Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-37, all subdivisions in the Township of Riverside shall be reviewed and approved by the Township Planning Board prior to the filing of subdivision plats or deeds with the office of the Burlington County Clerk. The only exemptions from the subdivision review and approval process are divisions of land that are not defined as subdivisions under this chapter.
A. 
No construction permits shall be issued for any new structure or for any addition or alteration to an existing structure; no zoning permits shall be issued for any new use; and no certificates of occupancy shall be issued for any change of use of an existing structure until a site plan is reviewed and approved by the Riverside Township Joint Land Use Planning Board except that the following are specifically excluded from the site plan review and approval process:
(1) 
Single-/two-family dwellings. A construction permit for a single-family detached dwelling unit or a two-family dwelling unit used exclusively as a residence and/or their permitted accessory buildings or uses shall not require site plan approval in accordance with the following:
(a) 
The use of an existing or proposed principal or accessory building for a home occupation as defined and permitted by this chapter shall require the issuance of a zoning permit prior to the issuance of a construction permit or certificate of occupancy.
(b) 
Permitted accessory buildings to single-family detached or two-family dwelling units that are located on the same lot as the residence shall not require site plan approval.
(c) 
If the permitted accessory building or use is not located on the same lot as a principal single-family or two-family residential structure, site plan approval shall be required when the accessory structure exceeds 400 square feet in area.
(2) 
Change of use.
(a) 
Any change of use from one permitted category of use to another permitted category of use shall not require site plan approval if the Zoning Officer certifies, in writing, that the existing site development meets the requirements of this chapter and that the new use category does not require an increase in the number of parking or loading spaces or other required site element. The Joint Land Use Planning Board shall review and concur with this waiver determination of the Zoning Officer.
(b) 
The Riverside Joint Land Use Planning Board may waive site plan review and approval for a change of use if the change of use will not result in an increase in the intensity of land use on the site.
(c) 
Applications for a conditional use permit may require site plan review and approval, per § 255-98 of this Code.
(3) 
Building additions/alterations. Building alterations shall not require site plan approval if the Zoning Officer certifies, in writing, that all of the following conditions apply:
(a) 
There is no change in use;
(b) 
There is no change in a prior approval condition;
(c) 
The structural alteration does not exceed 1,000 square feet or less of floor area and will not encroach on existing off-street parking areas nor require additional parking;
(d) 
There is no change in circulation proposed such as drive though windows, ingress or egress drives, changes in internal circulation, loading or unloading, delivery of pickup of goods or services, or trash collection;
(e) 
There are no major changes in a significant facility or improvement such as a drainage facility, or landscaped buffer; and
(f) 
The total impervious area of the site is not increased by 5,000 square feet or by more than 10% of the site area, whichever is less.
(4) 
Fences/walls. Fences or walls shall not require site plan approval provided that they are not an element of a land development that requires site plan approval.
(5) 
Signs. Signs that are less than 25 square feet in area shall not require site plan approval, provided that they are not an element of a land development that requires site plan approval. All signs require the issuance of a zoning permit unless exempted by the sign section of this chapter.
B. 
Land disturbance. No land disturbance (i.e., filling, cutting, grading) or site clearing in excess of 5,000 square feet shall be permitted to take place unless site plan approval for the proposed use has been obtained from the Township Planning Board and the necessary zoning permit has been issued prior to the commencement of the land disturbance.
Prior to the issuance of a zoning permit or certificate of occupancy for any conditional use permitted by this chapter, an application shall be made to the Planning Board for approval of the conditional use. The review by the Planning Board shall determine whether the conditional use complies with this provision of this chapter and shall include any required site plan review.
In the event that an application for development requires an approval by a governmental agency other than the Joint Land Use Planning Board, the Board shall, in appropriate circumstances, condition approval upon the subsequent approval of such governmental agency, provided that the Board shall make a decision on any application for development within the time period provided in this chapter, or within an extension of such period as has been agreed to by the applicant, unless the Board is prevented or relieved from so acing by operation of law.
All applications for variance relief to the Joint Land Use Planning Board not involving any related site plan, subdivision or conditional use approval shall be filed at least 15 days prior to the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Board. The filing shall include 10 copies of any maps and related material; five completed copies of the appropriate application form(s), which includes the checklist for variances pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-10.3, attached to this chapter;[1] and the fee in accordance with Chapter 202 of the Code of Riverside. The Board shall act upon the application as stipulated by law.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said checklist is included as an attachment to this chapter.
A. 
All applications for conditional use shall be granted or denied by the Joint Land Use Planning Board pursuant to § 255-42.
B. 
The review by the Joint Land Use Planning Board of a conditional use application shall include site plan review. In cases where a conditional use application does not include alteration of the exterior of a building and will not have an impact on parking requirements, the Joint Land Use Planning Board may waive site plan submission requirements as provided for in § 255-103D. The time period for action by the Board on conditional use applications shall apply to such site plan review.
C. 
If the development requiring conditional use approval deviates from a conditional use specification or standard, thereby requiring approval by the Zoning Board of Adjustment of a variance to allow such deviation, the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall, in lieu of the Planning Board, grant or deny the application.
D. 
The Joint Land Use Planning Board shall grant or deny an application for a conditional use within 95 days of submission of a complete application to the administrative officer of the Board, or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant.
A. 
The Joint Land Use Planning Board, when acting upon applications for preliminary or minor subdivision, shall have the power to grant such exceptions from the requirements for subdivision approval as may be reasonable and within the general purpose and intent of the provisions for subdivision review if the literal enforcement of one or more provisions is impracticable or will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land in question.
B. 
The Joint Land Use Planning Board, when acting upon applications for preliminary site plan approval, including site plan approval related to conditional use applications, shall have the power to grant exceptions from the requirements for site plan approval as may be reasonable and within the general purpose and intent of the provisions for site plan review if the literal enforcement of one or more provisions is impracticable or will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land in question.
C. 
The Joint Land Use Planning Board shall have the power to review and approve or deny conditional uses or site plans simultaneously with review for subdivision approval without the developer being required to make further application to the Joint Land Use Planning Board or the Board being required to hold further hearings. The longest time period for action by the Joint Land Use Planning Board, whether it be for subdivision, conditional use or site plan approval, shall apply. Whenever approval of a conditional use is requested by the developer pursuant to this subsection, notice of the hearing on the plat shall include reference to the request for such conditional use.
D. 
Site plan waiver. The Planning Board may waive site plan approval requirements if it finds, after application and hearing, that the construction or alteration or change of occupancy or use does not affect existing circulation, drainage, relationships of building to each other, landscaping, buffering, lighting and other considerations of site plan review. An applicant requesting a waiver of site plan approval shall submit building plans and other drawings and information sufficient to enable the Planning Board to make an informed decision as to whether the waiver should be granted. The applicant shall pay the fees set forth for minor site plans in the Code of Riverside.
Every major site plan development application must include as part of the application an environmental impact statement.
A. 
Purpose. The intent of the environmental impact statement (EIS) requirement is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of major development projects on the Township's physical and social environment and to ensure that any impacts are mitigated to the extent possible.
B. 
Submission requirement. An environmental impact statement shall be submitted for all major submission and major site plan applications. The EIS must be submitted with the application for preliminary approval for the application to be deemed complete.
C. 
Preparation. The environmental impact statement should be prepared using an interdisciplinary approach. The qualifications of the person(s) who prepared each of the various elements of the statement shall be identified in a separate section of the EIS. References shall be cited throughout the statement as appropriate and listed fully using a consistent standard format. The document shall be signed by a New Jersey licensed professional engineer or planner.
D. 
Format.
(1) 
The environmental impact statement shall be bound or in a looseleaf binder and submitted on eight-and-one-half-by-eleven-inch paper. Each major section of the statement shall be clearly identified and shall begin on a separate page. All maps, plans and aerial photographs included in the statement shall specify a north point, graphic scale, date of preparation, source of information and, where appropriate, boundary lines.
(2) 
Maps, plans and aerial photographs submitted in each major section of the statement shall be at appropriate scales to facilitate comparative analyses and assessments of environmental impacts.
E. 
Content. The EIS shall contain the following elements, as specified below:
(1) 
Cover page. The cover page shall indicate:
(a) 
That the document is an EIS for (state name or title of application).
(b) 
The name of the proposed facility.
(c) 
Its location within the Township.
(d) 
The name, address and telephone number of the person who prepared the EIS.
(e) 
The date of preparation of the EIS.
(2) 
Summary. A one-page summary containing the following elements shall be placed at the beginning of the EIS:
(a) 
A brief description of the proposed facility, including its location.
(b) 
Summary of major beneficial and adverse environmental impacts of the proposed facility.
(c) 
Summary of major alternatives considered.
(d) 
Township, county, state and federal approvals required for the proposed facility, if any.
(3) 
Table of contents. The EIS shall contain a table of contents indicating the page numbers of the major sections and subsections.
(4) 
Environmental inventory. The applicant shall succinctly describe the existing environmental conditions of the site and surrounding region in sufficient detail to assist in the location and design of the facility, provide a basis for the applicant's assessment of the probable beneficial and adverse impacts of the proposed facility and enable the Township to make the findings for permit approval. General inventory requirements for each facility as required herein.
(5) 
Project description. The applicant shall succinctly describe what he proposes to do, and where and how he proposes to do it, during construction and operation of the facility. The project description shall include written text and graphic materials, including a site plan which may contain much of the project description information. General project description requirements for each facility type as required herein.
(6) 
Unavoidable adverse environmental impact. The applicant shall describe probable adverse environmental impacts of the facility that cannot be avoided, including irretrievable commitments of resources, which shall be listed in the order of their relative magnitude.
(7) 
Techniques to minimize adverse environmental impacts. The applicant shall describe the steps he will take to minimize or avoid adverse environmental impacts during the facility's construction, operation or removal, both at the site and in the surrounding region. The applicant's program for ascertaining and verifying the accuracy of the environmental assessment of the facility and the actual effects of project construction shall also be described.
(8) 
Alternatives.
(a) 
The applicant shall identify, describe and analyze alternatives to all of the proposed facility and any part of the proposed facility, including the alternatives of no facility, alternative sites, alternative uses of this site and postponing construction.
(b) 
The discussion of alternatives shall include an evaluation of alternatives that might avoid or minimize some or all of the probable adverse environmental impacts of the project. The costs and benefits of the alternatives shall be analyzed and presented. Reasons for the acceptability or nonacceptability of each alternative shall be given. For residential and sewerage facilities, the presentation of alternatives may include a brief narrative and accompanying sketch plans.
(9) 
Other required licenses, permits and approvals. The applicant shall list all known licenses, permits and other approvals required by Township, county, state or federal law for the construction and operation of the proposed facility. The status of each shall be identified.
(10) 
Documentation. The applicant shall prepare a reference list using a consistent standard format of all published materials, reports, manuscripts or other written sources of information on the facility, its site and surrounding region consulted and employed in the preparation of the environmental impact statement. A separate reference list of all government agencies and individuals that either provided information orally and by letter or coordinated the EIS shall be prepared, with the dates and locations of all meetings specified. The documentation section shall also indicate the person(s) that prepared each major section and subsection of the EIS, including their qualifications.
F. 
Environmental inventory. The EIS shall contain an environmental inventory of the site and its environmental context that includes the following information:
(1) 
General site location map. The site of the proposed facility shall be located generally on a United States Geological Survey Map of the Township.
(2) 
Site location map. A site location map shall be provided consistent with the standards established for key map submission.
(3) 
Existing conditions map. Existing site conditions which may hinder or prevent development such as delineated wetlands, surface water bodies and slopes of 15% or more shall be presented in the mapped format as well as the written format specified below.
(4) 
Existing regional conditions. The existing and proposed supply of and estimated need for the specific facility the applicant proposes to construct shall be described for the relevant surrounding region, which shall be interpreted to mean at least the county. These regional conditions may be mapped if appropriate.
(5) 
Geology and soils. A map and text shall identify and describe the physical features of the site, including, but not limited to:
(a) 
Soil types, as classified and mapped by the Cooperative Soil Survey as conducted by the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the New Jersey Experiment Station, Cook College, Rutgers University, and the State Soil Conservation Committee, New Jersey Department of Agriculture (SCSUSDA), where available, or alternative soil types if SCS-USDA data is unavailable.
(b) 
A soil data chart with descriptions indicating the following information for each soil type identified within the site limits:
[1] 
Drainage class.
[2] 
Permeability class.
[3] 
Seasonal high-water table.
[4] 
Foundation limitations.
[5] 
Agricultural land capacity class.
[6] 
Erosion potential.
[7] 
Septic tank suitability, if appropriate.
[8] 
Trafficability (dust hazard).
[9] 
Depth of and name of the first geologic formation named on New Jersey Geologic Map, Atlas Sheet 40, or equivalent documentation, including prequaternary deposits.
[10] 
Degree of acidity and alkalinity of the soil.
(c) 
Engineering soil classification, as mapped by SCS-USDA.
(d) 
An engineering design characteristics chart indicating the following information for each engineering soil classification within the site:
[1] 
Limitations of soils for road cuts and fills.
[2] 
Road alignment characteristics.
[3] 
Limitations of soil for embankments.
[4] 
Pavement support characteristics.
(e) 
The location, nature and thickness of any areas containing landfill materials on and within 200 feet of the site, a description of the landfill materials, and the appropriate beginning and cessation dates of landfill activities.
(f) 
Potentially valuable mineral, gravel or other subsurface resources of the site shall be identified.
(6) 
Hydrology. A topographic map of the site and its surroundings to a distance of 200 feet, with contour intervals consistent with those required for site plan submissions and accompanied by appropriate text shall identify and describe the following items:
(a) 
Surface water.
[1] 
Existing natural and man-made watercourses, including drainageways, swales and water-control structures, on and within 200 feet of the site, with their location, width, slope, capacity and direction of flow.
[2] 
Flood-hazard areas of flood-prone areas with cross section of watercourses at an appropriate scale and at appropriate intervals along the watercourse, showing extent of floodplain, top-of-bank, normal water level and bottom elevation.
[3] 
Existing lakes or ponds within or adjacent to the site, with location, extent and water level elevation.
[4] 
Existing storm drainage systems, including storm sewers, drainage ditches and retention or detention basins, on or adjacent to the site, with location, extent, capacity and direction of flow.
[5] 
Existing stormwater runoff from the project site and upstream watershed areas and calculations used to determine same.
[6] 
Existing slope analysis, with slopes of 0% to 1%, 2% to 4%, 5% to 9%, 10% to 14% and 15% or more delineated;
(b) 
Groundwater.
[1] 
Aquifer recharge areas.
[2] 
Apparent direction of groundwater movement based upon surficial topography monitoring or potable water well data if available.
[3] 
Yields of existing wells within 1/2 mile of the site, including description of aquifer(s) being utilized.
(7) 
Vegetation. A map and text shall identify and describe the vegetation of the site, including but not limited to, the following items:
(a) 
The vegetation types present, indicating the major species by scientific and common name. Where applicable, both over story and understory species should be included.
(b) 
The acreage and percent of total area represented by each type.
(c) 
Data for forest types shall include average diameter breast high (measured at five feet above ground level), diameter range and basal area for the over story trees.
(d) 
Species or specimen trees unique because of scarcity, size, historical significance, or endangered status shall be indicated.
(e) 
Wetlands as determined through actual field delineation should be described. A wetlands delineation report prepared by a qualified individual per the requirements of the New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act may be included as an appendix to this environmental impact statement. Alternatively, a statement from a qualified individual as to the absence of wetlands, if applicable, should be provided.
(8) 
Wildlife. A map and text shall identify and describe the wildlife of the site (indicated by their common and scientific names), including but not limited to the following items:
(a) 
The species of wildlife (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians or aquatic organisms (present or which could be affected by the proposed project and the amount and quality of their associated habitat.
(b) 
Any areas within the proposed site which are critical to the life cycle of any species of wildlife should be discussed.
(c) 
Those species of wildlife classified as threatened or endangered by the appropriate state or federal agencies.
(9) 
Water quality.
(a) 
Surface waters. A water quality inventory of such water bodies directly affected by the proposed facility shall be prepared utilizing existing authoritative sources of information. The classifications of such affected water bodies, their water quality standards and their status in meeting the established water quality standards shall be described. Existing restrictive uses of these water bodies shall be identified. The need to present additional data shall be based upon the relative sensitivity of the water body affected.
(b) 
Groundwater. Where groundwater is to be utilized for potable water supplies, the water quality inventory shall include those parameters established for prevailing drinking water standards and any water quality standards established for groundwater.
(10) 
Water supply. The existing and proposed potable water supply system available to the site shall be identified and described in maps and text, indicating:
(a) 
Source of supply.
(b) 
Adequacy of supply, including current and anticipated maximum water demands within the entire service area, as available by the owner of said supply.
(c) 
Pressure and volume of water available.
(11) 
Sewerage system. The existing and proposed sewerage system available to the site shall be identified and described in maps and text, indicating:
(a) 
Availability of existing facilities, including status of sewer connection ban, if any;
(b) 
The adequacy of existing facilities, including:
(c) 
Design capacity, type of treatment provided and location of outfall.
(d) 
Current flows, including average monthly during highest month and highest twenty-four-hour flow.
(e) 
Outstanding commitments to accept additional flows from other projects.
(f) 
Water quality standards and effluent limitations.
(g) 
Where individual septic tanks are proposed, indicate:
(h) 
Location of registered or licensed water supplies within 500 feet of the project.
(i) 
Field data describing results of soil borings, percolation test and seasonally high ground water table conditions, with specific locations of (including the dates of these tests). Soil borings shall be classified by the United Soil Classification System.
(12) 
Air quality. The existing air quality of the site and its surrounding region shall be evaluated and described, using monitoring data collected by and available from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy. The applicant may also monitor the existing air quality, or estimate air quality utilizing other sources of information.
(13) 
Energy. The energy supplies available for delivery to the site shall be estimated, with types of energy, points of origin and means of transmission and delivery described and located. The percent of existing supply presently utilized shall be identified and, if applicable, differences is seasonal demands shall be indicated.
(14) 
Public services. Existing public and private services relevant to the proposed facility and available at the site and its surrounding region shall be described and located. Such services shall include, but not be limited to police and fire protection, first aid and ambulance services, health services, solid waste and garbage services, public and private educational facilities and commercial facilities.
(15) 
Outdoor recreation. A map and accompanying text shall identify the site and locate and describe the types and quantities, physical accessibility and availability for public use of recreation facilities and services within two miles of the site, including, but not limited to, the following: waterways, wetlands, marinas, boat docks and launching platforms, playgrounds, parks, forests, natural areas, tennis courts, swimming pools, bikeways, etc. The extent of existing use and of unused capacity of these facilities shall also be indicated.
(16) 
Transportation. The existing and known proposed transportation system available to the site and its surrounding region shall be described and located on a map at an appropriate scale. The highway and road network, other forms of public and private, individual and mass transportation, frequencies, volumes, peak periods and routes shall be identified. The relationship between places of employment and residential areas in the region shall be discussed.
(17) 
Historic and cultural resources. The social, economic and community history of the site and its relevant surrounding region shall be described. Areas and sites of archeological, architectural, anthropological and historic significance, including those proposed for nomination or included in the National State Register of Historic Places, shall be identified, described and located on a map. An awareness of both above- and below-ground cultural resources, if any, should be reflected in this section, which should include a synopsis of the effort and method that is the basis for this awareness.
(18) 
Aesthetics. The existing visual character and scenic attributes of the built and natural environment of the site and its relevant surrounding region, including common and significant views and vistas to and from the site, shall be described and depicted graphically, as appropriate.
(19) 
Demographic, social and economic conditions. A general demographic profile of the municipality and county in which the proposed facility is located shall be prepared, including data on the age, family income and occupation distribution of the population, as well as recent demographic trends. The relevant general social and economic problems and opportunities of the site and its relevant surrounding region, including housing considerations, municipal and county government revenues and expenditures, employment and property values and the relevant legitimate economic aspirations of the inhabitants of the area shall be discussed.
(20) 
Hazardous materials. Any known or suspected deposits of man-made regulated hazardous materials, including hazardous wastes, such as contaminated soil, above- or below-ground oil storage tanks or abandoned chemical storage facilities, shall be described. The applicant shall specify whether such deposits are to be removed from the site in compliance with applicable Department of Environmental Protection rules and regulations.
G. 
EIS review. Upon receipt of a major site plan or subdivision application, the Planning Board Secretary shall forward the environmental impact statement (EIS) to the Planning Board Engineer and the Planning Board Planner for review. The EIS shall only be considered administratively complete for the purposes of determining the application's completeness if each of the subsections described in this section are adequately addressed. Once the EIS is determined to be administratively complete, the Board professionals shall conduct a technical review of the EIS and report their comments within 30 days of the date of submission to the Planning Board agency. If the EIS is determined to be technically deficient in any manner, the applicant shall be required to submit an amendment or addendum to the EIS. The Board professionals shall have 30 days to review the amendment or addendum. If the EIS is deemed technically complete, the Board professionals shall summarize the EIS to the Planning Board and recommend any further mitigative measures. Copies of the environmental impact statement shall be on file and available for inspection in the office of the Planning Board Secretary. The same schedule and conditions applicable to the full site plan or subdivision requirements shall also apply to an EIS.
A. 
All applications for preliminary major subdivision approval where 10 or more lots are proposed, all applications for multifamily residential developments and all applications for preliminary major site plan approval shall be accompanied by a community impact statement analyzing the proposed development and its expected impacts upon existing municipal facilities and services.
B. 
The community impact statement shall indicate why, in the applicant's opinion, the proposed development is in the public interest, as well as providing data and opinions concerning the following specific items:
(1) 
Population impact. An analysis of the number of people expected to be added to the municipal population as a result of the proposed development according to the following age cohorts: children, adults and other information about age cohorts.
(2) 
School impact. An analysis of the anticipated number of pupils who will be added to the student population in the municipality and the ability of the existing public school facilities to absorb the expected student population during a ten-year period. Should expanded or new school facilities and/or increased teaching staff be required, the projected cost for such additions shall be specified.
(3) 
Facilities impact. An analysis of the existing facilities available to serve the proposed development and the impact of the development upon the facilities, including the adequacy of existing public water facilities, public sewerage facilities, recreational facilities and library facilities. Should such facilities be determined inadequate to serve the proposed development, the remedies, either expected or proposed by the applicant, shall be indicated along with the estimated costs for such additional facilities.
(4) 
Service impact. An analysis of the existing services provided by the Township to serve the proposed development and the impact of the development upon the services, including police protection, fire protection, solid waste disposal and street maintenance services.
(5) 
Traffic impact. An analysis of the existing road network available to serve the proposed development, as well as the proposed road network within the development itself and the surrounding road network which will be affected by the proposed development, including the capacity of the existing and proposed roadways, the anticipated traffic volumes as a result of the proposed development, the physical structure of both road networks and any problem areas in the road network affected by the development, including unsafe intersections and vertical or horizontal alignments.
(6) 
Financial impact. An analysis of the revenues expected to be generated from the development compared to the anticipated costs which the proposed development is expected to generate. Revenues and costs shall be projected for the Township, the Township school system and the county.
C. 
Waiver. The Planning Board may waive any provisions of this section if deemed not applicable.