[Ord. 275, 2/9/2000, § 201]
1. 
General Interpretation. For the purposes of this Chapter, words and terms used herein shall be interpreted as follows:
A. 
Words in the present tense shall include the future tense.
B. 
The singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular.
C. 
The masculine gender shall include the feminine and the neuter and vice-versa.
D. 
The word "shall" is always mandatory, and the word "may" or "should" is always permissive.
E. 
The word "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or building shall be construed to include the words intended, arranged, or designed to be occupied.
F. 
Any word or term not defined in this Chapter shall be used with a meaning of standard usage.
G. 
If a term is not defined in this Zoning Ordinance, but is defined in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), the definition in the SALDO shall also apply to this Zoning Ordinance. If a term is not defined in the Zoning Ordinance and is not defined in the SALDO, but is defined in the Stormwater Management Ordinance, then the definition in the Stormwater Management Ordinance shall apply to this Zoning Ordinance. If a term is not defined in any of those ordinances, then the Zoning Officer shall determine a definition based upon the plain and ordinary meaning of the term, within the context of the provision. A standard reference dictionary should be consulted in such case.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
[Ord. 275, 2/9/2000, § 201; as amended by Ord. 290, 3/9/2005, § 1; by Ord. 307, 3/29/2006, § 5; by Ord. 351, 4/10/2012, § 2; by Ord. 356, 12/12/2012, § 2; by Ord. 357, 12/12/2012, § 2; by Ord. 368, 6/11/2014, § 1; and by A.O.]
When used in this Chapter, the following words, terms and phrases shall have the following meanings, unless expressly stated otherwise or unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
ABANDONED OR JUNKED MOTOR VEHICLE
Any motor vehicle outside of a fully enclosed building.
A. 
For a period in excess of 30 days and not in full and complete working order or without current inspection tags.
B. 
Stored for resale as junk metal.
C. 
Stored for selling parts therefrom.
ABUT
Next to or adjacent to, and includes the words "directly across from streets, natural features, and rights-of-way."
ACADEMIC CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTER
An accredited medical school within this Commonwealth that operates or partners with an acute care hospital licensed within this Commonwealth pursuant to the Act.[1]
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
ACCESS DRIVE
A privately owned, constructed, and maintained vehicular access from a public or private street to four or more off street parking spaces or to at least one loading space.
ACCESSORY BUILDING
A building (such as a private garage, private tollhouse or children's playhouse or a noncommercial greenhouse) which is subordinate and accessory to a principal building on the same lot and which is used for purposes customarily incidental to those of the principal building.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A structure serving a purpose customarily incidental to the use of the principal building and located on the same lot as the principal building.
ACCESSORY USE
A use subordinate and customarily incidental to the principal use on the same lot.
ACRE
43,560 square feet.
ACT 24 OF 2008
An amendment to the Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Act that authorizes actions to protect the Appalachian Trail corridor.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
ADAPTIVE REUSE OF EXISTING AGRICULTURAL STRUCTURE
A use involving the process of converting an existing traditional farm building or structure, including but not limited to barns and silos, to a new use other than that for which the traditional farm building or structure was originally designed and used in a manner consistent and compatible with existing agricultural uses by maintaining exterior integrity and adapting the interior to the new use. The adaptive reuse of existing agricultural structures is intended to help the preservation, restoration and maintenance of said structures, provided the nature and conduct of such adaptive use shall enhance and preserve the exterior integrity of the structures; enhance and preserve the aesthetic appearance of the remainder of the property; and maintain the general character of the agricultural use.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
ADJACENT
A state of being side by side, next to, adjoining, contiguous, or abutting one to another.
ADULT BOOK STORE
A commercial establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its stock-in-trade, books, magazines, photographs or other materials which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas" (as defined in this Section) or an establishment with a segment or section devoted to the sale or display of such material.
ADULT MOVIE THEATER
An enclosed building or outdoor theater used for presenting motion pictures, slides or video tapedisks or similarly reproduced images distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to "specified anatomical areas" (as defined in this Section) for observation by patrons therein.
AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY OR INDUSTRIES
A use that involves the bulk wholesale sale, storage, treatment, packaging, bottling and/or processing of agricultural crops, such as a feed mill, a winery or a cider processing facility. This term may also include composting of agricultural crops or yard waste, commercial greenhouses or aquaculture. This term shall not include a slaughterhouse, a tannery, a water extraction use for off-site nonagricultural consumption, bulk composting of manure generated by multiple different agricultural operations, industrial processing, burning or drying of sewage sludge or septage, or composting of meat processing waste.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018; amended by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
AGRICULTURE
The raising and keeping of field crops for any commercial purpose. "Agriculture" does not include animal husbandry, or commercial forestry. Agriculture does include "silviculture." An agricultural use may be combined with one dwelling unit on the same lot, provided that the requirements are met for the dwelling, regardless of whether the agricultural land is leased or not to another operator.
[Amended by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
ALLEY
A public or private way affording only secondary means of access to abutting property.
ALTERATION
As applied to a building or structure, a change or rearrangement in the structural parts, or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height, or the moving from one location or position to another.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
A building, structure, or area of land where animals are given medical care, other than the premises where such animals are normally kept.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
The raising and keeping of livestock or poultry for any commercial purpose. The keeping of livestock or poultry as farm pets or for domestic purposes pursuant to the regulations of this Chapter and the raising of garbage-fed pigs or minks shall not be construed as animal husbandry.
ANTENNA
Any system of wires, rods, discs, panels, flat panels, dishes, whips, or other similar devices used for the transmission or reception of wireless signals. An antenna may include an omnidirectional antenna (rod), directional antenna (panel), parabolic antenna (disc) or any other wireless antenna. An antenna shall not include "tower-based wireless communications facilities" as defined in this Section.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL (or APPALACHIAN TRAIL)
A trail extending from Maine to Georgia that is managed by the National Parks Service, and which is maintained by volunteer trail organizations with the assistance of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY
A volunteer-based organization dedicated to the preservation and management of the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources associated with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
AQUACULTURE
The cultivation of plants, fish and/or shellfish for commercial purposes in an aquatic environment; fish farming.
AUDITORIUM
A building containing a stage and seating for meetings and performances.
AUTO REPAIR STATION
Buildings and land where gasoline and other automobile parts and supplies are sold at retail and where major repairs are conducted.
AUTO SERVICE STATION
Buildings and land areas where gasoline, oil, grease, batteries, tires or automobile accessories are supplied and dispensed at retail and where minor repairs are conducted. Uses permissible at a service station do not include major mechanical and body work, straightening of body parts, painting, welding, or other work involving noise, glare, fumes, smoke, or other characteristics to an extent greater than customary. Outside storage of inoperable or unlicensed vehicles at service stations is limited to a maximum two-day period of time for each such vehicle.
AUTO WRECKING
The dismantling or disassembling of used motor vehicles or recreation vehicles, or the storage, sale, or dumping of dismantled, partially dismantled, obsolete, or wrecked vehicles or their parts.
AUTO, RECREATION VEHICLE OR BOAT SALES AREA
An open area, other than a street, used for the display, sale, or rental of new or used motor vehicles, recreation vehicles, or boats in operable condition, and where no major repair work is done.
BANK
An establishment for receiving, keeping, lending or, sometimes issuing money and making easier the exchange of funds by checks, notes, etc. It includes savings and loan, finance companies, credit unions and other similar enterprises.
BASE STATION
A structure, other than a tower, that currently supports or houses an antenna, transceiver, or other associated equipment that constitutes part of a base station at the time the application is filed, even if the structure was not built for the sole or primary purpose of providing such support. It does not include structures that do not, at the time of application, support or house base station components.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
BASEMENT
A story in a building (excluding a subterranean building) which has a structural ceiling five feet or more above the average level of finished grade abutting the exterior wall(s) fronting on any road. A basement shall be counted as one story in determining the permissible number of stories.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
A residential use consisting of one dwelling unit with no more than six rooms or suites that may be rented to transient guests for overnight or weekly accommodation for a fee. Only the breakfast meal may be prepared for the guests by the proprietor and no other meals are provided by the proprietor. The rented rooms do not contain cooking facilities and do not constitute separate dwelling units.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
BETTING PARLORS
An indoor establishment in which legal betting activities are conducted, including pari-mutual wagering activities, but excluding "games of chance" under the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, 10 P.S. § 311 et seq. The term shall specifically include "nonprimary locations" as defined in the Race Horse Industry Reform Act, as amended, 35 P.S. § 325.101 et seq.[2]
BLOCK
Property bounded on one side by a street, and on the other three sides by a street, railroad right-of-way, public park, waterway, Township line, tract of land held in separate ownership, or any combination thereof.
BOARD
The Zoning Hearing Board of the Township of Plainfield.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors of the Township of Plainfield.
BOARDING HOUSE (ROOMING HOUSE, LODGING HOUSE)
A dwelling in which the owner or tenant rents at least one (but not more than five) rental units for residential or lodging purposes, regardless of whether meals are furnished or not.
BOMB OR FALLOUT SHELTER
A structure designed as a bomb or fallout shelter under applicable federal or state standards.
BREW PUB
A retail restaurant/tavern restaurant establishment with on-premises consumption of malt and brewed beverages produced on the premises (by way of an on-site microbrewery as defined herein) or on real property immediately adjacent to the premises (at a microbrewery as defined herein) or at a remote location where the brew pub owner also has an ownership interest in the microbrewery that produces the malt and brewed beverages being consumed at the brew pub. The brew pub must be licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and any successor agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Sales of malt and brewed beverages that are not produced on the premises, on real property immediately adjacent to the premises, or at a remote location where the brew pub owner also has an ownership interest in the microbrewery that produces the malt and brewed beverages being consumed at the brew pub are prohibited. The definition does not include on-premises special events, which are defined within the "public special event use accessory to a brewery, brew pub, distillery, microbrewery, microdistillery, vineyard or winery" use.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
BREWERY
A facility for the production, packaging and sampling of malt and brewed beverages of alcoholic and/or nonalcoholic content for retail or wholesale distribution, on or off the premises, and which produces more than 25,000 barrels of a combination of malt and/or brewed beverages (whether alcoholic or nonalcoholic) per year. Sales of malt and brewed beverages of alcoholic and/or nonalcoholic content that are manufactured outside the facility are prohibited. The definition does not include on-premises special events, which are defined within the "public special event use accessory to a brewery, brew pub, distillery, microbrewery, microdistillery, vineyard or winery" use.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
BUFFER YARD
A strip of land at least 20 feet in width which may be a part of the minimum setback distance and which is free of any principal or accessory building, parking, outdoor storage or any other use than open space.
BUILDING
A structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, used for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals, or property. "Building" is interpreted as including "or part thereof."
BUILDING COVERAGE
The ratio obtained by dividing the maximum horizontal cross section of all principal and accessory buildings on a lot by the total area of the lot upon which the buildings are located.
BUS STATION/TERMINAL
Any premises for the transient housing or parking of motor-driven business and the loading and unloading of passengers.
CABARET
A club, bar, tavern, theater, hall or similar place which features topless or bottomless dancers, entertainers or employees, strippers, simulated sex acts, live or actual sex acts, or similar entertainers or entertainment.
CAMPGROUND
Any lot, parcel or tract of land upon which space is rented for one or more tents, recreation vehicles, camping trailers, travel trailers, pickup coaches, motor homes, or any combination thereof for temporary occupancy.
CAREGIVER
The individual designated by a patient to deliver medical marijuana.
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
CARPORT
A building open on two or more sides and used in conjunction with a dwelling for the storage of private motor vehicles.
CARTWAY
The paved portion of a street or highway designed for vehicular traffic.
CELLAR
A part of the interior of a building (excluding a subterranean building) which has a structural ceiling less than five feet above the average level of finished grade abutting the exterior wall(s) fronting on any road. A cellar shall not be counted as one story in determining the permissible number of stories.
CENTRALIZED SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
A sewage disposal system which collects, treats, and disposes of sewage from three or more occupied lots or 10 or more dwelling units.
CENTRALIZED WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
A water supply system which transmits water for domestic use from a common source to three or more occupied lots or 10 or more dwelling units.
CERTIFIED MEDICAL USE
The acquisition, possession, use or transportation of medical marijuana by patient, or the acquisition, possession, delivery, transportation or administration of medical marijuana by a caregiver, for use as part of the treatment of the patient's serious medical condition, as authorized by certification by the Commonwealth pursuant to the Act.[3]
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
CLEAN FILL
Any uncontaminated, non-water-soluble, nondecomposable inert solid material, including soil, rock, stone, gravel, unused brick, block or concrete, or waste from clearing, grubbing and excavation, used to level an area of land or bring an area of land to grade.
CLINICAL REGISTRANT
An entity that:
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
A. 
Holds a permit both as a grower/processor and a dispensary pursuant to the Act;[4] and
B. 
Has a contractual relationship with an academic clinical research center under which the academic clinical research center or its affiliate provides advice to the entity, regarding, among other areas, patient health and safety, medical applications and dispensing and management of controlled substances.
CO-LOCATION
The mounting of one or more WCFs, including antennas, on an existing tower-based WCF, or on any structure that already supports at least one non-tower WCF.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
COMMERCIAL AMUSEMENT
A mechanical, electrical or electronic (or combination thereof) device designed to amuse, alarm, entertain, excite or thrill the user which is used commercially and requires a fee, charge, admission or recommendation for its use.[5]
COMMERCIAL FORESTRY
See definition of "timber harvesting" (§ 27-518, Subsection 3).
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE
A motor vehicle licensed by the commonwealth in a class other than Class I or Class II.
COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Any area which is predominantly open space, is used principally for active or passive recreation, and is used for a profit-making purpose which is not considered and included under the definition of a "commercial amusement."
COMMISSION
The Planning Commission of the Township of Plainfield.
COMMONWEALTH
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
COMPOSTING FACILITY
An area of land and/or facility where municipal wastes, certain organic residual solid wastes and sewage sludge are biologically decomposed under controlled anaerobic or aerobic conditions to yield a humus-like product.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The document entitled the Plainfield Township Comprehensive Plan, or any part thereof, adopted by the Board of Supervisors.
CONDOMINIUM
Real estate, portions of which are designated for separate ownership and the remainder of which is designated for common ownership solely by the owners of those portions, created under either the Pennsylvania Unit Property Act[6] of July 3, 1963, 68 P.S. § 700.101 et seq., or the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act, 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101 et seq.
CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT
A type of residential development that meets the requirements for such use in Part 3 and which involves allowing increased flexibility in certain dimensional zoning requirements for residential development only while protecting designated greenway land in perpetuity.
[Amended by Ord. No. 397, 1/8/2020]
CONSTRUCTION
Includes the placing of construction materials in permanent position and fastening in a temporary or permanent position; and the demolition of a preexisting building, provided that further construction be diligently carried on.
CONVENIENCE STORE
A use that primarily sells routine household goods, groceries and prepared ready-to-eat foods to the general public, but that it is not primarily a restaurant, and that includes a building with a floor area of not more than 5,000 square feet. This use may also include the accessory sale of gasoline, provided there are no more than four gasoline pumps.
CONVERSION
To change or adapt land or structures to a different use, occupancy or purpose.
COUNTY
The County of Northampton, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
The Joint Planning Commission for Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
CULTURAL CENTER
A building and/or land open to the public which contains exhibits of a cultural interest, such as a museum, art gallery, nature study area, etc.
CURATIVE AMENDMENT
A proposed zoning amendment made to the Board of Supervisors by any landowner who desires to challenge on substantive grounds the validity of an ordinance which prohibits or restricts the use or development of land in which he has an interest.
CUSTOM BUTCHERING
A facility where animals that were killed during outdoor hunting are butchered for food or a facility where animals that were raised on the premises are butchered for food.
DAS or DISTRIBUTED ANTENNAS SYSTEM
A network of spatially or geographically separated antenna nodes that are connected to a common source (hub) through a transport or communication medium in order to provide wireless communication service in a specific locality.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
DAY-CARE FACILITY/NURSERY SCHOOL-MAJOR
Use involving supervisory care of people outside their home for periods of 18 hours or less on a daily basis. This use may also include educational programs which are supplementary to state required education.
DAY-CARE FACILITY/NURSERY SCHOOL-MINOR
A use involving supervisory care of people outside their home for periods of 18 hours or less on a daily basis. This use may also include educational programs which are supplementary to state required education. A minor day-care facility/nursery shall have no more than five people.
DCNR
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
DEP
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
DETACHED
A state of being surrounded on all sides by yards.
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT or DBH
The diameter of a tree is measured at a height of 4.5 feet above the ground, on the uphill side of the stem, using a tree caliper, a diameter tape or a Biltmore stick.
DIKE or DAM
An embankment constructed as a barrier to control the flow, hold back or raise the level of water, consisting of a top width and front and rear embankment slopes.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
DISPENSARY
A person, including a natural person, corporation, partnership, association, trust or other entity, or any combination thereof, which holds a current and valid permit issued by the Department of Health (DOH) of the Commonwealth to dispense medical marijuana pursuant to the provisions of the Act.[7]
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
DISPENSARY FACILITY
Any building or structure used to dispense Medical Marijuana by a licensed Dispensary.
DISTILLERY
Any premises or plant wherein alcohol or liquor is manufactured, made and distilled from raw materials, blended or rectified, or any place wherein alcohol or liquor is produced by any method suitable for the production of alcohol for human consumption under such regulations as are or may be promulgated by a proper agency of the United States Government. The term shall include an accessory tasting room and retail sales area and/or restaurant. A tasting room allows customers to taste samples of products manufactured on-site and purchase related sales items. Sales of alcohol manufactured outside the facility are prohibited. The term shall not include a "winery" where alcohol is derived from by-products of wine production by distillation for the sole purpose of adding to the fermented products to fortify the same. The definition does not include on-premises special events, which are defined within the "public special event use accessory to a brewery, brew pub, distillery, microbrewery, microdistillery, vineyard or winery" use.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
DISTRICT (OR ZONING DISTRICT)
A portion of the territory of the Township within which certain uniform regulations and requirements or various combinations thereof apply under the provisions of this Chapter.
DISTURBANCE
Any physical activity that results in the modification of topography by cutting or filling, stripping of topsoil, and/or placing of physical structures or improvements thereon.
DRIPLINE
The outside edge of the area located directly beneath the canopy of a plant upon which rain is intercepted before it falls to the ground.
DRIVEWAY
A privately owned, constructed, and maintained vehicular access from a street or access drive to three or less off-street parking spaces.
DUMP
A site used primarily for the disposal by abandonment, dumping, burial, burning or other means and for whatever purpose of garbage, trash, junk, vehicles or parts thereof, or waste material of any kind.
DWELLING (RESIDENCE, RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE)
A building containing one or more dwelling units. The term "dwelling" shall not be deemed to include automobile court, rooming house, tourist home, hotel, motel, hospital, nursing home, dormitory, fraternity, sorority house, or other group residence.
A. 
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLINGA detached building containing only one dwelling unit. The term "single-family detached dwelling" shall be deemed to include a factory built "modular home" placed on a permanent perimeter foundation.
(1) 
MODULAR HOME (defined by the Pennsylvania Industrialized Housing Act, 35 P.S. § 1651.1 et seq.)Any structure designed primarily for residential occupancy which is wholly or in substantial part made, fabricated, formed or assembled in manufacturing facilities for installation, or assembly and installation, on the building site; housing units defined as mobile homes are excluded from this definition.
B. 
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMEA transportable, single-family dwelling designed so that it can be used for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit or in two 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 with or without a permanent foundation. Mobile/manufactured homes shall be constructed in accordance with the Safety and Construction Standards of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The term "mobile/manufactured home" shall not be deemed to include "recreation vehicle" nor a "modular home" placed on a permanent perimeter foundation.
C. 
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGA detached building containing two dwelling units which are entirely separated by vertical walls or horizontal floors, unpierced except for access to the outside or to a common cellar. Each dwelling unit may be separately owned, provided that the area formed by the combined lots of both dwelling units shall comply with all requirements for a two-family dwelling in that district.
D. 
MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLINGA building containing three or more dwelling units. Each dwelling unit may be separately owned, provided that the area formed by the combined lots of all dwelling units in a multiple-family dwelling shall comply with all of the requirements for that type of multiple-family dwelling in that district.
(1) 
LOW-RISE MULTIPLE-FAMILY BUILDINGA multiple-family dwelling (including townhouses, garden apartments, and other housing types) which do not contain more than six dwelling units, does not exceed three stories in height, and in which each dwelling unit has an independent outside access.
(a) 
GARDEN APARTMENTA low-rise multiple-family building in which individual dwelling units are entirely separated by vertical walls or horizontal floors, unpierced except for access to a common cellar.
(b) 
TOWN HOUSEA low-rise multiple-family building in which each dwelling unit extends from ground to roof and contains two points of independent outside access.
(2) 
LOW-RISE APARTMENTA multiple-family dwelling not exceeding three stories in height, in which each dwelling unit shares a common outside access with one or more dwelling units.
(3) 
HIGH-RISE APARTMENTA multiple-family dwelling over three stories in height, in which each dwelling unit shares a common outside access with at least one other dwelling unit and elevators serve each floor.
DWELLING UNIT (HOUSING UNIT)
One or more rooms intended to be occupied by one family as separate living quarters, containing sanitary facilities, kitchen facilities, and having outside access directly from the dwelling unit or through a common access hall.
EMERGENCY
A condition that:
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
A. 
Constitutes a clear and immediate danger to the health, welfare, or safety of the public; or
B. 
Has caused or is likely to cause facilities in the rights-of-way to be unusable and result in loss of services provided.
EVERGREEN TREE
A tree having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
FAMILY
One or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption (or a group of not more than five persons not related by blood, marriage, or adoption) living together in a single dwelling and maintaining a common household. The term "family" shall be deemed to include any domestic employees or gratuitous guests, but shall not include any roomer, boarder, or lodger.
FARM POND
A man-made body of water at least 2,000 square feet in area, primarily used for agricultural or recreational purposes, but not primarily used for swimming.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
FENCE
A man-made barrier placed or arranged as a line of demarcation between lots or to enclose a lot or portion thereof. The term "fence" shall be deemed to include a wall.
FILL
Any clean soil or rock materials (sand or clay) used to raise the ground elevation.
FIRE STATION
A place where fire engines and fire equipment are kept.
FLOOR AREA (GROSS FLOOR AREA)
The total area of all floors, as measured to the outside surfaces of exterior walls (or from the center line of party walls separating two buildings), but excluding cellars, crawl spaces, garages, carports, attics without floors, open porches, balconies, and terraces.
FOREST
Shall have the same meaning as "Woodland."
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
FOREST CANOPY
The aerial cover formed by the crowns of trees with a DBH of more than eight inches.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
FORESTRY
The management of forests and timberlands when practiced in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing, cultivating, harvesting, transporting, and selling trees for commercial purposes, which does not involve any land development.
[Amended by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
FORM OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA
The characteristics of the medical marijuana recommended or limited for a particular patient, including the method of consumption and any particular dosage, strain, variant and quantity or percentage of medical marijuana or particular active ingredient.
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
FRONT FACADE AREA
The public right-of-way area located directly in front of a physical structure.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
FUEL RETAIL CENTER
An auto service station which also sells convenience store items as an accessory use.
GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Municipal, county, state or federal government buildings or facilities designed and intended to be occupied by the government or designed and intended for public use sponsored by such governments.
GRADE
The elevation of finished ground or paving.
GREENWAY LAND
A parcel or parcels of land and/or water, within a conservation development, set aside for the protection of natural and cultural resources. Greenway land is permanently restricted against future development. The terms "greenway" and "greenway land" are synonymous.
[Added by Ord. No. 397, 1/8/2020]
GROSS DENSITY
The number of dwelling units per total area of land, including streets and other rights-of-way, parking areas and yards and other open spaces.
GROUP HOME
A building occupied as a residence by no more than six residents who receive twenty-four-hour resident supervision, licensed under an applicable state program.
A. 
Involves the care of between two and 20 persons who are not related to each other by blood, marriage, adoption or formal foster relationship.
B. 
Involves the care of persons who need nonroutine support services and oversight in order to reasonably function, because of physical illness of infirmity, old age, physical disability, mental illness, mental retardation or emotional disability, but that is not a criminal treatment center or substance abuse center.
C. 
Involves persons residing in a family-like residential environment.
D. 
Operates under an applicable license or certification from the appropriate state or county agency.
GROWER/PROCESSOR
A person, including a natural person, corporation, partnership, association, trust or other entity, or any combination thereof, which holds a current and valid permit from the DOH to grow and process medical marijuana in the Commonwealth, pursuant to the provisions of the Act.[8]
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
GROWER/PROCESSOR FACILITY
Any building or structure used to grow medical marijuana by a licensed grower/processor that has a current and valid license from the DOH pursuant to the Act.[9]
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Those wastes where significant potential exists for causing adverse public health or environmental impacts. For the purpose of this Chapter, hazardous wastes include those defined as "hazardous wastes" in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Rules and Regulations, §§ 275.260 — 276.261, 25 Pa. Code.
HEALTH CLUB
An area or facility used to promote, produce or maintain the health of the public or its members for a fee.
HEIGHT OF A TOWER-BASED WCF
The vertical distance measured from the ground level, including any base pad, to the highest point on a tower-based WCF, including antennas mounted on the tower and any other appurtenances.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
HEIGHT OF STRUCTURES
The vertical distance derived from the average finished grade at the foundation corners of the building or structure, to the highest point of the building or structure excluding a chimney, spire, tower, elevator, tank or other similar structure.
HELIPORT
An area of land, water or a structural surface which is designed, used or intended to be used for the landing and take-off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas which are designed to be used for helicopter support facilities such as maintenance, refueling and parking. All heliports shall be approved and shall meet all the applicable state and federal regulations for their use.
A. 
PUBLIC USE HELIPORTAny heliport open to the general public and not requiring prior permission of the owner and/or operator to land.
B. 
PRIVATE USE HELIPORTAny heliport that restricts usage to the owner and/or operator or to persons authorized by the owner and/or operator.
HOME OCCUPATION
An accessory use for commercial gain customarily conducted within a dwelling which is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes and does not change its character.
HOSPITAL
A building used for the diagnosis, treatment or other care of human ailments. Unless otherwise specified, "hospital" shall be deemed to include a sanitarium, sanatorium, clinic, medical center or other equivalent use.
HOTEL (MOTEL)
A building or group of buildings which contains six or more rental units for overnight lodging of travelers or for the temporary occupancy of transients, licensed under applicable laws.
IDENTIFICATION CARD
A document issued by the DOH that permits access to medical marijuana.
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE
Any area covered by a structure or other cover, including asphalt and tar blacktopping, which is incapable of being penetrated by moisture.
INCINERATOR
An area of land with an appurtenant enclosed structure in which controlled combustion is used for the primary purpose of thermally breaking down solid waste, which is equipped with a flue, and which is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations.
INVASIVE PLANTS
Those plants listed on the DCNR publication entitled "Invasive Plants in Pennsylvania."
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
ISA
International Society of Arboriculture.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
JUNK
Any discarded material or article and shall include, but not be limited to, scrap metal, scrapped, abandoned or junked motor vehicles, machinery, equipment, garbage, refuse, paper, glass, containers and structures. It shall not include, however, refuse or garbage kept in a proper container for the purpose of prompt disposal.
JUNKYARD
Any place where any junk or abandoned or junked motor vehicles are stored, disposed of or accumulated.
KENNEL
Any lot on which six or more mature (over six months of age) dogs or cats are kept.
KITCHEN FACILITIES
Shall consist of all the following: sink with piped water, a permanent cookstove and/or a refrigerator.
LAND DISTURBING ACTIVITY or LAND DISTURBANCE
Any change of the land surface including removing trees or vegetative cover, excavation, filling, grading and/or the construction of any structure. This term shall not include the following: removal of hazardous or invasive vegetation; customary agricultural practices such as tilling, plowing, mowing, and nonforestry harvesting; customary landscaping practices (such as planting and trimming vegetation); and cutting of trees that are dead, diseased or dangerous.
[Amended by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
LANDOWNER
The owner of a legal or equitable interest in land, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such option or contract is subject to any condition) or a lease (if he is authorized under the lease to exercise the right of the landowner), or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
LITTER
Discarded items not naturally occurring on the site, such as tires, oil cans, equipment parts and other rubbish.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
LODGING HOUSE
See "boarding house."
LOT
Any parcel or tract of land intended as a unit of ownership, transfer of ownership, use, rent, improvement or development. The term "lot" includes the word "plot," "parcel," and "tract." Contiguous nonconforming lots under common ownership shall be considered one lot.
A. 
CORNER LOTA lot situated at and abutting the intersection of two streets having an interior angle of intersection not greater than 135°.
B. 
INTERIOR LOTA lot other than a corner lot (whose sides do not abut a street).
C. 
REVERSE FRONTAGE LOTSLots which front on one public street but provide vehicular access solely from another public street at the rear of the lot.
D. 
THROUGH LOTAn interior lot having frontage on two streets.
LOT AREA
The area contained within the lot lines, excluding space within all existing and future road rights-of-way.
LOT DEPTH
The mean horizontal distance between the front and the rear lot line. The greater frontage of a corner lot is its depth and the lesser frontage is its width.
LOT LINES
The property lines bounding the lot.
A. 
FRONT LOT LINE (STREET LINE)A lot line separating the lot from a street right-of-way. The front lot line shall be the same as an existing or future right-of-way line (whichever establishes a greater width).
B. 
REAR LOT LINEA lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line. (A three sided lot has no rear lot line.)
C. 
SIDE LOT LINEAny lot line other than a front or rear lot line. A "side street lot line" is a side lot line separating a lot from a street.
LOT WIDTH
The horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured along the minimum prescribed front yard setback lines as set forth in this Chapter.
MAJOR AUTO REPAIRS
Includes major mechanical and body work, straightening of body parts, painting, welding, storage of automobiles not in operating condition, or other work involving noise, glare, fumes, smoke or other characteristics to an extent greater than normally found in service stations.
MAN-MADE STEEP SLOPES
Existing slopes which in their natural state were less than 15% but which have been altered by man. Such as:
A. 
Embankments along roads, driveways, parking lots or railroad cuts and fills.
B. 
Embankments along existing buildings to blend back into existing grade.
C. 
Quarry or burrow pit embankments and piles of overburden or material stockpiles from those operations.
MASSAGE PARLOR
Any place or establishment where a massage is available. A massage being construed to mean the performance of manipulative exercises upon the human body of another by rubbing, kneading, stroking, or tapping with the hand or hands or with any mechanical or bathing device with or without supplementary aids, including, but not by way of limitation, a massage school. Health clubs and related uses where more than 10% of the total floor areas is devoted to massage areas shall be deemed a massage parlor.
MATERIAL SEPARATION FACILITY
An area of land and/or facility where solid, liquid or gaseous materials are extracted from solid waste by means of a mechanical, thermal or chemical process for reuse at another site, provided no hazardous waste is produced.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Marijuana for certified medical use as legally permitted by the Commonwealth and the provisions of the Act.[10]
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
MEDICAL MARIJUANA DELIVERY VEHICLE OFFICE
Any facility used to house delivery vehicles for supplying marijuana plants or seeds to one or more grower/processor facilities and/or dispensary facilities.
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
MEDICAL MARIJUANA FACILITY
A dispensary facility or a grower/processor facility.
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING
A building used exclusively by physicians and dentists for treatment and examination of patients, provided that no overnight patients shall be kept on the premises.
MEMBERSHIP CLUB
An area of land or building owned, leased, or occupied by an association of persons, operated solely for a recreational, social, fraternal, religious, political or athletic purpose, and whose activities are confined to the members and guests and are not extended to the general public.
MICROBREWERY
A facility for the production, packaging and sampling of malt and brewed beverages of alcoholic and/or nonalcoholic content for retail or wholesale distribution, on or off the premises, and which produces less than 25,000 barrels of malt beverages per year. Sales of malt and brewed beverages of alcoholic and/or nonalcoholic content that are manufactured outside the facility are prohibited. The definition does not include on-premises special events, which are defined within the "public special event use accessory to a brewery, brew pub, distillery, microbrewery, microdistillery, vineyard or winery" use.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
MICRODISTILLERY
A microdistillery is a distillery that produces less than 100,000 gallons of distilled liquor per year and has the right to sell bottled liquors on the leased premises to the Liquor Control Board licensees and the public. The term shall include an accessory tasting room and retail sales area and/or restaurant. A tasting room allows customers to taste samples of products manufactured on-site and purchase related sales items. Sales of alcohol manufactured outside the facility are prohibited. The definition does not include on-premises special events, which are defined within the "public special event use accessory to a brewery, brew pub, distillery, microbrewery, microdistillery, vineyard or winery" use.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
MINERAL EXTRACTION
A site where a mineral, stone, sand, gravel or topsoil is extracted.
MINOR AUTO REPAIRS AND SERVICES
Includes:
A. 
Sale and servicing of spark plugs, batteries and distributors and distributor parts.
B. 
Tire servicing and repair, but not recapping or re-grooving.
C. 
Replacement of mufflers and tailpipes, water hoses, fan belts, brake fluid, light bulbs, fuses, floor mats, seat covers, windshield wipers and wiper blades, grease retainers, wheel bearings, mirrors and the like.
D. 
Radiator cleaning and flushing.
E. 
Washing and polishing, and sale of automotive washing and polishing materials.
F. 
Greasing and lubrication.
G. 
Providing and repairing fuel pumps, oil filters and lines.
H. 
Minor servicing and repair of carburetors.
I. 
Emergency electrical repairs.
J. 
Adjusting and repairing brakes.
K. 
Minor motor adjustment not involving removal of the head or crankcase or racing the motor.
L. 
Mini grocery store with sales of packaged foods, beverages, tobacco and similar convenience goods for filling station customers, as accessory to principal operation.
M. 
Provision of road maps and other informational material to customers; provision of rest room facilities.
MOBILE HOME PARK
A parcel of land under single ownership which has been planned and improved for the placement of two or more mobile homes for nontransient residential use.
MODIFICATION
The co-location, improvement, upgrade, expansion, removal, or replacement of an antenna or any other transmission equipment associated with the supporting structure.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
MONOPOLE
A WCF or site which consists of a single pole structure, designed and erected on the ground or on top of a structure, to support communications antennas and connecting appurtenances.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
MOTEL
See "hotel."
MOTOR FREIGHT TERMINAL
The building plus contiguous space to which freight is brought for transfer, assembly and/or sorting for shipment by motor truck.
MPC
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
NO-IMPACT HOME-BASED BUSINESS
A no-impact home-based business is a business or commercial activity administered or conducted as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the principal use as a residential dwelling and which involves no customer, client or patient traffic, whether vehicular or pedestrian, pickup, delivery or removal functions to or from the premises, in excess of those normally associated with a residential use.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot which does not conform with the minimum lot width, or area dimensions specified for the district where such lot is situated, but was lawfully in existence prior to the effective date of this Chapter or is legally established through the granting of a variance by the Board. Contiguous nonconforming lots under common ownership shall be considered one lot.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A structure which could not be built under this Chapter by reason of restrictions on area, lot coverage, height, yards, or other characteristics of the structure or its location on the lot, but was lawfully in existence prior to the effective date of this Chapter.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use which does not comply with the applicable use provisions of this Chapter, but which was lawfully in existence prior to the effective date of this Chapter.
NON-TOWER WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (NON-TOWER WCF)
All non-tower wireless communications facilities (WCF), including, but not limited to, antennas and related equipment mounted to a wireless support structure. Non-tower WCFs shall not include support structures for antennas or any related equipment that is mounted to the ground or at ground level.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
NURSERY SCHOOL
See "day-care facility."
NURSERY/GREENHOUSE
The raising of trees (for transplanting), ornamentals, shrubs, flowers, or houseplants for any commercial purpose.
NURSING HOME
A building containing sleeping rooms used by adults 55 years old or older and/or people who are disabled who where such adults are lodged and furnished with meals and are cared for in a licensed skilled nursing care facility by the Department of Public Welfare.
OFFICE
A building in which a business is conducted, but is not a personal service, professional service, or retail store.
OFFICIAL MAP
The Official Map as adopted or amended by the Board of Supervisors showing the characteristics of streets, watercourses, and public grounds.
OFFICIAL STREET CLASSIFICATION MAP
The map as adopted or amended by the Board of Supervisors classifying the streets of the Township into functional categories.
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
The map as adopted or amended by the Board of Supervisors which designated the location and boundaries of zoning districts.
OPEN SPACE
An area of land or water, or a combination of land and water on a parcel of land that is free of improvement and impervious surfaces.
OPEN SPACE, COMMON
A parcel or parcels of land, or an area of water, or a combination of land and water within a development site which is open space designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents of a development.
ORCHARD
The raising and keeping of tree crops for any commercial purpose.
ORDINANCE
The Plainfield Township Zoning Ordinance, including the Official Zoning Map, Official Street Classification Map, and any amendments enacted by the Board of Supervisors.
OVERLAY DISTRICT
A set of development standards and regulations applied to a delineated area over the area's underlying zoning district regulations. Overlay districts are used for many purposes. Examples include conservation of sensitive environmental features (such as waterways).
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
PARK
Any area which is predominantly open space, is used principally for active or passive recreation, and is not used for a profit-making purpose.
PARKING FACILITIES
Outdoor areas or specially designed buildings or garages used for the storage of vehicles.
PENNDOT
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
PERMIT
A document issued by the proper Township authority authorizing the applicant to undertake certain activities.
A. 
ZONING PERMITA permit issued indicating that a proposed use, building or structure is in accordance with this Chapter which authorizes an applicant to proceed with said use, building, or structure.
B. 
BUILDING PERMITA permit indicating that a proposed construction, alteration, or reconstruction of a structure is in accordance with the construction provisions of any Building Code which may be adopted by the Township which authorizes an applicant to commence with said construction, alteration or reconstruction.
C. 
OCCUPANCY PERMITA permit issued upon completion of the construction of a structure, or change in use of structure or parcel of land, or re-occupancy of a structure or land indicating that the premises comply with the provisions of this Chapter and may be used for the purposes set forth in the occupancy permit.
PERMITTED USE
A use which does not require special action by the Zoning Hearing Board or by the Board of Supervisors before a zoning permit is granted by the Zoning Officer.
PERSON
An individual, partnership, organization, association, trust, or corporation. When used in a penalty provision, "person" shall include the members of such partnership, the trustees of such trust, and the officers of such organization, association, or corporation.
PERSONAL CARE CENTER
A residential use providing residential and support services primarily to adults over age 55 that is licensed as a personal center by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
PERSONAL SERVICE
A building in which a business provides a service oriented to personal needs which do not involve primarily retail sales of goods or professional advisory services. Personal services include barber and beauty shops, shoe repair shops, household appliance repair shops, and other similar establishments.
PICNIC GROVE
An area of land which is commercially rented for picnics. Picnic groves do not provide for machine-operated amusement rides.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
An area of land under single ownership containing any combination of two or more principal uses permitted by right or as a special exception, in the district in which the development is proposed, provided a special exception approval must be obtained for any proposed use so listed in the regulations of the district in which the development is proposed.[11]
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission for the Township of Plainfield.
POST-CLOSURE
The date on which a municipal waste processing and/or disposal facility permanently ceases to accept waste and meets all the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's regulations and requirements with respect to post-closure.
PRESERVED LAND
A parcel or parcels of land within a tract which meets all of the following standards:
A. 
Is designed, intended and suitable for active or passive recreation by residents of a development or the general public, or agricultural or equestrian uses, or that is approved by the Township to include a single-family detached dwelling with a conservation easement as provided in § 27-305, Subsection 9.
B. 
Is covered by a system that ensures perpetual maintenance, if not intended to be publicly owned, unless the preserved land is approved by the Township for agricultural or equestrian uses or a golf course.
C. 
Will be preserved by a conservation easement or a deed restriction enforceable by Plainfield Township to permanently prevent re-subdivision and uses of land other than those specifically allowed within preserved land.
D. 
Does not use any of the following areas to meet minimum preserved land requirements:
(1) 
Existing and ultimate street rights-of-way.
(2) 
Vehicle streets or driveways providing access to other lots.
(3) 
Land beneath building(s) or land within 20 feet of a building (other than buildings that are specifically allowed by the conservation development provisions of this Chapter).
(4) 
Off-street parking (other than parking is necessary to serve approved recreation or agricultural uses).
(5) 
Portions of land that have a width of less than 40 feet.
E. 
For preserved land intended to be open to the public or residents of a development, the land shall have provisions for entry with a forty-foot minimum width from a street open to the public, unless the preserved land has suitable street access through adjacent preserved land.
F. 
Land that includes a stormwater detention basin shall not count towards the minimum amount of preserved land, except for a basin or portions of a basin that the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors would be reasonably safe and useful for active or passive recreation during the vast majority of weather conditions or would serve as a scenic asset that has the appearance of a natural pond.
G. 
No more than 70% of the following land areas shall count towards the minimum preserved land: land within a right-of-way or easement for electric overhead transmission lines with a capacity of 35 kilovolts or greater or pressurized petroleum product or gas pipelines with a single or combined diameter of 12 inches or greater.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
The building in which the principal use of a lot is conducted.
PRINCIPAL USE
The single dominant use or single main use on a lot.
PRISON/CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
A place where charged or convicted criminals or juvenile delinquents are confined, detained or held in custody.
PRIVATE USE AIRPORT OR AIRSTRIP
An area of land which is designated, used or intended to be used for the landing and take-off of airplanes or ultra-light aircraft, and any appurtenant areas which are designed to be used for airplane support facilities such as maintenance, refueling and parking facilities. Airports and airstrips shall be approved and shall meet all the applicable state and federal regulations. Use of the airport or airstrip shall be restricted to the property owner or no more than four airplanes or ultra-light aircraft authorized by the owner. The property owner shall not permit any other person to store an airplane or ultra-light aircraft for more than eight successive days.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
A building in which services are performed by a member of a profession, including but not limited to an accountant, architect, author, community planner, dentist, engineer, insurance agent, landscape architect, lawyer, minister, notary, optometrist, physician, realtor, or undertaker.
PROTECTED CORRIDOR
The permanently protected federal, state, or municipal land surrounding the Appalachian Trail, which is of varying dimensions that including National Park Service (NPS) land and state public land (such as state game lands).
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice required by Act 247, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq. Currently Act 247 requires notice be given not more than 30 days and not less than seven days in advance of any public hearing required by this Chapter. Such notice shall be published once each week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Township. Such notice shall state the time and place of the hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing.
PUBLIC NUISANCE
A public nuisance is a use that is operated in a less than desirable manner which neglects normal standards of the industry or violates the provisions of this Chapter. A use shall not be considered a nuisance per se, but only if operated in this objectionable manner.
PUBLIC SPECIAL EVENT USE ACCESSORY TO A BREWERY, BREW PUB, DISTILLERY, MICRODISTILLERY, VINEYARD OR WINERY
The public special event use accessory to a brewery, brew pub, distillery, microbrewery, microdistillery, vineyard or winery is an accessory use to any of the following uses, which shall include a brewery, brew distillery, microbrewery, microdistillery, vineyard or winery, for the commercial purpose of holding special events.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle (regardless of size) which is designed as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational and vacation uses (regardless of whether it is self-propelled or is designed to be towed or carried by another vehicle. "Recreation vehicle" includes campers, pickup coaches, travel trailers, or motor homes.
RECYCLING FACILITY
An area of land and/or facility where solid waste such as paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum or plastic that is no longer useful for its intended purpose is separated, accumulated and mechanically processed for reuse at another site.
REFUSE DERIVED FUEL FACILITY
An area of land and/or facility where a solid, liquid or gaseous fuel is produced from solid waste by means other than incineration.
REGISTRY
The registry established by the DOH for all medical marijuana organizations and practitioners in the Commonwealth pursuant to the provisions of the Act.[12]
[Added by Ord. 379, 2/8/2017]
RENTAL UNIT
One or more rooms intended to be occupied by one family as separate living quarters, but does not contain, one or more of the following: sanitary facilities, kitchen facilities or direct access from the outside or through a common hall.
REPLACEMENT
The replacement of non-tower WCF or transmission equipment of an existing wireless support structure or within an existing equipment compound due to maintenance, repair or technological advancement with equipment composed of the same wind loading and structural loading that is substantially similar in size, weight, and height as the commercial communications facility initially installed and that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of the existing wireless support structure.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
RESTAURANT
Four types of restaurants are classified for this Chapter:
A. 
STANDARD RESTAURANTAn establishment used for the purpose of furnishing meals to the public which are to be consumed within the building or the place of business, with no or limited take-out service and where waiters and/or waitresses serve all food and beverages to patrons.
B. 
FAST-FOOD RESTAURANTA restaurant providing for an inside window or service area or cafeteria line where customers place their orders and food is served for consumption either at seating areas within the building or for takeout for consumption off the premises.
C. 
FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT WITH DRIVE-IN SERVICEA restaurant providing service to customers remaining seated in automobiles, either through an exterior window or service area or through service to parked automobiles.
D. 
FOOD STANDA place such as a snack bar, dairy bar or hamburger or hot dog stand where customers are served at an exterior window or service area and where no inside seating facilities are provided.
RETAIL STORE
A building in which retail merchandise is sold, except for any type of business selling any type of retail merchandise which is specifically listed in this Chapter.
RIDING STABLE
The commercial boarding or renting of horses.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
The surface of and space above and below any real property in the Township set aside for streets, highways, avenues, roads, alleys, sidewalks, tunnels, viaducts, bridges, skyways, or any other public place, area of property under the control of the Township or Commonwealth, and any unrestricted public or utility easements established, dedicated, platted, improved or devoted for utility purposes, but excluding lands other than streets that are owned by the Township or Commonwealth. The phrase "in the right(s)-of-way" means in, on, over, along, above and/or under the right(s)-of-way.
[Amended by Ord. 380, 4/2/2017]
A. 
RIGHT-OF-WAY, EXISTINGThe surface of, as well as the space above and below, the legal right-of-way as established by the Commonwealth, Township, or other appropriate governing authority and currently in existence.
B. 
RIGHT-OF-WAY, FUTUREThe surface of, as well as the space above and below the future or planned right-of-way deemed necessary to provide adequate width for street, transportation, or other improvements. Future right-of-way widths are designated in § 27-405, Establishment of Future Right-of-Way Widths for Roads.
ROOMING HOUSE
See "boarding house."
SALDO
The Plainfield Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, as amended.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
SANITARY FACILITIES
All of the following: sink with piped water, a toilet, and a bathtub or shower with piped water.
SANITARY LANDFILL
An area of land and the structures and improvements to the land where solid waste is disposed in the land (but not including the application of sewage sludge for reclamation or agricultural utilization), provided such disposal is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection after obtaining zoning approval from the Township.
A. 
DISPOSAL ZONEThe part of a sanitary landfill where solid waste was, is or will be disposed, as permitted by this Chapter.
B. 
SETBACK ZONEThe part of a sanitary landfill where disposal of solid waste is not permitted by this Chapter.
C. 
POST-CLOSURE LANDFILL SITEA sanitary landfill or portion thereof that has permanently ceased to accept solid waste in compliance with all applicable Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations.
SCREEN
A fence or natural obstruction of sufficient height (but not less than six feet high) to effectively visually obscure the area being screened from adjoining areas.
SEASONAL ROADSIDE PRODUCT MARKET
An accessory use for the sale of dairy, farm, greenhouse, horticultural or nursery products.
SELF-STORAGE DEVELOPMENT
A building or group of buildings divided into individual separate access units (not to be larger than 10 feet by 20 feet), which are rented or leased for the storage of personal and small business property.
SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
A system designed to collect, treat and dispose of sewage from users in compliance with regulations of the appropriate state agency and of the Township.
A. 
CENTRALIZED SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMA sewage disposal system which collects, treats, and disposes sewage from more than one dwelling, principal use, or lot.
(1) 
PUBLIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMA centralized sewage disposal system owned and operated by a public authority.
B. 
ON-LOT SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMA sewage disposal system which collects, treats, and disposes of sewage or holds sewage from only one dwelling, principal use, or lot.
SHOPPING CENTER
A use having more than 25,000 square feet of floor area involving five or more retail or personal service uses or establishments that primarily involves retail sales, designed as an integrated unit served by common parking and service facilities and having architecture and landscaping unity. A shopping center may also include a mix of permitted personal service, office and/or commercial recreation use. A mall shall be considered to be a shopping center.
SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTAL REGISTRY
A database of information maintained by the Township that includes information regarding property owners who are permitted to offer residential units for short-term residential rental. The short-term residential rental registry shall be available for public review to the extent required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law,[13] as amended, or any successor legislation.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTAL(S)
Short-term residential rentals, which term shall include vacation rentals, apartment rentals, homestays, hostel beds, and homesharing, is a temporary tourist or transient lodging use, that is leased or rented via the utilization of an online marketplace website (also known as an e-commerce website), mobile smartphone application, a standard written lease agreement, or other financial arrangement entered into between two parties. This term shall not include a "bed-and-breakfast" as that use is specifically defined herein.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
SIGN
A visual display or image which is affixed to, painted or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, land or any surface and which directs attention to an object, product, service, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business, regardless of whether such display or image is permanent or temporary, but excluding displays or images which are decorative only.
A. 
OFF-PREMISES SIGNA sign which provides direction or directs attention to an object, product, service, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business located or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where the sign is located, or to which it is affixed. Off-premises signs include small, standardized directional pole signs, as well as billboards and other off premises advertising signs (See Part 6 for off-premises sign regulations).
B. 
ON-PREMISES SIGNA sign which directs attention to an object, product, service, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business located or offered on the premises upon which the sign is displayed or to which the sign is affixed (including signs offering premises for sale, rent or development, or advertising building trades during construction or alteration). (See Part 6 for on-premises sign regulations.)
C. 
FREESTANDING SIGNA sign which is not attached to a building.
D. 
PARALLEL SIGNA sign which is attached to or is part of the facade of a building and does not extend more than one foot from such facade.
E. 
PROJECTING SIGNA sign which is attached to the facade of a building and extends more than one foot, but not more than six feet, from such facade.
F. 
WINDOW SIGNA sign affixed to or visible through a window of a building.
SIGN, GROSS SURFACE AREA OF
The gross surface area of a sign shall be the entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of such sign and in no case passing through or between any adjacent elements of the sign. However, such perimeter shall not include any structural or framing elements lying outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display.
SILVICULTURE
The raising, keeping and harvesting of trees for commercial products by nurturing a growth of trees, whether from natural sprouting or purposeful planting for the purpose of maintaining or improving quality. "Silviculture" includes, but is not limited to, the production of Christmas trees, pulp, fuel and timber.
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING-LOW IMPACT
A single-family detached dwelling designed to have a minimal impact on the surrounding terrain, meeting all of the following additional requirements:
A. 
Having a driveway permit providing access to an existing public road shown on the Township's Official Street Classification Map or Township-owned access with a driveway length of less than 350 feet as measured along the driveway from the edge of the road cartway to the edge of the garage or house.
B. 
Principal structures and all accessory buildings to have total footprint of less than 5,000 square feet.
C. 
Total of impervious coverage plus stone/gravel cover for the lot to be less than 10,000 square feet.
SITE ALTERATION
Includes regrading the existing topography, filling lakes, ponds, marshes or floodplains, clearing vegetation or altering watercourses.
SLAUGHTERHOUSE
A facility where animals that were not raised on the premises are butchered for food, other than custom butchering.
SOLAR ACCESS
The capability of receiving direct sunlight between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (solar time) on any area of a lot not within required yard areas.
SOLID WASTE
Those types of wastes that are permitted by this Chapter to be processed or disposed in the Township and includes construction/demolition waste, municipal waste, residual waste, sewage sludge and ash residue, but does not include chemotherapeutic waste, hazardous waste or infectious waste.
A. 
(1) 
CONSTRUCTION/DEMOLITION WASTEWaste resulting from the construction or demolition of buildings and other structures including, but not limited to, wood, plaster, metals, asphaltic substances, bricks, blocks and unsegregated concrete, but does not include clean fill nor dredging waste nor any waste considered as hazardous waste by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations or the Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
(2) 
MUNICIPAL WASTEWastes resulting from the operation of residential, commercial or nonhealth care institutional establishments and from community activities, but does not include any waste defined as hazardous waste or infectious waste by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations or the Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
(3) 
RESIDUAL WASTEThe waste of industrial, mining and agricultural operations (including any sludge, ash or processed wastes) that is considered nonhazardous by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations or the Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
(4) 
SEWAGE SLUDGEThe coarse screenings, grit and de-watered or air-dried sludge, septic and holding tank pumpings and other residues from municipal and residential sewage collection and treatment systems that may be disposed of in municipal waste landfills in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations or the Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
B. 
(1) 
CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC WASTEWaste resulting from the production or use of antineoplastic agents used for the purpose of stopping or reversing the growth of malignant cells.
(2) 
(a) 
Waste which because of its quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may:
1) 
Cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in morbidity in either an individual or the total population.
2) 
Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or otherwise managed.
(b) 
Any waste considered hazardous by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations or the Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
(3) 
INFECTIOUS WASTEWaste which, prior to processing or disposal, is or may be contaminated by a disease-producing microorganism or material or may pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health when improperly processed, stored, transported, disposed or otherwise managed and includes any waste so considered by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations or the Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
SOLID WASTE TRANSFER STATION
An area of land and/or facility that is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection where solid waste is received, temporarily stored and accumulated for transfer to a facility for further processing or disposal.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE
A use for which the Zoning Hearing Board may grant permission following a public hearing and findings of fact consistent with this Chapter, provided the use complies with the conditions and standards required by this Chapter.
SPECIAL MOBILE DEVICES
Machinery, equipment, and vehicles over 13,500 lb. GVW, not designated or used primarily for the transportation of person, including but not limited to, farm equipment, ditch digging and well-boring apparatus, earth moving and road construction and maintenance machinery, such as asphalt spreaders, bituminous, mixers, bucket loaders, bulldozers, excavators, graders, finishing machines, road rollers, scarifiers, power shovels and drag lines, and cranes and tractors (all such devices shall include those defined as "special mobile equipment" in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 102).
SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS
A. 
Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttock or female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola.
B. 
Human male genitals in a discernible turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.
SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES
Activities depicting, describing or relating to:
A. 
Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
B. 
Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy.
C. 
Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock or female breast.
SPRINGS, NATURAL
An area where groundwater intersects at the ground surface either seasonally or perennially at a specific point, and which is not the result of an excavation of bedrock.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
State-of-the art design techniques applied to wireless communications facilities and antennas which render them more visually appealing or blend the proposed facility into the existing structure or visual backdrop in such a manner as to render it minimally visible to the casual observer. Such methods include, but are not limited to, architecturally screened roof-mounted antennas, building-mounted antennas painted to match the existing structure and facilities constructed to resemble trees, shrubs, and light poles.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
STEEP SLOPE AREA
Those areas having slopes of 15% or more.
STEEP SLOPE OVERLAY DISTRICT
Those areas having slopes of 15% or greater.
STEEP SLOPES
A. 
CLASS A STEEP SLOPESSlope areas meeting all of the following requirements:
(1) 
Slopes of 25% or greater (e.g., sloping 25 feet or more vertical per 100 feet horizontal.
(2) 
When two-foot contour intervals are used, only when there are three adjacent contour intervals such that, in aggregate, they delineate a slope of at least 25%.
(3) 
Slopes of 25% or greater occurring in individual areas or pockets being greater than 1,000 square feet in size.
B. 
CLASS B STEEP SLOPESSlope areas meeting all of the following requirements:
(1) 
Slopes of 15% or greater (e.g., sloping 15 feet or more vertical per 100 feet horizontal.
(2) 
When two-foot contour intervals are used, only when there are three adjacent contour intervals such that, in aggregate, they delineate a slope of at least 15%.
(3) 
Slopes of 15% or occurring in individual areas or pockets being greater than 1,000 square feet in size.
(4) 
Not defined as Class A steep slopes.
C. 
CLASS C STEEP SLOPESSlope areas meeting any of the following requirements:
(1) 
An individual isolated area or pocket of Steep Slope Overlay District being 1,000 square feet or less in size.
(2) 
Man-made slopes within the Steep Slope Overlay District that naturally were less than 15%.
(3) 
Land within 40 feet of Class A or Class B steep slopes. (This may require the area delineated as the Steep Slope Overlay District via § 27-503, Subsection 2C, to be expanded.)
(4) 
All areas of the Steep Slope Overlay District that do not qualify as Class A or Class B.
STORY (AND HALF-STORY)
That portion of a building, included between the surface of any floor and the ceiling next above it, having a vertical distance of not less than seven feet shall be considered a full story. Any such portion of a building having a vertical distance of less than seven feet shall be considered a half-story. Basements shall be considered full stories while cellars shall not be considered as being stories or half-stories.
STREAMBANK
The break in the slope between the waterline of a watercourse and the surrounding land area.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
STREET
A public or private thoroughfare which affords the principal means of access to abutting property and contains a right-of-way area (in addition to the cartway); including avenue, place, way, parkway, lane, boulevard, highway, road and any other thoroughfare except an alley, access drive or driveway.
A. 
ARTERIALStreets designed primarily to carry medium to heavy volumes of traffic at moderately high speeds, and generally should not provide access to land which would interfere with their primary traffic functions. Arterial streets are those streets which are so designated on the Official Street Classification Map.
B. 
COLLECTOR STREETStreets designed to carry a moderate volume of traffic between local streets and arterials at moderate speeds, and provide only limited vehicular access to the abutting properties. Collector streets are those streets which are so designated on the Official Street Classification Map.
C. 
LOCAL STREETStreets designed to provide direct access from abutting properties to collector and arterial streets. Local streets are those streets which are so designated on the Official Street Classification Map.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION
Any change in the structural parts of a structure such as walls, columns, beams, girders, floors, roof or ceiling, or any addition to any structure; or the moving of a structure from one location to another. "Structural alteration" does not include normal maintenance, minor repairs or interior alterations.
STRUCTURE
Any man-made object having an ascertainable, stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land. The term structure shall include buildings, signs, fences, walls, towers, swimming pools, porches, garages, and similar structures. "Structure" shall be interpreted as including the words "or part thereof."
SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE or SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED
The modifications or proposed modification to the physical dimensions of a tower, tower-based WCF, or base station that meet any of the following criteria:
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
A. 
For communications towers outside the public rights-of-way, it increases the height of the facility by more than 10%, or by the height of one additional antenna array with separation from the nearest existing antenna, not to exceed 20 feet, whichever is greater; for communications towers in the rights-of-way, it increases the height of the facility by more than 10% or 10 feet, whichever is greater;
B. 
For communications towers outside the public rights-of-way, it protrudes from the edge of the WCF by more than 20 feet, or more than the width of the tower structures at the level of the appurtenance, whichever is greater; for those communications towers in the public rights-of-way, it protrudes from the edge of the structure by more than six feet;
C. 
It involves installation of more than the standard number of new equipment cabinets for the technology involved, but not to exceed four cabinets;
D. 
It entails any excavation or deployment outside the current site of the communications tower; or
E. 
It does not comply with conditions associated with prior approval of construction or modification of the communications tower unless the noncompliance is due to an increase in height, increase in width, or addition of cabinets.
SUBTERRANEAN BUILDING
A building covered by land on at least 50% of the total surface of its walls and roof.
SWIMMING CLUB
An area containing a swimming pool which is used by the public or by members for a fee.
SWIMMING POOL
A man-made artificially constructed body of water or receptacle for water lined with a man-made substance such as (but not limited to) concrete, vinyl, metal or fiberglass, having a depth at any point greater than 24 inches which is primarily used or intended to be used for swimming or bathing. This term shall not include any "farm pond."
TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY (SEASONAL OCCUPANCY)
The use of any premises or structure for living and/or sleeping purposes for less than 10 consecutive days in any calendar year.
TEMPORARY STRUCTURE
A structure which is not designed to last or to be used for a specific use for more than one year.
TENNIS CLUB
A area containing one or more tennis courts used by the public or members for a fee.
TOWER-BASED WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (TOWER-BASED WCF)
Any structure that is used for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas, including, but not limited to, self-supporting lattice towers, guy towers and monopoles.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
TOWNSHIP
The Township of Plainfield, Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
TOWNSHIP OR COUNTY PARK
The Township or county park use is defined as an area of natural, semi-natural or planted open space that is set aside for the purpose of human enjoyment, active or passive recreation, and/or for the protection of wildlife or natural habitats that is owned and managed solely by either Plainfield Township or Northampton County, which are duly organized and lawfully existing political subdivisions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For the purposes of this chapter, the definition of a Township or county park shall also include a trailhead that is owned and managed solely by either Plainfield Township or Northampton County.
[Added by Ord. No. 399, 8/27/2020]
TRACT
A lawful lot of record or contiguous lots in common ownership that is submitted for subdivision or land development approval under a single development plan. The land area of a tract shall not include existing or ultimate rights-of-way of existing streets.
TRAILER
See "mobile home" (listed under "dwelling") and "recreation vehicle."
TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
An optional process, authorized under § 27-411, that allows the residential density that would otherwise be allowed on one tract to be transferred to increase the density on another tract. The developer of the second tract compensates the owner of the first tract for preserving their land, based upon an agreement negotiated and accepted by both parties.
TRANSFER STATION
An area of land and/or facility that is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection where solid waste is received, temporarily stored or accumulated for transfer to a facility for further processing or disposal.
TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT
See "non-tower wireless communications facility."
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
TRAVEL TRAILER
See "recreation vehicle."
TREE
Any self-supporting woody plant, not less than a two-inch caliper.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
TRUCK/BUS REPAIR FACILITY
Buildings and land where fuel, truck, trailer or bus parts and/or supplies are sold at retail and/or where repairs are conducted.
USE
Any activity, occupation, business, or operation carried on or intended to be carried on in a structure or on a lot.
UTILITIES
Those services customarily rendered by public utility corporations, municipalities, or municipal authorities, in the nature of electricity, gas, telephone, water and sewerage, including the appurtenances used in connection with the supplying of such services (buildings, wires, pipes, poles and the like). Utilities shall not include a public incinerator, a public or private landfill, or any equipment, pole or tower related to commercial communication facilities. In addition to public utilities, this includes private utilities in a subdivision or land development.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
VEGETATION
Trees, shrubs, ground cover and other plants that stabilize the soil.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
VERNAL POOL
Areas that are low points topographically and are typically covered by shallow water for an average of two months during normal years, but which may be completely dry for the remainder of the year, and which are not man-made.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
VETERINARIAN OFFICE
See "animal hospital."
VIDEO STORE
A store which sells or rents video cassettes. A video store shall have no more than 5% of its floor area devoted to adult or "X" rated videos, posters or brochures, and any viewing of adult or "X" rated videos shall be prohibited within the store. These provisions shall apply to both principal and accessory uses.
VINEYARD
Ground planted with grapevines or fruit trees cultivated for the purpose of producing wine. A vineyard is an agricultural use where grapes and/or other wine-producing crops are grown. A vineyard used exclusively for the production of grapes and/or other wine-producing crops shall be considered an agriculture use. The definition does not include on-premises special events, which are defined within the "public special event use accessory to a brewery, brew pub, distillery, microbrewery, microdistillery, vineyard or winery" use.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
WAREHOUSE AND WHOLESALE TRADE
A building or group of buildings primarily used for the commercial storage, transfer and distribution of products and materials.
WASTE
Material (including solid, semi-solid, liquid or contained gaseous material) whose purpose or process is deemed to have been completed, but does not include clean fill.
WATERCOURSE
A watercourse is a channel or conveyance of surface water having defined bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent flow, shown as hydrology (blue lines) on the latest version of the Zoning Map. Man-made swales that were constructed specifically for stormwater management purposes are excluded from this definition.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
A system designed to transmit water from a source to users, in compliance with the requirements of the appropriate state agencies and the Township.
A. 
CENTRALIZED WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMA water supply system which transmits water from a common source to more than one dwelling, principal use, or lot.
(1) 
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMA centralized water supply system owned and operated by a public authority.
B. 
ON-LOT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMA water supply system which transmits water from a source on the lot to one dwelling, principal use, or lot.
WBCA
Pennsylvania Wireless Broadband Collocation Act (53 P.S. § 11702.1 et seq.).
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
WETLAND
All lands regulated as wetlands by DEP and/or the United States Army Corps of Engineers, whichever is more inclusive. These include areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Includes nature center, outdoor education laboratory, woodland preserve or arboretum.
WIND TURBINE
A structure that converts wind energy into electricity, and which typically includes a nacelle, rotor, tower, and any pad transformer.
[Added by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019]
WINERY
Any premises where any alcohol or liquor is produced by the applicable process by which wine is produced, or facility wherein liquid such as wine is produced; and shall include the manufacture by distillation of alcohol from the by-products of fermentation when the alcohol so derived is used solely to fortify the fermented products, under such regulations as are or may be promulgated by a proper agency of the United States Government, and such alcohol, for that purpose only, may be sold or exchanged between wineries holding permits in this Commonwealth, without restriction. A winery processes grapes and other fruit products or vegetables, to produce wine or similar spirits. Processing includes crushing, fermenting, blending, aging, storage, bottling, administrative office functions for the winery, warehousing and wholesale sales. The winery use may provide for the interior display or sale of wine and related retail merchandise, wine tasting, tours, and instruction related to the wine making process. The definition does not include on-premises special events, which are defined within the "public special event use accessory to a brewery, brew pub, distillery, microbrewery, microdistillery, vineyard or winery" use.
[Added by Ord. No. 388, 6/13/2018]
WIRELESS
Transmissions through the airwaves including, but not limited to, infrared line of sight, cellular, PCS, microwave, satellite, or radio signals.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
WIRELESS COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
Wireless telecommunications services, such as, but not limited to, paging, cellular phones, Internet, and other satellite telecommunication, which are generally operated by a service provided for commercial use. This excludes cable television services utilizing satellite delivery.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES (WCF)
The antennas, nodes, control boxes, towers, poles, conduits, ducts, pedestals, electronics and other equipment used for the purpose of transmitting, receiving, distributing, providing, or accommodating wireless commercial communications service.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY APPLICANT (WCF APPLICANT)
Any person that applies for a wireless communications facility building permit, zoning approval and/or permission to use the public ROW or land or property, either privately owned or municipal.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
WIRELESS SUPPORT STRUCTURE
A freestanding structure, such as a tower-based WCF, monopole, tower, base station or any other support structure, that could support the placement or installation of a wireless commercial communications facility if approved by the Township.
[Added by Ord. 380, 4/3/2017]
WOODLAND
A plant community where tree species are dominant or co-dominant and the branches of the trees form a complete or nearly complete aerial canopy. Any area, grove or stand of mature or largely mature trees (larger than six inches DBH) covering an area of 1/4 acre or more, or consisting of 10 individual trees larger than eight inches DBH, shall be considered a woodland. The extent of any woodland shall be measured from the outer-most drip line of all the trees in the community.
YARD
An open space on the same lot with a structure (or a group of structures) which lies between the structure (or group of structures) and a lot line and which is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as herein permitted.
A. 
FRONT YARDA yard extending the full width of the lot between a structure and the front lot line or side street lot line.
B. 
REAR YARDA yard extending the full width of the lot between a structure and a rear lot line.
C. 
SIDE YARDA yard extending from the front yard to the rear yard between a structure and the nearest side lot line.
ZONE
See "district."
ZONING HEARING BOARD
See "Board."
ZONING OFFICER
The administrative officer charged with the duty of enforcing the provisions of this Chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: Said act was repealed 2-23-2016 by P.L. 15, No. 7.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[4]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[5]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "commercial communications tower or antenna," which followed this definition, was repealed 4/2/2017 by Ord. 380.
[6]
Editor's Note: The Uniform Condominium Act, 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101 et seq., repealed and replaced the Unit Property Act, 68 P.S. § 700.101 et seq.
[7]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[8]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[9]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[10]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[11]
Editor’s Note: The former definition of “planned residential development (PRD),” which immediately followed, was repealed by Ord. No. 393, 9/11/2019.
[12]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[13]
Editor's Note: See 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.