Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words shall, for
the purpose of this chapter, have the meaning herein indicated. Undefined
terms or words used herein shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings
or such meanings as the context of this chapter may imply.
ACCELERATED EROSION
The removal of the surface of the land through the combined
action of man's activities and the natural processes at a rate greater
than would occur because of the natural process alone.
ACCESSORY BUILDING/STRUCTURE
A building/structure detached from and subordinate to the
principal building or use on the same lot and used for purposes customarily
incidental to the principal building, but not including vehicles,
mobile homes, travel trailers, truck trailers or any parts thereof.
An accessory building may not house a principal use nor may it stand
alone on a lot as a principal building.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
ACCESSORY USE
A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal
use or building and located on the same lot with such principal use
or building.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
ACT 247
See "Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code".
ADDITION
Any construction which increases the size of a building,
such as a porch, attached garage or carport, or a new room or wing.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
AGENT
Any person other than the applicant who, acting on the landowner's(s')
authorized behalf, submits a subdivision or land development application.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
AGRICULTURAL OPERATION/ACTIVITIES
An enterprise or activity that is actively engaged in the
commercial production and preparation for market of crops, livestock
and livestock products and in the production, harvesting and preparation
for market or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural
and aquacultural crops and commodities. The term includes an enterprise
that implements changes in production practices and procedures or
types of crops, livestock, livestock products or commodities produced
consistent with practices and procedures that are normally engaged
by farmers or are consistent with technological development within
the agricultural industry. Construction of new buildings or impervious
area is not considered an agricultural activity.
ALTERATIONS, LAND
As applied to land, a change in topography as a result of
the moving of soil and rock from one location or position to another;
also, the changing of surface conditions by causing the surface to
be more or less impervious; land disturbance.
[Amended by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
ALTERATIONS, STRUCTURAL
Any change in the supporting members of a building, such
as bearing walls, columns, beams, girders, or interior partitions,
as well as any change in doors, windows, means of ingress or egress,
or any enlargement to or diminution of a building or structure, whether
horizontally or vertically, or the moving of a building or structure
from one location to another.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
AMENDMENT
An official change to this chapter in accordance with Section
505 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
APARTMENT
A structure containing three or more dwelling units.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
APPLICANT
A land owner or developer, as hereinafter defined, who has
filed an application for development, including his heirs, successors
and assigns.
AQUATIC BENCH
A bench which is located around the inside perimeter of a
permanent pool and is normally vegetated with aquatic plants; the
goal is to provide pollutant removal and enhance safety in areas using
stormwater pond BMPs.
BAFFLES
Guides, grids, grating or similar devices placed in a pond
to deflect or regulate flow and create a longer flow path.
BASE FLOOD
The flood, also known as the one-hundred-year flood, which
has a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given
year (also called "one-hundred-year flood").
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION
The elevation shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
for Zones AE, AH, A1-30 that indicates the water surface elevation
resulting from a flood that has a one-percent or greater chance of
being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
BIORETENTION
A water quality practice that utilizes landscaping and soils
to treat stormwater runoff by collecting it in shallow depressions
before filtering through a fabricated planting soil media.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors of Swatara Township.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
BUFFER AREA
A strip of land which is planted and maintained in shrubs,
bushes, trees, grass or other landscaping material and within which
no structure is permitted except a wall or fence.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
BUILDING
A structure which has a roof supported by columns, piers,
or walls, which is intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure
of persons, animals, or chattel or which is to house a use of a commercial
or manufacturing activity.
BUILDING (SETBACK) LINE
A line established by municipal zoning codes or the subdivision
regulations which define the required minimum distance between any
building and the adjacent public right-of-way or property line.
CAMP or CAMPGROUND
A state-permitted facility, through the Pennsylvania Department of Health, in which a portion of land is used for the purpose of providing a space for trailers or tents for camping purposes, regardless of whether a fee has been charged for the leasing, renting or occupancy of the space, in accordance with Pennsylvania Code, Title 28, Chapter
19. The campground may be an organized camp which includes a combination of programs and facilities established for the primary purpose of providing an outdoor group living experience for children, youth and adults with social, recreational, and educational objectives and operated and used for five or more consecutive days during one or more seasons a year.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
CARPORT
A roofed structure providing space for the parking of motor
vehicles and enclosed on not more than three sides, and accessory
to a main or accessory building.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
CARTWAY
The portion of the street right-of-way, paved or unpaved,
intended for vehicular use. The shoulder is not considered part of
the cartway.
CENTER LINE
A line located exactly in the center width of a road or street
cartway, right-of-way, easement, or access.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
CHANNEL EROSION
The widening, deepening, and headward cutting of small channels
and waterways, due to erosion caused by moderate to large floods.
CHECK DAM
An earthen, stone or log structure, used in grass swales
to reduce water velocities, promote sediment deposition, and enhance
infiltration.
CISTERN
An underground reservoir or tank for storing rainwater.
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLE
A triangular-shaped portion of land established by a street
or driveway intersection in which nothing is erected, placed, planted,
or allowed to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the site
distance of motorists entering or leaving the intersection.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
CLUSTER
A development technique utilized for the purpose of concentrating
building construction in specific areas of a site while allowing the
remaining land area to remain open space for the preservation of environmentally
sensitive features, recreation, or other.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
CLUSTER SUBDIVISION (DEVELOPMENT)
A form of development that permits a reduction in lot area
and bulk requirements, provided that, unless otherwise authorized,
there is no increase in the number of lots permitted under a conventional
subdivision or increase in the overall density of development, and
the remaining land area is devoted to open space, active or passive
recreation, preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, or agriculture.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
COMMON OPEN SPACE
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination
of land and the water within a development site, designed and intended
for the use or enjoyment of residents of the development, not including
streets, off-street parking areas, and areas set aside for public
facilities.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The official public document prepared in accordance with
the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of July 31, 1968,
P.L. 805, No. 247, as amended and reenacted, consisting of maps, charts and textual material, that
constitutes decisions about the physical and social development of
the Township, as amended from time to time.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
CONSTRUCTION
The term "construction" shall include the building, reconstruction,
extension, expansion, alteration, substantial improvement, erection
or relocation of a building or structure, including manufactured homes,
and gas or liquid storage tanks. For floodplain purposes, "new construction"
includes structures for which the "start of construction" commenced
on or after the effective date of a floodplain management regulation
adopted by the municipality.
COUNTY
Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
COVERAGE
That portion or percentage of the plot or lot area covered
by the impervious area.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
CUL-DE-SAC
A street intersecting another street at one end and terminating
at the other in a vehicular turnaround.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
CULVERT
A structure with appurtenant works which carries a stream
or other surface drainage under or through an embankment or fill.
CURB
A stone, concrete, or other improved boundary usually marking
the edge of the roadway or paved area.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
CURB CUT
The opening along the curbline at which point vehicles may
enter or leave the roadway.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DAM
An artificial barrier, together with its appurtenant works,
constructed for the purpose of impounding or storing water or another
fluid or semifluid, or a refuse bank, fill or structure for highway,
railroad or other purposes which does or may impound water or another
fluid or semifluid.
DEDICATION
The deliberate appropriation or donation of land or property
by its owner for any general or public uses, reserving no other rights.
Acceptance of any such dedication is at the discretion of the Township.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DEED
A legal document conveying ownership of real property.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DEED COVENANT OR RESTRICTION
A restriction on the use of the land set forth in the deed
or instrument of conveyance. Such restriction(s) usually runs with
the title of the land and is binding upon subsequent owners of the
property. The Township is not responsible for enforcing such deed
restrictions, unless the restriction(s) resulted from a condition
or stipulation of the subdivision or land development approval process.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DEP (PADEP)
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DESIGN STORM
The magnitude and temporal distribution of precipitation
from a storm event measured in probability of occurrence (e.g., a
five-year storm) and duration (e.g., 24 hours), used in the design
and evaluation of stormwater management systems.
DETENTION STRUCTURE
A vegetated pond, swale, or other structure designed to drain
completely after storing runoff only for a given storm event and to
release it at a predetermined rate. Also known as a "dry pond."
DEVELOPER
Any landowner, agent of such landowner or tenant with the
permission of such landowner, including a firm, association, organization,
partnership, trust, company, or corporation, as well as an individual,
who makes or causes to be made a subdivision of land or a land development.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including, but not limited to, buildings, manufactured homes, or other
structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation,
or drilling operations or the storage of equipment or materials.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The provisions for a development, including a planned residential
development, a plat of subdivision, all covenants relating to use,
location and bulk of buildings and other structures, intensity of
use or density of development, streets, ways and parking facilities,
common open space and public facilities.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DISTRICT, ZONE
A portion of Swatara Township within which certain uniform
regulations and requirements or combinations thereof apply under the
provisions of the Township Zoning Ordinance within certain designated boundaries as indicated on the
Zoning Map.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DOWNSLOPE PROPERTY LINE
That portion of the property line of the lot, tract, or parcels
of land being developed located such that all overland or pipe flow
from the site would be directed towards it.
DRAINAGE[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
B.
The removal of surface water or groundwater from lands by drains,
grading or other means which include runoff controls to minimize erosion
and sedimentation during and after construction of development, the
means for preserving the water supply and the prevention or alleviation
of flooding.
DRAINAGE CONVEYANCE FACILITY
A stormwater management facility designed to transmit stormwater
runoff and shall include streams, channels, swales, pipes, conduits,
culverts, storm sewers, etc.
DRAINAGE EASEMENT
A right granted by a landowner to a grantee, allowing the
use of private land for stormwater management purposes.
DRAINAGE PLAN
A plan showing all proposed and existing facilities to collect
and convey surface drainage, described by grades, contours, and topography.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DRIVEWAY
A private access for vehicles to park in a parking space,
garage, dwelling or other structure.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DUPLEX
A single structure containing two dwelling units per structure,
whereby each dwelling unit is separated by a vertical wall and has
a separate and distinct access to the outside.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms connected together, constituting a separate,
independent housekeeping establishment for owner occupancy, or rental
or lease on a weekly, monthly, or longer basis, and physically separated
from any other rooms or dwelling units which may be in the same structure,
and containing independent cooking and sleeping facilities for one
family.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DWELLING, MANUFACTURED HOUSING
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 in such a manner that all concealed
parts or processes of manufacture cannot be inspected at the site
without disassembly, damage or destruction.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY
A building designed, occupied or used by three or more families
living independently of each other, wherein each dwelling unit or
apartment shall contain private bath and kitchen facilities; including
apartment houses.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED
A building used by one family and having two party walls
in common with other buildings (such as a row house or townhouse),
except that end units have only one party wall.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED
A detached (separate) building designed for or occupied exclusively
by one family on an individual lot; however, this shall not include
single-unit mobile homes, which are defined separately.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY SEMIDETACHED
A building with one dwelling from ground to roof and only
one party wall in common with another dwelling unit. Commonly described
as a duplex, the semidetached, single-family dwelling is on an individual
lot, is connected on one side to a similar dwelling on an adjacent
lot and is usually owner-occupied.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY DETACHED
A separate building on an individual lot with two dwelling
units from ground to roof (one unit over the other). These units are
normally renter-occupied and are not designed for further subdivision.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
EARTHMOVING ACTIVITY
Activity resulting in movement of earth or stripping of vegetative
cover from the earth.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
EASEMENT
A limited right-of-use granted in, on, or over private land
for a public or semipublic purpose, including, but not limited to,
a public utility easement or a stormwater easement.
ENERGY DISSIPATER
A device used to slow the velocity of stormwater, particularly
at points of concentrated discharge such as pipe outlets.
ENGINEER, REGISTERED
An individual licensed and registered as a professional engineer
by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
ENGINEER, TOWNSHIP
A registered engineer designated by the Swatara Township
Board of Supervisors to perform duties as required by this chapter
on behalf of the Township.
EROSION
The movement of soil particles by the action of water, wind,
ice, or other natural forces.
EXTENDED DETENTION
A stormwater design feature that provides for the gradual
release of a volume of water in order to increase settling of pollutants
and protect downstream channels from frequent storm events.
FARM
A parcel of land 10 acres or more devoted to or available
for the cultivation of land or other agricultural uses.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
FENCE
Any freestanding and uninhabitable structure constructed
of wood, glass, metal, plastic materials, wire, wire mesh, or masonry,
singly or in combination, erected for the purpose of screening or
dividing one property from another to assure privacy, or to protect
the property so screened or divided, or to define and mark the property
line. For the purpose of this chapter, a freestanding masonry wall
when so located is considered to be a fence; also for the purpose
of this chapter, when the term "lot line" is used in relation to fences,
it shall be synonymous with "rear yard lot lines," "side yard lot
lines," and "front yard lot lines."
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
FILL[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
A.
Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or any other material
is placed, pushed, dumped, pulled, transported or moved to a new location
above the natural surface of the ground or on top of the stripped
surface. It shall include the conditions resulting therefrom.
B.
The difference in elevation between a point on the original
ground and a designated point of higher elevation of the final grade.
FILTER STRIP
A strip of permanent vegetation above ponds, diversions and
other structures to retard the flow of runoff, causing deposition
of transported material, thereby reducing sedimentation.
FINISHED GRADE
The proposed elevation of the land surface of a site after
completion of all site preparation work.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
FLOOD
A general and temporary inundation of normally dry land areas
by water from waterway overflows or the unusual and rapid accumulation
or runoff of surface waters from any source.
FLOOD HAZARD BOUNDARY MAP (FHBM)
An official floodplain map of a community, issued by the
Federal Insurance Administration; also known as "Flood Insurance Rate
Map (FIRM)."
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
FLOODPLAIN
A.
A relatively flat or low-land area adjoining a river, stream,
or watercourse, which is subject to partial or complete inundation
by water;
B.
An area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff
of surface water from any source.
C.
For the purposes of this chapter, the floodplain shall be considered
to be the one-hundred-year floodplain which is a floodplain having
a one-percent chance of being subject to the above conditions during
any given year.
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent
land area that must be reserved to discharge the base flood without
cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation of that flood
more than one foot at any point.
FLOW SPLITTER
An engineered, hydraulic structure designed to divert a percentage
of storm flow to a BMP located out of the primary channel, or to direct
stormwater to a parallel pipe system or to bypass a portion of base
flow around a BMP.
FOREBAY
Stormwater design feature that uses a small basin to settle
out incoming sediment before it is delivered to a stormwater BMP.
FREEBOARD
A vertical distance between the elevation of the design high
water and the top of a dam, levee, tank, basin, or diversion ridge.
The space is required as a safety margin in a pond, basin, or conveyance
swale.
GRADE
A slope, usually of a road, channel or natural ground specified
in percent and shown on plans as specified herein.
(TO) GRADE
To finish the surface of a roadbed, top of embankment or
bottom of excavation.
GRASSED WATERWAY
A natural or constructed waterway, usually broad and shallow,
covered with erosion-resistant grasses, used to convey surface water.
(Also known as a "swale.")
GUARANTEE, MAINTENANCE
Any financial security that may be required of a developer
by a municipality after final acceptance by the municipality of improvements
installed by the developer. Such security may include, but is not
limited to, irrevocable letters of credit, bonds, restrictive accounts,
or escrow accounts from approved federal, state, or commonwealth lending
institutions.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
GUARANTEE, PERFORMANCE
Any financial security that may be required of a developer
by the municipality in lieu of a requirement that certain improvements
be made prior to final approval of the subdivision or land development
plan. Such security may include, but is not limited to, those instruments
cited above as acceptable as maintenance guarantees.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
A community association which is organized in a development
in which individual owners share common interests in open space or
facilities.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
IMPOUNDMENT
A retention or detention basin designed to retain stormwater
runoff and release it at a controlled rate.
IMPROVEMENTS
Physical additions and changes to the land, necessary to
produce usable and desirable lots.
INFILTRATION STRUCTURES
A structure designed to direct runoff into the ground (e.g.,
french drains, seepage pits, seepage trench).
INLET
A surface connection to a closed drain. The upstream end
of any structure through which water may flow.
LAND DEVELOPMENT
A.
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts
or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(1)
A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings,
whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential
building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or
tenure; or
(2)
The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially
or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective
occupants by means of, or for the purpose of, streets, common areas,
leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features;
C.
Development in accordance with § 503(1.1) of the Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code.
D.
The definition shall exclude:
(1)
The conversion of an existing single-family detached dwelling
or single-family semidetached dwelling into not more than three residential
units, unless such units are intended to be a condominium.
(2)
The addition of an accessory building, including farm buildings,
on a lot or lots subordinate to an existing principal building.
(3)
The addition or conversion of buildings or rides within the
confines of an enterprise which would be considered an amusement park,
which for this purpose is defined as a tract or area used principally
as a location for permanent amusement structures or rides. This exclusion
shall not apply to newly acquired acreage by an amusement park until
initial plans for the expanded area have been approved by proper authorities.
LAND/EARTH DISTURBANCE
Any activity involving grading, tilling, digging, or filling
of ground or stripping of vegetation or any activity that causes an
alteration to the natural condition of the land.
LANDOWNER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including
the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such
option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee if he is
authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner,
or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
LEVEL SPREADER
A device for distributing stormwater uniformly over the ground
surface as sheet flow to prevent concentrated, erosive flows and promote
infiltration.
LOADING/UNLOADING SPACE
An off-street space not less than 12 feet wide, 55 feet long,
and having a minimum clear height of 15 feet, exclusive of access
area, for the parking of one vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise
or materials.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
LOT
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by
a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed
or built upon as a unit. A parcel designated as residue shall be considered
a lot.
LOT ADDITION
The adjustment of lot lines between two adjoining lots for
the purpose of transferring a portion of one lot to the other.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
LOT AREA
The area of land which is determined by the limits of the
property line bounding that area and expressed in terms of square
feet or acres. Any portion of a lot included in a street right-of-way
shall not be included in calculating lot area.
LOT CONSOLIDATION
The joining of two or more lots into a single lot.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
LOT LINE
Any line dividing a lot from another lot, street, or parcel.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
A.
FRONT LOT LINEThe lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way. In the case of a corner lot or a lot abutting a street right-of-way on more than one side, there shall be two front lot lines.
B.
REAR LOT LINEThe lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line. In the case of triangular or otherwise irregularly shaped lots, a line 10 feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line.
C.
SIDE LOT LINEAny lot line other than a front or rear lot line. A corner lot shall have two front lines, one rear line and one side lot line.
LOT WIDTH
The mean horizontal distance between the side lot lines,
measured at right angles to its depth. Required lot width shall be
measured at the most-forward allowable building line or setback line;
however, in the case where one side lot line is not parallel to the
other side lot line, or for pie-shaped lots, the required lot width
shall be measured at a point equal to 50% of the depth of the lot.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
LOT, CORNER
A lot at the point of intersection of and abutting on two
or more intersecting streets or private roads, and which has an interior
angle of less than 135° at the intersection of the two street
lines.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
LOT, DEPTH
A mean horizontal distance between the front and rear lot
lines measured in the general direction of its side lot lines.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
LOT, FLAG (PANHANDLE)
A lot not meeting minimum frontage requirements and where
access to the public road is by a narrow private right-of-way or driveway.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
LOT, IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE
A lot which has a surface of any material that prevents the
absorption of stormwater into the ground. The total of impervious
area includes the building area inclusive of rooftop, parking lot,
sidewalks, and access drive, divided by lot total gross area.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot other than a corner lot.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
LOT, MINIMUM WIDTH
The horizontal distance between the side lines of a lot measured
at the front building setback line.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
LOT, NONCONFORMING
A lot, the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to
the adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance, but which fails to
conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is
located by reason of such adoption or amendment.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
MAIN STEM (MAIN CHANNEL)
Any stream segment or other runoff conveyance facility used
as a reach in a stream hydraulic model.
MAJOR SUBDIVISION OR LAND DEVELOPMENT
A.
Any subdivision or land development involving more than five
lots or dwelling units; or
B.
Any subdivision or land development on a property after five
or more lots or dwelling units have been subdivided from that property
since the effective date of this chapter; or
C.
Any subdivision or land development proposing the opening, widening,
extension, or improvement of a street. Multifamily, mobile home parks,
commercial and industrial development shall be considered a major
subdivision or land development, regardless of the number of lots
or units created.
MANNING EQUATION (MANNING FORMULA)
A method for calculation of velocity of flow (e.g., feet
per second) and flow rate (e.g., cubic feet per second) in open channels
based upon channel shape, roughness, depth of flow and slope. "Open
channels" may include closed conduits so long as the flow is not under
pressure.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A multisectional built structure which is manufactured or
constructed under the authority of 42 U.S.C. § 5401 and
is to be used as a place for human habitation but is not constructed
or equipped with a permanent hitch or other device allowing it to
be moved other than for the purpose of moving to a permanent site
and which does not have permanently attached to its body or frame
any wheels or axles.
MICROPOOL
A smaller permanent pool which is incorporated into the design
of larger stormwater ponds to avoid resuspension of particles and
to minimize impacts to adjacent natural features.
MINOR SUBDIVISION
A division of land to facilitate a lot addition or land exchange
or a division of land which adjoins an existing public street and
does not involve the opening, widening, extension, or improvement
of any street or the installation of any public utility outside the
frontage road and does not involve more than five lots or dwelling
units (except that subdivision of lots from a property after five
or more lots have been subdivided is a major subdivision).
A.
Dedication or establishment of an unimproved right-of-way or
easement shall be a minor subdivision. Replatting, resubdivision or
revision of five lots or less shall also be considered a minor subdivision.
Multifamily, commercial, industrial, nonresidential and mobile home
park development shall be considered a major subdivision or land development
regardless of the number of lots or units created.
MOBILE HOME
A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent
occupancy, contained in one unit, or in two or more units designed
to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated
for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for
occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations,
and constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation.
MOBILE HOME LOT
A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the
necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for
the erection thereon of a single mobile home.
MOBILE HOME PARK
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land which has been so
designated and improved that it contains two or more mobile home lots
for the placement thereon of mobile homes.
MODIFICATION/WAIVER
Relief from this chapter's provisions granted by the Board
of Supervisors for relief from the strict application of a specific
requirement or provision of this chapter which, if literally enforced,
would exact undue hardship on the applicant. Modification/waiver decisions
are required to be based on unique or peculiar conditions pertaining
to the land. All modification/waiver requests are required to be submitted
in writing and constitute the least-possible relief necessary. All
subdivision or land development plans must display all granted modifications
prior to their approval.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
MODULAR HOME
A sectional, single-family dwelling, intended for permanent
occupancy, contained in two or more units designed to be permanently
joined into one integral unit, which arrives at a site complete and
ready for occupancy except for assembly operations and construction
of the necessary permanent foundation. For purposes of this chapter,
modular homes shall be treated the same as conventional stick-built
single-family dwellings.
MONUMENT
A tapered, permanent survey reference point of stone or cement
having a round top four inches on each side with a length of 24 inches.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
MUNICIPALITY
Swatara Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
[Amended by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
NON-POINT-SOURCE POLLUTION
Pollution that enters a watery body from diffuse origins
in the watershed and does not result from discernible, confined, or
discrete conveyances.
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
NRCS
Natural Resource Conservation Service (previously SCS).
OFF-STREET PARKING
A temporary storage (surface or structure) for a motor vehicle
that is directly accessible to an access aisle and that is not located
on a dedicated right-of-way, and is located upon the same lot as a
principal use or, in the case of joint parking, within close proximity.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
ON-SITE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
The control of runoff to allow water falling on a given site
to be absorbed or retained on site to the extent that after development
the peak rate of discharge leaving the site does not exceed the rate
prior to development.
OPEN CHANNEL
A drainage element in which stormwater flows with an open
surface. Open channels include, but shall not be limited to, natural
and man-made drainageways, swales, streams, ditches, canals, and pipes
flowing partly full.
OUTFALL
Point where water flows from a conduit, stream, or drain.
OUTLET
Points of water disposal from a stream, river, lake, tidewater
or artificial drain.
PARCEL
Any lot, plot or tract of land designated by any legally
recorded or approved means as a single unit. The term includes, but
is not limited to, tax parcels, lots or deeded areas.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
PARKING LOT
An off-street surfaced area designed solely for the parking
of motor vehicles, including driveways, passageways, and maneuvering
space appurtenant thereto.
PARKING LOT STORAGE
Involves the use of impervious or semi-impervious parking
areas as temporary impoundments with controlled release rates during
rainstorms.
PEAK DISCHARGE
The maximum rate of flow of water at a given point and time
resulting from a specified storm event.
PENNDOT
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE (MPC)
Adopted as Act 247 of 1968, this act enables municipalities
to plan for, and regulate, community development with subdivision
and land development ordinances. The code also contains guidelines
for subdivision and land development ordinance content. For the purpose
of this chapter, the code is referred to as "Act 247" and is intended
to include the current code and any further amendments thereto.
PERVIOUS SURFACE
Any material that permits full or partial absorption of stormwater.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
PIPE
A culvert, closed conduit, or similar structure (including
appurtenances) that conveys water.
PLAN, FINAL
A complete and exact subdivision or land development plan
prepared for recording as required by statute, to define property
rights, proposed streets and other improvements; a final plat.
PLAN, PRELIMINARY
A tentative subdivision or land development plan showing
proposed street and lot layout as a basis for consideration prior
to preparation of a final plat. A preliminary plan shall include engineering
design for all required site improvements.
PLAN, SKETCH
An informal plan indicating existing features of a tract
and the surrounding area and outlining the general layout of a proposed
subdivision or land development.
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
An area of land, controlled by a landowner, to be developed
as a single entity for a number of dwelling units, or a combination
of residential and nonresidential uses, the development plan for which
does not correspond in lot size, bulk, type of dwelling, or use, density,
or intensity, lot coverage and required open space to the regulations
established in any one district created, from time to time, under
the provisions of a municipal zoning ordinance.
PLAT
The map or plan of a subdivision or land development, whether
preliminary or final.
POST-CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN (PCSM)
A stormwater management report prepared by a registered engineer
containing information, plan sheets, and calculations related to the
design of the proposed stormwater management facilities.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
PUBLIC HEARING
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the governing
body or planning agency, intended to inform and obtain public comment,
prior to taking action in accordance with this chapter and/or the
Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
PUBLIC MEETING
A forum held pursuant to notice under the Act of July 3,
1986, as amended, known as the "Sunshine Act."
PUBLIC NOTICE
A notice published once each week for two successive weeks
in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. The first
publication shall not be more than 30 days and the second publication
shall not be less than seven days from the date established for the
public hearing or meeting.
RATIONAL FORMULA
A rainfall-runoff relation used to estimate peak flow. Also
includes the Modified Rational Method.
RECHARGE VOLUME
The portion of the water quality volume used to maintain
groundwater recharge rates at development sites.
REGULATED ACTIVITIES
Actions or proposed actions that have an impact on stormwater runoff and that are specified in §
22-507 of this chapter.
[Amended by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
RELEASE RATE
The percentage of pre-development peak rate of runoff from
a site or subarea to which the post-development peak rate of runoff
must be reduced to protect downstream areas.
RETENTION STRUCTURE
A pond, swale, or other structure containing a permanent
pool of water designed to store runoff for a given storm event.
RETURN PERIOD
The average interval, in years, within which a storm event
of a given magnitude can be expected to recur. For example, the twenty-five-year
return period rainfall would be expected to recur on the average of
once every 25 years.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
The total width of any land reserved or dedicated for use
as street, alley, or for any public purpose.
RIPARIAN BUFFER
A relatively narrow strip of land along a stream, pond or
wetland, including the one-hundred-year floodplain and any setback
designated by this chapter, which contains or is replanted with native
forest, shrubs and herbaceous species to stabilize erodible soils,
improve surface water and groundwater quality, increase stream shading
and enhance wildlife habitat.
RISER
A vertical pipe extending from the bottom of a pond that
is used to control the discharge rate from the pond for a specified
design storm.
ROOFTOP DETENTION
Temporary ponding and gradual release of stormwater falling
directly onto flat roof surfaces by incorporating controlled-flow
roof drains into building designs.
RUNOFF
Any part of precipitation that flows over the land surface.
SEDIMENT BASIN
A temporary dam or barrier constructed across a waterway
or at other suitable locations to intercept the runoff and to trap
and retain the sand, gravel, silt and sediment.
SEDIMENT POLLUTION
The placement, discharge or any other introduction of sediment
into the waters of the commonwealth occurring from the failure to
design, construct, implement or maintain control measures and control
facilities in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
SEDIMENTATION
The process by which mineral or organic matter is accumulated
or deposited by the movement of water.
SEEPAGE PIT/SEEPAGE TRENCH
An area of excavated earth filled with loose stone or similar
coarse material, into which surface water is directed for infiltration
into the ground.
SEPTIC SYSTEM
An underground system with a septic tank used for the decomposition
of domestic wastes.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
SEWAGE
All references to sewage treatment, collection, and disposal
systems shall be as defined in applicable Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection rules and regulations.
SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM (ON-LOT)
Any system designed to eliminate sanitary sewage within the
boundaries of the lot the system serves.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
SHEET FLOW
Runoff that flows over the ground surface as a thin, even
layer, not concentrated in a channel, and limited to a maximum of
100 feet for analysis purposes for post-development calculations.
SIDEWALK
A paved, surfaced, or leveled area, paralleling and usually
separated from the street, used as a pedestrian walkway.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
SIDEWALK AREA
That portion of the right-of-way that lies between the right-of-way
line and curbline, regardless of whether the sidewalk exists.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
SIGHT DISTANCE
The length of roadway visible to the driver of a passenger
vehicle at any given point on the roadway when the view is unobstructed
by traffic.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
SIGHT TRIANGLE
A triangular-shaped portion of land established at street
intersections in which nothing is erected, placed, planted or allowed
to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance
of motorists entering or leaving the intersection.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
SITE IMPROVEMENTS
Physical additions or changes to the land that may be necessary
to provide usable and desirable lots, including, but not limited to,
utilities, streets, curbing, sidewalks, streetlights and stormwater
facilities.
SITE PLAN
A plan of a lot or subdivision on which is shown topography,
location of all buildings, streets, rights-of-way, and boundaries;
all essential dimensions and bearings; and any other information deemed
necessary by the Township in unusual or special cases.
[Added by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
SOIL GROUP, HYDROLOGIC
A classification of soils by the Natural Resources Conservation
Service, formerly the Soil Conservation Service, into four runoff-potential
groups. The groups range from A soils, which are very permeable and
produce little runoff, to D soils, which are not very permeable and
produce much more runoff.
SOIL-COVER COMPLEX METHOD
A method of runoff computation developed by the NRCS that
is based on relating soil type and land use/cover to a runoff parameter
called Curve Number (CN).
SPILLWAY
A depression in the embankment of a pond or basin which is
used to convey excess water from the impoundment.
STORAGE INDICATION METHOD
A reservoir routing procedure based on the solution of the
continuity equation (inflow minus outflow equals the change in storage),
with outflow defined as a function of storage volume and depth.
STORM FREQUENCY
The number of times that a given storm "event" occurs or
is exceeded on the average in a stated period of years. See "return
period."
STORM SEWER
A system of pipes, and/or open channels that convey intercepted
runoff and stormwater from other sources, but excludes domestic sewage
and industrial wastes.
STORMWATER
The total amount of precipitation reaching the ground surface.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
The control of runoff to allow water falling on a given site
to be absorbed or retained on site to the extent that, after development,
the peak rate of discharge leaving the site does not exceed the rate
prior to development.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
A watershed or subwatershed area for which separate stormwater
management regulations or criteria have been established.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY
Any structure, natural or man-made, that, due to its condition,
design, or construction, conveys, stores, or otherwise affects stormwater
runoff. Typical stormwater management facilities include, but are
not limited to, detention and retention basins, open channels, storm
sewers, pipes, and infiltration structures.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
A plan for managing stormwater runoff on a watershed-wide
basis, in accordance with the guidelines of Act 167 of 1978, the Pennsylvania
Storm Water Management Act.
STORMWATER MANANGEMENT SITE PLAN
The plan prepared by the developer or his representative
indicating how stormwater runoff will be managed at the particular
site or interest according to this chapter.
[Amended by Ord. 2017-08, 9/14/2017]
A.
MINOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SITE PLANA plan for managing the stormwater runoff from a proposed minor subdivision or land development, or other exempt activity as provided for under this chapter. Submission of a post-construction stormwater management plan (PCSM) shall not be required. Locations, sizing, and installation details shall be included on all plans submitted to the Township for approval or permits.
B.
MAJOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SITE PLANA plan for managing the stormwater from a proposed major subdivision or land development, including plans, data, and calculations, prepared in accordance with the standards of this chapter, or any applicable municipal or watershed stormwater management ordinance, and submitted as a post-construction stormwater management plan (PCSM).
STREAM BANK STABILIZATION
A collection of vegetative and mechanical means for stabilizing
stream banks to prevent or abate degradation.
STREAM ENCLOSURE
A bridge, culvert or other structure in excess of 100 feet
in length upstream to downstream which encloses a regulated water
of this commonwealth.
STREET
A strip of land, including the entire right-of-way used or
intended for use as a means of vehicular and pedestrian circulation,
whether public or private. The word "street" includes street, thoroughfare,
avenue, boulevard, court, expressway, highway, road, lane, and alley.
STREET, PRIVATE
A strip of private land providing access to abutting properties
and not offered for dedication or accepted for municipal ownership
and maintenance.
STRUCTURE
A walled or roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage
tank (principally above ground), a manufactured home, or any other
man-made object usually assembled of interdependent parts or components
which is designed to have a more or less fixed location, whether or
not permanently attached at that location.
SUBDIVIDER
Any landowner, agent of such landowner or tenant with the
permission of such landowner, who makes or causes to be made a subdivision
of land or land development.
SUBDIVISION
The division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land
by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions
of land, including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose,
whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for
distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building
or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease
of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than 10 acres,
not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential
dwelling, shall be exempted.
SURVEYOR, REGISTERED
An individual licensed and registered as a professional land
surveyor by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
SWALE
A low-lying stretch of land which gathers or carries surface
water runoff.
TIME-OF-CONCENTRATION (Tc)
The time for surface runoff to travel from the hydraulically
most distant point of the watershed to a point of interest within
the watershed. This time is the combined total of overland flow time
and flow time in pipes or channels, if any.
TOWNSHIP
Swatara Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
WATER QUALITY VOLUME
The total volume of water runoff that is required to be collected
and treated for water quality control by direction to BMP facilities.
WATERCOURSE
A stream of water; river; brook; creek; or a channel or ditch
for water, whether natural or man-made.
WATERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH
Any and all rivers, streams, creeks, rivulets, ditches, watercourses,
storm sewers, lakes, dammed water, wetlands, ponds, springs, and all
other bodies or channels of conveyance of surface and underground
water, or parts thereof, whether natural or artificial, within or
on the boundaries of this commonwealth.
WETLAND
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water
or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support,
and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including
swamps, marshes, bogs, fens, and similar areas.