[Ord. 2035, 12/9/2002, § 201]
1.Â
Unless a contrary intention appears clearly, the following words
and phrases shall have for the purpose of this chapter the meanings
given in the following clauses. Any word or phrase not defined specifically
herein is intended to be used with its meaning in standard usage.
2.Â
For the purpose of this chapter, words and phrases used herein shall
be interpreted as follows:
A.Â
Words used in the present tense include the future.
B.Â
The word "person" includes a corporation, partnership, association
or other legal entity as well as an individual.
C.Â
The word "lot" includes the word "plot" or "parcel."
D.Â
The term "shall" is mandatory.
E.Â
The words "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or building
shall be construed to include the words "intended, arranged or designed
to be occupied."
F.Â
Words used in the singular number shall include the plural and the
plural the singular, unless the context indicates clearly to the contrary.
G.Â
The words "Ross Township" and "Township" refer to the Township of
Ross.
H.Â
The word "Commission" and the words "Planning Commission," refer
to the Ross Township Planning Commission.
I.Â
The words "governing body" or "Commissioners" refer to the Ross Township
Board of Commissioners.
J.Â
The words "Municipal" or "Municipality" refer to Ross Township.
K.Â
The word "Board" or the words "Zoning Hearing Board" refer to the
Ross Township Zoning Hearing Board.
L.Â
The words "Comprehensive Plan" refer to the Ross Township Strategic
Plan.
M.Â
The words "Strategic Plan" refer to the Ross Township Strategic Plan.
[Ord. 2035, 12/9/2002, § 201; as amended by Ord.
2163, 9/12/2005, § 2; by Ord. 2288, 4/12/2010; by Ord. 2308,
10/1/2012, § 1; and by Ord. 2322, 1/7/2013, § 1]
1.Â
ACCESSORY
A.Â
B.Â
ACCESSORY KENNEL
ACT 43
ADULT RELATED FACILITIES
ALLEY
ALTERATIONS
A.Â
B.Â
ANIMAL DAY CARE
APARTMENT
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
ARCADE
AREA
A.Â
B.Â
ARRAY
ARTERIAL STREET
BANK
BASEMENT OR CELLAR
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
BOARD
BOARDER
BOARDING OR ROOMING HOUSE
BUILDABLE AREA
BUILDING
A.Â
B.Â
BUILDING CODE OFFICIAL
BUILDING COVERAGE
BUILDING HEIGHT
BUILDING-INTEGRATED SYSTEM
BUILDING LINE
BUILDING-MOUNTED SYSTEM
BUILDING SETBACK LINE
BUILDING SPACING
CAR WASH
CELL
CELLAR
CENTER LINE OF STREET
COLLECTOR STREET
COMMERCIAL LOGGING
COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR DISPLAY AND STORAGE
COMMON OPEN SPACE
CONDITIONAL USE
CONSUMER FIREWORKS
A.Â
B.Â
CONVERSION
COURT
DAY-CARE FACILITY
DAY-CARE FACILITY, RESIDENTIAL
DECISION
DENSITY
A.Â
B.Â
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
DETERMINATION
A.Â
B.Â
C.Â
DEVELOPER
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
DRIPLINE
DRIVEWAY
DWELLING
A.Â
B.Â
C.Â
EASEMENT
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA
ENLARGEMENT
EROSION
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
FAMILY
FENCE
A.Â
B.Â
FLAG
FLOODPLAIN
FLOOR AREA
FORESTRY
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION MEETING FACILITY
FRONTAGE
GARAGE
A.Â
B.Â
C.Â
GREENHOUSE
GROUND-MOUNTED SYSTEM
GROUP CARE FACILITY
GROUP HOME
A.Â
B.Â
HEALTH CARE CAMPUS WITH ANCILLARY RETAIL
HIGHWAY, MAJOR
HOME OCCUPATION
HOSPITAL
HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY
HVAC
IMMINENT DEVELOPMENT
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
INTERCONNECTION
INTERMEDIATE NURSING CARE
JUNKYARD
KENNEL
KILOWATT (kW)
LAKES AND PONDS
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTING AND SUPPLY BUSINESS
LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES
LANDSCAPE SUPPLY BUSINESS
LODGER
LOT
A.Â
B.Â
C.Â
D.Â
E.Â
F.Â
G.Â
H.Â
I.Â
LOT LINES
A.Â
B.Â
C.Â
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY
MEDICAL MARIJUANA GROWER/PROCESSOR
MIXED USE OR OCCUPANCY
MOBILE HOME
MOBILE HOME LOT
MOBILE HOME PARK
MODULE
MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
NET METERING AGREEMENT
NONCONFORMING LOT
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
NONCONFORMING USE
NURSING HOME
PARKING
A.Â
B.Â
PENNANT
PERSONAL CARE BOARDING HOME
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PY)
PRINCIPAL
A.Â
B.Â
PRIVATE
PRIVATE STREET
PUBLIC
PUBLIC GROUNDS
PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC MEETING
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC RECREATION
PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION STATION
RECREATIONAL USE
RELIGIOUS WORSHIP, PLACE
REPORT
RESTAURANT
A.Â
B.Â
C.Â
RETAIL SALES AND SERVICE
A.Â
B.Â
RETAIL SALES AND SERVICE, CONSUMER FIREWORKS
RETAIL SALES AREA
RIGHT-OF-WAY
A.Â
B.Â
C.Â
ROOMER
SCHOOL
SELF-STORAGE MINI WAREHOUSE
SEMI-PRIVATE
SEMI-PUBLIC
SEWER (SANITARY)
A.Â
B.Â
SHOPPING CENTER
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED
SITE
SITE AREA
SKILLED CARE
SLOPES
SOLAR-BASED ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) RELATED EQUIPMENT
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEM
SPECIAL EXCEPTION
STORY (OF A BUILDING)
STREET
STREET LINE
STRUCTURE
A.Â
B.Â
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION
SUBDIVISION
SWIMMING POOL
TAVERN
TEMPORARY RETAIL SALES AND SERVICE, CONSUMER FIREWORKS
TOWNHOUSE
TOWNSHIP
TRACKING SYSTEM
TWO-FAMILY DWELLING
UNREGULATED YARD AREA
USE
A.Â
B.Â
C.Â
D.Â
UTILITIES
VARIANCE
VEHICLE SALVAGE YARD
WATER SURVEY
WAY
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS TOWER
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT BUILDING
WOODLANDS
YARD
A.Â
B.Â
C.Â
ZERO LOT LINE
ZONING DISTRICT
ZONING ORDINANCE
The following
words and phrases shall have the meaning specified for the purposes
of this chapter:
[Amended by Ord. No. 2409, 4/16/2018]
ACCESSORY BUILDINGSee "building, accessory."
ACCESSORY USESee "use, accessory."
An act, signed into law October 30, 2017, amending the Act
of March 4, 1971 (P.L. 6 No. 2), known as the "Tax Reform Code."[1]
[Added by Ord. No. 2409, 4/16/2018]
A business or establishment which offers its patrons services
or entertainment characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting,
describing or relating to "specific sexual activities" or "specified
anatomical areas."
A right-of-way which provides secondary service access for
vehicles to the side or rear of abutting properties, and is not intended
for general traffic circulation.
As applied to a building or structure, a change or rearrangement
in the structural parts, or in the exit facilities, or an enlargement
or diminution, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in
height, or the moving from one location or position to another.
STRUCTURALAny change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls, partitions, columns, beams, foundations or girders; any substantial change in the roof or the piercing of exterior walls.
A facility that cares for pet animals for less than 12 consecutive
hours in the absence of the pet owner or a facility that cares for
pet animals in training with or without the facility owner receiving
compensation for such services.
[Added by Ord. No. 2451, 11/16/2020]
Multi-family dwelling units where individual dwelling units
share a common access. Each unit shares with other units a common
yard area.
Every application, whether preliminary, tentative or final
required to be filed and approved prior to start of construction or
development including but not limited to an application for a building
permit, for the approval of a subdivision plat or plan or for the
approval of a development plan.
An amusement establishment in which coin-operated devices
for entertainment which may be operated by the insertion of coins
of varying denominations, discs, slugs, tokens or any other means
are the primary source of business, and other retail or eating activities
are secondary activities.
FLOOR AREA (GROSS)The sum of the areas of the several floors of the building or structure, as measured from the exterior faces of the walls. It does not include basements, unenclosed porches, attics not usable for human occupancy, nor any floor space in an accessory building nor in the main building intended or designed for the parking of motor vehicles in order to meet the parking requirements of this chapter, nor any such floor space intended and designed for accessory heating and ventilating equipment.
LOT AREAThe area contained within the property lines of the individual parcels of land shown on a subdivision plan or required by this chapter, excluding any area within an existing or designated future street right-of-way, or the area of any easement which would interfere with the proposed use. For all proposed residential uses having a lot area greater than one acre, there shall be an area within the overall lot of at least one acre for the primary building, accessory building, driveways, parking areas and on-site sewer and water systems. This area shall not contain floodplains, lakes, ponds, or watercourses. For all proposed residential uses having a lot area of one acre or less, the lot area shall not contain any of these noted natural features. Lots with natural features must comply with the requirements of § 27-1402, "Environmental Performance Standards," when the lot is developed.
Any number of electrically connected photovoltaic (PV) modules
providing a single electrical output.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
A major street serving as a principal or heavy traffic street
of considerable continuity and used primarily as a traffic artery
for intercommunications between large areas.
An establishment for the custody, loan, exchange or issue
of money; the office of a banking company.
An enclosed area partly or completely below grade. No basement
or cellar in a dwelling may contain a dwelling unit.
A single-family detached dwelling containing one or more
guest or spare bedrooms that provides lodging for one or more days
for compensation and in which meals for lodgers may or may not be
provided. This use includes dwellings listed on reservation websites
where owners list a spare room, apartment or house for rent. This
use shall not include group homes.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2435, 12/2/2019]
Refers to the Ross Township Zoning Hearing Board.
A person occupying any room or group of rooms forming a single,
habitable unit used or intended to be used for living and sleeping,
but not for cooking or eating purposes, and paying compensation for
lodging or board by prearrangement for a week or more at a time to
an owner or operator. Any person occupying such room or rooms and
paying such compensation without rearrangement or for less than a
week at a time shall be classified for purposes of this chapter not
as a roomer, boarder or lodger, but as a guest of a commercial lodging
establishment (motel or hotel).
A dwelling, or part thereof, in which lodging is provided
for compensation by an owner or operator to three or more nontransient
adults who are unrelated to the provider, and who require no special
assistance or service beyond food and shelter.
The portion of lot bounded by required yards.
A structure under roof, used for the shelter or enclosure
of persons or property. The word "building" shall include any part
thereof and refers to the main building.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2380, 1/17/2017]
BUILDING, ACCESSORYA subordinate building located on the same lot as a principal building and clearly incidental and subordinate to the principal building. Any portion of the principal building devoted to an accessory use is not an accessory building. An accessory building shall be any structure meeting the definition of a "building," as defined herein, which shall include but not be limited to: garages, storage sheds (not to include small equipment storage closets and/or chests), guest houses, and domestic servant or caretaker living quarters for those employed on the premises.
BUILDING, PRINCIPALA building in which is conducted, or is intended to be conducted, the primary use of the lot on which it is located.
The person appointed by the Township to such office who holds
a valid certification card from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
Department of Labor and Industry, as a Building Code Official.
The total horizontal area covered by all buildings, including
the main structure and all accessory structures on a lot divided by
the lot area of that lot expressed as a percentage. Accessory structures
include any covered enclosures.
A vertical distance measured from the average elevation of
the proposed finished grade around and at the structure to the highest
point of the roof and flat roofs, to the deck lines of mansard roofs,
and to the mean height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip and
gambrel roofs.
A solar photovoltaic system that is constructed as an integral
part of a principal or accessory building or structure and where the
building-integrated system features maintain a uniform profile or
surface of vertical walls, window openings, and roofing. Such a system
is used in lieu of a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting
for an architectural or structural component of the building or structure
that appends or interrupts the uniform surfaces of walls, window openings
and roofing. A building-integrated system may occur within vertical
facades, replacing view glass, spandrel glass or other facade material;
into a semitransparent skylight system; into roofing systems, replacing
traditional roofing materials; or other building or structure envelope
systems.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
A line parallel to the lot line, a distance therefrom as
prescribed in this chapter for a required yard and where there is
no required yard, then the lot line.
A solar photovoltaic system attached to any part or type
of roof on a building or structure that has an occupancy permit on
file with the municipality and that is either the principal structure
or an accessory structure on a recorded property. This system also
includes any solar-based architectural elements.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
An established line within a property defining the minimum
required distance between the face of any structure to be erected,
and an adjacent right-of-way or street line.
The minimum distance between two buildings. The minimum building
spacing shall be measured from the outermost wall or projection, excluding
bay windows, chimneys, flues, columns, ornamental features, cornices
and gutters. These exceptions may encroach no more than two feet.
A building, or portion thereof, wherein: (1) one or more
vehicles may be washed simultaneously using mechanized laundry equipment
or (2) a self-service car wash within a partially enclosed structure.
The smallest basic solar electric device which generates
electricity when exposed to light.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
See "basement."
See "street."
A street which carries traffic from minor streets to arterial
or major streets including the principal entrance streets of a residential
development and the streets for circulation within such a development.
The act of cutting live trees for cord wood, pulp, or any
other commercial purpose, excepting there from the clearing of no
more than one acre of wooded area on a lot per year or the clearing
of land which is incidental to imminent development, as defined herein.
A commercial activity in which merchandise is displayed and/or
stored outdoors.
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination
of land and water within a development site and designed and intended
for the use or enjoyment of residents of a development, not including
streets, off-street parking areas, and areas set aside for public
facilities.
A use permitted in a particular zoning district by the Board
of Commissioners pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and Article
VI of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10601
et seq.
[Added by Ord. No.
2409, 4/16/2018]
Any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or
combination or substances which is intended to produce visible or
audible effects by combustion, is suitable for use by the public,
complies with the construction, performance, composition and labeling
requirements promulgated by the consumer products safety commission
in 16 CFR (relating to commercial practices) or any successor regulation
and complies with the provisions for "consumer fireworks" as defined
in APA 87-1.
The term does not include devices known as "ground and hand-held
sparkling devices," "novelties" or "toy caps" in APA 87-1, the sale,
possession and use of which shall be permitted at all times throughout
the Township.
The division of an existing single family detached dwelling
to two or more apartments as defined herein.
An open, unoccupied space, other than a yard, bounded on
two sides or more, with a building, and beginning at main floor or
grade level unless otherwise permitted.
An establishment in which care is provided for seven or more
people at any one time, where the care areas are not being used as
a family residence and the provider meets the requirements of day-care
facilities as specified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department
of Public Welfare, the Township Building and Fire Codes, and which
is registered with the Township.
Day care in a single-family detached residence or a single-family
party wall dwelling limited to six or fewer persons including persons
under care related to the operator.
Final adjudication of any board or other body granted jurisdiction
under any land use ordinance or this chapter to do so, either by reason
of the grant of exclusive jurisdiction or by reason of appeals from
determinations. All decisions shall be appealable to the court of
common pleas of the county and judicial district wherein the Township
lies.
GROSS DENSITYThat ratio of the total number of dwelling units to the total acreage comprising a given parcel.
NET DENSITYThat ratio of the total number of dwelling units to the acreage within a given tract of land devoted to residential use, including streets, parking areas and open space, yards and courts which abut and serve residences, but exclusive of those areas devoted to common space, those areas containing grades (slopes) of 25% or greater after development, and those areas preserved by virtue of their significance or unique natural amenity.
The Department of Health of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
[Added by Ord. No. 2390, 5/1/2017]
Final action by an officer, body or agency charged with the
administration of any land use ordinance or applications thereunder,
except the following:
The Board of Commissioners.
The Zoning Hearing Board.
The Planning Commission, only if and to the extent the Planning
Commission is charged with final decision on preliminary or final
plans under the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. Determinations
shall be appealable only to the boards designated as having jurisdiction
for such appeal.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2371, 8/1/2016]
Any landowner, agent of such landowner, or tenant with the
permission of such landowner, who makes or causes to be made a subdivision
of land or a land development.
The provisions for development including a plat of subdivision,
all covenants relating to use, location and bulk of buildings and
other structures, intensity of use or density of development, streets,
ways and parking facilities, common open space and public facilities.
The phrase "provisions of development plan" when used in this chapter
shall mean the written and graphic materials referred to in this definition.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2371, 8/1/2016]
The outermost edge of a roof, including eaves, overhangs,
and gutters.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
A minor vehicular way providing access between a street and
a parking area or garage within a lot or property.
DWELLING IN COMBINATIONA single-family dwelling unit in combination with an existing or permitted office or commercial use, provided parking requirements for the nonresidential units are met.
DWELLING, PREFABRICATEDA dwelling, the framework, siding, walls, floors, ceilings or roof of which is constructed at some point other than the lot upon which it is to be placed and the plans and specifications of which have been approved by the Planning Commission in the case of each and every application for a building permit therefor.
DWELLING UNITAny room or group of rooms located within a residential building and forming a single, habitable unit with facilities used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating by one family.
A grant of the specified use of a parcel of land to the public,
a corporation or a person. Any structure within an easement shall
conform to zoning district requirements in which it is located.
An area that due to, but not limited to, steep slopes, wetlands,
landslide prone hillsides, undermining, or watershed issues requires
a more thorough evaluation of the impacts of development in order
to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the community
at large.
An addition to the floor area of an existing building, an
increase in size of another structure, or an increase in that portion
of a tract of land occupied by an existing use.
The removal of surface materials by the action of natural
elements.
The erection, construction, alteration or maintenance, by
public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies, of underground
or overhead gas, electrical, steam or water transmission or distribution
system, collection, communication, supply or disposal systems and
their essential buildings.
One or more persons related by blood, foster relationship,
marriage or adoption and in addition, any domestic servants or gratuitous
guests thereof; or a group of not more than five persons who need
not be so related, and in addition, domestic servants or gratuitous
guests thereof, who are living together in a single, nonprofit dwelling
unit and maintaining a common household with single cooking facilities.
A roomer, boarder or lodger shall not be considered a member of the
family.
A barrier constructed of materials other than shrubbery and
erected for the purpose of protection, confinement, enclosure or privacy.
FENCE, PRIVACYA fence erected or constructed to block the view of the enclosed property.
FENCE, SECURITYA fence erected or constructed to serve as a barrier to persons, animals or vehicles entering the property.
A piece of cloth or similar material varying in size, color
and design, used as a symbol, standard or emblem.
Any streams, ponds or lakes subject to a one-hundred-year
recurrence-interval flood as delineated by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers or subject to erosion caused by a one-hundred-year recurrence-interval
flood In addition, any areas identified in the future by anyone else
expert and experienced in the preparation of hydrological studies
and the determination of flood lines, subject to the review and approval
of a professional engineer selected by the Township.
See "area," Subsection (1).
The management of forests and timberlands when practiced
in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing,
cultivating, harvesting, transporting and selling trees for commercial
purposes, which does not involve any land development.
Land and buildings used by a nonprofit fraternal organization,
which organization is dedicated primarily to the education, entertainment
and betterment of its members and to charitable purposes; the use
of which land and buildings may include lodge and meeting rooms, auditorium
and related stage facilities, office areas ancillary to the activities
of the nonprofit fraternal organization and related uses.
All the property, measured along the street line, fronting
on one side of a street between intersections or intersecting streets,
or a street and waterway, or right-of-way, or end of dead-end street,
or municipal boundary.
A building or portion thereof to be used for the storage
or servicing of vehicles, but not including automobile sales.
COMMUNITY GARAGEA garage, one story in height, arranged with a common means of access for the use of the occupants of the same, or adjacent or nearby property, or customers or organization members.
PRIVATE GARAGEA garage with a capacity of not more than three vehicles for storage only, in which space for only one vehicle may be rented to a person who is not an occupant of the premises.
PUBLIC GARAGEAny garage available to the general public not included within the definition of "private garage." This includes public parking structures or ramps.
A business, the primary function of which is the sale of
plants, shrubbery, trees, tools and equipment related thereto.
A solar photovoltaic system mounted on a structure, pole
or series of poles constructed specifically to support the photovoltaic
system and not attached to any other structure.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
A facility, licensed or certified by a governmental or sponsoring
agency, which provided room and board and specialized services for
six or more residents who are mentally or physically handicapped or
any number of residents who are recovering alcoholics, abused or battered
persons, persons in a prison work-release program or delinquent children
adjudicated by the criminal court system under the age of 18 who are
in need of supervision for specialized health, social and/or rehabilitative
services.
A dwelling where room and board is provided to not more than
five permanent residents, including and limited to dependent children
(excluding those adjudicated by the criminal court system), mentally
retarded or physically handicapped persons of any age or elderly persons,
62 or more years of age, who are in need of supervision and specialized
services and no more than two supervisors on any shift who may or
may not reside in the dwelling and who provide health, social and/or
rehabilitative services to the residents. The services shall be provided
only by a governmental agency, its licensed or certified agents, or
any other responsible nonprofit social services corporation and the
facility shall meet the minimum requirements of the sponsoring agency.
A group home shall be considered a single family dwelling and
shall be authorized wherever a single family dwelling is permitted
subject to the requirements of the district applicable to single-family
dwellings.
A full scale health services community and campus and hospital
complex or any elements thereof, which shall include any one or more
of the following uses: hospitals; clinics, weight loss clinics; teaching
and research facilities; heliports and related facilities; laboratories;
supply facilities for medical equipment and accessories (e.g., dentures,
geriatric aids, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, home beds and bathroom
accessories for the disabled, hairpieces, wigs and other hair products
for cancer patients, hearing aids, orthopedics, oxygen tanks, prosthetics,
sports medicine bicycles, weights and whirlpools, uniforms, lab equipment
and religious supplies); child care facilities; nursing facilities;
nursing homes; sports medicine facilities; life care facilities (long
term care, skilled nursing and continuing care facilities); dormitories;
hotels, motels and other lodging which are primarily accessory or
incidental to the operation of a health care campus; parking, including
parking structures; conference centers; automated teller machines
("ATM"); hospital related pharmacies; medical school bookstore; auto
center for the maintenance of hospital/medical vehicles; post office
substation (as opposed to a full-service post office); food preparation
and serving facilities; and medical office buildings, health care
administrative buildings and other office buildings primarily incidental
or accessory to the operations of the health care campus or other
health related operations. Ancillary retail shall mean retail businesses,
including but not limited to, retail shops, barber and beauty shops,
dry cleaners and shoe repair shops, banking facilities, pharmacies
(other than hospital related) and restaurants which are primarily
accessory or incidental to the operation of a health care campus.
A street or road of considerable continuity used primarily
as a traffic artery.
An activity for gain customarily carried on in a dwelling
clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential
purposes.
An establishment (including sanitariums) for the short-term
care of patients suffering from physical or mental illnesses, but
not including narcotics addiction or those found to be criminally
insane, and which may or may not include facilities for major surgery
and which may be publicly or privately operated.
A residential building containing three or more dwelling
units where each dwelling unit is designed to be occupied by at least
one person who is 55 years of age or older and which may contain special
accessory features associated with the needs of the elderly which
are not usual in the construction of multifamily dwellings including,
but not limited to, common dining facilities, branch post offices,
personal services, gift shops, pharmacies, medical offices and similar
facilities.
Equipment used to heat, cool or ventilate a structure.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
Development which is reasonably expected to commence, and
for which there are realistic plans to commence, on a minimum eight
hours per day, 40 hours per week basis, utilizing a five on, two off
standard work week basis within 30 days of the completed cutting activated
and for which a development plan has been submitted and approved by
the Township.
A surface that prevents or retards the infiltration of water
into the soil and/or a hard surface area that causes water to run
off the surface of the ground in greater quantities or at an increased
rate of flow from the conditions prior to development, construction,
building or installation.
[Amended by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
The technical and practical link between the solar generator
and the grid providing electricity to the greater community.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
Health-related care and services, above the level of room
and board, provided on a regular basis to resident individuals who
do not require hospital or skilled nursing care, but who, because
of mental or physical condition, require services under a plan of
care supervised by licensed and qualified personnel.
An area of land, with or without buildings, used for the
storage outside of a completely enclosed building, or used or discarded
materials including, but not limited to, waste paper, rags, glass,
metal, building materials, house furnishings, machinery, vehicles
or parts thereof, with or without the dismantling, processing, salvage,
sale or other use or disposition of the same.
The breeding, leasing, buying, sale, exchange, placement,
boarding, training, grooming, or housing of more than four domestic
animals for compensation or profit in any indoor facility wherein
the animals cannot stray therefrom. Domestic animals shall be limited
to dogs, cats, and other such species as may be considered pets in
a residential setting.
[Added by Ord. No. 2451, 11/16/2020]
A unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 watts, which constitutes
the basic unit of electrical demand. A watt is a metric measurement
of power (not energy) and is the rate (not the duration) at which
electricity is used. One thousand kW is equal to one megawatt (MW).
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
Natural or artificial bodies of water which retain water
year-around. Artificial ponds may be created by dams or result from
excavation. The shoreline of such water bodies shall be measured from
the maximum condition rather than permanent pool if there is any difference.
Lakes are bodies of water two acres in extent.
A commercial landscaping contractor business that includes
the storage of vehicles, equipment and landscape supplies for the
commercial sale, transportation and installation of landscape supply
materials.
Includes, but is not limited to, mulch, compost, manure,
fertilizer, topsoil, aggregate, and the vehicles and equipment associated
with the sale, transportation and installation of landscape supply
materials.
The commercial outdoor storage, display and/or sale of landscape
supplies.
See "boarder."
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by
a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed
or built upon as a unit.
CORNER LOTA lot which has an interior angle of less than 135° at the intersection of two street lines.
DEPTH OF LOTThe mean distance from the street line of the lot to its opposite rear line, measured in the general direction of the side lines of the lot.
LEGAL LOTA legally-created parcel held under separate ownership at the time of the enactment of this chapter or a lot in a plan of lots or subdivision plat of record on the date of the enactment of this chapter or a lot in a plan of lots or subdivision plat of record on the date of the enactment of Zoning Ord. 446, November 28, 1949, that is shown to be either a separate and distinct numbered lot, or a lot at least equal in area to the recorded lots in the same plan; also a separate and distinct numbered lot in a plan of lots or subdivision plan officially and authoritatively approved subsequent to November 28, 1949.
LOT AREASee "area."
LOT COVERAGEThe percent of lot area covered by buildings or structures including all buildings, sidewalks, access drives, parking areas and stormwater management facilities.
LOT WIDTHThe distance measured between the side lot lines at the required building setback line. In a case where there is only one side lot line, lot width shall be measured between such side lot line and opposite rear lot line or street line.
NONCONFORMING LOTA lot the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to the adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance, but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located by reasons of such adoption or amendment.
THROUGH (INTERIOR) LOTAn interior lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets.
ZONING LOTA parcel of land that is designated by its owner at the time of applying for a building permit as one lot, all of which is to be used, developed or built upon as a unit under single ownership.
Any boundary line of a lot.
LOT LINE, FRONTSee "street line."
LOT LINE, REARAny lot line which is parallel to or within 45° of being parallel to a street line, except for a lot line that is itself a street line and except that in the case of a corner lot, the owner shall have the option of choosing which of the two lot lines that are not street lines is to be considered a rear lot line. In the case of a lot having no street frontage or a lot of an odd shape, only the one lot line furthest from any street shall be considered a rear lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDEAny lot line which is not a street line or a rear lot line.
Marijuana for certified medical use as set forth in the Medical
Marijuana Act and any subsequent amendments thereto.
[Added by Ord. No. 2390, 5/1/2017]
Act 16 of 2016, 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[Added by Ord. No. 2390, 5/1/2017]
A person, including a natural person, corporation, partnership,
association, trust, or other entity, or any combination thereof, which
is properly registered by the Department of Health to dispense medical
marijuana pursuant to the Medical Marijuana Act.
[Added by Ord. No. 2390, 5/1/2017]
A person, including a natural person, corporation, partnership,
association, trust, or other entity, or any combination thereof, which
is properly registered by the Department of Health to grow and process
medical marijuana pursuant to the Medical Marijuana Act.
[Added by Ord. No. 2390, 5/1/2017]
The use of one building for two or more purposes.
A transportable, single family dwelling intended for permanent
occupancy, contained in one unit or in two or more units designed
to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated
for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for
occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations,
and constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation.
A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the
necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for
the erection thereon of a single mobile home.
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land which has been so
designated and improved that it contains two or more mobile home lots
for the placement thereon of mobile homes.
The smallest protected assembly of interconnected PV cells.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
A body politic and corporate created pursuant to the Act
of May 2, 1945, P.L. 382, No. 164, known as the "Municipalities Authority
Act of 1945, 53 P.S. § 301 et seq."
An agreement with a local electric utility that allows customers
to receive a credit for surplus electricity generated by certain renewable
energy systems.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
A lot the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to
the adoption or amendment of this chapter, but which fails to conform
to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located
by reason of such adoption or amendment.
A structure or part of a structure manifestly not designed
to comply with the use or extent of use provisions of this chapter
or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such structure
lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendment
or prior to the application of this chapter or amendment to its location
by reason of annexation. Such nonconforming structures include, but
are not limited to, nonconforming signs.
A use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply
with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or amendment heretofore
or hereafter enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence prior
to the enactment of this chapter or amendment, or prior to the application
of this chapter or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.
A facility licensed to operate as such by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania for the purpose of providing skilled or intermediate
nursing care and related medical or other health services.
PARKING AREA, PRIVATEAn open off-street area other than a private road or way (with adequate means of access), used exclusively for the parking of automobiles of occupants of the premises.
PARKING AREA, PUBLIC; PARKING LOT, PUBLICAn open off-street area other than a private road or way (with adequate means of access), available to the general public for the parking of motor vehicles.
A narrow flag that tapers to a point, triangular in shape
or a banner rectangular in shape, affixed to a wall of a building
or between posts or trees, used for gaining attention or identification
or used as an emblem.
A facility licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania located
within a dwelling where room and board is provided to more than three
permanent residents who are not relatives of the operator and who
are mobile or semi-mobile and require specialized services in such
matters as bathing, dressing, diet and medication prescribed for self-administration
for a period exceeding 24 hours, but who are not in need of hospitalization
or skilled or intermediate nursing care.
A semiconductor-based device that converts light directly
into electricity.[2]
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
PRINCIPAL BUILDINGSee "building."
PRINCIPAL USESee "use."
Any procedure, function or establishment limited to members
of an organization or to other persons specifically invited or permitted
where no advertisement or inducement has been made to the general
public.
A private way used or intended to be used for passage by
motor vehicles.
Of, or pertaining to, buildings, structures, uses or activities
belonging to, or affecting, any duly authorized governmental body,
available for common or general uses by all.
Includes:
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Board
of Commissioners or Planning Commission, intended to inform and obtain
public comment, prior to taking action in accordance with this chapter.
A forum held pursuant to notice under the Sunshine Act, 65
Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.
Notice published once each week for two successive weeks
in a newspaper of general circulation in the Township. Such notice
shall state the time and place of the hearing and the particular nature
of the matter to be considered at the hearing. The first publication
shall not be more than 30 days and the second publication shall not
be less than seven days from the date of the hearing.
Leisure-time activities including, but not limited to, sports
and entertainment, that are open to anyone without restriction, except
for rules and standards of conduct and use.
Land or a building and its equipment erected and used for
the purpose of facilitating service to the public, including off-street
loading facilities for public conveyances; but where approved by the
Public Utility Commission for location in a residential district,
shall not include public business office facilities, storage of materials,
trucks or repair facilities, or housing or repair crews. See also
"essential services."
The utilization of land, buildings and structures for athletic
or educational amusement and/or diversion, providing that facilities
are erected on such land, for the accommodation of such use, such
land, buildings, structures and facilities being owned and operated
by a person, firm, corporation, association, charity, or other entity.
Any structure or structures used for worship or religious
instruction, including social and administrative rooms, and day-care
facilities accessory thereto, but not including any activity conducted
for profit.
Any letter, review, memorandum, compilation or similar writing
made by any body, board, officer or consultant other than a solicitor
to any other body, board, officer or consultant for the purpose of
assisting the recipient of such report in the rendering of any decision
or determination. All reports shall be deemed recommendatory and advisory
only and shall not be binding upon the recipient, board, officer,
body or agency, nor shall any appeal lie therefrom. Any report used,
received or considered by the body, board, officer or agency rendering
a determination or decision shall be made available for inspection
to the applicant and all other parties to any proceeding upon request,
and copies thereof shall be provided at cost of reproduction.
An establishment designed and operated for the express purpose
of providing food and beverages service within the confines of a structure
and generally excluding any encouragement, orientation or accommodation
of services or products to the patron's automobiles on or within the
premises. The sale of alcoholic beverages must be incidental to the
sale and consumption of food.
HIGH TURNOVERAn restaurant where food is inexpensive or moderately prices and the customer turnover time is generally less than one hour, including drive-in and take out establishments.
LOW TURNOVERAn restaurant where food is more expensive and where the customer turnover time is generally one hour or longer.
FAST FOODAn restaurant characterized by a limited menu and generally catering to drive-through traffic.
[Added by Ord.
No. 2409, 4/16/2018]
An establishment which sells products and/or services directly
to consumers, which may include wholesale sales as an accessory use,
provided the area devoted to wholesale sales constitutes no more than
25%, of the gross floor area of the establishment, but not including
the manufacturing or processing of any products on the site.
This definition does not include "retail sales and service,
consumer fireworks," as defined in this chapter.
A permanent establishment which sells consumer fireworks
directly to consumers. This definition does not include the sale of
display fireworks, as defined by Act 43.
[Added by Ord. No. 2409, 4/16/2018]
That area of a structure used for displays and sales purposes
involving stocks of goods, wares or merchandise incidental to such
purposes and accessible to the public; including, but not limited
to, retail stores, shops, sales rooms and markets.
EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAYThe legal right-of-way as established by the commonwealth or other appropriate governing authority and currently in existence.
FUTURE-RIGHT-OF-WAYThe right-of-way deemed necessary as appropriate to provide adequate width for future street improvements.
RIGHT-OF-WAYLand set aside for use as a street, alley or other means of travel. With respect to use by utilities, see "easement."
See "boarder."
Any public, private or parochial place of instruction having
regular sessions, with regularly employed instructors, which teaches
those academic subjects that are fundamental and essential in general
education and which provide pre-primary and or kindergarten through
twelfth grade, or a vocational school, all meeting the requirements
of the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
but excluding any privately operated school of trades, vocations,
avocations or business.
A building or grow of buildings containing one or more individual
compartmentalized storage units for inside storage of customers goods
or wares where no unit exceeds 500 square feet in floor area.
Nonprofit organizations requiring registration and/or membership
including fraternal organizations, lodges, swimming clubs, tennis
clubs or other athletic clubs.
Places of religious worship, parsonages and other related
functions, colleges, hospitals and other institutions of an educational,
religious, charitable or philanthropic nature.
PRIVATE SEWERAn "on-lot" disposal system providing for disposal of effluent for one building and its accessory building on a single lot subject to the approval of the Allegheny County Board of Health.
PUBLIC SEWERAny sewer system, owned and operated by the Township or authority created by the Township, in which sewage is collected from more than one lot and piped to an approved sewage disposal plant or central septic tank disposal system. It may also be referred to as an "off-site" sewer. This shall include capped sewers when installed to Township specifications.
A group of retail stores and other authorized uses, developed
as a single entity on a site whether developed at one time or in phases
or by different owners.
Dwellings for the purpose of housing a single-family as defined
herein, situated on individual lots with no public or community open
space. All dwelling units shall be situated on permanent masonry foundations,
including footings constructed below the frost line. Sometimes also
referred to in this chapter as "one-family dwelling."
Shall be defined as a parcel or parcels of land intended
to have one or more buildings or intended to be subdivided into one
or more lots.
All land area within the site as defined in the deed. Actual
area shall be from actual site survey rather than deed description.
Professionally supervised nursing care and related medical
or other health services provided for a period exceeding 24 hours
to an individual who is not in need of hospitalization but whose needs
are such that they can only be met in a nursing home on an inpatient
basis and who needs the care because of age, illness, disease, injury,
convalescence or physical or mental infirmity. This term includes
the provision of daily inpatient services that are needed on a daily
basis by the patient, ordered by a physician, which require the skills
of and are furnished directly by or under the supervision of technical
or professional personnel including, but not limited to, registered
nurses, licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, occupational
therapists, speech pathologists or audiologists.
The ratio of the vertical change in elevation of land over
a specified distance, often expressed as a percent.
A structural/architectural element that provides protection
from weather, that includes awnings, canopies, porches or sunshades,
and that is constructed with the primary covering consisting of solar
PV modules, and may or may not include additional solar PV related
equipment.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
Items including a solar photovoltaic cell, panel or array,
lines, mounting brackets, framing and foundations used for or intended
to be used for collection of solar energy.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
A solar collection system consisting of one or more buildings
and/or ground-mounted systems, solar photovoltaic cells, panels or
arrays and solar related equipment that rely upon solar radiation
as an energy source for collection, inversion, storage and distribution
of solar energy for electricity generation. A solar PV system is a
generation system with a nameplate capacity of not greater than 50
kilowatts if installed at a residential service or not larger than
3,000 kilowatts at other customer service locations and does not produce
excess on-site energy greater than currently permitted by Pennsylvania
Public Utility Commission guidelines.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
A use permitted in a particular zoning district pursuant
to the provisions of this chapter and Articles VI and IX of the Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. §§ 10601 et seq.,
10901 et seq.
That portion of a building included between the surface of
any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there
is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling
next above it. A basement shall be considered a building story if
more than one-third of the walls are five feet or more above the average
exterior grade.
Includes, street, avenue, boulevard, road, highway, freeway,
parkway, lane, alley, viaduct or any other ways used or intended to
be used by vehicular traffic or pedestrians whether public or private.
The dividing line between the street and the lot. The street
line shall be the same as the legal right-of-way provided that where
a future right-of-way width for a road or street has been established,
then that width shall determine the location of the street line.
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location
on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land.
STRUCTURE, ACCESSORY RESIDENTIALIncludes, but shall not be limited to: parking areas for personally owned vehicles, fences, retaining/decorative walls, bathhouses, private greenhouses, carports, and recreational facilities such as tennis courts, basketball courts and swimming pools.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2380, 1/17/2017]
STRUCTURE, ACCESSORY COMMERCIALIncludes, commercial accessory buildings or structures, or uses customarily incidental to the uses permitted in the commercial and industrial districts in connection with such uses, except outside storage.
Any change in the supporting members of a building or structure,
such as bearing walls or partitions, columns, beams or girders.
The division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land
by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions
of land including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether
immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution
to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development;
provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural
purposes into parcels of more than 10 acres, not involving any new
street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be
exempted.
Any pool which is constructed, used or maintained to provide
recreational facilities for swimming, bathing or wading, and which
is capable of containing water to a depth of greater than 12 inches
and all buildings, equipment and appurtenances thereto.
An establishment which serves alcoholic beverages for on-premises
consumption and which is licensed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control
Board.
A structure, other than a permanent facility with fixed utility
connections, which is in use or in place for a period of 20 consecutive
calendar days or less and is dedicated to the storage and sale of
consumer fireworks and related items. The sales period permitted in
such a structure is limited to June 15 through July 8 and December
21 through January 2 of each year. This definition does not include
the sale of display fireworks, as defined by Act 43.
[Added by Ord. No. 2409, 4/16/2018]
Single-family, attached dwelling unit, with one dwelling
unit from ground to roof, having no more than two walls in common
and each unit having individual outside access. In any one structure
containing townhouses, three units is the minimum number permitted
and six units is the maximum number permitted.
"Township" refers to the Township of Ross.
A number of photovoltaic modules mounted such that they track
the movement of the sun across the sky to maximize energy production,
either with a single-axis or dual-axis mechanism.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
Single-family, semi-detached dwelling unit having only one
wall in common with another dwelling unit. Duplex and double house
are both two-family dwelling unit types.
Area not within a building and not in a defined setback or
yard area.
[Added by Ord. 2355, 8/3/2015]
Any activity, occupation, business or operation carried on
or intended to be carried on in a building or other structure or on
a tract of land.
USE, ACCESSORYA use located on the same lot with a main use and clearly incidental or subordinate to and in connection with the principal use.
USE, MAINThe primary use on a lot.
USE, TEMPORARY PRINCIPALA primary use of a land site or portion of a land site for a temporary period of time. This includes, but is not limited to, carnivals, circuses, outdoor gatherings (not neighborhood block parties), fairs, street vendors and/or seasonal/holiday events or sales.
USE, TEMPORARY ACCESSORYActivities and facilities accessory to the development and construction of a permanent principal use or dwelling, usually a mobile home, temporarily allowed on the same lot with a permanent principal dwelling. Land development accessory uses include, but are not limited to, tents, trailers and mobile home offices for contractors, caretakers, equipment storage, real estate sales office and model home.
Those services customarily rendered by public utility corporations,
municipalities or municipal authorities in the nature of electricity,
gas, telephone, water and sewerage, including the appurtenances used
in connection with the supplying of such services (buildings, wires,
pipes, poles and the like).
Relief granted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter
and Articles VI and IX of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning
Code, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
Any land or structure used for a salvaging operation of two
or more unlicensed, inoperative vehicles. Salvaging includes storage
and sale of vehicular parts or vehicles.
An inventory of the source, quantity, yield and use of groundwater
and surface-water resources within the Township.
Dedicated public or private thoroughfare other than a street.
Not to be construed to include right-of-way.
Any device used for the transmission or reception of radio,
television, wireless telephone, pager, commercial mobile radio service
or any other wireless communications signals, including, without limitation,
omnidirectional or whip antennas and directional or panel antennas,
owned or operated by any person or entity licensed by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) to operate such device. This definition
shall not include private residence mounted satellite dishes or television
antennas or amateur radio equipment including without limitation ham
or citizen band radio antennas.
A structure other than a building, such as a monopole, self-supporting
lattice or guyed tower, designed and used to support wireless communications
antennas.
An unmanned building or cabinet containing solely the communications
equipment required for the operation of communications antennas.
Areas, groves or stands of mature or largely mature trees
(i.e., greater than six inches caliper (diameter) at a height of 14
inches above the ground, covering an area greater than 1/4 of an acre;
or groves of mature trees greater than 12 inches caliper at a height
of 14 inches above the ground consisting of more than 10 individual
trees.
An open space unobstructed from the ground up, on the same
lot with a structure extending along a lot line or street line and
inward to the structure. The size of a required yard shall be measured
as the shortest distance between the structure and a lot line or street
line.[3]
[Amended by Ord. No. 2470, 9/20/2021]
YARD, FRONTThe area between a structure and a street and extending the entire length of the street line. For the purpose of identifying the various yards, the front yard shall be the area as described between the street and front door.
YARD, REARA yard between a structure and a rear lot line and extending the entire length of the rear lot line. For the purpose of identifying the various yards, the rear yard shall be the yard opposite of the front yard.
YARD, SIDEA yard between a structure and a site lot line, extending from the front yard to the rear yard. In the case of a lot having no street frontage or a lot of odd shape, any yard that is not a front yard or a rear yard shall be considered a side yard.
Single-family detached dwelling unit located in such a manner
that one or more of the building's sides rests directly on a lot line.
A section of the Township for which uniform regulations governing
the use, height, area density and intensity of use of buildings and
land and open space about buildings are herein established.
Ord. 2035, 12/9/2002 as amended which is codified as this
chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 72 P.S. § 7101 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: The definition of "planned residential development,"
which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 8/1/2016
by Ord. No. 2371.
[3]
Editor's Note: See the yard designation illustrations included
in Attachment 4, Design Details.