N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-15.2

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 7:7-15.2 - Housing

(a) "Housing" includes single family detached houses, multi-family units with apartments or town houses, high-rise buildings and mixed use developments.

(b) Standards relevant to water area and water's edge housing are as follows:

1. New housing or expansion of existing habitable housing is prohibited in water areas. Reconstruction of existing habitable structures on pilings located over water areas is conditionally acceptable except when damaged by wind, water, or waves, in which case reconstruction is prohibited.

2. In special urban areas and along large rivers where water dependent uses are demonstrated to be infeasible, new housing is also acceptable on structurally sound existing pilings, or where piers have been removed as part of the harbor clean-up program, the equivalent pier area may be replaced in the same or another location.

i. Structurally sound existing pilings may be reconfigured provided that the total area of water coverage is not increased and fisheries resources are not adversely impacted.

ii. Expansion of the total area of water coverage is discouraged, except where it can be shown that extensions are functionally necessary for water dependent uses.

iii. New housing acceptable under this rule shall be consistent with the lands and waters subject to public trust rights rule, 7:7-9.48, and the public access rule, 7:7-16.9.

3. Housing is conditionally acceptable in the filled water's edge, provided that it meets the requirements of the filled water's edge rule, 7:7-9.23, lands and waters subject to public trust rights rule, 7:7-9.48, and the public access rule, 7:7-16.9. The residential development shall comply with the requirements for non-porous cover and vegetative cover that apply to the site under N.J.A.C. 7:7-13, except on bay islands where the requirements of the bay islands rule, 7:7-9.21, shall apply.

4. New housing involving the stabilization of existing lagoons through revegetation, bulkheading, or other means is conditionally acceptable provided that the conditions of the existing lagoon edge rule, 7:7-9.24, and the filling rule, 7:7-12.11, are satisfied.

5. On sites with existing shore protection structures, the residential structure shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from the oceanfront shore protection structures, and a minimum of 15 feet from shore protection structures elsewhere. This distance shall be measured from the waterward face of a bulkhead or seawall and from the top of slope on the seaward side of the revetment.

6. Water area and water's edge housing shall include a provision for boat ramps wherever feasible unless an accessible boat ramp is nearby.

7. Rationale: Housing is not water dependent on water access, and does not generally qualify for exemption to the rule of restricting non-water dependent development along water's edge. In addition to this general restriction, most of the Special Area rules contain specific restrictions that have the practical effect of discouraging or prohibiting new development, including housing, from sensitive areas.

(c) Standards relevant to floating homes are as follows:

1. A floating home is any waterborne structure designed and intended primarily as a permanent or seasonal dwelling, not for use as a recreational vessel, which will remain stationary for more than 10 days.

2. Rationale: The primary focus of a floating home is as a residence. Floating homes, therefore, are not water-dependent, and should not be permitted to pre-empt limited land's edge locations from water dependent uses such as boating. Boats which are used for navigation and serve a secondary function as houses are not considered floating homes and are not prohibited. Floating homes have an adverse impact on water quality through grey water discharges. The proliferation of houseboats in New Jersey would have a cumulative adverse effect on water quality, navigation and aesthetics.

(d) Standards relevant to cluster development are as follows:

1. Housing developments are encouraged to cluster dwelling units on the areas of sites most suitable for development. "Clustering" is defined as an increase of net density realized by reducing the size of private lots and retaining or increasing the gross density of a project.

2. Rationale: The open space that is produced by clustering can be returned to the community as common open space. The location policies define certain sensitive areas where development is limited. When such areas are present on site, the acceptable gross density may have to be reduced, unless the net density can be increased by clustering. Where municipal zoning requires minimum lot sizes that preclude clustering, applicants are encouraged to seek local approval, through new ordinances and/or variances, to maintain the permissible gross density by clustering. The Department will aid this endeavor by providing a rationale and testimony, as appropriate, especially for the protection of sensitive areas. Cluster developments lessen the impact of construction by preserving valued soil, open space, vegetation, and aquifer recharge resources. Some cluster developments also increase insulation and reduce energy consumption due to shared walls between units.

(e) Standards relevant to the development of one or two single-family homes or duplexes and/or accessory development (such as garages, sheds, pools, driveways, grading, excavation, filling, and clearing, excluding shore protection structures) which does not result in the development of more than two single-family homes or duplexes either solely or in conjunction with a previous development as defined at N.J.A.C. 7:7-2.2(b) 8, and provided the single-family home(s) or duplex(es) and accessory development are located landward of the mean high water line are as follows:

1. Development shall comply with 7:7-9.22, Beaches, 7:7-9.27, Wetlands, 7:7-9.28, Wetland buffers, and 7:7-9.36, Endangered or threatened wildlife or vegetation species habitats;

2. Development within riparian zones, as defined in the Flood Hazard Area Control Act Rules at N.J.A.C. 7:13-1.2 and in this chapter at N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.26, shall comply with the following:

i. No disturbance is located within 25 feet of any top of bank, unless the project lies adjacent to a lawfully existing bulkhead, retaining wall, or revetment along a tidal water or impounded fluvial water;

ii. Within a 50-foot riparian zone, no more than 3,500 square feet of riparian zone vegetation is cleared, cut, and/or removed; and

iii. Within a 150-foot or 300-foot riparian zone, no more than 7,000 square feet of riparian zone vegetation is cleared, cut, and/or removed.

3. On filled water's edge sites that have included a water dependent use at any time since July of 1977, development of two single-family homes or duplexes shall comply with the filled water's edge rule, N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.23(e).

4. Development shall comply with N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.16, Dunes, except as provided under (e)4i or ii below.

i. Development that is located on the landward slope of a secondary or tertiary dune as described at (e)4i(2) below, whichever is most landward, need not comply with the dunes rule, N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.16, if the site and the development meet all of the following criteria:

(1) The area of the site proposed to be developed is located greater than 500 feet landward of the mean high water line of the adjacent water body;

(2) The cross-sectional volume per linear foot of the primary frontal dune waterward of the proposed single family home or duplex as measured above the 100-year stillwater elevation and waterward of the primary frontal dune crest, is greater than 1,100 square feet. For the purposes of this section, primary frontal dune means a continuous or nearly continuous mound or ridge of sand with relatively steep waterward and landward slopes immediately landward of and adjacent to the beach, and subject to erosion and overtopping from high tides and waves during major coastal storms. Secondary and tertiary dunes means the second and third dune mound or ridge, respectively, landward from and adjacent to the primary frontal dune;

(3) The beach area adjacent to the proposed development is either naturally stable without beach nourishment or naturally accretional without beach nourishment, as determined by using the method described at 7:7-9.19, Erosion hazard areas, and the information in the Department's Geographic Information System (GIS) database as found in the Historical Shoreline coverage 1836-1986; and

(4) The site disturbance, including grading, excavation and vegetation removal, is limited to that necessary to develop the single family home or duplex and/or accessory structures; or

ii. Development that is located on a dune which is isolated from a beach and dune system by a paved public road, public seawall, or public bulkhead, existing on July 19, 1993, need not comply with the dunes rule at N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.16, if the site and the development meet all of the following criteria:

(1) The road, seawall or bulkhead is of sufficient size to be designated as the V zone boundary on the applicable FEMA flood mapping;

(2) The road, seawall or bulkhead has eliminated the protective function of the isolated dune, by providing a significant barrier to coastal processes, including storm waves and flooding;

(3) The road, seawall or bulkhead is functional and is currently maintained by a public entity;

(4) The area of proposed construction is designated as an A zone, B zone, or C zone on the applicable FEMA flood mapping;

(5) The site disturbance, including grading, excavation and vegetation removal, is limited to that necessary to develop the single family home or duplex and/or accessory structures; and

(6) The proposed development does not include the construction of a shore protection structure;

5. Development shall comply with N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.29, Coastal bluffs, if the site is located on the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, Raritan Bay, or Sandy Hook Bay. Coastal bluffs are defined at N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.29(a). If the site is not located on one of the four water bodies listed above, the development shall comply with the setback requirements at (e)13i below, unless the development meets either (e)5i or ii below:

i. The development is located in the "developed bluff area." For the purposes of this paragraph, a "developed bluff area" is an area delineated by the limit of existing buildings, in-ground pool or tennis court that existed on July 19, 1993; or

ii. The development on the coastal bluff is located landward of the developed bluff area as defined at (e)5i above, and does not exceed the cumulative surface area of the developed bluff area on the site. If all or part of the proposed development on the coastal bluff is located landward of the existing developed bluff area, an equivalent area of the existing developed bluff area shall be restored through the planting of native woody vegetation species.

6. Development shall comply with N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.18, Coastal high hazard areas, and 9.19, Erosion hazard areas, except as excluded under (i) below;

i. Development that is located on a site partially or completely within a coastal high hazard area or erosion hazard area need not comply with the coastal high hazard areas rule, N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.18, or erosion hazard areas rule at N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.19 if:

(1) The lot was shown as a subdivided lot prior to July 19, 1993;

(2) The lot is served by a municipal sewer system; and

(3) A house or commercial building is located within 100 feet of each of the lot lines that run roughly perpendicular to the mean high water line. The 100 feet shall be measured outward from each lot line, along a line generally parallel to the mean high water line;

7. Public access shall be provided in accordance with the public access rule, N.J.A.C. 7:7-16.9.

8. The use of plastic under landscaped or gravel areas is prohibited. All sub-gravel liners shall be made of filter cloth or other permeable material;

9. Any driveway shall be covered with a permeable material or else shall be pitched to drain all runoff onto permeable areas of the site;

10. For a wooded site, site clearing shall be limited to an area no more than 20 feet from the footprint of the single-family home or duplex and the area necessary for driveway, septic, and utility line installations;

11. The development shall comply with the requirements of the flood hazard areas rule at N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.25;

12. For a site adjacent to or including surface water bodies or wetlands, a silt fence with a 10-foot landward return shall be erected at the limit of disturbance along the waterward and wetland sides of the development before construction begins. This fence shall be maintained and remain in place until all construction and landscaping is completed;

13. Development shall comply with the following setbacks:

i. On a site with coastal bluffs that is not located on the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, Raritan Bay, or Sandy Hook Bay, the single family home or duplex and/or accessory structures shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the crest of the bluff provided that development will not result in a loss of stability of the bluff or vegetation on the bluff face. Any structure that requires excavation shall be set back one foot beyond the 10 foot setback for every foot of excavation below existing grade;

ii. On an oceanfront site with existing or proposed shore protection structures, the single family home or duplex and/or accessory structures (except decks) shall be set back at least 25 feet from existing or proposed oceanfront shore protection structures. This distance shall be measured from the waterward face of a bulkhead or seawall and from the top of slope on the waterward face of the revetment. This setback shall not apply to below grade structures;

iii. On a non-oceanfront site with existing or proposed shore protection structures, the single-family home or duplex and/or accessory structures (except decks) shall be set back at least 15 feet from existing or proposed shore protection structures. If there is no alternative to locating the proposed development at least 15 feet landward of the shore protection structure, the Department shall reduce the required setback if an engineering certification is submitted demonstrating that, after the proposed development has been constructed, the shore protection structure can be replaced within 18 inches of the existing shore protection structure and a conservation restriction that complies with N.J.A.C. 7:7-18 is recorded for the property which states that any reconstruction of a shore protection structure shall be within 18 inches of the existing shore protection structure. A site with coastal bluffs shall instead comply with (e)12i above; and

14. The standards for the expansion or reconstruction (with or without expansion) of a single-family home or duplex are found at (f) below.

(f) Standards relevant to the expansion, or reconstruction (with or without expansion) of a legally constructed habitable single-family home or duplex and/or accessory development (such as garages, sheds, pools, driveways, grading, excavation, filling, and clearing, excluding shore protection structures) which does not result in the development of more than one single-family home or duplex either solely or in conjunction with a previous development as defined at N.J.A.C. 7:7-2.2(b) 8, and provided the single-family home or duplex and accessory development are located landward of the mean high water line are as follows:

1. Development shall comply with N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.22, Beaches, 9.26, Riparian zones, 9.27, Wetlands, 9.28, Wetland buffers, and 9.36, Endangered or threatened wildlife or vegetation species habitats;

2. Development shall comply with N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.16, Dunes, except as provided under (f)2i, ii, and iii below.

i. Development that is located on the landward slope of a secondary or tertiary dune as described at (f)2i(2) below, whichever is most landward, need not comply with the dunes rule, 7:7-9.16, if the site and the development meet all of the following criteria:

(1) The area of the site proposed to be developed is located greater than 500 feet landward of the mean high water line of the adjacent water body;

(2) The cross-sectional volume per linear foot of the primary frontal dune waterward of the proposed single family home or duplex as measured above the 100-year stillwater elevation and waterward of the primary frontal dune crest, is greater than 1,100 square feet. For the purpose of this section, primary frontal dune means a continuous or nearly continuous mound or ridge of sand with relatively steep waterward and landward slopes immediately landward of and adjacent to the beach, and subject to erosion and overtopping from high tides and waves during major coastal storms. Secondary and tertiary dunes means the second and third dune mound or ridge, respectively, landward from and adjacent to the primary frontal dune;

(3) The beach area adjacent to the proposed development is either naturally stable without beach nourishment or naturally accretional without beach nourishment, as determined by using the method described at 7:7-9.19, Erosion hazard areas, and the information in the Department's Geographic Information System (GIS) database as found in the Historical Shoreline coverage 1836-1986; and

(4) The site disturbance, including grading, excavation and vegetation removal, is limited to that necessary to expand or reconstruct the single family home or duplex and/or accessory structures;

ii. Development that is located on a dune which is isolated from a beach and dune system by a paved public road, public seawall, or public bulkhead, existing on July 19, 1993, need not comply with the dunes rule at N.J.A.C. 7:7-9.16, if the site and the development meet all of the following criteria:

(1) The road, seawall, or bulkhead is of sufficient size to be designated as the V zone boundary on the applicable FEMA flood mapping;

(2) The road, seawall or bulkhead has eliminated the protective function of the isolated dune, by providing a significant barrier to coastal processes, including storm waves and flooding;

(3) The road, seawall or bulkhead is functional and is currently maintained by a public entity;

(4) The area of proposed construction is designated as an A zone, B zone or C zone on the applicable FEMA flood mapping;

(5) The site disturbance, including grading, excavation and vegetation removal, is limited to that necessary to expand or reconstruct the single family home or duplex and/or accessory structures; and

(6) The proposed development does not include the construction of a shore protection structure.

iii. Development that is located on a dune need not comply with the dunes rule, 7:7-9.16, if the development meets the following criteria:

(1) The single family home or duplex legally existed on July 19, 1993;

(2) The development constructed after July 19, 1993 does not exceed a cumulative surface area of 750 square feet on the dune, excluding the area of reconstruction within the existing footprint of development and the area of development authorized under (f)iv below above;

(3) The development is located within the footprint of development of the existing single family home or duplex and/or on the landward side of the existing footprint of development and within the area between lines extended landward and perpendicular to the mean high water line from the widest shore parallel points of the existing footprint of development, except as provided at (f)2iii(4) below;

(4) For every 10 feet the footprint of development of the single family home or duplex is set back landward on the lot from the existing footprint of development of the single family home or duplex, the total area of development may be increased by 200 square feet in addition to that authorized in (f)2iii(2), provided the additional square footage is constructed on the non-waterward side of the single family home or duplex;

(5) The dune area waterward of the single-family home or duplex is enhanced as follows:

(A) Sand fill shall be placed as necessary to establish a uniform dune crest elevation matching the highest dune crest elevation at the site; and

(B) Native dune vegetation shall be planted as necessary to establish vegetative cover in accordance with the specifications contained in the Guidelines and Recommendations for Coastal Dune Restoration and Creation Projects (DEP, 1985) and/or Restoration of Sand Dunes Along the Mid-Atlantic Coast (U.S. Soil Conservation Service, 1992). These documents are available upon request from the Department's Division of Land Use Regulation at the address set forth at 7:7-1.6; and

(6) A conservation restriction for the dune areas waterward of the existing and/or approved single-family home or duplex and/or accessory development that complies with N.J.A.C. 7:7-18 is recorded.

iv. Development that is located on a dune and entails the enclosure of an existing deck, patio, or porch, need not comply with the dunes rule, 7:7-9.16, if the development meets the following criteria:

(1) The development is the enclosure of a deck, patio, or porch;

(2) The deck, patio, or porch enclosure is located on the non-waterward side of the single-family home or duplex;

(3) The deck, patio, or porch legally existed on July 19, 1993;

(4) The deck, patio, or porch abuts the dwelling;

(5) The enclosure does not extend beyond the limit of the existing deck, patio, or porch as it existed on July 19, 1993;

(6) The footprint of development of the deck, patio, or porch enclosure does not exceed 400 square feet;

(7) The dune area waterward of the single-family home or duplex is enhanced as follows:

(A) Sand fill shall be placed as necessary to establish a uniform dune crest elevation matching the highest existing dune crest elevation at the site; and

(B) Native dune vegetation shall be planted in accordance with the specifications contained in the Guidelines and Recommendations for Coastal Dune Restoration Projects (DEP, 1985) and/or Restoration of Sand Dunes Along the Mid-Atlantic Coast (U.S. Soil Conservation Service, 1992). These documents are available upon request from the Department's Division of Land Use Regulation at the address set forth at 7:7-1.6; and

(8) A conservation restriction for the dune areas waterward of the existing and/or approved single family home or duplex and/or accessory development that complies with N.J.A.C. 7:7-18 is recorded.

3. Development shall comply with 7:7-9.29, Coastal bluffs, if the site is located on the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, Raritan Bay, or Sandy Hook Bay. Coastal bluffs are defined at 7:7-9.29(a). If the site is not located on one of the four water bodies listed above, the development shall comply with the setback requirements at (f)11i below, unless the development meets either (f)3i or ii below:

i. The development is located in the "developed bluff area." For the purposes of this paragraph, a "developed bluff area" is an area delineated by the limit of existing buildings, in-ground pool or tennis court that existed on July 19, 1993; or

ii. The development on the coastal bluff is located landward of the developed bluff area as defined at (f)3i above, and does not exceed the cumulative surface area of the developed bluff area on the site. If all or part of the proposed development on the coastal bluff is located landward of the existing developed bluff area, an equivalent area of the existing developed bluff area shall be restored through the planting of native woody vegetation species.

4. Development shall comply with 7:7-9.18, Coastal high hazard areas, and 7:7-9.19, Erosion hazard areas, except as excluded under (i) below.

i. Development that is located on a site partially or completely within a coastal high hazard area or erosion hazard area need not comply with the coastal high hazard areas rule, 7:7-9.18, or erosion hazard areas rule at 7:7-9.19 if:

(1) The lot was shown as a subdivided lot prior to July 19, 1993;

(2) The lot is served by a municipal sewer system; and

(3) A house or commercial building is located within 100 feet of each of the lot lines that run roughly perpendicular to the mean high water line. The 100 feet shall be measured outward from each lot line, along a line generally parallel to the mean high water line;

5. Public access shall be provided in accordance with the public access rule, 7:7-16.9;

6. The use of plastic under landscaped or gravel areas is prohibited. All sub-gravel liners shall be made of filter cloth or other permeable material;

7. Any driveway shall be covered with a permeable material or else shall be pitched to drain all runoff onto permeable areas of the site;

8. For a wooded site, site clearing shall be limited to an area no more than 20 feet from the footprint of the single family home or duplex and the area necessary for driveway, septic, and utility line installations;

9. The development shall comply with the requirements of the flood hazard areas rule at 7:7-9.25;

10. The development shall comply with the requirements of the Flood hazard areas rule at 7:7E-3.25.

11. Development shall comply with the following setbacks:

i. On a site with coastal bluffs that is not located on the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, Raritan Bay, or Sandy Hook Bay, the single-family home or duplex and/or accessory structures shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the crest of the bluff provided that the development will not result in a loss of stability of the bluff or vegetation on the bluff face. Any structure that requires excavation shall be set back one foot beyond the 10-foot setback for every foot of excavation below existing grade;

ii. On an oceanfront site with existing or proposed shore protection structures, the single-family home or duplex and/or accessory structures (except decks) shall be set back at least 25 feet from existing or proposed oceanfront shore protection structures. This distance shall be measured from the waterward face of a bulkhead or seawall and from the top of slope on the waterward face of the revetment. This setback shall not apply to below grade structures; and

iii. On a non-oceanfront site with existing or proposed shore protection structures, the single-family home or duplex and accessory structures (except decks) shall be set back at least 15 feet from existing or proposed shore protection structures. If there is no alternative to locating the proposed development at least 15 feet landward of the shore protection structure, the Department shall reduce the required setback if an engineering certification is submitted demonstrating that, after the proposed development has been constructed, the shore protection structure can be replaced within 18 inches of the existing shore protection structure and a conservation restriction that complies with N.J.A.C. 7:7-18 is recorded for the property which states that any reconstruction of a shore protection structure shall be within 18 inches of the existing shore protection structure. A site with coastal bluffs shall instead comply with (f)11i above; and

12. The standards for the development of one or two single-family homes or duplexes are found at N.J.A.C. 7:7-15.2(e).

(g) The standards relevant to housing and transportation are as follows:

1. The development of housing at locations and densities that contribute to the feasibility of public transportation is encouraged.

2. Residential developments are encouraged to include bicycle paths to activity centers and bicycle storage facilities.

3. Residential developments are encouraged to provide pedestrian amenities which include lighted walkways with benches, lighted sidewalks with curb ramps and intersections, shade trees, and pedestrian controlled traffic lights.

(h) Rationale: Housing is not dependent on water access, and does not generally qualify for exemption to the rule of restricting non-water dependent development along the water's edge. In addition to this general restriction, most of the special area rules contain specific restrictions that have the practical effect of discouraging or prohibiting new development, including housing, from sensitive areas.

Housing provided by a floating home is no different than land-based housing. Floating homes, therefore, are not water dependent, and should not be permitted to preempt limited land's edge locations from water dependent uses such as boating. Boats that are used for navigation and serve a secondary function as houses are not considered floating homes and are not prohibited, as their main purpose is dependent on access to the water. Their main purpose is to provide transportation on the water and they are, therefore, water dependent; they are considered vessels and not housing for the purposes of this rule. Floating homes have an adverse impact on water quality through grey water discharges. The proliferation of houseboats in New Jersey would have a cumulative adverse effect on water quality, navigation, and aesthetics. Floating homes conflict with water dependent and recreational uses, can impact localized sedimentation patterns, and can have an adverse effect on nearshore fish, aquatic, and avian habitats. Therefore, floating homes are prohibited.

In cases where housing development is conditionally acceptable, clustering is encouraged. The open space that is produced by clustering can be returned to the community as common open space. The location policies define certain sensitive areas where development is limited. When such areas are present on site, the acceptable gross density may have to be reduced, unless the net density can be increased by clustering. Where municipal zoning requires minimum lot sizes that preclude clustering, applicants are encouraged to seek local approval, through new ordinances and/or variances, to maintain the permissible gross density by clustering. The Department will aid this endeavor by providing a rationale and testimony, as appropriate, especially for the protection of sensitive areas. Cluster developments lessen the impact of construction by preserving valued soil, open space, vegetation, and aquifer recharge resources. Some cluster developments also increase insulation and reduce energy consumption due to shared walls between units.

While planned cluster developments are often preferred, single-family homes and duplexes are the most prevalent type of development along the developed oceanfront communities of the Jersey Coast. This rule recognizes the importance of protecting the safety of local residents from the natural shoreline changes and hazard areas, especially in the event of a storm. However, in view of the extensive development that has occurred along the coast and the minimal impacts associated with the development of one or two single-family homes or duplexes, construction of these developments on dunes and coastal bluffs, and within coastal high hazard areas and erosion hazard areas, is acceptable in certain situations.

Development of one or two single-family homes or duplexes on a dune may be acceptable in cases where the development is proposed on the landward slope of a secondary or tertiary dune or the dune is isolated from a beach and dune system by a paved public road, public seawall, or public bulkhead. One or two single-family homes or duplexes may be constructed on the landward slope of the secondary or tertiary dune where the intervening dune is of sufficient volume to provide protection during a 100-year storm, without the construction having a significant adverse long-term impact on the natural functioning of the beach and dune system. Similarly, the development of one or two single-family homes or duplexes on a dune that is isolated from a beach and dune system by an existing paved public road, public seawall, or public bulkhead that is of a sufficient size to eliminate the protective functioning of the isolated dune is acceptable, since the development will not have a significant adverse impact on the natural functioning of the beach and dune system. Single-family homes and duplexes may be developed in some coastal high hazard areas and erosion hazard areas where extensive developments have already occurred. Infill single family homes or duplexes are found to be acceptable because such development will not alter the existing need for public expenditure in shore protection at these locations, the risk involved is reduced to a minimum in terms of the quantity and intensity of developments that will be permitted and it would allow the infill sites to be developed to the degree currently existing in that area. With regards to coastal bluffs, since the disturbance associated with the development of one or two single-family homes or duplexes is minimal and, therefore, will not adversely affect the stability of the coastal bluff, the construction of single-family homes or duplexes is allowed within 10 feet of the crest of the coastal bluff, except along high-energy shorelines of the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, Raritan Bay, or Sandy Hook Bay and where excavation is proposed.

Prior to the 1993 amendments, single-family homes and duplexes were not regulated under CAFRA. This rule allows for the limited expansion or reconstruction with or without expansion of a single-family home or duplex located on a dune that existed prior to July 19, 1993 (date of CAFRA amendments), in recognition of the impact of the CAFRA amendments on these developments. The limited expansion of an existing single-family home or duplex will not have a significant long-term, adverse impact on the natural functioning of the beach and dune system since they are limited in size and cannot be located on the waterward side of the dwelling. Further, the rule requires that the dune waterward of the existing dwelling be enhanced through the placement of sand and the planting of native dune vegetation thus improving the functioning of the existing dune.

Development that is conducive to use of public transportation and has features that promote bicycling and walking as modes of transportation are encouraged. Public health and welfare concerns about air quality, as well as the necessity to limit energy consumption, require that public policies and decisions encourage alternatives to reliance on private automobiles.

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-15.2

Renumbered from 7:7E-7.2 by 47 N.J.R. 1392(a), effective 7/6/2015

Amended by 49 N.J.R. 2246(a), effective 7/17/2017

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 361(a), effective 1/16/2018