[Added by Ord. No. 14-93; amended 7-23-2012 by Ord. No.
08-12; 3-27-2017 by Ord. No. 02-17]
The intention of this article is to effectuate and encourage
the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of historic structures
and historic landscapes within the Borough, to implement the historic
preservation element of the Master Plan, and to advance the following
public purposes:
A.
To foster civic pride in the history and architecture of Mountain
Lakes and promote the heritage and community identity of Mountain
Lakes;
B.
To promote appreciation of historic resources for the education,
pleasure and welfare of the local population;
C.
To encourage beautification and private reinvestment in historic
resources and surrounding properties;
D.
To discourage the unnecessary demolition of historic resources;
E.
To encourage the proper maintenance and preservation of historic
resources.
A.
Establishment. There is hereby established within the Borough a Historic
Preservation Committee, hereinafter referred to as the "Committee,"
whose members shall serve without compensation.
B.
Responsibilities. The Committee shall have the responsibility to:
(1)
Prepare a survey of historic sites of the Borough pursuant to criteria
identified in the survey report;
(2)
Make recommendations to the Planning Board on the historic preservation
plan element of the Master Plan and on the implications for preservation
of historic sites of any other Master Plan elements and to the Council
for the adoption of historic preservation provisions, standards and
criteria in the land use ordinances;
(3)
Advise the Council on any features of the annual capital budget that
have historic preservation implications;
(4)
Advise the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment on applications
for development;
(5)
Provide guidance to the Zoning Board of Adjustment or Planning Board,
as applicable, when applicants seek clarification concerning applicability
and eligibility under the bulk incentives set forth in this article
and on appeals from any decision to deny eligibility for the bulk
incentives.
(6)
Advise and assist applicants for construction permits, if requested
by said applicants, in advance of a formal application concerning
applicability and eligibility under the bulk incentives set forth
in this article.
(7)
Carry out such other advisory, educational and informational functions
as will promote historic preservation in the Borough.
(8)
Evaluate historic sites included in the community-wide survey against
the criteria for the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the
National Register of Historic Places and prepare nominations for consideration
of the State Historical Preservation Officer.
C.
Membership. The Committee shall consist of seven members and two
alternates who shall be appointed by the Borough Council.
D.
Qualifications. Members shall be appointed from among professionals
in the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history,
planning, archaeology or a related discipline, to the extent that
such professionals are available in the Borough. Committee membership
shall include other persons who have demonstrated special interest,
knowledge or experience in building design and construction, history,
architecture or a related discipline. Members may reside outside of
the Borough, except that no more than two members of the Committee
shall be nonresidents. Alternate members shall meet the qualifications
of regular voting members and shall be designated as Alternate No.
1 and Alternate No. 2 at the time of appointment.
E.
Terms. The initial terms of office of the first regular Committee
members shall be for one, two, three or four years, to be designated
by the Borough Council in making such appointments in the following
manner: one member shall be appointed for one year, two members shall
be appointed for two years, two members shall be appointed for three
years and two members shall be appointed for four years. The initial
terms of office for the first alternate members of the Committee shall
be for one year and two years, respectively. The term of each member
shall expire on December 31 of the last year of each member's term.
All members of the initial Committee shall be appointed within 90
days of the final passage of this article. The terms of appointment
of succeeding Committee members shall be for four years each for regular
voting members and two years each for alternate members, to expire
on December 31 of the last year of such succeeding member's term.
Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the term of any member
common to the Committee and the Planning Board or the Zoning Board
of Adjustment shall be for that person's term of membership on the
Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment.
F.
Organization. At its annual organization meeting, the Committee shall
elect from its membership a Chairperson to serve as presiding officer
of the Committee. The Committee shall also elect a Vice Chairperson
from its membership and select a Secretary who may or may not be a
member of the Committee. In lieu of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson,
the Committee may elect from its membership two Cochairpersons to
serve as presiding officers of the Committee on a shared basis.
G.
Training. A majority of Committee members shall attend a conference
or training session in historic preservation or a related field. Failure
to obtain adequate training may result in removal from the Committee.
H.
Vacancies. A vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of a
term shall be filled for the unexpired term only, and the appointment
shall be made by the Borough Council.
I.
Removal. A member of the Committee may be removed by the Borough
Council for cause; provided, however, that such member shall be entitled
to a public hearing if he or she requests it.
J.
Records and procedures. The Committee shall keep minutes and records
of all meetings and proceedings, including but not limited to voting
records, attendance, resolutions, findings, determinations and decisions.
All such material shall be matters of public record. All meetings
shall comply with the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-7 et
seq. The Committee shall adopt such other procedural rules for the
conduct of its business as it deems necessary and advisable. No Committee
member shall vote or participate in any meeting concerning any matter
in which he or she has a direct or indirect personal interest, monetary
or otherwise.
K.
Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business shall be four regular
and/or alternate members.
The Committee shall maintain a comprehensive historic survey
of the Borough to identify historic resources. The initial survey
shall be the survey conducted in conjunction with, and included in,
the nomination of the Mountain Lakes Historic District for listing
on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register
of Historic Places in 2005.
A.
Bulk incentives. In order to provide an incentive for the preservation
of contributing dwellings within historic districts, the bulk requirements
in the Borough Zoning Ordinance[1] have been enhanced for existing contributing dwellings in historic districts that satisfy the eligibility requirements set forth in § 40-49B. It is intended that properties containing contributing dwellings that satisfy the eligibility requirements will enjoy the full benefit of the bulk incentives, in lieu of the corresponding standard bulk requirements, for all purposes under the Borough zoning ordinance, including any improvements to the property unrelated to the contributing dwelling (including but not limited to accessory structures, garages, swimming pools, terraces and driveways) and for the purpose of determining the scope of any variances required by the property owner.
B.
Bulk incentives eligibility requirements. Properties containing contributing
dwellings will be eligible for the bulk incentives when all of the
following conditions are satisfied with respect to any alterations
(including proposed alterations) made to the contributing dwelling
after the bulk incentives effective date:
(1)
Street-facing facades. The alterations to any street-facing facade
must be compatible with the existing or original structure, and in
particular with respect to the primary street-facing facade:
(a)
The proportion between the width and height of the alterations
must be compatible with the primary street-facing facade of the existing
or original structure.
(b)
The proportions and relationships between doors and windows
in the primary street-facing facade must be compatible with the existing
or original structure.
(c)
Any alterations consisting of side additions to the primary
street-facing facade must have a minimum setback of 12 inches from
the plane of the existing primary street-facing facade, and any associated
roofline must have a minimum setback of 12 inches from the existing
roofline.
(d)
Exceptions.
[1]
The following exceptions to the foregoing minimum setback requirements
will be permitted where there is, as of the bulk incentives effective
date, an existing side addition or side porch to the primary street-facing
facade:
[a]
An existing open-air porch that does not comply
with the twelve-inch setback requirement may be enclosed within the
existing plane of the porch,
[b]
An existing side addition that does not comply
with the twelve-inch setback requirement may be extended a further
five feet to the side of the same plane as the existing side addition.
[2]
All of the foregoing exceptions are subject to compliance with
the overall modified bulk requirements.
(2)
Height and roof shapes. The height of the alterations must be compatible
with the existing structure. The design of the roof and any dormers
must be compatible with the existing roof and dormers. Any alterations
must preserve the existing or original roof ridge, roof pitch and
overhangs of the existing or original structure, and new or altered
dormers must be compatible with the typical styles of dormers associated
with the original structure.
(3)
Architectural details. Architectural details and materials must be incorporated as necessary to relate the new with the old and to preserve and enhance the character-defining features of the existing or original structure. Windows may be replaced as long as they contain real or simulated divided lights, grille patterns, sizes and shapes that are compatible with the typical style of windows associated with the original structure and otherwise comply with the requirements of this Subsection B(3).
(4)
Retention of original structure. After completion of the alterations:
(a)
One hundred percent of the existing primary street-facing facade width and height must be retained intact consistent with the other requirements of this § 40-49B.
(b)
At least 75% of the floor area of the original structure as
it existed on December 31, 1938, must remain. Interior renovations
and any restoration to match the original will not be deducted in
determining compliance with the 75% requirement.
(5)
Approval of exceptions to bulk incentives eligibility requirements. An owner of a contributing dwelling may seek approval for past or future alterations made after the bulk incentives effective date that do not strictly comply with the bulk incentives eligibility requirements, provided that such alterations are compatible with the existing or original structure as determined by the Zoning Board of Adjustment, upon the recommendation of the Committee, under its authority to decide special questions under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(b), provided that no special notice shall be required for such application. In connection with any application for approval under this § 40-49B(5), the Committee may request that the applicant or its architect meet with the Committee to review the alterations that are the subject of the application and submit such documentation as the Committee reasonably requires in order to evaluate the application. Any proposed alterations that receive final approval under this § 40-49B(5) must be commenced within one year from the date of the final approval. Upon final approval of the application and completion of the alterations, the Committee will update any photographic records maintained in connection with this article to reflect the alterations as if they had been made prior to the bulk incentives effective date. Any alterations approved under this § 40-49B(5) shall be deemed for all purposes under this article, including the checklists and certifications required under § 40-49D(2), to have been made prior to the bulk incentives effective date.
C.
Modified bulk requirements. The following modified bulk requirements will apply to properties containing contributing dwellings that satisfy the eligibility requirements set forth in § 40-49B:
(1)
Limit on FAR:
|
Zone
|
Properties Containing Contributing Dwellings
| |
|---|---|---|
|
R-AA
|
16%
| |
|
R-A
|
21%
|
(2)
Limit on ILC:
|
Zone
|
Properties Containing Contributing Dwellings
| |
|---|---|---|
|
R-AA
|
24%
| |
|
R-A
|
30%
|
(3)
Minimum side setback (each side and combined total both sides):
|
Zone
|
Properties Containing Contributing Dwellings
| |
|---|---|---|
|
R-AA
|
20 ft. minimum side setback; minimum total of 50 ft. both sides
| |
|
R-A
|
20 ft. minimum side setback; minimum total of 50 ft. both sides
|
(4)
Grade plane calculations. A height variance shall not be required
for an addition to a contributing dwelling in the event that the addition
causes a change in the grade plane calculation, provided that the
addition is at least one story lower than the adjoining portion of
the preexisting structure.
(5)
Preexisting nonconforming setbacks and height:
(a)
A property containing a contributing dwelling with a side setback of less than 20 feet as of the bulk incentives effective date that satisfies the eligibility requirements set forth in § 40-49B will still be eligible for the bulk incentives, and will not require a variance solely with respect to such existing nonconforming side setback, provided that:
[1]
After the completion of the alteration or improvement, the property
complies with the requirement that there be a minimum total side setback
of 50 feet on both sides; and
[2]
The alteration does not result in an increase in the bulk of
the portion of the contributing dwelling or any other structure or
improvement within the existing nonconforming side setback.
(b)
A property containing a contributing dwelling with a front or rear setback of less than the applicable minimum setback set forth in the zoning ordinance as of the bulk incentives effective date that satisfies the eligibility requirements set forth in § 40-49B will still be eligible for the bulk incentives, and will not require a variance solely with respect to such existing nonconforming front and/or rear setback, provided that the alteration or improvement does not result in an increase in the bulk of the portion of the contributing dwelling or any other structure or improvement within the existing nonconforming front and/or rear setback.
(c)
A property containing a contributing dwelling with a height (in stories or feet) in excess of the applicable maximum height set forth in the zoning ordinance as of the bulk incentives effective date that satisfies the eligibility requirements set forth in § 40-49B will still be eligible for the bulk incentives, and will not require a variance solely with respect to such existing nonconforming height, provided that the alteration or improvement does not result in an increase in the portion of the contributing dwelling or any other structure or improvement that exceeds such maximum height.
D.
Documentation and approval of bulk incentives eligibility.
(1)
Eligibility for bulk incentives will be determined by the Zoning
Officer.
(2)
Whenever an applicant seeks Borough approval of a construction permit
in reliance on the bulk incentives, or makes any other application
to the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the Planning Board relying in
whole or in part on eligibility for the bulk incentives, the applicant
shall submit all of the following as part of the submission of the
applicant's application:
(a)
A fully completed checklist and certification in the form of
Appendix A to this article[2] from a New Jersey licensed professional architect that any alterations (including any proposed alterations) made to the contributing dwelling after the bulk incentives effective date comply with all of the requirements of § 40-49B and that the architect is familiar with the publication entitled, "Historic Mountain Lakes - Restoration and Renovation Handbook." In order to enable access to the foregoing publication by certifying architects, the Committee shall publish such publication on its website and make physical copies of such publication available upon written request.
[2]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(b)
In order to facilitate the Committee's periodic review of certifications made under this § 40-49D pursuant to § 40-49F, at least one additional complete copy of the applicant's application, including the checklist and certification required under § 40-49D(2)(a), shall be delivered to the Committee. The Borough shall modify all application checklists, including for construction permits or applications to the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the Planning Board, to include a requirement of confirmation and proof that this delivery requirement has been satisfied by the applicant.
(3)
If the Zoning Officer determines that, notwithstanding the submission of the checklist and certification required under § 40-49D(2), the applicant's application for a construction permit does not comply with the requirements of § 40-49B, the Zoning Officer shall deny the application and provide the applicant with a written statement of the grounds for such denial.
(4)
The applicant may appeal a denial of an application under § 40-49D(3) to the Zoning Board of Adjustment following the procedures under the zoning ordinance applicable to denials of zoning permits generally. The applicant may combine such appeal with an application to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a variance with respect to the standard regulations as set forth in §§ 245-19 and 245-20.
(5)
The Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment, as applicable, may also determine eligibility for bulk incentives in connection with any application for a subdivision involving a lot on which a contributing dwelling is located. Eligibility for bulk incentives shall be limited to the lot on which the contributing dwelling will be located after the subdivision and shall be determined using the procedures set forth in § 40-49D(2). Where the subject application for a subdivision does not involve any alterations to the contributing dwelling, eligibility for bulk incentives will be measured based on any alterations that have been made to the contributing dwelling after the bulk incentives effective date and prior to the date of the proposed subdivision.
E.
Requests for clarification. An applicant or architect may request clarification from the Zoning Board of Adjustment or Planning Board, as applicable, for a determination whether a given structure is eligible for the bulk incentives or whether a proposed alteration meets the eligibility requirements set forth in § 40-49B for the bulk incentives. The Committee will act in an advisory capacity in such requests to the Zoning Board of Adjustment or Planning Board. The Zoning Board of Adjustment or Planning Board shall render its decision no later than 60 days after the date a request is submitted.
F.
Review of certifications. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the certification process required under § 40-49D(2) in effectuating the purposes of this article, the Committee shall from time to time review applications that have been submitted in reliance on the bulk incentives and the accompanying checklists and certifications required under § 40-49D(2) and may make recommendations to the Planning Board and Borough Council regarding potential revisions to this article based on the results of such review.
G.
Records relating to alterations to contributing dwellings.
(1)
Whenever a question arises, for purposes of this article, as to the
condition of a contributing dwelling on the bulk incentives effective
date, the applicant and the applicant's certifying architect shall
have the burden of establishing what the condition of the contributing
dwelling was on the bulk incentives effective date.
(2)
In order to facilitate establishing what the condition of contributing
dwellings was on the bulk incentives effective date, all applicable
Borough departments will maintain copies, which may be in hard copy
or digital format, of files relating to applications for construction
permits relating to contributing dwellings and make such files available
to prospective applicants and their certifying architects for inspection
and copying upon request. In addition, the Committee may create and
maintain a photographic record of contributing dwellings to be used
in documenting the condition of contributing dwellings.
A.
Demolition of a contributing dwelling.
(1)
For any application for a demolition permit for a contributing dwelling,
the Construction Official shall issue a demolition permit provided
that all of the following requirements have been fully met:
(a)
Demolition notice.
[1]
The applicant shall cause to be delivered to the Committee a
notice setting forth the following:
[2]
The notice shall include proof of payment of a nonrefundable
fee of $500 to the Borough of Mountain Lakes. This fee shall cover
the costs incurred by the Committee and the Borough for review under
this article.
[3]
The notice shall be delivered to the Committee either in person
at the Borough Hall or by certified mail.
(b)
Notice period. The "notice period" shall commence on the date
the notice is delivered to the Committee and shall run for a period
of time of 90 days.
(c)
Documentation. During the notice period, the applicant shall, on not less than 10 days' prior notice from the Committee, 1) provide access for a period of four hours during the notice period to all interior and exterior areas of the contributing dwelling proposed for demolition to permit documentation of the contributing dwelling, or 2) provide documentation of the contributing dwelling to the Committee in accordance with guidelines established by the Committee. Such documentation may include photographs, floor plans, measured drawings, an archeological survey, and any other comparable form of documentation stipulated by the Committee. Where the applicant elects to provide documentation of the contributing dwelling to the Committee pursuant to § 40-50A(1)(c)[2], the Committee shall send a letter to the applicant either confirming that the applicant has complied with the requirements of this § 40-50A(1)(c) or notifying the applicant of any deficiencies in the applicant's submission. If the Committee does not send a letter to the applicant within 60 days of the submission, of the applicant's documentation, the applicant shall be deemed to have complied with the requirements of this § 40-50A(1)(c).
(d)
Confirmation of compliance. At the conclusion of the notice
period, if the applicant still wishes to demolish the subject contributing
dwelling, the applicant shall perform the following:
[1]
File an application for a demolition permit with the Construction
Official; and
[2]
Provide the Construction Official with an affidavit of delivery
relating to the notice to the Committee including a copy of the notice
and proof of delivery in person at the Borough Hall or mailing by
certified mail; and
[3]
Provide the Construction Official with a copy of a letter from the Committee confirming that the applicant has complied in all respects with its obligations pursuant to § 40-50A(1)(c).
(2)
Permit fee. The fee for an application for a demolition permit for a contributing dwelling set forth in Chapter 111 shall be increased by a defined amount over the otherwise applicable fee for noncontributing dwellings, which amount shall initially be $500 as of the bulk incentives effective date and shall thereafter be adjusted from time to time. This increased fee shall be in addition to the nonrefundable fee paid pursuant to § 40-50A(1)(a)[2].
(3)
Assignment. No assignment of the rights granted by a demolition permit
to demolish shall be permitted.
(4)
Expiration of approval. In cases where demolition is permitted, the
demolition permit shall be valid for one year from the date of expiration
of the notice period. The one-year period shall not be extended.
B.
Applicability of bulk incentives.
(1)
Relocations. A contributing dwelling will not be ineligible for bulk
incentives solely because it has been relocated from its original
site to another location within the boundaries of the historic district.
(2)
Replacement Dwellings. The bulk incentives set forth herein will
not be available for a building which replaces a demolished or relocated
contributing dwelling.
A.
Other requirements unaffected. The requirements of this article shall
be considered to be in addition to and in no case shall they be interpreted
as a substitute for any other approval, permit or other action as
otherwise provided for.
B.
Powers of other boards and committees. No duties or powers of the
Committee shall supersede or infringe on the powers of other Borough
boards and committees.
