Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 6, March 18, 2024
(a) Standards relevant to roads are as follows:
1. New road construction must be consistent with the rule on location of linear development at 7:7-14.1, and shall be limited to situations where:
i. A clear need exists, taking into account the alternatives of upgrading existing roads and of using public transportation to meet the need;
ii. Provision is made to include construction of bicycle and foot paths, except where these would not be feasible;
iii. Provision is made to include, where appropriate, catwalks and parking access to nearby waterbodies.
iv. Provision is made for coordinated construction of public transportation rights-of-way and facilities, such as bus lanes, rail lines, and related transit stop or station facilities and parking, except where such construction would not be feasible;
v. Visual and physical access to the coastal waters is maintained, to the maximum extent practicable; and
vi. Induced development in conflict with coastal rules would not be expected to result.
2. Rationale: This policy is based on two assignments:
(i) that the coastal zone, is for the most part adequately served already by the existing road network, and
(ii) that further capital investment in transportation facilities for the coastal region should emphasize those kinds of facilities which would minimize environmental damage and energy use. Consequently, new road construction should be undertaken only where the burden of proving need is met after less damaging and more fuel efficient alternatives have been considered. In addition, further investment in road construction should include coordinated investment in low-damage, highly fuel-efficient modes wherever possible.
(b) Standards relevant to public transportation are as follows:
1. New and improved public transportation facilities, including bus, rail, air, boat travel, people mover systems and related parking facilities, are encouraged.
2. Development of existing rights-of-way which would preclude either their use for public transportation or public recreation trails is discouraged.
(c) Standards relevant to bicycle and foot paths are as follows:
1. The construction of internal bicycle paths, foot paths and sidewalks in residential, commercial, and industrial developments is required to the maximum extent practicable.
2. Linear bicycle and foot paths are encouraged along the edges of all water bodies, and from the water body to the nearest public road, provided they would not disturb special areas, excluding flood hazard areas, 7:7-9.25, and riparian zones, 7:7-9.26, or subject to the user to danger.
3. Existing bicycle and foot paths shall be continued around development when it is not practical to pass through development.
(d) Standards relevant to parking facilities are as follows:
1. Parking facility standards apply to all of the following:
i. Any parking facility of which any part is within the area subject to the Waterfront Development Law, 12:5-1 et seq.;
ii. Any parking facility and related access, of which any part of the facility or related access is located in the coastal zone; or
2. Parking lots, garages and large paved areas are conditionally acceptable, provided that they will not interfere with existing or planned mass transit services, the extent of paved surfaces is minimized, and landscaping with indigenous species is maximized.
(e) Rationale: A basic premise of the coastal management program is concentrating the pattern of development, in part to facilitate public transportation. In the more developed parts of the coastal zone, expansion, improvement, and new construction of all forms of public transportation are the most appropriate ways to meet the new transportation needs generated by goods and people. Parking facilities are a necessary part of a transportation system and are encouraged when they are developed as ancillary facilities to these public transportation systems.
Another encouraged type of transportation-related development is bicycles and foot paths. Paths for pedestrians and bicyclists provide active outdoor recreation and may lead to reduced dependency on cars, especially if settlement patterns are made more compact.
The policy on roads is also influenced by the premise of concentrating development and is based on two conclusions: (1) that the coastal zone is for the most part adequately served already by the existing road network; and (2) that further capital investment in transportation facilities for the coastal region should emphasize those kinds of facilities which would minimize environmental damage and energy use. Consequently, new road construction should be undertaken only where the burden of proving need is met after less damaging and more fuel-efficient alternatives have been considered. In addition, further investment in road construction should include coordinated investment in low-damage, highly fuel-efficient modes wherever possible.
