For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms, phrases and words
are defined as follows:
ABANDONMENT
The relinquishment of property or a cessation of the use
of the property by the owner or lessee without any evidence of the
rights to the property being transferred to another owner or of an
attempt to resume the use of the property by the lessee or owner.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT
An attached, detached, or internal to the primary structure,
self-contained dwelling unit which is complete with food preparation,
sleeping and sanitary facilities for occupancy by one household with
direct access to the outdoors or to a hall from which there is direct
access to the outdoors, and is accessory to the existing primary dwelling
structure.
[Added 8-15-2023 by Ord. No. 1076]
ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT
Any equipment serving or being used in conjunction with a
wireless communications facility or wireless support structure. The
term "accessory equipment" includes but is not limited to utility
or transmission equipment, power supplies, generators, batteries,
cables, equipment buildings, cabinets and storage sheds, shelters
or similar structures.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A structure which is subordinate to and detached from a principal
building located on the same lot and whose use is customarily incidental
to the principal building or use. Accessory structures include but
are not limited to garages, storage sheds, detached decks, swimming
pools, cabanas, gazebos, and freestanding satellite dishes over 18
inches in diameter and similar antennae typically for residential
reception.
ACCESSORY USE
A use of land or a building or portion thereof incidental
and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building and located
on the same lot with the principal use.
ADULT BOOK STORE
An establishment that offers for sale, rent, lease, view
on property or loan books, magazines, pictures, photographs, drawin
gs, sculptures, films or video, sound recordings or any other printed
or visual representations which are distinguished or characterized
by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified
sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT CABARET
Any public or private establishment serving food or beverages
or licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, which features topless dancers,
strippers or similar entertainers.
ADULT MASSAGE PARLORS
Any place of business where any person, partnership, firm,
association or corporation engages in or carries on or permits to
be engaged in or carried on any method of pressure on, friction against
or stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating
parts of the body relating to specified sexual activities or specified
anatomical areas, with the hands or with the aid of any mechanical
apparatus or electrical apparatus or appliance, with or without such
supplementary aids as rubbing alcohol, oil or other such items.
ADULT THEATER
An enclosed building used to present motion picture, video
or similar media distinguished or characterized by a major emphasis
on matters depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities
or specified anatomical areas for observation by patrons therein.
ADULT USE OR FACILITY
Any establishment having 10% or more of its displayed stock
or 20% of the occupied area or 25% or more of its sales in trade or
service distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting,
describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified
anatomical areas. Such uses or facilities include but are not limited
to any of the following: adult book stores, adult motion picture theaters,
adult entertainment cabaret, adult video cassette rental and sales
outlet, adult massage parlors or other adult uses.
AGRICULTURE
The production, keeping or maintenance of plants and vegetables
for sale or personal use, including forage and sod crops; grains and
seed crops; fruits of all kinds including grapes and berries; vegetables;
nursery, floral, ornamental and greenhouse products; or lands devoted
to a soil conservation or forestry management program. For the purposes
of this chapter, the term "agriculture" excludes the production, keeping
or maintenance of livestock, poultry, dairy, swine, goat and other
grazing animals.
AIR RIGHTS
The right to use space above ground level.
AISLE
Traveled way by which vehicles enter and depart parking spaces,
usually between rows of parking spaces within a parking lot.
ALLEY
A public thoroughfare providing a secondary means of public
access to abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.
ALTERATION
Any change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in
the existing facilities of a building or structure, or any enlargement
thereof, whether by extension on any side or by an increase in height,
or the moving of such building from one location or position to another.
ANIMAL BOARDING, COMMERCIAL
A facility for the boarding of animals, the breeding of dogs
and/or cats or the boarding, grooming, sale or training of dogs and/or
cats for which a fee is charged.
ANIMAL BOARDING, NONCOMMERCIAL
Any establishment where dogs and/or cats are kept within
or adjoining a private residence for the noncommercial purpose of
hunting or exhibition in shows or field trials or obedience training.
Surplus offspring bred at such kennels to enhance or perpetuate any
given breed, recognized by the American Kennel Club, may be sold at
such kennels and shall not be considered a commercial activity for
the purpose of this chapter. All animals kept or maintained in said
kennel must be owned by the individual or family residing upon the
lot upon which the kennel is located.
ANIMAL OR VETERINARY HOSPITAL
A building in which small domestic animals are given medical
care and the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care incidental
to the hospital use.
ANTENNA
Any device used for the transmission or reception of radio,
television, wireless telephone, pager, commercial mobile radio service,
or any other wireless communications signals, including, without limitation,
omnidirectional or whip antennas and directional or panel antennas
owned or operated by any person or entity licensed by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) to operate such device, which is attached
to a wireless support structure. This definition shall not include
the following: private residence-mounted satellite dishes; television
antennas; amateur radio equipment, including without limitation ham
or citizens band radio antennas; and support structures for antennas
or any related equipment that is mounted to the ground or at ground-level.
[Amended 12-20-2016 by Ord. No. 1044]
APPLICANT
A person submitting an application for development.
AQUIFER
A geologic formation that contains a supply of water.
AQUIFER PROTECTION AREA
A designated area of land identified in an approved wellhead
protection, aquifer protection or water supply plan, and mapped in
said plan. Aquifer protection areas shall be overlay maps to the Zoning
Map and regulations applicable for aquifer protection areas shall
be applicable in all districts where such aquifer protection areas
exist.
ATTIC
A room or space that is immediately below the roof of a building.
AWNING
A structure made of cloth, metal or other material affixed
to a building in such a manner that the structure may be raised or
retracted from a projecting position to a flat position against the
building.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENT or INN
An owner-occupied single-family detached residence which
contains not more than six bedrooms used to provide overnight accommodations
to the public. If the establishment offers dinner to the overnight
guests, it shall be considered an inn.
BEDROOM
A room not less than 70 square feet of net floor area that,
because of limited access and separation from the living areas, is
intended or may be used for sleeping.
BICYCLE PARKING SPACE
A physical space that is a minimum of 2.5 feet in width by
six feet in length with a vertical clearance of at least seven feet
that allows for the parking of one bicycle, and, if located outside,
is hard-surfaced and well-drained.
[Added 8-15-2023 by Ord. No. 1076]
BIKE LOCKER
A lockable enclosure consistent with industry standards that:
[Added 8-15-2023 by Ord. No. 1076]
(2)
Is made of durable material;
(3)
Is designed to fully protect the bicycle against rain, snow,
ice and high winds;
(4)
Provides secure protection from theft;
(5)
Opens sufficiently to allow bicyclists easy access; and
(6)
Is of a character and color that adds aesthetically to the immediate
environment.
BIKE RACK
A device consistent with the industry standards that:
[Added 8-15-2023 by Ord. No. 1076]
(1)
Is capable of supporting a bicycle in a stable position;
(2)
Is made of durable materials;
(3)
Is no less than 36 inches tall (from base to top of rack) and
no less than 1.5 feet in length;
(4)
Permits the securing of the bicycle frame and one wheel with
a U-shaped lock; and
(5)
Is of a character and color that adds aesthetically to the immediate
environment.
BLOCK
A tract of land bounded by streets, or by a combination of
streets, alleys, public parks, cemeteries, railroad rights-of-way,
waterways or any municipal boundary.
BOARDING HOUSE
A dwelling, other than a membership club, fraternity or sorority,
dormitory, motel or hotel, in which lodging is provided on a weekly
or monthly basis without meals for one or more persons in addition
to the family occupying said dwelling.
BOROUGH
The Borough of Lewisburg, Union County, Pennsylvania.
BOROUGH CODE
The Code of the Borough of Lewisburg.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
BUFFER AREA
A portion of a site intended to provide a visual barrier
between different land uses or to shield, block or provide other protection
from noise, light or nuisance between adjacent parcels of land to
lessen the impacts of incompatible land uses.
BUILDING
A combination of materials forming any structure that is
erected on the ground and permanently affixed thereto, that has a
roof supported by columns or walls and that is designed, intended
or arranged for the shelter, enclosure, housing or structural support
of persons, animals, process, equipment, goods or materials of any
kind. The term "building" shall not include driveways, parking spaces
or parking lots.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The ratio of the horizontal area measured from the exterior
surface of the exterior walls of the ground floor of all principal
and accessory buildings on a lot to the total lot area.
BUILDING, DETACHED
A building surrounded by open land on all four sides within
the same lot.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance measured from the finished grade level
of the land at the front setback to the top of the highest roof point,
not including chimneys, cupolas and other accessory structures such
as weather vanes.
[Amended 4-17-2012 by Ord. No. 1013]
BUILDING LINE
A line parallel to the street or right-of-way line touching
that part of the building closest to the street.
BUILDING SCALE
The relationship of a particular building, in terms of building
mass, to other nearby and adjacent buildings.
BULK REGULATIONS OR REQUIREMENTS
Standards and controls that establish the maximum size of
buildings and structures on a lot and the area in the lot within which
the buildings can be located, including coverage, setbacks, height
and floor area ratio requirements.
CALIPER
The diameter of a tree trunk four feet above grade.
CAMPGROUND
Land used for the purpose of providing a space or spaces
for six or more tents or two or more trailers or recreational vehicles
for temporary (180 days or less) purposes, regardless of whether or
not a fee has been charged for the leasing, renting or occupancy of
the space.
CANOPY
A structure made of metal, aluminum or other material intended
to be freestanding or affixed to a building and that serves as an
overhang intended to shield persons from the elements.
CENTRAL WATER OR SEWER
A water or sewer distribution system that serves facilities
or a community on an area-wide or regional basis. The facility company
must be approved by and/or licensed by the appropriate state or federal
agencies.
CERTIFICATE OF ZONING COMPLIANCE
A document issued by the Zoning Officer certifying that the
use, building or structure for which a zoning permit was issued has
complied with all terms and conditions of said zoning permit and allowing
occupancy.
CHANGE OF USE
Any use that substantially differs from the previous use
of a building or land.
CHILD CARE CENTER
A state-licensed and/or -registered facility in which care
is provided or is intended to be provided for seven or more children
of any age at any time.
CHILD CARE HOME
A state-licensed and/or -registered facility that is a single-family
dwelling in which child care is provided by the residents at any time
for not more than six children under the age of 12, including any
children under the age of 12 who are residents of the dwelling.
CHURCH
See "house of worship."
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLE
An area of unobstructed vision at street intersections defined by lines of sight between points at a given distance from the intersection of the streets. (See §
360-23A.)
COLLOCATION
The mounting of one or more WCFs, including antennas, on
a preexisting structure, or modifying a structure for the purpose
of mounting or installing a WCF on that structure.
[Added 12-20-2016 by Ord.
No. 1044; 5-18-2021 by Ord. No. 1062]
COMMERCIAL USE
Activity involving the sale of goods or services for profit.
COMMISSION
The Planning Commission of the Borough of Lewisburg.
COMMON OPEN SPACE
A parcel or parcels of land, an area of water or a combination
of land and water within a development site that is designed and intended
for the use or enjoyment of residents of a development, not including
streets, off-street parking areas and areas set aside for public facilities.
Common open space shall be deeded to an association of property owners,
a nature and/or land conservancy or the Borough.
COMMUNITY LIVING ARRANGEMENT
The use of a lawful dwelling unit to provide a living environment
for unrelated residents who operate as the functional equivalent of
a family, and where supervision and care by supportive staff may be
necessary to meet the emotional, physical and social needs of an aged
person, a disabled or handicapped person, a developmentally disabled
person, a mentally ill person, and/or a child as defined in the appropriate
federal or state statutes, provided that such person cannot reasonably
be considered a threat to the physical safety of others, and/or was
not previously convicted of a sexual offense committed against a minor.
COMPLETELY DRY SPACE
A space within a structure which is designed and constructed
to remain totally dry during flooding and to prevent the passage of
water and water vapor into said structure and which will remain totally
dry during flooding.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The official public document prepared in accordance with
the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of July 31, 1968,
P.L. 805, No. 247, as amended and reenacted, consisting of maps, charts,
and textual material, that constitutes a policy guide to decisions
about the physical and social development of the Borough of Lewisburg,
as amended from time to time.
CONDITIONAL USE
A use that may not be appropriate in a particular zoning
district as a whole but that may be suitable in certain locations
within the district when specific conditions and factors described
within this chapter for such uses are met. Conditional uses are permitted
only by the Lewisburg Borough Council.
CONDOMINIUM
A form of ownership in which units of property, such as dwelling
units or offices, in a building or group of buildings on a parcel
of land, are owned by individual owners and the parcel, the structure
of the building(s), the common areas and the facilities are owned
jointly by all the unit owners; also, refers to one such unit or the
building or group of buildings under such form of ownership.
CONSTRUCTION
The building, rebuilding, renovation, repair, extension,
expansion, alteration, or relocation of a building or structure, including
the placement of manufactured homes and/or mobile homes.
CONTIGUOUS
Next to, abutting or touching and having a boundary, or portion
thereof, that is coterminous.
CONVERSION
A change in the use of land or structure that includes an
increase in the number of dwelling units.
COUNTY
The county of Union, Pennsylvania.
CURB
The raised edge of a pavement confining surface water to
the pavement and protecting the abutting land from vehicular traffic.
CURB CUT
The opening along the curb at which point vehicles or pedestrians
may enter or leave the roadway.
DECISION
Final adjudication of matters subject to any land use ordinance
by the Zoning Hearing Board or Lewisburg Borough Council, which has
been granted jurisdiction under the land use ordinance(s) to make
such adjudication, either by reason of the grant of exclusive jurisdiction
or by reason of appeals from official determinations. Decisions shall
be appealable to the Court of Common Pleas of Union County, Pennsylvania.
DECK
An aboveground platform which is not covered by a roof or
permanent awning and is designed, intended or used for outdoor living
purposes as an accessory use to a structure.
DENSITY
The number of families, individuals, dwelling units, households
or structures per unit of land.
DESIGN STANDARDS
Guidelines defining parameters to be followed in site and/or
building design and development.
DETERMINATION
Final action by an officer, body or agency charged with the
administration of any land use ordinance or applications thereof.
Determinations shall be appealable only to the board(s) designated
as having jurisdiction for such appeal.
DEVELOPER
A landowner, agent of such landowner or tenant with the permission
of such landowner who causes to be made any subdivision of land or
land development.
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 of equipment or materials; and the subdivision of land.
DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEM (DAS)
A network of spatially separated antenna sites connected
to a common source that provides wireless service within a geographic
area or structure.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
DISTRICT, ZONING
A part, zone or geographic area within the Borough and indicated
on the Zoning Map within which certain development or zoning regulations
apply as spelled out in this chapter.
DORMITORY
A building owned or operated by a university or institution
and designed for or used as sleeping quarters for the residents of
that university or institution; includes academic interest houses.
DRIVE-IN or DRIVE-THROUGH
A structure or use whose design and/or physical facilities
through which the service is provided encourages or permits customers
to receive service, obtain goods or be entertained while remaining
in their motor vehicles.
DRIVEWAY
A private roadway by means of which ingress and egress to
a parking lot, a parking space or parking spaces, dwelling, garage
or other structure is obtained and which intersects with a public
roadway.
DWELLING
A building or structure designed for living quarters for
not more than one family. In terms of this chapter, a dwelling shall
not be deemed to include hotel, motel, dormitory, fraternity or sorority
house, or bed-and-breakfast establishment.
DWELLING, EFFICIENCY
A dwelling unit that is occupied by not more than two occupants
and that has a clear floor area of not less than 220 square feet or
a dwelling occupied by not more than three occupants and that has
a clear floor area of not less than 320 square feet. The clear floor
area shall not include the kitchen area consisting of a kitchen sink,
cooking appliance and refrigeration facilities each having a clear
floor space of not less than 30 inches in front, and shall not include
a separate bathroom, consisting of a water closet, lavatory and bathtub
or shower.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY SEMIDETACHED
A dwelling attached to one other dwelling by a common vertical
wall and located on a separate lot. For determining setbacks and other
requirements, each dwelling is understood to have only a single side
yard.
DWELLING STRUCTURE, PRIMARY
An existing single-family, duplex, or multifamily home with
two or more rooms, including cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities,
that shall be the primary dwelling structure on a single parcel when
an accessory dwelling unit also occupies the same parcel.
[Added 8-15-2023 by Ord. No. 1076]
DWELLING UNIT
Two or more rooms including cooking, sleeping and sanitary
facilities for the use of not more than one family.
EASEMENT
A grant of one or more of the property rights by the property
owner to and/or for use by the public, a corporation or another person
or entity.
EASEMENT, CONSERVATION
The grant of a property right stipulating that the described
land will preclude any future or additional development.
ELIGIBLE SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Any tower or base station as defined in this section, provided
that it is existing at the time the relevant application is filed
with the state or local government under this section.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
EMERGENCY
A condition that constitutes a clear and immediate danger
to the health, welfare, or safety of the public, or has caused or
is likely to cause facilities in the rights-of-way to be unusable
and result in loss of the services provided.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
ENGINEER
A professional engineer registered by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
EQUIPMENT COMPOUND
An area surrounding or adjacent to a wireless support structure
within which base stations, power supplies, or accessory equipment
are located.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
ESTABLISHMENT
An economic unit, generally at a single physical location,
where business is conducted or services or industrial operations performed.
EXCAVATION
Removal or recovery by any means whatsoever of soil, rock,
minerals, mineral substances or organic substances other than vegetation
from water or land, on or beneath the surface thereof, whether exposed
or submerged. It shall include the conditions resulting from such
activity.
EXISTING USE
The use of a lot or structure at the time of the enactment
of this chapter.
EXTENSION
An increase in the floor area beyond the existing exterior
wall.
EXTERIOR WALL
Any wall that defines the exterior boundaries of a building
or structure.
FAMILY
Any individual; two or more persons related by blood, marriage,
legal adoption, foster placement, guardianship or other domestic bond;
members of a community living arrangement; or a group of not more
than a total of three persons not related by blood, marriage, legal
adoption, foster placement, guardianship, other domestic bond or community
living arrangement who live together as a single household. "Family"
shall not be deemed to include tenants of a boarding, rooming or lodging
house, nor group care facility, fraternity, sorority or hotel occupants.
FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME
A residence offering child day care and/or adult day care
services by the residents of the premises to a maximum of six persons
unrelated by birth or marriage who are not permanent residents of
the household.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
FENCE
An artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination
of materials erected to enclose, screen or separate areas.
FENCE, SOLID
A fence with less than a 5% open area, including gates, concealing
the activities conducted on a property from adjacent properties and
rights-of-way.
FLOOD
A temporary inundation of normally dry land areas.
FLOOD, ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR
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).
FLOOD FRINGE (FF)
The portions of land within the one-hundred-year floodplain
that are outside of the floodway in those areas where detailed study
and profiles are available and that are identified as an AE Zone in
the Flood Insurance Rate Map.
FLOODPLAIN AREA
The area specifically identified as being inundated by the
one-hundred-year flood, including areas identified as floodway (FW)
and floodway fringe (FF). Identification of such an area is determined
by a study by the Federal Insurance Administration, the United States
Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Department of Agriculture's
Soil Conservation Service, the United States Geological Survey, the
Susquehanna River Basin Commission, the State Department of Environmental
protection or a licensed professional registered by Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania to perform such a study.
FLOOD-PRONE AREA
A relatively flat or low land area that 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.
FLOODPROOFING
Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions,
changes or adjustments to structures that reduces or eliminates flood
damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary
facilities, structures and their contents.
FLOODWAY (FW)
The channel of a watercourse and portions of the adjoining
floodplains that are reasonably required to carry and discharge the
one-hundred-year frequency flood and that are identified as floodway
in the Flood Insurance Study and accompanying maps prepared by the
FEMA and dated September 28, 2007, or the most recent revision thereof;
or, in an area where the boundary of the floodway of the one-hundred-year
frequency flood is not identified, are assumed to be, absent evidence
to the contrary, those areas that are within 50 feet of the top of
the bank of any stream.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS (GFA)
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all the enclosed
floors of a building or structure from the exterior face of the exterior
walls, or from the center line of a wall separating two buildings,
but excluding any space where the floor-to-ceiling height is less
than six feet.
FLOOR AREA, HABITABLE
The aggregate of the horizontal area of all rooms used for
habitation, such as living room, dining room, kitchen and bedroom(s)
but not including hallways, stairways, cellars, service rooms, utility
rooms, bathrooms, closets, unheated areas such as enclosed porches
nor rooms without at least one window or skylight opening onto an
outside yard or court. At least 1/2 of the floor area of every habitable
room shall have a ceiling height of not less than seven feet and the
floor area of that part of the room where ceiling height is less than
five feet shall not be considered part of the "habitable floor area."
FLOOR AREA RATIO
The gross floor area of all buildings or structures on a
lot divided by the total lot area.
FOOTCANDLE, INITIAL
The amount of illuminance, measured in footcandles, produced
by lamps and luminaires when they are new.
FORESTRY
The management of forested and wooded open space when practiced
in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing,
cultivating, harvesting, transporting and selling trees for commercial
purposes.
FRATERNITY OR SORORITY HOUSE
Any building or part thereof officially recognized and designated
by a college or university as a residence for the members and alumni
of a fraternity or sorority and/or their social, scholastic, professional
and extracurricular activities.
FREEBOARD
An additional amount of height above a flood elevation used
as a factor of safety in determining the level at which a structure's
lowest floor must be elevated or floodproofed to be in accordance
with floodplain management regulations.
FRONT FACADE AREA
The area of the public right-of-way directly in front of
a structure, identified by drawing a perpendicular line from each
corner of structure to the public rights-of-way.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
FRONTAGE
That side of a lot abutting on a street that serves as the
front lot line. The front lot line shall be identified by the official
U.S. postal address of any structure on the lot.
FULL CUTOFF
Attribute of a lighting fixture from which no light is emitted
at or above a horizontal plane drawn through the bottom of the fixture
and no more than 10% of the lamp's intensity is emitted at or above
an angle 10 degrees below that horizontal plane, at all lateral angles
around the fixture.
FULLY SHIELDED
Attribute of a lighting fixture provided with internal and/or
external shields and louvers to prevent brightness from lamps, reflectors,
refractors and lenses from causing glare at normal viewing angles.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
An enclosed structure for the storage of one or more private
motor vehicles incidental to the primary use of the premises, provided
that no business, occupation or service is conducted therein.
GARAGE, PUBLIC
A structure or portion thereof, other than a private garage,
used for the storage of motor vehicles for a fee.
GARAGE, REPAIR
A building, premises and land in which or upon which a business,
service or industry involving the maintenance, servicing, repair or
painting of vehicles is conducted or rendered.
GARDEN APARTMENT HOUSE
A multifamily dwelling, not exceeding three stories in height,
containing three or more dwelling units on a lot that is held in single
and separate ownership having yards in common but that may also have
other shared facilities and services.
GASOLINE SERVICE STATION WITH OR WITHOUT A CONVENIENCE STORE
A structure, building or area of land or any portion thereof
that is used for the sale of gasoline or other motor vehicle fuel
and oil and/or other lubricating substances that may or may not include
facilities for sale of accessories or for lubricating, washing and
otherwise servicing motor vehicles, but not including the painting
thereof. Sale of nonautomotive items is permitted.
GLARE
Excessive brightness in the field of view that is sufficiently
greater than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted to cause
annoyance or loss in visual performance and visibility, so as to jeopardize
health, safety or welfare.
GRADE
The average elevation of the land around a building; the
percent of rise or descent of a sloping surface. The slope is expressed
in a percent that indicates the rate of change in elevation in feet
per hundred feet.
GRADE, NATURAL
The elevation of the ground level in its natural state, before
construction, filling or excavation.
GRANDFATHER (GRANDFATHERED, GRANDFATHERING)
A term that refers to the legal principle that nonconformities
existing at the time of enactment of an Ordinance or its subsequent
amendment shall be permitted to continue to exist unaltered despite
their designation as nonconformities.
GREENWAY
A linear open space established along a corridor, either
natural or man-made, such as a watercourse or ridgeline overland along
a right-of-way converted to recreational use; a canal, a scenic road
or other route; any natural or landscaped course for pedestrian or
bicycle passage; an open space connector linking parks, natural reserves,
historic features, cultural features, scenic views or aesthetic features
with each other and with populated areas; and, locally, certain strip
or linear parks designated as a parkway or greenbelt.
GROUP CARE FACILITY
A facility providing food, shelter and personal guidance,
with supervision, to persons who require assistance, temporarily or
permanently, in order to live in the community. Such facilities shall
include group homes, halfway houses, intermediate care facilities,
supervised living arrangements, domestic abuse shelters, congregate
residences or long-term care facilities. Group care facilities shall
not house more than 15 residents.
HABITABLE ROOM
A room or enclosed floor space arranged for living, eating
or sleeping purposes, not including bath or toilet rooms, laundries,
pantries, foyers or communicating corridors.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE
A substance that because of its quantity, concentration or
physical, chemical, radioactive, reactive, flammable or infectious
characteristics may cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase
in mortality or serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible
illness or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human
health, safety or welfare or to the environment when improperly treated,
stored, transported, used or disposed of or otherwise managed.
HEALTH CARE FACILITY
A facility or institution, whether public or private, principally
engaged in providing services for health maintenance and the treatment
of mental or physical conditions.
HEIGHT OF A TOWER-BASED WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
The vertical distance measured from the ground level, including
any base pad, to the highest point on a tower-based WCF, including
antennas mounted on the tower and any other appurtenances.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
HEIGHT OF A WIRELESS SUPPORT STRUCTURE
The vertical distance measured from the ground level, including
any base pad, to the highest point on a communications tower, including
communications antennas mounted on the tower and any other appurtenances.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
HEIGHT OF SIGNS
The vertical distance measured from the average finished
grade at the front of the structure to which the sign is affixed to
the highest point of the sign, including any supporting structure.
HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD (HARB)
A seven-member committee appointed by the Lewisburg Borough Council responsible for reviewing plans for new construction and changes to the exterior of a structure within the
Historic District and making recommendations to the Borough Council on whether a certificate of appropriateness should be issued. A certificate of appropriateness is required to obtain a building or zoning permit before making exterior changes visible from the street.
HISTORIC DISTRICT
A mapped overlay district within the Borough that contains
buildings and structures of historic and/or architectural significance
where additional standards and regulations apply.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure that is:
(1)
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.
(2)
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.
(3)
Listed individually on a state inventory of historic places
in states with historic preservation programs approved by the Secretary
of the Interior.
(4)
Listed individually on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum
Commission building inventory of historic places in Lewisburg with
historic preservation programs certified by an approved state program
as determined by the Secretary of the Interior.
HOME OCCUPATION
Any occupation, other than a no-impact, home-based business as defined in this chapter, that is permitted under the provisions and conditions of this chapter, that is conducted on a residential property by a member of the family residing on said property, and that is clearly secondary and incidental to the use of the property for residential purposes and does not exceed 25% of the habitable floor area of the structures on the property. (See §
360-21G.)
HOSPITAL
Unless otherwise specified, includes a sanitarium, clinic,
rest home, nursing home and/or any other building for the diagnosis,
treatment or care of ailments.
HOTEL
Any building that contains six or more sleeping units used,
or intended or designed to be used, occupied, rented or hired out
on a daily basis for sleeping purposes by guests, that may include
dining facilities and that is licensed under applicable laws.
HOUSEHOLD
A group of people living together in a single dwelling unit,
with common access to and common use of all living, eating and food
preparation areas within the dwelling unit.
HOUSE OF WORSHIP
A building or structure, or a group of buildings or structures,
that by design and construction is primarily intended for organized
religious services and associated accessory uses.
ILLUMINANCE
Quantity of light, measured in footcandles.
IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE
That portion of a lot, expressed as a percentage, that does
not absorb precipitation. See "impervious surface."
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Any material that prevents absorption of stormwater into
the ground. All buildings, structures, parking areas, roads, sidewalks,
driveways, and other areas in concrete, asphalt, packed stone or other
similar materials shall be considered impervious surface. Surfaces
with a uniform spacing of openings for absorption of stormwater into
the ground, such as decorative gravel areas, decks, pervious paving
blocks and dry-laid masonry, shall be considered partially pervious.
In determining total impervious coverage on a lot, partially pervious
surfaces will be included in the calculation at 50% of their actual
coverage.
INDOOR RECREATION FACILITY
A structure or building containing facilities for recreational
activities, such as tennis, platform games, swimming, exercise rooms,
handball and similar activities.
INDUSTRIAL USE
A use that involves the extracting, manufacturing, compounding,
processing, assembling or treatment of materials, articles or merchandise.
Industrial uses include mining, construction, manufacturing, transportation,
communication, electric, natural gas services, sanitary services and
wholesale trade.
INN
See "bed-and-breakfast establishment."
INSTITUTION
A nonprofit, religious or public use, such as a church, library,
public or private school, hospital, or government-owned or -operated
building, structure or land used for public purpose.
LAND DEVELOPMENT
Any of the following activities:
(1)
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts
or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(a)
A group of two or more residential dwelling units or nonresidential
buildings, whether the improvement is proposed initially or cumulatively,
excluding the conversion of an existing single-family detached dwelling
or single-family semidetached dwelling into not more than three residential
units or a rooming or lodging house; or a single nonresidential building,
excluding an accessory building, including farm buildings, subordinate
to an existing principal building, on a lot or lots regardless of
the number of occupants or tenure; or
(b)
The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially
or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective
occupants by means of, or for the purpose of streets, common areas,
leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features; or
LAND USE REGULATIONS
Ordinances duly adopted by the Borough, pursuant to applicable commonwealth-enabling statutes, including but not limited to the Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Building Codes, Property Maintenance Codes,
Historic District Ordinance, Stormwater Management Ordinance and Floodplain Management Ordinance.
LIGHT TRESPASS
Light emitted by a lighting fixture or installation which
is cast beyond the boundaries of the property on which the lighting
installation is sited.
LOADING SPACE OR BERTH
Any off-street space on the same lot with a building or contiguous
to a group of buildings for temporary parking (less than 24 hours)
of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or
materials.
LOGO
A name, symbol or trademark designed for easy and definite
recognition.
LOT
A tract or parcel of land, regardless of size, held in single
or joint ownership, not necessarily a lot or lots shown on a duly
recorded map, that is occupied or capable of being occupied by buildings,
structures and accessory buildings, including such open spaces as
are arranged, designed or required. The term "lot" shall also mean
parcel, plot, site, tract or any similar term.
LOT AREA, GROSS
The area of land contained within the limits of the property
lines bounding that area.
LOT, CORNER
A lot at the point of intersection of and abutting on two
or more intersecting streets that has an interior angle of less than
135 degrees at the intersection of the two street lines. The front
lot line shall be identified by the official U.S. postal address of
any structure on the lot.
LOT DEPTH
The distance measured from the front lot line to the rear
lot line.
LOT LINE
Any boundary line of a lot. Where a lot line is irregular,
its mean alignment shall be the determining measurement under this
chapter.
LOT OF RECORD
A lot whose boundaries are established by deed and/or plot
plan recorded in the Office of Register and Recorder.
LOT WIDTH
The distance measured at the building setback line between
side lot lines and parallel to the front lot line. When there is only
one side lot line, as in the case of single-family semidetached or
some single-family attached dwellings, the lot width shall be measured
between the side lot line and the centerline of the party wall. In
no case shall the street frontage be less than 1/2 of the required
lot width in the particular zoning district.
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest floor of the lowest fully enclosed area (including
basement/cellar). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure usable
solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area
other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor,
provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure
in violation of the applicable nonelevation design requirements of
the National Flood Insurance Program and this chapter.
LUMEN
A standard unit of measurement of the perceived power of
light.
LUMINAIRE(S)
A complete lighting unit, consisting of a lamp or lamps together
with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect
the lamps and to connect the lamps to the power supply.
MAJOR EXPANSION
An expansion of a use either due to a physical expansion
of an existing facility by more than 25% of the existing gross floor
area, and/or a structural alteration to the exterior of the structure,
and/or a change or improvement that increases vehicular traffic flow
and/or circulation in relation to that of the prior use.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING
Factory-built structures that meet the National Manufactured
Home Construction and Safety Standards Act (42 U.S.C. 5401), commonly
known as the HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)
Code.
MARQUEE
A permanent, roof-like structure supported by a wall of a
building but having no relationship to the building's roof structure
and usually at the entrance of a theater or arena.
MEAN
The average of a series of numbers.
MEMBERSHIP CLUB OR CLUB HOUSE
A nonprofit social organization with formal membership requirements,
bylaws and with the objective of promoting the interests of its members.
METHADONE TREATMENT FACILITIES
Drug treatment facilities employing the use of methadone
and subject to locational regulations as outlined in § 621
of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
MINERALS
Any aggregate or mass of mineral matter, whether or not coherent.
The term includes, but is not limited to, limestone and dolomite,
sand and gravel, rock and stone, earth, fill, slag, iron ore, zinc
ore, vermiculite and clay, anthracite and bituminous coal, coal refuse,
peat and crude oil and natural gas.
MINOR EXPANSION
The replacement of existing work with equivalent materials
for the purpose of routine maintenance and upkeep, but not including
the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal
or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support or the removal
or change of any required means of egress or rearrangement of parts
of a structure affecting the exitway requirements; nor shall minor
repairs include addition to or alteration of replacement or relocation
of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas,
soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical
or other work affecting public health or general safety.
MIXED-USE
Use of a building or land for more than one use.
MIXED-USE STRUCTURE
A building or structure housing a variety of uses such as,
but not limited to, residential, office, retail, public or entertainment.
MOBILE HOME (COMMERCIAL)
A transportable manufactured single-family detached dwelling
built on a permanent chassis, 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 with or
without a permanent foundation. A mobile home shall remain a mobile
home, subject to all regulations applying thereto, whether or not
wheels, axles, hitch or other appurtenances of mobility are removed
and regardless of the nature of the foundation provided. The term
does not include recreational vehicles or travel trailers. Also see
"dwelling, manufactured home."
MODEL HOME
A residential building erected on a lot situated within an
approved subdivision owned or developed by the owner of said structure
and intended to serve as a representation of the kind or type of residential
building the owner/developer intends to erect within said subdivision.
Said building shall be used for demonstration purposes and shall include
sales offices only for that period of time that the owner/developer
is actively marketing the lots in said subdivision.
MODIFICATION or MODIFY
The improvement, upgrade or expansion of existing wireless
communications facilities or base stations on an existing wireless
support structure or the improvement, upgrade, or expansion of the
wireless communications facilities located within an existing equipment
compound, if the improvement, upgrade, expansion or replacement does
not substantially change the physical dimensions of the wireless support
structure.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
MUNICIPAL BUILDING
Any building owned, leased or used by the Borough of Lewisburg
or any agency or authority created by the Borough of Lewisburg.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Structures for which the start of construction commenced
on or after the date of the enactment of this chapter, including any
subsequent improvements thereto.
NO-IMPACT, HOME-BASED BUSINESSES
A business or commercial activity administered and conducted
as an accessory use clearly secondary to the residential use of the
dwelling and that meets the following requirements:
(1)
The business requires no vehicular or pedestrian customer, client
or patient traffic;
(2)
The business use requires no pickup, delivery or removal functions
to or from the premises in excess of those normally associated with
the residential use of the district in which it is to be located;
(3)
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential
use of the property and surrounding residential uses;
(4)
The business shall employ only residents of the dwelling;
(5)
The business shall not involve the display or sale of retail
goods on premises;
(6)
There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including
but not limited to parking, signs or lights;
(7)
The business activity may not use any equipment or process that
creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electronic or electrical
interference, including interference with radio or television reception
that is detectable in the neighborhood;
(8)
The business activity may not generate any solid waste or sewage
discharge in volume or type that is not normally associated with residential
uses in the neighborhood;
(9)
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling
and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor space.
NONCONFORMING BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
A building or structure, or part of a structure, that does
not comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter or amendments
heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such structure lawfully existed
prior to the enactment or amendment of this chapter or prior to the
application of this chapter or amendments thereto to the structure's
location by reason of annexation.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot whose area or dimension was lawful prior to the adoption
or amendment of this chapter but which fails to conform to the requirements
of the zoning district in which it is located by reason of such adoption
or amendment.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use, whether of land or structure, that does not comply
with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or amendment heretofore
or hereafter enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence prior
to the enactment of such Ordinance or amendment, or prior to the application
of this chapter or amendment thereto to the use's location by reason
of annexation.
NONTOWER WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (NONTOWER WCF)
Wireless communications facilities located or collocated
on existing structures, such as, but not limited to buildings, water
towers, electrical transmission towers, utility poles, light poles,
traffic signal poles, flag poles and other similar structures that
do not require the installation of a new tower. This term includes
the replacement of an existing structure with a similar structure
that is required to support the weight of the proposed WCF.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
NUISANCE
An interference with the enjoyment and use of property, capable
of being documented by surveys, observations or measurements.
NURSING HOME
A building containing sleeping rooms where persons are housed
or lodged and furnished with meals and nursing care and is operated
by a corporation licensed and approved for such use by the Pennsylvania
Department of Public Welfare.
OCCUPANCY PERMIT
A permit that is issued by the Code Compliance Officer after
it has been determined that the required work allowing the use of
any building or structure has been satisfactorily completed.
OFFICE
A room or group of rooms used for conducting the affairs
of a business, profession, service, industry or government and generally
furnished with desks, tables, files, communication equipment, etc.
OFFICE CENTER
A group of office establishments planned, constructed and
managed as a total entity.
[Amended 8-15-2023 by Ord. No. 1076]
OFF-STREET PARKING
The transient storage of motor vehicles as an accessory use
located upon the same lot as a permitted principal use to serve the
parking requirements and needs of the principal use.
OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE
A parking space for one motor vehicle provided in a parking
lot, parking structure or private driveway and excluding driveways,
passageways and maneuvering space appurtenant thereto.
ON-LOT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
The control of runoff from precipitation on the same lot
where the runoff was generated. Devices used to control the runoff
shall be constructed using best management practices as identified
in the Pennsylvania Handbook of Best Management Practices for Developing
Areas. Applicants should consult with the Union County Conservation
District and a professional engineering consultant for guidance in
the selection of appropriate best management practices.
OPEN SPACE
Unoccupied space open to the sky and on the same lot with
the principal use. Open space shall usually be in a natural state,
but may include planting beds, planting islands, landscaped buffers
and screens, lawn areas, woods and hedgerows, decorative stone not
less than four inches in size, stepping stones no larger than two
feet by three feet (separated at least eight inches between stones)
and natural mulch ground cover materials. Open space may not be underlain
by impervious surface or material.
PARENT TRACT
A parcel or parcels of land from which additional lots are
created.
PARKING AREA
Any public or private area designed and used for parking
motor vehicles, including parking lots, garages, private driveways
and legally designated areas of public streets.
PARKING LOT
Any off-street area or structure that is designed solely
for the transient storage of motor vehicles and includes the driveways,
passageways and maneuvering space appurtenant thereto.
PARKING, OFF-SITE
A parking area required to meet the parking requirements
of this chapter located within 1,000 feet of the parcel containing
the permitted principal use.
[Amended 8-15-2023 by Ord. No. 1076]
PARKING PLAN or PARKING SITE PLAN
A graphic and/ or narrative description provided by an applicant
to meet the off-street parking requirements established in this chapter.
If necessary, this plan shall be submitted with the application for
a zoning permit.
[Amended 8-15-2023 by Ord. No. 1076]
PATIO
An area intended for outdoor living purposes that is paved
or covered with brick or similar material, is flush with the ground
and is unenclosed except for any side that may adjoin a structure
or any fences, walls, shrubs or hedges.
PEDESTRIAN
A person traveling on foot; mobility device such as stroller,
wheelchair or scooter; or human-powered conveyance such as bicycle,
skateboard or roller skates.
PERMITTED USE
Any use not requiring special action by the Zoning Hearing
Board or the Borough Council before the Zoning Officer may grant a
zoning permit.
PERSON or PERSONS
Individuals, corporations, companies, associations, joint
stock companies, firms, partnerships, limited liability companies,
corporations and other entities established pursuant to statutes of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, provided that "person" does not
include or apply to the Borough, or to any department or agency of
the Borough.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
POLE or POLES
Any freestanding structure located within the public rights-of-way,
including, but not limited to, utility poles, streetlights, traffic
lights and signage that may support, hold, or house wireless communications
facilities, wireless accessory equipment, or related equipment.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
POP-UP BICYCLE PARKING
A bicycle rack that allows for the temporary securing of
bicycles for events.
[Added 8-15-2023 by Ord. No. 1076]
PORCH
A roofed or unroofed structure projecting from the front,
side or rear wall of a building. A porch becomes a room when the enclosed
space is heated or air-conditioned and/or when the percentage of window
area to wall area is less than 50%.
PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE
A structure housing the main or principal use of the lot
on which the structure is situated.
PRINCIPAL USE
The primary or predominant use of any lot or parcel.
PRIOR APPROVED DESIGN
A design for a small wireless communications facility that
has been reviewed and deemed to be in accordance with the design requirements
herein and approved for construction by the Borough.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER (PE)
An active, registered professional engineer (PE), licensed
as such by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
The office of a practitioner of a calling or occupation,
professional in character by virtue of specialized knowledge, training,
education and/or experience required for the practice of said calling
or occupation. Said professions shall include, but not be limited
to, law, medicine, chemistry, ministry, architecture, accounting,
engineering, writing and education.
PUBLIC GROUNDS
Includes parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, swimming pools,
trails, paths, recreational areas, schools or scenic or historic sites
owned and operated by a governmental body or a nonprofit agency created
by a governmental body.
PUBLIC HEARING
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the governing
body, the Planning Commission or the Zoning Hearing Board, intended
to inform and obtain public comment prior to taking action in accordance
with this chapter.
PUBLIC MEETING
A forum held pursuant to notice under the act of July 3,
1986 (P.L. 388, No. 84, as amended), known as the "Sunshine Act."
PUBLIC MEMORIAL or MONUMENT
A permanent and lasting memorial stone, structure or building
requiring little or no maintenance, erected in remembrance of a person,
persons, site or event of particular interest to the Borough of Lewisburg
and its past, present and future residents and visitors.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice published once each week for two successive weeks
in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. Such notice
shall state the time and place of a public hearing or meeting and
the particular nature of the matter to be considered at said hearing
or meeting. The first publication shall not be more than 30 days and
the second publication shall not be less than seven days from the
date of said hearing or meeting.
PUBLIC USE
Uses, buildings or structures designed, intended or arranged
for the use of or provision of service to the general public by a
governmental agency or any agency, authority or organization created
by a governing body or a group of governing bodies. Fees and conditions
for such use may be determined and regulated by the operator thereof.
Such uses shall include, but not be limited to, federal, state, county
and municipal offices, sewage treatment facilities, water distribution
facilities, recreation facilities, public safety facilities, human
service facilities and other similar uses. Such uses shall not include
privately owned facilities.
PUBLIC UTILITY TRANSMISSION TOWER
A structure, owned and operated by a public utility company
and regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, designed
and used to support electricity transmission lines.
PUBLIC WAY
Any street, alley or similar parcel of land essentially unobstructed
from the ground to the sky, which is deeded, dedicated or otherwise
permanently appropriated to the public for public use.
RECREATION, ACTIVE
Leisure time activities, usually organized and performed
with others, requiring equipment and taking place at prescribed sites
or fields.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle that is built on a single chassis, is designed
to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck
and is not designed for use as a permanent dwelling but is intended
as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or
seasonal use.
RECREATION AREA, OUTDOOR
An area for recreational activities, free of structures except
for comfort facilities, equipment storage, play equipment, necessary
maintenance and open-air pavilions for leisure time activities, either
of a formal, active or inactive nature such as, but not limited to,
sports fields or courts, playgrounds, trails, bike paths, picnicking,
table games and similar activities not taking place in a building.
RECREATION, PASSIVE
Outdoor leisure activities not requiring equipment, not involving
participation in an organized sport, not taking place at a prescribed
site or field and/or not considered active.
RELATED EQUIPMENT or BASE STATION
Any structure or equipment at a fixed location, not including
a tower or an antenna, that enables FCC licensed wireless communications
between a user and a wireless network.
[Added 12-20-2016 by Ord.
No. 1044]
REPLACEMENT
The replacement of existing wireless communications facilities
on an existing wireless support structure or within an existing equipment
compound due to maintenance, repair or technological advancement with
equipment composed of the same wind loading and structural loading
that is substantially similar in size, weight and height as the wireless
communications facilities initially installed and that does not substantially
change the physical dimensions of the existing wireless support structure.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
REPORT
Any letter, review, memorandum, compilation or any other
similar written document made by any agency, board, council, officer
or consultant other than a solicitor to any other agency, board, council,
officer or consultant for the purpose of assisting the recipient of
the report in rendering any decision or determination. All reports
shall be deemed recommendatory and advisory only and shall not be
binding upon the recipient agency, board, council, officer or consultant,
nor shall any appeal lie therein. Any report used, received or considered
by the agency, board, council, officer or consultant rendering a determination
or a decision shall be made available for inspection to any party
to any proceeding upon request, and copies thereof shall be provided
at cost of reproduction.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
A segment or strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication,
forced dedication, prescription or condemnation and intended to be
occupied by a road, sidewalk, crosswalk, railroad, trail, electric
transmission line, oil or gas pipeline, water line, sanitary or storm
sewer and other similar uses.
RIGHT-OF-WAY, PUBLIC
A right-of-way under the control or ownership of the Borough,
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States of America and/or
agencies and authorities of these governmental units.
ROOMING HOUSE OR LODGING HOUSE
An owner-occupied, single-family dwelling in which lodging
without meals is provided on a monthly basis and in which more than
three unrelated persons live.
[Amended 1-20-2015 by Ord. No. 1033]
SALE, GARAGE, YARD, BASEMENT OR OTHER TEMPORARY OR ISOLATED
Transactions classified as "isolated," per the PA Department
of Revenue sales tax rules and regulations; that is, sales which last
for no more than three days in a row and which are held for no more
than seven total days in any calendar year.
SATELLITE DISH
A dish antenna used to receive and transmit signals relayed
by satellite.
SCREENING
A method of visually shielding or obscuring one abutting
or nearby structure or use from another by means of fencing, walls,
berms or densely planted vegetation.
SEMIPUBLIC USE
A use owned or operated by a nonprofit, religious or educational
institution and providing educational, cultural, recreational, religious
or other similar public services or programs. This term does not include
houses of worship.
SETBACK
A line within a property defining the minimum distance as
established by this chapter between any structure to be erected or
altered and an adjacent right-of-way, street or property line. The
setback line shall be measured at right angles and run parallel to
the adjacent street, right-of-way or property line.
SIDEWALK
A usually paved walk for pedestrians at the side of a street.
SIGN
Any object, display or structure, or part thereof, that is
used to advertise, identify, display, or direct or attract attention
to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product,
service, event or location by any means, including words, letters,
figures, design symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected
images. The term "sign" includes "billboard." "Sign" does not include
any work of art that in no way identifies a product or business, nor
scoreboards located on athletic fields, and does not include the flag
of the United States of America or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
or any federal, state or municipal traffic or directional sign or
other official federal, state, county or municipal government signs.
SIGN, BUSINESS
A sign that directs attention to a business or profession
conducted, or to a commodity or service sold, offered or manufactured,
or to an entertainment event offered, on the premises where the sign
is located.
SIGN, FACE
The area of a sign that contains words, letters, figures,
design symbols or projected images and is oriented in a distinct direction.
SIGN, FREESTANDING
A self-supporting sign in a fixed location and not attached
to any building structure.
SIGN, GROSS ALLOWABLE AREA
The entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing
the extreme limits of the face of a sign.
SIGN, INTERIOR
Any sign placed within a building, excluding window signs
as defined in this chapter.
SIGN, MARQUEE
A sign painted on, attached to or consisting of an interchangeable
copyreader on a marquee attached to the face of a building.
SIGN, NEON
An electrically powered sign that employs tubes of inert
gas, including but not limited to neon, which give off a luminous
glow.
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES
A sign that draws attention to, provides direction or communicates
information about a business, service or commodity that exists or
is conducted, sold, offered, maintained or provided at a location
other than the premises where the sign is located.
SIGN, PROJECTING
A sign, other than a wall sign, that is attached to and projects
from a building face or wall, or from a structure whose primary purpose
is other than the support of the sign.
SIGN, TEMPORARY
Any sign that is not permanently affixed. Daily special temporary
signs display that day's menu or other information uniquely pertinent
to the day on which the sign is displayed.
SIGN, TRADEMARK
A sign advertising a brand, style or line of goods, products
and/or services, usually protected by copyright, having a design or
logo immediately recognizable to the general public, intended for
sale to regional or national audiences.
SIGN, WALL
A sign fastened to or painted on the wall of a building or
structure in such a manner that it does not project more than four
inches from such building or structure and that the wall becomes its
supporting structure or forms the background surface of the sign.
SIGN, WINDOW
A sign affixed to the surface of a window, or within two
feet of the window, with its message visible to and readable from
the public right-of-way.
SMALL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (SMALL WCF)
A wireless communications facility that meets the following
criteria:
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
(1)
The structure on which antenna facilities are mounted:
(a)
Is 50 feet or less in height; or
(b)
Is no more than 10% taller than other adjacent structures; or
(c)
Is not extended to a height of more than 50 feet or by more
than 10% above its preexisting height as a result of the collocation
of new antenna facilities.
(2)
Each antenna associated with the deployment (excluding the associated
equipment) is no more than three cubic feet in volume;
(3)
All antenna equipment associated with the facility (excluding
antennas) are cumulatively no more than 28 cubic feet in volume;
(4)
The facilities do not require antenna structure registration
under 47 CFR Part 17;
(5)
The facilities are not located on Tribal lands, as defined under
36 CFR 800.16(x); and
(6)
The facilities do not result in human exposure to radiofrequency
radiation in excess of the applicable safety standards specified in
47 CFR 1.1307(b).
SPECIAL EXCEPTION PERMIT
A permit issued by the Zoning Officer, after authorization
by the Zoning Hearing Board, before any special exception use can
be constructed or operated.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE
A use requiring approval from the Zoning Hearing Board, after
a public hearing, and meeting the requirements established for said
use in this chapter.
SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS
Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals,
pubic regions, buttocks and female breasts below a point immediately
above the top of the areola.
SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES
These activities include human genitals in a state of sexual
stimulation or arousal, acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse
or sodomy and fondling or other erotic touching of the human genitalia,
pubic region, buttocks or female breast.
STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
Camouflaging methods applied to broadcast transmission facilities
which render them more visually appealing or blend the proposed facility
into the existing structure or visual backdrop in such a manner as
to render it minimally visible to the casual observer. Such methods
include, but are not limited to, architecturally screened roof-mounted
antennas, building-mounted antennas painted to match the existing
structure, and facilities constructed to resemble trees, shrubs, flagpoles
and light poles.
[Added 12-20-2016 by Ord.
No. 1044]
STORY
The portion of a building included between the surface of
any floor and surface of the floor next above it or, if there is no
floor above it, the space between any floor and the ceiling next above
it. Each level of a split level building shall be considered 1/2 story.
Basement/cellar shall be excluded from determining the maximum number
of stories.
STORY, HALF
Any living space immediately below and within the roof framing
where the clear height of not more than 75% of the space has structural
headroom of seven feet or greater.
STREET
A public or private right-of-way built to approved municipal
standards, excluding driveways and alleys, intended for use as a means
of vehicular and pedestrian circulation that provides a means of access
to abutting property. The word "street" shall apply to thoroughfare,
avenue, boulevard, court, drive, expressway, highway, lane, road or
similar terms. Streets shall not be used for right-angle parking where
the Borough Council determines it will interfere with traffic movement.
Streets are functionally classified as follows:
(1)
Arterials: Limited-access, multi-lane or other important highways,
supplementing the interstate system, that connect principal urbanized
areas, industrial centers and serve the national defense.
(2)
Collectors: Provide land access and traffic circulation within
residential neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas, and downtown
city centers, connecting local roads and streets with arterials.
(3)
Local: Roads and streets that provide a high level of access
to abutting land but limited mobility.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION
Any change in the structural members of a building, such
as walls, columns, beams or girders, or any addition to any structure.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached
to the ground including, but not limited to, buildings, sheds and
manufactured homes. This term includes any man-made object having
an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water whether
or not affixed to land. See "principal and accessory structure."
STUDENT
A person who is registered to be enrolled or who is enrolled
and matriculating at Bucknell University as a full-time undergraduate
student.
[Added 8-15-2023 by Ord. No. 1076]
STUDENT HOUSING
A building which contains a dwelling unit occupied by one
or more students who are not related to each other by adoption or
marriage or are not the great-grandparent, great-grandchild, grandparent,
grandchild, parent, child, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew,
great uncle, great aunt, great nephew or great niece of each other.
[Added 8-15-2023 by Ord. No. 1076]
SUBDIVISION
The division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land
by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions
of land, including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose,
whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for
distribution to heirs or devises, transfer of ownership or building
or lot development.
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.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure,
the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the
structure, before the improvement or repair is started; or, if the
structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage
occurred. For the purposes of this definition, "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.
The term does not, however, include either any project for improvement
of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary
or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure
safe living conditions; or any alteration of a structure listed on
the National Register of Historic Places or a state inventory of historic
places.
SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE or SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGE
A modification to an existing wireless communications facility
substantially changes the physical dimensions of a tower or wireless
support structure if it meets any of the following criteria:
[Added 12-20-2016 by Ord.
No. 1044; amended 5-18-2021 by Ord. No. 1062]
(1)
For wireless communications facilities outside the public rights-of-way,
it increases the height of the facility by more than 10%, or by the
height of one additional antenna array with separation from the nearest
existing antenna, not to exceed 20 feet, whichever is greater; for
wireless communications facilities in the public rights-of-way, it
increases the height of the facility by more than 10% or 10 feet,
whichever is greater.
(2)
For communications towers outside the public rights-of-way,
it protrudes from the edge of the tower by more than 20 feet, or more
than the width of the tower structures at the level of the appurtenance,
whichever is greater; for those wireless communications facilities
in the public rights-of-way, it protrudes from the edge of the structure
by more than six feet.
(3)
It involves installation of more than the standard number of
new equipment cabinets for the technology involved, but not to exceed
four cabinets.
(4)
It entails any excavation of deployment outside the current
site of the communications tower.
(5)
It does not comply with conditions associated with prior approval
of construction or modification of the wireless communications facility
unless the noncompliance is due to an increase in height, increase
in width, or addition of cabinets.
SURVEYOR
An individual registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
as authorized to measure the boundaries of tracts of land, establish
locations and perform the requirements of a survey.
SWIMMING POOL, PRIVATE OR RESIDENTIAL
An accessory structure used for swimming containing water
at a depth of 42 or more inches or exceeding 5,000 gallons of water,
either in-ground or aboveground. All decks, walkways, ladders, stairs,
surrounds and fencing appurtenant to such an accessory structure shall
be included for all measurement purposes.
TECHNICALLY FEASIBLE
By virtue of engineering or spectrum usage, the proposed
placement for a wireless communications facility or its design or
site location can be implemented without a material reduction in the
functionality of the wireless communications facility.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT
Any place of business where any person, partnership, firm,
association or corporation engages in or carries on or permits to
be engaged in or carried on any method of pressure on, friction against
or stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating
parts of the body with the hands or with the aid of any mechanical
apparatus or electrical apparatus or appliance, with or without such
supplementary aids as rubbing alcohol, oil or other such items.
TOWER
A self-supporting lattice tower, guy tower, monopole, or
any other pole, that is constructed primarily to support an antenna
for receiving and/or transmitting wireless service.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
TOWNHOUSE
A single-family dwelling that is one of between three and
eight such dwellings of similar construction, attached to each other
so that there is a common unpierced vertical wall between adjacent
dwellings. (Each dwelling unit shall have exposure to light and air
and entrances on at least two sides.)
UNDERGROUND DISTRICT
A zoning district in which all utility installations are
required to be installed underground on a nondiscriminatory basis.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE (UCC)
The statewide building code, adopted by the Pennsylvania
General Assembly in 1999, applicable to new construction in all municipalities
whether administered by the municipality, a third party or the Department
of Labor and Industry. Applicable to residential and commercial buildings,
the Code adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) and International
Building Code (IBC) of 2003, by reference, as the construction standard
applicable with the Commonwealth floodplain construction. For coordination
purposes, references to the above are made specifically to various
sections of the IRC and the IBC.
USABLE OPEN SPACE
An unenclosed portion of the area of a lot not devoted to
driveways, parking spaces or principal and accessory structures. Usable
open space may include common buildings such as shelter, pavilions
or recreational structures that are centrally located and accessible
to the occupants of the building or buildings.
USE
The specific purpose for which land or a sign, structure
or building is designed, arranged, intended or for which it may be
occupied or maintained, or any activity, occupation, business or operation
that may be carried on. The term "permitted use" or its equivalent
shall not be deemed to include any nonconforming use. Nonconforming
uses are legal only if they meet the definition of "grandfathered."
See "principal use" and "accessory use."
UTILITY NETWORK
Underground or overhead gas, electrical, communication, steam
or water transmission; waste disposal systems or public safety apparatus
erected, constructed, altered or maintained by public utilities, private
companies or municipal or other governmental agencies. System components
include poles, wires, mains, drains, sewer pipes, conduits, cables,
fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants, telephone
control office buildings and telephone booths, and other similar equipment
and accessories in connection therewith that are reasonably necessary
for the furnishing of adequate service by such public utilities, private
companies, municipalities or other governmental agencies for the public
health, safety or general welfare. System components exclude broadcast
transmission facilities and supportive buildings as defined herein.
VARIANCE
A deviation from the terms and conditions of this chapter
authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board in cases in which literal enforcement
would create unnecessary hardship as a result of peculiar or unique
conditions or circumstances pertaining only to the lot in question,
and when the authorizing of such deviation would not be contrary to
the public interest and would maintain the spirit and intent of this
chapter.
WAREHOUSE
A commercial structure for storage of goods.
WASTE
Any garbage, refuse or other waste or discarded material
including solid, liquid, semi-solid or gaseous material resulting
from the operating of residential, municipal, commercial, industrial
or institutional establishments including, but not limited to, sludge/septage,
construction/demolition, infectious/chemotherapeutic, leaf/yard, residual,
hazardous and/or nuclear wastes as defined by federal and/or state
statutes and regulations.
WASTE DISPOSAL
The discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking,
incineration or placing of any waste on the land or in the water so
that such waste or any constituent or residue thereof may enter the
environment or be emitted into the air or discharged into any waters,
including groundwaters.
WASTE PROCESSING
Any method, technique or process designed to change the physical,
chemical or biological character or composition of any wastes, including
neutralization, incineration, stabilization, solidification and other
similar processes.
WASTE STORAGE
The actual or intended containment of waste for a period
not to exceed 30 calendar days in a manner that does not constitute
disposal or treatment.
WASTE TREATMENT
Any method, technique or process, including landfill, incineration,
stabilization, solidification or neutralization, designed to change
the physical, chemical or biological character or composition of any
waste material. Any method, technique or process intended to neutralize
any hazardous substance or to render any hazardous substance nonhazardous,
safer for transport, suitable for recovery, suitable for storage or
reduced in volume.
WATERCOURSE
A channel or conveyance of surface water having a defined
bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent
flow.
WBCA
Pennsylvania Wireless Broadcast Collocation Act (53 P.S.
§ 11702.1, et seq.).
[Added 12-20-2016 by Ord.
No. 1044]
WETLAND
Areas that under normal, inundated or saturated circumstances,
by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient
to support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in
saturated soil conditions, including swamps, marshes, bogs and similar
areas, and subject to regulation by state and federal agencies.
WHOLESALE ESTABLISHMENT
A business devoted to the sale of commodities in quantity
chiefly to retailers, other merchants, or industrial, institutional
and commercial users mainly for resale or business use. Such commodities
shall be limited to durable goods, sundries, dry goods and nonperishable
items.
WIRELESS
Transmissions through the airwaves, including, but not limited
to, infrared line of sight, cellular, PCS, microwave, satellite, or
radio signals.
[Added 12-20-2016 by Ord.
No. 1044]
WIRELESS ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT
Any equipment serving or being used in conjunction with a
wireless communications facility or wireless support structure. The
term "wireless accessory equipment" includes, but is not limited to,
utility or transmission equipment, power supplies, generators, batteries,
cables, equipment buildings, cabinets and storage sheds, shelters
or similar structures.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
WIRELESS ANTENNA
An apparatus designed for the purpose of emitting radiofrequency
(RF) radiation, to be operated or operating from a fixed location
pursuant to FCC authorization, for the provision of wireless service
and any commingled information services.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (WCF)
An antenna facility or a wireless support structure that
is used for the provision of wireless service, whether such service
is provided on a standalone basis or commingled with other wireless
communications services.
[Added 5-18-2021 by Ord.
No. 1062]
WIRELESS SUPPORT STRUCTURE or SUPPORT STRUCTURE
For the purposes of wireless communications, any man-made
object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or
water, whether or not affixed to the land, upon or to which wireless
communications facilities may be attached, approved by the Borough.
[Added 12-20-2016 by Ord.
No. 1044; amended 5-18-2021 by Ord. No. 1062]
YARD, FRONT
The area between the public right-of-way line and a line
drawn parallel thereto at the nearest wall of the actual or proposed
principal structure, extending the full width of the lot. The front
yard on a corner lot shall be considered to be the official U.S. postal
address of any structure on the lot.
YARD, REAR
The area between the rear lot line and a line drawn parallel
thereto at the nearest wall of the actual or proposed principal structure,
extending the full width of the lot.
YARD, SIDE
The area between any side lot line and a line drawn parallel
thereto at the nearest wall of the actual or proposed principal structure,
extending from the front yard line to the rear yard line.
ZONING MAP
A map, approved by the governing body, delineating the various
zoning districts in the Borough.
ZONING OFFICER
The administrative officer charged with the duty of enforcing
the provisions of this chapter.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The ordinance in effect as adopted or amended that controls
or regulates land use in the Borough.
ZONING PERMIT
A document issued to indicate that a proposed use or structure
is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter or with a decision
by the Zoning Hearing Board or Borough Council and authorizing the
applicant to proceed with establishing such use, building or structure
but not occupying it until such time as a certificate of zoning compliance
shall be obtained.