This Part 4 shall be known and may be cited
as the "Zoning Ordinance of the Township of West Windsor, New Jersey."
This Part 4 is adopted pursuant to the Municipal
Land Use Law of 1975 (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.), and subsequent amendments
and supplements thereto, in order to promote and protect the public
health, safety, morals and general welfare,
[Last amended 7-12-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-12]
The Township of West Windsor is hereby divided
into the following zoning districts, differentiated according to use,
area and bulk requirements, to be designated as follows:
District
|
Description
| |
---|---|---|
RR/C
|
Residence
|
Rural residential/conservation
|
R-1/C
|
Residence
|
Low-density residential/conservation
|
R-1A
|
Residence
|
Low-density residential
|
R-2
|
Residence
|
Low-density residential
|
R-30
|
Residence
|
Low-density residential
|
R-30A
|
Residence
|
Low-density residential
|
R-30B
|
Residence
|
Low-density residential
|
R-30C
|
Residence
|
Low-density residential
|
R-30D
|
Residence
|
Low-density residential
|
R-24
|
Residence
|
Low-/medium-density residential
|
R-20
|
Residence
|
Low-/medium-density residential
|
R-20A
|
Residence
|
Low-/medium-density residential
|
R-20B
|
Residence
|
Low-/medium-density residential
|
R-3
|
Residence
|
Low/medium-density residential
|
R-3A
|
Residence
|
Affordable housing
|
R-3.5
|
Residence
|
Medium-density residential
|
R-4
|
Residence
|
Medium-density residential
|
R-4A
|
Residence
|
Affordable housing
|
R-4B
|
Residence
|
Affordable housing
|
R-5
|
Residence
|
High-density residential
|
R-5A
|
Residence
|
High-density residential
|
R-5B
|
Residence
|
Affordable housing
|
R-5C
|
Residence
|
Affordable housing
|
R-5D
|
Residence
|
Affordable housing
|
PRN-1
|
Residence
|
Planned residential neighborhood
|
PRRC
|
Planned Residential Retirement Community
|
Retirement community/affordable housing
|
PRRC-1
|
Planned Residential Retirement Community
|
Retirement community/affordable housing
|
RRC
|
Residential Retirement Community
|
Retirement community/affordable housing
|
PMN
|
Residence/Business
|
Planned mixed use neighborhood/affordable housing
|
PMN-1
|
Residence/Business
|
Planned mixed use neighborhood/affordable housing
|
R-1/O
|
Residence
|
Residence office
|
B-1
|
Business
|
Limited convenience center
|
B-2
|
Business
|
Neighborhood center business
|
B-2A
|
Business
|
Neighborhood center business
|
B-3
|
Business
|
Retail node
|
B-4
|
Business
|
Planned retail village center
|
P
|
Business
|
Professional office
|
P-1
|
Planned Village Center
|
Small-scale village center
|
P-3
|
Business
|
Professional office, residence
|
ROM-1
|
Industrial
|
Research, office, limited manufacturing
|
ROM-1A
|
Industrial
|
Research, office, limited manufacturing
|
ROM-2
|
Industrial
|
Research, office, limited manufacturing
|
ROM-3
|
Industrial
|
Research, office, limited manufacturing
|
ROM-4
|
Industrial
|
Research, office, limited manufacturing
|
R&D
|
Industrial
|
Research and development
|
ROR
|
Industrial
|
Research, office, recreation
|
RO
|
Industrial
|
Research, office
|
RO-1
|
Industrial
|
Research, office
|
E
|
Educational
| |
EH
|
Residence
|
Elderly housing
|
RP-1 of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-2 of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-3 of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-4 of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-5 of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-6 of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-7 of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-8 of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-9 of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-10 of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-11 of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-11-Overlay of the Princeton Junction Redevelopment Plan
| ||
RP-12
|
Residence/Affordable Housing
| |
RP-Penns Neck
|
Redevelopment Plan
|
Route 1 Penns Neck Business Commercial
|
[Last amended 7-12-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-12]
The boundaries of said zoning district is hereby established
as shown on the Zoning Map, Township of West Windsor, dated February
22, 2021, and revised through July 12, 2021, which, with all explanatory
matter thereon, is hereby adopted and made part of this Part 4. An
official copy of said Map, indicating the latest amendments, shall
be kept up-to-date in the office of the Land Use Manager for the use
and benefit of the public and shall have the most current revision
date shown thereon. The Zoning Map for that shall be the official
reference as to the current zoning classification of the land within
the boundaries of the Township of West Windsor.
In determining the boundaries of districts shown
on the Map, the following rules shall apply:
A.
Along transportation rights-of-way lines and waterways.
Where district boundaries are indicated as approximately following
the center lines of streets, highways, street lines or highway right-of-way
lines, waterways or railroad rights-of-way or such lines extended,
such center lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.
B.
District lines parallel to streets. Where district
boundaries are so indicated that they are running parallel to the
center lines or street lines of streets, such district boundaries
shall be construed as being parallel thereto and at such distances
therefrom as indicated on the Zoning Map. If no distance is given,
such dimension shall be determined by the use of the scale shown on
said Zoning Map.
C.
Vacation of streets. Whenever any street or public
way is vacated by official action, the zoning districts adjoining
the side of such public way shall be automatically extended to include
the right-of-way thus vacated, which shall thenceforth be subject
to all regulations of the extended district or districts. In general,
where the vacated right-of-way is bounded on either side by more than
one district, the former center line of such right-of-way shall determine
the extension of each district.
E.
District lines parallel to lot lines of record. In
all cases where a district boundary line is located not farther than
15 feet away from a lot line of record, such boundary line shall be
construed to coincide with such lot line.
[Amended 10-25-1982 by Ord. No. 82-48]
F.
Map dimensions. In all other cases where dimensions
are not shown on the Map, the location of boundaries shown on the
Map shall be determined by the Zoning Officer by application of a
scale thereto.
G.
Determination of doubtful lines. In cases of uncertainty
or disagreement as to the true location of any district boundary line,
the determination thereof shall be by the Board of Adjustment.
Following the effective date of this Part 4:
A.
Any use not permitted by this Part 4 shall be deemed
to be prohibited.
B.
Where the provisions of this Part 4 impose greater
restrictions than those of any statute, other ordinance or regulation,
the provisions of this Part 4 shall be controlling. Where the provisions
of any statute, other ordinance or regulation impose greater restrictions
than this Part 4, the provisions of such statute, other ordinance
or regulation shall be controlling.
C.
Every principal dwelling structure and its accessory
structures, except as otherwise provided for under planned residential
neighborhood development, shall be built upon a lot with frontage
upon a street.
D.
Every building hereafter erected or moved shall be
on a lot adjacent to a public street, and all structures shall be
so located on lots as to provide safe and convenient access for servicing,
fire protection and required off-street parking.
[Added 12-13-1982 by Ord. No. 82-52]
A.
The right to farm all land is hereby recognized to exist as a natural right and is also hereby ordained to exist as a permitted use everywhere in the Township of West Windsor, regardless of zoning designation and regardless of specified uses and prohibited uses set forth elsewhere in this Part 4, subject only to the restrictions and regulations for intensive fowl or livestock farms and subject to Township health and sanitary codes and Chapter 170 of this Code, regulating the cutting of trees for the direct benefit of land developers. The right to farm as it is used in this section includes the use of large irrigation pumps and equipment, aerial and ground seeding and spraying, large tractors, numerous farm laborers and the application of chemical fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides, all for the purpose of producing from the land agricultural products such as vegetables, grains, hay, fruits, fibers, wood, trees, plants, shrubs, flowers and seeds. This right to farm shall also include the right to use land for grazing by animals, subject to the restrictions for intensive fowl or livestock farms. The foregoing uses and activities included in the right to farm, when reasonable and necessary for the particular farming, livestock or fowl production and when conducted in accordance with generally accepted agricultural practices, may occur on holidays, Saturdays, Sundays and weekdays, at night and in the day, and the noise, odors, dust and fumes that are caused by them are also specifically permitted as part of the exercise of this right.
[Amended 4-19-1999 by Ord. No. 99-07: 2-27-2006 by Ord. No.
2006-02]
B.
It is expressly found that whatever nuisance may be
caused to others by such uses and activities so conducted is more
than offset by the benefits from farming to the neighborhood and community
and to society in general by the preservation of open space, the beauty
of the countryside and clean air and by the preservation and continuance
of farming operations in West Windsor Township and in New Jersey as
a source of agricultural products for this and future generations.
[Amended 2-25-1985 by Ord. No. 85-1]
Uses listed as a conditional use in a particular
district may be permitted by the Planning Board only if it has determined
that the development proposal complies with the conditions and standards
set forth in this Part 4 for the location and operations of such use.
Site plans for all property uses, except individual single-family residences, custom designed for the owners' own occupancy, and those exemptions as permitted by the provisions of Part 1, Site Plan Review, of this chapter, shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Board prior to the issuance of a building permit. In considering any site plan hereunder, the Planning Board shall be governed by the objectives and standards contained within Part 1, Site Plan Review, and other applicable ordinances of West Windsor Township.
[Amended 9-30-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-12; 6-12-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-03]
Any use or building to be erected, moved, altered, rebuilt or enlarged adjacent to watercourses or located within flood-prone areas shall also conform to the conditions and standards contained in Part 6 of this chapter, Floodplain Management Regulations.
The following riparian zones and regulations herein are enacted
to protect the streams, lakes, and other surface water bodies of the
Township of West Windsor, and to comply with N.J.A.C. 7:15-5.25(g)3,
which requires municipalities to adopt an ordinance that prevents
new disturbance associated with projects or activities in riparian
zones as described herein. Compliance with the riparian zone requirements
herein does not constitute compliance with the riparian zone of buffer
requirements imposed under any other federal, state or local statute,
regulation or ordinance.
The following steep slopes regulations herein are enacted to
restrict or control the intensity of use in areas of steeply sloping
terrain in order to limit soil loss, soil erosion, excessive stormwater
runoff, the degradation of surface water and to maintain the natural
topography and drainage patterns of the land.
A.
ACID-PRODUCING SOILS
APPLICANT
CATEGORY ONE WATERS or C1 WATERS
DISTURBANCE
HUC14
IMPERVIOUS MATERIAL
LAKE, POND, OR RESERVOIR
LINEAR DEVELOPMENT
NO FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVE
REDEVELOPMENT
RIPARIAN ZONE
SPECIAL WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION AREA or SWRPA
STEEP SLOPES
STREAM, INTERMITTENT
STREAM, PERENNIAL
SURFACE WATER BODY(IES)
THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES
TROUT MAINTENANCE WATER
TROUT PRODUCTION WATER
WATER, FLUVIAL
WATER, TIDAL
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
Soils that contain geologic deposits of iron sulfide minerals
(pyrite and marcasite) which, when exposed to oxygen from the air
or from surface waters, oxidize to produce sulfuric acid. Acid-producing
soils, upon excavation, generally have a pH of 4.0 or lower. After
exposure to oxygen, these soils generally have a pH of 3.0 or lower.
Information regarding the location of acid-producing soils in New
Jersey can be obtained from local Soil Conservation District offices.
A person, corporation, government body or other legal entity
applying to the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment or the Construction
Office, proposing to engage in an activity that is regulated by the
provisions of this section, and that would be located in whole or
in part within a regulated Riparian Zone.
Shall have the meaning ascribed to this term by the Surface
Water Quality Standards, N.J.A.C. 7:9B, for purposes of implementing
the antidegradation policies set forth in those standards, for protection
from measurable changes in water quality characteristics because of
their clarity, color, scenic setting, and other characteristics of
aesthetic value, exceptional ecological significance, exceptional
recreational significance, exceptional water supply significance,
or exceptional fisheries resources.
The placement of impervious surface, the exposure or movement
of soil or bedrock, or the clearing, cutting, or removing of vegetation.
The fourteen-digit hydrologic unit code mapping delineating
a watershed boundary, as defined and established in New Jersey by
the United States Geological Survey.
Any structure, surface, or improvement that reduces or prevents
absorption of stormwater into land, and includes porous paving, paver
blocks, gravel, crushed stone, decks, patios, elevation structures
and other similar structures, surfaces or improvements.
Any surface water body shown on the New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection Geographic Information System (GIS) hydrography
coverages or, in the case of a special water resource protection area
(SWRPA) pursuant to the stormwater management rules at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.5(h),
C1 waters as shown on the USGS quadrangle map or in the County Soil
Surveys within the associated HUC14 watershed, that is an impoundment,
whether naturally occurring or created in whole or in part by the
building of structures for the retention of surface water. This excludes
sedimentation control and stormwater retention/detention basins and
ponds designed for detention and treatment of storm wastewater.
Land uses, such as roads, lanes, paths, railroads, sewerage
and stormwater, gas and water pipelines, electric, telephone, digital,
and other transmission or distribution lines, that have the basic
function of connecting two points, the rights-of-way or widening therefor,
and any accessory structures or uses directly associated therewith.
Linear development shall not include residential, commercial, institutional,
office or industrial buildings, irrigation lines, or newly constructed
improvements within a new land development such as utility lines or
pipes or internal circulation roads not serving an area wide or regional
purpose.
A determination made by the Township Engineer regarding a
linear development or expansion of an existing linear development
that an alternative route, method or means of connecting the linear
development or safely accommodating the additional use of a linear
development is possible without resulting in greater disturbance or
alteration of a surface water body or riparian zone or resulting in
a development or expansion scheme or cost such that a hazardous, unsafe
or ineffective linear development will remain or be developed. Environmental
impacts such as increased air, water or noise pollution may be considered
by the Engineer in the evaluation of hazardous or unsafe conditions.
The construction and/or reconstruction of structures or improvements
on areas which previously contained structures or other improvements.
The land and vegetation within and directly adjacent to all
surface water bodies, including, but not limited to, lakes, ponds,
reservoirs, perennial and intermittent streams, up to and including
their point of origin, such as seeps and springs, as shown on the
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's GIS hydrography
coverages or, in the case of a special water resource protection area
(SWRPA), pursuant to the stormwater management rules at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.5(h),
C1 waters as shown on the USGS quadrangle map or in the County Soil
Surveys within the associated HUC14 watershed. There is no riparian
zone along the Atlantic Ocean nor along any man-made lagoon or oceanfront
barrier island, spit or peninsula.
An area, 300 feet in width, provided on each side of a surface
water body designated as a C1 water or tributary to a C1 water that
is a perennial stream, intermittent stream, lake, pond, or reservoir,
as defined herein and shown on the USGS quadrangle map or in the County
Soil Surveys within the associated HUC14 drainage, pursuant to the
stormwater management rules at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.5(h). Establishment
of the area shall be in accordance with § 200-101G(8).
Any percent of slope calculated as rise in feet per horizontal
run in feet, calculated for each two-foot topographic contour interval,
equal or greater than 20% as measured over any minimum run of 10 feet.
Steep slopes are determined based on topographic contour intervals
of two feet or less. Landscape berms constructed for purposes of landscape
buffering, recreation, or creating a sense of space or sequence shall
not be considered steep slopes for the purposes of this section.
A surface water body with definite bed and banks in which
there is not a permanent flow of water and shown on the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection Geographic Information System
(GIS) hydrography coverages or, in the case of a special water resource
protection area (SWRPA) pursuant to the stormwater management rules
at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.5(h). C1 waters as shown on the USGS quadrangle
map or in the County Soil Surveys within the associated HUC14 watershed.
A surface water body that flows continuously throughout the
year in most years and shown on the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection Geographic Information System (GIS) hydrography coverages
or, in the case of a special water resource protection area (SWRPA)
pursuant to the stormwater management rules at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.5(h).
C1 waters as shown on the USGS quadrangle map or in the County Soil
Surveys within the associated HUC14 watershed.
Any perennial stream, intermittent stream, lake, pond, or
reservoir, as defined herein. In addition, any regulated water under
the Flood Hazard Area Control Act rules at N.J.A.C. 7:13-2.2, or state
open waters identified in a letter of interpretation issued under
the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act rules at N.J.A.C. 7:7A-3 by
the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of
Land Use Regulation shall also be considered surface water bodies.
A species identified pursuant to the Endangered and Nongame
Species Conservation Act, N.J.S.A. 23:2A-1 et seq., the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq. or the Endangered
Plant Species List, N.J.A.C. 7:5C-5.1, and any subsequent amendments
thereto.
A section of water designated as trout maintenance in the
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's surface water
quality standards at N.J.A.C. 7:9B.
A section of water identified as trout production in the
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's surface water
quality standards at N.J.A.C. 7:9B.
A surface water body that is not influenced by the tide,
i.e., a nontidal water.
A surface water body that is influenced by the gravitational
interaction of the earth, the moon and the sun.
B.
Establishment and protection of riparian zones and steep slopes.
(1)
Except as provided in Subsections C and D below, riparian zones adjacent to all surface water bodies, measured from the discernible bank landward, shall be protected from disturbance and shall be delineated as follows:
(a)
The riparian zone shall be 300 feet wide along both sides of
any Category One water (C1 water), and all upstream tributaries situated
within the same HUC14 watershed.
(b)
The riparian zone shall be 300 feet wide along both sides of the Duck Pond Run from the confluence with the Delaware and Raritan Canal upstream to Clarksville Road to the southeast and Meadow Road to the northeast. The three-hundred-foot-wide riparian zone shall not apply to the Little Bear Brook northeast of Meadow Road. The riparian zone for Duck Pond Run upstream from these limits shall be as established by the criteria of Subsection B(1)(a), (c) and (d) herein.
(c)
The riparian zone shall be 150 feet wide along both sides of
the following waters not designated as C1 waters:
[1]
Any trout production water and all upstream waters (including
tributaries);
[2]
Any trout maintenance water and all upstream waters (including
tributaries) within one linear mile from the trout maintenance water,
as measured along the length of the regulated water;
[3]
Any segment of a water flowing through an area that contains
documented habitat for a threatened or endangered species of plant
or animal, which is critically dependent on the surface water body
for survival, and all upstream waters (including tributaries) within
one linear mile as measured along the length of the regulated water;
and
[4]
Any segment of a water flowing through an area that contains
acid-producing soils to the extent so regulated by New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection or Soil Conservation District standards.
(2)
If a discernible bank is not present along a surface water body,
the portion of the riparian zone that lies outside the surface water
body is measured landward as follows:
(a)
Along a linear fluvial or tidal water, such as a stream, the
riparian zone is measured landward of the feature's center line;
(b)
Along a nonlinear fluvial water, such as a lake or pond, the
riparian zone is measured landward of the normal water surface limit;
(c)
Along a nonlinear tidal water, such as a bay or inlet, the riparian
zone is measured landward of the mean high water line; and
(d)
Along an amorphously shaped feature such as a wetland complex,
through which water flows but which lacks a discernible channel, the
riparian zone is measured landward of the feature's center line.
(3)
The applicant or designated representative shall be responsible
for the initial determination of the presence of a riparian zone on
a site, and for identifying the area of the riparian zone on any plan
submitted to the Township of West Windsor in conjunction with an application
for a construction permit, subdivision, land development, or other
improvement that requires plan submissions or permits. This initial
determination shall be subject to review and approval by the municipal
engineer, or the Mayor's appointed representative, and, where required
by state regulation, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
(4)
Establishment of steep slope limits. The applicant shall demonstrate,
through site plans depicting proposed development and topography,
that new disturbance is not located in areas of steep slopes. For
steep slopes, any disturbance shall be prohibited except as provided
below:
(a)
Redevelopment within the limits of existing impervious materials.
(b)
New disturbance necessary to protect public health, safety,
or welfare, such as necessary linear development with no feasible
alternative; to provide an environmental benefit, such as remediation
of a contaminated site; to prevent extraordinary hardship to the property
owner peculiar to the property; or to prevent extraordinary hardship,
provided the hardship was not created by the property owner, that
would not permit a minimum economically viable use of the property
based upon reasonable investment. For example, redevelopment, within
the footprint of existing impervious materials should be allowed to
support efforts to revitalize development that has fallen into disrepair.
(c)
Temporary disturbance (no more than 12 months) to permit construction
adjacent to a steep slope, provided that sufficient provisions to
control and prevent erosion during the temporary disturbance period
and restoration of the steep slope occurs immediately upon completion
of the construction of those improvements adjacent to the steep slope
even if other nearby construction is not complete.
C.
Variances. To the extent allowed by the stormwater management rules
(N.J.A.C. 7:8) and/or the Flood Hazard Area Control Act rules (N.J.A.C.
7:13), new disturbances for projects or activities in the riparian
zone established by this section may be allowed through the Zoning
Board of Adjustment or the Board of Jurisdiction review and approval
of a variance, provided the disturbance is proposed to be located
on a preexisting lot (existing as of the effective date of this section)
when there is insufficient room outside the riparian zone for the
proposed use otherwise permitted by the underlying zoning; there is
no other reasonable or prudent alternative to placement in the riparian
zone, including obtaining variances from setback or other requirements
that would allow conformance with the riparian zone requirements;
and upon proof by virtue of submission of appropriate maps, drawings,
reports and testimony, that the disturbance is:
(1)
Necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare;
(2)
To provide an environmental benefit;
(3)
To prevent extraordinary hardship on the property owner when
such hardship is peculiar to the property; or
(4)
To prevent extraordinary hardship, provided the hardship was
not created by the property owner, by not allowing a minimum economically
viable use of the property based upon reasonable investment.
D.
Exceptions. To the extent allowed under the Stormwater Management
rules (N.J.A.C. 7:8) and the Flood Hazard Area Control Act rules (N.J.A.C.
7:13) and subject to review and approval by the New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection to the extent required by those rules,
the following disturbances for projects or activities in the riparian
zone established by this section are allowed:
(1)
Redevelopment within the limits of existing impervious surfaces;
(2)
Linear development with no feasible alternative route;
(3)
Disturbance that is in accordance with a stream corridor restoration
or stream bank stabilization plan or project approved by the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection;
(4)
Disturbance necessary to provide for public pedestrian access
or water-dependent recreation that meets the requirements of the Freshwater
Wetlands Protection Act rules, N.J.A.C. 7:7A, the Flood Hazard Area
Control Act rules, N.J.A.C. 7:13, or the Coastal Zone Management rules,
N.J.A.C. 7:7E; or
(5)
Disturbance with no feasible alternative required for the remediation
of hazardous substances performed with New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection or federal oversight pursuant to the Spill Compensation
and Control Act, N.J.S.A. 58:10-23.11a et seq., or the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, 42
U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.
E.
Appeals, conflicts and severability.
(1)
Any party aggrieved by the location of the riparian zone boundary
determination under this section may appeal to the Zoning Officer
under the provisions of this section. The party contesting the location
of the riparian zone boundary shall have the burden of proof in case
of any such appeal.
(2)
Any party aggrieved by any determination or decision of the
Zoning Officer under this section may appeal to the Zoning Board of
Adjustment of the Township of West Windsor. The party contesting the
determination or decision shall have the burden of proof in case of
any such appeal.
(3)
Conflicts: All other ordinances, parts of ordinances, that are
inconsistent or in conflict with this section are hereby superseded
to the extent of any inconsistency or conflict, and the provisions
of this section shall apply.
(4)
Severability:
(a)
Interpretation: This section shall be so construed as to avoid
conflict with any provision of New Jersey or federal law.
(b)
Notwithstanding that any provision of this section is held to
be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction,
all remaining provisions of this section shall continue to be of full
force and effect.
F.
Enforcement. A prompt investigation shall be made by the Zoning Officer of any person or entity believed to be in violation hereof. If, upon inspection, a condition which is in violation of this section is discovered, a civil action in the Special Civil Part of the Superior Court, or in the Superior Court, if the primary relief sought is injunctive or if penalties may exceed the jurisdictional limit of the Special Civil Part, by the filing and serving of appropriate process. Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude the right of the Township of West Windsor, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:3A2-25, to initiate legal proceedings hereunder in Municipal Court. The violation of any section or subsection of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct offense independent of the violation of any other section or subsection, or of any order issued pursuant to this section, and shall be subject to the provisions of § 200-254 of Article XXXII.
The requirements of this Part 4 and other ordinances governing the development of land, notwithstanding uses permitted or as may be permitted by this Part 4, where applicable, shall also be subject to the requirements and standards contained in the Part 2, Subdivision, of this chapter, and Chapter 143, Soil Removal.
Temporary uses of land or temporary activities
such as fairs, carnivals and circuses for a period not to exceed 15
calendar days for each sponsor in any calendar year shall be permitted
in all districts. However, all such temporary uses or activities shall
require a special permit issued by the Construction Official and shall
be subject to the provision of adequate off-street parking and control
of traffic, noise, glare, dust and sanitary concerns.
[Amended 9-19-1988 by Ord. No. 88-27; 12-14-1992 by Ord. No. 92-37; 12-23-1996 by Ord. No. 96-33; 4-19-1999 by Ord. No. 99-07; 3-16-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-08]
The erection, installation or maintenance of temporary signs other than as set forth below is hereby prohibited. They shall be subject to sign standards contained in Part 1, Site Plan Review, of this chapter, except as may be modified herein. Persons placing signs on property in which they do not have an interest which permits them to do so shall secure the permission of the owner.
A.
General sign regulations.
(1)
State/federal or governmental agency signs are exempt
from Township ordinances.
(2)
No signs shall be placed on utility poles.
(3)
Signs may be two-sided, with side not to exceed the
individual sign area.
(4)
Sign height for temporary signs shall be four feet.
Temporary signs shall be located on a lot so that they are not in
the public right-of-way and shall not interfere with sight distances
at street intersections or ingress and egress points to a lot or cause
a public safety hazard. Signs designed to be seen from vehicles should
be perpendicular to the line of travel, while signs designed to be
read on foot can be parallel with walks. To the extent possible, adjacent
signs on the same or adjoining buildings should be placed within the
same horizontal band and be of reasonably harmonious materials. No
such signs shall be located on any public property. There shall be
no placement of such signs between public roads and sidewalks or within
six feet of a public road where no sidewalk exists. Where there are
improvements existing on a property that are closer than six feet
to a public road where no sidewalk exists, then signs may be affixed
to said improvements.
(5)
Off-tract temporary real estate or development signs
shall be prohibited in all zoning districts. However, off-tract directional
signs shall be permitted. Such signs shall not exceed four square
feet and shall be displayed only on weekends and legal holidays.
B.
Sign types and standards.
(1)
Temporary noncommercial, including political signs.
Noncommercial signs, including but not limited to political signs
which are temporary in nature, shall be permitted in all districts.
Temporary noncommercial signs are those which are not permanently
affixed to the ground, a building or other permanent structure on
the property and not intended to be permanent in time. Temporary noncommercial
signs shall not exceed 16 square feet (no side of any signs shall
be more than six feet in any linear dimension) in residential zones
and 32 square feet in nonresidential zones. Temporary political signs
associated with an election shall be removed no later than seven days
after the election. Site plan approval shall not be required for the
placement of temporary noncommercial signs.
(2)
On-site temporary real estate or development signs.
On-site temporary real estate and development signs shall be regulated
by the following standards:
(a)
Any real estate signage on individual properties
for sale, rent, lease or open house shall not exceed four square feet
for residential projects and residentially zoned land and shall not
exceed 16 square feet for nonresidential projects and nonresidentially
zoned land. When such nonresidential signage is for vacant parcels
with development approvals, it shall be in accordance with such approvals.
This signage shall be removed when the property is withdrawn from
the market or within seven days of the date of closing or change of
possession. Only one sign shall be permitted per lot, and it shall
be located in the front yard.
(b)
Any signage which identifies a nonresidential
project under construction and/or opening date for occupancy shall
not exceed 16 square feet. Signage shall be removed at the time of
the final certificate of occupancy. Only one sign per development
shall be permitted. However, construction signs which contain noncommercial
messages, such as signs identifying individual lots or construction
ingress and/or egress, shall be permitted which do not exceed four
square feet.
(c)
Any signage which identifies new housing development
under construction shall not exceed 16 square feet per development
project. Signage shall be removed when the project has received certificates
of occupancy for 90% of all approved lots or units in the total project
or section under construction, whichever is applicable. Only one sign
per development tract shall be permitted. However, construction signs
which contain noncommercial messages, such as signs identifying individual
lots or construction ingress and/or egress, shall be permitted which
do not exceed four square feet.
(d)
Freestanding real estate signage for the sale and lease of commercial
properties is prohibited. Six months after the effective date of this
section,[1] all temporary commercial real estate sale or leasing information signage shall be removed. Commercial real estate leasing or sale information shall be incorporated into the permanent business or property identification signage permitted by § 200-32.
[1]
Editor's Note: This section was last amended 3-16-2009 by
Ord. No. 2009-08, effective 4-6-2009.
(3)
Temporary contractor signage on individual residential
lots. Only one sign shall be permitted identifying contractors doing
work on the site, and it shall be located in the front yard. Such
sign shall be a maximum of four square feet per entity. This sign
shall be removed when work ceases or is abandoned or when a certificate
of occupancy for the project is issued, whichever occurs sooner.
(4)
Commercial fairs, carnivals, circuses or similar cultural
event signs. Any on-site or off-tract sign which identifies commercial
fairs, carnivals, circuses or similar cultural event activities shall
not exceed 16 square feet. Only one sign per lot shall be permitted,
which can be put up only one month prior to an event or activity and
shall be removed within seven days of completion of the activity.
Written approval by the Zoning Officer shall be required for all commercial
fairs, carnivals, circuses or similar cultural event signs. The person
or organizational representative responsible for the event requiring
temporary signs shall indicate to the Zoning Officer where all signs
will be placed and the date all such signs will be removed.
In this Part 4, any reference to the Planning
Board shall be considered to refer to the Zoning Board of Adjustment
in those instances where the Zoning Board of Adjustment has jurisdiction
as granted by the Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.),
and vice versa.
[Added 8-13-1984 by Ord. No. 84-24]
An application for development shall be complete
for purposes of commencing the applicable time period for action by
a municipal agency when so certified by the municipal agency or its
authorized committee or designee. In the event that the agency, committee
or designee does not certify the application to be complete within
45 days of the date of its submission, the application shall be deemed
complete upon the expiration of the forty-five-day period for purposes
of commencing the applicable time period unless the application lacks
information indicated on a checklist adopted by ordinance and provided
to the applicant, and the municipal agency or its authorized committee
or designee has notified the applicant, in writing, of the deficiencies
in the application within 45 days of submission of the application.
The applicant may request that one or more of the submission requirements
be waived, in which event the agency or its authorized committee shall
grant or deny the request within 45 days. Nothing herein shall be
construed as diminishing the applicant's obligation to prove in the
application process that said applicant is entitled to approval of
the application. The municipal agency may subsequently require correction
of any information found to be in error and submission of additional
information not specified in the ordinance or any revisions in the
accompanying documents as are reasonably necessary to make an informed
decision as to whether the requirements necessary for approval of
the application for development have been met. The application shall
not be deemed incomplete for lack of any such additional information
or any revisions in the accompanying documents so required by the
municipal agency.