Township of Hamilton, NJ Rural Residential Driveways

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to set certain standards for the design and location of new single-family residential driveways that are over 50 feet in length in order to promote the public safety, well-being, convenience and welfare of the Township of Hamilton and to provide adequate access to properties for emergency service vehicles.

Permit requirements.

(1)

Driveways must meet the requirements of this article prior to the first footing inspection so that ambulance, fire, and police vehicles shall have access during construction.

(2)

The proposed driveway location and construction details shall be included on the plot plan submitted in conjunction with the zoning permit, as well as the access easement and maintenance agreement for shared driveways.

(3)

When construction of the driveway includes installation of a culvert or bridge, the applicant shall post a minimum of inspection escrow of $1,500 with the Township to fund required inspections of the structure by the Township Engineer.

(4)

The location and layout of the driveway, including width of cartway and cleared areas, shall be accurately shown on the as-built survey of the property submitted prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Minimum design standards. Except as provided for in Subsection C(14) (below), all driveways shall be constructed in accordance with the following minimum requirements and shall be maintained by the property owner at all times:

[Amended 4-15-2013 by Ord. No. 1742-2013]

(1)

Shared driveways are encouraged for new developments, subject to review and approval of the access easement and maintenance agreement by the reviewing agency.

(2)

Driveways shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the side property line, with a minimum separation of 10 feet between adjoining driveways.

(3)

Driveways shall intersect the public right-of-way at an angle to as near 90° as site conditions will permit and in no case less than 60°.

(4)

Driveways shall have a minimum cartway width of 12 feet for a single home and 16 feet for a shared driveway. In addition, a two-foot-wide strip on each side of the driveway shall be kept cleared of vegetation or other obstructions which may hinder and limit driver view of vehicular or pedestrian traffic on the driveway or the adjacent public right-of-way. This clear width shall extend from one foot above the driveway surface to a height of 14 feet and shall be properly maintained to preserve the public safety. The driveway shall be surfaced with a minimum of six inches of compacted gravel or quarry blend. A ten-foot-wide paved apron consisting of six-inch-thick reinforced Class B 4,500 psi concrete [as required for vehicular crossings of sidewalks under N.J.A.C. 5:21-4.18(a)] is recommended at the street intersection.

(5)

Any horizontal curves in the driveway shall have a minimum inside radius of 40 feet.

(6)

Any vertical curve on a driveway shall be flat enough to prevent the dragging of any vehicle undercarriage.

(7)

Where access is provided to a street or road where the speed limit is over 25 miles per hour, the driveway shall incorporate a turnaround area to avoid the need for vehicles to back out into the street.

(8)

Driveways over 500 feet in length shall provide a midpoint passing area where the compacted surface is expanded to a minimum width of 18 feet for a minimum distance of 40 feet.

(9)

All driveways shall be constructed at such an angle so as to assure maximum visibility in all directions at the point of entry to the street, taking into account physical obstructions which may be present and which cannot be removed or modified. Any obstructions to vision which can be removed or modified by the person seeking to construct the driveway should be so removed or modified.

(10)

Where bridging or culvert is utilized, the Township Engineer will inspect and certify the weight limit.

(11)

The house number shall be displayed near the driveway intersection with the adjacent street as required in Section 505 of the International Fire Code, 2009.

(12)

Any damage to the public street as a result of construction of the proposed dwelling and driveway shall be the responsibility of the property owner to repair the street to the satisfaction of the Township. All repairs shall be completed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

(13)

The construction of the driveway shall follow the NJDEP Asphalt Millings Guidance Document regarding the use of asphalt millings.

(14)

With the exception of Subsection C(7) (above), the Fire Official may grant relief from the standards of this section as necessary for driveways to be constructed in access easements that were either recorded or that were approved by a Township review agency prior to December 5, 2011.

Inspections and certification.

(1)

Prior to the first footing inspection, driveways shall be inspected by the Fire Official, or his designee, to verify that the requirements of this section have been met and that emergency vehicles can access the site during construction.

(2)

Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the Fire Official, or his designee, shall verify that the driveway has been maintained in suitable condition for emergency vehicle access.

(3)

Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the site contractor shall provide the Fire Official with written certification that the driveway has been constructed to the standards of this section.