Stafford Township City Zoning Code
§ 211-35
Supplementary zoning requirements.
A.
General provisions.
(1)
The purpose of this section is to establish a general uniform set of performance and design standards to guide and assist the Township and future developers in the preparation, submission and review of all developmental proposals. The standards shall be applicable to all site plans, subdivisions and other development applications to come before an approving authority in the Township. These general requirements are supplementary to the site plan and subdivision design standards previously outlined in this chapter and shall constitute the minimum performance standards applicable to all future growth and development in Stafford Township. In addition to the requirements of this section, all development applications in the Pinelands Area shall be bound by the supplemental Pinelands Area design and development standards and management programs, as specified in the Stafford Township Pinelands Area development requirements.
(2)
General requirements.
(a)
Minor modifications or changes in approved plans and specifications may be effected only upon written approval of the Board Engineer, but some changes may require further review and approval of the Planning Board prior to making any changes.
(b)
Any application for development shall demonstrate conformance to design standards that will encourage sound development patterns within the Township. Where either an Official Map and/or Master Plan have been adopted, the development shall conform to the proposals and conditions shown thereon. The streets, school sites, etc., shown on the officially adopted Master Plan shall be considered in the approval of plats. In accordance with good design practices, extreme deviations from rectangular lot shapes and straight lot lines shall not be allowed unless made necessary by special topographical conditions or other special conditions acceptable to the approving authority. All improvements shall be installed and connected with existing facilities or installed in required locations to enable future connections with approved systems or contemplated systems and shall be adequate to handle all present and probable future development.
(c)
Land which the approving authority finds to be in areas identified in the Master Plan as having severe or moderate soil characteristics, particularly as the land related to flooding, improper drainage, wetlands, adverse soil conditions, adverse topography, utility easements or other features which can reasonably be expected to be harmful to the health, safety and general welfare of the present or future inhabitants of the development and/or its surrounding areas, shall not be subdivided and site plans shall not be approved unless adequate and acceptable methods are formulated by the developer to solve the problems by methods meeting this chapter and all other regulations.
(d)
Whenever a development abuts or crosses a municipal boundary, access to those lots within the Township shall be from within the Township as the general rule. Wherever access to a development is required across land in an adjoining community as the exception, the approving authority may require documentation that such access is legally established and that the access road is adequately improved.
(e)
No buildings shall be erected, no existing buildings shall be enlarged or rebuilt nor shall any open space surrounding any building be encroached upon or reduced in any manner except in conformity with the yard, lot area and building location regulations designated for the district or zone in which this building or open space is located.
(f)
No lot shall be used in any zone nor shall any structure be erected, altered or occupied for any purpose except as indicated in each zone under permitted uses or conditional use permits, except that model homes and sales homes shall be permitted as a matter of right in all residential zones. Six model homes shall be permitted for each development.
(g)
No subdivision or site plan approval may be given unless each lot contained in the subdivision or site plan complies with all the requirements of the zone in which the lot is located, unless a variance is subsequently granted.
(h)
Each lot shall be provided with frontage on a street in accordance with the schedule of requirements.
(i)
No lot shall have erected on it more than one residential building, except as elsewhere permitted in this chapter.
(j)
In addition to any other requirements as to the development of detached single-family dwellings, a preconstruction plot plan must be submitted for each lot which shows the existing and proposed grading for each lot, unless the detached single-family dwelling is part of a recently approved subdivision or site plan. The applicable permit for development of said lot(s) shall not be issued prior to the review and approval of said plot plans by the Township Engineer.
[Added 8-19-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-108; amended 1-20-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-07]
B.
Accessory buildings.
(1)
Any accessory building attached to a principal building is part of the principal building and shall adhere to the yard requirements for the principal building.
(2)
Accessory buildings shall not exceed the height of the existing principal structure on the property in which it is located. In no event shall the height of the accessory structure exceed 60% of the maximum height allowed for the principal structure in the zone in which it is located.
[Amended 3-21-1995 by Ord. No. 95-34; 9-3-1996 by Ord. No. 96-48]
(3)
Accessory buildings shall not occupy a front yard in any zone and no more than 35% of the available rear yard in area in any zone.
(4)
Detached accessory buildings or uses shall not be located closer to the street than the front building line of the principal structure and shall be governed by the schedule of requirements for the side and rear yard setback limits. Where setback limits are not specified, the required setbacks for principal structures shall control. Driveways and off-street parking and loading areas shall comply with the location standards set forth in Chapter 130.
[Amended 9-17-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-78]
C.
Principal use. No lot shall have erected upon it more than one principal permitted use. No more than one principal building shall be permitted on one lot, except that commercial uses, shopping centers, apartment and condominium projects and industrial complexes, all receiving site plan approval, may be permitted to have more than one building on a lot in accordance with standards of the zoning district in which it is located.
D.
Nonconforming uses, structures or lots. The lawful use of land, buildings or structures existing when this chapter was adopted may be continued on the lot or in the structure although it may not conform to this chapter, and any such structure may be restored or repaired in the event of fifty-percent or less partial destruction; provided, however, that none shall be enlarged, extended, relocated, converted to another use or altered except in conformity with this chapter, except as permitted below. Land on which a nonconforming use or structure is located and any nonconforming lot shall not be subdivided or resubdivided so as to be made more nonconforming in any manner.
(1)
Abandonment.
(a)
A nonconforming use shall be considered abandoned if it is terminated by the owner.
(b)
If a nonconforming use of land with a structure(s) ceases for a period of 12 months, subsequent use of the abandoned building, structure and/or land shall be in conformity with this chapter.
(2)
Conversion to permitted use. Any nonconforming building, structure or use may be changed to conform to this chapter but shall not be changed back to a nonconforming status.
(3)
Maintenance may be made to a nonconforming use, structure or lot, provided that the maintenance work does not change the use, expand the building or the functional use of the building, increase the area of a lot used for a nonconforming purpose or increase the nonconformity in any manner without a variance.
(4)
Restoration and repairs.
(a)
Any nonconforming building, structure or use which has been condemned or damaged by fire, explosion, flood, windstorm or act of God shall be examined by the following three people:
[1]
The Construction Code Official.
[2]
The owner or an architect or engineer selected by the owner.
[3]
A third person, agreed to by the Construction Code Official and the owner, whose fee shall be agreed to and shall be paid in equal portions by the Township and the owner.
(b)
If, in the opinion of the majority of the above three people, the value of repairing the condition is greater than 50% of the value of replacing the entire structure, it shall be considered destroyed and may be rebuilt to the original specifications only upon approval of a use variance as provided by state statutes.
(c)
Where the value of repairing the condition is determined to be less than 50% of the value of replacing the entire structure, the nonconforming structure or use may be rebuilt and used for the same purpose as before, provided that it does not exceed the height, area and bulk of the original structure.
(d)
The percent damaged or condemned shall be the current replacement costs of the portion damaged or condemned, computed as a percentage of the current replacement cost of the entire structure, and shall not include the cost of the foundation unless the foundation is damaged or condemned.
(5)
Sale. Any nonconforming use, structure or lot may be sold and continue to function in the same nonconforming manner.
(6)
Notwithstanding the use restrictions contained in Subsections D(1) and D(5) above, any use in the Pinelands Area which became nonconforming as a result of amendments to this chapter pursuant to the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan, other than intensive recreation facilities and those uses which are expressly limited in § 211-9, may be expanded in accordance with § 211-9C(1).
[Amended 8-16-1988 by Ord. No. 88-65; 2-21-1989 by Ord. No. 89-19]
(7)
Any existing lots of record in the RA, RA-4 and RA-5 Zones rendered nonconforming due to amendments to this chapter resulting from the adoption of ordinances to implement the 2007 Master Plan shall be exempt from area, yard and building requirements of the respective zone; provided, however, that such exemption shall not apply to any subdivision of properties that become nonconforming due to amendments to this chapter, and such subdivisions shall be subject to the area, yard and building requirements of the respective zone.
[Added 11-5-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-98]
(8)
Any existing single-family homes located in any nonresidential zone where such uses are no longer permitted due to amendments to this chapter resulting from the adoption of ordinances to implement the 2007 Master Plan shall be permitted to be rebuilt, enlarged, extended or otherwise improved pursuant to the regulations in effect prior to the adoption of such ordinances. Such single-family homes shall be entitled to accessory uses or structures as regulated prior to the adoption of such ordinances.
[Added 10-7-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-98; amended 11-1-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-40]
E.
[1]Contractors' and builders' offices. Contractors' and builders' offices and related activities and storage may be permitted in the Mixed Use (MU) Zone, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit and adherence to the minimum area, yard and building requirements of the zone and the following standards:
[Added 12-21-1999 by Ord. No. 99-83]
(1)
No contractors' and builders' offices shall be located within 200 feet of an existing or approved multifamily dwelling, assisted living facility, continuing care facility, residential health care facility, nursing and convalescent home, long-term care facility, bed-and-breakfast, community residence for developmentally disabled or community shelter.
(2)
Storage yards and structures of such uses shall be clearly accessory and incidental to the contractors' and builders' offices, showroom or retail business.
(3)
The site shall have frontage on and direct access to a rural major collector.
(4)
No storage shall be permitted within the front yard of any lot nor in front of any principal building.
(5)
All storage areas shall be screened from the view from any property line. Such screening may consist of fence, walls, natural vegetation and landscaping, or some combination thereof, and shall be specifically approved by the Planning Board. Where the property is adjacent to a residential zone or use, the screening shall meet the minimum requirements established by § 130-50, Buffers, of the Township Code.
(6)
No flammable materials, hazardous chemicals or explosives shall be permitted to be stored.
(7)
The servicing, repair or fabrication of motor vehicles, trailers, equipment or appliances shall be prohibited.
(8)
The operation of power tools, spray painting, compressors and other similar equipment shall be prohibited.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection E, Service stations, was repealed 11-1-1994 by Ord. No. 94-100.
F.
Storage of boats, trailers and commercial vehicles. The outdoor storage of an unoccupied recreational vehicle, motor home, travel trailer, camper or boat shall be permitted on single-family properties, provided that:
(1)
Such storage shall not be located closer than three feet to any side or rear lot line or 10 feet to any street line.
(2)
The travel trailer, camper or boat shall not exceed 35 feet in length and eight feet in width.
(3)
Only one such travel trailer or camper and no more than two boats and/or boat trailers shall be permitted to be stored outdoors in any required area on any single-family residential lot.
[Amended 1-16-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-05]
(4)
No travel trailer, camper or boat stored in conformance with this subsection shall remain in such storage for longer than 12 consecutive months.
(5)
Any such vehicles stored in accordance with this subsection shall not be occupied and shall not be provided with utility connections other than required for vehicle maintenance and shall not be used for the storage of any nonrecreational material.
(6)
No commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 7,000 pounds or greater shall be parked on the street or in a driveway in any residential zone except to make deliveries or provide services to or for residents on said street. Commercial vehicles of 7,000 pounds or greater engaged in construction activities may be parked or stored on an active construction site in a residential zone. No commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 7,000 pounds or greater shall be parked or stored in a driveway or on the street in any residential zone.
[Amended 8-21-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-54]
(7)
No trailer, auto trailer, trailer coach, travel trailer or camper shall be used for dwelling purposes or as sleeping quarters for one or more persons, nor shall any such trailer or camper be used for storage or space for the permanent conduct of any business, profession, occupation or trade, except that such facilities may be used for temporary residency for the temporary replacement of a damaged dwelling unit or for temporary use as a construction office located on a site during construction, provided that a temporary permit has been issued for its use by the Building Inspector. This subsection shall not be construed so as to prohibit the parking or storage of such trailers and campers on private premises or the recreational use of the same in campgrounds in conformance with all applicable ordinances and codes.
(8)
Storage of tractor trailers or commercial trailers is governed by the provisions set forth in § 211-35Z of the Township Code of the Township of Stafford.
[Added 4-18-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-30]
G.
Swimming pools.
[Amended 5-21-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-14]
(1)
No private residential pool shall be installed on any lot unless the lot shall contain a residence, and the pool shall be accessory to the residence. The pool shall meet the yard requirements for accessory buildings in the district in which it is located, except that if the pool is located in the front yard, the pool shall be set back twice the distance from the street line that is required for the principal building. Pools adjacent to a bulkhead require the appropriate CAFRA approvals.
(2)
Pools shall otherwise be installed, operated and used in accordance with other health and safety ordinances regarding water filtration, circulation and treatment, fencing, noise and lighting. A pool permit shall be obtained from the Building Official.
(3)
All pools shall be required to have fences and gates as required by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23).
H.
Yard areas.
(1)
No yard or other open space provided around any building for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this chapter shall be considered as providing a yard or open space for any other buildings, and no yard or other open space on one lot shall be considered as providing a yard or open space for a building on any other lot.
(2)
All yards facing on a public street shall be considered front yards and shall conform to the minimum front yard requirements for the zone in which located, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(3)
Every part of a required yard shall be open and unobstructed from its lowest level to the sky, except for the ordinary projections allowed by the State Uniform Construction Code, including but not limited to sills, belt courses, chimneys, flues, buttresses, ornamental features and eaves; provided, however, that none of the aforesaid projections shall project into the minimum required yards more than 24 inches unless otherwise permitted by this chapter. Unroofed entranceways which do not rise above the height of the floor level or the ground floor may extend into any yard, provided that the total area of all such encroachments does not exceed 125 square feet. A main entrance overhang roof is permitted, provided that the total area of said encroachment does not exceed 30 square feet and all portions are no closer than two feet to any property line. Handicapped access ramps constructed in accordance with the provisions of the Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7.1 et seq., may extend into any yard, provided that the total area of all such encroachments does not exceed 220 square feet.
[Amended 7-11-1989 by Ord. No. 89-43; 1-16-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-04; 5-21-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-08; 3-18-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-06]
(4)
Residential properties with waterfront access shall be permitted to extend any pavers, ground level walkway or other impervious material to the property line or bulkhead. The impervious area shall not exceed five feet in width. Side yard setbacks for impervious coverage must still comply, and the rear yard setback shall be measured from the inside face of the bulkhead.
[Added 9-18-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-26; amended 8-6-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-12]
I.
Conditional uses. It is well recognized that certain uses, while necessary for the convenience of the citizens of the Township, if located without proper consideration to existing conditions and surrounding development, may have an adverse effect on the public health, safety and general welfare of the community. These uses are designated as conditional uses and are subject to the conditions hereby established. Before any permit shall be issued for a conditional use, application shall be made to the Planning Board. In reviewing the conditional use application, the Planning Board shall consider and be guided by the following;
(1)
The use for which an application is being made is specifically listed as a conditional use within the zone where the property is located.
(2)
The design, arrangement and nature of the particular use is such that the public health, safety and welfare will be protected and reasonable consideration is afforded to:
(a)
The compatibility of the proposed use(s) and/or structure(s) within the existing neighborhood.
(b)
The effect that the number of employees or users and/or structure(s) will have upon property values.
(c)
The adequacy of the proposed parking and traffic circulation for the use(s) and/or structure(s) and the potential for traffic congestion and/or the creation of undue traffic hazards.
(d)
The structural location(s) and orientation(s).
(e)
The need for such facility(ies) or use(s) to serve the area in which it is located.
(f)
The adequacy of proposed drainage facilities which will serve the use(s) and/or structure(s).
(g)
The adequacy of the plans for screening any adverse aspects of the use(s) and/or structure(s) from adjoining properties.
(h)
The adequacy of proposed outdoor lighting.
(3)
Compliance with the performance standards pursuant to this chapter.
(4)
Compliance with the standards, principles and objectives of the Master Plan of the Township.
(5)
All conditional uses shall be required to obtain site plan approval.
[Amended 6-24-1997 by Ord. No. 97-44]
(6)
Conditional uses shall adhere to the additional standards specified for the particular use under this section.
(7)
Conditional use permits shall be valid for two years from the date of approval.
[Added 5-18-1993 by Ord. No. 93-32; amended 7-11-1995 by Ord. No. 95-57]
J.
Car washes. All automatic car washes shall be provided with a wastewater/washwater recycling system acceptable to the Planning Board, Water and Sewer Utility Department and Township Engineer. Complete details, including the volumes of washwater and wastewater recovered and recycled from the system, the total volume of water, in gallons, used in the car wash process, the type of car wash detergent and chemicals used and a completed detailed plan of the automatic car wash operation, shall be provided. No car wash shall be permitted which does not contain, within an integral part of the car wash equipment and facility, an acceptable water recycling system. Washwater and wastewater, upon the removal of contaminants, including but not limited to grease, oil, solvents or flammable liquids, by an appropriate interceptor, must be discharged into a sanitary sewer. Said sewer connection shall be approved by the Water and Sewer Utility Engineer. If sanitary sewer is unavailable, washwater and wastewater may be discharged into a septic system upon the approval of the Township Engineer. Under no circumstances shall washwater or wastewater be discharged into any stormwater management system.
[Amended 6-24-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-71]
K.
Cemeteries. Cemeteries may be permitted, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit, in the districts designated, provided that compliance with the following minimum standards are achieved:
[Amended 7-9-1999 by Ord. No. 99-34]
(1)
Minimum lot area: 10 acres; 20 acres, if crematorium included.
(2)
Minimum lot width: 250 feet.
(3)
Minimum lot depth: 300 feet.
(4)
Minimum setbacks:
(a)
Grave sites and grave markers:
[1]
Front yard setback: 75 feet.
(b)
Building setbacks:
[1]
Front yard setback: 80 feet, except as otherwise required pursuant to § 211-35K(5)(f).
[2]
Rear yard setback: 75 feet.
[3]
Side yard setback: 50 feet.
(5)
Maximum height:
(a)
Tombstones and other grave markers: six feet.
(b)
Family and individual mausoleums, columbariums, and other interment structures: 15 feet.
(c)
Other mausoleums, columbariums and other interment structures: 35 feet and two stories.
(d)
Caretaker's residence, offices, storage and maintenance building: 35 feet and 2 1/2 stories.
(e)
Crematorium and all other permitted buildings: 25 feet and one story.
(f)
Notwithstanding § 211-35K(5)(c), the height of a mausoleum columbarium or other interment structure may be more than 35 feet but no greater than 40 feet and two stories, provided that such building is set back a minimum of 110 feet from any public roadway and 150 feet from any other property line.
(g)
Notwithstanding §§ 211-35K(5)(b) and 211-35K(5)(f), an open-air single-story vestibule may extend a maximum of 16 feet into the required front yard set back in the case of a building setback a minimum of 110 feet and a maximum of eight feet into the required front yard set back in the case of a building setback 80 feet or more, but less than 110 feet.
(6)
Maximum building and impervious cover: 30%.
(7)
Maximum building length: 100 feet (the building elevation viewed from any public street).
(8)
Maximum distance between buildings:
(a)
Thirty feet between a one-story and a two- or one-story building.
(b)
Forty feet between two-story buildings.
(9)
Building clusters:
(a)
Buildings separated by distances of less than 200 feet shall be deemed clustered and the maximum width of any building cluster shall be 470 feet. Such maximum width shall be the total distance measured across the elevations of buildings within the cluster viewed from any public street.
(b)
The minimum distance between building clusters shall be 450 feet.
(c)
The minimum distance between a building cluster and any other freestanding building shall be 200 feet.
(10)
A maximum of two identification signs may be permitted. Each sign shall be in accordance with the requirements of § 211-26.1D(2).
(11)
No crypt or niche entrance door shall be visible on any building elevation facing a public street.
(12)
A filtered landscape buffer shall be provided along all property lines in accordance with § 150-51F(2). Said buffer shall be no less than 25 feet in width and shall include a combination of the following: fences, walls, shrubbery, hedges and trees. Where permitted, fences and walls, as part of a landscape buffer, are to be no more than six feet in height.
(13)
Buildings within a cemetery shall be serviced by public sewer and water.
L.
Churches. Churches may be permitted, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit, in those districts designated, provided that the following standards and conditions are met:
(1)
A set of plans, specifications and plot plans shall be filed with the approving authority, showing overall dimensions, topographic conditions, the location and intended use of existing and proposed buildings, the relationship of the proposed use to streets and adjacent properties and other physical features which might act as a deterrent to the general welfare.
(2)
Before issuing a permit, the approving authority shall determine that the following standards are met:
(a)
The minimum lot area shall be 40,000 square feet, and the minimum frontage shall be 200 feet.
(b)
The site plan is appropriate to the adjacent area. The approving authority may require buffers of foliage if necessary to protect surrounding properties from the effect of light or noise generated in connection with the use of the property. Such buffer area shall be constructed in conformance with the provisions of this chapter.
M.
Hotels and motels. Where specifically permitted pursuant to this chapter, the following minimum standards shall be met:
(1)
The minimum floor area per unit shall be:
(a)
Hotels: 250 square feet.
(b)
Motels: 250 square feet.
(2)
Appropriate areas shall be set aside for the recreational needs of the guests.
(3)
All garbage receptacles for storage and pickup shall be centrally located and easily accessible within a screened aboveground enclosure.
(4)
Such other performance standards as may be required by the approving authority.
(5)
All hotels, motels, boardinghouses and other similar uses shall be provided with adequate firesafety and evacuation provisions and sprinkler systems, regardless of the number of rooms in the hotel, motel, boardinghouse or other facility, and all construction of such structures shall be approved by the Fire Subcode Official and shall incorporate all applicable requirements of the National Fire Protection Association Code and the BOCA Code for such structures and uses.
N.
Height. The height limitations of this chapter shall not apply to church spires, noncommercial antennas, belfries, cupolas, chimneys, ventilators, skylights, solar heating equipment and other mechanical appurtenances usually carried above the normal roofline, provided that no fire hazard is created, and provided that such exception covers not more than 10% of the roof or ground area. Such features, however, shall be erected only to such height as is necessary to accomplish the purpose that they are to serve. Provisions of this chapter shall permit the erection of parapet walls or cornices for ornament, without windows, above the building height limit by not more than five feet. Quasi-public buildings and public buildings, schools, churches and other similar permitted uses may exceed the limit herein established, provided that such uses shall increase the front, rear and side yards one foot for each foot by which such building exceeds the height limit established for the district within which the use is located, but in no case shall any building have a height greater than 50 feet. If an existing structure is raised to meet the minimum requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) base flood elevation, the existing structure may exceed the maximum height of 35 feet, provided that there are no additions, alterations or changes to the roofline.
[Amended 2-1-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-21]
O.
Kennels. Kennels may be permitted, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit, in the district specified, provided that the following standards are met:
[Amended 8-16-1988 by Ord. No. 88-64]
(1)
The minimum lot size upon which a kennel is an accessory use shall be one acre.
(2)
No structures, enclosures, pens or runs shall be located closer than 50 feet to any lot line.
(3)
Sufficient space shall be provided indoors for all animals kept at the facility, and no animals shall be kept out-of-doors between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(4)
Not more than 10 dogs or cats or combination thereof for each acre of lot area shall be kept at any time.
(5)
Outdoor runs or pens shall be visually screened from adjoining properties.
(6)
Any such kennel shall also be approved by the Township to ensure proper sanitation and compliance with applicable state and local health codes.
[Amended 3-4-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-31]
P.
Signs.
[Added 8-16-1988 by Ord. No. 88-64; amended 10-18-1988 by Ord. No. 88-77; 5-16-1989 by Ord. No. 89-38; 4-7-1992 by Ord. No. 92-14; 12-20-1994 by Ord. No. 94-115; 9-7-1999 by Ord. No. 99-58; 6-13-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-46; 7-3-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-53; 7-20-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-55; 6-20-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-44; 11-5-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-98; 5-17-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-14; 8-14-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-12; 9-17-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-05; 6-21-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-21]
(1)
Applicability. Any sign erected, altered, or maintained after the effective date of this subsection shall conform to the following regulations.
(2)
Purpose and intent. Signs perform an important function in identifying and promoting properties, businesses, services, events, and other matters of interest to the public. The intent of this subsection is to regulate all signs within the Township of Stafford to ensure that they appropriate for their respective uses, in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment, and protective of the public health, safety and general welfare.
(3)
Definitions. As used in this subsection, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ANIMATED SIGN
Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene, or appears to move due to movement of the viewer.
AWNING
Any structure made of cloth, canvas, or vinyl, with a frame attached to a building or other structure, which may be raised to a position against the building or structure when not in use.
AWNING SIGN
See "canopy sign."
BANNER SIGN
A temporary sign of cloth, canvas or other such light material, hung either with or without a frame, possessing characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentation applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind. A flag is not considered a banner sign.
BANNERS, PENNANTS or BUNTING
Temporary announcement device constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, or other light material.
BEACON
A light or other such attractive object, fixed or intermittent, affixed in a manner to draw attention to a particular location or route.
BILLBOARD SIGN
A structure utilized for advertising an establishment, an activity, a product, a service or entertainment, which is sold, produced, manufactured, available or furnished off premises from the property on which the said sign is located; including any device, structure or placard erected or maintained for such advertising.
BUILDING MARKER
A sign indicating the name or number of a building.
BUILDING SIGN
Any sign attached to a building in any manner.
CANOPY
Any structure, in a fixed position, other than an awning or marquee, made of cloth, plastic, metal or architectural material, which provides a roof-like shelter.
CANOPY SIGN
A wall sign affixed to, or printed integrally on, a canopy, awning or marquee.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN
A sign that is designed so that its characters, letters or illustrations can be changed or rearranged without altering the background face or the surface of a sign or billboard.
CONSTRUCTION SIGN
A temporary sign giving the name or names of the principal contractors, professionals or lending institutions responsible for the active construction on the site where the sign is placed, together with contact information.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
A sign which serves as an aid to patrons using the facilities of an establishment that provides information such as arrows, words such as "entrance," or "exit" or building names or numbers, parking areas or rows, and the like, which sign itself does not advertise the establishment.
DIRECTORY SIGN
A sign on which the names and location of occupants or the use of a building is given. This shall include office building and church directories.
FACADE
The exterior wall or face of a building.
FEATHER OR SWOOPER FLAG
A banner sign, normally with a single side strut, made out of fabric, supported on the ground, or inserted into the ground.
FLAG
A usually rectangular or triangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol.
FLAG SIGN
A banner sign of cloth, canvas or other such light material intended to be hung like a flag either with or without frames, possessing characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentation applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind. A flag is not considered a flag sign.
FREESTANDING SIGN
Any sign which is supported by structures or supports in or upon the ground and independent of support from any building.
GROUND SIGN
A freestanding sign in which the entire bottom is in contact with, or close to, the ground and is independent of any other structure. Also known as a monument sign.
ILLUMINATED SIGN
Any sign illuminated in any manner by an artificial light source, whether from the interior or exterior of the sign. Neon signs shall be considered internally illuminated.
MARQUEE
A permanent, roof-like structure extending from part or all of a building or other structure over a public or quasipublic right-of-way and constructed of a durable material such as metal, glass or plastic.
MARQUEE SIGN
See "canopy sign."
MONUMENT SIGN
See "ground sign."
MULTIPLE MESSAGE SIGN
A sign that is capable of having the copy text changed manually or electronically. They may be of three types:
(a)
Type A: Signs located on the same lot as a business is located which signs advertise and give information concerning the business or other operation being conducted on the same lot; these signs are also known as "on-premises" signs.
(b)
Type B: Signs made with a series of sections that turn and stop or flip to show several pictures or messages in the same area.
(c)
Type C: Multi-message digital LED displays are signs which change the message by the use of LED electric light displays.
NAMEPLATE SIGN
A sign indicating the name and/or profession or address of a person or persons residing on the premises or legally occupying the premises.
NEON SIGN
An electric sign that is lighted by long, luminous gas-discharge tubes that contain rarefied neon or other gases.
PENNANT
A flag that tapers to a point in a triangular shape.
PORTABLE OR MOBILE SIGN
A temporary sign structure not securely attached to the ground or to any other structure to advertise a specific event or occasion. This does not include trailer signs as further defined herein.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign erected on the outside wall of a building which projects out at an angle therefrom.
ROOF SIGN
A sign erected or constructed wholly upon and over the roof of any building and supported solely on the roof structure.
ROOFLINE
The juncture of the roof and the perimeter wall of the structure at the soffit.
SIGN
Any structure, either on its own supports or attached to another structure, which shall display or include any letter, work, model, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, device or representation used as or which is in the nature of an announcement, direction or advertisement, designed to convey information visually and which is exposed to public view. A sign shall be construed to be a display surface or a device containing organized and related elements composed to form a single unit. In cases where matter is displayed in a random or unconnected manner without organized relationship of the components, each such component shall be considered to be a single sign. Signs include billboards, but do not include flags or pennants.
SIGN AREA
The area in square feet of the sign including all lettering, wording and accompanying design and symbols, together with the entire background on which it is displayed. Structural sign supports or framework is excluded from the calculated sign area; ornamentation and embellishments are included. For double-faced signage, only one side of the sign shall be considered for the determination of sign area. For wall signs and canopy signs, the area shall be the polygonal area encompassing the individual letters, numbers or symbols as affixed to a building or structure.
SIGN AREA, TOTAL
The sum of all permanently mounted signs on a particular site including building and freestanding signs. Directional, nameplate, directory signs, and building markers are not included therein.
SIGN HEIGHT
The height measured from the top of the sign, or sign structure, to the grade directly below the sign.
SIGN, COMMERCIAL
Any sign which is owned or operated by any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of outdoor advertising for direct profit gained from the rental of such signs or any sign advertising a commodity not sold or produced on the premises. This shall include billboards and off-premises signs indicating the direction to a particular place.
SUBDIVISION SALES SIGN
A temporary sign placed on or at a duly recorded subdivision of land advertising the sale of the lots, pricing, a map of the lot layout, and the like.
SUBDIVISION SIGN
A sign placed, normally at the entrance to a duly recorded tract of land, displaying the identifying name of the subdivision as filed.
SUSPENDED SIGN
A sign that is suspended from the underside of a horizontal surface and is supported by such a surface.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign intended to be in place for a limited time.
TRAILER SIGN
Any temporary sign mounted either on a vehicle or a separate trailer normally licensed by the State of New Jersey and used for advertising or promotional purposes.
WALL SIGN
Any sign painted on or attached to and erected on the face of, or erected and confined within the limits of, the outside walls, windows or facade of any building or canopy, displaying a single advertising surface.
WINDOW SIGN
A wall sign affixed to a window of a building.
(4)
General sign regulations in nonresidential zones.
(a)
No sign shall be erected, altered, constructed, reconstructed, placed, replaced or otherwise displayed which is not in accordance with the standards and requirements established in this section. Unless otherwise specified in this section, the erection, alteration, construction, reconstruction, placement, replacement or display of any sign shall require a sign permit.
(b)
No sign shall be placed on or affixed or attached to a building or structure or erected independently for any purpose other than to identify a permitted business, occupant, service, office, address, process, use or product offered, sold, conducted, manufactured or assembled on the same premises. A sign may include the name of the business, a brief general description of principal products or services offered or sold, phone numbers and web sites, but may not include specific brand names unless they are a part of the registered trade name of the establishment.
(c)
No sign or structure supporting the sign shall be attached to any natural objects, trees, stumps, fences, fence posts, utility poles or towers, or other such structures but shall be freestanding or affixed or attached to buildings or structures, or placed upon or supported by the ground independent of any other structure in an approved manner.
(d)
No temporary sign face shall be located within five feet of any property or street line. Setbacks for permanent signs shall be as shown on Table 1 herein.
(e)
Freestanding signs are encouraged to be erected in such a manner as to be considered ground signs.
(f)
No freestanding sign or sign affixed or attached to a building shall be higher at any point than the highest roofline of said building, nor greater than 25 feet, whichever is less, or than the maximum height as specified for the particular Zone in Table 1.
(g)
Signs, whether permanent or temporary, other than signs of the municipal, county, state or federal government that are official traffic control devices, shall not be erected, altered, constructed, reconstructed, placed, replaced or otherwise displayed within or overhanging a sight easement, in the right-of-way of any street, or in an easement of a public or private utility, nor shall any sign be located so as to constitute a traffic hazard.
(h)
Signs and sign faces shall be located outside of intersection or driveway sight triangles. No sign of any type will be permitted to obstruct driving vision, traffic signals and traffic direction or street identification signs.
(i)
Signs using mechanical devices, electrical devices or both to revolve, flash or display movement or the illusion of movement are prohibited in all zones. The only portion of the sign exempted from the prohibition on flashing is that which displays time, date or temperature.
(j)
No sign with red, amber, green or blue illumination in a beam, beacon or flashing form resembling an emergency light shall be erected in any location where it may be confused with a railroad, traffic control or emergency vehicle signal.
(k)
Illuminated signs shall be arranged to prevent light spillage, overwash and glare upon adjoining properties and rights-of-way. All exterior-lighted signs shall be shielded or have fixtures that prevent such negative off-site effects. Maximum offsite intensity of any illuminated signage shall be 0.5 footcandle at ground level or on a vertical plane at the property line.
(l)
A projecting sign face shall project no more than 36 inches from the surface of the wall it is affixed to.
(m)
All signs and their supporting structures, braces, locks, guys and anchors shall be constructed of durable materials, maintained in good condition, and shall not be allowed to become dilapidated, unsightly, aesthetically displeasing, or structurally unsafe.
(n)
All signs within a particular project should have a consistent sign design throughout a particular project. The design theme would include style of lettering construction, material, type of pole or standard (wood or metal) size and lighting. Color of letters and background should be carefully considered in relation to the color of the material of the buildings or where the signs are proposed to be located. Signs should be a subordinate rather than predominate feature of a plan.
(o)
For the purposes of this provision of the chapter, a shopping center or other integrated commercial development with shared access, parking and drainage, etc., shall be considered to be a single site regardless of the number of lots.
(p)
Canopy, banner, suspended, and flag signs shall provide a vertical clearance from a sidewalk area or pedestrian way of at least nine feet. Any sign overhanging a vehicular way shall provide a vertical clearance of at least 12 feet, or greater if taller vehicles may travel below.
(q)
Wall signs shall not project above the top of the building wall or facade or roofline.
(r)
A billboard shall occupy a single property; no other building or structure shall also occupy the subject lot.
(s)
Permanent banner signs are not permitted in any zone.
(t)
Neon signs are permitted only in nonresidential zones and as wall signs, and shall be a maximum of four square feet in area.
(u)
Building marker signs shall be limited to one sign per building face.
(v)
Directional signs shall be no greater than four square feet in area, may be illuminated, and shall be no greater than 30 inches in height. Directional signs shall be located as to not obstruct sight vision at driveways and intersections, and be in such a location as to be visible to approaching vehicles. Directional signs in the Highway Medical Commercial Zone may be up to 10 square feet in area and seven feet in height.
(w)
Traffic control signs may be erected on private sites to control and regulate the movement of traffic on the interior roadways on the premises in accordance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, provided that the number and location of such signs are approved by the Planning Board.
(x)
Parking lot signs may be erected within parking areas to identify particular areas or sections of the parking lot. In addition, freestanding signs may be erected at each end of a parking aisle for identification purposes. The size, number and location of all parking lot signs shall be approved by the Planning Board.
(y)
Every establishment shall display its street number in lettering not less than six inches in height, either on the building(s) or on the site signage.
(z)
All signs shall comply with all applicable county, state and federal sign regulations.
(5)
Signs in nonresidential zoning districts shall conform to the limitations set forth in Table 1 below:
Table 1 Sign Bulk Requirements by Zone Nonresidential Zoning Districts Permanent Signage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nonresidential Zoning District | |||||||||||||||
Sign Type | Description | Requirement | BP | C | CC | HC | HMC | LB | MC | MU | NC3 | NMC3 | RB | RMC | |
Free standing signs | Ground sign | Number per site, maximum1 | Each | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Area, maximum or lesser of | SF | 75 | 20 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 40 | 20 | 20 | 20 | ||
Area, maximum based on street frontage | SF/LF | 1/2 | N/A | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/3 | N/A | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 | N/A | ||
Height, maximum | Feet | 20 | 10 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | ||
Front setback minimum | Feet | 35 | 10 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 15 | 35 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | ||
Side setback minimum | Feet | 50 | 10 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 20 | 50 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 6 | ||
Subdivision | Area, maximum | SF | 25 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | |
Directional | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Building signs | Wall | Area, maximum or lesser of | SF | 200 | N/A | 27 | 200 | 150 | 9 | 36 | 9 | NP | NP | 15 | NP |
Area, as percent of building facade | % per SF | 8 | N/A | 6 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 4 | NP | NP | 4 | NP | ||
Window | Area, maximum or lesser of | SF | 200 | N/A | 27 | 200 | 150 | 9 | 36 | 9 | NP | NP | 15 | NP | |
Area, as percent of window area | % per SF | 25 | N/A | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | NP | NP | 25 | NP | ||
Roof | Area, maximum | SF | 75 | N/A | 25 | 200 | 75 | 9 | 36 | 9 | 40 | 20 | 15 | 5 | |
Canopy, awning or marquee | Area, maximum as percent of vertical surface | % per SF | 25 | N/A | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | NP | |
Number per use | Each | 1 | N/A | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | NP | ||
Building marker | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | N/A | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Number per building face | Each | 1 | N/A | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
Directory | Area, maximum | SF | 20 | N/A | 12 | 12 | 20 | 12 | 12 | 12 | NP | 12 | 12 | NP | |
Directional | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Nameplate | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | N/A | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Suspended | Area, maximum | SF | 25 | 20 | 25 | NP | 25 | 9 | 36 | 9 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 5 | |
Neon | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | NP | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Total permanent signage | Total area of all signs per site | SF | 1,000 | 50 | 150 | 1,000 | 750 | 150 | 100 | 150 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 50 | |
Table 1 Sign Bulk Requirements by Zone Nonresidential Zoning Districts Permanent Signage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nonresidential Zoning District | |||||||||||||||
Sign Type | Description | Requirement | BP | C | CC | HC | HMC | LB | MC | MU | NC3 | NMC3 | RB | RMC | |
Free standing signs | Ground sign | Number per site, maximum1 | Each | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Area, maximum or lesser of | SF | 75 | 20 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 40 | 20 | 20 | 20 | ||
Area, maximum based on street frontage | SF/LF | 1/2 | N/A | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/3 | N/A | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 | N/A | ||
Height, maximum | Feet | 20 | 10 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | ||
Front setback minimum | Feet | 35 | 10 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 15 | 35 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | ||
Side setback minimum | Feet | 50 | 10 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 20 | 50 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 6 | ||
Subdivision | Area, maximum | SF | 25 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | |
Directional | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Building signs | Wall | Area, maximum or lesser of | SF | 200 | N/A | 27 | 200 | 150 | 9 | 36 | 9 | NP | NP | 15 | NP |
Area, as percent of building facade | % per SF | 8 | N/A | 6 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 4 | NP | NP | 4 | NP | ||
Window | Area, maximum or lesser of | SF | 200 | N/A | 27 | 200 | 150 | 9 | 36 | 9 | NP | NP | 15 | NP | |
Area, as percent of window area | % per SF | 25 | N/A | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | NP | NP | 25 | NP | ||
Roof | Area, maximum | SF | 75 | N/A | 25 | 200 | 75 | 9 | 36 | 9 | 40 | 20 | 15 | 5 | |
Canopy, awning or marquee | Area, maximum as percent of vertical surface | % per SF | 25 | N/A | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | NP | |
Number per use | Each | 1 | N/A | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | NP | ||
Building marker | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | N/A | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Number per building face | Each | 1 | N/A | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
Directory | Area, maximum | SF | 20 | N/A | 12 | 12 | 20 | 12 | 12 | 12 | NP | 12 | 12 | NP | |
Directional | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Nameplate | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | N/A | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Suspended | Area, maximum | SF | 25 | 20 | 25 | NP | 25 | 9 | 36 | 9 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 5 | |
Neon | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | NP | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Total permanent signage | Total area of all signs per site | SF | 1,000 | 50 | 150 | 1,000 | 750 | 150 | 100 | 150 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 50 | |
Table 1 Sign Bulk Requirements by Zone Nonresidential Zoning Districts Permanent Signage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nonresidential Zoning District | |||||||||||||||
Sign Type | Description | Requirement | BP | C | CC | HC | HMC | LB | MC | MU | NC3 | NMC3 | RB | RMC | |
Free standing signs | Ground sign | Number per site, maximum1 | Each | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Area, maximum or lesser of | SF | 75 | 20 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 40 | 20 | 20 | 20 | ||
Area, maximum based on street frontage | SF/LF | 1/2 | N/A | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/3 | N/A | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 | 1/3 | N/A | ||
Height, maximum | Feet | 20 | 10 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 20 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | ||
Front setback minimum | Feet | 35 | 10 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 15 | 35 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | ||
Side setback minimum | Feet | 50 | 10 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 20 | 50 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 6 | ||
Subdivision | Area, maximum | SF | 25 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | |
Directional | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Building signs | Wall | Area, maximum or lesser of | SF | 200 | N/A | 27 | 200 | 150 | 9 | 36 | 9 | NP | NP | 15 | NP |
Area, as percent of building facade | % per SF | 8 | N/A | 6 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 4 | NP | NP | 4 | NP | ||
Window | Area, maximum or lesser of | SF | 200 | N/A | 27 | 200 | 150 | 9 | 36 | 9 | NP | NP | 15 | NP | |
Area, as percent of window area | % per SF | 25 | N/A | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | NP | NP | 25 | NP | ||
Roof | Area, maximum | SF | 75 | N/A | 25 | 200 | 75 | 9 | 36 | 9 | 40 | 20 | 15 | 5 | |
Canopy, awning or marquee | Area, maximum as percent of vertical surface | % per SF | 25 | N/A | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | NP | |
Number per use | Each | 1 | N/A | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | NP | ||
Building marker | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | N/A | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Number per building face | Each | 1 | N/A | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
Directory | Area, maximum | SF | 20 | N/A | 12 | 12 | 20 | 12 | 12 | 12 | NP | 12 | 12 | NP | |
Directional | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Nameplate | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | N/A | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Suspended | Area, maximum | SF | 25 | 20 | 25 | NP | 25 | 9 | 36 | 9 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 5 | |
Neon | Area, maximum | SF | 4 | NP | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Total permanent signage | Total area of all signs per site | SF | 1,000 | 50 | 150 | 1,000 | 750 | 150 | 100 | 150 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 50 | |
(6)
Temporary signs.
(a)
A permit is required for temporary signs, which are permitted provided that they comply with the following provisions:
[1]
One temporary sign shall be permitted on any one site, unless additional signage is permitted in the zone due to the number of permitted uses at the site.
[2]
Sign area shall be a maximum of 16 square feet in sign area.
[3]
If freestanding, the sign may not exceed six feet in height.
[4]
If a wall sign, the sign is not higher than the wall to which it is attached.
[5]
No temporary sign may be attached to trees or utility poles.
[6]
Temporary signs shall be nonilluminated.
[7]
Trailer signs, which shall be no more than one sign per trailer, with the sign surface not to exceed four feet in height and eight feet in length. No more than one trailer sign may be located on a property at a time, and no trailer may be located on one property for more than 45 days in a six-month period. Sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(7)
Signs exempt from permit requirement.
(a)
The following signs are exempt from the permit requirement subject to the following restrictions:
[1]
Sign area shall not exceed 16 square feet.
[2]
Sign height shall not exceed six feet.
[3]
Signs shall be ground mounted.
[4]
Signs shall be nonilluminated.
(b)
Exempt signs:
[1]
Signs placed for 60 consecutive days or less, subject to the terms in Subsection P(7)(a) above. Any such signs shall marked in the top right corner with indelible ink, noting the date the sign is posted.
[2]
Government signs installed by state, federal or local governments, not subject to the terms in (a) above.
[3]
Signs as required by Building Codes in utility and other such hazardous areas, or as authorized by other laws, statutes or regulations.
(8)
Prohibited signs.
(a)
Prohibited signs include, but are not limited, to:
[1]
Beacons.
[2]
Pennants.
[3]
Feather or swooper signs.
[4]
Flag signs.
[5]
Inflatable signs and figures, and tethered balloons.
(b)
No sign shall be erected, altered, constructed, reconstructed, placed, replaced or otherwise displayed that, by its size, location, color, shape, lighting, message or nature, may be confused with or obstruct the view of an official traffic sign or traffic control device by pedestrians or operators of bicycles or motor vehicles.
(c)
No sign shall be erected, altered, constructed, reconstructed, placed, replaced or otherwise displayed that uses admonitions, including but not limited to "Stop," "Go," "Slow," "Danger," "Caution," etc., which may be confused with, resembles or is an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal.
(9)
Maintenance.
(a)
All signs shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times, including the replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning and other acts required for the maintenance of said sign.
(b)
The owner of any property on which a sign is located and those responsible for the maintenance of the sign shall be equally responsible for the condition of the area in the vicinity of the sign and shall be required to keep this area clean, sanitary and free from noxious or offensive substances, rubbish and flammable waste materials. If the sign is not made to comply with adequate safety standards, the Township Code Enforcement Officer shall require its removal.
(c)
A sign that, because of improper maintenance, is deemed to be in a state of disrepair, such that the sign is no longer functional, visible, or becomes dangerous to the safety of others, shall be repaired by the owner of said sign within 14 days of notice by the Township Code Enforcement Officer that the sign is in need of repair.
(d)
Signs not repaired within 14 days of notification by the Township may be removed at the expense of the property owner by the Township.
(10)
Grandfather clause. Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, any permanent sign that had been lawfully erected pursuant to a permit granted by the Township prior to the effective date of this subsection may be left in place and shall not be deemed to violate this subsection.
(11)
Signs in other zones.
(a)
Signage in all residential, preservation, and other noncommercial zones shall be as specified in the particular zone sections.
(b)
Properties located within Pinelands Zones shall be also regulated according the specific New Jersey Pinelands Commission regulations and in conformance with § 211-9.
(12)
Multiple message signs. All multiple message signs shall comply with the following restrictions:
(a)
Multiple message signs identified Type A shall have the message fixed for a period of not less than 12 hours. Such signs shall not exceed 100 square feet. No such sign shall have a flashing or moving message or lights but shall merely be a fixed lighted message not changing more than once every 12 hours.
(b)
Multiple message digital LED signs, identified as Types B and C, shall only be permitted on appropriate supporting steel posts. The bottom of such sign to be a minimum of 20 feet above grade and shall not exceed 14 feet in height by 48 feet in width. The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed 50 feet above the grade. The edge of the sign closest to the highway shall be no closer to the highway than 25 feet.
(c)
Multiple message signs identified as Type B shall be so fixed that the message shall remain fixed for a period of at least four seconds before changing, and the change.
(d)
Multiple message signs identified as Type C shall remain fixed for a period of at least eight seconds, and the change in message shall occur in one second or less.
(e)
No multiple message signs shall contain any display of any image that moves or appears to move.
(f)
No multiple message signs shall contain, include or be illuminated by any flashing, intermittent or moving light.
(g)
All multiple message signs shall contain a default design which will freeze the advertisement in one position if a malfunction occurs.
(h)
The minimum spacing between multiple message signs which have advertising facing in the same direction shall be 3,000 feet.
(i)
Multiple message signs shall only be permitted on the southerly side of Route 72 between the Garden State Parkway and US Highway Route 9.
(j)
All multiple message sign types shall be shielded so as to prevent light from being directed at any portion of the main traveled way of the highway upon which such signs are located and shall be constructed so as not to glare or impair the operation of a motor vehicle.
(k)
All multiple message signs shall be governed by this Subsection P(11) or by the provision of N.J.A.C. 16:41C-8.8, whichever is more restrictive.
(l)
All multiple message signs shall provide the following public service announcements:
[1]
Stafford Township municipal announcements.
[2]
Weather emergency announcements.
[3]
Megan's Law announcements.
[4]
FBI most wanted list announcements.
[5]
Forest fire warning announcements.
(m)
The public service announcements above shall be made available on an as-needed basis. The Stafford Township municipal public announcements as provided in above shall be on a space-available basis approximately four to eight seconds per minute, but not less than an average four seconds per minute in any twenty-four-hour period.
(n)
Every permitted multi-messaging sign shall be erected only upon a property which shall have recorded in the Ocean County Clerk's office at Toms River, New Jersey, a reversionary deed which shall provide that in the event of the sign owner violating this section and, having received the requisite ten-day notice, fails to cure the advertising message in violation of this section, title to the land upon which the sign is located shall revert to the Township of Stafford upon an application made by the Township to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Ocean County, ordering the owner of the multi-messaging sign to show cause why the reversion should not be enforced by the Court.
(o)
No multiple message signs shall be located closer than 100 feet to the exterior of the support of the sign to the nearest residential zone.
(p)
Multiple message signs shall only be permitted, without a variance issued by the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment, where an existing sign has been in existence for a period not less than five years.
(13)
Subdivision/site development signs:
(a)
Signs in site developments and subdivisions, including temporary signage, shall be approved by the jurisdictional Board, and:
[1]
Each site plan and subdivision application shall include a signage plan showing the specific design, location, size (dimensions and square footage), height, materials of construction, color scheme and illumination in compliance with the provisions required herein.
[2]
For facade or wall signs, the applicant shall submit a building elevation plan, prepared by a registered architect or professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of New Jersey, accurately illustrating the wall dimensions, including the height and other building features of the site on which the sign is to be located.
[3]
All new planned unit developments, such as shopping centers and office parks, shall present an integrated sign design scheme for signage in conjunction with the application for site plan. All tenants in the shopping center, planned unit development or office park will be required to comply with the design standards set forth in the approved sign plan.
(b)
In cases where a sign is not part of a signage plan as part of a site plan or subdivision application, a separate sign permit shall be applied to and issued by the Building Department. The applicant for a sign permit shall submit:
[1]
A property survey prepared by a land surveyor licensed to practice in the State of New Jersey, upon which the location of the proposed sign is indicated;
[2]
A detailed sketch of the proposed sign, indicating the sizes (dimensions and square footage), height, design, color scheme, materials of construction and illumination; and
[3]
For wall signs, a building elevation drawing accurately illustrating the wall dimensions, including the height, and other building features, of the site on which the proposed sign is to be located.
[4]
Any required fee.
(14)
Violations and penalties.
(a)
For a violation of any of the provisions concerning signage as contained in this section or the ordinances of the Township of Stafford, the Code Enforcement Officer of the Township of Stafford shall:
[1]
Serve notice to the owner of the sign to immediately rectify the deficiency.
[2]
If the owner or operator fails to correct the violation within five days, the permit for a sign shall be revoked and the provisions of § 211-36 may be enacted.
Q.
[2]Soil removal/resource extraction. Soil removal/resource extraction may be permitted, subject to a conditional use approval, in the zone districts designated, provided that compliance with the following minimum standards are achieved:
[Added 8-19-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-106; amended 11-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-85]
(1)
Final approval of the proposed soil removal/resource extraction shall only be permitted as a conditional use as part of a recreation open space tract preliminary/final site plan/final subdivision approval as reflected by the signature of the Township of Stafford on the final approval plan in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-4.
(2)
Approval of the conditional use by the Planning Board. The soil removal extraction standards to be applied by the Planning Board shall be those set forth pursuant to Chapter 181 (Soil Removal/Resource Extraction) of the Stafford Township Code. Approval by the Planning Board is a specific conditional use requirement. However, the Planning Board, in its discretion may waive any specific soil removal/resource extraction requirements of Chapter 181 of the Stafford Township Code, and said standards of Chapter 181 are not specific conditional use requirements. Said details and requirements may be waived by the Planning Board after review of the grading plan of the applicant and based upon the recommendations of the Township Engineer, and, in order to be consistent with the chapter, such waivers from Chapter 181 may include, but not be limited to:
(a)
Procedural.
[1]
All references to a soil removal/resource extraction permit shall be interpreted to mean approval of the grading plan as part of the site plan application by the Stafford Township Planning Board pursuant to this subsection. The grading plan to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Board shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 181, Soil Removal/Resource Extraction. Nothing herein, however, shall be construed to require the issuance of separate approval, permit or license for resource extraction or mining under Chapter 181; such approval, permit or license to be considered hereunder as included with any grading plans/site plan approval granted.
[2]
All references to the Zoning Officer shall be replaced by the Planning Board.
(b)
Timing: § 181-5D, as such pertains to time limits.
(c)
Construction standards.
[1]
Section 181-7A(1), as such pertains to distances to abutting properties owned by the applicant and/or other public government agencies.
[2]
Section 181-7B, as such pertains to the phasing requirements.
[3]
Section 181-7G, to ensure consistency with the Pineland Standards.
[4]
Section 181-7G(2) and § 181-8C(1) and (2), as they pertain to slopes, slope design standards and reclamation.
(d)
Section 181-9. Fees, bonds and insurance may be replaced, in whole or in part, by the applicable provisions of Articles XI and XII of the Land Use and Development Ordinance of the Township of Stafford at the sole discretion of the Planning Board upon the report of the Township Engineer.
(e)
The following specific soil removal/resource extraction requirements of Chapter 181 of the Stafford Township Code shall apply to the soil removal/resource extraction, which is permitted subject to conditional use approval in the Low Density Rural/Residential Recreation Open Space Zone (RA-3/ROS), only as expressly modified below:
[1]
Section 181-7(G) will be amended to insert the word “hydrological” after the word “significant,” and to add the following text to the end of the sentence: “as documented by an expert report to be submitted by the applicant.”
(3)
Approval of the Planning Board of the form of golf course dedication and land dedication proposed by the applicant as defined in § 211-17.1A(2).
(4)
Approval of the Township of the form of golf course dedication and land dedication proposed by the applicant as defined in § 211-17.1A(2).
(5)
Filing and recordation by the applicant with the Clerk of Ocean County of the form of approval(s) referenced in § 211-35Q(1), (2), (3) and (4).
(6)
Posting by the applicant with the Township of performance bond guarantees pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53 through 40:55D-53.6, together with all subsequent amendments and revisions, if any, in a form that is acceptable to the Township and in the amount(s) and for the time period(s) that the Township Engineer deems to be reasonable for the recreation open space tract improvements based on the performance completion time and activity schedules approved by the Planning Board.
(7)
Applicant shall be in receipt of a soil erosion and sediment control permit certification issued by the Ocean County Soil Conservation District.
(8)
A grading plan shall be filed with the Planning Board as part of the recreation open space tract preliminary/final subdivision/site plan application to address the proposed soil removal/resource extraction activities on the tract, which application shall include the following:
(a)
Compliance with the applicable subdivision provisions of §§ 130-90 and 130-91 and the site plan provisions of §§ 130-92 and 130-93;
(b)
A project site base map, at a scale of no less than one inch to 200 feet and extending 200 feet beyond each boundary of the subject tract, showing ownership boundary lines; the boundary of the proposed development; owners of holding, if any, adjoining and adjacent to the subject property; existing facilities; buildings and structures on the site; all proposed development, wetlands and streams, including intermittent streams, rivers, lakes and other water bodies; and existing roads;
(c)
A soils map, including a county soils survey, in conformance with the guidelines of the United States Department of Agricultural Soil Conservation Service, at the size and scale of no less than one inch to 200 feet, delineating all soil series at an appropriate level of detail;
(d)
A map, at the same size and scale as the project size base map, showing existing vegetation and identifying the predominant vegetation types in the area;
(e)
A map, at the same size and scale as the project site base map, showing stormwater drainage patterns and calculations and the applicant’s proposed stormwater runoff management plan, including results of percolation tests and soil borings preformed in the recharge area, together with letters of review and comment from the local Soil Conservation District and County Engineer;
(f)
Public utility agreements or other documentation evidencing the availability of electric, gas, water, sewer and other necessary public services;
(g)
A topographic map, at a scale of one inch equals 200 feet, showing the proposed dimensions, location and operations or proposed soil removal permit activities on the tract;
(h)
United States Geological Survey quadrangle map showing the dimensions of the tract and an area of at least 1,000 feet beyond such tract boundaries in all directions;
(i)
The location, size and intended use of all soil removal related buildings and structures;
(j)
The location of all points of ingress and egress;
(k)
The location of all existing and proposed streets and rights-of-way, including railroad rights-of-way;
(l)
The location and message to be shown on all signs pursuant to N.J.A.C. 12:185-10.4;
(m)
A plan, which includes:
[1]
A description of the proposed soil removal procedures and activities for the tract;
[2]
Construction schedules for the golf course, soil removal extraction and other recreation open space tract site plan development activities in time periods each ranging from two to five years or as otherwise deemed appropriate by the Planning Board;
[3]
Proposed grading and final elevations;
[4]
Proposed maintenance and stabilization schedule; and
[5]
An environmental impact statement (EIS) in accordance with § 130-94.
(9)
Submission of a certificate of general liability insurance in accordance with the provisions of § 181-9D.
(10)
Execution of a developer’s agreement between the Township of Stafford, the Stafford Township Planning Board and the applicant/developer.
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection Q, concernAny sign erected, altereding assisted living facilities, continuing care facilities, residential health care facilities, nursing and convalescent homes and long-term care facilities, added 5-3-1994 by Ord. No. 94-43, was repealed 10-21-1997 by Ord. No. 97-85.
R.
[3]Soil removal/resource extraction processing. Soil removal/resource extraction processing may be permitted as a conditional use in the RA-3/ROS Zoning District, provided that the following specific conditional use requirements are met:
[Added 8-19-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-106]
(1)
Resource extraction processing shall be permitted only as a conditional use in conjunction with a conditional use for soil removal/resource extraction, meeting all of the conditional use requirements for soil removal/resource extraction pursuant to § 211-35Q.
(2)
“Soil removal/resource extraction processing” shall be defined as the process by which the material that has been removed or extracted from the location or property from which it has been extracted is handled for the purpose to impart physical change in the material by methods of operation, which consist of excavating, loading, mechanical washing, unloading or stockpiling material handled in a dry, moist, wet or slurry form, provided for purposes of this definition that no processing shall include nor be permitted which involves any operation that results in chemical change in the material being handled.
(3)
All soil removal/resource extraction processing shall be set back a minimum of 1,000 feet from any residential property, excluding property owned by the applicant or the related tract applicant/owner entity.
(4)
The soil removal/resource extraction processing shall comply with the noise limitation requirements set forth in Chapter 142 of the Stafford Township Code, and the applicant shall be required to demonstrate, as a conditional use requirement, that the applicant shall comply with the noise requirements of Chapter 142 of the Stafford Township Code.
(5)
No building or structure utilized in the soil removal/resource extraction processing shall exceed a height of 50 feet, as defined and measured in § 130-2 of the Stafford Township Code, excluding any antenna for on-site communication.
[3]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection R, Community residences for the developmentally disabled and community shelters for victims of domestic violence, added 5-3-1994 by Ord. No. 94-43, was repealed 4-2-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-21.
S.
Integrated commercial development. Integrated commercial development may be permitted in those districts specified, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit, and adherence to the minimum requirements of the particular zone and the following standards:
[Added 5-3-1994 by Ord. No. 94-43]
(1)
Permitted uses within an integrated commercial development shall be as follows:
(a)
Offices for members of a recognized profession or business, including but not limited to physician, dentist, architect, engineer, planner, attorney, real estate broker, insurance agent, accountant and music, art or photography studios.
(b)
Any retail shopping facility or service establishment which supplies commodities or performs a service primarily for residents of the surrounding neighborhood, such as a food convenience store, delicatessens, meat markets, drugstores, variety stores, bakery shops, restaurants, luncheonettes, barbershops, beauty shops, laundromats, appliance repair shops and banks.
(c)
Restaurants and other eating establishments, but excluding fast-food establishments.
(d)
Child-care centers.
(e)
Essential services.
(2)
Required accessory uses shall be the same as in the LB Local Business Zone.
(3)
Permitted signs shall be the same as in the LB Local Business Zone.
(4)
Minimum area, yard and building requirements shall be as follows:
(a)
Minimum lot area: three acres.
(b)
Minimum lot width: 400 feet.
(c)
Minimum lot frontage: 400 feet.
(d)
Minimum lot depth: 300 feet (250 feet east of Route 9).
(e)
Minimum front yard setback: 125 feet (100 feet east of Route 9).
(f)
Minimum rear yard setback: 50 feet (30 feet east of Route 9).
(g)
Minimum side yard setback: 25 feet.
(h)
Maximum building coverage: 25%.
(i)
Minimum unoccupied open space: 40%.
(j)
Minimum front yard setback of parking areas and vehicle circulation aisles: 50 feet (40 feet east of Route 9).
(5)
Access and frontage requirements.
(a)
Development shall front on and have direct access to a rural minor arterial.
(b)
The Planning Board shall find that to the maximum extent practicable the proposed integrated commercial development limits the number and maximizes the distances between access drives onto the rural minor arterial.
(6)
The Planning Board shall make findings that to the maximum extent practicable the integrated commercial development meets the following:
(a)
The proposed development maintains the existing rural character of the rural minor arterial corridor through the preservation of existing vegetation along the corridor and/or supplemental plantings and landscaping.
(b)
The architecture of the proposed structure and the layout and design features of the proposed development are consistent with the maintenance of the rural and aesthetic character of the area, particularly the existing visual character of the rural minor arterial corridor.
(c)
Adequate buffering and screening provisions are included in the development plan to protect existing and potential future residential development of adjoining properties.
T.
Motor vehicle service stations. Motor vehicle service stations may be permitted in those zones specified, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit, and adherence to the minimum standards of the particular zone and the following:
[Added 5-3-1994 by Ord. No. 94-43]
(1)
The motor vehicle service station shall have a minimum of 150 feet of frontage on and direct access to a roadway classified as a minor rural arterial.
(2)
Minimum lot size shall be one acre.
(3)
No vehicle shall be permitted to be standing or parked on the premises of a motor vehicle service station other than those used by the employees in the indirect or direct operation of the establishment, except for the following: no more than five during working hours and no more than three overnight. Overnight outdoor storage of more than three vehicles shall be prohibited.
(4)
Convenience shops may be permitted, provided that:
[Amended 6-10-1997 by Ord. No. 97-46]
(a)
The maximum gross floor area of the convenience stores shall not exceed 2,500 square feet; provided, however, that the maximum gross floor area of a convenience store may be increased at rate of 1,500 square feet of additional gross floor area per acre of additional lot area over the required minimum lot area, up to a maximum of 7,500 square feet of gross floor area; and
[Amended 6-15-1999 by Ord. No. 99-26; 4-18-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-33]
(b)
Additional on-site parking for the convenience shops is provided in accordance with § 130-81.
(5)
All fuel pump islands shall be located at least 35 feet from all property lines.
(6)
No outdoor oil drainage pits or hydraulic lifts shall be permitted.
(7)
Any repair of motor vehicles shall be performed in a fully enclosed building. No parts or partially dismantled motor vehicles may be stored out-of-doors.
(8)
No auto body work shall be permitted.
(9)
Illumination shall be such that no direct glare from the lights shall fall upon adjoining streets or properties.
(10)
Sale of new or used cars is prohibited.
(11)
Accessory goods for sale may be displayed on the pump islands and the building island only. The outside storage of oil cans and/or antifreeze and similar products may be displayed on the respective islands, if provided for in a suitable metal stand or rack.
(12)
The maximum building coverage shall be 15% of the lot area and a maximum of 20% of the lot area with a canopy. The maximum percent of lot coverage for buildings and all impervious surface areas shall be 65%.
[Amended 6-10-1997 by Ord. No. 97-46]
(13)
The minimum unoccupied open space shall be 30% of the lot area.
(14)
A canopy, consisting of a roof-like cover that is supported by one or more columns or stanchions, without side walls, used primarily to shield fuel pumps from the elements, shall be permitted subject to the following:
[Amended 11-1-1994 by Ord. No. 94-100]
(a)
The minimum canopy setback shall be 25 feet.
(b)
The thickness of said canopy or the dimension measured from the topside to the underside of the canopy shall be greater than 30 inches.
(c)
The height of said canopy shall not exceed 15 feet as measured to the bottom of the canopy.
U.
Home occupations. A home occupation may be permitted in those districts specified, subject to the following conditions:
[Added 11-1-1994 by Ord. No. 94-96; amended 6-24-1997 by Ord. No. 97-44]
(1)
In addition to meeting the definitional requirement of § 211-7, a home occupation shall further be defined as an accessory use that:
(a)
Is clearly accessory and incidental to the detached single-family principal use of the structure and property.
(b)
Is conducted entirely within the dwelling or accessory building.
(c)
Is conducted by and limited to a member or members of the immediate family residing in the single-family dwelling and no more than one employee or family member not residing in the principal dwelling.
(d)
Occupies not more than 10% of the total floor area of the residential structure and, further, provided that the returning floor area of the structure shall meet or exceed the minimum habitable floor area requirement of the zone.
(e)
Does not alter the residential appearance of a principal residential structure or the residential appearance of the property upon which it is conducted.
(f)
Does not involve outdoor storage of equipment or materials.
(g)
Does not involve signage other than a single lighted or unlighted identification sign not exceeding two square feet in area.
(h)
Does not involve the retail sale of goods and/or services offered or produced by the home occupation from the property other than by appointment.
(i)
Does not involve truck deliveries (except parcel delivery services, e.g., UPS) and no more than an average of 10 vehicle visits per week, including parcel delivery services (residential family or permitted employees shall not be included in this calculation).
(j)
Does not constitute a nuisance to adjacent residential properties for reasons of noise, odor, congestion, traffic, vibration, electrical interference and other causes.
(k)
The total floor area utilized for a home occupation within an accessory building does not exceed more than 10% of the total floor area of the principal dwelling.
(l)
The cumulative total floor area of all the home occupations conducted on any lot do not exceed 10% of the floor area of the principal building.
(2)
Permit requirements for home occupation.
(a)
Prior to commencement of any home occupation use, a zoning permit for the home occupation use shall be issued by the Zoning Officer. The zoning permit shall be valid for a term of one year (twelve months).
(b)
Zoning permits for the home occupation use shall be renewed on an annual basis upon satisfactory application to the Zoning Officer.
(c)
The annual fee for a zoning permit for a home occupation shall be in accordance with § 213-1A.
(d)
Where required, proof of the necessary federal, state and/or county approvals must be submitted with an application for a home occupation.
(e)
In the event that a home occupation generates a waste by-product that requires special disposal, documentation of the utilization, storage and disposal must be submitted to the Zoning Officer on a quarterly basis. Failure to do so shall result in immediate revocation of the zoning permit. In addition, all nonrecyclable garbage must fit within a garbage receptacle as set forth in § 167-3.
V.
Self-storage facilities (mini-warehouse). Self-storage facilities may be permitted in those districts specified, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit and adherence to the minimum requirements of the particular zone and the following standards:
[Added 10-15-1996 by Ord. No. 96-77]
(1)
Minimum lot area: three acres.
(2)
Minimum side and rear yard setback: 30 feet.
(3)
Minimum width of landscape buffer between all residential uses and residential zones along side and near property lines: 25 feet.
(4)
Minimum width of landscape buffer along side and rear property lines, all other uses: 20 feet.
(5)
Screening shall be required in the front yard area to enhance the appearance or screen the self-storage facility from roadways. Such screening may consist of fences, walls, natural vegetation and landscaping, or some combination thereof, and shall be specifically approved by the Planning Board.
(6)
Maximum building height: 24 feet and two stories.
(7)
Lighting shall be in strict accordance with the requirements of § 130-84.
(8)
No flammable materials, hazardous chemicals or explosives shall be permitted to be stored.
(9)
The servicing, repair, or fabrication of motor vehicles, boats, trailers, lawn mowers, appliances or similar equipment shall be prohibited.
(10)
Auctions, wholesale and retail sales, and garage and other miscellaneous sales shall be prohibited.
(11)
The operation of power tools, spray-painting, compressors and other similar equipment shall be prohibited.
(12)
Outdoor storage shall be limited to the storage of boats, boat trailers and recreation vehicles, and any such storage shall not be visible from any property line.
(13)
Maximum building coverage: 35%.
W.
Private helistop. Private helistops may be permitted in those zones specified subject to the issuance of a conditional permit and adherence to the minimum requirements of the zone and the following standards:
[Added 7-21-1998 by Ord. No. 98-51]
(1)
Private helistops shall meet all of the New Jersey Division of Aeronautics, Licensing of Aeronautics Facilities and shall be so licensed pursuant to New Jersey Administrative Code, Title 16, Chapter 54,
(2)
No conditional use shall be permitted, and no private helistops shall be installed, used or operated unless the applicant therefor shall demonstrate, in accordance with the procedures for granting of conditional uses, the following:
(a)
Flights from the proposed helistop, including landings and takeoffs, shall conform to all federal laws and regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration.
(b)
Notwithstanding the minimum lot area for the district in which the helistop is proposed, any tract upon which a helistop is permitted shall contain a minimum of 10 acres.
(c)
Setbacks of landing pads m the property line shall be a minimum of 400 feet where such lot line adjoins a residential use or zoning district. The landing pad shall not be closer to any property line than such distance which would result in a helicopter passing over a residential lot at less than 300 feet when in a landing or takeoff pattern.
(d)
Helicopter operation for medical or other emergencies are exempt from these requirements.
(e)
The landing/takeoff pad shall not be located on a rooftop.
(f)
Any operator of a private helistop shall specifically agree as a condition of a conditional use permit that the helistop may be used as needed for federal, state, county or municipal services, including but not limited to the providing of emergency services of any type.
X.
Fences.
[Added 8-18-1998 by Ord. No. 98-58]
(1)
A "fence" or "fencing" shall be defined as any wood, masonry, metal or aluminum structure(s) or any wall or hedges constructed on the front, side or rear yard and designated to shield, screen or protect a lot(s) or a portion of a lot(s).
(2)
General requirements.
(a)
All fences hereinafter erected, rebuilt, renovated and maintained in any residential district in the Township shall be subject to the following rules, requirements and regulations:
[1]
On any lot in any residential district, no fence, wall or hedge shall be erected, built, renovated or maintained so that said fence, wall or hedge shall exceed six feet in height. See-through fencing may be constructed to a maximum height of six feet in accordance with all other provisions contained herein.
[2]
The height of all fences, walls and hedges shall be measured from the ground elevation or finished grade a vertical distance of six feet.
[3]
"See-through fencing" shall be defined as any fence or fencing having a consistent density of not greater than 50% for all fences, living fences and hedges.
[4]
Fences on lagoon properties shall be of a see-through type or variety for a minimum of 15 feet from any bulkhead or rear property line along the side line or side yard of any residential lot so as not to obstruct the view of the lagoon. The entire rear line or rear yard fence shall also be of a see-through type or variety. All living fences and hedges shall adhere to the above-stated fifteen-foot side-line regulations and shall not be constructed in a continuous non-see-through manner.
[5]
All fences shall be constructed with the face or finished side away from the property and the structural side toward the interior of the lot(s) on which they are erected.
[6]
Fences which are painted or stained shall be of one harmonious color throughout each individual lot(s) and blend with the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
[7]
No fence shall be constructed with barbed wire or electrified or topped with spikes, sharp points or any other dangerous object(s) which may be hazardous to persons or animals.
[8]
Living fences, hedges or screen plantings shall be planted no closer than six inches to a property line and shall be maintained in a neatly trimmed and aesthetically pleasing condition.
[9]
Fences shall not be erected on a property line without the approval, in writing, of the adjoining property owners. All fences shall be erected a minimum of six inches from the property line on which they will be located.
[10]
Fences shall be erected in a proper manner so as to permit the free flow of natural drainage and prohibit the blocking, obstruction, damming and/or ponding of surface water on the lot on which they are erected and on all contiguous and adjoining properties.
[11]
No fence, wall or hedge shall be used as a side of a shed, building or accessory structure.
[12]
No fence, wall or hedge shall encroach upon any public right-of-way, public easement or other private property(s) other than the lot(s) which it is intended to serve.
(3)
A fence permit shall be required and shall be issued, in conformance with these rules, regulations and requirements, by the Township Zoning Office for all fences, except living fences, erected in the Township.
(4)
Clear sight triangles shall be provided at all street intersections. Within such triangles, no vision-obstructing objects shall be permitted which exceed the height of 30 inches above the elevation of the existing street. This restriction shall not prohibit the construction of see-through-type fences at the height limitation prescribed above.
(5)
All fences placed in the front yard of a residential area shall be at least 50% of an open, see-through variety. For the purposes of this subsection only, where the rear yards of two corner lots abut back to back, the yard area bordered by the side line of a corner lot which is adjacent to the intersecting street shall not be considered a front yard for either corner lot.
[Amended 8-20-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-68; 9-25-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-20]
(a)
Corner lots for the installation of fences are defined as any lot which occupies the interior angle of the intersection of two street lines. On all corner lots the building setback line abutting both street frontages shall not be less than the minimum front yard setback required on an adjoining interior lot fronting on such street. On all corner lots the minimum lot width and depth shall be measured along both abutting street lines. All corner lots shall have two front yards, one side yard and a rear yard. The side yard shall be considered to be the lesser of the two remaining yards.
(b)
For the purposes of the installation of fences, the front yard shall extend for the full width of the street upon which the house fronts. On the other street, the front yard shall extend to a line perpendicular to the street which intersects the frontmost point of the building. To the rear of this line shall be considered to be a part of the rear yard.
(6)
Only fences that fall within the sight triangle of the intersecting streets are required to be 50% open. The site triangle shall be calculated using a fixed point of 90 feet in each direction from the center of the intersection if no intersecting roads are subject to traffic controls; i.e., lights or stop signs. If controlled, the calculation is based on one car length behind 20 feet the stop bar or sign.
[Added 9-25-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-20]
Y.
Motor vehicle repair garage. Motor vehicle repair garages may be permitted as a conditional use in those zoning districts specified, provided that the lot, use and structures shall adhere to the minimum area, yard and building requirements of the particular district and to the following:
[Added 1-18-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-19]
(1)
No outdoor oil and drainage pits and hydraulic lifts shall be permitted.
(2)
All repairs shall be performed in a fully enclosed building.
(3)
All vehicles awaiting repair or under repair which are stored out of doors shall be screened from the public by a solid fence and/or evergreen plantings, or as otherwise required by the Planning Board.
(4)
No vehicle awaiting repair or under repair may be stored out of doors within the required front yard area, within 20 feet of any side or rear lot line or within 50 feet of any adjoining lot within a residential zone.
(5)
The on-site storage of junk or dilapidated vehicles, which are neither awaiting repair nor pending a determination of an insurance claim, shall not be permitted.
(6)
Operators of a motor vehicle repair garage must contain all leakage from vehicles being stored on site or awaiting repair.
Z.
Storage of tractor trailers, commercial trailers and storage containers; exceptions.
[Added 4-18-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-30; amended 6-1-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-43; 6-15-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-51]
(1)
Storage of tractor trailers, commercial trailers and storage containers. No tractor trailers or commercial trailers empowered by truck tractors as defined in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1 shall be stored or used as a storage facility on any property in the Township. No container of any kind shall be stored or used as a storage facility on any property in the Township.
(2)
Exceptions.
(a)
Temporary housing permit exception. Any person issued a temporary housing permit pursuant to § 140-9 for use of a trailer in accordance with the permit and the applicable provisions of Chapter 140 is exempted from the provisions of Subsection Z(1) above for the duration of the permit.
(b)
Drop trailer exception. Any trailer stationed adjacent to a commercial business for the purpose of delivering perishable goods is exempted from the provisions of Subsection Z(1) above for a maximum of 72 consecutive hours from the time the trailer is parked.
AA.
Flag lots. Flag lots shall be a conditional use permitted in all zones east of the Garden State Parkway. The following supplementary regulations shall apply to the creation of and/or the development of all flag lots:
[Added 7-20-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-55]
(1)
Definitions. As used in this subsection, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
FLAG
That portion of the flag lot within which all structures must be located and which is connected to a public road by the staff.
FLAG LOT
A lot not meeting the minimum frontage requirements for conventional development in the zone in which it is located and where access to the public road is by a narrow, private right-of-way or driveway. A flag lot consists of a staff and a flag (see Figure 1 herein).
REMAINDER LOT
That remnant portion of the original tract, subject to a flag lot subdivision, other than the flag lot.
STAFF
That portion of the flag lot that connects the flag to the public road.
 |
(2)
All proposed flag lots will contain an access staff in conformance with all of the following standards:
(a)
The staff portion shall be a minimum of 50 feet in width throughout its length and shall include a minimum of 50 feet of frontage on an improved/approved public street.
(b)
An access driveway shall be constructed in the center of and along the entire length of the staff in accordance with all of the following standards:
[1]
Provision shall be made for adequate drainage along and/or across the driveway so as not to change the existing drainage pattern.
[2]
The driveway shall be uniformly graded and well-compacted, as applicable.
[3]
Within the public right-of-way, the driveway shall be six-inch-thick portland cement concrete with a twenty-eight-day compressive strength of at least 3,500 pounds per square inch. A 10/10 six-inch-by-six-inch welded wire fabric temperature reinforcement shall be provided.
[4]
The access driveway shall be constructed and maintained to provide adequate vertical clearance to allow the passage of emergency vehicles to the flag portion of the lot.
(c)
The staff will include a minimum of a fifteen-foot-wide continuous year-round screen, planted on either side of the access driveway.
(d)
No structure shall be constructed in the staff.
(e)
The staff shall not cross a live stream, stream bed, ravine, wetlands or similar topographic features without provision of an adequate structure approved by the Township Engineer and/or appropriate outside agencies.
(f)
The staff shall lie along a property line that is significantly perpendicular to the public street. Under no circumstances shall one staff be adjacent to another staff.
(g)
Parking of vehicles shall be prohibited in any portion of the "staff." The minimum required number of parking spaces shall be provided only within the flag portion of the flag lot.
(h)
Adequate on-site turnaround space for emergency vehicles shall be provided in the form of a cul-de-sac and/or other design as approved by the Township Engineer.
(i)
In a flag lot subdivision, the remainder lot shall meet all area, yard, setback and height requirements of the zone in which it is located.
(j)
The area of a flag lot, exclusive of the staff, shall meet the area, yard setback and height requirements of the zone in which it is located. The location of the front yard and rear yard of a flag lot shall be determined in accordance with Figure 1.
(k)
No flag lot will be permitted if, at a point where it meets the public right-of-way, a flag lot currently exists adjacent to the proposed remainder lot or a remainder lot currently exists adjacent to the proposed flag lot.
(l)
No subdivision plan including the creation of a flag lot shall contain more than two lots (the flag lot and the remainder).
(m)
No lot created as a result of a flag lot subdivision shall be further subdivided.
BB.
Parking restrictions in residential zones.
[Added 10-17-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-80]
(1)
It shall be permissible for a motor vehicle, as defined within N.J.S.A. 39:1-1, to be parked or stored in a front or side yard of any lot in a residential zone only if, at the street frontage, no curb is installed or is required to be installed. There shall be no off-street parking of motor vehicles in rear yards.
(2)
It shall be strictly prohibited to park or store a motor vehicle in the front, side or rear yard of any lot in any residential zone where curbing is installed or required to be installed at street frontage of such property. On such lots, off-street parking or storage of motor vehicles must be within a designated driveway marked by curb cut or within a garage.
CC.
Infill residential design standards for all residential districts (RA, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-90, R-75, RR-1, RR-2, RR-2A, R-3/PRC) and historic homes.
[Added 11-5-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-98]
(1)
Purpose. The goal is to develop new design standards that will promote the character, livability and the visual continuity of the neighborhood.
(2)
Building mass and scale.
(a)
A one-story porch or other element, not to exceed 15 feet in height at the wall plate, shall be provided along the street front of a building. It should have a minimum area in plan of 80 square feet. It may be subordinate to the primary wall plane, or it may constitute the primary wall plane itself.
 |
(b)
A primary wall plane is the dominant surface of the front wall of a building as it faces the street. For lots where the lot width is 50 feet or less, the primary wall plane should be a maximum of 24 feet in width, if the facade is greater than 12 feet in plate height.
 |
(c)
Building height exception. An exception may be granted for an addition to an historic building, where it can be demonstrated that the added height is necessary to connect with the existing building and that the resulting design would be compatible with the neighborhood context.
(d)
Setbacks: prevailing front yard setbacks. Where the prevailing front yard setback on a street on which the property fronts is greater than that required in the Schedule of Lot, Height and Yard Requirements for that zone, the front yard setback required must be consistent with the front yard setback for the immediately adjoining properties. Should the prevailing front yard setback for one or both of the immediately adjoining properties not be consistent, then the prevailing front yard setback required must be consistent with the prevailing front yard setback of a majority of the lots on the block front along which the property is located.
(e)
Parking. Where parking is to be accessed from the street, use measures to minimize the visual impacts of driveways and garages. To the extent possible, garage doors shall face the side yard. Garages that face the front yard should not constitute more than 1/3 of the primary wall plane or project more than 10 feet forward of the primary wall plane.
(f)
Historic preservation. Restoration, renovation, substantial alteration or additions to buildings identified as significant in the Historic Preservation Element of the Stafford Master Plan shall comply with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation. For projects not requiring review and approval of the Stafford Planning Board, the Zoning Officer may request review and comment from the Stafford Historic Preservation Society within the time period for approving or denying a zoning permit as established by law or regulation.
(g)
Open space and landscaping: in accordance with § 130-50 through 130-52.
DD.
CAFRA impervious coverage limitations. For all major and minor site plans and all major and minor subdivisions on sites which are outside of the Township’s designated Regional Center but are located within CAFRA jurisdiction, the impervious coverage limitations in the table below shall apply. In all cases where there is a different impervious coverage standard in the applicable zoning district regulations, the more restrictive standard shall govern:
[Added 12-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-120]
Location | Sewer Service | Maximum Impervious Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Coastal Suburban Planning Area (PA2) | Within sewer service area | 30% |
Coastal Suburban Planning Area (PA2) | Outside of sewer service area | 5% |
Coastal Rural Planning Area (PA4) | 5% | |
Coastal Environmentally Sensitive Planning Area (PA5) | 3% |
