[Amended 1-11-1999 by Ord. No. 99-2; 3-13-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-02; 4-9-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-04; 5-10-2006 by Ord. No. 06-05-01]
In expansion of the declaration of legislative intent found in Article I, § 275-2 of this chapter, and the statement of community development objectives found in Article I, § 275-3 of this chapter, it is the intent of this article to maintain the rural character of the Township and promote the preservation of land and waterways which because of location or natural features have a unique character by:
A.
Preserving natural amenities, including woodlands, floodplains, steep
slopes, stream valleys, and rock outcrops.
B.
Encouraging retention of woodlands, hedgerows, and other vegetation
to moderate the effects of storms, absorb pollutants and noise, shelter
wildlife, and provide a diverse natural environment.
C.
Maintaining natural and rural vistas, especially from public areas
such as roads and waterways.
D.
Minimizing the impact of development on groundwater resources to
ensure the continued availability of a reliable, safe, and adequate
water supply.
E.
Preserving as much as possible the unique expanse of contiguous forest
which extends into the Township, an expanse which constitutes the
single largest forest within Bucks and Montgomery Counties, as identified
by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Division
of Forestry.
On any lot in the R-1 District, any one of the following uses,
and no other, is permitted:
A.
Permitted uses.
(1)
Single-family detached dwelling.
(3)
Agriculture.
(4)
Natural open space uses of a passive nature and conducted out-of-doors,
including wildlife sanctuary, forest preserve, nature center, and
arboretum.
(5)
Game farm, fish hatchery, hunting or fishing preserve, or similar
uses designed for the protection or propagation of wildlife.
(6)
Public utility facilities, provided the exterior architectural design
shall be of a residential character and provided the property at no
time be used for the storage of equipment or vehicles or that it be
used for any other commercial purpose.
(8)
Municipal parks and recreation areas providing facilities for active
recreation such as playing fields, tot lots and picnic areas.
B.
Conditional use. The following uses, when approved by the Board of
Supervisors as a conditional use:
A.
Minimum developable lot area: two acres (87,120 square feet). [Note: Refer to Article XI for determination of actual allowable lot size(s).]
B.
Minimum lot width: 150 feet.
C.
Minimum yards.
(1)
Front: 75 feet; however, parcels with frontage on a scenic road (currently
identified as Finland Road, from Upper Ridge Road to Brinckman Road;
Swamp Creek Road, from Miller Road to Bucks County Line; Long
Road, Whites Mill Road, Swamp Creek Road, from Geryville
Pike to Whites Mill Road; Hiffletrager Road, Geryville Pike, Mclean
Station Road, from Buck Road to Geryville Pike, and Hoppenville
Road; and additional roads, and parts thereof, as further designated
and amended from time to time in the Marlborough Township Open Space
Plan) shall have a front yard setback of 100 feet. The Board of Supervisors,
upon recommendation of the Township Planning Commission, may allow
for a lesser setback to 75 feet if an adequate hedgerow or woodland
exists and is maintained to preserve the corridor's scenic value.
(2)
Side (each): 30 feet (accessory building: 10 feet).
(3)
Rear: 60 feet (accessory building: 10 feet).
D.
Maximum impervious coverage: 15%.
E.
Maximum height:
(1)
For any dwelling: 35 feet.
(2)
For any building accessory to any dwelling use: 20 feet.
(3)
For any nonresidential building or other structure: 35 feet, except
that such height may be increased to a maximum of 60 feet or such
increased height as may be warranted when approved by the Zoning Hearing
Board for such structures as water towers, barns, silos, chimneys,
and stacks, provided that, for every foot of height in excess of 35
feet, there shall be added to each yard requirement one corresponding
foot of width or depth.
