The regulations contained in this article shall apply to all
uses within North Newton Township.
The use of nontraditional storage units, including those commercially
known as PODS® or enclosed container of a box trailer with or
without wheels, shall be permitted on a temporary basis, subject to
the following:
A.
Units shall be permitted for a maximum period of 60 consecutive days
in any one calendar year. This period may be extended upon written
request to the Zoning Officer for a period not exceeding 180 days.
B.
The enclosed "container" of a box trailer with wheels may be used
for temporary construction storage for the period for which a valid
building permit has been issued. Such units shall be licensed and
located in accordance with the required accessory use setback of the
zoning district in which the property is located.
C.
The "container" of a box trailer, with or without wheels, shall not
be used for permanent storage in any zoning district.
[Added 7-11-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-05]
A.
Vehicles and trailers as accessory uses. No vehicle or trailer shall
be parked on any lot and used permanently as an accessory building
or storage shed.
B.
No recreational vehicle, boat, camper, or pickup component shall
be used for living or sleeping quarters on any lot in the Township,
except for the following:
(1)
When the recreational vehicle is situated in an approved recreational
vehicle park or mobile home park, and otherwise complies with the
relevant provisions of the North Newton Township Code.
(2)
Special circumstances. If a residential structure is determined
uninhabitable due to its remodeling, renovation, or restoration, whether
elective or due to fire, flood, storm, wind damage, or other Act of
God, the use of a recreational vehicle, other than a boat, may be
permitted as a temporary dwelling on the same lot as the uninhabitable
residential structure. A recreational vehicle used as a temporary
dwelling under this exception shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a)
The use of any recreational vehicle as a temporary dwelling
shall not exceed 12 months.
(b)
Permit required. A permit shall be required for any person or
persons intending to use a recreational vehicle as a temporary residential
dwelling. Said permit shall only be valid for 12 months.
(c)
The recreational vehicle shall be lawfully registered and have
the appropriate license plate attached to the recreational vehicle.
(d)
The recreational vehicle shall be maintained in good aesthetic
appearance and be kept road worthy. No structures such as porches,
storage space, additional rooms, permanent stairs or the like, may
be attached to the recreational vehicle.
(e)
The recreational vehicle shall be connected to a water supply
and sewage disposal facilities as approved by the code enforcement
officer and sewage enforcement officer. The recreational vehicle shall
be supplied with electricity. In no event shall permanent connections
to such facilities be provided.
(f)
The recreational vehicle shall not be located on any street
in the Township.
(3)
Where the use as a temporary dwelling is limited to a period
of not more than 14 days consecutively.
A.
Buffer yards and screening requirements shall be applicable under
the following circumstances:
(1)
Where a nonresidential use abuts an existing residential use or residential district (R-1, R-2, except where set forth in Subsection B below;
(2)
Where a proposed multifamily residential use abuts an existing single-family detached, semidetached, two-family detached, or attached dwelling, except where set forth in Subsection B below;
(3)
Where screening is required by this chapter, the Township, or by
the Zoning Hearing Board.
B.
In the Village Mixed-Use Zoning District, where a nonresidential
use abuts a residential use; or multifamily use abuts single-family
detached, semidetached, two-family detached, or attached dwelling,
buffer yard and/or screening shall be provided as determined by the
Zoning Officer.
C.
All buffer yards shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
Except where otherwise provided for in this chapter, a twenty-foot-wide
planting strip or buffer yard shall be provided and may be included
within any required building setback requirements.
(2)
No buffer yard or part thereof shall be used for parking, storage,
loading and unloading.
(3)
Buffer yards may be crossed by access roads, service drives or easements;
however, no turning or maneuvering of vehicles shall be permitted
in the buffer area.
(4)
Buffer yards shall extend for the entire width of the property line
adjoining the residential property or district.
(5)
All screening materials and landscaping shall not encroach upon the
adjoining property line at full maturity.
D.
No buffer yard shall be required for any nonresidential use separated
from a residential use by a public street.
E.
Characteristics of buffer yards and screening.
(1)
The buffer yard shall be a landscaped area free of structures, dumpsters,
commercial or industrial storage or display, manufacturing or processing
activity, materials, loading and unloading areas or vehicle parking
or display. Signs shall be permitted in a buffer yard fronting a street.
(2)
Each buffer yard shall include a planting screen of evergreen trees
or shrubs extending the length of the lot line.
(3)
Each planting screen shall meet the following requirements:
(a)
Plant materials needed to form the visual screen shall have
a minimum height when planted of six feet and will grow to a minimum
of 15 feet tall at maturity on ten-foot centers maximum. In addition,
existing vegetation on and around the site shall be preserved to the
greatest extent possible.
(b)
Plants needed to form the visual screen shall be of such species,
spacing and size as can reasonably be expected to produce within five
years a mostly solid year-round visual screen.
(c)
The plant screen shall be placed so that the plants will not
obstruct a street or sidewalk.
(d)
The plant visual screen shall be interrupted only at:
(e)
Where space allows, evergreen trees should be planted at diagonal
offsets so that there is room for future growth of the trees.
(f)
The plant screen shall be maintained in a healthy condition.
Any landscaping that dies or is severely damaged shall be replaced
by the current property owner as soon as is practical considering
growing seasons, within a maximum of 150 days.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection E(3)(g), regarding modification
of buffer and screening requirements, which immediately followed,
was repealed 7-11-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-05.
F.
Fences, walls, and other screening.
(1)
Any fence or wall in a buffer yard shall be placed on the inside
of any required plant screening.
(2)
As a condition of any variance or conditional use approval, the installation
of a fence or wall may be required in addition to a buffer yard. As
a condition of any land development approval, the Board of Supervisors
may require the installation of a fence or wall in addition to a buffer
yard.
(3)
As a conditional use, the applicant may prove to the satisfaction
of the Board of Supervisors that an alternative method of screening
will satisfactorily avoid conflicts between uses and provide an attractive
appearance. For example, the Board may approve a decorative brick
wall to be placed between a loading area and an abutting street.
A.
Dumpsters shall be screened from adjacent properties. Such screening
shall consist of decorative masonry walls, solid weather-resistant
wood fencing of a similar appearance (such as white vinyl vertical
planks). The fence or wall shall include a self-latching door or gate.
B.
Setbacks. A dumpster shall not be located in a front, side or rear
setback yard or a required buffer yard.
C.
All dumpsters shall be completely enclosed, and the lid shall be
kept in place. The locations of all dumpsters shall be shown on all
site plans and land development plans submitted to North Newton Township.
D.
This section shall not apply to dumpsters temporarily placed during
actual construction or demolition on the premises.
A.
Fences and walls shall be permitted by right in all zoning districts.
Any fence or wall shall be durably constructed and well maintained.
B.
No fence, wall or hedge shall obstruct the clear sight triangle requirements
of this chapter.
C.
No fence, wall, or structure shall be permitted or erected in a public
or private drainage, utility or access easement, unless otherwise
required by this chapter or other Township ordinance. Any such fence
erected in violation of this section shall be removed or relocated
at the owner's expense.
D.
It shall be unlawful to construct or alter any fence or wall over
six feet high without first having secured a building permit. It shall
be unlawful to vary materially from the approved submitted plans and
specifications unless such variations are submitted in an amended
application to the Zoning Officer or other designated municipal official
and approved by this official.
E.
Fences shall comply with the following:
(1)
Any fence located in the required front yard shall not exceed four
feet in height.
(2)
In a residential district (R-1, R-2, the maximum height in other yards shall be six feet, all subject to Subsection B above.
(3)
Brick may be used for posts or as a base for a fence, provided the
maximum fence height is not exceeded.
(4)
A fence shall not be required to comply with minimum setbacks for
accessory structures.
(6)
A maximum height of 12 feet shall be permitted where the applicant
proves to the Zoning Officer that such taller height is necessary
to protect public safety around a specific hazard, such as around
an electric substation.
(7)
Structural posts of a fence may extend above the height of the fence.
(8)
All fence heights shall be measured from the average surrounding
ground level.
(9)
No fence shall be built within an existing street right-of-way.
(10)
A fence may be built without a setback from a lot line; however,
a small setback is recommended to provide future maintenance of the
fence.
(11)
No fence shall be constructed out of fabric, junk, junk vehicles,
appliances, tanks or barrels.
(12)
If one side of a fence includes posts or supports, those posts
or supports shall be placed on the interior of the fence, as opposed
to facing onto a street or another lot.
(13)
If a fence is finished only on one side, the finished side shall
face outward, away from the lot or parcel upon which it is located.
Commercial, industrial, institutional or multifamily uses shall
meet the following standards:
A.
Any part of the lot which is not used for structures, loading areas,
parking spaces and aisles, sidewalks and designated storage areas
shall be provided with an all-season, well-maintained vegetative ground
cover. Landscaped areas shall be kept free of debris, rubbish and
noxious weeds.
B.
A twenty-foot-wide strip along the side and rear property lines shall
be landscaped with ground cover and plant material and shall not contain
impervious cover except for the crossing of necessary entrance/exit
driveways.
C.
A ten-foot-wide-strip beyond the reserved or dedicated right-of-way
for any road or street shall be landscaped with ground cover and plant
material and shall not contain impervious cover, except for the crossing
of necessary entrance/exit driveways.
No land or building in any zoning district shall be developed,
used or occupied in any manner so as to create any dangerous, injurious,
noxious, or otherwise objectionable fire, explosive, or other hazard;
noise, or vibration; smoke, dust, odor or other form of air pollution;
heat, cold, dampness, electromagnetic or other substance, condition
or element in such manner or in such amount as to adversely affect
the reasonable use of the surrounding area or adjoining premises (referred
to herein as "dangerous or objectionable elements"); provided, that
any use permitted or not expressly prohibited by this chapter may
be undertaken and maintained if it conforms to the regulations of
this section limiting dangerous and objectionable elements at the
point of the determination of their existence.
A.
Enforcement provisions applicable to other uses. Even though compliance
with performance standards procedure in obtaining a building permit
is not required for some particular uses, initial and continued compliance
with the performance standards themselves is required of every use,
and provisions for enforcement of, and continued compliance with,
performance standards shall be invoked by the Township against any
use if there are reasonable grounds to believe that performance standards
are being violated by such use.
B.
Performance standard regulations.
(1)
Fire and explosion hazards. All activities involving and all storage
of flammable and explosive materials shall be provided at any point
with adequate safety devices against the hazard of fire and explosion
and adequate firefighting and fire-suppression equipment and devices
standard in the industry. Burning of waste materials in open fires
is prohibited at any point. The relevant provisions of state and other
local laws and regulations shall apply.
(2)
Noise. No use of land shall cause an increase in noise in such a
manner as to cause injury, annoyance, or disturbance to surrounding
property owners and occupants; or adversely affect the reasonable
use of the surrounding area or adjoining premises. All noise levels
shall be in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and the Federal Environmental
Protection Administration.
(3)
Vibration. No vibration shall be produced which is transmitted through
the ground and is discernible without the aid of instruments at or
beyond the lot line; nor shall any vibration produced exceed 0.002g
peak at up to 50 cps frequency, measured at or beyond the lot line
either seismic or electronic vibration-measuring equipment. Vibrations
occurring at higher than 0.50 cps frequency or a periodic vibration
shall not induce accelerations exceeding 0.001g. Single impulse a
periodic vibrations occurring at an average interval greater than
five minutes shall not induce accelerations exceeding 0.01g.
(4)
Smoke.
(a)
No emission shall be emitted at any point from any chimney or otherwise,
or visible gray smoke of a shade equal to or darker than No. 2 on
the Power's Micro-Ringelmann Chart, published by McGraw-Hill Publishing
Company, Inc.. and copyright 1954 (being a direct facsimile reduction
of the standard Ringelmann Chart as issued by the United States Bureau
of Mines), except that visible gray smoke if a shade equal to No.
2 on said chart may be emitted for four minutes in any 30 minutes.
(b)
These provisions applicable to visible gray smoke shall also apply
to visible smoke of a different color but with an apparently equivalent
opacity.
(5)
Odors. No emission shall be permitted of odorous gases or other odorous
matter in such quantities as to be readily detectable when diluted
in the ratio of one volume of odorous air emitted to four volumes
of clean air. Any process which may involve the creation or emission
of any odors shall be provided with a secondary safeguard system,
so that control will be maintained if the primary safeguard system
should fail. There is hereby established as a guide in determining
such quantities of offensive odors Table III, "Odor Thresholds," in
Chapter 5, "Air Pollution Abatement Manuals," copyright 1951 by Manufacturing
Chemists' Association, Inc., Washington, D.C. and said manual, and/or
table, as subsequently amended.
(6)
Fly ash, dust, fumes vapors, gases, other forms of air pollution.
No emission shall be permitted which can cause any damage to health,
to animals, vegetation, or other forms of property or which can cause
any excessive soiling at any point on the property of others, and
in no event shall any emission be permitted, from any chimney or otherwise,
of any solid or liquid particles in concentrations exceeding 0.3 grains
per cubic foot of the conveying gas. For measurement of the amount
of particles in gases resulting from combustion, standard corrections
shall be applied to a stack temperature of 500° F. and 50% excess
air.
(7)
Electromagnetic radiation. It shall be unlawful to operate, or cause
to be operated, any planned or intentional source of electromagnetic
radiation for such purposes as communication, experimentation, entertainment,
broadcasting, heating, navigation, therapy, vehicle velocity measurement,
weather survey, aircraft detection, topographical survey, personal
pleasure, or for any other use directly or indirectly associated with
these purposes which does not comply with the then-current regulations
of the Federal Communications Commission regarding such sources of
electromagnetic radiation, except that for all governmental communications
facilities, governmental agencies and government-owned plants, the
regulations of the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee shall
take precedence over the regulations of the Federal Communications
Commission, regarding such sources of electromagnetic radiation. Further,
said operation in compliance with the Federal Communications Commission
or the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee regulations shall
be unlawful if such radiation causes an abnormal degradation in performance
of other electromagnetic radiators or electromagnetic receptors of
quality and proper design because of proximity, primary field, blanketing,
spurious re-radiation, harmonic content, modulation or energy conducted
by power or telephone lines. The determination of "abnormal degradation
in performance" and "of quality and proper design" shall be made in
accordance with good engineering practices as defined in the latest
principles and standards of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers,
the Institute of Radio Engineers, and the electronic Industries Association.
In case of any conflict between the latest standards and principles
of the above groups, the following precedence in the interpretation
of standards and principles apply:
(8)
Radioactive radiation. No activities shall be permitted which emit
dangerous radioactivity at any point beyond the property line. The
handling of radioactive materials, the discharge of such materials
into the air and water, and the disposal of radioactive wastes, shall
be in conformance with the regulations of the federal government and
all applicable regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(9)
Heat. For the purpose of this chapter, "heat" is defined as thermal
energy of a radioactive, conductive, or convective nature. Heat emitted
at any or all points shall not at any time cause a temperature increase
on any adjacent property in excess of 10° F., whether such change
be in the air or in the ground, in a natural stream or lake, or in
any structure on such adjacent property.
(10)
Light glare.
(a)
Direct light glare.
[1]
"Direct light glare" is defined, for the purpose of this chapter,
as illumination beyond property lines caused by direct or specularly
reflected rays from incandescent, fluorescent, or arc lighting, or
from such high-temperature process as welding, or petroleum or metallurgical
refining. No such direct glare shall be permitted with the exception
that parking areas and walkways may be illuminated by luminaries so
hooded or shielded that the maximum angle of the cone of direct illumination
shall be 60° drawn perpendicular to the ground, with the exception
that such angle may be increased to 90° if the luminary is less
than four feet above the ground.
[2]
Such luminaries shall be placed not more than 16 feet above
ground level and the maximum illumination at ground level shall not
be in excess of three footcandles.
[3]
Where light fixtures are installed to provide exterior illumination,
excluding overhead streetlighting and warning, emergency or traffic
signals, no glare or direct illumination may be in excess of 0.5 footcandle
when measured at a residential use and/or at a residential zoning
district boundary.
[4]
The installation or erection of any lighting which may be confused
with warning signals, emergency signals, or traffic signals, shall
not be permitted.
(b)
Indirect light glare.
[1]
"Indirect light glare" is defined, for the purpose of this chapter,
as illumination beyond property lines caused by diffuse reflection
from a surface, such as a wall or roof of a structure. Indirect glare
shall not exceed that value which is produced by an illumination of
the reflecting surface not to exceed:
[2]
Deliberately induced sky-reflected glare, as by casting a beam
upward for advertising purposes, is specifically prohibited.
(11)
Liquid or solid wastes. No discharge shall be permitted at any
point into any sewage disposal system, or watercourse, or lake, or
into the ground, except in accordance with standards approved by the
Pa. Department of Environmental Protection or other regulating department
or agency, of any materials of such nature or temperature as can contaminate
any water supply or otherwise cause the emission of dangerous or offensive
elements. There shall be no accumulation of solid wastes conducive
to the breeding of rodents or insects.
A.
In all zones, no outdoor stockpiling/storage of any personal material
is permitted in the front yard. In R-1, R-2, and Village Zoning Districts,
the outdoor stockpiling/storage of personal material, except firewood,
for more than three months is prohibited unless approved in writing
by the Township Zoning Officer.
B.
Outside stockpiling/storage shall not occupy an existing or future
street right-of-way, buffer yard, sidewalk or other area intended
or designed for pedestrian use, or required parking area.
The temporary storage of portable dumpsters and bulk materials,
including but not limited to stone, mulch, firewood, and building
materials, within the public right-of-way shall not be permitted.
Every outdoor swimming pool must conform to all applicable municipal
and state codes and shall be subject to the following regulations:
A.
No swimming pool shall be constructed in the required front yard.
B.
Swimming pool setback shall be a minimum of 20 feet from the water's
edge to the property line.
C.
Water may not be discharged from a swimming pool directly onto adjacent
properties or rights-of-way.
D.
Pools shall not be located over an on-lot septic system drain field
or drainage, utility, or access easement.
E.
No permanent pool structure shall be permitted without an operable
filtration system, bromine or some other antibacterial agent.
F.
Any pool with a surface area of 150 square feet or more or a depth
in excess of two feet shall be completely surrounded by a fence or
wall that is not less than four feet in height. All gates or doors
opening through said fence shall be erected, maintained and provided
with a self-closing, self-locking gate to prevent unauthorized use
of the pool and to prevent accidents. However, if said pool is located
more than 3 1/2 feet above the ground level, then a fence is
not required, provided that all points of access to said pool are
adequately protected. A swimming pool with a power safety cover or
a spa with a safety cover complying with Section 3109.4 of the 2000
International Building Code, as amended, and ASTMF 1346, shall be
exempted from the fencing requirements herein.
[Amended 7-11-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-05]
A.
Where
two or more residential or nonresidential buildings are proposed for
the same parcel, a minimum distance of 30 feet shall be maintained
between principal use buildings. This minimum shall be increased by
10 feet for each additional story in height over one for each of the
adjacent buildings.
B.
Where
a property contains two or more adjacent accessory buildings or an
adjacent accessory building and a principal use building, a minimum
five feet of separation distance between each building shall be maintained.
A.
General provisions. Off-street parking facilities shall be provided
to lessen congestion in the streets. The facilities required shall
be available to patrons throughout the hours of operation of the particular
business or use for which such facilities are provided. The term "parking
space" includes either covered garage space or uncovered parking space
located off the public right-of-way.
(1)
Residential off-street parking space shall consist of a parking lot,
driveway, garage or combination thereof and shall be located on the
lot it is intended to serve.
(2)
No parking space to be provided under the terms of this section shall
be located within the right-of-way of any street, roadway or public
alley.
(3)
The overnight parking of busses, recreation vehicles, campers, travel
trailers, commercial trucks, boats and trailers shall be allowed in
R-1, R-2, and Village Mixed-Use Zoning Districts under the following
conditions:
(a)
Maximum of two vehicles.
(b)
Vehicle(s) is used by residents of the dwelling or as approved
by the owner of the dwelling.
(c)
Vehicle(s) is not within a public right-of-way.
(d)
Sight distance is not obstructed on the lot or adjoining properties.
(e)
Vehicle is not located within a side yard setback.
B.
Design standards.
(1)
The minimum size of a parking space for any use shall be 10 feet
wide by 18 feet long, except for handicapped spaces. Notwithstanding
the above, all parking spaces shall be ample in size for vehicles
for which use is intended.
(2)
Parking lot dimensions shall be no less than those listed in the
following table:
|
Aisle Width
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Angle of Parking
|
Parking Space Width
(feet)
|
Parking Space Length
(feet)
|
One-Way
(feet)
|
Two-Way
(feet)
|
|
90°
|
10
|
18
|
20
|
24
|
|
60°
|
10
|
21
|
18
|
24
|
|
45°
|
10
|
20
|
14
|
24
|
(3)
All dead-end parking lots shall be designed to provide sufficient
backup area for the end stalls of the parking area.
(4)
Except for single-family detached uses, parking areas shall be designed
so that each motor vehicle may proceed to and from the parking space
provided for it without requiring the moving of any other motor vehicle;
i.e., "stacked" parking spaces shall not be used to meet minimum parking
requirements.
(5)
Except for single-family detached uses accessing a road, in no case
shall parking areas be designed to require or encourage cars to back
into a public or private street in order to exit the parking area,
with the exception of alleyways.
(6)
Parking lots, including driveways located within parking lots, shall
be graded, surfaced with a dustless surface, and drained to the satisfaction
of the Municipal Engineer to the extent necessary to prevent dust,
erosion or excessive water flow across streets or adjoining property.
(7)
Setback for parking areas shall be provided as follows:
(a)
All parking spaces and access drives shall be at least 10 feet
from any multiple dwelling, commercial, industrial, or institutional
building on the lot.
(b)
All parking spaces shall be at least 10 feet from the right-of-way
line and not be located within any buffer yard.
(c)
Parking areas and on-site parking lot circulation aisles and
driveways shall be physically separated from the public and/or private
streets in conformance with the applicable requirements, excluding
entrance and exit drives of parking areas.
(9)
Fire lanes shall be provided where required by state or federal regulations
or other local ordinances. The specific locations of these lanes are
subject to review by the fire officials.
C.
Off-street parking requirements. The following off-street parking
requirements shall be minimum standards:
|
Uses
|
Minimum Required Parking
| |
|---|---|---|
|
Residential Uses
| ||
|
Single-family dwellings
|
2 spaces per dwelling unit.
| |
|
Dwellings other than single-family
|
2 spaces per dwelling unit plus 1 space per 5 dwelling units
for guest parking
| |
|
Group home or halfway house
|
1 space per 2 beds, plus 1 space for each employee on the largest
shift
| |
|
Continuing-care retirement facility/nursing home
|
Personal care or nursing care centers: 1 space for each 4 beds
plus 1 space per employee on largest shift
Apartment units: 1.25 spaces per dwelling unit
Cottage units (single-family units): 1 space per dwelling unit
plus 1 space per 5 units for guest parking
| |
|
Commercial/Office Uses
| ||
|
Banks and financial institutions
|
1 space for each 350 square feet of gross floor area
| |
|
Business, personal, and professional services, or public service
office buildings
|
1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area
| |
|
Retail stores or shops (except those otherwise listed)
|
1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area of display area,
plus 1 per each employee on largest shift
| |
|
Convenience stores
|
5 spaces plus 1 space for 250 square feet of gross floor area
| |
|
Day-care centers
|
1 space for every employee on the largest shift plus spaces
equal to 20% maximum permitted occupancy and off-street waiting spaces
to accommodate at least 6 automobiles
| |
|
Restaurants, drive-through and fast food
|
1 space per 2.5 seats and 1 space for each 2 employees
| |
|
Restaurants, other than drive-through and fast food
|
1 space for every 4 seats of design capacity or 1 space for
every 50 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is larger; plus
1 space for every employee on the largest shift
| |
|
Exercise club
|
1 space per 100 square feet of floor area plus 1 space per employee
on largest shift
| |
|
Food markets and grocery stores
|
1 space per 350 square feet of gross floor area and 1 space
per employee on largest shift
| |
|
Funeral homes
|
1 space for each 4 seats provided for patron use by design capacity
plus 1 additional space for each full-time employee and each vehicle
maintained on the premises
| |
|
Furniture, lumber, carpet, bedding, or floor covering sales
|
1 space per 400 square feet of floor area net leasable area,
plus 1 per employee on largest shift, with a minimum of 5 spaces
| |
|
Haircutting/hairstylist
|
1 space per customer seat plus 1 space per employee
| |
|
Hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, resorts
|
1 space per guest room plus 1 space for each employee on the
largest shift. Spaces associated with related facilities — meeting
rooms, restaurants, etc. (1 space for 400 square feet of public meeting
area), shall be in addition to these requirements
| |
|
Kennels and veterinarians
|
1 space for every 15 animals of capacity, plus 6 spaces per
veterinarian
| |
|
Laundromat
|
1 space per 3 washing machines plus 1 space per employee
| |
|
Medical and dental offices, including outpatient clinics
|
1 space per 175 square feet of gross floor area, with a minimum
of 8 spaces
| |
|
Vehicle body shop, repair garage and gasoline stations
|
1 space for each 100 square feet of floor area devoted to service
facilities or 5 spaces for each service bay, whichever is greater,
plus 1 space for each 200 square feet of floor area devoted to sales
facilities or usage plus 1 space for each full-time employee
| |
|
Vehicle, mobile/manufactured home, or trailer sales lot
|
1 space per 15 vehicles or homes plus 1 space per employee
| |
|
Industrial Uses
| ||
|
Manufacturing plants, research or testing laboratories, or wholesale
establishments
|
1 space for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area or provide
automobile parking to accommodate the total number of employees expected
on the two busiest consecutive shifts on an average workday, whichever
is greater
| |
|
Mini or self-storage
|
1 space per 25 storage units, plus 1 space per employee, plus
2 spaces for any resident manager
| |
|
Transportation terminal
|
1 space for every 100 square feet of waiting room space, plus
automobile parking to accommodate the total number of employees expected
on the two busiest consecutive shifts on an average workday
| |
|
Warehousing
|
Automobile parking to accommodate the total number of employees
expected on the two busiest consecutive shifts on an average workday
| |
|
Recreational Uses
| ||
|
Bowling alley
|
5 spaces for each alley plus 1 space per employee on largest
shift
| |
|
Dance halls, swimming pools, roller rinks, clubs, lodges, and
similar places and other commercial recreation buildings
|
1 space for each 100 square feet of gross floor area or of water
area in a swimming pool, plus 1 per employee on largest shift
| |
|
Golf course
|
40 spaces per 9 holes, plus 1 space per employee on the largest
shift, plus 50% of the spaces otherwise required for any accessory
uses (e.g., restaurants)
| |
|
Golf driving range and miniature golf
|
1 space for each tee or hole
| |
|
Sports arenas, auditorium, theaters and assembly halls
|
1 space for each 3 seats plus 1 space per employee on largest
shift
| |
|
Riding schools or horse stables
|
1 space per 2 stalls, plus 1 space per 4 seats of spectator
seating
|
D.
Uses not specifically listed.
(1)
When the parking requirements are not specified herein for a building
or use for which an application for a permit has been filed or where
the proposal contemplates a mix of uses and parking requirements,
the Zoning Officer shall make the determination of which parking requirement
standards shall apply.
F.
Joint parking facilities.
(1)
When any lot or lots contains two or more uses having different parking
requirements, the required parking shall be not less than the total
required separately for each use. Where it shall be demonstrated that
the uses jointly utilizing the parking facility are utilizing the
parking facility at different periods of the day or different days
of the week, a reduction may be granted for the total number of parking
spaces needed for the use with the least requirement.
(2)
An agreement for the joint use of a parking facility shall be recorded
as a deed restriction, irrevocable license, easement or other recordable
document in a form satisfactory to the Township Solicitor filed in
the Cumberland County Courthouse in the chain of title of the land
to be burdened in perpetuity or for a period to extend throughout
the life of the use requiring the maintenance of the required number
of spaces.
I.
Loading and unloading space.
(1)
An off-street loading space shall be an area of land, open or enclosed,
other than a street or public way, used principally for the standing,
loading or unloading of motor trucks, tractors and trailers so as
to avoid undue interference with the public use of streets and alleys.
(2)
Adequate off-street loading and unloading space shall be provided
on the same premises for every use which involves the delivery or
shipment of goods or other materials in bulk.
(3)
Off-street loading and unloading space shall not be considered as
meeting a part of the requirements for off-street parking space.
(4)
Off-street loading and unloading space shall not be used or designed,
intended or constructed to be used in a manner to obstruct or interfere
with the free use of any street, sidewalk, alley, designated fire
access lane, or adjoining property.
(5)
No off-street loading/unloading spaces shall be within any building
setback and/or buffer area.
(6)
When the off-street loading/unloading space abuts a residential use
or zone, a five-foot buffer area shall be provided contiguous to the
property line of the residential use or zone in addition to the required
setback.
A.
Permit required.
(1)
A zoning permit shall be required for all signs except for: signs meeting the requirements of Subsection E; and nonilluminated window signs constructed of paper, poster board or similar materials that are not of a permanent nature. Only types, sizes and heights that are specifically permitted by this article within the applicable district shall be allowed.
(2)
Any lawfully existing sign (including legally nonconforming signs)
may be painted or repaired or changed in logo or message without a
new permit under this article, provided that the changes do not increase
the sign area or otherwise result in noncompliance or an increased
nonconformity with this article.
B.
General regulations for all signs.
(1)
Signs must be constructed of durable material and maintained in good
condition.
(2)
Signs shall not be structurally unsafe, or endanger the safety of
the building, premises, or the public safety.
(3)
Signs may be interior-lighted with nonglaring lights, or may be illuminated
by exterior lighting that are shielded so there is no direct light
or glare transmitted to other properties or public rights-of-way.
(4)
Only those signs referring directly to services, materials or products
made, sold, or displayed on the premises shall be permitted, except
as otherwise provided in this article.
(5)
Nothing in these regulations shall be construed as prohibiting signs
intended for viewing principally from within a building or signs temporarily
attached to the inside face of a display window, announcing a sale
or similar feature, provided that the latter shall not occupy more
than 33 1/3% of the total display window area for a period not
to exceed 10 days.
C.
Prohibited signs.
(1)
Flashing, blinking, strobe, twinkling, animated, streaming, or moving
signs shall be prohibited. This restriction specifically includes
window signs, but does not prohibit seasonal Christmas lighting or
displays. Notwithstanding the foregoing, electronically changing signs,
including but not limited to time-and-temperature signs and fuel sales
signs, shall be permitted. An electronic sign may change from one
message to another message, provided the message does not change more
than once every hour, except displays of time and temperature may
change more frequently.
(2)
No sign shall be located so as to interfere with motorist's visibility
at street or driveway intersections.
(3)
No signs shall be of such character, form, shape, color, or wording
that they imitate or resemble any official traffic sign, signal or
device or that have any characteristics which are likely to confuse
or distract the operator of a motor vehicle on a public street.
(4)
No sign shall be erected or located as to prevent free ingress or
egress from any window, door or fire escape.
(5)
No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will obscure light
or air from a building.
(6)
No sign shall be attached to public utility poles or trees which
are within the right-of-way of any street.
(7)
No sign shall emit smoke, visible vapors or particles, sound or odors.
(8)
No sign shall contain information that states or implies that a lot
may be used for any purpose not permitted under the applicable provisions
of this chapter.
(9)
No sign shall display words or images that are obscene or pornographic.
(10)
No sign shall be placed on the roof or be higher than the wall
to which it is attached.
(11)
No sign shall be affixed to any motor vehicle or trailer in
such a manner that the carrying of such sign is no longer incidental
to the vehicle's or trailer's primary purpose.
(12)
No advertising sign shall be painted on, attached to or supported
by a tree, stone, cliff or other natural object.
D.
Determination of size of sign area.
(1)
The area of a sign shall be construed to include all lettering, wording
and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background,
whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, including any
border framing or decorative attachments, but not including any supporting
framework or bracing incidental to the display itself. Where the sign
consists of individual letters or symbols attached to a building,
wall or window, the area of the sign shall be considered to be that
of the smallest rectangle or other regular geometric shape which encompasses
all of the letters and symbols.
(2)
Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be
included in determining the area of the sign; provided, however, for
a double-faced sign, if the interior angle formed by the two faces
of the double-faced sign is less than 45° and the two faces are
at no point no more than three feet from one another, the area of
only the larger face shall be used to determine the sign area.
E.
Signs permitted in all districts and not requiring permits. (See
the table included as Attachment 2 to this chapter.)
F.
Signs permitted by district and requiring permits. The following
signs are permitted within the specified zoning districts, in compliance
within the following regulations. (See the table included as Attachment 3 to this chapter.) Freestanding signs include pole signs and ground signs. Wall signs include signs on walls, awnings, canopies, and windows. See definitions of types of signs in Article II.
G.
Placement and maximum height of wall signs.
(1)
A wall sign shall not be placed upon a wall that faces onto a residential
zoning district. This shall not prevent the placement of a wall sign
on a building side that faces onto an abutting public street.
(2)
The maximum height of wall signs shall be equal to the top of a structural
wall to which the sign is attached. A sign shall not be attached to
a parapet wall or to a pitched or mansard roof, and shall not extend
above a roof.
(3)
A sign may be placed on canopy over gasoline sales; however, the
square footage of such sign shall be included as permitted wall sign
area.
H.
Portable signs (including "signs on mobile stands") and other temporary signs. Portable signs are prohibited in all districts, except as temporary charitable event signs as provided for in Subsection E[2] and sidewalk signs (sandwich board signs) meeting the requirements of Subsection F.[3]
[2]
Editor's Note: See the charitable event sign requirements
included in the table in Attachment 2 to this chapter.
[3]
Editor's Note: See the sidewalk sign requirements included
in Attachment 3 to this chapter.
I.
Off-premises signs.
(2)
Location. An off-premises sign shall be set back a minimum of 25
feet from adjoining properties and outside street rights-of-way. No
off-premises sign greater than 20 square feet shall be located within
200 feet of a lot line for a residential zoning district.
(3)
Maximum sign area. Area of freestanding sign permitted in district.
(4)
Maximum height. Height determined by permitted sign height in district.
(5)
Control of lighting and glare. See standards in this chapter.
(6)
The sign shall be maintained in a good and safe condition. The area
around the sign shall be kept free of debris.
J.
Location of signs.
(1)
A sign shall not intrude into or project over an existing street
right-of-way, unless specifically authorized by a permit from Township
or PennDOT. The Township may approve a temporary banner over a street
cartway to advertise a charitable event.
(2)
Unless specifically stated otherwise, a freestanding sign shall be
outside of the street right-of-way. Unless specifically stated otherwise,
a freestanding sign, including trim, border, and supports, shall be
set back a minimum of 10 feet from any property line.
(3)
Within an area regulated by Chapter 118, Building Permits; Floodplain Management, no freestanding sign shall be permitted and all wall-mounted signs shall be above the one-hundred-year flood elevation.
(4)
These requirements shall not apply to official signs, identification
signs on mailboxes, public service signs and directional signs.
K.
Permission of owner. No sign shall be posted on any sign pole, public
utility pole, or property unless permission has been received from
the owner.
L.
Construction of signs. Every sign (except allowed temporary signs)
shall be constructed of durable materials. Every sign shall be kept
in good condition and repair. The Zoning Officer shall by written
notice require a property owner or lessee to repair or remove a damaged,
dilapidated or unsafe sign within a specified period of time. If such
order is not complied with, North Newton Township may repair or remove
such sign at the expense of such owner or lessee.
M.
Signs not regulated by this section.
(1)
Historic sign: a sign that memorializes an important historic place,
event or person and that is specifically authorized by North Newton
Township, Cumberland County, state or federal agency.
(2)
Holiday decorations: decorations that commemorate a holiday recognized
by North Newton Township, county, state or federal government and
that does not include advertising.
(3)
Not readable sign: a sign that is not readable from any public street
or any exterior lot line.
(4)
Official sign: a sign erected by the state, Cumberland County, North
Newton Township or other legally constituted governmental body, or
specifically authorized by Township ordinance or resolution, and which
exists for public purposes, such as, but not limited to, identifying
public transit stops.
(5)
Required sign. A sign that only includes information required to
be posted outdoors by a government agency.
(6)
Right-of-way sign. A sign posted within the existing right-of-way
of a public street and officially authorized by the Township or PennDOT.
N.
Abandoned or outdated signs.
(1)
Signs advertising a use no longer in existence shall be removed within
90 days of the cessation of such use. If the owner of a property does
not remove such sign within 30 days after receiving a written notice
from the Zoning Officer, the sign may be removed by the Township at
the expense of the property owner.
(2)
These time limits shall not apply to a sign intended to be reused
with a new sign face serving a building that is clearly temporarily
vacant and being offered to new tenants or for purchase.
O.
Permits to build new permanent signs or alter or move existing permanent
signs.
(1)
Except where otherwise provided for in this chapter, no permanent
sign shall hereafter be erected, structurally altered or moved until
the person proposing to erect, alter or move such sign shall have
obtained a permit from the Zoning Officer. Such permit shall be issued
only when the Zoning Officer is satisfied that such sign will, in
every respect, comply with all the applicable provisions of this chapter.
The fee for granting such a permit shall be as per the schedule of
officially approved fees.
(2)
Any person desiring such a permit shall file an application on a
form which shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
(a)
The name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(b)
A map showing the location of the building, structure or lot
to which the sign is to be attached or erected and showing the position
of the sign in relation to nearby buildings and thoroughfares; such
a map must be to scale.
(c)
A plan showing the design of the sign, materials used and method
of construction and means of attachment to the building or the ground;
such plans must be to scale.
(d)
The name of the person, firm, corporation or association erecting,
altering or moving said sign.
(e)
The written consent of the owner of the land on which the sign
is to be erected, altered or relocated.
(f)
Any electrical or building permit required and issued for said
sign under municipal ordinance.
(g)
Any other information as the Zoning Officer shall require in
order to show full compliance with this chapter and all other applicable
laws of North Newton Township.
P.
Permits for temporary signs.
(1)
All temporary signs as they are defined in this chapter, except those signs enumerated in Subsection E must have a permit.
(2)
Application for a permit for a temporary sign shall be made on a
form provided by the Zoning Officer. A permit for temporary signs
must be kept on the premises where signs are displayed and must be
shown to the Zoning Officer at request.
(3)
The size, content and location of a temporary sign may be varied
at any time so long as the variations remain within the overall restrictions
of this chapter.
(4)
Permits for temporary signs are valid for 60 days but may be renewed
for one additional period for 30 days.
Q.
Nonconforming signs.
(1)
Signs legally existing at the time of enactment of this article and
which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter shall be
considered nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign shall not be
expanded or extended in any manner that would make it more nonconforming.
(2)
An existing lawful nonconforming sign may be replaced with a new
sign, provided that the new sign is not more nonconforming in any
manner than the previous sign.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also the sign definitions in § 300-10.
