Prior to filing a formal application, the applicant is encouraged to meet with the Community Development Department to discuss the concepts and issues related to the proposal. The applicant should bring the following to the introductory meeting:
A. 
Any professional representatives which are engaged to work on the project.
B. 
Written documentation regarding the project.
C. 
A sketch plan depicting the project. It is helpful if the sketch plan includes as many of the items listed in § 640-55 below as possible.
D. 
A willingness to candidly discuss the project with planning staff in a nonbinding manner to ascertain the goals, objectives, opportunities, and limitations of both the City and the applicant.
Prior to filing a formal application, the applicant may, at his or her option, submit a sketch plan for a more technical interdepartmental review by City staff. This review is not binding on the Planning Commission but allows the applicant to work out many of the technical issues which typically accompany a land development proposal. The review takes approximately 15 to 30 days, depending on the issues at hand and ability to communicate. To engage this review, the applicant shall submit the following:
A. 
A brief narrative of the project, which includes a request for a preapplication review of the plans under this section.
B. 
A contact list of professionals working on the project (if hired), the owner, and the applicant submitting the project.
C. 
A list of waivers the project will likely need for approval.
D. 
The fee established by resolution of the City Council from time to time. This amount will be subsequently deducted from the filing fee required for the formal application.
E. 
A sketch plan. The sketch plan shall include at least the following:
(1) 
The title: "Sketch Plan of (Name of Project).
(2) 
Date, scale, North point and, if appropriate, a legend to explain any graphic representations or symbols on the plan.
(3) 
The names of the owner of record and the applicant.
(4) 
The outer lines of the property in a heavy dark line.
(5) 
The names, locations and widths of existing streets and easements.
(6) 
A general layout of the proposed features of the project, including buildings, parking facilities, landscaping, curb cuts, and such like.
(7) 
The topography in a general manner.
(8) 
A rough sketch of the proposed drainage system in a general manner.
(9) 
The approximate size and location of new and existing utilities.
(10) 
Any additional items required for a formal proposal which may be helpful in the staff review of the plan.
(11) 
Any other information the applicant feels would be helpful in the review.
Neither the introductory meeting nor the preapplication review have standing as part of the formal review process. Approval of plans under this article requires action by the Altoona City Planning Commission, which is specifically and deliberately absent from the processes described in § 640-54 and 640-55. The purpose of these processes is to familiarize the staff and work out technical kinks in the proposal before it enters into the formal review process. No comments made by staff during these processes are binding on the Planning Commission for its review; however, staff is hereby required to act expeditiously and in good faith in its representations to the applicant.
Any person wishing to obtain approval of a land development shall submit a package meeting the following requirements to the City of Altoona Community Development Department:
A. 
Two completed and executed original application forms.
B. 
A project narrative which describes the project.
C. 
A list of waivers being requested by the applicant, along with an explanation as to why the applicant feels each waiver request is appropriate.
D. 
A copy of the recorded deed for each property included in the proposal. If applicable, this shall include copies of all documents indicating any easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, covenants, trusts, or other encumbrances on the land.
E. 
A list of all owners of land abutting the proposal and directly across any streets, watercourses, or railroads. For corner properties, this shall include the land diagonally across the intersection as well.
F. 
Three copies of any studies that may be required by the applicable section of this chapter or other controlling law or regulation.
G. 
The appropriate filing fees as established by resolution of the City Council from time to time. Fees are due at approval.
H. 
If the submittal requires review by the Blair County Planning Commission, the package shall also include the appropriate filing fee for that review.
I. 
A list of all plans being submitted, with the title of the plan, sheet number, and date on a letter-size sheet of paper.
J. 
Seven prints of the plan package described in Subsection K(5) below. A digital copy of the site plans for a new development must be submitted in a PDF or similar format, which can be transmitted electronically.
K. 
All plans submitted shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) 
The sheet size shall not exceed 24 inches by 36 inches but shall be at least 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches.
(2) 
The different types of plans shall be on separate sheets of paper, all of the same size.
(3) 
Contact prints shall be dark line on light background.
(4) 
The title block shall appear in the same location on all sheets.
(5) 
Plan packages shall be arranged in the order below.
(a) 
Title sheet (optional) - Land Development Plan.
(b) 
Detail sheets.
(c) 
Additional plans as may be necessitated by the project.
L. 
Two copies of sewage facilities module permit application(s), where applicable.
M. 
Any additional information as required herein or by the standards set forth in the text relating to the submittal.
All land development plans shall also meet the following requirements:
A. 
The title: "Land Development Plan of (project name)."
B. 
If the land development plan consists of multiple sheets, an overall land development plan shall be included to show the entire subdivision on one sheet. This overall land development plan shall show, at a minimum:
(1) 
The title: "Overall Land Development Layout Plan."
(2) 
Date, scale, north point, and legend.
(3) 
The entire tract of land to be developed. If any portion of a property is to be included in the development, the entire property shall be shown.
(4) 
The locations of all abutting properties identified in § 640-57E.
(5) 
Zoning district boundaries.
(6) 
The outer lines of the proposal in a dark heavy line (entire original tract).
(7) 
The boundary lines of all lots, parcels, and lease areas.
(8) 
All lots, parcels, and lease areas designated in numerical or alphabetical sequence.
(9) 
The names and locations of all existing and proposed streets.
C. 
If the land development plan consists of multiple sheets, an index plan shall be included to clearly identify the multiple sections of the plan.
D. 
The date. If multiple sheets, all dates shall be the same and space shall be provided to add revision dates. Revision dates, if any, shall be the same on all sheets.
E. 
A scale bar and numeric indicator. The scale shall be sufficient to convey the necessary information regarding the proposal to those reviewing it.
F. 
A North point and legend describing any graphical symbols on the plan.
G. 
The name(s), signature(s), and professional seal(s) of the designer(s) that prepared the plan. The designer is encouraged to place an original seal and signature on each sheet of the plan to verify authenticity.
H. 
The locations of all properties identified on the list required in § 640-57E.
I. 
The following inscriptions shall be placed on each sheet of the land development plan, in the same location on each sheet:
(1) 
A signature block for approval of the Planning Commission, as follows:
ALTOONA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
Land Development Approved Under the Altoona Planning Code.
DATE:______________________
REVIEWED BY THE BLAIR COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
_____________________________Date:__________________________
(2) 
"Subject to a Performance Covenant, dated (date), running with the land, to be duly recorded with this plan by or for the owner of record."
(3) 
"Other plans applicable to this land development may be on file with the City of Altoona Code Enforcement Department, City of Altoona Public Works Department, and Community Development Department."
(4) 
If applicable, "Subject to a Restrictive Covenant, dated (date), running with the land, to be duly recorded with this plan by or for the owner of record."
(5) 
If applicable, "Subject to a Trust Document, dated (date), running with the land, to be recorded with this plan by or for the owner of record."
J. 
A locus at the scale of one inch equals 1,000 feet sufficient to identify where in the City of Altoona the property is located and showing the boundaries of the proposal.
K. 
Any zoning district boundaries as shown on the most current version of the Altoona Zoning Map. The zoning district(s) shall be clearly marked on the plan.
L. 
Topography of the property. Topography may be represented by either two-foot contours or with spot grades at sufficient spacing to represent the surface.
M. 
Boundaries of the entire original parcel shaded in heavy line.
N. 
Locations and dimensions of existing and proposed buildings and structures, including ground coverage, gross floor area, and breakdown of both indoor and outdoor floor area, and indications of proposed use(s).
O. 
Design occupancy load of each separate area. This may be placed in a note on the plan and includes such measures as number of employees at capacity, seating capacity, sleeping units, and such like.
P. 
Locations and dimensions (including total area, ground coverage, thicknesses and materials to be used) of all driveways, maneuvering spaces, aisles, stalls, loading areas, bicycle areas, and pedestrian facilities. Pedestrian facilities shall include a clear demarcation of all entrances and exits from all buildings on the site, whether existing or proposed.
Q. 
Location of all landscaping, including existing or proposed trees, shrubs, grass, mulched areas, etc. Size and type of plant materials shall be noted on the plan, and a planting detail showing how trees and shrubs are to be planted (size of hole, use of fill, stakes, wiring, etc.) shall be included. For plans affecting or creating parking areas of more than 20 spaces, the seal and signature of a landscape architect shall appear.
R. 
Provisions for stormwater affecting the site and adjacent parcels, and snow disposal areas. Drainage shall be in accordance with Part 4.
S. 
The location of all signs and lighting units and detail diagrams of each. Signs included in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices need not be detailed.
All proposals shall provide for the following environmental mitigation measures as well as any additional requirements of the state and federal governments.
A. 
Grading and soil removal.
(1) 
It is the intent of this subsection to protect life and property by preventing rock and soil slippage, loss and degradation of natural drainageways, increased soil erosion and sedimentation, and other soil and water management issues.
(2) 
Grading shall be limited to the minimum area necessary to provide for buildings, roads, parking areas, utilities, and other facilities shown on the land development plan.
(3) 
A soil erosion and sedimentation plan shall be prepared in accordance with Ch. 620, Stormwater Management, Erosion and Sedimentation Control the Altoona Planning Code.
(4) 
Whenever required by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System or state regulations, a permit shall be secured prior to the commencement of any grading or earthmoving.
(5) 
The applicant is responsible for protecting adjacent and downstream properties from any damage which occurs as a result of earth disturbance on the development site. Such protection shall include cleaning up and restoring to their predamage condition any adjacent or downstream properties adversely affected by silt, debris, flooding, or other damage resulting from the earth disturbance activity.
(6) 
The top and bottom edges of cut-and-fill slopes shall be set back from property lines a minimum of two feet plus 20% of the height of the slope. This setback need not exceed 10 feet.
(7) 
Topsoil stripped from the site in preparation for earthmoving activities shall be stockpiled and replaced on the site over all regraded nondeveloped areas at a minimum depth of six inches.
(8) 
Fill areas shall be prepared by removing organic material such as vegetation or rubbish and any other material which is determined to prevent proper compaction and stability.
(9) 
Proposed grading activities shall be accomplished so that postdevelopment stormwater flows cause no additional harm to abutting properties and streets. The stormwater management provisions of Ch. 620 apply.
(10) 
Maximum gradient of graded slopes shall be no greater than two horizontal feet to one vertical foot, except as follows:
(a) 
Where the height of a proposed slope will not exceed 10 feet, then a maximum gradient of 1:1 may be permitted where soil conditions permit and where doing so will help preserve existing vegetation or other significant natural features.
(b) 
Where a retaining wall, designed and sealed by a registered professional engineer, is constructed to support the face of the slope.
(11) 
Excavation adjacent to any building foundation walls, footings, or structures shall not extend beyond the angle of repose or natural slope of the soil under the nearest point of same unless the footings, foundations, or structures have been sufficiently underpinned or otherwise protected against settlement.
B. 
Steep slopes. The following shall apply to all grading and disturbance on land with slopes of 25% or greater.
(1) 
For slopes between 25% and 40%, no more than 30% of the slope area shall be stripped of vegetation or disturbed through grading. Grading and clearing for travel ways on these slopes shall be limited to that necessary to accommodate the improvements required by this chapter. Wherever possible, travel ways should follow the contours of the land.
(2) 
No development or disturbance shall be allowed on slopes exceeding 40%. Limited disturbance for utilities may be allowed where no reasonable alternative location exists.
C. 
Significant natural areas and features.
(1) 
Where a proposal includes an identified natural area or feature, such as endangered species or wetlands, the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements.
(2) 
All healthy trees with trunks equal to or exceeding 24 inches in diameter, or any tree which may be noteworthy because of its species, age, uniqueness, rarity, or status as a landmark due to historical or other cultural association, shall be preserved, unless removal is deemed necessary by these criteria:
(a) 
The health of the tree is such that it is dead, dying, or diseased beyond remedy.
(b) 
The tree endangers the public or adjoining property.
(c) 
Site constraints which make preserving the tree impossible.
(3) 
Large trees (greater than 12 inches in diameter) removed pursuant to Subsection C(2) above shall be replaced with a minimum of three trees with a minimum caliper of three inches. Tree placement shall be in such a manner so as to complement the site and ensure the long-term health of the trees planted.
D. 
Water quality.
(1) 
All buildings within the proposal shall be supplied public sewage facilities. Private septic systems are prohibited. The applicant must document application for a sewage facilities planning module prior to approval under this part. Approval must be obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection prior to the issuance of a building permit. A note stating that such approval must be obtained prior to the issuance of a building permit must appear on the plan.
(2) 
The applicant shall provide a ten-foot vegetated buffer along any watercourses located within the project area.
(3) 
The applicant is responsible for compliance with any state or federal requirements that may apply to the project when the project is located within 50 feet of a waterway or regulatory wetland.
E. 
Air quality. Design of the proposal should promote alternative modes of transportation to reduce automotive dependency. Transit-oriented design is encouraged to promote air quality.
F. 
Noise. Proposals located in areas which are subject to high levels of noise may be required to install soundproofing measures to mitigate the noise. In all cases, a notation shall be made on the plan that the project is subject to high levels of noise.
A. 
Landslide areas. No grading, removal of vegetation, construction, or other disturbance shall be permitted on soils that are classified as slide-prone or unstable in the soil survey for Blair County or on other areas exhibiting signs of instability, except in accordance with the provisions below:
(1) 
Unstable areas may be set aside for public, common, or private open space.
(2) 
Limited disturbance may be considered if the applicant is able to demonstrate that the proposed disturbance will not cause sliding movement or any unsafe condition either on the subject property or any property adjacent to it.
(3) 
Evidence of the safety of any proposed disturbance shall require site investigation and certification in writing by a registered soils engineer, engineering geologist, or structural engineer that the proposed activity will not create or exacerbate unsafe conditions.
B. 
Undermined and cavernous areas. No building construction shall be approved on a site which has been undermined or is known to contain cavernous pockets at shallow depths or in an area where there is evidence of past subsidence, unless the applicant demonstrates that the proposal will be safe and will not cause hazards for adjacent properties. Evidence of safety shall be required if the site or any area of the site has less than 100 feet of overburden; evidence of the safety of the proposal shall require site investigation and certification in writing by an engineering geologist that the proposed development will be safe.
C. 
Flood-prone areas. To the maximum extent feasible, new development shall not be undertaken in areas subject to periodic flooding, including identified floodplain areas and flood hazard areas as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or in other areas where the Federal Emergency Management Agency has not provided maps and studies but may be flood-prone as indicated in local records and histories, field studies, or onsite investigations.
(1) 
Portions of properties that are susceptible to flooding should be preserved as open space or other uses that will not be harmed or cause hazards if exposed to inundation by floodwaters.
(2) 
Construction in the floodway portion of a flood-prone area shall comply with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations.
(3) 
Where development within flood-prone areas cannot be avoided, such development shall be subject to the flood hazard provisions of Chapter 362.
D. 
Contaminated sites. No land development shall be approved on land known to contain substances which are classified as hazardous unless the site has been made safe for the proposed use.
(1) 
A contaminated site shall be considered safe for development when a remediation plan has been completed and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, subject to Subsection D(2) below.
(2) 
The development of contaminated land (not including any development or earth disturbance) may be approved prior to remediation if a notation approved by the Commission is placed on the plan that indicates that the site contains or may contain hazardous substances.
E. 
Air traffic. Proposals located in areas where development may create hazards to aircraft because of height, illumination, or other features that may interfere with aircraft operation shall be designed so as not to create hazards to air traffic.
(1) 
All proposals shall comply with applicable state and federal requirements relative to aircraft hazards.
(2) 
If notice to the state or federal government is required, the applicant shall provide copies of permits or approvals from those jurisdictions or a notice from those jurisdictions that such approval is not required.
(3) 
Proposals shall comply with all conditions and restrictions that may be placed on them by the state or federal government, including any requirements to note such restrictions on the land development plan.
A. 
Traffic impact study. These regulations represent the minimum requirements and standards for preparation of a traffic impact study satisfying the reporting requirements of the City of Altoona for any development, subdivision, expansion, or change in use within the City. Also specified are the traffic level of service standards and minimum requirements which must be satisfied for future development impacts.
(1) 
Traffic study requirements. Any development, subdivision, expansion or change in use which will generate 100 or more trips during any hours of any day of the week shall be required to have a traffic impact study completed as part of the development. The estimated number of trips shall be determined by either an analysis of similar uses through data collected by the Institute of Transportation Engineers or through studies of similar uses, whichever is deemed acceptable to City staff. Note that traffic studies may also be required where there are current traffic problems in the local area (such as a high-accident location, confusing intersection, or an intersection in need of a traffic signal), where the current or projected level of service of the roadway system adjacent to the proposed land development could be significantly affected, or where adjacent or nearby neighborhoods may be impacted by pass-through traffic.
(2) 
Report contents and scope. Prior to performing a traffic impact study, the City will provide a scope of study specifying the study area, intersections and any special requirements. Prior to beginning the study, a meeting may be held to review the scope of work. PennDOT may be invited to the meeting, when appropriate. The study shall include the following:
(a) 
A description of the proposed project in terms of land use and magnitude, including a site plan.
(b) 
An inventory and analysis of existing roadway and traffic conditions in the site environs, including roadway network and traffic control; existing traffic volumes in terms of peak hours and average daily traffic (ADT), where specifically requested; planned roadway improvements by others; intersection levels of service; roadway levels of service (where requested); other measures of roadway adequacy (lane widths, traffic signal warrants, vehicle delay studies, etc.); projected site-generated traffic volumes in terms of peak hours and ADT (by phase, if required); approach/departure distribution including method of determination; site traffic volumes in roadway; an analysis of future traffic conditions, with and without the proposed development (including future design year or years with phasing, combined traffic volumes, intersection levels of service, roadway levels of service where appropriate, and a pavement analysis of roadways); a description of future levels of service and their compliance with standards for traffic capacity of streets, intersections and driveways; a description and analysis of the proposed access plan and site plan; an on-site circulation plan showing parking locations and dimensions, loading access, and traffic control; and a driveway access plan showing location of driveways and new intersections, including geometric conditions and traffic control.
(3) 
Review of traffic impact studies. City staff will review the submitted traffic impact study and report its contents, as well as any recommendations, to the City Planning Commission before that Commission may approve the involved subdivision or land development. In reviewing a traffic impact study, City staff may use the services of a qualified consultant, whose costs will then be billed to and paid by the applicant, as authorized by Section 503(1) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended)[1].
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10503(1) et seq.
(4) 
Standards for traffic capacity and access. New or modified streets and intersections shall be designed for adequate traffic capacity, defined as follows, unless approved by City Engineering and the Planning Commission. All references to levels of service (LOS) shall be as defined by the Highway Capacity Manual, Special Report 209, published by the Transportation Research Board.
(a) 
Traffic capacity LOS shall be based upon a future design year which coincides with completion of the development and PennDOT requirements.
(b) 
New unsignalized intersections or driveways which intersect streets shall be designed for LOS D or better for each traffic movement.
(c) 
New or modified (adding an additional approach) signalized intersections shall be designed for LOS D or better for each traffic movement.
(d) 
Existing intersections impacted by development traffic shall maintain a minimum LOS D or better for each traffic movement.
(e) 
Streets shall be designed for a minimum LOS D.
(f) 
Sight distance at driveways and new intersections shall meet standards specified by PennDOT regulations.
A. 
Buildings, landscaping, and screening shall be placed so that the less desirable elements generally installed with construction, such as air-conditioning units, parking areas, garages, and such like, are not visible from adjacent lots and streets.
B. 
Buildings should be sited toward the front of the lot, as close to the setback line as practical. Parking shall not be placed in front of the building. Where a parking lot must be placed against a street or avenue in a designated historic district, landscaping (shrubs planted tightly against each other and trees planted no more than 30 feet apart) and/or a short wall must be used to preserve the streetscape as much as possible.
C. 
Building areas shall be laid out so that any scenic site features and views are preserved, both into and out of the site.
D. 
Building layout shall promote a sense of neighborhood, yet allow practical utility of the land by the occupants.
E. 
Buildings sited in such a manner that they could block public scenic views through the site shall be laid out and designed so as to complement the viewshed into which they are placed. Attempts shall be made to preserve a portion of the viewshed, whenever practical.
F. 
Building sites shall be laid out with consideration given to the provision of adequate solar access and air circulation. New development shall be accomplished such that excessive winds are neither created nor exacerbated.
G. 
Building sites shall be laid out and graded so as to provide positive drainage away from proposed buildings.
H. 
Building placement shall not hinder the effective and efficient response of emergency personnel in a fire or medical emergency.
I. 
Buildings shall not be sited or designed to create a public nuisance or a traffic hazard once constructed.
Wherever off-street parking or vehicle access is to be provided, whether required by ordinance or not, such areas shall conform to the following requirements:
A. 
Vehicular access.
(1) 
Vehicular access shall be gained from an alleyway wherever physically practical. Where not physically practical, access may be gained from a street. In most business areas, on-street parking is strongly encouraged.
(2) 
No access driveway shall be located within 50 feet of an intersection or as otherwise directed by the Planning Commission. Access driveways serving parking facilities of more than 25 spaces shall not be located closer than 100 feet to an intersection. Access driveways shall access side streets instead of main arterials (including, but not limited to, Logan Boulevard, North Logan Boulevard, Chestnut Avenue, Juniata Gap Road, the 300 to 600 blocks of East 25th Avenue, Union Avenue, 58th Street, 6th Avenue, 7th Avenue, Broad Avenue, Beale Avenue, Plank Road, Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Valley View Boulevard, and North 4th Avenue) where practicable, and where it is not practicable, the Planning Commission or Planning and Community Development Department may waive this requirement.
(3) 
No more than one bidirectional access driveway or two one-way access driveways shall be permitted for up to 150 feet of frontage. One additional bidirectional access driveway or two one-way access driveways may be installed for each additional full 150 feet of frontage.
(4) 
No bidirectional access driveway shall be wider than 24 feet or narrower than 16 feet at the point where such a driveway crosses the street or alley right-of-way line. The width may be increased to 35 feet if the access driveway is to be utilized heavily by truck traffic.
(5) 
No one-way access driveway shall be wider than 18 feet or narrower than 10 feet at the point where such a driveway crosses the street or alley right-of-way line.
(6) 
The minimum curb radius on an access driveway at the street or alley shall be 10 feet.
(7) 
All access driveways shall be paved with a nonerosive material suitable to bear the load of vehicular traffic.
(8) 
Parking shall not be permitted on an access driveway.
(9) 
Access through a residential zoning district to a nonresidential district shall be prohibited unless no other option exists.
(10) 
State highway occupancy permits are required for access to a state highway, and separate City permits are required to access a City street. Possession of such permits does not relieve an applicant's responsibility to comply with these standards.
(11) 
The Commission, upon proper review of the application, may require the applicant to install an access driveway to the abutting property line to facilitate better movement between uses in business districts. This requirement can be invoked even if there is no existing connection on the opposite side of the property line as a planned future connector.
B. 
Location of parking facilities.
(1) 
Off-street parking facilities shall be provided on the same lot as the principal use they are intended to serve or on an immediately adjacent lot under the same ownership or legal control. Parking on adjacent lots must remain available to the principal use it was constructed to serve for as long as that use remains.
(2) 
Common parking areas may be provided for two or more uses, so long as all required parking regulations are met and the common parking area meets the requirement of Subsection B(1) above for at least one use.
(3) 
Parking facilities shall be set back from street right-of-way lines, property lines, and building foundations a minimum of five feet.
(4) 
Off-street parking facilities shall be located in the same zone as the use they are intended to serve.
C. 
Design of parking facilities.
(1) 
Facilities shall be designed so that each vehicle may enter and exit a parking space without maneuvering into a public right-of-way or pedestrian facility or without moving any other legally parked vehicle.
(2) 
Driveways and parking areas shall be designed to integrate pedestrian and bicycle activity as well as provide safe and efficient access to the street system, interior circulation, and landscaping areas.
(3) 
The parking stalls shall have the following dimensions:
(a) 
All stalls, except for parallel parking stalls, shall be 19 feet long. Parallel parking stalls shall be 21 feet long to accommodate the necessary maneuvering for parallel parking.
(b) 
No stall shall be less than nine feet wide.
(c) 
The accessway serving the parking stalls shall be the width identified in the list below. If the stall angle falls between those listed below, the wider standard shall be used.
[1] 
Perpendicular stalls require a twenty-four-foot accessway.
[2] 
Stalls angled at 60° require an eighteen-foot accessway.
[3] 
Stalls angled at 45° require a fourteen-foot accessway.
[4] 
Stalls angled at 30° require a twelve-foot accessway.
[5] 
Parallel stalls require a twelve-foot accessway for one-way traffic and a twenty-four-foot accessway for bidirectional traffic.
[6] 
Where an accessway serves two differently angled stall rows, the wider width accessway shall be required.
(4) 
Special spaces may be designated and located as follows:
(a) 
Spaces for the physically disabled shall be located nearest the accessible entrance and half shall be designed to accommodate lifts in vans, where practical or otherwise required. All such spaces shall be designed in accordance with applicable state regulations and shall be clearly marked by standard signs.
(b) 
Spaces for oversize vehicles shall be clearly marked on the plan with dimensions and subsequently signed on the lot. Oversize vehicle spaces are not required unless it is known that such vehicles will be using the lot.
(c) 
Compact car spaces shall be no smaller than seven feet wide and 16 feet long. Such spaces shall be clearly marked and shall not exceed more than 25% of the total number of spaces available in the lot. Compact car spaces are not required for approval.
(d) 
The applicant may also designate special spaces for expectant mothers and nondisabled seniors within the facility. These spaces are generally located next to those provided for the physically disabled and are not required for approval.
(e) 
Spaces reserved for employees shall be clearly signed and shall be the farthest from the use served. Such spaces are not required for approval.
(5) 
Accessways shall be physically separated from any stall rows to which they do not directly provide access. Stalls shall be accessed through one end only. Such separation shall consist of landscaped islands as regulated in § 640-65.
(6) 
All parking areas shall be paved with a nonerosive material suitable to bear the load of vehicular traffic, with stall lines clearly marked on the surface. Asphalt and concrete shall be the standard surfacing materials unless site conditions indicate an alternate surface is superior.
(7) 
Curbing shall be placed at the edges of all surfaced areas, including islands. Curbing shall be vertical around the perimeters of the parking facility but may be sloped around landscaped islands. Guide rails may be required along steep slopes or to protect other features of the site.
D. 
Number of parking spaces required.
(1) 
Residential uses.
(a) 
Conversion apartments shall have a minimum of one space per dwelling unit, not to exceed a maximum of three spaces per dwelling unit. If a dwelling unit has more than two bedrooms, an additional parking space shall be provided for each set of two bedrooms over two.
(b) 
Low-rise apartments shall have a minimum of 1 1/2 spaces per dwelling unit, not to exceed a maximum of two spaces per dwelling unit. One space shall be added for each set of four dwelling units for nonresident parking.
(c) 
Boardinghouses or lodging houses shall have a minimum of one space for each sleeping room plus one space for every three nonresident employees, not to exceed a maximum of one space per sleeping room plus one space for every two nonresident employees. If a dwelling unit (independent of the sleeping rooms) is present, the requirements for that unit shall also apply.
(d) 
Detached single-household dwellings shall have a minimum of one space per dwelling unit, not to exceed a maximum of three spaces per dwelling unit.
(e) 
Double-household dwellings shall have a minimum of one space per dwelling unit, not to exceed a maximum of two spaces per dwelling unit.
(f) 
Multiple-household dwellings shall have a minimum of one space per dwelling unit, not to exceed a maximum of 2 1/2 spaces per dwelling unit.
(g) 
Group homes shall have a minimum of one space per dwelling unit, not to exceed a maximum of two spaces per dwelling unit. If a dwelling unit has more than two bedrooms, an additional parking space shall be added for each set of two bedrooms over two. If the facility is staffed, one space shall be added for each staff person present on the largest shift.
(h) 
Halfway houses shall have a minimum of one space per dwelling unit, not to exceed a maximum of two spaces per dwelling unit. If a dwelling unit has more than two bedrooms, an additional parking space shall be added for each set of two bedrooms over two. If the facility is staffed, one space shall be added for each staff person present on the largest shift.
(i) 
Home-based businesses shall provide a minimum of one space, not to exceed a maximum of three spaces, in addition to those spaces otherwise required for the property. In the case of a "minor-impact" home-based business, no additional parking is permitted.
(j) 
Institutionalized homes shall provide a minimum of one space for every six beds plus one space for every three employees present on the largest shift plus one space for every vehicle (owned by the facility) used to transport residents, not to exceed a maximum of one space for every four beds plus one space for every two employees plus one space for every vehicle (owned by the facility) used to transport residents.
(k) 
Shelters (emergency, victims, teen, and otherwise) shall provide a minimum of one space per each 1,000 square feet of enclosed gross floor area, not to exceed a maximum of one space per each 500 square feet of enclosed gross floor area.
(l) 
Townhouses and attached single-household dwellings shall have a minimum of 1 1/2 parking spaces per dwelling unit, not to exceed a maximum of two spaces per dwelling unit. If more than four dwelling units are present on the property, an additional one space shall be required for each set of four dwelling units.
(m) 
Upper-floor dwelling units shall provide a minimum of one space per dwelling unit, not to exceed a maximum of two spaces per dwelling unit. This requirement is in addition to any requirements for the use on the lower floor(s).
(n) 
For uses accessory to residential uses, no additional parking is permitted.
(2) 
Commercial uses.
[Amended 7-12-2017 by Ord. No. 5705]
(a) 
Animal grooming salons shall have a minimum of one space per each 400 square feet of enclosed gross floor area.
(b) 
Art galleries shall have a minimum of one space per each 400 square feet of enclosed gross floor area.
(c) 
Athletic fields shall have a minimum of one space per each four spectator seats. If the site does not have spectator seats, then adequate parking shall be delineated and provided for the peak event.
(d) 
Automotive sales shall have a minimum of one space for each 1,000 square feet of enclosed gross floor area, not to exceed a maximum of one space for each 700 square feet of gross floor area. Vehicle storage shall be provided independent of this standard.
(e) 
Automotive services shall have a minimum of one space for each service bay, not to exceed a maximum of 1 1/2 spaces per service bay. Vehicle storage shall be provided independent of this standard.
(f) 
Banks shall provide one space per each 400 square feet of gross floor area up to 20,000 square feet, plus one additional space for each 500 square feet of gross floor area in excess of 20,000 square feet.
(g) 
Bars shall provide one parking space per each 150 square feet of gross floor area.
(h) 
Barbershops shall provide no less than one parking space per each 300 square feet of gross floor area.
(i) 
Bowling alleys shall provide two spaces per lane, plus any bar or restaurant requirements applied to that portion of the building.
(j) 
Cemeteries shall provide a minimum of one space for every two employees, not to exceed a maximum of one space for every employee.
(k) 
Cultural facilities shall provide:
[1] 
A minimum of one space for each seven fixed seats or 12 linear feet of bench, not to exceed a maximum of one space for each five fixed seats or eight linear feet of bench.
[2] 
If no fixed seating or benches are provided, a minimum of one space per 100 square feet of enclosed gross floor area, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 50 square feet of enclosed gross floor area, shall be provided.
[3] 
If the facility is not to be used primarily for entertainment, then a minimum of one space for each 800 square feet of floor area, not to exceed a maximum of one space for each 400 square feet of floor area, shall be provided.
(l) 
Convenience stores shall provide one space per every 200 square feet of gross floor area.
(m) 
Dance or martial arts studios shall provide one space per every 300 square feet of gross floor area.
(n) 
Day-care centers shall provide one space per every 500 square feet of gross floor area.
(o) 
Dental offices shall provide one space per every 250 square feet of gross floor area.
(p) 
Eateries and restaurants shall provide one space per every 250 square feet of gross floor area or one space for every four seats, whichever is greater.
(q) 
Educational services, other than dance or martial arts studios, shall provide one space per every 200 square feet of gross floor area.
(r) 
Forestry activities shall require a minimum of one space for each 1,000 square feet of enclosed floor area plus one space for every two employees, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 700 square feet of enclosed gross floor area plus one space for every two employees.
(s) 
Funeral homes shall provide a minimum of one space per 1,400 square feet of gross floor area, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 800 square feet of gross floor area.
(t) 
Governmental facilities shall provide a minimum of one space for each 600 square feet of enclosed gross floor area utilized by the public plus one space for each 1,000 square feet of remaining floor area, not to exceed a maximum of one space for each 300 square feet of enclosed gross floor area used by the public plus one space for each 1,000 square feet of remaining floor area.
(u) 
Health services or hospitals shall provide a minimum of one space per every 300 square feet of gross floor area.
(v) 
Health clubs shall provide a minimum of one space per every 300 square feet of gross floor area.
(w) 
Hotels shall provide a minimum of one space for each guest room plus one space for every 100 square feet of banquet, assembly, meeting, or restaurant seating area.
(x) 
Houses of worship shall provide a minimum of one space per nine fixed seats or 12 linear feet of benches, not to exceed a maximum of one space per each five fixed seats or eight linear feet of benches. If no fixed seating is provided, then one space per 250 square feet shall be provided.
(y) 
Lower-floor commercial uses (with at least 25,000 square feet of residential space above) shall provide a minimum of one space per 500 square feet of enclosed gross floor area (of the business), not to exceed a maximum of one space per 250 square feet of enclosed gross floor area (of the business).
(z) 
Motor vehicle rental establishments shall provide no less than one space for every 300 square feet of indoor sales office area for customer use only.
(aa) 
Nursing homes shall provide no less than one space per every three beds.
(bb) 
Professional and business offices (excluding those specifically listed elsewhere in this section) shall provide a minimum of three spaces plus three spaces for each 1,000 square feet beyond the first 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, not to exceed a maximum of one space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area.
(cc) 
Professional services (excluding those specifically listed elsewhere in this section) shall provide a minimum of four spaces plus two spaces for each 1,000 square feet beyond the first 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 250 square feet of gross floor area.
(dd) 
Retail sales (excluding those specifically listed elsewhere in this section) shall provide a minimum of three spaces plus three spaces per 1,000 square feet beyond the first 1,000 square feet of gross sales area, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 250 square feet of gross floor area.
(ee) 
Retail services (excluding those specifically listed elsewhere in this section) shall have a minimum of three spaces plus three spaces per 1,000 square feet beyond the first 1,000 square feet of area in which the service is provided, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 250 square feet.
(ff) 
A stadium shall provide a minimum of one space for every four seats.
(gg) 
Utilities shall provide a minimum of one space per two employees, not to exceed a maximum of one space per employee, only if a building is to house the employees.
(hh) 
Wholesale sales shall provide a minimum of two spaces plus one space per each 3,000 square feet beyond the first 2,000 square feet of sales, storage, and office area, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 2,000 square feet of sales, storage, and office area, plus one per employee.
(ii) 
Wholesale services shall provide a minimum of two spaces plus one space per each 3,000 square feet beyond the first 2,000 square feet of sales, storage, and office area, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 2,000 square feet of sales, storage, and office area, plus one per employee.
(jj) 
For uses accessory to commercial uses, no additional parking is necessary, provided that each individual commercial use on a lot shall be considered primary, not accessory.
(3) 
Industrial uses.
(a) 
Agricultural uses shall provide a minimum of one space per nonresident worker, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 300 square feet of enclosed gross floor area.
(b) 
Automotive assembly, for the purposes of this subsection, shall be considered as manufacturing and shall be held to the standards set forth below.
(c) 
Manufacturing uses shall provide a minimum of one space per employee present on the largest shift, not to exceed a maximum of one space per employee present on the largest shift plus one space per 1,000 square feet of area used for manufacturing and related activity.
(d) 
Medical laboratories and diagnostic facilities shall provide a minimum of one space per 500 square feet of gross floor area, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 300 square feet of gross floor area.
(e) 
Mining and extraction activities shall provide a minimum of one space per employee present on the largest shift, not to exceed a maximum of one space per employee present on the largest shift plus one space per 10 employees present on the largest shift.
(f) 
Printing and publishing activities shall provide a minimum of one space per 500 square feet of gross floor area plus one space per two employees present on the largest shift, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 300 square feet of gross floor area plus one space per two employees present on the largest shift.
(g) 
Research and development facilities shall provide a minimum of one space per 500 square feet of gross floor area plus one space per every three employees present on the largest shift, not to exceed a maximum of one space per 300 square feet of gross floor area plus one space for every two employees present on the largest shift.
(h) 
Storage units (self-serve rentals) shall provide a minimum of one space for every 10 units available for rent, not to exceed a maximum of one space for every five units available for rent.
(i) 
Transportation services shall provide a minimum of one space per employee present on the largest shift, not to exceed a maximum of two spaces for every three employees present on the largest shift.
(j) 
Warehousing facilities shall provide a minimum of one space for each employee present on the largest shift, not to exceed a maximum of one space for each employee present on the largest shift plus one space for each vehicle used and stored on the premises.
(k) 
Waste processing facilities shall provide a minimum of one space for each employee present on the largest shift plus one space for every two trucks stored on site, not to exceed a maximum of one space for each employee present on the largest shift and one space for every three trucks stored on site.
(l) 
Woodworking and xylography shall provide a minimum of one space per employee present on the largest shift, not to exceed a maximum of one space per employee present on the largest shift plus one space per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.
(m) 
For uses accessory to industrial uses, no additional parking is necessary, provided that each individual industrial use on a lot shall be considered primary, not accessory.
(4) 
For commercial lots gaining primary access and frontage from Business Route 220, the maximum limitations for parking shall be increased. The new maximum shall be determined by finding the number of spaces normally required for the maximum and multiplying that number by three.
(5) 
In the event a standard is not listed for a particular use, the Planning Commission shall establish a standard during the review and approval. In establishing the standard, the Commission shall consider these three basic formulas for parking:
(a) 
For residential uses, a standard of one to three spaces per dwelling unit.
(b) 
For commercial uses, a standard of one parking space for 300 to 500 square feet of floor area.
(c) 
For industrial uses, a standard of one parking space per employee present on the largest shift with a slight increase for permanent vehicle storage, visitors, and overflow, as the use warrants.
E. 
Limitation on the use of a parking facility. No parking space or accessway within a parking facility shall be used for any purpose other than those for which they were designed. No space or accessway shall be used for display of merchandise, storage of stock, servicing of vehicles, whether temporary or permanent, unless the intent to use such areas for such activity is clearly marked on the plans and mitigation measures are designed to separate moving traffic from those areas. Temporary use of parking lots for carnivals, sidewalk sales, and similar activity may gain approval under § 640-68 below.
F. 
Parking structures.
(1) 
Parking structures shall be set back from lot lines in accordance with the setback requirements of the zoning district in which they are located.
(2) 
The parking spaces and access drives within the structure shall be designed in compliance with Subsection C above.
(3) 
Structures shall be designed so that drivers negotiating corners and turns within the structure have the best sight distance possible.
(4) 
The ground level of the structure along any street should be devoted to retail or office space to provide continuity to the business frontage.
(5) 
The structure shall be well-lit and provide for emergency communications on every level.
(6) 
The structure shall be accessible to the physically disabled.
G. 
Bicycle parking.
(1) 
For every 10 spaces provided by the applicant for motor vehicles, one bicycle parking space shall be provided, with a minimum of two bicycle spaces for all proposals.
(2) 
Bicycle parking facilities shall be located near the building and in such an area so they are not a hazard to motor vehicles or bicyclists.
(3) 
Bicycle parking facilities shall not be located or designed so that they block or hinder the availability of building entrances and exits or any facilities provided for the physically disabled.
(4) 
All bicycle spaces shall provide the cyclist with a permanent fixture to which the bicycle can be secured while the cyclist is on the property.
(5) 
Bicycle parking spaces shall be kept clear of debris, snow, ice, and standing water just as with spaces for motor vehicles and pedestrians.
H. 
Sites requiring altered accessibility standards. All gasoline filling stations, service stations, auto sales lots, and attended lots shall meet all requirements of this article, with the following exceptions.
(1) 
For gasoline filling stations, the area used by the vehicle while fuel is being dispensed may be counted as a parking space. Such spaces shall meet the requirements for parallel parking.
(2) 
Service stations shall make available the proper number of required spaces for customers, and such spaces shall meet the requirements of this article. Spaces created for vehicle storage and service need not meet the access requirements of this article so long as all vehicles maneuvered in such areas are under the direct control of a paid employee of the business.
(3) 
Auto sales lots shall make available the proper number of required spaces for customers. Areas for vehicle storage, whether for servicing or sales, may be designed as necessary for the conduct of business, provided that all vehicles being maneuvered in these areas are under the direct control of a paid employee of the business. In no event shall areas of the property designated for other purposes be used for automobile sales or storage.
(4) 
Attended lots need not meet the accessibility requirements for individual spaces, provided that all vehicles being maneuvered in such lots are under the direct control of a paid attendant for the lot.
I. 
Drive-through facilities.
(1) 
An access driveway providing access to a drive-through facility may encroach into the required five-foot setback from the building at the point(s) of contact between the driver and the drive-through attendant. It is recommended that this be done through use of an extension on the building to reach the driveway rather than placing the driveway close to the length of the building wall.
(2) 
Service windows, drawers, or similar devices shall protrude from the building across the one-foot setback.
(3) 
A face-to-face setup shall be used for all drive-through facilities to eliminate speaker noise. Alternatives may be considered by the Planning Commission where it can be shown that transactions will not be heard at the lot line at any time of day or night.
(4) 
The exterior edge of the driveway shall be planted with a three-foot-high hedge to screen automotive lights and noise.
(5) 
Drive-through driveways shall provide stacking for a minimum of five cars without interfering with parking lot operations, bicycle and pedestrian flow, or street traffic. Alternative designs may be considered where multiple windows or lanes are proposed.
J. 
General circulation and layout. The Planning Commission shall consider the entire site layout and its overall effect on traffic circulation and vehicular interaction with other users of the property. In doing so, the Commission shall take into consideration internal intersections, sight distances, crosswalks, loading areas, pickup and dropoff areas, exterior doors, and landscaping. The Commission shall have the responsibility to condition approvals on changes to the proposal it feels are necessary to achieve a safe overall design for all interested parties and users.
A. 
Sidewalks.
(1) 
Sidewalks shall be provided along the entire length of the property. On a corner lot, the sidewalk shall be extended along the second street as well.
(2) 
All sidewalks shall be constructed to provide adequate access to the physically disabled.
(3) 
Sidewalks shall be a minimum four feet wide, with the edge running along the right-of-way line and the sidewalk width extending into the right-of-way.
(4) 
Except in the Central Business District zones, there shall be a landscaped strip left between the curb and sidewalk. In the Central Business District zones, the requirement listed below shall apply.
(5) 
In the Central Business District zones, the sidewalk width shall extend from the street right-of-way line to the curb. In such areas, the following treatments shall also apply:
(a) 
Street tree wells shall be installed so that a tree may be planted 18 inches inside the curb. There shall be one street tree for every 50 feet of street on the block (i.e., a block 400 feet long would require eight trees). The number of trees required shall be placed equidistantly along the block but no closer than 15 feet to an intersecting curbline. An applicant shall be responsible only to install such well(s) and tree(s) required along the frontage of the proposal in the proper location(s).
(b) 
For proposals with 100 feet of frontage or more, the applicant shall install one bench for each full 100 feet of frontage.
(c) 
Sidewalk sales are permissible under the provisions of § 640-68 below.
B. 
Walkways and crosswalks.
(1) 
Walkways shall provide adequate pedestrian circulation within the lot as well as between the lot, street and abutting properties.
(2) 
All proposals shall include pedestrian access via a built walkway from the sidewalk to the interior pedestrian circulation system.
(3) 
Walkways shall be constructed to provide adequate access to the physically disabled.
(4) 
Walkways shall be a minimum of four feet wide. This width shall be unobstructed by merchandise, car overhangs, and other obstacles.
(5) 
Where any pedestrian facility intersects an access driveway, a crosswalk shall be clearly designated on the surface of the access driveway. Crosswalks shall also be provided anywhere a sidewalk intersects an access drive.
(6) 
If the proposal requires a traffic signal, such traffic control signal shall include button-activated pedestrian lights for all directions of travel and painted crosswalks on the streets at the intersection. This signal shall be of the two-tier walk/don't walk variety, or its equivalent.
(7) 
Walkways shall be located in a manner that is consistent with human walking patterns; the system should not expect a person to travel out of the way to arrive at the destination.
C. 
Furniture.
(1) 
If the proposal is to be directly served by a bus stop, a bench shall be placed at the bus stop location.
(2) 
Benches are encouraged near the entrance of the building for use by customers.
A. 
Street trees.
(1) 
All land development proposals shall include street trees to be planted between the sidewalk and the curb.
(2) 
Throughout the City, one tree shall be planted along the street for every 50 feet of street frontage, equidistantly if possible. Trees shall be installed in the Central Business District as directed in § 640-64A(5)(a).
(3) 
Trees to be planted shall have a minimum diameter of two inches at a point four feet above the ground. All stock shall be nursery-grown, balled, and burlapped. The species of the street trees to be planted shall be selected with regard to the presence or absence of overhead utilities, underground utilities, or sidewalks. To provide assistance in selecting species, the City of Altoona Shade Tree Commission shall maintain lists of species that are well suited for planting in the City in each of these circumstances. The developer may request this list and is encouraged to do so. Invasive species shall not be planted.
(4) 
Tree grates or fencing may be required to protect new trees in dense areas or other high-traffic areas.
(5) 
Trees shall be planted in the following manner:
(a) 
Each tree to be planted shall be placed in a hole dug one foot wider and one foot deeper than any part of the root ball.
(b) 
Soil to be replaced around the root ball is to be a good quality loam.
(c) 
The root ball shall be placed two inches deeper than the surrounding undisturbed soil to create a depression that holds water.
(d) 
Each tree shall be watered immediately after planting to settle the soil and moisten the roots.
(e) 
Trees shall have temporary labels attached so inspectors can determine compliance with the approved plan.
(6) 
Existing trees may be used to meet the requirements of this section if each tree is healthy and if its dripline (the area underneath the branches' leaves) is protected from soil compaction through the development process.
B. 
Buffer yards.
(1) 
All proposals shall include a buffer area as defined herein. A buffer yard is intended to separate incompatible uses via a horizontal linear distance. Landscaping for these buffer yards is discussed in Subsection C below.
(2) 
Buffer yards shall be calculated based on the incompatibility of adjacent land uses. These uses are as follow:
(a) 
Class 1. Open space, passive recreation, parks, detached single-household residences.
(b) 
Class 2. All other residential, primary schools, active recreation, cultural facilities, and religious institutions.
(c) 
Class 3. Offices, small retail and storefront businesses.
(d) 
Class 4. Commercial recreation, conference centers, motels, hotels, retail, secondary schools, public safety providers, office parks.
(e) 
Class 5. Wholesale, warehousing, light industry, shopping centers, public works (government), convenience stores, drive-throughs, gas stations.
(f) 
Class 6. Heavy industrial, regional shopping centers, malls, stadiums, railroads, transportation terminals, limited access highways.
(3) 
Buffer yards shall be provided by the applicant along the perimeter of the site or lot and shall extend to the edge of the property.
(4) 
Different buffer yard may be required where the incompatibility differs.
(5) 
No parking, structures, dumpsters, light standards shall be permitted in a buffer yard.
(6) 
Buffer yards may be used for passive recreation and trails, provided the required distances and landscaping are maintained.
(7) 
Buffer yards may be split where an access drive must cross to the street or an adjoining property.
(8) 
The table below indicates the buffer yard required in addition to the five-foot minimum required for all proposals. Items marked with a "B" also require that the earthen berm in Subsection B(9) below be installed.
Required Buffer Yard
Adjacent Use Class
Proposed Use Class
1
(feet)
2
(feet)
3
(feet)
4
(feet)
5
(feet)
6
(feet)
1
0
5
10
10B
10B
15B
2
5
0
5
10
10B
15B
3
10
5
0
5
10
15
4
10B
10
5
0
5
10
5
10B
10B
10
5
0
10
6
15B
15B
15
10
10
5
(9) 
Required earthen berms shall be installed as follows:
(a) 
Each berm shall have no greater than a 2:1 slope.
(b) 
Each berm shall be at least five feet high as measured from the finished grade of the property at the interior base of the berm. Properties shall not be designed or graded so that the intended screening function of the berm is negated.
(c) 
The Planning Commission may allow existing topographical features to be used in place of an artificial berm. Use of such features shall not preclude the applicability of the screening and landscaping requirements contained herein.
(d) 
Artificial berms shall be constructed so as to support and sustain the required screening and landscaping to be placed upon them.
C. 
Perimeter landscaping.
(1) 
The landscaped area for perimeter landscaping shall be coincident with the required buffer yard area.
(2) 
The perimeter landscaping area shall be seamlessly integrated with any street tree requirements as well as the parking lot landscaping and foundation landscaping requirements shown below.
(3) 
Along the frontage, the area shall be planted with shrubs and trees so as to provide a pleasant driving and walking atmosphere and to minimize the impact of the project on the street. Frontage landscaping must be designed so it does not interfere with drivers entering and leaving the property.
(4) 
Along the parking lot, trees and shrubs shall be planted so as to screen the parking facility from all surrounding streets and properties. The intent is to mitigate the impact of vehicle noise, lights, and fumes on adjacent land. Such vegetation shall be planted so as to provide a full screen within five years.
(5) 
Where berms are required, the entire berm shall be landscaped with shrubs and trees to completely segregate the proposed use from adjacent uses. Evergreen plantings shall be required along the crest of the berm.
(6) 
Elsewhere the plantings shall be designed to screen and filter out noise, light, and odor produced by the proposal and create a full screen within five years.
(7) 
Alternatives to plantings and berms can be considered by the Commission; however, they must meet the intent of this subsection and maintain some landscaped presence along the proposal.
D. 
Foundational landscaping.
(1) 
The required setback between parking facilities and buildings shall be landscaped to eliminate large expanses of barren wall.
(2) 
The area reserved for foundational landscaping shall not be used for any other purposes, such as outdoor sales or storage of merchandise.
(3) 
The foundational landscaping requirements may be waived where a sidewalk runs along the wall and architectural features have been added to the wall which visually enhances its presence. Simple striping and signing shall not qualify for this waiver.
(4) 
Foundational landscaping shall include low shrubbery at a ratio of at least one shrub for every five linear feet of wall and high shrub or tree for every 50 linear feet of wall.
(5) 
Foundational landscaping may be waived if the proposal includes yard trees throughout the site that serve the same screening purposes as foundational plantings. Such a waiver may be applied only where such yard trees serve the noted function.
E. 
Interior landscaping.
(1) 
Interior landscaping shall be required between the perimeter and foundational landscaping, particularly in the parking facility. Landscaping shall be required to provide definition and traffic control within a parking lot. Such landscaping shall be provided at the ends of all stall rows, between parking spaces and access drives which do not directly serve them, along travel corridors within the parking lot, and to separate the loading area from the main lot.
(2) 
Yard trees may be proposed to provide further screening of the building.
(3) 
Where a parking space abuts any element of the parking or loading facility except the access drive directly servicing the space or another parking space, an island shall be installed to protect the parked vehicle from the moving vehicles and to provide definition to traffic patterns. Island design shall be, at a minimum, as follows:
(a) 
Islands shall be six feet wide.
(b) 
Islands shall be curbed with vertical or sloped curbing. Asphalt curbing is not acceptable.
(c) 
Within each island, there shall be one tree for each 18 feet of length. Where the length does not equal an exact multiple of 18, the nearest multiple (by standard rounding) shall be used.
(d) 
For each tree required in the island, six shrubs shall be required. Shrubs shall grow to a sufficient height and thickness to clearly define the presence of the island to passing motorists but shall not be so high so as to impede motorists' view of traffic within the parking lot. Shrubs growing between two and four feet are generally acceptable.
(e) 
Islands surrounding loading areas shall be screened with thick, high shrubbery, except where such height inhibits motorists' ability to see other traffic in the facility.
(f) 
Trees planted shall meet the specifications for street trees above.
(4) 
Where grass is provided, a minimum of six inches of loam shall be applied and a fine-bladed lawn grass seeded or installed on the loam.
(5) 
Signs shall be kept to the minimum necessary for safe and efficient traffic operation. Pavement markings shall be maintained so as to always be visible under normal circumstances.
(6) 
Lighting units shall be installed according to the following standards:
(a) 
Units shall not be higher than 15 feet above finished grade in the Suburban Residential, Single Household Residential, Limited Residential, Multiple Household Residential, Urban Residential, Mixed Residential Commercial, and Neighborhood Business Zoning Districts. Elsewhere, they may be up to 25 feet above finished grade.
[Amended 7-12-2017 by Ord. No. 5705]
(b) 
Units shall be positioned and shielded to direct light downward onto the property. For purposes of this standard, "downward" shall mean 60° from the vertical plane.
(c) 
In no event shall any lighting be installed which directly shines onto abutting streets or properties or which allows light to directly shine into the sky. Photometries shall be submitted with any land development with exterior lighting greater in luminescence than a two-hundred-watt incandescent light bulb.
(d) 
Parking lot lighting shall be illuminated only from dusk to closing and from opening until dawn. Other lighting on the property shall be reduced by 75% during these periods.
F. 
Noise.
(1) 
No property shall have exterior speakers, unless approved on a temporary basis under the temporary use provisions below.
(2) 
On properties where the use necessitates idling vehicles for more than five minutes on a regular basis (such as deliveries, pickups, or engine repair), a sound barrier shall be installed along the area where such vehicles will be idling. The barrier may be a wall, fence or vegetated screen but shall block the sound of idling vehicles from reaching the property line.
(3) 
No outdoor activity on any property governed by this article shall create noise which can be heard and identified above the ambient noise in a residential area between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. nightly. This provision shall not apply to traffic coming to and leaving the premises but does apply to deliveries, collections, speakers, idling vehicles, and other activities.
G. 
Dumpsters.
(1) 
All dumpsters must be placed on a reinforced concrete base shown on the land development plans.
(2) 
Each dumpster must be fully screened by a fence or verminproof container no less than six feet tall. This enclosure must be gated and closed when not being accessed.
(3) 
The required concrete base and screening must be large enough to hold all of the dumpsters and recycling bins required by the particular business to be located there as well as required by any local ordinances or state laws.
H. 
Required landscaping. All landscaping and improvements that are specifically required by this section shall be maintained and must be replaced if the required vegetation is damaged, diseased, cut, or dies.
A. 
Loading spaces, wherever proposed, shall be a minimum of 12 feet wide and 25 feet long. These calculations shall not include any access drives or maneuvering space.
B. 
Landscaping of loading areas shall be as described in § 640-45.
C. 
Loading and storage facilities shall not be visible from the street or any residential use.
D. 
Access drives to loading areas shall be of sufficient dimensions to handle the traffic using the loading area.
A. 
All utility connections shall be adequate for the servicing of the proposed use(s) of the property.
B. 
Utility connections shall be underground. If underground connections are not feasible, the Commission may approve overhead connections to the rear of the property from the alley.
C. 
Drainage shall be provided on site for the entire property. Design and installation of drainage facilities shall be governed by the standards set forth in Chapter 620, Stormwater Management, Erosion and Sedimentation Control.
A. 
Option one: review each time. If a property owner or occupant desires to temporarily use a portion of the property for a use other than that approved under this article, such person or entity shall submit sketch plans indicating the location, extent, duration, and type of temporary use proposed for approval by the Planning Administrator. This section applies to any temporary use proposed for an area used for vehicular access, parking, pedestrians, or landscaping. The intent of this review is to ensure the basic function of each element of the property is not compromised.
B. 
Option two: permanent approval. If a property owner or occupant knows at the time the layout is designed that such temporary functions will occur, permanent provision for those functions can be incorporated into the land development plans and approved by the Commission. Once done, the administrative review in Subsection A above is not necessary unless the location, extent, or type of use is changed.
C. 
Yard sales on exclusively residential properties are exempt from this section as are farmers' markets and church/social club festivals.
In the event that a land development application is submitted which requires improvements governed by Part 2, the standards in Part 2 may be applied to the proposal by the Planning Commission as a part of the review under this article.
A. 
Submittal and review of land developments shall be in accordance with Part 3.
B. 
Upon completion of the review of the application, the Altoona City Planning Commission shall take action on the proposal. Such action may be taken at a subsequent meeting so long as the time lines established under state law are met. Such action shall be:
(1) 
Request further information for a second review. This is done when the submittal and substantive requirements for the plan are not met or when an issue arises during the review which needs to be addressed.
(2) 
Issue a certificate of approval without condition.
(3) 
Issue a certificate of approval with conditions.
(4) 
Issue a certificate of denial which clearly states the reasons for denial.
C. 
All approvals under this Part 3 shall be accompanied by a performance contract which shall be recorded in the chain of title with the plan.
D. 
The applicant is required to obtain any and all other approvals which may be required for the proposal. Approval under this Part 3 does not automatically grant other approvals, except those noted in the certificate of approval.
A. 
The property owner shall be responsible for the installation and maintenance of all improvements as shown on the approved land development plans.
B. 
All improvements approved under this article shall be installed and continuously maintained in good condition and appearance. Whenever necessary, surfacing, markings, lighting, berms, plantings, and other elements shall be repaired or replaced with new materials to ensure continued compliance with the approval issued hereunder.
C. 
Failure to maintain the improvements shall be considered a violation and be enforceable through the provisions granted by this chapter and state law.
Where relevant and not specified elsewhere in this Code, enforcement for any land development regulation in this Code shall be conducted as specified in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of 1968. P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended. See 53 P.S. § 10101 et. seq.