What is a site plan?

“Site plan” means a development plan of one or more lots on which is shown (1) the existing and proposed conditions of the lot, including but not necessarily limited to topography, vegetation, drainage, flood plains, marshes and waterways, (2) the location of all existing and proposed buildings, drives, parking spaces, walkways, means of ingress and egress, drainage facilities, utility services, landscaping, structures and signs, lighting, screening devices, and (3) any other information that may be reasonably required in order to make an informed determination pursuant to an ordinance requiring review and approval of site plans by the planning board adopted pursuant to article 6 [C.40:55D-37 et seq.] of this act.

Typically, a site plan is necessary for commercial projects, but not one- or two-family dwellings. The governing ordinance will set forth all of the items that must be shown on a site plan, but typically, a site plan will depict all of the existing improvements, utilities, driveways and walkways, easements, and anything else on the site.

Like with subdivisions, there are minor and major site plan approvals and preliminary and final site plan approvals. A “Minor site plan” means a development plan of one or more lots which (1) proposes new development within the scope of development specifically permitted by ordinance as a minor site plan; (2) does not involve planned development, any new street or extension of any off-tract improvement which is to be prorated pursuant to section 30 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-42); and (3) contains the information reasonably required in order to make an informed determination as to whether the requirements established by ordinance for approval of a minor site plan have been met. A “Major site plan” is any site plan that is not a minor site plan.

Like with subdivisions, Applicants can obtain extensions of the period of protection.

An Applicant can request an “waiver” to the ordinance requirements. Generally, waivers are requested as part of applications for site plan approval where the buildings, parking lots, etc., are already in existence. If the Applicant has already obtained site plan approval, the Applicant may ask for a waiver of the requirement to submit a new site plan and may instead request permission to rely on the previously approved site plan in connection with the Applicant’s application. Boards can also grant “exceptions” from the site plan requirements provided the Applicant demonstrated that the literal enforcement of one or more provisions of the ordinance is impracticable or will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land in question.