[Ord. No. 1-2020, 21, passed 6-22-2020]
(a) This article establishes additional requirements for certain specific
uses, in addition to the other requirements of this title. Where two
requirements directly conflict regarding the same matter, the stricter
requirement upon use or development shall apply.
(b) For uses allowed within a specific zoning district as "special exception uses," see also the procedures and standards in §
1314.16.
[Ord. No. 1-2020, 21, passed 6-22-2020]
(a) Each of the following uses shall meet all of the following requirements
for that use:
(1)
Adult use. (This is limited to the following: adult store, adult
movie theater, massage parlor, or adult live entertainment facility.)
A.
Purposes. The regulations on adult uses are intended to serve
the following purposes, in addition to the overall objectives of this
title.
1.
To recognize the adverse secondary impacts of adult uses that
affect health, safety and general welfare concerns of the City. These
secondary impacts have been documented in research conducted across
the nation. These secondary impacts typically include, but are not
limited to, increases in criminal activity, increases in activities
that increase the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases,
increases in activities that increase the risk of transmission of
other communicable diseases, increases in blight, decreases in the
stability of residential neighborhoods, and decreases in property
values for surrounding homes, and decreases in the marketability of
nearby commercial business space. The research conducted across the
nation concludes that adult uses typically involve insufficient self-regulation
to control these secondary effects.
2.
To limit adult uses to locations where these secondary impacts
can be minimized, particularly as they affect residential neighborhoods
and commercial revitalization.
3.
To not attempt to suppress any activities protected by the free
speech protections of the State and U.S. Constitutions, but instead
to control secondary effects.
B.
An adult use and its parking area shall not be located within
any of the following distances, whichever is most restrictive:
1.
Four hundred lineal feet from an existing dwelling on another
lot;
2.
Two hundred lineal feet from the lot line of any lot in a residential
zoning district; and
3.
Five hundred lineal feet from the lot line of any primary or
secondary school, place of worship, library, public park or playground,
recreation trail, day-care center or nursery school.
C.
No adult use shall be located within 250 lineal feet from any
existing "adult use."
D.
A 50-foot buffer yard shall be provided along the side and rear
lot lines. If such buffer area does not include substantial mature
trees that will be preserved, it shall include continuous screening
by evergreen trees with an initial height of five feet.
E.
No pornographic material, displays or words shall be placed
in view of persons who are not inside of the establishment. Definite
precautions shall be made to prohibit minors from entering the premises.
F.
No adult use shall be used for any purpose that violates any
federal, state or municipal law.
G.
Pornographic and sexually explicit signs and displays shall
be prohibited that are visible from outside of the premises.
H.
An adult use shall be prohibited in all districts except where
specifically allowed under Article 1304. An adult use is a distinct
use and shall not be allowed under any other use, such as a retail
store or club.
I.
A minimum lot area of 30,000 square feet is required.
J.
For public health reasons, private viewing booths of any kind
are prohibited. This specifically includes, but is not limited to,
booths for viewing adult movies or nude dancers.
K.
No use may include live actual or simulated sex acts nor any
sexual contact between employees and entertainers nor or between employees
or entertainers and customers.
L.
Only lawful massages as defined by state court decisions shall
be performed in a massage parlor. A use that involves massages by
state-licensed massage therapists shall be considered a personal service
use and not a massage parlor.
M.
Any application for such use shall state the legal name(s) of
an on-site manager responsible to ensure compliance with this title
on a daily basis, and who is authorized to accept enforcement notices.
A telephone number, official mailing address and email address shall
be provided where the on-site manager can be reached during the hours
when the business is open. The application shall also include contact
information, including the legal name, business phone number and official
mailing address for at least one individual who is the primary owner,
a corporate official, a partner or the largest shareholder of the
business. Such information shall be updated in writing to the Zoning
Officer within one business day after it changes.
N.
The use shall not operate between the hours of 12:00 midnight
and 7:00 a.m. If state liquor laws require that the City allow the
sale of alcohol during later hours, the adult uses shall still cease
at 12:00 midnight.
O.
As specific conditions of approval under this title, the applicant
shall prove compliance, where applicable, with the following state
laws, as amended: the Pennsylvania Liquor Code, Act 219 of 1990 (which pertains to sale or consumption of alcohol between
2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.), Act 207 of 1990 (which pertains to obscenity) and Act 120 of 1996 (which pertains to adult-oriented establishments and which
limits enclosed viewing booths among other matters).
P.
An adult use shall be open to inspections during business hours
by City zoning and code enforcement staff, including health inspectors.
(2)
Adult day-care center.
A.
The use shall be fully licensed by the state, if required by
the state.
B.
The use shall include constant supervision during all hours
of operation.
C.
The use shall not meet the definition of a "treatment center."
(3)
After-hours club. This use is effectively prohibited by State
Act 219 of 1990, as amended (Section 7327 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania
Statutes). If the use is determined to be allowed under state law,
then the applicant shall be a special exception use that is only allowed
in the HIC District. In such case, the applicant shall prove to the
satisfaction of the Zoning Hearing Board that there will be adequate
security and noise control measures.
(4)
Animal cemetery.
A.
All the regulations for a cemetery in this section shall apply.
B.
The applicant shall prove to the satisfaction of the Zoning
Officer (or the Zoning Hearing Board, in the case of a special exception
use) that the use will be conducted in such a manner that the public
health and groundwater quality will not be threatened.
(5)
Animal day care.
A.
This use shall involve providing temporary care and recreation
for multiple dogs and household pets.
B.
This use shall not primarily involve the keeping of animals
for more than 24 hours, unless the requirements are also met for a
kennel.
C.
The applicant shall describe, in writing, measures that will
be used to avoid noise or odor nuisances for occupants of neighboring
uses. Animal waste shall be regularly collected in sanitary containers
and be disposed of properly.
D.
All structures in which animals are housed (other than buildings
that are completely soundproofed and air conditioned) and all runs
outside of buildings shall be located at least 200 feet from any existing
dwelling.
E.
Buildings shall be adequately soundproofed so that sounds generated
within the buildings cannot routinely be heard within any principal
building on another lot.
F.
The applicant shall describe how outdoor runs will or will not
be used during various hours.
(6)
Apartments. See "townhouses and apartments" and "conversions"
in this section.
(7)
Assisted living facility/personal care home. The standards for
"nursing homes" in this section shall apply.
(8)
Auto, boat or mobile/manufactured home sales.
A.
No vehicle, boat or home on display shall occupy any part of the street right-of-way or required customer parking area. See buffer yard provisions in §
1313.03.
B.
See light and glare standards in §
1310.07.
C.
Any mobile/manufactured homes on a sales site shall meet the
required principal building setbacks from the perimeter lot lines.
D.
This use shall encompass sales and rental of all types of motor
vehicles and trailers, including recreational vehicles.
(9)
Auto repair garage.
A.
All paint work shall be performed within a building, with a
fume collection and ventilation system that directs fumes away from
any adjacent dwellings. Outdoor major repairs (such as body work and
grinding) and outdoor welding shall not occur within 100 feet of a
"residential lot line."
B.
All reasonable efforts shall be made to prevent or minimize noise, odor, vibration, light or electrical interference to adjacent lots. See standards in Article 1310. See buffer yard requirements in §
1313.03.
C.
Outdoor storage of motor vehicles shall not be within any required
buffer yard or street right-of-way. Motor vehicles shall not be parked
on a public sidewalk.
D.
Overnight outdoor storage of junk other than permitted vehicles
shall be prohibited within view of a public street or a dwelling.
E.
Any junk vehicle (as defined by §
1315.02) shall not be kept for more than 60 days within view of a public street or a dwelling, unless it is actively under repair or is awaiting resolution of an insurance claim or an accident investigation. A maximum of 10 junk vehicles may be kept on a lot outside of an enclosed building at any one time, unless it is actively under repair, or is awaiting resolution of an insurance claim or an accident investigation. If a greater number of junk vehicles are kept on the lot than is allowed by this section, the use shall be regulated as a junkyard. Vehicles shall not be parked on a public sidewalk.
F.
Service bay doors shall not face directly towards an abutting
dwelling (not including a dwelling separated from the garage by a
street) if another reasonable alternative exits.
(10)
Auto service station.
A.
See definition of this term and "auto repair garage" in Article
1315. The uses may be combined, if the requirements for each are met.
B.
All activities except those to be performed at the fuel or air
pumps shall be performed within a building. The use shall not include
spray painting.
C.
Fuel pumps shall meet side yard principal building setback requirements.
D.
The regulations for auto repair garage in the above subsection
shall also apply to an auto service station.
E.
The use may include a convenience store if the requirements
for such use are also met.
F.
A canopy shall be permitted over the gasoline pumps with a minimum
front setback of 15 feet from each street right-of-way line.
1.
Such canopy may be attached to the principal building. The canopy
shall not include any signs, except for the following: a) signs may
be attached to the canopy in place of part of the allowed freestanding
or wall sign area for the property, and b) necessary warning signs.
G.
Fuel dispensers shall be set back a minimum of 30 feet from
the existing street right-of-way line and 50 feet from any lot line
of a lot occupied by a residential use.
H.
Gas station canopies must be designed with luminaries recessed
under the canopy to minimize light pollution onto streets and other
lots. See also limits on lot line lighting in Article 1310.
I.
Gas stations may include a car wash if the requirements for
a car wash are also met.
(11)
Bed-and-breakfast inn.
A.
Within a residential district (if permitted under Article 1303),
a maximum of five rental units shall be provided and no more than
three adults may occupy one rental unit. No maximums shall apply within
other permitted districts.
B.
One off-street parking space shall be provided for each rental
unit. The off-street parking spaces for the bed-and-breakfast inn
shall be located either to the rear of the principal building or screened
from the street and abutting dwellings by landscaping.
C.
There shall not be any signs, show windows or any type of display
or advertising visible from outside the premises, except for a single
sign with a maximum sign area of six square feet on each of two sides
and with a maximum height of eight feet. Such sign shall only be illuminated
externally and shall use incandescent light or light of similar effect.
D.
The use shall have a residential or historical appearance.
E.
The use shall be operated and/or managed by permanent residents
of the lot.
F.
There shall not be separate cooking facilities in any guest
room. Food shall only be served to guests who are staying overnight,
unless a restaurant is also permitted.
G.
No guest shall reside in the bed-and-breakfast inn for more
than 30 total days in any ninety-day period.
(12)
Boardinghouse (includes rooming house).
A.
Minimum lot area: 20,000 square feet.
B.
Minimum side yard building setback: 15 feet each side.
C.
Minimum lot width: 100 feet.
D.
Maximum density: one bedroom per 3,000 square feet of lot area;
but in no case shall the lot serve a total of more than 20 persons.
E.
Each bedroom shall be limited to two persons each.
F.
A buffer yard with screening meeting §
1313.03 shall be provided between any boardinghouse building and any abutting dwelling.
G.
Note. There are separate standards for an assisted living facility,
which is not considered a boardinghouse.
H.
Signs shall be limited to two wall signs with a maximum of two
square feet each.
I.
Rooms shall be rented for a minimum period of five consecutive
days.
J.
If the use houses more than eight persons, a resident manager
shall be required, who shall be authorized to accept code enforcement
notices.
K.
Note that there is also a separate use named single room occupancy
with on-site supervision.
(13)
BYOB club.
A.
The use shall submit a security plan, which shall be found acceptable
by the Zoning Hearing Board, after being offered for review by the
Police Department and Mayor.
B.
As a condition of approval, the applicant shall regularly collect
litter from the outside of the premises and adjacent sidewalks. The
applicant shall maintain and regularly empty a trash receptacle near
a building exit.
(14)
Car wash.
A.
Traffic flow and ingress-egress shall not cause traffic hazards
on adjacent streets. On-lot traffic circulation channels and parking
areas shall be clearly marked.
B.
Adequate provisions shall be made for the proper and convenient
disposal of refuse. The applicant shall provide evidence that adequate
measures will be in place to prevent pollutants from being washed
into the groundwater or waterways. Any chemicals or polluted runoff
that may be hazardous to aquatic life shall be stored within an area
that will completely contain any leaks, spills or polluted runoff.
C.
Water from the car wash operation shall not flow onto sidewalks
or streets in such a manner as could cause ice hazards or runoff problems.
Wash water shall be properly collected and shall not flow into a waterway.
To the maximum extent feasible, water should be recycled.
D.
Any car wash that is located within 250 feet of an existing
dwelling shall not operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00
a.m.
(15)
Cemetery.
A.
Minimum lot area: 1.5 acres, which may be on the same lot as
an allowed place of worship.
B.
All structures and graves shall be set back a minimum of 20
feet from the right-of-way of any public street, 10 feet from the
cartway of an internal driveway, and 10 feet from any other lot line.
Any buildings with a height greater than 20 feet shall be set back
a minimum of 50 feet from all lot lines.
C.
No grave sites and no buildings shall be located within the
100-year floodplain.
D.
The applicant shall prove to the satisfaction of the Zoning
Officer, based upon review by the City Solicitor, that the use will
include an appropriate financial system to guarantee perpetual maintenance.
E.
The internment or spreading of cremated remains are not regulated
by this title.
(16)
Commercial communications antennas/tower as principal or accessory
use.
A.
An accessory commercial communications antenna shall be permitted
by right in any district if it meets the following requirements:
1.
In any district, the antenna shall extend a maximum of 20 feet
beyond the existing structure to which it is attached. The antenna
shall be attached to one of the following existing lawful structures:
(A) A principal agricultural building or silo;
(B) An electric high-voltage transmission tower;
(C) An existing lawful commercial communications tower;
(D) A fire station or steeple or bell tower of a place
of worship;
(F) A streetlight or utility line pole, provided that
an existing streetlight or utility pole shall not be extended or replaced
to result in a total height exceeding 45 feet in a residential district,
and provided that a new utility pole shall not be installed in a residential
district to support an antenna within a residential subdivision that
currently does not have aboveground utility poles.
2.
An antenna that extends between 20 feet and 40 feet from the
structure to which it is attached shall only be allowed in a commercial
or industrial district. Such antenna shall not be attached to a dwelling.
In such case, the antennas shall be set back a distance equal to its
total height above the ground from any lot line of a dwelling on another
lot.
B.
Any commercial communications antenna/tower that does not meet
Subsection A above (such as a new freestanding tower) shall only be
allowed where specifically authorized in Articles 1303 and 1304, and
in compliance with the following additional regulations:
1.
Such antenna/tower shall be set back from all lot lines and
street rights-of-way a distance that is greater than the total height
of the antenna/tower above the surrounding ground level. The City
may permit an easement arrangement to be used without meeting the
setback requirement from the edge of the leased area, provided that
there are legal safeguards to ensure that the setback will continue
to be met over time from a lot line.
2.
A new tower, other than a tower on a lot of an emergency services
station, shall be set back a minimum horizontal distance equal to
its total height from any lot used for residential purposes.
3.
A tower attached to the ground shall be surrounded by a security
fence/gate with a minimum height of eight feet and evergreen plantings
or preserved vegetation with an initial minimum height of four feet.
4.
See structural and wind resistance requirements of the construction
code.
5.
The applicant shall describe in writing the policies that will
be used to offer space on a tower to other communications providers,
which shall serve to minimize the total number of towers necessary
in the region. This policy shall be designed to minimize the total
number of towers necessary in the City.
6.
An applicant for a new commercial communications tower shall
provide evidence to the Board that they have investigated co-locating
their facilities on an existing tower and other tall structures and
have found such alternative to be unworkable. The reasons shall be
provided.
7.
A maximum total height of 200 feet above the ground shall apply
in a commercial or industrial district and 150 feet in any other district
where it may be allowed, unless the applicant proves to the Zoning
Hearing Board that a taller height is absolutely necessary and unavoidable.
8.
The application shall describe any proposed lighting. The Board
may restrict the type of lighting used, provided it does not conflict
with FAA requirements.
9.
A new tower shall be designed in a manner that minimizes its
visual intrusiveness and environmental impacts to the maximum extent
feasible. For example, monopole designs or designs worked into a flagpole
are preferred over lattice designs.
10. Any new tower shall be designed to accommodate
equipment for more than one provider.
C.
Purposes. These provisions for commercial communications antenna/towers
are primarily designed to serve the following purposes, in addition
to the overall objectives of this title:
1.
To protect property values.
2.
To minimize the visual impact of antenna/towers, particularly
considering the importance of the scenic beauty of the area in attracting
visitors for outdoor recreation.
3.
To minimize the number and heights of towers in a manner that
still provides for adequate telecommunications services and competition.
D.
A tower/antenna that is intended to primarily serve emergency
communications by a City-recognized police, fire or ambulance organization,
and is on the same lot as an emergency services station or the City-County
Building, shall be permitted by right. Such tower/antenna may also
serve accessory commercial purposes.
E.
Any antenna and tower that is no longer in active use shall
be completely removed within six months after the discontinuance of
use. The operator shall notify the Zoning Officer, in writing, after
the antenna or tower use is no longer in active use. Any lease shall
require such removal by the owner of the antenna/tower. Any lease
should provide that the lease shall expire once the antenna/tower
is removed.
F.
Accessory utility buildings shall have a maximum height of 10
feet.
G.
Antennas and towers shall comply with any airport approach zoning
regulations.
H.
This title does not regulate communications antenna that are
placed on poles within a street right-of-way, which shall require
a separate City approval or permit outside of this title. However,
a new pole shall not be placed in the right-of-way abutting a residential
zoning district for the primary purpose of supporting a communications
antenna.
I.
Once a communications tower has been approved, antenna and equipment
may be placed or replaced on the tower as a permitted by right use,
provided the total height is not increased above the approved height.
(17)
Crematorium.
A.
Minimum lot area: 30,000 square feet. A crematorium may be on
the same lot as a cemetery or funeral home, provided the requirements
for each are met.
B.
A crematorium, where allowed by Articles 1303 or 1304, shall
be set back a minimum of 200 feet from all lot lines of existing dwellings
and all undeveloped residentially zoned lots.
C.
City zoning approval is conditioned upon receiving a DEP air
quality permit. The Zoning Officer shall be notified in writing by
the operator of the use within one business day if such state permit
is ever suspended or revoked.
(18)
Conversion of an existing dwelling into additional dwelling
units.
A.
See Articles 1303 and 1304, which establish where conversions
are allowed.
B.
The following regulations shall apply to the conversion of an
existing one-family dwelling into a greater number of dwelling units:
1.
The building shall maintain the appearance of a one-family dwelling
with a single front entrance. Additional entrances may be placed on
the side or rear of the structure. The dwelling units may internally
share the single front entrance.
2.
The conversion shall not be permitted if it would require the
development of an exterior stairway on the front of the building,
or would require the placement of more than two off-street parking
spaces in the required front yard.
C.
A previously residential building shall maintain a clearly residential
appearance, except as may be necessary for restoration of a historic
building.
D.
A maximum total of four dwelling units may be developed per
lot, unless a more restrictive provision is established by another
section of this title, unless the building included more than 3,000
square feet of building floor area at the time of adoption of this
title.
E.
Each unit shall meet the definition of a dwelling unit in Article 1315 and shall meet the minimum floor area requirements of §
1313.01.
(19)
Conversion of an existing principal institutional building or
a principal industrial building into multifamily dwellings or live/work
units.
A.
A minimum average of 800 square feet of total existing building
floor area that will be converted into residential use shall be required
for each dwelling unit. A minimum of 500 square feet of floor area
shall apply within each dwelling unit. A minimum square footage of
lot area per dwelling unit shall not apply for this use.
B.
If the applicant proves to the satisfaction that modifications
are needed to parking, loading, density or setback requirements to
reasonably allow the adaptive reuse of an existing principal building,
the Zoning Hearing Board shall have the authority to approve such
modifications as a condition of the special exception approval.
C.
The Zoning Hearing Board shall consider compatibility with any
adjacent residential neighborhood in considering approval of such
modifications, and the availability or shortage of on-street parking
spaces and the anticipated need for parking in case of a parking modification.
If the applicant is requesting a parking modification, the applicant
shall provide a written analysis of available parking spaces within
300 feet during a time of peak parking demand.
(20)
Cottage neighborhood development. The following requirements
shall apply to a project approved as a cottage neighborhood development,
in place of the requirements of Article 1305.
A.
Purposes. To promote cottage neighborhood development, which
may involve a mix of singles, twins and townhouses. Many of the units
are intended to face onto usable common open space. To encourage the
creation of more usable open space through flexibility in density
and lot standards. To promote pedestrian-friendly site designs. To
encourage an identifiable neighborhood that promotes oversight of
the area by residents (including through use of front porches). To
minimize the visibility of garage doors and minimize conflicts between
driveways and sidewalks. To seek that the housing include traditional
designs, including pitched roofs, varieties in rooflines, prominent
front porches, dormers, large windows and similar features. These
provisions also recognize that modest-sized new dwellings typically
generate less parking demand and reduced impacts compared to larger
dwelling units.
B.
Minimum tract size. The total lot area of all lots in the tract
shall not be less than one acre. This acreage may include adjacent
lots in common ownership that are separated by streets.
C.
Uses. The only principal uses allowed within a cottage neighborhood
development shall be single-family detached dwellings, single-family
semidetached (twin) dwellings, townhouses, common open space, a community
building (which may include dining facilities for residents and their
invited guests), and temporary real estate sales office/model home.
Each of these uses shall be permitted by right, if the requirements
for a cottage neighborhood development are met.
1.
In addition, a maximum of 5% of the dwelling units may be live/work units, in compliance with §
1306.02. These units shall be permitted by right, provided that the location of such units are identified in the approved subdivision or land development plan. Such live/work units shall be limited to offices, arts/crafts studio or personal services, or music, dance or art instruction involving a maximum of three students at a time. Such units shall not include retail sales except as accessory to an arts/crafts studio.
2.
Accessory uses shall be allowed in the same manner as is provided
in the zoning district regulations.
D.
Dimensional requirements.
1.
This section is intended to allow flexibility in the placement
of dwelling units. Fee-simple lots with separate lot lines are not
required for individual dwellings.
2.
The total area of all lots in the tract (not including rights-of-way
of existing streets) measured in acreage shall be multiplied by 10
dwelling units per acre to determine the maximum total density of
the tract. Existing street rights-of-way shall be deducted from the
total area of the tract, but paper streets and alleys and streets
and alleys that have not been opened to vehicle traffic may be included.
3.
The minimum setback for buildings from the right-of-way of a
street shall be five feet. This setback may be occupied by an unenclosed
porch (which may have a roof).
4.
The minimum setback for buildings from the right-of-way of an
alley shall be two feet. The applicant shall prove to the satisfaction
of the City that there will be adequate turning radius for vehicles
to enter and exit garages, considering the paved width of the alley
in front of the garage doors.
(A) The following minimum setbacks shall apply from
a lot line that is exterior to the cottage neighborhood development
(and that is not a street or an alley):
(B) Twenty feet for a dwelling from an abutting lot
that is residentially zoned;
(C) Ten feet for a dwelling from an abutting lot that
is not residentially zoned; and
(D) Five feet for a detached accessory building.
(E) The minimum separation distance between dwellings
that are not lawfully attached shall be eight feet.
(F) A maximum of six dwelling units shall be attached
together in any manner.
5.
No more than 25% of the dwelling units may include a vehicle
garage door(s) that faces onto a public street.
(A) Where garages are attached to a dwelling, the garage
doors shall not have a smaller front yard setback from a public street
than the front of the main residential portion of the dwelling.
6.
A minimum of 80% of the dwelling units shall include an unenclosed
front, side or rear porch and/or a balcony or deck with a minimum
square footage for each dwelling unit of at least 50 square feet.
Such porch, balcony or deck may have a roof, but shall have open sides
on at 50% of its perimeter.
7.
A central commons open space area is required, which shall have
a minimum area of 500 square feet and a minimum width of 25 feet.
The commons areas shall be part of the required common open space.
(A) A minimum of 60% of the dwelling units shall be
located abutting or at least partly within 100 feet from a landscaped
commons area.
8.
Individual dwellings shall not be required to directly abut
a street, if all of the following requirements are met:
(A) Each dwelling has access using a sidewalk or other
hard-surfaced ADA-accessible pedestrian pathway to a detached vehicle
garage, and the garage or parking space for the dwelling has vehicle
access onto a street or alley;
(B) Each dwelling has access using a sidewalk or other
hard-surfaced ADA-accessible pedestrian pathway to reach a street;
and
(C) The dwelling abuts landscaped common open space.
9.
Individual dwellings shall not be required to have their own
vehicle access onto a street if each dwelling has access to a detached
vehicle garage or parking area within the tract that has access to
a street or alley.
10. The placement of dwelling units in relation to
a street and fire hydrants shall be subject to review by the Fire
Department.
11. The maximum height shall be three stories or 38
feet, whichever is more restrictive.
12. The maximum building coverage shall be 50%. This
coverage shall only apply to the lot area of the tract (as opposed
to individual lots) and shall be measured at the time of completion.
13. Each dwelling unit shall have a minimum width and
minimum length of 20 feet. Each dwelling unit shall have a minimum
heated indoor square footage of 600 square feet. If the dwelling unit
includes a live/work unit, it shall need a minimum of 1,000 square
feet.
14. A side of a dwelling that faces onto a public street
shall include at least two of the following features:
(D) The use of at least two types of building materials;
(E) Variations in rooflines; and/or
(F) A variation in building setback of at least one
foot.
E.
Common open space. A minimum of 10% of the total lot area of
the tract shall be preserved in common open space. The common open
space shall be: a) preserved through a conservation easement that
is enforceable by the City, and b) maintained by a legally binding
homeowner association, unless the City specifically approves an alternative
method of ownership and maintenance in response to a request by the
applicant.
1.
The common open space may also include community gardens.
2.
Wetlands and lands with a slope greater than 25% shall not count
towards the required amount of common open space.
F.
Maintenance. The applicant shall prove to the City, based upon
review by the City Solicitor's Office, that there will be a suitable
legally binding system in place, such as homeowner association agreements,
to ensure the proper maintenance and funding of shared facilities.
The City Solicitor's Office is not required to review the amounts
of any fees. Those shared facilities may include, but are not limited
to, shared parking areas, common open spaces and alleys.
G.
Parking. The development shall provide a minimum average of
two off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit. On-street parking
spaces along streets may be used to count towards a maximum average
of 0.5 parking spaces per dwelling unit of this requirement, if each
space is within 500 feet from the dwelling it serves. On-street parking
spaces shall not be reserved for individual residents.
1.
Parking spaces that are immediately in front of and on the same
side of the street as preexisting dwellings or businesses shall not
be counted to meet the requirements for new dwellings.
2.
Any shared parking lot shall include an area designed to be
used for the storage of snow.
3.
An off-street parking lot to serve the dwellings in the development
may be the principal use of a lot, as a permitted by right use.
H.
Alleys. Any new or extended alleys shall have a minimum right-of-way
width of 20 feet and a minimum cartway width of 14 feet. Any new or
extended alleys shall be owned and maintained by a homeowner association,
unless the City specifically approves an alternative.
I.
Landscaping. A landscaping and street tree plan shall be submitted
with the development application. Such plan shall also address plantings
within the common open spaces.
1.
A minimum average of one deciduous shade tree shall be required
for every 1,000 square feet of required common open space, unless
existing healthy trees will be preserved that will serve the same
purpose. These trees shall be in addition to any required street trees.
J.
Pedestrians. The cottage neighborhood development shall include
a system of sidewalks along streets and other pedestrian pathways
that connect together the various parts of the development. The City
may approve a pathway to take the place of a public sidewalk, provided
there is a pedestrian easement allowing use by the public.
K.
Design guidelines. The applicant for a cottage neighborhood
development shall submit a narrative describing how the proposed plans
do or do not comply with the advisory design guidelines that are included
in the following sections.
1.
Common open space should:
(A) Have individual dwelling entrances oriented towards
the open space;
(B) Have at least 75% of the dwelling units abutting
a common open space;
2.
Size. Each residential unit should be provided with a minimum
of 200 square feet of usable private open space, with no dimension
less than 10 feet. Such open space requirements may be met with a
combination of front, side or rear yard locations. Units built above
garages and live/work units may be omitted from this standard.
3.
Front porch.
(A) Location. Every dwelling should have a covered
entry porch oriented toward the common open space or street. This
porch should be open on at least two sides and should not be enclosed.
(B) Live/work units may have covered entry porches
located off of an alley.
(C) Size. The covered porch should be greater than
50 square feet in area, with a minimum of dimension of five feet.
4.
Eyes on public space. Common open spaces, streets and alleys
should have a minimum of one residential dwelling window providing
clear surveillance of public and semipublic space.
5.
Community buildings and elements. Every cottage neighborhood
cluster should contain at least one of the following elements:
(A) Outdoor area for cooking by the residents during
special events.
(C) Community recreation building, such including a
room for activities.
6.
Parking.
(A) Detached garages serving multiple dwellings should
be located off of an alley.
(B) Head-in surface parking areas for more than two
cars should be:
a. Prohibited in the front yard setback area;
b. Screened from public streets and adjacent residential
uses by landscaping or architectural screening.
7.
Refuse and recycling.
(A) Storage of these containers should be located so
their visual and odorous impact on adjacent properties is minimized.
(B) Refuse and recycling containers should be screened
from view by landscaping or architectural screening and should not
be located in the front setback area or where smells may be offensive
to adjacent properties.
(21)
Criminal halfway houses or day reporting center.
A.
See definition in Article 1315.
B.
The applicant shall provide a written description of all conditions
that will cause persons to occupy the use during the life of the permit.
Any future additions to this list shall require an additional special
exception use approval.
C.
The applicant shall prove to the satisfaction of the Zoning
Hearing Board that the use will involve adequate on-site supervision
and security measures to protect public safety. If any applicable
county, state, federal or professional association standards provide
guidance on the type of supervision that is needed, the proposed supervision
shall be compared to such standards.
D.
The Zoning Hearing Board may place conditions upon the use to
protect public safety, such as conditions on the types of residents
and security measures.
E.
A use involving housing of two or more persons who are required
to register their place of residence under Megan's Law II shall
be setback a minimum of 500 feet from each of the following: a primary
or secondary school, a public park or playground, or a child day-care
center.
(22)
Day-care center, child.
A.
See also "day care: family day-care home or group day care" as an accessory use in §
1306.03.
B.
The use shall comply with any applicable state and federal regulations,
including having an appropriate Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
registration certificate or license.
C.
At least one convenient space for the safe loading and unloading
of children shall be provided, unless the City may approve an on-street
loading space(s). A second loading and unloading space shall be required
if 30 or more children are cared for on the lot.
D.
The use shall include secure fencing with a height between four
and 6.5 feet around outdoor play areas. The outdoor play area shall
include a minimum of 1,000 square feet of land area for a day-care
center of up to 20 children, which shall be increased to 2,000 square
feet for larger numbers of children.
E.
This use shall not be conducted in a dwelling that is physically
attached to another dwelling that does not have a common owner.
F.
A day care use may occur in a building that also includes permitted
or nonconforming dwelling units.
G.
See also the standards for a "place of worship" in this section,
which allows a day-care center as an accessory use.
(22.1) Dog day care. See "animal day care."
(23)
Forestry.
A.
The following regulations shall apply if forestry involves a
total of more than 20,000 square feet of land area in any two-year
period:
1.
A soil and erosion control plan shall be submitted and carried
out.
2.
Clearcutting shall not occur on slopes of greater than 25% natural
slope or within 50 feet of the top of the bank of a perennial waterway,
except for land areas where a specific land use has received City
zoning approval and requires the clearcutting to occur.
(24)
Gas or oil well, as a principal or accessory use.
A.
Gas and oil wells shall only be allowed where provided under
Article 1304, and are specifically prohibited from all residential
districts.
B.
A minimum setback of 400 feet shall be required from a gas or
oil well, any accompanying storage tank and any aboveground equipment
from any of the following: 1) any existing dwelling on another lot,
or 2) any day-care center, place of worship, nursing home, hospital,
personal care center, park or recreational area, or primary or secondary
school. See setbacks from other buildings in the State Oil and Gas
Act. A minimum setback of 50 feet shall be required from a gas or
oil well, any accompanying storage tank and all related aboveground
equipment to any street right-of-way or any other lot line, unless
a written waiver is provided to the Zoning Officer by the principal
owner of record of the adjacent lot.
C.
A row of primarily evergreen trees shall be provided between
any gas or oil well aboveground facilities and any existing dwelling
on an adjacent lot.
D.
A minimum six feet high security fence or architectural masonry
wall shall be provided around a gas or oil well aboveground facilities.
E.
If any gas or oil well or related mechanical equipment will
be within 600 feet from an existing dwelling on another lot: 1) sound
walls, acoustical blankets or similar measures shall be used to control
noise, and 2) movement of trucks on the property shall not occur between
the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except for emergency measures
or as necessary during initial drilling operations.
F.
A Zoning Permit shall be required for a gas or oil well. As
part of the permit application, the applicant shall provide a written
description of the impacts upon roads, with an emphasis upon weight
of vehicles that will be used. See bonding requirements in the Vehicle
Code or other applicable state law.
(25)
Group homes. Group homes are permitted within a lawful dwelling
unit, provided the following additional requirements are met:
A.
The use shall meet the definition in Article 1315.
B.
A group home shall not include any use meeting the definition
of a "treatment center."
C.
A group home shall include the housing of a maximum of four
unrelated persons, by right and up to six unrelated persons by special
exception, except:
1.
If a more restrictive requirement is established by another
City requirement;
2.
The number of bona fide paid professional staff shall not count
towards such maximum; and
3.
As may be approved by the Zoning Hearing Board under §
1314.11, which allows persons to request a reasonable accommodation to the number of unrelated persons living together.
D.
The facility shall have adequate trained staff supervision for
the number and type of residents. If the staffing of the facility
has been approved by a federal, state or county human service agency,
then this requirement shall have been deemed to be met. Otherwise,
if any applicable county, state, federal or professional association
standards provide guidance on the type of supervision that is needed,
the proposed supervision shall be compared to such standards.
E.
The applicant shall provide evidence of any applicable federal,
state or county licensing or certification to the Zoning Officer and
shall notify the Zoning Officer, in writing, within two business days
if such licensing or certification expires or is withdrawn.
F.
The group home shall register in writing its location, general
type of treatment/care, maximum number of residents and sponsoring
agency with the Zoning Officer. If this information should change,
such as an intent to serve a different type of treatment/care, the
applicant shall notify the Zoning Officer, in writing, within two
business days.
G.
Any medical or counseling services shall be limited to a maximum
of three nonresidents per day. Any staff meetings shall be limited
to a maximum of four persons at one time.
H.
If a group home is in a residential district, an appearance
shall be maintained that is closely similar to nearby dwellings, and
no exterior sign shall identify the use.
I.
The persons living on-site shall function as a common household
unit, with each person typically residing within the home for a period
exceeding one year.
J.
The applicant shall notify the local ambulance and fire services
in writing of the presence of the group home and the type of residents.
K.
An off-street parking space shall be provided for the largest
vehicle that serves the use, in addition to parking required by Article
1311.
L.
The building shall have lighted exit signs, emergency lighting,
a carbon monoxide detector, and inter-connected smoke and fire alarms.
M.
Note. For a use that does not meet these standards, see the
requirements for rooming houses, treatment centers or criminal halfway
houses.
(26)
Heliport.
A.
The applicant shall prove that the heliport has been located
and designed to minimize noise nuisances to other properties.
B.
For a special exception use, the Zoning Hearing Board may place
conditions on the maximum size of helicopters, frequency of use, fueling
facilities, setbacks and nonemergency hours of operation to minimize
nuisances and hazards to other properties. Provided that the conditions
do not conflict with safety or federal or state regulations, the Zoning
Hearing Board may require that the majority of flights approach from
certain directions, and not from other directions that are more likely
to create nuisances for residential areas.
C.
Helicopter landings and takeoffs for emergency medical purposes
are not regulated by this title.
(27)
Hotel or motel.
A.
See definitions in Article 1315, which distinguish a hotel/motel
from a boardinghouse.
B.
Buildings and tractor-trailer truck parking shall be kept a
minimum of 50 feet from any residential lot line.
(28)
Junkyard (includes automobile salvage yard).
A.
Storage of garbage is prohibited, other than what is customarily
generated on-site and routinely awaiting pickup.
B.
Outdoor storage of junk shall be at least: a) 100 feet from
the lot line of any dwelling and b) 50 feet from any other lot line
and the existing right-of-way of any public street.
C.
The site shall contain a minimum of two exterior points of access,
each of which is not less than 20 feet in width. One of these accesses
may be limited to emergency vehicles. Cleared driveways with a minimum
width of 15 feet shall be provided throughout the entire use to allow
access by emergency vehicles. Adequate off-street parking areas shall
be provided for customers.
D.
Outdoor storage shall be completely enclosed (except at approved driveway entrances) by a ten-foot-wide buffer yard which complies with §
1313.03. The initial height of the evergreen planting shall be six feet. Secure fencing with a minimum height of eight feet shall be provided and well-maintained around all outdoor storage areas. Such fencing shall be provided inside of the evergreen screening.
E.
Burning or incineration is prohibited.
F.
All gasoline, antifreeze and oil shall be drained from all vehicles
that are stored on-site, and properly disposed of. All batteries shall
be removed from vehicles and properly stored in a suitable area on
an impervious and properly drained surface.
G.
Lot area. Three acres minimum; 10 acres maximum.
H.
Tires. See the outdoor storage and display standards in the
following section.
I.
Any storage of junk shall be maintained a minimum distance of
100 feet from the average water level of any waterway and shall be
kept out of a drainage swale.
(29)
Kennel (which may include an animal shelter).
A.
All structures in which animals are housed (other than buildings
that are completely soundproofed and air conditioned) and all runs
outside of buildings shall be located at least 200 feet from any existing
dwelling.
B.
Buildings shall be adequately soundproofed so that sounds generated
within the buildings cannot routinely be heard within any principal
building on another lot.
C.
The applicant shall describe how outdoor runs will or will not
be used during late night hours.
D.
See state law regulating kennels.
E.
Minimum lot area: 30,000 square feet.
F.
A use meeting the requirements for a kennel may also offer dog
day care.
(30)
Live/work unit.
A.
A live/work unit is one building space that is used both for
residential and for business space, such as for an office or an artist's
studio. The business use shall be a use that is listed as permitted
by right in the zoning district. The unit shall be treated as a dwelling
unit, except for allowed signs and minimum parking requirements for
the portion of the space that is used for commercial purposes that
may involve nonresident employees or customer traffic.
B.
If allowed in a residential district, a minimum of 50% of the
unit floor area shall be primarily used for residential purposes and
a maximum of three persons shall work in the unit who do not reside
within the unit.
C.
The operator of the business in the unit shall also be a permanent
resident of the unit. The commercial space shall not be rented separately
from the residential portion.
D.
The business use should not generate external noise, odor, glare,
vibration or electrical interference nuisances detectable to residents
of other dwellings.
(31)
Livestock and poultry, raising of.
A.
Minimum lot area: one acre. See also "pets, keeping of" in this
section.
B.
Any building or concentrated feeding areas for the keeping of
livestock or poultry shall be located a minimum of: 1) 200 feet from
a lot in a residential district, 2) 100 feet from an existing dwelling
that is not within a residential district, 3) 50 feet from all other
exterior lot lines.
C.
Fencing shall be used as necessary and practical to prevent
livestock from entering streets or unauthorized property.
D.
Buildings used for the keeping of livestock or poultry shall
not be located within 100 feet of a perennial stream, river, spring,
lake, pond or reservoir.
E.
The applicant shall describe in writing or on site plans the
methods that will be used to address water pollution and insect and
odor nuisances.
(32)
Manufactured (mobile) homes. The following additional requirements
shall apply to a manufactured home placed on property after the adoption
of this title:
A.
Construction. Any mobile/manufactured home placed on any lot
after the adoption of this title shall be constructed in accordance
with 1976 or later safety and construction standards of the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development. (Note: These federal standards supersede
local construction codes for the actual construction of the home itself.)
B.
Each site shall be graded to provide a stable and well-drained
area.
C.
Each home shall have hitch and tires removed.
D.
Anchoring. A mobile/manufactured home on an individual lot or
mobile/manufactured home park shall include a system that properly
secures the home to the ground to prevent shifting, overturning or
uneven settling of the home. The requirements of the construction
codes shall apply, in addition to the manufacturer's specifications
for installation, as well as state regulations regarding the installation.
E.
Foundation treatment. The space between the bottom of the home
and the ground and/or home pad shall be enclosed using a durable fire-resistant
material. This enclosure shall have the appearance of a foundation
of a site-built home, such as material with a concrete-type or stucco
facing, except that metal skirting shall be allowed for a dwelling
within a manufactured (mobile) home park. Provisions shall be provided
for access to utility connections under the home.
F.
If the dwelling is outside of a manufactured (mobile) home park,
then the front door of the dwelling shall face onto a street or be
within 25 feet from a street right-of-way.
(33)
Manufactured (mobile) home park.
A.
See the requirements for manufactured home park in the GIC District
in Article 1305 of this title.
B.
Access to individual manufactured home spaces shall be from
interior parking courts, access drives or private streets and shall
not be from public streets exterior to the development.
C.
All units within the manufactured home park shall be serviced
by the public sewage and public water supply systems.
D.
Buildings that are accessory to individual manufactured homes
shall be allowed, provided they meet the minimum exterior setbacks
provided in Article 1305, and provided that they are set back a minimum
of 15 feet from the home of a person who does not own the accessory
building.
E.
A 20-foot-wide perimeter planting area shall surrounding the
manufactured home park, except at approved street crossings. This
planting area shall include a mix of trees and shrubs of various species
and vegetated ground cover.
(34)
Medical marijuana dispensary.
A.
The use shall be set back a minimum of: 1) 1,000 feet from the
property line of an existing primary or secondary school or child
day-care center, 2) 500 feet from a public park or playground, and
3) 250 feet from a residential district.
B.
The use shall not have any outdoor activities, such as outdoor
seating.
C.
The use shall not be open for business beyond the maximum hours
of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
D.
The use shall meet all other zoning requirements that would
apply to a retail store.
E.
The use shall prove to the Chief of Police that there will be
sufficient security measures, after a review by the Mayor.
(35)
Medical marijuana grower/processor.
A.
The use shall prove to the Chief of Police that there will be
sufficient security measures, after a review by the Mayor.
B.
The use shall be set back a minimum of: 1) 1,000 feet from the
property line of a primary or secondary school or child day-care center,
2) 500 feet from a public park or playground, and 3) 250 feet from
a residential district.
C.
The use also shall meet all of the same zoning requirements
that would apply to a manufacturing use.
(36)
Membership club.
B.
Any active outdoor play areas shall be set back at least 25
feet from any abutting residential lot line.
C.
This use shall not include an after-hours club.
(37)
Mineral extraction.
A.
The following additional requirements shall be met:
1.
Information shall be submitted regarding the land reclamation
and reuse plan of the area to be excavated.
2.
After areas are used for mineral extraction, those areas shall
be reclaimed in phases to a nonhazardous and environmentally sound
state permitting a productive or beneficial future use.
3.
A 50 feet wide yard covered by natural vegetative ground cover
(except at approved driveway crossings) shall be required along all
exterior lot lines that are within 200 feet of an area of excavation.
The Zoning Hearing Board may require this yard to include an earth
berm with a minimum average height of six feet and an average of one
shade tree for each 40 feet of distance along the lot lines. Such
shade trees shall be planted outside of any berm and any fence.
(A) New trees shall not be required where preserved
trees will serve the same purpose.
4.
The following minimum setbacks shall apply for the excavated
area of a mineral extraction use from property that is not owned by
the owner or operator of the mineral extraction use:
(A) One hundred feet from the existing right-of-way
of public streets and from all exterior lot lines of the property;
(B) One hundred fifty feet from a nonresidential principal
building, unless released by the owner thereof;
(C) Three hundred feet from the lot line of a dwelling.
5.
The excavated area of a mineral extraction use shall be set
back 150 feet from the average waterline of a perennial stream or
the edge of a natural wetland of more than two acres.
6.
Fencing. The Zoning Hearing Board may require secure fencing
in locations where needed to protect public safety. As an alternative,
the Zoning Hearing Board may approve the use of thorny vegetation
to discourage public access. Also, warning signs shall be placed around
the outer edge of the use.
7.
Hours of operation. The Zoning Hearing Board, as a condition
of special exception use approval, may reasonably limit the hours
of operation of the use and of related trucking and blasting operations
to protect the character of adjacent residential areas.
8.
The activities and residual effects shall not create conditions
that are significantly hazardous to the health and safety of neighboring
residents.
(38)
Mobile/manufactured home. See "manufactured (mobile) home" in
this section.
(39)
Nursing home, personal care home or assisted living center.
B.
A minimum of 10% of the lot shall be suitable and developed
for passive recreation. This area shall include outdoor sitting areas,
gardens and/or pedestrian walks.
(40)
Outdoor storage and display. The provisions listed for this use under §
1306.03 shall apply.
(41)
Place of worship.
A.
Minimum lot area: 25,000 square feet in a residential district,
unless a larger lot area is required by the applicable zoning district.
In any other district, a place of worship shall meet the normal minimum
lot area for that district.
B.
A primary or secondary school may be approved on the same lot
as a place of worship provided the requirements for such uses are
also met. Other uses shall only be allowed if all of the requirements
for such uses are also met, including being permitted in the applicable
district.
C.
A maximum of one dwelling unit may be accessory to a place of
worship on the same lot, to house employees of the place of worship
and/or an employee and his/her family.
D.
A child or adult day-care center shall be allowed as an accessory
use.
(42)
Recreation, outdoor.
A.
All buildings, pavilions and areas used for nighttime activities
shall be a minimum of 100 feet from an existing dwelling on another
lot.
B.
This term shall not include publicly owned or operated recreation
or a motor vehicle racetrack.
C.
See provisions for a nonhousehold swimming pool in this section.
D.
Lighting, noise and glare control: see Article 1310.
E.
A 20-foot-wide buffer yard in accordance with §
1313.03 shall be required adjacent to an existing dwelling on another lot.
(43)
Recycling collection center.
A.
This use shall not be bound by the requirements of a solid waste
disposal facility.
B.
All materials shall be kept in appropriate containers, with
appropriate sanitary measures and frequent enough emptying to prevent
the attraction of insects or rodents and to avoid fire hazards.
C.
Adequate provision shall be made for movement of trucks if needed
and for off-street parking.
D.
A 20-foot-wide buffer yard with screening as described in §
1313.03 shall be provided between this use and any abutting residential lot line.
E.
This use may be a principal or accessory use, including being
an accessory use to a commercial use, college, an industrial use,
a public or private primary or secondary school, a place of worship
or a City-owned use, subject to the limitations of this section.
F.
Materials to be collected shall be of the same character as
the following materials: paper, fabric, cardboard, plastic, metal,
aluminum and glass. No garbage shall be stored as part of the use,
except for that generated on-site and that accidentally collected
with the recyclables. Only materials clearly being actively collected
for recycling may be stored on site.
G.
The use shall only include the following operations: collection,
sorting, baling, loading, weighing, routine cleaning and closely similar
work. No burning or landfilling shall occur. No mechanical operations
shall routinely occur at the site other than operations such as baling
of cardboard.
H.
The use shall not include the collection or processing of pieces
of metal that have a weight greater than 50 pounds, except within
an industrial district.
I.
The use shall include the storage of a maximum of 50 tons of
materials on the site if the use is within a residential district.
(44)
Residential conversions. See "conversions of an existing building"
within this section.
(45)
Restaurant.
A.
Screening of dumpster and waste containers: see §
1313.06.
C.
Drive-through service shall only be provided where specifically
permitted in the applicable district regulations.
D.
This use shall not include a tavern or a nightclub, unless the
requirements for such use(s) are also met.
(46)
School, public or private, primary or secondary.
A.
Minimum lot area. One acre in a residential district. In any
other district, the use shall meet the standard minimum lot area requirement
for that district.
B.
No children's play equipment, basketball courts or illuminated
recreation facilities shall be within 50 feet of a residential lot
line.
C.
The use shall not include a dormitory unless specifically permitted
in the district.
(47)
Self-storage development.
A.
All storage units shall be of fire-resistant construction.
B.
Outdoor storage shall be limited to vehicles, boats and trailers.
No junk vehicles shall be stored within view of a public street or
a dwelling.
C.
Trash, radioactive or highly toxic substances, garbage, refuse,
explosives or flammable materials, hazardous substances, animal carcasses
or skins, or similar items shall not be stored.
D.
Designated spots may be used for outdoor parking of motor vehicles
or trailers. Nothing shall be stored in interior traffic aisles or
accessways that would interfere with emergency vehicle access or within
required off-street parking areas.
E.
The use shall not include a commercial auto repair garage, unless
the requirements for that use are also met.
F.
Adequate lighting shall be provided for security, but it shall
be directed away or shielded from any adjacent residential uses.
G.
See §
1313.03 concerning buffer yards. In addition, any outdoor storage or garage doors within 200 feet of a street right-of-way and visible from the street shall be screened from that street by a buffer yard meeting §
1313.03. Any fencing shall be placed on the inside of the plantings.
H.
Minimum separation between buildings: 20 feet. Maximum length
of any building: 300 feet.
(48)
Single-room occupancy use with on-site supervision.
A.
The use shall be owned and/or operated by an established incorporated
nonprofit, charitable or religion organization.
B.
The applicant shall prove to the satisfaction of the Zoning
Hearing Board that there will be adequate on-site supervision, including
at least one on-site bona fide manager during at least eight hours
a day.
C.
The use shall provide counseling programs for residents, which
may be provided on-site or by connecting residents to services, including
providing transportation as needed.
(49)
Solid waste transfer facility or putrescent waste-to-energy
facility.
A.
All solid waste storage, disposal, incineration or processing
shall be at least 100 feet from the following: public street right-of-way,
exterior lot line or 100-year floodplain.
B.
All solid waste storage, disposal, incineration or processing
shall be a minimum of 300 feet from any residential district.
C.
The use shall be served by a minimum of two paved access roads,
each with a minimum cartway width of 20 feet. One of these roads may
be restricted to use by emergency vehicles.
D.
If a new use is proposed or the previously City-approved capacity
of an existing use is proposed to be increased, the applicant shall
prove to the satisfaction of the Zoning Hearing Board that the street
network can handle the additional truck traffic, in a manner that
minimizes negative impacts upon residentially zoned neighborhoods.
E.
The applicant shall prove to the satisfaction of the Zoning
Hearing Board that the use will include the best available methods
to minimize noxious odors off of the tract.
F.
A chain-link or other approved fence with a minimum height of
eight feet shall surround the use, unless the applicant proves to
the satisfaction of the Zoning Hearing Board that this is unnecessary.
G.
Minimum lot area: 10 acres.
H.
The applicant shall provide evidence to the Zoning Hearing Board
that sufficient measures will be put into place to minimize the attraction,
harborage or breeding of insects, rodents or vectors.
I.
Attendant. An attendant shall be present during all periods
of operation or dumping.
J.
Gates. Secure gates, fences, earth mounds and/or dense vegetation
shall prevent unauthorized access.
K.
Emergency access. The operator of the use shall cooperate fully
with local emergency services. This should include allowing practice
exercises on the site and the provision of all information needed
by the emergency services to determine potential hazards. Adequate
means of emergency access shall be provided.
L.
Litter. The operator shall regularly police the area of the
facility and surrounding streets to collect litter that may escape
from the facility or trucks.
M.
Dangerous materials. No radioactive, hazardous, chemotherapeutic
or infectious materials may be stored, processed, disposed or incinerated.
N.
All loading and unloading and processing of solid waste shall
only occur within an enclosed building, and over an impervious surface
drains to a holding tank that is then adequately treated, or similar
methods approved by the Zoning Hearing Board.
(50)
Stable, nonhousehold. (Includes riding academies; see also "keeping
of pets" in the following section.)
A.
Minimum lot area: three acres. A minimum of one acre of open
vegetated area shall be provided per horse or similar animal.
B.
Any horse barn, manure storage areas or stable shall be a minimum
of 100 feet from any lot line of an adjacent dwelling.
C.
Manure shall be regularly collected and disposed of in a sanitary
manner that avoids nuisances to neighbors. Manure shall be stored
in a manner that prevents it from being carried off by runoff into
a creek. Manure shall not be stored within 100 feet of a perennial
waterway. Manure shall be managed in a way that does not result in
polluted runoff from the property.
(51)
Swimming pool, nonhousehold.
A.
The water surface shall be set back at least 50 feet from any
existing dwelling on another lot.
B.
Minimum lot area: 20,000 square feet.
C.
Any water surface within 75 feet of an existing dwelling on another lot shall be separated from the dwelling by a buffer yard meeting §
1313.03.
D.
The water surface shall be surrounded by a secure, well-maintained
fence at least six feet in height.
E.
Drainage. A proper method shall be provided for drainage of
the dechlorinated water from the pool that will not flood other property.
(52)
Temporary and/or emergency shelter.
A.
The applicant shall provide a written description of all conditions
that will cause persons to occupy the use during the life of the permit.
Any future additions to this list shall require an additional special
exception use approval.
B.
The applicant shall prove to the satisfaction of the Zoning
Hearing Board that the use will involve adequate on-site supervision
and security measures. If any applicable county, state, federal or
professional association standards provide guidance on the type of
supervision that is needed, the proposed supervision shall be compared
to such standards.
C.
The Zoning Hearing Board may place conditions upon the use to
protect public safety, and to minimize conflicts with nearby residents.
D.
The applicant shall describe the maximum number of residents
who will be served, which may include a higher stated number on days
of extreme weather.
(53)
Townhouses and apartments.
A.
Maximum number of townhouses in any attached grouping: 10.
B.
Paved area setback. All off-street parking spaces, except spaces
on driveways immediately in front of a carport or garage entrance,
shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any dwelling.
C.
Garages. It is strongly recommended that all townhouses be designed
so that garages and/or carports are not an overly prominent part of
the view from public streets. For this reason, parking courts, common
garage or carport structures or garages at the rear of dwellings are
encouraged instead of individual garages opening onto the front of
the building, especially for narrow townhouse units.
D.
Mailboxes. Any mailboxes provided within the street right-of-way
should be clustered together in an orderly and attractive arrangement
or structure. Individual freestanding mailboxes of noncoordinated
types at the curbside are specifically discouraged.
E.
Access. Vehicular access points onto all arterial and collector
streets shall be minimized to the lowest reasonable number. No townhouse
dwelling within a tract of five or more dwelling units shall have
its own driveway entering onto an arterial or collector street.
(54)
Transitional housing.
A.
The use shall meet the definition and all of the standards for
a group home, except that it involves the housing of a larger number
of persons than are allowed in a group home, does not necessarily
involve on-site supervision by staff, and/or that does not involve
a dwelling unit.
B.
The use shall involve a minimum average of 250 square feet of
interior heated habitable building floor area per resident.
(55)
Treatment center.
A.
See definition in §
1315.02. This use shall not include a criminal halfway house or day reporting center, unless the requirements for all uses are fully met.
B.
The applicant shall provide a written description of all conditions
(such as alcohol addiction) that will cause persons to occupy the
use during the life the permit. Any future additions to this list
shall require an additional special exception use approval.
C.
The applicant shall prove to the satisfaction of the Zoning
Hearing Board that the use will involve adequate on-site supervision
and security measures to protect public safety. These supervision
and security measures shall be submitted in writing and be offered
for review by the Mayor and Police Chief. If any applicable county,
state, federal or professional association standards provide guidance
on the type of supervision that is needed, the proposed supervision
shall be compared to such standards.
D.
The Zoning Hearing Board may place conditions upon the use to
protect public safety, such as conditions on the types of residents
and security measures.
(56)
Veterinarian office (includes animal hospital).
A.
Any structure in which animals are treated or housed shall be
a minimum of 30 feet from any lot line of an existing dwelling. Buildings
shall be adequately soundproofed so that sounds generated within the
buildings cannot routinely be perceived within any adjacent dwellings.
B.
Animals undergoing treatment may be kept as an accessory use.
Birds, rabbits, gerbils and similar animals may also be boarded. However,
a commercial kennel involving healthy dogs shall only be allowed if
a kennel is permitted in that district and if the applicable requirements
are met.
(57)
Wind turbines, other than the one wind turbine per lot that is allowed as an accessory use by §
1306.03.
A.
The wind turbine shall be set back from the nearest principal
building on another lot a distance not less than two times the maximum
height to the top of the maximum height of the extended blade, unless
a written waiver is provided by the owner of such building. All wind
turbine setbacks shall be measured from the center of the base of
the turbine. This provision shall apply to buildings that existed
prior to the application for a zoning permit.
B.
The audible sound from the wind turbine(s) shall not exceed
45 A-weighted and 45 C-weighted decibels, as measured at the exterior
of a occupied principal building on another lot, unless a written
waiver is provided by the owner of such building.
1.
The applicant shall submit modeling showing that the noise levels
will be met, and then shall provide written results by an independent
professional showing that the noise standards have been met after
the turbine(s) become operational.
C.
The applicant shall provide information on whether the turbine
could interfere with emergency medical helicopters, and if so additional
warning lights may be required by the City.
D.
Wind turbines shall not be climbable for at least the first
12 feet above the ground level.
E.
All wind turbines shall be set back from the nearest public
street right-of-way a minimum distance equal to the maximum height
to the top of the maximum height of the extended blade.
F.
All wind turbines shall be set back from the lot line a minimum
distance equal to the maximum height to the top of the maximum height
of the extended blade, unless a written waiver is provided by the
owner of such lot.
G.
The turbine shall include automatic devices to address high
speed winds.
H.
Accessory electrical facilities are allowed, such as a transformer,
provided that any building shall meet setbacks for a principal building.
I.
The site plan shall show proposed driveways, turbines and areas
of woods proposed to be cleared.
J.
Temporary towers designed to test possible locations for a wind
turbine shall be permitted by right, provided they are removed within
one year and meet the same setbacks as a wind turbine.
K.
Decommissioning. A wind turbine shall be considered a discontinued
use after one year without energy production, unless a plan is developed
and submitted to the Zoning Officer outlining the steps and schedule
for returning the wind turbine to service. All wind turbines and aboveground
facilities shall be removed within 90 days of the discontinuation
of use.
L.
The maximum height above the average surrounding ground level
to the top of the extended turbine blade shall be 300 feet, unless
a lower height is required to meet other requirements of this title.
M.
The applicant shall show compliance with Federal Aviation Administration
requirements in regards to lighting.
[Ord. No. 1-2020, 21, passed 6-22-2020]
(a) General. Accessory buildings, structures or uses that are clearly
customary and incidental to a permitted by right, special exception
or special exception use are permitted by right, except as is provided
for in this title. A business shall only be conducted as an accessory
to a dwelling if specifically permitted by this title.
(b) Accessory setbacks. The accessory setback requirements of the applicable
district shall apply to every accessory building, structure or use
unless a standard that is clearly meant to be more restrictive or
less restrictive is specifically stated in this article for a particular
accessory use. Accessory structure setback requirements shall not
apply to permitted surface parking lots, fences or permitted accessory
signs.
(c) Front yard. No accessory structure, use or building shall be permitted
in a required front yard in any district, unless specifically permitted
by this title.
(d) Additional standards. Each accessory use shall comply with all of
the following standards listed for that use:
(1)
Antenna, standard (includes amateur radio antenna).
A.
Height. No standard antenna, including its supporting structure,
shall have a total height above the average surrounding ground level
of greater than 75 feet.
B.
Anchoring. An antenna shall be properly anchored to resist high
speed winds, and an antenna of greater than 25 feet high above a building
shall meet the City Engineer's approval.
C.
If a new satellite dish replaces service by an older satellite
dish, the older unused dish must first be removed from the outside
of the building.
(2)
Bus passenger shelter.
A.
The applicant shall prove that a well-established entity is
responsible for the cleaning, maintenance and repair of the shelter.
If the shelter is not being properly maintained or falls into disrepair,
and the entity does not correct the problem within 72 hours, then
the Zoning Officer may order that the shelter be removed within seven
days.
B.
In a commercial or industrial district, the shelter may include
an advertising sign of up to 40 square feet on each of two sides,
which may be illuminated. The sign shall not flash, move or be animated
or electronically change. Any shelter may also include transit informational
signs.
C.
The shelter shall only be allowed at a stop of regularly scheduled
bus service, with the location having been approved by the provider
of the service.
D.
If located within the public right-of-way, approval is also
needed from PennDOT if applicable and the City Department of Public
Works.
E.
The shelter design shall be of durable construction and shall
be mostly transparent along the sides.
(3)
Day care as accessory to a dwelling.
A.
See Articles 1303 and 1304 under accessory uses and the definitions in §
1315.02 concerning the number of children who can be cared for in different zoning districts in a family day-care home or a group day-care home.
B.
The care of four or more children (other than children or grandchildren
of the on-site caregiver) shall only be allowed where specifically
permitted under Articles 1303 and 1304 in the applicable zoning district.
C.
The dwelling shall retain a residential appearance.
D.
The use shall be actively operated by a permanent resident of
the dwelling.
E.
If four to 12 children are cared for who are not children or
grandchildren of the on-site caregiver, then a minimum of 300 square
feet of exterior play area shall be available, surrounded by a four
feet minimum height secure fence. Seven to 12 children shall not be
cared for in a dwelling unit that is attached to another dwelling
unit, and provided that number of children are allowed in the zoning
district.
F.
See also "day-care center" as a principal use in this section.
Day care is also an allowed accessory use for a place of worship.
G.
The use shall comply with any applicable state and federal regulations,
including having an appropriate State Department of Human Services
registration certificate or license, if required by such agency.
H.
Steps shall be properly secured to limit access by small children.
The applicant shall describe any basement steps, and whether they
will be locked to prevent access by children. At least one fire extinguisher
shall be provided, as well as at least one emergency indoor lighting
device, a working carbon monoxide detector, and smoke detectors.
I.
The applicant shall describe in writing any provisions that
will be made for the safe loading and unloading of children from vehicles.
(4)
Drive-through facilities.
A.
The proposed traffic flow and ingress-egress shall not cause
traffic hazards on adjacent streets.
B.
On-lot traffic circulation and parking areas shall be clearly
marked.
C.
A drive-through use shall be designed with space for an adequate
number of waiting vehicles while avoiding conflicts with traffic onto,
around and off of the site. Any drive-through facilities shall be
designed to minimize conflicts with pedestrian traffic.
D.
To the maximum extent feasible, a drive-through window shall
not be placed on the front facade of a building.
E.
The design of the drive-through facilities shall be subject
to review by City officials.
F.
An area used for outdoor ordering by customers shall be set
back a minimum of 100 feet from a dwelling on another lot. The use
shall include use of acoustic barriers or controls on the volume of
loudspeakers so that the loudspeaker cannot be heard from a dwelling.
G.
To the maximum extent feasible, access to a drive-through shall
use a rear alley or side street, unless such access would be adjacent
to dwellings.
(5)
Fences and walls.
A.
Fences and walls are permitted by right in all Districts. Any
fence or wall shall be durably constructed and well-maintained. Fences
that have deteriorated shall be replaced or removed. A fence shall
not be required to comply with minimum setbacks for accessory structures.
B.
No fence, wall or hedge shall obstruct the sight distance as required by Section
1313.03. (Note - The sight distance provisions typically regulate features over three feet in height.) A fence that is 75% transparent may be placed in a sight distance triangle if it is four feet or less in height.
C.
Fences.
1.
Front yard. Any fence located in the required minimum front
yard of a lot in a residential district shall not exceed four feet
in height.
(A) The required minimum front yard shall mean the
portion of the front yard that is within the minimum setback. For
example, if a building is set back 40 feet from the street right-of-way,
but the minimum setback is 25 feet, then these front yard restrictions
shall only apply to the first 25 feet.
(B) If a building has an existing front yard setback
that is smaller than the minimum setback, then these front yard restrictions
shall only apply to the existing front yard setback.
(C) Fences in the front yard of a dwelling shall be
an open-type of fence (such as picket, wrought iron, vinyl post, or
split rail) with a minimum ratio of 1:1 of open to structural areas.
Mostly transparent wire mesh may be placed on the inside of such a
front yard fence.
(D) A fence or detached wall that is not in a residential
district and that is within 15 feet from the right-of-way of a public
street or a dwelling shall have a maximum height of eight feet, except
that a taller height shall be allowed by special exception where the
applicant proves to the Zoning Hearing Board that a taller height
is necessary.
2.
On a corner lot, in a residential district, a fence or wall
shall meet the same height requirements along both streets as would
apply within a minimum front yard. However, a fence that only extends
behind the rear of a dwelling or other principal building may have
a maximum height of six feet along one of the streets, other than
the street that is along the front of the dwelling.
3.
Height. A fence located in a residential district in a location
other than a required front yard shall have a maximum height of six
feet.
4.
A taller fence height may be approved where the applicant proves
to the Zoning Officer that such taller height is necessary to protect
public safety around a specific hazard (such as an electric substation
or to prevent baseballs from entering into a street).
5.
Setbacks. No fence shall be built within an existing street right-of-way. A fence maybe constructed up to a lot line, except as follows: a) a fence may be constructed on the lot line with mutual consent of the adjacent property owner, and b) a fence shall be located on the inside of any buffer plantings required by §
1313.03.
6.
Fence materials. Electrically charged aboveground fences shall
only be used to contain farm animals and shall be of such low intensity
that they will not permanently injure humans. Underground fences to
contain animals are not regulated by this title. No fence or wall
shall be constructed out of fabric, junk, junk vehicles, appliances,
drums or barrels. If a fence has a more finished side, the more finished
side should face towards the neighboring properties or street. Fence
supports should be placed on the inside of a fence.
D.
Walls.
1.
Engineered retaining walls necessary to hold back slopes are
exempted from setback regulations and the regulations of this section,
and are permitted by right as needed in all districts. However, if
a retaining wall is over eight feet in height as viewed from a dwelling,
it shall be set back a distance equal to its maximum height from a
lot line of an existing dwelling.
2.
Other than a necessary retaining wall, no wall of greater than three feet height shall be located in the minimum front yard in a residential district, except as a backing for a permitted sign as permitted in §
1312.04.
3.
A wall in a residential district shall have a maximum height
of three feet if it is within the minimum side or rear accessory structure
setback.
E.
All fences and walls (including retaining walls) over three
feet in height shall need a zoning permit, regardless of whether a
construction permit is also needed.
F.
Any combination of a fence and a wall shall meet the maximum
height requirements.
(6)
Food trucks. (This term includes food trailers.)
A.
If a food truck is parked on a private property for more than
15 minutes per day (other than routine temporary operations at a construction
site), it shall only be permitted where allowed by Article 1304 and
shall meet all of the following requirements:
1.
It shall be set back a minimum of 30 feet away from a dwelling
on another lot and shall not obstruct safe sight distances at intersections
and driveways;
2.
It shall meet all requirements for signs that would apply to
a building;
3.
It shall not be open to customers between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00
a.m.;
4.
It shall not be located within a public right-of-way;
5.
It shall provide a regularly emptied sanitary outdoor waste
container and litter shall be regularly collected;
6.
It shall meet all health regulations; and
7.
It shall only operate with written permission of the property
owner.
B.
A food truck shall not occupy a public on-street or City-owned
off-street parking space for more than 15 minutes per day while serving
food or beverages.
C.
The City may authorize written temporary exceptions to these
provisions during a special event, parade or festival.
D.
This section shall not regulate sales that may be allowed within
a City park (such as during a festival). See Article 709 of the City's
Code.
E.
A maximum of one food truck shall be allowed per lot, except
as authorized by Subsection C above.
F.
The food truck shall display a current state vehicle license
and safety inspection sticker and have current vehicle registration.
G.
See also provisions for "sidewalk cafes and food carts" in this
section.
H.
Electric generators that generate noise heard inside a building
and tanks of explosive substances shall not be placed within 100 feet
of a dwelling.
I.
In addition, a food truck shall be allowed as an accessory to
a lawful restaurant that operates within a building on the same lot
in any district.
(7)
Furnace, outdoor (such as wood-burning boilers and other building
heating devices that are exterior to a principal building).
A.
The following setbacks shall apply from a lot that is not in
common ownership with the lot occupied by the outdoor furnace:
1.
An outdoor furnace shall be set back a minimum of 150 feet from
any existing occupied building on another lot.
2.
The outdoor furnace shall be set back a minimum of 50 feet from
any other lot line.
B.
The applicant shall show compliance with PA DEP regulations.
C.
The furnace shall not be used to burn rubber, plastics, hazardous
materials, putrescent garbage, paint products, manure, asphalt products
or painted wood.
(8)
Garage sale (includes yard sale, moving sale and porch sale).
B.
A garage sale in a residential district is limited to a total
of three sales per calendar year per dwelling unit, with each sale
limited to a maximum of three days.
C.
Garage sales shall not routinely involve the sale of new unused
merchandise.
D.
After a garage sale is complete, all items must be immediately
removed from the yard.
(9)
Heliport. See under principal uses in the previous subsection.
(10)
Home occupations.
A.
Note. There are two types of home occupations: low-impact home
occupations (which are typically permitted by right), and other types
of home occupations that are named "general home occupations" and
need special exception approval in most districts.
B.
All home occupations shall meet the following requirements:
1.
The use shall only be conducted by one or more permanent residents
of the dwelling, except it may also involve a maximum of one employee
who does not reside in the dwelling. However, if a lot includes three
or more multifamily dwellings, then no person shall work in a home
occupation who does not reside on the lot. If a lot includes three
or more multifamily dwellings, then only low-impact home occupations
shall be allowed on the lot.
2.
The use shall be conducted indoors, in a principal and/or accessory
building. No outdoor storage or display related to the home occupation
shall be permitted. No changes shall occur to the exterior of a building
that would reduce its residential appearance as viewed from a street.
3.
The use shall occupy an area that is not greater than 25% of
the total floor area of the principal dwelling unit. The use shall
clearly be secondary to the residential use.
4.
A home occupation shall be required to provide off-street for
the dwelling unit (unless a lack of parking is lawfully nonconforming),
plus one space if there will be business traffic to the lot. For a
general home occupation, the Zoning Hearing Board shall require additional
off-street parking if the Board determines it is necessary for customer
parking.
5.
The use shall not routinely require delivery by tractor-trailer
trucks.
6.
The regulations of §
1306.03(d)(15) below regarding parking of trucks shall apply to a home occupation. No excavating equipment shall be parked overnight on a residential lot or an adjacent street as part of a home occupation.
7.
No equipment or machinery shall be permitted that produces noise,
noxious odor, vibration, glare, electrical or electronic interference
detectable on another property. The use shall not involve the storage
or use of hazardous, flammable or explosive substances, other than
types and amounts typically found on a residential property. The use
shall not involve the storage or use of toxic or highly hazardous
substances.
8.
A home occupation shall not be conducted in a manner that is
perceptible to other residents between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and
7:30 a.m.
9.
Any tutoring or instruction shall be limited to a maximum of
three students at a time.
10. A barbershop or beauty shop shall not include any
nonresident employees.
11. The office of a medical doctor, chiropractor or
dentist shall not be permitted as a home occupation.
12. A home occupation may include a single two square foot nonilluminated sign, as permitted in §
1312.03.
13. The Zoning Hearing Board shall deny a general home
occupation application, or limit its intensity through conditions,
if the Board determines the use would be too intense for the proposed
location. In making such determination, the Board shall review the
likely amounts of traffic, the types of deliveries needed, the types
of operations involved and related nuisances, the amount of off-street
and on-street parking that is available, the density of the neighborhood,
whether the use would be adjacent to another dwelling, and setbacks
from other dwellings.
14. The use shall not involve manufacturing, other
than of custom crafts and sewing. The use shall not involve commercial
repair of motor vehicles. See additional restrictions in Subsection
(d)(11) and (15).
15. The use may include sales using telephone, mail
order or electronic methods. On-site retail sales shall be prohibited,
except for sales of hair care products as accessory to a barbershop/beauty
shop.
16. If more than one home occupation is accessory to
a dwelling, the total aggregate impact of the home occupations shall
be considered in determining compliance with this title.
17. A zoning permit shall be required for a general
home occupation. A tenant shall need written permission of the property
owner to submit a general home occupation application.
18. A building that is accessory to a dwelling shall
not be used for home occupation activities that will generate noise,
hazards or other nuisances for residential neighbors, but may be used
as an office or accessory storage.
C.
In addition to the requirements in Subsection (d)(10)B above,
the following additional requirements shall apply to a low-impact
home occupation:
1.
The use shall not routinely involve routine daily visits to
the home occupation by customers.
2.
The use shall meet the definition of "home occupation, low-impact" in §
1315.02.
3.
A zoning permit shall not be required for a low-impact home
occupation.
(11)
Motor vehicle storage as an accessory use. The following regulations
shall apply to any use that is not a lawful junkyard, auto sales use,
auto service station, or a auto repair garage.
A.
Any motor vehicle kept on a lot shall display a valid state
license plate and a current state inspection sticker, unless it is
stored within an enclosed building.
B.
See also the requirements in the Property Maintenance Code.
(12)
Outdoor storage and display. Commercial or industrial as a principal
or accessory use.
A.
Location. Outdoor storage or display shall not occupy any part
of any of the following: the existing or future street right-of-way,
sidewalk or other area intended or designed for pedestrian use or
required parking area.
B.
No such storage or display shall occur on areas with a slope
in excess of 25% or within the 100-year floodplain, except that preexisting
parking areas can continue to be used for parking of operable motor
vehicles.
D.
Outdoor storage of 50 or more used tires.
1.
This storage shall only be allowed as part of a City-approved
junkyard or tire store.
2.
Where allowed, any storage of used tires shall involve stacks
with a maximum height of 15 feet, and that cover a maximum of 400
square feet. Each stack shall be separated from other stacks from
all lot lines by a minimum of 75 feet. If the same set of tires is
stored on a lot for more than six months, they shall be stored within
a building or trailer.
3.
The operator of a lot involving tire storage shall prove that
the tires are stored in a manner that minimizes public health hazards
from the breeding of vectors in accumulated water and/or that the
site is regularly sprayed to minimize vectors.
(13)
Pets, keeping of.
A.
This is a permitted by right accessory use in all districts.
B.
No use shall involve the keeping of animals or fowl in such
a manner or of such types of animals that it creates a serious nuisance
(including noise or odor), a health hazard or a public safety hazard.
The owner of the animals shall be responsible for collecting and properly
disposing of all fecal matter from pets. No dangerous animals shall
be kept outdoors in a residential district, except within a secure,
completely enclosed cage or fenced area of sufficient height and on
a chain. Animals shall be kept on the property of the owner, except
when they are on a leash.
C.
A maximum combined total of five dogs and cats shall be permitted
to be kept by residents of each dwelling unit on their residential
premises.
1.
Such limits shall only apply to dogs or cats over six months
in age, and shall not apply to bona fide working service dogs.
2.
Any greater number of dogs and/or cats shall need approval as
a kennel.
D.
Pigeons, chickens, ducks, geese and/or similar fowl shall only
be kept on a lot of larger than one acre. A maximum of six of such
fowl may be kept as an accessory use, unless the lot area is more
than three acres. If the total weight of such fowl exceeds 500 pounds,
then the requirements shall be met for raising of livestock or poultry.
Roosters shall not be kept. Such animals shall only be allowed in
a fenced-in area with proper odor control.
E.
Any animal barn, manure storage areas or stable shall be a minimum
of 100 feet from any residential lot line.
F.
See the definition of "pets" in §
1315.02. Only those pets that are domesticated and are compatible with a residential character shall be permitted as keeping of pets. Examples of permitted pets include dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, gerbils and lizards.
1.
The following animals shall not be allowed to be kept within
the City: bears, wolves, wolf-dog hybrids, venomous snakes that could
be toxic to humans, or constrictor snakes that could be dangerous
to humans. The keeping of any exotic wildlife shall also comply with
the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code regulations.
2.
See the City's separate Exotic Animal Ordinance.
G.
The keeping of horses, cows, sheep, goats, hogs, pigs, and similarly
sized animals shall require a minimum lot area of three acres. A minimum
of one acre of vegetated area shall be provided on average for each
such animal.
H.
The restrictions in this subsection shall not apply to a bona
fide temporary animal exhibition in a commercial or industrial district,
or a temporary petting zoo as part of a special event.
(14)
Recreational vehicle parking. See under residential accessory
structure or use in this section.
(15)
Residential accessory structure or use. (See definition in §
1315.02.)
A.
Accessory structures and uses (other than fences) shall not be located within the required accessory use setback as stated in §
1305.03, unless specifically exempted by this title. Accessory structures shall not be located within a front yard, nor within any yard required to be equal in width to a front yard along a street on a corner lot. See accessory setback regulations in §
1305.03.
C.
Parking of commercial trucks and buses. The overnight outdoor
parking of commercial trucks, commercial buses or excavating equipment
or the trailer from a tractor-trailer combination on a principal residential
lot in a residential district is prohibited, except that the parking
of a maximum of one vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of up to 13,000
pounds shall be allowed if such vehicle(s) is used by residents of
the dwelling to travel to and from work. The parking for more than
one hour per day of trucks carrying gasoline or similar hazardous
or explosive materials or that are used to carry putrescent garbage
is prohibited in a residential district.
D.
Repairs. Repairs of a truck with an aggregate gross vehicle
weight of over 13,000 pounds shall not occur on a residential lot.
Repairs of motor vehicles that are not owned or leased by a resident
of the lot shall not occur on a residential lot. Note: relative is
defined to not include cousins. Work on motor vehicles on a residential
lot shall not be conducted as a commercial business. Work on motor
vehicles on a residential lot shall not include the replacement of
an engine or transmission, body work, frame work, or spray painting.
Repairs on motor vehicles on a residential lot shall primarily occur
within a building, except for occasional outside work of a type that
does not result in noise nuisances or pollution hazards.
F.
Recreational vehicles and boats. See §
1313.01(d) concerning recreational vehicle occupancy. Vehicles and boats shall be maintained to prevent the leakage of fuels and mechanical fluids onto the ground. A recreational vehicle shall not be used as a residence for more than five days in any calendar year. A recreational vehicle or boat that has a total length of more than 24 feet shall not be parked on a residential lot, except during a maximum of two days in any seven-day period, unless it is stored within an enclosed building.
G.
A maximum of one motor vehicle or boat shall be displayed or
offered for sale on a residential lot in a residential district.
H.
See also motor vehicle storage in Subsection (d)(11) above.
I.
A truck or trailer used for the hauling or storage of putrescent
waste shall not be parked on a residential lot.
(16)
Short-term rental of a dwelling.
A.
This provision shall apply to a reoccurring rental of a dwelling
unit to different persons for periods of time of less than 30 days.
B.
A permanent resident shall be considered a person who has their
place of residence listed at the subject address on a driver's
license or similar government identification card. A permanent resident
of a dwelling unit may rent portions of the dwelling unit for any
period of time, provided that the dwelling unit does not exceed the
maximum number of unrelated persons in the definition of "family,"
and provided that the permanent resident is currently living in the
dwelling and is overseeing the rental.
C.
The entire dwelling unit may only be rented for periods of time
of less than 30 days, while the permanent resident is not living in
the dwelling, if the total time period of all such rentals does not
exceed 30 days per calendar year.
D.
The following are examples of how this subsection is intended
to work: 1) A permanent resident may rent a portion of a dwelling
to two persons for any period of time; 2) While a permanent resident
is away on vacation, the dwelling unit may be rented for 15 days once
a year and then a maximum of another 15 days during the same year;
3) A permanent resident may rent out a bedroom to two visitors to
the area every weekend, provided the permanent resident is still living
in the dwelling; and 4) an entire dwelling unit may be rented on a
monthly basis. The following is an example of what is not allowed:
A homeowner shall not rent out the home for seven days at a time during
five different weeks in a year, while the dwelling is not occupied
by a permanent resident who is responsible for overseeing the rental.
E.
See the City's Residential Rental Licensing Ordinance,
which may require registration and certain safety improvements.
(17)
Sidewalk cafe or sidewalk food cart. Where a lawful permanent
commercial business is actively in operation in a commercial zoning
district, and a restaurant is allowed in the zoning district, a portion
of the sidewalk within the public right-of-way immediately in front
of that business may be used for a portable food cart and/or movable
customer seating and tables for the consumption of food or beverages,
provided that all of the following additional conditions are met:
A.
The cafe or food cart is required to have the same owner or
operator as the adjacent indoor business. Indoor restrooms shall be
available for customers of the sidewalk business.
B.
A continuous five feet minimum unobstructed hard-surface sidewalk
width shall be maintained that is accessible by wheelchairs. Such
access shall also be provided to all ADA ramps and street intersections.
C.
A sanitary outdoor trash receptacle shall be provided for customers,
which shall be regularly emptied with proper disposal. Litter shall
be regularly collected.
D.
The outdoor use shall not operate between 12:00 midnight and
6:00 a.m., except it shall not operate after 10:00 p.m. if it is within
250 feet of a dwelling on another lot.
E.
Any umbrellas or canopies shall maintain an eight feet high
minimum vertical clearance over a public sidewalk. The space within
the right-of-way shall not be enclosed by walls or solid materials,
except that the City may approve decorative planters.
F.
The applicant shall be required to provide a valid insurance
certificate to the City that holds the City harmless resulting from
any claim involving the use of the right-of-way, and that names the
City as an additional insured. Such certificate shall be regularly
updated and presented to the Zoning Officer to prove that it remains
valid during the life of the use. Such certificate shall be in a form
that is acceptable to the City and shall provide a minimum of $100,000
of insurance coverage, which shall be increased to $500,000 if alcohol
is consumed within the public right-of-way, and which shall address
general and liquor liability.
G.
The cart and all of the sidewalk cafe features shall be required
to be completely removed from the public right-of-way within 24 hours
if the applicant is provided a written notice of violation of a City
ordinance (such as failure to meet the insurance requirements) or
if the cafe, food cart or the adjacent business is no longer in active
use.
H.
This subsection shall not limit a lawful restaurant from using
part of the same or an adjacent privately owned lot for accessory
outdoor seating.
I.
See also "food trucks" in the subsection above.
J.
The City may authorize written temporary exceptions to these
provisions during a City-authorized special event, parade or festival.
K.
If alcohol sales occur, the applicant shall prove to the Zoning
Officer that there is a valid liquor license which allows such sales
where they are proposed to occur.
L.
Electric generators that generate noise heard inside a building
and tanks of explosive substances shall not be placed within 100 feet
of a dwelling.
M.
Permitted outdoor eating and drinking areas that are not within
the public right-of-way shall not be required to meet this Subsection
(d)(17).
N.
The City may require the use of posts or a similar barrier to
delineate the area allowed to be used for a sidewalk cafe.
(18)
Swimming pool, household (referred hereafter as "pool").
A.
All pools shall be fenced in compliance with the standards in
the construction code. The construction code requirements for a fence
or other approved barrier around the pool shall apply for both existing
and new pools. (Note: As of 2018, the construction code applies to
pools with a capacity of 24 inches or more of water.)
B.
The water surface and any raised decking of a swimming pool
shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from side and rear lot lines
of an existing dwelling, if the pool is capable of holding 24 or more
inches of water. A three-foot setback shall apply from nonresidential
lot lines or an alley. No side or rear setback shall apply for a pool
with a capacity of less than 24 inches of water. A pool shall not
be located in a front yard.
C.
Drainage. A proper method shall be provided for drainage of
the water from the pool that will not flood other property and will
not harm vegetation on other properties. Chlorinated water shall be
allowed to sit without any additional chlorination for sufficient
time to allow the water to become de-chlorinated to a level that will
not cause water pollution, before the pool is emptied. See also the
requirements of the City's MS4 regulations regarding water quality.
D.
A pool shall not be placed over a utility easement, unless the
pool is portable.
(20)
Unit for care of relative.
A.
The use shall meet the definition in §
1315.02.
B.
The accessory unit shall be occupied by a maximum of two persons,
who shall be relatives of the permanent residents of the principal
dwelling unit. At least one resident of the accessory unit shall need
such accommodations because of an illness, old age or disability.
C.
The applicant shall prove to the Zoning Officer that the accessory
unit has been designed and constructed so that it can be easily reconverted
into part of the principal dwelling unit or is a modular cottage that
will be completely removed from the lot after the relative no longer
resides within the unit. Such accessory unit may be converted into
an additional bedroom(s), permitted home occupation area or similar
use. A lawful detached garage may be converted into a unit for care
of relative, and then be reconverted to a garage or permitted home
occupation area or otherwise function as part of the principal dwelling
unit.
D.
The applicant shall establish a legally binding mechanism in
a form acceptable to the City that will prohibit the use of the accessory
unit as a separate dwelling unit after the relative no longer resides
within the unit. Such mechanism shall also be binding upon future
owners.
E.
At any time, the Zoning Officer may require that the owner of
the property provide evidence that a relative of the occupants of
the principal dwelling unit continues to reside within the accessory
unit and is in need of such arrangement.
F.
Such accessory unit shall not decrease the one-family residential
appearance of a one-family dwelling, as viewed from exterior property
lines. The accessory unit shall be attached to the principal dwelling
unit, except a detached modular unit may be allowed if it was designed
for that purpose. If a detached modular dwelling is placed on the
property, it shall be completely removed within 90 days after the
relative no longer lives within it. A detached dwelling shall only
be placed on the lot if it will meet minimum side yard requirements
and be placed in the rear yard, with a 20 feet minimum rear yard setback
and has a maximum building floor area of 800 square feet.
G.
Additional parking for the accessory unit is not required if
the applicant proves that the resident(s) of the accessory unit will
not routinely operate a vehicle.
H.
A minimum floor area shall not apply to the unit for care of
relative.
(21)
Wind turbines, one per lot as accessory use.
A.
All wind turbines shall be set back from the lot line a minimum
distance equal to the total maximum height to the top of the extended
blade, unless a written waiver is provided by the owner of such adjacent
lot. All wind turbine setbacks shall be measured from the center of
the base of the turbine.
B.
The audible sound from the wind turbine shall not exceed 45
A-weighted decibels, as measured at the exterior of a occupied principal
building on another lot, unless a written waiver is provided by the
owner of such building.
C.
The owner of the facility shall completely remove all above
ground structures within 12 months after the windmill is no longer
used to generate electricity.
D.
A wind turbine shall not be climbable for at least the first
12 feet above the ground level, unless it is surrounded by a fence
with a minimum height of six feet.
E.
All wind turbines shall be set back from the nearest public
street right-of-way a minimum distance equal to the total maximum
height to the top of the extended blade.
F.
The turbine shall include automatic devices to address high
speed winds, such as mechanical brakes and overspeed controls.
G.
In a district other than the LIC or GIC District, the maximum total height above the ground level to the tip of the extended blade shall be 75 feet. In the LIC or GIC District, the maximum height for a wind turbine approved under this section shall be 125 feet. See wind turbines in §
1306.02 and Articles 1303 and 1304 for taller turbines.
H.
New electrical wiring to the wind turbine shall be placed underground,
to the maximum extent feasible.