Source: https://www.ecode360.com/12616804
Timestamp: 2019-02-23 22:59:41
Document Index: 211880876

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art 800', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 18', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 19']

Township of Blairstown, NJ Development Application Review Procedures
Ch 19 Art 800 Development Application Review Procedures
§ 19-801 Responsibility during development application review.
§ 19-802 Application of requirements.
§ 19-803 Submission of minor subdivision plats and minor site plans.
§ 19-804 Submission of preliminary major subdivision plats and preliminary major site plans.
§ 19-805 Submission of final major subdivision plats and final major site plans.
§ 19-806 Special review provisions for areas underlain by carbonate rock.
Article 19-800 Development Application Review Procedures
Chapter 19 Land Development Article 19-800 Development Application Review Procedures
The Land Use Board has certain powers to expedite the review process. Its responsibilities are outlined as follows:
Powers of the Land Use Board.
The Land Use Board shall have the power to grant subdivision or conditional use approval simultaneously with site plan approval.
The Land Use Board shall have the power to act on the following matters when the Land Use Board is reviewing applications for approval of subdivision plans, site plans or conditional uses. Whenever relief is requested pursuant to this subsection, public notice shall be given and shall include reference to the request for a variance or direction for issuance of a permit, as the case may be.
Direct, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-34, for issuance of a permit for a building or structure in the bed of a mapped street or public drainageway, flood control basin or public area reserved pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-32.
Direct, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-36, for issuance of a permit for a building or structure not related to a street.
The Land Use Board shall have the power to grant site plan, subdivision or conditional use approval whenever the proposed development requires approval of a variance pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d.
Review. The Land Use Board shall have the power to act upon subdivision, conditional use, site plan or variance applications simultaneously without the applicant making further application for hearings. The longest time period for action by the Board, whether it is for subdivision, conditional use, site plan or variance approval, shall apply. Whenever approval of a conditional use or variance is requested by the applicant in conjunction with a site plan or subdivision application, notice of the hearing on the plan shall include reference to the request for such conditional use or variance.
Subdivision review. All subdivisions, as defined under § 19-203, are subject to the review procedures specified herein.
No construction permit shall be issued for any new structure or for an addition or alteration to an existing structure, and no certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any change of use of an existing structure until the site plan has been reviewed and approved by the municipality, except that:
A construction permit for a single-family detached dwelling unit or a two-family dwelling unit and/or their accessory building(s) or uses on a lot shall not require site plan approval, except that the use of any existing or proposed principal or accessory building for a home occupation as defined and permitted by this chapter shall require minor site plan approval prior to the issuance of a construction permit or certificate of occupancy. The foregoing shall in no way affect the responsibility of an applicant to submit the necessary information and receive the necessary approvals as may be required pursuant to other ordinances.
Any change of use from one permitted category of nonresidential use to another permitted category of nonresidential use shall not require site plan approval if:
[Amended 3-30-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-04]
Both the Construction Official and Zoning Officer certify to the Board in writing that the existing site development meets the requirements of this chapter for the new use category;
The new use category does not require an increase in the number of required parking spaces; and
The Site Plan Committee of the Land Use Board concurs with the findings of the Construction Official and Zoning Officer.
Except for farm stands and home occupations, which shall require minor site plan approval, all other permitted accessory structures to residential and agricultural/horticultural uses shall not require site plan approval.
Building alterations shall not require site plan approval if the following conditions apply:
There is no change in use category;
No additional parking is required;
No more than 10% additional building coverage is proposed;
No variance is required;
There is no major change in circulation proposed such as drive-through windows, ingress or egress drives, changes in internal circulation, loading or unloading, delivery or pickup of goods and services or trash collection; and
There are no major changes in a significant site facility or improvement such as a drainage facility, buffer or landscaping features and the like.
Fences not included as part of a site plan application shall not require site plan approval, but shall require the issuance of a zoning permit.
Signs not included as part of a site plan application shall not require site plan approval, but shall require the issuance of a zoning permit except as exempted in § 19-512 of this chapter.
An applicant may elect to file for preliminary and final site plan approval simultaneously to expedite the review process. The site plan shall be prepared according to the requirements stipulated for final approval. Developers electing to bypass the preliminary approval stage are doing so at the peril of added expense if changes in design are required.
Variance relief. All applications for variance relief to the Land Use Board not involving any related site plan, subdivision or conditional use approval shall be filed with the Administrative Officer at least 30 days prior to the regular meeting of the Board and shall include 15 copies of any maps and related material; 15 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; and the fee in accordance with § 19-901 of this chapter. The Land Use Board shall act upon the application as stipulated by law and as indicated in § 19-703 or 19-705 of this chapter, as applicable.
Informal review by the Land Use Board.
At the request of a developer, the Land Use Board shall grant one informal review, not to exceed 15 minutes of duration, regarding a concept plan for a development for which a developer intends to prepare and submit an application for development.
The developer shall be required to pay a fee for an informal presentation of a concept plan in accordance with § 19-901 of this chapter, which fee shall be credited towards the fee for review of a development application, if subsequently submitted; moreover, no professional review(s) will be undertaken unless the developer has agreed to pay for said review(s) and has established an escrow account also in accordance with § 19-901 of this chapter.
The developer shall not be bound by any concept plan for which the review is requested, and the Land Use Board shall not be bound by any such review.
A developer desiring to have a concept plan informally reviewed by the Land Use Board shall so notify the Administrative Officer at least 30 days prior to the regular meeting of the Board. The Administrative Officer shall thereafter notify the developer of the time and place which has been scheduled by the Land Use Board for the informal review.
Procedure for submitting minor subdivision plats and minor site plans. The applicant shall submit to the Administrative Officer at least 30 days prior to the regular meeting of the Board: 18 copies of the minor plat or plan; 18 copies of the appropriate application(s), which includes the checklist(s) pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-10.3 attached to this chapter;[1] and a fee in accordance with § 19-901 of this chapter. The application shall contain an acknowledgment signed by the applicant stating that the applicant is familiar with the procedure set forth herein for submitting and acting upon minor subdivision plats and minor site plans, and agrees to be bound by it. The Administrative Officer shall process the application and shall issue an application number. Once an application has been assigned a number, such number shall appear on all papers, maps, plats or plans and other documents for processing in conjunction with the application.
Details required for minor subdivision plats and minor site plans. Each minor plat or minor plan shall be drawn by a professional engineer and/or land surveyor licensed to practice in the State of New Jersey and shall bear the name, title, address, telephone number, license number, seal and signature of the said professional engineer and/or land surveyor; provided, however, that all engineering data shall be signed and sealed by a professional engineer and all surveying data shall be signed and sealed by a professional land surveyor. Each submission shall be drawn at an appropriate scale of one inch equals not more than 100 feet and shall be submitted on one of the following four standard sheet sizes (8.5 x 13; 15 x 21; 24 x 36 or 30 x 42), folded into eighths, with all sheets submitted of the same size. Each minor plat or plan shall show the following information, as such information is applicable to the minor subdivision or minor site plan submission:
A key map showing the entire tract and its relation to the surrounding area at the scale of Township Tax Maps.
Title block in accordance with the rules governing title blocks for professional engineers (N.J.S.A. 45:8-36), including:
Name of the development, Township of Blairstown, Warren County, New Jersey, with each sheet specifically titled with appropriately descriptive words;
Name, title, address and telephone number of applicant;
Name, title, address, telephone number, license number, seal and signature of the professional or professionals who prepared the plat or plan;
Name, title and address of the owner or owners of record;
Scale (written and graphic); and
Acreage to the nearest tenth of an acre (both with and without areas within public rights-of-way).
Certification that the applicant is the owner of the land or his/her properly authorized agent, or that the owner has given his/her consent under an option agreement.
If the applicant is a partnership or a corporation, the names and addresses of all partners, or the names and addresses of all stockholders owning 10% or more of any class of stock of the corporation in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-48.1 et seq.
Approval signature and date lines:
Existing tax sheet number(s) and existing block and lot number(s) of the lot(s) to be subdivided or developed as they appear on the Township Tax Map, and proposed block and lot number(s) as provided by the Township Tax Assessor upon written request.
Tract boundary line (heavy solid line), any existing and proposed subdivision or property line(s) within the tract, and the existing and proposed number of lots.
Zoning district(s) affecting the tract, including district names and all area and bulk requirements, with a comparison to the proposed development.
The location of existing and proposed property lines (with bearings and distances), streets, structures (with their numerical dimensions and an indication as to whether existing structures will be retained or removed), parking spaces, loading areas, driveways, watercourses, railroads, bridges, culverts, drain pipes, and natural features such as treed areas, both within the tract and within 100 feet of its boundary.
The location and width of all existing and proposed utility easements and rights-of-way, the use(s) for which they are intended to be limited, and the manner in which the easements will be controlled.
All dimensions necessary to confirm conformity to the chapter such as the size of the tract and any proposed lot(s), the number of lots being created, structure setbacks, structure heights, yards and building and lot coverages.
Proposed buffer and landscaped areas and the location and identification of existing vegetation with an indication as whether it is to remain or be removed.
Delineation of streams, ponds, floodplains, marshes, wetlands, wetland buffers and lands subject to flooding within the tract and within 100 feet thereof.
Contours as shown on U.S.G.S. topographic sheets and proposed grades.
The name of all adjacent property owners and adjacent block and lot numbers as they appear on the most recent tax list prepared by the Township Tax Assessor.
Certification from the Township Tax Collector that all taxes and assessments are paid to date.
Concerning minor subdivisions only, existing and proposed monuments.
Concerning minor site plans only, lighting details, sign details, circulation and parking details and drainage calculations and proposed drainage improvements and details.
Proposals for soil erosion and sediment control as required by N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq. and in accordance with the Warren County Soil Conservation District.
No minor subdivision or minor site plan involving any street(s) additional right-of-way width as specified in the Master Plan or Official Map and the street requirements of this chapter shall be approved unless such additional right-of-way, either along one or both sides of said street(s), as applicable, shall be granted to the Township of Blairstown or other appropriate governmental agency.
Plans of proposed improvements and utility layouts.
Deed descriptions including metes and bounds, easements, covenants, restrictions and roadway and sight triangle dedications shall be submitted for approval and required signatures prior to filing with the County Recording Officer.
If the proposed lot(s) is (are) not served by a sanitary sewer, date of approval by the Township Board of Health of site evaluation tests, certified by a licensed professional engineer, indicating that the proposed lot(s) can adequately accommodate a septic system. The location(s) of the test hole(s) and boring(s), soil logs, proposed location of the septic disposal areas, test results, soil types, percolation rates and compliance with the "Individual Sewage Disposal Code of New Jersey" or applicable Township Board of Health ordinances, whichever may be more restrictive, shall be shown on the plat and certified by a licensed professional engineer.
A list of all known licenses, permits and other forms of approval required by law for the development and operation of the proposed project. The list shall include approvals required by the Township, as well as agencies of the county, state and federal government. Where approvals have been granted, copies of said approvals shall be submitted.
The Board reserves the right to require additional information before granting approval when unique circumstances affect the tract and/or when the application for development poses special problems for the tract and surrounding area. Such information shall include, but not be limited to, an environmental impact statement and/or traffic impact statement, provided, however, that no application shall be deemed incomplete for the lack of such additional information.
Action by the Township on minor subdivision plats and minor site plans.
[Amended 9-9-1998 by Ord. No. 98-08; 4-11-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-02]
The Land Use Board or the Board's authorized designee, shall review the aforesaid application for the purpose of determining, within 45 days of its submission, whether said application is complete:
If said application is found by the Board or its designee to contain all of the information required by Subsection 19-803B of this section, the Board or its designee shall certify that said application is complete.
If said application is found by the Board or its designee to lack some of the information required by Subsection 19-803B of this section, the Board or its designee shall:
Notify the applicant, in writing and within 45 days of the submission of the application, that said application is incomplete, with a specific listing of the deficiencies in the application; and/or
If a waiver of any checklist item has been specifically requested by the applicant in the submitted application for development, the Board or its designee shall act on the request for the waiver(s) within 45 days of the submission of the application. If the Board or its designee reasonably concludes that the missing item(s) of information are not applicable to the subject application and/or are not necessary to make an informed decision on the application, the Board or its designee may waive the requirement that said item(s) be supplied as a prerequisite for completeness and certify that the application is complete notwithstanding the missing item(s).
An application which has been declared incomplete by the Board or its designee shall be resubmitted by the applicant or, when an applicant has been declared incomplete by the Board's designee, the applicant may choose to proceed before the Land Use Board for a determination of completeness. Any resubmitted application shall be treated as a new application submission and shall be acted upon by the Board or its designee in accordance with Subsections 19-803C(1)(a) or C(1)(b) hereinabove. An applicant who has been notified that his/her application is incomplete may request a waiver of one or more of the submission requirements set forth in Subsection 19-803B of this section.
In the event that the Board or its designee fails to act pursuant to Subsections 19-803 C(1)(a) or C(1)(b) hereinabove within 45 days of the date of the submission of the application, said application shall be deemed complete as of the 46th day following its submission.
On the date the aforesaid application is certified complete, or on the 46th day following the submission of the application in the event that the Board or its designee fails to make a determination of completeness, as the case may be, the applicable time period within which the Land Use Board must act upon the application shall commence.
In any case, the applicant is obliged to prove that he/she or she is entitled to approval of the application.
Moreover, the Land Use Board may subsequently require the correction of any information found to be in error and/or the submission of additional information not specified in this chapter and/or revisions to the documents accompanying the submitted application, each and all as are reasonably necessary for the Board to make an informed decision as to whether or not the requirements necessary for approval of the application have been met.
The Land Use Board: 11 copies each of the minor plat or plan and the application;
Board Engineer: one copy each of the minor plat or plan, the application and any protective covenants, easements and/or deed restrictions;
Board Planner: one copy each of the minor plat or plan, the application and any protective covenants, easements and/or deed restrictions;
Board Attorney: one copy each of the minor plat or plan, the application and any protective covenants, easements and/or deed restrictions;
Zoning Officer: one copy of the minor plat or plan);
At the direction of the Land Use Board, additional copies of the minor plat or plan and/or other items of submitted information shall be sent to other Township, county or state agencies and/or to other professional consultants as may be designated by the Board; and
It shall be the applicant's responsibility, unless specifically provided otherwise in this chapter, to submit the required application to any agency (including but not limited to the Warren County Planning Board, the Warren County Soil Conservation District, and the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection) having jurisdiction over any aspect of the proposed development.
The Land Use Board (or its Minor Subdivision Committee, when applicable) shall take action on minor subdivision and minor site plan applications within 45 days after the application has been certified complete by the Board Engineer or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant. Failure of the Land Use Board (or its Minor Subdivision Committee) to act within the prescribed time period shall constitute approval of the application, provided that any minor subdivision or minor site plan application which includes any requested variance relief pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-60 and § 19-801A(2) of this chapter shall be acted upon within 120 days or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant.
Regarding minor subdivision applications which fully conform to the applicable zoning and design provisions of this chapter and, therefore, do not involve the need for the approval by the Land Use Board of any variances or waivers from the provisions of this chapter, the Land Use Board authorizes the Minor Subdivision Committee to review and approve the submitted applications on behalf of and in lieu of the Land Use Board, provided the following:
The members of the Minor Subdivision Committee shall read any written reports submitted concerning the application, shall inspect the subject property and shall review the submission to ascertain its conformity with the requirements of this chapter.
If an application referred by the Land Use Board to the Minor Subdivision Committee is found by the Minor Subdivision Committee to either require a variance or waiver from any provision of this chapter or to be contrary to the definition of "minor subdivision" within § 19-802 of this chapter, the Minor Subdivision Committee shall direct the applicant to the Land Use Board.
All authorities and responsibilities prescribed in the Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.) and this Land Development Ordinance to the Land Use Board shall apply to the Minor Subdivision Committee when acting in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
The Land Use Board shall take action on a minor subdivision or minor site plan application under its jurisdiction in the time frame(s) as prescribed for the Land Use Board (and its Minor Subdivision Committee) in Subsection 19-803C(4) hereinabove unless said minor subdivision or minor site plan application is being considered by the Land Use Board simultaneously with an application for a use variance in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d and § 19-801B of this chapter, in which case the Land Use Board shall act upon all aspects of the application within 120 days after the application has been certified complete by the Board Engineer or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant. Failure of the Board to act within the prescribed time period shall constitute approval of the application.
Regarding minor subdivision or minor site plan applications being reviewed by the Land Use Board, the professional staff of the Board and the members of any designated subdivision review committee or site plan review committee shall read any written reports submitted concerning the application and shall review the submission to ascertain its conformity with the requirements of this chapter. The professional staff of the Board and any designated subdivision or site plan review committee shall offer its recommendations to the Land Use Board.
Any proposed application for development determined by the Land Use Board (or its Minor Subdivision Committee, when applicable) to be creating, imposing, aggravating or leading to the possibility of an adverse effect upon either the property in question or upon any adjacent properties, may be required to be revised to remove any adverse effect(s) prior to further review or approval by the approving authority, or, where the remaining portion of the original tract is sufficient to be subdivided or developed further, the applicant may be required to submit a sketch of the entire remaining portion of the tract to indicate a feasible plan whereby the applied for subdivision or development, together with subsequent subdivision(s) or development(s), may be submitted that will not create, impose, aggravate or lead to any adverse effect.
For any application that is heard by the Land Use Board (or its Minor Subdivision Committee, when applicable) and is continued for additional studies, reports, plans or revisions to previously submitted material, the new or revised material must be submitted to the Township at least 10 days prior to the hearing at which the new material is to be considered by the approving authority.
When a minor subdivision or minor site plan is approved by the Land Use Board (or its Minor Subdivision Committee, when applicable), a notation to that effect, including the date of approval, shall be made and at least 10 prints of the plat or plan and any related deed descriptions to be filed with the County Recording Officer shall be signed by the Board Engineer and the Chairman and Secretary of the Land Use Board (or the Acting Chairman or Secretary where either or both may be absent) or by the Chairman and Secretary of the Minor Subdivision Committee, as applicable.
No further approval of the application shall be required, and the Secretary of the Land Use Board or Minor Subdivision Committee, as the case may be, within 10 days of the date of approval, shall notify the applicant of the approving authority's action.
Additionally, the Secretary of the Land Use Board or Minor Subdivision Committee shall forward the applicant a copy of the approved resolution, adopted in accordance with § 19-706F of this chapter, within 10 days of its adoption by the approving authority.
When a minor subdivision or minor site plan is disapproved by the Land Use Board (or its Minor Subdivision Committee, when applicable), the Secretary of the approving authority, within 10 days of such action, shall notify the applicant of such disapproval. Additionally, the Secretary of the approving authority shall forward the applicant a copy of the disapproval resolution, adopted in accordance with § 19-706 F of this chapter, within 10 days of its adoption by the Land Use Board or Minor Subdivision Committee, setting forth the reasons for the disapproval.
Within 190 days from the date on which the resolution of municipal approval of a minor subdivision is adopted by the Land Use Board or the Minor Subdivision Committee, a plat map drawn in compliance with the Map Filing Act, P. L. 190 c. 141 (N.J.S.A. 46:29-9.9 et seq.) or deed description, properly drafted and signed as applicable by the Chairman and Secretary of the Land Use Board (or the Acting Chairman or Secretary where either or both may be absent) or by the Chairman and Secretary of the Minor Subdivision Committee, shall be filed by the subdivider with the County Recording Officer, provided that if an applicant elects to file a deed, said deed shall be accompanied with a photographically reduced copy of the approved plat.
Unless filed within the 190 days or an extension for filing is granted by the Land Use Board (or its Minor Subdivision Committee, when applicable) or by the Land Use Board as the case may be, the approval shall expire and will require Township approval as in the first instance.
The Land Use Board (or its Minor Subdivision Committee, when applicable) may extend the one-hundred-ninety-day period for filing a minor subdivision or deed if the developer proves to the reasonable satisfaction of the approving authority: that the developer was barred or prevented, directly or indirectly, from filing because of delays in obtaining legally required approvals from other governmental or quasi-governmental entities; and that the developer applied promptly for and diligently pursued the required approvals. The length of the extension shall be equal to the period of delay caused by the wait for the required approvals, as determined by the approving authority. The developer may apply for the extension either before or after what would otherwise be the expiration date.
The zoning requirements and general terms and conditions, whether conditional or otherwise, shall not be changed for a period of two years either after the date on which the resolution of approval for a minor subdivision is adopted by the Land Use Board (or its Minor Subdivision Committee, when applicable) or after the date of approval of a minor site plan by Land Use Board.
The approving authority shall grant an extension of this period for a period determined by the approving authority not exceeding one year from what would otherwise be the expiration date, if the developer proves to the reasonable satisfaction of the approving authority that the developer was barred or prevented, directly or indirectly, from proceeding with the development because of delays in obtaining legally required approvals from other governmental entities and that the developer applied promptly for and diligently pursued the approvals.
A developer shall apply for this extension before: what would otherwise be the expiration date; or the 91st day after the date on which the developer receives the last of the legally required approvals from the other governmental entities, whichever occurs later.
Before the Secretary of the Land Use Board (or its Minor Subdivision Committee, when applicable) returns any approved minor subdivision or minor site plan to the applicant, the applicant shall provide additional copies of the plat or plan as may be necessary in order to furnish copies to each of the following:
Board Engineer (in the case of subdivisions only, a map of the plat drawn to the Tax Map scale of 1 = 100 or 1 = 400, as directed by the Board Engineer);
Township Tax Assessor; and
Such other Township, county or state agencies and officials as directed by the approving authority.
Procedure for submitting preliminary major subdivision plats and preliminary major site plans.
The applicant shall submit to the Administrative Officer at least 30 days prior to the regular meeting of the Board: 18 copies of the preliminary plat or preliminary plan; 18 completed copies of the appropriate applications which includes the checklist(s) pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-10.3 attached to this chapter; 18 copies of any protective covenants or deed restrictions applying to the land being subdivided or developed; 18 copies of the environmental impact statement; and a fee in accordance with § 19-901 of this chapter.
The application shall contain an acknowledgment signed by the applicant, stating that the applicant is familiar with the procedure set forth herein for submitting and acting upon preliminary major subdivision plats and preliminary major site plans, and agrees to be bound by it. The Administrative Officer shall process the application and shall issue an application number. Once an application has been assigned a number, such number shall appear on all papers, maps, plats or plans and other documents submitted for processing in conjunction with the application.
Details required for preliminary major subdivision plats and preliminary major site plans. Each preliminary plat or preliminary plan shall be drawn by a professional engineer and/or land surveyor licensed to practice in the State of New Jersey and shall bear the signature, seal, license number and telephone number of the said professional engineer and/or land surveyor; provided, however, that all engineering data shall be signed and sealed by a professional engineer and all surveying data shall be signed and sealed by a professional land surveyor. Each submission shall be drawn at an appropriate scale not less than one inch equals 100 feet for major subdivision plats and one inch equals 50 feet for major site plans and shall be submitted on one of the following four standard sheet sizes (8.5 x 13; 15 x 21; 24 x 36 or 30 x 42). All plan sheets shall be folded into eighths with the title block revealed. If more than one sheet is required to show the entire subdivision, a separate composite map shall be drawn showing the entire subdivision and the sheets on which the various sections are shown, and each detail sheet shall include a key map showing its relation to the whole tract. Each preliminary plat or plan shall show the following information, as such information is applicable to the preliminary major subdivision or preliminary major site plan submission:
A key map showing the entire tract and its relation to the surrounding areas, at a scale of the Township Tax Maps.
Name of subdivision or development, Township of Blairstown, Warren County, New Jersey, with each sheet specifically titled with appropriately descriptive words;
If the applicant is a partnership or a corporation, the names and addresses of all partners, or the names and addresses of all stockholders owning 10% or more of any class of stock of the corporation as required by N.J.S.A. 40:55D-48.1 et seq.
Acreage to the nearest tenth of an acre (both within and without areas within public rights-of-way) and a computation of the area of the tract to be disturbed.
The name(s) and block and lot number(s) of all property owners within 200 feet of the extreme limits of the tract as shown on the most recent tax list prepared by the Township Tax Assessor.
Existing tax sheet number(s) and existing block and lot number(s) of the lot(s) to be subdivided or developed as they appear on the Township Tax Map, and proposed block and lot numbers as provided by the Township Tax Assessor upon written request.
Zoning district(s) affecting the tract, including district names and all area and bulk requirements, with a comparison to the proposed development, and all zoning district(s) within 200 feet of the tract.
The location of man-made and natural features such as bridges, wetlands, treed areas, high points, marshes and depressions, both within the tract and within 100 feet of its boundaries. A Letter of Interpretation (LOI) from the State Department of Environmental Protection shall be submitted for all delineated wetlands.
The location and species of all existing individual trees or groups of trees having a caliper of six inches or more measured three feet above the ground level shall be shown within the portion(s) of the tract to be disturbed as a result of the proposed development, indicating which trees are to remain and which are to be removed.
A landscape plan showing the proposed location of all proposed plantings, screening and buffering, a legend listing the botanical and common names, the sizes at the time of planting, a planting schedule, method of irrigation, the total quantity of each plant, and the location of each plant keyed to the plan or plat.
Where a septic system is proposed, the date of approval by the Township Board of Health of site evaluation tests, certified by a licensed professional engineer, indicating that the proposed lot(s) can adequately accommodate a septic system. The location(s) of the test hole(s) and borings, soil logs, proposed location of the septic disposal areas, test results, soil types, percolation rates and compliance with the "Individual Sewage Disposal Code of New Jersey" or applicable Township Board of Health ordinances, whichever may be more restrictive, shall be shown on the plat and certified by a licensed professional engineer.
All existing and proposed watercourses within the tract and within 200 feet of the tract shall be shown and be accompanied by the following information:
When a stream is proposed for alteration, improvement or relocation or where a drainage structure or fill is proposed over, under, in or along a running stream, a report on the status of review by the State Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Resources, shall accompany the submission;
Cross-sections of watercourses and/or drainage swales at an approximate scale showing the extent of the floodplain, top of bank, normal water levels and bottom elevations at the locations required by the Board Engineer;
The location and extent of drainage and conservation easements and stream encroachment lines; and
The location, size, direction of flow and type of adequate drainage provisions to reasonably reduce and minimize exposure to flood damage.
Existing and proposed contours with intervals of one foot where slopes are less than 5%; with intervals of two feet where slopes are shown between 5% and 10%; and with intervals of five feet where slopes exceed 10%. All contour information shall be related to U.S.G.S. datum. Existing contours shall be shown as a dashed line; finished grades shall be shown as a solid line.
Locations of all existing structures and their uses, both within the tract and within 100 feet of its boundary, showing existing and proposed front, rear and side yard setback distances and an indication of whether the existing structures and uses will be retained or removed.
Size, height and location of all proposed buildings (including grades), structures, signs and fences, including details for any signs, fences and trash enclosures.
All dimensions necessary to confirm conformity to the chapter such as the size of the tract and any proposed lot(s), the number of lots being created, structure setbacks, structure heights, yards and building and lot coverages. All tract and lot sizes shall be expressed in acres and square feet and shall include bearings and distances.
The proposed location, height, direction of illumination, power and type of proposed outdoor lighting, including details of lighting poles, luminaries and the hours and time of lighting.
Existing and proposed street and lot layout, with dimensions correct to scale, showing that portion proposed for development in relation to the entire tract, and existing lot lines to be eliminated.
The location and design of any off-street parking or loading area, showing size and location of bays, aisles and barriers, curbing and paving specifications.
All means of vehicular access and egress to and from the site onto public streets, showing the size and the location of driveways, sidewalks, fire lanes and curb cuts, including the possible utilization of traffic signals, channelization, acceleration and deceleration lanes, sight triangle easements, additional width and other proposed devices necessary to prevent a difficult traffic situation.
The application shall include plans and computations for any storm drainage system including the following as may be required by the Board Engineer:
All existing or proposed storm sewer lines within or adjacent to the tract showing profile, size and slope of the lines, direction of flow and the location of each catch basin, inlet, manhole, culvert, headwall and utility lines including pipe size and grades;
The location and extent of any proposed groundwater recharge basins, detention basins or other water or soil conservation or drainage devices, with cross sections every 50 feet at right angles to the long access of the basin, each extending 75 feet beyond the top of the rim of the basin on each side;
A drainage area map drawn to scale (minimum scale 1 = 100) showing the contributing area to each inlet or cross drain;
A weighted runoff coefficient for each drainage area shall be determined for use in the computations; and
A report by the design engineer containing the criteria used, alternates considered, reasons for selection and design calculations.
The location and size of existing structures such as water and sewer mains, valves, hydrants, utility structures, gas transmission lines and high tension power lines on the tract and within 200 feet of its boundaries.
Plans, profiles and details of proposed improvements and utility layouts and feasible connections to gas, telephone and electrical utility systems.
Plans, typical cross sections and construction details, horizontal and vertical alignments of the center line of all proposed streets and of all existing streets abutting the tract including street names. The vertical alignments shall be based on U.S.G.S. vertical datum or a more specified datum supplied by the Board Engineer, including curbing, sidewalks, street trees and planting strips, storm drains and gutters, drainage structures and cross sections every half and full station of all proposed streets and of all existing streets abutting the tract. Sight triangles, the radius of curblines and street sign locations shall be clearly indicated at the intersections. The width of cartway and right-of-way, location and width of utility lines, type and width of pavement and final design grades shall be included.
Any protective covenants or deed restrictions applying to the land being developed shall be submitted with the application and/or indicated on the submitted plat or plan.
The names, location and width of all existing and proposed easements and rights-of-way, the use(s) for which they are intended to be limited, the manner in which the easements will be controlled, and to whom they are granted.
The proposed permanent monuments shall be shown, in accordance with the Map Filing Law, N.J.S.A. 46:23-9.9.
Certificate from the Township Tax Collector that all taxes and assessments are paid to date.
An environmental impact statement in accordance with Subsection 19-804C of this section.
A traffic impact statement in accordance with Subsection 19-804D of this section.
Evidence of the submission of the application(s) for other agency approvals having jurisdiction over the application and/or required by the Board Engineer.
Concerning major site plans only, the proposed use and operations of the buildings, the proposed number of shifts to be worked, the maximum number of employees on each shift, and the hours of operation open to public use.
Concerning major site plans only, detailed floor plans of the entire structure, existing and proposed, and signed and sealed, scaled architectural elevations by a licensed New Jersey architect of the front, side and rear of any structure to be erected or modified, showing the exterior facade and materials to be used in construction and any attached signage.
The Board reserves the right to require additional information before granting preliminary approval when unique circumstances affect the tract and/or when the application for development poses special problems for the tract and surrounding area. Such information shall include, but not be limited to, drainage calculations and traffic analyses; provided however, that no application shall be declared incomplete for the lack of such additional information.
General provisions. The impact on the environment generated by land development necessitates a comprehensive analysis of the variety of problems that may result and the actions that can be taken to minimize the problems. It is further recognized that the level of detail required for various types of applications will vary depending upon the size of the development, the nature of the site, the location of the development and the information already in the possession of the Township. Therefore, having determined that some flexibility is needed in preparing the environmental impact statement, the requirements for such a document pertaining to different types of development applications are listed below:
All agricultural operations conducted in accordance with a plan approved by the Soil Conservation District and all silva culture operations conducted in accordance with a plan prepared by a professional forester are specifically exempt from the environmental impact statement requirements.
Any variance applications to the Land Use Board not involving a site plan or subdivision application shall not require an environmental impact statement unless the information contained therein is deemed essential by the Board in order to make an informed decision regarding the submitted application. The Land Use Board shall inform the applicant regarding any information that may be required.
Any application for minor site plan or minor subdivision approval to the Land Use Board shall not require an environmental impact statement unless the information contained therein is deemed essential by the Board in order to make an informed decision regarding the submitted application. The Land Use Board shall inform the applicant regarding any information that may be required.
Submission format. When an environmental impact statement is required, the applicant shall retain one or more competent professionals to perform the necessary work. The qualifications and background of the professionals shall be provided, and the method of investigation shall be described. All applicable material on file in the Township pertinent to evaluation of regional impacts also shall be considered. Furthermore, as much original research as necessary shall be conducted to develop the environmental impact statement. All environmental impact statements shall consist of written and graphic materials which clearly present the required information utilizing the following format:
Project description. Indicate the purpose and scope of the proposed project. Enumerate the benefits to the public which will result from the proposed project and describe the particular suitability of the site for the intended use. A description of the proposed project shall be presented to indicate the extent to which the site must be altered, the kinds of facilities to be constructed and the uses intended. The resident population, working population and visitor population shall be estimated. The compatibility or incompatibility of the proposed project shall be described in relation to the following:
Warren County Master Plan.
Site description and inventory. Provide a description of the environmental conditions on the site, including the following items:
Types of soils. List and describe each soil type on the site. If applicable, provide percolation data. Where the proposed area of land disturbance will involve soils with moderate or severe limitations relative to the type of use proposed, a complete mapping of all soil types where the moderate and severe limitations exist shall be provided.
Geology. Describe the geologic formations and features associated with the site as well as depth to bedrock conditions. Delineate those areas where bedrock is within two feet of the surface as well as major rock outcroppings. Additionally, for those areas which are underlain with carbonate geology and/or drain to limestone areas, the special review provisions for areas underlain by carbonate rock in § 19-806 of this chapter shall apply. The geology and groundwater resources map included within § 19-306 of this chapter generally shows the location of the various geological formations which underlay Blairstown Township.
Subsurface water. Describe the subsurface water conditions on the site both in terms of depth to groundwater and water supply capabilities. The location, depth, capacity and water quality of all existing water wells on the site and within 500 feet of the site shall be indicated.
Existing development features. Describe any existing features on the site that are not considered to be part of the natural environment including, but not necessarily limited to, roads, driveway accesses, housing units, accessory structures, utility lines, etc.
Miscellaneous. When warranted, an analysis shall be conducted of existing air quality and noise levels as prescribed by the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection.
Traffic impact statement.
The impact on the existing road systems generated by land development necessitates a comprehensive analysis of the variety of problems that may result and the actions that can be taken to minimize the problems. Therefore, all preliminary major subdivision applications resulting in the generation of more than 10 lots and/or all preliminary major site plan applications shall be accompanied by a traffic impact statement unless specifically waived by the Board. Any application for subdivision approval where less than 10 lots are involved and all applications for minor site plan approval, before the Land Use Board shall not require a traffic impact statement unless specifically requested by the Board.
The Board may waive the requirement for a traffic impact statement totally or partially only if sufficient evidence is submitted to the Board indicating that the proposed project will have a negligible traffic impact, or, alternatively, that a complete report need not be prepared and submitted in order to evaluate adequately the specific traffic impact to be generated by the proposed development. The burden of demonstrating the exceptions hereinabove stated shall at all times rest with the applicant who must affirmatively demonstrate to the Board the basis for a waiver request.
Content of report. The traffic impact statement shall contain the following information:
Projections of traffic to be generated by the proposed development for average daily, morning peak hour(s), afternoon peak highway hour(s) and any other peak traffic condition deemed applicable as a result of the type and/or location of the proposed generator. Traffic generation rates should be based upon local indices, where applicable, or rates promulgated by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, where local indices are not available. All rates should be documented in the report. Also, the method and data base upon which traffic approach route distributions are based shall be fully documented. Any assumptions regarding the diversion of existing traffic to alternative routes should be clearly specified in the report. Included in this portion of the traffic impact statement shall be an addressment of transportation control measures which would reduce the number of vehicular trips generated by the proposed development.
The report shall contain documentation of existing conditions on adjacent streets serving immediate site access/egress, including roadway pavement width, rights-of-way, curb parking conditions, sight visibility, grade curvatures of roadway and traffic control devices. Existing traffic volumes or average daily and peak hour conditions shall be presented with the source of data denoted.
Assessment of the traffic impact of the proposed development shall be provided, including estimates of levels of services. In preparing these estimates, assumptions regarding the annual growth rate of existing traffic should be fully documented. Capacity determination shall be based upon normally accepted standards, with the basis of these estimates clearly indicated. All substantial applications for development, both within Blairstown Township and neighboring municipalities, which recently have been built, are under construction or are being considered for approval shall be factored in the analysis. In the event the project is staged over a period of time, independent estimates for each stage shall be provided.
In the event that roadway deficiencies are identified for existing and/or future conditions, specific recommendations for the resolution of these problems shall be addressed in the report. The report shall contain a listing of any and all actions to be undertaken by the applicant to resolve or minimize traffic problems and, as such, shall be considered a firm offer by the applicant to undertake said actions, subject to approval by the Board.
Any alteration or amendment to the development application which would substantially alter specific land uses, site acreage, building floor area, highway access design or any other feature which could cause a significant change in traffic generation rates shall require the submission of a revised traffic impact statement.
In situations where state or county highways are adjacent to and/or potentially impacted by the proposed project, a copy of the report shall be provided to the Commissioner of Transportation, New Jersey Department of Transportation for state highways, and the Warren County Department of Transportation for county highways for their review and comment.
Disposition by the Board. The Board shall review the information furnished in the traffic impact statement in the context of the overall design of the proposed development and the traffic impact of the proposed development on the affected road system. The information is to be used to determine whether or not the proposed development will create any negative impact(s) upon the roadway system, adjacent properties or the zone plan of the municipality. The traffic impact statement shall be forwarded to the Township traffic consultant and/or Board Engineer for review and comment.
Action by the Township on preliminary major subdivision plats and preliminary major site plans.
If said application is found by the Board or its designee to contain all of the information required by § 19-804B of this chapter, the Board or its designee shall certify that said application is complete.
If said application is found by the Board or its designee to lack some of the information required by § 19-804B of this chapter, the Board or its designee shall:
Notify the applicant, in writing and within 45 days of the submission of the application, that said application is incomplete, with a specific listing of the deficiencies in the application; and
An application which has been declared incomplete by the Board or its designee shall be resubmitted by the applicant or, when an application has been declared incomplete by the Board's designee, the applicant may choose to proceed before the Land Use Board for a determination of completeness. Any resubmitted application shall be treated as a new application submission and shall be acted upon by the Board or its designee in accordance with Subsection 19-804E(1)(a) or E(1)(b) hereinabove. An applicant who has been notified that his/her application is incomplete may request a waiver of one or more of the submission requirements set forth in Subsection 19-804B of this section.
In the event that the Board or its designee fails to act pursuant to Subsection 19-804E(1)(a) or E(1)(b) hereinabove within 45 days of the date of the submission of the application, said application shall be deemed complete as of the 46th day following its submission.
The Land Use Board: 11 copies each of the preliminary plat or plan, the application, the environmental impact statement, the traffic impact statement, and any protective covenants, easements and/or deed restrictions;
Board Engineer: one copy each of the preliminary plat or plan, the application, the environmental impact statement, the traffic impact statement, and any protective covenants, easements and/or deed restrictions;
Board Planner: one copy each of the preliminary plat or plan, the application, the environmental impact statement, the traffic impact statement and any protective covenants, easements and/or deed restrictions;
Board Attorney: one copy each of the preliminary plat or plan, the application, the environmental impact statement, the traffic impact statement, and any protective covenants, easements and/or deed restrictions;
Zoning Officer: one copy of the preliminary plat or plan;
At the direction of the Land Use Board, additional copies of the preliminary plat or plan and/or other items of submitted information shall be sent to other Township, county or state agencies and/or to other professional consultants as may be designated by the Board; and
The Land Use Board shall take action on a preliminary major site plan application involving 10 acres of land or less and 10 dwelling units or less and/or a preliminary major subdivision application involving 10 lots or less within 45 days after the application has been certified complete or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant. Failure of the Board to act within the prescribed time period shall constitute approval of the application, provided that any preliminary major site plan or preliminary major subdivision application which includes any requested variance relief pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-60 and § 19-801A(2) of this chapter shall be acted upon within 120 days or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant.
The Land Use Board shall take action on a preliminary major site plan application involving more than 10 acres of land or more than 10 dwellings and/or a preliminary major subdivision application involving more than 10 lots within 95 days after the application has been certified complete or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant. Failure of the Board to act within the prescribed time period shall constitute approval of the application, provided that any preliminary major site plan or preliminary major subdivision application which includes any requested variance relief pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-60 and § 19-801A(2) of this chapter shall be acted upon within 120 days or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant.
The Land Use Board shall take action on a preliminary major site plan application and/or preliminary major subdivision application under its jurisdiction in the time frame(s) as prescribed in Subsections 19-804E(4) and E(5) hereinabove unless said preliminary major site plan or preliminary major subdivision application is being considered by the Land Use Board simultaneously with an application for a use variance in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70d and § 19-702D of this chapter, in which case the Land Use Board shall act upon all aspects of the application within 120 days after the application has been certified complete by the Land Use Board or Administrative Officer or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant. Failure of the Board to act within the prescribed time period shall constitute approval of the application.
The professional staff of the Board shall read any written reports submitted concerning the application and shall review the submission to ascertain its conformity with the requirements of this chapter. The professional staff of the Board shall offer its recommendations to the Land Use Board.
Any proposed application for development determined by the Board to be creating, imposing, aggravating or leading to the possibility of an adverse effect upon either the property in question or upon any adjacent properties, may be required to be revised to remove any adverse effect(s) prior to further review or approval by the Board, or, where the remaining portion of the original tract is sufficient to be subdivided or developed further, the applicant may be required to submit a sketch of the entire remaining portion of the tract to indicate a feasible plan whereby the applied for subdivision or development, together with subsequent subdivision(s) or development(s), may be submitted that will not create, impose, aggravate or lead to any adverse effect.
All hearings held on applications for preliminary major subdivision and/or preliminary major site plan approval shall require public notice of the hearing. The Board shall set the date, time and place for the public hearing and shall inform the applicant of this at least 14 days prior to said hearing date. Notice of the hearing shall be given by the applicant at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing. (See § 19-706D.)
For any application that is heard by the Land Use Board and is continued for additional studies, reports, plans or revisions to previously submitted material, the new or revised material must be submitted to the Township at least 10 days prior to the hearing at which the new material is to be considered by the Board.
In the case of planned developments only, the Board shall find the following facts and conclusions prior to granting approval:
That departures by the proposed development from zoning regulations otherwise applicable to the subject property conform to the zoning provisions specified in Article 19-400 and Article 19-600 of this chapter, as the case may be, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-65c.
That the proposals for maintenance and conservation of the common space are reliable, and the amount, location and purpose of the common open space are adequate.
That provision through the physical design of the proposed development for public services, control over vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and the amenities of light and air, recreation and visual enjoyment are adequate;
If the Board acts favorably on the preliminary plat or plan, the Board Engineer and the Chairman and Secretary of the Board (or the acting Chairman or Secretary, where either or both may be absent) shall affix their signatures to at least 10 copies of the plat or plan with the notification that it has been approved. The applicant shall furnish such copies to the Board. The Administrative Officer shall distribute one copy of the Board's resolution to the Township Clerk.
Should minor revisions or additions to the plat or plan be deemed necessary, the Board may grant preliminary approval subject to specified conditions and receipt of revised plans within 90 days from the date of said approval. Revised plans will then be reviewed by the Board to verify conformity with the resolution of approval within 30 days after receipt of the revised submission. Five copies of the revised, verified plan shall then be signed by the Board Engineer. Two copies will be sent to the Township, and one copy will be returned to the applicant. After the final development plans have been approved by the Board Engineer, seven complete sets should be submitted to the Township. The plans will be stamped approved and distributed to staff with one set returned to the applicant.
Any resolution by the Board shall be deemed to include a contingency that all necessary approvals by other agencies having jurisdiction over any aspect of the proposed development are required as a condition of the Board's approval. Any substantial plan revision required by an outside reviewing agency, including the County Planning Board, after final action by the Land Use Board will require a new substantive review. Whenever a development application which has been the subject of a public hearing has been substantially amended, the Board shall require that an amended plat or plan be submitted and acted upon as in the case of the original application.
If the Board, after consideration and discussion of the preliminary plat or plan, determines that it is unacceptable, a notation shall be made by the Chairman of the Board to that effect on the plat or plan and a resolution adopted in accordance with § 19-704F of this chapter setting forth the reasons for such rejection. One copy of the plat or plan and said resolution shall be returned to the applicant within 10 days of the adoption of said resolution.
Effect of preliminary approval of major subdivision plats and major site plans.
Preliminary approval shall confer upon the applicant the following rights for a three-year period from the date on which the resolution of preliminary approval is adopted:
That the general terms and conditions on which preliminary approval was granted shall not be changed, including but not limited to: use requirements; layout and design standards for streets, curbs and sidewalk; lot size; yard dimensions; and off-tract improvements; and in the case of a site plan, any requirements peculiar to site plan approval; except that nothing therein shall be construed to prevent the municipality from modifying by ordinance such general terms and conditions of preliminary approval as relate to public health and safety;
That the applicant may apply for and the Board may grant extensions on such preliminary approval for additional periods of at least one year, but not to exceed a total extension of two years, provided that if the design standards have been revised by ordinance, such revised standards may govern.
In the case of a subdivision or of a site plan for an area 50 acres or more, the Board may grant the rights referred to in Subsection 19-804F(1) hereinabove for such period of time, longer than three years, as shall be determined by the Board to be reasonable taking into consideration:
The applicant may apply for thereafter, and the Board may thereafter grant, an extension to preliminary approval for such additional period of time as shall be determined by the Board to be reasonable taking into consideration:
The comprehensiveness of the development; and
Provided that if the design standards have been revised by ordinance, such revised standards may govern.
Whenever the Board grants an extension of preliminary approval pursuant to Subsection 19-804F(1)(c) or F(2) hereinabove and preliminary approval has expired before the date on which the extension is granted, the extension shall begin on what would otherwise be the expiration date. The developer may apply for the extension either before or after what would otherwise be the expiration date.
The Board shall grant an extension of preliminary approval for a period determined by the Board but not exceeding one year from what would otherwise be the expiration date, if the developer proves to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board that the developer was barred or prevented, directly or indirectly, from proceeding with the development because of delays in obtaining legally required approvals from other governmental entities and that the developer applied promptly for and diligently pursued the approvals. A developer shall apply for this extension before: what would otherwise be the expiration date; or the 91st day after the date on which the developer receives the last of the legally required approval from the other governmental entities, whichever occurs later. An extension granted pursuant to this subsection shall not preclude the Board from granting an extension pursuant to Subsection 19-804F(1)(c) or 19-804F(2) hereinabove.
Procedure for submitting final major subdivision plats and final major site plans. A final plat or final plan shall be submitted to the Administrative Officer within three years after the date of preliminary approval or any authorized extension thereof. The applicant shall submit to the Administrative Officer at least 30 days prior to the regular meeting of the Board: 18 copies of the final major subdivision plat or final major site plan; 18 copies of the appropriate application(s), which includes the checklist(s) pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-10.3 attached to this chapter; and a fee in accordance with § 19-901 of this chapter. The application shall contain an acknowledgment signed by the applicant stating that the applicant is familiar with the procedure set forth herein for submitting and acting upon final major subdivision plats and final major site plans, and agrees to be bound by it.
Details required for final major subdivision plats and final major site plans. The following information shall be submitted:
All details stipulated in § 19-804B of this chapter.
All additional details required at the time of preliminary approval shall be submitted including a copy of the signed preliminary plat or plan in conformance with the resolution of approval.
An architect's design drawing of each building and sign or a typical building and sign showing front, side and rear elevations.
Cross sections, plans, profiles and established grades of all streets, aisles, lanes and driveways, including center line geometry and horizontal alignments with bearings, radii and tangents.
All dimensions of the exterior boundaries of any subdivision shall be balanced and closed to a precision of one to 5,000 and the dimensions of all lot lines to within one to 10,000. All dimensions, angles and bearings must be tied to at least two permanent monuments not less than 300 feet apart, and all information shall be indicated on the plat. At least one corner of the subdivision shall be tied horizontally to the New Jersey State Grid Coordinate System and vertically to the United States Geodetic Survey System, with the data on the plat as to how the bearings were determined.
Final grades shall be shown for each lot corner, for all high and low points and breaks in grade, for the finished floor elevation(s) of structures, and for the finished grade of septic systems, if applicable. If the use of drainage swales is intended, the elevation of these swales shall be shown. The minimum grade of disturbed areas shall be 1 1/2%.
Evidence that a duplicate copy(ies) of the application for development has been filed with any other agency having jurisdiction over any aspect of the proposed development.
Letters directed to the Chairman of the Board and signed by a responsible official of the lighting agency, water company, sewer utility and of any other company or governmental authority or district which provides accessory utility service and has jurisdiction in the area, approving each proposed utility installation design and stating that the applicant paid the required fees for the utility connections and service or installed all utility improvements in accordance with the requirements of this chapter so that service will be available prior to occupancy. The designing engineer(s) shall certify to the Board that the existing cross section(s) and profile(s) have been run in the field and the field notes shall be forwarded to the Board Engineer.
Installed all improvements in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and the preliminary plat approval; and/or
Posted a performance guarantee in accordance with § 19-902 of this chapter; and
Has entered into a developer's agreement with the Township Committee addressing the timing and responsibilities of the applicant regarding the required improvements not yet installed.
A statement from the Township Engineer that: all improvements installed prior to application have been inspected as provided in § 19-902 of this chapter and as-built drawings have been submitted by the applicant for the installed improvements; and that such improvements installed prior to application for final approval that do not meet or exceed Township standards have been factored into the required performance guarantee.
Concerning major subdivisions only, a sales map in the following format and containing the information noted hereinbelow. The developer of the subject major subdivision shall provide all contract purchasers with a copy of the sales map at the time of contract and maintain a record of the contract purchasers' receipt of the sales map for the Township's reasonable inspection.
The sales map shall be at a scale of not more than 100 feet to the inch;
The sales map shall identify the location of all on-site flood hazard areas, streams, ponds, wetlands, wetland buffers, steep slopes and stormwater facilities and, to the extent available from preexisting public records, such features within 200 feet of the development also shall be identified;
The sales map shall show the zoning district classification of all property within the development and within 2,000 feet of the development, both within and outside of the Township, including a brief description of the permitted uses in each zoning district; and
The sales map shall show the development plan for the subject property and all land contiguous thereto for a distance of 2,000 feet from the perimeter of the development, including lands outside of the Township, with the following information indicated thereon:
The location of all streets, with those streets to be connected to the proposed development clearly highlighted;
The location of all state, county and Township roads, both in existence and/or proposed by any governmental agency having jurisdiction to establish such roads; and
The location of all railroads, power transmission lines and easements, pipe lines, rights-of-way for public utilities and any existing utilities.
Action by the Township on final major subdivision plats and final major site plans.
[Amended 9-9-1998 by Ord. No. 98; 4-11-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-02]
If said application is found by the Board or its designee to contain all of the information required by Subsection 19-805B of this section, the Board Engineer shall certify that said application is complete.
If said application is found by the Board or its designee to lack some of the information required by Subsection 19-805B of this section, the Board or its designee shall:
An application which has been declared incomplete by the Board or its designee shall be resubmitted by the applicant or, when an application has been declared incomplete by the Board's designee, the applicant may choose to proceed before the Land Use Board for a determination of completeness. Any resubmitted application shall be treated as a new application submission and shall be acted upon by the Board or its designee in accordance with Subsection 19-805C(1)(a) or C(1)(b) hereinabove. An applicant who has been notified that his/her application is incomplete may request a waiver of one or more of the submission requirements set forth in Subsection 19-805B of this section.
In the event that the Board or its designee fails to act pursuant to Subsection 19-805C(1)(a) or C(1)(b) hereinabove within 45 days of the date of the submission of the application, said application shall be deemed complete as of the 46th day following its submission.
The Land Use Board: 11 copies each of the final plat or plan and the application;
Board Engineer: one copy each of the final plat or plan and the application;
Board Attorney: one copy each of the final plat or plan and the application;
Township Construction Official: one copy of the preliminary plat or plan;
The Board shall take action of final site plan and final subdivision applications within 45 days after the application has been certified complete or within such further time as may be consented to by the applicant. Failure of the Board to act within the prescribed time period shall constitute approval of the application.
If the Board acts favorably on the final plat or plan, the Board Engineer and the Chairman and Secretary of the Board (or the acting Chairman or Secretary, where either or both may be absent) shall affix their signatures to at least 10 paper copies of the plat or plan with the notification that it has been approved. The applicant shall furnish such copies to the Board for signing. Moreover, in the case of final subdivisions only, the applicant shall include for signing one cloth copy and at least two Mylar copies of the approved plat in addition to the 10 paper copies.
For any application that is heard by the Board and is continued for additional studies, reports, plans or revisions to previously submitted material, the new or revised material must be submitted to the Township at least 10 days prior to the hearing at which the new material is to be considered by the Board.
Should minor revisions or additions to the plat or plan be deemed necessary, the Board may grant preliminary approval subject to specified conditions and receipt of revised plans within 30 days from the date of said approval. Revised plans will then be reviewed by the Board to verify conformity with the resolution of approval within 30 days after receipt of the revised submission. Five copies of the revised, verified plan shall then be signed by the Board Engineer. Two copies will be sent to the Township, and one copy will be returned to the applicant. After the final development plans have been approved by the Board Engineer, seven complete sets should be submitted to the Township. The plans will be stamped approved and distributed to staff with one set returned to the applicant.
After approval of the final plat or plan by the Board, the Administrative Officer shall retain one paper copy of the signed plat or plan and shall furnish other copies to each of the following within 10 days from the date of the adoption of a resolution in accordance with § 19-706F of this chapter:
Township Clerk: one paper copy;
Board Engineer: one paper copy and, in the case of subdivisions only, one Mylar copy drawn to the tax map scale of 1 = 100 or 1 = 400, as directed by the Board Engineer;
Zoning Officer: one paper copy;
Township Tax Assessor: one paper copy;
The applicant: one paper copy and, in the case of subdivisions only, one Mylar copy; and
Within 95 days from the date of signing of the final subdivision plat, the subdivider shall file a copy of same with the Warren County Clerk. In the event of failure to file within said 95 days, the approval of the major subdivision shall expire and any further proceedings shall require the filing of a new application as in the first instance. The Board, for good cause shown, may extend the filing for an additional 95 days. The Board may extend the ninety-five-day or one-hundred-ninety-day period if the developer proves to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board: that the developer was barred or prevented, directly or indirectly, from filing because of delays in obtaining legally required approvals from other governmental or quasi-governmental entities; and that the developer applied promptly for and diligently pursued the required approvals. The length of the extension shall be equal to the period of delay caused by the wait for the required approvals, as determined by the Land Use Board. The developer may apply for an extension either before or after the original expiration date.
If the Board, after consideration and discussion of the final plat or plan, disapproves the submission, a notation to that effect shall be made by the Chairman of the Board on the plat or plan. The Administrative Officer, within 10 days of such adoption, shall notify the applicant of such disapproval and forward the applicant a copy of the adopted resolution setting forth the reasons for the disapproval.
Effect of final approval of major subdivision plats and major site plans.
Final approval of a subdivision or site plan shall confer upon the applicant the following rights for a period of two years from the date on which the resolution of final approval is adopted:
In the case of a subdivision or site plan for a planned development or residential cluster of 50 acres or more, or in the case of a conventional subdivision or site plan of 150 acres or more, the Board may grant the rights referred to in Subsection 19-805D(1) hereinabove for such period of time, longer than two years, as shall be determined by the Board to be reasonable taking into consideration:
The developer may apply for thereafter, and the Board may thereafter grant, an extension to final approval for such additional period of time as shall be determined by the Board to be reasonable taking into consideration:
Whenever the Board grants an extension of final approval pursuant to Subsection 19-805D(1)(b) or D(2) of this section and final approval has expired before the date on which the extension is granted, the extension shall begin on what would otherwise be the expiration date. The developer may apply for the extension either before or after what would otherwise be the expiration date.
The Board shall grant an extension of final approval for a period determined by the Board but not exceeding one year from what would otherwise be the expiration date, if the developer proves to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board that the developer was barred or prevented, directly or indirectly, from proceeding with the development because of delays in obtaining legally required approvals from other governmental entities and that the developer applied promptly for and diligently pursued the approvals. A developer shall apply for this extension before: what would otherwise be the expiration date; or the 91st day after the date on which the developer receives the last of the legally required approval from the other governmental entities, whichever occurs later. An extension granted pursuant to this subsection shall not preclude the Board from granting an extension pursuant to Subsection 19-805D(1)(b) or D(2) hereinabove.
In areas which are underlain by carbonate rock, such as limestone and dolomite, as defined and established by the geological survey of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and/or the United States Geological Survey, a more detailed geologic evaluation, in addition to the basic requirements of an environmental impact statement included within § 18-804C of this chapter, is required to assess the effect of the proposed development on groundwater quality and the stability of the geology to support increased loads and reductions in soil cover from the proposed site improvements.
The Township of Blairstown relies on a clean supply of subsurface water to foster and promote human health, welfare and economic and social development. Therefore, the purposes of enacting these provisions are to protect, preserve and enhance a sensitive and valuable potable groundwater resource area and to reduce the frequency of structural damage to public and private improvements by sinkholes or subsidence in areas of carbonate geology, thus protecting the public health, safety and welfare and insuring orderly development within the Township.
The Geologic and Groundwater Resources Map contained in § 19-306 of this chapter indicates that an extensive area in the central portion of the Township along the Route 94 corridor is underlain by the Kittatiny Formation, which is a carbonate geologic formation. For the purposes of this chapter, any area which may be underlain by carbonate rock shall be considered a potential critical geological area. Critical geological areas may require extraordinary and exceptional construction methods to mitigate the adverse impact of development on the environment.
Geologic inventory. Any developer of a potential critical geological area or any developer of lands which drain to potential critical geological areas shall conduct an initial investigation for determining any adverse impact which might be created by the development. The investigation shall include the following:
Review of relevant United States Geological Survey quadrangle sheets and New Jersey Geological Survey mappings; the Warren County Soil Survey indicating soils present on the subject site; and the Natural Resources Inventory portion of the Blairstown Township Master Plan describing the geology of the Township;
A map at a scale of 1 = 1,000 identifying the proposed development site with respect to the critical geological area;
Aerial photographs at a minimum scale of 1 = 1,000 of the proposed development site and surrounding area taken at times of minimal foliage cover;
Well surveys by the Warren County Health Department and the Bureau of Water Allocation of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection of all wells within 1/2 mile of the proposed site and of all public supply wells within one mile of the proposed site; for the purposes of these surveys, the circle containing the outer boundaries of the proposed development site shall be the center of the survey radii;
A map at a scale of 1 = 100 for tracts of 40 acres or less or 1 = 200 for tracts of more than 40 acres, with two feet contour interval, identifying surface water bodies, faults, outcroppings, springs, sinkholes, caves, major depressions, disappearing streams, surface water flows, and locations of all wells identified in accordance with § 19-804B(4) hereinabove; and
A written narrative describing the proposed use and whether the use includes the storage or use of toxic or hazardous materials.
Where the Board, with the advice of the Environmental Commission and the Board Engineer, determines that further investigation is warranted to determine the extent of potential geologic hazards, the developer shall prepare a geotechnical investigation report.
The report shall include a formal site investigation and geological evaluation;
A pattern of test borings or test pits shall be the primary evaluation technique and plans for backfilling test pits shall be included;
Additionally, a pattern of percussion probes, seismic refraction or reflection, investigation by ground-penetrating radar, or magnetic gravity or conductivity tests may be used to provide data between test borings and pits to identify and map subsurface rock types and subsurface anomalies, with specific attention to existing solution cavities or caverns; and
Other exploration techniques as follows may be used if approved by a geotechnical consultant who shall be retained by the Township when a geotechnical investigations report is required:
A pattern of monitoring wells, lysimeters or piezometers;
Plans for chemical analysis of the properties of soils, rock formations and site groundwater; and
Plans for the use of other testing methods, including seismic, electromagnetic, acoustic, gravimetric, electric (conductivity) or other techniques and methodologies as approved and accepted by the Township geotechnical consultant.
The geotechnical investigation report described hereinabove may be submitted independently of and in advance of the remainder of the environmental impact statement required by § 19-804C of this chapter.
The report shall evaluate site information gathered during the geotechnical investigation and provide recommendations for the planning, engineering design and construction techniques as well as inspections to be utilized in the proposed development;
The report also shall propose engineering and design solutions to minimize adverse environmental and structural impacts for the useful life of the development as well as during construction;
The Board, with the advice of the Township's geotechnical consultant and the Township Environmental Commission, shall review and accept the report;
Upon recommendation of the Township's geotechnical consultant and Environmental Commission, the Board may rule that the geological investigation and evaluation undertaken by a developer as required by this chapter is inadequate to ensure the public health and safety, and may require additional investigation or evaluation; the precise nature and extent of which, and the reasons therefor, shall in each and every case be identified in the Board ruling.
Development regulated within a critical geological area.
Within a critical geological area, no residential or nonresidential development shall be permitted which involves the discharge of liquid wastes to or in the soils unless a positive demonstration by the developer that such discharges will not so chemically react with the underlying geology as to increase significantly the likelihood that solution cavities or sinkholes will result, subject to the Board's acceptance upon the recommendation of the Township's geotechnical engineer.
In any development where both on-site management of sanitary waste and on-site water supply are proposed, Board approval of a subdivision or site plan shall be contingent upon demonstration by the developer that, based on probabilities of development of solution cavities or sinks, proposed densities will not be adverse to the public health and safety.
The subdivision or site plan for any development to which this chapter applies shall address and respond to those problems which have been identified in the geotechnical investigation report required in Subsection 19-806C hereinabove. Preliminary approval of a subdivision or site plan shall be contingent upon the positive demonstration by the developer that the following issues have been appropriately addressed:
Appropriate site selection and design for buildings and structures for stormwater management, water supply and waste disposal;
Adequate support for structures, roads, and subsurface utility lines; structural foundations reinforced to span soft soils or sinkholes as necessary;
Stormwater and sanitary sewer lines designed and constructed with watertight joints tested to ensure integrity;
All pipe materials, joints, construction methods and materials for exfiltration testing to be approved by the Township Engineer, with the advice of the Township's geotechnical consultant;
Water supply and other pressurized utility lines intended to transport liquids underground, when laid down in soils or bedrock in a critical geological area, shall be equipped with flow alarms or automatic shutdown mechanisms to detect breaks which would allow water or wastewater to wash down in an uncontrolled manner into the natural drainage or recharge system, and to prevent such uncontrolled washdown or flow;
Minimization of site grading and blasting requirement; and
Identification of a general methodology for management of sinkholes or solution cavities, depressions, or other questionable areas discovered during development or construction.
The developer shall employ the services of an expert qualified in karst geology to be on site during all construction activities involving excavation.
The Township Engineer shall be informed promptly of any geological anomalies discovered during construction.
Land-use strategies, design concepts, engineering solutions, and construction and operational procedures proposed in the developer's report to the Board and agreed to by the Board shall be scrupulously adhered to. A recorded developer's agreement shall be executed and made part of all major subdivision and major site plan approvals.
In any development or subdivision to which this chapter applies and particularly any part of which lies within 500 feet of any natural stream or watercourse, Board approval of the overall subdivision or site plan shall be contingent upon demonstration by the developer to the satisfaction of the Board that the proposed development and building plans shall not adversely affect the public health and safety. The developer's demonstration may take the form of evidence of the integrity or competence of the geological formation.
In the event the literal enforcement of one or more of the provisions of this chapter is impracticable or will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land in question and the developer is unable to comply with all the provisions hereof, he/she or she may apply to the Land Use Board for the grant of exceptions from the requirements of this chapter.
Such application for the grant of exceptions shall be made to the Land Use Board in conjunction with the application for preliminary major subdivision or preliminary major site plan approval.
The Land Use Board shall hold a hearing on the request for the grant of such exceptions simultaneously with the public hearing required, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-10, to be held upon the application for preliminary major subdivision or preliminary major site plan applications, as the case may be.
The construction of improvements in developments underlain by critical geological formations is herewith deemed to constitute an extraordinary circumstance, thereby rendering inapplicable the engineer inspection and review fee limitations otherwise provided by N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53h and enabling the charging of inspection fees in excess thereof which, in all cases, shall be reasonable and shall otherwise comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.
Disposition by the Board. As with the other portions of an environmental impact statement the Board shall review the information furnished in the document in the context of the overall design of the proposed development and the relationship of the proposed development to the environment. The information is to be used solely to help ensure that the proposed development will cause no reasonably avoidable damage to any environmental resource.