April 7, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 13 Franklin Lakes Borough plans to regulate driveway piers with gates by Frank J. McMahon A new ordinance introduced by the Franklin Lakes Borough Council aims to regulate the construction of columns, pillars, piers, and walls. Columns, pillars, piers, walls, and similar structures are typically located on one or both sides of a driveway or entrance, but may be located anywhere on a property. Under the newly introduced ordinance, these items would be considered accessory structures and could not be constructed without a building permit. The ordinance would not apply to functional retaining walls that rise no more than one foot above grade. The structures covered by this ordinance would not be permitted unless they comply with certain conditions. One condition states that driveway piers with gates could not be constructed closer than 20 feet from the curb or edge of the pavement and, in no case, less than 10 feet from the right-of-way line, whichever is greater. This restriction would apply even in the event that this area is not paved and is not presently being used as a roadway. Those structures must not be greater than 36 inches by 36 inches or have a diameter of more than 36-inches if they are cylindrical, except for a top cap, which may be up to 40 inches across and a maximum of eight inches high or thick. The structures could not be more than five feet high. The five feet must be measured from the lowest point at the base of the structure, exclusive of any lighting fixture located on the structure. Any opaque wall attached to a column or pillar could not be higher than 2.5 feet or less than 10 feet from the side lot line, and any opaque wall located closer than 25 feet from the front line could not be more than 15 feet in length. A maximum of two 15-foot walls would be permitted for each driveway entrance and a maximum total combined length for each driveway entrance could not exceed 30 feet. No opaque driveway gates would be permitted. According to the ordinance, opaque walls or other structures that are more than 50 percent opaque could not be constructed in the front or side yard setback of a corner lot, within 75 feet in each direction. Structures designed solely to support mailboxes would be exempted from the restrictions described in this ordinance, provided that those structures perform no other function than mailbox support and have dimensions no greater than 16 inches by two feet by four feet. Driveway piers with manual or mechanical gates could not be constructed closer than 20 feet from the curb or edge of the pavement or less than 10 feet from the rightof-way line, whichever is greater, to allow for safe entry to the property while the gates are open. Gates must also meet several requirements. For instance, gates must open inwards toward the property and must meet the height requirement stipulated in the ordinance. A minimum clear, unobstructed width of 16 feet must be provided and the gates must be of the sliding or swinging type. The construction of gates would have to be of materials that allow manual operation by one person, and gate components must be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and replaced or repaired when defective. All locking devices must provide for emergency access and must be approved by the fire subcode official. Online SAT Tutoring Half the Cost! • Experienced Tutor • Personal Web-Conferencing • College Board Online Course www.BirtwistleSAT.com db@birtwistlesat.com BK BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL SERVICE, LLC ������������������������������ ACKERMAN’S ����������������������������  QUICKBOOKS PRO SPECIALISTS Servicing All Small Businesses Phone: 973-423-0303 Fax: 973-423-3131 bkbookpay@optonline.net Annmarie Breeman • Nancy Kough  Music 201-370-8207 Center ������������ ���������������������� ������������������������������ ����������������������������� � ���������������������������������� � ������������������������������� ���������������������������� ������������������������������ ��������������������� � ������������ �������������������������� ��������������� 4-7-10 joan/janine BirtwistleSAT2x2(4-7-10) 2 x 2” Rev1 Grandst Opening April 1 LLC Wyckoff Cycle Avenue •Sales 396 Franklin07481 Wyckoff, NJ •Service 201-891-5500 Across the street from Aldo’s Restaurant •Parts Ample street parking around the corner We Repair ALL Bicycle Brands Authorized Dealer for: Schwinn • GT • Mongoose • Raleigh