This chapter is enacted pursuant to the authority of the Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code, the Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, in particular
§ 603(a) thereof, which states that any ordinance in the nature
of a zoning ordinance "should reflect the policy goals of the statement of
community development objectives...and give consideration to the character
of the municipality, the needs of the citizens and the suitabilities and special
nature of particular parts of the municipality;" § 602 thereof,
which allows a municipality to "regulate, restrict and determine: ...size,
height, bulk, location, erection, construction, repair, maintenance, alteration,
razing, removal and use of structures;" and § 603(g)(2) thereof,
which states "Zoning ordinances shall provide for protection of natural and
historic features and resources." this chapter is supplementary to and is
intended to be read in pari materia with the Zoning Ordinance of Lancaster
Township.
This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the "Demolition Review
Ordinance."
Unless otherwise stated, the following words and phrases shall be construed
throughout to have these meanings. The present tense includes the future,
the singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular, the masculine
gender includes the feminine and neuter genders.
ACCESSORY BUILDING
A detached, subordinate building, the use of which is customarily
incidental to that of the principal building, and which is located on the
same lot as that occupied by the principal building. Unroofed decks and patios
shall be considered as accessory buildings within the meaning of this chapter.
APPURTENANCE
A subordinate component or structural feature attached or affixed
to a principal structure or erected on the parcel.
BUILDING
Any structure constructed or used for a residence, business, industry
or other public or private purpose, or accessory thereto, and including porches,
decks, swimming pools, greenhouses, stables, garages, roadside stands, mobile
homes, and similar structures, whether stationary or movable, but excluding
fences, walls, signs and awnings. Features which are structurally essential
and connected to the structure shall be considered as part of the structure
within the meaning of this chapter.
CHARACTER-DEFINING
Architectural design, materials, details, forms, workmanship or components
that are important elements reflecting a distinctive design.
DEMOLITION
The dismantling or tearing down of a building or structure, in whole
or in part.
DEMOLITION BY NEGLECT
The absence of routine maintenance and repair, which leads to structural
weakness, decay and deterioration in a building or structure to the point
where the building or structure meets the criteria for condemnation.
HISTORIC RESOURCE
A building, structure, site, or object that is 50 years old or older
and is a good example of a type or style and/or is associated with a person
or event that has state or national significance; or contributes to the character
and constitutes the fabric of the community; and/or that has local significance.
A building that is old but has lost its integrity or a building that is less
than 50 years old is not an historic resource and is not regulated under the
provisions of this chapter. This definition is further subject to the provisions
of the section of this chapter titled "Historic Resources Inventory."
MAINTENANCE
Work that does not alter the exterior fabric or features of a building
or structure.
PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE
Building in which has been, is, or will be conducted the principal
use or uses of the parcel.
RAZE
To destroy to the ground, demolish.
REPAIR
The process of rehabilitation that warrants additional work beyond
maintenance.
STREETSCAPE
The overall view of a public street, including front and side yards,
its component elements and the relationships of buildings' setbacks, rhythms,
height, shapes, spacing, and textures that give the street or neighborhood
its distinctive character or appearance.
STRUCTURE
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on
or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land.