[Ord. 260, 9/17/2007]
1.
Unless otherwise expressly stated or the context clearly indicates
another meaning, the following words and phrases shall be construed
throughout the chapter to have the meanings indicated below.
2.
For the purpose of this chapter, words and terms used herein shall
be interpreted as follows:
A.
Words used in the present tense include all other tenses.
B.
The singular includes the plural, and the plural includes the singular.
C.
The word "person" includes an individual, estate, trust, firm, corporation,
partnership, company, association, or government entities including
a trustee, a receiver, an assignee, or a similar representative.
D.
The word "lot" includes the word "plot" or "parcel."
E.
The word "may" is permissive; the words "shall" and "will" are mandatory.
F.
The word "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or building
shall be construed to include the words "intended, arranged, or designed
to be occupied."
G.
The words "as amended from time to time" and the like as applied
to any statute, ordinance, code regulation, plan or map, includes
replacements, supplements or restatements thereof.
H.
References to a particular Part, section or subsection which inherently
refers to other Parts, sections or subsections, includes all Parts,
sections or subsections referred to.
I.
The word municipal, municipality, or Township shall mean Wrightstown
Township.
J.
The words "Governing Body" or "Board of Supervisors" refer to the
Wrightstown Township Board of Supervisors.
K.
The word "Commission" and the words "Planning Commission" always
mean the Wrightstown Township Planning Commission.
L.
The term "approval by the Township" shall mean approval by the Board
of Supervisors.
M.
The words "Zoning Ordinance" always refer to the Newtown Area Joint
Municipal Zoning Ordinance of 1983, as amended.
N.
The words "municipal plan" and "Comprehensive Plan" refer to the
Newtown Area Joint Municipal Comprehensive Plan of 1997, as amended.
3.
The terms "such as," "including" and the like are intended to introduce
matters which are illustrative of the meaning of the sentence, clause
or phrase in which such terms appear without limiting or derogating
from the general application of the sentence, clause or phrase in
which such terms appear.
4.
In addition to the definitions in this Part, additional definitions
in the Appendices to this chapter relating to water resources, soil
erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management shall apply.
In case of conflict, the more stringent or restrictive definition
shall apply.
5.
Any word or term not defined herein shall be used with a meaning
of standard usage.
[Ord. 260, 9/17/2007]
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words, terms
and phrases have the meaning indicated herein:
The cessation of a use of a property (land and/or structures)
by the landowner, with the intention of not resuming the use of the
property.
The owner of record of a parcel of land which is contiguous
at any point to the parcel in question or which is on the other side
of a section of street (public or private) on which the subject parcel
has frontage, i.e., a lot across from the subject parcel.
A way for vehicular and foot traffic leading from any street.
An area of land and/or water which equals 43,560 square feet,
measured on horizontal planes.
Use involving leisure time activities and/or areas, typically
involving sports, requiring equipment, or occurring at prescribed
sites or fields, (e.g., soccer, football, baseball, tennis, swimming,
fitness trails, and the like).
Any person, other than the developer, who, acting for the
developer, submits to the Township subdivision or land development
plans for the purpose of obtaining approval thereof.
Those land uses which are devoted to the production of agricultural,
horticultural, viticultural and dairy products, livestock, ranch-raised
fur bearing animals, poultry and bee raising, forestry, sod crops,
and any and all products raised on farms intended for human consumption
or other uses.
Soils classified in the Soil Survey of Bucks County, Pennsylvania,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,
2002 (as revised) as "Prime Farmland" and "Statewide Important Farmland,"
and soils referred to in the 1975 Soil Survey as "Class I, II, or
III soils."
A right-of-way which provides secondary access for vehicles
to the side or rear of abutting properties.
As applied to land, a change in topography as a result of
the moving of soil and rock from one location or position to another;
also, the changing of surface conditions by causing the surface to
be more or less impervious; land disturbance. As applied to building:
All incidental changes or replacement in the nonstructural parts
of a building or other structure.
Minor changes or replacements in the structural parts of a building
or other structure including, but not limited to, the following examples:
Alteration of interior partitions to improve liability in nonconforming
residential buildings, provided no additional dwelling units are created
thereby.
Alteration of interior partitions in all other types of buildings
or other structures.
Constructing windows or doors in exterior walls.
Strengthening the load bearing capacity in not more than 10%
of the total floor area to permit the accommodation of a specialized
unit of machinery or equipment.
A landowner or developer, including heirs, successors, assigns
and grantees, who has filed a complete application for subdivision
and/or land development, as hereinafter defined.
Every application, for subdivision or land development, whether
sketch, preliminary, tentative, or final, required to be filed and
approved prior to the 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 approval of a development plan.
Engineering or site drawings maintained by the contractor
as construction of the project takes place and upon which the contractor
documents the actual locations, elevations, dimensions and conditions
of all improvements and changes to the original contract documents.
These documents, or a copy of same, shall be certified by an engineer
or surveyor to be in accordance with actual construction and turned
over to the Township at the completion of the project.
A body politic and corporate created pursuant to the Municipal
Authorities Act of 1945, as amended.
Cars, trucks, vans, and like modes of transportation.
The actual or calculated total vehicular trips that occur,
or are expected to occur, on a specific street within a typical weekday.
A flood which has a one-percent chance of being equaled or
exceeded in any given year (also called the "one-hundred-year flood"
or "one-percent annual chance flood").
[Added by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
The volume of water resulting from a base flood as it passes
a given location within a given time, usually expressed in cubic feet
per second (cfs).
[Added by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
A mound of earth which serves purposes such as: directing
the flow of surface water runoff, preventing soil erosion; or supporting
plant materials or fencing to aid in screening or buffering.
Management practices or methods for controlling stormwater
runoff which provide a hydrological (i.e., reduction of runoff volumes)
and a water quality (i.e., reduction of pollutants) benefit.
Lanes located on the paved surface or shoulder of a road.
Off-street bikeways.
The area of a public street specifically designated and marked
as a bicycle route.
An area divided into lots, and usually bounded by streets
or accessways.
Any body granted jurisdiction under this chapter or under
the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended, to render
final adjudications.
A strip of land established to protect adjacent land uses.
Buffer yards are intended to visually soften the outline of buildings,
to screen glare and noise and to create a visual barrier between adjacent
land uses.
Any structure having a roof supported by columns, piers,
or walls, including tents, lunch wagons, trailers, dining cars, or
other structures on wheels, or having other supports, and any unroofed
platform, terrace or porch.
The aggregate of the ground level floor areas of the principal
building and all accessory buildings. Such areas shall be computed
by using outside building dimensions measured on a horizontal plane
at ground level.
The aggregate of the maximum horizontal cross-section areas
of buildings on a lot, taken at their greatest outside dimensions
on the ground floor, including all attached and detached structures,
except steps, terraces, cornices, eaves, and gutters, but including
roofed breezeways, and roofed carports.
The area within a lot within which a building may be placed,
as defined by the minimum yard setbacks, and the setbacks from natural
resources.
A distance equal to the front yard requirements for the district
in which the lot is located and shall be measured from the street
line.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE, FRONTThe rear line of the minimum front yard, as designated for each use and each district by the Township Zoning Ordinance, measured at a distance equal to and no greater than the minimum front yard from the street line.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE, SIDEA line parallel to the side lot line at a distance there from equal to the depth of the minimum side yard required.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE, REARA line parallel to the rear lot line at a distance from the rear lot line equal to the depth of the minimum rear yard required.
In the case of a lot where the side lines are not parallel,
the building setback line shall be where lot width first coincides
with the required minimum lot width but in no case closer to the street
than the required front yard.
The term used to describe the size of buildings or other
structures and their relationship to each other and to yards and lots.
The term may include: the size, height and floor area of buildings
or other structures; and, all open areas in yard space relating to
buildings and other structures.
The maximum thickness or diameter of a tree at a specified
point. For measuring street trees and trees for buffering and landscaping
purposes, caliper measurements shall be taken at a point on the trunk
six inches above natural ground line for trees up to four inches in
diameter and at a point 12 inches above the natural ground for trees
over four inches in diameter. For measuring existing trees to determine
whether they are a forest resource, diameter measurements shall be
taken at a point on the trunk four feet above the natural ground.
The portion of a street or alley, paved or unpaved, intended
for vehicular use.
A line in the center of a street which is equidistant from
and parallel to the street lines.
An underground reservoir or tank for storing rainwater.
An area of unobstructed vision at street intersections defined
by lines of sight between points at a given distance from the intersection
of the street.
A driveway which is shared between at least two separate
lots.
The services which provide for various community health,
education, safety, leisure, and like needs and the locations at which
these services are provided. Typical community facilities include:
schools, parks and recreation areas, libraries, health care facilities,
fire protection, police, ambulance and rescue services and postal
services.
A system of piping, septic tanks or other treatment facilities
serving more than one lot, or more than one building, collecting and
disposing of wastewater which is administered and maintained by such
organizations as Wrightstown Township, a homeowners association, community
association, or other like organization of the people using the system.
An individual well or series thereof serving more than one
lot or more than one building which along with its appurtenant facilities
is administered and maintained by such organizations as a homeowners
association, community association, or other like organization of
the people using the system, as well as those of any water company
or any other entity which may have a permitted franchise within the
Township.
The Newtown Area Joint Municipal Comprehensive Plan of 1997,
as may be amended from time to time, including maps, tables and text
that constitute a policy guide for decisions regarding land use, circulation,
community facilities and utilities within the Township.
As defined within the Uniform Condominium Act, 68 P.S. § 3101
et seq., as amended; real estate, portions of which are designed for
separate ownership and the remainder of which is designated for common
ownership solely by the owners of those portions. Real estate is not
a condominium unless the included interests in the common elements
are vested in the unit owners.
The Bucks County Conservation District.
A series of numbers from 0.50 through 1.50 that are mathematical
factors used in a formula to determine total water supply requirements.
CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 0.5A building constructed of noncombustible materials (reinforced concrete, brick, stone, etc., and having any metal members properly fireproofed) with major structural members designed to withstand collapse and to prevent the spread of fire.
CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 0.75A building having all structural members (including walls, floors, and roofs) of noncombustible materials and not qualifying as fire resistive construction.
CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1.0Any structure having exterior walls of masonry or other noncombustible material, in which the other structural members are wholly or partly of wood or other combustible material.
CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1.5Any structure in which the structural members are wholly or partly of wood or other combustible material.
Any activity which may involve construction, reconstruction,
interior renovation, repair, extension, expansion, alteration, or
relocation of a building or structure, including the placement of
mobile homes and the excavation, cutting, filling, and grading of
lots in connection therewith or in preparation thereof.
A right-of-way or easement for pedestrian travel across or
within a block.
A street intersecting another street at one end and terminating
at the other in a vehicular turn-around.
A structure including appurtenant works which carries a stream
under or through an embankment or fill.
The removal of soil or rock from its natural or predevelopment
location.
An artificial barrier, together with its appurtenant works,
constructed for the purpose of impounding or storing water or another
fluid or semi-fluid, or a refuse bank, fill or structure for highway,
railroad, or other purposes which does or may impound water or another
fluid or semi-fluid.
Final adjudication of any board or other body granted jurisdiction
under this chapter or the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code
(Act 247, as amended) to do so, either by reason of the grant of exclusive
jurisdiction or by reason of appeals from determinations.
A measure of the number of dwelling units per unit of area
calculated by dividing the number of dwelling units by the base site
area.
Regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter imposing standards
by which a subdivision or land development is developed.
The magnitude and temporal distribution of precipitation
from a storm event measured in probability of occurrence (e.g., fifty-year
storm) and duration (e.g., twenty-four-hour), and used in the design
and evaluation of stormwater management systems.
Areas allocated to meet the requirements for open space.
An impoundment structure designed to manage stormwater runoff
by temporarily storing the runoff and releasing it at a predetermined
rate.
Any landowner, equitable owner or authorized agent of such
landowner, or tenant with permission of the landowner, who formally
proposes or makes, or causes to be made, a subdivision, land development
or any other development of the land, as defined by these regulations.
Any man-made change to land, including, but not limited to
buildings, structures, placement of mobile homes, streets, utilities,
mining, filling, grading, or excavation, dredging, drilling operations,
and the subdivision of land. "Development" includes the erection or
construction upon any lot or tract of any structure, any impervious
surface, or any parking or loading area (whether or not covered by
an impervious surface).
The provisions for development including a plan of subdivision
or land development, 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" shall mean the written and graphic materials referred to in
this definition.
That portion of the property line of the lot, tract, or parcels
of land being developed located such that all overland or pipe flow
from the site would be directed towards it.
A right granted by a landowner to a grantee, allowing the
use of private land for stormwater management purposes.
Any ditch, swale, gutter, pipe, culvert, storm sewer, retention
basin, detention basin, or other structure designed, intended, or
constructed for the purpose of controlling or diverting surface waters
or carrying surface waters off streets, public rights-of-way, parks,
recreational areas, or any part of any subdivision, land development,
or contiguous land areas.
A private accessway for vehicles which connects a street
to a parking space, garage, dwelling, other structure or use.
Detention practices for stormwater runoff that provide two
types of control: hydrologically addressing peak flow release rates
and extending the detention of the first flush volume of runoff for
water quality improvements.
An application for approval by the Township which is complete
in terms of plans, reports, studies, maps, investigations, analyses,
exhibits, fees, and the like. Applications for permits, variances,
special exceptions, conditional uses, subdivision, land development
and the like shall not be considered as being duly filed unless all
plans and papers are submitted as required by the Township.
A building designed and occupied for residential purposes,
excluding hotels, rooming houses, tourist homes, institutional homes,
residential clubs, mobile home parks, and the like.
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLINGA building designed for or occupied as a dwelling for one family.
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGA building designed for or occupied as two dwellings for two families.
MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGA building designed for, occupied, or used for dwelling purposes by three or more families living independently of one another.
A building or portion thereof, forming a single habitable
unit with facilities which are used or intended to be used for living,
sleeping, cooking and eating exclusively by one family. Each shall
be accessible from the outdoors either directly or through an entrance
hall shared with other dwelling units.
Any activity which disturbs the surface of the land including,
but not limited to, construction, mining, timber harvesting, grubbing,
tilling, digging, or filling of ground or stripping of vegetation
which alters, disturbs, and exposes the existing condition of the
land surface.
A right-of-way or restriction granted for limited use of
private land within which the owner of the property may be restricted
from erecting permanent structures but shall have the right to make
any other use of the land which is not inconsistent with the rights
of the grantee.
A person duly registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
to practice professional engineering.
An addition to the floor area or the increase in size or
volume of an existing structure, an increase in the area of a parcel
which is occupied by an existing use, or an increase in the intensity
of a use as a result of increased parking, traffic generation, sewage
disposal system or other impacts on surrounding land uses, existing
or zoned.
The wearing away of soil, bedrock or land surface by water,
wind, ice, chemical, or other natural force.
The removal of the surface of the land through the combined
action of man's activity and the natural processes at a rate greater
than would occur because of the natural process alone.
The widening and deepening of waterways due to erosion.
The initial condition of a project site prior to the proposed
construction.
A structure within 50 feet of another building and 100 square
feet or larger in area.
Any building used for the storage of agricultural equipment
or farm produce, or housing livestock or poultry. The term "farm building"
shall not include the following: dwellings, kennels, stables or other
shelters for animals not used for agricultural purposes.
Material, exclusive of structures, placed or deposited so
as to form an embankment or raise the surface elevation of any portion
of the land.
The final vertical elevation of the ground surface after
development.
A minimum of 30,000 gallons of water, or a pre-calculated
minimum water supply, whichever is greater, as determined by formula
contained in the National Fire Protection Association Code, as amended;
expressed in gallons of water necessary to extinguish a fire. The
formula is determined by the total cubic feet of structure, including
any attached structures, divided by the occupancy hazard classification
number, multiplied by the construction classification number, multiplied
by the exposure, multiplied by two, plus 2w, where:
|
Exposure = 1.5 for any structure greater than or equal to 100
square feet and within 50 feet of the primary structure.
| |
|
Exposure = 1.0 for any structure smaller than 100 square feet
or at a distance farther than 50 feet of the primary structure.
| |
|
Where "w" is the number of feet greater than 2,000 feet from
the fire water supply to the farthest point in the proposed subdivision
or land development using conventional streets.
|
|
Fire load =
|
total cubic feet of structure
occupancy hazard classification number
|
X construction classification number X exposure X 2
+ 2w
|
The Fire Marshal of Wrightstown Township.
The small design storm which is the equivalent to the one-year
twenty-four-hour frequency design storm using the rainfall distribution
recommended for Pennsylvania as defined by the U.S. Natural Resources
Conservation Service (formerly known as the U.S. Soil Conservation
Service).
A temporary inundation of normally dry land areas.
[Amended by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016[1]]
A relatively flat or low land area which is subject to partial
or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or
watercourse; and/or any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation
of surface waters from any source.
[Amended by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
The district specifically designated pursuant to the Floodplain Management Ordinance [Chapter 8] as being subjected to inundation by waters of the one-hundred-year flood, as defined by the Flood Insurance Study, or soils on floodplains in the absence of a completed Flood Insurance Study. See also the definitions of "identified floodplain area" and "special food hazard area (SFHA)" in § 8-902 of the Floodplain Management Ordinance.
[Amended by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent
land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood
without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than
one foot.
[Amended by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
The ratio of the floor area to the lot area, as determined
by dividing the floor area by the lot area.
See "woodlands."
A vertical distance between the elevation of the design high-water
and the top of a dam, levee, tank, basin, or diversion ridge. The
space is required as a safety margin in a pond or basin.
A slope, usually of a road, channel or natural ground specified
in percent and shown on plans as specified herein. "To grade" - to
finish the surface of a roadbed, top of embankment or bottom of excavation.
The sum of the areas of the several floors of a building
measured from the outside face of the exterior walls or from center
lines of walls separating two buildings. In particular, floor area
includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Basement space, or where the average floor-to-ceiling height
is less than six feet.
Elevator shafts, stairwells, and attic space (whether or not
a floor has been laid) providing structural headroom of eight feet
or more.
Roofed terraces, exterior balconies, breezeways, or porches,
provided that over 50% of the perimeter of these is enclosed.
Any other floor space used for dwelling purposes, no matter
where located within building.
Accessory buildings, excluding space used for off-street parking
or loading berths.
Any other floor space not specifically excluded, excluding space
used for air-conditioning machinery or cooling towers and similar
mechanical equipment serving the building and cellar space.
Replenishment of existing natural underground water supplies.
A street parallel and adjacent to a property line, having
a lesser right-of-way width than required for satisfactory improvement
and use of the street.
A map contained in the Zoning Ordinance which serves to categorize
existing Township streets.
Soils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough
during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions that favor
the growth and regeneration of wetlands vegetation. Wetlands vegetation
is those plant species that have adapted to the saturated soils and
periodic inundations occurring in wetlands. The soils classifications
can be found in the latest version of the Soil Survey of Bucks County,
Pennsylvania, prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Natural
Resources Conservation Service), September, 2002, including all updates
and revisions.
A person trained and having experience in the areas of hydrology
and geology that deal with groundwater, its occurrence and movements,
in its replenishment and depletion, the properties of rocks that control
groundwater movement and storage, and the methods of investigation
and utilization of groundwater.
A classification of soils by the Natural Resources Conservation
Service into four runoff potential groups. The groups range from A
soils, which are very permeable and produce little runoff, to D soils,
which are not very permeable and produce much more runoff.
An analysis of the volume and velocity of water flow through
a watershed consistent with standardized modeling practices such as
Natural Resources Conservation Service TR-20 Model.
Impervious surfaces are those surfaces which do not absorb
water. All buildings, including roof overhangs, parking areas, driveways,
roads, sidewalks, and such areas as those in concrete, asphalt, brick
and packed stone shall be considered impervious surfaces. Other areas
determined by the Township Engineer to be impervious will also be
classified as impervious surfaces.
A measurement of the intensity of use of a piece of land.
It is measured by dividing the total area of all impervious surfaces
within the site by the base site area.
A retention or detention basin designed to retain stormwater
runoff and release it at a controlled rate.
Regulations, as stated in Part 5, imposing minimum standards
for the construction of required improvements including, but not limited
to, streets, curbs, sidewalks, and sewers.
Physical addition and changes to land such as grading, paving,
curbing, fire hydrants, water mains, sanitary sewers, stormwater management
systems, culverts, sidewalks, monuments, crosswalks, bridges, earthworks,
street lights, wells, sewage disposal systems, street trees and other
plantings, and other structures that may be necessary to produce usable
and desirable land development.
A structure designed to direct runoff into the ground, (e.g.,
french drains, seepage pits, seepage trench, and biofiltration swale
and other best management practices).
A surface connection to a closed drain. A structure at the
diversion end of a conduit. The upstream end of any structure through
which water may flow.
See "lot, interior."
Natural or artificial bodies of water that retain water year
round. Artificial ponds may be created by dams, or may result from
excavation. The shoreline of such water bodies shall be measured from
the spillway crest elevation.
Any of the following activities:
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts
or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
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
length of tenure.
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.
A subdivision of land.
The following shall not be considered a land development:
The addition or construction of accessory farm buildings in
excess of 1,000 square feet; provided, that the Board of Supervisors
grants a waiver from the requirement of a land development plan submission.
The addition of a nonresidential accessory building of 1,000
square feet or less in gross floor area to be used for storage or
other purposes incidental and subordinate to the principal use and
which does not increase the impervious surface on the lot may be approved
without land development plans if the applicants can show that the
required parking (per Zoning Ordinance) is provided and if the Board
of Supervisors grants a waiver from the requirement of a land development
plan submission.
An addition to an existing nonresidential building which addition
is 1,000 square feet or less in gross floor area to be used for storage
or other purposes incidental and subordinate to the principal use
and which does not increase the impervious surface on the lot may
be approved without land development plans if the applicants can show
that sufficient parking is provided and if the Board of Supervisors
grants a waiver from the requirement of a land development plan submission.
A sketch, preliminary or final plan submitted in compliance
with the requirements of this chapter, showing the provision for development
of a tract of land.
The legal or equitable owner or owners of land.
A professional landscape architect registered in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
A plan for the installation and maintenance of plantings,
prepared according to the provisions of this chapter.
As described in the Highway Capacity Manual Special Report
209 (Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board, National Research
Council, 1985, as may be amended from time to time), the quality of
traffic movement on a particular street or through a particular intersection.
An area abutting the building especially designated for the
loading and unloading of vehicles and which has convenient access
to a storage location for the goods loaded or unloaded, such access
being furnished by an elevated floor, a recessed vehicle parking area,
a ramp, or other facility of like purpose.
A space in a building or on a lot which is accessible from
the public street system for the temporary use of vehicles while loading
or unloading merchandise, materials or passengers.
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.
CORNER LOTA lot abutting upon two or more streets or upon two parts of the same street, forming an interior angle at the corner of less than 135°.
FLAG LOTA lot that does not have the required minimum lot width at the minimum front yard line but has direct access to a street through a strip of land which is part of the same lot.
INTERIOR LOTAny lot which is not a corner lot.
THROUGH LOTAn interior lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets.
DEPTH OF LOTThe mean distance from the street line of the lot to its opposite rear lot line measured in the general direction of the side lot lines of the lot.
LOT WIDTHThe distance measured between the side lot lines at the required building setback line. In a case where there is only one side lot line, lot width shall be measured between such side lot line and the opposite rear lot line or street line.
The area contained within the property lines of a lot (as
shown on the development plan), excluding space within an existing
or ultimate street right-of-way and within all permanent drainage
easements, but including the areas of all other easements assigned
an individual owner or to a given collective use by means of a subdivision
of land. Open space required under this chapter shall not be counted
as a portion of the lot area for the purposes of measuring lot area
per dwelling unit.
A property boundary line shown on a recorded plan or described
in a recorded deed; provided, that, in the case of any lot abutting
a street, the lot line for such portion of the lot as abuts such street
shall be deemed to be the same as the street line, and shall not be
the center line of the street, or any other line within the street
right-of-way.
The street line. In the case of a corner lot, both street
lines shall be deemed the front lot line. The front lot line shall
be that boundary line of the lot most nearly parallel to the street
line which has no other portion of the lot between it and the street;
provided, that any portion of the lot which crosses the street line
will have the street line as its front lot line.
A lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line.
If the rear lot line is less than 10 feet in length, or if the lot
forms a point at the rear, the rear lot line shall be deemed to be
a line 10 feet in length within the lot, between the side lot lines,
parallel to and at the maximum distance from the front lot line. For
a corner lot, of the two lot lines opposite the front lot lines, that
which is most distant will be the rear lot line.
Any lot line which is not a street line or a rear lot line.
A lot extending between and having frontage on a major street
and a minor street with vehicular access solely from the minor street.
Any intersection of one or more collector or arterial streets.
A method for calculation of velocity of flow (e.g., feet
per second) and flow rate (e.g., cubic feet per second) in open channels
based upon channel shape, roughness, depth of flow and slope. "Open
channels" may include closed conduits so long as the flow is not under
pressure.
Minor streets, parallel and adjacent to major traffic streets,
providing access to abutting properties and control of intersections
with the major traffic street.
A metal pipe or pin of at least 1/2 inch diameter and at
least 24 inches in length.
The maximum expected quantity of water arriving at a particular
location.
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.
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.
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 or double mobile home.
That part of an individual lot which has been reserved for
the placement of the mobile home, appurtenant structures or additions.
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.
A stone or concrete monument with a flat top of at least
four inches square; scored with an "X" to mark the reference point;
at least 30 inches in length; the bottom sides of which are at least
two inches greater than the top to minimize movements caused by frost.
A professional engineer licensed as such in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, duly appointed as the engineer for Wrightstown Township.
Total of all floor areas of a building measured from the
interior surface of the walls, excluding stairwells and elevator shafts,
equipment rooms, interior vehicular parking or loading and all floors
below the first or ground floor that are used only for storage or
mechanical systems serving the building.
Pollution that enters a water body from diffuse origins in
the watershed and does not result from discernible, confined, or discrete
conveyance.
Any wall, dam, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment,
projection, excavation, channel, culvert, building, fence, stockpile,
refuse, fill, structure, or matter in, along, across, or projecting
into any channel, watercourse, or flood-prone area, which may impede,
retard, or change the direction of the flow of water either in itself
or by catching or collecting debris carried by such water or is placed
where the flow of the water might carry the same downstream.
A series of numbers from three through seven that are mathematical
factors used in a formula to determine total water supply requirements
of this standard only. Occupancies which are not specifically referenced
below may be found in the National Fire Protection Association Code,
as amended.
Occupancy hazard classification number three represents severe
hazard occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of contents
are very high. These include, but are not limited to: feed and grist
mills; lumberyards; saw mills; straw or hay in bales.
Occupancy hazard classification number four represents occupancies
of high hazard occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of
contents are high. These include, but are not limited to: barns and
stables (commercial); building materials; feed stores (with no processing);
mercantiles; repair garages; warehouses for paper, furniture, paint,
department store and general storage; and woodworking industries.
Occupancy hazard classification number five represents moderate
hazard occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of contents
are moderate and stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed 12 feet
in height. These include, but are not limited to: amusement occupancies;
farm storage buildings (dairy barns, equipment sheds and corn cribs);
hatcheries; laundries; machine shops; metal working shops; plant nurseries;
printing and publishing plants; restaurants; and unoccupied buildings.
Occupancy hazard classification number six are considered low
hazard occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of contents
are moderate and stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed eight feet
in height. These include, but are not limited to: bakeries; barber
or beauty shops; cement plants; churches; dairy products manufacturing
and processing; doctor's offices; electronic plants; gasoline service
stations; municipal buildings; post offices; and telephone exchanges.
Occupancy hazard classification number seven are considered
light hazard occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of
contents are low. These include, but are not limited to: apartments;
dormitories; dwellings; fire stations; hotels and motels; libraries
(small stock areas); nursing homes; offices; police stations; and
schools.
A system serving a single lot, collecting and disposing of
wastewater on the lot where such system is used.
An individual well on the lot where the well serves one lot
or a water supply on a lot occupied or to be occupied serving a permitted
building.
A drainage element in which stormwater flows with an open
surface. Open channels include, but shall not be limited to, natural
and man-made drainageways, swales, streams, ditches, canals, and pipes
flowing partly full.
OPEN SPACE, COMMONA parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination of land and water within a development site and designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents of the residential development, not including streets, off-street parking areas, and areas set aside for public facilities. Common open space includes both developed (active) and undeveloped (passive) open space.
OPEN SPACE, DEVELOPED (ACTIVE)Land without resource restrictions which is set aside for use as active recreational areas, such as playfields, playgrounds, skating rinks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and areas for water management (storm, waste, potable supply).
OPEN SPACE, UNDEVELOPED (PASSIVE)Land used for passive recreation, agriculture, resource protection, amenity, or buffers and protected from future development by the provisions of this chapter to insure that it remains as open space.
A structure designed to control the volume of stormwater
runoff that passes through it during a specified length of time.
The owner of record of a parcel of land or equitable owner
acting in behalf of the owner of record.
The Wrightstown Township Park and Recreation Board.
A space, available for the parking of one motor vehicle,
exclusive of passageways, driveways or other means of circulation
or access. A parking space shall include either covered garage spaces
or uncovered parking lot space located outside of the street right-of-way.
The drives or roadways and the maneuvering space required
to service the parking space.
Any area developed in such a manner as to be conducive of
those activities that fall within the range of passive-recreation,
such as nature areas, craft areas, meeting areas, sitting areas, walkways,
sunbathing areas, ponds and lakes, and picnicking areas.
Any leisure time activity not considered active (e.g., walking,
picnicking, bird watching, fishing).
The highest number of vehicles found or expected to be found
during the a.m. or p.m. hours, passing over a section of street in
60 consecutive minutes.
A continuous way designated for pedestrians and separated
from the through lanes for bicycles or motor vehicles by space or
other barrier.
The computer-based hydrologic modeling technique adapted
to the Delaware River (South) watershed for the Act 167 Plan. The
model has been "calibrated" to reflect actual recorded flow values
by adjoining key model input parameters.
A subdivision in which mixed residential types are permitted.
Any individual, association, trust, partnership or corporation,
including any members, directors, officers, employees, partners or
principals thereof. Whenever used in any clause prescribing and imposing
a penalty, person includes the members, trustees, partners, directors,
officers, managers and supervisors, or any of them, of partnerships,
associations, corporations or other form of entity.
A culvert, closed conduit, or similar structure (including
appurtenances) that conveys stormwater.
See "as built drawings."
A complete and exact subdivision and/or land development
plan, including all required supplementary data, complete and prepared
for official recording in accordance with the requirements of this
chapter and with any conditions of approval imposed by the Township,
to define property rights, proposed streets and other improvements.
A plan, or set of plans, and supporting documents prepared
by an engineer, detailing the engineering specifications for streets,
sanitary sewers, stormwater drainage facilities, and other improvements
required by this chapter.
A subdivision and/or land development plan demonstrating
compliance with zoning provisions showing existing features, proposed
street and lot layout, stormwater management facilities and engineering
detail sufficient to ensure proper functioning of proposed improvements.
An exact copy of the approved final plan on mylar or linen
of standard size, prepared for necessary signatures and recording
with the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds.
An informal plan, to scale, indicating existing features
of a tract and its surroundings and the general layout of the proposed
subdivision or land development for discussion purposes only and not
to be presented for approval.
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 or use, density
or intensity, lot coverage, and required open space to the regulations
established in any one district created, from time to time, under
the provisions of the Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance.
An application required by the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities
Act, 35 P.S. § 760.1 et seq., § 750.5(a) and (d);
and § 71.15 (b) and (c) of the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection, Title 25, Pa. Code, Rules and Regulations,
Chapter 71, "Administration of the Sewage Facilities Program," as
amended.
The map or plan of a subdivision or land development, whether
preliminary or final.
A parcel or tract of land that is subject to a recorded conservation
easement wherein Wrightstown Township by execution of a written acknowledgment
is a grantee or co-grantee of the conservation easement.
The flood that may be expected from the most severe combination
of critical meteorologic and hydrologic conditions that are reasonably
possible in any area. The PMF is derived from the probable maximum
precipitation (PMP) as determined on the basis of data obtained from
the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Board
of Supervisors or Planning Commission, intended to inform and obtain
public comment prior to taking action in accordance with the Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.
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 shall meet the requirements of the Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.
Transportation service for the general public provided by
a common carrier of passengers generally on a regular route basis.
A system, other than an on-lot disposal system, which is
administered and operated by Wrightstown Township for the collection,
conveyance, treatment, and disposal of wastewater.
A system for water distribution and water supply, other than
an on-lot water supply system which is administered and operated by
Wrightstown Township.
A calculation utilized to determine the maximum expected
discharge according to the formula:
|
Q = CIA
| ||||
|
Where:
| ||||
|
Q
|
=
|
Maximum expected discharge in cubic feet per second.
| ||
|
C
|
=
|
Runoff factor expressed as a percent of the total water falling
on an area.
| ||
|
I
|
=
|
The rate of rainfall for the time of concentration of the drainage
area in inches per hour for a given storm frequency.
| ||
|
A
|
=
|
The drainage area expressed in acres.
| ||
All land whether publicly or privately owned, whether improved
or not improved, with or without structures.
An area provided for public or common recreational pursuits
pursuant to this chapter and the Newtown Area Joint Municipal Zoning
Ordinance.
Any letter, review, memorandum, compilation or similar writing
made by any body, board, officer or consultant other than a solicitor
to any other body, board, officer or consultant for the purpose of
assisting the recipient of such report in the rendering of any decision
or determination.
A reserve strip is a parcel of land which is parallel to
and between a street right-of-way and a tract of land.
Any replatting or new division of land. Replattings shall
be considered as constituting a new subdivision of land. See definition
of "subdivision."
The interval in years within which a storm event of a given
magnitude can have a probability to recur. For example, the twenty-five-year
return period rainfall would be expected to recur once every 25 years.
An examination of a plan to determine compliance with this
chapter, the Zoning Ordinance, and other pertinent requirements.
Land set aside for use as a street, alley, or other means
of travel.
The legal right-of-way as established by a governing authority
and currently in existence.
The right-of-way deemed necessary by the Joint Municipal
Comprehensive Plan for Newtown Township, Upper Makefield Township,
and Wrightstown Township and shown on the Highway Classification Map
in the Newtown Area Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance in order to provide
adequate width for future street improvements.
A vertical pipe extending from the bottom of a pond that
is used to control the discharge rate from the pond for a specified
design storm.
See "street."
Temporary ponding and gradual release of stormwater falling
directly onto flat roof surfaces by incorporating controlled-flow
roof drains into building designs.
Any liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in
suspension or solution, or the water carried waste resulting from
the discharge of water closets, laundry tubs, washing machines, sinks,
dishwashers, or any other source of water carried waste of human origin.
The Secretary of the Board of Supervisors of Wrightstown
Township.
A barrier, dam, or retention or detention basin located and
designed to retain rock, sand, gravel, silt, or other material transported
by surface water runoff.
An area of excavated earth filled with loose stone or similar
coarse material, into which surface water is directed for infiltration
into the ground.
Wastewater; the total of organic waste and wastewater generated
by residential, industrial, commercial, institutional or other establishments.
Any municipally- or privately-owned sewer system in which
sewage is collected from several buildings on a single property or
from several lots and treated at a common plant. The design, operation,
and location of the sewer plant shall be in accordance with the waste
water policies of the Joint Municipal Comprehensive Plan and the Act
537 Plan of the participating municipality where the building or development
is proposed. For the purposes of this chapter, community sewage systems
shall be defined in accordance with Chapter 71.7(7), Administration
of Sewage Facilities Program, Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act
of January 24, 1966), P.L. 1535, as amended, 35 P.S. § 750.1
et seq.
A public or private sanitary sewer system:
PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEMAny system, including capped sewers, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Wrightstown Township, which collects sewage and/or industrial wastes of a liquid nature from two or more lots and treats and/or disposes such sewage and/or industrial wastes at an approved sewage disposal system.
PRIVATE SEWER SYSTEMA system of piping, tanks, or other facilities serving one or more buildings located on a single lot which collects or disposes of sewage in whole or in part into the soil on the same lot.
Runoff that flows over the ground surface as a thin, even
layer, not concentrated in a channel.
The length of roadway visible to the driver of a passenger
vehicle at any given point on the roadway when the view is unobstructed
by traffic. Sight distance measurements shall be made from a point
3.5 feet above the center line of the cartway surface to a point 0.5
feet above the center line of the cartway surface.
A parcel or parcels of land intended to have one or more
buildings or intended to be subdivided into two or more lots.
Any land area within a site as determined by an actual site
survey.
The area of a tract of land remaining after subtracting land
which is not contiguous, land previously subdivided, future road rights-of-way
and existing utility rights-of-way from the site area. See the Zoning
Ordinance for the specific calculations.
All land area within the site as defined in the deed. Area
shall be determined from an actual site survey rather than from a
deed description.
That part of the base site area remaining for development
after the amount of open space necessary for resource protection and
recreation has been calculated.
A computation required pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance to
determine the appropriate intensity of use for a given tract.
A field test conducted by a person qualified according to
the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection to determine the suitability of the soil for sanitary sewage
disposal and stormwater management facilities by measuring the absorptive
capacity of the soil at a given location and depth.
Areas subject to periodic flooding or listed in the Official
Soil Survey provided by the United States Department of Agriculture,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov),
as soils having a flood frequency other than none.
[Added by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
A method of runoff computation developed by the Natural Resources
Conservation Service which is based upon relating soil type and land
use/cover to a runoff parameter called a "curve number."
The Solicitor of Wrightstown Township.
The proper placing, grading and/or covering of soil, rock,
or earth to insure their resistance to erosion, sliding or other movement.
Areas where the slope exceeds 15% which, because of this
slope, are subject to high rates of stormwater runoff and erosion.
A system of pipes or other conduits which carries intercepted
surface runoff, street water and other waters, or drainage, but excludes
domestic sewage or wastewater and industrial wastes.
The precipitation reaching the ground surface.
Any structure, natural or man-made, that, due to its condition,
design, or construction, conveys, stores, or otherwise affects stormwater
runoff. Typical stormwater management facilities include, but are
not limited to, detention and retention basins, open channels, storm
sewers, pipes, and infiltration structures.
The plan prepared by the developer or his representative
indicating how stormwater will be managed in accordance with the requirements
of Township stormwater management ordinances.
That part of a building located between the surface of any
floor and the floor or roof next above. The first story of a building
is the lowest story having two-thirds or more of its area above grade
level or having the floor at the level of the exterior grade on one
or more sides. A half story is a story under a gable, hip, or gambrel
roof, the wall plates of which on at least two opposite exterior walls
are not more than two feet above the floor.
A watercourse.
A public or private way used or intended to be used for passage
or travel by vehicles and pedestrians and which furnishes access to
abutting properties and space for public utilities. The specific classification
for each street is shown on the "Highway Classification Map," which
accompanies and is a part of the Newtown Area Joint Municipal Zoning
Ordinance. Streets are further defined and classified as follows:
Expressway, designed for large volumes of and high-speed traffic
and with access limited to grade-separated intersections.
Principal arterial road, a continuous route having trip length
and travel density characteristics indicative of substantial statewide
or interstate travel.
Minor arterial road, a route providing interstate and inter-county
service with an expected average daily traffic count of 3,000 to 4,000
trips.
Scenic road, a route with limited access that maintains a narrow
cartway for scenic travel and not intended to provide a level of service
for intercounty or interstate transportation.
Major collector road, a route which should link places of traffic
generation with nearby larger towns or with more important intracounty
corridors.
Minor collector road, a route which is provided at intervals,
consistent with population density, to collect traffic from local
streets.
Feeder street, designed to function as an intersector and intra
Township facility, serving as a feeder to the arterial system and
also serving inter Township route to travel.
Commercial street, designed to serve the properties in older,
established commercial areas.
Local street, designed to serve the properties fronting thereon,
generally to discourage through traffic.
Alley, a minor way which is used primarily for vehicular service
access to the back or the side of properties otherwise abutting on
a street.
Driveway, generally a private way for vehicular and pedestrian
access between a public street and a parking area within a lot or
property.
Cul-de-sac, a local street intersecting another street at one
end and terminating in a vehicular turn-around at the other end.
Half (partial) street, a street generally parallel and adjacent
to a property line, having a lesser right-of-way width than normally
required for movement and use of the street.
The dividing line between the street and the lot. The street
line shall be the same as the legal right-of-way provided that where
a future/ultimate right-of-way width for a road or street has been
established, then that width shall determine the location of the street
line.
Any change in or addition to the supporting or structural
members of a building or other structure, such as the bearing walls,
partitions, columns, beams or girders; or any change which could convert
an existing building or other structure into a different structure,
or adopt the structure to a different use.
Any man-made object or improvement having an ascertainable
stationary location on land or in water, whether or not affixed to
the land. This term shall include sand mounds, but not wellheads,
landscaping berms and stormwater facilities.
An area extending 1/2 mile along a street adjacent to the
site, in both directions from all proposed or existing access points;
or to and including a major intersection with a collector or arterial,
whichever area is greater.
The smallest drainage unit of a watershed for which stormwater
management criteria have been established in the stormwater management
plan.
See "developer."
The division or re-division of a lot, tract or parcel of
land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other
divisions of land including changes in existing lot lines for the
purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, condominiumization,
partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devises, transfer
of ownership or building or lot development.
A sketch, preliminary or final plan, submitted in compliance
with this chapter, showing the provision for the subdivision of a
tract of land.
The division of a lot or tract of land, or part thereof,
into four or more lots or tracts for the purpose, whether immediate
or future, of transfer of ownership or of building development, which
requires the installation of public improvements, or a subdivision
creating any number of lots for which a new street or public improvements
are proposed or required.
The division of a lot or tract of land into three or less
lots for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of
ownership or of building development; provided, that the proposed
lots thereby created have frontage on an improved street or streets;
and, provided further, that there is not created by the subdivision
any new street, any required public improvements, or the need therefor.
Any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure,
the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the
structure either: before the improvement or repair is started; or
if the structure had been damaged and was being restored before the
damage occurred. A "substantial improvement" is considered to occur
when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural
part of the building commences, whether or not the alteration affects
the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however,
include any project for improvement of a structure to comply with
existing state or municipal health, sanitary or safety codes which
is solely necessary to ensure safe living conditions.
The Board of Supervisors of Wrightstown Township, Bucks County,
Pennsylvania.
A professional land surveyor registered by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
A low-lying stretch of land which gathers or carries surface
water runoff.
The time for surface runoff to travel from the hydraulically
most distant point of the watershed to a point of interest within
the watershed. This time is the combined total of overland flow time
and flow time in pipes or channels, if any.
The total space contained within a building, expressed in
cubic feet; including, but not limited to, basements, attics, chases,
and crawl spaces.
Wrightstown Township, a township of the second class duly organized
pursuant to the Second Class Township Code, 53 P.S. § 65101
et seq.
The Board of Supervisors of Wrightstown Township or the official,
person or committee designated by the Board of Supervisors to act
with respect to a particular matter set forth herein.
A professional engineer designated by the Supervisors to
perform the duties of a Township Engineer.
See "lot."
The line marking the outer edges of the branches of the tree.
An area that is radial to the trunk of a tree in which activities
are prohibited in order to protect the health of the tree. The tree
protection area shall be 15 feet from the trunk of the tree to be
retained, or the distance from the trunk to the dripline, whichever
is greater. Where there is a group of trees or woodlands, the tree
protection area shall be the aggregate of the protection areas for
the individual trees.
The total count of trips expected to and from a particular
land use.
Any activity, occupation, business, or operation carried
on, or intended to be carried on, in a building or other structure
or on a tract of land.
USE, ACCESSORYA use located on the same lot with a principal use, and clearly incidental or subordinate to, and in connection with, the principal use.
USE, PRINCIPALThe main use on a lot.
A procedure, as described in the Highway Capacity Manual,
Special Report 209 (Washington, D.C. Transportation Research Board,
National Research Council, 1985, as may be amended from time to time),
which compares the volume of a street or intersection approach to
its capacity (maximum number of vehicles that can pass a given point
during a given time period).
A series of justifications which detail the minimum traffic
or pedestrian volumes or other criteria necessary for the installation
of a traffic signal. These warrants are contained in the Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, United States
Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, 1971,
§§ 4C-1 through 4C-10, as may be amended from time
to time.
An inventory of the source, quantity, yield, and use of groundwater
and surface water resources within the municipality.
Any municipal water supply system, or any system for the
supply and distribution of water to more than one user unit (dwelling,
business, institution, or combination thereof).
WATER SUPPLY, FIREThe minimum water supply needed for a structure, expressed in gallons of water, which is readily available, reliable and accessible for the fire company having jurisdiction, usually located within 2,000 feet of the structure.
WATER SUPPLY, PRIVATEA system for supplying and distributing water to a single dwelling or other building from a source located on the same lot.
WATER SUPPLY, TOTALThe greater of:
A river, brook, creek, or a channel or ditch for water, whether
natural or man-made with perennial or intermittent flow.
Any and all rivers, streams, creeks, rivulets, impoundments,
ditches, watercourses, storm sewers, lakes, dammed water, ponds, springs,
and all other bodies or channels of conveyance of surface and underground
water, or parts thereof, whether natural or artificial.
Those areas that are inundated and saturated by surface or
groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and
that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including
swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas.
Areas with tree cover at least one-quarter acre in size and
where the largest trees are at least six inches in diameter measured
four feet above ground level. Woodlands include groves of trees where
there are at least 10 trees that form a continuous canopy. All associated
understory, shrub, herb and floor layers shall be considered part
of the woodlands and shall be governed as such.
A space open to the sky on the same lot with a building,
use or structure which is unoccupied except for accessory structures
or uses to the extent specifically permitted by the Newtown Area Joint
Municipal Zoning Ordinance. The size of a required yard shall be measured
as the shortest distance between the structure and a lot line or street
line.
A yard between the front building line and a street line
and extending the entire length of the street line. In the case of
a corner lot, the yards extending along all streets are front yards.
In the case of a lot other than a corner lot that fronts on more than
one street, the yards extending along all streets are front yards.
A yard between the rear building line and a rear lot line
and extending the entire length of the rear lot line.
A yard between the side building line and a side lot line,
extending from the front yard to the rear yard. In the case of a lot
having no street frontage or a lot of odd shape, any yard that is
not a front yard or a rear yard shall be considered a side yard.
The Wrightstown Township Zoning Officer.
The "Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance for Newtown Township,
Upper Makefield Township, and Wrightstown Township, 1983," as amended.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the repeal
of the prior definitions of "flood fringe," "flood, one-hundred year,"
"floodplain" and "floodplain soils (alluvial soils)," which followed.
