Township of East Coventry, PA GENERAL AND SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS

All required parking shall be on the same lot as the principal buildings except when permitted by the Board of Supervisors, subject to the following conditions:

The owners of two or more establishments shall submit with their application for special exception, a site plan showing joint use, agreement and location of a common off-street parking area.

Some portion of the common off-street parking area shall lie within 200 feet of an entrance, regularly used by patrons, into the buildings served thereby.

Limited on-street parallel parking may be allowed if the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors that such parking is justified and will not cause any vehicular safety issues. Such on-street parking shall be in addition to the minimum off-street parking requirements of the zoning district.

Areas devoted to parking may occupy no more than 50% of any required front, side or rear yard, except in the case of single-family attached dwellings and two-family attached dwellings such areas devoted to parking may occupy no more than 76% of any required front yard. Where it can be demonstrated that the application of such standards are clearly impractical, the Board of Supervisors, upon recommendation of the Planning Commission, may authorize parking areas in excess of such standards.

No parking lot for off-street parking or for the storage or movement of motor vehicles shall directly abut a public street and shall be separated from the street line by a minimum of five feet.

Size.

Parking spaces shall have an approved all-weather surface, shall have convenient access in all seasons and shall meet the following dimensional standards:

	Angle of Parking Row to Parking Aisle
	30°	45°	60°	90°
Depth of Parking Row	18'	20'	21'	19'
Width of Parking Space	9'	9'	9'	9'
Width of Aisle	11' (1 way)	13' (1 way)	18' (1 way)	25' (1 or 2 way)

Parallel parking spaces shall be a paved minimum of 23 feet in length and nine feet in width.

The Board of Supervisors may approve the use of continuous curbs as wheel stops in which case the length of the parking space may be two feet less than otherwise required, provided that the parking lot layout allows for a vehicle to overhang the continuous curb by two feet. The overhang area shall be clear of all obstructions and shall not be regarded as any required landscape area or pedestrian circulation space.

Access and Interior Drives.

Interior drives shall be clearly marked and maintained by adequate painting, marking, curbing and signs so that operators of vehicles intending to patronize such parking areas shall not impede traffic as a result of any confusion as to location of entrances and exits and manner of reaching them.

All parking lots shall be so divided by permanent raised perimeter curbing and/or planting strips that access lanes are clearly defined and that moving traffic will be confined to designated access lanes.

Where possible driveways shall be so constructed as to permit vehicles to turn around on the lot so as to eliminate the necessity of backing either on or off the lot.

Design and Maintenance.

General On-Site Circulation.

There shall be an adequate, safe and convenient arrangement of pedestrian circulation facilities, roadways, driveways, off-street parking and loading space. Pedestrian circulation between buildings shall be designed to prevent the unnecessary exposure of pedestrians to vehicular traffic.

Roads, pedestrian walks, bicycle facilities and open space shall be designed as integral components of the overall site design and shall be properly related to existing and proposed buildings and appropriately landscaped.

Pedestrian walks, appropriate also for wheelchairs, shall be provided along the paths of the most intense use, particularly from building entrances to parking areas and adjacent buildings. Such walks shall have a minimum width of five feet, shall be landscaped and paved and shall be paved and graded to meet ADA standards.

(d)

The materials used in the design of paving, lighting fixtures, retaining walls, fences, curbs and benches shall be of good appearance, easily maintained and appropriate to their function.

(e)

Ramps, providing access from parking areas to buildings, shall be provided for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(f)

Parking areas shall be designed so that a vehicle within the parking area will not have to enter a street to gain access to another part of the parking area.

(g)

Access ways, parking areas and loading areas shall have clearly defined parking bays and traffic circulation lanes designated by markings, curbs, barriers and/or landscaped islands. To assist in traffic channelization, raised islands shall be placed at the ends of parking bays so that the end of the bay adjacent to a driving aisle or ring road is clearly delineated. Such islands shall be designed and landscaped so as not to impair visibility needed for traffic flow and turning movements.

(h)

The design of access and traffic control and of interior circulation shall, in all other respects, comply with the requirements of § 27-1305.

General On-Site Parking Design. Parking areas shall have a dust-free, all-weather surface that shall be paved unless otherwise approved by the Board of Supervisors. Where recommended by the Township Engineer and approved by the Board of Supervisors, specially designed brick or block should be considered to increase on-site water retention for plant material and groundwater supplies and to reduce problems associated with runoff.

Parking areas shall have a minimum slope of 1% in any direction to provide for drainage and a maximum slope of 5% for convenience and stormwater management.

All parking bays shall be marked by durable painted lines at a minimum of four inches in width and extending the entire length of the parking space or by curbs or other means to clearly indicate individual spaces. Signs or markers located on the surface of the parking lot shall be used as necessary to assure efficient and safe traffic operation.

Lighting shall be provided to illuminate any off-street parking spaces to be used at night. Lighting facilities shall comply, in all applicable respects, with the standards and requirements of § 22-427 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

(d)

Parking area landscaping and screening shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of § 22-428 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

(e)

Any person operating or owning a parking lot shall keep it free of dust and loose particles and shall promptly remove snow and ice from the surface. Such person shall also keep all adjacent sidewalks free from dirt, ice, sleet and snow and shall keep sidewalks in a safe condition for use by pedestrians. All signs, markers or any other method use to indicate the direction of traffic movement and the location of parking spaces shall be maintained in a neat and legible condition. Any walls or landscaping as well as surfacing and curbing of the parking lot shall be maintained in good condition throughout their use. In the event that a parking area is improperly maintained, The Board of Supervisors shall have the authority to prohibit the use of the area for parking purposes unless and until the proper maintenance, repair or rehabilitation has been completed.

(Reserved)

Handicapped Parking. Handicapped parking spaces shall be provided pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended.

Minimum Off-Street Parking Space Requirement. The following shall be the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required for each land use, activity, building or structure permitted by this chapter. When the determination of the number of off-street parking spaces results in the requirement of a fractional space, any fraction shall count as one space. Parking spaces required on an employee basis shall be based upon the projected maximum number of employees on duty or residing, or both, on the premises at any one time and include any overlap of employees due to a shift change:

[Amended by Ord. 209, 12/12/2016; and by Ord. No. 2019-231, 3/11/2019]

Use		Parking Spaces Per 1,000 square feet Gross Floor Area	Other Standards
Residential Uses
Single-Family Detached or Semi-Detached, Mobile Homes		—	2.0 per DU
Single-Family Attached, Multi-Unit		—	2.0 per DU, plus 0.75 per DU visitor spaces
			All visitor parking spots are off-lot
Adult Community
	Single-Family Detached, Single-Family Attached	—	2.0 per DU
	Two-Family and Multi-Unit		1.5 per DU
	Visitor		15% of total DU requirement
	Nonresidential Uses		As required by this Table
Home Occupation		—	2 in addition to DU requirement, plus 1 per employee, 6 maximum total parking spaces
Industrial Uses
Warehouse, Storage Establishment, Wholesaling, Manufacturing		0.5	Plus 5.0 spaces
Mini-warehouse/Self Storage		—	3.5 per 1,000 square feet of office
Research and Development, Laboratories		3.0	—
Electric Utility Facility		—	1.0 per employee, greatest shift plus 10% for visitors
Surface Land Use Affiliated with Transmission Pipeline		—	If not automated, 1.0 per employee, largest shift, plus additional spaces to accommodate shift changes and adequate storage for other vehicles used on site as determined appropriate by the Township
Heavy Construction Contractor		—	1.0 per employee or independent contractor, during the largest work shift, plus additional spaces to accommodate shift changes and adequate storage for other vehicles used on site as determined appropriate by the Township.
Office Uses
General		3.0	1.0 per employee
Government		3.5	1.0 per employee
Medical		4.0	1.0 per employee
Bank/Financial		4.0	Plus 6.0 stacking per drive-in lane
Commercial Retail Uses
General		4.0	—
Shopping Center		4.5	—
Furniture, Carpet		1.0	Plus 5.0 spaces
Roadside Stand		—	1.0 per 250 square feet of sales/display
Hardware, Home Improvement		4.0	—
Building Materials		2.0	Plus 5.0 spaces
Automobile, Truck, Boat, Mobile Dwelling Unit, Trailer, Outdoor Equipment, Motorcycle Sales		—	5.0 space minimum plus 1.0 per 1,000 square feet of floor and ground area of sales, service, display, and/or storage
Laundromat		20.0	—
Convenience Store		5.0	Gas sales calculated separately
Supermarket		4.0	—
Commercial Service Uses
Personal Service Businesses		4.0	—
Funeral Homes		8.0	—
Fitness Center/Health Club		10.0	—
Restaurant		9.0	Plus parking for 1/4 of outdoor seating area, plus 1.0 per employee, greatest shift
Restaurant, fast food/take-out		15.0	Plus 6.0 stacking spaces per drive through lane
Veterinary Services, pet grooming		3.5	—
Kennel		0.5	Plus 5.0 space minimum
Drive-In Facility		—	6.0 per drive-in lane
Specialty Contractor		—	1.0 per employee or independent contractor, during the largest work shift, plus additional spaces to accommodate shift changes and adequate storage for other vehicles used on site as determined appropriate by the Township.
All Other		4.0	—
Commercial Auto Service
General, including vehicle repair		1.5	Or 4.0 per bay, whichever greater
Carwash (single car, automatic bay)		2.0	Plus 6.0 stacking spaces per bay and 2.0 drying spaces per bay
Carwash (multiple car, automatic bay)		4.0	Plus 12.0 stacking spaces per bay and 2.0 drying spaces per bay
Carwash (self wash bay)		—	3.0 per bay
Gas Station		—	1.0 per pump plus 6.0 stacking spaces per island
Commercial Lodging
Hotel, Motel		—	1.0 per guest room and 1.0 per employee of greatest shift, plus required spaces for any other facility
Bed and Breakfast		—	1.0 per guest room, plus 2.0 per dwelling unit
Campground		—	1.0 per camp space plus 1.0 per employee per shift
Institutional Uses
Place of Public Assembly, Church		—	1.0 per 3 seats or 10.0 per 1,000 square feet of assembly area, whichever greater
Club, Association (no food service)		6.0	—
Club, Association (with food service)		10.0	—
Fire Station		—	4.0 per vehicle bay plus 10.0 per 1,000 square feet public assembly area
Library, Museum		3.5	Plus 7.5 per 1,000 square feet public assembly area
Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home		—	1 per 2 beds
Day Care, Kindergarten, Preschool and Elder Day Care		4	Plus 1 per teacher/care giver, plus bus stacking lane(s) as required by the Board of Supervisors
School, Elementary or Junior High		—	2.0 per classroom plus 7.5 per 1,000 square feet public assembly
School, Senior High, Trade, Vocational, College, University		—	10.0 per classroom, plus 7.5 per 1,000 square feet public assembly
Group Homes, Institutional, Monasteries, Convents		—	0.75 per bedroom
Rooming and Boarding Houses		—	1.25 per guest room
Police Station		4.0	—
Post Office		5.0	—
Hospital, Sanitarium		—	1.0 per 3 beds, plus 1.0 per employee greatest shift
Outdoor Recreation and Amusement
Camps, day or youth		—	0.66 per 1,000 square feet of area
Golf Course		—	3.0 per hole
Golf Driving Range, Rifle Range		—	1.0 per station
Park, Playground		—	0.2 per 1,000 square feet of area
Equestrian Facilities		—	1.0 per 4 stalls, plus 0.5 per 1,000 square feet of riding area
Swimming Pool		—	1.0 per 200 square feet of pool surface, plus 1 per employee, greatest shift
Tennis Courts		—	3.0 per court
Athletic Fields		—	15.0 per field plus 1.0 per 4 permanent seats
All Other Active Uses		—	0.75 per 1,000 square feet of area
All Other Passive Uses		—	5.0 minimum plus 1.0 per acre (under 50 ac.) or 1.0 per 3 acres (over 50 ac.)
Indoor Recreation and Amusement
Swimming Pool		—	1.0 per 200 square feet of pool surface, plus 1 per employee, greatest shift
Indoor Court Games		—	3 per court
Community Center, Auditorium, Stadium, Gymnasium		—	1.0 per 4 permanent seats or 10.0 per 1,000 square feet of public assembly, whichever greater
All Other		—	1.0 per 4 permanent seats or 10.0 per 1,000 square feet of public assembly, whichever greater
Outdoor Commercial Recreation and Amusement
General		—	5.0 minimum plus 0.66 per 1,000 square feet of area
Outdoor Court Games		—	3.0 per court plus 1.0 per 4 permanent seats
Miniature Golf Course		—	2.0 per hole plus 1 per employee of greatest shift
Outdoor Arenas		—	1.0 per 3 permanent seats
Country Club, Golf Club		—	4.0 per hole, plus ancillary use requirements
Indoor Commercial Recreation and Amusement
General		6.0	—
Amusement Park		—	Determined by Township
Bowling Lanes, Pool Room		—	4.0 per lane, 2.0 per pool table
Skating Rink		—	1.0 per 1,000 square feet of skating surface
Theater, Assembly Room		—	1.0 per 4 permanent seats or 10.0 per 1,000 square feet public assembly area
Other Uses. The Board of Supervisors shall determine with which of the preceding categories of parking regulation any unlisted use shall comply or may designate a standard for a use that does not conform to the preceding categories.

Shared Parking. Up to 50% of the parking spaces required for a theater or other place of primarily evening entertainment, for a church, for multi-unit dwellings or for a school may be provided and use jointly by banks, offices, certain retail stores, repair shops, service establishments and similar uses which are not normally open, used or operated during evening hours (beyond normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) if specifically approved by the Board of Supervisors; provided, however, that written agreement assuring the retention for such purpose shall be properly drawn and executed by the parties concerned and approved as to form and execution by the Township Solicitor. Such an agreement shall be filed and made part of the application for a building permit. Approval of such shared parking may be rescinded by the Board of Supervisors and additional parking obtained by the owners in the event that the Board of Supervisors determines that the joint use of parking facilities is resulting in a public nuisance or otherwise adversely affecting the public health, safety or welfare.

Parking Reserve Area. The number of parking spaces to be constructed may be up to 25% less than the number required herein only when the following conditions are met to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors:

Evidence is submitted firmly documenting that the special nature of the proposed occupancy or use of the building requires less parking area or spaces than required by Subsection E.

The land development plan submitted by the applicant indicates that the location and layout of that portion of the required parking or loading area deemed unnecessary at the time of the application can and will be constructed on the site, according to the requirements of this section, during the first six years following full development of the lot. If, at the end of the sixth year following the full development of the approved plan, the parking reserve area or any part thereof has not been developed as an additional parking area, the applicant or the then present landowner may petition the Board of Supervisors for permission to develop or otherwise utilize the parking reserve area in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, if the Board of Supervisors determines that this parking or loading is not necessary to the interest of the public health, safety or welfare.

In no event shall that authorized portion of the required parking area that is not to be constructed, but reserved for possible future use, be counted as open space or other non-paved area required by other provisions of this chapter.

The parking reserve area shall be designed so that any required minimum area of vegetative cover would be maintained in the event that the parking reserve area is subsequently developed.

The parking reserve area shall be landscaped according to an approved plan under the provisions of § 22-428 of the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

The parking reserve area shall have no building, whether temporary or permanent, erected on it at any time.

Shopping Center Parking.

Except as specified in Subsection 1H(2), below, a minimum of 4 1/2 parking spaces shall be provided for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, or fraction thereof, within the proposed shopping center. In addition, a parking reserve area, consistent with the terms of Subsection 1G shall be designed and shown on the plan, so that, if developed, it would yield a ratio of five parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. If, at the end of the sixth year following full development of the shopping center, the parking reserve area or any part thereof has not been developed as an additional parking area, the applicant or the then present landowner may petition the Board of Supervisors for permission to develop or otherwise utilize the parking reserve area in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Office Use in a Shopping Center. A minimum of three parking spaces shall be provided for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area or fraction thereof devoted to office use. An initial reduction of up to 25% of this required parking area may be permitted by the Board of Supervisors, provided that sufficient land is reserved and properly identified as such to meet the requirements of this section, should the Board of Supervisors subsequently deem it necessary in the interest of the public health, safety or welfare.

Special Exception or Conditional Use. For any use permitted by special exception or conditional use, it shall be the burden of the applicant to present evidence of the parking needs of the proposed use. The Zoning Hearing Board, in granting a special exception, or the Board of Supervisors in granting conditional use approval, may attach specific parking requirements that vary from the requirements of this Part where the Board of Supervisors makes a decision using the conditional use criteria set forth in § 27-1403 or the Zoning Hearing Board uses the special exception criteria set forth in § 27-1509.

§ 27-1307 Off-Street Loading.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1306]

Adequate space shall be provided to accommodate the loading and unloading of trucks, tractors and trailers servicing any commercial, industrial or large-scale residential or institutional use. Loading berth space that is utilized for the location of trash collection or compaction facilities shall be provided for and shall be in addition to the loading space requirements of this section.

Area of Loading Berths or Spaces. A required off-street loading berth or space shall be a minimum of 14 feet in width and 65 feet in length, exclusive of aisle and maneuver area and shall have a vertical clearance of a minimum of 16 feet.

Access to Loading Area. Each required off-street loading berth or space shall be afforded appropriate means of vehicular access to a street, highway or alley in a manner that shall least interfere with traffic movement.

Loading Area Surfacing. All open off-street loading areas shall be constructed with a compacted select gravel base and surfaced with an all-weather dustless material, suitably designed for the intended use to a standard approved by the Township Engineer.

Loading Area Screening. All loading berths or spaces and truck circulation areas that abut a residential district or residential use shall be set back a minimum of 40 feet therefrom, unless completely screened by walls, solid fence, landscaping or a combination thereof, not less than six feet in height. In no case shall loading berths or spaces and circulation areas be closer than 15 feet to a residential district or use.

Number of Loading Berths or Spaces. Buildings or uses with commercial, industrial or storage uses that exceed 6,000 square feet of gross area shall be provided with a minimum of one off-street loading berth or space.

Location of Loading Berths or Spaces and Loading Circulation Areas. All required loading areas including loading spaces and loading circulation areas shall be located on the same lot as the use to be served and no portion of vehicles to be loaded or unloaded shall project into any traffic lane. Loading, unloading and their circulation areas shall not be located between the building setback line and the street line.

Repair and Service. No motor vehicle service work of any kind, nor motor vehicle repair work of any kind, except emergency work, shall be permitted within any required loading area.

Space Allowed. Space allowed to any off-street loading berth shall not, while so allocated, be used to satisfy the space requirements of any off-street parking facilities or portions thereof. Required off-street parking spaces shall not be used for loading and unloading purposes except during hours when business operations are suspended.

Special Exception or Conditional Use. For any use permitted by special exception or conditional use, it shall be the burden of the applicant to present evidence of the loading needs of the proposed use. The Zoning Hearing Board, in granting a special exception, or the Board of Supervisors in granting conditional use approval, may attach specific loading requirements that vary from the requirements of this Part where the Board of Supervisors makes a decision using the conditional use criteria set forth in § 27-1403 or the Zoning Hearing Board uses the special exception criteria set forth in § 27-1509.

§ 27-1308 Traffic Impact Study Requirements.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1307]

The Board of Supervisors shall require a traffic impact study, consistent with acceptable standards, as proposed by the applicant and approved by the Board of Supervisors, for any proposed residential development in the Township which contains 10 or more proposed dwelling units, and may require a traffic impact study for any proposed nonresidential development. The traffic impact study shall conform to the requirements of § 22-306, Subsection 3D, of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

§ 27-1309 Landscape Screens.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1308]

Landscape screens or buffer plantings are required under the following circumstances:

Where any nonresidential use, excluding agricultural uses and uses accessory to single-family residential uses, abuts any residential use, or abuts any land in any residential zoning district.

Where any mobile home park abuts any other residential use, or any land in any residential zoning district.

Where any multi-unit use abuts any other residential use or any land in any residential zoning district.

Where required by the Zoning Hearing Board or where stipulated as a condition of conditional use approval by Board of Supervisors.

Where otherwise required by this chapter or § 22-428 of the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

Required screens shall consist of opaque fences or walls, vegetative plantings, landscaped berms or any combination thereof, providing a year round visual screen, but in no case shall a screen interfere with motorists' visibility. Design of screens and selection of plant materials to be used shall be in accordance with the provisions of § 27-1310, herein, and § 22-428 of the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] and shall be subject to review and approval by the Board of Supervisors.

§ 27-1310 Landscape Design, Installation, and Maintenance Standards.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1309]

All required landscaping and screening shall be installed and maintained in accordance with a landscape plan as required by § 22-428 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22]. The landscape plan shall depict all proposed plantings required to compliment, screen or accentuate building, roads, parking areas, sidewalks, walkways, sitting areas, service or maintenance structures, courtyards, and other site features and/or structures. Plant sizes, spacing and types shall be in accordance with § 22-428 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

All required landscape plans shall be submitted at the time when all other required applications and/or plans are submitted (i.e., preliminary land development plan submission, conditional use approval application, etc.). Plans shall be based on and reflect the following objectives:

A design that is responsive to the functional and aesthetic characteristics of the tract or lot, and existing and proposed principle and accessory buildings and other structures.

A design that respects/incorporates existing topography, landscape, and other natural features such as hedgerows and woodlands.

A design that demonstrates an effective proposal for screening the proposed use or activity from the adjoining properties.

A design that creates visual interest for the users and/or residents of the proposed project, and enhances views.

A design that promotes effective management of stormwater to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation and creates opportunities for infiltration to the groundwater system.

The use of plant material which is: acclimated to local conditions; located and spaced to achieve required screening, compatible groupings and other effective purposes; and not injurious of persons or pedestrians and vehicular circulation.

Plans accompanying conditional use applications may be conceptual in nature but shall demonstrate the ability to achieve the above objectives.

Applicability. Except for individual lots existing at the time of adoption of this section and occupied or intended to be occupied by single-family detached dwellings, the requirements of this section shall apply to the following situations:

Screening. Any activities for which a landscape buffer or screening is required by this chapter, or would be imposed by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception or by the Board of Supervisors for a conditional use approval.

Perimeter Buffer.

Except as provided in Subsection 3B(2), below, the entire perimeter of any tract undergoing development shall be provided with a minimum twenty-foot wide planting strip which will act as a landscape screen separating uses. The planting strip may be included in private yard space or common open space or a combination thereof, and shall be designed and installed in compliance with the requirements of this section.

The Board of Supervisors may reduce the perimeter buffer requirement where any tract abuts similar uses such that the Board of Supervisors determines that screening is not necessary or where the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors that existing vegetation, structural and/or topographic conditions will conceal, on a year-round basis, development from view from adjacent tracts.

Any part or portion of a lot or tract which is not occupied by buildings nor used for loading and parking spaces and aisles, sidewalks and designated storage areas shall be left in its natural state or shall be landscaped according to an overall landscape plan, prepared and approved as part of the development plan. A replacement program for non-surviving plants shall be included.

All mechanical equipment not enclosed in a structure shall be fully and completely screened from view from any point in a manner compatible with the architectural and landscaping style of the remainder of the lot. Such screening shall be subject to site plan and architectural review by the Township.

Water towers, storage tanks, processing equipment, fans, HVAC, skylights, cooling towers, vents and any other structures or equipment which rise above the crest of the roof line shall be architecturally compatible or effectively shielded from view from any dedicated street by an architecturally sound method, such as a parapet wall not to exceed six feet in height, which shall be approved, in writing, by the Township before construction or erection of said structures or equipment.

Landscaping shall be required within any parking area subject to the provisions of § 22-428 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

Minimum Planting Standards. All required landscaping shall meet the minimum planting standards, criteria for selection of plant material, and design standards of § 22-428, Subsection 6, of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

Landscape Design Standards.

All required landscaping shall meet the minimum landscape design standards of § 22-428, Subsection 8, of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22], unless waived by the Board of Supervisors.

Street Trees. All required street trees shall meet the minimum shade tree and screen planting design standards of § 22-420 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22], unless waived by the Board of Supervisors.

Berms.

Landscaped berms shall be provided to screen from public view outdoor storage areas, parking areas, including truck and heavy equipment parking areas, storage and loading areas, trash dumpsters, and other permitted activities conducted outside of commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. Landscaped berms shall also be required for nonresidential subdivisions or land developments that adjoin any residential zoning district or existing residential use.

Where required to screen outdoor activities, berms shall be low-profile and appropriately landscaped to a landscape screen a minimum of six feet in height (not including plantings) measured from the crown of the adjoining public street.

Where required to screen nonresidential uses from residential uses, landscaping shall be provided on both sides of the berms and shall be subject to the review and approval of the Township.

Side slopes shall not exceed a three to one (3:1) ratio and berms shall be designed to blend adjoining topographic and landscape conditions.

§ 27-1311 Minimum Habitable Floor Areas.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1310]

The minimum habitable floor area of all dwellings shall be 600 square feet.

§ 27-1312 Conversion of Buildings or Dwellings.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1311]

An existing conforming nonresidential use of a building or other structure may be converted to another use permitted in the zoning district in which the building or other structure is located provided that if the building or other structure is located in a residential zoning district (including, but not limited to, the FR District), such conversion shall not cause a mixture of residential and nonresidential uses within the building or structure. All other standards and requirements of this chapter shall be applicable.

A single-family detached dwelling, existing prior to the effective date of this chapter may be converted into and used as a two-family dwelling or multi-unit dwelling when authorized as a special exception; and, provided that:

The plans for the conversion of single-family detached dwellings, where two or more families are to be housed above the ground floor, shall be submitted to the Zoning Hearing Board accompanied by a certificate of approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry or such other governmental entity having jurisdiction of the subject matter of the conversion.

Such plans shall provide adequate and suitable off-street parking or storage space, at a safe distance from any street, for a minimum of two vehicles per family, each parking space providing direct access to street without requiring the movement of one vehicle to afford access by the other vehicle.

Such dwelling shall be subject to the area, bulk and dimensional requirements of the zoning district within which the dwelling is located, except that there shall be a lot area not less than the product of the minimum lot area required in the zoning district times the number of families to be housed in the converted dwelling.

There shall be no external alterations of the dwelling except as may be necessary for reasons of safety and fire escapes. Outside stairways, where practicable, shall be located to the rear of the dwelling.

Each new dwelling unit shall have separate water supply and sanitary sewage disposal facilities, which may be provided by a new connection to existing systems provided that such existing systems are adequate and approved to serve the existing dwelling plus the new dwelling units.

§ 27-1313 Swimming Pools.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1312]

All swimming pools, whether above or below ground, shall be enclosed with a wall of a building or a fence or wall not less than four feet in height and all gates, permitting access to swimming pools, shall be equipped with a key-operated locking device and shall be closed and locked at all times when the pool is not in use. Where a swimming pool is four or more feet in height above ground, such fence or wall shall not be required if all approaches to the steps leading to such raised pool are thoroughly barricaded in an approved manner by a fence or gate which gate shall be equipped with a key-operated locking device and shall be locked at all times when the pool is not in use.

§ 27-1314 Sign Regulations.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1313; as amended by Ord. 152, 12/8/2008, § I; by Ord. 153, 2/9/2009, § I; by Ord. 205, 12/14/2015, §§ XXXIII, XXXIV; by Ord. 216, 9/11/2017; by Ord. 229, 12/10/2018; and by Ord. No. 2021-250, 10/11/2021]

Purpose. The intent of this section is to provide standards for the regulation of signs as accessory uses within the various zoning districts of East Coventry Township, to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to prohibit the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs, or locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.

General Regulations.

Any sign hereafter erected in East Coventry Township which is exposed to public view shall conform with the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable statute, ordinance, rule or regulation of East Coventry Township or the county, state or federal government. In the event of conflicting requirements, the most restrictive requirement shall prevail.

No sign, other than an exempt sign, shall be erected without first obtaining a sign permit from the Zoning Officer. Permit applications for signs larger than two square feet in area shall be accompanied by a plan, drawn to scale, showing details of the sign, its size and location on the building and/or lot. Permits for window signs and changeable-copy signs shall be valid so long as there is no change in the area, location or type of such signs previously authorized by permit. Fees for sign permits shall be paid in accordance with a fee schedule adopted from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. All applications for sign permits shall be accompanied by the property owner's written consent if the property owner is not the owner of the sign.

Before any permit will be issued for any sign erected on or projecting over property used by the public, a certificate of insurance evidencing general liability coverage or an indemnity bond shall be posted with the Township by the sign owner and shall be continuously maintained while the sign is erected on or projects over the property. The amount of the insurance or bond shall be established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Supervisors and shall identify the Township as additional insured. The form of the certificate or bond shall be satisfactory to the Township Solicitor.

Any sign deemed by the Zoning Officer to be illegal or without a permit shall be removed within three days of written notification from the Zoning Officer. Any reoccurrence of a similar infraction on the premises shall be punishable under Part 18 of this chapter.

All signs shall be kept in a proper state of repair, in accordance with the requirements of the Township's Building Code [Chapter 5, Part 1, § 5-101], Property Maintenance Code [Chapter 5, Part 1, § 5-103], and any other pertinent regulations, and will be subject to annual inspection. Signs that fall into a state of disrepair, pose a threat to public safety, or are illegal shall be removed by the Township not less than three days following notice to remove sent by certified mail to the owner of record. The Township shall have the right to recover from said owner the full costs of the removal and disposal of such signs.

No sign other than an official traffic or similar government sign shall be erected within or project over the right-of-way or easement of any public street or sidewalk, except as approved by the Zoning Officer upon determining a modification of this standard would not pose a threat to public safety.

No sign shall be erected that is of such character, form, shape or color that it imitates or resembles an official traffic sign, signal or device, or has characteristics likely to confuse or distract the operator of a motor vehicle.

No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any streets within the triangular area formed by the center lines of the intersecting streets at a distance along such center lines of 75 feet from the point of intersection and the diagonal line connecting the endpoints of said lines. No sign shall be so erected that it impedes the vision of motorists or pedestrians or otherwise endangers their safety.

No sign shall be illuminated except by internal illumination or by concealed indirect lighting. Any sign illumination shall be so shielded that the source of light shall not be visible from any point off the lot on which the sign being illuminated is erected, and so that only the sign is illuminated thereby.

No sign shall be erected on any property containing information which states or implies that such property may be used for any purpose not allowed under the provisions of the zoning district in which the property to which the sign relates is located.

All distances provided for in this section shall be measured along straight lines between signs and from the near edge to the near edge of the sign or sign structure.

Sign height shall be measured as the distance from the highest portion of the sign to the mean finished grade of the ground where the sign is located.

No sign shall be placed on any tree, light, or pole, or upon rocks or other natural features, except that "no hunting," "no trespassing" and "private property" signs shall be allowed, provided such signs do not exceed 1 1/2 square feet in area, are not located more than six feet above finished grade, and are placed at intervals not less than 30 feet; and provided, further, that no sign shall be placed on any public utility pole.

The total area of all window signs, unless further restricted in the applicable zoning district, shall not exceed 25% of the glass area of the window in which placed.

No roof signs shall be allowed, and no sign shall project above the main roofline of the building to which the sign is affixed.

Time and temperature signs shall be allowed in any zoning district in which commercial or industrial uses are allowed, provided they do not encompass more than 20% of the allowable area for the type of sign on which they are placed.

No animated, flashing, or intermittent lighting of any kind shall be allowed on any sign in any zoning district, except for official traffic signs and pedestrian control signs located in the public right-of-way.

Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs, except for directional signs and identification signs, shall comply with the following:

Freestanding signs shall be allowed only in the front yard. In no case shall a freestanding sign be placed within a street right-of-way.

For the purpose of computing the sign area of a freestanding double-faced sign, only one side shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical. For V-type, double-faced signs, the interior angle of which exceeds 45°, both faces shall be considered in the computation of the sign area.

A freestanding sign and a projecting sign shall not be utilized together to identify the same establishment on the same street frontage; provided, however, that a freestanding directory sign for a shopping center, an office or industrial park or other complex of nonresidential establishments may be used in conjunction with projecting identification signs for individual uses; and provided, further, that such projecting signs do not exceed four square feet in area.

Wall Signs.

Wall signs shall not extend more than 18 inches beyond the plane of the wall to which they are attached.

Wall signs shall be allowed only on building sides containing entrances available to the public.

Wall signs shall be allowed only for ground-floor establishments with street-level frontage of at least 20 feet or, in the case of an establishment located on an upper floor, occupying at least 80% of the floor area of the building story occupied by such establishment.

The area of all wall signs shall be determined by the signable facade area of the portion of the building to which it is attached.

Not more than one wall sign shall be allowed for each nonresidential establishment with less than 100 linear feet of frontage on the building side to which it is attached. One additional wall sign shall be allowed for each additional 100 linear feet of frontage on the building side to which it is attached, up to a maximum of three such wall signs. However, where multiple signs are used on a single building side, the area of the primary identification sign shall be not less than three times larger than the area of the secondary signs, and the total area of all signs on a single building side shall not exceed the total area of wall signs allowed herein.

Projecting Signs. Projecting signs, when allowed, shall comply with the following:

No sign shall project more than four feet from the face of the building.

No part of the sign shall be less than eight feet nor more than 12 feet above finished grade or walkway level.

Not more than one projecting sign per business establishment per street frontage shall be allowed.

No projecting sign shall be allowed within 25 feet of another projecting sign.

Changeable-Copy Signs. Changeable-copy signs shall be allowed subject to the following:

The changeable-copy sign shall inform the public of events, sales, or other time-related notices of community interest.

Changeable-copy signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and six feet in height.

Changeable-copy signs may be freestanding signs or canopy signs.

No more than one changeable-copy sign shall be allowed per use.

Changeable-copy signs shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from any dwelling.

Electronic Variable-Message Signs. Electronic variable-message signs shall be allowed in all zoning districts on properties used for nonresidential purposes when approved by the Board of Supervisors as a conditional use in accordance with Zoning Ordinance § 27-1403. Unless modified by the Board of Supervisors, the following requirements shall apply:

An electronic variable-message sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area or six feet in height.

An electronic variable-message sign shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from any dwelling.

Electronic variable-message signs shall comply with all applicable standards and requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The message displayed on the sign shall be static and nonanimated and shall remain fixed for a minimum of 10 seconds (the fixed display period).

The electronic variable-message sign shall not display any message that moves, appears to move, scrolls, flashes, oscillates or changes in intensity during the fixed display period. No sign shall emit any audio announcement or noise of any kind.

The face of the electronic variable-message sign shall have only one advertising message per fixed display period.

The transition time between changes in the sign face or message shall be instantaneous.

The electronic variable-message sign shall be equipped with a fully operational light sensor that automatically adjusts light levels according to the amount of ambient light. Brightness levels shall be automatically adjusted to be 0.3 footcandle above ambient light levels as measured at five feet above finished grade from a distance of 50 feet. The sign applicant shall submit an as-built plan to the Zoning Officer that satisfies these brightness requirements as a condition to the issuance of a permit. The Zoning Officer shall have the right to confirm the brightness levels of the sign comply with Township requirements using a calibrated device selected by the Township.

No electronic variable message shall have lighting that would compete with or distract from traffic signal lighting.

Electronic variable-message signs may be illuminated from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. or 1/2 hour past the close of business of the facility being identified, whichever is later.

No more than one electronic variable-message sign shall be allowed per use.

The electronic variable-message sign shall be designed to either freeze the display in one static position, display a black screen, or turn off in the event of a malfunction and shall remain in that state until the malfunction is corrected.

An electronic variable-message sign shall comply with all applicable provisions of § 27-1314.6.

Canopy Signs.

No more than one canopy sign shall be allowed per canopy face, and no more than two such signs per canopy shall be allowed.

No part of the canopy sign shall be less than eight feet or more than 12 feet above finished grade or walkway level.

A canopy sign may not encroach into the applicable zoning district's minimum required yard area.

The area of a canopy sign shall not exceed 20% of the area of the canopy face or 50 square feet, whichever is less. No canopy sign shall be wider than the building wall it identifies.

Awning Signs.

Awning signs shall only be located on the vertical hang of the awning, which generally should be parallel with the building frontage. In the case of a curved awning, the sign shall be located on the lower half of the awning.

The area of an awning sign shall not exceed 20% of the entire portion of the building covered by the awning in its extended position and in no case shall it be larger than the area otherwise allowed for wall signs.

No part of the awning shall be less than eight feet or more than 12 feet above finished grade or walkway level.

10.

Identification and Directory Signs. Identification and directory signs located within a residential, commercial, or industrial site or complex shall be allowed subject to the following:

Identification and directory signs shall be so located on the site or within the complex as to allow motorists to leave the flow of traffic and safely read the signs. Identification signs may be placed at the main entrance to a building.

No more than one identification or directory sign per driveway entrance, street intersection or main entrance to a building shall be allowed.

Identification and directory signs in a residential zoning district shall not exceed three square feet in sign area and six feet in height.

Identification and directory signs in a commercial or industrial zoning district shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign area and 12 feet in height.

11.

Billboards. Billboards shall be allowed on properties used for nonresidential purposes in the LI Limited Industrial Zoning District when approved by the Board of Supervisors as a conditional use in accordance with Zoning Ordinance § 27-1403, provided that such signs do not exceed 72 square feet in sign area and 15 feet in height. No part of the billboard shall be less than seven feet above finished grade.

12.

Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited:

Animated, mobile, bench, sidewalk or A-frame signs; animated signs; signs that emit smoke, vapor or noise; and vehicle signs other than business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.

Signs that flash, move, rotate, or oscillate.

Pennants, streamers, inflated, tubular, whirling, or similar objects, lighting devices or searchlights displayed to attract the attention of pedestrians and motorists, except as specifically allowed elsewhere in this chapter.

Any sign that obstructs a fire escape, window, door or other opening used as a means of ingress or egress.

Off-premises signs, other than allowed billboards, directional signs and wayfinding signs.

Signs that interfere with sight distances or are located within the clear sight triangle at any location.

Signs that use or contain obscene language, shapes or images.

13.

Exempted Signs. The following signs are exempt from the need to secure a sign permit:

Signage relating to celebrating a recognized national, state, local, religious or cultural holiday, provided the signage:

Is displayed on a temporary basis;

Does not create a traffic or fire hazard;

Does not advertise a commercial establishment, organization, product, good or service; and

Is removed within 14 days of the conclusion of the event to which the sign relates.

Government signs.

Historic or memorial signs, markers and plaques when approved by the Board of Supervisors upon recommendation from the Historical Commission and when not more than six square feet in sign area and six feet in height.

A change in the copy of a changeable-copy sign after a permit for that sign has been issued.

Temporary Signs on Residential Property.

Temporary signs on a residential property, provided they:

Are not permanently affixed to the ground or structure; and

Are not more than four square feet in area and not more than six feet in height.

A temporary sign exempt from obtaining a sign permit shall be removed within the earlier of:

Fourteen days of the conclusion of the event to which the sign relates; or

Sixty days of placement.

No temporary sign shall be allowed within any street legal right-of-way.

Street number designations, names on mailboxes or residences, "private property," "no hunting," "no trespassing," and "no parking" signs, security signs, seasonal signs or flags, on-site directional and parking signs, and warning signs are allowed in all zoning districts but are not considered in calculating sign area. No such signs or flags shall exceed 1 1/2 square feet in area.

Emergency warning signs erected by a public utility, pipeline company or contractor performing work authorized by such utility or company. Such signs may be illuminated.

Flags of the United States, a state, county, municipality, foreign nation, and any other flags of a noncommercial nature, provided that each such flag shall not exceed 40 square feet in area and shall be flown from a pole that does not exceed 35 feet in height. Flags shall be regulated based upon their physical characteristics and pole height and shall be governed by the applicable regulations of the zoning district in which such flags are located. Flags may be illuminated.

Freestanding signs on a residential property in a residential zoning district, provided only one sign (including any allowed by permit) is or will be located on the property, and the size of the sign does not exceed four square feet in area and four feet in height. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to flags flown from poles pursuant to § 27-1314.13H above. Freestanding signs shall not be allowed within any street right-of-way.

14.

Temporary Signs. Temporary signs may be freestanding signs, wall signs, or banners. Temporary signs of a commercial nature shall be allowed on nonresidential private property upon the issuance of a permit by the Zoning Officer and shall be constructed of materials approved by the Zoning Officer. Temporary signs of a commercial nature shall be allowed for no more than two events and not more than 30 cumulative days in any one calendar year and shall be removed within 14 days of the conclusion of the event to which the sign relates. The temporary signs, when added to any allowed permanent signage, shall not exceed the total sign area allowed on the premises for permanent signs. For the purposes of this subsection, the total sign area of banners shall not exceed that allowed for wall signs.

15.

Signs in Residential Districts. In all residential zoning districts, signs are allowed for the following purposes only, and only under the following conditions:

General Provisions.

No freestanding sign shall exceed eight square feet in area and six feet in height, except as provided below:

An identification sign and/or electronic variable-message sign for a nonresidential establishment whose services are considered essential to public health, safety, and welfare (such as, but not limited to, a municipal building, school, place of worship or firehouse) shall not exceed 50 square feet in area or a height of nine feet six inches.

No wall sign shall exceed three square feet in area and six feet in height, except as otherwise provided in this § 27-1314.

No projecting sign shall be permitted in any residential zoning district.

Only the following signs may be illuminated and then only in such a manner that the source of light shall not be visible from the street or from the boundary line of an adjacent property:

An identification sign for an establishment whose services in an emergency are considered essential to public health, safety, and welfare.

An identification sign for a multiunit housing development or nonresidential use that provides services to the public, provided that said sign is illuminated only between the hours of sunset and 12:00 midnight, prevailing time.

Signs for Residential Uses.

A sign identifying a home occupation or use accessory to a dwelling, provided such sign, whether erected as a wall sign or freestanding sign, does not exceed three square feet in total area. No more than one such sign shall be allowed on each street frontage of such property.

An identification sign for a residential subdivision containing five or more dwelling units, provided not more than one such sign is allowed per each street frontage where the development has proposed a new street accessing an existing street. Only freestanding signs are allowed, and they shall not exceed 24 square feet.

An identification sign for a multiunit housing development or a continuing-care facility, provided that such sign, whether erected as a wall sign or freestanding sign, does not exceed a total area along any one street equal to one square foot for every 10 linear feet of street frontage, or 24 square feet, whichever is less.

Signs for Nonresidential Uses.

Signs identifying a school, college, hospital, municipal building, cemetery, club, or other allowed nonresidential use, provided that such signs, whether erected as wall signs or freestanding signs, do not exceed a total area along any one street equal to one square foot for every 10 linear feet of street frontage or 24 square feet, whichever is less.

An institution (such as, but not limited to, a hospital, school or college) that erects only one freestanding sign pursuant to § 27-1314.15C(1) may also install one building wall-mounted sign identifying the institution that satisfies the criteria described in § 27-1314.4 and does not exceed 50 square feet.

Directional Signs.

On-premises directional signs are allowed in all residential zoning districts.

Off-premises directional signs may be erected, upon approval by the Zoning Officer and the consent of the owner of the property on which the sign is placed, only in conjunction with police or fire stations, places of public worship, hospitals, or municipal buildings. No more than two off-premises directional signs shall be allowed and shall be located at or near the two closest street intersections.

Directional signs shall contain no advertising.

No directional sign may exceed two square feet in area and six feet in height.

16.

Signs in Commercial Districts. In all commercial zoning districts, signs are allowed for the following purposes only, and only under the following conditions:

General Provisions.

No freestanding sign shall exceed 24 square feet in sign area and 12 feet in height.

No freestanding directory or identification sign may be erected within the required side yard area.

Identification and Directory Signs.

Freestanding Signs.

One freestanding identification or directory sign shall be allowed for each lot that has at least 300 linear feet of frontage on a public street and provides direct vehicular access to the lot from the street.

Wall Signs.

The total area of all wall signs placed on or facing any one street frontage on any lot shall not exceed 20% of the signable facade area of the ground floor of the portion of the building which it occupies or 24 square feet, whichever is less.

Each commercial establishment with a direct entrance to the outside shall be entitled to a wall sign, provided it does not exceed the above area requirement.

Multiple uses without direct outside entrance may be identified by means of a common directory sign, not to exceed 24 square feet.

Projecting Signs. The total area of all projecting signs used to identify a single commercial use or establishment shall not exceed four square feet.

Awning signs, subject to compliance with § 27-1314.9.

Canopy signs, subject to compliance with § 27-1314.8.

Changeable-copy signs, subject to compliance with § 27-1314.6.

Signs for an allowed residential use shall be subject to the provisions of § 27-1314.15B.

Directional Signs. Directional signs shall contain no advertising. No off-premises directional signs shall be allowed. No directional sign shall exceed four square feet in area and six feet in height.

17.

Signs in the Limited Industrial District. In the Limited Industrial Zoning District, signs are allowed for the following purposes only, and only under the following conditions:

General Provisions.

No freestanding sign (other than a billboard) shall exceed 24 square feet in sign area and 12 feet in height.

No freestanding directory or identification sign may be erected within the required side yard area.

Commercial Identification Signs.

Freestanding Signs.

In the case of a complex of three or more commercial buildings constructed, operated, and identified as a unified project, one freestanding identification or directory sign shall be allowed for the total complex that has at least 300 linear feet of frontage on a public street and provides direct vehicular access to the complex from the street.

Wall Signs. Wall signs shall be allowed identifying the building or building occupants, provided that no more than one such sign shall be placed upon any building facade. The total area of any such sign shall not exceed 20% of the signable facade area or 24 square feet, whichever is less.

Projecting Signs. The total area of all projecting signs used to identify a single commercial use or establishment shall not exceed four square feet.

Changeable-copy signs, subject to compliance with § 27-1314.6.

Awning signs, subject to compliance with § 27-1314.9.

Canopy signs, subject to compliance with § 27-1314.8.

18.

Signs in Any Zoning District. Notwithstanding any provision of this § 27-1314 to the contrary, the following types of signs shall be allowed in any zoning district:

Wayfinding signs, in accordance with and subject to the following requirements:

The wayfinding signage shall be designed and installed pursuant to a wayfinding signage program approved by the Board of Supervisors.

A sign permit, upon application to the Zoning Officer, shall be required for, and prior to the erection of, each wayfinding sign.

No sign permit shall be issued until the applicant submits the following:

A complete application signed by the applicant; and

Where the applicant is not the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected, the consent of the property owner to the proposed erection and location of the sign.

The application shall be reviewed and approved by the Board of Supervisors upon recommendation of the Zoning Officer as to the number, area, location, height, construction, materials, and dimensions of the wayfinding signage. In undertaking such review and issuing his recommendations, the Zoning Officer must determine that the proposed location will not interfere with traffic or block visibility within the clear sight triangle for streets, sidewalks, and driveways.

The applicant requesting a permit to install wayfinding signage shall be exempt from payment of a permit fee.

19.

Nonconforming Signs.

All signs lawfully erected prior to the enactment of this chapter or subsequent amendments, which are not in conformity with the provisions thereof, shall be deemed nonconforming signs governed by Part 19 of this chapter.

Any of the following shall invalidate a sign permit or require a nonconforming sign to conform to the provisions of this chapter:

The removal of an existing sign from the premises.

An alteration in the structure of a sign support and/or a change in the mechanical facilities.

A change in the material of the sign, for example, from wood to plastic.

20.

Abandoned Signs. No person shall allow an abandoned sign to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by him. An abandoned sign is any sign located on or related to the use of a property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of six months or more; any sign which was erected for an occupant or business unrelated to the present occupant or business; or any sign which related to a time, event or purpose which is past. Any such abandoned sign shall be removed by the owner or person controlling the property within 30 days of the date of abandonment. Any sign identifying an abandoned use shall itself be considered abandoned and shall be removed and the permit voided.

§ 27-1315 Home Occupations.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1314; as amended by Ord. 172, 2/14/2011, § VII; and by Ord. 205, 12/14/2015, § XXXV]

Home occupations are permitted as an accessory use to a single-family detached dwelling use, in any residential zoning district, subject to the following requirements:

Home Occupation. An occupation conducted within a room or rooms of a single-family detached dwelling which is clearly secondary and customarily incidental to the residential use. Such occupation shall be limited to attorneys, accountants, architects, engineers, teachers, artists, artisans and craftsmen, musicians, telephone calling services, caretakers, day care homes, and in publicly sewered areas only, barbershops and beauty parlors. A home occupation must meet the following restrictions:

Such an occupation shall provide its service to one individual at a given time, except as to a residential day care home.

Such an occupation shall be conducted only within the confines of the residence with no exterior storage or use permitted, except as to a residential day care home.

Such an occupation shall be located only in a single-family detached dwelling. Only one home occupation shall be permitted per residence.

Such an occupation shall be restricted to hours of operation commencing at 7:00 a.m. and concluding at 9:00 p.m.

Such an occupation shall be conducted by one owner, or resident lessee, of the dwelling and only two nonresident employees.

Retail sales of goods not produced on the premises provided that such sales shall be limited to not more than 20 square feet of shelf space and the sale of such goods are related to the primary home occupation.

The available floor space within the dwelling to be used for the home occupation shall be limited to 25% of the existing floor space, or 500 square feet, whichever is less.

No more than four off-street parking spaces shall be provided.

(9)

An approved home occupation once commenced is prohibited from being changed to any other permitted home occupation without a new zoning permit.

(10)

Such occupation shall not create any adverse traffic parking, noise or aesthetics impact upon the abutting properties or the neighborhood.

(11)

A home occupation shall not require or cause any exterior alteration to the residence, structure or to the property except for permitted additional parking and a single permitted sign.

(12)

The use of a dwelling for a home occupation shall adhere to the legal occupancy regulations for that dwelling as established by the Fire Marshall.

(13)

Only those products or good produced on the premises shall be exchanged, transferred or sold to the customer on the premises, but nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit manufacturers' representatives, realtors or others from selling items which exist, or are delivered, elsewhere.

(14)

The term "home occupation" shall neither be construed to include hospital, clinic, restaurant, automobile repair shop or the manufacture, handling or storage of explosives, the overnight parking of vehicles used in transporting garbage, asphalt, tar, gasoline or other fuel in bulk, nor shall the term include any activity which is or may be in comparable degree to any of the foregoing noxious or offensive by reason of odor, dust, smoke, gas, vibration, illumination or noise, or which is or may be dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare.

(15)

The term "home occupation" shall not include a day care center.

§ 27-1316 Timber Harvesting Requirements.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1315]

Where required by this chapter a timber harvesting plan, prepared in accordance with this section, shall be approved by the Township prior to any harvesting operations.

Timber Harvesting Plan.

The timber harvesting plan shall address all applicable erosion and sedimentation control and stream crossing regulations as provided in Chapter 102, Erosion Control Rules and Regulations, issued under Act of June 22, 1937, P.L. 1987 (Clean Streams Law), and Chapter 105, Dam and Waterway Management Rules and Regulations, issued under Act of 1978, P.L. 1375, No. 325 (Dam Safety and Encroachments Act).

The timber harvesting plan shall address, in specific detail, the following:

Design of haul and skid road system and skid trails.

Water control structures.

Stream crossings.

Log landings.

Maintenance.

Road and log landing retirement area.

(g)

Location of anticipated operation in relation to Township and state roads, including ingress and egress.

(h)

Location of property boundaries of the tract on which the harvesting will take place and the boundaries of the proposed harvest area.

(i)

Description of the harvesting method to be employed.

(j)

Total existing base area.

The timber harvesting plan shall be available at all times at the harvesting site.

The Zoning Officer shall be notified at least five working days prior to the start of the harvesting and within five prior to the completion of the harvesting.

The following requirements shall govern all timber harvesting operations:

The boundaries of the area to be harvested shall be clearly marked by attaching posters to the boundary trees prior to the harvest to avoid inadvertent harvest off-site.

Felling or skidding on or across any public road is prohibited without the express written consent of the Township or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation whichever is responsible for the maintenance of such roads.

Tops or slash shall not be left within 40 feet of a public road or adjacent property boundary.

A harvesting setback of 40 feet shall be established along any public road or adjacent property boundary, and harvesting shall be limited to 1/3 of the basal area of the harvest in a ten-year period.

Litter and debris resulting from a timber harvesting operation shall be completely removed from the site before vacated by the operator.

All haul roads, skid roads, skid trails and log landings shall be retired properly including seeding of herbaceous species as recommended by the Chester County Conservation District or the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry.

§ 27-1317 Public Utilities.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1316; as amended by Ord. 152, 12/8/2008, § 1]

Applicability. This chapter shall not apply to any existing or proposed building, or extension thereof, or to any land, used or to be used by a public utility corporation, if, upon petition of the corporation, the Public Utility Commission shall, after public hearing, decide that the present or proposed situation or use of the building or land in question is reasonably necessary for the convenience or welfare of the public.

Lot Area and Coverage. Minimum lot area and maximum coverage regulations of this chapter shall not apply to electric substations, pumping stations and other facilities of a public utility, which are otherwise permitted in any zoning district, provided, however, that the required yard setbacks and maximum height regulations for single-family detached residential uses, agricultural uses and non-residential uses with no public sewage disposal and/or no public water supply in the R-3 Zoning District shall apply regardless of the zoning district in which any such electric substation, pumping station or other facility is actually located.

§ 27-1318 Clear Sight Triangle/Obstructions to Vision.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1317]

On any corner lot, no wall, fence, sign, temporary sign or other structure shall be erected or altered which obstructs the clear sight triangle; and, no hedge, tree, shrub or other growth shall be planted which may then or ultimately obstruct the view. A clear sight triangle shall be provided at each intersection as measured from points 75 feet distant from the center lines of intersecting streets.

§ 27-1319 Accessory Uses and Accessory Buildings.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1318; as amended by Ord. 158, 12/14/2009, § I]

Accessory uses authorized in this chapter shall include, but not by way of limitation, the following:

Uses Accessory to Agriculture. Greenhouses; roadside stands for sale of products produced on the premises; barns; keeping, breeding and management of livestock and poultry; and preparation of products produced on the premises for use and the disposal thereof by marketing or otherwise; but no barn, poultry house or similar structure shall be erected nearer to any lot line than 100 feet.

Uses Accessory to Dwellings.

Shelter for pets, private stable (refer to § 27-1325, herein) and chicken house (having an area of no more than 175 square feet); except that no such stable or chicken house shall be erected other than to the rear of such dwelling and at a distance of not less than 100 feet from the rear and side property lines thereof and from any dwelling thereon. No fowl or animal shall be maintained without a suitable building therefor.

Private greenhouse not to be located in the required front yard, but can be located in the side or rear yard, not closer than 10 feet from any property line.

A detached garage, which shall not be located in the required front yard but can be located in the side or rear yard, not closer than 20 feet from any property line.

[Amended by Ord. No. 2020-247, 11/9/2020]

Private swimming pool located only in the rear yard of the principal building not closer than 10 feet to any property line, as measured from the outside edge of the permanent or semipermanent improvements surrounding the body of water.

[Amended by Ord. No. 2019-235, 10/14/2019]

Except as and to the extent permitted under and by § 27-1315 of this Part (providing for home occupations as accessory uses in any residential zoning district), uses authorized in this chapter as accessory to a dwelling shall not be deemed to include a business, hospital, clinic, animal hospital, barber shop, beauty parlor, other personal service shops, tea room, hotel, or any similar use.

Antenna connected to or servicing radio equipment operated by a resident of the dwelling who is the holder of a valid and current amateur radio license duly issued by the Federal Communications Commission. The antenna shall be subject to and comply with the provisions of § 27-1320 of this Part.

The renting of rooms, including a kitchen and bathroom, within the dwelling in which the lessor resides to not more than two persons, with or without the provision of daily meals for such persons.

Satellite television antenna subject to and complying with the provisions of § 27-1320 of this Part.

Uses Accessory to Public Park. Customary recreational, refreshment, and service uses and buildings in any public park, reservation, playground or other recreational area.

Sheds, Leans-To, Storage Buildings Accessory to All Residential Dwellings. Any shed, lean-to or storage building for lawn maintenance or household storage, and not exceeding 400 square feet in area, and which is clearly accessory to a residential dwelling unit, shall be located in the rear yard of the principal structure and at least 10 feet from any property line. In the case of a corner lot, a shed, lean-to or storage building shall be located to the rear of the principal structure and at least 20 feet from any property line.

[Amended by Ord. No. 228, 12/10/2018; and by Ord. No. 2020-247, 11/9/2020]

Uses Accessory to Commercial Activities. Any commercial activity involving the sale of equipment or materials may, while open for business, have an outdoor display area comprising not more than 25% of the indoor area, and the outdoor storage of goods for sale shall be permitted; provided no outdoor display area or outdoor storage area shall extend beyond the front, side, and rear yard building setback lines applicable to the lot. Any shed, lean-to or storage building shall be located in the rear yard of the principal building or structure. This subsection shall not apply to motor vehicle displays of vehicles for sale.

[Amended by Ord. No. 2020-247, 11/9/2020; and by Ord. No. 2021-251, 11/8/2021]

Uses Accessory to Industrial Activities. Security quarters when authorized as a special exception, lunch room facilities for exclusive use of employees, indoor warehousing, and outdoor storage when screened in accordance with the provisions of § 22-428 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

Solar Energy and Wind Energy Equipment. Solar energy equipment and wind energy equipment shall be permitted as an accessory structure in all zoning districts, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of §§ 27-1335 and 27-1336, respectively, of this Part.

Horse Boarding. Full boarding and/or partial boarding of horses shall be permitted as an accessory use in the FR, R-1 and R-2 Zoning Districts in compliance with the following:

[Added by Ord. No. 2020-245, 9/14/2020]

There shall be no more than four horses boarded on any property, and the property must contain sufficient acreage in accordance with § 27-1325 of the Zoning Ordinance to accommodate the total number of horses kept by the owner/occupant and/or boarded on behalf of other parties.

Boarded horses shall be provided with humane living conditions, including all necessary sustenance, drink, access to veterinary care, and clean and sanitary indoor shelter which shall consist of one stall per horse or an adequately sized run-in shelter (100 square feet per horse), to protect the horses against inclement weather, which will preserve the body heat of the horses and keep them dry.

Horse boarding shall not be construed to include a commercial horseback riding stable or a commercial horseback riding lesson school.

§ 27-1320 Antennas Accessory to Dwellings - General Regulations.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1319]

Any antenna authorized by this chapter, as an accessory use to a dwelling (including, without limitation, an antenna connected to or servicing radio equipment operated by a resident of the dwelling who is the holder of an amateur radio license, or a satellite television antenna), shall be subject to and comply with the following:

The antenna may be (1) attached to a dwelling or a permitted accessory building to the dwelling, or (2) freestanding but only on the same lot as the dwelling.

Whether the antenna is attached to the dwelling or a permitted accessory building, or is freestanding.

No portion of the antenna may be erected within or extend into the front yard of the dwelling, notwithstanding that the front yard may be greater than the required minimum front yard for the dwelling.

The antenna may be erected within or extend into the required minimum side yard or rear yard for the dwelling; provided, that no portion of the antenna shall be closer than 10 feet to the nearest lot line.

Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter to the contrary.

The total height of the antenna, as determined in Subsection 1C(2), below, shall not exceed the shortest distance between the antenna and the nearest lot line.

For purposes of this Subsection 1C, the total height of the antenna shall be the vertical linear distance measured to the highest point on the antenna from.

The lowest point on the antenna, in the case the antenna is attached to the dwelling or a permitted accessory building.

The lowest point on the antenna which touches the surface of the ground, in the case the antenna is freestanding.

The antenna shall be of noncombustible and corrosive resistant material.

The antenna shall be erected, installed and maintained at all times in accordance with the specifications of its manufacturer, including, but not limited to, base, construction, anchoring and guying requirements, load limitations (including, without limitation, wind, ice and snow load limitations), and lightning protection. The antenna shall also be erected, installed and maintained at all times in accordance with applicable provisions of the Building Code [Chapter 5, Part 1, § 5-101]. In the event of any inconsistency between the manufacturer's specifications and the applicable provisions of the Building Code [Chapter 5, Part 1, § 5-101], the provisions of the Building Code [Chapter 5, Part 1, § 5-101] shall supersede and control.

The antenna shall, at all times, be used, operated and maintained in compliance with all applicable regulations of the Federal Communications Commission, the physical performance requirements of § 27-1330 of this chapter (including, but not limited to, § 27-1330, Subsection 1B, concerning radioactivity and electrical disturbances and other law.

The antenna shall, at all times, be used, operated and maintained only for the private lawful reception and/or transmission, as the case may be, of signals or waves on conventional equipment in or on the dwelling or a permitted accessory building to the dwelling, or on the lot on which the dwelling is located. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a satellite television antenna shall be used only for the lawful reception of satellite-delivered signals to be viewed privately on television sets in or on the dwelling or a permitted accessory building to the dwelling, or on the lot on which the dwelling is located.

Not more than one antenna, the erection of which requires the issuance of a building permit under the Building Code [Chapter 5, Part 1, § 5-101], shall be erected, installed or maintained outside on a lot (whether attached to the dwelling or a permitted accessory building to the dwelling, or freestanding); provided, that two antennae, the erection of each of which requires the issuance of such building permit, may be located outside on the same lot if one, and only one, of such antennae is a satellite television antenna that is greater than 24 inches in diameter. There shall be no limitation on the number of satellite antennae that are 24 inches and less.

The provisions of this § 27-1320 shall not apply to antennas pertaining to wireless communications facilities, which are governed by the standards and criteria set forth in Part 20 of this chapter.

[Added by Ord. 206, 7/11/2016]

§ 27-1321 Interior Lots.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1320]

Existing Interior Lots of Record. An existing lot of record for which access to a public road is by a relatively narrow strip of land may be built upon only when authorized by a special exception. In computing the area of such lots, the area of the strip of ground connecting the lot with the public road shall not be considered. All buildings and other structures to be located on such lots shall be not closer than 75 feet from surrounding lot lines, and the strip of ground connecting the lot with the public road shall have a minimum width of 32 feet, and shall be used as an access strip to only the particular lot in question. The Zoning Hearing Board shall consider the suitability of the strip of ground which connects the lot with the public road for use as an access driveway, and shall assure that any such access driveway is hard surfaced and otherwise complies with the requirements of the Township Driveway Ordinance [Chapter 21, Part 1].

Creation of Interior Lots. The creation of interior lots is prohibited.

§ 27-1322 Projections Into Required Yards.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1321]

A structure or part of a structure shall not be erected within or shall not project into any minimum required yard in any district, except that:

An enclosed porch, not more than 14 feet in height, may be erected to extend into a required front or rear yard a distance of not more than 10 feet, provided that in no case shall it extend into such front or rear yard more than 1/2 the existing depth of the yard.

A terrace, platform or landing place, not covered by a roof, canopy or trellis, which does not extend above the level of the first floor of the building, may be erected to extend into a required yard a distance of not more than 12 feet, provided that it shall not extend into such yard more than 40% of the existing depth or width of the yard.

A porte-cochere, temporary garage, or car port, may be erected over a driveway in a required side yard, provided that such structure is:

Not more than 14 feet in height and 20 feet in length.

In compliance with all standards of the Zoning District in which it is located.

Entirely open on at least three sides, exclusive of the necessary supporting columns and the customary architectural features.

APPLICABLE AREA AND/OR DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Located a minimum distance of 20 feet from the side lot line.

A buttress, chimney, cornice, pier, or pilaster of a building may project not more than 18 inches into a required yard.

Open, unenclosed fire escapes, steps, bay windows and balconies may project not more than three feet into a required yard.

Generators and exterior HVAC appliances, including air conditioners, heat pumps, mini-splits and other HVAC appliances that are 100 cubic feet in size or less, may project not more than 10 feet into the required side and/or rear yard, provided that such generator or HVAC appliance is set back from the property boundary by no less than 10 feet.

[Added by Ord. No. 2021-253, 8/9/2021]

§ 27-1323 Fire Suppression Devices.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1322]

Any multi-unit structure, commercial structure or permitted industrial structure, and any structure greater than 32 feet in height shall be subject to the requirement for the provision of fire suppression devices in accordance with the Building Code [Chapter 5, Part 1, § 5-101]. Water storage devices may also be required to meet specified fire flow requirements.

§ 27-1324 Height Limitation of Fences and Walls.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1323]

A residential fence or wall, excepting a retaining wall, or a wall of a building permitted under the terms of this chapter, over six feet in height, shall not be erected within any of the required yards, unless that portion of the fence or wall which exceeds six feet in height has a ratio of open space to solid area of at least four-to-one. Utilities and governmental fences shall be permitted up to eight feet in height.

§ 27-1325 Keeping of Domestic Animals.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1324; as amended by Ord. 205, 12/14/2015, § XXXVI]

The keeping, raising or boarding of horses, cattle, llamas, mules and other similar large animals for domestic purposes, including a barn or stable [see § 27-1319, Subsection 1B(1)] for same, shall require a minimum lot area of not less than two acres regardless of the zoning district in which said property is located. The two acre requirement shall be applicable for two such large animals and for each additional large animal kept on the lot, parcel or premises, one additional acre of lot area shall be required. For sheep, goats and other similar-sized animals, a minimum lot area of not less than two acres shall be required for two such animals and for each two additional such animals kept on the lot, one additional acre of lot area shall be required. The above requirements shall be enforced regardless of whether the animals are kept for domestic purposes or for the temporary boarding of animals for other parties.

The keeping, raising or boarding of fowl, including without limitation, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, pheasants and quail, for domestic purposes shall require a minimum lot area of not less than one acre regardless of the zoning district in which said property is located. In no event shall more than 10 such fowl be permitted on each one acre area of land; provided, however, that no more than five turkeys shall be permitted on each one acre area of land. Chickens and other fowl shall not be permitted to run freely on any lot and must be caged or kept in a run at all times. The structure, building, shelter or pen shall be constructed of such material and in such manner that it can be kept clean and sanitary. The enclosure shall satisfy the requirements for accessory structures set forth in § 27-1319, Subsection 1B(1), of this chapter.

§ 27-1326 Stream Bank Restriction.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1325]

An on-site sewage disposal system, or any part thereof, which is otherwise permitted by other provisions of this chapter or other law, shall not be located nearer to the bank of any perennial stream than 100 feet, or such other distance as may be provided by the floodplain district regulations of this chapter, whichever distance is greater.

§ 27-1327 Conservation Plan.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1326]

A building permit shall not be issued for any type of construction until a conservation plan has been approved in accordance with § 22-306, Subsection 1, of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

§ 27-1328 Municipal Landfill.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1327]

A municipal landfill owned and operated by the Township or owned and operated by an authority created by the Board of Supervisors is permitted as a use by right in the LI Limited Industrial District. All other landfills, dumps, refuse disposal areas, refuse transfer stations and the like are prohibited in all of the zoning districts of the Township.

If a landfill is erected within the Township in accordance with the above ownership requirements, all required approvals and permits shall first be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in accordance with Title 25, Chapter 75, of the Pennsylvania Code, Solid Waste Regulations, adopted August 2, 1971, as amended.

§ 27-1329 Single Principal Use.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1328]

Except as otherwise provided by this chapter the use of any lot shall be limited to a single principal use, with accessory uses as authorized herein.

§ 27-1330 Physical Performance Requirements.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1329; as amended by Ord. 152, 12/8/2008, § 1]

Land, buildings, structures or premises in any zoning district, or any mobile home park, shall not be used, altered, or occupied in a manner as to create any dangerous, injurious, noxious or otherwise objectionable fire, explosive, radioactive or other hazard; noise or vibration; smoke, dust odor, or other form of air pollution; electrical or other disturbance; glare; liquid or solid refuse or wastes; conditions conducive to the breeding of rodents or insects, or other substance, condition, or element, in any manner or amount as to adversely affect the surrounding area. The following shall be applicable to all zoning districts:

Fire and Explosive Hazards. All activities and all storage of flammable and explosive material at any point shall be provided with adequate safety devices against the hazards of fire and explosion, and adequate firefighting and fire-suppression equipment and devices as detailed and specified by the Department of Labor and Industry and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All buildings and structures and activities within such buildings and structures shall conform to the Building Code [Chapter 5, Part 1, § 5-101], the Fire Prevention Code, and all other applicable ordinances if and when adopted by the Township. Any explosive material shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 211, Title 25, Rules and Regulations, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, for storage, handling and use of explosives.

Radioactivity or Electrical Disturbances. There shall be no activities which emit dangerous radioactivity at any point. There shall be no radio or electrical disturbance adversely affecting the operation of equipment belonging to someone other than the creator of the disturbance. If any use is proposed which incorporates the use of radioactive material, equipment or supplies, such use shall be in strict conformity with Chapters 221, 223, 225, 227 and 229, Title 25, Article V, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Rules and Regulations.

Smoke, Ash, Dust, Fumes, Vapors and Gases. There shall be no emission of smoke, ash, dust, fumes, vapors or gases which violate the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Laws, including the standards set forth in Chapter 123 (Standards for Contaminants) and Chapter 131 (Ambient Air Quality Standards), Article III, Title 25, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Rules and Regulations.

Liquid and Solid Wastes. There shall be no storage of or discharge at any point into any public or private sewer system, or watercourse or into the ground, of any materials in such a way or of such a nature, as will contaminate or otherwise cause the emission of hazardous materials in violation of the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and specifically Chapters 73, 75, 95, and 97, Title 25, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Rules and Regulations.

Glare. No direct or sky-reflected glare whether from spotlights, floodlights, searchlights or other sources shall be visible from adjoining public streets or adjacent lots when viewed by a person standing on ground level.

Odor. No use shall emit odorous gases or other odorous matter in such quantities as to be offensive at any point on or beyond its lot lines. The guide far determining such quantities of offensive odors shall be the 50% response level of Table I, Odor Thresholds in Air, "Research on Chemical Odors: Part I, Odor Thresholds for 53 Commercial Chemicals," October 1968, Manufacturing Chemists Association, Inc., Washington, DC.

(Reserved)[1]

[1]

Editor’s Note: Former Subsection 1G, Noise, was repealed 10/9/2017 by Ord. 217. For current provisions, see Ch. 6, Part 3, Noise.

§ 27-1331 Storage of Vehicles and Junk.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1330; as amended by Ord. 205, 12/14/2015, § XXXVII]

The exterior storage of more than one automotive vehicle or truck is prohibited in all zoning districts; provided, however, that such vehicle or truck shall be covered when not in use. The exterior of any property shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition, and free from the accumulation of rubbish, garbage or junk in all zoning districts. Junkyards or the exterior storage of materials that comprise a junkyard shall be prohibited in all zoning districts.

§ 27-1332 Temporary Structures.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1331]

The erection of temporary structures in excess of 100 square feet and used for commercial or industrial purposes shall require a temporary use permit and shall comply with all of the area, bulk and dimensional standards of the zoning district in which it is located.

§ 27-1333 Certain Nonconformities Resulting From the Taking of a Portion of a Lot for Public Purposes.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1332; as amended by Ord. 166, 4/12/2010, § V]

Whenever an existing lot and/or an existing building or other structure on an existing lot becomes nonconforming, or more nonconforming, with respect to one or more applicable areas and/or dimensional requirements, as a result of the taking of a portion of the lot for public purposes, the following shall apply:

The lawful use of the lot and/or the lawful use, location and/or size of the building or other structure on the lot, as existing on the effective date of the taking, may remain and continue after the effective date of the taking, provided that the nonconformity, with respect to each applicable area and/or dimensional requirement, resulting from the taking, is not more than 50% of the applicable requirement, or does not increase an existing nonconformity of the same applicable area and dimensional requirement beyond 50% of that requirement.

Where the nonconformity, with respect to each applicable area and dimensional requirement, resulting from the taking, is more than 50% of the applicable requirement, or increases an existing nonconformity of the same applicable area and/or dimensional requirement beyond 50% of that requirement, the lawful use of the lot and/or lawful use, location, and/or size of the building or other structure on the lot, as existing on the effective date of the taking, may remain and continue after the effective date of the taking only when authorized as a conditional use.

The conditional use under Subsection 1B shall be allowed or denied by the Board of Supervisors pursuant to the standards and other provisions set forth in § 27-1406 of this chapter.

Each lawful use of the lot and/or the lawful use, location and/or size of the building or other structure on the lot, as existing on the effective date of the taking and permitted to remain and continue as provided by Subsection 1A or by conditional use as provided by Subsection 1B, shall be considered (to the extent the nonconformity of such use, location and/or size with respect to an applicable area and/or dimensional requirement results from or is increased by the taking) a nonconforming, or more nonconforming, use, building or structure, as of the effective date of the taking, for purposes of Part 19 and other provisions of this chapter including, but not limited to, §§ 27-1901, Subsections 1B, C, D, and E, 27-1902, Subsections 1B, C, 4, 5, and 6, 27-1906, and 27-1908. Where a lawful use of the lot and/or the lawful use, location and/or size of the building or other structure on the lot is permitted to remain and continue by conditional use under Subsection 1B, the provisions of this Subsection 1D shall be subject to the decision of the Board of Supervisors granting the conditional use, including any conditions attached to the grant.

In the case the lot is undeveloped and the lawful lot area and/or lot width of the lot becomes nonconforming, or more nonconforming, as a result of the taking, the lot shall be considered a nonconforming, or more nonconforming, undeveloped lot with respect to lot area and/or lot width as of the effective date of the taking for purposes of Part 19 and other provisions of this chapter including, but not limited to, § 27-1906.

The taking shall not extinguish any lawful nonconformity of the lot and/or the building or other structure on the lot, which nonconformity exists on and immediately prior to the effective date of the taking, to the extent that such nonconformity does not result from the taking.

For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

The requirements of this chapter, providing for minimum lot area, minimum lot width, maximum building coverage, maximum impervious coverage, and/or minimum front, side and/or rear yards, applicable to a lot and/or to the location and/or size of a building or other structure on a lot.

EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE TAKING

Where the taking is by condemnation by the exercise of the right of eminent domain, the date on which the Township files a declaration of taking; or where the taking is by deed, the date on which the Township accepts the deed.

LAWFUL

When modifying the use of a lot, the use, location and/or size of a building or other structure on a lot, or the lot area or lot width of a lot, shall mean a use, location, size, lot area or lot width that, on and immediately prior to the effective date of the taking, (a) complies with applicable provisions of this chapter, or (b) to the extent not complying, is lawfully nonconforming.

PUBLIC PURPOSES

Such purposes shall include, but shall not be limited to, providing additional width or length to an existing public road, relocating an existing public road, or relocating a proposed new road in a subdivision or land development in order to align, or better align, the new road with an extensive public road; providing public parks, providing public utilities infrastructure, and other governmental facilities and services.

TAKING

A taking shall include: (a) condemnation by the Township, for public purposes, of a portion of a lot by the exercise of the right of eminent domain; (b) acceptance by the Township of a deed, in lieu of condemnation, conveying to the Township a portion of a lot for public purposes; or (c) acceptance by the Township of a deed, conveying to the Township a portion of a lot for public purposes as required or requested by the Township in and by a specific resolution therefor duly adopted by the Board of Supervisors.

The provisions of this section including, but not limited to, Subsection 1F, shall not apply in any case where monetary compensation is paid or payable by the Township to the owner of a lot and/or other party in interest for the taking of a portion of the lot for public purposes.

§ 27-1334 Township Uses.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008, § 1333; as amended by Ord. 172, 2/14/2011, § VIII]

Except as may be otherwise provided in this chapter with respect to a particular Township use, a Township use may be located by right in any zoning district, as may be determined by the Board of Supervisors to be reasonably necessary for the convenience or welfare of the Township, and except for this section, shall not be subject to any provision of this chapter including, but not limited to, bulk, area and dimensional standards.

§ 27-1335 Solar Energy Equipment.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008; as added by Ord. 158, 12/14/2009, § I]

Any solar energy equipment authorized by this chapter shall be considered accessory structures and the generation of energy or heat as an accessory use to the principal use in any zoning district and shall be subject to and comply with the following:

Solar energy equipment shall be located on the same lot as the principal use.

Solar energy equipment shall comply with all minimum side and rear yard setback and height requirements of the applicable zoning district.

Power generated by solar energy equipment shall not exceed 50 kilowatts of maximum output capacity per principal residential use or 100 kilowatts of maximum output capacity per principal nonresidential use. There shall be no commercial use of the solar energy equipment for generation of energy, except for energy purchased by a public utility in accordance with law or other government regulations.

Solar panels shall comply with the physical performance requirements contained in § 27-1330 of this chapter.

The solar energy equipment shall meet and be installed in accordance with all applicable requirements of the Township Building Code as defined in Part 2, § 27-202, of this chapter.

No free-standing solar energy equipment shall be located in the front yard. Solar energy equipment affixed to the roof of the principal structure and visible from the front yard shall be permitted.

§ 27-1336 Wind Energy Equipment.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008; as added by Ord. 158, 12/14/2009, § I; and as amended by Ord. 183, 9/12/2011, § I]

Any wind energy equipment authorized by this chapter shall be considered accessory structures and the generation of energy as an accessory use to the principal use in any zoning district.

Freestanding wind turbines shall be subject to and comply with the following:

Freestanding wind turbine energy equipment shall be located on the same lot as the principal use.

Power generated by freestanding wind turbine energy equipment shall not exceed 50 kilowatts of maximum output capacity for residential uses or 100 kilowatts of maximum output capacity for nonresidential uses. There shall be no commercial use of the wind energy equipment for generation of energy, except for energy purchased by a public utility in accordance with law or other government regulations.

No freestanding wind turbine energy equipment shall be located in a front yard.

Freestanding wind turbine energy equipment shall comply with all principal structure minimum side and rear yard setback requirements of the applicable zoning district.

Freestanding wind turbine energy equipment shall not exceed a height of 145 feet. The height of a freestanding wind turbine shall be measured from the average approved finished grade at the perimeter of the base of the freestanding wind turbine to the highest vertical point of the rotor at its maximum vertical position.

For a freestanding wind turbine, only a single pole or monopole structure shall be permitted. The pole shall be self-supporting upon its foundation without the use of guy wires or other supports and shall be certified by the wind turbine's manufacturer that the pole is sufficient to withstand the weight of the wind turbine being installed, as well as the projected windload to be placed upon the wind turbine.

Freestanding wind turbines shall not be artificially lighted.

Freestanding wind turbine energy equipment shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration.

(9)

Freestanding wind turbine energy equipment shall be set back from any occupied building, property line, street ultimate right-of-way, utility building or structure, utility right-of-way or easement, or liquid fuel source a distance of not less than 1.5 times the height measured from the average approved finished grade at the perimeter of the base to the highest vertical point of the rotor at its maximum vertical position.

(10)

For a freestanding wind turbine, clearly visible warning signs concerning falling objects shall be placed within the principal structure rear and side yard setbacks and spaced not more than 100 feet apart, to the extent possible, to warn against ice and rotor throws. Signs are to be placed a minimum of three feet from the ground and be a minimum of one square foot, but not exceeding two square feet in surface area.

(11)

Freestanding wind turbines shall be equipped with a braking system to limit rotor rotation speed to within the design limits.

(12)

The minimum height of the lowest position of the freestanding wind turbine rotor shall be 15 feet above the surface of the ground.

(13)

Ladder or steps affixed to a freestanding wind turbine shall not be provided any lower than 15 feet above its base.

(14)

The design color and other visual features of the freestanding wind turbine shall be white, off-white or grey.

(15)

For a freestanding wind turbine, all exterior utilities, cables, electrical lines, and other connections shall be located in a conduit and buried underground to the maximum extent possible.

(16)

For a freestanding wind turbine, all ground mounted electrical and control equipment shall be labeled and secured to prevent unauthorized access.

(17)

There shall be no antennae, advertising or other items or material affixed to or otherwise placed on the freestanding wind turbine energy equipment, except those required for safety or identification of manufacturer.

(18)

Operation of the freestanding wind turbine energy equipment shall comply with the physical performance requirements of § 27-1330 of this chapter.

(19)

The freestanding wind turbine energy equipment shall meet and be installed in accordance with all applicable requirements of the Township Building Code.

Roof mounted wind turbines shall be subject to and comply with the following:

Roof mounted wind turbine energy equipment shall be located on the same lot as the principal use.

Power generated by roof mounted wind turbine energy equipment shall not exceed 1,000 watts of maximum output capacity. There shall be no commercial use of the roof mounted wind turbine energy equipment for generation of energy, except for energy purchased by a public utility in accordance with law or other government regulations.

Roof mounted wind turbine energy equipment shall not exceed a height of eight feet measured from the center of the wind turbine's nose cone to the roofline on which it is mounted.

Roof mounted wind turbine blades shall be made of aluminum or carbon fiber.

Roof mounted wind turbine blades shall have a minimum clearance of three feet between the tip of the blades and roofline as well as other obstructions including but not limited to antennas, satellite dishes, vent stacks, and chimneys.

For a roof mounted wind turbine, the mounting equipment shall be certified by the wind turbine's manufacturer that the mounting equipment is sufficient to withstand the weight of the wind turbine being installed, as well as the projected windload to be placed upon the wind turbine.

The roof mounted wind turbine shall be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer's installation requirements with mounting bracket materials being a minimum thickness of 1/4 inch steel.

Certification is required by a registered professional engineer that the building is structurally sufficient to withstand the weight of the wind turbine being installed, as well as the projected windload to be placed upon the wind turbine.

(9)

Roof mounted wind turbines shall not be artificially lighted.

(10)

Roof mounted wind turbines may be installed on occupied buildings. Roof mounted wind turbine shall be set back from any adjacent occupied building a distance of not less than 30 feet.

(11)

For a roof mounted wind turbine, clearly visible warning signs concerning falling objects shall be placed within the principal structure yard setbacks and spaced not more than 100 feet apart, to the extent possible, to warn against ice and rotor throws. Signs are to be placed a minimum of three feet from the ground and be a minimum of one square foot, but not exceeding two square feet in surface area.

(12)

Roof mounted wind turbines shall be equipped with a braking system to limit rotor rotation speed to within the design limits.

(13)

The design color and other visual features of the roof mounted wind turbine shall be white, off-white or grey.

(14)

For a roof mounted wind turbine, all exterior utilities, cables, electrical lines, and other connections shall be located in a conduit and buried underground to the maximum extent possible.

(15)

For a roof mounted wind turbine, all ground mounted electrical and control equipment shall be labeled and secured to prevent unauthorized access.

(16)

There shall be no antennae, advertising or other items or material affixed to or otherwise placed on the roof mounted wind turbine energy equipment, except those required for safety or identification of manufacturer.

(17)

Operation of the roof mounted wind turbine energy equipment shall comply with the physical performance requirements of § 27-1330 of this chapter.

(18)

The roof mounted wind turbine energy equipment shall meet and be installed in accordance with all applicable requirements of the Township Building Code.

§ 27-1337 Corner Lot Yard Frontage.

[Ord. 147, 8/11/2008; as added by Ord. 196, 8/12/2013, § VII]

For each corner lot within any zoning district, each yard frontage on a street shall require a front lot depth as set forth in the dimensional standards of the zoning district for such lot.

§ 27-1338 Surface Land Uses Affiliated with Transmission Pipelines.

[Added by Ord. 209, 12/12/2016]

Purpose. The intent of this section is to:

Accommodate the need for surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines consistent with the desire to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Township.

Minimize aesthetic, nuisance and visual impacts of surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines through proper design, siting and vegetative screening.

Ensure the location of surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines in compliance with applicable industry standards and requirements, federal law, and Pennsylvania state law, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act (as amended),[1] and Pennsylvania case law.

[1]

Editor's Note: See 58 P.S. § 1 et seq.

Preserve the rural, suburban and urban character of neighborhoods adjacent to surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines.

Use Provisions.

Except as otherwise designated in Subsection 2B below, surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines shall be permitted as a principal use in all zoning districts when adjacent to and within 100 feet of underground transmission pipelines that exist as of the date of adoption of this section or are proposed when authorized as a conditional use pursuant to Subsection 3 below and Part 14 of this chapter. In addition, such uses shall meet the dimensional requirements, including, but not limited to, area and bulk standards, of the underlying zoning district and shall demonstrate compliance with the East Coventry Township Stormwater Management Ordinance [Chapter 9, Part 1].

Surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines shall be prohibited in the following areas:

The SSCD Steep Slope Conservation District;

The FW Floodway Floodplain District;

Areas containing seasonally high water table soils;

Areas containing wetlands;

Riparian buffer areas; and

All areas identified on the Historic Resources Map of the Township as described in Part 12 of this chapter.

All other uses ancillary to surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines are prohibited unless otherwise permitted in the zoning district in which the use is located.

Standards for Surface Land Uses Affiliated with Transmission Pipelines. The following standards will be considered by the Township prior to permitting surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines:

Setbacks.

Unless otherwise approved by the Board of Supervisors upon recommendation of the Township Planning Commission, the applicant shall demonstrate that the setbacks for surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines and all supporting equipment and structures to any property line or right-of-way shall be consistent with the minimum setback in the underlying zoning district. In addition, surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines and all supporting equipment and structures shall be set back a minimum of 750 feet from residential buildings and all commercial, industrial and institutional uses or a minimum of 500 feet from the nearest lot line, whichever is greater. Where yard area or other setbacks of the underlying zoning district contradict these standards, the larger of the setbacks shall apply.

Setbacks may be increased by the Township pursuant to the type of material being managed at the surface land use affiliated with transmission pipelines, if the use is adjacent to areas of high on-site population, and the current status of science regarding safety protocols in proximity to pipelines or surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines. The Township shall, on a case-by-case basis, determine if increased setbacks are warranted consistent with the potential impact radius ("PIR"), defined by the relationship between the diameter of the adjacent pipeline (and appurtenances) and its maximum operating pressure (see Appendix A),[2] if high on-site populations are located in close proximity (referred to as "high-consequence areas"), and if more than one transmission pipeline (such as coupled lines) will be managed at the surface land use affiliated thereto. The PIR approach is applicable only to surface land uses affiliated with "gas" or "petroleum gas" transmission pipelines, as defined by Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, § 192.3. Surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines carrying "hazardous liquids," as defined by Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, § 195.2, shall adhere to the setback standards contained in this Subsection 3A.

[2]

Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.

Landscaping. The applicant shall provide a plan, prepared by a landscape architect licensed in Pennsylvania, showing landscaping proposed to be installed to screen and buffer surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines. The landscape plan shall incorporate a mix of native vegetation, including evergreens, shrubbery and trees, which shall be of sufficient density to screen the facility. Existing vegetation in proximity to surface land uses affiliated with transmission pipelines shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible. All proposed landscaping shall comply with the requirements of § 22-428, Subsection 11D, of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] and § 27-1309 of this chapter. Applicants shall submit a visual survey from mutually agreed upon vantage points in order to support the proposed landscaping plan's mitigation of visual impacts.

Noise. Sound produced by the surface land use affiliated with transmission pipelines shall not result in noise or vibration clearly exceeding the average intensity of noise or vibration occurring from other causes at the property line; in no case shall the sound-pressure level exceed:

The noise levels set forth in § 27-1330, Subsection 1G,[3] of this chapter, measured 100 feet from the property line of the property upon which the emission occurs; or

[3]

Editor's Note: Said subsection was repealed 10/9/2017 by Ord. 217. For current provisions, see Ch. 6, Part 3, Noise.

60 dB(A) [according to the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI) "a"-weighted scale] at the property line closest to the land use, whichever is more restrictive.

Odors. Odor, vapors or particulate matter produced by the surface land use affiliated with transmission pipelines shall not exceed:

The average emission of such substances occurring from other causes at the property line; and