[Ord. 260, 9/17/2007]
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words, terms and phrases have the meaning indicated herein:
ABANDONMENTThe cessation of a use of a property (land and/or structures) by the landowner, with the intention of not resuming the use of the property.
ABUTTING OWNERThe owner of record of a parcel of land which is contiguous at any point to the parcel in question or which is on the other side of a section of street (public or private) on which the subject parcel has frontage, i.e., a lot across from the subject parcel.
ACCESSWAYA way for vehicular and foot traffic leading from any street.
ACREAn area of land and/or water which equals 43,560 square feet, measured on horizontal planes.
ACTIVE RECREATIONAL USEUse involving leisure time activities and/or areas, typically involving sports, requiring equipment, or occurring at prescribed sites or fields, (e.g., soccer, football, baseball, tennis, swimming, fitness trails, and the like).
AGENTAny person, other than the developer, who, acting for the developer, submits to the Township subdivision or land development plans for the purpose of obtaining approval thereof.
AGRICULTURAL PURPOSEThose land uses which are devoted to the production of agricultural, horticultural, viticultural and dairy products, livestock, ranch-raised fur bearing animals, poultry and bee raising, forestry, sod crops, and any and all products raised on farms intended for human consumption or other uses.
AGRICULTURAL SOILSSoils classified in the Soil Survey of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2002 (as revised) as "Prime Farmland" and "Statewide Important Farmland," and soils referred to in the 1975 Soil Survey as "Class I, II, or III soils."
ALLEYA right-of-way which provides secondary access for vehicles to the side or rear of abutting properties.
ALTERATIONAs applied to land, a change in topography as a result of the moving of soil and rock from one location or position to another; also, the changing of surface conditions by causing the surface to be more or less impervious; land disturbance. As applied to building:
(1) All incidental changes or replacement in the nonstructural parts of a building or other structure.
Minor changes or replacements in the structural parts of a building or other structure including, but not limited to, the following examples:
(a) Alteration of interior partitions to improve liability in nonconforming residential buildings, provided no additional dwelling units are created thereby.
Alteration of interior partitions in all other types of buildings or other structures.
Constructing windows or doors in exterior walls.
Strengthening the load bearing capacity in not more than 10% of the total floor area to permit the accommodation of a specialized unit of machinery or equipment.
APPLICANTA landowner or developer, including heirs, successors, assigns and grantees, who has filed a complete application for subdivision and/or land development, as hereinafter defined.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENTEvery application, for subdivision or land development, whether sketch, preliminary, tentative, or final, required to be filed and approved prior to the start of construction or development, including but not limited to an application for a building permit, for the approval of a subdivision plat or plan, or for approval of a development plan.
AS-BUILT DRAWINGSEngineering or site drawings maintained by the contractor as construction of the project takes place and upon which the contractor documents the actual locations, elevations, dimensions and conditions of all improvements and changes to the original contract documents. These documents, or a copy of same, shall be certified by an engineer or surveyor to be in accordance with actual construction and turned over to the Township at the completion of the project.
AUTHORITYA body politic and corporate created pursuant to the Municipal Authorities Act of 1945, as amended.
AUTOMOBILECars, trucks, vans, and like modes of transportation.
AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC (ADT)The actual or calculated total vehicular trips that occur, or are expected to occur, on a specific street within a typical weekday.
BASE FLOODA flood which has a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (also called the "one-hundred-year flood" or "one-percent annual chance flood").
[Added by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
The volume of water resulting from a base flood as it passes a given location within a given time, usually expressed in cubic feet per second (cfs).
[Added by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
A mound of earth which serves purposes such as: directing the flow of surface water runoff, preventing soil erosion; or supporting plant materials or fencing to aid in screening or buffering.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP'S)Management practices or methods for controlling stormwater runoff which provide a hydrological (i.e., reduction of runoff volumes) and a water quality (i.e., reduction of pollutants) benefit.
BICYCLE LANESLanes located on the paved surface or shoulder of a road.
BICYCLE ROUTEThe area of a public street specifically designated and marked as a bicycle route.
BLOCKAn area divided into lots, and usually bounded by streets or accessways.
BOARDAny body granted jurisdiction under this chapter or under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended, to render final adjudications.
BUFFERA strip of land established to protect adjacent land uses. Buffer yards are intended to visually soften the outline of buildings, to screen glare and noise and to create a visual barrier between adjacent land uses.
BUILDING (ALSO SEE "STRUCTURES")Any structure having a roof supported by columns, piers, or walls, including tents, lunch wagons, trailers, dining cars, or other structures on wheels, or having other supports, and any unroofed platform, terrace or porch.
BUILDING AREAThe aggregate of the ground level floor areas of the principal building and all accessory buildings. Such areas shall be computed by using outside building dimensions measured on a horizontal plane at ground level.
BUILDING COVERAGEThe aggregate of the maximum horizontal cross-section areas of buildings on a lot, taken at their greatest outside dimensions on the ground floor, including all attached and detached structures, except steps, terraces, cornices, eaves, and gutters, but including roofed breezeways, and roofed carports.
BUILDING ENVELOPEThe area within a lot within which a building may be placed, as defined by the minimum yard setbacks, and the setbacks from natural resources.
BUILDING LINEA distance equal to the front yard requirements for the district in which the lot is located and shall be measured from the street line.
BUILDING SETBACK LINES(1) BUILDING SETBACK LINE, FRONTThe rear line of the minimum front yard, as designated for each use and each district by the Township Zoning Ordinance, measured at a distance equal to and no greater than the minimum front yard from the street line.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE, REARA line parallel to the rear lot line at a distance from the rear lot line equal to the depth of the minimum rear yard required.
In the case of a lot where the side lines are not parallel, the building setback line shall be where lot width first coincides with the required minimum lot width but in no case closer to the street than the required front yard.
BULKThe term used to describe the size of buildings or other structures and their relationship to each other and to yards and lots. The term may include: the size, height and floor area of buildings or other structures; and, all open areas in yard space relating to buildings and other structures.
CALIPERThe maximum thickness or diameter of a tree at a specified point. For measuring street trees and trees for buffering and landscaping purposes, caliper measurements shall be taken at a point on the trunk six inches above natural ground line for trees up to four inches in diameter and at a point 12 inches above the natural ground for trees over four inches in diameter. For measuring existing trees to determine whether they are a forest resource, diameter measurements shall be taken at a point on the trunk four feet above the natural ground.
CARTWAYThe portion of a street or alley, paved or unpaved, intended for vehicular use.
CENTER LINE OF STREETA line in the center of a street which is equidistant from and parallel to the street lines.
CISTERNAn underground reservoir or tank for storing rainwater.
CLEAR-SIGHT TRIANGLEAn area of unobstructed vision at street intersections defined by lines of sight between points at a given distance from the intersection of the street.
COMMON DRIVEWAYA driveway which is shared between at least two separate lots.
COMMUNITY FACILITIESThe services which provide for various community health, education, safety, leisure, and like needs and the locations at which these services are provided. Typical community facilities include: schools, parks and recreation areas, libraries, health care facilities, fire protection, police, ambulance and rescue services and postal services.
COMMUNITY SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMA system of piping, septic tanks or other treatment facilities serving more than one lot, or more than one building, collecting and disposing of wastewater which is administered and maintained by such organizations as Wrightstown Township, a homeowners association, community association, or other like organization of the people using the system.
COMMUNITY WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMAn individual well or series thereof serving more than one lot or more than one building which along with its appurtenant facilities is administered and maintained by such organizations as a homeowners association, community association, or other like organization of the people using the system, as well as those of any water company or any other entity which may have a permitted franchise within the Township.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANThe Newtown Area Joint Municipal Comprehensive Plan of 1997, as may be amended from time to time, including maps, tables and text that constitute a policy guide for decisions regarding land use, circulation, community facilities and utilities within the Township.
CONDOMINIUMAs defined within the Uniform Condominium Act, 68 P.S. § 3101 et seq., as amended; real estate, portions of which are designed for separate ownership and the remainder of which is designated for common ownership solely by the owners of those portions. Real estate is not a condominium unless the included interests in the common elements are vested in the unit owners.
CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION NUMBERA series of numbers from 0.50 through 1.50 that are mathematical factors used in a formula to determine total water supply requirements.
(1) CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 0.5A building constructed of noncombustible materials (reinforced concrete, brick, stone, etc., and having any metal members properly fireproofed) with major structural members designed to withstand collapse and to prevent the spread of fire.
CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1.0Any structure having exterior walls of masonry or other noncombustible material, in which the other structural members are wholly or partly of wood or other combustible material.
CONSTRUCTION, CONSTRUCTION OPERATION OR ACTIVITYAny activity which may involve construction, reconstruction, interior renovation, repair, extension, expansion, alteration, or relocation of a building or structure, including the placement of mobile homes and the excavation, cutting, filling, and grading of lots in connection therewith or in preparation thereof.
CUL-DE-SACA street intersecting another street at one end and terminating at the other in a vehicular turn-around.
CULVERTA structure including appurtenant works which carries a stream under or through an embankment or fill.
CUTThe removal of soil or rock from its natural or predevelopment location.
DAMAn artificial barrier, together with its appurtenant works, constructed for the purpose of impounding or storing water or another fluid or semi-fluid, or a refuse bank, fill or structure for highway, railroad, or other purposes which does or may impound water or another fluid or semi-fluid.
DECISIONFinal adjudication of any board or other body granted jurisdiction under this chapter or the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247, as amended) to do so, either by reason of the grant of exclusive jurisdiction or by reason of appeals from determinations.
DENSITYA measure of the number of dwelling units per unit of area calculated by dividing the number of dwelling units by the base site area.
DESIGN STANDARDSRegulations adopted pursuant to this chapter imposing standards by which a subdivision or land development is developed.
DESIGN STORMThe magnitude and temporal distribution of precipitation from a storm event measured in probability of occurrence (e.g., fifty-year storm) and duration (e.g., twenty-four-hour), and used in the design and evaluation of stormwater management systems.
DETENTION BASINAn impoundment structure designed to manage stormwater runoff by temporarily storing the runoff and releasing it at a predetermined rate.
DEVELOPERAny landowner, equitable owner or authorized agent of such landowner, or tenant with permission of the landowner, who formally proposes or makes, or causes to be made, a subdivision, land development or any other development of the land, as defined by these regulations.
DEVELOPMENTAny man-made change to land, including, but not limited to buildings, structures, placement of mobile homes, streets, utilities, mining, filling, grading, or excavation, dredging, drilling operations, and the subdivision of land. "Development" includes the erection or construction upon any lot or tract of any structure, any impervious surface, or any parking or loading area (whether or not covered by an impervious surface).
DEVELOPMENT PLANThe provisions for development including a plan of subdivision or land development, all covenants relating to use, location, and bulk of buildings and other structures, intensity of use or density of development, streets, ways, and parking facilities, common open space and public facilities. The phrase "provisions of the development plan" shall mean the written and graphic materials referred to in this definition.
DOWNSLOPE PROPERTY LINEThat portion of the property line of the lot, tract, or parcels of land being developed located such that all overland or pipe flow from the site would be directed towards it.
DRAINAGE EASEMENTA right granted by a landowner to a grantee, allowing the use of private land for stormwater management purposes.
DRAINAGE FACILITYAny ditch, swale, gutter, pipe, culvert, storm sewer, retention basin, detention basin, or other structure designed, intended, or constructed for the purpose of controlling or diverting surface waters or carrying surface waters off streets, public rights-of-way, parks, recreational areas, or any part of any subdivision, land development, or contiguous land areas.
DRIVEWAYA private accessway for vehicles which connects a street to a parking space, garage, dwelling, other structure or use.
DUAL PURPOSE DETENTIONDetention practices for stormwater runoff that provide two types of control: hydrologically addressing peak flow release rates and extending the detention of the first flush volume of runoff for water quality improvements.
DULY FILEDAn application for approval by the Township which is complete in terms of plans, reports, studies, maps, investigations, analyses, exhibits, fees, and the like. Applications for permits, variances, special exceptions, conditional uses, subdivision, land development and the like shall not be considered as being duly filed unless all plans and papers are submitted as required by the Township.
DWELLINGA building designed and occupied for residential purposes, excluding hotels, rooming houses, tourist homes, institutional homes, residential clubs, mobile home parks, and the like.
(3) MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGA building designed for, occupied, or used for dwelling purposes by three or more families living independently of one another.
DWELLING UNITA building or portion thereof, forming a single habitable unit with facilities which are used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating exclusively by one family. Each shall be accessible from the outdoors either directly or through an entrance hall shared with other dwelling units.
EARTH DISTURBANCEAny activity which disturbs the surface of the land including, but not limited to, construction, mining, timber harvesting, grubbing, tilling, digging, or filling of ground or stripping of vegetation which alters, disturbs, and exposes the existing condition of the land surface.
EASEMENTA right-of-way or restriction granted for limited use of private land within which the owner of the property may be restricted from erecting permanent structures but shall have the right to make any other use of the land which is not inconsistent with the rights of the grantee.
ENGINEERA person duly registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to practice professional engineering.
ENLARGEMENTAn addition to the floor area or the increase in size or volume of an existing structure, an increase in the area of a parcel which is occupied by an existing use, or an increase in the intensity of a use as a result of increased parking, traffic generation, sewage disposal system or other impacts on surrounding land uses, existing or zoned.
EROSIONThe wearing away of soil, bedrock or land surface by water, wind, ice, chemical, or other natural force.
EROSION, ACCELERATEDThe removal of the surface of the land through the combined action of man's activity and the natural processes at a rate greater than would occur because of the natural process alone.
EXPOSURE HAZARDA structure within 50 feet of another building and 100 square feet or larger in area.
FARM BUILDINGAny building used for the storage of agricultural equipment or farm produce, or housing livestock or poultry. The term "farm building" shall not include the following: dwellings, kennels, stables or other shelters for animals not used for agricultural purposes.
FILLMaterial, exclusive of structures, placed or deposited so as to form an embankment or raise the surface elevation of any portion of the land.
FINISHED GRADEThe final vertical elevation of the ground surface after development.
FIRE LOADA minimum of 30,000 gallons of water, or a pre-calculated minimum water supply, whichever is greater, as determined by formula contained in the National Fire Protection Association Code, as amended; expressed in gallons of water necessary to extinguish a fire. The formula is determined by the total cubic feet of structure, including any attached structures, divided by the occupancy hazard classification number, multiplied by the construction classification number, multiplied by the exposure, multiplied by two, plus 2w, where:
| Exposure = 1.5 for any structure greater than or equal to 100 square feet and within 50 feet of the primary structure. |
| Exposure = 1.0 for any structure smaller than 100 square feet or at a distance farther than 50 feet of the primary structure. |
| Where "w" is the number of feet greater than 2,000 feet from the fire water supply to the farthest point in the proposed subdivision or land development using conventional streets. |
Fire load = | total cubic feet of structure occupancy hazard classification number | X construction classification number X exposure X 2 + 2w |
The small design storm which is the equivalent to the one-year twenty-four-hour frequency design storm using the rainfall distribution recommended for Pennsylvania as defined by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly known as the U.S. Soil Conservation Service).
FLOODA temporary inundation of normally dry land areas.
[Amended by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
A relatively flat or low land area which is subject to partial or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or watercourse; and/or any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation of surface waters from any source.
[Amended by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
The district specifically designated pursuant to the Floodplain Management Ordinance [Chapter
8] as being subjected to inundation by waters of the one-hundred-year flood, as defined by the Flood Insurance Study, or soils on floodplains in the absence of a completed Flood Insurance Study. See also the definitions of "identified floodplain area" and "special food hazard area (SFHA)" in §
8-902 of the Floodplain Management Ordinance.
[Amended by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.
[Amended by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
The ratio of the floor area to the lot area, as determined by dividing the floor area by the lot area.
FREEBOARDA vertical distance between the elevation of the design high-water and the top of a dam, levee, tank, basin, or diversion ridge. The space is required as a safety margin in a pond or basin.
GRADEA slope, usually of a road, channel or natural ground specified in percent and shown on plans as specified herein. "To grade" - to finish the surface of a roadbed, top of embankment or bottom of excavation.
GROSS FLOOR AREAThe sum of the areas of the several floors of a building measured from the outside face of the exterior walls or from center lines of walls separating two buildings. In particular, floor area includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) Basement space, or where the average floor-to-ceiling height is less than six feet.
Elevator shafts, stairwells, and attic space (whether or not a floor has been laid) providing structural headroom of eight feet or more.
Roofed terraces, exterior balconies, breezeways, or porches, provided that over 50% of the perimeter of these is enclosed.
Any other floor space used for dwelling purposes, no matter where located within building.
Accessory buildings, excluding space used for off-street parking or loading berths.
Any other floor space not specifically excluded, excluding space used for air-conditioning machinery or cooling towers and similar mechanical equipment serving the building and cellar space.
HALF OR PARTIAL STREETA street parallel and adjacent to a property line, having a lesser right-of-way width than required for satisfactory improvement and use of the street.
HYDRIC SOILSSoils that are saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions that favor the growth and regeneration of wetlands vegetation. Wetlands vegetation is those plant species that have adapted to the saturated soils and periodic inundations occurring in wetlands. The soils classifications can be found in the latest version of the Soil Survey of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Natural Resources Conservation Service), September, 2002, including all updates and revisions.
HYDROGEOLOGISTA person trained and having experience in the areas of hydrology and geology that deal with groundwater, its occurrence and movements, in its replenishment and depletion, the properties of rocks that control groundwater movement and storage, and the methods of investigation and utilization of groundwater.
HYDROLOGIC SOIL GROUPA classification of soils by the Natural Resources Conservation Service into four runoff potential groups. The groups range from A soils, which are very permeable and produce little runoff, to D soils, which are not very permeable and produce much more runoff.
HYDROLOGIC STUDYAn analysis of the volume and velocity of water flow through a watershed consistent with standardized modeling practices such as Natural Resources Conservation Service TR-20 Model.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACEImpervious surfaces are those surfaces which do not absorb water. All buildings, including roof overhangs, parking areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks, and such areas as those in concrete, asphalt, brick and packed stone shall be considered impervious surfaces. Other areas determined by the Township Engineer to be impervious will also be classified as impervious surfaces.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE RATIOA measurement of the intensity of use of a piece of land. It is measured by dividing the total area of all impervious surfaces within the site by the base site area.
IMPOUNDMENTA retention or detention basin designed to retain stormwater runoff and release it at a controlled rate.
IMPROVEMENT SPECIFICATIONSRegulations, as stated in Part
5, imposing minimum standards for the construction of required improvements including, but not limited to, streets, curbs, sidewalks, and sewers.
Physical addition and changes to land such as grading, paving, curbing, fire hydrants, water mains, sanitary sewers, stormwater management systems, culverts, sidewalks, monuments, crosswalks, bridges, earthworks, street lights, wells, sewage disposal systems, street trees and other plantings, and other structures that may be necessary to produce usable and desirable land development.
INFILTRATION STRUCTUREA structure designed to direct runoff into the ground, (e.g., french drains, seepage pits, seepage trench, and biofiltration swale and other best management practices).
INLETA surface connection to a closed drain. A structure at the diversion end of a conduit. The upstream end of any structure through which water may flow.
LAKES AND PONDSNatural or artificial bodies of water that retain water year round. Artificial ponds may be created by dams, or may result from excavation. The shoreline of such water bodies shall be measured from the spillway crest elevation.
LAND DEVELOPMENTAny of the following activities:
(1) The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(a) A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings, whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or length of tenure.
The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective occupants by means of, or for the purpose of streets, common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups, or other features.
The following shall not be considered a land development:
(a) The addition or construction of accessory farm buildings in excess of 1,000 square feet; provided, that the Board of Supervisors grants a waiver from the requirement of a land development plan submission.
The addition of a nonresidential accessory building of 1,000 square feet or less in gross floor area to be used for storage or other purposes incidental and subordinate to the principal use and which does not increase the impervious surface on the lot may be approved without land development plans if the applicants can show that the required parking (per Zoning Ordinance) is provided and if the Board of Supervisors grants a waiver from the requirement of a land development plan submission.
An addition to an existing nonresidential building which addition is 1,000 square feet or less in gross floor area to be used for storage or other purposes incidental and subordinate to the principal use and which does not increase the impervious surface on the lot may be approved without land development plans if the applicants can show that sufficient parking is provided and if the Board of Supervisors grants a waiver from the requirement of a land development plan submission.
LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANA sketch, preliminary or final plan submitted in compliance with the requirements of this chapter, showing the provision for development of a tract of land.
LANDOWNERThe legal or equitable owner or owners of land.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTA professional landscape architect registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
LANDSCAPING PLANA plan for the installation and maintenance of plantings, prepared according to the provisions of this chapter.
LEVEL OF SERVICEAs described in the Highway Capacity Manual Special Report 209 (Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, 1985, as may be amended from time to time), the quality of traffic movement on a particular street or through a particular intersection.
LOADING BERTHAn area abutting the building especially designated for the loading and unloading of vehicles and which has convenient access to a storage location for the goods loaded or unloaded, such access being furnished by an elevated floor, a recessed vehicle parking area, a ramp, or other facility of like purpose.
LOADING SPACE, OFF-STREETA space in a building or on a lot which is accessible from the public street system for the temporary use of vehicles while loading or unloading merchandise, materials or passengers.
LOTA designated parcel, tract or area of land established by a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.
(1) CORNER LOTA lot abutting upon two or more streets or upon two parts of the same street, forming an interior angle at the corner of less than 135°.
FLAG LOTA lot that does not have the required minimum lot width at the minimum front yard line but has direct access to a street through a strip of land which is part of the same lot.
THROUGH LOTAn interior lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets.
DEPTH OF LOTThe mean distance from the street line of the lot to its opposite rear lot line measured in the general direction of the side lot lines of the lot.
LOT WIDTHThe distance measured between the side lot lines at the required building setback line. In a case where there is only one side lot line, lot width shall be measured between such side lot line and the opposite rear lot line or street line.
LOT AREAThe area contained within the property lines of a lot (as shown on the development plan), excluding space within an existing or ultimate street right-of-way and within all permanent drainage easements, but including the areas of all other easements assigned an individual owner or to a given collective use by means of a subdivision of land. Open space required under this chapter shall not be counted as a portion of the lot area for the purposes of measuring lot area per dwelling unit.
LOT LINEA property boundary line shown on a recorded plan or described in a recorded deed; provided, that, in the case of any lot abutting a street, the lot line for such portion of the lot as abuts such street shall be deemed to be the same as the street line, and shall not be the center line of the street, or any other line within the street right-of-way.
LOT LINE, FRONTThe street line. In the case of a corner lot, both street lines shall be deemed the front lot line. The front lot line shall be that boundary line of the lot most nearly parallel to the street line which has no other portion of the lot between it and the street; provided, that any portion of the lot which crosses the street line will have the street line as its front lot line.
LOT LINE, REARA lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line. If the rear lot line is less than 10 feet in length, or if the lot forms a point at the rear, the rear lot line shall be deemed to be a line 10 feet in length within the lot, between the side lot lines, parallel to and at the maximum distance from the front lot line. For a corner lot, of the two lot lines opposite the front lot lines, that which is most distant will be the rear lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDEAny lot line which is not a street line or a rear lot line.
LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGEA lot extending between and having frontage on a major street and a minor street with vehicular access solely from the minor street.
MANNING EQUATION (MANNING FORMULA)A method for calculation of velocity of flow (e.g., feet per second) and flow rate (e.g., cubic feet per second) in open channels based upon channel shape, roughness, depth of flow and slope. "Open channels" may include closed conduits so long as the flow is not under pressure.
MARGINAL ACCESS STREETMinor streets, parallel and adjacent to major traffic streets, providing access to abutting properties and control of intersections with the major traffic street.
MARKERA metal pipe or pin of at least 1/2 inch diameter and at least 24 inches in length.
MEDIATIONA voluntary negotiating process in which parties in a dispute mutually select a neutral mediator to assist them in jointly exploring and settling their differences, culminating in a written agreement which the parties themselves create and consider acceptable.
MOBILE HOMEA transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit, or in two or more units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, and constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation.
MOBILE HOME LOTA parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erection thereon of a single or double mobile home.
MOBILE HOME PADThat part of an individual lot which has been reserved for the placement of the mobile home, appurtenant structures or additions.
MOBILE HOME PARKA parcel or contiguous parcels of land which has been so designated and improved that it contains two or more mobile home lots for the placement thereon of mobile homes.
MONUMENTA stone or concrete monument with a flat top of at least four inches square; scored with an "X" to mark the reference point; at least 30 inches in length; the bottom sides of which are at least two inches greater than the top to minimize movements caused by frost.
MUNICIPAL ENGINEERA professional engineer licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, duly appointed as the engineer for Wrightstown Township.
NET FLOOR AREATotal of all floor areas of a building measured from the interior surface of the walls, excluding stairwells and elevator shafts, equipment rooms, interior vehicular parking or loading and all floors below the first or ground floor that are used only for storage or mechanical systems serving the building.
NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTIONPollution that enters a water body from diffuse origins in the watershed and does not result from discernible, confined, or discrete conveyance.
OBSTRUCTION, WATERAny wall, dam, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment, projection, excavation, channel, culvert, building, fence, stockpile, refuse, fill, structure, or matter in, along, across, or projecting into any channel, watercourse, or flood-prone area, which may impede, retard, or change the direction of the flow of water either in itself or by catching or collecting debris carried by such water or is placed where the flow of the water might carry the same downstream.
OCCUPANCY HAZARD CLASSIFICATION NUMBERA series of numbers from three through seven that are mathematical factors used in a formula to determine total water supply requirements of this standard only. Occupancies which are not specifically referenced below may be found in the National Fire Protection Association Code, as amended.
(1) Occupancy hazard classification number three represents severe hazard occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of contents are very high. These include, but are not limited to: feed and grist mills; lumberyards; saw mills; straw or hay in bales.
Occupancy hazard classification number four represents occupancies of high hazard occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of contents are high. These include, but are not limited to: barns and stables (commercial); building materials; feed stores (with no processing); mercantiles; repair garages; warehouses for paper, furniture, paint, department store and general storage; and woodworking industries.
Occupancy hazard classification number five represents moderate hazard occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of contents are moderate and stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed 12 feet in height. These include, but are not limited to: amusement occupancies; farm storage buildings (dairy barns, equipment sheds and corn cribs); hatcheries; laundries; machine shops; metal working shops; plant nurseries; printing and publishing plants; restaurants; and unoccupied buildings.
Occupancy hazard classification number six are considered low hazard occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of contents are moderate and stockpiles of combustibles do not exceed eight feet in height. These include, but are not limited to: bakeries; barber or beauty shops; cement plants; churches; dairy products manufacturing and processing; doctor's offices; electronic plants; gasoline service stations; municipal buildings; post offices; and telephone exchanges.
Occupancy hazard classification number seven are considered light hazard occupancies where the quantity and combustibility of contents are low. These include, but are not limited to: apartments; dormitories; dwellings; fire stations; hotels and motels; libraries (small stock areas); nursing homes; offices; police stations; and schools.
ON-LOT WATER SUPPLYAn individual well on the lot where the well serves one lot or a water supply on a lot occupied or to be occupied serving a permitted building.
OPEN CHANNELA drainage element in which stormwater flows with an open surface. Open channels include, but shall not be limited to, natural and man-made drainageways, swales, streams, ditches, canals, and pipes flowing partly full.
OPEN SPACE(1) OPEN SPACE, COMMONA parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination of land and water within a development site and designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents of the residential development, not including streets, off-street parking areas, and areas set aside for public facilities. Common open space includes both developed (active) and undeveloped (passive) open space.
OPEN SPACE, DEVELOPED (ACTIVE)Land without resource restrictions which is set aside for use as active recreational areas, such as playfields, playgrounds, skating rinks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and areas for water management (storm, waste, potable supply).
OPEN SPACE, UNDEVELOPED (PASSIVE)Land used for passive recreation, agriculture, resource protection, amenity, or buffers and protected from future development by the provisions of this chapter to insure that it remains as open space.
OUTLET CONTROL STRUCTUREA structure designed to control the volume of stormwater runoff that passes through it during a specified length of time.
OWNERThe owner of record of a parcel of land or equitable owner acting in behalf of the owner of record.
PARKING SPACEA space, available for the parking of one motor vehicle, exclusive of passageways, driveways or other means of circulation or access. A parking space shall include either covered garage spaces or uncovered parking lot space located outside of the street right-of-way.
PARKING SPACE ACCESSThe drives or roadways and the maneuvering space required to service the parking space.
PASSIVE RECREATION AREAAny area developed in such a manner as to be conducive of those activities that fall within the range of passive-recreation, such as nature areas, craft areas, meeting areas, sitting areas, walkways, sunbathing areas, ponds and lakes, and picnicking areas.
PASSIVE RECREATIONAL USEAny leisure time activity not considered active (e.g., walking, picnicking, bird watching, fishing).
PEAK HOUR TRAFFICThe highest number of vehicles found or expected to be found during the a.m. or p.m. hours, passing over a section of street in 60 consecutive minutes.
PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYA continuous way designated for pedestrians and separated from the through lanes for bicycles or motor vehicles by space or other barrier.
PENN STATE RUNOFF MODEL (CALIBRATED)The computer-based hydrologic modeling technique adapted to the Delaware River (South) watershed for the Act 167 Plan. The model has been "calibrated" to reflect actual recorded flow values by adjoining key model input parameters.
PERSONAny individual, association, trust, partnership or corporation, including any members, directors, officers, employees, partners or principals thereof. Whenever used in any clause prescribing and imposing a penalty, person includes the members, trustees, partners, directors, officers, managers and supervisors, or any of them, of partnerships, associations, corporations or other form of entity.
PIPEA culvert, closed conduit, or similar structure (including appurtenances) that conveys stormwater.
PLAN, FINALA complete and exact subdivision and/or land development plan, including all required supplementary data, complete and prepared for official recording in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and with any conditions of approval imposed by the Township, to define property rights, proposed streets and other improvements.
PLAN, IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTIONA plan, or set of plans, and supporting documents prepared by an engineer, detailing the engineering specifications for streets, sanitary sewers, stormwater drainage facilities, and other improvements required by this chapter.
PLAN, PRELIMINARYA subdivision and/or land development plan demonstrating compliance with zoning provisions showing existing features, proposed street and lot layout, stormwater management facilities and engineering detail sufficient to ensure proper functioning of proposed improvements.
PLAN, RECORDAn exact copy of the approved final plan on mylar or linen of standard size, prepared for necessary signatures and recording with the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds.
PLAN, SKETCHAn informal plan, to scale, indicating existing features of a tract and its surroundings and the general layout of the proposed subdivision or land development for discussion purposes only and not to be presented for approval.
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (PRD)An area of land, controlled by a landowner, to be developed as a single entity for a number of dwelling units, or a combination of residential and nonresidential uses, the development plan for which does not correspond in lot size, bulk, type of dwelling or use, density or intensity, lot coverage, and required open space to the regulations established in any one district created, from time to time, under the provisions of the Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance.
PLANNING MODULEAn application required by the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, 35 P.S. § 760.1 et seq., § 750.5(a) and (d); and § 71.15 (b) and (c) of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Title 25, Pa. Code, Rules and Regulations, Chapter 71, "Administration of the Sewage Facilities Program," as amended.
PLATThe map or plan of a subdivision or land development, whether preliminary or final.
PRESERVED PROPERTYA parcel or tract of land that is subject to a recorded conservation easement wherein Wrightstown Township by execution of a written acknowledgment is a grantee or co-grantee of the conservation easement.
PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD (PMF)The flood that may be expected from the most severe combination of critical meteorologic and hydrologic conditions that are reasonably possible in any area. The PMF is derived from the probable maximum precipitation (PMP) as determined on the basis of data obtained from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
PUBLIC HEARINGA formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Board of Supervisors or Planning Commission, intended to inform and obtain public comment prior to taking action in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.
PUBLIC MEETINGA forum held pursuant to notice under the Act of July 3, 1986 (P.L. 388, No. 84), known as the "Sunshine Act."
PUBLIC NOTICEPublic notice shall meet the requirements of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATIONTransportation service for the general public provided by a common carrier of passengers generally on a regular route basis.
PUBLIC WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEMA system, other than an on-lot disposal system, which is administered and operated by Wrightstown Township for the collection, conveyance, treatment, and disposal of wastewater.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMA system for water distribution and water supply, other than an on-lot water supply system which is administered and operated by Wrightstown Township.
RATIONAL EQUATIONA calculation utilized to determine the maximum expected discharge according to the formula:
| Q = CIA |
| Where: |
| | Q | = | Maximum expected discharge in cubic feet per second. |
| | C | = | Runoff factor expressed as a percent of the total water falling on an area. |
| | I | = | The rate of rainfall for the time of concentration of the drainage area in inches per hour for a given storm frequency. |
| | A | = | The drainage area expressed in acres. |
All land whether publicly or privately owned, whether improved or not improved, with or without structures.
RECREATION AREAAn area provided for public or common recreational pursuits pursuant to this chapter and the Newtown Area Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance.
REPORTAny letter, review, memorandum, compilation or similar writing made by any body, board, officer or consultant other than a solicitor to any other body, board, officer or consultant for the purpose of assisting the recipient of such report in the rendering of any decision or determination.
RESERVE STRIPA reserve strip is a parcel of land which is parallel to and between a street right-of-way and a tract of land.
RESUBDIVISIONAny replatting or new division of land. Replattings shall be considered as constituting a new subdivision of land. See definition of "subdivision."
RETURN PERIODThe interval in years within which a storm event of a given magnitude can have a probability to recur. For example, the twenty-five-year return period rainfall would be expected to recur once every 25 years.
REVIEWAn examination of a plan to determine compliance with this chapter, the Zoning Ordinance, and other pertinent requirements.
RIGHT-OF-WAYLand set aside for use as a street, alley, or other means of travel.
RIGHT-OF-WAY, EXISTINGThe legal right-of-way as established by a governing authority and currently in existence.
RIGHT-OF-WAY, FUTURE/ULTIMATEThe right-of-way deemed necessary by the Joint Municipal Comprehensive Plan for Newtown Township, Upper Makefield Township, and Wrightstown Township and shown on the Highway Classification Map in the Newtown Area Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance in order to provide adequate width for future street improvements.
RISERA vertical pipe extending from the bottom of a pond that is used to control the discharge rate from the pond for a specified design storm.
ROOFTOP DETENTIONTemporary ponding and gradual release of stormwater falling directly onto flat roof surfaces by incorporating controlled-flow roof drains into building designs.
SANITARY SEWAGEAny liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution, or the water carried waste resulting from the discharge of water closets, laundry tubs, washing machines, sinks, dishwashers, or any other source of water carried waste of human origin.
SECRETARYThe Secretary of the Board of Supervisors of Wrightstown Township.
SEDIMENTATION BASINA barrier, dam, or retention or detention basin located and designed to retain rock, sand, gravel, silt, or other material transported by surface water runoff.
SEEPAGE PIT-SEEPAGE TRENCHAn area of excavated earth filled with loose stone or similar coarse material, into which surface water is directed for infiltration into the ground.
SEWAGEWastewater; the total of organic waste and wastewater generated by residential, industrial, commercial, institutional or other establishments.
SEWAGE FACILITYAny municipally- or privately-owned sewer system in which sewage is collected from several buildings on a single property or from several lots and treated at a common plant. The design, operation, and location of the sewer plant shall be in accordance with the waste water policies of the Joint Municipal Comprehensive Plan and the Act 537 Plan of the participating municipality where the building or development is proposed. For the purposes of this chapter, community sewage systems shall be defined in accordance with Chapter 71.7(7), Administration of Sewage Facilities Program, Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act of January 24, 1966), P.L. 1535, as amended, 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.
SEWERA public or private sanitary sewer system:
(1) PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEMAny system, including capped sewers, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Wrightstown Township, which collects sewage and/or industrial wastes of a liquid nature from two or more lots and treats and/or disposes such sewage and/or industrial wastes at an approved sewage disposal system.
PRIVATE SEWER SYSTEMA system of piping, tanks, or other facilities serving one or more buildings located on a single lot which collects or disposes of sewage in whole or in part into the soil on the same lot.
SHEET FLOWRunoff that flows over the ground surface as a thin, even layer, not concentrated in a channel.
SIGHT DISTANCEThe length of roadway visible to the driver of a passenger vehicle at any given point on the roadway when the view is unobstructed by traffic. Sight distance measurements shall be made from a point 3.5 feet above the center line of the cartway surface to a point 0.5 feet above the center line of the cartway surface.
SITEA parcel or parcels of land intended to have one or more buildings or intended to be subdivided into two or more lots.
SITE AREAAny land area within a site as determined by an actual site survey.
SITE AREA, BASEThe area of a tract of land remaining after subtracting land which is not contiguous, land previously subdivided, future road rights-of-way and existing utility rights-of-way from the site area. See the Zoning Ordinance for the specific calculations.
SITE AREA, GROSSAll land area within the site as defined in the deed. Area shall be determined from an actual site survey rather than from a deed description.
SITE AREA, NET BUILDABLEThat part of the base site area remaining for development after the amount of open space necessary for resource protection and recreation has been calculated.
SITE CAPACITY CALCULATIONA computation required pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance to determine the appropriate intensity of use for a given tract.
SOIL PERCOLATION TESTA field test conducted by a person qualified according to the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to determine the suitability of the soil for sanitary sewage disposal and stormwater management facilities by measuring the absorptive capacity of the soil at a given location and depth.
SOILS ON FLOODPLAINSAreas subject to periodic flooding or listed in the Official Soil Survey provided by the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Web Soil Survey (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov), as soils having a flood frequency other than none.
[Added by Ord. 312, 3/21/2016]
A method of runoff computation developed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service which is based upon relating soil type and land use/cover to a runoff parameter called a "curve number."
SOLICITORThe Solicitor of Wrightstown Township.
STABILIZATIONThe proper placing, grading and/or covering of soil, rock, or earth to insure their resistance to erosion, sliding or other movement.
STEEP SLOPESAreas where the slope exceeds 15% which, because of this slope, are subject to high rates of stormwater runoff and erosion.
STORM SEWERA system of pipes or other conduits which carries intercepted surface runoff, street water and other waters, or drainage, but excludes domestic sewage or wastewater and industrial wastes.
STORMWATERThe precipitation reaching the ground surface.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITYAny structure, natural or man-made, that, due to its condition, design, or construction, conveys, stores, or otherwise affects stormwater runoff. Typical stormwater management facilities include, but are not limited to, detention and retention basins, open channels, storm sewers, pipes, and infiltration structures.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLANThe plan prepared by the developer or his representative indicating how stormwater will be managed in accordance with the requirements of Township stormwater management ordinances.
STORYThat part of a building located between the surface of any floor and the floor or roof next above. The first story of a building is the lowest story having two-thirds or more of its area above grade level or having the floor at the level of the exterior grade on one or more sides. A half story is a story under a gable, hip, or gambrel roof, the wall plates of which on at least two opposite exterior walls are not more than two feet above the floor.
STREETA public or private way used or intended to be used for passage or travel by vehicles and pedestrians and which furnishes access to abutting properties and space for public utilities. The specific classification for each street is shown on the "Highway Classification Map," which accompanies and is a part of the Newtown Area Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance. Streets are further defined and classified as follows:
(1) (a) Expressway, designed for large volumes of and high-speed traffic and with access limited to grade-separated intersections.
Principal arterial road, a continuous route having trip length and travel density characteristics indicative of substantial statewide or interstate travel.
Minor arterial road, a route providing interstate and inter-county service with an expected average daily traffic count of 3,000 to 4,000 trips.
Scenic road, a route with limited access that maintains a narrow cartway for scenic travel and not intended to provide a level of service for intercounty or interstate transportation.
Major collector road, a route which should link places of traffic generation with nearby larger towns or with more important intracounty corridors.
Minor collector road, a route which is provided at intervals, consistent with population density, to collect traffic from local streets.
(a) Feeder street, designed to function as an intersector and intra Township facility, serving as a feeder to the arterial system and also serving inter Township route to travel.
Commercial street, designed to serve the properties in older, established commercial areas.
Local street, designed to serve the properties fronting thereon, generally to discourage through traffic.
Alley, a minor way which is used primarily for vehicular service access to the back or the side of properties otherwise abutting on a street.
Driveway, generally a private way for vehicular and pedestrian access between a public street and a parking area within a lot or property.
Cul-de-sac, a local street intersecting another street at one end and terminating in a vehicular turn-around at the other end.
Half (partial) street, a street generally parallel and adjacent to a property line, having a lesser right-of-way width than normally required for movement and use of the street.
STREET LINEThe dividing line between the street and the lot. The street line shall be the same as the legal right-of-way provided that where a future/ultimate right-of-way width for a road or street has been established, then that width shall determine the location of the street line.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONAny change in or addition to the supporting or structural members of a building or other structure, such as the bearing walls, partitions, columns, beams or girders; or any change which could convert an existing building or other structure into a different structure, or adopt the structure to a different use.
STRUCTUREAny man-made object or improvement having an ascertainable stationary location on land or in water, whether or not affixed to the land. This term shall include sand mounds, but not wellheads, landscaping berms and stormwater facilities.
STUDY AREAAn area extending 1/2 mile along a street adjacent to the site, in both directions from all proposed or existing access points; or to and including a major intersection with a collector or arterial, whichever area is greater.
SUBAREAThe smallest drainage unit of a watershed for which stormwater management criteria have been established in the stormwater management plan.
SUBDIVISIONThe division or re-division of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, condominiumization, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devises, transfer of ownership or building or lot development.
SUBDIVISION PLANA sketch, preliminary or final plan, submitted in compliance with this chapter, showing the provision for the subdivision of a tract of land.
SUBDIVISION, MAJORThe division of a lot or tract of land, or part thereof, into four or more lots or tracts for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership or of building development, which requires the installation of public improvements, or a subdivision creating any number of lots for which a new street or public improvements are proposed or required.
SUBDIVISION, MINORThe division of a lot or tract of land into three or less lots for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership or of building development; provided, that the proposed lots thereby created have frontage on an improved street or streets; and, provided further, that there is not created by the subdivision any new street, any required public improvements, or the need therefor.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTAny repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure either: before the improvement or repair is started; or if the structure had been damaged and was being restored before the damage occurred. A "substantial improvement" is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not the alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or municipal health, sanitary or safety codes which is solely necessary to ensure safe living conditions.
SUPERVISORSThe Board of Supervisors of Wrightstown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
SURVEYORA professional land surveyor registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
SWALEA low-lying stretch of land which gathers or carries surface water runoff.
TIME OF CONCENTRATION (TC)The time for surface runoff to travel from the hydraulically most distant point of the watershed to a point of interest within the watershed. This time is the combined total of overland flow time and flow time in pipes or channels, if any.
TOTAL CUBIC FEET OF STRUCTUREThe total space contained within a building, expressed in cubic feet; including, but not limited to, basements, attics, chases, and crawl spaces.
TOWNSHIP(1) Wrightstown Township, a township of the second class duly organized pursuant to the Second Class Township Code, 53 P.S. § 65101 et seq.
The Board of Supervisors of Wrightstown Township or the official, person or committee designated by the Board of Supervisors to act with respect to a particular matter set forth herein.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEERA professional engineer designated by the Supervisors to perform the duties of a Township Engineer.
TREE DRIPLINEThe line marking the outer edges of the branches of the tree.
TREE PROTECTION ZONEAn area that is radial to the trunk of a tree in which activities are prohibited in order to protect the health of the tree. The tree protection area shall be 15 feet from the trunk of the tree to be retained, or the distance from the trunk to the dripline, whichever is greater. Where there is a group of trees or woodlands, the tree protection area shall be the aggregate of the protection areas for the individual trees.
USEAny activity, occupation, business, or operation carried on, or intended to be carried on, in a building or other structure or on a tract of land.
(1) USE, ACCESSORYA use located on the same lot with a principal use, and clearly incidental or subordinate to, and in connection with, the principal use.
VOLUME/CAPACITY ANALYSISA procedure, as described in the Highway Capacity Manual, Special Report 209 (Washington, D.C. Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, 1985, as may be amended from time to time), which compares the volume of a street or intersection approach to its capacity (maximum number of vehicles that can pass a given point during a given time period).
WARRANTS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATIONA series of justifications which detail the minimum traffic or pedestrian volumes or other criteria necessary for the installation of a traffic signal. These warrants are contained in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, 1971, §§ 4C-1 through 4C-10, as may be amended from time to time.
WATER SUPPLYAn inventory of the source, quantity, yield, and use of groundwater and surface water resources within the municipality.
WATER SUPPLY, CENTRALAny municipal water supply system, or any system for the supply and distribution of water to more than one user unit (dwelling, business, institution, or combination thereof).
(1) WATER SUPPLY, FIREThe minimum water supply needed for a structure, expressed in gallons of water, which is readily available, reliable and accessible for the fire company having jurisdiction, usually located within 2,000 feet of the structure.
WATER SUPPLY, PRIVATEA system for supplying and distributing water to a single dwelling or other building from a source located on the same lot.
(a) The minimum central or private water supply.
WATERCOURSEA river, brook, creek, or a channel or ditch for water, whether natural or man-made with perennial or intermittent flow.
WATERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH/WATERS OF THE USAny and all rivers, streams, creeks, rivulets, impoundments, ditches, watercourses, storm sewers, lakes, dammed water, ponds, springs, and all other bodies or channels of conveyance of surface and underground water, or parts thereof, whether natural or artificial.
WETLANDSThose areas that are inundated and saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas.
WOODLANDSAreas with tree cover at least one-quarter acre in size and where the largest trees are at least six inches in diameter measured four feet above ground level. Woodlands include groves of trees where there are at least 10 trees that form a continuous canopy. All associated understory, shrub, herb and floor layers shall be considered part of the woodlands and shall be governed as such.
YARDA space open to the sky on the same lot with a building, use or structure which is unoccupied except for accessory structures or uses to the extent specifically permitted by the Newtown Area Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance. The size of a required yard shall be measured as the shortest distance between the structure and a lot line or street line.
YARD, FRONTA yard between the front building line and a street line and extending the entire length of the street line. In the case of a corner lot, the yards extending along all streets are front yards. In the case of a lot other than a corner lot that fronts on more than one street, the yards extending along all streets are front yards.
YARD, REARA yard between the rear building line and a rear lot line and extending the entire length of the rear lot line.
YARD, SIDEA yard between the side building line and a side lot line, extending from the front yard to the rear yard. In the case of a lot having no street frontage or a lot of odd shape, any yard that is not a front yard or a rear yard shall be considered a side yard.
ZONING ORDINANCEThe "Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance for Newtown Township, Upper Makefield Township, and Wrightstown Township, 1983," as amended.