units, excluding developments in Subsection F(2)(c) below, 15% of the total number of housing units in the development shall be affordable units.

For developments that contain rental affordable units and at least 13% of the affordable units are made affordable to very-low-income households, 12.5% of the total number of housing units in the development shall be affordable units.

In calculating the required number of affordable units, fractions of less than one unit shall be addressed by either of the following, with the option being the developer's: 1) development of an affordable unit by the developer, or 2) making a payment in lieu of the fractional unit by the developer. Any such payment shall be in accordance with the applicable rules of the New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing.

In no case shall a residential development be permitted without any affordable dwelling units.

Occupancy restrictions. Affordable units shall not be designated as age-restricted units, supportive housing units or special needs housing units unless the applicant demonstrates, and the Planning Board finds, that such units are eligible for credit against the Village's statutory affordable housing obligation.

The general regulations for inclusionary developments in this chapter shall apply.