[Amended 5-27-1997 by Ord. No. 488]
A.
Statement of legislative intent. In expansion of the community development objectives in § 500-1C of this chapter, it is hereby declared to be the intent of this section to place reasonable standards on the erection and maintenance of signs within the Borough of Littlestown. Furthermore, it is the intent of this section to:
(1)
Maintain and enhance the aesthetic qualities of the historic, mixed-use
core of Littlestown by encouraging signs to be designed of sizes,
shapes, colors, and styles complementary to the historic character
of Littlestown.
(2)
Allow signs in all zoning districts that balance the needs of individual
property owners with the desire of the community to perpetuate an
attractive, livable environment.
(3)
Maintain adequate traffic safety standards by minimizing the negative
sensory impacts of excessive signage as well as minimizing signage
conflicts with necessary traffic control signs and equipment.
(4)
Encourage signage that will meet the needs of pedestrians and occupants
of moving vehicles traveling at speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour.
B.
General regulations. The following regulations shall govern signs
in all districts.
(1)
Administration.
(a)
Permit required. No sign shall be erected, enlarged, or relocated
until a permit for doing so has been issued by the Zoning Officer.
Applications shall be on forms provided by the Borough. All applications
shall include a scale drawing specifying dimensions, materials, illumination,
letter sizes, colors, location on land or buildings, and all other
relevant information.
(b)
Sign permit application. Application for a sign permit shall
be made to the Zoning Officer, and shall include the following information:
[1]
Name, address and telephone number of applicant.
[2]
Location of building, structure, or lot to which or upon which
the sign is to be attached or located.
[3]
Position of sign in relation to nearby buildings or structures.
[4]
Name of the person, firm, corporation, or associations erecting
the sign.
[5]
Written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or
land to which, or on which the sign is to be located.
[6]
Such other information as the Zoning Officer shall require to
show full compliance with this and all other codes and ordinances
of the Borough of Littlestown.
(c)
Issuance of permit. The Zoning Officer shall examine the application
and accompanying information and the premises upon which the sign
is to be erected, and if it shall appear that the proposed sign is
in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter, and any other
applicable ordinance, the Zoning Officer shall then issue a permit.
Such permit shall be valid for a period of six months, and all work
for which the permit has been issued shall be completed within that
period of time. If work has not been commenced or been completed within
the six-month period, the applicant shall apply for another permit,
as if no permit had been issued.
(d)
Permit fee. The Borough Council of The Borough of Littlestown
shall establish an application few for sign permits by resolution.
Said fee is initially herewith established at $10.
(e)
Revocation of permit. The Zoning Officer is hereby authorized
and empowered to revoke any sign permit issued upon failure of the
applicant to comply with any provision of this chapter.
(f)
Unsafe and unlawful signs. If the Zoning Officer shall find
that any sign, or part thereof, is unsafe, insecure, a menace to the
public, not in good condition or repair, or has been constructed or
located in violation of the provisions of this chapter, the Zoning
Officer shall notify the applicant thereof to comply with the provisions
of this chapter within 15 days of receipt of notice. Upon failure
of the applicant to comply with such notice within the prescribed
period, the Zoning Officer is hereby authorized to remove, or to take
whatever action is necessary to bring the sign into compliance with
this chapter, and to collect the cost of such removal or corrective
action from the applicant in a manner prescribed by law.
[1]
The Zoning Officer shall refuse to issue any sign permit to
any applicant who refuses to pay any costs so assessed.
[2]
The Zoning Officer or Code Enforcement Officer may cause any
sign, or part thereof, which is an immediate danger to persons or
property, to be removed summarily and without notice.
(g)
Removal of certain signs. Any sign which no longer advertises
an existing business or product sold on the premises, shall be removed
by the owner of the sign or premises upon which such sign is located.
The Zoning Officer, upon determining that all business operations
have ceased, and noting that a sign exists, shall notify the owner
of the premises in writing to remove said sign within 30 days after
the date of such notice. Upon failure of the owner of the premises
to comply with such notice within the prescribed period, the Zoning
Officer is hereby authorized to remove or cause the removal of such
sign, and to collect the cost of such removal, in the manner prescribed
by law.
(2)
The following types of signs are exempted from the requirements of Subsection B(1), provided the sign meets all other applicable sections of this section.
(a)
Official street and traffic signs and any other signs required
by law.
(b)
No-trespassing signs, signs indicating private ownership of
roads and/or property, and similar signs, provided that such signs
are spaced at intervals of no less than 100 feet and do not exceed
two square feet in area.
(c)
Temporary, unlighted real estate signs advertising the sale
or rental of the premises upon which they are erected, provided that
the maximum area on any side of the sign shall not exceed six square
feet, that the total area of the sign shall not exceed 12 square feet,
that not more than two signs are placed on a property under single
ownership, and that such signs are removed not more than five business
days following the sale or rental of the premises.
(d)
Temporary, unlighted signs of contractors, painters, or similar
artisans, erected on the premises where the work is being performed,
provided that the maximum area of any one side of the sign shall not
exceed eight square feet, that the total area of the sign shall not
exceed 16 square feet, that not more than one such sign shall be erected
on any property under single ownership, and that the sign shall be
removed within one day of completion of the work.
(e)
Temporary, unlighted signs of developers, erected on the premises
being developed, provided that the maximum area of any one sign shall
not exceed 32 square feet, that the total area of the sign shall not
exceed 64 square feet, that no more than one sign shall be erected
along any street or highway bordering the development.
(f)
Temporary, unlighted yard or garage sale signs, provided that
such signs shall not be displayed for more than 48 hours of each calendar
month, that the total are of such signs shall not exceed four square
feet, and that not more than two signs shall be displayed for any
sales event. No such sign shall be attached to any utility pole or
street sign.
(g)
Political signs; provided, however that political signs shall
be subject to the following requirements:
[Amended 7-22-2008 by Ord. No. 625]
[1]
Any political sign shall not exceed the maximum size limitation
for signs of any other nature specified in the present chapter within
the zoning district within which the political sign is located; provided,
however, notwithstanding the foregoing, that, regardless of the size
limitations for other signs within the particular zoning district,
political signs of up to 18 square feet shall be allowed;
[2]
All political signs shall be placed or posted no closer than
five feet back from any sidewalk or public street or road right-of-way
line, whichever is closer to the property line of the property on
which the political sign is placed or posted; and
(h)
Freestanding signs designating the "entrances" and "exits" to
commercial and industrial establishments, provided that the signs
be illuminated only by indirect lighting and that each side of the
sign shall not exceed four square feet unless otherwise regulated
by this chapter, and that the total area of the signs shall not exceed
eight square feet unless otherwise regulated by this chapter.
(i)
Signs displaying the name and street number of the occupant
of a residence, provided that the total area of the sign shall not
exceed two square feet.
(j)
Temporary, unlighted signs advertising the opening of a new
business, provided that the maximum area of any one side of the sign
shall not exceed 25 square feet, that the total area of the sign shall
not exceed 50 square feet, that no more than one sign advertising
the opening of a new business be displayed, and that the sign shall
be displayed for a period not to exceed three months.
(k)
Temporary, unlighted signs advertising a special event being
sponsored by a recreational, civic, religious, charitable, or similar
organization, provided that such signs shall not be displayed more
than 14 days prior to the event and that such signs shall be removed
no more than three days following the end of the event.
[Added 3-27-2001 by Ord. No. 541]
(3)
Off-premises directional signs are permitted in all districts by
conditional use. The Borough Council may authorize the use of an off-premises
directional sign if it conforms, at a minimum, to the stated standards
and criteria. The Borough Council may apply additional standards to
specific projects where relevant, to protect the historic and architectural
integrity of the Borough of Littlestown, and in the interests of public
health, safety, and welfare.
(a)
The maximum area of any one side of a sign shall not exceed
20 square feet.
(b)
The total area of the sign shall not exceed 40 square feet.
(c)
The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed 10 feet.
(d)
Within the Town Center Mixed-Use (TCMU) and Town Center Residential
(TCR) Districts, the sign shall only be illuminated by shielded lighting.
To meet the requirements of this section, the light source shall be
hidden from vehicular and/or pedestrian view by a vegetative screen
or a fixture surrounding the light source which directs the light
to the sign face.
(e)
If three or more off-premises directional signs are proposed
on the same property, the Borough may require the consolidation of
the individual signs on a single off-premises directional sign. Compatibly
designed business logos will be required. In addition, the following
size requirements shall be required:
(f)
An electronic message center, meeting the requirements of § 500-18B(11), may be incorporated as a component of an off-premises directional sign. The electronic message center component of an off-premises directional sign shall be exempt from the illumination requirements of § 500-18B(3)(d).
[Added 4-26-2016 by Ord.
No. 678]
(g)
Operation of the electronic message center component of an off-premises
directional sign shall be limited to the hours from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00
p.m.
[Added 4-26-2016 by Ord.
No. 678]
(4)
No sign shall be permitted that replicates or resembles a traffic
signal or a traffic control sign.
[Amended 7-22-2008 by Ord. No. 625]
(5)
No sign shall be located so as to interfere with the clear sight distance regulations of Chapter 415, Subdivision and Land Development.
(6)
Signs may be illuminated, unless otherwise prohibited herein, only
to the extent necessary to be seen and read at night at a distance
not to exceed 250 feet for signs of 10 square feet or more in area,
and at a distance not to exceed 125 feet for signs of less than 10
square feet in area.
(7)
Calculation of area of signs. The following standards shall be used
to calculate sign area and sign height:
[Added 3-27-2001 by Ord. No. 541]
(a)
Computation of area of individual signs. The area of a sign
with only one side shall be computed by encompassing the extreme limits
of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, together
with any material or color forming an integral part of the background
of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop
or structure against which it is placed, with the smallest square,
circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof. The area of the
sign shall be calculated by calculating the size of the geometric
forms referenced above.
(b)
Computation of area of signs with more than one side: the area of a sign with more than one side shall be computed by following the procedure prescribed in Subsection B(7)(a) above for each side of the sign.
(c)
Computation of sign height. The height of a sign shall be computed
as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top
of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall
be the lower of:
(8)
Window signs. Window signs may be used for nonresidential uses located
within the Town Center Mixed-Use (TCMU), the Highway Oriented Commercial
(C-3), and Commercial-Employment (C-E) Districts, provided that the
following standards are met:
[Added 3-27-2001 by Ord. No. 541]
(a)
Window signs shall cover no more than 50% of the total window
area on any side of a structure facing a public street.
(b)
No limit on the number of window signs shall established, provided that the sign area requirement of Subsection B(8)(a) above is maintained.
(c)
An electronic message center sign may be permitted to be installed
as a part of the overall window sign allocation for a use, provided
the following standards are met:
[Added 4-26-2016 by Ord.
No. 678[1]]
[1]
The electronic message center window sign shall comply with the provisions of § 500-18B(11).
[2]
The maximum area of any electronic message center window sign
shall not exceed 20 square feet.
[3]
Operation for electronic message center window signs shall be
limited to the hours from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the redesignation
of former Subsection B(8)(c) as Subsection B(8)(d).
(d)
A sign permit (which shall be exempt from the otherwise applicable sign permit fee) shall be issued by the Zoning Officer prior to the use of window signs on a property. The permit shall establish the total window area of each side of a structure facing a public street, and the total window sign area permitted based on the total window area for each side of the structure. A sign permit for each individual window sign shall not be required, provided that compliance with the requirements of Subsection B(8). is maintained.
(9)
Institutional signs. Signs for schools, colleges, churches, hospitals,
municipal uses, emergency services uses, or other institutions of
a similar public or semipublic nature may be erected in any zoning
district, provided that the following standards are met:
[Added 1-28-2003 by Ord. No. 559]
(a)
The maximum area of any one side of the sign shall not exceed
32 square feet.
(b)
The maximum area of all sides of the sign shall not exceed 64
square feet.
(c)
Not more than two such signs shall be erected on a property,
unless such property fronts on more than one street, in which event
two signs may be erected on each frontage. When two signs are proposed,
one sign must be a wall sign, and one sign shall be a freestanding
sign.
(d)
The sign may only be illuminated by an indirect light source.
Such light source shall be hidden from vehicular view by a vegetative
screen or a fixture surrounding the light source which directs the
light to the external sign face. In no case shall indirect lighting
be permitted that either directly or indirectly produces a glare noticeable
from any adjoining residential properties or from any adjoining street.
(10)
Community welcome sign. Signs erected by municipal, civic or
community organizations, and designed to welcome visitors to the Littlestown
Community and notify the public of community events, may be erected
in any zoning district, provided that the following standards are
met:
[Added 1-28-2003 by Ord. No. 559]
(a)
The maximum area of any one side of the sign shall not exceed
50 square feet.
(b)
The maximum area of all sides of the sign shall not exceed 100
square feet.
(c)
Any community welcome sign shall be separated from all other
community welcome signs by a distance of no less than 1,000 feet.
(d)
The sign may only be illuminated by an indirect light source.
Such light source which directs the light to the external sign face.
In no case shall indirect lighting be permitted that either directly
or indirectly produces a glare noticeable from any adjoining residential
properties or from any adjoining street.
(e)
All applications for community welcome signs shall be reviewed
by the Planning Commission, who shall provide a recommendation regarding
approval or disapproval to the Zoning Officer.
(11)
Electronic message centers, provided such sign is authorized
within the zoning district where the sign is proposed, and in accordance
with the following standards:
[Added 4-26-2016 by Ord.
No. 678]
(a)
A maximum of one two-sided Electronic Message Center, regardless
of the type or location of said sign, shall be permitted for any principal
use of property.
(b)
No Electronic Message Center sign shall be located closer than
50 feet to any property in the R-1, R-2, R-3, and TCR Districts. Residential
properties or zoning districts on the opposite side of a street from
the property where an Electronic Message Center sign is proposed shall
not be considered to be adjoining properties or zoning districts.
(c)
Any text message displayed on the sign shall have a minimum
hold time of eight seconds. No image or message involving blinking,
flashing, scrolling, rotating, change in illumination intensity, or
any other graphic effect shall be authorized. The display shall be
static.
(d)
The transition time from one text message to another shall be
one second or less. No animated transitions involving blinking, flashing,
scrolling, rotating, or change in illumination intensity shall be
permitted. Transitions using dissolves or fades shall be authorized.
(e)
All Electronic Message Centers shall be constructed as an integral
part of a permitted permanent sign constructed on the site. The inclusion
of an Electronic Message Center as a component of a nonconforming
sign is prohibited.
(f)
The portion of an Electric Message Center devoted to the changeable
message display shall not exceed 50% of the total sign area of the
permitted sign of which the Electronic Message Center is a part. Portable
Electronic Message Center signs shall not be authorized.
(g)
The Electronic Message Center shall be equipped with a default
mechanism that will freeze the message when a malfunction in the electronic
programming occurs.
(h)
Each text message displayed by an Electronic Message Center
shall be a complete text message. No messages that scroll or continue
from one frame to another shall be permitted.
(i)
Electronic Message Centers shall not exceed a maximum illumination
of 5,000 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and
a maximum of 500 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk and
dawn. The sign shall be equipped with an automatic dimmer control
that produces a distinct illumination change from the higher allowed
illumination level to the lower allowed illumination level for the
time period between a half hour before sunset and a half hour before
sunrise.
(j)
Audio speakers on Electronic Message Centers are prohibited.
(k)
All Electronic Message Center signs shall be made available
for public emergency notifications upon request of the Littlestown
Borough Police Chief, the Alpha Fire Company Chief, the Littlestown
Borough Emergency Management Coordinator, or similar emergency management
official.
C.
Prohibited signs. The following types of signs and/or sign design
features are prohibited in all districts.
(1)
Flashing signs and/or flashing and/or rotating lights.
(2)
Revolving, rotating, or otherwise moving signs.
(3)
Animated signs.
(4)
[2]Portable signs, with the following exceptions:
[Amended 3-27-2001 by Ord. No. 541; 1-28-2003 by Ord. No. 559; 11-25-2003 by Ord. No. 566; 7-22-2008 by Ord. No. 625]
[2]
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection C(4), regarding changeable copy signs, was repealed 4-26-2016 by Ord. No. 678. This ordinance also provided for the renumbering of former Subsection C(5) as Subsection C(4), and, pursuant to this ordinance, former Subsection C(6) was renumbered as Subsection C(5).
(5)
Signs with pornographic or obscene content. Signs shall be prohibited where the content of such sign is consistent with either the definition of the term "pornography," or the term "obscenities," as established in Chapter 329, Pornography and Obscenity, or its successor.
[Added 5-27-2003 by Ord. No. 562]
D.
Signs permitted within residential districts. Within the Low-Density
(R-1), Medium-Density (R-2), High-Density (R-3), and Town Center Residential
(TCR) Districts, the following sign regulations shall apply:
[Amended 9-27-2005 by Ord. No. 598]
(1)
Signs advertising a home occupation are permitted, provided that
the following requirements are met.
(a)
The maximum area of any one side of the sign shall not exceed
four square feet.
(b)
The total area of the sign shall not exceed eight square feet.
(c)
The sign shall only be illuminated by shielding light. To meet
the requirements of this section, the light source shall be hidden
from vehicular and/or pedestrian view by a vegetative screen or a
fixture surrounding the light source which directs the light to the
sign face. In no case shall lighting be permitted that either directly
or indirectly produces glare affecting neighboring residential properties.
(d)
The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed six feet, unless
a wall sign or projecting sign is used.
(2)
Signs identifying the name and entrances of a residential development
are permitted, provided that the following requirements are met.
(a)
One freestanding sign may be located at the main entrance to
the residential development. Such sign shall not exceed 25 square
feet in total area or six feet in height.
(b)
One freestanding sign may be located at each secondary entrance
to the residential development. Such sign shall not exceed six square
feet in area or five feet in height.
(c)
All signs associated with a residential development shall be
located in a landscaped setting. Acceptable landscaping materials
include grass, mulch, shrubs, and trees. A landscaping sketch shall
accompany the sign permit application.
(d)
Signs may only be illuminated by shielding light. To meet the
requirements of this section, the light source shall be hidden from
vehicular and/or pedestrian view by a vegetative screen or a fixture
surrounding the light source which directs the light to the sign face.
In no case shall lighting be permitted that either directly or indirectly
produces glare affecting neighboring residential properties.
(3)
Signs advertising a preexisting nonconforming use are permitted,
provided the following requirements are met:
E.
Signs permitted within commercial districts. Within the Highway-Oriented
Commercial (C-3) and Commercial/Employment (C/E) Districts, the following
sign regulations shall apply:
[Amended 3-27-2001 by Ord. No. 541]
(1)
Up to two signs, not including window signs as may be permitted by Subsection B(8) of this chapter, or temporary banners, as may be permitted by Subsection E(3) of this chapter, shall be permitted on the same lot as a single business to which the signs refer, provided that the following requirements are met:
[Amended 11-25-2003 by Ord. No. 567]
(a)
When two signs are proposed, one sign shall be a freestanding
sign and the second sign shall either be a wall sign or a canopy sign.
(b)
The maximum area of any one side of a freestanding sign shall
not exceed 20 square feet.
(c)
The total area of all sides of a freestanding sign shall not
exceed 40 square feet.
(d)
The maximum height of any freestanding sign shall not exceed
25 feet.
(e)
Any freestanding sign shall be located in a landscaped setting.
Landscaping materials shall include grass, mulch, and shrubs. A landscaping
sketch shall accompany the sign permit application.
(f)
The maximum area of a wall sign or canopy sign shall be calculated
as one square foot of sign area per two linear feet of building.
(g)
The maximum area of a wall sign may be increased by 25% of the maximum area as determined by Subsection E(1)(f) above, provided that the building wall is located at least 200 feet from the road right-of-way line most closely parallel to the building wall. In no event, however, shall the maximum area of a wall sign exceed 100 square feet.
(2)
Signs within a shopping center shall meet the following requirements.
(a)
A freestanding sign may be erected to identify the name and
entrance to the shopping center, provided that the following requirements
are met:
[1]
The maximum area of any one side of the freestanding sign shall
not exceed 75 square feet.
[2]
The maximum area of all sides of the freestanding sign shall
not exceed 150 square feet.
[3]
The freestanding sign shall be located within 20 feet of the
adjoining road right-of-way.
[5]
The maximum height of the freestanding sign shall be 25 feet.
(b)
A single wall sign or canopy sign may be erected for each individual
establishment located within the shopping center, provided that the
following requirements are met:
[1]
The maximum area of a wall sign or canopy sign shall be calculated
as one square foot of sign area per two linear feet of the main storefront
of each individual establishment.
[2]
The maximum area of a wall sign may be increased by 25% of the maximum area as determined by Subsection E(2)(b)[1] above, provided that the building wall is located at least 200 feet from the road right-of-way line most closely parallel to the building wall. In no event, however, shall the maximum area of a wall sign exceed 100 square feet.
[3]
The anchor store or tenant within a shopping center, should
such a store or tenant exist, shall be permitted up to two additional
accessory wall signs, provided that the area of each accessory wall
sign constitutes no more than 25% of the sign area of the primary
wall sign ordinarily permitted for the anchor store or tenant. In
no event, however, shall the total sign area for all anchor store
or tenant signs exceed 150 square feet.
(3)
Temporary banners may be used for nonresidential uses located in
the Highway Commercial (C-3) and Commercial/Employment (C/E) Districts,
provided that the following standards are met:
[Added 11-25-2003 by Ord. No. 567]
(a)
No more than two temporary banners shall be permitted at any
one time.
(b)
All temporary banners shall be affixed to a permanent wall or
other permanent fixtures on the site of the nonresidential use.
(d)
Temporary banners shall be displayed for no more than 14 days
during any calendar-month period.
(e)
A sign permit shall be issued by the Zoning Officer prior to the use of temporary banners on any nonresidential property or use in the C-3 or C-E districts. The permit shall establish the total temporary banner sign area permitted for the property or use. A sign permit for each individual banner sign shall not be required, provided that compliance with the requirements of this Subsection E(3) is maintained.
(f)
Once a sign permit is issued for a specific property or use,
the applicant shall notify the Zoning Officer as to when temporary
banners are to be displayed, and when such banners will be removed.
Failure to comply with this notification requirement, or to remove
such temporary banners on or before the day indicated, shall result
in the revocation of the sign permit authorizing the use of such temporary
banners. If the sign permit is revoked, no sign permit authorizing
the use of temporary banners for the property or use in question shall
be issued for a period of one year from the date of revocation.
(4)
Signs exempted under the provisions of Subsection B(2) are permitted in this zoning district.
[Added 7-22-2008 by Ord. No. 625]
(5)
Electronic message centers, in accordance with § 500-18B(11).
[Added 4-26-2016 by Ord.
No. 678]
F.
Signs permitted within the Town Center Mixed-Use District. Within
the TCMU District, the following sign regulations shall apply:
[Amended 3-27-2001 by Ord. No. 541]
(1)
A maximum of two signs, not including window signs as may be permitted by Subsection B(8) or sandwich board signs as may be permitted by Subsection F(3), shall be permitted for each nonresidential use of a structure. When two signs are used, one sign shall be either a wall sign or canopy sign, and one sign shall be either a freestanding or projecting sign. Where a structure contains three or more nonresidential uses, a maximum of two signs shall be used to identify all nonresidential uses of a structure. In addition, the following requirements shall be met:
(a)
The maximum area of any one side of a freestanding sign shall
not exceed 12 square feet. The maximum area of any one side of a projecting
sign shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(b)
The total area of all sides of a freestanding sign shall not
exceed 24 square feet. The total area of all sides of a projecting
sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(c)
The total area of a wall sign or a canopy sign shall not exceed
12 square feet.
(d)
Projecting signs above public sidewalks, driveways, or walkways
shall be located so as to provide for eight feet of clearance beneath
the sign. Such projecting signs shall not exceed 12 feet in height
measured from the ground to top of the sign.
(e)
All signs shall be constructed of a durable material, and designed
in such a way to complement the historic village character of the
Borough of Littlestown.
(f)
All signs shall be visually compatible, in terms of color, with
the front facade of the structure to which the sign is attached. Dark
backgrounds with light-colored lettering and/or designs are preferred.
(g)
Internally lit signs may be proposed, provided that such internally
lit signs do not produce a glare noticeable from any adjoining residential
property or from any adjoining street.
(h)
If an indirect light source is proposed, the light source shall
be hidden from vehicular view by a vegetative screen or a fixture
surrounding the light source which directs the light to the sign face.
In no case shall indirect lighting be permitted that either directly
or indirectly produces a glare noticeable from any adjoining residential
properties or from any adjoining street.
(2)
Where the structure is located at the intersection of two public streets, the Zoning Officer may authorize one wall sign and one projecting or freestanding sign along each side of the structure facing a public street, provided that all signs meet the regulations of Subsection F(1).
(3)
In addition to the signs permitted by Subsection F(1) and (2) above, each nonresidential use shall be permitted to use one sandwich board sign along each public street upon which the nonresidential use fronts, provided that the following standards are met:
(a)
The maximum area of any one side of a sandwich board sign shall
not exceed 16 square feet.
(b)
The total area of a sandwich board sign shall not exceed 32
square feet.
(c)
The maximum height of a sandwich board sign shall not exceed
four feet.
(d)
Sandwich board signs may be placed within public sidewalks.
However, sandwich board signs may not be placed in such a location
that limits, obstructs or prevents public use of the sidewalk. A minimum
of five feet of sidewalk width shall be retained to allow for wheelchair
and/or handicapped accessible access.
(e)
Sandwich board signs shall be placed no earlier than the start
of the business day, and shall be removed at the end of the business
day. In no event may sandwich board signs be permitted to remain situated
24 hours per day.
(5)
Signs exempted under the provisions of Subsection B(2) are permitted in this zoning district.
[Added 7-22-2008 by Ord. No. 625]
(6)
Electronic message centers may be authorized by conditional use,
in accordance with § 500-18.B(11), and in accordance with
the following:
[Added 4-26-2016 by Ord.
No. 678]
(a)
Operation for electronic message center signs shall be limited
to the hours from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
(b)
In addition to the customary public notice requirements for
conditional use applications, all property owners and tenants within
50 feet of the property where the electronic message center is proposed
shall be provided, by first class mail, notice of the time, place,
date, and subject matter of the conditional use hearing.
G.
Signs permitted within the Industrial/Employment (I/E) District.
Within the I/E District, the following sign regulations shall apply:
[Amended 3-27-2001 by Ord. No. 541]
(1)
A maximum of one sign shall be permitted that displays the owner/occupant
of the premises and the activity conducted thereon, provided that
the following requirements are met:
(2)
A maximum of one freestanding sign may be erected at each entrance
and/or exit to or from a public road that identifies the owner/occupant
of the premises and the entrance and/or exit, provided that the following
requirements are met:
(3)
On parcels containing multiple activities, a single sign shall be
permitted for each individual activity, provided that the following
requirements are met:
(4)
The maximum height of any freestanding sign, except for those signs regulated by Subsection G(2), shall not exceed 25 feet. The maximum height of any wall sign or projecting sign shall not exceed a height equal to 75% of the height of the wall upon which the wall sign or projecting sign is located.
(5)
Billboards are permitted by special exception, provided the following
standards are met:
(a)
The maximum area of any one side of a billboard sign shall not
exceed 150 square feet.
(b)
The total area of all sides of a billboard sign shall not exceed
300 square feet.
(c)
The maximum height of a billboard sign shall not exceed 25 feet.
(d)
No billboard sign shall be located within 200 feet from any
residential or institutional property, or any property within the
TCMU, TCR, R-1, R-2, or R-3 districts.
(6)
Signs exempted under the provisions of Subsection B(2) are permitted in this zoning district.
[Added 7-22-2008 by Ord. No. 625]
(7)
Electronic message centers in accordance with § 500-18B(11).
[Added 4-26-2016 by Ord.
No. 678]
A.
Visibility at intersections. On the corner lot or any point of entry
on public road, nothing shall be erected, placed, planted, or allowed
to grow in such a manner which obscures the vision above the height
of 2 1/2 feet and below 10 feet, measured from the center line
grade of the intersecting streets or driveways and within the area
bounded by the street lines of such corner lots and a line joining
points on these street lines 75 feet from their intersection along
the lot lines.
B.
Swimming pools.
(1)
Open private swimming pools and related bathhouses are considered
"structures" for the purpose of permits and regulations of other ordinances.
For the purpose of this chapter, they are not counted as floor area
in computing the lot coverage but shall not be located in any required
setback area.
(2)
No building, swimming place or swimming pool or artificial body of
water or any other structure intended to be used for bathing or swimming
purposes in which water may collect in excess of a depth of two feet
and/or with a surface area of more than 50 square feet shall be constructed,
altered, added to or operated within 100 feet of any property line
of the property on which it is located, unless such swimming pool
or place is surrounded by a fence around the entire property line
of the property on which it is located, or unless such swimming pool
or place is surrounded by a fence around the entire perimeter, in
which case the swimming pool shall be at least 15 feet from any property
line.
(3)
The type, quality and method of construction of said fence shall
be such as shall be approved by the Zoning Officer with the intent
that it shall act as a safeguard and protection to children. Such
fence shall be at least four feet in height, but not in excess of
six feet, nonremovable and shall have a self-locking type gate and
shall be such as to prevent children and stray animals from going
through it; provided that existing nonconforming fences may be approved
by the Borough Zoning Officer.
(4)
Where the side of an aboveground swimming pool exceeds four feet
in height, the fence installation requirement may be waived, provided
that the following conditions are complied with:
[Amended 10-28-2008 by Ord. No. 630]
(5)
No swimming pool shall be constructed in the Borough except in accordance
with a permit therefore previously secured from the Zoning Officer
of the Borough, upon written application accompanied by a plan showing
the size, shape and location of the swimming pool and its enclosure
and such other information as may be necessary for the Zoning Officer
to determine whether the pool complies with the requirements and specifications
of this chapter.
[Added 10-28-2008 by Ord. No. 630]
C.
Stripping of topsoil. The following shall apply in all districts:
(1)
Topsoil or sod may be removed only under the following conditions:
(a)
As a part of the construction or alteration of a building or
the grading incidental to such building;
(b)
In connection with normal lawn preparation and maintenance;
(c)
In connection with the construction or alteration of a street
or utility;
(d)
In farming operations where such use is permitted, provided
sound soil conservation practices are observed.
D.
Exception to height limitations. The height limitations of this chapter
shall not apply to church spires, belfries, domes, monuments, observation
towers, windmills, chimneys, smokestacks, flag poles, masts and aerials,
barns and silos, elevators, tanks and other projections neither intended
nor used for human occupancy.
E.
Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage of any type shall not be permitted
unless such storage is a part of the normal operations conducted on
the premises subject to design and performance standards for the prevailing
zoning district. Junkyards as defined by this chapter are expressly
prohibited.
F.
Customary home occupations.
[Amended 5-27-1997 by Ord. No. 487]
(1)
Intent. The purpose of these provisions is to allow for customary
home occupations which are compatible with the neighborhoods in which
they are allowed.
(2)
Uses permitted. A home occupation may include art studios; arts and
crafts studios; home-based mail-order businesses; barber shops and
beauty salons containing a maximum of two chairs; day-care facilities
for no more than six children or four adults; instructional services
limited to two pupils at a time; professional offices for a physician,
dentist, lawyer, accountant, real estate agent, architect, or similar
professional; taxidermist; or other activities of a similar nature.
[Amended 1-28-2003 by Ord. No. 559]
(3)
Use restrictions.
(a)
The home occupation shall be conducted entirely within the dwelling
unit or accessory structure.
(b)
The occupation must be clearly incidental and secondary to the
principal use of the dwelling.
(c)
The establishment and conduct of the home occupation shall not
change the principal character or use of the dwelling unit involved.
(d)
Where a home occupation is proposed to be located within a residence,
the home occupation shall occupy no more than 30% of the total floor
area of the residence. Where a home occupation is proposed to be located
within an accessory building, the home occupation shall occupy no
more than 500 square feet of an accessory building.
[Amended 3-27-2018 by Ord. No. 685]
(e)
No more than one person other than members of the immediate
family residing in the dwelling shall be employed in the home occupation.
(f)
No storage or display of materials, goods, supplies or equipment
related to the operation of the home occupation shall be visible from
the outside of any structure located on the premises.
(g)
The residential character of the dwelling unit shall not be
altered to indicate the presence of the home occupation.
(h)
The home occupation shall not generate noise, vibration, glare,
fumes, odors or electrical interference beyond what normally occurs
in the applicable zoning district.
(i)
Off-street parking shall be required if the home occupation involves contact with the public or employment of a nonresident as authorized by Subsection F(3)(e) above. One space shall be provided for each client or customer accommodated for more than 15 minutes at one time, plus one space any nonresident employee. These spaces shall be in addition to the parking spaces required for the residential use as required by § 500-19I(2). Parking areas shall meet applicable design standards of § 500-19I(4).
[Amended 3-27-2018 by Ord. No. 685]
G.
Planting or buffer strips. Where required by this chapter, a planting
or buffer strip shall be composed of plants and trees arranged to
form both a low-level and high-level screen. The high-level screen
shall consist of evergreen trees planted with specimens no younger
than three years in age, and planted at intervals of not more than
10 feet. The low-level screen shall consist of evergreen shrubs and
hedges planted with specimens no younger that three years in age and
spaced at intervals of not more than five feet. The low-level screen
shall be placed in alternating rows to produce a more effective planting
barrier. All plants not surviving three years after planting must
be replaced.
H.
Prohibited uses. The following uses are prohibited in every district:
(1)
Automobile graveyards.
(2)
An unoccupied, unlicensed mobile home shall not be parked on a lot
unless such trailer is parked so as not to be visible from a street
or other property line, or is suitably screened.
(3)
Privately operated sanitary landfill or trash dump operations.
(4)
Outdoor wood-fired boilers; provided, however, that this prohibition
does not apply to charcoal grills, fire pits, or other burning conducted
in accordance with applicable Borough requirements.
[Added 1-12-2012 by Ord. No. 642]
I.
Off-street parking regulations.
[Amended 6-23-1998 by Ord. No. 496]
(1)
Statement of legislative intent. Off-street parking and loading facilities
shall be provided to lessen congestion, to enhance safety, and to
decrease the parking burden on and within public rights-of-way. The
facilities required herein shall be available for the residents, occupants,
patrons, or employees of the particular business or use for which
such facilities are provided.
(2)
Required facilities. Unless otherwise regulated in this article or elsewhere in this chapter, the following parking facilities are required. Any structure or building hereafter erected, converted, or enlarged for any of the following uses, or any open area hereafter developed for commercial, residential, or similar purposes, shall be provided with not less than the minimum off-street parking spaces, as set forth below, unless an alternative minimum number of parking spaces is authorized by the Zoning Officer in accordance with § 500-19I(5) or (6) of this chapter. All spaces shall be readily accessible, with proper access from a street, alley, or driveway, to the uses served thereby. In computing the number of parking spaces required, if the computation shall result in a fraction, a space shall be required for each such fractional amount.
[Amended 6-23-2009 by Ord. No. 637; 4-23-2019 by Ord. No. 692; 10-8-2019 by Ord. No. 693]
|
Use
|
Number of Parking Spaces Required
|
|---|---|
|
Single-family detached, single-family semidetached (twins),
and two-family (duplex) dwellings
|
2 parking spaces for each dwelling unit
|
|
Garden apartments, apartment buildings, townhouses, infill townhouses,
conversion apartments
|
1.5 spaces for each dwelling unit
|
|
Hotels and motels
|
1 parking space for every guest room, 1 parking space for every
employee on the busiest shift, and the required number of spaces to
serve a restaurant, if one exists on the premises
|
|
Bed-and-breakfast operations
|
1 parking space for every guest room, plus 2 parking spaces
for permanent residents
|
|
Commercial day-care facilities, kindergartens, preschools, day
nursery schools and group homes
|
1 parking space for every employee and 1 parking space for every
5 persons serviced by the facility
|
|
Churches or other place or house of worship
|
Within the TCMU and TCR Districts: 1 parking space for every
5 patron seats
|
|
Within all other zoning districts: 1 parking space for every
3 patron seats
| |
|
Professional offices/professional office complex
|
Within the TCMU and TCR Districts: 1 parking space for every
employee and 1 additional parking space for each professional
|
|
Within all other zoning districts: 1 parking space for every
employee and 2 additional parking spaces for each professional
| |
|
Personal service shops
|
Within the TCMU and TCR Districts: 1 parking space for every
employee and 1 additional parking space for every work station
|
|
Within all other zoning districts: 1 parking space for every
employee and 2 parking spaces for every work station
| |
|
Schools
|
1 parking space for every employee on the largest shift and,
for high schools, 1 parking space for every 3 students
|
|
Government offices/municipal services/emergency services
|
1 parking space for every employee and 1 visitor space for every
1,000 square feet of gross floor area
|
|
Specialty retail shops
|
Within the TCMU and TCR Districts: 1 parking space for every
500 square feet of gross floor area and 1 space for every 3 employees
|
|
Within all other zoning districts: 1 parking space for every
200 square feet of gross floor area and 1 space for every 2 employees
| |
|
Retail shops
|
Within the TCMU and TCR Districts: 1 parking space for every
1,000 square feet of gross floor area and 1 space for every 3 employees
|
|
Within all other zoning districts: 1 parking space for every
4,500 square feet of gross floor area and 1 space for every 2 employees
on the largest shift
| |
|
Banks/financial institutions
|
Within the TCMU and TCR Districts: 1 parking space for every
500 square feet of gross floor area in public banking areas (excluding
vault)
|
|
Within all other cts: 1 parking space for every 200 square feet
of gross floor area in public bankizoning distring areas (excluding
vault)
| |
|
Vehicle sales businesses
|
1 parking space for every 500 square feet of vehicle display
area
|
|
Nurseries, garden materials stores, contractor supply stores,
and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning stores
|
1 parking space for every 300 square feet of gross floor area
|
|
Convenience stores, gasoline service stations
|
1 parking space for every 150 square feet of gross floor area
|
|
Automobile repair shops
|
1 parking space for every 250 square feet of gross floor area
|
|
Movie theaters
|
1 parking space for every 5 patron seats
|
|
Commercial recreation facilities and health and recreation clubs
|
1 parking space for every 200 square feet of gross floor area
|
|
Car washes
|
3 parking spaces for every car washing stall
|
|
Liquor stores
|
1 parking space for every 200 square feet of gross floor area
|
|
Manufacturing, industrial and fabrication establishments
|
1 parking space for every 1.5 employees working during the largest
shift
|
|
Corporate headquarters, scientific and commercial testing laboratories,
research and development
|
1 parking space for every 175 square feet of gross floor area
|
|
Warehousing and wholesaling operations
|
4 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of gross floor
area
|
|
Private clubs, social clubs, and fraternal organizations
|
1 parking space for every 4 persons of the rated capacity of
the establishment
|
|
Mixed-use property
|
The number of parking spaces required shall be equal to the
total number of spaces required by each individual use within the
mixed-use property
|
|
Recreation facilities
|
1 parking space for every 5 visitors at maximum utilization
of the facilities
|
|
Philanthropic and institutional uses, community facilities,
libraries, museums, galleries, studios
[Amended 6-24-2014 by Ord. No. 668] |
1 space for every 500 feet of gross floor area
|
|
Nursing homes, rest homes, hospitals, medical centers or clinics,
or homes for the aged
[Added 5-24-2011 by Ord. No. 650] |
1 parking space for every 4 beds intended for patient or residential
use, and 1 space for each employee on the largest shift
|
|
Business administrative offices
|
In the TCMU and TCR Districts: 3 parking spaces for every 1,500
square feet of gross floor area
|
|
In all other zoning districts: 3 parking spaces for every 1,000
square feet of gross floor area
| |
|
Restaurants/eating establishments
|
In the TCMU and TCR Districts: 1 parking space for every 300
square feet of floor area for customer use
|
|
In all other zoning districts: Without drive-through service,
1 parking space for every 150 square feet of gross floor area. With
drive-through service, 1 parking space for every 100 square feet of
floor area for customer use
| |
|
Shopping centers
|
4 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of gross floor
area
|
|
Rental storage, exterior
|
Where an on-site rental office is present, 1 for every 400 square
feet of office floor area; otherwise, 2 spaces
|
|
Rental storage, interior
|
Where an on-site rental office is present, 1 for every 400 square
feet of office floor area; otherwise, 2 spaces.
|
(3)
Public right-of-way excluded. In no case shall parking within public
rights-of-way be used to calculate the required parking needed by
any applicant for any use.
(4)
Design standards. All off-street parking areas shall be designed
to meet the following standards.
[Amended 6-23-2009 by Ord. No. 637]
(a)
General standards. All parking lots shall be designed in accordance
with the following standards:
[1]
Every parking space, outdoors or in a garage, shall consist
of not less than 200 square feet of usable area for each motor vehicle.
The minimum dimensions of required parking spaces shall be 10 feet
wide and 20 feet deep. The required parking area shall be measured
exclusive of interior driveway or maneuvering areas.
[2]
Where three or more parking spaces are required under Subsection I(2) or elsewhere in this chapter, such parking spaces shall be considered a parking lot.
[3]
All off-street lots shall be paved so as to provide a durable
and dust-free surface. Acceptable paving materials include concrete
and asphalt. All entrance and exit drives shall be paved in accordance
with PennDOT 408 specifications.
[4]
All off-street parking lots shall be graded to provide for the
adequate drainage of stormwater from the parking lot. The Borough
Engineer shall be afforded the opportunity to review and comment on
the grading plan for any parking lot.
[5]
Circulation control shall be designed to provide one-way directional
travel whenever possible. No parking shall be provided or permitted
along any circulation drive or along an entrance or exit drives. Drives
shall be uniform in width and provide for ninety-degree intersections
whenever possible.
[6]
Customers and service traffic shall be separated whenever possible.
Loading and unloading areas shall be located so as not to interfere
with customer or employee parking areas.
[7]
Every parking lot shall be subject to the following requirements:
[a]
In the case of a parking lot which is accessory to a permitted use and which accommodates five or more automobiles, any parking lot edge that faces or abuts a residential district or a lot used for residential purposes shall be screened or buffered from the adjacent property. Such screening and buffering shall be accomplished within a buffer planning strip of not less than five feet and planted in accordance with Subsection G. Alternatively, such screening and buffering may be accomplished by installing an ornamental fence in compliance with the requirements of Subsection N.
[b]
In the case of a parking lot which is a principal
use, such lot shall be enclosed, except for entrances or exits, by
an ornamental fence or wall or by a compact evergreen hedge.
[8]
All parking lots shall be provided with wheel/bumper guards
or bollards so located and arranged that no part of any parked vehicle
will extend beyond the boundaries of the parking lot to protect adjacent
structures and landscaped areas, and to prevent vehicles from encroaching
on designated pedestrian areas.
[9]
All parking spaces shall be delineated with a durable delineation
material and shall be maintained so that all parking spaces are clearly
marked.
[10]
No parking aisle drive or parking lot circulation
drive shall have traffic lanes less than 10 feet for one-way directional
travel or 20 feet for two-way directional travel.
(b)
Additional design standards for parking lots in the C-3, C/E,
and I/E Districts. All parking lots within the C-3, C/E and I/E Districts
shall comply with the following additional requirements:
[1]
For parking lots of more than 50 cars, the interior circulation
of traffic shall be designated so that no driveway or parking aisle
may be used as a through street.
[2]
If parking spaces are indicated by lines with angles other than
90 degrees to the center line of the parking aisle from which such
spaces are accessed, parking aisle traffic shall be restricted to
one-way flow with head-in parking.
[3]
Customer parking spaces and/or short-term visitor parking spaces
shall be differentiated from employee and/or long-term parking spaces
by suitable markings.
[4]
All accessways to any public street or highway shall be located
either directly opposite of or at least 120 feet from the intersection
of any two street lines. Said accessways shall be designed in a manner
conducive to safe ingress and egress as determined by the Zoning Officer
following recommendation by the Planning Commission. Parking lot entrances
and exits shall be located on the lowest classification of street
available.
[5]
No design shall be approved which is likely to create substantial
traffic hazards endangering the public safety. Safety requirements
which may be imposed in such a review shall include traffic control
devices, acceleration and deceleration lanes, turning lanes, traffic
and lane markings, and signs. The developer shall be responsible for
the construction of any such traffic control devices.
[6]
For parking lots of more than 25 parking spaces, internal parking
lot landscaping shall be provided. A terminal island shall be provided
at both ends of all rows of parking spaces. Each terminal island shall
measure at least five feet in depth and 15 feet in width. Each terminal
island shall include at least one tree, with the remaining area landscaped
with appropriate vegetative ground cover or grass.
[7]
For parking lots of more than 25 parking spaces, landscaping
around the perimeter of the parking lot shall be provided in accordance
with the following requirements:
[a]
A landscaping strip shall be provided around the
perimeter of the parking lot, except for the side of the parking lot
bounded by the principal structure of the lot.
[b]
The minimum width of the perimeter landscaping
strip shall be 10 feet, measured outward from the edge of the parking
lot.
[c]
At least one tree shall be provided for every 200
square feet of the perimeter landscaping strip.
(5)
Parking held in reserve. Because of the relatively dense, built-up environment characteristic of the Town Center Mixed-Use (TCMU) and the Town Center Residential (TCR) Districts, the excessive provision of off-street parking areas may be detrimental to the aesthetic and historic character of the area. Thus, if the number of spaces required by Subsection I(2) is substantially larger than the anticipated demand for spaces by the applicant, the concept of parking held in reserve can be used by the applicant to avoid unnecessary parking while reserving adequate parking areas for potential parking demand. For an applicant to use the parking held in reserve concept, the following requirements shall be met:
[Amended 6-23-2009 by Ord. No. 637]
(a)
The concept of parking held in reserve shall only be applied
to those uses permitted by right in the TCMU and TCR Districts.
(c)
The number of spaces to be initially paved may, upon review
and recommendation by the Borough's Planning Commission, be reduced
by Zoning Officer by up to 50% of the spaces typically required for
a given land use.
(d)
A suitable area shall be reserved for the total number of spaces required by Subsection I(2). Reserved parking areas shall be improved for parking by the applicant when and if deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer, upon review and recommendation by the Borough Planning Commission. The Zoning Officer may require the improvement of reserved parking areas under the following conditions:
(e)
A financial guarantee shall be provided by the applicant to
cover the cost of installation of the parking spaces held in reserve,
for a period of one year following the installation of the initially
constructed parking spaces. The type and dollar value of the guarantee
must be approved by the Zoning Officer upon review and recommendation
by the Borough Engineer and Borough Solicitor.
(6)
Off-street limited parking waiver. Because of the relatively dense,
built-up environment characteristic of some areas of the Town Center
Mixed-Use (TCMU) and the Town Center Residential (TCR) Districts,
there exist properties which can not meet any of the above standards
for off-street parking, including parking held in reserve. In such
areas where provision of the required off-street parking is impossible
because of existing lot size or building coverage, the Zoning Officer
may, upon review and recommendation by the Borough Planning Commission,
waive the above off-street parking requirements to the extent necessary
to allow utilization of a property for a use permitted by right in
the TCMU and TCR Districts. For an applicant to receive such a waiver,
the following requirements shall be met.
[Amended 6-23-2009 by Ord. No. 637]
(a)
A detailed plan must be submitted showing lot size, building
coverage, setbacks, lot coverage, adjoining properties and all existing
streets, alleys and driveways.
(b)
The plan must show any off-street parking that can be located
on-site and show what and where parking would be available off-site
to accommodate the use proposed.
(c)
The number of spaces to be waived, upon review and recommendation
by the Borough Planning Commission, will be determined by the Zoning
Officer.
(7)
Requirements for parking lots designed as a principal use. All off-street
parking lots intended to function as the principal use of a property
rather than as an accessory use shall be designed and located in accordance
with the following requirements:
(a)
Parking lots shall only be developed to provide off-street parking
for surrounding business or other permitted uses. Parking lots shall
not be developed as a business in and of themselves.
(b)
Parking lots shall be designed as principal uses shall be designed in accordance with the standards of Subsection I(4).
[Amended 6-23-2009 by Ord. No. 637]
(c)
Parking lots shall be designed such that patrons will not be
required to "back up" into a public street or alley to exit the parking
lot.
(d)
Parking lots in the Town Center Mixed-Use (TCMU) District shall
adhere to the following requirements:
[1]
Parking lots may be operated by a public or semipublic agency
or organization, including the Borough of Littlestown, or one or more
private businesses.
[2]
Parking garages may be operated by the Borough of Littlestown,
or by an agency created by the Borough, such as parking authority.
[3]
Parking lots shall be created for the express purpose of providing
off-street parking for business of other uses located within the block
where the parking lot is proposed.
[4]
Parking lots shall not be located at the intersection of two
public streets.
[5]
To the maximum extent feasible, parking lots should not be served
with access drives from either King Street or Queen Street. Access
to parking lots should be provided from secondary streets or alleys
whenever possible.
[6]
Parking lots shall be enclosed by an ornamental wall. Construction
materials and design of the ornamental wall shall reflect those used
in surrounding buildings.
(e)
Parking lots in the Highway-Oriented Commercial (C-3) District
and the Commercial/Employment (C/E) District shall adhere to the following
requirements:
J.
Off-street loading and unloading regulations.
(1)
Standards.
(a)
Off-street loading and unloading space(s) with proper and safe
access from street or alley shall be provided on each lot where it
is deemed that such facilities are necessary to adequately serve the
uses within the district. Each loading and unloading space:
[1]
Shall be at least 14 feet wide, 60 feet long and shall have
at least fifteen-foot vertical clearance;
[2]
Shall have a sixty-foot maneuvering area;
[3]
Shall have an all-weather surface to provide safe and convenient
access during all seasons;
[4]
Shall not be constructed between the street right-of-way line
and the building setback line.
(b)
Required off-street parking space (including aisles) shall not
be used for loading and unloading purposes except during hours when
business operations are suspended.
(c)
Loading and unloading facilities shall be designed so that trucks
need not back in or out, or park in, any public right-of-way.
(2)
Requirements. At least one off-street loading space shall be provided
for all commercial and industrial concerns in excess of 3,500 square
feet of floor area. The number of loading and unloading spaces shall
be left to the discretion of the developer; however, the standards
of this section shall be maintained, and the number of proposed spaces
approved by the Planning Commission.
L.
Location of cesspools and septic tanks.
(1)
No cesspool or septic tank tile field, or any part thereof shall
be placed closer to any property line than 50 feet or closer to any
well on the premises or on adjoining premises than 100 feet. And no
well shall be placed closer to any side or rear property line than
25 feet.
(2)
On-site sewage disposal shall be permitted when public sewer is unavailable
by approval of Borough Council when the applicant can substantiate
by means of approved percolation tests that the soil on the property
concerned is suitable for this use, and that the lot size is large
enough so that this use will have no adverse effect upon neighboring
uses or upon the community ground water supply. Such on-site sewage
disposal must be abandoned when public sewer becomes available.
M.
Mobile homes. Mobile homes shall be permitted only in mobile home parks. Mobile homes located within any identified floodplain area must comply with all applicable provisions of Chapter 235 of this Code, entitled "Floodplain Management," specifically § 235-26 thereof, entitled "Special requirements for manufactured homes."
[Amended 6-23-2020 by Ord. No. 696]
N.
Fences.
[Amended 4-26-2004 by Ord. No. 573]
(1)
Maximum height for fences located within front yards for all zoning districts shall be four feet. For corner lot properties which have two front yards and two side yards (as outlined in § 500-2C, Definitions), the front yard shall be designated for the yard which has the structure's primary means of ingress/egress. The other front yard shall be considered a side yard.
[Amended 8-23-2005 by Ord. No. 597]
(2)
Maximum height for fences located within side and rear yards in all
zoning districts shall be eight feet.
(3)
No fence shall be located in a manner that obstructs vision at street
intersections. Clear sight triangles shall be provided at all street
intersections. Within such triangles, no fence shall be permitted
which obscures vision above the height of 30 inches and below 10 feet
measured from the center-line grade of intersecting streets. Such
triangles shall be established as follows:
(a)
One hundred twenty-five feet clear sight triangles shall be
provided for any street intersections involving one or more major
streets.
(4)
All fences shall be constructed such that fence posts or supports,
including lateral supports, are located on the inside of the fence,
unless such posts or supports constitute an integral component of
the vertical plane created by the fence.
(5)
Metal or wire mesh fences, with the exception of ornamental fences
made of wrought iron or similar metal material, shall only be permitted
in the I/E, C/E, and C-3 Zoning Districts of the Borough. Such ornamental
fences shall be permitted for residential application in all of the
Borough's residential zoning districts, provided that manufacturer's
brochures or advertising is supplied indicating the suitability of
such ornamental fence design for residential application.
[Amended 10-28-2008 by Ord. No. 630]
(6)
Fences that include barbed wire or razor wire shall be prohibited.
Electrified fences shall be prohibited.
(7)
Fences shall be kept in an appropriate state or repair by the property
owner at all times. Fences with broken or missing slats, supports,
wire mesh, or other components shall be immediately repaired or replaced,
as appropriate, by the property owner.
O.
No-impact home-based business.
[Added 1-28-2003 by Ord. No. 559]
(1)
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential use
of the property and surrounding residential uses.
(2)
The business shall employ no employees other than family members
residing in the dwelling.
(3)
There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling
or inventory of a substantial nature.
(4)
There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including
but not limited to, parking, signs, or lights.
(5)
The business activity may not use any equipment or process which
creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical or electronic
interference, including interference with radio or television reception,
which is detectable in the neighborhood.
(6)
The business activity may not generate any solid waste or sewage
discharge, in volume or type, which is not normally associated with
residential use in the neighborhood.
(7)
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling
and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.
(8)
The business may not involve any illegal activity.
A.
Specific intent. In addition to the general goals stated in the Preamble
and in the statement of intent for the applicable section, the purpose
of this section is:
B.
Designation of area. A parcel of land under single ownership with
existing or proposed off-site sewers, zoned as residential which permits
cluster development as a matter of right, with a minimum of 10 acres
may be designated as subject to the regulations of this section. The
Planning Commission shall maintain a record of the legal descriptions
of all properties under these regulations.
C.
Procedure.
(1)
Any single owner of a minimum of 10 acres of land zoned as residential
which permits cluster development as a matter of right any request
the Planning Commission to have the regulations of this section apply
to such property. The application shall include:
(2)
The Planning Commission shall have a period of 30 days to accept
or reject any applications. If the application is rejected, the written
reasons for such rejection shall be made available. Approval of all
applications shall be based on the conformance of the plan to the
stated objections of this section.
(3)
The decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed by the applicant
or a group of Borough residents, whose number shall exceed 30 persons
of voting age, to the Borough Council. All appeals must be requested
within 10 days of the decision of the Planning Commission. Applications
under this subsection shall be limited to single-family residences.
D.
Area and bulk regulations.
(1)
The building lot may be reduced no more than 1/2, so that when an
amount of land reserved under requirements of open space regulations
is added to it, the two will be equal to the lot size requirements
of the district in which it is located. Unless specified to the contrary
by the residential zoning district requirements, the other area and
bulk regulations shall be adjusted in cluster developments as follows:
(a)
Minimum lot width at street line and maximum building height
shall remain identical to the restrictions imposed by the residential
zoning district;
(b)
Minimum distances for lot width at building setback line, setback,
side yards and rear yards may be reduced by one-third;
(c)
In determining the percentage of lot coverage, a lot shall include
the actual building lot and the proportion of land reserved for that
lot in open space.
(2)
The minimum size of building lots with on-site sewer facilities shall
be subject to the discretion of the Planning Commission, who shall
evaluate the suitability of each proposed building lot for on-site
sewage disposal.
E.
Open space regulations. An area sufficient to conform to the density
requirements of the zoning district of this chapter where such land
is located shall be reserved for park, woodland, conservation, playground,
golf course, lake or other suitable recreational purpose. Such reservation
shall be made by any of the following procedures:
(1)
The acceptance of the deed to such land by the Borough;
(2)
The sale, lease or other disposition of such property to a private
or nonprofit corporation chartered under the laws of Pennsylvania
to administer and maintain the facilities subject to an acceptable
deed restriction limiting eventual disposition of said property for
the purpose stated in the Articles of Incorporation;
(3)
The inclusion of a portion of said property in the deed descriptions
of the individual purchasers of subdivisions subject to an acceptable
deed restriction limiting eventual disposition of that portion to
be used for the purposes outlined in the plan submitted to the Borough
Planning Commission. Access rights for all residents within the development
shall be guaranteed.
The following regulations shall be observed in commercial and
industrial districts:
A.
Fire and explosive hazards. All activities and all storage of flammable
and explosive material at any point shall be provided with adequate
safety devices against hazards of fire and explosion and adequate
firefighting and fire-suppression equipment and devices as detailed
and specified by the Department of Labor and Industry and the laws
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
B.
Radioactivity or electrical disturbances. There shall be no activities
which emit radioactivity at any point. There shall be no electrical
disturbance adversely affecting the operation at any point of any
equipment other than that of the creator of the disturbance.
C.
Smoke. There shall be no emission at any point from the chimney or
otherwise that would not meet the current applicable standards of
the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Commission.
D.
Smoke, ash, dust, fume, vapor, gases and other forms of air pollution.
No emission shall be made which can cause damage to health, to animals,
or to vegetation or to other forms of property or which can cause
any detrimental soiling at any point outside the operations. Table
1, Chapter V, Industrial Hygiene Standards, Maximum Allowable Concentrations,
Air Pollution Abatement Manual, Manufacturing Chemists Assoc., 1951,
Washington, D.C., shall be used as a guide in determining what is
a toxic gas.
E.
Liquid and solid wastes. There shall be no discharge at any point
into any private sewerage system or stream or into the ground of any
materials in such a way or of such a nature or temperature as can
contaminate or otherwise cause the emission of hazardous materials
except in accord with the standards of the Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection.
F.
Glare. No direct or sky-reflecting glare, whether from floodlights
of from high-temperature process shall be visible from adjoining public
streets or adjacent lots when viewed by a person standing in ground
level.
G.
Noise and vibration. At no point on or beyond the boundary of a residential
or commercial district shall the sound pressure level of any operation
exceed the maximum of that permitted.
|
Sound Levels
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Maximum Permitted Sound Level
(decibels)
| |||
|
Octave Ban in Cycles per Second
|
Along Residential District Boundaries
(Re: 0.0002 microbars)
|
At Any Other Point on Lot Boundary
(Re: 0.0002 microbars)
| |
|
0 to 75
|
72
|
79
| |
|
75 to 150
|
67
|
74
| |
|
150 to 300
|
59
|
66
| |
|
300 to 600
|
52
|
59
| |
|
600 to 1,200
|
46
|
53
| |
|
1,200 to 2,400
|
40
|
47
| |
|
2,400 to 4,800
|
34
|
41
| |
|
Above 4,800
|
32
|
39
| |
H.
Odor. There shall be no emission of odorous gases or other odorous
matter in such quantities as to be offensive on or beyond the lot
line or which exceeds the standards of Table III (odor threshold)
Chapter V, Industrial Hygiene Standards, Maximum Allowable Concentrations,
Air Pollution Abatement Manual, Manufacturing Chemists Assoc., 1951,
Washington, D.C. Any process which may involve the creation or emission
of any odors shall be provided with a secondary safeguard system,
so that control will be maintained if the primary safeguard system
should fail.
I.
Operations. All primary operations shall be conducted entirely within
closed buildings.
J.
Conformity to federal, state, regional and local standards. Any use
permitted under the provisions of this chapter shall conform to appropriate
federal, state, regional and local standards relative to water or
air pollution, particle emission, noise, electrical disturbances,
waste disposal, light, glare, heat, vibration, radioactivity and outdoor
storage of materials.
A.
Off-street parking design standards.[1]
(1)
Parking spaces shall be clearly delineated by painted lines or markers.
(2)
Stalls shall be provided with bumper guards or wheel stops when necessary
for safety or protection of adjacent structures or landscaped areas.
(3)
Surface drainage shall be connected to the existing or proposed drainage
system.
(4)
All vehicular entrances and exits to parking areas shall be clearly
designated for all conditions.
(5)
Short-term visitor parking spaces shall be differentiated from long-term
employee spaces by suitable markings.
(6)
If spaces are used during evening hours, appropriate lighting shall
be provided.
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Subsection 705.1, which immediately
preceded this subsection, was repealed 6-23-2009 by Ord. No. 637.
B.
Screening.
(1)
A planted visual barrier, or landscaped screen, shall be provided and maintained by the owner or lessee of a property between any district and contiguous residentially zoned districts, except where natural or physical man-made barrier exists. This screen shall be planted and maintained in accordance with the requirements of § 500-19G.
(3)
Any existing business affected by these regulations at the time of
passage of this chapter shall not be required to comply with the above
screening requirements except in case of enlargement or major alteration
of such business. Similarly, for any zoning district boundary change
after passage of this chapter initiated by a residential developer
abutting a commercially or industrially zoned property for which these
regulations apply, these screening requirements shall not be imposed
upon such commercial or industrial property.
C.
Storage. Any article or material stored temporarily outside an enclosed
building as an incidental part of the primary operation shall be so
screened by opaque ornamental fencing, walls or evergreen planting
that it cannot be seen from adjoining public streets or adjacent lots
when viewed by a person standing on the ground level. All organic
rubbish or storage shall be contained in airtight, verminproof containers
which shall also be screened from public view.
D.
Landscaping.
(1)
Any part or portion of the site which is not used for buildings,
other structures, loading or parking spaces and aisles, sidewalks
and designated storage areas, shall be planted with an all-season
ground cover and shall be landscaped with trees and shrubs in accordance
with an overall landscape plan and shall be in keeping with natural
surroundings. A replacement program for non-surviving plants should
be included.
(2)
The plot plan must show a satisfactory method of irrigating all planted
areas. This may be either by a permanent water system or by hose.
Any single parking area with 50 or more spaces shall utilize at least
5% of its area in landscaping, which shall be in addition to open
area requirements of the district.
E.
Shopping cart storage. Any establishment which furnishes carts or
mobile baskets as an adjunct to shopping shall provide definite areas
within the required parking space areas for storage of said carts.
Each designated storage area shall be clearly marked for storage of
shopping carts.
F.
Lighting.
[Amended 2-26-2008 by Ord. No. 620]
(1)
All nonresidential parking areas, driveways, and loading areas shall
be provided with a lighting system that achieves the following requirements.
(2)
The lighting system shall maintain a uniformity ration of 15:1 or
better.
(3)
Locations with a higher level of night activity (such as automatic
teller machines and gasoline pumping stations) may require luminance
levels greater than those indicated in this section. Where higher
luminance levels are requested by a developer, the design may be approved
by the Zoning Officer, upon recommendation by the Planning Commission,
provided the lighting system complies with all other requirements
of this section.
(4)
Pole-mounted lighting fixtures shall be located in coordination with
the landscaping plan, existing trees, and future tree growth so as
to minimize shadowing.
(5)
Lighting fixtures shall be selected to minimize upward light that
contributes to sky glow and wastes energy. Outdoor lighting fixture
shall be a full-cutoff-fixture type, in accordance with American National
Standards Institute/Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
(ANSI/IESNA) Classification, with the exception of floodlights as
allowed by variance. Floodlights are permitted to be used to illuminate
landscape features or building facades, as long as such floodlights
are shielded and aimed so that the light is directed toward the functional
area being illuminated and in a manner that direct glare on adjoining
properties does not result.
(6)
These lighting requirements provide appropriate standards to ensure
adequate nighttime safety and security while minimizing the spillover
of light and glare on operators of motor vehicles, along pedestrians
and land uses near the light source. However, it is the safety, welfare,
nuisance and hazardous aspects of lighting that form the basis of
these regulations.
(7)
Requirements. Exterior lighting shall be provided in residential
developments, parking areas, pedestrian sidewalks and walkways and
nonresidential driveway intersections in accordance with the following
standards. Lighting used for security purposes shall also conform
to the following standards. These regulations permit an option of
providing a lower light post for luminaries with a non-cutoff classification
or a higher pole, up to 60 feet, for luminaries with full-cutoff classification.
The maximum height light post permitted shall be dependent upon the
amount of cutoff provided. Exterior lighting shall meet one of the
following standards:
(a)
When establishing a new development, it shall be the responsibility
of the developer to provide lighting in the development. The lighting
shall meet the requirements of the criteria listed herein and shall
illuminate both the sidewalk area and the adjoining roadway.
[1]
When the light source or luminaire has no cutoff as defined in § 500-2C. These fixtures may only be used in residential development type areas or downtown areas where they will be aesthetically pleasing in residential areas. The luminaire will illuminate the pedestrian sidewalk as well as the adjoining road. In any installation, a variance must be grated by the Zoning Hearing Board, but will be contingent upon the recommendation of the Borough Engineer.
|
Range of Permitted Average Illuminance
(footcandles)
|
Maximum Permitted Height of Luminaire
(feet)
| ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Residential
|
0.05 to 0.2
|
10
| |
|
Nonresidential
|
0.1 to 0.3
|
12
|
[2]
When a luminaire is classified as semi-cutoff as defined in § 500-2C, the range of permitted average illuminance and the maximum permitted luminaire height shall be:
|
Zoning District
|
Range of Permitted Average Illuminance
(footcandles)
|
Maximum Permitted Height at Illumination
(feet)
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Residential District — Low-Density (R-1)
|
0.2 to 0.5
|
20
| |
|
Residential District — Medium-Density (R-2)
|
0.3 to 0.75
|
25
| |
|
Residential District — High-Density (R-3)
|
0.3 to 0.75
|
25
| |
|
Commercial/ Employment (C/E)
|
1.0 to 1.5
|
25
| |
|
Highway-Oriented Commercial (C-3)
|
1.0 to 1.5
|
35
| |
|
Industrial/ Employment (I/E)
|
1.50 to 2.0
|
40
| |
|
Town Center Residential (TCR)
|
1.0 to 1.5
|
20
| |
|
Town Center Mixed-Use (TCMU)
|
1.0 to 1.5
|
20
|
[3]
When a luminaire is classified as full cutoff as defined in § 500-2C and is located so that the bare light bulb, lamp, or light source is completely shielded from the direct view of an observer five feet above the ground at the point where the cutoff angle intersects the ground, then the range of permitted average illuminance and the maximum permitted luminaire height shall be:
|
Zoning District
|
Range of Permitted Average Illuminance
(footcandles)
|
Maximum Permitted Height of Luminaire
(feet)
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Residential District — Low-Density (R-1)
|
0.5 to 1.0
|
25
| |
|
Residential District Medium-Density (R-2)
|
0.75 to 1.5
|
30
| |
|
Residential District High-Density (R-3)
|
0.75 to 1.5
|
35
| |
|
Commercial/ Employment (C/E)
|
1.5 to 2.0
|
30
| |
|
Highway-Oriented Commercial (C-3)
|
2.0 to 3.0
|
40
| |
|
Industrial/ Employment (I/E)
|
3.0 to 5.0
|
60
| |
|
Town Center Residential (TCR)
|
2.0 to 3.0
|
30
| |
|
Town Center Mixed-Use (TCMU)
|
2.0 to 3.0
|
30
|
(8)
Exemption for specified uses.
(a)
Because of their unique requirements for nighttime visibility
and their limited hours of operation, public and private recreational
uses such as ball diamonds, playing fields, tennis courts and volleyball
courts are exempt from the above requirements.
(b)
Outdoor public and private recreational uses specified above
shall not exceed a maximum permitted post height of 100 feet.
(c)
Outdoor public and private recreational uses may exceed a total
cutoff angle of 90 degrees, provided that the luminaire is shielded
to prevent light and glare spillover to adjacent residential uses.
(d)
Low-level pedestrian lighting (bollards) for sidewalks should
be provided but will not be required, provided that the lighting levels
are consistent with the criteria listed above and listed in this subsection.
The lighting shall be provided for safety and security up to the entrance/exit
of the nonresidential building. Low-level sidewalk illumination for
nonresidential uses shall be between 0.3 to 0.5 footcandle. Low-level
sidewalk illumination for residential uses shall be between 0.2 to
0.3 footcandle.
(10)
Any lighting plan submitted for review shall contain at a minimum
the following information:
(a)
Fixture details, including. manufacturer with part number pole
height, lamp wattage, etc.
(b)
Fixture schedule that includes all fixture types and mounting
arrangements.
(c)
Statistical table, including: maximum/minimum ratio, average/minimum
ratio, average value, maximum value, minimum value.
(d)
Photometric plan, including: footcandle values at the property
line and footcandle values in the parking, driving and walking areas.
(11)
Exterior lighting, except for overhead streetlighting and warning, emergency, or traffic signals, shall be installed in accordance with § 500-22F, in such a manner that the light source will be sufficiently obscured to prevent glare on public streets and walkways or into any residential area. The installation or erection of any lighting which may be confused with warning signals. Emergency signals or traffic signals shall be unlawful. No lighting installation shall cause illumination in excess of 0.5 footcandle measured at the property line.
(12)
Measurement. Lighting levels shall be measured in footcandles.
Measurement shall be taken with a direct reading portable light meter
or by light-reading equipment as recommended by the Borough Engineer.
(13)
Method. Readings shall be taken by qualified personnel so that
the light-reading meter has been exposed long enough to provide a
constant reading. Measurements shall be made after dark with the light
sources in question on, then with the same sources off. The difference
between the tow readings shall be compared to the maximum permitted
illumination at the property line at ground level. This procedure
eliminates the effects of moonlight and other ambient light.
G.
Interior circulation, access and traffic control.
(1)
The interior circulation of traffic shall be designed so that no
driveway or street providing parking spaces shall be used as a through
street. If parking spaces are indicated by lines with angles other
than 90 degrees, then traffic lanes shall be restricted to one-way
permitting head-in parking. No driveway or street used for interior
circulation shall have traffic lanes less than 10 feet in width.
(2)
Areas provided for loading and unloading of delivery trucks and other
vehicles, and for the servicing of shops by refuse collection, fuel
and other service vehicles, shall be adequate in size and shall be
so arranged that they may be used without blockage or interference
with the use of accessways or automobile parking facilities.
(3)
All access ways to any public street or highway shall be located
at least 200 feet from the intersection of any two street lines, and
shall be designed in a manner conducive to safe ingress and egress
as determined by the Planning Commission and the Borough Council.
Where practical, exits shall be located on minor, rather than major,
streets or highways.
(4)
No design shall be approved which is likely to create substantial
traffic hazards endangering the public safety. Safety requirements
which may be imposed in such review shall include traffic control
devices, acceleration or deceleration lanes, turning lanes, traffic
and lane markings, and signs. The developer shall be responsible for
the construction of any such traffic control devices.
H.
Building design. Buildings shall be designed to take advantage of
the natural terrain and shall not be physically located to unnecessarily
concentrate activity in one portion of the lot. At least one entranceway
shall be maintained at ground level. All pedestrian entrances shall
be paved with an all-weather surface. A curbing shall be provided
to separate parking areas, streets, and driveways.
I.
Vehicles. Any movable structure, trailer, automobile, truck or parts
of these items or any other items of similar nature, allowed to remain
on the premises a longer time than that required to load, unload,
or otherwise discharge its normal functions, shall be considered subject
to all regulations set forth in this chapter for buildings and structures
as defined herein.
A.
Requirements.
(1)
In order to assure the satisfactory development of sites within the
commercial and industrial districts, it shall be required that prior
to the use or occupancy of any lot, building site, parcel or property,
a suitable site plan shall be submitted to the Littlestown Borough
Planning Commission.
(2)
It is the purpose of this section to benefit the applicant by providing
such information and guidance as might be required before the applicant
shall have entered into any binding commitments or incurred any substantial
expense in the preparation of plans, surveys and other date.
B.
Application.
(1)
The applicant shall be the owner of the site, or if more than one
owner, all owners shall act jointly. The applicant shall confer with
the Planning Commission in connection with the preparation of the
application and prior to the submission of the application.
(2)
The application shall contain the following:
(a)
Facts concerning the proposed facilities and the provisions
made for maintenance of the land and premises;
(b)
Overall development plans showing the kind, location, height,
bulk, and use of all structures;
(c)
A site plan showing and identifying streets and all other means
of vehicular and pedestrian circulation, provisions for parking and
loading and the mount thereof, a general landscape plan, the position
of all utilities, the provision for storage and screening of waste
materials;
(d)
Phasing and timing of construction (if applicable);
(e)
Other such data that the Planning Commission and/or Littlestown
Borough Council shall prescribe.
C.
Final approval. No building permits shall be issued until after the
site plan and other required elements of the application shall have
been formally approved by the Planning Commission.
[Added 9-25-2007 by Ord. No. 612]
A.
Intent. The purpose of these provisions is to establish specific
standards for age-qualified housing developments as defined and as
may be permitted in this chapter.
B.
Standards. Age-qualified housing developments shall be subject to
the following standards.
(1)
Minimum lot area. The minimum lot area upon which an age-qualified
housing development may be proposed shall be five acres.
(2)
Relationship to community amenities.
(b)
If a specific community amenity is not located in close proximity
to an age-qualified housing development, the specific community amenity
shall be provided within, and integrated with, the age-qualified housing
development. The required community amenity(ies) shall be provided
within an integrated community center, which may also include other
amenities specifically provided for the benefit and use of the residents
of the development. The community center may, if provided, also include
sales and administrative offices for the development, professional
offices, limited retail shops limited to a maximum of 1,000 square
feet of floor area, and limited personal service shops limited to
a maximum of 1,000 square feet of floor area.
(4)
Area and bulk regulations. The following regulations shall be observed
for age-qualified housing developments:
(b)
Single-family attached dwellings.
[1]
Minimum lot area per unit: 2,500 square feet; 3,500 square feet
for an end unit.
[2]
Minimum lot width per unit: 25 feet.
[3]
Minimum front setback: 15 feet.
[4]
Minimum side setback (each end unit): 10 feet.
[5]
Minimum rear setback: 20 feet.
[6]
Maximum number of units in a single building: four.
(c)
Apartment buildings.
[Amended 4-23-2019 by Ord. No. 692]
(d)
Nonresidential uses:
[1]
Minimum lot area per unit: none.
[2]
Minimum lot width: 75 feet.
[3]
Minimum front setback: 10 feet.
[4]
Minimum side setback: 10 feet.
[5]
Minimum rear setback: 25 feet.
[6]
Maximum percentage of site area. A maximum of 10% of the total
lot area of an age-qualified development may be devoted to a community
center, within which authorized nonresidential units may be developed.
(e)
Coverage. Maximum lot coverage for the age-qualified housing
development shall be 35%. Maximum impervious lot coverage for the
age-qualified housing development shall be 50%.[1]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection B(4)(f), Maximum development
density, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed
4-23-2019 by Ord. No. 692. This ordinance also redesignated former
Subsection B(4)(g) and (h) as Subsection B(4)(f) and (g), respectively.
(f)
Minimum open space: 35%.
(g)
Maximum building height: 45 feet.
[Amended 4-23-2019 by Ord. No. 692]
(5)
Design standards. An age-qualified housing development shall be subject
to the following design standards.
(a)
Dwelling unit standards. The following standards shall be applied
to all dwelling units within an age-qualified housing development.
[2]
Single-floor dwellings. A minimum of 50% of the dwelling units
within an age-qualified housing development shall provide a single-story
living arrangement. For the purpose of this section, an apartment
unit on a second or third floor shall not be considered to have a
single-story living arrangement.
[3]
Accessible dwellings. A minimum of 25% of the dwelling units
within an age-qualified housing development shall be designed to be
accessible to disabled or handicapped residents.
(b)
Single-family attached dwellings. All single-family attached dwellings shall meet the design requirements established in § 500-17E(4)(a)[5] through [9].
(c)
Apartment buildings. All apartment buildings shall meet the
following design requirements.
[Amended 4-23-2019 by Ord. No. 692]
[1]
Courtyard layout. Building elements shall surround a central courtyard on at least three sides. The courtyard shall contain elements that encourage the congregation of residents of the community. The courtyard may contribute to the open space area required by Subsection B(4)(g).
[2]
Dwelling unit access to outdoors. Each dwelling unit within
an apartment building shall have direct access to the outdoors, either
through a ground-floor doorway or by a private balcony.
[3]
Windows and doors. Windows and doors shall constitute a minimum
of 30% of the total area of every external wall.
[4]
Roof pitch. Roof pitch shall be consistent with that of surrounding
established neighborhoods in the Borough of Littlestown. Documentation
shall be submitted demonstrating that the proposed roof pitch is consistent
with that found in surrounding residential neighborhoods.
[5]
Architectural details. All apartment buildings shall be consistent
in terms of scale and architectural features to surrounding established
neighborhoods in the Borough of Littlestown. Documentation shall be
submitted demonstrating that the proposed scale and architectural
features are consistent with that found in surrounding residential
neighborhoods.
(d)
Parking. Required off-street parking within an age-qualified housing development shall comply with the following requirements, in addition to the requirements of § 500-19I of this chapter.
[1]
Location. A maximum of 50% of the parking for single-family
attached and Apartment Building dwellings, as well as for any community
center area, may be located between such buildings and the adjoining
public street right-of-way. The remaining parking shall be located
to the side or rear of such buildings.
[Amended 4-23-2019 by Ord. No. 692]
[2]
Separation distances. Common parking areas shall be separated
from buildings by a minimum of 10 feet. All parking areas shall be
set back from the perimeter property line of an age-qualified housing
development a minimum of 25 feet.
[3]
Pedestrian accommodation: Where parking is located between the buildings and adjoining public street right-of-way in accordance with Subsection B(5)(d)[l], the parking area shall be designed in a manner that enables pedestrians to travel between the buildings and the public street sidewalk without having to walk through parking spaces or along parking aisles. Said pedestrian walkways shall be part of the pedestrian facilities required in Subsection B(5)(e).
[Added 4-23-2019 by Ord.
No. 692]
(e)
Pedestrian facilities. A pedestrian network shall be provided
within the age-qualified housing development to connect all dwelling
units with all activity centers, designated open space, and the community
center (if provided). The pedestrian network shall be comprised of
sidewalks and/or asphalt walkways constructed to a minimum width of
five feet. The pedestrian network shall include benches and shelters
at minimum intervals of 500 feet. The pedestrian network within an
age-qualified housing development shall be connected to the existing
pedestrian network and facilities surrounding the development site
to allow for convenient pedestrian access to services and amenities
in close proximity to the development site.
(f)
Landscaping. A landscaping plan shall be developed for the entire
age-qualified housing development site. Three planting units shall
be provided for every dwelling unit within an age-qualified housing
development. Selected plants shall be native to Pennsylvania. The
landscaping plan shall be prepared by a landscape architect licensed
to practice in Pennsylvania. Precise placement of plant elements is
not required. However, the landscaping plan shall relate to the need
to soften views of parking areas, garbage dumpster sites, and mechanical
and utility equipment sites, and shall facilitate attractive outdoor
recreation spaces.
(g)
Open space/common areas. The administration, management, and
ownership of open space and common areas and facilities shall be provided
by the developer or a homeowners' association in accordance with the
Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act, as amended,[2] or the Uniform Planned Community Act, as amended.[3] The developer shall provide a draft copy of the declaration, as well as draft association bylaws and/or covenants to the Borough prior to final plan approval in accordance with Chapter 415, Subdivision and Land Development. Final versions of said documents shall be provided to the Borough prior to their recordation.
[Added 10-28-2008 by Ord. No. 631]
Communications antennas, communications equipment buildings,
communications towers, and related equipment may be located and erected
in and upon property owned or leased by the Borough of Littlestown
or the Littlestown Borough Authority as a use by right within any
and all zoning districts of the Borough; subject, however, to the
approval of such facilities by the Littlestown Borough Council and/or
the Littlestown Borough Authority, as the case may be.
[Added 1-12-2012 by Ord. No. 642]
Power-generation facilities shall be permitted as an accessory
use in all zoning districts in accordance with the following standards.
A.
Solar panels, roof-mounted. Roof-mounted solar panels shall be permitted
in accordance with the following standards.
(1)
Roof-mounted solar panels shall comply with the maximum building
height requirements of the zoning district in which the installation
of the solar panel is proposed.
(2)
On pitched roofs, roof-mounted solar panels shall be installed as
close to parallel as possible to the pitch of the roof while not sacrificing
the efficiency of the solar panel.
(3)
On flat roofs, roof-mounted solar panels may be installed at an angle
to improve the efficiency of the solar panel with regard to the predominant
sun angle, provided that the solar panel is placed in a manner to
minimize its visibility from street level. In no case may solar panels
extend more than five feet above the top of a flat roof.
B.
Solar panels, ground-mounted. Ground-mounted solar panels shall be
permitted in accordance with the following standards.
[Amended 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. 698]
(1)
Ground-mounted solar panels shall only be permitted within the C-3,
C/E, and I/E Districts. Ground-mounted solar panels shall not be permitted
within the R-1, R-2, R-3, TCR, and TCMU Districts.
(2)
Ground-mounted solar panels shall comply with the setback requirements
of the zoning district in which the installation of the solar panel
is proposed.
(3)
Ground-mounted solar panels shall not be permitted by right in front
of any principal building.
(4)
Ground-mounted solar panels shall not exceed a height of 10 feet.
(5)
Glare from ground-mounted solar panels shall be directed away from
adjoining properties or street rights-of-way. Fences or vegetative
screens may be utilized to prevent glare from impacting adjoining
properties or street rights-of-way.
(6)
Ground-mounted solar panels shall be enclosed by a fence that complies with the requirements of § 500-19N.
(7)
A planting or buffer strip that complies with the requirements of § 500-19G shall be installed around the outer perimeter of the fence required by § 500-26B(6).
C.
Wind turbines. Wind turbines shall not be permitted.
[Amended 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. 698]
D.
General requirements. The following requirements shall apply to all
power-generation facilities.
(1)
Building permit required. The installation of solar panels and/or
wind-generation facilities shall be subject any permitting and inspections
with regard to applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction
Code (UCC)[1] in addition to any permitting required to demonstrate
compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 7210.101 et seq.
(2)
Purpose of facility. The primary purpose of a power-generation facility
shall be to provide power for the principal use of the property on/within
which the installation of said power-generation facility is proposed.
The primary purpose of the facility shall not be for the generation
of power for commercial purposes, although this provision shall not
be interpreted so as to prohibit the sale of excess power generated
from time to time.
(3)
Removal. Power-generation facilities shall be completely decommissioned by the facility owner within 12 months after the end of the useful life of the facility or if the facility has not produced power for the previous 12 months. Decommissioning shall include removal of the entire power-generation facility, including buildings, cabling, electrical components, foundations, pilings, and any other associated feature. Failures of the property owner to decommission a power-generation facility in accordance with this section shall constitute a violation of the Zoning Ordinance and shall be subject to the enforcement remedies established in Article VIII.
[Added 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. 698]
[Added 5-24-2011 by Ord. No. 650]
A.
Intent. The purpose of these provisions is to establish specific
standards for a CCRC as defined and as may be permitted in this chapter.
B.
Standards. CCRCs shall be subject to the following standards:
(1)
Permitted uses. The following types of uses shall be authorized to
be included within a CCRC:
(a)
Residential uses. At least two forms of residential arrangements
shall be provided within a CCRC. Authorized residential arrangements
include independent living, assisted living, and nursing or skilled
units, and may be provided in accordance with the following:
[1]
Independent living units may be of the single-family detached,
single-family semidetached, or multifamily dwelling unit types.
[2]
Assisted-living units may be of the multifamily dwelling unit
type.
[3]
Nursing or skilled units shall be located within a licensed
facility providing medical care and related services.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Subsection B.1.a.(4), which requires
one of the two residential arrangements at a CCRC to be a nursing
or skilled unit, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed
4-23-2013 by Ord. No. 659.
(b)
Common uses. The following common uses shall be permitted to
be located within a CCRC:
[1]
Dining facilities, including central kitchens and dining areas
for on-site preparation and serving of meals. Such dining facilities
may provide service to the general public in addition to residents
of the CCRC.
[2]
Recreation facilities, including, but not limited to, activity
rooms, auditoriums, lounges, and libraries.
[3]
Health care facilities, including, but not limited to, physical
therapy facilities and services, exercise room with equipment, swimming
pools.
[4]
Retail sales uses intended to serve the residents and employees
of the CCRC, provided that such retail sales uses do not exceed 10%
of the total floor area within the CCRC.
[5]
Personal service uses intended to serve the residents of the
CCRC, provided that such personal service uses do not exceed 5% of
the total floor area within the CCRC.
[6]
Professional office uses intended to serve the residents of
the CCRC, provided that such professional office uses do not exceed
10% of the total floor area within the CCRC. Floor area devoted to
medical or care services offered directly within a nursing or skilled
care facility shall not be included in calculating this percentage.
[7]
Chapels.
(2)
Bulk and area regulations. The following regulations shall be observed
for CCRC developments:
(a)
Maximum development density. The maximum residential density
of a CCRC development shall be 10 dwelling units per gross acre. The
following weighting factors shall be employed when calculating project
density:
(b)
Minimum lot size. The minimum lot size upon which a CCRC development
may be proposed shall be 10 acres.
(c)
Coverage. Maximum lot coverage for a CCRC development shall
be 50%. Maximum impervious lot coverage for a CCRC development shall
be 65%.
(d)
Maximum building height. Forty-five feet for nursing or skilled
unit buildings. Twenty-eight feet for all other buildings within the
CCRC.
(e)
Building placement. A CCRC development shall be designed as
a campus-like setting. Dimensional requirements are not established
for individual residential or nonresidential use types, provided that
the overall project density requirements established for CCRC developments
are achieved and that the following dimensional requirements for the
CCRC development are applied to the CCRC parcel as a whole:
(3)
Design requirements. A CCRC development shall be subject to the following
design standards:
(a)
Dwelling unit standards. The following standards shall be applied
to all dwelling units within a CCRC development:
[1]
Single-floor dwellings. A minimum of 50% of the dwelling units
within a CCRC development shall provide a single-story living arrangement.
For the purpose of this section, an apartment unit on a second or
third floor shall not be considered to have a single-story living
arrangement unless elevator service is provided. Nursing or skilled
units shall not be included in this calculation.
[2]
Accessible dwellings. A minimum of 25% of the dwelling units
within a CCRC development shall be designed to be accessible to disabled
or handicapped residents.
[3]
Single-family attached dwellings. All single-family attached dwellings shall meet the design requirements established in § 500-17E(4)(a)[5] through [9], inclusive.
[4]
Apartment dwellings and nursing or skilled unit buildings. All apartment dwellings shall meet the design requirements established in § 500-24B(5)(c), exclusive of the open space area requirement of Subsection B(1). Nursing or skilled unit buildings shall meet the design requirements established in § 500-24B(5)(c), exclusive of Subsection B(2) and the open space area requirement of Subsection B(1).
(b)
Nonresidential use standards. The following standards shall
be applied to all nonresidential uses within a CCRC development:
[1]
All nonresidential uses within a CCRC development shall be located
in a central location within the CCRC. The location of the nonresidential
uses shall be connected to the pedestrian system within the CCRC development
and shall be easily accessible for all residents.
[2]
Nonresidential uses may be integrated into buildings devoted
to assisted-living units and/or nursing or skilled units.
[3]
Where nonresidential uses are located in a building or buildings
separate from residential buildings, the building(s) with the nonresidential
uses shall have an architectural design that is consistent with and
reflective of the architectural character of the residential buildings
within the CCRC. Architectural renderings shall be submitted to document
such required consistency.
(c)
Parking.
[1]
Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the
following schedule:
[a]
Independent living unit: one space.
[b]
Assisted-living unit: one space for every two units.
[c]
Nursing or skilled care unit: one space for every
four beds, plus one space for every employee on the largest shift.
[d]
Common facilities: see schedule in § 500-19I(2).
[e]
Guest parking: one space for every five living
units.
[2]
In addition, off-street parking for multifamily dwellings and nonresidential uses shall be provided in a common parking lot located to the side of or the rear of the use to which said parking is associated. Parking lots shall meet the design requirements of § 500-19I(4).
(d)
Pedestrian facilities. A pedestrian network shall be provided
within the CCRC development to connect all dwelling units with all
activity centers, designated open space, and any common facilities.
The pedestrian network shall be comprised of sidewalks and/or asphalt
walkways constructed to a minimum width of five feet. The pedestrian
network shall include benches and shelters at minimum intervals of
500 feet. The pedestrian network within a CCRC development shall be
connected to the existing pedestrian network and facilities surrounding
the development site to allow for convenient pedestrian access to
services and amenities in close proximity to the development site.
(e)
A landscaping plan shall be developed for the entire CCRC development
site. Three planting units shall be provided for every dwelling unit
within a CCRC development. Selected plants shall be native to Pennsylvania.
The landscaping plan shall be prepared by a landscape architect licensed
to practice in Pennsylvania. Precise placement of plant elements is
not required; however, the landscaping plan shall relate to the need
to soften views of parking areas, garbage dumpster sites, and mechanical
and utility equipment sites, and shall facilitate attractive outdoor
recreation spaces.
[Added 5-25-2021 by Ord. No. 698]
A.
The use of a storage container as an accessory storage building shall
only be permitted in the I/E District. The use of a storage container
as an accessory storage building shall not be permitted in the R-1,
R-2, R-3, TCR, TCMU, C-3, or C/E Districts, or upon any residential
property regardless of the zoning district.
B.
A storage container used as an accessory storage building shall be
subject to dimensional standards, including but not limited to setback
and lot coverage standards, of the underlying zoning district.
C.
Stacking of storage containers for accessory storage building purposes
shall not be permitted.
D.
Storage containers used for accessory storage building purposes may
only be located to the side or rear of the principal building. Storage
containers shall not be permitted to be placed in front of any principal
building.
E.
Storage containers used for accessory storage building purposes shall
be placed on a flat, improved surface. Such surfaces include paved
surfaces or a gravel foundation. In no case may a storage container
be placed directly on a bare earth or vegetated surface.
F.
Storage containers used for accessory storage building purposes shall
not be placed in an area previously designed for on-lot parking spaces
or for loading spaces. Such storage containers shall not be placed
in a manner that blocks or in any way hinders access to on-lot parking
spaces or loading spaces.
