[Ord. 593, 4/8/1986]
1. 
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and phrases shall be construed throughout this chapter to have the meaning indicated under this Part:
A. 
The present tense includes the future; the singular includes the plural, and the plural the singular; the masculine gender includes the feminine.
B. 
The word "person" includes any individual, estate, trust, fiduciary, partnership, firm, association, corporation, or organization.
C. 
The word "shall" is always mandatory; the word "may" is optional.
D. 
The word "used" shall include the words "arranged, designed, or intended to be used."
E. 
The word "built" shall include the words "erected, constructed, or altered."
F. 
The word "including" shall not be limited to the specified example, but is intended to extend to all other instances of similar kind and character.
G. 
When terms, phrases, or words are not defined, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meaning or such as the context may imply.
[Ord. 593, 4/8/1986; as amended by Ord. 622, 12/29/1987; by Ord. 642, 12/19/1989; by Ord. 657, 10/9/1990, § 12; by Ord. 674, 10/19/1992; by Ord. 708, 2/12/1996; by Ord. 744, 10/23/2000; by Ord. 754, 2/18/2002; by Ord. 760, 10/13/2003; § I; by Ord. 762, 4/19/2004; by Ord. 774, 7/18/2005, § 2; by Ord. 780, 12/19/2005, § 1; by Ord. 781, 12/19/2005, § 1; by Ord. 782, 12/19/2005, § 1; by Ord. 790, 8/21/2006; by Ord. 793, 10/16/2006, § 2; by Ord. 794, 10/25/2006, §§ 1, 2; by Ord. 798, 1/8/2007, § 1; by Ord. 810, 12/17/2007; by Ord. 840, 6/20/2011, § 1; by Ord. 842, 6/20/2011, § 1; by Ord. 846, 9/12/2011, § 2; by Ord. 851, 3/12/2012, § 1; by Ord. 852, 3/12/2012, § 1; by Ord. 853, 3/12/2012, § 1; by Ord. 866, 6/10/2013, §§ 1, 2; by Ord. 870, 7/8/2013, § 1; by Ord. 871, 7/8/2013, § 1; by Ord. 872, 7/8/2013, § 1; by Ord. 894, 4/11/2016; by Ord. 895, 4/18/2016; by Ord. 904, 6/19/2017; by Ord. 906, 6/19/2017; by Ord. 907, 9/18/2017; by Ord. No. 914-2018, 5/21/2018; by Ord. No. 918-2018, 6/18/2018; by Ord. No. 925-2019, 6/17/2019; by Ord. No. 938-2020, 3/2/2020; by Ord. No. 948-2021, 12/20/2021; by Ord. No. 955-2022, 11/21/2023; by Ord. No. 958-2023, 1/9/2023; by Ord. No. 959-2023, 1/9/2023; by Ord. No. 962-2023, 11/20/2023; by Ord. No. 964-2024, 2/26/2024]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONMENT
A relinquishment of a use without intention to resume the said use for a continuous period of time as established under § 27-1808.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACE
An accessible parking space shall be defined as a parking space set aside for persons with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk. Such space, whether on private property or a public street, shall be signed and marked in accordance with the terms of the Oxford Borough Code of Ordinances and shall be limited to those vehicles which prominently display a handicapped parking identification tag or license plate issued by the state of registration of the vehicle.
ACCESSORY DWELLING
A self-contained dwelling unit, located within an existing single-family detached residential structure, which contains its own kitchen and bathroom facilities, has direct access to the outdoors or to a hall from which there is direct access to the outdoors, is accessory and secondary to the principal single-family dwelling unit, and shares at least one common wall with the principal dwelling unit.
ACT
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., as amended.
ADULT BOOKSTORE
An establishment having a substantial or significant portion of its stock-in-trade, books, magazines, and other periodicals distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matters depicting, describing, or related to specific sexual activities or specific anatomical areas, or an establishment with a segment or section devoted to the sale of such material.
ADULT MINI-MOTION-PICTURE THEATER
An enclosed building with a capacity for fewer than 50 persons used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or related to specific sexual activities or specific anatomical areas for observation by patrons therein.
ADULT MOTION-PICTURE THEATER
An enclosed building with a capacity of 50 or more persons used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specific sexual activities or specific anatomical areas for observation by patrons therein.
AGRICULTURE, INTENSIVE
Agricultural uses involving the processing or production of agricultural products which are likely to emit frequent, reoccurring odors or noises considered obnoxious to a residential environment. "Intensive agriculture" includes, among other uses, mushroom production, feedlots, poultry houses, and the like.
AGRICULTURE, PASSIVE
The cultivation of the soil and the raising and harvesting of products of the soil, including nurserying, horticulture, forestry, and animal husbandry, but excluding intensive agriculture.
ALLEY
A minor right-of-way, which may or may not be legally dedicated to the Borough, serving as a secondary means of access to the rear or side of properties otherwise abutting on a street.
ALTERATION
A change, rearrangement, addition to, or diminution of the structural parts of an existing building or structure.
APPLICANT
A landowner(s), developer(s), or authorized agent who has filed an application under this chapter, including his/her heirs, successors, and assigns.
ARCADE
A commercial facility, the principal purpose of which is to provide recreation or amusement to the public in the form of computerized or other mechanical video games and devices. Any such facility with more than three such devices shall be considered an arcade.
BASEMENT
That portion of a building which is partly below and partly above the finished grade and having any portion of its height below the average grade of the adjoining ground. The average grade shall be computed from the mean measurements of the adjoining ground at four corners of the building.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST OPERATION
A single-family dwelling containing guest rooms available for short-term overnight rental and providing breakfast service to overnight guests.
BERM
An earthen mound designed to create a visual and/or sound barrier between a use and adjoining properties, streets, and uses.
BILLBOARD
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
BOARD
The Zoning Hearing Board of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
BOARDINGHOUSE
A privately owned single dwelling where, for compensation and arrangement, lodging, meals, or lodging and meals are provided for no more than four persons.
BOROUGH
The Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
The Borough Council of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
BREWERY
A place where beer is made and may be served but that does not prepare and serve food.
BUFFERING
A means of limiting the effects created by a use on adjoining properties, streets, and uses, including but not limited to screening, fencing, and use of berms.
BUILDING
Any combination of materials forming an enclosed structure which is erected on the ground and permanently affixed thereto, designed, intended, or arranged for the housing, sheltering, or enclosure for persons, animals, or property of any kind, including attached structures such as utility sheds and carports.
BUILDING, ACCESSORY
A building or structure subordinate to the principal building on a lot and used for purposes incidental to those of the principal building, but excluding truck bodies, abandoned mobile homes, truck trailers, or other similar structures, whether or not permanently affixed to the ground.
BUILDING AREA
The aggregate of the maximum horizontal cross-section at grade level of all buildings on a lot, excluding cornices, eaves, and gutters projecting not more than 18 inches.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The ratio of the total building area on a lot to the lot area.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance of a building measured from the average elevation of the finished exterior grade of a building at the two front corners to the highest point of the roof, exclusive of the chimneys, antennas, spires, alternative energy system components, and other similar projections.
BUILDING OFFICER
An agent of the Borough charged with the administration and enforcement of the Borough Uniform Construction Code.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building or structure housing the main and primary use occurring on a lot.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE
A line established within a lot, measured from the street right-of-way and parallel thereto, defining the minimum distance in which no building may be constructed. In the case of an interior lot not fronting a street for its entire width, the "building setback line" shall be a line parallel to the street right-of-way, measured from the property line nearest the street, defining the minimum distance in which no building may be constructed (see Appendix).
BULK
The size of buildings and other structures and their relationship to each other, to open areas within a lot, such as yards, and to lot lines.
BUSINESS OFFICE
An office where a particular kind of business is transacted or a service supplied and shall be limited to offices for management, consulting, record-keeping, and clerical work of a commercial, industrial, mercantile, or service enterprise.
CABARET
An adult club, restaurant, theater, hall, or similar place which features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators, or similar entertainers exhibiting specified anatomical areas or performing specific sexual activities.
CALIPER
The diameter of a tree trunk measured at a point 3 1/2 feet from ground level at the base of the tree.
CARTWAY
The portion of a street or alley right-of-way, paved or unpaved, intended for vehicular use, including travel lanes, but not including shoulders, curbing and drainage facilities (see Appendix).
CLUB
An organization established for social or fraternal purposes whose buildings, facilities, and services are primarily for the use of members and their guests, including service organizations and lodges.
COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA
A device used to collect and/or transmit wireless communications or radio signals, including panels, microwave dishes (for other than satellite communication), and single poles known as "whips."
COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Any pole, telescoping mast, tower, tripod, lattice construction steel structure or any other structure which supports or has attached to it one or more commercial communications antennae.
COMMERCIAL USE
A use of land or improvements thereto for the purpose of engaging in retail, wholesale, or service activities for profit, including but not limited to the storage of material or merchandise held for resale, commercial vehicles, including tractor trailers, and the like.
COMMUNICATIONS TOWER
See "commercial communications antenna support structure."
COMMUNITY CENTER
A building or buildings within a residential community, designed and intended for use by the residents and their guests, for purposes, including, but not limited to, dining, assemblage, banquets, meetings, offices, recreation, and uses normally accessory thereto.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Oxford Region Comprehensive Plan, adopted by Borough Council and amended from time to time.
CONDOMINIUM
A system of ownership and not a type of use, wherein each unit is owned in fee while the land, improvements, and jointly owned facilities remain in common ownership in accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act of 1980, 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101 et seq.
CONSUMER FIREWORKS
Any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or combination of substances, intended to produce visible and/or audible effects by combustion, and which is suitable for use by the public, that complies with the construction, performance, composition, and labeling requirements promulgated by the Computer Products Safety Commission in 16 CFR[1] or any successor regulation, and which complies with the provisions for consumer fireworks as defined in the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) Standard 87-1, or any successor standard. This term does not include such devices as ground and hand-held sparkling devices, novelties and toy caps, as defined in APA Standard 87-1.
CONVENIENCE COMMERCIAL USE
A retail activity designed to serve a local market such as the residents of a neighborhood or planned development, including delicatessens, newsstands, and small food markets.
DAY CARE
The care in lieu of parental care given for part of the twenty-four-hour day for children under 16 years of age away from their own homes, but does not include child day care furnished in places of worship during religious services.
DAY-CARE CENTER
Any premises in which child day care is provided simultaneously for more than six children who are not relatives of the operator.
DECK
An open, elevated platform that is attached to a principal building and that has no enclosing walls, roof, or shelter from the weather.
DENSITY, GROSS
The allowable number of dwelling units per acre, calculated by dividing the total number of dwelling units proposed within a tract by the total number of acres within said tract.
DENSITY, NET
The allowable number of dwelling units per developed acre, calculated by dividing the total number of units for a given dwelling type by the number of acres so developed, exclusive of common open space, street rights-of-way, and utility easements.
DESIGN OPTION, LOT-AVERAGING
A means of developing lots, some of which are larger and some of which are smaller than is otherwise required, not incorporating areas of common open space within the development and all of which when combined represent the average lot size and is required within the zoning district.
DESIGN OPTION, LOT-CLUSTERING
A means of developing lots which allows a reduction in lot sizes and the creation of common open space based on the physical conditions of a tract when specific criteria are met.
DESIGN OPTION, REDUCED-YARD
A development design option which allows flexibility in required side and/or rear yard setback to create larger contiguous yard area, provided that special criteria are met.
DEVELOPER
Any landowner, agent of such landowner or tenant with the written permission from a landowner, who makes or causes to be made an application for approval of a land development.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, streets and other paving, utilities, filling, grading, excavation, and the subdivision of land as defined by the Oxford Borough Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].
DISABILITY
A mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. "Mental or physical impairment" may include conditions such as blindness, hearing impairment, mobility impairment, HIV infection, mental retardation, alcoholism, drug addiction, chronic fatigue, learning disability, head injury, and mental illness. The term "major life activity" may include seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, caring for one's self, learning, speaking, or working. Current users of illegal controlled substances, persons convicted of illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance, sex offenders, and juvenile offenders are not considered disabled.
DISPENSARY, MEDICAL MARIJUANA
A person, including a natural person, corporation, association, trust, or other entity, or any combination thereof, which holds a permit issued from the Pa. Department of Health under Act 16 of 2016, the Medical Marijuana Act,[2] to dispense medical marijuana. The term does not include a health care medical marijuana organization under Chapter 19 of the Act.
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. The term shall not include a winery.
DRUG PARAPHERNALIA STORE
Any retail store selling paraphernalia commonly related to the use of any drug or narcotics of which the sale, use, or possession is subject to the provisions of the Controlled Substance Drug Device and Cosmetic Act, 1972, April 14, P.L. 233, No. 64, 35 P.S. § 780-101 et seq., as from time to time amended; including but not limited to water pipes, pipe "screens," hashish pipes, "roach" clips, "coke" spoons, "bongs," and cigarette rolling paper; except that this shall not be deemed to include the sale of cigarette rolling paper by a store that also sells loose tobacco or the sale by prescription of implements needed for the use of prescribed drugs or narcotics.
DWELLING OR DWELLING UNIT
A building or entirely self-contained portion thereof containing complete housekeeping, sleeping, and lavatory facilities used as a residence by only one family with no enclosed space (other than vestibules, entrances, or other hallways or porches) in common with any other dwelling units. This definition excludes units in a motel, hotel, dormitory, hospital, and the like. Dwellings may be classified as follows:
(1) 
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHEDA building having only one dwelling unit from ground to roof and open space on all sides.
(2) 
(a) 
TWINA building containing two dwelling units, separated by a party wall, each having independent outside access and open space on three sides.
(b) 
DUPLEXA building containing two dwelling units, with one dwelling unit above the other and each of which has independent outside access and open space on all sides.
(3) 
MULTIFAMILYA building containing three or more dwelling units, including, but not limited to, four-family dwelling (fourplex, quadraplex), townhouse (single-family attached), and apartment buildings.
(a) 
FOUR-FAMILY DWELLING (FOURPLEX, QUADRAPLEX)A building containing four dwelling units, each unit being ground to roof with independent outside access, two nonparallel walls in common with adjacent dwelling units, and open space on two nonparallel sides.
(b) 
TOWNHOUSE (SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED)A building containing dwelling units separated by parallel party walls, each of which has only one dwelling unit from ground to roof, independent outside access, not more than two walls in common with adjoining units, and open space to the front and rear (interior units) or front, rear, and one side (end units).
(c) 
APARTMENTA building containing three or more dwelling units separated by party walls, and which may have more than one dwelling unit from ground to roof, common outside accesses, and hallways.
EASEMENT
An interest in land owned by another that entitles the holder of the easement to a specific limited use or enjoyment.
ENLARGEMENT
An addition to the floor area of an existing building, an increase in the size of structures or an increase in that portion of a lot occupied by an existing use.
FAA
Federal Aviation Administration.
FAMILY
One or more individuals living together as a single nonprofit housekeeping unit, sharing kitchen and other common facilities, and meeting one of the following criteria:
(1) 
A single person.
(2) 
Any number of persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, including foster children and including not more than two other persons, for example, boarders, lodgers, or domestic help.
(3) 
Not more than four unrelated persons living together as a single cooperative household unit, but excluding occupants of a rooming/boarding house or dormitory.
(4) 
A group of not more than four individuals with disabilities, living together as the functional equivalent of a family in a group care facility, and entitled to a reasonable accommodation to allow them adequate housing choices pursuant to the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. § 601 et seq.) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (43 P.S. §§ 951-963).
FARM STRUCTURE
Any structure designed for agricultural use, including the storing of agricultural equipment or farm produce, the housing of livestock or poultry, the processing of dairy products, and the housing of mushroom production. The term "farm structure" shall not include dwellings or tenant housing.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission.
FENCE
A combination of natural and/or man-made materials designed to enclose an outdoor activity or serve as a screen between incompatible uses.
FLOOR AREA
The total area of all floors as measured to the outside surfaces of exterior walls, excluding crawl spaces, garages, carports, breezeways, attics without floors and open porches, balconies, and terraces.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS LEASABLE
The total area of all floors within a building contained within walls which is available and suitable for commercial or industrial use. This term shall be exclusive of the floor area included in party and outside walls, overhangs, loading docks, elevator shafts, common hallways, and maintenance facilities.
FLOOR AREA RATIO
A relationship between the floor area of a building and the lot area, measured by dividing the total floor area in square feet of all buildings on a lot by the total land area in square feet of the lot.
GARDEN SHED
A structure not permanently attached to the ground, except by gravity, and used primarily for the storage of yard maintenance equipment and materials, the floor area of which shall not exceed 120 square feet and no exterior wall shall exceed 12 feet in length, and the height of which shall not exceed 10 feet,
GASOLINE SERVICE STATION
A building and lot which is used for the sale and dispensing of gasoline and other motor fuels and may provide services incidental to the day-to-day maintenance of motor vehicles, but shall not include auto body repair and painting services or automobile sales. Any use which dispenses gasoline solely for the use of its own vehicles will not be deemed a "gasoline service station."
GROUP CARE FACILITY
A facility providing shelter, counseling, and other rehabilitative services in a family-like environment that may include minimum supervisory personnel, as required to meet standards of the licensing agency, where applicable. A group care facility shall be licensed and/or approved if and as required by the appropriate agency. A group care facility shall be permitted within a dwelling unit and shall be considered a residential use.
GROWER/PROCESSOR, MEDICAL MARIJUANA
A person, including a natural person, corporation, association, trust, or other entity, or any combination thereof, which holds a permit issued from the Pa. Department of Health under Act 16 of 2016, the Medical Marijuana Act,[3] to grow and process medical marijuana. The term does not include a health care medical marijuana organization under Chapter 19 of the Act.
HABITABLE FLOOR SPACE
Total space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating, and cooking, excluding bathrooms, closets, toilet compartments, halls, storage or utility spaces, cellars, basements, attics, garages, enclosed porches, roofed terraces, balconies, and unheated areas, such as enclosed porches.
HIGHWAY ACCESS POINT
The location or place of egress from and ingress to a street or highway created by a driveway, alley, or other street.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure that is:
(1) 
Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register.
(2) 
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district.
(3) 
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of Interior.
(4) 
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either:
(a) 
By an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) 
Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
HOME OCCUPATION
A use which is customarily carried on within a dwelling unit by one or more occupants of such dwelling in accordance with Part 13.
HOME OCCUPATION, MAJOR
A use that is customarily accessory to a principal residential use, but that does not meet the criteria for a no-impact home occupation and requires review and approval as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with the standards of this chapter.
HOME OCCUPATION, NO-IMPACT
A use that is customarily accessory to, and carried on within a dwelling unit by one or more residents of such dwelling unit in accordance with the standards of this chapter. Such use shall be clearly secondary to the principal residential use, and shall meet the standards for a "no-impact home business" contained in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
A nonprofit private organization comprised of property owners within a unified, planned development, operating under state guidelines for the purpose of administering to the needs of residents the maintenance of commonly owned property and improvements.
HOSPITAL
An accredited medical facility or institution within which the diagnosis, treatment, and care of human ailments is performed primarily on an inpatient basis.
HOTEL/INN
A building arranged or used for short-term public lodging accommodations for compensation by tourists and transient guests.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface that has been compacted or covered with a layer of material so that it prevents or significantly impedes the penetration of water to the underlying soil in the immediate area, does not allow groundwater recharge, and is incapable of supporting vegetation. Such surfaces shall include, but need not be limited to: structures such as roofs, buildings, storage sheds; other solid, paved or concrete areas such as streets, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, patios, decks, swimming pools, tennis or other paved courts; or athletic playfields composed of synthetic turf materials. Compacted soils or stone surfaces used for vehicle parking and movement shall be considered impervious. Surfaces designed to allow infiltration (e.g., areas of porous pavement) will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Borough, based on appropriate documentation, including condition and characteristics of the material, as provided by the applicant.
IMPOUNDMENT AREA
A use associated with and part of the principal use of a vehicle towing service, in which towed vehicles, whether operable or disabled, are stored on a temporary basis until claimed or otherwise disposed of. No dismantling, repair, or similar processes involving vehicles shall take place in such area.
INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
Any structure designed for or intended to provide any form of entertainment not otherwise defined herein as an arcade, regardless of whether a fee is charged, which is owned by either a public or private enterprise and open to the public. Such use includes indoor theater, dinner theater, statutorily authorized betting parlor, indoor amusement park or center, facility providing table games such as billiards or pool, or any facility of the same general character.
INSTITUTIONAL USE
A nonprofit, philanthropic establishment involving buildings and grounds including, but not limited to, service club, museum, cemetery, and places of worship, but excluding state hospitals, treatment facilities for the mentally retarded, prisons, or a principal use customarily carried on as a business, trade, or profession.
JUNKYARD
An area and/or structure used for the collection, storage, and/or sale of used and discarded materials including, but not limited to, house furnishings, wastepaper, scrap metal, building materials, machinery, or wrecked, disabled, or unregistered vehicles or parts thereof, with or without the dismantling, processing, salvaging, or other use or disposition of same. Two or more wrecked, disabled, currently unregistered vehicles or vehicles without a current inspection sticker, or the major parts thereof, excluding farm vehicles or vehicles contained in a towing service impoundment area, shall constitute a junkyard and shall only be stored in a licensed junkyard. Toxic wastes, radioactive materials, poisons and other substances that are potentially harmful to man, as well as the collection, storage, and/or disposal of tires unattached to a vehicle, are excluded from this definition and prohibited as part of a junkyard operation.
KENNEL
An establishment where more than 10 dogs, cats, or like domesticated animals more than four months old are kept, boarded, groomed, trained, raised, or bred for compensation. For the purposes of this use, breeding shall mean the production of two or more litters in any one calendar year. A nonprofit animal shelter shall be deemed a kennel.
LABORATORY
A building or group of buildings in which are located the facilities for scientific research, testing, and experimentation, but not including the manufacture of products for sale.
LAND DEVELOPMENT
Any of the following activities:
(1) 
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts, or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(a) 
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.
(b) 
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.
(2) 
A subdivision of land.
(3) 
Development in accordance with § 503(1.1) of the Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10503(1.1) et seq.
LANDOWNER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase, a lessee when authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner, or other person having a proprietary interest in the land.
LANDSCAPING
The planting of turf, trees, shrubs, and other vegetative materials within the open areas of a lot, including the maintenance and replacement thereof, for the purposes of erosion control, protection against the elements, promotion of human comfort and screening.
LARGE WIND ENERGY SYSTEM (LWES)
A wind energy conversion system with two or more wind turbines, towers, and associated control and conversion electronics that is designed and used to generate power only to offset utility costs on the property where the system is located.
LIFE-CARE FACILITY
A planned residential community for the aged consisting of dwelling units, community centers, health and nursing centers, personal service shops, recreational areas, and common open space.
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE
Any industrial or manufacturing use which is free of noxious, injurious, or otherwise objectionable impacts to neighboring properties and the general community, including, but not limited, to the manufacture and assembly of electrical appliances and equipment, jewelry, precision instruments, optical goods and similar products, light metal finishing, polishing and grinding.
LOADING SPACE
A portion of land area within a lot, accessible from a street or alley, for the temporary use of vehicles while delivering or receiving merchandise or materials.
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.
LOT AREA
The area of land contained within the legal limits of the property lines, exclusive of land area within rights-of-way of public roads.
LOT, CORNER
A lot bounded on at least two sides by streets, whenever the lines of such streets extended form an interior angle of 150° or less. All yards abutting streets shall be considered front yards. The remaining yards shall be treated as side yards (see Appendix).
LOT COVERAGE
The percentage of lot area covered by any and all impervious surfaces.
LOT FRONTAGE
The lot dimension measured along the street line of any street abutting a lot.
LOT, INTERIOR
Any lot which only has access to a street either by an easement or right-of-way, or any lot which has limited frontage on a street serving solely for access to interior lands.
LOT LINE
A property boundary line of any lot held in single and separate ownership. The line shall reflect the legal description of the lot, except that the line abutting a street shall be deemed to be the same as the street right-of-way line.
LOT LINE, FRONT
The line separating the lot from the street line.
LOT LINE, REAR
Any line, except the front lot line, which is parallel to or within 45° of being parallel to and does not intersect any street line.
LOT LINE, SIDE
Any lot line which is not a front lot line or rear lot line.
LOT, REVERSE-FRONTAGE
A lot extending between and having frontage on two generally parallel streets, with vehicular access from only the minor street (see Appendix).
LOT WIDTH
The horizontal distance between side lot lines measured parallel to the street line.
MASSAGE
Any method of treatment or manipulating the superficial soft parts of the human body for remedial, hygienic, or other purposes, consisting of rubbing, stroking, kneading, or other similar treatment accompanied by hand or the use of an instrument.
MASSAGE PARLOR
Any building, structure, or portion thereof located within the Borough which is for the purpose of providing massage of any person except under the assigned order of a licensed physician, osteopath, chiropractor, or registered physical therapist. This definition shall not apply to treatments given in the residence of a patient, the office of a licensed physician, osteopath, registered physical therapist, or chiropractor, or in a regularly established and licensed hospital, extended-care facility, convalescent facility, nursing home, or other health care facility.
MECHANICAL VIDEO GAME OR DEVICE
Any electronic, computerized, or other mechanical device, machine, or apparatus which, upon the insertion of a coin, slug, token, plate, or disk, operates or may be operated as a game or contest of skill, amusement, or entertainment, of any kind or description, whether or not registering a score and whether or not a prize is offered, and which may or may not contain an automatic payoff for the return of money, tokens, or slugs, or which may or may not make any provision whatever for the return of money to the player, or which may or may not provide an award of additional games or additional playing time. Further, a "mechanical video game or device" includes any electronic or mechanical device, machine, or apparatus which is used or may be used in a game of skill and amusement wherein a player initiates, employs, or directs any force generated by the machine or light illustrated on a screen, board, or machine. Such term shall not include any gambling device or other mechanism that has been determined to be a gambling device, the operation of which is contrary to law.
MEDICAL CENTER
A facility for the examination and treatment of ill and afflicted human outpatients, including doctor and dental offices.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Marijuana for certified medical use as legally permitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania pursuant to Act 16 of 2016.[4]
MICROWAVE DISH ANTENNA
A parabolic reflector, together with its supporting members and attachments, used or intended to receive radio or electromagnetic waves from an orbiting satellite.
MIXED COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL CENTER
A tract of land held in single and separate ownership designed and developed from a single, unified plan for a combination of three or more commercial and/or light industrial uses.
MIXED RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY
A tract of land designed and developed from a single, unified plan for a number of dwelling unit types, involving the layout of lots, buildings and improvements, together with a landscaping and open space plan, in order to achieve a community theme and efficient use of shared utilities and roads.
MIXED USE
The utilization of a building or a lot for two or more principal uses.
MOBILE HOME
A transportable structure intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit or in two or more units designed to be joined into a single integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing. A "mobile home" arrives at a site completed and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations and connection to a permanent foundation, including any addition or accessory structure, such as porches, sheds, decks, or additional rooms. A mobile home may qualify as a single-family detached dwelling provided that the mobile home meets all standards as established by all building and other applicable codes of the Borough of Oxford.
MOBILE HOME LOT OR SITE
A parcel of land in an approved mobile home park, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the location thereon of a single mobile home, which is leased by the park owner to the owner or occupants of the mobile home located on the lot.
MOBILE HOME PARK
A parcel of land under single and separate ownership which has been planned and improved for the placement of mobile homes for non-transient use, consisting of two or more mobile home lots.
MOTEL
A building or group of buildings containing lodging accommodations for transients, each of which is provided with a separate exterior entrance and parking space and offered principally for automobile travelers.
MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICE STATION AND/OR REPAIR GARAGE
Buildings and land areas where:
(1) 
Gasoline or other fuel, oil, batteries, tires, or motor vehicle accessories are supplied and dispensed at retail; and/or
(2) 
Mechanical repair, body work, and painting of motor vehicles are conducted; and/or
(3) 
The leasing of vehicles is conducted as an accessory use.
MULTIPLE-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
A development created from a unified plan for multiple-dwelling units, common open space, parking, and other facilities.
MUNICIPAL USE
An activity carried out and maintained by the Borough of Oxford.
MUSHROOM HOUSE
An entirely enclosed building designed and used for the propagation of mushrooms.
MUSHROOM PRODUCTION
The raising and harvesting of mushrooms carried on inside buildings, including accessory operations such as composting for use on the premises only, pasteurization, packaging, and shipping of mushrooms grown on the premises only, and classified as an intensive agricultural use for the purposes of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING BUILDING/STRUCTURE
A structure or part of a structure which does not conform to the applicable area or bulk and setback regulations in this chapter or amendment where such a structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or subsequent amendment. "Nonconforming structures" shall include, but not be limited to, nonconforming buildings and signs.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot held in single and separate ownership which does not conform to one or more of the applicable area or dimension requirements in the district in which it is located.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use, whether of land or of a structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions of this chapter or amendment, where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of this chapter or subsequent amendment.
NURSING HOME
A facility operated for the purposes of providing lodging and skilled nursing care to the invalid, infirmed, disabled, or convalescent persons for compensation, provided that such facility has obtained proper governmental licensure.
OFF-STREET PARKING
A parking space or facility for motor vehicles located outside any street right-of-way.
OPEN SPACE, COMMON
An area or areas of land and/or water, substantially free of structures and paved areas, permanently restricted for common enjoyment and recreational use by residents of a development and possibly the general public.
OUTDOOR CAFE
An area associated with (a) a restaurant, as defined by this chapter; and/or (b) any premises licensed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, pursuant to the regulations of that Board, to conduct business on said premises, but not meeting the definition of "restaurant" in this chapter. The area may be used for the purpose of furnishing food and/or beverages to the public to be consumed on the premises in an area on the sidewalk directly abutting and adjacent to the restaurant or other licensed premises.
PARKING GARAGE
A fully enclosed or partially open building, the principal use of which is for the parking of motor vehicles with or without the charging of a fee.
PARKING GARAGE, PUBLIC
A parking garage, as defined herein, constructed and operated by, or under the authority of, the Borough of Oxford, and which may include a transit center.
PARKING LOT
An off-street, all-weather surfaced area designed solely for the parking of motor vehicles, including driveways, passageways, and maneuvering space.
PARKING SPACE
A reasonably level area available for the parking of one motor vehicle, consisting of a dustless, all-weather surface, and shall include either covered garage space or uncovered parking lot space.
PARTY WALL
A common vertical or horizontal wall that separates two buildings.
PASSIVE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A system or feature that uses solar energy but does not use solar panels or convert the energy to electricity.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
A nonprofit use of land or a building or buildings as a place of worship, convent, monastery, or similar religious institution, including rectory and parish houses for an organization solely or primarily used as a religious institution when located on the same premise.
PLANNED OFFICE PARK
A tract of land designed and developed from a single, unified plan involving the layout of lots, buildings, and improvements, together with a landscaping and open space plan in order to achieve a campus theme and efficient use of shared utilities and roads, excluding residential and heavy industrial uses.
PLANNED SHOPPING CENTER
A tract of land held in single and separate ownership designed and developed from a single, unified plan for a combination of two or more commercial uses.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
The office of a member of a recognized profession maintained for the conduct of his profession, such profession being limited to those of medicine, law, architecture, engineering, music, and other professions which require a similar degree of training and experience.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice published once each week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Borough. Such notice shall state the time and place of hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing. The first publication shall not be more than 30 days and the second publication shall not be less than seven days from the date of the hearing.
PUBLIC UTILITY CORPORATION
A corporation registered and regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
A change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling including public and common use spaces.
REASONABLE MODIFICATION
A structural change made to existing premises, occupied or to be occupied by a person with a disability, in order to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises.
RECREATION LAND
An area of land and/or water, substantially free of structures and paved areas, permanently restricted for common enjoyment and recreational use by residents of a development and possibly the general public.
RECREATION, ACTIVE
Those recreational pursuits which require physical alteration to the area in which they are performed, and that are more formally organized and maintained. Such areas are intensively used and may include, but are not limited to, playgrounds, playing fields, tennis and basketball courts, and swimming pools.
RECREATION, PASSIVE
Recreational pursuits which can be carried on with little alteration or disruption to the area in which they are performed, and which may remain more natural and undeveloped. Such uses may include, but are not limited to, hiking, biking, picnicking, and tot lots.
RECREATIONAL USE, INDOOR
The principal use of a building or part thereof for indoor sports, such as tennis, racquetball, squash, indoor tennis, indoor swimming and those sports activities usually conducted indoors, but excluding target shooting or any other sports or activities that create loud noises or may be dangerous or disturbing to the surrounding properties.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle which is:
(1) 
Built on a single chassis.
(2) 
Not more than 400 square feet measured at the largest horizontal projections.
(3) 
Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck.
(4) 
Not designed for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use.
RECYCLING COLLECTION CENTER
A place for the collection and storage of materials suitable for recycling into usable products of like kind and quality as the materials collected.
REPETITIVE LOSS
Flood-related damages sustained by a structure on two separate occasions by a ten-year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, on average, equals or exceeds 25% of the market.
RESIDENTIAL WIND ENERGY SYSTEM (RWES)
A wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine and associated control or conversion electronics and which is primarily intended to reduce on-site consumption of utility power. A system is considered a residential wind energy system only if it supplies electrical power solely for on-site residential use, except that when a parcel on which the system is installed also receives electrical power supplied by a utility company, excess electrical power generated and not presently needed for on-site use may be used by the utility company.
RESTAURANT
A building in which the principal purpose is the preparation and serving of food and beverages to the public for consumption on or off site, and which contains inside seating facilities and may, in addition, provide outdoor eating and drinking facilities when in accordance with the terms of this chapter. The term may, but need not, include the sale of alcoholic beverages to patrons. The term includes coffee shop, bistro, brew pub, or similar establishment where the principal purpose is to prepare and serve food and beverages and which has indoor seating. The term shall not include a brewery or a tasting room that is associated with a brewery in accordance with Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board regulations, nor shall it include any establishment where the provision of food and beverages, whether prepared on site or prepackaged, is ancillary to the principal use of the property.
RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD
An eating establishment where customers place their orders at a service area located indoors but separate from seating facilities and where food is either served at said seating facilities or taken out for consumption off the premises.
RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD WITH DRIVE-IN SERVICE
An eating establishment as defined above but which also provides service to customers who remain seated in automobiles where customers are served either through an exterior window in the establishment or directly to parked automobiles on the premises.
RETAIL ACTIVITY
A commercial use comprising the sale of commodities and services directly to the general public.
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
A development of individual or multiple dwellings which may include a community center and is designed for individuals and/or couples who do not have resident dependent children.
SEWAGE FACILITIES, PUBLIC
An off-site system for treatment and disposal of sewage in which sewage is conveyed by interceptor to a publicly operated treatment plant and disposed of through means approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
SCHOOL PUBLIC
An educational use operated and/or administered by the Oxford Area School District or its lawful successors, including: public pre-school, elementary/middle, or secondary school; public college; charter school when in accordance with the regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; or similar educational facility for academic instruction, but excluding: (1) private vocational or similar adult trade school or training center; (2) therapeutic, rehabilitative, or correctional institution; and (3) any principal residential use.
SCHOOL PRIVATE
An educational use properly certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including: pre-school, elementary/middle, or secondary school; college; or similar nonpublic or religious educational facility for academic instruction, including home-schooling sites with more than six students, but excluding: (1) private vocational or similar adult trade school or training center; (2) therapeutic, rehabilitative, or correctional institution; and (3) any principal residential use.
SCHOOL TRADE
A facility that is primarily intended for education of a work related skill or craft or a hobby, and that does not primarily provide state required education to persons under age 18; may include, e.g., dancing school, martial arts school, ceramics school, or private vocational training facility.
SELF-SERVICE STORAGE WAREHOUSE
A building or group of buildings divided into individual, separately accessed units that are available for rent or lease for the storage of personal and small business property.
SHADE TREE
A deciduous wood plant which normally grows with one main trunk to a height in excess of 40 feet at maturity and has a canopy which screens sunlight in the summer months.
SIGN
Any billboard, poster, panel, display, illustration, structure or device used for visual communication which is affixed, painted or represented directly or indirectly upon a building or other outdoor surface.
SIGN AREA
The face of a sign, including all lettering, wording, designs, and symbols, together with background, whether open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, including the frame, but not including any supporting framework and bracing. Where a sign consists of individual letters, numbers, characters, or symbols attached to a building, the area of the sign shall be considered to include a square or rectangular pattern as drawn at the outer limits of the letters, words, or representations. When a double-faced sign is erected in such a manner that both sides are not visible from the same vantage point, then only one face shall be used to compute the sign area. In the case of three-or-more-faced signs, only one side shall be excluded from the calculation of the sign area. In the case of a cylindrical sign, 1/2 of the total surface area shall be used to compute the area.
SIGN, ABANDONED
A sign which has not been used to provide information for a period of at least 180 days or is located on lot with a commercial, business, industrial or office use, that has not had an occupant or otherwise engaged in commercial, business, industrial or office operations for a period of 60 days or more.
SIGN, BANNER
A temporary sign that is hung across a street or other accessway, is connected to vertical supports, including buildings, and is typically an off-premises sign announcing a coming event.
SIGN, BILLBOARD
An off-premises freestanding outdoor sign with a sign area that is between 60 and 100 square feet.
SIGN, BUSINESS
A sign identifying an establishment on the lot which sells a product or provides a service or entertainment.
SIGN, DIGITAL
A sign on which the display on the sign face is composed of light emitting diode (LED), halogen, compact fluorescent, incandescent, or similar lamps or bulbs. Digital signs shall only be as specifically set forth in Part 16 of this chapter.
SIGN, DIGITAL CHANGEABLE DISPLAY
A sign on which the display on the sign face may be changed remotely. No digital changeable display sign shall be permitted to project light onto a street or neighboring property. A digital changeable display sign shall not be considered an animated sign. Digital changeable display signs shall be permitted only as specifically set forth in Part 16 of this chapter.
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL
A sign located adjacent to an entry, exit, loading or service area, fire lane, or parking located on a lot.
SIGN, DIRECTORY
A business sign on a tract or building that contains multiple uses.
SIGN, EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED
A sign which is designed to be illuminated by artificial light from a source adjacent to or outside of the sign in such a manner that the source of the light is not directly visible from the street or any other intended vantage point of the sign.
SIGN, FACADE
An identification sign that is located on the facade of a building.
SIGN, FEATHER FLAG
A portable sign associated with a business or institution, constructed of fabric or plastic of any kind.
SIGN, FREESTANDING
A sign, other than a temporary sign, which is self-supporting upon the ground or which is supported by means of poles, pylons, or standards in the ground. A freestanding sign is not attached to a building except by secondary supports such as guy wires. A "ground" or "monument" sign is considered a freestanding sign.
SIGN, GROUND (MONUMENT)
A freestanding sign erected directly on the ground surface.
SIGN, HEIGHT OF
The vertical distance measured from the average ground level immediately below a sign to the highest point of the sign and/or its supporting structure.
SIGN, IDENTIFICATION
A sign on a lot or building which names the use being conducted on or in such lot or building, and which contains no other advertisement.
SIGN, INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED
A sign with which is designed to give forth a static or unchanging artificial light directly or through transparent or translucent material from a source of light within or upon said sign.
SIGN, MANUAL CHANGEABLE DISPLAY
A sign on which the display on the sign face may be changed manually, in-person and not remotely, through use of attachable letters, numerals or graphics or by changing light bulbs. A manual changeable display sign shall not be considered to be an animated sign.
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES
An official, traffic, or public service sign, certain temporary signs, or a billboard that is erected on a property to which it does not relate.
SIGN, OFFICIAL
A sign erected by the state, county, Borough, or other legally constituted governmental body.
SIGN, OFFICIAL (PUBLIC SERVICE)
A sign located on or immediately adjacent to a public service, such as a bus stop or public restroom, or a public utility, such as a telephone, or a service organization, such as Rotary, Lions, Exchange Club, etc.
SIGN, OFFICIAL (TRAFFIC)
A sign erected by the Borough or Pennsylvania Department of Transportation over, on, or adjacent to, a street, road or highway.
SIGN, PORTABLE
An A-frame sign, feather flag sign, or sign of similar character that is placed upon a sidewalk and which is not secured or attached to a structure, to a sidewalk, or to the ground.
SIGN, TEMPORARY
A sign constructed of paper, cloth, canvas or other lightweight material intended to be displayed for a short period of time, normally less than 30 days, unless otherwise provided.
SIGN, WINDOW
A temporary or permanent sign which is oriented to the public pedestrian and/or vehicular right-of-way and may be located on the outside or inside of a window of a commercial, retail, service, or other business establishment.
SINGLE AND SEPARATE OWNERSHIP
The possession of real estate by one or more persons where vested interest is separate and distinct from that of any adjoining property.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
An energy collection and conservation system that takes solar energy and converts it into usable electrical energy, heats water, and/or provides other lawful benefits. Such a system shall include all panels, wiring, and related ancillary equipment, and shall be principally designed and used to generate power to offset utility costs on the property where the system is located.
SOLAR FARM
A solar energy system designed to be a principal use on a parcel and designed to distribute electricity off the site on which the system is located.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION
Permission, approval, or authorization granted by the Zoning Hearing Board for particular uses in accordance with the provisions of Part 19, in situations where provision is made by terms of this chapter.
SPECIFIC ANATOMICAL AREAS
Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttocks; and female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.
SPECIFIC SEXUAL ACTIVITIES
Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy; fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or female breasts.
STANDARD
A provision of this chapter representing a minimum requirement or maximum allowance. "Standards" are designed to be viewed as minimum performance measures and not as regimented requirements.
STORAGE
The keeping or collecting of materials, whether man-made or natural.
STORAGE, OUTDOOR
The keeping or collecting of man-made or natural materials outside a completely enclosed structure.
STREET
A strip of land, including the entire right-of-way, to provide access to more than one lot. The word "street" includes avenue, boulevard, thoroughfare, road, highway, alley, lane, and other ways used or intended to be used by vehicular traffic or pedestrians, whether public or private.
(1) 
STREET, ARTERIALA street which serves high volumes of traffic at relatively high rates of speed, including controlled access bypasses and highways serving the region (See Appendix).
(2) 
STREET, COLLECTORA street which serves as an access between neighborhoods within the Borough and provides access to the arterial street network (See Appendix.)
(3) 
STREET, CUL-DE-SACA local access street intersecting another street at one end and terminating at the other end by a permanent vehicular turnaround.
(4) 
STREET, LOCAL ACCESSA street which solely serves abutting properties and provides access to the collector street network (See Appendix.)
STREET, APPROVED PRIVATE
A street serving two or more lots held in single and separate ownership, constructed and installed according to Borough specifications and not dedicated or accepted by the Borough for public use.
STREET CENTER LINE
A line which is an equal distance from both street lines.
STREET LINE
The legal right-of-way line of a street dividing the legal limit of a public street from a lot, or in the case of a private street, the line dividing a lot from a private street. When a future right-of-way line has been established, the "street line" shall be the line of such future right-of-way.
STREET, PUBLIC
A public thoroughfare which has been dedicated and deeded to the Borough and which affords the principal means of access to the abutting property.
STRIPPING OF TOPSOIL
The removal of sod and topsoil from a tract or portion thereof.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the ground including, but not limited to, buildings, sheds, manufactured homes and other similar items. This term includes any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water whether or not affixed to land.
SUBDIVISION
The division or re-division 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 or access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
SURFACE, ALL-WEATHER
Surfaces which do not absorb precipitation or which do not allow for groundwater recharge. "All-weather surfaces" generally include surface areas of all structures, streets, and other non-absorbing surfaces and include, but are not limited to, concrete, macadam, stone, and gravel.
SWIMMING POOL
A temporary or permanent structure, not enclosed within a building, containing or having the potential to contain a body of water with a minimum depth of two feet.
TATTOO PARLOR
A commercial personal service use where tattoos are provided to customers. Tattooing shall include any method of placing designs, letters, scrolls, figures, symbols, or any other marks upon or under the skin of a human with ink or any other substance, resulting in the coloration of the skin by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin. This definition shall not apply to medical doctors or doctors of veterinary medicine in performance of their professional duties.
TEMPORARY ACCESS CERTIFICATE
A certificate issued by the Code Enforcement Officer as a result of his/her inspection of a property incident to the resale of the property that identifies at least one substantial violation. The purpose of the certificate is to authorize the purchaser to access the property for the purpose of correcting substantial violations pursuant to the maintenance and repair provisions of the Borough Code or other applicable law or regulation.
TEMPORARY USE AND OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE
(1) 
A certificate issued by the Code Enforcement Officer incident to the resale of a property, the purpose of which is the correction of nonsubstantial violations pursuant to the maintenance and repair provisions of the Borough Code or other applicable law or regulation.
(2) 
A certificate issued by the Code Enforcement Officer to permit a] the use of a building, structure, and/or land by certain temporary uses, or b] the use of a portion or portions of a building, structure, or land prior to completion of work authorized by a building permit.
TRACT
One or more lots assembled and presented as a single property for purposes of subdivision or land development and/or building permit application, provided that the lots, when assembled, shall be contiguous (i.e., have significant common boundaries) and not separated or divided by an arterial or collector street.
TRACT AREA
The total acreage of a tract lying within existing property lines, as defined by the deed, prior to the initiation of subdivision or land development.
TRAIL
A corridor through which passes, or will pass, a pedestrian accessway and/or a bikeway. A trail is to serve transportation, commuting, and/or recreational functions as part of an intermodal transportation system. The term "trail" shall include the following:
(1) 
MULTI-USE ARTERIAL TRAILA type of trail that offers low-speed transportation and recreation opportunities to pedestrian and bicycle users. Such trail segments provide the principal connecting routes between destinations within the Borough and to multi-municipal and regional trail systems beyond the Borough.
(2) 
BIKEWAYA type of trail corridor designed primarily for bicycle traffic, as authorized by the Borough. Bikeways may serve transportation and/or recreational functions. Except where a designated bikeway route is contained within a road cartway or road shoulder, bikeways shall exclude all motorized vehicles, except: (a) motorized wheelchairs; (b) e-bikes that are both motorized and able to be operated manually by pedaling; and (c) as authorized by the Borough for maintenance, management, and emergency purposes.
(3) 
LOCAL/COLLECTOR TRAILA type of trail designed as an on-site recreation resource and as a means of connection to one or more multi-use arterial trails. Such trail may, but need not, serve multi-use functions.
UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE (UCC)
The statewide building code adopted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1999 applicable to new construction in all municipalities whether administered by the municipality, a third party or the Department of Labor and Industry. Applicable to residential and commercial buildings, the Code adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC), by reference, as the construction standard applicable with the Commonwealth floodplain construction. For coordination purposes, references to the above are made specifically to various sections of the IRC and IBC.
USE, PRINCIPAL (USE)
The specific, primary purpose for which land or a building is designed, arranged, intended, or for which it is or may be maintained or occupied.
USE, ACCESSORY
An activity subordinate to the principal use of a building or a lot for purposes customarily incidental to those of the principal use.
VARIANCE
Permission, approval, or authorization granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, constituting a modification or deviation from the exact provisions of this chapter as applied to a specific property in accordance with the provisions of Part 19.
VEHICLE TOWING SERVICE
A principal commercial use in which the operator, by means of tow trucks, flat bed trucks, and similar equipment retrieves damaged, disabled, or otherwise inoperative vehicles and relocates or temporarily retains them. Such use may include an impoundment area for towed vehicles, but shall not involve any vehicle service or repair work.
WATER SUPPLY, PUBLIC
A municipally owned and operated system for supplying and distributing water from a common source or sources to two or more users within a franchise area. The system shall be approved by the Chester County Health Department and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
WHOLESALE
The sale of goods and products, not to the general public but for the purpose of resale to the general public.
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (WECS)
Any system designed to convert wind energy into another usable form of energy, such as heat or electricity, for use on the property where the system is located. The system includes all turbines, towers, wind chargers, transmission lines, and any other electrical infrastructure or equipment necessary for the system to function in accordance with this chapter.
WIND TURBINE HEIGHT
The height of a wind turbine as measured from the surface of the turbine foundation to the tip of the rotor at its highest point.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
Any one or a combination of a commercial communications antenna support structure, commercial communications antenna, wireless communications equipment building or cabinet, parking and/or other structures and equipment involved in receiving or transmitting wireless communications or radio signals.
WOODLAND
A tree mass or plant community in which tree species are dominant or codominant and the branches of the trees form a complete, or nearly complete, aerial canopy.
YARD
An open area surrounding a building contained within a lot, in which no building or structure is erected. A "yard" extends parallel to lot lines and street lines and is measured at a distance perpendicular to lot and street lines.
YARD, FRONT
A yard extending the full width of the front lot line.
YARD, REAR
A yard extending the full width of the lot along the rear lot line.
YARD, SIDE
A yard extending the full depth of the lot along a side lot line, between front and rear yards.
ZONING HEARING BOARD
The Zoning Hearing Board of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
ZONING MAP
The Official Zoning Map of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
ZONING OFFICER
The Zoning Officer or Assistant Zoning Officer of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania, as appointed by Borough Council.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The Zoning Ordinance of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
ZONING PERMIT
A statement issued and signed by the Zoning Officer authorizing a proposed use in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 16 CFR 1.1 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[4]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.