[Ord. 179, 8/8/2011, § I; as amended by Ord. 196,
8/12/2013, §§ I, IV, VI, VIII, and IX; and by Ord.
205, 12/14/2015, §§ III — VIII]
AASHTO
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials.
ACCELERATED EROSION
The removal of the soil mantle through the combined action
of earthwork activities and natural processes at a rate greater than
would occur from the natural process upon undisturbed land.
ACCESSORY BUILDING (STRUCTURE)
A subordinate building or structure, the use of which is
entirely incidental to that of the principal or main building or structure,
used for an accessory use and located on the same lot.
ACCESSORY USE
A use customarily incidental and subordinate to and located
on the same lot occupied by the principal use to which it relates.
ACT 247
The "Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code," Act of July
31, 1958, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended by the Act of
December 21, 1988, P.L. 1329, No. 170, 53 P.S. § 10101 et
seq., and any subsequent amendments thereto.
ADULT COMMUNITY
A residential community that is intended and operated for
occupancy by persons aged 55 and older, is governed by a declaration
of covenants, conditions and restrictions that limits the occupancy
of dwellings to persons aged 55 and older, and otherwise qualifies
as "housing for older persons" in accordance with the Fair Housing
Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq. (2007) and its
implementing regulations.
ALLEY
A strip of land over which there is a right-of-way, serving
as a secondary means of access to two or more properties.
ALLUVIAL SOILS
Soils generally found in floodplains and formed by the deposit
of sediments or alluvium washed from uplands showing little or no
weathering or alteration of the original material by soils-forming
processes. Alluvial soils in East Coventry Township are identified
as Chewacla and Rowland Series soils.
APPLICANT
A landowner, developer or equitable owner, as hereinafter
defined, who has filed an application for subdivision and/or land
development with the Township, including his heirs, personal representatives,
successors and assigns.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
Every application, whether preliminary or final, required
to be filed and approved prior to the 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.
BASE FLOOD
A flood which has a one-percent chance of being equaled or
exceeded in any given year (also called the “one-hundred-year
flood” or “one-percent annual chance flood”).
[Added by Ord. 213, 6/12/2017]
BERM, LANDSCAPE
An earthen structure, a minimum of six feet in height with a 1:3 height to width slope along its length and at its ends, designed as an integral part of a landscape screen, as illustrated below. For an illustration see §
27-202 of Chapter
27.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
BERM, STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
An earthen structure, a minimum of six inches in height,
designed as an integral part of a stormwater management system.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPs)
Activities, facilities, designs, measures, prohibitions of
practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices
to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to waters of the
Commonwealth. BMPs can be either structural or nonstructural devices
that temporarily or permanently store or treat stormwater runoff to
reduce stormwater impacts from regulated earth disturbance activities,
to meet state water quality requirements, to promote groundwater recharge
and to otherwise meet the purposes of this chapter. BMPs include,
but are not limited to, infiltration, filter strips, low impact design,
bioretention, wet ponds, rain gardens, permeable paving, grassed swales,
forested buffers, sand filters and detention. All BMPs shall be designed
in accordance with the most recently issued "Pennsylvania Stormwater
Best Management Practices Manual."
BMP ACCESS EASEMENT
A twenty-foot right-of-way across private land providing
for unimpeded access for the installation, inspection, repair, maintenance
and replacement of BMPs within which the owner shall erect no permanent
structures, but may use the land in any other way not inconsistent
with the grantee's rights or other applicable regulations.
BRIGHTNESS
A term usually applied to the intensity of sensation resulting
from viewing a surface, opaque or transmitting, from which light comes
to the eyes. Everything that is visible has some degree of brightness.
BUFFER (BUFFER AREA, BUFFER YARD)
A designated area of land, containing a landscaped screen,
as defined herein, between two uses intended to protect one use from
another use that is incompatible, or to provide privacy between two
uses, or intended to protect the view(s) of or from a use.
BUILDER
A person, not necessarily the owner, subdivider, developer
of land or agent, who by contract or otherwise is responsible for
the construction of buildings or other structures or for making any
construction improvements on any parcel of land.
BUILDING
Any structure, permanently located on the ground, having
enclosing walls and a roof; a mobile home and a trailer used or to
be used for human occupancy.
BUILDING CODE
The provisions of Part
1, entitled "Building Codes," and Part
2, entitled "Uniform Construction Code," of Code Enforcement [Chapter
5] of the Township of East Coventry Code of Ordinances, subject to the replacement of the provisions of Part
1 by the provisions of Part
2 as provided by §§ 22-204 and 22-207 of Part
2.
BUILDING FOOTPRINT
The calculated square footage of any building or structure
as determined by the outside face of the foundation at grade level,
and which includes any roofed overhangs that are supported by posts
or additional foundation support.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance from the grade plane, as defined herein,
to the average height of the highest roof.
BUILDING PERMIT
A document issued and signed by the Building Inspector authorizing
the erection, alteration, or enlargement of a building or structure.
The document shall indicate that the proposed activity complies with
the applicable codes and ordinances of the Township.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building or structure in which is conducted or intended
to be conducted or designed to be conducted, the principal use of
the lot on which the building or structure is located.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE (BUILDING LINE)
A.
Except in the case of an interior lot, the building setback
line shall be a line, within and extending the full width of a lot,
parallel to the street line and set back a distance therefrom equal
to the depth of the minimum required front yard. To the extent that
the street line is curved, the building setback line shall be concentric
therewith. In the case of an interior lot (where preexisting or approved
by relief), the building setback line shall be a line, within and
extending the full width of the lot, which is (1) parallel to the
intervening lot line nearest the street line, and (2) setback from
such intervening lot line a distance equal to the depth of the minimum
required front yard.
B.
For the purpose of measuring lot width at and along the building
setback line, the following shall apply:
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in Subsection B(2), below, the
building setback line, for the purpose of measuring lot width, shall
be the minimum building setback line as defined in Subsection A, above.
(2)
In the case of a lot having its entire street frontage within
the turnaround, measured from reverse curve to reverse curve, of a
cul-de-sac street, the building setback line, for the purpose of measuring
lot width, shall be a curved line that is (a) parallel to and concentric
with the street line, and (b) set back from the street line a distance
equal to at least the depth of the minimum required front yard but
in no case more than twice the depth of the minimum required front
yard.
BULK
A term used to describe the size of buildings or other structures
and their relationship to each other, to open areas such as yards
and/or lot lines and includes: the size, height and floor area of
a building or other structure; the relation of the number of dwelling
units in a residential building to the area of the lot (usually called
density); and all open areas in yard space relating to buildings and
other structures.
CALIPER
The diameter of a tree measured in inches at six inches from
the ground surface.
CARPORT
A roofed-over structure, open on at least two sides, used
in conjunction with a dwelling for parking or other temporary storage
of private motor vehicles.
CARTWAY
That portion of a street or alley paved or otherwise intended
for vehicular traffic. Where vertical curbs are provided, the area
between the sides of the curbs facing the cartway shall be included
in the cartway.
CHURCH
A building used for divine public worship and education by
a congregation, but excluding buildings used exclusively for residential,
burial, recreational or other uses not normally associated with worship.
The term "church" shall also include temples, synagogues, mosques
and other similar places of worship.
COMMERCIAL
A use of land or improvements thereto for the purpose of
engaging in retail, wholesale or service activities for profit.
COMMON AREA
Any real estate designated for common ownership solely by
the unit owners in a condominium, any real estate within a planned
community which is owned by or leased to the homeowners' association,
or any area or space designed for joint use of tenants occupying a
mobile home development.
COMMON OPEN SPACE OR OPEN SPACE
A parcel, parcels of land, greenway, an area of water or
a combination of land and water designed and intended for the use
or enjoyment of the residents, consisting of landscaped or natural
terrain including lakes and streams. Common open space shall be substantially
free of buildings (but may include such buildings or other improvements
as are in the development plan as finally approved and as are appropriate
for the recreational uses). Common open space shall not include street
rights-of-way, yards, required areas for buildings, off-street parking
areas or similar functions. Common open space may include recreational
uses such as tennis courts, squash courts, playgrounds, golf courses,
swimming pools or other like uses. Common open space may also include
stormwater detention or retention facilities, provided that the area
devoted to such facilities shall not be included as part of the required
minimum open space area. For ownership purposes, any open space owned
by the Township shall be considered "public open space"; all other
open spaces shall be considered "private open space."
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The document adopted on May 19, 2003, by the Board of Supervisors,
in accordance with the provisions of Act 247, as the Comprehensive
Plan for the Township of East Coventry, including the Pottstown Metropolitan
Regional Comprehensive Plan - Update 2015, as adopted by the Board
of Supervisors by Resolution No. 2015-06 on June 8, 2015, and any
amendments thereto.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2020-247, 11/9/2020]
CONDITIONAL USE
A use, which is permitted in a particular zoning district pursuant to express standards and criteria prescribed for such use in the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27]. A conditional use is allowed (possibly with conditions attached) or denied upon application to the Board of Supervisors pursuant to public notice and hearing, and recommendation by the Planning Commission as set forth in Part
14 of the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27].
CONDOMINIUM
Real estate, portions of which are designated for separate
ownership, and the remainder of which is designated for common ownership
solely by the owners of those portions, and is created under the Pennsylvania
Uniform Condominium Act, P.L. 286, Act No. 82, as amended, 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101
et seq. A form of ownership of real property, not a type of use. Real
estate is not a condominium unless the undivided interests in the
common elements are vested in the unit owners.
CONSERVANCY LOT
A privately owned and maintained lot of 10 or more acres,
gross lot area, created under Option 4 of the Conservation Subdivision
Overlay District, containing an existing dwelling, agricultural structure,
or historic structure, comprising part of the required conservation
land in a conservation subdivision.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
CONSERVATION AREAS, PRIMARY (PCA)
Lands consisting of the Flood Hazard and Wetlands District
and prohibitive steep slopes (above 25%). In the Conservation Subdivision
Overlay District, all primary conservation areas are required to be
located within greenway land.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
CONSERVATION AREAS, SECONDARY (SCA)
Lands containing natural or cultural features, outside primary conservation areas, that are worthy of conservation by inclusion in greenway land. See a list of such features in §
22-432, Subsection 3.B, of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
CONSERVATION PLAN
A plan for the conservation of precipitation and soils meeting the standards established and revised from time to time by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Chester County Conservation District and by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. See §
22-306, Subsection
1, of this chapter.
CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION
A residential development, designed in accordance with the
standards in the Conservation Subdivision Overlay District in the
East Coventry Township Zoning Ordinance.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
CONSTRAINED LAND
Selected areas, constrained by natural and/or man-made resources
listed in the Zoning Ordinance subtracted from the gross tract area to determine net
tract area and to determine the required acreage of greenway land,
where applicable in the Conservation Subdivision Overlay District.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
CONVERSION
An alteration of a building, structure, historic resource
or land by change of use, theretofore existing, to a new use which
imposes other special provisions of a law governing building construction,
equipment, exits or zoning regulations. In the case of dwelling units,
the creation of two or more dwelling units within an existing single-family
detached dwelling, with the resulting units each having independent
kitchen, bath, and sleeping facilities.
CROSSWALK
A right-of-way exclusively for pedestrian or nonmotorized
vehicle travel across a street.
CUL-DE-SAC
A single access local street intersecting another street
at one end and terminated at the other end by a permanent vehicular
turnaround.
CULTURAL RESOURCE NOTICE
A notice provided to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum
Commission required by state permitting agencies in accordance with
the Pennsylvania History Code, Act of May 26, 1988, P.L. 414, No.
72, as amended, 37 Pa.C.S.A. § 101 et seq.
CULVERT
A pipe, conduit or similar structure, including appurtenant
works, which conveys a stream or drainage flow under a roadway.
DATE OF SUBMISSION
The date on which a completed application for subdivision
and land development together with all required information, fees,
etc., is received by East Coventry Township.
DATUM
Used as a basis for calculations or measurements as a level
from which elevations are measured in surveying.
DBH
The diameter of a tree at breast height measured 3.5 feet
from the ground surface.
DEMOLITION OR DEMOLISH
The razing or destruction, whether entirely or in significant
part, of the exterior of a building, structure, or historic resource.
Demolition includes the removal of a building or structure from its
site or the removal, stripping, concealing or destruction of an historic
resource, including, without limitation, the facade or any significant
exterior architectural features that are integral to the historic
character of the resource, for whatever purpose, including new construction
or reconstruction.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The Department of Health of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
or its representative having jurisdiction in the Township.
DESIGN STANDARDS
Minimum standards by which a subdivision or land development
is developed.
DETENTION BASIN
A structure designed to retard surface water runoff for a
period of time sufficient to provide for a reduced rate of discharge
through a controlled outlet, and to retard the velocity and cause
the deposition of sediment, and as a means of preventing erosion.
For the purpose of calculating the net lot or net tract area, the
area of a detention basin shall be measured as 20 feet outward from
the one-hundred-year storm event elevation contour within the basin,
or as recommended by the Township Engineer and approved by the Board
of Supervisors.
DEVELOPER
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 and/or a land development, or who constructs public improvements
or causes public improvements to be constructed.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
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 the development plan," when used in this chapter or in the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27], shall mean the written and graphic materials referred to in this definition.
DRAINAGE
The flow of water or other liquid and the means or structures
for directing such flow, whether surface or subsurface, and whether
natural or artificial.
DRAINAGE AREA
The upstream watershed area of a drainage basin measured
from a point of discharge in the watercourse.
DRAINAGE EASEMENT
A right-of-way not less than 20 feet in width across private
land providing for either the unimpeded surface flow or the installation
and maintenance of stormwater management facilities to facilitate
the flow of water within which the owner shall erect no permanent
structures, but may use the land in any other way not inconsistent
with the grantee's right or other applicable regulations.
DRIP LINE
A generally circular line around a tree, the circumference
of which is determined by the outer reaches of the tree's widest branch
points.
DRIVEWAY ORDINANCE
The East Coventry Township Driveway Ordinance, adopted July 19, 2004, as amended, codified at Part
1 of Chapter
21 of the Township of East Coventry Code of Ordinances.
DRIVEWAY, PRIVATE
An accessway located exclusively on a portion of one lot
that is intended for vehicular use and access to the principal structure(s)
located on such lot and which is privately owned.
[Amended by Ord. 215, 8/14/2017]
DWELLING
A building consisting of one or more dwelling units designed
and occupied principally for residential purposes.
DWELLING UNIT
A room or group of rooms within a building used, intended
to be used or capable of being used as a complete housekeeping facility
for one family, providing living, sleeping, cooking, dining and sanitary
facilities.
EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY OR EARTHMOVING
A construction or other human activity which disturbs the
surface of the land including, but not limited to, clearing and grubbing,
grading, excavations, embankments, road maintenance, building construction
and the moving, depositing, stockpiling, or storing of soil, rock
or earth materials, excluding agricultural activities.
EASEMENT
A permanent right granted for limited use of private land,
normally for a public purpose (e.g., utility, drainage, public access).
The owner of the property shall have the right to make any other use
of the land that is not inconsistent with the rights of the grantee.
EASEMENT, CONSERVATION
A legal agreement between a property owner and an appropriate
conservation organization or governmental entity through which the
property owner establishes certain use restrictions, which may include,
without limitation, historic resource facade easements, over all or
portions of the property for conservation purposes.
EDGE HABITAT
The boundary area where two different habitats meet.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
EMERGENCY ACCESS DRIVE
Emergency vehicle access lanes across lawn or agricultural
areas designed in accordance with the most current version of East
Coventry Township's Standard Public Improvement Specifications.
ENGINEER, TOWNSHIP
A professional engineer, licensed as such by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, duly appointed as the engineer for the Township.
EROSION
The process by which soils, vegetation and man-made materials
on the earth's surface, including channels, are worn away by action
of water, wind, frost, or a combination of other such geological processes.
FACADE
Any exterior face of a building or structure.
FENCE
A freestanding assembly of wood, glass, metal, plastic, wire,
wire mesh, masonry or vegetation, singly or in combination with other
materials, 2 1/2 feet high or higher, erected to secure or divide
one property from another or part of a property from a remaining part,
to assure privacy, to protect the property so defined or to enclose
all or part of the property. A freestanding masonry wall is considered
a fence.
FILL
Material, exclusive of structures, placed or deposited so
as to form an embankment or raise the surface elevation of the land.
FLOOD
A temporary inundation of normally dry land areas.
[Amended by Ord. 213, 6/12/2017]
FLOODPLAIN AREA
A relatively flat or low land area which is subject to partial
or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or
watercourse; and/or any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation
of surface waters from any source.
[Added by Ord. 213, 6/12/2017]
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent
land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood
without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than
one foot.
[Amended by Ord. 213, 6/12/2017]
FLOOR AREA
The total enclosed area in the horizontal planes of a principal
structure, and all accessory structures as measured from the outside
face of all exterior walls.
FOOTCANDLE (FC)
A quantitative unit for measuring illumination equivalent
to the illumination produced by a plumber's candle (standard source)
measured at a distance of one foot. One lumen per square foot.
GLARE
Brightness in the field of view that is sufficiently greater
than the amount of light to which the eye is adapted, to cause annoyance,
discomfort or loss of visual performance and visibility.
GLARE, DISABLING
Brightness in the field of view that impairs visibility and
creates a potential hazard to the health, safety and welfare of residents
and others in the Township.
GLARE, NUISANCE
Brightness in the field of view that creates an annoyance
or aggravation but does not create a potentially hazardous situation.
GRADE, EXISTING
The elevation, relative to a given datum, of the ground surface
prior to any excavation or fill.
GRADE, FINISHED
The elevation, relative to a given datum, of the ground surface
after completion of any excavation or fill.
GRADE, PROPOSED
The elevation, relative to a given datum, of the ground surface
to be achieved by excavation or fill.
GRADE PLANE
A reference plane representing the average of the finished
grade adjoining a building at the exterior walls. Where the finished
grade slopes away from the exterior walls, the reference plane shall
be established by the lowest points within the area between the building
and the lot line or, where the lot line is more than six feet from
the building, between the building and a point six feet from the building.
GRADING
The changing of the surface of the ground by excavation or
filling, or combination of the two, the act of moving earth.
GRADING PLAN
A plan to scale showing existing and proposed buildings and
other structures, as well as existing and proposed contours at sufficient
intervals to define scale, location, depth and gradient and general
slope of the ground.
GREEN
An area of greenway land, including common greens as required
by Zoning § 27-2204, Subsection B.2. An individual green
shall be 5,000 to 30,000 square feet. Greens shall be surrounded by
streets and dwellings on at least two and often three or four sides.
Dwellings shall face the green. Common greens may be designed as terminal
vistas within a street system.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
GREENWAY
A linear corridor of public or private land that provides
public access for a wide variety of users and which may allow use
by non-motorized vehicles. Greenways may also consist of linear open
space corridors not specifically established for public use, but conserved
primarily for ecological, environmental, historical or scenic reasons.
Greenways link points of interest together to create an interconnected
system of green space. Greenways located adjacent to watercourses
shall have a minimum width of 100 feet measured from the top of the
stream bank to provide a riparian buffer area. Greenways located within
utility corridors shall be of the same width as the utility right-of-way
or easement.
GREENWAY LAND
A parcel or parcels of land and/or water, within a conservation
subdivision, set aside for the protection of natural and cultural
resources. Greenway land consists of primary and secondary conservation
areas and is permanently restricted against further development.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
GROUND STABILIZATION FABRIC
A permeable plastic material designed to prevent upward or
downward movement of soil particles or other solids while allowing
vertical water movement. (Trade names include Mirafi 500, Bidim, Typar
and Supac.)
GROUNDWATER RECHARGE
Replenishment of geologic aquifers and rock or soil interstices,
which have the capacity to store water.
GUARANTEE, MAINTENANCE
Financial security, that is approved by the Board of Supervisors and which is required by the Board under and pursuant to §
22-309 of this chapter to guarantee the structural integrity and functioning of improvements, dedication of which to the Township, is accepted by the Board of Supervisors.
GUARANTEE, PERFORMANCE
Financial security, that is approved by the Board of Supervisors and which is required by the Board under and pursuant to §
22-310 of this chapter as a condition to final approval of a subdivision or land development plan, to guarantee that the improvements shown on the plan are installed and completed in accordance with the plan and applicable provisions of this chapter.
GUTTER
That portion within a street right-of-way, whether paved
or unpaved, designed for surface drainage.
HEIGHT
For structures that are buildings, see "building height."
For structures other than buildings, the height shall be the vertical
distance measured from the elevation of the proposed mean level of
the ground along the front of the structure to its highest point.
HISTORIC RESOURCE
A building, site, structure, object or district, aged 50
years or more, which meets one or more of the following criteria:
A.
Identified in the Historic Sites Survey of historic structures
in the Township, conducted in 1981, as described in the Comprehensive
Plan and as shown on Figure 3.10: Community Facilities Inventory Map,
dated February 2003 in the Comprehensive Plan.
B.
The recipient of a courtesy Chester County Historic Certification
certificate.
C.
Listed individually or as a contributing historic resource in
a Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
a list maintained by the National Park Service under the jurisdiction
of the Department of the Interior.
D.
Deemed eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places and, as such, has received a Determination of Eligibility from
the Bureau for Historic Preservation, Pennsylvania Historical and
Museum Commission.
E.
Identified in a Pennsylvania Act 167 Historic District.
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
The East Coventry Township Historical Commission established and created under and by Part
5 of Chapter
1 (Administration and Government) of the Code of Ordinances of the Township of East Coventry.
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
An association comprised exclusively of homeowners or unit
owners, organized as a profit or nonprofit corporation or as an unincorporated
association, and operated in accordance with approved bylaws, for
the purpose of governing and operating the association and administering
to the needs of residents through the management and maintenance of
common property and facilities owned by the association or its members.
HYDRIC SOILS
A soil that formed under saturated conditions including,
but not limited to, Bowmansville Silt Loam (Bo), Croton Silt Loam
(CrA - 0% - 3%) and Croton Silt Loam (CrB - 3% - 8%), Wehadkee Silt
Loam (We), and Rowland soils series (Ro).
HYDROLOGY
The science of the water cycle, describing the properties,
distribution and effects of water on the earth's surface, in the soil
and underlying rocks and in the atmosphere.
ILLUMINANCE
The quantity of light measured in foot-candles or lux.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE/COVER
Any surface or constructed material, which is impenetrable
to the passage of water or other liquids under normal conditions and
thus produces stormwater runoff from precipitation. All buildings,
including roof overhangs, parking areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks,
stone driveways or parking areas, and other such areas in concrete
or asphalt, shall be considered components of impervious cover. In
addition, other areas determined by the Township Engineer to be impervious
within the meaning of this definition shall also be considered as
contributing to total impervious cover. For purposes of determining
compliance with maximum impervious cover limitations on any lot or
tract, impervious cover shall be measured as a percentage of net tract
area, defined herein.
IMPROVEMENTS
Physical additions, installations and/or changes to buildings,
structures or land such as, but not limited to, grading, paving, roads,
curbing, fire hydrants, water mains, sanitary sewers, capped sewers,
storm sewers, storm drains, catch basins, culverts, sidewalks, monuments,
crosswalks, bridges, earthworks, street lights, wells, sewage disposal
systems, street trees, landscaped screens and other plantings and
other man-made facilities that may be necessary, desirable or proposed
in a subdivision or land development in order to render the land suitable
for the use or uses intended.
IMPROVEMENTS, PUBLIC
Improvements including, but not limited to, grading, paving,
roads, curbing, fire hydrants, water mains, sanitary sewers and other
surface drainage facilities, retaining walls, street signs, monuments
or the like, which may be dedicated to the Township.
INDUSTRIAL USE
Any use permitted in the LI Limited Industrial Zoning District
that involves the fabrication, production, repair, alteration and/or
storage of a product(s) within a building and/or outdoors. Such uses
do not include customer oriented retail sales.
LAND DEVELOPMENT
A.
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts
or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(1)
A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings,
whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential
building on a lot or lots, regardless of tenure or the number of occupants,
whether owners or renters; or
(2)
The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially
or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective
occupants by means of, or for the purpose of, streets, common areas,
leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.
C.
Development in accordance with § 503(1.1) of the MPC.
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The following shall be excluded from the definition of land
development: (A) the conversion of an existing single-family detached
dwelling or a single-family semi-detached dwelling into not more than
three dwelling units, unless such units are intended to be a condominium;
and (B) the addition of an accessory building, including farm buildings,
on a lot or lots subordinate to an existing principal building.
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LAND DISTURBANCE
Any activity which causes land to be exposed to erosion, including clearing, grading, filling and any other activity, excepting agricultural activities resulting in the movement of earth or stripping of vegetative cover or removal of hazardous or invasive alien vegetation (see definition of "woodland disturbance" under §
27-202 of the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27]); includes, without limitation, earthmoving.
LANDOWNER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including
the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such
option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee if he is
authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner,
or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
LANDSCAPE SCREEN
The use of plant material, walls, fencing or earthen berms, or combinations thereof, to: (A) aid in the concealment of such features as parking and loading areas; (B) to provide privacy and/or protection between two incompatible land uses; or, (C) to provide a visual and/or sound barrier. Where a wall, fence or berm is employed, such structures shall be not less than six feet in height. The landscape screen shall meet the requirements of §
22-428 of this chapter.
LANDSCAPING
The planting of turf or other appropriate ground cover or
the planting of deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubbery, other than
for agricultural purposes, and including the maintenance and replacement
thereof, for control of erosion, retention of precipitation, protection
against elements or promotion of human comfort and welfare.
LEVEL OF SERVICE
A description of traffic conditions along a given roadway
or at a particular intersection. As defined by the Highway Capacity
Manual, level of service, ranging from A to F, measures the operational
conditions within a traffic stream in terms of such factors as speed,
travel time, delay, freedom to maneuver, traffic interruptions, comfort
and convenience.
LIGHT TRESPASS
Light emitted by a lighting installation, which extends beyond
the boundaries of the lot on which the installation is sited.
LOT
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed or built upon in accordance with this chapter, the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27] and/or other applicable law.
LOT AREA, GROSS
The area of land contained within the property lines of a
parcel, tract or lot as described in the deed or as shown on an approved
subdivision plan.
LOT AREA, NET
The gross lot area excluding the following areas:
A.
Any area (1) within a street ultimate right-of-way; or (2) within
any other ultimate right-of-way, whether public or private, that provides,
or is intended to provide, access to more than one lot by way of vehicular
and/or pedestrian circulation.
B.
Any area, easement or right-of-way to be used for emergency
access, drives or fire lanes.
C.
Any existing easements or rights-of-way for gas, oil, natural
gas, electric or communications transmission facilities, whether below
or above grade, that do not exclusively serve the lot.
D.
Any stormwater management basin and the perimeter easement area required by §
9-174 of the Stormwater Management Ordinance [Chapter
9, Part
1].
[Amended by Ord. No. 228, 12/10/2018]
E.
Any sanitary sewer easement area.
F.
Any area overlain by the one-hundred-year floodplain.
G.
Any area of prohibitive steep slope.
H.
Any area of seasonally high water table soils and hydric soils.
J.
Any riparian buffer area.
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The net lot area shall be used to determine the area, bulk, coverage, dimensional and density requirements as provided in the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter 27].
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LOT, CORNER
A lot at the junction of, and abutting on two or more streets.
LOT COVERAGE
The ratio or percentage of the total ground floor area of
all buildings on a lot to the gross area of the lot on which they
are located.
LOT DEPTH
The distance along a straight line drawn from the midpoint
of the front lot line to the midpoint of the rear lot line.
LOT, FRONTAGE
The uninterrupted linear or curvilinear extent of a lot measured
along the street right-of-way from the intersection of one side lot
line to the intersection of the other side lot line.
LOT, INTERIOR
A pre-existing lot, existing as of December 31, 2002, or
lot approved to provide relief, having limited frontage on a public
or private road, where such frontage is intended primarily to provide
access to the lot. The strip of land used for access shall be a fee
simple part of the lot. An interior lot shall include, without limitation,
a flag lot.
LOT LINE
A property boundary line of any lot held in single and separate
ownership, except that, in the case of any lot abutting a street,
the lot line for such portion of the lot as abuts such street shall
be deemed to be the same as the street line, and shall not be the
center line of the street or any other line within the street lines
even though such may be the property boundary.
LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT
An adjustment of boundary lines to accommodate the transfer
of land among/between adjacent property owners of existing lots, which
does not result in the creation of any new lots.
LOT LINE, FRONT
Front lot line shall mean the line separating such lot from
the ultimate street right-of-way.
LOT LINE, REAR
A line opposite and most distant from the front lot line.
If the rear lot line is less than 10 feet in length, or if the lot
forms a point at the rear, the rear lot line shall be deemed to be
a line 10 feet in length within the lot, parallel to and at the maximum
distance from the front lot line. In the case of a corner lot, any
lot line that is not a front lot line or a side lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDE
Any lot line that is not a front or rear lot line. In the
case of a corner lot, any lot line that intersects a front lot line
may be considered a side lot line.
LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGE
A lot extending between and having frontage on an existing
or proposed arterial, collector or local street and a local street
and with vehicular access solely from the latter.
LUMEN
A unit used to express the light output of a lamp or fixture.
The number of lumens striking a square foot of area determines the
footcandle level (lumens per square foot).
LUMINAIRE
A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp(s) together
with the parts required to distribute the light, position and protect
the lamp and to connect the lamp to a power supply. Used synonymously
with the term "fixture."
MANAGED MEADOW
An area intentionally grown or planted with a mix of native
species, wildflowers and grasses, mowed at least annually and maintained
to reduce or eliminate non-native and invasive plant species.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-256, 11/14/2022]
MARKER
An iron pipe or pin of at least 1/2 inch diameter and at
least 36 inches in length embedded vertically into the ground.
MINIMIZE
To reduce to the smallest amount or extent possible. "Minimize"
shall not mean complete elimination but shall require that the most
substantial efforts possible under the circumstances have been taken
to reduce the adverse effect(s) of the action required to be minimized.
"Minimize" shall include, but not be limited to, the requirement that
the placement of dwellings and other structures and the locations
of roads, stormwater management facilities, and other land disturbance
shall be planned and designed to reduce the adverse effect(s) of the
activity in question to the smallest amount possible under the circumstances
consistent with otherwise permitted development.
MINIMUM YARD
The minimum front, side or rear yard setback distance measured
from its corresponding lot line of the lot as required by the applicable
zoning district, which is open and unobstructed from the ground to
the sky, except for permitted accessory structures and signs.
MITIGATION
A.
An action undertaken to accomplish one or more of the following:
(1)
Avoid or minimize impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude
of the action and its implementation.
(2)
Rectify the impact by repairing, rehabilitating or restoring
the impacted environment.
(3)
Reduce or eliminate the impact over time by preservation and
maintenance operations during the life of the action.
(4)
Obtain a Memorandum of Agreement relating to a historic resource.
B.
If the impact cannot be minimized in accordance with Subsection
A(1) through (4) above, compensation for the impact by replacing the
environment impacted by the project or by providing substitute resources
or environments.
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME
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.
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME LOT
A parcel of land in a mobile home/manufactured home park,
improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances
necessary for the erection thereon of a single mobile/manufactured
home.
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME PAD
A concrete pad on which a mobile/manufactured home is placed
at least six inches in thickness with a base of at least six inches
of 2B stone and with at least six tie-down rings to which the mobile/manufactured
home shall be secured. The pad shall be equal in length and width
to the dimensions of the mobile home to be placed thereon.
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME PARK
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land under single ownership
which has been planned and improved for placement of mobile homes
for nontransient use, consisting of two or more mobile/manufactured
home lots.
MONUMENT
A permanent concrete monument with a flat top at least four
inches in diameter or square, and at least 36 inches in length, embedded
vertically into the ground and to the top of which is permanently
affixed a reference mark (indented cross or drill hole). The monument
shall be tapered so that the dimensions at the bottom are at least
two inches greater than the top, to minimize movement caused by frost.
MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE/ACT 247/MPC
The Act of July 31, 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted
and amended, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., known as the "Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code," together with amendments and supplements
thereto and any new statutes substituted therefor, as in force at
the time of application.
NEUTRAL DENSITY
A use, subdivision or land development which neither increases
nor decreases the permitted density, but rather permits development
in accordance with the underlying permitted density of that zoning
district.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Structures for which the start of construction commenced
on or after September 29, 2017, and includes any subsequent improvements
to such structures. Any construction started after February 17, 1982,
and before September 29, 2017, is subject to the ordinance in effect
at the time the permit was issued, provided the start of construction
was within 180 days of permit issuance.
[Amended by Ord. 213, 6/12/2017]
NEW MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME PARK
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land containing two or more mobile/manufactured home lots for rent for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lot on which the mobile/manufactured home is to be affixed (including at a minimum the installation of utilities, either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads and the construction of streets) is completed on or after the effective date of the floodplain regulations set forth in the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27].
[Amended by Ord. 213, 6/12/2017]
NURSERY
A tract of land on which trees and plants are raised and
stored for transplanting or sale.
OFFICIAL MAP
A map, legally adopted by the Board of Supervisors pursuant
to Article IV of the MPC, showing (A) officially dedicated, ordained,
opened or planned streets, existing and proposed watercourses and
public grounds, including widenings, narrowings, extensions, diminutions
and openings or closings thereof, (B) existing public parks and other
public properties, and those proposed for acquisition by the Township
by condemnation, purchase, dedication or otherwise, (C) pedestrian
ways and easements, (D) railroad and transit rights-of-way and easements,
(E) flood control basins, floodways and floodplains, stormwater management
areas, stormwater management basin easements, and drainage easements,
and (F) support facilities, easements and other properties held by
the Township and other public agencies.
OFFICIAL SEWAGE FACILITIES PLAN
The Act 537 Plan, including all revisions thereto, for the
provision of adequate sewage systems adopted by the Township and submitted
to and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
as provided in and by the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act and the
regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
promulgated thereunder.
PARKING, OFF-STREET
A parking space or spaces as required by the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27], no part of which shall be located within any public or private street right-of-way.
PARKING, ON-STREET
A parking space or spaces as permitted by the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27], which shall be located fully within a street, but outside of the cartway.
PARKING LOT
An off-street surfaced area designed solely for the parking
of motor vehicles, including driveways, passageways and maneuvering
space appurtenant thereto.
PARKING SPACE
A reasonably level space designated for the parking of one motor vehicle, surfaced to permit use under all weather conditions, the dimensions of which are consistent with §
27-1306, Subsection 1B(1), of the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27], exclusive of passageways, driveways or other means of circulation and access and to which there is access from a street, alley, or driveway. For residential dwellings, parking spaces within garages shall not be considered in the calculation of the minimum number of required off-street parking spaces.
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan of East Coventry
Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, dated April 2017, which comprises
a chapter of the East Coventry Township Comprehensive Plan, and any
amendments or supplements thereto.
[Amended by Ord. No. 228, 12/10/2018]
PEDESTRIAN WAY
A paved or non-paved surface designed to provide for the
movement and circulation of pedestrians and/or bicyclists, including
sidewalks, walkways, paths and trails.
PENNDOT
The Department of Transportation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
PENNSYLVANIA SEWAGE FACILITIES ACT
The Act of January 24, 1966, P.L. (1965) 7.535, No. 537,
as amended, 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq., together with amendments
and supplements thereto and any new statutes substituted therefor,
as in force at the time of application.
PERSON
Any individual, firm, trust, condominium, partnership, joint
venture, unincorporated association, business association or corporation,
whether public or private or other legal entity cognizable at law.
PHMC
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
PIPELINE
As defined by Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, §§
195.2 and 192.3.
[Added by Ord. 209, 12/12/2016]
PLAN, AS-BUILT
Plans in accordance with the requirements identified in Appendix
2 of the Standard Public Improvement Specifications.
PLAN, LAND DEVELOPMENT
A plan depicting all aspects of a particular land development
as required herein, including all exhibits, drawings, cross-sections,
profiles and descriptive text to the degree of detail specified herein
and sufficient to portray the full intent of a developer.
PLAN, PROFILE
A plan prepared by an engineer or surveyor registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania showing the vertical section of the existing and proposed grade along the center line of any proposed street and any street appurtenances to be constructed or installed, which must include a typical cross-section of the street construction and the grades of all street right-of-way lines and curb lines; part of the required submission of the improvement construction plan in accordance with §
22-306, Subsection 2E, of this chapter.
PLAN, RECORD
The copy of the final plan which contains the original endorsements
of the Chester County Planning Commission and the Township and which
is intended to be recorded with the Chester County Recorder of Deeds.
PLANNER, TOWNSHIP
A person duly designated by the Board of Supervisors to perform
the duties of planner as herein specified.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The East Coventry Township Planning Commission, Chester County,
Pennsylvania.
PLANTING STRIP
A strip of land lying between; (A) the curb line, or edge
of the paving of a street, and (B) the sidewalk, or edge of parking
lot paving.
PLAT
The map or plan of a subdivision of land or land development,
whether preliminary or final.
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER
An individual licensed and registered under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the practice of engineering.
PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR
An individual licensed and registered under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the practice of land surveying.
PUBLIC GROUNDS
Areas of land or water that include parks, playgrounds, trails,
paths and other public areas, and the sites for schools, sewage treatment,
refuse disposal and other publicly owned or operated facilities.
PUBLIC HEARING
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Board
of Supervisors, the Township Planning Commission or the Zoning Hearing
Board intended to inform and obtain public comment prior to taking
action in accordance with this chapter and the MPC.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
Those facilities that are designed for and available to the
public, which may be offered for dedication to the Township, including,
but not limited to, streets, stormwater management facilities, sidewalks,
curbs, trails and public sanitary sewers.
PUBLIC MEETING
A forum held pursuant to notice under 65 Pa.C.S.A., Chapter
7, known as the "Sunshine Act."
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of a hearing published once each week for two successive
weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Township. Such
notices shall state the time and place of any 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, prior to the date of the hearing.
PUBLIC SEWER
Any off-site system, including all parts, facilities and
other appurtenances thereof (including laterals), owned and/or operated
by the Township, for the collection, conveyance, treatment and/or
disposal of sanitary sewage and/or industrial wastes through means
approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
PUBLIC UTILITY
An agency which, under public franchise or ownership, or
under certificate of convenience and necessity, provides the public
with communication, gas, power, rail, transportation, sewer or water
facilities or other similar service.
QUEUE ANALYSIS
An analysis that identifies the maximum queue of vehicles
in each traffic stream, measured in feet. A queue analysis shall utilize
a computer model typically accepted by PennDOT and the Township.
RAIN GARDEN
An excavated, shallow surface depression, no greater than
two feet in depth, with sides no steeper than a 15% slope, planted
with specially selected native vegetation to treat and capture runoff.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-260, 6/12/2023]
RECREATION, ACTIVE
Recreational pursuits that require developed facilities and
physical alteration to the area in which they are performed. These
recreational activities are typically organized or self-directed,
often performed with others, require equipment, have rules and take
place at prescribed places, sites or fields. Examples of active recreation
area include, but are not limited to, playgrounds, ball courts and
fields and swimming pools. Active recreation shall exclude amusement
parks. Areas of land designed for active recreation shall satisfy
the following criteria:
[Amended by Ord. No. 2019-234, 9/9/2019]
A.
The land has a slope of 5% or less determined by the ratio of
the change in elevation (rise) over the horizontal distance (run)
as measured between three adjacent contour intervals of two feet each,
expressed as a percentage such that they delineate slope of 5% or
less, and is suitable for active recreational uses without interfering
with adjacent dwelling units, parking, driveways and roads; and,
B.
The land does not constitute a "wetland" under federal or state
regulations; and,
C.
The land is not included in, or made part of, stormwater management
facilities, including detention/retention basins, swales, culverts
and any associated appurtenances thereto.
RECREATION, PASSIVE
Recreational activities that offer constructive, restorative
and pleasurable human benefits and foster appreciation and understanding
of open space and its purpose. These recreational pursuits do not
significantly impact natural, cultural, scientific or agricultural
features, can be carried out with little alteration or disruption
to the area in which they are performed, and require only minimal
visitor facilities and services directly related to safety. Such uses
include, but are not limited to, hiking, biking and picnicking.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2019-234, 9/9/2019]
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle that is: (A) built on a single chassis, (B) 400
square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection,
(C) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light
duty truck or car, and (D) designed as temporary living quarters for
recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use and not for continued
occupancy or use as a permanent dwelling. The term "recreational vehicle"
shall include tent trailers, travel trailers, motor homes, mini motor
homes and any similar self-propelled or trailered vehicle used mainly
to provide easily transportable, temporary living accommodations.
Also included are boats, other watercraft, snowmobiles, all-terrain
vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles meant for rugged, off-the-road
use.
RECREATION LAND
An area of land deemed suitable by the Board of Supervisors
for active and/or passive recreation.
[Added by Ord. No. 2019-234, 9/9/2019]
REFORESTATION
The restocking of an area with forest trees, including natural
regeneration as well as tree planting.
RESERVE STRIP
A parcel of ground in separate (sometimes public) ownership
separating a street from other adjacent properties or from another
street.
RESUBDIVISION
Any replatting or resubdivision of land, limited to changes
in lot lines on the approved final plan or recorded plan as specified
in this chapter. Other replattings shall be considered as constituting
a new subdivision of land. See also "subdivision."
RETAINING WALL
A stabilized structure of stone, concrete or treated wood
designed to prevent the erosion or collapse of a soil cut or fill.
RETENTION BASIN
A reservoir, formed from soil or other material, designed
to permanently retain stormwater runoff from a specified amount of
stormwater runoff as defined by this chapter, to detain temporarily
additional stormwater runoff and/or to retain perennial or intermittent
surface water flow from permanent or intermittent streams. Retention
basins always contain water and include man-made ponds and lakes.
For the purpose of calculating the net lot or net tract area, the
area of a retention basin shall be measured as 20 feet outward from
the one-hundred-year storm event elevation contour within the basin,
or as recommended by the Township Engineer and approved by the Board
of Supervisors.
RIGHT-OF-WAY, LEGAL
The total width of any land dedicated as a street, alley,
crosswalk, utility or for any other public or private purpose, as
reflected on a recorded subdivision plat, boundary plat or dedication
plat.
RIGHT-OF-WAY, ULTIMATE
The total width of any land which is expected to be needed
for a street, alley, crosswalk, utility or for any other public or
private purpose, including lands privately owned, but intended to
be acquired by a public agency.
RIPARIAN BUFFER AREA
Any area within 100 feet measured from the top of the stream
bank or within 100 feet measured from the water's edge if no well-defined
stream bank is present along Pigeon Creek, Stony Run, Bickles Run,
the Schuylkill River and their perennial tributaries, within which
no land disturbance is permitted. These buffer areas shall consist
of permanent vegetation consisting of native trees, shrubs and forbs
along the above-mentioned watercourses that are maintained in a natural
state or managed to protect and enhance water quality, stabilize stream
channels and banks, and buffer land use activities from surface waters.
Riparian buffer areas are not required around intermittent or seasonal
watercourses.
RUNOFF
That portion of incident rainfall, which does not infiltrate
into the soil mantle and subsequently flows over the land surface.
SEASONALLY HIGH WATER TABLE SOILS
Those soils in which the groundwater surface is one foot
or less from the ground surface at certain or all times of the year
or as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service (USDANRCS) Web Soil Survey Website. These soils
include, but are not limited to: Bowmanville (Bo), Chewacla (Ch),
Croton (CrA, CrB), Glenville (GnA, GnB, GnB2), Readington (RdA, RdB,
RdB2), Rowland (Ro, Rp), Wehadkee (We), and Worsham (WoA, WoB, WoB2).
SECTION 106 REVIEW
The review process by which a federal agency takes into account
the effects of its undertakings on historic properties in accordance
with the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act of 1966, as amended.
SEDIMENT
Particulate material, both mineral and organic, that has
been eroded from the soil mantle, suspended and transported in stormwater
and deposited in surface depressions or stream channels.
SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
Natural features that perform a beneficial function such
as reducing erosion or which, if disturbed, may cause hazards or stress
to life and property such as steep slopes. For the purposes of this
chapter, sensitive environmental features include, but are not limited
to, the following: (A) slopes in excess of 15%, (B) soils classified
as highly erodible, which include, but are not limited to, Joanna
(JoC, JoD, JpD) and Urban land-Penn (UrxD), (C) wetlands, (D) hydric
soil areas, (E) mature stands of native vegetation, (F) aquifer recharge
and discharge areas, (G) floodplains, and (H) lands incapable of meeting
percolation requirements for on-site sewage disposal systems.
SEPTIC TANK
A covered water-tight settling tank in which raw sewage is
changed into solid, liquid and gaseous states to facilitate further
treatment and final disposal.
SEWAGE FACILITIES
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COMMUNITY SANITARY SEWAGE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND/OR DISPOSAL
SYSTEM — A sanitary sewage system in which sewage is carried
from two or more individual dischargers by a system of pipes to one
or more privately owned and/or maintained common treatment and disposal
facilities, approved by the Chester County Health Department and the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Treatment and
disposal may occur either on site or off site.
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INDIVIDUAL, ON-SITE SANITARY SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM —
The disposal of sewage by use of septic tanks, or other safe and healthful
means, approved by the Chester County Health Department, within the
confines of the lot on which the use is located.
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PUBLIC SEWAGE SYSTEM — Off-site system for the treatment
and disposal of sewage in which sewage is conveyed by interceptor
to a publicly operated treatment plant and disposed of through means
approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
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SHADE TREE
A tree intended to provide shade along streets and pedestrian
ways, and in parking lots and other places and installed only as provided
in this chapter.
SHOULDER
The portion of a street, contiguous to the main traveled
portion, for accommodation of stopped vehicles, for emergency use
and for lateral support of base and surface courses and pavements.
SIGHT DISTANCE
The distance along a roadway throughout which an object of
specified height is continuously visible to the driver, as defined
in PennDOT Pub. 70M, Chapter 2.1.C.
SIGN
Any structure or part thereof or any device attached to a
building or painted or represented thereon which shall display or
include any letter, word, model, banner, pennant, insignia, device,
trade flag, symbol or representation which is in the nature of, or
which is used as an announcement, direction or advertisement for any
purpose. A sign includes, without limitation, a billboard, neon tube,
string of lights or similar device outlining or placed upon any part
of a building or lot, but does not include the flag or insignia of
any nation, group of nations, governmental agency or any political,
educational, charitable, philanthropic, civic, professional, or religious
group.
SIGN, DEVELOPMENT
A temporary sign, indicating that the premises on which the
sign is located is in the process of being subdivided and developed
for construction of dwellings or other buildings. Such a sign includes
all contractors on the site, and finance and sales information.
SITE
A lot, tract or parcel of land, or a contiguous combination
thereof, on which grading, construction or land development is taking
place, or is proposed to take place; the location of the work.
SITE ANALYSIS
An analysis of the natural features and historic resources
on a site intended to promote a site design that is sensitive to the
unique natural features of the landscape. The site analysis shall
accompany the preliminary plan and final plan.
SITE RESTORATION
Measures taken following completion of land disturbance activities,
which will stabilize the land surface and minimize exposure to possible
erosion or sedimentation.
SLOPE
The ratio of the change in elevation (rise) over the horizontal
distance (run) as measured between consecutive contour lines, expressed
as a percentage. See "steep slope" for the method of measuring steep
slopes.
SOIL PERCOLATION TEST
A field test conducted to determine the suitability of the
soil for on-site sanitary sewage disposal facilities by measuring
the absorptive capacity of the soil at a given location and depth.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION
A use, which is permitted in a particular zoning district pursuant to express standards and criteria prescribed for such use in the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27]. A special exception is allowed (possibly with conditions attached) or denied upon application to the Zoning Hearing Board pursuant to public notice and hearing as set forth in Part
15 of the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27].
SPRING
A surface discharge of groundwater, usually a constant flow
from a rock fissure or seep.
STABILIZATION
The prevention of soil erosion by surface runoff or wind
through the establishment of a vegetative cover or structural measures.
Examples include, but are not limited to, straw mulch with temporary
or permanent vegetation, wood chips and stone or gravel ground cover.
STANDARD PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT SPECIFICATIONS
The "Standard Construction and Material Specifications for
Public Improvements" for East Coventry Township, prepared by ARRO
Consulting, Inc., numbered ARRO #5222.35, enacted August 6, 2007,
Ord. 142, as the same may be amended from time to time by the Board
of Supervisors, which specifications apply to all public improvements
constructed, installed or otherwise completed in the Township, as
provided therein.
STEEP SLOPE
Those areas of land in the Township that are characterized
by a change in elevation of 15% or greater (e.g., sloping 15 feet
or more vertical over a distance of 100 feet horizontal). Slopes shall
be deemed steep when there are three adjacent contour intervals of
two feet each expressed as a percentage such that they delineate slope
of at least 15%.
STEEP SLOPE, PRECAUTIONARY
Precautionary slopes are those of 15% to 25% slope (e.g.,
sloping 15 feet to 25 feet vertical over a distance of 100 feet horizontal).
Slopes shall be deemed precautionary when there are three adjacent
contour intervals of two feet each such that they delineate a slope
between 15% and 25%.
STEEP SLOPE, PROHIBITIVE
Prohibitive slopes are those of 25% or greater slope (e.g.,
sloping 25 feet or more vertical over a distance of 100 feet horizontal).
Slopes shall be deemed prohibitive when there are three adjacent contour
intervals of two feet each such that they delineate a slope of at
least 25%.
STORM SEWER
A pipe or conduit that carries intercepted surface runoff
from streets, buildings or other impervious surfaces.
STORMWATER
Incident rainfall, which is conveyed from land surfaces into
surface swales, streams and rivers; frequently termed "runoff."
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
A combination of controls and measures designed to regulate
the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff from a development while
promoting the protection and conservation of groundwater and groundwater
discharge.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCES
The East Coventry Township ordinances regulating stormwater management in the Township, adopted December 9, 2013, as amended, codified at Part
1 of Chapter
9 of the Township of East Coventry Code of Ordinances.
STREAM
Any watercourse with a defined bed and banks.
STREAM VALLEY
The streams identified in the Township Parks, Recreation,
and Open Space Plan, Geology and Watershed Boundaries Map of stream
orders 1, 2, 3 and 4, together with their one-hundred-year floodplains
and hydric soils identified as very significant and significant.
STREET
A strip of land, including the entire ultimate right-of-way
thereof, publicly owned, dedicated and accepted for public use, or
privately owned, abutting and furnishing access to more than one lot,
primarily serving, or intended to serve, as a means of vehicular and
pedestrian travel, and which may also be used to provide space for
sewer, other utilities and sidewalks. The word "street" includes thoroughfare,
avenue, boulevard, court, drive, expressway, roadway, highway, lane,
alley, service street, marginal access street, road or similar terms.
The following categories of streets are defined as follows:
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ARTERIAL — A major street or highway with high vehicular
speeds or high traffic volumes of considerable continuity and used
primarily as a traffic artery between rural and urban areas. Arterial
streets may be either principle arterials or minor arterials. Principle
arterials serve major centers of activity and carry the highest proportions
of area travel and most of the trips entering and leaving the Township,
thus serving intra-area travel. Minor arterials interconnect with
and augment the principle arterial system distributing travel to smaller
centers of activity and allowing for more access to adjoining properties
than principle arterials.
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COLLECTOR — A major street which carries traffic from
local streets to arterial streets. Collector streets may be either
major collectors or minor collectors. Major collectors may provide
access to centers of activity, connect with principle arterials and
allow for more access to adjoining properties than minor collectors.
Minor collectors serve more to collect traffic from local streets
and provide access to the smallest of activity centers.
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LOCAL — Every public or private street used for access
to abutting properties. Local streets may be primary distributor roadways,
secondary distributor roadways or local access streets. A primary
distributor roadway is the highest order local street, which moves
traffic from lower order local streets, to collector and arterial
streets. A secondary distributor roadway is the middle order local
street, which carries traffic from local access streets to primary
distributor roadways. A local access street is the lowest order local
street, which serves no through function and provides the greatest
degree of access.
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STREET, COMMERCIAL
A street used primarily as the means of access to abutting
commercial or industrial properties.
STREET, IMPROVED
A street wherein paving and other required improvements exist
in accordance with the Township standards specified in this chapter
and any other Township ordinance or regulation.
STREET, MAJOR
An arterial street or collector street as defined herein.
STREET, MARGINAL ACCESS
A street, parallel and adjacent to an arterial or collector
street but separated from it by a reserve strip, that provides access
to abutting properties and connection with the arterial or collector
street at controlled intervals.
STREET, PRIVATE
A street created by deed, easement or other formal recorded
instrument, whether paved or unpaved, that is; located on and furnishes
access to more than one lot; privately owned by the abutting landowners,
whose title shall abut or extend to the center line thereof; not laid
out on any Township plan of streets; and not offered or not required
to be offered for dedication to the Township. Maintenance, repair
and replacement of private streets are the responsibility of the abutting
landowners.
[Amended by Ord. 215, 8/14/2017]
STREET, SERVICE
A street adjoining the rear lot line of a lot and providing
vehicular access to the lot, commonly referred to as an alley.
STREET, SINGLE ACCESS
Any street that has access to an existing public road and
circulation system at only one point. A single access street includes
culs-de-sac and loop roads.
STREET, STUB
Any street laid out in a subdivision or land development,
intended for connection to a future street on adjoining property.
STREET TREE
Deciduous hardwood trees, having a caliper of not less than
2 1/2 inches, planted adjacent to and outside of a street right-of-way,
such trees to be approved as to type by the Board of Supervisors.
STRUCTURE
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location
on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land.
STUDY AREA
The area of land within the Township that is likely to be
affected (from a traffic impact standpoint) by a proposed development
and is the subject of a traffic impact study.
SUBDIVISION
The division or redivision of a single 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
dwellings, shall be exempted from this definition.
SUBGRADE
Any finished surface or elevation of compacted fill or natural
earth upon which materials of construction are placed.
SUBSOIL
Clay, sand, gravel or other natural earth material below
the surface soil and low in organic matter.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the
cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would
equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the
damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
A.
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement
of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market
value of the structure determined not more than 30 days prior to the
start of construction of the improvement.
B.
Substantial improvement includes any repair, restoration or
other improvement to structures that have incurred substantial damage
regardless of the actual repair, restoration or other improvement
work performed.
C.
Substantial improvement however does not include either:
(1)
Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing
violations of state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications
that have been identified by the local code enforcement official and
which project is the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.
(2)
Any alteration of a historic structure provided that the alteration
does not preclude the continued designation of the structure as a
historic structure.
SUNSHINE ACT
The Act of October 15, 1998, P.L. 729, No. 93, as amended,
65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq., together with any amendments
thereto.
SURFACE LAND USES AFFILIATED WITH TRANSMISSION PIPELINES
Aboveground transmission pipeline facilities, including,
but not limited to, compressor stations, pumping stations, regulator
stations, launcher/receiver stations, and other surface pipeline appurtenances.
[Added by Ord. 209, 12/12/2016]
SURFACE WATERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH
Any and all rivers, streams, creeks, tributaries, impoundments,
ditches, watercourses, storm sewers, lakes, dammed water, wetlands,
ponds, springs, and all other bodies or channels of conveyance of
surface water with defined bed and banks, or parts thereof, whether
natural or artificial, within or on the boundaries of the Commonwealth.
SURVEYOR
A licensed surveyor registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
SWALE
A depression or surface flow pathway, which collects or conveys
surface water during periods of runoff.
TOPSOIL
Natural and friable loam containing sufficient organic nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium to support plant growth and extending in
depth to the extent of penetration of feeder roots of the prevailing
native grasses.
TOWNSHIP
The Township of East Coventry, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER
The person duly appointed as the manager of the Township
by the Board of Supervisors.
TRACT
One or more contiguous lots assembled and presented as a
single property for purposes of subdivision or land development.
TRAILER
A vehicle designed to be towed by a motor vehicle.
TRANSMISSION PIPELINES
Includes, but are not limited to, pipelines designed for
the transmission of a “gas” or “petroleum gas,”
except a “service line,” as those terms are defined by
Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, § 192.3; also included
are pipelines designed for the transmission of a “hazardous
liquid,” as defined by Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, §
195.2.
[Added by Ord. 209, 12/12/2016]
TRIBUTARY
A smaller watercourse that flows into a larger watercourse
or other body of water.
TRIP GENERATION
The total count of trips to and from the subject development
per unit of land use (i.e., dwelling unit, square footage, etc.) as
established by the most recent edition of the Institute of Transportation
Engineers publication, Trip Generation. For applications involving
an expansion or relocation of an existing facility, actual trip generation
characteristics of the existing land use may be utilized, as appropriate
and subject to acceptance by the Township. Other local sources of
trip generation data may be acceptable, subject to the approval of
the Township.
USE
Any purpose for which a building or other structure or tract
of land may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained or occupied,
or any activity or occupation carried on, or intended to be carried
on, in a building or other structure or a tract of land.
UTILITIES
Sanitary sewer lines, water lines, fire hydrants, street
lights, storm sewer lines, manholes, inlets, catch basins, gas lines,
electric lines, telephone lines, cable television lines and other
facilities of the same general character.
VARIANCE
Relief granted by the Zoning Hearing Board from strict conformity with the terms of the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27] pursuant to the provisions of Part
15 of the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter
27] and Articles VI and IX of the MPC.
VEGETATION, PERMANENT
Perennial grasses, legumes or other long-lived plant materials,
such as crown vetch, fescues, and bluegrasses, etc., depending upon
the degree of refinement desired.
VEGETATION, TEMPORARY
Fast growing grasses, usually annuals, such as rye, oats,
sedan or other appropriate cover to prevent erosion until permanent
vegetation can be installed.
VIEW
The relative ability to see a given object from a designated
location.
VOLUME/CAPACITY ANALYSIS
An analysis that compares the volume of a traffic facility
to its capacity. The procedure for the analysis shall adhere to the
most recent edition of the Highway Capacity Manual, or other methodology
acceptable to the Township, and a computer model typically accepted
by PennDOT and the Township.
TURNAROUND
A paved circle or square terminating a cul-de-sac.
WATERCOURSE
A permanent or intermittent stream, river, brook, run, creek,
pond, lake or other body of surface water, carrying or holding surface
water, having defined beds and banks, whether natural or man-made,
with perennial or intermittent flow.
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM, PUBLIC
A system that is owned by a municipality, a public company,
or a private company and which serves more than a single community
or subdivision and may be interconnected with other water supply systems.
WATER TABLE
The upper surface of a zone of saturation except where that
surface is formed by an impermeable body.
WATERSHED
The land surface or drainage area that contributes stormwater
runoff to a single point.
WETLANDS
Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or
groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and
that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including
swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas.
WETLANDS DELINEATION
The on-site method or process for identifying jurisdictional
wetlands, which is currently, or hereafter adopted by the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection.
WOODLAND
An ecosystem characterized by a more or less dense and extensive
tree cover. More particularly, a plant community consisting predominantly
of healthy trees and other woody vegetation, well stocked and growing
more or less closely together.
WORK
Labor, services, materials, and equipment as required for
the successful completion of the project.
YARD
The area between the principal structure on a lot and the
lot line of the lot.
YARD, FRONT
A yard extending the full width of the lot along the front
lot line and extending in depth the full width of the lot from a parallel
line containing the nearest point of the foundation of the principal
structure on the lot. See "Lot, Corner."
YARD, REAR
A yard extending the full width of the lot along the rear
lot line and extending in depth the full width of the lot from a parallel
line containing the nearest point of the foundation of the principal
structure on the lot.
YARD, SIDE
A yard extending in depth on the lot along a side lot line
from the closest front yard line to the closest rear yard line, and
extending in width on the lot from a parallel line containing the
nearest point of the foundation of the principal structure on the
lot.
[Amended by Ord. No. 228, 12/10/2018]
ZONING ORDINANCE
The East Coventry Township Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as amended, as codified at Chapter
27 of the Township of East Coventry Code of Ordinances.