South Bound Brook City Zoning Code
§ 34-29.1
Statutory Authorization.
[Ord. No. 2005-03]
There is a compelling public purpose in regulating the visual character of public spaces insofar as perceptual science has amply demonstrated the linkage of visual character to public safety, public health, economic vitality and property value. Public regulation is necessary to encourage and promote unified, highly legible common public spaces undepreciated by detractive visual elements — a condition aimed at fostering the good feelings of aesthetics essential to a vibrant and desirable community while avoiding the visual overload that undermines property values, degrades public health, and spawns public hazards.
a.
The system of regulations encompassed by this section uses municipal powers expressly granted for site plan review and approval and to protect all aspects of community character.
b.
These powers are used in a way that advances a specific statutory purpose of New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law, namely "to promote a desirable visual environment through creative development techniques and good civic design and arrangements" (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-2.i.).
c.
That regulatory system encompasses the following:
1.
General performance standards to prevent the degradation of visual character anywhere in the Borough;
2.
Objective criteria to be used in judging the consistency of character;
3.
Explicit requirements for character consistency in site plan reviews;
4.
Overlay zoning district for the Borough Center and the Historic Dublin Neighborhood aimed at protecting the unique character of these areas; and
5.
A Community Character Advisory Committee appointed by the Mayor to collaborate with and assist the Planning Board, Zoning Officer and property owners in determining consistency of visual character.