Unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions shall be used in the interpretation of this chapter. In addition, the word "lot" includes the words "plot" and "parcel;" words in the present tense shall include the future; the singular shall include the plural and the plural the singular; the male gender shall include the female; the word "person" shall include a partnership or corporation, as well as an individual; and the term "shall" is mandatory, the word "may" permissive.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABUT
To physically touch or border upon; to share a common property line or to be contiguous. The term "abut" implies a closer proximity than the term "adjacent."
ACCESS DRIVE
A means, other than a street, which provides vehicular access from a street to a lot or property, i.e., a driveway or private right-of-way.
ACRE
A measure of land area containing 43,560 square feet.
AGENT
Any person, other than the landowner, who acting for the landowner submits subdivision or land development plans to Mahoning Township for the purpose of obtaining approval thereof. (See also "developer.")
AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES
The use of land for the purpose of producing agricultural commodities, which shall include but not be limited to: growing grains, fruits, vegetables, nursery plants, Christmas trees or timber; raising poultry or livestock; or producing agricultural commodities through greenhouse production. In some instances the use of land for agricultural purposes may involve the construction of barns, silos, feedlots and/or farm-related accessory buildings.
AGRICULTURE
The use of land for agricultural purposes, including crop farming, dairying, pasturage, apiculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, aquaculture, forestry, and animal and poultry husbandry, and the accessory uses for packing, treating and storage of produce; provided, however, that the operation of any such accessory use shall be secondary to that of the normal agricultural activities.
APPLICANT
A landowner, subdivider or developer, as hereinafter defined, who has filed an application for subdivision or land development, including his heirs, successors and assigns.
APPLICATION
The application form and all accompanying documentation required of an applicant by the requirements of this chapter for review and approval of a subdivision or land development proposal, whether preliminary or final in nature.
AREA
The surface included within a set of lines.
A. 
AREA, LOTThe area contained within the property lines of individual parcels of land shown on a subdivision or land development plan, excluding any area within a street right-of-way, but including the area of any easement.
B. 
AREA, SITEThe total area of a proposed subdivision or land development, regardless of interior lot lines or proposed lots, streets or easements.
BERM
See "shoulder."
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Best management practices (BMPs) shall be defined as the best accepted technologies available to manage stormwater runoff, including traditional and nontraditional approaches.
BLOCK
A unit of land bounded by streets or a combination of streets and public land, rights-of-way, waterways or other barrier to the continuity of development, which area is normally somewhat square or rectangular in shape.
BUFFER YARD
Land area, either landscaped or planted, used to visibly separate one use from another or to shield or block noise, light or other potential nuisance.
BUILDING
A structure or part thereof having walls and a roof, which is used or intended to be used for the housing or enclosure of persons, animals or property. Included shall be all mobile or manufactured homes and trailers to be used for human habitation.
A. 
BUILDING, ACCESSORYA detached subordinate building located on the same lot as the principal building, serving a purpose customarily incidental to the use of the principal building.
B. 
BUILDING, PRINCIPALThe main structure on a given lot in which the primary use of the site is conducted.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE
The line established by the required minimum front yard setback from the street right-of-way or front lot line to any buildings or structures. The building setback line shall be the point at which minimum lot width shall be measured.
CAMPGROUND
A tract or tracts of land, or any portion thereof, used or intended to be used for the purpose of providing two or more spaces for recreational vehicles or tents for camping purposes, regardless of whether a fee is charged for the leasing, renting or occupancy of such space. The term "campground" shall also include recreational vehicle parks.
CARTWAY
The surface of a street or alley available for vehicular traffic, including travelled lanes and on-street parking spaces, but excluding shoulders, curbs, sidewalks or drainage swales.
CENTER LINE
A line located exactly in the center of the width of the cartway, right-of-way, easement, access, road or street.
CHAIRMAN
The Chairman of the Mahoning Township Supervisors or Township Planning Commission, as indicated.
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLE
An area of unobstructed vision at street or driveway intersections defined by lines of sight between points at a given distance from the intersection of the street center lines.
COMMISSION or PLANNING COMMISSION
The Mahoning Township Planning Commission, unless specified otherwise.
CONDOMINIUM
1) A building, or group of buildings, in which units are owned individually, and the structure, common areas and facilities are owned by all the owners on a proportional, undivided basis; or 2) A form of property ownership providing for individual ownership of a specific dwelling unit(s), together with an undivided, proportional interest in the land or other parts of the structure in common with other owners.
CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Montour County Conservation District.
CONTOUR
A line that connects the points on a land surface that have the same elevation.
COUNTY
Montour County, Pennsylvania, unless specified otherwise.
CUL-DE-SAC
See "street, cul-de-sac."
CURB
A barrier, either concrete or bituminous, marking the edge of a roadway or paved area of the cartway.
CUT
An excavation or material removed in excavation; also, the difference between a point on the original ground and a designated point of lower elevation on the final grade.
DEDICATION
The deliberate appropriation or donation of land or property by its owner for any general and public uses, reserving to himself no other rights than are compatible with the full exercise and enjoyment of the public uses to which the property has been designated. Acceptance of any such dedication by the Township is at the complete discretion of the Township Supervisors.
DEED
A legal document conveying ownership of real property.
DEED RESTRICTION
A restriction on the use of land set forth in the deed or instrument of conveyance. Said restriction usually runs with the title of the land and is binding upon subsequent owners of the property. It shall not be the responsibility of Mahoning Township to enforce deed restrictions, unless the restriction(s) resulted as a condition or stipulation of subdivision or land development approval.
DENSITY
The number of families, individuals, dwelling units or housing structures permitted to be constructed or situated on a specific unit of land.
DEP
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
DETENTION BASIN
A basin or pond designed to retard stormwater runoff by temporarily storing the runoff and releasing it at a predetermined rate.
DEVELOPER
Any landowner, agent of such landowner, or tenant with the permission of such landowner, who makes or causes to be made a subdivision of land or a land development. (See also "agent" and "subdivider.")
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to the construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, expansion or alteration of buildings or other structures; the placement of mobile homes or manufactured housing; streets or other paving; utilities; filling, grading and excavation; mining; dredging; drilling operations; storage of equipment or materials; and the subdivision of land. (See also "land development.")
DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY
Any activity that could affect earth resources, including the creation of impervious surfaces, earth disturbances (grading, filling, etc.) or timber harvesting.
DRAINAGE
1) Surface water runoff; or 2) The removal of surface water or groundwater from lands by drains, grading or other means which include runoff controls designed to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after construction or development, preserve the water supply, or prevent or alleviate flooding.
DRAINAGE AREA
The entire region or area in which all of the surface and/or subsurface runoff concentrates at a selected point or into a particular stream. (See also "watershed area.")
DRAINAGE EASEMENT
An easement required for the installation of stormwater management facilities or drainage swales, and/or required for the preservation or management of a natural stream or watercourse or other drainage facility.
DRAINAGE FACILITY
Any ditch, gutter, swale, pipe, culvert, storm sewer or other structure or facility designed, intended or constructed for the purpose of diverting surface waters from or carrying surface waters off streets, public rights-of-way, parks, recreation areas or any part of any subdivision or land development. (See also "stormwater management facility.")
DRAINAGEWAY
Any natural or artificial watercourse, trench, ditch, swale or similar depression into which surface water flows.
DRIVEWAY
A minor vehicular accessway providing access between a public or private street and a parking area or garage within the lot or property.
DROPPED CURB
A section of curbing which is lowered to the street pavement level to permit access into a property or properties for vehicles or handicapped persons.
DWELLING
A building, structure or other shelter designed for or occupied exclusively as the residence or sleeping place of one or more persons.
A. 
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHEDA single dwelling unit from ground to roof with independent outside access and a portion of one or two walls in common with an adjoining dwelling unit(s), i.e., a townhouse unit. For the purposes of this chapter, a single-family attached dwelling structure shall contain a minimum of three dwelling units.
B. 
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHEDA dwelling structure containing one dwelling unit from ground to roof, having independent outside access and open space on all sides, including a mobile home as defined herein. (See also "mobile home.")
C. 
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILYA dwelling structure containing two independent dwelling units which are entirely separated by vertical walls or horizontal floors, unpierced except for access to the outside or a common basement or cellar, i.e., a duplex.
D. 
DWELLING, MULTIFAMILYA dwelling structure containing three or more dwelling units, with or without independent outside access, excluding single-family attached dwelling structures as defined above, i.e., an apartment building. For the purposes of this chapter, the placement of more than one multifamily dwelling structure or more than one single-family attached dwelling structure, or a combination thereof, on a single tract of ground shall be considered to be a "multifamily housing development."
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms in a dwelling structure designed for use by one or more individuals living together as a single housekeeping unit, with cooking, living, sanitary and sleeping facilities. Recreational vehicles and facilities for transient lodging shall not be considered as dwelling units for the purpose of this chapter.
EASEMENT
A defined right of use or privilege granted for a limited use of land for a public or quasi-public purpose.
ELEVATION
1) A vertical distance above or below a fixed reference level; or 2) a flat scale drawing of the front, rear or side of a building.
ENGINEER
1) A professional engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; or 2) the professional engineer duly appointed as the Engineer for Mahoning Township as determined appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
EROSION
The removal of surface materials by the action of natural elements.
EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL
Temporary and permanent actions or measures taken to reduce erosion and sedimentation and to control stormwater runoff during and after development activities, generally carried out as part of a plan developed prior to the initiation of the earthmoving activity. (See also "erosion and sedimentation control plan.")
EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL PLAN
A plan that indicates necessary land treatment measures, including a schedule for installation, which will effectively minimize soil erosion and sedimentation.
ESCROW ACCOUNT
A financial account established by Mahoning Township intended to hold those funds deposited by a developer to cover the costs of review of his improvement designs and the inspection of his improvement installations.
ESCROW AGREEMENT
A written agreement executed by the developer and the Mahoning Township Supervisors guaranteeing that the developer will reimburse the Township for all costs associated with the review of his proposed improvement designs and the inspection of his improvement installation(s), including an initial deposit in an amount and form acceptable to the Township.
EXCAVATION
Removal or recovery by any means whatsoever of soil, rock, minerals, mineral substances or organic substances other than vegetation from water or land on or beneath the surface thereof, or beneath the land surface, whether exposed or submerged.
FARM
An area of land containing 10 or more acres which is used for agricultural purposes or activities.
FARM BUILDING
A detached accessory structure, whether fully or partially enclosed, intended to provide housing, shelter, enclosure or support for animals, farm equipment, farm supplies or produce, grain, feed, etc. Such building shall be incidental and accessory to the type of farming activities conducted upon the property containing the building or on other properties owned or leased by the same farmer and shall not be used for residential purposes.
FILL
1) Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or other material is placed, pushed, dumped, pulled, transported or moved to a new location above the natural surface of the ground or on top of the stripped surface and shall include the conditions resulting therefrom; 2) the difference in elevation between a point on the original ground and a designated point of higher elevation on the final grade; or 3) the material used to make a fill.
FINANCIAL SECURITY
A bond, certified check, irrevocable letter of credit, special savings or escrow account, or other form of monetary guarantee satisfactory to the Township which is intended to ensure that the developer installs all improvements required as a condition of final subdivision or land development plan approval or which is intended to guarantee the structural integrity of completed improvements. (See also "improvement guarantee.")
FLOOD
A temporary inundation of normally dry land areas.
A. 
FLOOD, ONE-HUNDRED-YEARA flood that, on the average, is likely to occur once every 100 years, i.e., that has a one-percent chance of occurring in any given year; for the purposes of this chapter, "the regulatory flood."
B. 
FLOOD, REGULATORYThe flood that has been selected to serve as the basis upon which the floodplain management provisions of this chapter have been based; the one-hundred-year flood.
FLOOD FRINGE
That portion of the one-hundred-year floodplain outside the floodway.
FLOODPLAIN
1) A relatively flat or low land area adjoining a stream, river or watercourse which is subject to partial or complete inundation; or 2) any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
FLOODPROOFING
Any combination of structural and nonstructural modifications or other changes or adjustments to buildings or their contents undertaken to reduce or eliminate flood damage.
FLOODWAY
The designated area of a floodplain required to carry and discharge the floodwaters of a one-hundred-year flood.
FULL-TIME RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY
The continuous use of a lot or parcel for residential purposes. In general, uninterrupted occupancy of a lot or parcel for a period of more than one-month at any given time during a year shall be considered continuous use of the lot or parcel. (See also "intermittent recreational use.")
GENERAL FLOODPLAIN
That portion of the floodplain area for which no specific flood profiles exist and which is designated as approximated one-hundred-year floodplain area on the Township's official floodplain maps.
GOVERNING BODY
The Board of Supervisors of Mahoning Township; the elected officials.
GRADE
The degree of rise or descent of a sloping surface.
A. 
GRADE, STREETThe elevation of the center line of an existing or proposed street; the percentage of slope.
B. 
GRADE, FINISHEDThe final elevation of the ground surface after development.
IDENTIFIED FLOODPLAIN AREA
Those floodplain areas specifically identified in the Mahoning Township Zoning Ordinance as being inundated by the one-hundred-year flood.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
1) Any surface which reduces or prevents absorption of stormwater into previously undeveloped land; or 2) the percentage of a lot that does not absorb precipitation. For the purposes of this chapter, all buildings, structures, parking areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks and any areas in concrete, asphalt or similar materials shall be considered impervious surfaces.
IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
A formal agreement executed by the developer and the Mahoning Township Supervisors guaranteeing that the developer will install all improvements required as a condition of final approval of his subdivision or land development plans and including financial security in an amount and form acceptable to the Township. (See § 211-37.)
IMPROVEMENT GUARANTEE
Financial security filed by a developer with the Mahoning Township Supervisors in an amount and form acceptable to the Township intended to guarantee the installation of any improvements required as a condition of final subdivision or land development plan approval. (See § 211-38.)
IMPROVEMENTS
Those physical additions, installations or changes made to the land which are necessary to produce usable and desirable lots, including but not limited to streets, curbs, sidewalks, streetlights, water mains, sewer lines, fire hydrants, drainage and/or stormwater management facilities, bridges and culverts.
INTERMITTENT RECREATIONAL USE
The use of a lot or parcel for other than full-time occupancy, for seasonal, leisure or other recreational purposes. (See also "full-time residential occupancy.")
LAND DEVELOPMENT
Any of the following activities:
A. 
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(1) 
A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings, whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or tenure; or
(2) 
The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective occupants by means of or for the purpose of streets, common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.
B. 
A subdivision of land; provided, however, that the following activities shall be exempted from the definition of land development:
(1) 
The conversion of an existing single-unit detached dwelling into not more than three residential units, unless such units are intended to be a condominium;
(2) 
The addition of an accessory building, including farm buildings, on a lot or lots subordinate to an existing principal residential building or agricultural use; and
(3) 
The addition or conversion of buildings or rides within the confines of an enterprise which would be considered an amusement park. For the purposes of this chapter, an amusement park is defined as a tract or area used principally as a location for permanent amusement structures or rides. This exclusion shall not apply to newly acquired acreage by an amusement park until initial plans for the expanded area have been approved by the proper authorities.
LAND DEVELOPMENT, COMMERCIAL
The subdivision or development of a tract of land into lots or spaces which are designed or intended for commercial purposes, including but not limited to restaurants, shopping centers, motels and other similar types of activities or services which generate revenue, whether or not for profit.
LAND DEVELOPMENT, INDUSTRIAL
The subdivision or development of a tract of land into lots or spaces which are designed or intended for industrial purposes, including but not limited to industrial parks, multitenant buildings, and other similar types of development.
LAND DEVELOPMENT, INSTITUTIONAL
The subdivision or development of a tract of land into lots or spaces which are designed or intended for institutional purposes, including but not limited to schools, hospitals, nursing or personal care homes, municipal buildings or other similar types of development.
LAND DEVELOPMENT, RECREATIONAL
The subdivision or development of a tract of land into lots or spaces which are designed or intended for intermittent recreational purposes, including but not limited to campgrounds, vacation home developments, private or public parks or playgrounds, or other similar types of development.
LAND DEVELOPMENT, RESIDENTIAL
The subdivision or development of a tract of land into lots or dwelling units which are designed or intended for full-time residential occupancy, including but not limited to cluster developments, single-family attached and other multifamily dwellings or housing developments or mobile home parks.
LANDOWNER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land including the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such option or contract is subject to any condition); a lessee if he is authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner; or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
LEASE
A contract or agreement by which one conveys real estate for a specific term for a specified rent.
LEVELING AREA
A safe stopping area at the intersection of streets or the intersection of a driveway and a street which is designed in accordance with the standards of this chapter.
LOADING BERTH
An off-street space, accessible from a street or alley, in a building or on a lot, designed or intended for the temporary parking of a vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials.
LOCATION MAP
A map, sketch or diagram included on a subdivision or land development plan showing the relation of the site to all road and highway systems and municipal boundaries in the area surrounding the proposed subdivision or development.
LOT
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.
A. 
LOT, ADD-ONA parcel of ground located immediately adjacent to other property owned by the intended grantee that is being added to the grantee's existing lot-of-record. Said lots shall not be subject to the minimum area or soils testing requirements of this chapter, provided that the grantee is willing to combine both parcels into one description in a new deed or indicate therein that both parcels are to be considered as one for subdivision purposes. [See § 211-25B(6).]
B. 
LOT, AREASee "area."
C. 
LOT, CORNERA lot with two adjacent sides abutting on public or private streets or upon two parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than 135°.
D. 
LOT, DEPTHThe average horizontal distance measured from the front lot line to the rear lot line.
E. 
LOT, DOUBLE FRONTAGEA lot which extends from one street along its front lot line to another street along its rear lot line, with frontage on both streets.
F. 
LOT, FRONTAGEThe length of the front lot line measured at the street right-of-way line.
G. 
LOT, INTERIORA lot other than a corner lot.
H. 
LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGEA double-frontage lot extending between and having frontage on an arterial or collector street and on a local street, with vehicular access restricted to the latter, usually due to topographic constraints or safety considerations.
I. 
LOT, WIDTHThe horizontal distance measured between the side lot lines at the required building setback line; in a case where there is only one side lot line, between such lot line and the opposite lot line.
LOT LINES
The property lines bounding the lot.
A. 
LOT LINE, FRONTThe line separating the lot from a street right-of-way; or where a lot has no road frontage, the line opposite the rear lot line.
B. 
LOT LINE, REARThe lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line.
C. 
LOT LINE, SIDEAny lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
LOT OF RECORD
Any lot which individually or as a part of a subdivision has been recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Montour County, Pennsylvania.
MARKER
An iron pipe or iron or steel bar set by a registered professional land surveyor to permanently mark the beginning and end of curves along property lines, angles in property lines and lot corners. (See also "monument.")
MEDIATION
A voluntary negotiating process in which parties in a dispute mutually select a neutral mediator to assist them in jointly exploring and settling their differences, culminating in a written agreement which the parties themselves create and consider acceptable.
MOBILE HOME
A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit, or in two or more units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations and is constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation. For floodplain management purposes, the term shall also include manufactured housing and park trailers, travel trailers, recreational vehicles and other similar units which are placed on a site for a period of time exceeding 180 consecutive days.
MOBILE HOME LOT
A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erection thereon of a single mobile home.
MOBILE HOME PAD OR STAND
The part of an individual mobile home lot which has been reserved for the placement of the mobile home, appurtenant structures and connections.
MOBILE HOME PARK
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land which has been so designated and improved that it contains two or more mobile home lots for the placement thereon of mobile homes. For floodplain management purposes, the term shall also include facilities for the placement of two or more manufactured homes or park trailers, travel trailers, recreational vehicles, or other similar units for a period of time exceeding 180 consecutive days. (See Article VIII of this chapter for specific mobile home park regulations.)
MODIFICATION
See "waiver."
MONUMENT
A reinforced concrete or stone marking, or a concrete-filled cast iron pipe, set by a registered professional land surveyor to permanently identify the intersection of major street right-of-way lines, the intersection of lines forming angles in the boundaries of the subdivision, or at other locations as determined appropriate by the Township.
MUNICIPALITY
Mahoning Township, Montour County, Pennsylvania.
MULTIFAMILY DWELLING
See "dwelling, multifamily."
MULTIFAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
See "dwelling, multifamily."
MUNICIPALITY
Mahoning Township, Montour County, Pennsylvania.
OFF-STREET LOADING
See "loading berth."
OFF-STREET PARKING
See "parking area" and "parking space."
OPEN SPACE
Space not occupied by a structure, open to the sky, and on the same lot with a building or structure.
A. 
OPEN SPACE, COMMONA specific area of land or water or a combination of land and water within a development site, not individually owned or dedicated for public use, which is designed and intended for the principal use or enjoyment of the occupants of the development, not including streets, off-street parking areas and land dedicated or set aside for public facilities or utilities.
B. 
OPEN SPACE, PUBLICAny land area set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for public enjoyment.
PA DEP
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
PARCEL
A lot, plot or tract of land.
PARKING AREA
Any public or private land area designated and used for parking of vehicles, including parking lots, garages, private driveways and legally designated areas of public streets.
PARKING SPACE
An off-street area on a lot or in a parking area, designed or intended to be used for the parking of one vehicle, having direct usable access to a street or road.
PAVEMENT
A subbase, base or surface course placed on a subgrade to support traffic load.
PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY
A specified easement, walkway, path, sidewalk or other reservation which is designed and used exclusively by pedestrians.
PENNDOT
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
PERSON
An individual, partnership, public or private association or corporation, firm, trust, estate, municipality, governmental unit, public utility or any legal entity whatsoever which is recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties.
PLAN
A map or plat of a subdivision or land development, whether sketch, preliminary or final. (See also "subdivision plan.")
A. 
PLAN, SKETCHAn informal plan, not necessarily to exact scale, indicating salient existing features of a tract and its surroundings and the general layout of a proposed subdivision or land development.
B. 
PLAN, PRELIMINARYA general subdivision or land development plan indicating the approximate proposed layout of a subdivision or land development as a basis for consideration prior to preparation of the final plan.
C. 
PLAN, FINALA complete and exact subdivision or land development plan prepared for official approval and recording as required by statute.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Mahoning Township Planning Commission, unless designated otherwise.
PLAT
The map or plan of a subdivision or land development, whether preliminary or final. (See also "plan.")
PLOT
A parcel of land that can be identified and referenced to a recorded plat or map.
PRIVATE
Something owned, operated and supported by private individuals or a private corporation, rather than a government.
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS
Persons who provide expert or professional advice, including but not limited to architects, attorneys, certified public accountants, engineers, geologists, land surveyors, landscape architects or planners.
PUBLIC
Something owned, operated and controlled by a government agency (federal, state or local), including a corporation created by law for the performance of certain specialized governmental functions.
PUBLIC HEARING
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by any of the Township Supervisors, Township Planning Commission or Township Zoning Hearing Board, intended to inform and obtain public comment prior to taking certain actions, as required by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[1]
PUBLIC MEETING
A forum held pursuant to notice under the act of July 3, 1986 (P.L. 388, No. 84), known as "the Sunshine Act."
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice published once each week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. Such notice shall state the date, time and place of the hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered. The first publication shall not be more than 30 days, and the second publication shall not be less than seven days prior, to the hearing date.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle which is: 1) built on a single chassis; 2) not more than 400 square feet, measured at the largest horizontal projections; 3) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck; 4) not designed for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK
Any site upon which two or more recreational vehicles are or are intended to be located. (See also "campground.")
RECREATION AREA
Undeveloped land within a subdivision or development which is set aside or reserved for recreational use in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. (See § 211-39.)
REGULATORY FLOOD ELEVATION
The one-hundred-year flood elevation.
RESIDENTIAL CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT
A large scale residential development in which individual dwelling units or other residential buildings are grouped together. Modification or reduction of the minimum yard and lot size requirements are permitted in exchange for an equivalent amount of land in open space to be preserved for scenic, recreation or conservation purposes. The type and density of dwelling units shall be as set forth in the applicable district regulations of the Township Zoning Ordinance[2] and the design of such developments shall meet the standards established in § 211-45B of this chapter.
RESIDUAL PROPERTY
The lot or parcel created through subdivision which is the remaining portion of the parent tract. The residual property shall be considered as an integral part of the proposed subdivision and shall be required to meet the standards of this chapter, where determined appropriate or necessary by the Township Planning Commission or Supervisors.
RETENTION BASIN
A pond, pool or basin used for the permanent storage of stormwater runoff.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
1) A specific type of easement being limited to use for passage over another person's land, for example, an easement for vehicular passage or public utility passage; or 2) a strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, prescription or condemnation which is occupied or intended to be occupied by a road, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission line, oil or gas pipeline, waterlines, sanitary sewer or storm sewer lines or other similar use.
RUNOFF
The surface water discharge or rate of discharge of a given watershed after a rainfall or snowfall that does not enter the soil but runs off the surface of the land.
SANITARY SEWAGE
Any liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution, or the water-carried waste resulting from the discharge of water closets, tubs, washing machines, sinks, dishwashers or any other source of water-carried waste of human origin or containing putrescible material.
SANITARY SEWER
Pipes that carry only domestic, commercial or industrial sewage and into which storm, surface waters and groundwaters are not intentionally admitted.
SCREEN PLANTING
A barrier to visibility, glare and noise between adjacent properties made of plant materials such as trees or shrubs, which shall be of such species that will produce the desired visual screen and be of such density as is necessary to achieve the intended purpose.
SEDIMENT
Deposited silt that is being or has been moved by water or ice, wind, gravity or other means of erosion.
SEDIMENTATION
The process by which mineral or organic matter is accumulated or deposited by moving wind, water or gravity.
SERVICE OR AUXILIARY BUILDING
A structure housing operational, office, recreational, maintenance and other facilities usually associated with a land development, i.e., a mobile home park or recreational complex.
SETBACK
The horizontal distance between a structure and a street line or property line. (See also "building setback line.")
SEWAGE
A substance that contains the waste products or other discharge from the bodies of human beings or animals and noxious or deleterious substances being harmful or inimical to the public health, or to animal or aquatic life, or to the use of water for domestic water supply or for recreation, or which constitutes pollution under the Clean Streams Law.[3]
SEWAGE FACILITY
A system of sewage collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal which will prevent the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated sewage or other waste into waters of the commonwealth or otherwise provide for the safe and sanitary treatment and disposal of sewage or other waste.
SEWAGE SYSTEM, COMMUNITY
A sewage facility, whether publicly or privately owned, for the collection of sewage from two or more lots or two or more equivalent dwelling units and the treatment or disposal, or both, of the sewage on one or more of the lots or at another site.
A. 
SEWAGE SYSTEM, COMMUNITY ON-LOTA community sewage system which uses a system of piping, tanks or other facilities for collecting, treating and disposing of sewage into a subsurface soil absorption area or retaining tank.
B. 
SEWAGE SYSTEM, COMMUNITY SEWERAGEA community sewage system which uses a method of sewage collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal other than renovation in a subsurface absorption area or retention in a retaining tank.
SEWAGE SYSTEM, INDIVIDUAL
A sewage facility, whether publicly or privately owned, located on a single lot and serving one equivalent dwelling unit and collecting, treating and disposing of sewage in whole or in part into the soil or into waters of the commonwealth or by means of conveyance of retaining tank wastes to another site for final disposal.
A. 
SEWAGE SYSTEM, INDIVIDUAL ON-LOTAn individual sewage system which uses a system of piping, tanks or other facilities for collecting, treating and disposing of sewage into a subsurface absorption area or a retaining tank.
B. 
SEWAGE SYSTEM, INDIVIDUAL SEWERAGEAn individual sewage system which uses a method of sewage collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal other than renovation in a subsurface absorption area or retention in a retaining tank.
SHOULDER
That portion of the roadway which is adjacent to the cartway and is provided for lateral support of the pavement, emergency stopping and a minimal amount of recovery area beyond the pavement edge.
SIDEWALK
A suitably surfaced and leveled area, paralleling but usually separated from the street, used as a pedestrian walkway.
SIGHT DISTANCE
1) The length of street, measured along the center line, which is continuously visible from a given point above the center line; 2) that area of unobstructed vision at street intersections formed by lines of sight between points which are a specified distance from the intersection of the street center lines; or 3) the amount of distance required to be provided at a street or driveway intersection which is considered adequate for a driver to be able to see in order to proceed in a safe manner.
SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED DWELLING
See "dwelling, single-family attached."
SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED DWELLING STRUCTURE
See "dwelling, single-family attached."
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING
See "dwelling, single-family detached."
SITE ALTERATION
Any change or adjustment to the grade of an existing site, i.e., any earthmoving activity. Such alterations generally require the completion of a soil erosion and sedimentation control plan.
SITE IMPROVEMENTS
See "improvements."
SITE PLAN
A plan for the development of a single tract of land, whether or not a subdivision is involved, which shows the existing and proposed conditions of the parcel, including, but not limited to, topography, drainage, floodplains, wetlands, waterways, open spaces, walkways or pedestrian easements, means of ingress and egress, utility service line locations, landscaping, structures, lighting and screening devices and any other information that may reasonably be required in order that an informed decision can be made by the Township. Such plans are generally required in order to evaluate land development proposals, including multifamily residential, commercial, institutional, industrial or recreational development submissions.
SLOPE
1) The face of an embankment or cut section; or 2) the degree of deviation of a surface from the horizontal, usually expressed in percent of degrees, i.e., a ratio determined by dividing the vertical difference between two points (change in elevation) by the horizontal distance measured between the same two points. For the purposes of this chapter, slopes greater than three to one shall be considered "excessive slopes."
SPECIAL PERMIT
A special approval issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development or local municipality in accordance with Section 38.6 of the State Floodplain Management Regulations for specific types of development and obstructions which present a special hazard to the health and safety of the public or occupants or may result in significant pollution, increased flood levels or flows, or debris endangering life on property, when such development or obstructions are located in all or a designated portion of a floodplain.
SQUARE FOOTAGE
The unit of measure used to express the area of a lot, tract or parcel involved in a subdivision or land development; the length of a lot, in feet, times the width of a lot, in feet.
STABILIZATION
Natural or mechanical treatment of a mass of soil or ground area to increase or maintain its stability or otherwise improve its engineering properties and resistance to erosion.
STORM SEWER
A conduit that collects and transports runoff.
STORMWATER
Water that surfaces, flows or collects during and subsequent to rain or snowfall.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY
Any structural or nonstructural device, or combination thereof, which is designed, constructed and maintained to manage or control stormwater runoff from a development site, including but not limited to drainage swales, easements, seepage pits, level lip spreaders, culverts, pipes, storm sewers, detention or retention basins, ponds and other similar facilities.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
A plan for managing the stormwater runoff from a proposed subdivision or land development, including data and calculations, prepared by the developer in accordance with the standards of this chapter or any applicable municipal or watershed stormwater management ordinance.
STREET
A strip of land, including the entire right-of-way, intended for use as a means of vehicular and pedestrian circulation, whether public or private. For the purposes of this chapter, the term "street" shall include avenues, alleys, boulevards, highways, freeways or roads.
A. 
STREET, ALLEYA minor street, privately or publicly owned, which provides secondary access to abutting properties primarily for service to the back or sides of such properties.
B. 
STREET, CUL-DE-SACA street intersecting a through street at one end and terminating at the other in a vehicular turnaround.
C. 
STREET, LOCALStreets which are used primarily for access to abutting properties, including streets within subdivisions or developments, usually characterized by low operating speeds. For the purposes of this chapter, local streets shall have an average daily traffic of less than or equal to 500 vehicles per day. (See also Appendix A of this chapter.)[4]
D. 
STREET, MAJOR ARTERIALMajor highways used primarily for rapidly-moving traffic, which carries a large volume of vehicles between regions and major metropolitan areas, i.e., inter- and intrastate highways or limited access freeways or expressways or roadways with an average daily traffic of more than 20,000 vehicles per day, i.e., Interstate 80.
E. 
STREET, MAJOR COLLECTORStreets which facilitate intercommunity travel within the region and provide connection to arterial streets and highways, i.e., SR 2008, Bloom Road. For the purposes of this chapter, major collectors shall have an average daily traffic of between 5,001 and 10,000 vehicles per day. (See also Appendix A of this chapter.)
F. 
STREET, MARGINAL ACCESSLocal streets which are parallel and adjacent to arterial or collector streets and which provide access to abutting properties and protection from through traffic.
G. 
STREET, MINOR ARTERIALHighways which provide for the movement of large volumes of through traffic between centers of regional importance and provide connections between major arterials and collector roads, i.e., U.S. Routes 11 and 54. For the purposes of this chapter, minor arterials shall have an average daily traffic of between 10,001 and 20,000 vehicles per day. (See also Appendix A of this chapter.)
H. 
STREET, MINOR COLLECTORStreets which move traffic into and between subdivisions, developments, rural village centers or other local traffic generators, i.e., Woodbine Road. For the purposes of street design and construction, streets serving 20 or more lots or dwelling units or those with an average daily traffic of between 501 and 5,000 vehicles per day shall be considered to be minor collector streets. (See also Appendix A of this chapter.)
I. 
STREET, PRIVATEAll streets not dedicated, accepted or maintained as public streets.
J. 
STREET, PUBLICAll streets open to public use and maintained by or dedicated to and accepted by Mahoning Township, the county, the state or the federal government.
STREET LINE
The dividing line between the street right-of-way and the lot.
STREET SYSTEM
All public and private streets intended for use as a means of vehicular circulation.
A. 
STREET SYSTEM, MUNICIPALAll public streets maintained by Mahoning Township, including local streets and minor and major collector streets, as applicable.
B. 
HIGHWAY SYSTEM, STATEAll public streets maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, including minor and major collector streets, arterial highways and interstate highways.
STRUCTURE
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the ground.
A. 
STRUCTURE, ACCESSORYA structure detached from a principal structure but located on the same lot which is customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal building, structure or use.
B. 
STRUCTURE, PRINCIPALThe main or primary structure on a given lot.
SUBDIVIDER
Any landowner, agent of such landowner or tenant with the permission of such landowner who makes or causes to be made a subdivision of land or a land development. (See also "developer.")
SUBDIVISION
The division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land, including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership, or building or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than 10 acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE ADMINISTRATOR
An individual appointed by Mahoning Township, on a full- or part-time basis, to assist the Township Supervisors and Planning Commission with the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
SUBDIVISION OR LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
A proposal to subdivide or develop one or more tracts of land. The plan shall include the proposed layout of the subdivision or land development and shall be accompanied by all other supplementary materials required by this chapter when submitted for consideration. (See also "plan.")
SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED
A subdivision or land development shall be considered substantially completed when, in the judgment of the Mahoning Township Engineer, at least 90% (based on the cost of the required improvements for which financial security was posted) of those improvements required as a condition of final approval have been completed in accordance with the approved plan so that the project will be able to be used, occupied or operated for its intended purpose.
SUPERVISORS OR TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors of Mahoning Township, Montour County, Pennsylvania; the elected governing body of the municipality.
SURVEYOR
A professional land surveyor, licensed and registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
SWALE
A low-lying stretch of land which gathers or carries surface water runoff.
TOWNSHIP
Mahoning Township, Montour County, Pennsylvania, unless otherwise specified.
TRACT
An area, parcel, site, piece of land or property which is the subject of a subdivision or land development application.
TWO-FAMILY DWELLING
See "dwelling, two-family."
UNDEVELOPED LAND
Land in its natural state before development.
USE
The specific purpose or activity for which land or a building is designed, arranged, intended or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
A. 
USE, ACCESSORYA use subordinate to the principal use of a building or structure located on the same lot and serving a purpose customarily incidental to the use of the principal building or structure. If no principal use exists on the lot with a lawful accessory use, then such accessory use shall be considered a principal use.
B. 
USE, PRINCIPALThe primary purpose for which a lot is occupied or utilized.
WAIVER
A modification granted by the Mahoning Township Supervisors for relief from the strict application of a specific requirement or provision of this chapter, which if enforced would cause unique and undue hardship for the applicant.
WATER COURSE
Any river, stream, run, drainageway, lake, pond or other body of water appearing as a permanent or intermittent waterway on United States Geological Survey maps.
WATERSHED AREA
The drainage area of a particular stream or watercourse. (See also "drainage area.")
WATERSHED STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
A plan for managing stormwater runoff from and within a particular watershed area.
WATER FACILITY
Any waterworks, water supply or water distribution system or part thereof designed, intended or constructed to provide or distribute potable water.
WATER SYSTEM
A water facility providing potable water to individual lots or to the public for human consumption.
A. 
WATER SYSTEM, NONPUBLICAll water systems which are not public water systems.
B. 
WATER SYSTEM, OFF-LOTAn approved system in which potable water is supplied to a dwelling or other building from a central water source which is not located on the lot with the dwelling or building.
C. 
WATER SYSTEM, ON-LOTA well or other approved system designed to provide potable water to a dwelling or building located on the same lot as the source.
D. 
WATER SYSTEM, PUBLICA water system, as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, which has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year.
WETLANDS
Areas which are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal conditions do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. For the purposes of this chapter, the term includes, but is not limited to, wetland areas listed in the State Water Plan, the U.S. Forest Service Wetlands Inventory of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Plan, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Wetlands Inventory and wetlands designated by a river basin commission or other regulatory agency.
YARD
An open space which lies on the same lot with a building or structure, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward. The required yard shall be the minimum area or open space required by the Mahoning Township Zoning Ordinance[5] to be provided between the front, side or rear lot lines and a principal or accessory building or structure on the lot.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The Mahoning Township Zoning Ordinance, enacted September 20, 2004, or as may thereafter be amended.[6]
ZONING PERMIT
The permit required by the Mahoning Township Zoning Ordinance which states the purpose for which a building, structure or land is to be used is in conformity with the use regulations, the dimensional requirements, and all other applicable provisions of the Mahoning Township Zoning Ordinance.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 250, Zoning.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 691.1.
[4]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included at the end of this chapter.
[5]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 250, Zoning.
[6]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 250, Zoning.