As used in this chapter, words in the singular
include the plural and those in the plural include the singular. The
word "person" includes a corporation, unincorporated association and
a partnership, as well as an individual. The word "may" is permissive;
the words "shall" and "will" are mandatory.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following
words and phrases throughout these regulations shall have the meanings
indicated in this section:
The cultivation of the soil, the raising of livestock and
poultry, and the harvesting of the products of the soil, including
but not limited to nurseries, horticulture and forestry.
A minor right-of-way providing secondary vehicular access
to the side or rear of two or more properties.
See "soils, alluvial."
A landowner or developer, as herein defined, who has filed
an application for subdivision or land development, including his
heir, successors and assigns or the equitable owner of property with
the owner's permission.
Every application, whether preliminary or final, required
to be filed and approved prior to the start of construction or development,
including but not limited to an application for a building permit,
for the approval of a Subdivision Plan, or for the approval of a Land
Development Plan.
A vote of the North Coventry Township Board of Supervisors
to approve without conditions; or after a vote by the Township Board
of Supervisors to approve with conditions, acknowledgment by the Township
Board of Supervisors that all conditions of approval have been met;
or deemed approval.
The North Coventry Township Municipal Authority, created
pursuant to the Municipality Authorities Act of 1945.[1]
Any area of the building having its floor below ground level
on all sides.
Activities, facilities, designs, measures, or procedures used to manage stormwater impacts, to provide water quality treatment, infiltration, volume reduction, and/or peak rate control, to promote groundwater recharge, and to otherwise meet the purposes of Chapter 194 Grading, Erosion and Sediment Control; Stormwater Management. Stormwater BMPs are commonly grouped into one of two broad categories or measures, structural or nonstructural. Nonstructural BMPs or measures refer to operational and/or behavior-related practices that attempt to minimize the contact of pollutants with stormwater runoff whereas structural BMPs or measures are those that consist of a physical device or practice that is installed to capture and treat stormwater runoff. Structural BMPs include, but are not limited to, a wide variety of practices and devices from large-scale retention ponds and constructed wetlands to small-scale underground treatment systems, infiltration facilities, filter strips, low impact design, bioretention, wet ponds, permeable paving, grassed swales, riparian or forested buffers, sand filters, detention basins, and manufactured devices. Structural stormwater BMPs are permanent appurtenances to the site. The primary reference for implementation of BMPs in the Township shall be the Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual of December 30, 2006, or as amended.
[Amended 1-27-2014; 4-7-2014 by Ord. No.
10]
A unit of land bounded by streets or by a combination of
streets and public land, railroad rights-of-way, waterways, or any
other similar barriers to the continuity of development.
Similar to a parkway, but located in the center of a street,
effectively dividing the street into two streets of opposite directions.
Boulevard islands typically contain planting areas running the full
length of the island. Boulevards may or may not include curbs.
See "survey, boundary."
An area which provides a year-round visual and/or sound attenuation
between uses, through the application of such means as plantings,
earthen berms, depressions, fences and walls.
Any structure having enclosed walls and roof, permanently
located on the land, and shall be construed to include the phrase
"any part thereof."
The ratio of the total ground floor area of all buildings
on the lot to the total area of the lot on which they are located.
The line established within a lot, measured from the street
or right-of-way and parallel thereto, defining the minimum distance
in which no building may be constructed. In the case of an existing
interior lot not fronting a street for its entire width, the building
setback line shall be a line parallel to the street right-of-way measured
from the property interior line nearest the street, defining the minimum
distance in which no building may be constructed.
The diameter of a tree trunk measured at a point six inches
above the ground.
A deciduous tree which, when mature, yields a significant
amount of shade during summer and a colorful autumn spectacle. Their
winter silhouettes provide passages for sunlight.
The paved or improved portion of a street or alley intended
for vehicular use.
The felling of all trees on a tract of land, or any portion
thereof, at one time.
An area of unobstructed vision at street intersections defined
by lines of sight between points at given distance from the intersection
down the center lines of the street.
 |
An arrangement of residential structures that allows for
grouping the structures by reducing lot area and yard requirements
and incorporating the remaining area as open space.
The Comprehensive Plan of North Coventry Township, as adopted
and amended from time to time.
Floodplains, wetlands, wetland margins, watercourses, lakes
and ponds, hydric soils, riparian buffers and prohibitive steep slopes.
[Added 2-13-2006]
Woodlands, precautionary steep slopes, agricultural soils of national or statewide significance, historic resources identified in the Open Space Plan, and the Scenic Overlay District defined in Chapter 370, Zoning.
[Added 2-13-2006]
The erection, rebuilding, renovation, repair, extension,
expansion, alteration, demolition, or relocation of a building or
structure, including the placement of mobile homes.
An alteration of a building, structure or land by change
of an existing use to a new use which imposes other special provisions
of applicable regulations governing building, construction, equipment,
exits, or zoning regulations.
Chester County Planning Commission, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
A paved circular turnaround area situated at the dead end
of a cul-de-sac street. (See "street, cul-de-sac.")
See "street, cul-de-sac."
The diameter of a tree trunk(s) measured at a point 4 1/2
feet above ground level at the base of the tree or by other established
methods that may apply and are approved by the Township.
The total number of dwelling units divided into the total
land area to be housed thereon, expressed in dwelling units per acre
(DU/AC).
The number of dwelling units per acre of land devoted to
any one particular housing type. This includes yards, off-street parking
and driveway facilities directly serving those particular dwelling
types, but excludes common open spaces, permitted commercial uses,
public streets, and other public grounds and rights-of-way.
The Department of Health of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
or Chester County, or their representative having jurisdiction in
the Township.
A facility designed to detain surface water runoff for a
period of time sufficient to cause the deposit of sediment and to
reduce the velocity and/or volume of surface flows leaving a site,
thus controlling erosion, reducing flood potential and promoting groundwater
recharge.
Any landowner, agent of such landowner or tenant with the
permission of such landowner, who makes or causes to be made an application
for subdivision or a land 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 manufactured homes; streets and other paving; utilities;
filling, grading, and excavation; mining; dredging; drilling operations;
storage for equipment or materials; and the subdivision of land.
A written contract between an applicant or applicant's agent,
and the Township, specifying the conditions of final approval by the
Township and providing for the completion and dedication of public
improvements.
The design or site layout plan required for certain land
uses and development design options which cover the entire property.
That land area contributing runoff to a single point (including,
but not limited to, the point/line of interest used for hydrologic
and hydraulic calculations) and that is enclosed by a natural or man-made
ridge line.
[Amended 1-27-2014; 4-7-2014 by Ord. No.
10]
Any ditch, gutter, pipe, culvert, storm sewer, or other structure
designed, intended or constructed for the purpose of diverting surface
waters from or carrying surface water off streets, public rights-of-way,
parks, recreational areas, or any part of any subdivision, land development
or contiguous area.
A private means of vehicular access between a public or private
street to a single lot.
A single living space for one family, including apartments,
but excluding individual rental units in a motel, hotel, rooming house,
bed-and-breakfast, tourist home, institutional home, dormitory and
the like.
Activity resulting in the movement of the surface of the
land or stripping of vegetative cover from the land.
An interest in land owned by another that entitles the holder
of the easement to a specific use or enjoyment of the land.
An individual licensed and registered under the laws of the
Commonwealth to engage in the practice of engineering, and having
training and experience in the specific field in which he or she is
practicing.
The process by which the surface of the land, including water/stream
channels, is worn away by water, wind, or chemical action.
[Amended 1-27-2014; 4-7-2014 by Ord. No.
10]
Coniferous trees having dense, green foliage that makes them
well-suited to group planting for privacy screens, windbreaks, or
backdrops for flowering trees and shrubs, yet they are handsome enough
to stand alone. They hold their needles to provide year-round shelter
and color.
Any activity that results in earth, sand, gravel, rock or
other similar materials being dug, cut, quarried, uncovered, removed,
displaced, relocated or moved, including the condition resulting from
such activity.
Materials such as soil or gravel, placed and compacted to
form an embankment, to raise the surface elevation of the land, or
to fill a trench.
A relatively flat or low land area adjoining a river, stream
or watercourse which is subject to partial or complete inundation.
An area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of
surface waters from any source.
The highest level of flooding that, on the average, is likely
to occur once every 100 years; that is, that has a one-percent chance
of occurring each year, as delineated by the Federal Flood Insurance
Maps developed in the Flood Insurance Program.
The length of a front lot line coinciding with street line.
The slope of the ground measured as a percentage (rise over
run times 100).
The replenishment of water in an aquifer, by the percolation
of precipitation, streams, lakes, or other water sources.
A linear plant community dominated by trees and/or shrubs.
Hedgerows often occur along roads, fence lines, property lines, or
between fields, and may occur naturally or be specially planted (e.g.,
as a windbreak). For the purposes of this chapter, hedgerows are considered
woodlands and regulated as such regardless of area or tree size.
Any structure that is:
Listed individually in the National Register
of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the U.S. Department of
the Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the
Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the
National Register;
Certified or preliminarily determined by the
Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance
of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined
by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
Individually listed on a state inventory of
historic places in states with historic preservation programs which
have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or
Individually listed on a local inventory of
historic places in communities with historic preservation programs
that have been certified either:
A nonprofit organization comprised of homeowners or property
owners, planned and operated under negotiated and approved rules and
regulations, for the purpose of administering the needs of residents
through the maintenance of community-owned property. This term is
synonymous with property owners' association.
See "street, half or partial."
See "soils, hydric."
A surface that has been compacted or covered with a layer
of material so that it prevents or is resistant to infiltration of
water, including, but not limited to, structures such as roofs, buildings,
storage sheds; other solid, paved or concrete areas such as streets,
driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, patios, tennis or other paved
courts, or athletic playfields comprised of synthetic turf materials.
For the purposes of determining compliance with this chapter, compacted
soils or stone surfaces used for vehicle parking and movement shall
be considered impervious. Surfaces that were designed to allow infiltration
(i.e., areas of porous pavement) will be considered on a case by case
basis by the Municipal Engineer, based on appropriate documentation
and condition of the material, etc.
[Amended 1-27-2014; 4-7-2014 by Ord. No.
10]
Changes made to the natural state of the ground and anything
that is man-made or constructed on land or underground, including,
but not limited to, grading, paving, curbing, sidewalks, fire hydrants,
water mains, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, catch basins, culverts,
gutters, monuments, planting screens, landscaping and any underground
electric or other utilities. For purposes of this chapter, the terms
"improvements" and "public improvements" may be used interchangeably.
The act of monitoring compliance with applicable provisions
contained in this chapter or other applicable regulations, as undertaken
by authorized representatives of North Coventry Township and in the
manner specified herein.
Predominantly nonnative, nonindigenous, alien tree, shrub,
vine, or herbaceous species that grow or reproduce aggressively, usually
because they have few or no natural predators, and which can so dominate
an ecosystem that they kill off or drive out many indigenous plant
species. Invasive trees, shrubs, vines, or herbaceous species include,
but are not limited to: Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), Tree-of-Heaven
(Ailanthus altissima), Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), White
Mulberry (Morus alba), Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa), White Poplar
(Populus alba), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Japanese Barberry
(Berberis thunbergii), European Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Autumn
Olive (Eleagnus umbrella), Border Privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium),
Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), Morrow's Honeysuckle (Lonicera
morrowii), Tartarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), Japanese Honeysuckle
(Lonicera japonica), Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Wineberry
(Rubus phoenicolasius), Japanese Spiraea (Spiraea japonica), Linden
Viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum), Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus), Oriental
bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Leatherleaf Climatis (Clematis
terniflora), Mile-a-Minute Weed (Polygonum perfoliatum), Kudzu (Pueraria
lobata), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria pertiolata), Canada Thistle (Cirsium
arvense), Crown Vetch (Coronilla varia), Tall Fescue (Festuca elatior),
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Sweet Clover (Melilotus afficinalis),
Japanese Stilt Grass (Microstegium vimineum), Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris
arundinacea), and Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense).
Vehicle trips generated for a particular size of land use
published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, ITE Trip Generation
Manual, the most current edition.
Natural or artificial bodies of water which retain water
year-round. Artificial ponds may be created by dams, or result from
excavation. Lakes are bodies of water two or more acres in area. Ponds
are bodies of water less than two acres in area.
The land side edges of lakes and ponds from established shoreline
to an upland boundary. For the purposes of this chapter, such boundary
shall be equivalent to that required for a wetland margin.
[Amended 7-25-2005]
Shall include the following:
The improvement of one or two or more contiguous
lots, tracts or parcels for any purpose involving:
A group of two or more residential or nonresidential
buildings, whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single
nonresidential building on a lot or lots regardless of the number
of occupants; or
The division or allocation of space, whether
initially or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or
prospective occupants by means of, or for the purpose of streets,
common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.
A subdivision of land.
Any change in use of the property or any structures
thereon that create any impacts relating to stormwater management,
erosion, grading, sedimentation control, sanitary sewer facilities,
traffic impacts, lighting, noise, and/or any other impact to neighboring
or adjacent property. A change in the nature of the use shall presumptively
be a land development.
The definition of land development shall not
include the following activities:
The conversion of an existing single-family
detached dwelling or single-family semidetached dwelling into not
more than two residential units, unless such units are intended to
be a condominium;
The addition of an accessory building, including
farm buildings, on a lot or lots subordinate to an existing principal
building; or
The addition or conversion of buildings or rides
within the confines of an enterprise which constitutes an amusement
park. 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.
See § 320-10.
See § 320-10.
Any activity which exposes soils, alters topography and/or
alters vegetation, except for removal of a safety hazard, diseased
trees, or invasive vegetation.
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including,
for purposes of this chapter, the holder of an option or contract
to purchase (whether or not such option or contract is subject to
any condition), a lessee if s/he is authorized under the lease to
exercise the rights of the landowner, or other person having a proprietary
interest in land.
The planting of turf-grass or other appropriate groundcover
and the planting of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs, including
the maintenance thereof.
A parcel of land which is occupied or to be occupied by one
principal building or other structure or use, together with any accessory
buildings or other structures or uses customarily incidental to such
principal building, structure, or use, and such open spaces as are
arranged or designed to be used in connection with such principal
building, structure, or use.
The area of land contained within the limits of the legally
described property lines bounding the lot.
The area of land contained within the limits of the legally described property lines bounding the lot, exclusive of any streets, rights-of-way, easements for purpose of access, stormwater management, sewer or water service or other infrastructure, and common open space, all of which presently exist or shall exist as a result of the development of such lot for the purpose and use allowed under Chapter 370, Zoning, and Chapter 320, Subdivision and Land Development, of North Coventry Township. Additionally, in determining and establishing the net lot area, exclude any area that has prohibitively steep slopes, that is in the Floodplain Conservation District, is within the Zone-One Riparian Buffer, and/or is within the wetlands, as defined by Chapter 370, Zoning. For lots requiring a minimum lot area of less than one acre, the minimum lot area shall equal the net lot area consisting of contiguous land, undivided by streams, wetlands, floodplains, prohibitive steep slopes, existing or proposed streets or rights-of-way, or existing or proposed easements. For lots requiring a minimum lot area of one acre or more, the minimum lot area shall include within its boundary a minimum net lot area of at least one acre of contiguous land, undivided by streams, wetlands, floodplains, prohibitive steep slopes, existing or proposed streets or rights-of-way, or existing or proposed easements.
[Amended 1-22-2007]
A lot extending between and having frontage on an arterial
or collector street and a local street, with vehicular access solely
from the latter.
The ownership of property by any person, partnership, or
corporation, in which ownership is separate and distinct from that
of any adjoining property. In cases where the property boundary is
shown on the deed to be the center line of a street, for purposes
of this chapter, the right-of-way line rather than the center line
of the street shall be considered as the property boundary.
Any security which may be required by the Township of a developer,
after final acceptance by the Township of improvements installed by
the developer. Such security may include, but is not limited to, federal
or commonwealth lending institution irrevocable letter of credit or
restrictive or escrow account.
A metal pipe or pin at least 1/2 inch in diameter and at
least 24 inches in length.
A stone, marble or concrete monument with a flat top at least
four inches across and at least 24 inches in length, to the top of
which is permanently affixed a brass or copper marker or on top of
which is permanently inscribed a center mark.
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination
of land and water, within a development site, designed and intended
for the use and enjoyment by residents of such development and possibly
the general public. Common open space shall be substantially free
of structures, but may contain such improvements as are in the finally
approved development plan, and shall not include individually owned
private yards, streets, and off-street parking areas unless provided
in conjunction with a recreational facility.
The North Coventry Township Open Space, Recreation and Environmental
Resources Plan, as amended from time to time.
[Amended 2-13-2006]
Open space as defined under "open space, common" but excluding
area covered by buildings, parking areas, rights-of-way, required
yard setbacks, easements, floodplain, wetlands, slopes 15% and greater,
public facilities such as school and churches, sewage treatment and
disposal area and stormwater retention area, but including impervious
surfaces associated with recreational site improvements such as bicycling
and walking trails, game courts and open sided shelters.
Usually a deciduous tree selected for its perceived beauty
and ability to add color to the landscape.
A planting area parallel or adjacent to the cartway designed
to provide continuity of vegetation along the right-of-way and to
soften the impact of development by providing a pleasing view from
the road. Parkways may or may not include curbs. They can include
or be bordered by sidewalks but need not be.
An acceptable bond or funds in escrow sufficient to cover
cost of required improvements, estimated in accordance with the provisions
of this chapter.
Act 247 of 1968 as amended.[3]
Any one or more of the following:
EXISTING FEATURESA plan to accompany preliminary and final application submissions that includes the property boundaries, a natural features inventory, and a man-made features inventory as required in this chapter.
FINALAn accurate and complete Site Design and Layout Plan, and Construction Improvements Plan prepared and sealed by a registered engineer, surveyor or landscape architect to be recorded upon approval.
GRADINGA plan graphically illustrating all earthmoving activities and the timing of such activities in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTSA component of the Preliminary and Final Plan, prepared by a registered engineer, showing the construction details of streets, drains, sewers, water supply systems, bridges, culverts and other improvements required, including a Horizontal Plan, profiles and cross-sections.
LAND DEVELOPMENTA sketch, Preliminary or Final Plan, including written and graphic material, showing the provisions for development of a subject tract when a Subdivision Plan is not applicable.
LIGHTINGA plan that shows the type, location and intensity of site lighting as required by this chapter.
NATURAL RESOURCES PROTECTIONA plan addressing the requirements contained in the Natural Resource Conservation Overlay District and other requirements of this chapter.
PRELIMINARYA preliminary Site Design and Layout Plan showing the subdivision or land development proposed for a specific site containing the information required of such a plan by this chapter.
RECORDEDA Final Plan, with accompanying documents as required by this chapter, that has been recorded by the applicant in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
SITE DESIGN AND LAYOUTA plan submitted that includes the layout and dimension of all proposed lots, location of all proposed streets, and the location of other sight features as required by this chapter.
SKETCHA plan submitted, at the applicant's option, for review and discussion prior to application for Preliminary Plan approval, including the information suggested for such plans by this chapter.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, AND SEDIMENT AND EROSION CONTROLSeparate or combined plans that contain all proposed stormwater management, and sedimentation and erosion control measures, as required by this chapter.
North Coventry Township Planning Commission.[4]
Evergreen plantings, or a combination of evergreen and deciduous
plantings, intended to provide an effective screen throughout the
year.
Those recreational uses which typically require significant
physical alteration to the area in which they are performed. Such
areas are intensively used and include, but are not limited to playgrounds,
ball courts and swimming pools, excluding amusement parks.
Recreational uses which can be carried out with little alteration
or disruption in the area in which they are performed. Such uses include,
but are not limited to hiking, biking and picnicking.
A parcel of land separating a street from adjacent properties.
An impoundment that is designed to temporarily detain a certain
amount of stormwater from a catchment area and which may be designed
to permanently retain stormwater runoff from the catchment area; retention
basins may always contain water.
[Amended 1-27-2014; 4-7-2014 by Ord. No.
10]
A lot extending between and having frontage on a major traffic
street and a minor street, with vehicular access only from the minor
street.
Land reserved or dedicated for use as a street, alley, interior
wall, or for other public or private purpose.
The right-of-way deemed appropriate to provide adequate width
for future street improvements, as specified in this chapter.
The existing right-of-way of dedicated streets as established
by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or other appropriate governing
authority.
A riparian buffer is an area of trees and other vegetation
adjacent to a watercourse that forms a transition area between the
aquatic and terrestrial environment. The riparian buffer provides
the following benefits: reduces the amount of nutrients, sediments,
pesticides, and other harmful substances that reach watercourses,
wetlands, and other surface water bodies; provides for shading of
the aquatic environment to moderate temperatures and protect fish
habitat; provides organic matter which provides food and habitat for
bottom dwelling organisms essential to the food chain; increases streambank
stability and reduces streambank erosion and sediment production;
conserves natural features important to land and water features (e.g.,
headwater areas, groundwater recharge zones, streams, and prime wildlife
habitat); and conserves natural, scenic, and recreation areas and
promotes the functioning of greenways. For the purposes of this chapter,
the riparian buffer shall be divided into two zones:
Zone One: Inner Riparian Buffer - This zone
begins at the top of each streambank of an identified watercourse
and occupies a margin of land with a minimum width of 35 feet measured
horizontally on a line perpendicular to the edge of the water at the
top of the defined bank (at bankfull), as reviewed and approved by
the Township Engineer. Where prohibitive slopes (+25%) are located
within 35 feet of a watercourse, Zone One shall extend the entire
distance of this sloped area.
Zone Two: Outer Riparian Buffer - This zone
begins at the outer edge of Zone One and occupies a minimum width
of 65 feet in addition to Zone One.
In cases where Zone One extends beyond 35 feet
due to the presence of prohibitive slopes, the width of Zone Two shall
be adjusted so that the total riparian buffer width equals a total
width of 100 feet.
Where the Zone Two riparian buffer is not wooded, it shall be maintained as a filter strip of dense grass and forbs or other features to provide sediment filtering, nutrient uptake, and convert concentrated flow to uniform, shallow, sheet flow. (See Chapter 370, Zoning, § 370-29B(4)(b)[5] for requirements in buffer areas without preexisting vegetation.)
[Amended 9-10-2007 by Ord. No. 135]
 |
The water-carried domestic waste, e.g., wash water and household
toilet wastes, from residences, business establishments, institutions,
and industrial establishments as classified by the discharge criteria
adopted by the North Coventry Municipal Authority. Hazardous, radioactive
and toxic wastes are not domestic wastes.
Any pipe, conduit, or appurtenance which conveys sewage,
constitutes a part of the sewer system, or is used for collection
purposes. Stormwaters, surface waters and groundwaters are excluded
and prohibited from sanitary sewers.
Mineral or organic material which is being transported, or
has been moved from its site of origin by wind, water, or gravity.
INDIVIDUALThe disposal of sewage from one dwelling unit by a septic tank or system, or other safe and healthful means, approved by the Chester County Health Department.
CENTRAL/COMMUNITY COLLECTION AND TREATMENT (CENTRALIZED)A sanitary sewage system which carries sewage from individual discharge points by a system of pipes to one or more common treatment and disposal facilities, either on-site or off-site and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEM (CENTRALIZED)An off-site system for collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage in which sewage is conveyed to the treatment facility by the North Coventry Municipal Authority, and disposed of through means approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The maximum extent of unobstructed vision along a street
from a vehicle located at any given point on the street. At street
intersections, sight distance is measured from a point set back 15
feet from the intersection pavement edge or a street controlled by
a stop sign or signal.
Areas subject to periodic flooding and listed in the Soil
Survey of Chester and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, May 1963. Alluvial soils
include, but are not limited to:
|
Bowmansville silt loam (Bo)
| |
|
Chewacla silt loam (Ch)
| |
|
Congaree silt loam (Cr)
| |
|
Rowland silt loam (Ro, Rp)
| |
|
Wehadkee silt loam (We)
|
A soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough
during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions that favor
the growth and regeneration of wetlands vegetation. For the purposes
of this chapter, hydric soils include any soil inventoried or described
as hydric or as a soil with hydric inclusions according to the Soil
Survey of Chester and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania, or other information
provided by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS). In North Coventry
Township, hydric soils shall include, but are not limited to:
|
Soils with Major Hydric Components
|
Soils with Hydric Inclusions and
Hydric Component of the Inclusions
|
|---|---|
|
Bowmansville silt loam (Bo)
|
Chewacla silt loam (Ch) - Wehadkee (We)
|
|
Croton silt loam (Cr)
|
Congaree silt loam (Cn) - Wehadkee (We)
|
|
Wehadkee silt loam (We)
|
Readington silt loam (Rd) - Croton (Cr)
|
|
Worsham silt loam (We)
|
Rowland silt loam (Ro, Rp) - Bowmansville silt
loam (Bo)
|
|
Where site conditions indicate that the location
of hydric soils or the hydric inclusions differ from locations indicated
by the SCS the burden shall be upon the applicant to verify such location(s)
to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors, otherwise the SCS
information shall be presumed to be accurate. Where the applicant
seeks reclassification of hydric soils and their location such reclassification
shall be undertaken by a Certified Soil Scientist or other similarly
qualified professional.
|
Individual trees or other vegetation determined to be of
specimen quality as determined by a registered landscape architect
or which generally fall within the parameters of the following table
shall be protected in accordance with these standards. The examples
of specimen trees included in the following table are intended to
provide general guidelines and examples of what constitutes a specimen
tree and is not considered all inclusive.
|
Examples of Specimen Trees
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Species
|
Minimum Size
(dbh)
(inches)
|
Species
|
Minimum Size
(dbh)
(inches)
|
Species
|
Minimum Size
(dbh)
(inches)
|
|
Apple
|
24
|
Locust
|
30
|
Sassafras
|
20
|
|
Ash
|
32
|
Maple
|
32
|
Spruce
|
30
|
|
Beech
|
32
|
Sycamore
|
36
| ||
|
Cherry
|
24
|
Oak
|
32
|
Tulip Poplar
|
36
|
|
Elm
|
30
|
Osage Orange
|
20
|
Walnut
|
30
|
|
Hemlock
|
30
|
Pine
|
30
|
Hickory
|
32
|
Slope shall be measured as the change in elevation
over the horizontal distance between consecutive contour lines. For
this chapter, slope shall be measured over three two-foot contour
intervals (six cumulative vertical feet of slope). All slope measurements
shall be determined by a topographic survey signed and sealed by a
registered surveyor or engineer licensed to practice in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.[5]
Any feature, natural or man-made, that, due to its condition,
design, or construction, conveys, stores, or otherwise affects stormwater
runoff quality, rate, or quantity. Typical stormwater management facilities
include, but are not limited to, detention and retention basins, open
channels, storm sewers, pipes, and infiltration facilities.
[Amended 1-27-2014; 4-7-2014 by Ord. No.
10]
A public (dedicated) or private (undedicated) right-of-way
intended for use as a means of vehicular and pedestrian circulation
to provide access to more than one lot. The word "street" includes
thoroughfare, avenue, boulevard, court, drive, expressway, highway,
lane, alley, road, or similar terms. The following terms and definitions
shall apply to public streets:
ARTERIAL STREETThose streets serving large volumes of comparatively high-speed and long distance traffic and include facilities classified as main and secondary highways by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation; existing arterial streets are identified as such in the Comprehensive Plan.
COLLECTOR STREETThose streets which, in addition to giving limited access to abutting property, intercept local or minor streets and provide routes, carrying considerable volumes of traffic to community facilities and to major traffic streets; existing collector streets are identified as such in the Comprehensive Plan.
CUL-DE-SAC STREETA street intersecting another street at one end and terminated at the other by a cul-de-sac.
HALF OR PARTIAL STREETA street generally parallel and adjacent to a property line, having a right-of-way width less than normally required for a satisfactory improvement and use of the street.
LOCAL STREETThose streets used primarily to provide access to abutting properties. New or proposed residential streets shall be further classified under the following subcategories of local streets.
LOCAL ACCESS STREETThe lowest order street in the local residential street hierarchy. It is intended to carry the least amount of traffic at the lowest speed and provide the safest and most desirable environment for a residential neighborhood. Developments should be designed so that all, or the maximum number possible, of homes front on this class of street.
SECONDARY DISTRIBUTOR STREETThe middle order street in the local residential street hierarchy. It is intended to carry more traffic than the local access street and should provide an acceptable if not optimum environment for a residential neighborhood.
PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR STREETThe highest order of street that can be classified as a local residential street. It is intended to carry the largest volume of neighborhood traffic at higher speeds and may also be necessary to carry traffic from one neighborhood to another. Direct access to homes should be limited from this type of street.
MARGINAL ACCESS STREETLocal streets, parallel and adjacent to abutting properties with controlled access points onto the collector or arterial street.
A tree, shrub, bush or other woody vegetation growing within
a public right-of-way along a street, in a median, in a boulevard,
in a sidewalk tree well or median tree well, or in a similar area
in which the public right-of-way borders areas owned by private individuals.
Any form or arrangement of building materials, on or in water
or land, involving the necessity of providing proper support, bracing,
tying, anchoring or other protection against the forces of the elements
and having a permanently fixed location. Structures include, but are
not limited to buildings, sheds, mobile or manufactured homes, signs,
fences or walls over six feet in height, aerials and antennae, porches,
platforms, tennis courts, swimming pools, tents, tanks, and towers.
The division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land
by any means into two or more lots, tracts or parcels of land, including
changes in existing lot lines or street 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, 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 and not involving any residential buildings,
shall be exempted.
The North Coventry Township Subdivision and Land Development
Chapter, as amended from time to time.
[Added 2-13-2006]
See § 320-10.
See § 320-10.
Clay, sand, gravel, or other natural earth material below
the surface soil and containing little organic matter.
A substantial improvement includes any repair, reconstruction,
rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure to an
extent or amount equaling 50% or more of the market value of the structure
before the start of construction of the improvement. "Substantial
improvement" is considered to occur when the first alteration of any
wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of the building commences,
whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of
the structure. This term includes structures which have incurred substantial
damage, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does
not, however, include either of the following:
Any project for improvement of a structure to
correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary or
safety code specifications which have been identified by the local
code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to ensure
safe living conditions; or
Any alteration of an historic structure, provided
that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation
as an historic structure.
The North Coventry Township Board of Supervisors.
That part of the precipitation that passes over the surface
of the soil.
The determination of the boundaries of a tract of land as
certified by a registered land surveyor.
An individual licensed and registered under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the practice of land surveying
or to perform engineering land surveys. A licensed land surveyor.
The uprooting or removal of more than four trees per acre
from any lot for the purpose of allowing or encouraging the natural
regeneration or preservation of a tree stand, on a lot which has a
gross area prior to any subdivision or land development of more than
three acres and which is undertaken in compliance with a Township
approved Timber Harvesting Plan.
A description, by means of text and maps, of proposed actions
involving the removal of trees from a tract of land. Such plan shall
have been prepared by a forester with demonstrable expertise in forest
management, and shall document measures to be taken to: protect water
quality; minimize impacts from skid trails and logging roads and the
tree removal process; minimize destruction of habitat; and ensure
site restoration. The Timber Harvesting Plan shall include the minimum
contents requirements (Section 5) and be consistent with the minimum
forest practices (Section 6) of the Pennsylvania Model Forestry Regulations
published by the Penn State School of Forest Resources.[6]
Natural and friable loam containing sufficient nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium to support plant growth and extending in
depth to the extent of penetration of feeder roots of the prevailing
native grasses.
North Coventry Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
The duly designated representative employed by North Coventry
Township to perform the duties of the engineer as herein specified.
The total amount of land contained with the limits of the
legally described property lines bounding the tract.
[Amended 1-22-2007]
The area of land contained within the limits of the legally described property lines bounding the tract, exclusive of any streets, rights-of-way, easements for purpose of access, stormwater management, sewer or water service or other infrastructure, and common open space, all of which presently exist or shall exist as a result of the development of such tract for the purpose and use allowed under Chapter 370, Zoning, and Chapter 320, Subdivision and Land Development, of North Coventry Township. Additionally, in determining and establishing the net tract area, exclude any area that has prohibitively steep slopes, that is in the Floodplain Conservation District, is within the Zone-One Riparian Buffer, and/or is within the wetlands, as defined by Chapter 370, Zoning.
Unless otherwise specified, where the term "tract
area" or "tract size" is used in this chapter, it shall be interchangeable
and construed to mean "net tract area" as defined herein.
Telephone, electric and cable television lines, poles, equipment
and structures; water or gas pipes, mains, valves or structures; sewer
pipes, valves or structures; pumping stations, telephone exchanges
and repeater stations, and all other facilities, equipment and structures
necessary for conducting a service by a government or a public utility.
Any place designed or maintained for public pedestrian use,
without regard to ownership.
A watercourse is a channel or conveyance of surface water,
such as a stream, creek, or run, having a defined bed and banks, whether
natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent flow. For the
purposes of this chapter, a watercourse shall not include man-made
swales constructed expressly for the purpose of stormwater management.
INDIVIDUALA supply of water to a single use or dwelling from a private well located on the lot on which the use is located and which does not fall under the definition of "community water supply."
COMMUNITYA system for supplying water from a common source or source to more than one dwelling and other buildings within a development. The water supply source may be located on-site or off-site and may be publicly or privately owned.
PUBLICA system for supplying water in sufficient quantities to more than one dwelling or other buildings of a development, which is administered by the municipal authority or by a municipality or public utility as defined and regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
The upper surface of a zone of saturation, except where that
surface is formed by an impermeable body.
The transitional area extending from the outer limit of the
wetland. For the purposes of this chapter, the wetland margin shall
extend 100 feet from the wetland boundary or to the limit of hydric
soils or hydric soil inclusions, whichever is less. Where precautionary
or prohibitive slopes are located adjacent to the wetland boundary,
the wetland margin shall extend to the limit of such slopes or 100
feet, whichever is less. In no case shall the wetland margin be less
than 50 feet in width. The limit of the hydric soils shall be as defined
in this chapter unless reclassified by a certified soil scientist.
(See also "soil, hydric")
Those areas that are inundated and saturated by surface or
groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and
that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including
swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Any area meeting the official
wetland definition of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection, as amended, shall be considered
a wetland for the purposes of this chapter. In the event the definition
of wetland accepted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conflicts
with the definition of a wetland accepted by the Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection, the more restrictive definition shall
apply.
A tree mass or plant community in which tree
species are dominant or codominant and the branches of the trees form
a complete, or nearly complete, aerial canopy. Any area, grove, or
stand of mature or largely mature trees (i.e., larger than six inches
dbh) covering an area of 1/4 acre or more, or consisting of 10 individual
trees larger than six inches dbh, shall be considered a woodland.
For the purposes of this chapter, the extent of any woodland plant
community or any part thereof shall be measured from the outermost
dripline of all the trees in the community.
Woodlands do not include orchards or oldfields
(former agricultural fields or pastures where natural succession has
been allowed to occur, but where most trees are smaller than six inches
dbh). Woodlands shall include any area where timber has been harvested
within the previous three years and/or woodland disturbance has occurred
within the previous three years which would have met the definition
of woodland prior to timbering or disturbance.
Any activity which alters the existing structure of a woodland
or hedgerow. Alterations include the cutting or removal of canopy
trees, subcanopy trees, understory shrubs and vines, and herbaceous
woodland floor species. Any activity which constitutes a land disturbance
within a woodland or hedgerow. Woodland disturbance does not include
the selective cutting or removal of invasive plant species. (See also
"invasive plant species.")
An open area around the inner periphery of a lot; a yard
extends parallel to lot lines and street lines, and is measured as
a distance perpendicular to lot and street lines.
The Official Zoning Map of North Coventry Township, as adopted
or amended from time to time.
Chapter 370, the Zoning Chapter of North Coventry Township, as adopted and amended from time to time.
[1]
Editor's Note: The Municipality Authorities
Act of 1945 was repealed 6-19-2001 by P.L. 287, No. 22. See now 53
Pa.C.S.A. § 5601 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101
et seq.
[5]
Editor’s Note: The former definition of “storm
event (return frequency storm),” which immediately followed
this definition, was repealed 1-27-2014.
[6]
Editor's Note: A copy of the Model Forestry
Regulations is available at the Township Building.
