A. 
For the purposes of this chapter, words and terms used herein shall be interpreted as listed in § 98-19 of this chapter.
B. 
If a word is not defined by this chapter, but is defined by Chapter 119, Zoning, as amended, then the Chapter 119, Zoning, definition shall apply to this chapter. If a word is not defined in this chapter, but is defined in Chapter 92, Stormwater Management, then the Chapter 92, Stormwater Management, definition shall apply to this chapter. If a word is not defined by this chapter or in the chapters cited above, but is defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, then the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code definition shall apply to this chapter.
[Amended 2-7-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-03]
C. 
The word "includes" shall mean to specifically include an item but not necessarily limited to such items.
D. 
Any word or term not defined in this article or as set forth in Subsection B of this section shall have a meaning of standard usage as determined by the Subdivision Administrator, within the context of the word's use within the applicable section of this chapter.
[Amended 2-7-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-03]
[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.
APARTMENT
See "dwelling, apartment unit."[1]
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.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors of Chestnuthill Township.
BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT
Shall have the same meaning as "lot line adjustment."
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, ACCESSORY
See "accessory structure."
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.
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
See "property owners' association."
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 AREA, SECONDARY
Lands containing secondary resources that are conserved as a part of conservation open space.
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 DISTRICT
The Monroe County Conservation District.
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.
CONSERVATION OPEN SPACE
See "open space, conservation."
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.[2]
COUNTY
The County of Monroe, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission of Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
DAYS
Calendar days.
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.
DWELLING and DWELLING-RELATED
See definitions in Chapter 119, Zoning.
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.
FLOOD and FLOOD-RELATED
See Chapter 119, Zoning.[3]
GRADE
The elevation of ground or paving.
 dia_0001.tif
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.[4]
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
See "property owners' association."
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.
 dia_0002.tif
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.
IMPROVEMENTS
See "development improvements."
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.
B. 
A subdivision of land.
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.
 dia_0003.tif
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.
 dia_Flag Lot.tif
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.
A. 
LOT LINE, FRONTThe lot line(s) separating the lot from any street. For a corner lot, see § 119-71B.
B. 
LOT LINE, REARThe lot line(s) most distant from and most parallel to the front lot line.
C. 
LOT LINE, SIDEAny lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
 Lot Lines.tif
LOT, REVERSE-FRONTAGE
A through lot with frontage on two streets, with vehicular access restricted to only one of the streets.
 dia_Reverse Frontage Lots.tif
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.)
MAJOR SUBDIVISION
See "subdivision, major."
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.
MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE (MPC) or STATE PLANNING CODE
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended.[5]
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.[6]
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.
PA DOT or PennDOT
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
PARCEL
See "lot."
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 ISLAND (from NLT)
A planting island within a row of parking spaces, which is equal to or similar in size to a parking space.
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.
PLANNING COMMISSION
See "Commission."
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.
PRIMARY RESOURCES
See "resources, primary."
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.[7]
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."[8]
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.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK
See "campground or recreational vehicle park."
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.[9] 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.
ROAD
See "street."
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.
SECONDARY RESOURCES
See "resources, secondary."
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.[10]
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.
STATE PLANNING CODE
See "Municipalities Planning Code."[11]
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.
SUBDIVIDER
See "developer."
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, MAJOR
Any subdivision of land which does not qualify as a minor subdivision.
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.
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE
The Chestnuthill Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, as amended.
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, INDIVIDUAL SYSTEM ON CONSERVATION LAND
A system for supplying and transmitting drinking water to a single dwelling or other use from a source located on adjacent conservation land via a use and access easement.
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.")
[1]
Editor's Note: The dwelling-related definitions are in Ch. 119, Zoning.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 119, Zoning.
[3]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "frontage," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 4-23-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-05.
[4]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "gross tract area," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 4-23-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-05.
[5]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[6]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 119, Zoning.
[7]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[8]
Editor's Note: See 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.
[9]
Editor's Note: See § 98-76B(2), Priorities for conservation open space.
[10]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.
[11]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.