As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ACCESSORY SMALL SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (ASES)
An area of land or other area used for an accessory solar collection system used to capture solar energy, convert it to electrical energy or thermal power and supply electrical or thermal power primarily for on-site principal use. An accessory small solar energy system consists of one or more freestanding ground-, roof- or building-mounted solar arrays or modules, or solar-related equipment; is primarily intended to reduce on-site consumption of utility power or fuels; has a rated capacity of less than or equal to 10 kilowatts peak (K Wp) (for electricity) or rated storage volume of the system of less than or equal to 240 gallons or that has a collector area of less than or equal to 1,000 square feet (for thermal); and meets all of the design criteria set forth in §
300-78.1 (Solar energy systems).
[Added 12-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 7-2021]
ACCESSORY USE OR STRUCTURE
A use, building or structure customarily and clearly incidental
and subordinate to the principal use or structure and which is located
on the same lot with the principal use or building.
ACCESSORY UTILITY SCALE OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (AUS)
An area of land or other area used for an accessory solar collection system used to capture solar energy, convert it to electrical energy or thermal power and supply electrical or thermal power primarily for on-site principal use. An accessory utility scale solar energy system consists of one or more freestanding ground-, roof- or building-mounted solar arrays or modules, or solar related equipment; is primarily intended to reduce on-site consumption of utility power or fuels; has a rated capacity of greater than 10 kilowatts peak (K Wp) (for electricity) or rated storage volume of the system of greater than 240 gallons or that has a collector area of greater than 1,000 square feet (for thermal); does not, in the case of electricity system, produce in excess of 120% of the electrical needs of the principal use on the property and meets all of the design criteria set forth in §
300-78.1 (Solar energy systems). In determining the electrical needs of the principal use of the property, the average electrical use over the immediately, preceding three-year period shall be used, except in cases of new construction or when the use has been in place for less than three years. For cases involving new construction, or when the principal use has existed less than three years, the electrical need of the principal use shall be based on an estimate provided by applicant's electrical engineer subject to the approval of the Township Engineer.
[Added 12-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 7-2021]
ADULT BOOKSTORE/VIDEO STORE
Any business establishment in which more than 5% of the inventory
offered for sale or rental to the public consists of books, publications,
films or other media which depict nudity or sexual conduct, as defined
herein, or any establishment which advertises, either by way of signage
or other advertising methods, the sale or rental of said media.
ADULT LIVE THEATER
Any business establishment which features on a regular basis
live shows for public viewing in which all or some of the performers
are displaying nudity or engaging in sexual conduct, as defined herein.
ADULT THEATER or MOVIE HOUSE
Any movie theater, including mini theaters, which on a regular
continuing basis shows films rated "X" by the Motion Picture Association
of America, or any movie theater, including mini theaters, which presents
for public viewing on a regular, continuing basis "adult films" depicting
sexual conduct, as defined herein.
AGRICULTURAL OPERATION
An enterprise that is actively engaged in the commercial
production and preparation for market of crops, livestock and livestock
products and in the production, harvesting and preparation for market
or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural and
aquacultural crops and commodities. The term includes an enterprise
that implements changes in production practices and procedures or
types of crops, livestock, livestock products or commodities produced
consistent with practices and procedures that are normally engaged
by farmers or are consistent with technological development within
the agricultural industry.
AIRPORT ELEVATION
The highest point of an airport's usable landing area measured
in feet above sea level. The airport elevation of the Pittsburgh International
Airport is 1,203 feet above mean sea level.
AIRPORT HAZARD
Any structure or object, natural or man-made, or use of land
which obstructs the airspace required for flight or aircraft in landing
or taking off at an airport or is otherwise hazardous as defined in
14 CFR 77 and 74 Pa.C.S.A. § 5102.
AIRPORT HAZARD AREA
Any area of land or water upon which an airport hazard might
be established if not prevented as provided for in this article and
the Act 164 of 1984 (Pennsylvania laws relating to aviation).
ALE HOUSE/WINERY/MEADERY
A business establishment which produces beer, cider, wine,
mead and other nonspirit alcoholic beverage on site and which sells
alcoholic beverages produced and/or not produced on site. The business
establishment produces no more than 15,000 barrels on-site per year
and does not provide kitchen facilities, but may provide live entertainment
(non-sexually oriented business or establishment), and where minors
are not admitted unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The establishment
may sell sealed beer, cider, mead, presealed wine and/or presealed
spirits "to-go" to be consumed off-site.
ALTERATIONS
As applied to a building or structure, a change or rearrangement
in the structural parts or in the exit facilities, or an enlargement,
whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height, or the
moving from one location to another, or any change in use from that
of one zoning district classification to another.
AMUSEMENT ARCADE
Any business establishment which includes six or more mechanical
or electrical devices or machines, tables or apparatus of any kind
which are located for the playing of games of skill or amusement.
ANCHOR STORE
A business establishment which has a gross floor area of
25,000 square feet or more and which is located in a strip center
or regional shopping center which qualifies as a large-scale development,
as defined herein.
APPLICANT
A landowner or developer, as defined by this chapter, who
has filed an application for development, including his/her heirs,
successors and assigns.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
Every application, whether preliminary, tentative or final,
required to be filed and approved prior to start of construction or
development including but not limited to an application for a building
permit, for the approval of a subdivision plat or plan or for the
approval of a development plan.
APPROACH SURFACE (ZONE)
An imaginary surface longitudinally centered on the extended
runway center line and extending outward and upward from each end
of the primary surface. An approach surface is applied to each end
of the runway based on the planned approach. The inner edge of the
approach surface is the same width as the primary surface and expands
uniformly depending on the planned approach. The approach surface
zone, as shown on Figure 1, is derived from the approach surface.
AREA, LOT
The total area measured on a horizontal plane bounded by
the front, side and rear lot lines within the boundaries of a lot
or site which is calculated from dimensions derived by horizontal
projections of the site, and excluding any area within a public street
right-of-way.
ARTERIAL STREET
A public street, other than an expressway, which serves large
volumes of high-speed and long-distance traffic. Streets classified
as arterial in Robinson Township are Campbell's Run Road, Montour
Run Expressway, Route 60 and Route 51.
ATTACHED BUILDING
A building which is attached to one or more other buildings
by means of common vertical walls; provided, however, that there may
be no more than three inches of open space between the common vertical
walls to allow for joint expansion.
AUTHORIZED USE
Any use allowed by this chapter in the various zoning districts,
including principal and accessory uses, as either permitted uses,
conditional uses or special exceptions.
AUTOMOBILE RENTAL
The rental of automobiles, motorcycles and trucks under 26,000
pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW), but not including any heavy equipment
or any other vehicle or equipment which is not classified as a "motor
vehicle" under the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code.
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR GARAGE
A building, or part thereof, used for the servicing and repair
of motor vehicles, including engine overhaul, body work and recapping/retreading
of tires and where all storage of parts and dismantled vehicles and
all repair work are conducted entirely inside a completely enclosed
building.
AUTOMOBILE SALES AND SERVICE
A business establishment used for the display or sale of
automobiles, noncommercial trucks, motorcycles, motor homes, recreational
vehicles and/or boats under 26,00 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW),
but not including any heavy equipment or any other vehicle or equipment
which is not classified as a "motor vehicle" under the Pennsylvania
Motor Vehicle Code. Such use may also include the servicing or repair
of vehicles of the brand of vehicles sold at the establishment.
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION
Any business establishment which provides for one or more
of the following activities:
A.
The servicing of motor vehicles and operations incidental thereto
and limited to one or more of the following activities: The retail
sale of petroleum products; retail sales and installation of automobile
accessories; automobile washing by hand; waxing and polishing of automobiles;
tire changing and repairing (excluding recapping); battery service,
changing and replacement, excluding repair and rebuilding; radiator
cleaning and flushing, excluding steam cleaning and repair; installation
of accessories; and state inspection.
B.
The following operations, if conducted within a completely enclosed
building: lubrication of motor vehicles; replacement of exhaust systems;
brake servicing, limited to servicing and replacement of brake cylinders,
lines and brake shoes; wheel balancing; the testing, adjusting and
replacement or servicing of carburetors, filters, generators, points,
rotors, spark plugs, voltage regulators, water and fuel pumps, water
hoses and wiring, provided the major repairs authorized only in an
automobile repair garage shall not be permitted.
C.
The operation of a convenience food store, provided retail sale
of fuel is a part of the operation.
BAKERY
A business establishment which sells baked goods, including
the baking of goods when prepared for retail sale on the premises
only and not for distribution to other retail outlets.
BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
A business establishment where the principal business is
the receipt, disbursement, or exchange of funds and currencies such
as banks, savings, loans, credit unions or check-cashing establishments.
Establishment may or may not offer a drive-through service.
BASEMENT
A floor level partly or completely underground. For the purpose
of this chapter, a basement shall be considered a story above grade
when the distance from grade to finished surface of the floor above
the basement is more than six feet for more than 50% of the total
perimeter or more than 12 feet at any point.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
A dwelling which is the principal residence of the operator,
where sleeping rooms are offered to transient overnight guests for
compensation and where the only meal included with the overnight accommodations
is breakfast.
BEER DISTRIBUTOR
A business establishment licensed by the commonwealth to
sell beer in quantity entirely for off-premises consumption.
BOARDING- OR ROOMING HOUSE
A dwelling, or part thereof, in which lodging is provided
for compensation by an owner or operator to three or more nontransient
adults who are unrelated to the provider and who require no special
assistance or service beyond food and shelter.
BOAT SALES AND SERVICE
A business establishment in which the sales and/or rental
of boats and their accessories are conducted, as well as the repair
of these boats and their accessories. Boats may be temporarily stored
on the site in order to complete repairs.
BREW-PUB
A restaurant-style brewery that sells 25% or more of its
beer and/or cider produced on-site. The beer is brewed primarily for
sale in the restaurant and bar. The beer is often dispensed directly
from the brewery's storage tanks, and may sell their beer "to-go"
for off-site consumption and/or to other business establishments.
BUFFERYARD
An area of land which may include natural or artificial land
forms, shrubs, bushes, trees, grass or other landscaping material
in order to provide a compact, year-round visual screen and protection
for adjacent properties.
BUILDABLE AREA
That area of a lot, bounded by the required yards, in which
buildings, structures or uses may be located; where there are no required
yards or other setbacks, then as bounded by the lot lines.
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof, supported by columns or walls,
that is permanently affixed to the land. For purposes of this definition,
as solar panel shall not be deemed to be a "roof," and a solar array
shall not be deemed to be a "roof," provided that there are non-watertight
gaps between the solar panels that are determined by the Township
Engineer to allow sufficient flow of water.
[Amended 12-6-2021 by Ord. No. 7-2021]
BUILDING COVERAGE
The horizontal area measured within the outside of the exterior
wall of the ground floor of all principal and accessory buildings
on the lot as a percent of lot area.
BUILDING LINE, FRONT
A line which designates the minimum distance that a building
must be set back from the front lot line. Said distance shall be measured
at right angles from the front street lot line and shall be parallel
to the front lot line.
BUILDING PERMIT
A permit indicating that a proposed construction, alteration
or reconstruction of a structure is in accordance with the construction
provisions of any building code which may be adopted by Robinson Township
and authorizing an applicant to commence with said construction, alteration
or reconstruction. Such a permit shall not be confused with a zoning
permit or with an occupancy certificate as may be required under the
terms of this chapter.
BUILDING SPACING
The minimum distance between two buildings. The building
spacing shall be measured from the outermost wall or projections,
excluding bay windows, chimneys, flues, columns, ornamental features,
cornices and gutters, provided these exceptions do not encroach into
the minimum required distance between buildings more than two feet.
CANOPY
A lightweight structure attached to the ground and/or to
a wall and extended over a sidewalk or other pedestrian walkway, where
such structure is used primarily for purposes of shelter and not advertising.
CAR WASH
A building, or portion thereof, wherein:
A.
One or more vehicles may be washed simultaneously using mechanized
equipment; or
B.
A self-service car wash within a partially enclosed structure.
CARPORT
A structure used for the shelter of a vehicle and which includes
a roof attached to the side or back of the principal building and/or
supported by four columns and which is open on two or more sides from
the roof to the ground over which it stands.
CEMETERY
A lot used for, or intended to be used for, the burial of
human and/or domesticated animal remains, including, but not limited
to, columbarium, mausoleums, and mortuaries when operated in conjunction
with the cemetery and within its boundaries.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
A certificate issued by the Zoning Officer upon site inspection,
attesting that the use or structure meets all requirements of this
chapter and all other applicable Township ordinances, complies with
the approved land development plan and that the use or structure so
examined may be used or occupied for the stated purpose.
CHURCH
See "place of worship."
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLE
An area of unobstructed vision at the intersection of two
streets or the intersection of a driveway with a street, measured
at the height of a driver's eye, which is assumed to be 3.75 feet
above the road surface, between points at a given distance from the
intersection of the center line of two streets or of a street and
driveway intended to allow the operators of vehicles approaching simultaneously
to see each other in time to prevent a collision.
COLLECTION AND RECYCLING FACILITY
A center for the acceptance and processing of recyclable
materials from the public. Recyclable materials shall be limited to
glass containers, plastic containers, aluminum beverage cans, steel/bimetal
containers, newsprint, high-grade office paper and corrugated paper.
Processing of recyclable materials shall be limited to crushing, baling,
chipping, shredding or other operations which physically reduce the
mass of materials, but which do not alter their composition in any
way.
COLLECTOR STREET
A public street which, in addition to giving access to abutting
lots, intercepts local streets and provides a route for carrying considerable
volumes of local traffic to community facilities and arterial streets.
Streets classified as collector in Robinson Township are Aiken Road,
Baldwin Road, Beaver Grade Road, Churchill Road, Clever Road, Country
Club Drive, Ewing Mill Road, Forest Grove Road, Glass Road, McCormick
Road, McKees Rocks Road, McMichael Road, Mobay/Ridge Road, Park Manor
Boulevard, Petrie Road and Silver Lane.
COMMERCIAL
Engaging in a business, enterprise, activity or other undertaking
for profit.
COMMERCIAL RECREATION
An enterprise operated by a private entity for profit for
the pursuit of sports, recreation and leisure activities, including,
but not limited to, such establishments as miniature golf courses,
golf or batting practice facilities, ice or roller rinks, playing
fields, tennis courts, racquet clubs, swimming pools, bowling alleys,
amusement parks, amphitheaters and similar facilities, and go-cart
facilities only when located within an approved amusement park.
A.
INDOORA commercial recreation enterprise whose activities are provided completely within a building or facility with exception to limited storage spaces outside.
B.
OUTDOORA commercial recreation enterprise whose activities are provided primarily outside except for the buildings or facilities that are used for dining spaces, restrooms, point-of-sale transactions, etc.
COMMERCIAL SCHOOL
An establishment providing nonacademic training, vocational
or trade educational courses or programs.
COMMON OPEN SPACE
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination
of land and water within a development and designed and intended for
the use or enjoyment of residents of a development, not including
streets, off-street parking areas, and areas set aside for public
facilities.
COMMUNICATION FACILITY
A facility consisting of the equipment and structures (communications
tower, antennas, telecommunications equipment building) involved in
the reception and/or transmission of electromagnetic or radio waves.
Communication facilities shall not be considered as public or essential
services.
COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA
Any device used for the transmission or reception of radio,
television, wireless, telephone, pager, commercial radio service or
any other wireless communication signals, including, without limitation,
omnidirectional or whip antennas and directional or panel antennas,
owned or operated by any person or entity licensed by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) to operate such device. This definition
shall not include private residence-mounted satellite dishes or television
antennas or amateur radio equipment, including, without limitation,
ham or citizen band radio antennas.
COMMUNICATIONS TOWER
A tower, pole or structure of any size which supports or
houses and/or upon which is located communication (broadcasting and/or
receiving) equipment, including, but not limited to, antennas, fixed-point
microwave dishes and cellular communication antennas utilized by commercial,
government or other public or quasipublic users. This definition excludes
private home-use satellite dishes and television antennas or amateur
radio operators licensed by the FCC. Communication towers shall not
be considered as public or essential services.
CONCESSION STAND
A structure or facility devoted to the sale of confections,
snacks, or other light meals and which provides no inside seating
nor drive-in service for customers, usually associated with a recreational
facility.
CONDITIONAL USE
An authorized use which may only be granted by the Board
of Commissioners pursuant to express standards and criteria contained
herein and only after recommendation by the Planning Commission and
public hearing pursuant to public notice.
CONFERENCE OR TRAINING CENTER
A facility used for service organizations, business and professional
conferences, and seminars and workshops for conference attendees.
The accommodations can include eating spaces, but shall not include
sleeping quarters.
CONICAL SURFACE (ZONE)
An imaginary surface extending outward and upward from the periphery of the horizontal surface at a slope of 20 feet horizontally to one foot, vertically for a horizontal distance of 4,000 feet. The conical surface zone, as shown on Figure 1,, which is
included as an attachment to this chapter, is based on the conical surface.
CONSTRUCTION TRAILER
Vehicle with or without its own motive power and used for
temporary field office or storage purposes at a construction site.
CONTRACTOR'S YARD
A lot, structure or building used for office space and the
permanent storage of goods, materials or machinery generally used
in construction, not including the sale of supplies or the repair
or sale of heavy equipment.
CONVENT/MONASTERY
A dwelling used as a residence for members of a religious
order, ordained ministers or those in training for ordination.
CORNICE
The exterior trim of a structure at the meeting of the roof
and wall, usually consisting of bead molding, soffit, fascia and crown
molding.
COUNTY
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
DAY
One day shall be measured by a calendar day wherever a time
period is stipulated by this chapter.
DAY-CARE CENTER, ADULT
A facility, licensed by the commonwealth, located in a building
which is not used as a dwelling unit, which provides care for part
of the twenty-four-hour day for three or more adults who are not relatives
of the operator and who, because of physical or mental infirmity,
require assistance to meet personal needs, but who do not require
nursing care.
DAY-CARE CENTER, CHILD
A facility located in a building which is not used as a dwelling
unit, which provides care and supervision for seven or more children
under 16 years of age for a period of less than 24 consecutive hours
and duly licensed to operate as such by the Pennsylvania Department
of Public Welfare.
DELICATESSEN
A business establishment which is primarily a food store
but offers a limited menu and a limited number of tables for on-premises
consumption.
DETACHED BUILDING
A building which is surrounded on all sides by open space
greater than three inches and which is not attached to any other building
by a common vertical wall or any other means.
DEVELOPER
Any landowner, agent of such landowner, or tenant with the
permission of such land owner, who makes or causes to be made a subdivision
of land or a land development.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The provisions for development, including a planned residential
development, a plat of subdivision, all covenants relating to use,
location and bulk of buildings and other structures, intensity of
use or density of development, streets, ways and parking facilities,
common open space and public facilities. The phrase "provisions of
the development plan" when used in this chapter shall mean the written
and graphic materials referred to in this definition.
DISPLAY LIGHTING
Lighting separate and apart from a sign panel whose purpose
is to illuminate the sign panel in order to allow for viewing the
copy thereon. An electronic sign panel which displays and generates
its own copy electronically is not display lighting.
DRY CLEANER PICKUP SHOP
A retail outlet for receiving, picking up and pressing of
garments with the actual cleaning and drying operations done elsewhere.
DUPLEX
See "dwelling, two-family."
DWELLING
Any building or portion thereof which is built, altered or
used for residential purposes, including single-family, two-family
and multiple-family dwellings, but not including hotels, motels or
other lodging houses, nursing homes, hospitals or residential clubs.
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DWELLING, CONVERSION — A formerly single-family dwelling
that has been redeveloped into a multi-family dwelling with multiple
tenants in separate dwellings within the same building.
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DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY — A residential building or portion thereof containing three or more separate independent dwelling units, including multiple-family high-rise apartment dwellings, multiple-family low-rise apartment dwellings and multiple-family garden apartment dwellings. (See Figure 6, which is included as an attachment to this chapter.)
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DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY GARDEN APARTMENT — A multiple-family
dwelling of three stories or less with access to the outside via common
interior corridors and stairways.
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DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY HIGH-RISE APARTMENT — A multiple-family
dwelling of more than five stories with elevators and access to the
outside via common interior corridors and stairways.
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DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY LOW-RISE APARTMENT — A multiple-family
dwelling of four and five stories with elevators and access to the
outside via common interior corridors and stairways.
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DWELLING, QUADRAPLEX — A building containing four units
which share common walls and are connected side-by-side but not stacked
upon each other.
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DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY — A detached residential building, other than a mobile home, designed for or occupied exclusively by one family, which is the only principal structure on the lot and is permanently attached to a foundation. (See Figure 6, which is included as an attachment to this chapter.)
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DWELLING, STACKED ATTACHED SINGLE-FAMILY — A residential
building containing four to six dwelling units that share the barrier
which serves as the floor and ceiling but do not share a common side
wall. Entrances to the dwelling units may be located within a shared
space such as a lobby. The building may provide a shared parking area
which connects to the shared space.
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DWELLING, TOWNHOUSE — Attached single-family dwelling
units constructed in a series or group of at least three and no more
than six units each, having common walls separated by continuous vertical
walls without opening from basement to roof, and having direct access
at grade level to the outside.
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DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY — A detached residential building containing separate, independent dwelling units for two families, with the units attached either side by side or one over the other, which is the only principal structure on the lot. (See Figure 6, which is included as an attachment to this chapter.)
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DWELLING UNIT — One or more rooms in a dwelling designed
and used as a single housekeeping unit for one family, having its
own bathroom and cooking facilities.
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DWELLING UNIT DENSITY — The number of dwelling units authorized
by this chapter per acre of land.
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ELECTRONIC NOTICE
Notice given by Robinson Township through the Internet regarding
the time and place of a public hearing and the particular nature of
the matter to be considered at the hearing.
ELECTRONIC SIGN PANEL
A computerized digital message panel using light-emitting
diodes or similar technology which displays an advertising message
and can be remotely controlled by the owner or operator and not require
display lighting to show its message.
ENGINEER
A professional engineer licensed as such in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania and duly appointed as the engineer for Robinson Township.
ESTABLISHMENT (ENTITY)
The primary activity, under one proprietorship, of a parcel
or building or a section thereof.
EXPRESSWAY
A public street which is designed to serve large volumes
of high-speed and long-distance traffic, which has access limited
to grade-separated intersections. The Penn-Lincoln Parkway and Interstate
79 are expressways in Robinson Township.
FAA
Federal Aviation Administration of the United States Department
of Transportation.
FACADE
The entire building front including the parapet.
FAMILY
One or more persons related by blood, marriage or adoption
and, in addition, any domestic servants or gratuitous guests thereof;
or a group of not more than three persons, who need not be related
by blood, marriage or adoption, who are living together in a dwelling
unit and maintaining a common household.
FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME
A facility, registered by the commonwealth, located within
a dwelling, for the care on a regular basis during part of a twenty-four-hour
day of not more than between four children and six children at any
one time who are under 16 years of age, excluding care provided to
children who are relatives of the provider, where such use shall be
secondary to the use of the dwelling for living purposes.
FARM
A lot or parcel consisting of the minimum number of acres
required herein and used for agricultural operations. See "agricultural
operation."
FARMING EQUIPMENT SALES AND SERVICES
A business establishment that sells, rents or repairs agricultural
machinery, equipment, and supplies for use in soil preparation and
maintenance, the planting and harvesting of crops, and other operations
and processes pertaining to farming and ranching.
FASCIA
A horizontal piece (as a board) covering the joint between
the top of a wall and the projecting eaves.
FEE
The required charge established by this chapter to defray
the cost of processing an application which shall be payable to Robinson
Township at the time an application is filed.
FENCE
An accessory structure constructed of wood, metal, wire,
mesh, masonry or similar materials which is erected to enclose or
set apart a portion of a lot or maintain privacy or .
FESTOONS
A string of ribbons, tinsel, small flags or pinwheels.
FLAGS
Official flags of government jurisdictions, religious, charitable,
public and nonprofit organizations.
FLOOD-FRINGE AREA
The flood-fringe area of a floodplain district, as described
by this chapter, shall be that area of the one-hundred-year floodplain
not included in the floodway area. The basis for the outermost boundary
of this area shall be the one-hundred-year flood elevations contained
in the flood profiles of Robinson Township Flood Insurance Study and
as shown on the accompanying Flood Boundary and Floodway Map.
FLOODPLAIN
A relatively flat or low land area adjoining a river, stream
or watercourse which is subject to partial or complete inundation;
and/or an area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff
of surface waters. The boundaries of the one-hundred-year floodplains
are delineated in Robinson Township Flood Insurance Study.
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river, stream or other watercourse capable
of carrying the waters of the one-hundred-year flood without increasing
the water surface elevation of the flood more than one foot at any
point. The boundaries of the floodway are delineated on Robinson Township
Flood Insurance Study and accompanying Flood Boundary Maps.
FLOOR AREA
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors
of a building, measured from the outer face of exterior walls or from
the center line of common walls separating buildings. Included is
basement space, penthouses, attic space providing structural headroom
of 7 1/2 feet or more, interior balconies and mezzanines, enclosed
porches, lobbies, hallways. (See also "gross floor area" and "gross
leasable floor area.")
FOOD STORE
A business establishment selling foodstuffs and associated
merchandise packaged for consumption after preparation off the premises
where it is sold. This definition does not include a restaurant, as
defined by this chapter.
FORESTRY
The management of forests and timber lands when practiced
in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing,
cultivating, harvesting, transporting and selling trees for commercial
purposes, which does not involve any land development.
FREIGHT TERMINAL
A building and adjacent loading area where cargo is stored
and where commercial vehicles load and unload cargo on a regular basis
and which may or may not include facilities for maintenance, fueling,
storage or dispatching of the vehicles.
FRONTAGE
The length of a property line bordering a public right-of-way
which is open to vehicular traffic.
FRONTAGE, BUILDING
The length of an outside building wall facing public right-of-way
or, where the lot adjoins a private road or driveway rather than a
public right-of-way, the outside building wall which faces the lot
line through which primary vehicular access to the lot is provided.
Where a building contains multiple establishments, the building frontage
for a single establishment shall be the length of the front building
wall occupied by that establishment.
FUEL/RECHARGE STATION
A business establishment that offers the sale of fuel/energy
recharge for vehicles with or without convenience goods for sale,
such as prepackaged or limited prepared food items, tobacco, periodicals,
and other household goods.
FUNERAL HOME
A business establishment used for the embalming of the deceased
for burial, but not including cremation, and for the display of the
deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
An accessory structure (attached, integral or detached) to
a residential dwelling, used for the storage of motor vehicles or
other personal property of the occupants of the dwelling and not to
be used for commercial purposes or commercial repairs.
GARAGE, PUBLIC PARKING
A building or structure available to the public in which
motor vehicles are temporarily stored but which is not used for repairs
or maintenance.
GOLF COURSE/COUNTRY CLUB
A facility and/or club which provides recreational activities
to its members and their invited guests such as golf courses and ranges,
swimming areas, etc.
GRADE
A reference plane representing the average of finished ground
level adjoining the building at all exterior walls. When the finished
ground level slopes away from the exterior walls, the reference plane
shall be established by the lowest points within the area between
the building and the lot line or, when the lot line is more than six
feet from the building, between the building and a point six feet
from the building.
GRAND OPENING DISPLAY
A temporary sign or banner, constructed of durable material,
erected for a specified period of 90 days or less, whose sole purpose
is to advertise a grand opening of a new business.
GREENHOUSE
The indoor raising of plants, shrubs and trees for sale and
transplantation.
GROSS FLOOR AREA (GFA)
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors
of the building measured from the exterior faces of the exterior wall
or from the center line of walls separating two buildings. For the
purposes of determining permissible size and off-street parking and
loading requirements, floor area shall include: a) floor space devoted
to the principal use of the premises, including accessory storage
areas located within selling or working space such as counters, racks
or closets; b) any basement floor area devoted to retailing activities;
and c) floor area devoted to the production or processing of goods
or to business or professional offices. Floor area shall not include
space devoted primarily to storage purposes (except as noted above),
off-street parking or loading facilities (including aisles, ramps
and maneuvering space), or basement floor area other than area devoted
to retailing activities, the production or processing of goods, or
business or professional offices.
GROSS LEASABLE AREA (GLA)
The total floor area designed for the exclusive use and occupancy
of building occupants, including basements, mezzanines and upper floors,
but not including public or common areas such as public toilets, corridors,
stairwells, elevators, machine and equipment rooms, lobbies or mall
areas, whether open or enclosed. GLA shall be measured from the center
line of joint partitions and from the outside wall faces. It is the
area upon which tenants pay rent, including sales areas and integral
stock areas.
GROUP HOME
Any residential dwelling, whether operated for profit or
not, which provides for a period exceeding 24 hours one or more personal
services for not more than eight residents who are mentally retarded
or physically handicapped and who may or may not be related to the
owner or administrator by law, blood, marriage or adoption, and not
in foster care, who require certain personal services, and including
resident or nonresident staff necessary to provide those services.
The personal services, in addition to housing and food services, may
include, but need not be limited to, personal assistance with bathing,
dressing, housekeeping, adult supervision, emotional and other related
service, but not including medical services. For the purposes of this
chapter, a group home shall be regulated by the requirements governing
single-family dwellings in the district in which the group home is
located.
GROUP-CARE FACILITY
Any center which provides health, social and/or rehabilitative
services to nine or more mentally retarded or physically handicapped
residents or any group living arrangement, whether transitional or
long-term, which provides health, social and/or rehabilitative services
to any number of residents who are battered persons, mentally disturbed,
recovering alcoholics or drug addicts, dependent or delinquent children
adjudicated by the court system, convicts or ex-convicts or participants
in any program operated under the supervision of the Pennsylvania
Bureau of Corrections, including resident or nonresident staff necessary
to provide such services.
HAZARDOUS AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES
Substances, materials and chemicals that are physical hazards
and/or health hazards, as defined and classified pursuant to the 2006
International Building Code and the International Fire Code, as may
be amended, including subsequent editions and successor codes, whether
the materials are in a usable form or waste.
HEALTH CLUB
A recreational enterprise or private club which has as its
principal use a gym, pool or other sports facility and which may offer
massages by certified technicians, steam rooms, saunas and/or sports
medicine facilities.
HEIGHT
For the purpose of determining the height limits in all zones
set forth in this chapter and shown on the Zoning Map, the datum shall
be mean sea level elevation unless otherwise specified.
HEIGHT OF A COMMUNICATIONS TOWER
The vertical distance measured from the ground level to the
highest point on a communications tower, including antennas mounted
on the tower.
HEIGHT OF SIGN
The vertical distance measured from the finished surface
elevation directly beneath the sign to the highest point of the sign,
including decorative embellishments.
HEIGHT, MAXIMUM
The vertical distance from grade, as defined herein, to the highest point of the structure. In the case of a building: to the highest roof beams of a flat roof or the mean level of the highest gable or slope of a hip roof. (See Figures 4 and 5, which are
included as attachments to this chapter.)
HELIPAD
A facility without logistical support provided by a heliport
where helicopters take off and land. Helipads do not include facilities
for maintenance, repair, fueling, or storage of helicopters.
HOME-BASED BUSINESS, LOW-IMPACT
A business establishment conducted within a dwelling whereas
said business is not classified as a home-based business, non-impact.
HOME-BASED BUSINESS, NO-IMPACT
A business establishment administered or conducted clearly
secondary to the use as a residential dwelling and which involves
no customer, client or patient traffic, whether vehicular or pedestrian,
pickup, delivery or removal functions to or from the premises, in
excess of those normally associated with residential use. The business
must satisfy the following requirements:
A.
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential
use of the property and surrounding residential uses.
B.
The business shall employ no employees other than members residing
in the dwelling.
C.
There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling
or inventory of a substantial nature.
D.
There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including,
but not limited to, parking, signs or lights.
E.
No on-site parking of commercially identified vehicles shall
be permitted.
F.
The business activity may not use any equipment or process which
creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical or electronic
interference, including interference with radio or television reception,
which is detectable in the neighborhood.
G.
The business activity may not generate any solid waste or sewage
discharge, in volumes or type, which is not normally associated with
residential use in the neighborhood.
H.
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling
and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.
I.
The business may not involve any illegal activity.
HORIZONTAL SURFACE (ZONE)
An imaginary plane 150 feet above the established airport
elevation that is constructed by swinging arcs of various radii from
the center of the end of the primary surface and then connecting the
adjacent arc by tangent lines. The radius of each arc is based on
the planned approach. The horizontal surface zone, as shown on Figure
1, is derived from the horizontal surface.
HOSPITAL
A duly licensed institution providing acute medical or surgical
care and treatment for the sick and injured.
HOTEL/MOTEL
A business establishment in which lodging is provided and
offered for transient guests for compensation on a daily or weekly
basis and which may provide such additional supporting services as
restaurants, meeting rooms, recreation facilities and living quarters
for a resident manager or proprietor. The term shall include motor
hotel, motor inn, motor lodge, tourist court, inn and similar uses.
ICE CREAM PARLOR
A business establishment that specializes in the sale of
ice creams, yogurts and sorbets produced off-site. Ice cream parlors
may offer prepackaged ice creams and supplementary items such as similar
confections and nonalcoholic beverages for sale.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface which resists the entrance or passing through of
water or other liquids. Solar panels, or arrays of solar panels that
allow water to pass between the panels at a rate determined by the
Township Engineer to be sufficient, are considered to be pervious
and shall not be taken into account when determining the property's
maximum impervious surface provided that the applicant demonstrates
to the satisfaction of the Township Engineer that such panels or arrays
do not cause a post construction increase in the discharge rate of
stormwater flows over the pre-construction discharge rate.
[Amended 12-6-2021 by Ord. No. 7-2021]
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE COVERAGE
The portion of the lot area covered by impervious surfaces;
impervious surface coverage shall be measured as a percentage of the
total lot area.
IMPROVEMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT (IMPROVEMENTS)
The physical addition, installation, and/or change required
to render land suitable for the intended use, including but not limited
to grading, swales, detention/retention basins, paving, curbing, street
lights and signs, fire hydrants, water mains, electric service, gas
service, sanitary sewers, storm drains, sidewalks, crosswalks, driveways,
culverts, and street shade trees.
IN-HOME DAY CARE
The regular care and supervision, for payment and for a period
of less than 24 consecutive hours, of not more than three unrelated
children under the age of 16 years by the occupant of a dwelling,
provided such use complies with this chapter's requirements for a
no-impact home-based business.
INCINERATOR
An enclosed device licensed by Allegheny County which uses
controlled combustion for the primary purpose of breaking down solid
waste.
JUNKYARD
An area where scrap metal, paper, rags, tires and other waste
and/or used materials are bought, sold, exchanged, recycled, stored,
bailed, packaged, disassembled or handled or where machinery or motor
vehicles not in running condition are collected, dismantled, stored
or sold for parts. Any such use conducted entirely within an enclosed
building is not a junkyard.
KENNEL
A facility where more than four domestic animals such as
dogs or cats, who are four months old or older, are bred, trained
and/or boarded.
KILOWATTS PEAK (K Wp)
For the purposes of measuring the electric generation capacity
of a solar energy system. K Wp means the maximum energy generation
capacity the system can deliver when operating under standard conditions.
[Added 12-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 7-2021]
LAND DEVELOPMENT
A subdivision of land or the improvement of one lot or two
or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose
involving:
A.
A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings,
whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential
building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or
tenure; or
B.
The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially
or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective
occupants by means of, or for the purpose of streets, common areas,
leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.
LANDFILL
A site licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection for the disposal of solid waste, other than hazardous waste,
as defined and regulated by federal statute.
LANDOWNER (OWNER)
The legal or beneficial owner of land, including the holder
of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such an option
or contract is subject to any condition); a lessee, if he/she is authorized
under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner; or other
person having a proprietary interest in the land.
LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENT
Any proposed development in any zoning district other than
a residential zoning district, which:
A.
Encompasses a minimum of 100 acres;
B.
Constitutes a planned commercial center in the C-5 District
which is under single ownership and control at the time an application
for development is submitted;
C.
Constitutes a unified commercial development in the C-3 District
that qualifies as a regional shopping center; or
D.
Constitutes a unified commercial development as a regional lifestyle
center in the C-2 and C-3 Zoning Districts.
LARGER THAN UTILITY RUNWAY
A runway that is constructed for and intended to be used
by propeller-driven aircraft of greater than 12,500 pounds maximum
gross weight and jet-powered aircraft.
LIMITED DISTILLERY
A business establishment which produces single-batch, beverage-grade
spirit alcohol in quantities not more than 100,000 gallons of distilled
liquor per year or as otherwise set forth by the Pennsylvania Liquor
Control Board.
LIVE-WORK UNIT
A building unit or series of vertically divided, attached
units which are both the residence and place of business for the occupying
tenant, with the business establishment located on the ground floor
and/or basement and the dwelling quarters located on the upper floors.
LOADING SPACE, OFF-STREET
An area of a lot conveniently located, accessible and properly
designed for the temporary use by vehicles making bulk pickups or
deliveries of merchandise or materials.
LOCAL STREETS
All public streets in Robinson Township which are not classified
as expressways, arterial streets or collector streets are local streets.
LOT
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed or built upon as a unit. (See Figure 2, which is
included as an attachment to this chapter.)
LOT LINE, FRONT
A street right-of-way line forming the boundary of a lot or, where the lot is not bounded by a public or private street right-of-way, the front lot line shall be the lot line through which primary vehicular access is provided. (See Figure 8, which is
included as an attachment to this chapter.)
LOT LINE, REAR
The lot line that is most distant from and is, most nearly is, parallel to the front lot line. If a rear lot line is less than 15 feet long, or if the lot comes to a point at the rear, the rear lot line shall be measured from a line between the side lot lines at least 15 feet in length, lying wholly within the lot, and parallel to the front line. (See Figure 8, which is
included as an attachment to this chapter.)
LOT OF RECORD
An area of land designated as a lot on a recorded plat or
subdivision or described on a deed duly recorded or registered at
the County Recorder of Deeds office.
LOT, CORNER
A lot located at the intersection of two or more streets. A lot fronting on a curved street or streets shall be considered a corner lot if straight lines drawn from the points of intersection of the side lot lines with the front lot line meet at the interior angle of less than 135°. Front yards are required on both streets; the remaining yards shall be designated as a side yard and a rear yard. (See Lot Type "A" illustration in Figure 2, which is
included as an attachment to this chapter.)
LOT, THROUGH
A lot with the frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets and which is not a corner lot. A through lot may also be referred to as a double-frontage lot. (See Lot Type "C" illustration in Figure 2, which is
included as an attachment to this chapter.)
MAILED NOTICE
Notice given by Robinson Township by first-class mail related
to the time and place of a public hearing and the particular nature
of the matter to be considered at the hearing.
MAINTENANCE BUILDING
An enclosed structure located on a recreational facility
used for the storage of maintenance equipment, tools and related materials.
This definition does not include the outdoor storage of equipment
and materials.
MANSARD
A sloped roof or roof-like facade architecturally comparable
to a building wall.
MANUFACTURING
Businesses engaged in the mechanical or chemical transformation
of material or substances into new products, or engaged in assembling
component parts of manufactured products if the new product is neither
a structure nor other fixed improvement. A new product may be "finished"
in the sense that it is ready for utilization or consumption, or it
may be "semifinished" to become a raw material for a business engaged
in further manufacturing.
MANUFACTURING, HEAVY
Manufacturing, other than light manufacturing, which complies
with the applicable environmental performance standards contained
in this chapter. Heavy manufacturing shall include, but not be limited
to, the processing or fabrication of food and kindred products, stone,
clay, glass and concrete products, chemical products, fabricated metal
products, machinery, electrical and electronic equipment and supplies
and transportation equipment.
MANUFACTURING, LIGHT
Any manufacturing or industrial assembly, production, processing,
cleaning, testing or distribution, all of which is conducted within
a structure, which, by the nature of the materials, equipment and
process utilized, is predominately clean and quiet and which does
not produce noises, vibration or emissions which will disturb or endanger
neighboring lots. Light manufacturing includes, by way of example,
the production of home appliances, electrical instruments or devices,
precision or scientific instruments or devices, printed material,
light sheet-metal products or plastic goods.
MARQUEE
A permanent rooflike structure or canopy of rigid materials
supported by and extending from the facade of a building.
MAXIMUM EXTENT FEASIBLE
No feasible and prudent alternative exists and all possible
planning to minimize potential harm has been undertaken.
MEDIATION
A voluntary negotiating process in which parties in a dispute
mutually select a neutral mediator to assist them in jointly exploring
and settling their differences, culminating in a written agreement
which the parties themselves create and consider acceptable.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Marijuana for certified medical use as legally permitted
by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with Act 16.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY
A business establishment, corporation, partnership, association,
trust or other entity, or combination thereof, which holds a permit
issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to dispense medical
marijuana.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA GROWER/PROCESSOR
A business establishment, corporation, partnership, association,
trust or other entity, or combination thereof, which holds a permit
issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to grow and process
medical marijuana.
MEMORIAL/HISTORICAL PLAQUES
Commemorative plaques placed by a recognized agency of Robinson
Township, county, state or federal government.
MICROBREWERY
A brewery that produces less beer and/or cider than that
of a regional brewery and which sells at least 75% of its beer off-site.
Microbreweries sell to the public by one or more of the following
methods: the traditional three-tier system (brewer to wholesaler to
retailer to consumer); the two-tier system (brewer acting as wholesaler
to retailer to consumer); and directly to the consumer through carry-outs
and/or on-site tap-room or restaurant sales. A microbrewery shall
produce no more than 15,000 barrels (17,600 hectoliters) a year or
as otherwise set forth by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
MINERAL EXTRACTION
The extraction of metallic and nonmetallic minerals or materials,
including rock crushing, screening and the accessory storage of explosives.
MOBILE HOME
A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent
occupancy, contained in one unit, or in two or more units designed
to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated
for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for
occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations,
and constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation.
MOBILE HOME LOT
A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the
necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for
the erection thereon of a single mobile home.
MOBILE HOME PARK
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land which has been so
designated and improved that it contains two or more mobile home lots
for the placement thereon of mobile homes.
MORTUARY
A commercial use operated by a duly licensed mortician and
which is exclusively used for the preparation of human corpses for
burial or cremation, including display of the deceased and ceremonies
connected therewith before burial or cremation.
MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of
1968, as now or hereinafter amended (53 P.S. § 10101 et
seq.).
NON-PRECISION INSTRUMENT RUNWAY
A runway having an existing instrument approach procedure
utilizing air navigation facilities with only horizontal guidance,
or area-type navigation equipment, for which a straight-in non-precision
instrument approach procedure has been approved or planned.
NONCONFORMING LOT OF RECORD
A lot lawfully existing prior to the adoption of this chapter
or any amendment to this chapter which contains less area or width
than is permitted as a minimum requirement in the zoning district
in which the lot is located.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A structure or portion thereof lawfully existing prior to
adoption of this chapter or any amendment to this chapter which thereafter
does not meet the applicable area and building requirements of the
district in which it is located.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use of a lot or property or portion thereof, or of a structure
or portion thereof, lawfully existing prior to adoption of this chapter
or amendment to this chapter that is thereafter not permitted in the
zoning district where the lot or structure is located.
NUDITY
The showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area
or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, or the showing
of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any
portion thereof below the top of the nipple, or the depiction of covered
male genitals in a discernible turgid state.
NURSERY
The outdoor raising of plants, shrubs and trees for sale
and transplantation.
NURSERY OR GREENHOUSE, NONRETAIL
A facility which is used to grow plants on the site, and
may be used to store growing materials such as pots, potting soil,
fertilizers, insecticides, hanging baskets, rakes, shovels, and the
like. The retail sale of any goods or supplies on the site shall not
be permitted.
NURSERY OR GREENHOUSE, RETAIL
A business establishment which conducts the retail and/or
wholesale of plants grown on the site, as well as accessory items
(but not power equipment such as gas or electric lawnmowers and farm
implements) directly related to their care and maintenance. Accessory
items normally could include items such as pots, potting soil, fertilizers,
insecticides, hanging baskets, rakes, shovels, and the like.
NURSING OR CONVALESCENT HOME
A facility licensed to operate as such by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania for the purpose of providing skilled or intermediate
nursing care and related medical or other health services.
OBSCENE MATERIALS
Any literature, including any book, magazine, pamphlet, newspaper,
storypaper, comic book or writing and any figure, visual representation
or image, including any drawing, photograph, picture or motion picture,
if:
A.
The average person applying contemporary community standards
would find that the subject matter, taken as a whole, appeals to the
prurient interest;
B.
The subject matter depicts or describes in a patently offensive
way sexual conduct, as defined herein; and
C.
The subject matter, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary,
artistic, political, educational or scientific value.
OBSTRUCTION
Any structure, growth, or other object, including a mobile
object, which exceeds a limiting height set forth by this chapter.
OFF-STREET PARKING
An area, wholly outside any public right-of-way, constructed
to accommodate the storage of vehicles as required by this chapter
and connected to a public street by a driveway or access aisle.
OFFICES, BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL
Any office of recognized professions, such as doctors, lawyers,
architects, engineers, real estate brokers, insurance agents, and
others who, through training, are qualified to perform services of
a professional nature, and other offices used primarily for accounting,
corresponding research, editing or other administrative functions,
but not including banks and other financial institutions.
OFFICES, MEDICAL
Any office for the examination and treatment of ill and afflicted
human outpatients, including doctor and dental offices and clinics,
provided that patients are not kept overnight except under emergency
conditions.
OPEN SPACE
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water or a combination
thereof within a development site designed and intended for the use
and enjoyment of the residents of the development, including active
and passive recreation, resource protection and buffer areas, but
not including off-street parking areas, streets, areas set aside for
public facilities, or required yard areas for dwelling units.
PA DEP
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
PARAPET
The extension of a false front or wall above the roofline.
PARKING LOT
Any lot, parcel or yard used in whole or in part for the
storage or parking of two or more vehicles where such usage is not
incidental to or in conjunction with a single-family or two-family
dwelling.
PATIO HOME
A residential dwelling unit which is connected by one or
more walls to a series of similar units, usually sharing the same
street frontage.
PENNDOT
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
PERMITTED USE
An authorized use herein which, upon application to the Zoning
Officer, may be granted in accordance with the literal provisions
of this chapter.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, association, firm, partnership
or similarly defined legal entity.
PERSONAL CARE HOME
A residential facility registered by the commonwealth providing
food, shelter and personal assistance or supervision to more than
three adults who are not relatives of the operator and who are mobile
or semimobile and require assistance or supervision in such matters
as dressing, bathing, diet or medication prescribed for self-administration,
but who are not in need of hospitalization or skilled or intermediate
nursing care.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
A building, other than a dwelling, used primarily as a space
for religious activities for a recognized religious denomination which
may also include as accessory uses rooms for religious education,
social and recreational activities, administrative offices and preschool
or elderly day care.
PLANNED COMMERCIAL CENTER
A commercial development which is under single ownership
and control at the time of an application for approval which may or
may not be subdivided into smaller lots for sale or lease after the
installation of necessary infrastructure improvements (i.e., roads,
sanitary sewers, storm sewers and waterlines) and where the lots on
the site shall utilize a common means of access and may share other
common facilities such as parking and signs.
PLANNED LIMITED INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
A limited industrial development which is under single ownership
and control at the time of an application for development which may
or may not be subdivided into smaller lots for sale after installation
of necessary infrastructure improvements (i.e., roads, sanitary sewers,
storm sewers and water) and where the lots on the site shall utilize
a common means of access and may share other common facilities such
as parking and signs.
PLANNED OFFICE COMPLEX
An office development which is under single ownership and
control at the time of an application for development which may or
may not be subdivided into smaller lots for sale after installation
of necessary infrastructure improvements (i.e., roads, sanitary sewers,
storm sewers and water) and where the lots on the site shall utilize
a common means of access and may share other common facilities such
as parking or signs.
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
An area of land controlled by a landowner to be developed
as a single entity for a number of dwelling units or a combination
of residential and nonresidential uses, the development plan for which
does not correspond in lot size, bulk, type of dwelling unit or use,
density, or intensity, lot coverage and required open space to the
regulations otherwise applicable in the zoning district in which it
is located.
POOL
See "swimming pool."
PORCH
An open roofed or enclosed exterior appendage to a principal
or accessory structure, projecting from the front, side or rear walls
of the structure. For purposes of this chapter, porches shall include
structures and home additions commonly referred to as patios, sun
rooms, sun porches, decks and similar structures. Stoops or slabs
which extend beyond the front, side or rear walls of a principal structure
a distance of more than four feet and/or exceed the length of six
feet along said front, side or rear walls are deemed to be porches
by definition. Permanent or temporary awnings which extend beyond
five feet from the front, side or rear walls of the principal structure,
or which are partially or wholly supported by posts, poles, spires
or similar construction, or structures set beyond the walls of the
principal structure are deemed to be porches by definition.
PRECISION INSTRUMENT RUNWAY
A runway having an existing instrument approach procedure
utilizing an instrument landing system (ILS) or a precisions approach
radar (PAR). It also means a runway for which a precision approach
system is planned and is so indicated on an approved airport layout
plan or any other planning document.
PREMISES
A parcel of land with its appurtenance and buildings which,
because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable
unit of real estate.
PRIMARY SURFACE (ZONE)
An imaginary surface longitudinally centered on the runway,
extending 200 feet beyond the end of paved runways or ending at each
end of turf runways. The elevation of any point on the primary surface
is the same as the elevation of the nearest point on the runway center
line. The primary surface zone, as shown on Figure 1, is derived from the primary surface.
PRINCIPAL USE OR BUILDING
The main purpose or activity for which a lot or structure
is used, as distinguished from an accessory use.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING ESTABLISHMENT
A facility in which the printing, imprinting, reproducing
or duplicating images take place with the use of printing methods
including but not limited to off-set printing, lithography, web offset,
flexographic and screen process printing.
PRIVATE CLUB
A fraternal, sororal, beneficial or social association organized
and operated not for profit for persons who are bona fide members
and which owns, hires or leases the premises, the use of which premises
is restricted to such members and their guests. Food, meals and beverages
may be served on such premises, provided adequate dining room space
and kitchen facilities are available. Alcoholic beverages may be sold
or served to members and their guests, provided such service is secondary
and incidental to the promotion of some other common objective of
the organization, and further provided that such sale or service of
alcoholic beverages is in compliance with all applicable state, county
and local laws.
PUBLIC AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Use of land, buildings or structures erected and/or maintained
by a government agency or a publicly franchised or regulated corporation,
including utilities such as gas, water, electric and telephone, fire
or emergency service station. Public and essential services do not
include public or private incinerators, landfills or similar waste
disposal facilities. The term "public and essential services" shall
not include a communication facility.
PUBLIC BUILDING OR USE
A building or facilities, operated by a governmental agency,
where governmental administrative activities are conducted or social
or educational services are provided to the public. Such uses shall
include, but are not limited to, a municipal building, library, community
center, or museum, or similar use or facility, excluding a school
or recreational facility.
PUBLIC HEARING
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Board
of Commissioners or Planning Commission, intended to inform and obtain
public comment prior to taking action in accordance with this chapter.
PUBLIC MARINA AND/OR BOAT LAUNCHING SITE
A business establishment for secure mooring of recreational
boats, including facilities for storage and repair of boats and sale
of boating supplies and fuel, for use by the owner or resident of
the lot, and those other than the owner or resident of the lot, upon
which the facility is located. A marina may include a restaurant and/or
boat and motor sales store.
PUBLIC MEETING
A forum held pursuant to notice under the Act of July 3,
1986 (P.L. 388, No. 84), known as the "Sunshine Act."
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice published once each week for two successive weeks
in a newspaper of general circulation in Robinson Township. Such notice
shall state the time and place of the hearing and the particular nature
of the matter to be considered at the hearing. The first publication
shall be not more than 30 days and the second publication shall be
not less than seven days from the date of hearing.
RECREATION AREAS
An area developed within the PRD for recreational activities
which may include play fields, pools, tennis and game courts, picnic
areas or other similar facilities.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, PUBLIC OR NONPROFIT
Land or buildings for the pursuit of sports and similar leisure-time
activities, such as golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts or
ball fields, which are operated by a governmental or nonprofit organization.
Excluded are any amusement establishments or other recreational facilities
operated for a commercial for-profit purpose.
RECREATIONAL STABLE
A structure and/or land use in or which equines are kept
through domestic ownership or for sale or hire to the public. Breeding,
board, or training equines may also be conducted.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A single-axle or multiple-axle, non-self-propelled or self-propelled
structure mounted on wheels or otherwise capable of being made mobile
for the purpose of travel, recreational and vacation use, including
but not limited to travel trailers, mobile homes, motor homes, tent
trailers, boats and boat trailers and horse trailers, and self-propelled
motor homes or campers.
REGIONAL LIFESTYLE CENTER
A shopping center containing not less than 250,000 square
feet of gross floor area with at least five separate facilities comprised
of retail stores or other authorized uses that are part of a development
and having a minimum land area of not less than 40 acres of land.
REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER
A shopping center containing not less than 800,000 square
feet of gross floor area, with at least three anchor stores, each
of which has a minimum of 100,000 square feet of gross floor area
and having a minimum land area of not less than 100 acres of land.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITY
A use devoted to research, design, laboratory work and/or
experimentation and any processing and fabrication incidental thereto,
provided no materials or finished products shall be manufactured,
processed or fabricated on the premises for sale except such as are
incidental to said laboratory research, design and/or experimentation
conducted on said premises.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITY, HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
A facility or facilities, including incubator facilities,
but not medical laboratories, used primarily for applied and developmental
research, where product testing may be an integral part of the operation
and goods or products may be manufactured solely when necessary for
testing, evaluation, and test marketing.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITY, NONHAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
A facility or facilities, including incubator facilities,
but not medical laboratories, used primarily for applied and developmental
research, where product testing may be an integral part of the operation
and goods or products may be manufactured solely when necessary for
testing, evaluation, and test marketing. This usage excludes the use
of toxic, biological, corrosive, flammable, carcinogenic, or explosive
materials, chemicals, liquids, gases, or solids.
RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY
A processing facility that provides for the extraction and
utilization of materials or energy from municipal waste which is generated
off site, including, but not limited to, a facility that mechanically
extracts materials from municipal waste, a combustion facility that
converts the organic fraction of municipal waste to usable energy
and any chemical or biological process that converts municipal waste
into a fuel product.
RESTAURANT, CONVENTIONAL
A business establishment whose principal business is the
sale of foods, desserts or beverages to customers in a ready-to-eat
state and whose design or principal method of operation includes either
customers served at a counter or table by the restaurant's employees
or a cafeteria-type operation where foods are consumed within the
restaurant.
RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD
A business establishment whose principal business is the
sale of prepared or premeasured food items where such food items are
ordered by the customer at a window, counter or vehicle rather than
from a table and which is designed to facilitate quick service and
takeout orders.
RETAIL BUSINESS
A business establishment which sells merchandise directly
to customers for personal or household consumption.
A.
CONVENIENCE RETAILEstablishments selling merchandise for daily consumption and purchase, such as food, drugs and similar items. For purposes of this chapter, eating and drinking establishments are excluded from this category.
B.
SHOPPERS RETAILEstablishments selling a wide variety of comparison goods, such as apparel, furniture, household and electrical appliances, hardware, sporting goods, computers and specialty merchandise such as jewelry, stationary, antiques and gift items. For purposes of this chapter, retail sales of building materials, garden supplies, automobiles and other vehicles, fuel, automotive parts, liquor and wine are excluded from this category.
RETAIL SALE OF BUILDING MATERIALS
A business establishment which specializes in the sale of
materials that can be used to build structures and dwellings. This
establishment may include show rooms and detached storage structures.
RETAIL SALE OF LIQUOR OR WINE
A state-owned and -operated establishment specializing in
the retail sale of beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages for on-
or off-premises consumption.
RUNWAY
A defined area of an airport prepared for landing and takeoff
of aircraft along its length.
SANDWICH SHOP
A business establishment where lunches are served, specializing
in sandwiches but which may also sell additional prepared food and
beverages.
SCHOOL
A place of instruction operated by a public or religious
organization, having regular sessions, with regularly employed instructors,
and meeting all the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of
Education for providing primary, secondary, vocational or postsecondary
education. This definition shall not include privately operated, for-profit
schools of trade, vocation, avocation or business.
SERVICE BUSINESS
Any commercial establishment which may be engaged in providing
a wide variety of services for individuals, businesses, government
agencies and other organizations.
A.
BUSINESS SERVICESEstablishments providing services primarily to business establishments on a fee or contract basis, such as advertising and public relations, management and consulting services, and maintenance services, equipment rental/easing, computer and data processing services.
B.
PERSONAL SERVICESEstablishments providing services generally involving the care of the person or his/her apparel, such as laundries and dry-cleaning pickup shops, barber/beauty shops, photographic studios, shoe repair and similar services. For purposes of this chapter, funeral homes/mortuaries and automobile repair services are excluded from this category.
SEXUAL CONDUCT
Patently offensive representations or descriptions of ultimate
sexual acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, and patently
offensive representations, descriptions or acts of masturbation, excretory
functions, homosexuality, sodomy, sexual intercourse or physical contact
with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks
or, if such person be female, breast.
SHOPPING CENTER
A group of commercial businesses developed, owned and maintained
as a single entity and sharing a common parking lot.
SHOWROOM
A principal or accessory use for the display of commercial
home-goods merchandise such as plumbing equipment, kitchen equipment,
cabinetry and the like, and which the sales of the displayed merchandise
may or may not take place.
SIGN
Any device, structure, fixture or placard using graphics,
symbols and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose
of advertising or identifying any establishment, product, goods or
services or communicating information of any kind to the public.
A.
ABANDONED SIGNSign which identifies or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product or activity which is no longer located, conducted or offered on the premises on which the sign is located, or any sign for which no legal owner can be found.
B.
ADDRESS SIGNA sign that depicts numbers or other information associated with the location of a residence, business or commercial enterprise.
C.
ANIMATED SIGNA sign which utilizes motion of any part by mechanical, electrical or wind means or which displays flashing, oscillating or intermittent lights.
D.
ARCADE SIGNA sign suspended beneath a ceiling of an arcade, a roof or marquee, at right angles to the facade of the building, containing only the name of a business for the purpose of assisting pedestrian traffic traveling under the arcade, roof or marquee in identifying the location of establishments within a shopping center or similar building which contains three or more establishments.
E.
BANNER SIGNA temporary sign erected for a period no greater than 90 days of durable material that celebrates or announces an event, season, community event or neighborhood event sponsored by a recognized community agency, organization or business.
F.
BENCH SIGNA sign painted, located or attached to any part of the surface of a bench that is placed on or adjacent to a public place or public right-of-way.
G.
BILLBOARDAn off-premises sign which advertises an establishment, an activity, a product or a service which is unrelated to or unavailable on the lot upon which the sign is located. A billboard shall include an electronic sign panel to the extent that the content of the electronic sign panel satisfies the requirements of this chapter.
H.
BULLETIN BOARD SIGNA type of changeable copy sign used by a school, place of worship, library or other public or semipublic building to announce hours of operation and changing events.
I.
BUSINESS EVENT DISPLAY SIGNA temporary sign or banner, constructed of durable material, erected for a period not exceeding 90 days, whose sole purpose is to advertise an event associated with the business erecting the sign or banner.
J.
BUSINESS SIGNA sign directing attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered upon the same property on which the sign is located.
K.
CANOPY SIGNA sign which is displayed, either by being printed on or structurally mounted to, a canopy.
L.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNA sign that is designed so that characters, letters or illustrations can be changed or rearranged, either manually or electronically, to change the message on the sign without altering the face or surface of the sign. An electronic sign panel when used as part of a billboard is not a changeable copy sign.
M.
CONSTRUCTION SIGNA temporary sign identifying an architect, artisan, engineer, contractor, subcontractor and/or material supplier who participates in construction on the property on which the sign is located.
N.
DEVELOPMENT SIGNA sign indicating that the premises is in the process of being subdivided and/or developed for the construction of dwellings or other buildings.
O.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN, OFF-PREMISESA sign located off the premises which directs vehicular traffic to one or more businesses located within one mile of the sign and which shall contain no advertising other than the business name or logo and which may contain small directional arrows, street addresses and/or maps of the area.
P.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN, ON-PREMISESA sign which directs and/or instructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic on the premises relative to parking areas, entrances, exits, loading areas, public telephones and similar information and which shall contain no advertising other than the business name or logo.
Q.
DIRECTORY SIGNA sign located on the premises which indicates only names and locations of the occupants or uses of a building or premises and which shall be either affixed to the structure of an authorized freestanding sign or a separate wall sign.
S.
ELECTRICAL SIGNA sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring connections or fixtures are utilized.
T.
FLASHING SIGNA sign which contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source or which has a light source which is not stationary or constant in intensity at all times and which is used primarily to attract attention. A changeable copy sign which produces changing messages electronically or any portion of an otherwise permitted sign which contains a changeable display to indicate time and temperature shall be excluded from this definition.
U.
FREESTANDING SIGNA detached sign which shall include any sign supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces placed permanently in the ground and not attached to any building, including ground and pole signs, as defined below:
(1)
GROUND SIGNA freestanding sign, the bottom edge of which shall be no more than 18 inches above the adjacent ground level.
(2)
POLE SIGNA freestanding sign, erected on a pole or pylon, the bottom edge of which is high enough to provide visibility for motorists and to allow for safe pedestrian circulation.
V.
GOVERNMENT SIGNAny temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by Robinson Township, county, state, federal government or school district for traffic direction or for designation of or direction to any school, hospital site, or any public service, property or facility.
X.
IDENTIFICATION SIGNA sign which contains only the name, address and use of the premises and which shall contain no advertising other than a logo.
Y.
ILLUMINATED SIGN, INDIRECTLYA sign which is lighted indirectly by means of lamps or lighting devices external to and reflected on the sign, which lighting is stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times.
Z.
ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNALLYA sign which is lighted by means of lamps, luminous tubes or other lighting devices internal to the sign, which lighting is an integral part of the sign structure and the advertising effect.
AA.
INCIDENTAL SIGNSmall sign, emblem or decal informing the public of goods, facilities or services available on the premises, e.g., a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of operation.
CC.
NAMEPLATE SIGNA small nonilluminated sign attached to the wall of the dwelling or mailbox which contains only the name and address of the residents of the dwelling.
DD.
NONCONFORMING SIGNA sign which does not comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such sign lawfully existed prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment.
FF.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNA sign advertising or directing the public to an establishment, merchandise, service or entertainment which is not sold, produced, manufactured or furnished on the property on which the sign is located, including billboards and off-premises directional signs, as defined by this chapter.
GG.
OFFICIAL TRAFFIC SIGNA sign erected or approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Allegheny County or Robinson Township which is designed to regulate traffic or to describe road conditions.
JJ.
POLITICAL SIGNA sign which indicates the name, cause or affiliation of anyone seeking public office or which refers to an issue concerning which a public election is scheduled to be held.
KK.
PORTABLE SIGNA temporary sign, often on wheels, designed to be moved easily and not to be affixed permanently to the ground or to a structure or building.
LL.
PROFESSIONAL SIGNSThose signs which indicate only the name, address and profession of a doctor of medicine, veterinarian, dentist, masseur, teacher, artist, architect, musician, lawyer, magisterial district judge or practitioner of similar character.
MM.
PROJECTING SIGNSAny sign, other than a wall sign, as defined by this chapter, which is attached to and projects from a building wall, whose leading edge projects more than 12 inches beyond the building wall.
NN.
REAL ESTATE SIGNA temporary sign erected by the owner or his agent advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease or sale.
OO.
ROOF SIGNAny sign erected or constructed upon the eaves or below the ridge or parapet of any building.
PP.
ROTATING SIGNA sign which in its entirety or in part moves in a revolving or similar manner. Such motion does not include methods of changing copy.
QQ.
SIDEWALK OR SANDWICH BOARD SIGNA type of portable sign intended to be placed on the sidewalk or in front of an establishment to announce hours of operation and/or services or to promote daily features or special events.
RR.
SITE DIRECTORY SIGNAn on-premises sign in a large-scale development which contains only a location map and the names and addresses of the several occupants of a site and which contains no advertising, other than a logo, and which is erected at the entrance to a shopping center, office center or industrial park at the intersection of a local street and a collector street within a large-scale development.
SS.
SITE IDENTIFICATION SIGNA freestanding sign which contains only the name of a development and no advertising, other than a logo, and which is located at the entrance to the site of the development to serve as a visible destination point for vehicular traffic, including the following types:
(1)
MONUMENTAL SITE IDENTIFICATION SIGNA site identification sign located at the principal entrance or entrances from an expressway or arterial street to the site of a large-scale development, as defined by this chapter.
(2)
SECONDARY SITE IDENTIFICATION SIGNA site identification sign located at the secondary entrance or entrances from a collector street to the site of a large-scale development, as defined by this chapter.
(3)
INTERIOR SITE IDENTIFICATION SIGNA site identification sign located at the principal entrance from the interior public street system within a large-scale development to the site of a shopping center, office park or industrial park within the boundaries of a large-scale development.
(4)
OUTPARCEL SITE IDENTIFICATION SIGNA site identification sign located at the principal driveway entrance to an outparcel or group of outparcels on a shopping center site which is within the boundaries of a large-scale development.
TT.
SNIPE SIGNA temporary sign or poster affixed to a tree, utility pole, fence or similar support, the message appearing thereon not applying to the present use of the premises or structure upon which such sign is located.
UU.
SPECIAL EVENT DISPLAY SIGNA temporary sign or banner, constructed of durable material, erected for a period not to exceed 90 days, whose sole purpose is to advertise a special event sponsored by a public or nonprofit organization.
VV.
STREET IDENTIFICATION SIGNSigns containing the names of public streets located at the intersections of all arterial, collector and local streets.
WW.
TRESPASS SIGNA sign that prohibits entry onto improved or unimproved real property without the owner's permission.
XX.
VEHICLE SIGNA sign attached to any operative vehicle that relates to the purpose or use of the vehicle, such as taxi signs and delivery vehicle signs. Signs affixed to vehicles that are not related to the function of the vehicle shall be subject to the freestanding sign regulations applicable in the zoning district where the vehicle is located.
YY.
WALL SIGNSAny sign attached to and parallel to an outside wall of a building and projecting no more than 12 inches from the wall of the building.
ZZ.
WINDOW DISPLAY SIGNA sign or group of signs affixed to the inside of a display window in a commercial establishment which advertises a product or service available on the premises or which announces or promotes a special sale or special event.
SIGN MAINTENANCE
The cleaning, painting, repair or replacement of defective
parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic copy, design
or structure of the sign.
SIGN OWNER
A person recorded on official records as owning property.
The owner of property on which a sign is located is presumed to be
the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are officially
recorded or otherwise brought to the attention of Robinson Township,
e.g., a sign leased from a sign company.
SIGN PERMIT
Authorization, in written form, by Robinson Township to permit
the erection of a sign.
SIGN SURFACE AREA
The smallest rectangle or other regular shape which encompasses
all of the letters, symbols and accompanying designs, together with
background on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting
structures. In computing the area of a double-faced sign, only one
side shall be considered. If a sign is comprised of more than two
sides, the area of each side shall be considered in calculating sign
area.
SITE
A parcel of land which is the subject of an application for
development and which contains one or more lots.
SITE AREA
The total area of all lots, rights-of-way, easements, open
space and other features contained within the boundaries of a site.
SLOPE
The face of an embankment or cut section; any ground whose
surface makes an angle with the plane of the horizon. Slopes are expressed
in a percentage expressed as the change in vertical distance measured
in feet per 100 feet of horizontal distance.
SMOKE SHOP/TOBACCO STORE
Any business establishment dedicated to the display, sale,
distribution or marketing of tobacco, tobacco products, or tobacco
paraphernalia; provided, however, that any grocery store, supermarket,
convenience store or similar retail use that only sells conventional
cigars, cigarettes or tobacco as an ancillary sale shall not be defined
as a "smoke shop" or "tobacco store" and shall not be subject to the
restrictions in this chapter.
SOLAR ARRAY
A grouping of multiple solar panels with the purpose of harvesting
solar energy.
[Added 12-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 7-2021]
SOLAR CELL
The smallest basic solar electric device, which generates
electricity when exposed to light.
[Added 12-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 7-2021]
SOLAR ENERGY
Radiant energy (direct, diffuse and/or reflective) received
from the sun.
[Added 12-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 7-2021]
SOLAR MODULE
A grouping of solar cells with the purpose of harvesting
solar energy.
[Added 12-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 7-2021]
SOLAR PANEL
That part or portion of a solar energy system containing
one or more receptive cells or modules, the purpose of which is to
convert solar energy for use in space heating or cooling, for water
hearing and/or for electricity.
[Added 12-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 7-2021]
SOLAR RELATED EQUIPMENT
Items including a solar cell, module, panel or array, or
solar hot air or water collector device panels, lines, pumps, batteries,
mounting brackets, framing and foundations or other structures used
for or intended to be used for collection of solar energy.
[Added 12-6-2021 by Ord.
No. 7-2021]
SPECIAL EXCEPTION
An authorized use which may be granted only by the Zoning
Hearing Board after public hearing pursuant to public notice in accordance
with express standards and criteria contained in this chapter.
STORAGE SHED
An accessory structure, no greater than 150 square feet in
gross floor area, which is completely enclosed and bolted to a concrete
pad, used for storage of tools, equipment or other personal effects
of the owners or tenants of the lot.
STORY
That portion of a building included between the surface of
any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there
is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling
next above it. For purposes of this chapter, the determination of
allowable number of stories shall be based on number of stories above
grade, as defined herein.
STREET
A way designed for circulation of vehicular traffic, including
the entire right-of-way and cartway, whether designated as a street,
highway, throughway, thoroughfare, parkway, boulevard, road, avenue,
lane, place or the like.
STRUCTURE
Any assembled, erected or constructed object having an ascertainable
stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed
to the land.
STRUCTURE, TEMPORARY
Any structure which, by the type of materials, its method
of construction, or its intended use is erected or located for not
more than one year. Included are tents, stands, construction trailers
and other structures of similar character.
SUPER GRAPHICS
The application of paint, acrylic or other material directly
onto the exterior wall of a building whose sole purpose is to create
a mural or an aesthetic design. A super graphic shall not contain
any advertising but may include the names of the artist and the donor
in an area not to exceed 1/2 of 1% of its total area.
SURFACE AREA OF SIGN
The surface area of a sign shall include that area enclosed
by one continuous line connecting the extreme points or edges of a
sign. The area shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying
design or symbols, together with the background, whether open or enclosed,
on which they are displayed. On a two-sided sign, only one face is
counted in computing the sign's area. The area of the sign does not
include minimum supporting framework or bracing, but all other ornamental
attachments or decorative structure shall be included in determining
the area of a sign.
SWIMMING POOL
A body of water in an artificial or semiartificial receptacle
or container, whether located in or out of doors or in ground or above
ground, used as a recreational facility for swimming, bathing or wading,
and having a depth of over 24 inches.
TAVERN/BAR
An establishment duly licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
whose primary business is the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption
on the premises along with the selling of food.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT BUILDING
The building in which electronic receiving and relay equipment,
cooling equipment and monitoring devices for a communications facility
are housed. Telecommunications equipment buildings shall not be considered
as public or essential services.
TOBACCO PARAPHERNALIA
A piece of equipment, a device, or an instrument that is
primarily designed or manufactured for the smoking, chewing, absorbing,
dissolving, inhaling, snorting, sniffing, or ingesting by any other
means into the body of tobacco, tobacco products, or other controlled
substances as defined in Pennsylvania Health and Safety Code § 25.72.
Items or devices classified as tobacco paraphernalia include but are
not limited to the following: pipes, punctured metal bowls, bongs,
water bongs, electric pipes, e-cigarettes, e-cigarette juice, buzz
bombs, vaporizers, hookahs, and devices for holding burning material.
Lighters and matches shall be excluded from the definition of tobacco
paraphernalia.
TOWNSHIP
Robinson Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
A professional engineer licensed as such in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, duly appointed by the Board of Commissioners to serve
as the Engineer for Robinson Township.
TRAFFIC GENERATOR, HIGH-VOLUME
A land use which generates 1,500 vehicles or more per day
and which frequently requires traffic signalization, including but
not limited to large shopping centers, multiple-family or office complexes
or other developments with multiple buildings. Any more stringent
revision to PennDOT's definition to this term, as contained in Pennsylvania
Code 67, Chapter 441, shall be considered a revision to this definition.
TRAFFIC GENERATOR, LOW-VOLUME
A land use which generates up to 750 vehicles per day, including
but not limited to residential uses, small office building, elementary
and junior high schools. Any more stringent revision to PennDOT's
definition of this term, as contained in Pennsylvania Code 67, Chapter
441, shall be considered a revision to this definition.
TRAFFIC GENERATOR, MEDIUM-VOLUME
A land use which generates between 750 to 1,500 vehicles
per day, including but not limited to fast-food restaurants, motel/hotels,
service stations and small shopping centers. Any more stringent revision
to PennDOT's definition of this term, as contained in Pennsylvania
Code 67, Chapter 441, shall be considered a revision to this definition.
TRANSFER STATION
A facility licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection which receives and temporarily stores solid waste at a
location other than the generation site and which facilitates the
bulk transfer of accumulated solid waste to a facility for further
processing or disposal.
TRANSITIONAL SURFACE (ZONE)
An imaginary surface that extends outward and upward from
the edge of the primary surface to the horizontal surface at a slope
of seven feet horizontally to one foot vertically. The transitional
surface zone, as shown on Figure 1, is derived from the transitional surface.
TREE
Any object of natural growth.
UNIFIED COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
A commercial development which is under single or multiple
ownership and control at the time of land development approval and
which is planned as an integral commercial unit, containing common,
unified or interconnected parking facilities and served by a limited
number of common or shared access driveways.
USE
The specific purpose for which land or building is designed,
arranged, intended or for which it may be occupied or maintained.
UTILITY RUNWAY
A runway that is constructed for and intended to be used
by propeller driven aircraft of 12,500 pounds maximum gross weight
or less.
VARIANCE
Relief from the literal terms of the requirements of this
chapter granted by the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with the
provisions of this chapter and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning
Code when literal enforcement of this chapter would create an unnecessary
hardship to the property owner due to special conditions that are
not self-imposed, but where such relief will not be contrary to the
public health, safety and welfare.
VEHICLE NOT IN RUNNING CONDITION
Any vehicle without a current inspection sticker and/or without
a current license plate or any vehicle which can be determined to
be seriously or permanently disabled, abandoned or in the process
of being dismantled to the extent that it is unable to be driven on
a public street.
VEHICLE, COMMERCIAL
A vehicle registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
as a commercial vehicle and used primarily for business or service
purposes. Advertising signs displayed upon such a vehicle shall be
taken as evidence that the vehicle is commercial. A vehicle under
9,000 pounds gross vehicle weight shall not be deemed a commercial
vehicle.
VETERINARY OFFICE/ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Any facility maintained by or for the use of a licensed veterinarian
in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of animal diseases wherein
the animals are limited to dogs, cats, or other comparable household
pets and wherein the overnight care of said animals is prohibited
except when necessary in the medical treatment of the animal.
VISUAL RUNWAY
A runway intended solely for the operation of aircraft using
visual approach procedures.
WAREHOUSE
A building where wares or goods are stored before distribution
to retailers or are kept in reserve or bond.
WHOLESALE BUSINESS
Commercial establishments or businesses which primarily engage
in selling merchandise directly to retailers, rather than to the general
public, or to industrial, commercial, institutional or professional
business users; or to other wholesalers; or act as agents or brokers
in buying merchandise for or selling merchandise to such persons or
companies. Common wholesale business merchandise may include, but
is not limited to: office furniture, office supplies and equipment,
home improvement supplies and home decorating merchandise, automobile
parts and equipment, etc.
WHOLESALE BUSINESS/WAREHOUSING, HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
The display, storage, and sale of toxic, biological, corrosive,
flammable, carcinogenic, or explosive substances to other businesses
for resale, as well as activities involving significant movement and
storage or products or equipment, including truck terminals or bus
servicing facilities, motor freight transportation, moving and storage
facilities, warehouses and storage facilities.
WHOLESALE BUSINESS/WAREHOUSING, NONHAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
The display, storage, and sale of goods to other businesses
for resale, as well as activities involving significant movement and
storage or products or equipment, including truck terminals or bus
servicing facilities, motor freight transportation, moving and storage
facilities, warehouses and storage facilities.
WOODLAND, GENERAL
An area of planted material covering one acre or more and
consisting of 30% or more canopy trees having an eight-inch or greater
caliper or any grove consisting of eight or more trees having a ten-inch
or greater caliper.
WOODLAND, MATURE
An area of plant material covering one acre or more and consisting
of 30% or more canopy trees having a sixteen-inch or greater caliper
or any grove consisting of eight or more trees having an eighteen-inch
or greater caliper.
WOODLAND, YOUNG
An area of plant material covering one acre or more and consisting
of 70% or more canopy trees having two-and-one-half-inch caliper or
greater or a tree plantation for commercial or conservation purposes
where 70% or more of the canopy trees have a two-and-one-half-inch
or greater caliper.
YARD
A.
An open and unoccupied space on the same lot with the principal
building located between the property lines and required setback lines.
B.
See Figure 3, which is
included as an attachment to this chapter, for an illustration of the terminology of "front," "rear" and "side" yards as they are defined herein and as they apply to the lot types defined by this chapter.
(1)
YARD, FRONTA yard extending across the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the least distance between the edge of the front lot line and the front building line, measured perpendicularly.
(3)
YARD, REARA yard extending across the full width of the lot between the side lot lines behind the principal building, the depth of which is the least distance between the rear lot line and the principal building measured perpendicularly.
(4)
YARD, SIDEA yard between the principal building and the side lot line extending from the front yard (or front lot line when no front yard is required) to the rear yard parallel to the side lot line, the width of which is measured horizontally at a ninety-degree-angle with the side lot line from the nearest part of the principal building.
(6)
YARD, SIDE (ON CORNER LOTS)In the case of corner lots, the yard opposite to the front yard on which the principal structure faces shall be the rear yard and the yard opposite the other front yard shall be the side yard.
ZONING DISTRICT
An area of the Township, as established by the Official Zoning
Maps, whose authorized land uses, area and bulk standards and applicable
regulations are governed by this chapter.
A.
ZONING DISTRICT, BASEAn applicable zoning district, as established by Map 1 of the Official Zoning Maps, whose standards and regulations are supplemented and/or
superseded by a Zoning Overlay District, as applicable.
B.
ZONING DISTRICT, OVERLAYAn area in the Township, as established by Map 2 of the Official Zoning Maps, whose standards and regulations supplement or supersede
those of the Base Zoning District, as applicable. Also referred to
as "Zoning Overlay District."
ZONING OFFICER
The designated official or his authorized representative
appointed by the Board of Commissioners whose duty it is to administer
and enforce this chapter.