For the purposes of this chapter, certain terms
and words used herein shall be interpreted as follows:
A. Words used in the present tense include the future
tense; the singular number includes the plural, and the plural number
includes the singular; words of masculine gender include feminine
gender, and words of feminine gender include masculine gender.
B. The word "includes" or "including" shall not limit
the term to the specific example but is intended to extend its meaning
to all other instances of like kind and character.
C. The word "person" includes an individual, firm, association,
organization, partnership, trust, company, corporation or any other
similar entity.
D. The words "shall" and "must" are mandatory; the words
"may" and "should" are permissive.
E. The words "used or occupied" include the words "intended,
designed, maintained or arranged to be used or occupied."
[Amended 1-8-1987 by Ord. No. 100]
Unless a contrary intention clearly appears,
the following words and phrases shall have the meaning given in this
section. All words and terms not defined herein shall be used with
a meaning of standard usage. Where a definition given herein conflicts
with the definition of such term found in the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Planning Code, the definition of such term in the Planning Code shall
prevail.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT
A second unit either in, added to or on the property of an existing single-family detached dwelling in which there is no means of access between the two dwelling units. An accessory dwelling unit shall comply with §
200-11, Use regulations.
[Added 4-6-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-01;
amended 6-21-2012 by Ord. No. O-12-01]
ADULT ARCADE
An establishment where, for any form of consideration, one
or more booths are provided for motion-picture projectors, slide projectors
or similar machines for viewing by five or fewer persons each, are
used to show films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides or other
photographic reproductions that are characterized by an emphasis upon
the depiction or description of specified anatomical areas.
[Added 12-21-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-04]
ADULT BOOKSTORE
An establishment that has a substantial portion of its stock-in-trade
and offers for sale, for any form of consideration, any one or more
of the following:
[Added 12-21-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-04]
A.
Books, magazines, periodicals, or other printed
matter, or photography, films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides
or other visual representations that are characterized by an emphasis
upon the depiction of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical
areas; or
B.
Instruments, devices or paraphernalia that are
designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities.
ADULT BUSINESSES AND ENTERTAINMENTS
Commercial exploitation of explicit sexual conduct through
the public exhibition of lewd films and the display and/or sale of
lewd publications and the use of so-called massage parlors and model
studios for purposes of lewdness, assignation or prostitution which
constitutes a debasement and distortion of a sensitive key relationship
of human existence central to family life, community welfare and the
development of human personality and is offensive to the senses and
to public morals and interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of
life and property, the interest of the public in the quality of life
and total community environment, the tone of commerce in the Township,
property values and the public safety.
[Added 1-8-1987 by Ord. No. 100]
ADULT CABARET
A nightclub, bar or restaurant or similar establishment that
regularly features live performances that are characterized by the
exposure of specified anatomical areas or by specified sexual activities,
or films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides or other photographic
reproductions in which a substantial portion of the presentation time
is devoted to the showing of material that is characterized by an
emphasis upon the depiction or description of specified sexual activities
or specified anatomical areas.
[Added 12-21-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-04]
ADULT DAY CARE CENTER
The use of land and structures for the provision of out-of-home,
nonmedical care for elderly or disabled adults for part of a twenty-four-hour
day, excluding care provided by relatives.
[Added 2-18-2016 by Ord.
No. O-16-02]
ADULT MOTION-PICTURE THEATER AND/OR MINI-MOTION-PICTURE THEATRE
An establishment where, for any form of consideration, films,
motion pictures, videocassettes, slides or similar photographic reproductions
are shown, and in which a substantial portion of the total presentation
time is devoted to the showing of material characterized by an emphasis
on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or
specified anatomical areas.
[Added 12-21-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-04]
ADULT THEATER
A theater, concert hall, auditorium or similar establishment
characterized by (activities featuring) the exposure of specified
anatomical areas or by specified sexual activities.
[Added 12-21-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-04]
AISLE
A corridor within a parking lot used by motor vehicles for
access to the parking spaces.
ALLEY
A street, usually located to the rear or side of properties
otherwise abutting a street, used primarily for vehicular service
access.
ALTERATION
As applied to a structure, a change or rearrangement in the
structural parts, including supporting members such as bearing walls,
columns, beams or girders, or an enlargement, whether by extending
on a side or by increasing in height, or the moving from one location
or position to another.
AMENDMENT
Any duly enacted change or revision of this chapter.
[Amended 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
AMUSEMENT ENTERPRISES
The provision of entertainment or games of skill to the general
public for a fee, such as arcades, billiards, bowling, skating, miniature
golf, or other similar businesses.
[Added 5-15-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-06]
ANIMAL KENNELS
A place where domesticated animals, such as dogs or cats,
are trained, and/or boarded.
[Added 9-7-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-15]
APPLICANT
A landowner or developer who has filed an application for
a zoning permit.
APPURTENANCES
Ground-mounted installations of mechanical, electrical, or
other utility hardware for a development or subdivision. This includes
transformers, electrical switches, HVAC equipment and the like. This
does not include such equipment as ATMs, gas pumps, electric vehicle
charging stations (excluding transformers or switches related to vehicle
charging), or other similar devices intended for use and access by
the general public.
[Added 4-4-2019 by Ord. No. O-19-01]
ARCHITECT
A professional licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
to practice architecture.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
AREA MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME
For the purposes of this chapter, the area median family
income shall be based on data for Centre County produced annually
by HUD or the Census Bureau.
[Added 5-21-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-06]
ARTISTS, ARTISAN and CRAFTSMAN
Persons who are skilled in any one of the following or related
professions: e.g., painter, illustrator, miniaturist, engraver, designer,
etcher, commercial artist, sculptor, carver, medalist, chiseler, writer,
dancer, musician, builder, landscape designer, photographer, videographer,
decorator and fabric artisan.
[Added 3-11-1993 by Ord. No. O-93-02]
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION
The use of land and structures engaged in the retail sale
of gasoline unless within a shopping center as defined in § 88-3, oil, grease, batteries, tires and other motor vehicle
accessories, which may also provide minor mechanical repairs and servicing
of motorized vehicles.
[Amended 12-18-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-17]
AUTO WRECKING, JUNK AND SCRAP ESTABLISHMENTS
The use of land and structures for the storage, baling, packing,
sorting, handling, disassembling, purchase or sale of any material
which has been used, salvaged, scrapped or reclaimed but is capable
of being reused in some form, including metals, fiber, paper, cloth
and rags, rubber, rope, bottles, machinery, tools, appliances, fixtures,
utensils, lumber, boxes, crates, pipe and pipe fittings, tires, motor
vehicles which are inoperable and do not have a current inspection
sticker or current license as required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
and motor vehicle parts, but not including garbage or other organic
wastes.
BANK
An establishment for the custody, loan, exchange, or issue
of money, for the extension of credit, and for facilitating the transmission
of funds. Such an establishment shall be permitted where retail establishments
are permitted.
[Added 3-19-2015 by Ord.
No. O-15-03]
BASEMENT
Any area of the building having its floor below ground level
on all sides.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
BED-AND-BREAKFAST HOME
An owner-occupied single-family detached dwelling unit providing,
for compensation, sleeping accommodations and breakfast for transient
guests in three or less guestrooms.
[Added 8-7-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-13]
BED-AND-BREAKFAST INN
An owner-occupied single-family detached dwelling unit providing,
for compensation, sleeping accommodations and breakfast for transient
guests in 10 or less guestrooms.
[Added 8-7-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-13]
BIKE PATH
A minimum eight-foot-zero-inch-wide paved path intended to
furnish bicycle and pedestrian access.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
BLOCK and BLOCK FACE
The area which encompasses the houses on both sides of the
street, bordered at either or both sides by the nearest cross street.
[Added 6-13-1985 by Ord. No. 59-H]
BOTTLE CLUB
An establishment operated for profit or pecuniary gain, which
admits patrons upon the payment of a fee, has a capacity for the assemblage
of 20 or more persons and in which alcoholic liquors, alcohol or malt
or brewed beverages are not legally sold but where alcoholic liquors,
alcohol or malt or brewed beverages are either provided by the operator
or agents or employees of the operator for consumption on the premises
or are brought into or kept at the establishment by the patrons or
persons assembling there for use and consumption. The term shall not
include a licensee under the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L. 90, No. 21),
known as the "Liquor Code," or any organization as set forth in Section
6 of the Act of December 19, 1990 (P.L. 1200, No. 202), known as the
"Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act."
[Added 12-21-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-04]
BOULEVARD
A broad internal street with landscaped medians and planted
rights-of-way lined with trees and grass cover.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
BOUNDARY
A line marking the limit or border of a lot or district.
[Amended 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
BUILDING
A structure, including any part thereof, having a roof and
used for the shelter or enclosure of persons or property.
BUILDING MATERIALS AND LUMBER STORE
A freestanding building which sells hardware, building materials
and lumber. The lumber may be in the main building or in a yard or
storage area.
[Added 5-1-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-01]
BUILDING SETBACK LINE
The line within a lot defining the required minimum setback
distance between any structure and the adjacent street line.
BULK STORAGE
The placement of material in any state (solid, liquid, or
gas) that will be utilized other than on site.
[Added 3-19-2015 by Ord.
No. O-15-03]
BUSINESS INCUBATOR
A building that offers office, light manufacturing and/or
laboratory space, common facilities and shared services at below market
rates to tenants.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
BUSINESS SERVICES
Any establishment wherein the primary occupation is the provision
of services or supplies principally to the business, commercial or
institutional community. Examples of business services include, but
are not limited to, printing and copying services, messenger or courier
services, stationery and office supply facilities and sandwich shops.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
CALIPER
The diameter of a tree measured at 4 1/2 feet above
the top of the root ball. In the case of a multi-stem tree, the caliper
is determined by the average of the stems.
[Added 4-20-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-11]
CAMPS AND CAMPING GROUNDS
The use of land and structures by campers for seasonal, recreational
and temporary living purposes in cabins, tents or outdoor recreational
vehicles.
CANOPY TREE
A deciduous tree, either single-stemmed or multi-stemmed
(clump form), which has a caliper of at least two inches to 2 1/2
inches at planting and is of a species which, at maturity, can be
expected to reach a height of at least 30 feet.
[Added 4-20-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-11]
CARTWAY
The portion of a street right-of-way designed or intended
for vehicular use.
CENTER LINE
A line running parallel to and equidistant from both sides
of a street.
CHICKEN COOP
Any fully enclosed and covered structure providing a predator-resistant
shelter that is thoroughly ventilated, provides adequate sun and shade
and all-season protection from the elements, designed to be easily
accessed and cleaned where backyard chicken live.
[Added 2-18-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-02]
CHICKEN HEN
A domesticated female chicken considered a chick, pullet
or adult.
[Added 2-18-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-02]
CHICKEN RUN
A covered, secure enclosure that allows chicken hens access
to the outdoors.
[Added 2-18-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-02]
CHILD DAY-CARE CENTER
The use of land and structures for supervised day care of
seven or more children.
[Amended 3-11-1993 by Ord. No. O-93-02]
CHILD DAY-CARE HOME
The use of land and structure for the care and supervision
in a single-family home of no more than six nonresident children.
[Added 3-11-1993 by Ord. No. O-93-02]
CHURCHES AND OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP
The use of land and structures for religious worship, education
and related activities; includes chapels, cathedrals, temples, synagogues,
on-site parish houses, convents and the like. Other establishments
maintained by religious organizations, such as primary and secondary
educational institutions, institutions of higher education, day-care
centers, hospitals, recreational athletic facilities or camps and
the like are classified as a land use according to their respective
activities separate from that of a church/place of worship.
[Amended 7-15-2010 by Ord. No. O-10-04]
COMMERCIAL DAIRY
The use of land and structures for the manufacture and processing
of dairy products.
COMMERCIAL PARKING FACILITIES
A parking lot that provides parking that is not specific
to any particular accessory use. A fee may or may not be charged.
A lot that provides both parking for a specific use and regular fee
parking for people not connected to any nearby use is also considered
a commercial parking use.
[Added 3-19-2015 by Ord.
No. O-15-03]
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE
As defined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 75 Pa.C.S.A.
§ 1603.
[Added 8-20-2015 by Ord.
No. O-15-08]
COMMUNITY CENTER
The nonprofit use of land and structures for social and community
service activities, including recreational programs, professional
counseling services and/or human service agencies and programs, provided
that the sale of intoxicating beverages on the premises shall be prohibited.
[Added 6-13-1985 by Ord. No. 59-H]
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS FACILITY OR CENTER
A public or private temporary residential facility providing
transitional housing, employment assistance, counseling, and/or other
services to offenders who are placed in such a facility under terms
of probation, parole, or pretrial status.
[Added 5-18-2017 by Ord.
No. O-17-01]
COMPLETELY DRY SPACE
A space which will remain totally dry during flooding; the
structure is designed and constructed to prevent the passage of water
and water vapor.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The officially adopted College Township Comprehensive Plan.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
CONSERVATION USES
Areas for the conservation of open space, water, soil, and
wildlife resources. Such areas include nature centers and preserves,
wildlife sanctuaries, and other areas that preserve natural and environmentally
sensitive features in their natural state.
[Added 11-20-2014 by Ord.
No. O-14-17]
CONSTRUCTION
The construction, reconstruction, repair, extension, expansion,
alteration or relocation of a building or structure, including the
placement of manufactured homes.
[Added 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03]
CONVENIENCE STORE
Small stores providing food, beverages, sundries and/or fuel
and designed in a manner for quick turnover of customers.
[Amended 6-23-1994 by Ord. No. O-94-03; 12-6-2001 by Ord. No. O-01-13; 2-20-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-01]
CORPORATE OFFICE
A building, or portion thereof, that is used by a center
of administration that supports the internal operations of a corporation.
An office that provides external operations or services similar to
those of a business, financial, and/or professional office shall not
be defined as a "corporate office."
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09; amended 9-7-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-15]
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Public or privately operated facilities housing persons awaiting
trial or persons serving a sentence after being found guilty of a
criminal offense, including but not limited to jails, prisons, and
juvenile detention centers.
[Added 5-18-2017 by Ord.
No. O-17-01]
COUNCIL
The Council of the Township of College, County of Centre,
Pennsylvania.
CREMATORY
A building equipped with a furnace for cremating dead bodies.
[Added 5-17-2001 by Ord. No. O-01-03]
CURB RETURN
A curved curb connecting the tangents of two intersecting
curbs of streets or driveways.
DATA CENTER
A centralized facility for the storage, management, processing,
and dissemination of electronic data and information. Typical facilities
include but are not limited to mainframe computers, servers, networking
equipment, backup power supply, and other devices associated with
electronic data and information.
[Added 3-19-2015 by Ord.
No. 15-03]
DEDICATION
The conveyance of land or objects to some public use, made
by the owner and accepted for such use by or on behalf of the public
by a municipality, school district, public authority or other government
agency.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
DESIGN PATTERN
The generalized spatial distribution of development which
establishes an identifiable and legible relationship of buildings
to open space.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to buildings or other structures, the placement
of manufactured homes, streets and other paving, utilities and filling,
grading, excavation, mining, dredging or drilling operations and the
storage of materials or equipment.
[Added 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03; amended 12-4-2003 by Ord. No. O-03-18]
DIRECT ACCESS
Access to an existing public road or otherwise developed
right-of-way which does not traverse lands held in ownership by others.
[Added 7-28-1988 by Ord. No. O-88-7]
DISTRICT
All land and watercourses located within designated boundaries
on the Official Zoning Map; a zoning district.
DRIVE-IN COMMERCIAL USE
The use of land and structures in which goods or services
are dispensed directly to the patron in a motor vehicle by any means
which eliminates the necessity for the patron to exit the motor vehicle.
DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITY
An establishment or portion thereof which accommodates a
patron's motor vehicle, from which the occupants may receive a service
or in which products are purchased without the need for the occupants
to leave the motor vehicle.
[Added 5-15-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-06]
DRIVEWAY
A corridor which provides motor vehicle access from a street
into a lot.
[Amended 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
DWELLING
A building designed for human living quarters.
[Amended 6-23-1994 by Ord. No. O-94-03; 8-21-2008 by Ord. No.
O-08-07; 6-16-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-02]
A.
DWELLING UNITA single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, cooking, sleeping, eating and sanitation. The maximum occupancy of a dwelling unit is established by §
200-11Z.
B.
SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSEA building designed for one dwelling unit and surrounded by open space or yards and not attached to any other dwelling. One additional dwelling unit either in, added to or on the property of a single-family house may be considered accessory and permitted in accordance with §
200-11.
C.
PATIO HOUSE (ZERO LOT LINE)A single-family home located on a lot where it is set back on three sides and one side built on a side property line or a single-family home built among a group of other single-family homes on the same lot where each patio home is owned by a different homeowner and a homeowners' or condominium association maintains the majority or all of the land around the homes. (See the supplemental regulations in §
200-38.3.)
[Amended 11-20-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-12]
D.
DUPLEXA building containing two dwelling units located side by side sharing a common wall with each dwelling unit having its own access. The dwelling units may be located on the same lot or separate lots.
[Amended 9-15-2016 by Ord. No. O-16-05]
E.
TOWNHOUSEA building containing three or more dwelling units where each dwelling has its own outside access.
F.
MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGA building containing more than two dwelling units where access to individual dwelling units is provided by a common entrance(s) to the building. Dwelling units may be located on top of one another.
[Amended 9-15-2016 by Ord. No. O-16-05]
G.
CONDOMINIUMA dwelling, building or group of buildings in which the dwelling unit is owned individually and the structure, common areas and facilities are owned by all the owners or an association.
ENGINEER
A professional engineer licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
to practice engineering.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
ENGINEER, TOWNSHIP
A professional engineer, licensed as such in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, duly appointed as the engineer for the Township.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
ENTRY FEATURE
A sign, flag, fence, wall, fountain, kiosk or pavilion, plant
material or a combination of such structures or decorative elements
located at the entrance to a site to indicate or mark an access point.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION
A.
EROSIONThe removal of soil, stone and other surface materials by the action of natural elements.
B.
SEDIMENTATIONThe process by which mineral or organic matter is accumulated or deposited by the movement of wind and water or by gravity.
ESSENTIALLY DRY SPACE
A space which will remain dry during flooding, except for
the passage of some water vapor or minor seepage; the structure is
substantially impermeable to the passage of water.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Facilities for the distribution of utility services, including
gas, electric, steam, water and sewerage, excluding wireless communications
facilities.
[Amended 10-16-1997 by Ord. No. O-97-05; 12-15-2016 by Ord. No. O-16-11]
EVERGREEN TREE
A tree, either single-stemmed or multi-stemmed (clump form)
which is a minimum of six feet tall at planting and is of a species
which at maturity can be expected to reach a height of at least 20
feet.
[Added 4-20-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-11]
EXCAVATION
Any act by which earth, gravel, rock or any other similar
material is dug into, cut, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced,
relocated or bulldozed.
[Added 4-9-1992 by Ord. No. O-92-05]
EXTENSION
An addition to the floor area of an existing structure; an
increase in the size of a structure or an increase in that portion
of a lot occupied by an existing use; an enlargement.
FACING WALLS
A.
Walls of a structure opposite and parallel to
one another; or
B.
Wall lines, or wall lines extended of opposite
walls, intersecting at angles of less than 65°.
FAMILY
A person or two or more persons, all of whom are related
by blood, marriage, parentage, adoption or legal guardianship, including
foster children, living together as a single housekeeping unit. In
addition to the family, two or fewer persons who are not related to
the family may reside within the housekeeping unit in the dwelling
unit.
[Amended 2-23-1984 by Ord. No. 59-G; 6-13-1985 by Ord. No.
59-H; 6-16-2011 by Ord. No. O-11-02]
FAR (FLOOR AREA RATIO)
The ratio of gross floor area of a building or buildings
within a land planning unit to the gross land area of the land planning
unit.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
FARM USE
The employment of the land and structures for one or more
of the following uses: tilling or cultivation of the land; raising,
harvesting and selling of crops, fruits and vegetables; horticulture
use related to the raising, propagating and selling of trees, shrubs,
flowers, and other plant material; forestry uses related to harvesting
of lumber products; the keeping and raising of livestock, poultry;
dairying and the sale of dairy products; or any other agriculture,
horticultural, animal husbandry or any combination thereof. "Farm
use" does not include the on-site tilling or cultivation of up to
50% of an individual parcel for the raising and maintenance of trees,
shrubs, plants, flowers, garden crops, fruits and vegetables intended
for personal use or eventual off-site donation or sale. This shall
also not include any plants for the purpose of landscape or aesthetics.
[Amended 2-18-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-02]
FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT
Any establishment whose principal business is the sale of
food or beverages with rapid turnover to customers in a ready-to-consume
state for consumption either within the building or for carry-out
off the premises and whose design or principal method of operation
includes the following: foods and beverages are usually served in
disposable or edible containers; it is self-service, with customers
expected to clean up after themselves; and menus are posted.
FILL
Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or any other similar
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; the difference in elevation between a point
on the original ground and a designated point of higher elevation
on the final grade; the material used to make fill.
[Added 4-9-1992 by Ord. No. O-92-05]
FINISHED LIVING AREA
All habitable interior space, excluding unheated porches,
carports and garages.
[Added 11-14-1985 by Ord. No. 59-J]
FIREWOOD
Trunks and branches of trees and bushes, but does not include
leaves, needles, vines or brush smaller than three inches in diameter.
[Added 10-16-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-09]
FLEET VEHICLE
One or more motor vehicles owned by a business, government,
or similar entity utilized for the provision of services and/or goods.
[Added 8-20-2015 by Ord.
No. O-15-08]
FLOODPLAIN AREA
A relatively flat or low land area which is subject to partial
or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or
watercourse, and/or any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation
of surface waters from any source.
[Amended 4-14-1983 by Ord. No. 59-C; 1-8-1987 by Ord. No.
100; 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03]
FLOODWATERS
Waters which escape from streams or other bodies of water
and overflow adjacent lands, as distinct from runoff.
[Added 4-14-1983 by Ord. No. 59-C]
FLOODWAY
The designated area of a floodplain required to carry and
discharge floodwaters of a given magnitude. For the purposes of this
Chapter, the floodway shall be capable of accommodating a flood of
the one-hundred-year magnitude.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
FUNERAL HOME OR PARLOR
A business establishment where the bodies of the dead are
prepared for burial or cremation and where funeral services can be
held; mortuary.
[Added 5-17-2001 by Ord. No. O-01-03]
FRONTAGE
The portion of a lot boundary abutting a street.
GAMING ESTABLISHMENT
The use of land for the legal operation of a business which
allows for any form of wagering, including a licensed gaming entity
with the exception of lotteries.
[Added 2-16-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-05]
GOVERNING BODY
The Council of the Township of College, County of Centre,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
GRADE
The slope of ground, street or other public way, specified
in percentage of change in elevation per horizontal distance.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
GRADING
The act of excavating and/or filling land for the purpose
of changing natural slope.
[Amended 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
GRAZING
The act of pasturing livestock on growing grass or other
growing herbage or on dead grass or other dead herbage existing in
the place where grown, as the principal subsistence of the livestock
so grazed.
[Added 5-16-2013 by Ord. No. O-13-02]
GROSS FLOOR AREA (GFA) or FLOOR AREA
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all floors of a
building measured from the exterior face of exterior walls, or from
the center line of a wall separating two buildings, but not including
interior parking spaces, loading space for motor vehicles or any space
where the floor-to-ceiling height is less than six feet.
[Added 4-9-1992 by Ord. No. O-92-05]
GROUP HOME
A dwelling unit in which care and residence are provided
in accordance with regulations of the appropriate state agency(ies)
for three and not more than six nonadjudicated clients who are dependent
children or elderly, mentally ill or disabled adults.
[Added 6-13-1985 by Ord. No. 59-H]
GROUP LIVING FACILITIES
A category for the following similar uses: personal care
boarding fraternities, sororities and elderly housing developments.
[Added 5-1-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-01]
HALFWAY HOUSE/REHABILITATION CENTER
A temporary residential facility for people who have had
issues with alcoholism, drug abuse, mental illness, or antisocial
conduct or victims thereof to live in a supportive living arrangement
with the intended goal of transitioning the residents to independent
or semi-independent living. This term specifically excludes correctional
and community corrections facilities.
[Added 6-13-1985 by Ord.
No. 59-H; amended 5-18-2017 by Ord. No. O-17-01]
HEIGHT
The vertical distance of a structure measured from the average elevation of existing grade at the proposed building perimeter prior to construction, to the finished ceiling of the highest habitable space. See figure below. Also see §
200-14 for exceptions.
[Amended 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09; 8-8-1997 by Ord. No. O-97-04]
HISTORIC PROPERTIES
Properties listed in the United States Department of Interior
National Register of Historic Places.
[Added 12-29-1982]
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure that is:
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
A.
Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places
(a listing maintained by the Department of Interior) or preliminarily
determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements
for individual listing on the National Register;
B.
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;
C.
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places
in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved
by the Secretary of Interior; or
D.
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places
in communities with historic preservation programs that have been
certified either by an approved state program as determined by the
Secretary of the Interior or directly by the Secretary of the Interior
in states without approved programs.
HOSPITAL
A business or nonprofit establishment for the diagnosis,
treatment and other care of the general public through an organized
medical staff which is primarily engaged in providing in-patient care.
The establishment shall be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department
of Health and have as its mission the provision of acute care medical
and nursing services to the injured, disabled, pregnant, diseased
or sick or mentally ill persons and/or the provision of rehabilitation
services for such persons and to provide further services which promote
good health and well-being of people.
[Amended 4-14-1988 by Ord. No. O-88-3]
HOUSEHOLD
All the people who occupy a dwelling unit. A household includes
the related family members and all the unrelated individuals, if any,
such as lodgers, foster children, wards, or employees who share the
dwelling unit. A person living alone in a housing unit, or a group
of unrelated people sharing a housing unit such as partners or roomers,
is also counted as a household.
[Added 6-20-2013 by Ord. No. O-13-01]
HUNTING AND FISHING CABINS
A building used for seasonal and temporary living purposes
by persons engaged in hunting, fishing and similar recreational purposes.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface that limits the infiltration of water into the
ground, including any rooftop surface or swimming pool surface, or
any asphaltic pavement, concrete or compacted gravel; any of which
is used for driveways, ditches or courts.
[Added 7-28-1988 by Ord. No. O-88-07; amended 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09; 5-18-2000 by Ord. No.
O-00-02]
IMPROVEMENT
Those physical additions, installations and changes required
to render land suitable for the use intended, and including but not
limited to streets, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, street signs and
lights, walkways, sewer and water facilities, monuments and markers,
shade trees, grading and stormwater drainage facilities.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITY
A building in which indoor recreational structures are contained.
Such recreational structures shall be for athletic or fitness purposes
and not include those uses defined as an amusement enterprise.
[Added 3-19-2015 by Ord.
No. O-15-03]
INDUSTRIAL PARK
An area planned for the integrated design of two or more
primary industrial uses and structures on a lot held in single ownership.
INDUSTRIAL SERVICE
An establishment engaged in the repair or servicing of industrial
or commercial machinery, equipment, products, or by-products. Typical
uses include welding shops, machine shops; industrial tool repair;
fuel oil distributors; solid fuel yards; laundry, drycleaning, and/or
carpet cleaning plants.
[Added 3-19-2015 by Ord.
No. O-15-03]
INTENSIVE MANUFACTURING
The manufacturing of acetylene, cement, lime, gypsum or plaster
of paris, chlorine, corrosive acid or fertilizer, insecticides, disinfectants,
poisons, explosives, paint, lacquer, varnish, petroleum products,
coal products, plastic and synthetic resins, and radioactive materials
and the like. In addition, this shall include smelting, animal rendering,
natural gas and oil refining operations.
[Added 3-19-2015 by Ord.
No. O-15-03]
INVASIVE SPECIES
A species that has become a weed pest, a plant which grows
aggressively, spreads, and displaces other plants. Generally, invasive
species are plants that are not native to North America, spread quickly,
reproducing by roots or shoots, mature quickly, can grow in many different
conditions and be exploiters and colonizers of disturbed ground. For
the purposes of this chapter "invasive species" shall be those defined
as serious or moderate threats to Pennsylvania’s noninvasive
plant species as established by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources.
[Added 4-20-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-11]
LABORATORY SPACE
Area within a building which is intended for applied and
developmental research use.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
LAND DEVELOPMENT[Added 2-20-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-01]
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 buildings;
(2)
The division or allocation of land or space 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; or
(3)
The grading or filling of a lot or portion thereof whereupon
the contours of the land are altered in a manner which will impact
an adjoining property or public or private right-of-way by way of
stormwater runoff, erosion or any other impact.
LAND PLANNING UNIT
A unit of analysis for planning purposes not to exceed a
certain acreage defined by district requirements. Boundaries of a
land planning unit are to be determined by natural or other physical
features that result in a contiguous land area.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
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 persons having a proprietary interest in land.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
A professional licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
to practice landscape architecture.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
LAND SURVEYOR
A professional licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
LEWD, IMMORAL OR IMPROPER ENTERTAINMENT
Includes, but is not limited to, the following acts of conduct:
[Added 12-21-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-04]
A.
Acts or simulated acts of sexual intercourse,
masturbation, sodomy, bestiality, oral copulation, flagellation or
excretion or any sexual acts which are prohibited by law.
B.
Any person being touched, caressed or fondled
on the buttocks, anus, vulva, genitals or female breasts. This subsection
includes stimulation.
C.
Scenes wherein a person displays or exposes
to view any portion of the pubic area, anus, cleft of the buttocks,
vulva, genitals or any portion of the female breast directly or laterally
below the top of the areola. This subsection includes stimulation.
D.
Scenes wherein artificial devices or inanimate objects are employed to portray any of the prohibited activities described in Subsections
A,
B or
C.
E.
Employment or use of any person in the sale and service of alcoholic beverages while such person is unclothed or in such attire, costume or clothing as to expose to view any portion of the anatomy described in Subsection
C.
F.
Employment or use of the services of a person while the person is unclothed or in such attire as to expose to view any portion of the anatomy described in Subsection
C.
G.
Permitting any person on the premises to touch,
caress or fondle the buttocks, anus, vulva, genitals or female breasts
of any other person.
H.
Permitting any person on the premises while such person is unclothed or in such attire as to expose to view any portion of the anatomy described in Subsection
C.
I.
Permitting any person to wear or use any device
or covering exposed to view which stimulates the human buttocks, anus,
vulva, genitals or female breasts.
J.
Permitting any person to show, display or exhibit on the premises any film, still picture, electronic reproduction or any other visual reproduction or image the content of which primarily depicts graphic sexual acts as described in Subsections
A and
E.
LICENSED GAMING ENTITY
A facility which provides for slot machines as permitted
and regulated under Act 72 of 2004, Pennsylvania Race Horse Development
and Gaming Act, as amended.
[Added 2-16-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-05]
LIGHT MANUFACTURING
Any manufacturing uses with no or low environmental impacts,
where by their very nature produce no impacts to nearby properties
in terms of smoke, noise, soot, dirt, vibration, etc., and in which
all work, including storage of materials, occurs inside the building,
such as but not limited to the production and/or assembly of photographic
equipment; precision instruments; ceramic products; electrical equipment,
components and accessories; electronic or mechanical measuring instruments
and control devices; optical equipment; communications equipment;
computers; instruments, accessories and supplies used in medical diagnosis
or treatment; the publishing of newspapers, books, magazines and the
like.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord.
No. O-90-09; amended 3-19-2015 by Ord. No. O-15-03]
LIMITED USES
Land and building uses within a PRBD that are restricted
to certain percentages of the total FAR for the land planning unit.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
LIVING SPACE
The portion of the floor area of a dwelling relegated to
use for residential purposes but excluding crawl spaces, garages,
carports, breezeways, attics or portions thereof with clear ceiling
heights of less than five feet, open porches, balconies, terraces
and accessory structures.
LOADING DOCK
A platform where trucks can be loaded or unloaded.
[Added 4-20-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-11]
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.
[Amended 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
A.
CORNER LOTA lot at the junction of and abutting on two or more intersecting streets or at the point of abrupt change of a single street where the interior angle is less than 135° and the radius of the street is less than 100 feet.
C.
IRREGULAR-SHAPED LOTA lot which exhibits one or more of the following traits:
[Added 3-19-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-02]
(1)
Cannot be defined as one of the lots noted herein;
(2)
Contains more than four sides;
(3)
Lot lines do not create right angles leading to a trapezoidal
shape.
D.
FLAG LOTA parcel of land shaped like a flag; the “flag” portion represents the bulk of the property, with a thin part of the parcel stretching from the “flag” to the road for access very much like the “pole” holding the flag.
[Added 3-19-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-02]
F.
TRIANGULAR LOTA lot with only three sides.
[Added 3-19-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-02]
LOT LINE
A boundary line of a lot; includes property line.
B.
SIDE LOT LINEAny lines which are not front or rear lot lines that extend to and connect the front and rear lot lines. Where two or more side lot lines are adjoining, they shall be treated as segments of a single side lot line.
[Amended 3-19-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-02]
C.
REAR LOT LINEThe line or lines that are most nearly opposite and most distant from the front lot line which connect the rearmost points of the side lot line(s).
[Amended 3-19-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-02]
LOT SIZE
The area contained within the boundary lines of a lot.
LOTTERY
Any scheme or procedure whereby one or more prizes are distributed
by chance among persons who have paid or promised consideration for
a chance to win such prizes, whether such scheme or procedure is called
a lottery, raffle, gift, sale or some other name.
[Added 2-16-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-05]
LOT WIDTH
The horizontal distance between side lot lines.
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest floor of the lowest fully enclosed area (including
basement). An unfinished, flood-resistant partially enclosed area,
used solely for the parking of vehicles, building access, and incidental
storage, in an area other than a basement area is not considered the
lowest floor of a building, provided that such space is not designed
and built so that the structure is in violation of the applicable
nonelevation design requirements of this chapter.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
MAJOR VARIATION
Any of the following changes to the approved preliminary
plan may constitute a major variation:
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
A.
An increase in the percentage of the total limited
uses as shown on the approved preliminary plan.
B.
A decrease in the open space, as shown on the
approved preliminary plan.
C.
A change in the location of vehicular access
points.
D.
An increase in the FAR, as shown on the approved
preliminary plan.
E.
A change that departs from the design pattern.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which
is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without
a permanent foundation only when connected to the required utilities.
The term includes park trailers, travel trailers, recreational and
other similar vehicles placed on a site for more than 180 consecutive
days.
[Added 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03]
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK
A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land which has been planned
and improved for the placement of two or more manufactured homes.
[Added 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03]
MANUFACTURING
Establishments engaged in the chemical or mechanical transformation
of materials or substances into new products, including the assembling
of component parts, the manufacturing of products, and the blending
of materials such as lubricating oils, resins or liquors.
[Added 5-17-2001 by Ord. No. O-01-03]
MARKET-RATE DWELLING UNIT
A dwelling unit other than mobile homes as defined herein
which sells on the market at a price which is affordable to those
households which make above 100% of area median family income.
[Added 5-21-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-06]
MASSAGE PARLOR
An establishment where, for any form of consideration, massage,
alcohol rub, fomentation, electric or magnetic treatment, or similar
treatment or manipulation of the human body, is administered for purposes
of specified sexual activities.
[Added 12-21-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-04]
MATERIAL
The substance or substances out of which a thing is or can
be made; of or relating to matter; something physical.
[Added 3-2-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-07]
MAXIMUM BUILDING COVERAGE
The percentage of area of the land planning unit which may
be occupied by the ground floor area of all primary, limited and accessory
use buildings.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
MAXIMUM DESIGN CAPACITY (MDC)
The actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space,
floor or building is designed.
[Added 4-9-1992 by Ord. No. O-92-05]
MAXIMUM LOT COVERAGE
The maximum percentage of lot area which may be occupied
by the ground floor area of all buildings.
[Amended 11-10-1983 by Ord. No. 59-F]
MEDICAL OFFICE/CLINIC
Any building, or portion thereof, used by any company, corporation,
partnership, or sole proprietor primarily engaged in furnishing medical,
surgical and related services to individuals, including the offices
of physicians, dentists, chiropodists, chiropractors, ophthalmologists,
psychologists, psychiatrists, medical, optical, optometric, osteopathic
and other health practitioners, medical and dental laboratories, out-patient-care
facilities, blood banks, oxygen and miscellaneous types of medical
supplies and services. Hospitals, whether for profit or not for profit,
licensed by the State of Pennsylvania are excluded from this definition.
[Added 9-7-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-15;
amended 3-19-2015 by Ord. No. O-15-03]
MINING AND QUARRYING
The use of land for the purpose of extracting rocks and minerals
for sale, exclusive of grading a lot preparatory to the construction
of a structure for which a zoning permit has been issued.
MINI STORAGE/SELF-STORAGE
A building(s) in which a storage unit or vault is rented
for the storage of goods. Each unit is physically separated from other
units, and access is usually provided through an overhead door or
other common access point.
[Added 5-1-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-01]
MIXED-USE BUILDING
A building which contains both residential and nonresidential
uses. For the purposes of this chapter, a mixed-use building shall
have at a minimum the entire ground floor dedicated to nonresidential
uses, such as retail or office, the size of which shall be equal to
or greater than the floors above it. The use of the ground- or first-floor
area cannot be utilized for parking and still be defined as a mixed-use
building.
[Added 5-15-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-06]
MOBILE FOOD PEDDLER
A licensed mobile vehicle that is equipped to vend only sealed,
prepackaged food and treats in the original sealed container or package
that vends by transporting food and treats from place to place, or
upon any public right-of-way for the purpose of selling or delivering
food or goods.
[Added 8-6-2020 by Ord. No. O-20-02]
MOBILE FOOD VENDOR
A readily movable licensed motorized vehicle or a licensed
towed vehicle designed and equipped to prepare, serve, and sell food
and frozen dairy or frozen water-based food products, but which does
not include mobile vending carts.
[Added 2-20-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-01; amended 8-6-2020 by Ord. No. O-20-02]
MOBILE HOME
A transportable single-family dwelling contained in one unit,
or in two units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable
of again being separated for repeated towing, which arrives at a site
complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking
and assembly operations, and constructed so that it may be used without
a permanent foundation.
MOBILE VENDING CART
A mobile food cart that does not travel under its own power
that is set up on the street that is licensed to sell food to passers-by.
Prior to submission of the application for permitting, such applicants
must obtain a waiver from College Township Council to operate from
public sidewalks.
[Added 8-6-2020 by Ord. No. O-20-02]
MODEL HOME
A residential structure constructed of similar materials
and appearing similar to other structures located within the same
residential development to "model" the type(s) of residential structures
being offered for sale by the developer. The purpose of a model home
is to display the exterior and interior of a typical residential structure
and to display the developer's/builder's options offered in the residential
structures to be built in the same residential development/subdivision
as the model home unless it is built to commercial building code standards.
[Added 7-5-2007 by Ord. No. O-07-12]
MORTUARY
A place where dead bodies are kept before burial or cremation,
as a morgue or funeral home.
[Added 5-17-2001 by Ord. No. O-01-03]
MUNICIPAL
Of or for the Township of College, unless specifically in
reference to another municipality.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD STORE
Small stores permitted in selected rural and residential
districts which retail food and nonalcoholic beverages primarily to
the immediately surrounding population.
[Added 6-23-1994 by Ord. No. O-94-03]
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Structures for which the start of construction commenced
on or after August 10, 1989, and includes any subsequent improvements
thereto.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
NONCONFORMITIES
Any nonconforming lot, structure or use of land or structures.
A.
NONCONFORMING LOTA lot which does not comply with the lot size or width requirements for the use and district in which it is located where such lot was legally recorded prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendment thereto.
B.
NONCONFORMING USEA use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions of this chapter or amendment thereto where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendment or prior to the application of this chapter or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.
C.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTUREA structure or part of a structure manifestly not designed to comply with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or amendment thereto where such structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendment or prior to the application of such chapter or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.
NONINVASIVE SPECIES
A plant species not defined as invasive.
[Added 4-20-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-11]
NONPARTICIPATING LANDOWNER
Any landowner except those on whose property all or a portion
of a wind energy facility is located pursuant to an agreement with
the facility owner or operator.
[Added 10-18-2007 by Ord. No. O-07-14]
NORTH POINT
An arrow on a plan depicting true North.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
NURSING HOMES AND OTHER CONVALESCENT HOMES
A building with sleeping rooms where persons are housed or
lodged and furnished with meals, nursing care for hire and which is
approved for such by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
OCCUPIED BUILDING
A residence, school, hospital, church, public library or
other building used for public gathering that is occupied or in use
when the permit application is submitted.
[Added 10-18-2007 by Ord. No. O-07-14]
OFFICE
Any building or portion thereof used for the practice of
a profession or for the conduct of business or daily operations by
a government or its agency, business, corporation, institution, nonprofit
entity and the like. Activities performed in an office include administrative
and clerical functions, design work, software development, general
research (not involving a laboratory) and the like. For the purposes
of this chapter, this term shall not include a medical or veterinarian
office or an office that has regular contact with the public or is
dependent upon foot traffic/walk-in customers, such as a bank.
[Added 9-7-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-15;
amended 11-21-2013 by Ord. No.
O-13-07; 3-19-2015 by Ord. No. O-15-03]
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
The map setting forth the boundaries of the districts of
this chapter and adopted by the governing body of the Township.
OFF-SITE SEWER SERVICE
A sanitary sewage collection system in which sewage is carried
from individual lots by a system of pipes to a central treatment and
disposal plant.
OFF-STREET LOADING SPACE
A space not located within any street right-of-way used by
motor vehicles for the temporary storage of trucks and other commercial
vehicles while loading and unloading merchandise or materials.
OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE
A space not located within any street right-of-way used by
motor vehicles for the temporary storage of one motor vehicle.
ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR FLOOD
A flood that, on the average, is likely to occur once every
100 years (i.e., that has a one-percent chance of occurring each year,
although the flood may occur in any year).
[Added 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03]
ON-SITE SEWER SERVICE
A sanitary sewage disposal system in which sewage is treated
and discharged on the same lot as the use which it serves.
OPEN SPACE
That area within the perimeter boundaries of a plan that is intended to provide light and air and is designed for preservation of natural features, buffering or scenic or recreational purpose. Open space may include but need not be limited to lawns, decorative plantings, walkways, active and passive recreation structures and areas, children's playgrounds, fountains, pools or ponds, undisturbed natural areas, agriculture, wooded areas, and/or water bodies. Open space must also be open and accessible to all tenants or users of the proposed development. Open space for the purposes of required open space requirements pursuant to §§
200-27.1E and
200-27.2E shall not include areas within required setbacks and/or buffer yard areas and/or areas set aside for public facilities (e.g., schools, utilities or municipal facilities).
[Added 12-29-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09; amended 2-20-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-01
OUTDOOR FURNACE
Any equipment, device or apparatus, or any part thereof,
which is installed, affixed or situated outdoors or in a structure
not normally occupied for human habitation for the primary purpose
of combustion of fuel to produce heat or energy used as a component
of a space or water heating system in a building or structure of which
the unit is located outside of.
[Added 10-16-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-09]
PARENT TRACT
Shall refer to each tract of land as it lies in College Township
at the effective date of any ordinance referring to it.
[Added 8-16-2007 by Ord. No. O-07-10]
PARKING BAY
A row of parking spaces abutting one another along the length
of each space.
PARKING ISLAND
A raised, landscaped area located interior to a parking lot
generally found every 10 spaces or at the end of a parking bay.
[Added 4-20-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-11]
PARKING LOT
An area designed and used for the parking of motor vehicles
outside of a public or private right-of-way, generally consisting
of off-street parking spaces, drive aisles to access such spaces,
and required landscaping. Areas containing off-street parking spaces
for a single-family home, or an individual unit in a duplex or townhome
building, shall not be considered a parking lot and thereby only need
to meet the requirements for off-street parking spaces.
[Amended 5-1-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-01; 12-20-2012 by Ord. No.
O-12-13]
PARKING STRUCTURE
A structure or portion thereof composed of one or more levels
or floors used exclusively for the parking or storage of motor vehicles.
A parking structure may be totally below grade (as in underground
parking garage) or either partially or wholly above ground with those
levels being either open or enclosed.
[Added 8-16-2018 by Ord.
No. O-18-05]
PASSIVE RECREATION
Recreational activities that are commonly unorganized and
noncompetitive, including, but not limited to, picnicking, bird watching,
kite flying, bicycling, and walking. Site amenities for such activities
include, but are not limited to, picnic tables, photo stands, open
play areas where substantial clearing is not required, rest rooms,
boardwalks, paved paths, pathways, benches, and pedestrian bridges
and appurtenant structures. This is to specifically not include swimming
pools, BMX tracks, skate parks, sports facilities, and the like.
[Added 11-20-2014 by Ord.
No. O-14-17]
PATIO
A paved space at ground level that adjoins a residence and
is used for dining or recreation.
[Added 8-16-2007 by Ord. No. O-07-03]
PERIMETER BOUNDARY
The line marking the outside limit of a plan.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Any movable thing that is subject to ownership.
[Added 11-17-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-18]
PERSONAL SERVICES
Establishments primarily engaged in providing services involving
the care of a person or his or her personal goods or apparel, specifically
related to services that would occur on the premises of the business.
[Added 5-18-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-02]
PHASE
A component or definable part of a whole; a stage of development.
A phase of a development plan is that part of the entire plan which,
if implemented, is capable of standing on its own. A phase of planned
development shall be able to function independently of the undeveloped
phases, while being compatible with adjacent or neighboring land uses,
even if the remainder of the planned development were to be discontinued.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
PILOT PLANT
A facility where the production and/or testing of materials
or processes is conducted at a scale larger than bench top and smaller
than commercial production and/or testing.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
PLACE OF ASSEMBLY
The use of land or structures where people assemble for a
common purpose, such as social, cultural, and/or religious purposes,
in an organized manner. Place of assembly includes any place of worship,
community center, auditorium, exhibition/assembly hall, club, fraternal
organization and the like.
[Added 7-15-2010 by Ord. No. O-10-04]
PLANNING COMMISSION
The College Township Planning Commission, Township of College,
County of Centre, Pennsylvania.
PORCH
A covered platform at an entrance to a structure.
[Added 8-16-2007 by Ord. No. O-07-03]
PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT
Any container designed for the storage of personal property
that is typically rented to owners or occupants of property for their
temporary use and which customarily is delivered and removed by truck.
For the purpose of this chapter, a portable storage unit may also
be identified as simply a unit(s).
[Added 11-17-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-18]
PREMISES
A house or building, along with its grounds.
[Amended 3-19-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-02]
PREPACKAGED FOOD
Food that is packaged at a licensed premises or federally
inspected premises other than the premises at which it is offered
for sale.
[Added 8-6-2020 by Ord. No. O-20-02]
PRIVATE
Not publicly owned, operated or controlled.
PRODUCT(S)
Something produced by human or mechanical effort or something
created by a natural process, such as a plant, vegetable or honey,
for personal or commercial use or consumption, and that may usually
be considered tangible personal property.
[Added 3-2-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-07]
PUBLIC
Owned, operated or controlled by a government agency.
RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE
A man-made structure or facility which is intended for active
and/or passive recreational use. Examples of such recreational structures
include but are not limited to swimming pools, pavilions, gazebos,
play equipment and tennis courts. This shall not be construed to include
amusement enterprises.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09; amended 5-18-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-02; 5-15-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-06]
REGULATED SUBSTANCE
An element, compound, mixture, solution or substance that,
when released into the environment, may present substantial danger
to the public health, welfare or the environment, which is one of
the following:
[Added 12-20-2012 by Ord. No. O-12-07]
A.
A substance defined as a hazardous substance in section 101(14)
of CERCLA, including hazardous substances that are liquid or gaseous,
or suspended therein regardless of holding temperature, but not including
a substance regulated as a hazardous waste under Subtitle C of the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. §§
6921 through 6931);
B.
Petroleum, including crude oil or a fraction thereof and petroleum
hydrocarbons which are liquid at standard conditions of temperature
and pressure (60° F. and 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute),
including, but not limited to, oil, petroleum, petroleum mixed with
ethanol, fuel oil, oil sludge, oil refuse, oil mixed with other nonhazardous
wastes and crude oils, gasoline and kerosene;
C.
Other substances determined by the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection by regulation whose containment, storage,
use, or dispensing may present a hazard to the public health and safety
or the environment, but not including gaseous substances used exclusively
for the administration of medical care. This includes the following
other regulated substances:
(1)
Nonpetroleum oils, including biodiesel; synthetic fuels and oils, such as silicone fluids; tung oils and wood-derivative oils, such as resin/rosin oils; and inedible seed oils from plants, which are liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure. The requirements in this chapter for petroleum tanks in Subsection
B apply for this group of substances;
(2)
Pure ethanol intended for blending with motor fuel.
RESIDENTIAL SITE PLAN
A plan for a lot within a residential zone drawn to scale,
showing uses and structures proposed for a single-family dwelling,
an addition thereto or accessory structure 600 square feet or greater
and/or site grading.
[Added 6-6-2002 by Ord. No. O-02-01]
RESIDENT OWNER
An occupant of a dwelling who is the properly recorded legal
owner of record of the dwelling property and who uses the property
as his primary or principal residence. The owner's children or relatives
are not legal owners of record unless their names are recorded on
the deed in the Courthouse of Centre County.
[Added 11-14-1985 by Ord. No. 59-J;
amended 3-19-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-02]
RETAIL SALES
Establishments engaged in the selling of foods or merchandise
to the general public for personal or household consumption and rendering
services incidental to the sale of such goods.
[Added 5-17-2001 by Ord. No. O-01-03]
RIDING STABLE AND ACADEMY
An establishment where horses are kept for riding or driving
or are stabled for compensation as part of a club, association, ranch
or similar establishment.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
A corridor of land set aside for use, in whole or in part,
by a street.
RUNOFF
The surface water discharge or rate of discharge of a given
watershed after a fall of rain, snow or other form of precipitation
that does not enter the soil but runs off the surface of the land.
SCHEDULE
A schedule of development is the projected time frame in
which the several phases of a development are to be implemented.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
SCHOOL
Any place offering instruction in any branch of knowledge
under the supervision of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or a lawfully
constituted ecclesiastical governing body, person, partnership or
corporation meeting the requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
SEMITRAILER
A trailer so constructed that some part of its weight rests
upon or is carried by the towing vehicle.
[Added 11-17-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-18]
SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT
An establishment whose primary activity is the provision
of assistance, as opposed to tangible products to individuals, business,
industry, government, institutional or other enterprises. Examples
include but are not limited to dry cleaners, laundromats, barbers
and beauticians, health and fitness clubs, tanning salons, funeral
homes, mortuaries, tailors, automobile repair/maintenance facilities,
printing/copying services, messenger/courier services, etc.
[Added 5-15-2014 by Ord. No. O-14-06]
SHOPPING CENTER
An integrated commercial development of at least 30,000 square
feet of retail, service and/or sales space.
[Amended 7-28-1988 by Ord. No. 0-88-7]
SHRUB
An ornamental plant with woody stems that is at least two
gallons at planting.
[Added 4-20-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-11]
SMALL WIND ENERGY FACILITY
An electric generation facility, whose main purpose is to
supply electricity, consisting of one or more wind turbines and other
accessory structures and buildings to a primary use located on the
same site as the wind turbine(s) and has a rated capacity of 60 KW
or less.
[Added 10-18-2007 by Ord. No. O-07-14]
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS
A business whose activities result in the development of
computer software products. Software development may include new product
development, modification, reuse, reengineering, maintenance or any
other activity that results in computer software products.
[Added 5-17-2001 by Ord. No. O-01-03]
SOLAR COLLECTOR SURFACE
Any part of a solar energy system that absorbs or reflects
solar energy for use in the system's transformation process including
any portion of the frames, supports and mounting hardware.
[Added 8-18-2016 by Ord.
No. O-16-04]
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
An energy system that converts solar energy to usable thermal,
mechanical, chemical, or electrical energy.
[Added 8-18-2016 by Ord.
No. O-16-04]
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, BUILDING-INTEGRATED
Those solar energy systems that are an integral part of a
primary or accessory structure rather than a separate mechanical device,
replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component
of the structure. Building-integrated systems include but are not
limited to photovoltaic or hot water solar systems that are contained
within roofing materials, windows, skylights, awnings making them
virtually indistinguishable from standard building materials.
[Added 8-18-2016 by Ord.
No. O-16-04]
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, BUILDING-MOUNTED
A solar energy system whose components are mounted directly
to a roof and/or wall of an accessory or primary structure.
[Added 8-18-2016 by Ord.
No. O-16-04]
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, SELF-CONTAINED
A solar energy system that is incorporated into a manufactured
device in which the system generates energy exclusively for said device.
Such solar energy systems include but are not limited to light fixtures,
signs, or mechanical devices, such as pumps, fans, water level monitoring
stations, etc.
[Added 8-18-2016 by Ord.
No. O-16-04]
SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS
As used herein, specified anatomical areas means and includes
any of the following: less than completely covered human genitals,
pubic region, buttocks, anus, or female breasts below a point immediately
above the top of the areola.
[Added 12-21-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-04]
SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES
Includes any of the following:
[Added 12-21-2000 by Ord. No. O-00-04]
A.
The fondling or other erotic touching of human
genitals, pubic region, buttocks, anus, or female breasts;
B.
Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated,
including intercourse, oral copulation or sodomy;
C.
Masturbation, actual or simulated; or
D.
Excretory functions as part of or in connection with any of the activities set forth in Subsections
A through
C.
STACK or CHIMNEY
Any structure enclosing a flue or flues that carries off
smoke or exhaust from a furnace located inside or outside of a structure.
[Added 10-16-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-09]
STEALTH DESIGN
Camouflaging methods applied to wireless communications facilities,
communications antennas, and other facilities that render them more
visually appealing and virtually indistinguishable from the structure
that it is mounted to. Such methods include, but are not limited to,
using architectural materials to screen the WCF from view, painting
the WCF to match the building or structure it is mounted to, designing
and constructing the WCF in a manner to resemble another object such
as a flagpole, clock tower, decorative street light, chimney, grain
silo, etc.
[Added 4-16-2015 by Ord.
No. O-15-05; amended 9-15-2016 by Ord. No. O-16-09; 12-15-2016 by Ord. No. O-16-11]
STEEP SLOPE
Land whose slope (surfaces at an angle to the plane of the
horizon) is 25% or more (a vertical difference of 25 feet or more
per 100 feet of horizontal distance).
STREET
A public or private corridor used as a means of vehicular
and pedestrian access to two or more lots; a highway, road or alley.
[Amended 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09; 3-19-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-02]
A.
ARTERIAL STREETA major street with fast or heavy traffic of considerable continuity used primarily as a traffic artery connecting two or more neighborhoods or areas. Primary arterial streets extend through the entire urban area, while secondary arterial streets extend through only a portion of the area. For the purposes of this chapter, existing primary and secondary arterial streets are listed in Article
VI of Chapter
177, Classification of Streets.
[Amended 9-16-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-05]
B.
COLLECTOR STREETA major street which carries traffic from local streets to arterial streets. For the purposes of this chapter, existing collector streets are listed in Article
VI of Chapter
177, Classification of Streets.
[Amended 9-16-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-05]
C.
LOCAL STREETAny street not herein defined as an alley, arterial, collector or marginal access street.
D.
NEIGHBORHOOD STREETA minor street serving only residential uses. For the purposes of this chapter, existing neighborhood streets are listed in Article
VI of Chapter
177, Classification of Streets.
[Amended 9-16-2021 by Ord. No. O-21-05]
E.
MARGINAL ACCESS STREETA minor street parallel and adjacent to a major street which provides direct access to abutting properties and control of intersections with the major street.
STREET LINE
The dividing line between a street and a lot; includes right-of-way
line and front lot line.
STRUCTURE
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location
on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land. All buildings
and all satellite dish antennas are structures.
[Amended 1-8-1987 by Ord. No. 100; 8-16-2007 by Ord. No.
O-07-03]
SUBDIVISION
The division or redividing of a lot, tract or parcel of land
by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions
of land, 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.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
Damage from any cause sustained by a structure whereby the
cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would
equal or exceed 50% or more of the market value of the structure before
the damage occurred.
[Added 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement
of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market
value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement.
This term includes structures which have incurred substantial damage
regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not,
however, include either:
[Added 7-13-1989 by Ord. No. O-89-03; 4-16-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-08]
A.
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 assure safe living conditions;
or
B.
Any alteration of a historic structure, provided that the alteration
will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as a
historic structure.
SUMMER COTTAGE
A single-family detached dwelling used for seasonal and temporary
living purposes during any season by persons engaged in recreational
pursuits.
SUPERMARKET
A retail store selling a complete assortment of food and
food preparation materials, household items and other retail items.
Sale of additional products, when clearly incidental and subordinate
to the retailing of food and beverages may include housewares, periodicals,
tobacco and both prescription and nonprescription drugs. Supermarkets
contain a more complete line of food products and have a minimum of
5,000 square feet of gross floor area.
[Added 7-28-1988 by Ord. No. O-88-7]
TEMPORARY USE
A use established for a fixed period of time with the intent
to discontinue the use at the end of such time. Such uses do not involve
the construction or alteration of any permanent structure.
[Added 2-23-1984 by Ord. No. 59-G]
TOURIST HOME
A dwelling in which overnight accommodations are provided
or offered for transient guests for compensation.
TOWNSHIP
The Township of College, County of Centre, Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
TRAILER
A vehicle designed to be towed by another vehicle.
[Added 11-17-2005 by Ord. No. O-05-18]
TURBINE HEIGHT
The vertical distance measured from average elevation of
the existing grade at the proposed tower foundation perimeter to the
highest point of the turbine, including the turbine rotor blade.
[Added 10-18-2007 by Ord. No. O-07-14]
UNDERSTORY TREE
A tree, either single-stemmed or multistemmed (clump form),
which has a caliper of at least 1.5 inches at planting and is of a
species which at maturity, can be expected to reach a height between
10 and 30 feet.
[Added 4-20-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-11]
UNRELATED PERSON
A person not related by blood or marriage.
[Added 6-13-1985 by Ord. No. 59-H]
UNTREATED LUMBER
Dry wood which has been milled and dried but which has not
been treated or combined with any petroleum product, chemical, preservative,
glue, adhesive, stain, paint or other substance.
[Added 10-16-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-09]
USE
Any purpose for which a lot or structure may be designed,
arranged, intended, maintained or occupied, or any activity, occupation,
business or operation carried on in a structure on a lot.
B.
ACCESSORY USEA use that:
[Amended 3-19-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-02; 7-15-2010 by Ord. No.
O-10-04]
(1)
Is subordinate in area, extent and purpose to the primary use;
(2)
Contributes to the comfort, convenience or necessity of the
primary use; and
(3)
Is located on the same lot and in the same zoning district as
the primary use.
UTILITY
A corporation, enterprise, government entity or persons generating,
transmitting, distributing, transporting and/or collecting in any
manner, electricity, heat, steam, natural gas, propane, water, wastewater,
communications (cable and telephone) to the public, or any portion
thereof, for compensation.
[Added 12-3-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-17]
UTILITY FACILITY
A structure or building maintained by a utility for the operation
and maintenance of a utility’s service. For the purposes of
this chapter, such facilities include buildings or structures such
as electric substations, water treatment plants, water tower/tank/reservoir
or pumping stations, sewage disposal or pumping plants and other similar
structures. Power-generation facilities, resource-extraction activities
and communication antennas are not to be included in this definition.
[Added 12-3-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-17]
UTILITY FACILITY, LIMITED
Provisions for the transmission and/or distribution of services
by a utility, involving minor structures typically found within rights-of-way,
easements or immediately adjacent to them and not located within buildings
or equipment compounds. Examples of such include pipes/lines carrying
gas, propane, electricity, telephone, cable, heat, steam, water, wastewater
and the like, including associated accessories such as utility cabinets,
utility poles, vaults, hydrants, valves, manholes, transformers, etc.
[Added 12-3-2009 by Ord. No. O-09-17]
VARIANCE
A permissive waiver of terms and conditions of this chapter
issued by the Zoning Hearing Board.
VETERINARY OFFICE/CLINIC
Any building or portion thereof used by a licensed veterinarian
for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of animal diseases. Temporary/limited
boarding of animals for the purpose of recovery or medical treatment
may be included, as well as overnight boarding for short-term medical
care. Facilities that offer emergency veterinary care are included.
No outdoor boarding of animals is permitted unless animal kennels
are a permitted use in the zoning district where the veterinary office/clinic
is to be located.
[Added 3-19-2015 by Ord.
No. O-15-03]
VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL SCHOOL
A secondary or higher education facility primarily teaching
skills related to the practical, industrial or mechanical arts or
the applied sciences that prepare students for jobs in a trade or
vocation.
[Added 5-17-2001 by Ord. No. O-01-03]
WALKWAY
A right-of-way intended to provide pedestrian access.
[Added 12-27-1990 by Ord. No. O-90-09]
WHOLESALE RETAIL SALES
Establishments engaged in the sale of goods sold and/or packaged
in bulk or larger quantities than that found in a typical store.
[Added 5-1-2008 by Ord. No. O-08-01]
WHOLESALE SALES
Establishments or places primarily engaged in the selling
of merchandise to retailers; to industrial, commercial, institutional
or professional business users, or to other wholesalers; or acting
as agents or brokers and buying merchandise for or selling merchandise
to such individuals or companies.
[Added 5-17-2001 by Ord. No. O-01-03]
WIND TURBINE
A wind energy conversion system that converts wind energy
into electricity through the use of a wind turbine generator and includes
the nacelle, rotor, tower and pad turbine, if any.
[Added 10-18-2007 by Ord. No. O-07-14]
WINTER SPORTS AREA
An establishment providing outdoor recreation during the
winter, such as skiing, sledding and skating.
YARD
An unoccupied space, open to the sky, extending from the
lot line to a structure. The size of a required yard shall be measured
as the shortest distance between the structure and lot line.
A.
FRONT YARDThe yard extending the full length of the front lot line.
B.
SIDE YARDA yard extending along the side lot line from the required front yard to the required rear yard setback area.
C.
REAR YARDThe yard extending the full length of the rear lot line.
D.
BUFFER YARDA yard covered with vegetation and designed to provide an area of separation between different districts or uses.
YARD SETBACK
The minimum allowable distance between the lot line and a
line drawn parallel to the lot line as specified in the chapter for
front, side or rear yard setbacks.
[Added 11-10-1983 by Ord. No. 59-F]
YARD SETBACK AREA
An area bounded by a lot line and a line drawn parallel to
the lot line at a distance specified in the chapter for front, side
or rear yard setbacks.
ZONING OFFICER
The officially designated Zoning Officer of the Township
of College, County of Centre, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.