The long title of this Chapter is: "An Ordinance Establishing Rules, Regulations and Standards Governing Site Plan Review Within the Township of Mahwah Pursuant to the Authority Set Forth in Chapter 291 of the Laws of 1975 and Amendments and Supplements Thereto, Setting Forth the Procedure to be Followed in Applying and Administering These Rules, Regulations and Standards and Providing Penalties for the Violations Thereof." (Ord. #595; 1976 Code § 145-1)

This Chapter shall be known as the "Site Plan Ordinance of the Township of Mahwah." (Ord. #595; 1976 Code § 145-2)

Such regulations are deemed necessary to achieve the following purposes:

a Promote Orderly Development. To protect the character and to maintain the stability of all areas within the community and to promote the orderly and beneficial development of such areas.

b. Promulgate Rules and Procedures. To provide rules, regulations and procedures which will guide the appropriate development of lands within the Township in a manner which will promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare.

c. Project Against Hazards. To secure safety from fire, flood, panic and other natural and man-made disasters.

d. Location and Design of Streets. To encourage the location and design of streets and roadways which will promote the free flow of traffic while discouraging the location of such facilities and routes which will result in congestion.

e. Creative Development Techniques. To promote a desirable visual environment through creative development techniques and a good civic design and arrangement.

f. Conservation of Open Space. To promote the conservation of open space and valuable natural resources and to prevent urban sprawl and degradation of the environment through improper use of land.

g. Effective Use of Land. To encourage coordination of various public and private procedures and activities shaping land development with a view of lessening the cost of such development and to the more efficient use of land.

h. Prevent Overcrowding. To provide adequate light, air and open space.

1. Encourage Planned Developments. To encourage planned developments which incorporate the best features of design and relate the type, design and layout of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational development to the particular site. (Ord. #595; 1976 Code § 145-3)