Township Design Standards as deemed appropriate by the Township Engineer are hereby incorporated into this Ordinance by reference. These standards shall be held to be minimum criteria for site improvements in the Township of Neptune and shall include all specifications, procedures, requirements, plans and any other documentation as may be contained therein.

A. Applicability. This Subsection shall apply to all development along Main Avenue and the balance of the HD-B-1 Zone District, except for ordinary maintenance and repair.

B. Banners. Masts for up to four (4) feet overall length dual banners at corner and district entry posts, minimum clearance to sidewalk grade to be eight (8) feet.

C. Bicycle racks. Beacon products - Santa Fe bike rack with optional end post bollards, to match standard bollard type; single post bike rack to be as per Metropolitan Series by Heritage Casting and Ironworks Model #9410, or functional and aesthetic equivalent.

D. Crosswalk type. Granite edged interlocking pavers with barrier-free curb cuts.

E. Curb type. Natural cut granite curb, eighteen (18) inch depth, six (6) inch width, six (6) foot length; gray or rose blend color.

F. Lighting. Appendix F

G. Paver color. Interlocking herring bone paver color is to match dominant downtown brick building fronts.

H. Sidewalk bench type. Beacon product Old Scroll series cast aluminum Model 05BB-A without back with IPE seat slats; Model 05B with back in park or promenade locations; alternate Main Avenue bench design to be Metropolitan Series Seat 5014 by Heritage Casting and Ironworks, or functional and aesthetic equivalent.

I. Sidewalk planter type. Model 8333 planter, eighteen (18) inch high, twenty-three (23) inch wide by Heritage Casting and Ironworks, or functional and aesthetic equivalent.

J. Sidewalk type. A four (4) foot wide "sidewalk amenity band" consisting of interlocking paver blocks shall be placed adjacent to the curb. A replicated slate concrete walk with a minimum forty-two (42) inch width shall be placed adjacent to the "sidewalk amenity band." The slate concrete walk shall be edged with an interlocking paver band of variable width to the building or property line. Tree grate type. Cast iron square tree grates with openings for up-lighting, 1800 square, four (4) inch minimum.

K. Street furnishings. Metropolitan Series in black as manufactured by Heritage Casting and Ironworks, or functional and aesthetic equivalent.

L. Trash can type. Model 6135 - Thirty (30) gallon litter container, thirty-eight (38) inch high, twenty-four (24) inch wide, Model #7232; recycling container, thirty-nine (39) high, thirty-one (31) wide by Heritage Casting and Ironworks, or functional and aesthetic equivalent.

M. Ocean Grove Historic District. All Streetscape enhancements shall be consistent with the Ocean Grove Historic District Sidewalk Use and Various Pedestrian Enhancements Guide.

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide uniform design criteria and guidelines for the regulation of properties situated in any historic zone district or other designated historic site situated elsewhere in the Township for use by the Historic Preservation Commission, the Township of Neptune and the public.

B. Applicability. These design guidelines shall be applicable to all development applications and applications for Certificates of Appropriateness situated in:

1. Any historic zone district (as shown on a map entitled "Zoning Map, Township of Neptune, Monmouth County, New Jersey"); and,

2. Any site of historic and architectural importance in the Township which has been designated by the Township or is listed by local, County, State or national agencies.

C. The design criteria and guidelines, also known as the Preservation Guidelines is an integral part of this Ordinance and is incorporated in the Ordinance as if set forth at length in the body of this Ordinance.

D. Visual compatibility factors. The following factors, commonly known as visual compatibility factors, shall be considered in all Historic Districts.

1. Height. The height of the proposed building shall be visually compatible with adjacent buildings.

2. Proportion of the Building's Front Facade. The relationship of the width of the buildings to the height of the front elevation shall be visually compatible with buildings and places to which it is visually related.

3. Proportions of Openings Within the Facility. The relationship of the width of windows to the height of windows in a building shall be visually compatible with the buildings and places to which it is visually related.

4. Rhythm of Spacing of Buildings on Streets. The relationship of the building to the open space between it and adjoining buildings shall be visually compatible with the buildings and places to which it is visually related.

5. Rhythm of Solids to Voids on Front Facades. The relationship of solids to voids in the front facades of a building shall be visually compatible with the buildings and places to which it is visually related.

6. Rhythm of Entrance and/or Porch Projections. The relationship of entrance and porch projections to the street shall be visually compatible with the buildings and places to which it is visually related.

7.Relationship of Materials, Texture and Color. The relationship of materials, texture and color of the facade and roof of a building shall be visually compatible with the predominant materials used in the buildings to which it is visually related.

8. Roof Shape. The roof shape of a building shall be visually compatible with the buildings to which it is visually related.

9. Walls of Continuity. Appurtenances of a building such as walls, open-type fencing and evergreen landscape masses shall form cohesive walls of enclosures along a street, to the extent necessary to maintain visual compatibility of the building with the buildings and places to which it is visually related.

10. Scale of Buildings. The size of a building, the mass of a building in relationship to open spaces, the windows, door openings, porches and balconies shall be visually compatible with the buildings and places to which it is visually related.

11. Directional Expression of Front Elevation. A building shall be visually compatible with the buildings and places to which it is visually related in its dimensional character, whether this be vertical character, horizontal character or non- directional character.

12.Exterior Features. A structure's related exterior features such as but are not limited to lighting fixtures, fences, signs, sidewalks, windows, doors, shutters, siding, gutters, balustrades, railings, columns, cornices, moldings, trim, stairs, steps, porches, walks, patios, driveways and parking areas shall be compatible with the features of those structures to which it is visually related and shall be appropriate for the historic period for which the structure is significant.

A. Applicability. These standards shall be applicable to all development applications and applications for Certificates of Appropriateness involving any type of rehabilitation work situated in:

1. Any historic zone district (as shown on a map entitled "Zoning Map, Township of Neptune, Monmouth County, New Jersey"); and,

2. Any site of historic and architectural importance in the Township which has been designated by the Township or is listed by local, County, State or national agencies.

B. In addition to the Visual Compatibility Factors listed in Subsection §508.D, the following standards for rehabilitation shall be considered:

1. Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a property which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure or site and its environment or to use a property for its original intended purpose.

2. The distinguishing original qualities or characteristics of a building, structure or site and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible.

3. All buildings, structures and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged.

4. Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure or site and its environment. The changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance shall be recognized and respected.

5. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a building, structure or site shall be treated with sensitivity.

6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced, wherever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical or pictorial evidence rather than conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings or structures.

7. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and the other cleaning methods that will damage the historic building materials shall not be undertaken without prior consent of the Historic Preservation Commission.

8. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archaeological resources affected by or adjacent to any project.

9. Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing properties shall not be discouraged when the alterations or additions do not destroy significant historical, architectural or cultural material and such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood or environment.

10. Wherever possible, new additions or alterations to structures shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired. All illuminated signs shall be subject to inspection in accordance with the applicable electrical codes in force in the Township.

11.The Historic Preservation Commission shall also consider the effectiveness of the proposal:

(a) In adhering to the structure's original style; or

(b) In destroying or otherwise affecting the exterior architectural features; and

(c)In the overall effect in general that the proposed work would have upon the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and the use of the applicant's property, adjoining properties and the Historic District in which it is located.

The following guidelines shall be used to prepare and review a landscaping plan for any site plan. The landscaping plan shall be prepared by a New Jersey certified landscape architect.

A. Landscaping. The entire development shall be extensively landscaped in accordance with a plan conceived as a complete pattern and style throughout the total site. All areas of the site not occupied by buildings and other improvements shall be intensively planted with trees, shrubs, hedges, ground cover and perennials and annuals. Landscaping shall be provided to achieve the following:

1. Preservation and enhancement, to the greatest extent possible, of existing natural features on the site, including vegetation, land forms and bodies of water;

2. Assistance in adapting a site to its proposed development;

3. Mitigation and control of environmental and community impacts from a development;

4. Creation of an attractive appearance for the development, as viewed from both within the site itself and the surrounding area;

5. Enhancement of the habitability of a development;

6. Definition of yard areas and other open space;

7. Energy conservation and micro-climatic control; and,

8. Maintenance of a desirable ecological balance on a developed site.

B. Other site design elements. The development plan shall incorporate landscaping with other functional and ornamental site design elements, where appropriate, such as the following:

1. Courtyards, plazas, alleys and similar public and semi-public open spaces;

2. Active recreation areas and facilities;

3. Ground paving materials

4. Paths and walkways;

5. Berms and other earth forms;

6. Ponds, fountains and other water features;

7. Trellises, pergolas, gazebos and other accessory structures;

8. Fences, walls and other screens;

9. Street or site furniture;

10. Art and sculpture;

C. Plant species. The selection of plant species to be used shall be appropriate in terms of function and size and shall be hardy for the climatic zone in which the Township is located. Consideration shall be given to soil conditions, availability of water, exposure to sunlight and other existing conditions.

D. Planting sizes. Deciduous trees shall have a minimum caliper of three and one-half (3.5) inches at time of planting. Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in height at time of planting. Low-growing evergreen shrubs shall be a minimum of two and one-half (2 1/2) feet in height at time of planting. Size of other plantings shall depend on setting and type of plant material.

**Webmasters Note: The previous subsection has been amended as per Ordinance No. 07-11.

E. Planting specifications. Only nursery-grown plant material shall be utilized. All trees, shrubs and ground cover shall be planted according to accepted horticultural standards. All grass shall be planted in accordance with the New Jersey State Soil Conservation Committee's Standards for Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control in New Jersey, current edition. Mulch Trees and other vegetation that have been removed may be reduced to chips and used as mulch in landscaped areas. Maintenance Plantings shall be watered regularly and in a manner appropriate for the specific plant material through the first growing season. All landscaped areas shall be well maintained and kept free of all debris, rubbish, weeds, tall grass, other overgrown conditions and the storage of any equipment or materials.

F. Replacement of dead plantings. The developer shall be required to replace dead or dying plant material for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance of a final zoning permit for occupancy and shall post a maintenance guarantee for such pursuant to Article X of this Ordinance. If plant material is dead or dying during a planting season, it shall be replaced that same season. If plant material is dead or dying during a non-planting season, it shall be replaced as soon as is reasonably possible at the start of the next planting season.

G. Fall planting hazard. Certain trees have been identified as having a high degree of transplantation failure if planted during the Fall season. These should be noted on the landscape plans as Spring planting only.

H. Foundation plantings. The base of all sides of a building shall be planted with foundation plantings consisting of evergreen and/or semi-evergreen shrubs and trees. Such plantings shall be a minimum of two (2) feet high at time of planting and spaced an average of three feet on center. This foundation planting requirement shall not apply to the sides of buildings that are directly abutting a public right-of-way.

I. Parking lot landscaping. The interior area of all parking lots shall be landscaped to provide visual relief from the undesirable and monotonous appearance of extensive parking areas, and to provide shading that will reduce solar heat gain to both the surface of the parking lot and vehicles parked thereon. Such landscaped areas shall be provided in protected planting islands or peninsulas within the perimeter of the parking lot and shall be placed so as not to obstruct the vision of motorists. The area and types of plantings shall be provided based on the number of parking spaces in the lot, as follows (see also Appendix E):

1.The perimeter of all parking lots shall be setback from all rear and side lot lines by a minimum of ten (10) feet. Per Section 412, no individual parking space may be located within a required front setback area. Perimeter areas shall be landscaped as follows:

(a) Side and rear yards shall be landscaped with a combination of evergreen shrubs and deciduous trees to form a screen a minimum of six (6) feet tall at the time of planting. Buffer tree spacing for foliage similar to the White Pine shall be five feet (5') on center and similar to the Arborvitae shall be three feet (3') on center.

(b) Front yards shall be landscaped with a combination of an alternating evergreen and deciduous hedge a minimum of three (3) feet tall at the time of planting, with deciduous shade trees located a spacing of thirty (30) feet on-center, said spacing to supplement and alternate with required street trees.

2. For parking lots with fifteen (15) spaces or less, no such interior landscaping shall be required if the Board determines there is adequate landscaping directly surrounding the perimeter of the parking lot. If the Board finds that such landscaping is inadequate, then the requirements of subsection B(2) below shall apply.

3. For parking lots containing sixteen (16) to ninety-nine (99) spaces, a minimum of five percent (5%) of the interior area of the parking lot shall be provided with planting islands containing a minimum of one (1) deciduous tree planted for every five (5) parking spaces abutting such island. Planting islands in parking lots shall also conform to the following requirements:

(a) The minimum width of planting islands shall be four (4) feet on the side of parking spaces six (6) feet between parking bays (head-to-head parking). If sidewalks are incorporated through either the long sides of the landscape islands between parking bays or through the landscape islands on the sides of parking spaces, their width shall be added to these requirements.

(b) No more than eight (8) parking spaces shall be placed in one row of parking without an intervening landscape island.

(c) Where the parking lot design will result in pedestrians cutting perpendicularly through landscape islands, sidewalks shall be installed at regular intervals across the islands.

(d) The remainder of any such interior planting areas not containing trees shall be planted with low-growing evergreen shrubs.

(e)Parking lot lighting may be sited within landscape islands, however, without hindering necessary lighting coverage. [NOTE: The previous subsection, "I.3" has been amended per Ordinance No. 03-035]

4.For parking lots with one-hundred (100) or more spaces, a minimum of five percent (5%) of the interior area of the parking lot shall be provided with planting islands containing a minimum of one (1) deciduous tree planted for every five (5) parking spaces. Planting islands in such parking lots shall conform to the following requirements:

(a) Diamond-shaped tree islands shall be utilized between parking bays (head-to-head parking) and shall contain a minimum of thirty-six (36) square feet.

(b) A landscaped island strip with a minimum width of four (4) feet shall be placed at the end of each row of parking.

(c) No more than eight (8) parking spaces shall be placed in one (1) continuous row of parking without an intervening landscaped island strip placed on both sides of the spaces. The minimum width of an intervening landscaped island strip shall be seven (7) feet.

(d) Sidewalks with a minimum width of four (4) feet shall be placed adjacent to landscaped island strips.

(e) When intervening planting strips are placed adjacent to one another, the aggregate width of the island shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet in order to accommodate two (2) planting strips and a sidewalk.

(f) The remainder of any such interior planting areas not containing trees shall be planted with low-growing evergreen shrubs.

(g)Parking lot lighting may be sited within landscape islands, however, provided adequate lighting coverage is provided per §511.

J. Slope plantings. All cut and fill areas, terraces, earth berms and roadway embankments with slopes steeper than one increment vertical to three increments horizontal (1 to 3) shall be sufficiently landscaped to prevent erosion.

K. Drainage facilities. Detention basins, headwalls, outlet structures, concrete flow channels, rip-rap channels and other drainage facilities shall be suitably planted with shrubs and trees. Detention basin embankments shall be extensively landscaped with wet-site-tolerant plantings.

L. Energy conservation. Landscaping shall be designed to conserve energy, such as the planting of evergreen windbreaks to provide shielding from northwesterly winds during the winter and deciduous shade trees to reduce solar heat gain during the summer.

M. Street or site furniture. Benches, trash receptacles, kiosks, phone booths and other street or site furniture shall be located and sized in accordance with the functional need of such. Selection of such furniture shall take into consideration issues of durability, maintenance and vandalism. All such furniture shall be architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors and details of buildings on the site.