Village of Ridgefield Park, NJ Article VII

§ 96-7 Supplementary Accessory Use Regulations.

§ 96-7.1 Accessory buildings and structures.

A. Any accessory building or structure attached to a principal building is part of the principal building and shall adhere to the yard requirements of the principal building.

B. The minimum distance of any accessory building or structure to a property line shall be one foot if a masonry or metal structure and three feet if a frame structure. Accessory buildings and structures shall be at least six feet from other buildings and structures on the lot.

C. Height and area. Accessory buildings shall not exceed 15 feet in height and may not occupy more than 20% of the required rear yard or a maximum of 650 square feet, whichever is smaller.

D. Location. An accessory building may be erected in the rear of the lot only. If erected on a corner lot, it shall be set back from the side street to comply with the setback line applying to the principal building.

(1) Accessory structures in residential districts. Accessory structures which are not attached to a principal structure may be erected on a residential lot, provided that:

(a) Accessory structures, except for storage sheds, shall comply in all respects with the setback requirements applicable to the principal building on the lot except when located in the rear yard.

(b) No accessory structure is located closer to the street right-of-way line than the required front yard setback of the principal structure, except as provided by § 96-7.8. Sections 96-5.1C and 96-5.3B shall also apply to all accessory structures hereunder.

(c) No portion of an accessory structure shall be used for living quarters.

(d) Storage sheds shall be permitted accessory uses within all residential zones. A storage shed is a structure used for storage. The maximum area of a storage shed in a residential zone shall be 120 square feet, and the maximum height shall be 10 feet. No storage shed can be located closer to any lot line than five feet. No storage shed can be located closer to the street right-of-way line than the required front yard setback for the principal structure. Sections 96-5.1C and 96-5.3B shall also apply to all storage sheds in residential zones.

(e) In all districts, accessory structures shall not be located less than 10 feet from the side or rear wall of the principal structure. Attached decks and balconies which do not comply with this provision shall be considered part of the principal structure, and the entire structure shall be required to comply with the provisions of the regulations governing structures in that district and not the regulations for accessory structures.

(f) The maximum area of any accessory structure in a residential zone, except for storage sheds, shall be 625 square feet The maximum height of any accessory structure other than a storage shed shall be 15 feet and shall not exceed the height of the principal structure.

(g) The maximum number of accessory structures, excluding storage sheds, on a single lot shall be one.

(h) An accessory structure located in the rear yard may be erected in 1/2 of the required yard setback of the principal structure with a minimum of five feet from the side and rear yard setback.

(2) Accessory structures in other districts.

[Amended 7-12-2005 by Ord. No. 05-07]

(a) In any nonresidential district, no accessory structure or use shall be located closer to any lot line than five feet. The requirements shall not apply to retaining and decorative walls and fences, provided same do not exceed six feet in height.

(b) In any nonresidential district, the aggregate area covered by accessory structures shall not exceed 25% of the rear yard.

(c) In any nonresidential district, all accessory structures shall be located no less then 20 feet from the side or rear of the principal or main building.

(d) In any nonresidential district, no accessory structure shall be located closer to the street right-of-way line than the required front yard setback of the principal structure, except as provided in § 96-5. Sections 96-5.1C and 96-5.3B shall also apply to all accessory structures hereunder.

(e) When an accessory structure is attached to the principal building, in all nonresidential districts it shall comply in all respects with the requirements of this chapter applicable to the principal buildings.

(f) No portion of any accessory structure in any nonresidential district shall be used for living quarters.

§ 96-7.2 Fences and walls.

[Amended 7-12-2005 by Ord. No. 05-07]

Fences and walls shall not be located in any required sight triangle nor, in any residential district, shall a fence be over six feet high in side and rear yards and four feet high in front yards and all yards fronting on a public street. This height restriction shall not include decorative fence posts with a maximum height of eight inches above the top of the fence. In commercial and industrial districts, fences may be 10 feet high. All fences shall be constructed so that the decorative side of the fence faces the street or adjoining property. Fences and walls shall require a building permit from the Building Department.

§ 96-7.3 Helistops and helipads in the OP-1 and PD-1 Zones.

[Amended 10-25-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-12]

A. Helistops and helipads shall be permitted as accessory uses in the OP-1 and PD-1 Zones, subject to approval of the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration where applicable. Rooftop heliports and helipads shall be prohibited. The location of landing sites and the regulation of helicopter operations shall reflect the following:

(1) Good locations to best serve present and potential helicopter traffic;

(2) Minimum obstructions in the approach and departure path;

(3) Minimum disturbances to the public from noise and dust;

(4) Easy access to surface transportation; and

(5) Approval of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

B. The federal design guidelines prepared by the FAA (Heliport Design Guide, November 1964, as amended) shall be used as guidelines concerning heliport layout, approach and departure paths, obstruction clearances as well as the construction of heliport surfaces, landing and takeoff areas, structural design, impact load, landing surface, turbulence and visibility.

§ 96-7.4 Home occupations.

Home occupation uses are permitted as accessory uses in all residential zones. Home occupations shall conform with the following standards:

A. A home occupation shall be incidental to the principal use of a dwelling unit for residential purposes. The area set aside for home occupations and/or for storage purposes in connection with a home occupation shall not exceed 25% of the gross floor area (GFA) of such residence. In calculation of GFA, the area of garages, cellars and attics shall be excluded from such calculation.

B. There shall be no outdoor storage of materials or equipment. Merchandise shall not be displayed or offered for sale either within or outside the residence.

C. A home occupation shall be carried on wholly within the principal building. No home occupation or storage in connection with a home occupation shall be allowed in accessory buildings or detached garages, driveways, walkways or yards.

D. There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the dwelling or premises or any visible evidence of the conduct of a home occupation. No advertising displays or signs shall be permitted, except for a nameplate indicating the name and profession of the resident consistent with this chapter's requirements for signs.

E. No equipment or process shall be used in a home occupation which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes or odor detectable to the normal senses off the property. No equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible electrical interference in any radio or television receiver off the premises or causes fluctuations in the line voltage off the premises. No hazardous or toxic materials, as defined by state or local codes, shall be stored on the premises.

F. The home occupation must be conducted by a person who occupies the premises as his or her principal residence.

G. The occupant who conducts the home occupation must apply for and obtain a zoning permit prior to commencement of the home occupation.

H. Home occupation use shall be limited to the uses enumerated in the definitions section of this chapter.

§ 96-7.5 Outdoor storage areas.

Such uses, where permitted, shall not abut existing residential development, a residential street, or any R District, and operation thereof shall be governed by the following provisions:

A. Flammable and explosive liquids. All flammable or explosive liquids, solids or gases shall be stored in appropriate containers as regulated by the Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Construction Code Official.

B. Fencing and setbacks. All outdoor storage facilities shall be enclosed by a fence or wall adequate to conceal such facilities and the contents thereof from adjacent property and shall be subject to the provisions of § 96-7.2.

§ 96-7.6 Private tennis courts.

Private tennis courts are permitted as an accessory use in the R-1 and R-2 Zones only, provided that:

A. The improved lot coverage does not exceed that permitted by the Schedule of District Area, Yard and Bulk Requirements.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: The Schedule of District Area, Yard and Bulk Requirements is included as an attachment to this chapter.

B. The tennis court shall not be located closer than 15 feet to any side lot line and not closer than 20 feet from any rear lot line.

C. The tennis court can only be located in the rear yard portion of the premises.

D. A fence with a maximum height of 10 feet shall be permitted incidental to the tennis court.

E. Lighting designed for illumination of the tennis court for night use is prohibited.

F. The tennis court may be used only by the residents of the premises and their non-fee-paying guests and shall not be used as a revenue-generating operation.

§ 96-7.7 Sight triangles.

Sight triangles shall be required at each quadrant of an intersection of streets and streets and driveways. The area within sight triangles shall be either dedicated as part of the street right-of-way or kept as part of the lot and identified as a sight triangle easement. No grading, planting or structure shall be erected or maintained more than two feet above the center-line grade of the intersecting street or driveway no lower than eight feet above their center lines, excluding street name signs and official traffic regulation signs. Where any intersection involves earthen berms, banks or vegetation, including trees, the developer shall trim and grade to provide the sight triangle. The sight triangle is that area bounded by the intersecting curblines and a straight line which connects sight points located on each of the two intersecting curblines 25 feet away from the intersecting curblines. Any development requiring site plan approval shall provide sight triangles at each driveway. A sight triangle easement shall be expressed on the plat as follows: "Sight triangle easement subject to grading, planting and construction restrictions as provided for in the Ridgefield Park Development Regulations Ordinance." Portions of a lot set aside for the sight triangle may be calculated in determining the lot area and minimum setback required by the zoning provisions.

§ 96-7.8 Signs.

[Amended 7-12-2005 by Ord. No. 05-07]

A. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to regulate signs to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare. More specifically, the purposes of this chapter are:

(1) To enhance the aesthetic environment.

(2) To encourage the effective utilization of signage as a means of identifying locations or residential and nonresidential establishments.

(3) To encourage an attractive and viable business climate.

(4) To maintain the character and quality of the Village.

(5) To minimize adverse effects on neighboring properties.

(6) To improve both pedestrian and vehicular safety by reducing distractions, obstructions and hazards caused by the indiscriminate use or placement of signage.

(7) To promote a desirable visual environment through creative development techniques and good civic design arrangements.

B. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

NONCONFORMING SIGN

Any sign lawfully existing on the effective date of this chapter or an amendment thereto which renders such sign nonconforming because it does not conform to all the standards and regulations of the adopted or amended ordinance.

SIGN

Any device for visual communications that is used for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of the public.

SIGN, ADVERTISING

An advertising sign is a sign which directs attention to an individual, business, product or service conducted, sold, leased or offered elsewhere than on the premises where the sign is located. For the purposes of this chapter, a billboard shall be considered an advertising sign.

SIGN, AREA IDENTIFICATION

A sign used to identify a common area containing a group of structures or a single structure on a minimum site of one acre, such as residential subdivisions, apartment complexes, industrial parks, shopping centers, and industrial or office parks, located at the entrance or entrances of the area and including but not limited to a fence, wall, archway, post or column, with the letters or symbols affixed thereto.

SIGN, AREA OF

The area of a sign is the area included within the frame or edge of the sign. Where the side has no such frame or edge, the area shall be the minimum area which can be defined by an enclosed four-sided (straight sides) geometric shape which most clearly outlines the said sign.

SIGN, BANNER

A sign intended to be hung with or without a frame, possessing characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentation applied to paper, plastic fabric or other similar materials of any kind.

SIGN, BUSINESS

A sign used to identify either the trade, business, industry or profession being conducted on the premises. Logo identification which is intended to advertise a product, such as but not limited to "Coca Cola" or We Sell Kodak Film," shall not be deemed to be a permitted business sign, except that personal logos not to be used to advertise a product shall be permitted.

SIGN, DIRECTIONAL OR INFORMATIONAL

A directional or informational sign is a nonadverting sign which directs attention to vehicular or pedestrian entrances or exits, parking areas, reserved parking spaces or similar site elements and is intended only for the safety and convenience of the employees, patrons or visitors. No directional or informational sign shall exceed four square feet.

SIGN, FLASHING

An illuminated sign in which artificial or reflected light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity, color or hue at all times when in use.

SIGN, FREESTANDING

A sign having not more than two display sides which is attached to or part of a completely self-supporting structure. The supporting structure shall be set firmly on or below the ground surface and shall not be attached to any building structure whether portable or stationary.

SIGN, GROUND

A sign having not more than two displays sides set firmly on or below the ground surface.

SIGN, HEIGHT

A freestanding sign shall be measured from the ground surface beneath the sign to the highest point of the sign.

SIGN, MOVING

A sign that rotates or shifts or appears to rotate or shift in position.

SIGN, POLITICAL

A sign containing a statement about or endorsement of any public issue or candidate(s) for public office.

SIGN, PORTABLE OR "A" FRAME

An advertising device which is ordinarily in the shape of an "A" or some variation thereof, located on the ground, easily movable and not permanently attached thereto, and which is usually two-sided.

SIGN, PROJECTING

Any sign that is affixed at an angle or perpendicular to the wall or facade upon which it is mounted, which projects more than 12 inches from the wall or facade upon which it is mounted or projects above the top or beyond either side of the wall or facade upon which it is mounted.

SIGN, PYLON

A pylon sign having not more than two display sides which is attached to or part of a completely self-supportive structure. The supporting structure shall be set firmly on or below the ground surface and shall not be attached to any building whether portable or stationary.

SIGN, REAL ESTATE

A sign placed upon the property for the purpose of advertising to the public the sale or lease of the property placed thereon.

SIGN, ROOFTOP

Any sign wholly erected, constructed or maintained on the roof or parapet of a structure.

SIGN, TEMPORARY

A nonpermanent nonilluminated wall or freestanding sign.

SIGN, WALL

A sign affixed to or painted on and parallel with the surface of a wall or facade. A sign affixed to or painted on any awning, marquee or canopy shall be considered a wall sign.

C. General regulations for signs.

(1) All signs erected within the Village shall conform to this section and the Uniform Construction Code.

(2) No sign shall be erected or altered within the Village without first obtaining a permit from the Construction Code Official of the Village. A sign permit application shall include structural drawings of how the sign is to be erected and electrical drawings of how the sign is to comply with the appropriate electrical codes. Applications to re-face a sign must be approved by the Zoning Officer and Construction Code Official of the Village.

(3) Removal of certain signs. In the event that a business ceases to operate for a period of time in excess of 90 days, the sign owner, lessee, or the property owner shall immediately remove any sign identifying or advertising the business or any product sold thereby; provided, however, the requirement shall not apply where, under the provisions of this chapter, an existing conforming sign may remain when evidence is presented to the Zoning Officer that a new business will be in operation on the premises within 90 days. Upon failure to comply with this section, the appropriate Village official shall take the legal steps outlined in the enforcement sections of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, "removal" shall mean the dismantling and relocation from the site in question of the sign face, posts, supports, sign box, and all other structural members and electrical elements, if any, of the sign.

(4) Sign illumination. Direct illumination or backlighting shall not exceed 25 watts of incandescent power or 75 footcandles when measured with a standard light meter perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension for any sign.

(5) Glare. All signs shall be so designed, located, shielded and directed so as to prevent the casting of glare or direct light from artificial illumination upon streets, driveways and surrounding property.

(6) Exempt signs. Exempt signs, as provided herein, shall be permitted within all zoning districts of the Village of Ridgefield Park.

(a) Any display or official notice of and by a governmental agency of the United States, the state, the county, the Village or any of their political subdivisions.

(b) Any official traffic control device.

(c) Any flag, emblem or insignia of a governmental agency of the United States, State of New Jersey, County of Bergen or Village of Ridgefield Park.

(d) Any sign attached to the street facade of a public or volunteer ambulance corps or firehouse building, provided only one sign is permitted per building and provided each sign does not exceed 100 square feet in area and is located at least eight feet above grade.

(e) Any sign located completely within an enclosed structure, provided that the sign is not visible or directed to be seen from the outside of the structure.

(f) Any sign not exceeding two square feet in area indicating the private nature of a driveway, limited to one sign per driveway entrance, and any "no trespassing" signs not exceeding two square feet each.

D. Temporary signs.

(1) The following temporary signs are permitted within any district.

(a) Real estate "for sale" signs.

[1] One sign per lot is permitted to advertise the sale or rental of the premises upon which it is located by the owner or by a real estate agent or broker. For a corner property, two signs per lot, one for each street, shall be permitted.

[2] The sign shall not exceed an area of four square feet and shall be removed seven days after the execution of a contract or the expiration of the listing agreement. In the event the contract is voided or canceled within 60 days, the sign may be placed back on the property without an additional fee.

[3] All "for sale" signs shall be set back at least 15 feet from the curbline and shall not, under any circumstances, block the vision of the driver of an automobile at the intersection of a street and driveway or two or more streets.

(b) Real estate "open house" signs.

[1] The owner or agent representing the owner of a single- or two-family residential home which is being offered for sale or rent may erect in addition to a "for sale" or "for rent" sign, an "open house" sign.

[2] Only one "open house" sign will be permitted on the property and shall be placed no sooner than one day before the scheduled "open house" and removed one day after its conclusion.

[3] "Open house" signs shall not be permitted on county roads, state highways or other major arterial roadways.

(c) Major subdivision signs.

[1] Signs advertising a major subdivision that has received preliminary approval by the Planning Board shall not exceed two in number.

[2] No sign is to exceed 12 square feet in area and shall be removed within 60 days after the completion of construction work within the subdivision or within 10 days after the issuance of the last certificate of occupancy, whichever occurs sooner.

(d) Building under construction.

[1] One sign per lot is permitted to identify the work of a builder or all subcontractors on new construction.

[2] Said sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and shall be removed within seven days after the completion of construction.

(e) Announcement of future events.

[1] One sign per lot is permitted to announce any educational, charitable or civic event, and such sign may be displayed for a consecutive period not to exceed 60 days in one calendar year. All such signs shall be removed by the person constructing the sign within 14 days after the sixty-day period ends.

[2] No such sign shall exceed 12 square feet in total area.

(f) Political signs.

[1] Political signs may be erected, provided that they advance noncommercial, social and political messages. Such signs shall conform with the requirements of the zoning district in which they are constructed.

(g) Restrictions applicable to all temporary signs.

[1] The signs may be freestanding or attached to buildings.

[2] The signs shall not be illuminated and shall not violate any of the limitations or prohibitions set forth in Subsection D(1)(g) herein.

[3] Permits for the erection and maintenance of signs described herein shall be obtained from the Construction Code Official.

[4] Signs shall not be permitted on telephone poles, electric poles or trees.

(h) Any temporary sign or banner to announce the opening or anniversary of a business or special sale event for a period not to exceed 30 days once in any year, as specifically shall be approved by the Construction Code Official. This procedure shall not permit signs advertising garage or similar sales.

(i) Temporary signs fees and fines. There shall be a $20 fee for a permit to erect a temporary sign.

(j) There shall be a fine of not more than $100 imposed upon the property owner or the owner's agent or applicant for any violation of the regulations which apply to temporary signs. A fifty-dollar fine may be imposed for each and every day the violation continues to exist. Permits issued for temporary signs shall be issued for a period not to exceed six months or when the reason for the issuance of the permit no longer exists or as otherwise described herein, whichever is shorter.

(k) For fire, rescue and other emergency services, all principal buildings in all districts shall be clearly identified as to house or street number by means of an unobstructed sign clearly visible and legible from the abutting street.

(2) Prohibited signs. The following signs are specifically prohibited within all zones in the Village of Ridgefield Park:

[Amended 11-27-2007 by Ord. No. 07-09]

(a) Signs which resemble, simulate or may be mistaken for traffic, directional or other public signs.

(b) Signs which obstruct doors, windows, stairways, sidewalks, driveways or streets.

(c) Signs placed on trees, rocks, utility poles, bridges, bridge supports or abutments, retaining walls, cell towers and water towers.

(d) Searchlights or beacons.

(e) Banners, pennants, streamers, bunting, balloons, gas-filled figures or similar devices, except as specifically approved by the Board of Commissioners, as provided herein.

(f) Portable or "A" frame signs.

(g) Billboards, except as a permitted conditional use pursuant to § 96-7.8I(3) in an I-3 Zone under the conditions expressed therein.

(h) Signs which employ or are lighted by means of flashing lights or which have animated or moving parts, neon or gas-filled lights, or have reflector-type materials which may impair the vision of drivers.

(i) Signs affixed to parked motor vehicles, the primary purpose of which are to direct the attention of the public to any business or activity conducted on the premises upon which the vehicle is parked.

(j) Signs which by reasons of the size and location pose a threat to the safety and welfare of the public or which obstruct driving vision along any street, right-of-way or traffic sign or signal.

(k) Rooftop signs.

E. Additional sign regulations within all residential zones.

(1) Within the R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Zones, any single-family or two-family use shall be permitted to maintain one unlighted real estate sign, not to exceed two square feet in area on each side, advertising the sale, lease or rental of a building or lot upon which said sign is located.

(2) Within the R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Zones, any single-family or two-family use shall be permitted to maintain a professional occupation sign which may have one lighted or unlighted sign not to exceed 1.5 square feet per occupation in the building or a total of three square feet, whichever is less.

(3) Schools and other public buildings within the R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 Zones may have signs or announcement boards not exceeding 12 square feet in area.

F. Additional sign regulations within the R-3 and R-4 Zones.

(1) Within the R-3 and R-4 Zones only, one sign displaying the name of an apartment building only shall be permitted. Said sign shall be no larger than 16 square feet for the first 50 housing units nor larger than 16 square feet plus 0.5 square feet for each additional 10 units over 50 units, except that in no case shall any permitted sign exceed 25 square feet.

G. Additional sign regulations for the historic commercial zone, C-1(H) Zone.

(1) Each building shall be permitted one exterior sign.

(2) Sign area shall be limited to 10% of the total area of the facade of the building measured as the shortest perpendicular measurement from the top of the second floor to the bottom of the first floor but in no case shall exceed 30 square feet.

(3) Where a building contains multiple uses, the sign area for all uses shall not exceed 10% of the total area of the facade of the building or 50 square feet, whichever is less.

(4) All signs shall be attached to the building facade.

(5) No freestanding, pedestal or roof signs shall be permitted.

(6) Temporary window signs shall not exceed 20% of the total area of all windows on the facade of the building.

H. Additional sign regulations for commercial zones (C-2 and C-3).

(1) For uses permitted in the R-2 District, the same regulations shall apply as designated in the R-2 District.

(2) Office and professional buildings may have one lighted or unlighted sign, which shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.

(3) All other uses may have one unlighted sign not to exceed 20 square feet in area for each use.

I. Additional sign regulations for industrial zones (I-1, I-2 and I-3 Zones).

[Amended 11-27-2007 by Ord. No. 07-09]

(1) Office buildings, service stations, restaurants, diners shall be permitted one exterior sign.

(a) Sign area shall be limited to 10% of the total area of the facade of the building measured as the shortest perpendicular measurement from the top of the second floor to the bottom of the first floor.

(b) Where a building contains multiple uses, the sign area for all uses shall not exceed 10% of the total area of the facade of the building.

(c) No sign shall exceed 60 square feet.

(2) All other uses shall be limited to one sign.

(a) Sign may be freestanding or attached to the facade of the building only.

(b) Area may not exceed 100 square feet or 10% of the area of the facade of the building, measured as the shortest perpendicular measurement from the top of the second floor to the bottom of the first floor, whichever is less.

(c) Freestanding signs shall be limited to a height of 20 feet from the street line.

(d) Freestanding signs shall be limited to a height of 25 feet.

(3) Billboards as a conditional use in 1-3 Zone.

(a) Billboards shall be permitted as a conditional use in the I-3 Zone, subject to the following conditions:

[1] The maximum face of a billboard shall be 500 square feet.

[2] The minimum lot area of the parcel proposed for the placement of a billboard shall be two acres.

[3] The minimum setback for all billboards from any property line or right-of-way line shall be equal to the proposed height of the billboard.

[4] No more than one billboard shall be permitted on any one tax lot. Double-faced billboards visible from opposite directions but built on a common frame shall be considered one billboard for purposes of this item 5.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: So in original.

[5] No such billboard shall be closer than 200 feet from any residential zone.

[6] The billboard, when constructed, will comply with all of the other provisions of this chapter that are not specifically provided herein.

[7] No billboard shall have less than four feet of clear space between the bottom of the sign and the ground.

[8] No billboard shall be constructed within 1,000 feet of an existing billboard.

[9] No billboard shall be located within 1,000 feet of any interchange or right-of-way for any tunnel, bridge, underpass or overpass.

[10] No billboard shall be permitted which, because of its size, shape or location, will obscure or obstruct the view of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or be confused with any authorized traffic control sign, signal or device.

[11] All billboards shall be in compliance with the Roadway Sign Control and Outdoor Advertising Act, N.J.S.A. 27:5-5 et seq., as may be amended from time to time.

[12] Landscaping shall be required around the base of the billboard and may be required elsewhere on the lot to provide a positive aesthetic effect.

[13] No rotating or rooftop billboards are permitted.

(b) Application for approval of a billboard.

[1] An applicant for a billboard permit shall make application to the Planning Board of the Village of Ridgefield Park if the proposal meets all of the conditions set forth above for the approval of a conditional use in Subsection I(3)(a) above and if the proposed billboard is located within an I-3 Zone. If an application does not meet all of the conditions for approval as set forth in Subsection I(3)(a) above or if the application is in a zone other than an I-3 Zone, then such application must be made to the Ridgefield Park Zoning Board of Adjustment for a use variance and is subject to submission of the proofs necessary for such variance.

[2] All applications for billboards shall include the following information:

[a] Map. A key map of the site with reference to the surrounding areas and existing street positions, and specifically the location sought to be utilized for the billboard.

[b] Owner of record. The name(s) of the owner(s) of record shall be noted on the plan, together with the lot and block numbers for which application is sought, as indicated by the most recent tax records.

[c] Property lines, contingent lots. The bearings and distances of property lines for the lot in question shall be shown in order to comply with specific limitations herein.

[d] Setbacks. Construction setbacks shall be demonstrated on the plan.

[e] Existing physical features. Physical features within the lot shall be designed on the plan, such as streams, trees, wetlands and other structures.

[f] Topographic data. Topography showing existing and proposed contours at no less than five-foot intervals for slopes averaging 10% or greater and two-foot intervals for land of lesser slope. A reference bench mark shall be clearly designated.

[g] Design details for improvement. Cross sections, design details and dimensions for improvements shall be shown on the plan.

[h] Utilities. Location and design of the existing and/or proposed utilities shall be included in the plan.

[i] Lighting details. Lighting details indicating the type of standard, location, radius and pattern of light, intensity and footcandles shall be shown.

[j] Architectural sketches. Architectural prospective sketches of the proposed construction shall be included in the application.

[k] Right-of-way; easements. The means by which access to the sign is to be located shall be demonstrated on the application plan.

[l] Legend. In addition to the following, a legend shall be located on the plan and included in the application, to be signed by the owner of the property before submission of the plan, which shall state the following: "I hereby consent to the filing of the billboard plan with the Village of Ridgefield Park."

[m] Visual representations. The applicant shall provide visual representations to the Board, demonstrating the visual impacts of the proposed billboard. These may be in the form of sealed diagrams or computer-generated simulations of the billboard, as proposed. These materials shall illustrate sight lines and views of the proposed billboard from adjoining properties.

[n] Traffic safety; landscaping; environmental impact; drainage. Traffic safety, landscaping, environmental impact and drainage shall be included in the application.

J. Additional sign regulations for office parks (OP-1 Zone).

[Amended 10-25-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-12]

(1) All buildings shall be permitted one exterior sign.

(2) Signs shall be limited to freestanding or attached signs.

(3) Signs may not exceed 30 square feet in area.

(4) Freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of 30 feet from the street right-of-way line.

(5) Freestanding signs shall be limited to a height of no more than 25 feet.

(6) No attached sign shall be higher than the parapet or the roofline of the building, whichever is the lesser.

K. Signs for gasoline stations.

(1) Gasoline stations may have one ground, pylon or freestanding sign not to exceed the maximum area as provided where permitted in the schedule of permitted sign regulations and, where not permitted, not to exceed a maximum area of 50 square feet.

(2) Said signage shall be limited to identifying the business name and logo and gasoline prices and may be a composite structurally of one or more signs, which alone or in combination shall not exceed the maximum square footage as provided herein. Additionally, the business name or logo, not to exceed four square feet in area, may be identified on two sides only of a canopy.

(3) Except as provided in this chapter, no other signage shall be permitted.

§ 96-7.9 Swimming pools.

A. Permanent in-ground and aboveground swimming pools accessory to a residential use shall be erected on the same zone lot as the principal structure, building or use.

B. A permanent swimming pool shall be any device which is capable of maintaining a water depth of 24 inches or greater.

C. Said pool may be erected in the side or rear year of the zoning lot. The wall of the swimming pool shall be no closer than 10 feet to a side or rear property line. No portion of the walkway or deck surrounding the pool shall be located within six feet of the side or rear yard.

D. No swimming pool shall be permitted within the front yard area.

E. All such pools shall be completely and suitably screened with a locked fence no less than four feet in height and no greater than six feet in height.

F. Said regulations shall not apply to portable swimming pools which are less than 24 inches in height.

G. Pools which are accessory to apartments, townhouses and motel complexes shall be located within an area of no less than 3,000 square feet, of which no more than 40% shall represent a water surface area.

(1) No edge of any pool shall be closer to any building or property line than 15 feet.

(2) The area devoted to the use of the pool shall be enclosed with a fence no less than five feet or greater than eight feet in height.

(3) The pool may be internally or externally lit, but in no case shall any light be directed in a direct or indirect fashion upon any adjacent property. All lighting shall be in compliance with the applicable national electrical code.

(4) If any portion of the pool or land devoted to the use of the pool, light stanchion or loudspeaker is located closer to any residential building or property line than 50 feet, dense buffers of evergreen trees and shrubs shall be provided.