A.
Frontage required onto improved street.
(1)
A principal building shall only be built upon a lot
with frontage on a public street improved to meet City standards abutting
the lot or for which such improvements have been insured by the posting
of a performance guaranty pursuant to the Subdivision and Land Development
Ordinance, except:
(a)
A single lot that existed as a lawful recorded
lot of record prior to the adoption of this chapter and that is not
proposed to be subdivided and that is to be used for a single-family
detached dwelling shall be permitted to have access onto a public
street by means of a paved public alley/court with a minimum cartway
width from the subject lot to a public street of 10 feet if:
(b)
A townhouse or condominium apartment development
may have access to individual dwellings using a parking court and
a shared accessway/private street within the tract, provided that
such shared access/private street guarantees permanent access (with
a method for funding perpetual maintenance approved by the Planning
Commission under the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance) from
such dwellings to reach a public street.
(2)
Any new lot that is granted subdivision approval shall
have frontage onto a public street, except as permitted above for
a townhouse or condominium apartment development.
B.
Multiple uses in a building. Occupancy of a principal
commercial or industrial building by more than one permitted use is
specifically allowed, provided that all other requirements of this
chapter are satisfied.
C.
Multiple buildings on a lot. An approved commercial, institutional, industrial, townhouse or garden apartment lot may include more than one principal building. In such case, the minimum front, side and rear yard requirements shall only apply at exterior lot lines of the property, except as otherwise provided by this chapter. Individual buildings or portions of such buildings may be held in approved condominium ownership, but the lot shall be owned by a single legal entity. In cases not meeting this § 445-72C, only one principal building shall be permitted per lot. See § 445-77I concerning the creation of new nonconforming business lots.
D.
Minimum size of dwellings. Each dwelling unit shall
include a minimum of 700 square feet of habitable indoor heated floor
area, except:
A.
Height exceptions. The maximum structure height specified for each district shall not apply to farm silos and associated agricultural structures, commercial communications antennas, household antennas (see § 445-35), water towers, cupolas, clock or bell towers, steeples or spires of places of worship, electrical transmission lines, industrial raw material storage silos (other than for fuels), flagpoles, elevator shafts, ventilators, skylights, windmills, smokestacks, chimneys or other similar appurtenances usually required to be and customarily placed above the roof level and not intended for human occupancy.
B.
Height and airport approaches. At a minimum, any structure
proposed to have a height of 75 feet or more above average surrounding
ground level shall present sufficient information to the Zoning Officer
to prove that the structure would comply with all applicable federal,
state and City requirements regarding airport approaches and warning
lights.
A.
In general.
(1)
No lot, structure or use shall be created or developed
in such a way that it would result in another lot, building or use
not being able to meet the requirements of this chapter. This includes,
but is not limited to setback areas, nonimpervious areas and off-street
parking areas.
(2)
Emergency access. All uses and structures shall have
adequate provisions for access by emergency vehicles.
B.
Exceptions to minimum lot areas, lot widths and yards.
(2)
Through lots. Any lot in the R-1 or R-1A District
having frontage on two approximately parallel streets (not including
an alley) shall provide a required front yard setback abutting each
of these streets.
(3)
Corner lots.
(a)
For R-1, R-1C and R-1A Districts, see setback from public street in § 445-30B(2).
(b)
For a corner lot, the applicant may choose which
shall be the front, unless the Zoning Officer determines that one
side clearly should be the front based upon the predominate pattern
on that block. The front door shall face the front yard.
(4)
Triangular lots. If a three-sided lot does not have
a rear lot line, then the required rear yard shall be measured from
the corner that is furthermost away from the front lot line. In such
case, the lot shall have two side lot lines.
(5)
Projections into required yards. The following features
may project into required yards as specified:
(a)
Emergency fire escapes, new or improved fire
exits and handicapped access facilities added onto a building that
existed prior to the adoption of this chapter, provided that a fire
escape shall not intrude into a required front yard and that such
features intrude a minimum of five feet into a required yard.
(b)
Routinely projecting architectural features
such as bay windows, cornices, eaves, fireplaces, flues, gutters,
chimneys, fire escapes or window sills which do not project more than
three feet into a required yard.
(c)
Stairs and landings that are not covered by
structural roofs that are necessary for entry into the main doors
of a building.
(d)
Patios, porches and decks that:
[1]
Are not covered by a structural roof;
[2]
Are not enclosed and do not have walls of mostly
solid material, glass or Plexiglas;
[3]
Are not closer than three feet to any side or
rear lot line, (except zero feet at a shared lot line of attached
dwellings); and
[4]
Are not raised an average of more than four
feet above the surrounding average ground level.
(e)
If a covered or uncovered patio, porch or deck does not meet the standards of Subsection B(5) above and does not have enclosed walls of mostly solid material (including glass or Plexiglas), then such patio, porch or deck may be a minimum of five feet from a side lot line, 15 feet from a rear lot line and zero feet from any shared lot line of abutting dwellings.
(f)
Awnings and canopies may extend into a required
yard if the following standards are met:
[1]
The awnings or canopies are constructed primarily
of fabric (such as canvas) or closely similar material;
[2]
The awnings or canopies are maintained in good
condition;
[3]
The awnings or canopies shall not be enclosed
on the front or sides;
[4]
The awnings or canopies do not extend more than
three feet into a street right-of-way, except that canopies covering
a walkway to a main entrance of a principal apartment, institutional
or business building and that has a maximum canopy width of 10 feet
may extend to within one feet of a curb;
[5]
The canopies or awnings shall meet the requirements
of the City building code as applicable; and
[6]
The awnings or canopies shall not obstruct pedestrian
or vehicle movement.
(6)
Previously approved setbacks. Where a subdivision
or land development was granted final approval prior to the adoption
of this chapter and the lawful setbacks in effect at such time are
shown on the approved plans, at the option of the developer, those
approved setbacks may apply in place of any revised setbacks in this
chapter.
(7)
Front yard exceptions. When an unimproved lot is situated
between two or more lots with principal buildings with principal building
front yard setbacks with less depth than required in that district,
the minimum front yard shall be reduced to the depth of such abutting
improved lot that has the largest depth, down to an absolute minimum
of 10 feet.
(9)
Depth of irregular lots. On irregularly shaped lots
where the rear lot line is not parallel to the front lot line, the
minimum depth may be based upon average dimensions.
(10)
Side yard variation. Where the side wall of
a building is irregular and not parallel with the side lot line, the
side yard may be varied as follows:
C.
Sight distance at intersections.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose shall be to ensure that traffic
passing through an intersection or turning onto a street can safely
see oncoming traffic.
(2)
A triangular area as described in this section shall
be graded and shall be kept free of sight obstructions between a height
of two and one-half (2 1/2) and 10 feet, including structures,
nontransparent fences, vegetation and signs (but not including sign
posts or utility posts of less than one foot in width or the trunks
of deciduous trees).
(3)
This sight distance triangle shall be shown on development
plans submitted to the City and be shown on any plan required to be
recorded. Such triangle shall serve as a permanent setback line for
all such visual obstructions and shall be binding upon present and
future owners of the land.
(4)
If a driveway, accessway or street would enter onto
a state street, the required sight triangle to be included on the
development plan shall be that necessary to achieve the minimum sight
distance required by PennDOT regulations.
(5)
If minimum sight distance requirements would not be
established by PennDOT, then the sight distance triangle shall be
as follows: The triangle shall be measured based upon the intersecting
point of the center lines of the street receiving the traffic and
the entering street, accessway or driveway. The sight distance triangle
shall be established by a distance along the center line of the receiving
street (established below) and a distance (measured along the center
line of the entering street, accessway or driveway) 25 feet back from
the edge of the existing right-of-way of the receiving street. The
following distances shall be used along the center line of the receiving
street in each direction from the intersection to establish the sight
distance triangle:
(6)
These sight distance requirements shall apply to all
intersections involving a public street and another street, accessway
or driveway, except these requirements shall not apply to an individual
driveway serving only one or two dwelling units that enters onto a
local or collector street.
(7)
A sight distance triangle shall apply for each direction
of approach to an intersection when two or more arterial or collector
streets are involved.
D.
Buffer yards. Buffer yards and screening complying
with the following standards shall be required under the following
situations:
(1)
When required. Buffer yards with evergreen screening
shall be required whenever any new or expanded:
(a)
Principal commercial use, principal institutional use, principal industrial use, industrial outdoor storage area, tractor-trailer truck loading/unloading area or area routinely used for the parking of two or more tractor-trailer trucks has a side or rear yard that abuts or is across the street from a residential lot line (see definition in Article II); or
(2)
In case of an expansion of an existing use, only the
area abutting the expansion shall be required to provide the buffer
yard, unless otherwise required as a condition of the Zoning Hearing
Board if such use is within their purview. For a use approved by the
Zoning Hearing Board, the Board may also require fencing where deemed
necessary.
(3)
Width and plants. Any required buffer yard shall have
a minimum width of 50 feet if an industrial use or industrial outdoor
storage or a tractor-trailer truck loading dock abuts a residential
district and eight feet in all other situations where a buffer yard
is required. The buffer yard shall include plant screening with an
initial height when planted of four feet. Ninety percent of the plants
shall be evergreen. Plants shall be chosen and placed so as to reasonably
be expected to form a solid year-round visual screen with a minimum
height of six feet within three years of planting.
(4)
Location of buffer yards.
(a)
The buffer yard width shall be measured from
the district boundary line, existing street right-of-way line or lot
line, whichever is applicable.
(b)
Plants needed for the visual screen shall not
be placed within an existing street right-of-way.
(c)
The buffer yard may include areas within a required
front, side or rear yard or a paved area setback area, provided that
the larger yard requirement shall apply in case of overlap.
(5)
Characteristics of buffer yards.
(a)
The buffer yard shall be a landscaped area free
of structures, dumpsters, commercial or industrial storage or display,
manufacturing or processing activity, materials, loading and unloading
areas or vehicle parking or display. No new driveways or streets shall
be permitted in the buffer yards except at points of approved perpendicular
crossings for ingress or egress, which shall have a maximum width
of 35 feet.
(b)
Maintenance. In buffer yards, all areas not
covered by trees and shrubs shall be well-maintained in an all-season
vegetative ground cover (such as grass) and shall be kept free of
debris and rubbish and shall not include grass areas higher than eight
inches.
(c)
Fence. Any fence in a buffer yard shall be placed
on the inside of any required evergreen screening.
(d)
Modifications. In situations where it would
be impractical to develop a screen that would meet all City requirements
or where an undue hardship would be created to an applicant, the Zoning
Hearing Board may as a special exception agree to modify these requirements
to allow an acceptable alternative. Such alternative may, for example,
involve the development of a solid wooden fence that has been treated
to be weather resistant. Such modification shall only occur after
a review by the Planning Commission.
(6)
Buffer yard plans.
(a)
Prior to the issuance of a permit under this
chapter where a buffer yard would be required and on any required
subdivision or land development plan, the applicant shall submit plans
showing:
(b)
The Zoning Officer shall review such plans to
determine that the plans are in conformance with the terms of this
chapter.
A.
Ground cover. Any part of a commercial, industrial,
institutional or garden apartment lot which is not used for structures,
loading areas, parking spaces and aisles, sidewalks and designated
storage areas shall be provided with an all-season, well-maintained
vegetative ground cover and shall be landscaped with trees and shrubs.
B.
Parking lot planting strip.
(1)
Whenever a parking lot or parking deck including six or more parking spaces abuts a public street and a buffer yard is not required under § 445-74, along such lot line a planting strip with a minimum width of three feet shall be required.
(2)
Right-of-way. Such planting strip may extend into
or be within the right-of-way of a public street if authorized, in
writing, by the City Engineer, based upon whether sufficient width
for pedestrians would be maintained (which may involve the use of
tree grates) and obstructions with utilities would be avoided and
if authorized by PennDOT, if a state street is involved.
(3)
Plants. Such planting strip shall include:
(a)
Grass or other attractive vegetative ground
cover.
(b)
Shrubs intended to have a maximum height of
three feet, which shall be designed to eventually form a continuous
hedge if within the C-D or C-N District.
(c)
Deciduous shade trees with a minimum trunk width
when planted of two inches measured one foot above the average surrounding
ground level, with an average of one such tree for every 50 feet of
length of parking area along such street.
(4)
Maintenance. Such planting strip shall be maintained
by the abutting property owner, regardless of whether the plantings
are located within the public right-of-way or not.
See Chapter 423, Subdivision and Land Development.
The following provisions shall apply to nonconformities (see definitions in Article II).
A.
Purposes. These provisions are intended to gradually
encourage greater separation of less compatible uses. As nonconforming
uses may desire to grow significantly in intensity, those uses are
intended to be encouraged to relocate in areas that are more suitable.
Generally, existing nonconformities are intended to be permitted to
be continued and to be resold and modified within certain limits.
B.
Registration and continuation of nonconformities.
(1)
Evidence of nonconformity; failure to register; statement.
[Amended 7-12-2007 by Ord. No. 12-2007]
(a)
It shall be the responsibility of a party asserting
a nonconformity to provide evidence that the nonconformity was lawfully
created and was and continues to be in compliance with all City laws,
regulations and codes in effect at the time it was created and thereafter.
With respect to nonconforming dwelling units, in addition to the above
requirements, evidence must be provided to show the use is in compliance
with the Rental Registration Ordinance (File of Council No. 88, 2001)
or any successor ordinance and the dwelling units are in compliance
with all building codes.[1]
(b)
Failure to properly register the property in
accordance with the said Rental Registration Ordinance or any successor
ordinance, the failure to maintain said registration, or the failure
to maintain the premises in compliance with all building codes shall
be considered both an intent to abandon the nonconforming use and
an actual abandonment of such nonconforming use and shall make any
subsequent nonconforming use illegal.
(c)
A property owner may request a written statement
of nonconformity from the Zoning Officer after providing sufficient
evidence as stated above. The Zoning Officer may, but is not required
to, prepare a partial or complete list of existing nonconformities.
(2)
A lawful nonconforming use, structure or lot as defined
by this chapter may be continued and may be sold and continued by
new owners. Any expansion of, construction upon or change in use of
a nonconformity shall only occur in conformance with this section.
C.
Expansion of, construction upon or change in use of
nonconformities.
(1)
Nonconforming structure.
(a)
The Zoning Officer shall permit a nonconforming
structure to be reconstructed or expanded provided:
[1]
That such action will not increase the severity
or amount of the nonconformity (such as the area of the building extending
into the required setback) or create any new nonconformity;
[2]
That any expanded area will comply with the
applicable setbacks in that district and other requirements of this
chapter; and
[3]
That if the structure uses an on-lot septic
system, the City sewage enforcement officer determines that such system
is adequate for the proposed use.
(b)
In the case of a nonconforming structure which
is used by a nonconforming use, any expansion shall also meet the
requirements of this section regarding nonconforming uses.
(c)
If a residential building has a lawfully nonconforming
side or rear building setback, additions may occur to increase the
height above such setback or to extend other portions of the building
up to such nonconforming setback line, provided that the structure
is not extended beyond the existing setback line and provided that
no additional nonconformity is created and if all other requirements
of this chapter are met.
(d)
If a nonresidential building has a lawfully
nonconforming side or rear building setback, additions may occur to
increase the height above such setback or to extend other portions
of the building up to such nonconforming setback line, provided that
the structure is not extended beyond the existing setback line and
provided that no additional nonconformity is created and if all other
requirements of this chapter are met. However, such additions shall
not be permitted if the nonresidential building abuts an existing
primarily residential use.
(2)
Nonconforming lot.
(a)
New permitted structures for a single permitted
by right principal use and its customary accessory uses may be constructed,
reconstructed or expanded on a nonconforming lot of record as a permitted
by right use if all of the following requirements are met:
[1]
The lot area is at least 40% of the minimum
lot area.
[2]
The lot width is at least 40% of the minimum
lot width.
[3]
The lot is a lot of record that lawfully existed
prior to the adoption of this chapter or an applicable subsequent
amendment.
[4]
Minimum setbacks and other requirements of this
chapter are complied with for any new construction or expanded area.
[5]
If a new principal building will be served by
an on-lot septic system, the lot shall comply with all state septic
regulations and shall provide an approved alternative drainfield location.
[6]
For a dwelling on a nonconforming lot, the front
door shall face a public street, and the dwelling shall have a side
facing onto a public street that has an appearance typical of a front
of a dwelling.
(b)
Setbacks. The Zoning Hearing Board may grant
a special exception to reduce the required setbacks for construction
on a nonconforming lot if the Board determines that such reduction
would result in a building that would be more compatible with neighboring
residences than would be built if the setback requirement was not
reduced.
(c)
Integration. Contiguous nonconforming lots under
common ownership shall be integrated to form lots that would be conforming
or less nonconforming.
(d)
If a proposed development on a nonconforming lot does not meet the requirements of the above § 445-77C(2)(a) and (b), then development of the lot shall not occur unless a variance is granted by the Zoning Hearing Board. In addition to the standards stated for a variance in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, the Zoning Hearing Board shall also review whether any alternative permitted uses could reasonably be made of the property that would less significantly adverse impacts upon the established character of an existing residential neighborhood than the proposed use.
(3)
Expansion of a nonconforming nonresidential use. A
nonconforming use or a building used by a nonconforming use shall
not be expanded, except in accordance with the following provisions:
(a)
An expansion of more than 5% in total building floor area shall require special exception approval from the Zoning Hearing Board under § 445-19.
(b)
Such reconstruction or expansion shall be only
upon the same lot that the nonconforming use was located upon at the
time the use became nonconforming.
(c)
The total building floor area used by a nonconforming
use or the total land area used by a nonconforming use, whichever
is more restrictive, shall not be increased by greater than 25% beyond
each such measurement that existed in such use at the time such use
became nonconforming. These maximum increases shall be measured in
aggregate over the entire life of the nonconformity.
(d)
Any expansion of a nonconforming use shall meet
the required setbacks and other requirements of this chapter, unless
the Zoning Hearing Board grants a variance.
(4)
Expansion of a nonconforming residential use. An existing
nonconforming residential use may be expanded in floor area as a permitted
by right use, provided that:
(a)
The number of dwelling units or boardinghouse
units or other types of living units is not increased;
(b)
The expansion meets all applicable setbacks;
(c)
No new types of nonconformities are created;
and
(d)
A nonconformity is not made more severe (including
the building area within the required setback area).
D.
Damaged or destroyed nonconformities.
(1)
Except as provided for in Subsection D(4) below, a nonconforming structure that has been destroyed or damaged equal up to a maximum of 75% of its appraised fair market value by fire, windstorm, lightning or a similar cause deemed not to be the fault of the owner may be rebuilt in a nonconforming fashion only if:
(a)
The application for a building permit is submitted
within 12 months after the date of damage or destruction;
(b)
Work begins in earnest within six months afterwards;
(c)
A new nonconformity shall not be created or
increased by a reconstruction; and
(d)
The applicant proves to the satisfaction of
the Zoning Officer that the damage or destruction was not greater
than 75% of the appraised fair market value.
(2)
A nonconforming structure that has been destroyed or damaged equal by more than 75% of its appraised fair market value by any cause shall not be rebuilt in a nonconforming fashion, except as provided in Subsection D(5) below.
(3)
Rebuilding of a damaged or destroyed nonconformity
shall not begin until plans for rebuilding have been presented and
approved by the Zoning Officer. Any change of one nonconforming use
to another nonconforming use shall comply with the provisions of this
section.
(4)
Nonconforming use of open land. All nonconforming
off-premises signs, junkyards, outside storage areas and similar nonconforming
uses of open land, when damaged to an extent of 50% or more of replacement
cost, shall not be continued, repaired or reconstructed. The burden
of proof concerning the extent of the damage shall be upon the applicant.
(5)
Dwellings. A destroyed or damaged nonconforming building
including only one or two dwelling units may be reconstructed regardless
of the percentage destruction, provided that:
(6)
Fair market value. An applicant shall have the burden
of proof to prove the percent of the fair market value that was damaged
or destroyed. Such proof shall involve an appraisal by a licensed
real estate broker with substantial real estate appraisal experience.
"Fair market value" shall generally be defined as the price a property
would bring under normal conditions on the open market, before and
after the damage. Such value shall assume that the owner is under
no compulsion to sell within a shorter than average time period and
that the property would remain on the market for an average length
of time for such properties.
E.
Abandonment of a nonconformity.
(1)
Discontinuance of nonconformity; rental residential
properties.
[Amended 7-12-2007 by Ord. No. 92-2007]
(a)
If a nonconforming use of a building or land
is discontinued for a period of six months or more or is discontinued
for a period of 12 or more months in any two-year period, the use
is considered abandoned, except:
[2]
If a nonconforming off-premises junkyard, outside
storage area or similar nonconforming use of open land is discontinued
for 30 days or more, the nonconforming use shall not be continued,
repaired or reconstructed.
(b)
Regarding residential properties, failure to
properly register the property in accordance with the Rental Registration
Ordinance (File of Council No. 88, 2001, as amended) or any successor
ordinance,[2] maintain said registration and maintain the premises in
conformance with City building codes shall be considered intent to
abandon the nonconforming use.
(2)
The applicant shall be responsible to provide evidence
that the nonconformity was not abandoned.
(3)
Any future use of such building or land shall be in
full conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 7-12-2007 by Ord. No. 92-2007]
G.
Changes from one nonconforming use to another.
(1)
Once changed to a conforming use, a structure or land
or portion thereof shall not revert to a nonconforming use.
(2)
A nonconforming use may be changed to a different
type of nonconforming use only if permitted as a special exception
by the Zoning Hearing Board. The Board shall determine whether the
applicant has provided sufficient proof to show that the proposed
new use will be equally or less objectionable in external effects
compared to the preexisting nonconforming use. The Board should review
the following types of effects:
(a)
Traffic generation (especially truck traffic).
(b)
Noise, dust, fumes, gases, odor, glare, vibration,
fire and explosive hazards.
(c)
Amount and character of outdoor storage.
(d)
Hours of operation if the use would be close
to dwellings.
(e)
Compatibility with the character of the surrounding
area.
(f)
Potential of the expansion to alleviate existing
congestion and parking shortages by improved site design, addition
of parking and improved loading areas.
(3)
Approval of the Zoning Hearing Board shall not be
required for a change from one nonconforming retail sales use to another
nonconforming retail sales use or from one personal service use to
another personal service use, provided that:
H.
District changes. Any uses, structures or lots that
become nonconforming because of a zoning district change shall be
regulated under this section on nonconformities.
I.
Division of lots with existing buildings. Notwithstanding
limitations imposed by other provisions of this chapter, a lot which
had one or more principal commercial or industrial buildings existing
prior to the adoption of this chapter may be divided after receiving
special exception approval into more than one nonconforming lot, provided
that such division is for purposes of conveyance into separate ownership
and provided that the following conditions are met:
(1)
Each lot shall have a guaranteed permanent method
of vehicle access onto a public street, through a permanent legal
access easement or other method approved by the Zoning Hearing Board.
(2)
Each lot shall be served by both public water and
public sewage service.
(3)
The boundaries of all lots shall be designed in such
a manner to maximize lot area, lot width, lot depth and yard areas
and to result in a functional configuration that minimizes nonconformities.
(4)
The applicant shall prove to the satisfaction of the
Zoning Hearing Board that each lot will include adequate off-street
parking areas and loading areas or a permanent legally binding method
to ensure joint use of such facilities.
(6)
The applicant shall prove that there will be an adequate
mechanism for joint ownership and/or maintenance of any shared facilities
or features.
J.
Approval granted prior to passage of chapter. A proposed
structure or use that is granted a zoning permit, building permit
or subdivision or land development approval prior to the adoption
of this chapter shall be deemed a legal nonconforming use, provided
that:
(1)
The construction of the structure or use was actually
started prior to the adoption of this chapter;
(2)
The ground story framework, including the second tier
of beams, is completed within six months of adoption of this chapter;
and
(3)
The entire structure or use is completed or installed
and ready for operation or occupancy within one year of the adoption
of this chapter.
A.
Construction vehicle parking and temporary offices. See essential services, a permitted by right accessory use, in § 445-46.
B.
Tents. The following are permitted by right accessory
uses: tents erected for a use during a maximum of five days in any
calendar year for routine and customary accessory noncommercial uses
(such as weddings in a rear yard) and for a routine and customary
accessory use to an existing commercial use.
C.
Temporary uses by special exception. For temporary
structures or uses that are not specifically permitted by right by
this chapter, and other than customary accessory uses and other than
those uses that were lawfully occurring on a periodic basis prior
to the adoption of this chapter, a temporary permit may be issued
by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception for structures
or uses that would not otherwise be permitted, subject to the following
additional provisions:
(1)
Duration. The Zoning Hearing Board shall establish
a limit on the duration of the use. In the case of a special event,
except under special circumstances, this should be a maximum of seven
days in any sixty-day period. The Zoning Hearing Board may grant a
single approval once for numerous occurrences of an event.
(2)
Statement from owner. The applicant shall present
a statement from the owner of record of the land accepting responsibility
to ensure that the use or structure is removed once the permit expires.
(3)
Removal. Such structure or use shall be removed completely
upon expiration of the permit without cost to the City. If the structure
or use is not removed in a timely fashion after proper notification,
the City may remove the use or structure at the cost of the person
who owns the land upon which the structure or use is located.
(4)
Conditions. The temporary use or structure shall be
compatible with adjacent uses and clearly be of a temporary nature.
(5)
Fee. Either the Zoning Hearing Board or the City Council
may waive and/or return the required application fee if the applicant
is an Internal Revenue Service recognized and well-established nonprofit
organization, and the applicant clearly shows that the proposed use
is temporary and will be used to clearly primarily serve a charitable
or public service purpose.
(6)
Nonprofit. Only a well-established and Internal Revenue
Service recognized nonprofit organization proposing a temporary use
to clearly primarily serve a charitable or public service purpose
shall be eligible to receive approval for a temporary commercial use
in a district where that use is not permitted.
(7)
Special events. For a special event that will attract
significant numbers of the public, the Zoning Hearing Board may deny
the use if it determines that the following will not be generally
appropriate: sanitary and water service, traffic control, off-street
parking and protection of the public health and safety.
The following regulations apply to access from
a lot to a public street:
A.
Each lot with less than 250 feet of frontage on an
arterial street shall have not more than one access point involving
left-hand turns onto each such street, and no lot with 250 feet or
more feet of total frontage on an arterial street shall have more
than two access points involving left-hand turns onto any such arterial
street.
(1)
This provision shall not apply to the following: construction
of new streets onto an existing arterial street or access points that
are clearly limited to use by only emergency vehicles.
(2)
A separate ingress point and a separate egress point
shall be considered one access point, if well-marked.
B.
Shared driveways. Where practicable, access to two or more nonresidential lots should be combined and/or shared and/or coordinated to minimize the number of access points onto an arterial street. Shared parking lots and driveways connecting adjacent nonresidential lots are strongly encouraged. See possible reduction of parking requirements in § 445-58B.
C.
Driveway separation and setback. The edges of driveways
entering onto an arterial or collector street shall be a minimum of
12 feet apart. The center line of a driveway entering onto a street
shall be a minimum of 50 feet from the intersection of rights-of-way
of two public streets. Driveways shall be set back a minimum of three
feet from any side lot line of a dwelling, unless the driveways are
approved by the City as shared driveways or unless dwellings are attached
along such lot line.
D.
Width. A driveway shall have a maximum width of 35
feet measured at the existing right-of-way line, except as may be
increased by the City Engineer or PennDOT to provide sufficient turning
radii for trucks or buses.
E.
Ramps. Access shall not be provided to an arterial
street within 300 feet of the intersection of such street with an
off-ramp ramp from an interchange of an expressway.
The following shall apply unless a more restrictive
provision is established under a future City building code:
A.
If a building is to be demolished that is attached
to another building that is not to be demolished on another lot and
the party wall is to be exposed, then the owner of the building being
demolished shall, at his/her expense, preserve the exposed party wall
by permanently waterproofing the party wall on the exposed side. Such
waterproofing shall involve stucco, brickote, gunite or other approved
noncombustible materials.
B.
This provision shall not apply to buildings demolished
by the City of Scranton or the Scranton Redevelopment Authority or
if an active development plan has been approved by the City for the
development of a new building attached to such wall.