The provisions of this chapter shall be subject
to such additions or modifications as herein provided by the following
supplementary regulations.
Individual lots or subdivided parcels 10 acres
or less in size shall have no building or buildings in addition to
the main building on the same lot used for living purposes.
For zoning purposes all areas annexed to the
municipality after adoption of this chapter shall be classified R-1
Low-Density Residential until such time as is required to officially
amend this chapter to include the annexed areas and classify these
areas with the General Development Plan.
No living quarters shall be placed in a basement
structure or in any other room or space having less than four feet
of ceiling clearance above the ground level as measured from the front
to rear of the structure.
In order to prevent the creation of a traffic
hazard by limiting visibility at a intersection, no structure, building,
earthen bank or vegetation exceeding 3 1/2 feet in height above the
finished paved area at the center of the roadway shall be allowed
within the clear sight triangle, measured back 75 feet from the intersection
along the center lines.
No building in the rear of a main building on
the same lot may be used for living purposes in any district.
Notwithstanding the limitations imposed by other
provisions of this chapter, the Zoning Hearing Board may permit erection
of a dwelling on any lot of record (in a residential district where
permitted by this chapter) separately owned or under contract for
sale and containing an area or width smaller than required for a single-family
dwelling at the time of the effective date of this chapter. In no
case shall any dwelling be permitted within five feet of a lot line
in any residential district.
Essential services, as defined in this chapter, (See §
245-2 of this chapter) shall be permitted in all districts, subject to restrictions approved by the Planning Commission with respect to use, design, yard area, setback and height.
Fences, hedges or other plantings, structures
or walls at street corners shall not be located so as to interfere
with the clear sight triangle on corner lots. The height of such objects
is restricted to 3 1/2 feet within the clear sight triangle.
The height regulations (see especially §§
245-8 to
245-17 of this chapter) of this chapter shall not apply to flagpoles, church spires, belfries, domes or similar projections not used for human occupancy, nor to chimneys, ventilators, skylights, water tanks, public utility facilities, bulkheads, silos, antennas and other necessary mechanical and operational apparatus usually carried above the roof level.
A. Measurement of height shall be the vertical height
from the average elevation of finished grade at the front of the structure
to:
(1) In the case of flat roof structure, the highest point
of coping.
(2) In the case of mansard roof structure, the deck line
of the roof.
(3) In the case of gable or hipped roof, the average height
of the roof.
B. A habitable attic shall be counted as a story when
determining height as required in this chapter.
For purposes of measuring lot area on exceptionally
deep lots, only that part of the depth which is less than six times
the average width of the lot may be utilized in calculations.
Once utilized, no building site, though it may
consist of one or more adjacent lots of record, shall be reduced in
area so that the lot area per family, lot width, building area or
other requirements of this chapter are not maintained, public utilities
excepted.
Where one or more preexisting structures are
located on adjacent lots within 100 feet in either direction of a
proposed structure, the setback of the proposed structure shall conform
with the average setbacks of the preexisting structures.
Commercial equipment, including trucks (11,000
pounds gross vehicle weight or larger), tandems, tractor-trailers,
tractors or other commercial or construction and cargo-moving vehicles
or equipment shall not under any conditions be stored or parked overnight
in any residential district. The parking of trucks, less than 11,000
pounds gross vehicle weight, shall be limited to one such truck per
residential household.
[Amended 9-28-2010 by Ord. No. 918]
A. Storage of waste.
(1) No lot or premises in any zoning district shall be used as a storage
area for one or more junk automobiles, appliances or the storage,
collection or deposit of any litter or debris outside of an enclosed
container, including, but not limited to, animal, vegetable, mineral
or other organic garbage, waste, paper, ashes, scrap metal, household
objects and effects.
(2) All organic rubbish and discarded materials shall be placed in tight
vermin-proof containers located in the side or rear yard. Containers
shall be emptied at least once a week. On properties where food is
served in paper containers, covered waste receptacles shall be conspicuously
located on the premises for use by patrons. The management shall be
responsible for maintaining the property free of litter. All nonresidential
uses shall provide dumpsters or trash receptacles that are secured
to keep them from moving and to protect against windblown refuse.
B. Outdoor storage of products related to business.
(1) In the C-C Core Commercial District, in the case of businesses that
require outside storage of products or materials offered for sale,
outside storage areas larger than 1,000 square feet shall be completely
enclosed by a security fence and shall be screened by an opaque fence
or hedge that is at least six feet in height.
(2) In the G-I General Industrial and RBP Riverfront Business Park Districts,
any materials or equipment stored outside an enclosed building shall
be incidental to the principal use of the lot and shall be stored
to the rear of the building or in an alternative location that screens
the outdoor storage area from public view from the street or immediately
adjacent property in an R-1, R-2 or R-3 District. If existing buildings
do not screen the outdoor storage area from public view from the street
or adjacent property in an R-1, R-2 or R-3 District, the area shall
be screened by a hedge, masonry wall or opaque fence at least eight
feet in height.
C. Temporary portable storage unit(s).
(1) A Monaca Borough temporary portable storage unit permit shall be
required whenever a temporary portable storage unit is placed on private,
commercial, industrial or residential property. The permit shall be
valid for a maximum period of 60 days. The permit holder may, due
to special circumstances, apply for an extension of the placement
of a temporary portable storage unit in excess of 60 days, provided
the extension request is filed prior to the expiration of the sixty-day
period of the permit. The Borough, when considering the request for
an extension of the allowed sixty-day period, may set conditions of
approval and establish a special fee. No permit extension shall exceed
120 days.
(2) The maximum size of any temporary portable storage unit shall not exceed eight feet in width, eight feet in height and 16 feet in length. The maximum number of placements per lot is two per calendar year for a maximum number of 60 consecutive days per placement or 120 days per calendar year, unless an extension is obtained pursuant to Subsection
C(1) above.
(3) The maximum number of temporary portable storage units that can be
on a lot at one given time is one unless an exemption and approved
conditions are first obtained from the Borough.
(4) The temporary portable storage unit cannot encroach on Borough property,
Borough rights-of-way, neighboring property, sidewalks or any other
right-of-way, whether private or public. The unit must be sited on
an asphalt, concrete, gravel or other hard surface between the front
property line and the rear building line of the principal structure.
The setback between the temporary portable storage unit and the side
property line is 10 feet. The ten-foot side yard setback may be waived
if the applicant's neighbors' consent, in writing, to a side yard
setback placement that is less than 10 feet and the Code Enforcement
Official confirms the neighbor's consent. The applicant may, due to
special circumstances, apply for an exemption from any other placement
requirements. When considering such request, the Borough may set reasonable
conditions.
(5) All temporary portable storage units shall be free of rust, peeling
paint or other visible forms of deterioration and shall be painted
or covered in a manner that is aesthetically consistent with nearby
and surrounding structures so as not to diminish the quality of living,
property values, and health, safety and welfare of residents of Monaca
Borough. Temporary portable storage units shall not be used to house
animals or humans.
(6) Temporary portable storage units shall only be allowed upon application
for, and the issuance of, a permit. The permit shall be displayed
either on the front exterior surface of the unit in a plastic liner
or in the front window of the residence or front window of the premises'
principal structure. The Code Enforcement Official or designated representative
shall have the discretion to grant a grace period not to exceed five
days for a new first-time residential property owner or residential
tenant.
(7) Responsibilities of lessor/lessee and user. The lessor/lessee and
user of the temporary portable storage unit shall be jointly responsible
to ensure that the portable storage unit is in good condition, free
from evidence of deterioration, weathering, discoloration, rust, ripping,
tearing or other holes or breaks. When not in use, the portable storage
unit shall be kept locked. Lids and doors shall be kept tightly and
completely closed when not in use. No hazardous substances are permitted
to be stored or kept within a portable storage unit. The area surrounding
the portable storage unit shall be kept clean and free of loose debris.
The lessor/lessee and user shall clearly indicate their name and contact
telephone number on the temporary portable storage unit.
(8) Any temporary portable storage unit placed on a property without the issuance of a permit or in excess of the time limit permitted for temporary placement shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of §
245-84. Both the owner of the real property and the owner of the temporary portable storage unit are subject to the requirements and sanctions set forth in this chapter.
[Amended 9-28-2010 by Ord. No. 918; 11-25-2014 by Ord. No. 939]
A. Definitions. Within this section and subsections, the following words
shall be construed to have the following meanings, and the depictions
are meant to be for illustrative purposes. Any vehicle possessing
substantially similar visual and other characteristics to these depictions
shall be considered to be these types of vehicles:
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE
Any open motor vehicle, usually having one seat and three
or more wheels fitted with tires and which is designed primarily for
recreational use on off-road terrain.
ANIMAL TRAILER
Any towable unit which typically connects to a truck or other
vehicle with towing capability and which is designed and designated
for transporting animals of any kind.
CAMPER
Commonly referred to as a "van camper" or "bus camper"; any
vehicle equipped with living quarters or other similar features rendering
them capable of providing lodging and passenger transportation as
part of a single unit, but which is not a motor home.
ENCLOSED UTILITY TRAILER
Any enclosed, towable unit which typically connects to a
truck or other vehicle with towing capability and which is designed
to transport goods, equipment or other personal effects.
FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER
A towable unit which typically connects to a truck or other
vehicle with towing capability, directly above the rear axle, by way
of a wheel hitch.
FIFTH WHEEL UTILITY TRAILER
Any fifth wheel trailer, whether enclosed or open, which
is commonly used to transport personal effects or equipment and which
is commonly not used as living quarters.
MOTOR HOME
A motorized, wheeled vehicle built on a bus, van or other
chassis, regardless of class, usually possessing the characteristics
of having self-contained living quarters with independent electrical,
sewage and plumbing facilities.
OPEN UTILITY TRAILER
Any unenclosed, towable unit which typically connects to
a truck or other vehicle with towing capability by means of a bumper
or frame hitch and which is designed to transport personal effects
or equipment.
PERSON
Includes any individual, firm, corporation or other entity.
PICKUP TRUCK CAMPER
A unit, or shell, which is typically mounted and carried
in the bed of a truck or other similar vehicle and which is commonly
used as lodging or living quarters.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Hereinafter referred to as "RVs"; watercraft, travel trailers,
tent trailers, fifth wheel trailers, fifth wheel utility trailers
(open and enclosed), animal trailers and utility trailers (open and
enclosed) utilized for storing recreational or other equipment, and
all-terrain vehicles stored on trailers utilized for recreational
purposes; pickup truck camper shells which have been removed from
the vehicle and stored.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE STORAGE
On-site parking of a recreational vehicle of any type in
an area approved by this section and which is separate from the required
off-street parking required for a single-family residence.
RV FRONT YARD
For the purposes of RV storage, a space extending the width
of a parcel between the front property line and the front of the residence
and not less than the required front setback for the zone. If the
front of the residence varies relative to the front property line,
the RV front yard shall follow the front of the residence, not an
imaginary straight line taken from the nearest wall of the residence
to the street.
RV YARD AREA
Areas on a residentially zoned parcel where an RV may or
may not be stored relative to the main residential building and orientation
to the street.
TENT TRAILER
A towable unit which typically connects to a truck or other
vehicle with towing capability by means of a bumper or frame hitch
and which commonly has a folding canvas or other fabric shelter which
is capable of being expanded to provide camping and/or lodging facilities.
TRAVEL TRAILER
A towable unit which typically connects to a truck or other
vehicle with towing capability by means of a bumper or frame hitch.
WATERCRAFT
Any vehicle or craft with the capability of aiding surface
or subsurface water movement, regardless of the manner in which it
is propelled.
B. Zoning districts permitting RV storage.
(1) In accordance with the regulations set forth herein, recreational
vehicles may be stored on any lot zoned for residential use.
(2) Recreational vehicles may be stored on any lot located in a multiple-family
zoned district so long as there exists on said lot a single-family
structure which is occupied and the storage of which RV is in accordance
with the regulations set forth herein.
C. Number of vehicles; registration and ownership requirements.
(1) No more than two recreational vehicles may be kept or stored on one
property at any given time.
(2) If the RV is one which must be registered pursuant to this section
or any federal or state law, the owner must at all times maintain
a current license, registration and valid inspection sticker.
D. Permitted storage areas.
(1) RV front yard. RV storage on private, residential property is prohibited
in the front yard area or in front of the main residence of the property
unless the RV is parked on a driveway leading to a garage. RV storage
within the front setback and/or in front of the main residence on
driveway leading to a garage shall not encroach the sidewalk area
or public right-of way.
(2) RV storage is permitted in any other yard area so long as the RV
storage:
(a)
Does not encroach any sidewalk area or public right-of-way;
(b)
Does not encroach closer than five feet to any adjoining property;
and
(c)
Does not obstruct visibility for vehicles entering or leaving
any adjacent lot or the lot on which there exists an RV storage lot
or any adjacent lot.
E. Access to storage area.
(1) Access to any RV storage area shall be from the existing driveway.
(2) If the only means of access to any RV storage area requires a recreational
vehicle to be moved over a curb and sidewalk, the property owner shall
be responsible for the maintenance, repair and/or replacement of any
curb or sidewalk damaged by such use.
F. Prohibited storage and activities.
(1) Recreational vehicles shall not be used at any time as living quarters
when stored on residential or commercial property within the Borough.
(2) Recreational vehicle storage is not permitted on any public right-of-way.
(3) A recreational vehicle is not permitted on property if its gross
weight exceeds the weight limits of the public highways that it would
need to travel on to access the owner's property.
G. Property and vehicle maintenance.
(1) RV storage shall be permitted on any surface so long as the surface
is maintained pursuant to the Borough of Monaca Property Maintenance
Code.
(2) All recreational vehicles shall be maintained in a clean, well-kept
state so as not to detract from the appearance of the surrounding
area. All coverings must be clean and secure and also be in acceptable
condition free from holes, tears or other unsightly blemishes.
H. Penalties. Any person whom the Neighborhood Services Officer of the
Borough of Monaca determines to be in violation of any provision of
this section shall receive a written warning from the Neighborhood
Services Officer. The written warning shall describe the violation,
along with the time(s) and date(s) on which the violations(s) occurred,
and shall set forth a date by which the violation must be remedied.
Any person who, after receiving a written warning, is found to be
in violation of any provision of this section, after receiving notice
of a violation from the Neighborhood Services officer, shall, upon
conviction, be sentenced to pay fine of up to $250. For any subsequent
convictions for violations of any provision this section, such person
shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $250 nor more than
$500. Each day a violation is found to have occurred shall constitute
a separate offense.
I. Severability. If any provision of this section or the application
thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, such holding
shall not affect the other provisions or applications of this section
which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application,
and to this end, the provisions of this section are declared severable.
J. Repealer; when effective.
(1) All ordinances or parts of ordinances which are inconsistent herewith
are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
(2) This section shall be effective upon enactment hereof.
A. Enclosure around in-ground swimming pools. Any new
or existing in-ground swimming pool shall be completely surrounded
by a secure fence, wall, portion of a building and/or similar enclosure
not less than four feet in height. This enclosure shall be constructed
to make it very difficult for small children to climb up or slip through
the enclosure. All gates or door openings through the enclosure (other
than a door to a building) shall be self-closing and shall include
a self-latching device on the swimming pool side for keeping the gate
or door securely closed during times when not in use.
B. Enclosure around aboveground swimming pool. The swimming
pools shall be equipped with an access ladder that can be raised and
locked in a position so that it is a minimum of four feet above the
surrounding ground level or otherwise completely inaccessible to children
when the swimming pool is unattended.
C. Location. A swimming pool and any deck or shelter
that is elevated above the average surrounding ground level shall
meet the applicable setback requirement for an accessory building.
Patios around swimming pools that are level with the average surrounding
ground level are not required to meet setbacks. A swimming pool is
not permitted within a required front yard.
D. Drainage. A proper method shall be provided for drainage
of the water from the swimming pool that will not overload or flood
any on-lot septic system or portion of a building or property not
owned by the owner of the swimming pool. A swimming pool shall not
be located so as to interfere with the operation of a well or on-lot
septic system.
Permission must be acquired to tap into sewer
and waterlines, serving previously unserviced lots, prior to approval
of the zoning permit application, except where Borough Council may
deem otherwise.
A. The following may project into the required yards
as established herein:
(1) Steps or stoops not exceeding 24 square feet in area.
(2) Eaves, cornices and belt courses not exceeding two
feet in width.
(3) Open fire escapes not exceeding 54 inches in width.
B. Applicants seeking to construct patios, decks, porches,
balconies or verandas will be exempt so long as they are not converted
into a new room or additional dwelling through the construction of
walls and/or windows.
C. Beekeeping.
It shall be lawful to maintain an apiary (which is defined as a place
where bees are kept or alternatively, a collection of beehives), as
an accessory use in any residential district, subject to the standards
in this subsection.
[Added 11-28-2023 by Ord. No. 989]
(1) Number. The number of hives (defined as any structure in which bees
are kept), authorized shall comply with the following:
(a)
For the first 2,000 square feet of any residential parcel, up
to two hives.
(b)
For each additional 2,000 square feet of any residential parcel
two additional hives up to a maximum of six.
(2) Hive registration: best management practices.
(a)
All beekeepers owning or maintaining an apiary in the Borough
shall register all bee apiaries with the Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture as required by the Pennsylvania Bee Law, Title 3 PA Consolidated
Statutes Ann. § 2102, as amended.
(b)
All beekeepers owning or maintaining an apiary in the Borough,
shall also register all apiaries with the Borough Zoning Officer.
(c)
All beekeepers owning or maintaining an apiary in the Borough
shall practice those best management practices as set forth by the
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
(d)
It shall be unlawful to maintain or be the owner of an apiary
located in the Borough without first completing the best management
practices form from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. A
signed best management practices form must be filed with the registration
with the Borough. In addition, a certificate of completion from an
introductory Beekeeping 101 course (or equivalent) must be provided
with the registration.
(e)
All beekeepers owning or maintaining an apiary in the Borough
shall promptly notify the Borough Zoning Officer without unnecessary
delay and in no event longer than 48 hours, if the Pennsylvania Department
of Agriculture revokes the beekeepers apiary license.
(f)
A hive that is not occupied for a period of one year, must be
removed.
(3) Location/size of hive(s):
(a)
Hive(s) shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from any side
or rear lot line and must be closer to the principal structure than
to any side or rear lot line.
(b)
Hive(s) shall not be located in a front yard.
(c)
No hive shall exceed 20 cubic feet in volume.
(4) Water. All beekeepers in the Borough shall ensure that a convenient
source of fresh water is available to the bees from March 1 to November
1 so that the bees will not congregate at swimming pools, pet watering
bowels, bird baths or other water sources where they may cause human,
bird or domestic contact.
(5) Flyway barrier:
(a)
A flyway barrier shall shield any part of a property line that
is within 50 feet of a hive.
(b)
A flyway barrier, at least six feet in height, but no more than
10 feet in height, shall be placed along the side of the hive(s) that
contains the entrance to the hive(s), shall be located within five
feet of the hive(s) and shall extend at least two feet on either side
of the hive(s).
(c)
A flyway barrier shall consist of a solid panel, dense vegetation,
or some combination thereof.
(d)
No hive shall be located closer than 10 feet from a public sidewalk.
Satellite antennas shall be permitted accessory
structures in all zoning districts and shall meet the minimum setback
requirements for an accessory use in the zoning district in which
they are located. If there are no minimum setback requirements for
an accessory use, then the minimum setback requirements for the principal
use shall apply. The following regulations shall only apply within
a residential district for a satellite antennae that is visible from
a street or an adjacent lot line:
A. Maximum diameter: 11 feet.
B. Maximum total height of 15 feet above ground level.
[Added 9-28-2010 by Ord. No. 918]
All communications antennas, as defined herein, whether mounted
on an approved communications tower, an existing building or public
utility storage or transmission structure, shall be subject to the
following:
A. Building-mounted antennas shall not be permitted on any single-family,
duplex or townhouse building. Building-mounted antennas may be erected
on any garden apartment, mid-rise apartment or high-rise apartment
building, any public or nonresidential building or structure or any
public utility storage or transmission structure in the districts
where authorized by this chapter.
B. The applicant shall demonstrate that the electromagnetic fields associated
with the proposed antennas comply with safety standards now or hereafter
established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
C. The applicant shall demonstrate compliance with all applicable Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) and any applicable airport zoning regulations.
D. Building-mounted antennas shall be permitted to exceed the height
limitations of the district in which they are located by no more than
20 feet.
E. Omnidirectional or whip antennas shall not exceed 20 feet in height
or seven inches in diameter.
F. Directional or panel antennas shall not exceed five feet in height
or two feet in width.
G. Satellite and microwave dish antennas shall not exceed six feet in
diameter.
H. The applicant proposing a building-mounted antenna shall submit evidence
from a structural engineer certifying that the proposed installation
will not exceed the structural capacity of the building considering
wind and other loads associated with the antenna's location.
I. Evidence of lease agreements and easements necessary to provide access
to the building or structure for installation and maintenance of the
antennas and placement of the equipment cabinet or equipment building
shall be provided to the Borough.
J. The placement of the equipment cabinet or equipment building shall
not obstruct the free flow of traffic on the site, shall not reduce
any parking required or available for other uses on the site and shall
not obstruct any right-of-way or easement without the permission of
the owner or grantor of the right-of-way or easement.
K. Unless located within a secured building, the equipment cabinet or
equipment building shall be enclosed by a ten-foot-high chain link
security fence with locking gate. If the equipment cabinet or equipment
building is visible from any public street or adjoining property in
an R-1, R-2 or R-3 District, the equipment cabinet or equipment building
shall be screened by a minimum six-foot-high compact evergreen hedge.
L. If vehicular access to the equipment cabinet or equipment building
is not provided from a public street or paved driveway or parking
area, an easement or right-of-way shall be provided that has a minimum
width of 20 feet improved with a dust-free all-weather surface for
its entire length.
M. At least one off-street parking space shall be provided on the site
within a reasonable walking distance of the equipment cabinet or equipment
building to facilitate periodic visits by maintenance workers.
[Added 9-28-2010 by Ord. No. 918]
All businesses that propose drive-through facilities, as defined
by this chapter, as accessory uses or principal uses shall meet all
of the following requirements:
A. Standing spaces. In addition to the parking spaces required for the
principal use, a minimum of five standing spaces, in one lane, with
a total length of 100 feet, in direct line with each service position
shall be provided for vehicles to wait in line. The standing space
shall not interfere with the use of any required parking spaces and
shall not inhibit the free flow of traffic on the property. The standing
spaces shall be designed so that waiting vehicles shall not stand
in any right-of-way or overflow onto adjacent properties, streets
or berms.
B. Markings and signs. Entrances, exits and standing spaces shall be
adequately indicated with pavement markings and/or directional signs.
C. Circulation patterns. Parking areas and circulation patterns shall
be adequately striped and marked to facilitate traffic circulation
on the property.
D. Setback from residential properties. No service position or standing
lane shall be located within 150 feet of any property line adjoining
property in an R-1, R-2 or R-3 District.
[Added 9-28-2010 by Ord. No. 918]
All no-impact home-based businesses, as defined herein, shall
comply with the following:
A. The business activity shall be compatible with the residential use
of the property and surrounding residential uses.
B. The business shall employ no employees other than family members
residing in the dwelling.
C. There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling
of inventory of a substantial nature.
D. There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including,
but not limited to, parking, signs or lights.
E. No on-site parking of commercially identified vehicles shall be permitted.
F. The business activity shall not use any equipment or process that
creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical or electronic
interference, including interference with radio or television reception,
that is detectable in the neighborhood.
G. The business activity shall not generate any solid waste or sewage
discharge, in volume or type, which is not normally associated with
residential use in the neighborhood.
H. The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling
and shall not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area of
the dwelling.
I. The business shall not involve any illegal activity.
[Added 9-28-2010 by Ord. No. 918]
The serving of food in an outdoor setting shall comply with
all of the following requirements:
A. An outdoor cafe shall only be permitted as an accessory use on property
where a tavern or restaurant is the principal use.
B. If located entirely on private property, the seating area shall be
subject to the setbacks for accessory structures in the district in
which it is located.
C. If all or part of an outdoor cafe is proposed on a public sidewalk,
the seating area shall not obstruct any sidewalk or public right-of-way
nor shall it obstruct the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic
on the site or adjoining the site. On any sidewalk, there shall be
maintained a minimum of five feet unobstructed width for the passage
of pedestrians and in the case where there is parallel parking permitted
along such sidewalk, a minimum of four feet adjacent to the curb to
permit the discharging of passengers shall be provided. These required
unobstructed areas on the sidewalk may be combined into one area at
least five feet wide along the curb.
D. An outdoor cafe shall not occupy any designated parking spaces on
the site.
E. Tables and chairs shall be adequately secured or stored inside when
not in use to eliminate the possibility of wind or theft hazards.
F. Seating areas on a sidewalk may be enclosed or demarcated by a railing, fence, bollards, planters or similar structures, provided the unobstructed area required by Subsection
C above is maintained.
G. Restroom facilities for the principal use shall be available to the
patrons of the outdoor cafe.
H. No noise or odor shall emanate from the outdoor cafe that would adversely
affect any adjoining property in an R-1, R-2 or R-3 District located
within 300 feet of the outdoor cafe.
I. Adequate parking for the outdoor cafe shall be provided either on
the site, on the adjacent street or in a public parking lot located
within 300 feet of the site.
J. The outdoor cafe shall obtain necessary approvals from the Pennsylvania
Liquor Control Board (PA LCB), if the establishment is licensed.
K. The outdoor cafe shall maintain the necessary permits from the Pennsylvania
Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services.
L. The owner of the outdoor cafe shall provide the Borough with a certificate
of insurance, in an amount at least equal to $2,000,000 per occurrence
and $3,000,000 aggregate, indemnifying the Borough against any liability
resulting from such use.
[Added 9-28-2010 by Ord. No. 918]
The construction and installation of a small wind energy system,
as defined herein, shall be subject to compliance with all of the
following criteria:
A. A zoning permit shall be secured from the Borough Zoning Officer.
B. A building permit shall be secured from the Borough Building Inspector.
C. A building permit shall also be required for any physical modification
to an existing small wind energy system or for the temporary installation
of a meteorological (met) tower.
D. In the C-C Core Commercial District, only a vertical axis wind turbine
(VAWT) shall be permitted.
E. A meteorological (met) tower shall be permitted as a temporary structure
for a period not to exceed 18 months and shall be removed upon installation
of a small wind energy system or the expiration of the eighteen-month
period, whichever occurs first.
F. Applications for approval of a small wind energy system shall contain
a site plan along with the following information:
(1) Property lines and physical dimensions of the applicant's property.
(2) Location, dimensions and types of existing principal structures on
the property.
(3) Location of the proposed small wind energy system, foundations, guy
anchors and associated equipment.
(4) Tower foundation blueprints or drawings.
(5) Tower blueprints or drawings.
(6) Setback requirements as outlined in this chapter.
(7) The right-of-way of any public road that is contiguous with the property.
(8) Any overhead utility lines.
(9) Small wind energy system specifications, including manufacturer,
model, rotor diameter, tower height, tower type, nameplate generation
capacity.
(10)
Small wind energy systems that will be connected to the power
grid shall include a copy of the application for interconnection with
their electric utility provider.
(11)
Sound level analysis prepared by the wind generator manufacturer
or qualified engineer.
(12)
Electrical components in sufficient detail to allow for a determination
that the manner of installation conforms to the Uniform Construction
Code (UCC) prevailing from time to time in the Borough of Monaca.
(13)
Evidence of compliance or nonapplicability with Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) requirements.
(14)
List of abutting property owners to the applicant's property.
(15)
Proof of liability insurance. The owner/applicant shall maintain
a current general liability insurance policy covering bodily injury
and property damage with limits of at least $100,000 per occurrence
and $1,000,000 in the aggregate at all times during the installation
and operation of the small wind energy system. Certificates shall
be made available to the Borough of Monaca upon request.
G. The application shall be reviewed by the Zoning Officer and the Building
Inspector to determine compliance with this subsection as a prerequisite
to issuing a zoning permit and a building permit.
H. Appropriate warning signage regarding electrical or other hazards
shall be placed on the wind turbine and electrical equipment.
I. The small wind energy system generators and alternators shall be
constructed so as to prevent the emission of radio and television
signals. The applicant shall correct any signal disturbance problem
identified after initiation of the operation within 90 days of identification
and notice by the Borough.
J. All wind turbines shall have an automatic braking, governing or feathering
system to prevent uncontrolled rotation, overspeeding or excessive
pressure on the tower structure, rotor blades and turbine components.
K. Setbacks.
(1) The setback shall be calculated by multiplying the minimum setback
requirement number in the following table by the system height and
shall be measured from the center of the tower base to property line,
public roads or nearest point on the foundation of an occupied building.
|
Minimum Setback Requirements
|
---|
|
Occupied Buildings on Participating Landowner Property
|
Occupied Buildings on Abutting Property
|
Property Lines of Abutting Property and Utility Lines
|
Public Roads
|
---|
|
0
|
1.5
|
1.1
|
1.5
|
(2) Guy wires used to support the tower are exempt from the small wind
energy system setback requirements.
L. Tower. The maximum tower height shall be restricted to 35 feet.
M. Sound level. The small wind energy system shall not exceed 60 decibels
using the A scale (dBA), as measured at the site property line, except
during short-term events such as severe wind storms and utility outages.
N. Shadow flicker. Small wind energy systems shall be sited in a manner
that does not result in significant shadow flicker impact. Significant
shadow flicker is defined as more than 30 hours per year on abutting
occupied buildings. The applicant has the burden of proving that the
shadow flicker will not have significant adverse impact on neighboring
or adjacent uses. Potential shadow flicker will be addressed either
through siting or mitigation measures.
O. Signs. All signs including flags, streamers and decorative items,
both temporary and permanent, are prohibited on the small wind energy
system, except for manufacturer identification or appropriate warning
signs.
P. Code compliance. The small wind energy system shall comply with all
applicable sections of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) as adopted
by the Borough of Monaca.
Q. Aviation. The small wind energy system shall be built to comply with
all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
R. Visual impacts. It is inherent that small wind energy systems may
pose some visual impacts due to the tower height needed to access
wind resources. The purpose of this subsection is to reduce the visual
impacts, without restricting the owner's access to the optimal wind
resources on the property.
(1) The applicant shall demonstrate through project site planning and
proposed mitigation that the small wind energy system's visual impact
will be minimized for surrounding neighbors and the community. This
may include, but not be limited to, information regarding site selection,
wind generator design or appearance, buffering and screening of ground-mounted
electrical and control equipment. All electrical conduits shall be
underground, except when the financial costs are prohibitive.
(2) The color of the small wind energy system shall either be the stock
color from the manufacturer or painted with a nonreflective, unobtrusive
color that blends in with the surrounding environment. Approved colors
include, but are not limited to, white, off-white or gray.
(3) The small wind energy system shall not be artificially lit unless
such lighting is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
If lighting is required, the applicant shall provide a copy of the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determination to establish the
required markings and/or lights for the small wind energy system.
(4) Streetlight-mounted vertical access wind turbines (VAWTs) with permission
of the appropriate utility and the Borough may be mounted on streetlights
along the public right-of-way at a height not to exceed 35 feet above
grade. Those that are mounted on buildings may request a variance
on height restrictions.
S. Approved wind generators. The manufacturer and model of the wind
generator to be used in the proposed small wind energy system must
have been approved by the State of Pennsylvania, if applicable.
T. Utility connection. If the proposed small wind energy system is to
be connected to the power grid through net metering, it shall adhere
to utility guidelines.
U. Access. The tower shall be designed and installed so as not to provide
step bolts or a ladder readily accessible to the public for a minimum
height of eight feet above the ground. All ground-mounted electrical
and control equipment shall be labeled and secured to prevent unauthorized
access.
V. Clearing. Clearing of natural vegetation shall be limited to that
which is necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance
of the small wind energy system and as otherwise prescribed by applicable
laws, regulations and ordinances.
W. Abandonment. At such time that a small wind energy system is scheduled
to be abandoned or discontinued, the applicant shall notify the Borough
Building Inspector by certified U.S. mail of the proposed date of
abandonment or discontinuation of operations.
(1) Upon abandonment or discontinuation of use, the owner shall physically
remove the small wind energy system within 90 days from the date of
abandonment or discontinuation of use. This period may be extended
at the request of the owner and at the discretion of the Building
Inspector. "Physically remove" shall include, but shall not be limited
to:
(a)
Removal of the wind generator and tower and related above-grade
structures.
(b)
Restoration of the location of the small wind energy system
to its natural condition, except that any landscaping, grading or
below-grade foundation may remain in its same condition at initiation
of abandonment.
(2) In the event that an applicant fails to give such notice of abandonment
to the Building Inspector, the system shall be considered abandoned
or discontinued if the system is out of service for a continuous twelve-month
period. After the 12 months of inoperability, the Building Inspector
may issue a notice of abandonment to the owner of the small wind energy
system.
(3) The owner shall have the right to respond to the notice of abandonment
within 30 days from notice of receipt date. After review of the information
provided by the owner, the Building Inspector shall determine if the
small wind energy system has been abandoned. If it is determined that
the small wind energy system has not been abandoned, the Building
Inspector shall withdraw the notice of abandonment and notify the
owner of the withdrawal.
(4) If the owner fails to respond to the notice of abandonment or if,
after review by the Building Inspector, it is determined that the
small wind energy system has been abandoned or discontinued, the owner
of the small wind energy system shall remove the wind generator and
tower, at the owner's sole expense, within three months of receipt
of the notice of abandonment. If the owner fails to physically remove
the small wind energy system after the notice of abandonment procedure,
the Building Inspector may pursue legal action to have the small wind
energy system removed at the owner's expense.