A. General. All improvements shall be installed in complete accordance with the standards of this chapter, with other particular specifications approved by the municipal agency and Township Engineer and with all other applicable municipal, county, state and federal regulations. Should improvements be required which are not provided for within this chapter, they shall be designed and constructed in accordance with good engineering practice and recognized design standards. The developer or his engineer shall submit detailed design calculations and construction specifications in each such instance. Prior to the initiation of such specialized design, the particular standards to be utilized shall be submitted for review by the municipal agency and Township Engineer.
B. Standard specifications and construction details. The Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (latest edition), including all addenda, and the Standard Construction Details of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (latest revision), as modified, supplemented, amended or superseded by the requirements of this chapter, by the approved final plat, by particular agreement among the municipal agency and subdivider or by other applicable municipal, county, state or federal regulations, shall govern the completion of the required improvements. Such Standard Specifications and Standard Construction Details are made a part of this chapter by reference and will not be herein repeated. It is the responsibility of all developers to familiarize themselves with these standards. The requirements of this chapter, of an approved final plat or of particular agreements and conditions of approval and of applicable municipal, county, state or federal regulations shall govern and prevail in the case of conflict between them and the Standard Specifications or Standard Construction Details. Should the Township adopt, subsequent to the effective date of this chapter, particular and specific Standard Construction Details for Jackson Township, they shall govern and prevail over the Standard Construction Details of the New Jersey Department of Transportation previously referred to.
A. Objectives. All site plan and subdivision plats shall conform to design standards that will encourage desirable development patterns within the Township. The site plan or subdivision shall conform to the proposals and conditions shown on the adopted Master Plan. The streets, drainage rights-of-way, school sites, public parks and playgrounds and other municipal facilities shown on the adopted Master Plan shall be considered in the review of site plans and subdivision plats. Where the Master Plan makes no provisions therefor, streets and drainage rights-of-way shall be shown on the final plat in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. and shall be such as to lend themselves to the harmonious development of the municipality and the enhancement of the public welfare.
B. Responsibility for design. Within the criteria established by and subject to the review and approval of the municipal agency, all design of a site plan or subdivision is the responsibility of the developer, and he shall be responsible for and bear the entire cost of any and all investigations, tests, reports, surveys, samples, calculations, environmental assessments, designs, researches or any other activity necessary to the completion of the design. The standards set forth in this chapter shall be taken to be the minimum necessary to meet its purposes, as set forth elsewhere herein. The responsibility of the municipal agency shall be to see that these minimum standards are followed and that, in those cases not covered by these standards, sufficient precautions are taken to assure that the eventual design is conducive to the implementation of the purposes of this chapter and the Township Master Plan. The municipal agency may employ professionals in various disciplines to advise and assist it in its determinations. Any decisions of the municipal agency regarding the suitability or sufficiency of any design proposal, taken upon advice of its professionals and subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall be deemed conclusive.
C. Design data. To properly execute the design of a site plan or subdivision, it is anticipated that the developer will obtain or cause to be obtained certain design data, including but not limited to soil tests and analyses, environmental assessments, traffic studies and traffic projections, surveys, reports and similar design data. Any and all such data obtained by the developer, or by others retained by him to complete the design, shall be made available to the municipal agency and its employees and professional consultants for the purpose of reviewing the proposed design. Should the Planning Board determine that the design data submitted is not sufficient for the purpose of completing a full review of the proposal, it may request the applicant to provide such additional information as is deemed necessary. Until the applicant supplies such information, no submission under the provisions of this chapter shall be termed complete. Nothing contained herein shall be interpreted to prevent the municipal agency from making or causing to be made such independent studies, calculations or other undertakings as it deems necessary in the review of any application for development.
D. Design standards. When a developer determines that it will be necessary to utilize design standards in addition to or other than those minimum requirements established herein, he is advised to consult with the Engineer of the municipal agency, prior to beginning his detailed design, for review and approval of his proposed design standards. Standards utilized should generally be nationally recognized and in common use in this area. Design standards may not be utilized if they do not have the approval of the Engineer of the municipal agency.
E. Waiver of requirements. It is recognized that, in certain instances, preexisting conditions or the uniqueness of a particular proposal may require the waiver of some of the standards presented herein. The municipal agency may consider and, for cause shown, may waive strict conformance with such of these detailed standards as it sees fit. Any developer desiring such action shall present with his application for development a listing of all such waivers desired, together with the reasons therefor.
F. Exceptions to residential development improvement standards. [Added 6-8-1998 by Ord. No. 15-98]
(1) The municipal agency may grant such de minimis exceptions from the requirements of the site improvement standards adopted pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:21 as may be reasonable and within the general purpose and intent of the standards if the literal enforcement of one or more provisions of the standards is impracticable or will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the development in question.
(2) An application for an exception pursuant to this section shall be filed, in writing, with the municipal agency and shall include:
(a) A statement of the requirements of the standards from which an exception is sought;
(b) A statement of the manner by which strict compliance with said provisions would result in practical difficulties; and
(c) A statement of the nature and extent of such practical difficulties.
(3) Exceptions shall become a part of the construction documents and shall be retained by the municipal agency.
(4) Within 30 days of granting a de minimis exception request, the secretary of a municipal agency agreeing to an exception pursuant to this section shall send a copy of the documents) constituting the de minimis exception resolution and/or document to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards, 101 South Broad Street, CN 802, Trenton, NJ 08625-0802. Such notice shall be clearly marked Site Improvement Exception(s)."
(5) An application for an exception may also be an made by an officer or agency of the municipality.
(6) Examples of de minimis exceptions include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Reducing the minimum number of parking spaces and the minimum size of parking stalls;
(b) Reducing the minimum geometries of street design, such as curb radii, horizontal and vertical curves, intersection angles, center line radii and others;
(c) Reducing cartway width; and
(d) Any changes in standards necessary to implement traffic calming devices.
(7) The municipal agency's granting of a request for a de minimis exception shall be based on a finding that the requested exception meets the following criteria:
(a) It is consistent with the intent of the Site Improvement Act;
(b) It is reasonable, limited and not unduly burdensome;
(c) It meets the needs of public health and safety; and
(d) It takes into account existing infrastructure and possible surrounding future development.
G. Agreement to exceed standards. [Added 6-8-1998 by Ord. No. 15-98]
(1) A standard set forth in these rules may be exceeded when both the developer and the municipal agency agree that such exceeding of a standard is desirable under the specific circumstances of a proposed residential development.
(2) Any agreement between developer and municipal agency to exceed a standard set forth in these rules shall be placed in writing by the developer.
(3) The developer shall transmit forthwith to the Department notification of each agreement with a municipal agency to exceed any of the standards set forth in these rules.
A. The block length, width and acreage within bounding roads shall be such as to accommodate the size and dimensions of lots required for the zoning district by this chapter and to provide for convenient access, circulation control and safety of vehicles and pedestrians.
B. Block lengths may vary between 500 and 3,000 feet, but blocks along other than local, local collector, minor collector or major collector streets shall not be less than 1,200 feet long.
C. Interior crosswalks with a right-of-way 20 feet wide containing a sidewalk of four feet or greater in width and fenced on both sides may be required for blocks longer than 1,200 feet, from the ends of the culs-de-sac to adjacent streets and elsewhere as required by the public convenience, including the provision of walks giving access to schools, playgrounds and shopping centers, without the necessity of crossing traffic thoroughfares.
A. All grading, excavation or embankment construction shall be in accordance with the approved final plans and shall provide for the adequate disposal of all stormwater runoff and such groundwater seepage as may be encountered. All clearing, excavation and embankment construction shall be in accordance with the applicable requirements of the standard specifications. No excavated material may be removed from the site except in accordance with an approved final plan or without the prior approval of the Township Engineer. Where borrow excavation materials from off-site sources are required to complete the necessary grading, such material shall be subject to the approval of the Township Engineer.
B. Material which the Township Engineer judges unsuitable for use in embankments may be used for grading outside the roadway right-of-way or outside pavement areas with the permission of the Township Engineer. Any unsuitable material which cannot be satisfactorily utilized on the site shall be removed from the site and disposed of at places to be provided by the developer.
C. All construction layout and grading stakes shall be set by a licensed land surveyor or professional engineer employed by the developer or his contractor.
D. All rough grading must be completed prior to the construction of pavement subgrade. All sidewalk areas and slope areas must be fully graded prior to the construction of finished pavements or pavement base courses.
E. To preserve the integrity of pavements, embankments and excavations for streets or roadways shall be provided with slopes no steeper than one foot of vertical rise for every three feet of horizontal distance.
F. Such slopes shall be suitably planted with perennial grasses or other ground cover plantings in accordance with the plans approved by the municipal agency. In areas where excavations or embankments would extend significantly beyond road rights-of-way, thereby causing disruption to the natural environment of the development, the municipal agency may, upon its own initiative, direct the use of terraces, retaining walls, crib walls or other means of maintaining roadway slopes. In any event, the entire roadway right-of-way shall be fully graded, and any retaining walls, crib walls or terraces shall be located outside of the roadway right-of-way, and their maintenance shall be the responsibility of the owner of the property on which they are constructed. The developer shall make suitable provisions in the instruments transferring title to any property containing such terraces, retaining walls or crib walls and shall provide a copy thereof to the municipal agency and the Township Clerk. All graded areas within or outside of the roadway right-of-way shall be neatly graded, topsoiled, fertilized and seeded to establish a stand of perennial grasses.
G. Lot grading. Lots shall be graded to secure proper drainage and to prevent the collection of stormwater. Said grading shall be performed in a manner which will minimize the damage to or destruction of trees growing on the land. Topsoil shall be provided and/or redistributed on the surface as cover and shall be stabilized by seeding or planting. Grading plans shall have been submitted with the preliminary and final plats, and any departure from these plans must be approved in accordance with the requirements of this chapter for the modification of improvements. Grading shall be designed to prevent or minimize drainage to structures or improvements when major storms exceeding the design basis of the storm drainage system occur.
(1) Wherever possible, the land shall be graded so that the stormwater from each lot shall drain directly to the street. If it is impractical to drain directly to the street, it shall be drained to a system of interior yard drainage designed in accordance with the standards for drainage facilities, and suitable drainage easements shall be provided.
(2) Unless otherwise required by the standard specifications or approved by the Engineer, all tree stumps, masonry and other obstructions shall be completely removed.
(3) The minimum slope for lawns shall be 2%. The minimum slope for smooth, hard-finished surfaces other than roadways shall be 1%.[Amended 9-11-2000 by Ord. No. 19-00]
(4) The maximum grade for lawns within five feet of a building shall be 10% and, for lawns more than five feet from a building, 25%.
(5) Retaining walls installed in slope control areas shall be constructed of heavy treated timber or logs, reinforced concrete or other reinforced masonry or of other construction acceptable to the Engineer of the municipal agency and adequately designed and detailed on the final plat to carry all earth pressures, including any surcharges. The height of retaining walls shall not exceed 1/3 of the horizontal distance from the foundation wall of any building to the face of the retaining wall. Should the Township adopt, subsequently to this chapter, standard details for such construction, the same shall govern. Retaining walls will not be permitted in required buffer areas.
(6) The developer shall take all necessary precautions to prevent any siltation of streams during construction. The developer shall provide adequate provisions in accordance with a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan approved by the Ocean County Soil Conservation Service to prevent all deposition of silt or other eroded material in any stream or watercourse. Such provisions may include but are not limited to construction and maintenance of siltation basins or holding ponds and diversion berms throughout the course of construction.
A. All concrete used in any subdivision or site improvement shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the standards specifications for the various classes of concrete used.
B. Unless specific written permission is obtained from the Township Engineer to the contrary, only concrete obtained from dry-batched redi-mixed trucks shall be allowed.
[Amended 6-8-1998 by Ord. No. 15-98]
A. General requirements. Vertical concrete curb or granite (Belgian) block curb shall be constructed along both sides of every street within a subdivision and along all pavement edges within site developments for uses other than single-family or two-family homes. Where the site boundary is along an existing street, the curb need only be constructed on the side of the existing street adjacent to the site. Any existing pavements damaged by curb construction shall be repaired to the standards contained in this chapter or as may otherwise be approved by the Township Engineer. Concrete curb shall be constructed of Class B concrete, air-entrained, in accordance with the requirements of the standard specifications. Preformed bituminous cellular-type joint filler, 1/2 inch thick, cut to match the cross section of the curb, shall be used at all expansion joints at intervals not greater than 20 feet. Intermediate plate joints shall be provided at intervals not exceeding 10 feet. The curb cross section for vertical concrete curb shall be as shown on Exhibit 109-1. Where the use of granite block curb is proposed, construction details shall be submitted for approval of the Township Engineer. The requirements of the standard specifications regarding curing precautions shall be strictly observed.
B. Timing of curb construction. In areas with bituminous concrete pavement, required curb shall be constructed prior to the construction of the bituminous base courses. Any required repairs to curbs which are not suitable for acceptance shall be made prior to construction of the final pavement wearing course.
C. Combination curb and gutter may be considered for use, subject to approval of the Township Engineer, in those areas having a pavement with a grade greater than 8% or less than 1%. When concrete curb and gutter is permitted, the gutter shall be eight inches thick and shall be constructed of Class B air-entrained concrete. Joints in the gutter shall be formed simultaneously with joints in the curb and shall be at the spacing specified for vertical concrete curb. The cross section for combination curb and gutter shall be as shown on Exhibit 109-2.
D. Where curb is to be constructed on streets under the jurisdiction of the County of Ocean, the county standards for curb shall be utilized. Generally, only one type of curb should be utilized on both sides of a street for the entire block length.
E. Alternate curb types. In certain instances it may be necessary or desirable to construct alternate curb types. For example, these may be required by the municipal agency on the perimeter of channelizing islands or in the areas of unusually heavy gutter drainage flow or may be desired by the developer for decorative purposes or to preserve vegetation. If alternate curb types are to be permitted, an appropriate construction detail shall be submitted for approval with the preliminary and final plats. Continuous slip-formed curb or combination curb and gutter may be permitted if such is considered to be acceptable by the Township Engineer. The use of continuous slip-formed curb or combination curb and gutter may only be permitted if the applicant submits for review and approval details and specifications concerning equipment, materials and methods proposed for use, and if the Township Engineer has inspected the installation and tested and approved a suitable sample section of curb or combination curb and gutter. In the event that the Township Engineer does not approve the sample section of curb or combination curb and gutter, the developer shall remove the sample section and replace it with a type of curb or curb and gutter permitted by this chapter or such other alternate as may be approved by the municipal agency.
[Added 6-8-1998 by Ord. No. 15-98] Curbs, curbs and gutters and shoulders in all residential development shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Subchapter 4 (Streets and Parking) of N.J.A.C. 5:21 (Residential Site Improvement Standards), as amended.
A. Conservation easements.
(1) All freshwater wetland areas and required adjoining buffer areas, as determined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, shall be included within conservation easements on subdivisions and site plans submitted to the municipal agency. The municipal agency may also require conservation easements to protect wooded areas and steep slope areas and along watercourses and drainage easements not delineated as freshwater wetlands.
(2) Metes and bounds information for conservation easements shall be included on subdivision plat maps to be filed with the Ocean County Clerk. Deeds of easements shall be provided for conservation easements on site plans and on minor subdivisions which are to be filed by deed
(3) Such conservation easements shall contain provisions to restrict the removal of trees and ground cover except for the following purposes: removal of dead or diseased trees and thinning of trees and other growth to encourage the more desirable growth. The easements shall also prohibit filling or grading of the lands and the disposal of refuse or waste material of any type within the limits of the easement.
B. Drainage easements.
(1) If the property on which a proposed development is to be located is or is proposed to be traversed by a drainage facility of any kind, including a pipe, channel, stream or swale, the municipal agency may require that a stormwater and drainage easement or right-of-way along said facility be provided by the developer. If existing land drainage structures, such as French drains, are encountered during the course of construction of any development, such drainage structures shall either be removed entirely, or a revised final plat showing the location of such drainage structures, and accompanied with detailed cross sections thereof, shall be filed with the Engineer of the municipal agency for consideration by the municipal agency. The municipal agency, after consulting its Engineer and other appropriate agencies, shall either require that the structure be removed in part or in its entirety or recommend such other action to the governing body as it deems appropriate.
(2) All easements shall be shown on the final plat with a notation as to the purpose and restrictions of the easement. Easement lines on the final plat shall be shown with accurate dimensions and bearings unless the easement lines are parallel or concentric with lot lines.
(3) The width of drainage easements for stormwater conduits or constructed channels shall be a minimum of 15 feet or such additional width as may be required for the construction and maintenance of the proposed drainage facilities. The area of all retention and detention basins shall be contained within a drainage easement. The width of drainage easements for natural watercourses shall conform to the floodplain limits along both sides of the watercourse, except that, if the location of such watercourse is at or near the boundary of the subdivision, the dimensions of the easement and right-of-way shall be modified to retain it within the confines of the development. Said drainage easement or right-of-way shall include provisions assuring the following:
(a) Preservation of the channel of the watercourse.
(b) Except in the course of an authorized drainage improvement, prohibition of alteration of the contour, topography or composition of the land within the easement or right-of-way.
(c) Prohibition of construction within the boundaries of the easement and right-of-way which will obstruct or interfere with the natural flow of the watercourse.
(d) Reservation of a public right-of-entry for the purpose of maintaining the storm drain, drainage channel or the natural flow of drainage through the watercourse, of maintaining any and all structures related to the exercise of the easement or right-of-way and of installing and maintaining a storm or sanitary sewer system or other public utility.
C. Sight triangle easements. [Amended 6-8-1998 by Ord. No. 15-98]
(1) Nonresidential development.
(a) In addition to right-of-way widths required for the full design of all streets and the wider intersections as specified, sight triangle easements shall be required on all corners at all street intersections. Such easements shall include provisions to restrict the planting of trees or other plantings or the location of structures exceeding 30 inches in height that would obstruct the clear sight across the area of the easements and shall include a reservation to the public of a right-of-entry for the purpose of removing any object, natural or otherwise, that obstructs the clear sight. Such easements shall include triangular areas on each corner that are bounded by the right-of-way lines and straight lines connecting points on each right-of-way line which are 50 feet from the intersection of the right-of-way lines, or their prolongations, with points on the other intersecting street which are the following distances from the intersection of the right-of-way lines:
[1] On local street or the minor collectors: 50 feet.
[2] On major collectors: 150 feet.
[3] On minor or major arterials: 250 feet.
(b) Where intersections occur on highways or roadways under the jurisdiction of the State of New Jersey or County of Ocean, the sight triangle easements required by the state or the County of Ocean may be substituted in lieu of the requirements above.
(2) Residential development. Sight triangles shall be in accordance with 1990 AASHTO's A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets standards and based on the speed limits established by the government agency having jurisdiction. Sight triangle easements shall be required and shall include the area of each street corner that is bounded by the line which connects the sight or the connecting points located on each side of the right- of-way lines of the intersecting street. The planting of trees or other plantings, or the location of structures exceeding 30 inches in height that would obstruct the clear sight across the area of the easements, shall be prohibited, and a public right-of-entry shall be reserved for the purpose of removing any object, material or otherwise, that obstructs the clear sight.
(1) There shall be provided, where possible and practical, a shade tree and utility easement with a minimum width of six feet in the following locations:
(a) Adjacent and parallel to both sides of each new street in a subdivision.
(b) Adjacent and parallel to existing streets bordering the proposed development.
(c) At such other locations and/or at greater widths as may be required by the municipal agency.
(2) Shade tree and utility easements may be utilized for the construction and maintenance of drainage, utilities, landscaping and shade trees and for such other municipal or public utility purposes as required. Such easements shall be considered part of the lots they traverse for the purpose of determining lot depths, setbacks, frontages and areas.
(3) In cases where a proposed development provides for the extension of an existing street or abuts an existing street, where shade trees and utilities have already been installed in a location other than as specified above, the municipal agency may approve alternate utility easement locations in order to provide for the continuation of existing construction.
A. General provisions.
(1) The impact on the environment associated with development projects necessitates a comprehensive analysis of the variety of problems that may result and the measures that can be taken to minimize the adverse impacts. It is recognized that the level of detail required for the variety of development applications will vary depending on the size of the project, the site conditions, the location of the project and the information already in the possession of the Township.
(2) Some flexibility is needed in preparing the environmental impact statement (EIS). The EIS requirements pertaining to different types of development applications are listed below.
(a) All agricultural operations conducted in accordance with a plan approved by the Soil Conservation District and all silviculture operations conducted in accordance with a plan prepared by a professional forester are specifically exempt from the environmental impact statement requirements.
(b) Any variance applications to the Zoning Board of Adjustment not involving a site plan or subdivision application shall not require an environmental impact statement unless specifically requested by the Board. The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall inform the applicant regarding any information that may be required.
(c) All preliminary major subdivision applications where more than seven lots are created and/or preliminary major site plan applications involving the construction of 20,000 square feet of new gross floor area shall be accompanied by an environmental impact statement.
(d) When, due to the particular characteristics of the site, the Planning Board or Zoning Board determines that review of the environmental impact statement is beyond the expertise of the professionals normally employed by the Township to review application materials, the reviewing Board may enlist the services of a qualified environmental scientist to review the materials submitted by the applicant. The qualified professional will report to the Planning Board or Zoning Board with copy to the Environmental Commission on the methodology utilized to assess the environmental impacts, the scope and comprehensiveness of the EIS and the credibility of the findings.
[Added 3-27-2006 by Ord. No. 07-06]
B. 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 shall also be considered, including the Township Master Plan and the Natural Resources Inventory. Furthermore, as much original research as necessary shall be conducted to develop the environmental impact statement. The inventory required by this section shall be accompanied by a log indicating the dates, times, weather conditions and specific site locations of all on-site inspections. All environmental impact statements shall consist of written and graphic materials which clearly present the required information utilizing the following format:
(1) 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 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:
(a) Township Master Plan.
(b) Jackson Township Natural Resources Inventory.
(c) Master plans of adjacent municipalities.
(d) Ocean County Master Plan.
(e) Regional and state planning guides.
(f) Other pertinent planning documents.
(2) Site description and inventory. Provide an inventory of environmental conditions on the site, which shall include the following items:
(a) Geology. Describe the geologic formations, confining layers, etc., including surficial deposits.
(b) Soils. The site location should be outlined on a copy of the Ocean County Soil Survey. Soil boring data shall be submitted as required in §§ 244-26B(25) and 244-30B(19). The location of the soil borings shall be presented on a plan of the site.
(c) Surface water. Identify and describe all surface water features on the subject site, including receiving water bodies in the area. The applicant should incorporate best management practices and best available technology to minimize impacts associated with stormwater runoff into surface water bodies. In addition, the applicant shall comply with federal, state or county surface water testing requirements and submit any test results as part of the environmental impact statement.
(d) Subsurface water. Describe subsurface water conditions on the site in terms of aquifers present, depth to groundwater and water supply capabilities. If the area for development is proposing water supply wells, the name of the aquifer to be utilized must be provided. In addition, provide information on existing wells within 500 feet of the site from existing sources such as the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Projection and/or the Ocean County Health Department relative to depth, capacity, water quality and recharge capabilities. The Township Engineer and/or the Township Environmental Commission reserves the right to request additional site specific information when warranted.
(e) Topography and existing development features. Provide topographic contours and any existing features that are not considered to be part of the natural environment on the site and a minimum of 50 feet surrounding the site.
(f) Wetlands and state open waters. Freshwater wetlands, transition area widths and state open waters shall be delineated and certified pursuant to the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:7A) outside of the State Pinelands Area and pursuant to the Pinelands Protection Act Rules within the State Pinelands Area. The delineation report and plan shall be submitted as part of the EIS.
(g) Floodplains. The floodplain shall be identified and included on site plan. Construction within the one-hundred-year floodplain must be approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Floodplain Management.
(h) Vegetation. Describe the existing vegetation on the site. A map shall be prepared showing the location of major vegetation groupings such as woodlands, open fields and wetlands. Where woodlands are delineated, the forest types shall be indicated.
(i) Wildlife. Prepare an inventory of all wildlife species which may utilize the subject site, including terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates and avian species. This inventory shall identify all such species which were encountered through on-site investigations. All habitat on-site which is unique to Jackson Township or the Ocean County region shall be identified. All habitat which is critical in the maintenance of wildlife shall also be identified. These areas may include but are not limited to stream corridors, Atlantic White Cedar swamps, extensive ecotone or cranberry bogs.
(j) Endangered or threatened species. Identify any endangered or threatened species (plant or animal) protected by the state or federal government which may utilize any portion of the site. The New Jersey Natural Heritage Program and/or the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife shall be contacted regarding all endangered or threatened species sizings within three miles of the project location for animals or 1.5 miles of the project location for plants. A description of the type of habitat utilized by any species identified within the limits described above shall be provided, as well as the identification of such habitat which is found on-site.
(k) Air quality. Provide the most recent quantitative air quality data from the nearest state sampling station.
(l) Noise. Describe the existing noise conditions at the site.
(m) Cultural, historical and archaeological resources. Identify, describe and map any existing cultural, historical or archaeological resources. The Jackson Township Historical and Cultural Commission and the Office of New Jersey Heritage shall be contacted for the most recent resource records.
(n) Land use. Describe existing land uses on and within 500 feet of the site.
(3) Impact. Provide an assessment of both the adverse and positive impacts during and after construction. The specific concerns that shall be considered include the following and shall be accompanied by specific quantitative measurements where possible and necessary:
(a) Soil erosion and sedimentation resulting from surface runoff.
(b) Flooding and floodplain disruption.
(c) Degradation of surface water quality.
(d) Groundwater pollution.
(e) Reduction of groundwater capabilities.
(f) Sewage disposal.
(g) Solid waste disposal.
(h) Vegetation destruction and disruption of vegetative communities.
(i) Disruption of wildlife habitats, particularly those of endangered and protected species.
(j) Destruction or degradation of scenic and historic features.
(k) Air quality degradation.
(l) Noise levels.
(m) Energy utilization.
(n) Wetland impacts.
(4) Environmental performance controls. A description of steps to be taken to minimize adverse environmental impacts during construction and operations, both at the project site and in the surrounding region. Such description shall be accompanied by necessary maps, schedules and other explanatory data that may be needed to clarify and explain the action to be taken.
(5) Commitment of resources. A statement concerning any irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources which would be involved in the proposed project and a statement concerning steps which could be taken which might avoid some or all of the adverse environmental effects, including the no-action alternate.
(6) Unavoidable impacts. A listing and evaluation of adverse environmental impacts which cannot be avoided, with particular emphasis upon air or water pollution, increase in noise, damage to natural resources, displacement of people and businesses, displacement of existing farms, increase in sedimentation and siltation. Describe all increases in municipal services and consequences to municipal tax structures. Off-site impact shall also be set forth and evaluated.
(7) Other required approvals. As a direct result of the investigations made under the environmental impact statement, an inclusive listing shall be provided stipulating the licenses, permits and approvals required by federal, state, county or municipal law. The status or copies of these permits and approvals shall also be included.
C. Report submission. The environmental impact statement, including appropriate references, shall be submitted to the Environmental Commission for its review and recommendation.
D. Environmental impact statement waiver. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Planning Board may, at the request of an applicant, waive the requirements for an environmental impact statement if it finds that sufficient evidence has been submitted to support a conclusion that the proposed development will have a negligible environmental impact. Portions of such requirement may likewise be waived upon a finding that the complete report need not be prepared in order to evaluate adequately the environmental impact of a particular project.
