The primary purpose of the OSR Open Space/Refuge District is
to provide for the retention, preservation, and enhancement of open
space, recreation, conservation, and refuge areas such as the John
Heinz Wildlife Refuge, Darby Creek, other waterways, and undeveloped
areas. Other purposes are to assure the preservation of significant
natural resources such as bodies of water, marshlands, wooded areas,
etc. and to establish reasonable controls in order to maintain the
benefits of natural features and environmental areas. District regulations
are also intended to assure that the uses in this district will have
no adverse effect on the natural resources and wildlife in the district
or nearby residential areas.
Land, buildings, or premises shall be used by right for only
one or more of the following uses:
A.
Passive open space such as a wildlife refuge, forest preserve, nature
center, arboretum, and similar preservation and conservation uses.
B.
Hiking, walking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing, boating, ice skating,
and similar recreational uses.
C.
Camping, provided that all applicable regulations of the facility
are followed, such as registration, obtaining permits, etc.
D.
A building related to environmental education shall be allowed, provided
that ownership and operation is vested in the Borough.
E.
Any use of the same general character as the above permitted uses,
provided that such use is consistent with the purposes of the district
and not detrimental to the surrounding area.
The following uses shall be permitted as conditional uses only, subject to the applicable provisions of Article XVI:
A.
A building related to environmental education with ownership and
operation by a governmental entity other than the Borough or with
operation by a nonprofit organization.
A.
Buildings or other structures shall not compromise the natural value
of floodplains, stream valleys, wooded areas, or other sensitive areas
and shall be planned, designed, and located to minimize any disturbance
of such areas or features.
B.
Parking areas, driveways, walkways, and similar areas shall be covered
with pervious materials, consistent with the open space character
of this district.
C.
Public access easements, deed restrictions, or other legal mechanisms
to permit access to or through privately owned land for such purposes
as walking, hiking, fishing, bicycling, and similar activities are
strongly encouraged.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, the following shall be
minimum requirements:
