[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Warrington 8-11-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-O-09 (Ch. 6, Part 4, of the 1995 Code of Ordinances). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Streets and sidewalks — See Ch. 294.
Subdivision and land development — See Ch. 305.
Vehicles and traffic — See Ch. 330.
Zoning — See Ch. 370.
The provisions of this chapter are designed to secure, promote and protect the public health, comfort, convenience, safety, welfare, peace and quiet of the residents of Warrington Township by regulating the use of motorized dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles within the Township and in order to alleviate problems, such as but not limited to loud, unnecessary and unusual noises within the Township, damage and destruction of personal property, unauthorized use of private lands, disturbances through the creation of unnecessary dust and debris, and other inconveniences caused by said motorized dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles to the residents of Warrington Township.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE or ATV
A motorized flotation-tired vehicle of not less than three low-pressure tires, but not more than six tires, that is limited in engine displacement of less than 800 cubic centimeters and total dry weight less than 600 pounds. Motorized go-carts are included.
ESTABLISHED RIDING AREA
Trails or area on a lot used by a motorized dirt bike and/or ATV.
LOT or LOTS
A lot in the Township of Warrington which is part of an approved subdivision, the plan or map of which has been recorded with the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds, or a lawful lot described by metes and bounds, the deed of which has been recorded with the Bucks County Recorder of Deeds, or one for which the Township has granted a waiver from platting.
MOTORIZED DIRT BIKES
A two-wheeled vehicle being capable of cross-country travel on natural terrain without benefit of a road or trail.
TOWNSHIP
Warrington Township.
A. 
The use of motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) is not allowed on lots of less than two acres in size.
B. 
The riding area for a motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) is to be located no closer than 150 feet from a lot line or 100 feet if a six-foot-high, board-type fence has been constructed along the lot line by the lot owner.
C. 
Dust and noise control measures are to be maintained by the lot owner. These dust and noise control measures are to be enforced by the Township if lot owners of lots that are adversely affected by dust and noise due to motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) use file a written complaint with the Township.
(1) 
Dust-control measures shall include but are not limited to the planting of twelve-foot-high coniferous trees planted 10 feet on center or the construction of a six-foot-minimum board-style fence.
(2) 
A motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) must have a federally approved spark arrestor, the noise emission may not exceed 99 decibels at a distance of 20 inches at idle, and mufflers may not be altered to increase motor noise or have a cutout bypass or similar device.
D. 
No more than two riders that are unrelated to the immediate household members that reside in the dwelling on the lot may operate a motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) on the lot.
E. 
Motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) may only be operated on the lot during the following times: Monday through Friday, 12:00 noon through 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.; and Sundays, 12:00 noon through 5:00 p.m. Operation of a motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) may be continuous for two hours. After two hours, there should be no riding on the lot for one hour.
F. 
The operation of a motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) shall not be allowed on any designated wetlands or floodplain areas as defined by Chapter 370, Zoning, and Chapter 305, Subdivision and Land Development, as in effect at the time.
G. 
Any unvegetated riding area must be watered down before, during, and after usage as needed to limit dust.
H. 
A motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) shall not be operated in such a manner as to damage or destroy any real or personal property of another. In addition to any other penalties for the violation of this chapter, a violator of this section shall be liable to make restitution for any damage caused to private or public property.
I. 
Motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) shall not be operated on any sidewalk or within the right-of-way of any public or private street being maintained or used as a thoroughfare for legally licensed vehicular traffic unless the operator has a valid operator's license and the motorized vehicle or ATV is properly registered and licensed with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a motor vehicle. All provisions of the Vehicle Code and Township ordinances regulating equipment and operation shall apply to such use. All other regulations under the Motor Vehicle Code shall apply.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 101 et seq.
The following uses are exempt from this chapter:
A. 
Any motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) used by Township or any other governmental body in conducting official business.
B. 
Any motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) used in agriculture work.
C. 
Any motorized dirt bike(s) and/or ATV(s) used in snow clearing.
The police and/or code enforcement officers of Warrington Township are charged with enforcement of the provisions of this chapter and any rules and regulations promulgated by Warrington Township.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Any person who violates or permits a violation of this chapter shall, upon being found liable therefor in a civil enforcement proceeding commenced by the Township before a Magisterial District Judge, pay a fine of not more than $600, plus all court costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred by the Township in the enforcement of this chapter. If the defendant neither pays nor timely appeals the judgment, the Township may enforce the judgment pursuant to the applicable Rules of Civil Procedure. Each day a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. Further, the appropriate officers or agents of the Township are hereby authorized to seek equitable relief, including injunction, to enforce compliance herewith. This chapter may be enforced initially by violation ticket (citation); see Chapter 38, Ordinance Enforcement Procedures, Article II, Tickets for Certain Offenses.