Tenafly City Zoning Code
§ 35-810D.9
Design Standards.
[Added 11-20-2023 by Ord. No. 23-25]
a.
Facade design.
1.
Buildings with expansive blank walls on any facade are discouraged. Side and rear elevations should receive architectural treatments comparable to front facades.
2.
Varying decorative and architectural features at entrances, cornices, windows and articulation between dwelling units are encouraged, provided that such are architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors, and details of the building.
3.
Complementary building colors and materials shall be consistent with the general theme of the development.
b.
Exterior-mounted mechanical and electrical equipment exposed to the public view shall be architecturally screened. Roof-mounted equipment and projections should be painted the same color as the roof and, where possible, located to the rear of the building, away from the public view.
c.
Streetscape. Streetscape elements along all frontages shall be encouraged, and may include, but not be limited, to benches and sitting areas, trees, decorative lighting, landscaping, and paving patterns.
d.
Landscaping standards.
1.
A landscape plan prepared by a licensed landscape architect, licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Architects, or other qualified individual, shall be submitted with any plan for development.
2.
All portions of the property not utilized by buildings or paved surfaces shall be landscaped utilizing combinations such as landscaped fencing, shrubbery, lawn areas, ground cover, existing vegetation, and the planting of coniferous and/or deciduous trees native to the area in order to maintain or reestablish the vegetation in the area and lessen the visual impact of the structures and paved areas.
3.
Plants and other landscaping materials shall be selected in terms of aesthetic and functional considerations. The landscape design shall create visual diversity and contrast through variation in size, shape, texture, and color. The selection of plants in terms of susceptibility to disease and insect damage, wind and ice damage, habitat (wet-site, drought, sun and shade tolerance), soil conditions, growth rate, longevity, root pattern, maintenance requirements, etc., shall be considered. Consideration shall be given to accenting site entrances and unique areas with special landscaping treatment. Flowerbed displays are encouraged.
4.
Landscaping shall be designed to achieve a thorough integration of the various elements of site design, including building and parking placement and natural features.
5.
Landscaping within sight triangles shall not exceed a mature height of 30 inches. Shade trees shall be pruned up to an eight-foot branching height above grade.
6.
The use of indigenous/native plant material is to be encouraged to establish sustainable landscapes that blend with the natural environment, reduce the use of pesticides, and reduce irrigation.
7.
The use of passive systems such as raingardens to offset stormwater discharge shall be utilized to the extent feasible.