[Amended 12-7-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-07; 2-7-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-03; 5-1-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-02]
When used in this chapter, the following words, terms and phrases
shall have the following meanings, unless expressly stated otherwise
or unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE (includes ACCESSORY BUILDING)
A structure serving a purpose customarily incidental to and
subordinate to the use of the principal use and located on the same
lot as the principal use. Accessory structures include, but are not
limited to, a household garage, household storage shed, detached carport,
a household swimming pool, or an accessory storage building to a business
use. An "accessory building" is any accessory structure that meets
the definition of a "building." A portion of a principal building
used for an accessory use shall not be considered an accessory building.
ACCESS POINT
One combined entrance/exit point, or one clearly defined
entrance point, or one clearly defined entrance point separated from
another clearly defined exit point. This term shall not include accessways
or driveways that are strictly and clearly limited to use by only
emergency vehicles; such accesses are permitted by right as needed.
AGRICULTURAL USE
An enterprise that is actively engaged in the commercial
production and preparation for market of crops, livestock and livestock
products and in the production, harvesting and preparation for market
or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural and
aquacultural crops and commodities. The term includes an enterprise
that implements changes in production practices and procedures or
types of crops, livestock, livestock products or commodities produced
consistent with practices and procedures that are normally engaged
in by farmers or are consistent with technological development within
the agricultural industry. It includes necessary structures within
the limits of the parcel and the storage of equipment necessary for
production. It excludes agricultural products processing operations,
riding academies, livery or boarding stables and dog or other animal
kennels.
ALLEY
A right-of-way, privately or publicly owned, primarily for
service access to the rear or sides of properties.
APPLICANT
An individual, trustee, executor, other fiduciary, corporation,
firm, partnership, association, organization or other entity acting
as a unit, and his/her/its heirs, successors and assigns, which is
seeking an approval or permit pursuant to this chapter; a landowner
or developer who has filed an application for a subdivision or land
development, including his/her heirs, successors and assignees.
APPLICATION
Any application required to be filed for approval in accord
with the requirements of this chapter.
BLOCK
A tract of land or a lot or group of lots, bounded by streets,
public parks, railroad rights-of-way, watercourses or bodies of water,
municipal boundary line, unsubdivided land or by any combination of
the above.
BUFFER
A strip of land with fencing, dense vegetative planting,
additional setback distances, berms or a combination thereof that
separates one use from another use or feature and is not occupied
by any building, parking, outdoor storage or any use other than open
space or approved pedestrian pathways or improvements, which is used
to provide separation between incompatible uses to effect a visual
barrier, block physical passage between uses, and/or reduce noise,
dust and litter.
BUFFER, SCREENING
A predominantly evergreen perimeter landscape planting intended
to provide denser screening and separation between neighboring developments.
BUFFER, SOFTENING
A perimeter landscape planting intended to provide partial
screening and separation between neighboring developments.
BUFFER, WATER QUALITY
The area of land immediately adjacent to any wetland, lake,
pond, vernal pond, or stream, measured perpendicular to and horizontally
from the delineated edge of the wetland, lake, pond, or vernal pond,
or the top-of-bank on both sides of a stream, to provide separation
from an intensive land use area (e.g., subdivision, farm) and minimize
sediment and other pollutant loading; also referred to as "filter
strips," "vegetated filter strips," and "grassed buffers."
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls
and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of any individual,
animal, process, equipment, services, goods or materials of any kind
or nature.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
An area on a lot or development parcel which has been designated
as the area in which development may occur. Building envelopes are
identified by building setbacks, conservation areas, site conditions
and other factors and shall be specifically designated on the development
plan and established by deed covenants and restrictions.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building in which the primary or predominate use of a lot
is conducted, including any structure that is physically attached
to the principal building.
CAMPGROUND or RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK
A plot of ground upon which two or more campsites are located,
established or maintained for temporary occupancy by persons using
tents or recreational vehicles, and which is not to be used for long-term
residency of occupants.
CARTWAY
The portion of a street right-of-way, paved or unpaved, intended
for vehicular use, including the travelway and shoulders.
CHAPTER, THIS
The Chestnuthill Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, as amended, and any provisions thereof, enacted by the Board of Supervisors and codified as Chapter
98, Subdivision and Land Development, of the Code of the Township of Chestnuthill.
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLE
An area of unobstructed vision at street intersections defined
by the right-of-way lines of the streets and by a line of sight between
points on the street right-of-way lines at a given distance from the
intersection of the right-of-way lines.
COMMERCIAL USE
An occupation, employment, or enterprise carried on for profit
by the owner, lessee, or licensee. The sale of goods or services from
a vehicle on a lot shall also be considered to be a commercial use.
COMMISSION
The Planning Commission of Chestnuthill Township.
COMMON AREA
All of the real property and improvements dedicated for the
common use and enjoyment of the residents of a particular development;
including, but not limited to, open land, development improvements,
common facilities, and recreation area.
COMMON FACILITIES
Improvements in a development that are not required by the
Township (as compared to development improvements) but have been constructed
as part of a development for the common use and enjoyment of the residents
of that development; including, but not limited to, community centers,
recreation buildings and structures, and administrative and maintenance
buildings.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The most-recent Comprehensive Plan (which may be a regional
plan) adopted by Chesnuthill Township, including all maps, charts
and textual matter.
CONSERVATION AREA, PRIMARY
Those areas of a development tract included in conservation
open space and which are comprised of primary resources on which development
is minimized.
CONSERVATION DESIGN SUBDIVISION
A subdivision designed at the regulated dwelling unit density
where individual lots are reduced in size, important natural resources
are conserved, and the resultant open space is preserved in perpetuity.
The terms "conservation design subdivision" and "conservation design
development" shall have the same meaning.
CONSERVATION EASEMENT
A right or interest in land granted primarily for the preservation
of the land in its undeveloped state but which may allow limited development
(e.g., a residential structure) and other compatible uses such as
agriculture and forestry.
CONSTRAINED LAND
Selected resources and areas of restricted land multiplied
by a protection factor, totaled and used for the calculation of adjusted
tract area related to conservation design development.
CONVENTIONAL DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
A subdivision or land development designed at the dwelling
unit density specified in the Township Zoning Ordinance where individual
lot reduction is not permitted.
COUNTY
The County of Monroe, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
DEP
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and
its successor agencies.
DEVELOPER (SUBDIVIDER)
Any landowner or agent thereof, or tenant or equitable owner
under an agreement of sale having the permission of the landowner,
who makes or causes to be made a subdivision of land or a land development.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, the
placement of mobile homes, streets and other paving, utilities, filling,
grading, excavation, mining, dredging or drilling operations and the
subdivision of land.
[Amended 4-23-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-05]
DEVELOPMENT IMPROVEMENTS
All the physical additions and changes to a tract and the
constructed facilities necessary and/or required by the Township to
produce a usable and functional development; including, but not limited
to, streets, parking areas, stormwater controls and drainage easements,
landscaped areas, utilities, and water supplies and sewage disposal
systems.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
A proposed development, prepared in accord with this chapter,
including a plat of the subject parcel and any subdivision, locations
of various uses, and all covenants relating to uses, locations and
sizes of buildings and other structures, intensity of use or density
of development, streets, ways, and parking facilities, common open
spaces and public facilities.
DIVIDER ISLAND
A linear planting island, perpendicular to parking spaces,
which provides buffering between rows of parking.
EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY
Any construction or other activity which disturbs the surface
of the land, including, but not limited to, excavations, embankments,
land development, subdivision development, mineral extraction and
the moving, depositing or storing of soil, rock or earth.
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.
ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL
A person licensed to practice as a professional engineer
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
ENGINEER, TOWNSHIP
The registered professional engineer designated by the Board
of Supervisors to perform all duties required of the Engineer by the
provisions of this chapter.
GRADE
The elevation of ground or paving.
GRADE, FINISHED
The final elevation of the average ground level after development
adjoining a building at all exterior walls or adjoining other improvements.
GRADE, NATURAL
The elevation of the ground level in its natural state before
construction, filling, or excavation.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface that prevents the percolation of water into the
ground, such as rooftops, pavement, sidewalks, driveways, gravel drives,
streets and parking, and compacted fill, earth or turf to be used
as such.
IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT
An agreement, in a form and manner acceptable to the Township,
requiring a developer to install the improvements required by this
chapter or which appear on the official approved plans.
INTERNAL BLOCK
One or more lots, tracts, or parcels of land bounded by internal
circulation routes, railroads, or subdivision boundary lines.
INTERNAL CIRCULATION ROUTE
Either a public street or a private drive edged by a curb
or delineator device within a development, functioning as part of
an internal circulation system for a large-scale retail/commercial
development.
LAKE or POND
A natural or artificial body of water, 0.25 acre or larger,
which retains water year-round. Artificial ponds may be created by
dams or result from excavation.
LAND DEVELOPMENT
[Amended 10-17-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
A.
The improvement of one or two or more contiguous lots, tracts,
or parcels of land for any purpose involving either or both of the
following:
(1)
A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings,
whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single principal
nonresidential building on a lot or lots, regardless of the number
of occupants or tenure; or
(2)
The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially
or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective
occupants by means of, or for the purpose of, streets, common areas,
leaseholds, condominiums, building groups, or other features.
C.
A solar commercial facility (SCF) as defined in Chapter
119, §
119-21.
D.
The definition of "land development" shall not include the following:
(1)
The conversion of an existing single-family detached dwelling
or single-family semidetached dwelling into not more than three residential
units, unless such units are intended to be a condominium.
(2)
The addition of an accessory building, including farm buildings,
on a lot or lots subordinate to an existing principal building.
(3)
The addition or conversion of buildings or rides within the
confines of an enterprise which would be considered an amusement park.
For purposes of this subsection, an "amusement park" is defined as
a tract or area used principally as a location for permanent amusement
structures or rides. This exclusion shall not apply to newly acquired
acreage by an amusement park until initial plans for the expanded
area have been approved by the Township.
LANDOWNER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including
the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such
option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee if he is
authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner,
or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
LARGE-SCALE RETAIL/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
An individual freestanding building or multiple-building
development in which the combined total of all structures and outdoor
sales areas within the development (regardless of diverse lotting,
use or tenancy) equals 20,000 square feet or more of gross floor area,
used for conference centers; gaming establishments; hotels; motels;
recreation facilities, commercial; restaurants; retail businesses;
service establishments; taverns; theaters; or similar patron-based
uses; but not including camps/retreats, country clubs, and resorts.
LOADING/UNLOADING SPACE
An interior or exterior off-street space or berth used for
the loading or unloading of people, cargo, products, or materials
from vehicles.
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.
LOT AREA
The horizontal land area contained within the lot lines of a lot (measured in acres or square feet), determined by deducting from the total lot size the areas as specified in §
119-38D(4)(a). (Note: Other sections of this chapter may specifically permit proposed streets to be included in determining density for a specific use.)
LOT, CORNER
A lot or parcel of land abutting two or more streets at their
intersection, or upon two parts of the same street forming an interior
angle of less than 135°. A lot abutting upon a curved street or
streets shall be considered a corner lot if the tangent to the curve
at the points beginning within the lot or at the points of intersection
of the side lot lines with the street lines intersects at an angle
of less than 135°.
LOT DEPTH
The horizontal distance between the midpoint of the front
lot line and the midpoint of the rear lot line.
LOT, EXISTING OF RECORD
Any lot or parcel of property which was legally in existence
and properly on file with the County Recorder of Deeds prior to the
effective date of the original Township Zoning Ordinance. (See "parent
tract.")
LOT, FLAG
A lot not meeting minimum frontage requirements and where
access to the public street is by a narrow, private right-of-way or
driveway.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot other than a corner lot, the sides of which do not
abut a street.
LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT
The revision or deletion of one or more lot lines in such
a way that all of the following are true:
A.
No new lots will be created beyond what was previously approved;
B.
No additional street segments or significant changes in alignment
are proposed other than what was previously approved;
C.
No additional nonconformities will be created under Chapter
119, Zoning; and
D.
No new land development will occur other than a land development
that was previously approved or buildings to support crop farming.
LOT LINES
The property lines bounding the lot. Wherever a property
line borders a public street, for the purposes of determining setbacks,
the "lot line" is considered to be the existing street right-of-way
line or that which will exist at the time of completion of a subdivision
or development.
B.
LOT LINE, REARThe lot line(s) most distant from and most parallel to the front lot line.
LOT, REVERSE-FRONTAGE
A through lot with frontage on two streets, with vehicular
access restricted to only one of the streets.
LOT, THROUGH
A lot that fronts on two parallel streets or that fronts
on two streets that do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.
LOT WIDTH
The horizontal distance between the side lines of a lot,
measured at right angles to its depth along a straight line parallel
to the front lot line at the minimum required or approved front and
rear building lines. In the case of a lot fronting on a cul-de-sac
turnaround or curve, along a chord perpendicular to a radial line
located equidistant between the side lot lines, the said chord shall
intersect the radial line at a point located at the required or approved
building setback line.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
An agreement, in a form and substance acceptable to the Board
of Supervisors, requiring the developer of required improvements to
make any repairs or reconstructions and to maintain such improvements
for a certain period.
MAINTENANCE GUARANTEE
Financial security which is acceptable to the Township to
secure the promise made by a developer in the maintenance agreement
that required improvements shall be maintained by the developer. (Note:
These guarantees typically include acceptable letters of credit, performance
bonds, escrow agreements, and other similar collateral or surety agreements.)
MOBILE HOME
A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent
occupancy, 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, and which is
subject to United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
regulations.
MOBILE HOME LOT
A parcel of land in a mobile home park which is leased by
the park owner to the owners or occupants of the mobile home erected
on the lot and which is improved with the necessary utility connections
and other appurtenances necessary for the erection thereon of a single
mobile home.
MOBILE HOME PARK
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land which have been so
designated and improved that they contain two or more mobile home
lots for the placement thereon of mobile homes.
MOBILE HOME SPACE
An area of land in a mobile home park improved with the utilities
and other improvements needed for the placement of a single mobile
home, with the land leased or rented by the park owner to the owners
or occupants of the mobile home.
NEIGHBORHOOD
A development of five to 25 single-family, detached dwellings
clustered in a concentrated area which is surrounded by open land
or recreation area.
OFFICIAL MAP
The Chestnuthill Township Official Map, adopted by ordinance pursuant to Article
IV of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, which shows lands reserved by the Township for easement or acquisition for public purposes.
OPEN SPACE
An area that is intended to provide light and air, and is
designed for environmental, scenic, recreational, resource protection,
amenity and/or buffer purposes, and which contains no development
improvements which are not specifically permitted by this chapter
or the Township Zoning Ordinance.
OPEN SPACE, COMMON
Open space that is part of a particular conservation design
subdivision development tract set aside for the use and enjoyment
of residents of such development.
OPEN SPACE, CONSERVATION
Open space that is part of a particular conservation design
subdivision development tract set aside for the protection of sensitive
natural features, farmland, forest land, scenic views and other primary
and secondary conservation areas and which is permanently restricted
from further development except as permitted by this chapter and cannot
be used as a basis for density for any other development. Conservation
open space may be accessible to the residents of the development and/or
the Township, or it may contain areas of farmland or forest land which
are not accessible to project residents or the public.
OPEN SPACE, PUBLIC
Common open space owned by a government agency or the Township
for public recreation.
OPEN SPACE, REQUIRED PUBLIC
Open space that is dedicated or reserved for the use of the
general public in accord with the requirements of this chapter.
PAD-SITE BUILDING
A building that is intended for a single commercial use and
that is physically separate from the other buildings on the site;
typically used in the context of retail shopping center development,
a building or building site that is physically separate from and smaller
than the principal building and reserved for freestanding commercial
uses. Typical pad site uses include, by way of illustration only,
freestanding restaurants, banks and service stations.
PADEP or DEP
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
PARENT TRACT
Any lot or parcel of property which was legally in existence
and on file with the County Recorder of Deeds prior to the effective
date of the original Township Zoning Ordinance and from which a lot
or lots have been subdivided or are proposed for subdivision. (See
"lot, existing of record.")
PARKING SPACE, OFF-STREET
A temporary storage area for a motor vehicle that is directly
accessible to an access aisle and that is not located on a dedicated
street right-of-way.
PARKING SPACE, ON-STREET
A temporary storage area for a motor vehicle that is located
on a public or private street right-of-way.
PATHWAY
A pedestrian accessway which is not adjacent to a street
or access drive and conforms with this chapter.
PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE
Financial security which is acceptable to the Board of Supervisors
to ensure that the developer will install required improvements. (Note:
This typically includes acceptable letters of credit, performance
bonds, escrow agreements, and other similar collateral or surety agreements.)
PERSON
An individual, partnership, public or private association
or corporation, firm, trust, estate, municipality, governmental unit,
public utility or any other legal entity whatsoever which is recognized
by law as the subject of rights and duties.
PLAT or PLAN
A map of a land development or subdivision and accompanying
notations.
A.
SKETCH PLANAn informal plan, identified with the title "Sketch Plan" on the map, indicating the general layout of the proposed subdivision or land development.
B.
PRELIMINARY PLANA complete plan, identified with the title "Preliminary Plan," accurately showing proposed streets and lot layout and such other information as required by this chapter.
C.
FINAL PLANA complete and exact plan, identified with the title "Final Plan," including the plan prepared for official recording as required by this chapter to define property rights and proposed streets and other improvements.
PRIME AGRICULTURAL LAND
Land used for agricultural purposes that contains soils of
the first, second or third class as defined by the United States Department
of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, County Soil
Survey.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
A building in which the primary or predominate use of a lot
is conducted, including any structure that is physically attached
to the principal building.
PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION
A nonprofit corporation organized by the developer or homeowners
for the purpose of establishing an association of all property owners
in a private development, the purposes of which shall include the
ownership and maintenance of open space, common areas and all development
improvements.
PUBLIC HEARING
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Planning
Commission or the Board of Supervisors, intended to inform and obtain
public comment prior to taking action in accord with the Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code.
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 MEETING, REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission at which the
Commission is authorized to conduct official action and which has
been scheduled based upon an annual meeting schedule (as may be adjusted
by the Chairperson) and which is not a workshop meeting or the official
public meeting on an ordinance amendment.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice published once each week for two successive weeks
in a newspaper of general circulation in the Township. Such notice
shall state the time and place of the hearing and the particular nature
of the matter to be considered at the hearing. 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 the hearing.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle primarily designed and utilized as temporary living
quarters for recreational, camping or travel use, whether self-propelled
or mounted on or drawn by another vehicle, and including travel trailers,
recreational trailers, camping trailers, truck campers, motor homes
and similar types of vehicles.
RESERVOIR SPACE
A parking place provided to accommodate a vehicle which is
queued in a lane awaiting service in a drive-in facility such as a
bank, fast-food restaurant or a car/truck wash.
RESIDENCY (OR OCCUPANCY), LONG-TERM
Occupancy of a dwelling, generally for periods of more than
180 days, as opposed to temporary visits to bed-and-breakfast establishments,
motels, hotels, campgrounds and recreational vehicles, and which serves
as the legal address for the occupant. It also includes any dwelling
or structure where children who attend school reside.
RESOURCES, PRIMARY
Natural features consisting of one-hundred-year floodplain
(including the floodway), wetlands and prohibitive steep slopes (greater
than 25%). In conservation subdivisions, all conserved lands containing
primary resources are called "primary conservation areas."
RESOURCES, SECONDARY
Natural or cultural features outside primary conservation
areas that are worthy of conservation by inclusion in conservation
open space. See the prioritized list of such features in the Subdivision
and Land Development Ordinance. Lands containing secondary resources that are conserved
are called "secondary conservation areas."
RIGHT-OF-WAY
Land reserved for use as an access, street, drainage facility
or other private, public or community use.
SCREENED
Visibly shielded or obscured from any adjoining or neighboring
property, any public or private street right-of-way, or any other
premises, which is accomplished by topography, fencing, berms, natural
and planted vegetation or other means approved by the Township.
SCREENING
A method of visually shielding or obscuring a structure or
use from another by topography, fencing, walls, berms, planted vegetation
or a combination of these methods.
SETBACK, FRONT
The required minimum open space extending the full width
of the lot between the principal structure(s) and accessory structure(s)
and the front lot line. See also "yard" and "lot line."
SETBACK, REAR
The required minimum open space extending the full width
of the lot between the principal structure(s) and accessory structure(s)
and the rear lot line. See also "yard" and "lot line."
SETBACK, REQUIRED
The required minimum open space between the principal structure(s)
and accessory structure(s) and the nearest lot line or right-of-way
as provided by this chapter. See also "yard" and "lot line."
SETBACK, SIDE
The required minimum open space extending from the front
setback to the rear setback between the principal structure(s) and
accessory structure(s) and the side lot line. See also "yard" and
"lot line."
SEWAGE DISPOSAL, CENTRAL, OFF-SITE OR COMMUNITY
A sanitary sewage collection system in which sewage is carried
from individual lots or dwelling units by a system of pipes to a central
treatment and disposal system or sewage treatment plant which may
be publicly or privately owned and operated. A system designed to
serve a two-family dwelling or two dwelling units located on the same
property or adjacent properties shall not be considered as off-site
sewage.
SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
A system designed to collect, treat and dispose of sewage
from users in compliance with regulations of PADEP and the Township.
SEWAGE SERVICE, CENTRAL LAND DISPOSAL OF SEWAGE EFFLUENT
A central sewage service system approved by the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) where domestic sewage
effluent is applied to the land in accord with DEP regulations, and
which includes an appropriate mechanism to ensure long-term professional
operation and maintenance of the system, which could include public
sewage service. Such systems may include a central system using drip
irrigation, spray irrigation, disposal beds, or other method approved
by DEP.
SEWAGE DISPOSAL, ON-SITE
A single system of piping, tanks or other facilities serving
only a single lot and disposing of sewage in whole or in part into
the soil on that lot or as may be permitted on common open space in
a conservation subdivision design development. A system designed to
serve a two-family dwelling or two dwelling units located on the same
property or adjacent properties shall be considered on-site sewage
disposal, and all development standards will apply the same for each
dwelling or unit as any single-family unit.
SEWAGE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (SEO)
The Township official certified by the Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection who reviews permit applications and sewage
facilities planning modules, issues permits as authorized by the Pennsylvania
Sewage Facilities Act, as amended, and conducts investigations and
inspections that are necessary to implement the Act and its regulations.
SIDEWALK
A pedestrian accessway which is adjacent to a street or access
drive and conforms to the regulations of this chapter.
SOIL SURVEY
The latest version of the official Soil Survey of Monroe
County, published by the United States Natural Resources (formerly
"Soil") Conservation Service, or its successor reference.
STATE
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its agencies.
STREAM
A natural watercourse. See "watercourse."
STREET
A public or private thoroughfare which affords the principal
means of access to abutting property, including avenue, place, way,
drive, lane, boulevard, highway, road and any other thoroughfare except
an alley. Public rights-of-way shall be those open to the general
use of the public, not necessarily publicly dedicated.
STREET CLASSIFICATIONS (EXISTING STREETS)
Based primarily upon the Comprehensive Plan, the following
classifications shall apply for existing streets:
A.
ARTERIAL STREETSU.S. Route 209, Pennsylvania Route 115, State Route 3017 (old Route 115 south of U.S. Route 209).
B.
COLLECTOR STREETSJonas Road, Sugar Hollow Road, Merwinsburg Road, Pennsylvania Route 715, Effort-Neola Road, Gilbert Road, and Weir Lake Road.
C.
OTHER EXISTING STREETSAll other existing streets shall be considered local streets for the purposes of this chapter. This classification is not intended to distinguish public versus private streets.
STREET CLASSIFICATIONS (PROPOSED STREETS)
A.
ARTERIAL STREETDesigned to PennDOT standards primarily to carry traffic and generally should not provide access to land which would interfere with its primary traffic functions; and is designated as a limited, controlled, or partial access street, and average daily traffic is 4,000 vehicles or more.
B.
CONNECTOR STREETCollects traffic from collector and minor streets and also provides a connection to arterial streets and between connector streets, and average daily traffic is 4,000 vehicles or more.
C.
COLLECTOR STREETGathers traffic from minor, local and marginal access streets and feeds this traffic to connector and arterial streets. Collector streets carry heavier traffic volumes than minor and local streets although they also provide direct access to individual uses located along them. Average daily traffic on collector streets ranges from 1,501 to 4,000 vehicles.
D.
MINOR STREETGathers traffic from local and marginal access streets and feeds this traffic to collector and connector streets. Average daily traffic on minor streets ranges from 501 to 1,500 vehicles.
E.
LOCAL OR MARGINAL ACCESS STREETProvides direct access to individual uses and feeds this traffic to minor or collector streets. Average daily traffic on local streets does not exceed 500 vehicles.
F.
PRIVATE ACCESSA vehicle accessway with a minimum right-of-way of 20 feet that connects residential lots to an approved street where the residential lots do not abut the approved street, and the construction and maintenance of the private access street is the sole responsibility of owners benefiting by the use of the street, and which is not offered to the Township for public maintenance.
STREET, CUL-DE-SAC
A type of street which is terminated at one end by a permitted
turnaround and which intersects another street at the other end.
STREET, MARGINAL ACCESS
A type of local street which is parallel and adjacent to
collector, connector or arterial streets and provides access to abutting
properties.
SUBDIVISION
A.
The division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land
by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels, or other divisions
of land, including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose,
whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for
distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building
or lot development.
B.
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 residential dwellings, shall be exempted.
SUBDIVISION ADMINISTRATOR or PLANS ADMINISTRATOR
The staff person(s) charged by the Board of Supervisors with
the responsibility of administering the subdivision application submission
procedure. Said staff person shall be the Zoning Officer of Chestnuthill
Township unless and until the Board of Supervisors by resolution shall
designate an alternative person.
SUBDIVISION, MINOR
A proposal involving land, other than a land development,
which is either:
A.
A lot line adjustment; or
B.
A subdivision:
(1)
That results in only four new additional single-family residential
lots, or only four new additional clearly agricultural lots of more
than 10 acres each, in addition to the one preexisting lot; and
(2)
Which does not involve an extension or new segment of a street (other than what was previously approved), except that a minor subdivision may utilize a private access street if it meets the requirements of §
98-57 regarding private streets; and
(3)
Which has not involved the final subdivision approval of four
or more new lots from the same parent tract since after the enactment
date of this chapter.
SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED
In the judgment of the Township Engineer, at least 90% (based
upon the cost of the required improvements for which financial security
was posted) of those improvements required as a condition for final
approval have been completed in accordance with the approved plan,
so that the project will be able to be used, occupied or operated
for its intended use.
TOWNSHIP
Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Unless
otherwise stated, this shall mean the Board of Supervisors and its
authorized agents.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
A professional engineer licensed as such in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, duly appointed as the Engineer for Chestnuthill Township.
TRAVELWAY
The portion of a street cartway intended for vehicular use,
excluding the shoulders.
USGS
United States Geological Survey, or its successor agency.
VERNAL POOL
An isolated, contained depression that holds water for at
least two months in the spring or summer, critical to several amphibian,
reptile and invertebrate species, which also provides important storage
for stormwater runoff and spring snow melt that would otherwise contribute
to downstream flooding.
WALKWAY
A strip of land, including a right-of-way, dedicated to public
use in order to facilitate pedestrian access through or into a block.
WATER BODY
Any natural or man-made freshwater pond, lake or stream.
This shall not include any pond or facility designed and constructed
solely to contain stormwater.
WATERCOURSE
Any channel of conveyance of surface water having a defined
bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial, intermittent
or seasonal flow.
WATER SUPPLY, CENTRAL, OFF-SITE OR COMMUNITY
A drinking water supply system in which drinking water is
carried to individual lots or dwelling units by a system of pipes
from a central source not located on any of the served lots and which
may be publicly or privately owned and operated.
WATER SUPPLY, ON-SITE
A system for supplying and transmitting drinking water to
a single dwelling or other use from a source located on the same lot.
WETLAND
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water
or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support,
and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including
swamps, marshes, bogs, fens, and similar areas, and which are defined
as such by the Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional
Wetlands.
YARD
The area between the principal structure(s) and the adjoining
lot line or right-of-way. (See also "setback.")