All words used in this chapter shall carry their customary dictionary
definitions as provided in the most recent edition of Webster's Collegiate
Dictionary, except where specifically defined herein. Throughout the
document, certain words shall have the meaning assigned to them as
follows:
A.
The definitions contained in this Part 3 shall be observed and applied
in the interpretation of all words.
B.
Words used in the present tense shall include the future.
C.
Words used in the singular number shall include the plural and the
plural the singular.
D.
Words used in the masculine gender shall include the feminine.
E.
The word "shall" is mandatory, not discretionary.
F.
The word "may" is permissive.
G.
The word "should" means strongly recommended or so far as possible.
H.
The word "lot" shall include the words "tract" and "parcel."
I.
The word "building" includes all other structures of every kind regardless
of similarity to buildings.
J.
The phrase "used for" shall include the phrase "arranged for," designed
for," intended for," "maintained for," and "occupied for."
K.
The word "person" includes a corporation, firm, partnership or similar,
as well as an individual.
L.
All measured distances shall be to the nearest integral foot.
M.
Parenthetical words or statements are integral parts of the definitions
in which they are located.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any vehicle that does not have both a current Pennsylvania
license plate and a current safety inspection sticker. This term shall
not apply to any vehicle or equipment used in the normal operation
of a farm owned or leased by the person farming the land.
To stop the use of property intentionally when the use of
property has ceased and the property has been vacant for six months.
Abandonment of use will be presumed unless the owner can show that
a diligent effort has been made to sell, rent or use the property
for a legally permissible use.
Having a common border with or being separated from such
a common border by a right-of-way or easement.
An institution specializing in the educational advancement
of the arts, science or literature.
A publicly maintained and dedicated or a privately maintained
and undedicated thoroughfare that provides direct vehicular passage
from a property to a public street right-of-way.
A subordinate structure existing on the same lot as the principal
or main building devoted to a use incidental to the principal use.
An accessory building may not be constructed on a lot without the
existence of a principal building. Accessory buildings/accessory structures
include play structures 120 square feet or larger or having a height
of 10 feet or more. Accessory buildings/accessory structures shall
also include, but not be limited to, retaining walls four feet or
more in height, sheds, pools, gazebos, pool houses, detached garages,
greenhouses, detached decks, sports courts, freestanding mechanical
or electrical equipment and any similar building or structure.
[Amended 7-13-2020 by Ord. No. 852]
A use located on the same lot as the principal use, customarily
incidental and subordinate to the principal use (e.g., home occupation).
A resin-coated fabric placed around a site or object designed
for the abatement of noise.
See "open space, active."
Activities, such as organized sports, playground activities
or the use of motorized vehicles, that require extensive facilities
or development or that have a considerable impact on the recreational
site.
Area of mixed or singular uses that serve as destinations
for residents and/or visitors.
For small wireless communications facilities, any similarly
situated infrastructure within a 250-foot radius that is of the same
design, construction, or use as the proposed structure. Adjacent structures
may include, but are not limited to, utility poles and streetlight
poles. The height of a structure is the vertical distance measured
from the ground level to the highest point on a structure, not including
antennas mounted on the tower and any other appurtenances.
[Added 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
The definition for this term and for all uses included under
this term shall apply as are provided in Title 68, Part II, Subpart
E, Chapter 55, Section 5502, of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes,
as amended. Such definitions in Pennsylvania Statues are hereby included
by reference, including but not limited to, the definitions for "adult
bookstore," "adult entertainment," "adult mini motion-picture theater,"
"adult motion-picture theater," "sexual activities," "specified anatomical
areas," and "specified sexual activities."
A negative consequence for the physical or economic environment
resulting from an action or project.
A structure utilized to store farm implements, hay, feed,
grain or other agricultural or horticultural products or to house
poultry, livestock or other farm animals, a milk house and a structure
used to grow mushrooms, agricultural or horticultural products. The
term includes a carriage house owned and used by members of a recognized
religious sect for the purposes of housing horses and storing buggies.
The term shall not include habitable space, or spaces in which agricultural
products are processed, treated or packaged and shall not be construed
to mean a place of occupancy by the general public.
Land whose use is devoted to the production of livestock,
dairy animals, dairy products, poultry, poultry products, nursery
plants, Christmas trees, forages and sod crops, grains and feed crops
and other similar uses and activities, including equestrian activities.
An enterprise that is actively engaged in the commercial
production, harvesting and/or preparation for market of crops, livestock
and livestock products or in the 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 in which
farmers normally engage or are consistent with technological development
within the agricultural industry.
A public or private right-of-way, other than a street, road,
crosswalk or easement, that provides secondary access for the abutting
property, or serves as access to a property.
To replace or add exterior building materials, but not including
painting, facade repair, or general maintenance.
Any change or rearrangement in the supporting members of
an existing building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, foundations,
girders or interior partitions; any change in door or window openings;
or any horizontal or vertical enlargement or diminution of a building
or structure.
Any premises where domestic animals are dropped off and picked
up daily for temporary care on site and where they may be groomed,
trained, exercised and socialized, but are not kept or boarded overnight,
bred, sold or let for hire.
Any establishment, or mobile unit, public or private, where
pet animals are bathed, clipped or combed for the purpose of enhancing
their aesthetic value or health, or both, and for which a fee is charged.
This use includes any self-service pet washing business and may be
accessory to a retail use. It does not include incidental bathing
or combing of pets as part of regular animal care performed at an
animal kennel, animal day care or grooming performed on an infrequent
nonprofit basis for hobby or recreational purposes. Animal grooming
service does not include the overnight boarding of any animals.
Any premises where, except as accessory to an agricultural
or veterinary use, dogs and/or cats over three months of age are temporarily
boarded overnight.
Any system of wires, rods, discs, panels, flat panels, dishes,
whips, or other similar devices used for the transmission or reception
of wireless signals. An antenna may include an omnidirectional antenna
(rod), directional antenna (panel), parabolic antenna (disc) or any
other wireless antenna. An antenna shall not include tower-based wireless
communications facilities defined herein. An antenna shall not include
private residence-mounted satellite dishes or television antennas
or amateur radio equipment, including, without limitation, ham or
citizen band radio antennas.
[Amended 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
See "dwelling: multifamily."
A landowner or developer, as hereinafter defined, who has
filed an application for development including his heirs, successors
and assigns.
Every application, whether preliminary, tentative or final,
required to be filed and approved prior to start of construction or
development, including but not limited to an application for a building
permit, for the approval for a subdivision plat or plan or for the
approval of a development plan.
The Peters Township Council.
A professional licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
See "lot coverage."
An area that contains biological, ecological, social or cultural
values that are considered outstandingly significant or critically
important at the local, regional or national level.
A four-lane roadway which functions as an inter-community
link.
A dwelling or building that does not have a yard on all sides
of the structure.
A body politic and corporate created pursuant to Act of May
2, 1945 (P.L. 382, No. 164), known as the "Municipality Authorities
Act of 1945."
An establishment used for the sale of motor fuel and lubricants
and other services, such as lubrication and hand washing or reconditioning
of vehicles and/or the sale, installation or minor repairs of tires,
batteries, mufflers or other automotive accessories; may or may not
include a convenience store and/or a gasoline station as an accessory
use.
Any building in which a business or service involves the
maintenance, servicing, auto body or painting of vehicles.
A general category of activities including automobile repair
garage; gas/automobile service stations; car wash; automobile parts
and supplies; and automobile sales and rental.
A method of projection (axonometric projection) in which
a three-dimensional object is represented by a drawing (axonometric
drawing) having all axes drawn to exact scale, resulting in the optical
distortion of diagonals and curves.
An elevated platform that has means of access with a rail
or balustrade that projects from a wall of a building and is supported
by the building.
A business in which money is kept for saving or commercial
purposes, is invested, is supplied for loans or is exchanged.
An establishment where the principal use is the serving of
alcoholic beverages by the drink to the general public and where food
or packaged beverages may be served or sold as an accessory use. The
establishment may also include entertainment activities, either live
or recorded.
A flood which has a one-percent chance of being equaled or
exceeded in any given year (also called the "one-hundred-year flood").
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.
An enclosed area of a structure partly or completely below
grade.
A detached dwelling unit and operated by the dwelling's owner
in which a maximum of five rooms provide overnight guests sleeping
quarters for a period of not more than 14 consecutive nights in a
thirty-day period, with or without breakfast meals for hire or for
pay. A bed-and-breakfast shall not include a boarding house, group
living facility or hotel.
An earthen mound designed to provide visual interest on a
site, screen and reduce noise, or buffer abutting properties.
A structure for the permanent display of off-premises advertising.
Off-premises advertising 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 (also referred
to as "off-premises sign").
Landscape features designed to reduce silt and pollution
from surface runoff water, consisting of a swaled drainagecourse with
gently sloped sides (less than 6%) filled with vegetation, compost
and/or rock fill.
Property abutting on one side of a street and lying between
the two nearest intersecting or intercepting streets, intersecting
railroad, intersecting waterway, or the end of a dead-end street.
Solar bollards store energy during daylight hours to allow illumination
during the night. They use either a photocell or algorithms that determine
whether the solar cells are receiving light to determine when to illuminate.
A wide, typically divided street, typically lined with trees.
Establishment engaged primarily in the retail sale of prepared
food for consumption, which includes the brewing of beer as an accessory
use. The brewing operation produces beer and ale by mashing, cooking
and fermenting and does not include the production of any other alcoholic
beverage.
A maintained landscape area of a certain depth designed to
set apart one use from the other that may include sidewalks, walking
paths or other pedestrian features when located along a street or
driveway and is planted with a mix of plant types and sizes, including
trees, grass, shrubs or other natural landscaping material in accordance
with the requirements of this chapter. Existing natural plants and
vegetation may also be included within a required buffer area.
[Amended 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
The area of a lot remaining after the minimum setbacks and
open space requirements of the Zoning Ordinance have been met.
A structure or appendage to a structure, permanently affixed
to the land; has one or more floors or stories; and has a roof supported
by walls and/or columns and intended for shelter, housing or enclosure
for any individual, animal, process, equipment, goods or materials
of any kind.
That portion of any exterior elevation on the building extending
from finished grade to top of the parapet, wall, or eaves and the
entire width of the building elevation.
The facade that includes the primary entrance is the front
facade.
The ground floor area of any building, excluding residential
garages and accessory sheds, measured from the outside of the exterior
walls.
The area at the base of each building side that contains
plantings and/or surface for pedestrian movement.
See "height of building."
The line of that face of the building nearest the front line
of the lot. This face includes sun parlors and covered porches, whether
enclosed or unenclosed, but does not include walks, steps or terraces.
A permit for activities regulated under the requirements
of the Peters Township Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision and Land Development
Ordinance (SALDO) and Building Code, including the following activities:
An established line within a lot defining the minimum required
distance between the face of any building or structure to be erected
and the adjacent right-of-way or lot line. Building setback shall
be measured from the right-of-way line if present; if no right-of-way
line exists on the lot, the building setback shall be measured from
the lot line.
The "face of building" includes basements, decks, sunrooms,
foyers, any solid projections exceeding two feet, and any covered
entrances.
"Building setback line" shall also apply to accessory buildings
and structures except for signs, fences and walls, and bus shelters.
Bay windows, roof overhangs, cornice including gutters, extending
less than two feet from a structure, are exempt.
The minimum percentage of windows and doors that must cover
an upper story facade is measured from the top of the finished floor
to the top of the finished floor above. When there is no floor above,
upper story transparency is measured from the top of the finished
floor to the top of the wall plate.
Transparency applies to primary and side street-facing facades
only.
A building in which the principal use of the lot is conducted.
The volume of a building or structure indicating the total
space enclosed by the exterior walls and roof expressed by multiplying
lot coverage and the height of building.
A traffic calming measure used primarily to extend the sidewalk,
protecting vehicles parked on the street and enabling shorter, safer
crossing for pedestrians at intersections.
Establishments engaged in rendering services to businesses
and offices on a fee or contract basis, including, but not limited
to, advertising; mailing; data processing; office supplies; building
maintenance; equipment servicing, rental, leasing and sales; employment
service; and other similar business services.
A standard tree trunk diameter measurement used in the grading
of nursery stock. The caliper is taken six inches above the ground
for trees up to and including four-inch caliper size and 12 inches
above the ground for larger sizes.[1]
Large shade tree with deciduous foliage (leaves lasting only
one growing season, bare in winter) and a canopy at least 25 feet
in diameter at maturity.
A structure or area used for the purpose of cleaning or reconditioning
the exterior and interior surfaces of automotive vehicles but not
including an incidental one-bay washing facility in a gasoline service
station where washing facilities are accessory to the operation of
said service station. A self-operated vehicular laundering facility
not requiring attendants or employees, regardless of capacity, is
also considered to be a car wash.
The improved or paved portion(s) of a street, exclusive of
berm or shoulder, available for vehicular traffic or the portion or
portions between curbs, where curbs are used.[2]
See "basement."
See "commercial wireless telecom antenna."
Land that is reserved for the burying of the dead and that
could contain mausoleums and columbaria but not crematoriums.
The Governor's Center for Local Government Services located
within the Department of Community and Economic Development.
An expanse of common open space that serves as a community
or neighborhood gathering space/focus.
A perceptible natural or artificial waterway which periodically
or continuously contains moving water or which forms a connecting
link between two bodies of water. It has a definite bed and banks
which confine the water.
Chapter 440, Zoning, of the Peters Township Code unless otherwise specified.
Special physical features of a structure or area that sets
it apart or blends in with the surroundings.
A triangular area of unobstructed vision at the intersection
of two streets or of a driveway and a street defined by line of sight
a given distance from the intersection of the center lines of two
streets or the center lines of the driveway and the street.
An establishment that administers or dispenses controlled
substances, according to the direction of a physician in a rehabilitative
context in order to alleviate, suppress or eliminate adverse psychological
or physiological symptoms of medical conditions or the continuous
or sustained use of a narcotic drug. Includes dispensaries that hold
a permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to dispense
medical marijuana as well as clinics, institutions and other entities
designed and operated to manage opioid addiction, to administer opioid
addiction treatment programs and to provide detox treatment to individuals
attempting to overcome an addiction to or dependence on heroin or
other opioids.
A thoroughfare with one-way, counter-clockwise access that
surrounds a public green space on at least three sides, as described
and illustrated in Part 4.
A form of development for single-family residential subdivisions
that permit a reduction in lot area and yard requirements, provided
that there is no increase in the number of lots under a conventional
subdivision and the resultant land area is devoted to open space.
A freestanding, pedestal-style outdoor mailbox, centrally
located within a development that includes mail receptacles for numerous
tenants or residents. Cluster mailboxes should be designed to accommodate
most packages delivered by the postal service, as approved by the
local post master.
[Added 5-13-2019 by Ord.
No. 841]
The mounting of one or more WCFs, including antennas, on
a preexisting structure, or modifying a structure for the purpose
of mounting or installing a WCF on that structure.
[Amended 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
A ubiquitous style of streetlight fixture mounted on a curbside
pole with a generally narrow arm extending out over the roadway and
a generally rounded luminaire at its end. This is the standard lighting
fixture used by PennDOT for most highway applications, available in
a variety of lens configurations and lamp types.
Peters Township follows the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction
Code (PUCC), based on the International Building Code (IBC) and the
International Residential Code (IRC).[3]
A two- to four-lane roadway that functions as an intracommunity
link and serves as a feeder to arterial streets.
Soil material, rock fragments, or both, moved by creep, slide
or local wash and deposited at the base of steep slopes and categorized
as such by the Washington County Conservation District.
The sum of the a.m. peak hour traffic rate and the p.m. peak
hour traffic rate for a specified use where the traffic rates for
the use are those as defined by the most current edition of the Institute
of Transportation Engineers (ITE).
Commercial areas providing limited retail and office goods
and services for nearby residential areas.
A tract of one or more contiguous lots held in single ownership
for the purpose of leasehold or sale as prescribed in this chapter
and the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[4]
See "recreation facility: commercial."
A motor vehicle licensed by the Department of Transportation,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, having a gross vehicle weight in excess
of 17,500 pounds; or any other vehicle, either motorized, self-propelled
or designed to be towed by another vehicle, for use in commercial
or industrial enterprises, such as air compressors, welding units
and the like; or any and all earthmoving equipment, such as bulldozers,
hi-lifts, backhoes, ditching equipment and the like.[5]
Terms and pricing that are reasonably consistent with similar
wireless facility leases and agreements within a fifty-mile radius
of the Township.
[Added 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
Any portion of a development that is not part of a lot, or
open space tract and is designed for the common usage of the development.
See "open space, common."
A guyed monopole or self-supporting tower taller than 10
feet constructed as a freestanding structure or in association with
a building, other permanent structure or equipment, containing one
or more antennas intended for transmitting and/or receiving television,
radio, digital, microwave, cellular, telephone or similar forms of
electronic communication.
A clubhouse or similar structure owned by a homeowners' association
for use by residents of a PRD, or specific subdivision, including
recreational facilities and social rooms.
A use in which land managed by a public or nonprofit organization
or a group of individuals is used to grow plants and harvest food
or ornamental crops for donation or for use by those cultivating the
land.
Higher-density development in which a variety of land uses
are located such that residents and workers are within walking distance
of many destinations.
The characteristics of different land uses or activities
that permit them to be located near each other in harmony and without
conflict.
Streets and roadways that are designed and operated to enable
safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists
and transit riders of all ages and abilities.
A controlled process of degrading organic matter by microorganisms,
including but not limited to the following methods: 1) mechanical;
2) ventilated cell; and 3) windrow. The process may be anaerobic or
aerobic.
A facility in which composting takes place, but not including
composting by a single-family lot owner for personal use.
See "natural gas compressor station."
The collection of stormwater and discharge of same from any
pipe, conduit, channel or swale to a defined location.
Written and graphic documents submitted for personal or conditional
use that indicate subdivision layout or site design and their overall
impact on the subject tract and surrounding neighborhoods.
An authorized use that may be granted only by the Township
Council pursuant to express standards and criteria prescribed in this
chapter, after review and recommendations by the Township Planning
Commission and a public hearing conducted by the Township Council
pursuant to public notice.
A method of ownership applicable mainly to multifamily dwellings.
Under this system, a person obtains title to his individual unit and
in addition becomes a member of a nonprofit condominium association
and, as such, part owner of all land, buildings and amenities within
his condominium project.
A facility used for corporate or professional meetings, seminars
and/or employee training but which may include supporting dining and
lodging facilities and related recreational facilities as accessory
uses.
Physical alternatives linking activities and uses, both within
and outside the neighborhood and activity nodes.
The number of street links (lengths of streets between intersections)
divided by the number of nodes/intersections and link ends (including
culs-de-sac and sharp curves with design speed of 15 miles per hour
or lower). Street connectivity index: Links/nodes = street connectivity
index (higher is more desirable).
A two-lane roadway which functions to facilitate the collection
of traffic from local roads.
The management of natural resources to prevent waste, destruction,
erosion and degradation of the natural environment.
Lands identified in a conservation residential subdivision
application as having important natural values that should be permanently
protected, including:
Slopes of 25% or greater covering a contiguous area of at least
5,000 square feet;
The one-hundred-year floodplain;
Buffer zones of at least 75 feet along all perennial and intermittent
streams;
Wetlands that meet the definition of the United States Army
Corps of Engineers pursuant to the Clean Water Act;
Wildlife habitat areas of species listed as endangered or threatened
by the Pennsylvania Game Commission;
Archaeological sites, cemeteries and burial grounds;
Existing healthy, native forests of at least one acre of contiguous
area;
Individual existing healthy trees greater than eight inches
in caliper, as measured from the outermost dripline;
Prime agricultural lands of at least five contiguous acres;
Existing trails that connect the subdivision to neighboring
areas; and
Other significant natural features and scenic viewsheds, particularly
those which can be seen from public roads.
A nonpossessory interest of a holder in real property, whether
appurtenant or in gross, imposing limitations or affirmative obligations,
the purposes of which include, but are not limited to, retaining or
protecting for the public and economic benefit the natural, scenic
or open-space values of real property; assuring its availability for
agricultural, forest, recreational or open-space use; protecting,
conserving or managing the use of natural resources; and protecting
wildlife; maintaining or enhancing land, air or water quality or preserving
the historical, architectural, archaeological or cultural aspects
of real property.
Any development of land within the boundaries of the Conservation
Residential District that incorporates the concepts of designated
open space and grouping of dwelling units.
An agreement or correspondence between matters being compared
which denotes a reasonable rational, similar connection or relationship.
Those lands in a proposed subdivision that are restricted
from development due to environmental conditions, such as steep slopes,
the presence of wetlands or waterways, or are restricted from development
under ordinances adopted by the Township.
Establishments engaged in rendering services oriented toward
secretarial; financial; photocopying; quick printing and fax; management
and consulting services to Township residents and its visitors.
The extent to which the design of an element or feature complements
and is integrated with the aesthetics of its environs, which may range
in scope, at the discretion of the Township, from the immediate surrounding
area to the Township as a whole. The concept is applicable to transportation
networks, development patterns, streets, alleys, buildings, architecture,
pedestrian amenities, open spaces, landscaping, streetscaping, accessory
structures, utility poles, wireless communications facilities, and
other components of the built environment.
A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves
all stakeholders in providing a transportation facility that fits
its setting.
Parcels, lots, tracts sharing a common property line.
A residential facility or planned residential development
designed, operated and maintained for retired adults, which may include
skilled nursing, intermediate care or personal care facilities as
defined by state licensure requirements, as well as independent living
units.
See "continuing-care facility."
A retail establishment offering for sale food products, household
items and other goods commonly associated with the same and generally
having a gross floor area of less than 10,000 square feet.
The drilling or redrilling of any conventional gas well or
the deepening of any existing conventional gas well.
A vertical well bore that is drilled above the base of the
Elk Sandstone shale formation or its equivalent stratigraphic interval.
A lot bounded on at least two adjacent sides by streets at
their intersection, or upon two parts of the same street forming an
interior angle of less than 135°.
An area of land where a variety of land uses are permitted,
including employment, shopping, and residential.
Any county of the second class through eighth class. Peters
Township is a home rule community within Washington County, Pennsylvania.
A land use and growth management plan prepared by the County
Planning Commission and adopted by the County Commissioners which
established broad goals and criteria for municipalities to use in
preparation of their comprehensive plan and land use regulations.
An open, unoccupied space bounded on two or more sides by
the exterior walls of a building or exterior walls and lot lines.
See "lot coverage."
An establishment containing a furnace where a corpse can
be burned and reduced/cremated to ashes as permitted by the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP).
A street having one end open to traffic and being permanently
terminated by a vehicular turnaround.
A break in a curb allowing access from the roadway or sidewalk
to a property; an integral part of an ADA system and can provide access
for stormwater to a rain garden.
Lighting standards that minimize light pollution and light
trespass and follow the standards of the Illuminating Engineering
Society (IES) and the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).
An establishment that provides supervision and activities,
including nutritional, developmental, rehabilitative, habilitative,
recreational and educational needs, for a portion of a twenty-four-hour
day to four or more persons who are not relatives of an operator if
in a residence. The term does not include services provided for persons
whose needs are such that they can only be met in a long-term care
facility on an in-patient basis receiving professionally supervised
nursing care and related medical and other health services. Establishments
include those licensed, certified or defined by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania as one of the following:
Final adjudication of any board or other body granted jurisdiction
under any land use ordinance or this act to do so, either by reason
of the grant of exclusive jurisdiction or by reason of appeals from
determinations. All decisions shall be appealable to the court of
common pleas of the county and judicial district wherein the municipality
lies. [See MPC § 107(a).[6]]
A floored structure that adjoins a building and is supported
by the ground and serves as an area for outdoor living.
The number of residential dwelling units permitted per acre
or the floor area of nonresidential development permitted per acre.
A set of guidelines regarding the architectural appearance
of a building or zoning district; site and architectural requirements
that establish a baseline to achieve the intended community character
and form envisioned in Plan Peters 2022.
A dwelling or building that has yard areas on each and all
sides.
All land in a proposed subdivision that is not defined as
undevelopable due to environmental conditions or in ordinances adopted
by the Township.
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 a land development.
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, the
placement of mobile homes, streets and other paving, utilities, filling,
grading, excavation, mining, dredging or drilling operations and the
subdivision of land.
The provisions for 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. The phrase "provisions of
the development plan" when used in this chapter shall mean the written
and graphic materials referred to in this definition.
Standards and regulations that limit the size, bulk or siting
conditions of particular types of buildings or uses located within
any designated zoning district.
The process by which a collection of data is compiled and
formatted (often as part of a geographic information system) into
a virtual image. The primary function of this technology is to produce
maps that give accurate representations of a particular area.
A deterioration of structure(s) or building(s) to the point
of being unsafe or unfit for human habitation or use.
When calculating the distance between buildings, the face
of each building shall be calculated in accordance with the definition
of building in "building setback line."
A section or sections of the Township for which the regulations
and provisions governing the use of buildings and lands are uniform.
In general, the removal of surface water from a given area,
commonly applied to surface water and groundwater.
The area of a drainage basin or watershed expressed in acres,
square miles or other unit of area, also called "catchment area,"
"watershed," "river basin" or "tributary area."
A right granted by a landowner to a grantee allowing the
use of private land for stormwater management purposes.
Any digging or boring of a new or existing well to explore,
develop or produce oil, gas or other hydrocarbons, or to inject gas,
water or any other fluid or substance into the earth.
The derrick, all parts and appurtenances to such structure,
and every piece of apparatus, machinery, or equipment used, erected
or maintained for use in connection with drilling.
A building opening, including windows, doors or mechanical
devices, through which occupants of a motor vehicle receive or obtain
a product or service.
A cartway that provides access between a parking space, garage,
building or dwelling and a public street right-of-way.
A shared access by adjacent property owners.
A service drive providing vehicular access between two or
more contiguous sites so the driver need not enter the public street
network.
A privately maintained and undedicated cartway that provides
direct access between a building, structure or parking lot and a public
street right-of-way but does not provide direct access to a parking
space.
See "dwelling: single-family attached." A single residential
structure that is divided into two dwelling units each of which has
a separate entrance.
A building designed or used exclusively as living quarters.
The following dwelling types are included in this chapter:
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHEDA detached residential building which is the only principal structure on the lot, designed exclusively for occupancy by one family, as defined herein, and containing one dwelling unit. This category includes patio homes, which are typically developed at a density greater than one unit per 5,000 square feet as part of a development or subdivision containing three or more dwelling units.
SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHEDA building containing more than one dwelling unit attached to two or more dwelling units by common vertical wall(s). Single-family attached dwellings each shall have separate access to the outdoors not shared with the access of other dwelling units. This category includes duplexes.
MULTIFAMILYA residential building designed exclusively for occupancy by three or more families living independently of each other and containing three or more dwelling units that may have common corridors and shared exit and entrance facilities. This definition includes condominiums and apartments.
The maximum number of dwelling units permitted per acre or
per lot.
A site within a manufactured home park and/or mobile home
park with required improvements and utilities that is leased for the
long-term placement of manufactured homes and/or mobile homes.
One or more rooms for living purposes, together with individual
cooking and sanitary facilities, which are accessible from the outdoors,
either directly or through an entrance hall shared with other dwelling
units.
A right of limited use of private property granted but not
necessarily dedicated for public or quasi-public purposes, and within
which the landowner and/or developer of the lot shall not erect any
permanent structure but shall have the right to make any other use
of the land which is not inconsistent with the rights of the grantee.
An easement created for the purpose of providing vehicular
or pedestrian access to a property.
See "conservation easement."
A notice given by a municipality through the Internet of
the time and place of a public hearing and the particular nature of
the matter to be considered at the hearing. [See MPC § 107(a).]
A condition that 1) constitutes a clear and immediate danger
to the health, welfare, or safety of the public, or 2) has caused
or is likely to cause facilities in the rights-of-way to be unusable
and result in loss of the services provided.
An area utilized for the maintenance, fueling, storage, dispatching
or parking of vehicles and/or equipment providing rescue or ambulatory
services, excepting rescue services offered from a fire station, and
where the area may or may not include buildings utilized in connection
therewith.
The averaging period will be as specified in Part 6 for crematories;
the averaging period will be for actual time the cremation process
is occurring, not including down time.
Operations that involve the transmittal of seismic waves
to model the geophysical properties of the earth's crust.
A licensed professional engineer registered as such in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
An addition to the floor area of an existing building, an
increase in size of another structure, or an increase in that portion
of a lot of land occupied by an existing use.
A commercial horse, donkey, and/or mule facility, which includes
horse ranches, boarding stables, riding schools and academies, horse
exhibition facilities (for shows or other competitive events), pack
stations, and barns, stables, corrals and paddocks accessory and incidental
to such uses.
A lot or portion of a lot where a business stores large equipment
or heavy machinery that is necessary for outdoor business operations.
The provision of distribution systems by municipal or other
government agencies regulated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
or other governmental agencies of underground or overhead gas, electrical,
steam or water pipes, sewers, conduit, fire alarm boxes, traffic signals,
fire hydrants and other similar equipment and accessories in connection
therewith, reasonably necessary for the furnishing of adequate services
by such public utilities or municipal or governmental agencies or
for the public health and safety or general welfare. Essential services
also include municipal and community sewage disposal systems.
The elevation at a point on the boundary of the identified
floodplain area that is nearest to the construction site in question.
Large lot subdivision design. In the Woodland Protection
Overlay Zone, two-acre minimum lot size and two-and-one-half-acre
minimum lot size for corner lots. The intent is to maximize the amount
of land that remains undisturbed during both home construction and
installation of the public improvements.
A business that uses or the act of using heavy machinery
and equipment to cut, scoop, dig or otherwise alter the earth usually
for construction purposes.
Land designated for construction of internal roads and streets
and associated rights-of-way and private lots.
A green space created by the splitting of a street.
The exterior wall of a building exposed to public view.
An automotive retail business that is authorized by the parent
corporation to sell new and previously owned vehicles. A repair shop,
detailing service, parts department and showroom are usually also
part of the business.
One of the following:
All persons living in the same household who are related by
birth, marriage or adoption; or
Those defined as such by the United States Code or Federal Register;
or
No more than four unrelated individuals occupying a premises
and living as a single housekeeping unit, as distinguished from a
group occupying a boardinghouse, group living facility, hotel or motel.
A residential accessory use providing supervision and activities,
including nutritional, developmental, rehabilitative, habilitative,
recreational and educational needs, for a portion of a twenty-four-hour
day to up to six children unrelated to the operator.
A plot of land containing not fewer than 10 acres upon which
are maintained, grown or produced for sale or use, domestic livestock,
dairy products, poultry, eggs, fruit and vegetables or such other
crops as are usually or customarily grown or produced in this locality,
including indoor or outdoor grown nursery stock.
An occasional or temporary market held in an open area or
in a structure where fresh agricultural products are sold directly
to the consumer generally by vendors who have raised the vegetables
or produce or have taken the same on consignment for retail sale.
Federal Communications Commission.
A barrier that encloses a field, yard, etc., usually made
of posts and wood or wire, used to prevent entrance, to confine or
to mark a boundary.
See "recreation facility, commercial."
A lot which is separated from all road rights-of-way by another lot or lots and which is connected to some right-of-way by a private access strip narrower than the minimum required lot width for the applicable zoning district. See § 440-1204, Appendix 02H, Yard Locations: Flag Lot in Part 12, Appendixes.
A pattern of changing light illumination where the sign illumination
alternates suddenly between fully illuminated and fully nonilluminated
in a time frame of less than four seconds.
A dwelling unit located above a nonresidential use.
A nonresidential use, primarily for office and industrial
type uses, where building space can be easily or repeatedly arranged
or transformed into multiple rooms for multiple tenants.
A relatively flat or low land area which is subject to partial
or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or
watercourse; and/or any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation
of surface waters from any source.
The areas of Peters Township identified on Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) maps within the one-hundred-year and five-hundred-year
flood zones or further defined by hydraulic calculations prepared
by a registered engineer.
A habitable area of uniform elevation that is contained within
the face of the exterior walls.
A ratio equal to the gross floor area of a building divided
by a lot's gross buildable area.
A center point of activity, usually an open space or common
area used as a community gathering or activity center. A focal point
often serves as a landmark and identity element for the community.
All activities connected with growing and harvesting of forest products, including the site preparation, cultivation and logging of trees, and the construction and maintenance of roads. See Chapter 402 of the Township Code.
The management of forests and timberlands when practiced
in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing,
cultivating, harvesting, transporting and selling trees for commercial
purposes, which does not involve any land development.
Water obtained from a potable water source of the commonwealth,
such as a hydrant, stream, lake, water well, spring or other source
that has not been treated or utilized in commercial or industrial
operations.
A temporary open-air stand or place for the seasonal selling
of agricultural produce. A fruit/vegetable stand is portable and capable
of being dismantled or removed from the sales site.
A building used for the embalming and/or cremation of the
deceased prior to burial and for the viewing of the deceased and ceremonies
connected therewith before burial or cremation.
A room or structure in which original works of art or limited
editions of original art are bought, sold, loaned, appraised, or exhibited
to the general public.
A portion of a residential yard or lawn that is used for
the cultivation of flowers, vegetables, herbs, fruit, trees, shrubs
or other plant materials typically for personal use.
See "dwelling: multifamily."
A structure and surrounding land having pumps and storage
tanks where fuel, gasoline, oil or other similar products are dispensed,
sold or offered for sale at retail only; vehicle service is minor
and incidental; and accessory uses may include a convenience store.
Fuel pumps may exist as an accessory use to other primary uses as
specified.
That which exhibits consistency.
An electrical power generating plant with a nominal electric
generating capacity of less than 25 megawatts; a pipeline that is
less than 16 inches in diameter and less than five miles in length
used to carry geothermal resources; and related or supporting equipment
and facilities.
Any groundwater, steam or other fluid 250° F. or greater
that is used for its thermal characteristics.
The effect produced by brightness sufficient to alter or
impair visual performance and visibility.
The Peters Township Council.
The act of changing the natural contour of the land in any
way.
Cost-effective, resilient design solutions that strategically
leverage natural and seminatural areas, conditions and/or resources.
A percentage which, when multiplied by the lot area, will
determine the minimum area which must be landscaped. The use of Grasscrete,
Mono Slab or equal in place of paving shall not be counted as green
area.
An open space surrounded by walls or buildings adjoining,
or with a building such as a large house or housing complex.
A structure typically with glass or other transparent materials
in which temperature and humidity can be controlled for the cultivation
or protection of plants utilized for residential or commercial purposes
and which exceeds 250 square feet in size.
A structure typically with glass or other transparent materials
in which temperature and humidity can be controlled for the cultivation
or protection of plants utilized for residential purposes and which
does not exceed 250 square feet in size.
A corridor of open space. Greenways vary greatly in scale,
from narrow ribbons of green that run through urban, suburban and
rural areas to wider corridors that incorporate diverse natural, cultural
and scenic features. They can incorporate both public and private
property, and can be land- or water-based. Greenways are often associated
with trails.
A density unit of measure for establishing or tabulating
the number of dwelling units per gross acre.
A density standard establishing the number of dwelling units
allowed to be built within a subdivision.
The sum of the gross area of all floors of a building measured
from the face of exterior walls. Gross floor area calculations shall
not include parking structures. [See also "floor area ratio (FAR)."]
The total area, measured in square feet, of a lot or parcel
that is used for development.
Water in that portion of the generally recognized hydrologic
cycle which occupies the pore spaces and fractures of saturated subsurface
materials. Groundwater often supplies wells and springs and is often
withdrawn for domestic, agricultural, municipal, industrial and other
beneficial uses.
A residential facility designed, operated and maintained
for adults which may include skilled nursing, intermediate care, or
personal care facilities, as well as independent living facilities.
This use shall not include a home for persons who are currently addicted
to alcohol or narcotic drugs or are criminal offenders serving on
work release or probationary programs. (See "transitional facility.")
TYPE AA dwelling unit shared by five to 15 persons who require assistance and/or supervision and who reside together in a family-type environment. These facilities shall be maintained and operated by appropriately licensed and/or certified practitioners.
TYPE BA residence for between 16 and 130 units, plus attending staff, that functions as a housekeeping unit, with a maximum of 60 continuum-of-care living units. This use may include limited convenience services (shared dining, nursing, beauty/barber shops, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, and similar facilities) for the use of the residents and guests co-located within the facility. These facilities shall be maintained and operated by appropriately licensed and/or certified practitioners.
A residence that is safe and fit for human habitation. A
habitable structure shall provide basic amenities (adequate heat,
hot water, and plumbing), and a sound structure that does not pose
unreasonable safety risks is required. Tenants have various remedies
when premises become substandard.
A substance (solid, liquid or gas) that when released is
capable of creating harm to people and/or the environment.
The vertical distance measured from the ground level, including
any base pad, to the highest point on a communications tower, including
antennas mounted on the tower and any other appurtenances.
The vertical distance measured from the average elevation of
a proposed finished grade at the front of the building, and the opposite
side of the same building. [the average of the highest and lowest
elevation along natural or improved grade (whichever is more restrictive)
along the front of the building parallel to the primary street setback
line], to:
[Amended 10-11-2021 by Ord. No. 869]
 |
The vertical distance measured from the top of the sign structure
to the mean finished grade at the base of the sign, provided that
the ground level is not elevated to increase the height of the sign.
See Part 7.
[Amended 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
A use or a service conducted entirely within a dwelling by
the residents thereof, which use is clearly secondary to the use of
the dwelling for living purposes and which does not change the residential
character thereof.
A business or commercial activity administered or conducted
as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the use as a residential
dwelling and which involves no customer, client or patient traffic,
whether vehicular or pedestrian, pickup, delivery or removal functions
to or from the premises in excess of those normally associated with
residential use. It must satisfy the following requirements:
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential
use of the property and surrounding residential uses.
The business shall employ no employees other than family members
residing in the dwelling.
There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling
or inventory of a substantial nature.
There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including,
but not limited to, parking, signs or lights.
The business activity may not use any equipment or process which
creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical or electronic
interference, including interference with radio or television reception,
which is detectable in the neighborhood.
The business activity may not generate any solid waste or sewage
discharge, in volume or type, which is not normally associated with
residential use in the neighborhood.
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling
and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.
The business may not involve any illegal activity.
A community association, other than a condominium association,
which is organized in a development in which individual owners share
common interests in open space or facilities.
An institution providing primary health services and medical
or surgical care to persons, primarily inpatients, suffering from
illness, disease, injury, deformity and abnormal physical or mental
conditions, and including, as an integral part of the institution,
related facilities, such as laboratories, outpatient facilities or
training facilities.
One or more buildings providing temporary lodging primarily
to persons who have residences elsewhere. The structure(s) have an
interior hall and lobby with access to each room from such.
A scale appropriate, specific, or comprehensible to people,
especially with reference to architecture or design.
Soils, classified by the Washington County Conservation District,
whose major components are conducive to wetland conditions, are located
in a high water table and are saturated with water close to the surface
most of the year. Hydric soils in Peters Township include: Purdy.
The floodplain area specifically identified in this chapter
as being inundated by the one-hundred-year flood. Included would be
areas identified as Floodway (FW), Flood Fringe (FF), and General
Floodplain (FA).
Any material that resists the entrance or passing through
of water or other liquids.
The percentage of land utilized by impervious surfaces: buildings,
structures, paving, parking structures, swimming pools and recreational
sport courts/surfaces.
Impermeable; not allowing or allowing only with great difficulty
the infiltration of water.
Being likely to ensue as a chance or minor consequence.
A land development on a tract on one or more contiguous lots
held in single ownership or control for the purpose of leaseholds
or sale as prescribed in this chapter and the Subdivision and Land
Development Ordinance or where any land, building or premises which
involves a group of two or more buildings, or the division or allocation
of land or space between or among two or more existing or prospective
occupants by means of, or for the purpose of streets, common areas,
leaseholds, building groups or other features is considered a land
development and is regulated by the Peters Township Subdivision and
Land Development Ordinance,[8] in addition to this chapter. (See Part 4.)
See "light industry."
Open spaces shall be contiguous visually, environmentally
and functionally. As stated by the American Planning Association,
open space is:
An interconnected system of parks, and open space is manifestly
more beneficial than creating parks in isolation.
Communities can use parks to help preserve essential ecological
functions and to protect biodiversity.
When planned as part of a system of green infrastructure, parks
can help shape urban form and buffer incompatible uses.
Cities can use parks to reduce public costs for stormwater management,
flood control, transportation, and other forms of built infrastructure.
A pattern of changing light intensity, other than that achieved
with immediate, fade or dissolve transitions, where any message remains
static at least four seconds.
An area of land, with or without buildings, used for the
storage or abandonment, inside or outside a completely enclosed building,
of used and discarded materials, including, but not limited to, wastepaper,
rags, metal, building materials, house furnishings, machinery, vehicles,
or parts thereof, with or without the dismantling, processing, salvage,
sale or other use or disposition of the same.
Any self-propelled, fuel-powered vehicle that has any part
of the body missing, broken windshield, wheels off, motor out, transmission
out, or any part that prevents the vehicle from moving on its own
power, and any other mobile equipment that has parts missing, that
is pulled or towed by another fuel-powered vehicle. This shall not
apply to any vehicle or equipment used in the normal operation of
a farm owned or leased by the person farming the land.
The boarding and care of horses and/or ponies used for recreational
purposes for one's family.
See "animal kennel."
See "research and development."
Either:
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots of
land for any purpose involving:
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
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.
A subdivision of land.
The Peters Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance,
in addition to this chapter, shall control all land developments.
A description of how land is occupied or utilized.
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 any other person having a proprietary interest in the land.
A professional licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
See "buffer area."
Light emitting diode.
The process of assembling premanufactured materials or components
with minimal use of chemical and/or mechanical processes.
A facility for the processing and fabrication of certain
materials and products where no process involved produces noise, vibration,
air pollution, fire hazard or noxious emission which will disturb
or endanger neighboring properties. "Light industry" includes, but
is not limited to, the production of the following goods: home appliances;
electronic devices; timepieces; jewelry; optical goods; musical instruments;
novelties; wood products; printed material; ceramics; apparel; lightweight
metal castings; film processing; pharmaceutical goods and food products,
but not animal slaughtering or curing or rendering of fats.
Controlling light output by adding shielding fixtures that
direct light where it is needed enhancing performance through strategic
light guidance.
Light standards or placements no greater than 14 feet in
height placed among sidewalks or walkways.
The accessory use of a dwelling unit for temporary rental
for occupancy for dwelling, sleeping or lodging. There are two categories:
LIMITED LODGING, SHORT-TERMThe accommodation of visitors conducted in a dwelling unit, the primary use of which is for household living, and where the total accommodations of visitors provided is for fewer than 91 days per year but where the provision of lodging to any particular visitor is for no more than 30 consecutive days. This limited use does not require a use permit.
LIMITED LODGING HOMEThe accommodation of visitors conducted by the primary resident of the dwelling unit, the main use of which is for household living, and where the total accommodations of visitors provided is for greater than 90 days per year but where the provision of lodging to any particular visitor is for no more than 30 consecutive days. In no instance may limited lodging be provided for more than 180 days per year. For purposes of this definition, the "primary resident" shall mean either: 1) the owner of the dwelling unit; or 2) a renter a) who lives in the dwelling unit more than half of the year and b) who is authorized by the owner to provide limited lodging. A limited lodging home is required to obtain a use permit. See Part 6, Supplemental Regulations.
A device that raises the pressure of a compressible fluid
(gas) in order for the gas to be transported through a pipeline.
That area of a lot utilized for loading and unloading of
goods, deliveries and/or servicing of rubbish, fuel or other similar
functions.
A two-lane roadway which functions to give access to individual
land parcels.
See "private club."
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 subject to the requirements of this chapter.
A percentage which, when multiplied by the lot area, will
determine the maximum permitted area for building footprints.
[Amended 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
The average horizontal distance between the front and rear
lot lines.
A line of record bounding a lot which divides one lot from
another lot or from a public or private street or other public space.
A lot established by a recorded plat or deed prior to July
18, 1959; or a lot that was approved by the governing body of Peters
Township.
The horizontal distance between side lot lines measured along
the minimum building setback line.
A notice given by a municipality by first class mail of the
time and place of a public hearing and the particular nature of the
matter to be considered at the hearing [MPC § 107(b)[9]].
Businesses engaged in the mechanical or chemical transformation
of materials or substances into new products, including the assembling
of component parts, the manufacturing of products and the blending
of materials.
A roof-like structure of a permanent nature which projects
from the wall of a building and may overhang into a required yard.
A voluntary negotiating process in which parties in a dispute
mutually select a neutral mediator to assist them in jointly exploring
and settling their differences, culminating in a written agreement
which the parties themselves create and consider acceptable.
A facility used to convert marijuana to usable marijuana
and marijuana-infused products, owned by a person (including a natural
person, corporation, partnership, association, trust or other entity
or combination thereof) that holds a permit from the Pennsylvania
Department of Health to grow and process marijuana.
Low-volume craft brewing, distilling or wine production facility.
Shall not apply to any facility annually producing more than 15,000
barrels of beer or 20,000 gallons of wine, spirits or cider.
A pedestrian street crossing in between two intersections.
The removal of any aggregate or mass of mineral matter, whether
or not coherent. The term includes, but is not limited to, limestone
and dolomite, sand and gravel, rock and stone, earth, fill, slag,
iron ore, zinc ore, vermiculite and clay, anthracitic and bituminous
coal, coal refuse, peat and crude oil and natural gas.
A building or facility where gambling games are played, as
recognized by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board as a Category
4 casino. These facilities may operate between 300 and 750 slot machines
and 30 table games; with the ability to petition the Gaming Control
Board to add an additional 10 gaming tables after holding their license
for one year, or as amended by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
[Added 5-13-2019 by Ord.
No. 841]
A two-lane roadway which functions to give access to individual
land parcels.
Any development of land within the boundaries of the Mixed
Residential District that incorporates a variety of housing types
and densities organized in a cohesive, well-connected neighborhood.
A land development that integrates a combination of nonresidential
and/or residential land uses on one lot or a series of contiguous
lots.
A transportable single-family dwelling intended for permanent
occupancy, contained in one unit or in two units designed to be joined
into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated
towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except
for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, and constructed
so that it may be used without a permanent foundation. The term does
not include recreational vehicles or travel trailers.
A lot of land in a mobile home park, improved with the necessary
utility connections and other appurtenances prescribed in this chapter
for the erection thereon of a single mobile home, which is leased
by the park owner to the occupants of the mobile home erected on the
lot. "Mobile home lot" is synonymous with "mobile home berth."
A lot of land of 10 acres or more under single ownership
that has been planned and improved for the placement of mobile homes
for nontransient use in accordance with this chapter and the Subdivision
and Land Development Ordinance.[10]
The act of an individual who is physically and mentally capable
of vacating the home on his/her own power in the case of an emergency,
including the capability to ascend or descend stairs if present on
the exit path.[11]
One or more buildings providing temporary lodging primarily
to persons who have residences elsewhere, in guest rooms, each of
which has a separate outside entrance leading directly to rooms from
outside the building.
The physical change in position of any visible illumination
source while lighted or the simulation of movement achieved with a
pattern of sequentially illuminating visible illumination sources
within close proximity to each other.
An antenna that is designed to receive video programming
services via multipoint distribution services, including instructional
fixed services, and local multipoint distribution services.
See "dwelling, multifamily."
A land development on one or more contiguous lots of five
to 50 acres, held in single ownership at time of recording for the
purpose of residential multifamily leaseholds or condominiums as prescribed
in this chapter and the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.
See "authority."
A professional engineer licensed as such in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, duly appointed as the engineer for a municipality,
planning agency or joint planning commission.
The Municipalities Planning Code of Pennsylvania as adopted
by Act 247 of 1968 as reenacted and amended.[12]
A channel or surface where a recurring flow of water is dictated
by existing geography.
A facility designed and constructed to compress natural gas
that originates from an oil and gas well or collection for such wells
operating as a midstream facility for delivery of oil and gas to a
transmission pipeline, distribution pipeline, natural gas processing
plant or underground storage field, including one or more natural
gas compressors, associated buildings, pipes, valves, tanks, and other
equipment.
Components of natural gas that are liquid at the surface
of in-field facilities or in gas-processing plants. Natural gas liquids
can be classified according to their vapor pressures as low (condensate),
intermediate (natural gasoline) and high (liquefied petroleum gas)
vapor pressure. Natural gas liquids include propane, butane, pentane,
hexane and heptanes, but not methane and ethane, since these hydrocarbons
need refrigeration to be liquefied. The term is commonly abbreviated
as "NGL."
See "processing plant."
A subarea of the Township in which the residents share a
common identity focused around a school, park, commercial district,
or natural features.
The gross area of a lot reduced by all constrained land.
The usable floor area of a building.
See "net buildable area."
A percentage that, when multiplied by the net lot area, determines
the maximum permitted area for buildings, structures and paving, including
swimming pools and recreational courts/surfaces.
Any structure or building or part of a structure or building
manifestly not designed to comply with the applicable area and bulk
regulations in this chapter or amended heretofore or hereafter enacted,
where such building or structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment
of this chapter or amendment, or prior to the application of this
chapter or amendment to its location by reason of annexation. Such
structures include, but are not limited to, nonconforming signs.
A lot which does not meet the current requirements of this
chapter as to area or dimension in the zoning district in which it
is located. Some nonconforming lots may be a lot of record. This is
a lot, the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to the adoption
or amendment of a zoning ordinance.
Any lawful sign that does not conform to the applicable sign
regulations of the district in which it is located, either on the
effective date of this chapter or as a result of subsequent amendments
thereto.
Any use, whether of land or of structure, which does not
comply with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or amendment
heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence
prior to the enactment of this chapter or any amendment, or prior
to the application of this chapter or amendment to its location by
reason of annexation.
All nontower wireless communications facilities, including,
but not limited to, antennas and accessory equipment. Nontower WCFs
shall not include support structures for antennas or any accessory
equipment that is mounted to the ground or at ground level.
[Amended 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
A lot of land that qualifies as a farm on which trees and/or
plants are raised or stored for transplanting and sale.
Any institutional building licensed by the commonwealth for
the in-patient care of persons requiring full-time, intermediate or
skilled nursing care within the context of a planned program of care
and administrative management and/or nursing care and related medical
or other health services, but not requiring hospitalization.
Any wall, dam, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile abutment,
projection, excavation, channel, rectification, culvert, building,
fence, stockpile, refuse, fill, structure, or matter in, along, across,
or projecting into any channel, watercourse, or flood-prone area,
which may impede, retard or change the direction of the flow of water
either in itself or by catching or collecting debris carried by such
water or is placed where the flow of the water might carry the same
downstream to the damage of life and lot.
A required permit allowing occupancy of a building, structure,
or space within a building after it has been determined that the building,
structure or space meets all the requirements of applicable ordinances.
A building or portion of a building wherein services are
performed involving predominantly administrative, professional or
clerical operations of a business, profession, service, industry or
government. Office includes any type of office that may not be defined
as administrative, professional, clerical, business, corporate, government,
medical, or warehouse.
A building designed or primarily used for office purposes,
no part of which is used for manufacturing or retail sales.
A building or a series of buildings or rooms where one or
more licensed medical professionals provide diagnosis and treatment
to the general public without surgical procedures that require overnight
observation. A medical office shall include such uses as reception
areas, offices, consultation rooms, examination rooms and x-ray rooms,
provided that all such uses have access only from the interior of
the building. A medical office shall include urgent care facilities,
but shall not include a pharmacy.
A building or structure that can be subdivided by multiple
tenants primarily for business or administrative office uses associated
with warehousing, and where warehousing is an accessory use to the
office use.
Shall consist of the area occupied by the facilities, structures,
and equipment necessary for or incidental to the drilling or operation
of an oil or gas well, excluding natural gas processing plants and
compressor stations.
A flood that, on the average is likely to occur once every
100 years (i.e., that has a one-percent chance of occurring each year,
although the flood may occur in any year). It is defined by 4.99 or
more inches of rain in a twenty-four-hour period.
An intentionally undeveloped lot of land used for agriculture,
forestry, natural habitat, pedestrian corridors and/or recreational
purposes that is undivided and permanently protected from future development.
Used to describe land formalized for organized activities
such as:
All open space, focal points, paved and/or vegetated, enclosed
or open, that allows for community gathering or activity.
Land preserved in perpetuity as open space.
Outdoor areas that are principally designed for use in an
unstructured or informal way, and may consist of land protected and
managed as a natural environment with passive recreation value and
minimal development. Passive open space may include activities such
as:
Land set aside for protection of natural resources. Primary
open space shall include:
Slopes of 25% or greater covering a contiguous area of at least
5,000 square feet.
The one-hundred-year floodplain.
Buffer zones of at least 25 feet (measured from the average
edge of stream) in width along all perennial and intermittent streams.
Wetlands that meet the definition used by the United States
Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual [Technical Report
Y-87-1 (January, 1987)].
Wildlife habitat areas of species listed as endangered or threatened
by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Archaeological sites, cemeteries and burial grounds.
Undeveloped land owned by a local government body, or owned
by public body (e.g., a not-for-profit organization) and held in trust
for the public good. It may further be defined as:
Land set aside for the protection/conservation of natural
and/or cultural significance. Secondary open space shall include:
Any person, partnership, company, corporation, including
its subcontractors and agents, who are actively engaged in the exploration
or drilling for producing or transporting oil or gas.
The keeping of any discarded goods, junk, material, merchandise,
or junked or abandoned vehicles outside of a structure in the same
place for more than one week; or the stockpiling of materials, merchandise,
supplies on an on-going basis except during construction. The storage
of any material, merchandise, supplies, equipment, etc., not in an
enclosed building.
Points or areas at which stormwater runoff leaves a site,
which may include streams, storm sewers, swales, or other well-defined
natural or artificial drainage features, as well as areas of dispersed
overland flows.
Any projection exceeding the vertical plane of the foundation.
Examples: bay window, roof cornice, gutters, and direct vent fireplaces.
A zoning district that encompasses one or more underlying
zoning districts and that imposes additional requirements or provisions
above that required by the underlying zoning district.
Land designated for the purpose(s) of recreation and leisure
and maintained by a private or public entity as such.
A cartway that provides internal circulation within a parking
lot and direct access to a parking space.
An off-street space available for the parking of one motor
vehicle, exclusive of passageways and driveways appurtenant thereto
and giving access thereto, and having direct access to a street, alley,
or aisle.
A surface parking lot, or a deck parking lot surrounded on
all four sides with buildings and accessed through a portal typically
located in a mid-block location.
A land surface or structure providing vehicular parking spaces
off of a street together with drives and maneuvering lanes to provide
access for entrance and exit for the parking of motor vehicles.
An area utilized to meet the parking requirements of this
chapter, including the parking aisles that provide access to the parking
spaces, but not including any streets or driveways that provide access
to the parking lot.
The act of hiding parking lots by placing buildings or plantings
to block views of off-street parking.
A building with multiple stories of off-street parking spaces
where vehicles are temporarily stored with or without a nominal fee,
in association with occupational, retail, entertainment, recreational,
municipal, educational or residential use(s).
A public or private parking area used jointly by two or more
uses.
An on-grade surface area, usually paved, adjoining a house
or freestanding and serving as an area for outdoor living.
See "dwelling: single-family detached."
Any surface that is nonporous and that does not allow earth
and grass to be visible.
A percentage which, when multiplied by the lot area, will
determine the permitted ground area which may be covered with an impervious
material: Such area shall not include the area occupied by the building
or covered by the roof of the building.
A weighted average vehicle trip generation rate, as defined
by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, occurring during the
hour of highest volume of traffic entering and exiting a site in the
morning (a.m.) or afternoon/evening (p.m.).
A public space for pedestrians, not to be used for overnight
activities, that includes a variety of opportunities for sitting,
relaxation, reading, and informal picnicking.
A public gathering place that is designed and maintained
with features such as benches, sitting walls, plantings, and other
landscape features.
See "human scale."
The standard building code system that is in use in Peters
Township. It is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and
the International Residential Code (IRC) and all other applicable
codes.
The final authorization of a permit application by the Township
Zoning Officer or Building Official.
The application form provided by the Township for the type
of construction or use being applied for.
An authorized use allowed by right that may be granted by
the Zoning Officer upon compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
Commercial enterprises that provide consumer services to
individuals and shall include enterprises such as: barber and beauty
shops; dry cleaning; shoe repair; tailors; self-service laundry or
dry cleaning; optometrists; catering; rental supplies; travel agencies.
This use does not include services related to pets.
Individuals, corporations, companies, associations, joint-stock
companies, firms, partnerships, limited-liability companies, corporations
and other entities established pursuant to statutes of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania; provided that person does not include or apply to
the Township or to any department or agency of the Township.
[Added 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
A retail store which primarily sells prescription drugs,
patent medicines and surgical and sick room supplies.
A public or private lot of land, building or structure that
is designed for the assembly or collection of persons, for civic,
political, religious, educational, social purposes and where recreation,
amusement or dining occur as accessory activities.
A planning commission, planning department, or a planning
committee of the governing body.
A group of five citizens of Peters Township appointed by
Council to administer planning and land use regulations and provide
recommendations on a wide array of land use policy issues.
Whenever the words "Planning Department" or "Department"
are used, they shall mean the Peters Township Planning Department.
Area between the curb (or, in the case where there is no
curb, the edge of the roadway) and the abutting property line that
is left unsurfaced for the purpose of planting trees or other vegetation.
A map or plan, either preliminary or final, presented to
the Township for approval, indicating the subdivision, consolidation
or redivision of land or a land development.
An accessory apparatus, equipment, building or structure
typically used for play, leisure or recreational purposes.
A map or plan (less detailed than a site plan) of a lot being
used or built upon, prepared by a surveyor registered in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, as prescribed in Part 10.
A roofed-over structure projecting out from the wall or walls
of a main structure and commonly open to the weather in part.
A structure owned or leased and maintained by the United
States Postal Service (USPS) for the purposes of distributing mail
to the public.
When used in connection with natural and historic resources,
shall include means to conserve and safeguard these resources from
wasteful or destructive use, but shall not be interpreted to authorize
the unreasonable restriction of forestry, mining or other lawful uses
of natural resources.
The building or structure in which the primary use of the
lot or premises is located or conducted. With respect to residential
uses, the primary building or structure shall be the main dwelling.
Lands identified in the resource inventory and subdivision
application as having important natural values that should be permanently
protected, such as wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, unique habitat,
productive agricultural soils and forested land.
Land used for agricultural purposes that contains soils of
the first, second or third class as defined by the United States Department
of Agriculture Natural Resource and Conservation Services' Washington
County Soil Survey.
The primary use to which the property is devoted and to which
all other uses on the premises are accessory.
Any establishment limited to members of an organization or
to other persons specifically invited or permitted where no advertisement
or inducement has been made to the general public.
Any establishment, other than an outdoor recreation facility
operated by a private organization for recreational, educational,
fraternal, or social purposes, but only open to members and their
guests and not to the general public.
An accessory structure attached or adjacent to the lot's
principal use structure that is no larger than the principal structure
and is intended to be utilized as a storage facility for privately
owned vehicles or equipment on residential lot.
In property law, land-related covenants are called "real
covenants" and are a major form of covenant, typically imposing restrictions
on how the land may be used (negative covenants) or requiring a certain
continuing action (affirmative covenant). These may also run with
the land (called a "covenant appurtenant"), meaning that any future
owners of the land must abide by the terms, or may apply to a particular
person (called a "covenant in gross").
A facility designed and constructed to remove materials such
as ethane, propane, butane, and other constituents or similar substances
from natural gas to allow such natural gas to be of such quality as
is required or appropriate for transmission or distribution to commercial
markets but not including facilities or equipment that are/is designed
and constructed primarily to remove water, water vapor, oil or naturally
occurring liquids from natural gas.
A corporation formed by a real estate developer for the purpose
of marketing, managing, and selling of homes and lots in a residential
subdivision.
Any full-time occupied residence, school, religious institution
or other public building that may be impacted by activity associated
with oil and gas well development and/or natural gas compressor stations
or processing plants. This term shall not include any structure owned
by a grantor or lessor who has signed, or is legally subject to, an
agreement granting surface rights to drill a well and/or erect and
maintain a natural gas compressor station or processing plant.
Of or pertaining to buildings, structures, uses or activities
belonging to or affecting any duly authorized governmental body, which
is available for common or general use by all.
Parks, playgrounds, trails, paths and other recreational
areas, sites for schools, sewage treatment, refuse disposal, publicly
owned and operated scenic and historic sites or other such publicly
owned or operated facilities.
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice under the
Act of July 1986 (P.L. 388, No. 84), known as the "Sunshine Act,"[14] by the governing body or planning agency, intended to
inform and obtain public comment, prior to taking action in accordance
with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
All roads, streets, walkways, gutters, stormwater management
facilities, curbs, sewers and other facilities to be dedicated to
or maintained by the Township and comply with the Township's construction
standards and specifications or other public entities' construction
standards and specifications.
A designated growth area and all or any portion of a future
growth area described in a county or multi-municipal comprehensive
plan where public infrastructure services will not be required to
be publicly financed.
Services that are provided to areas with densities of one
or more units to the acre, which may include sanitary sewers and facilities
for the collection and treatment of sewage, water lines and facilities
for the pumping and treating of water, parks and open space, streets
and sidewalks, public transportation and other services that may be
appropriated within a growth area, but shall exclude fire protection
and emergency medical services and any other service required to protect
the health and safety of residents.
A forum held pursuant to notice under 65 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter
7 (relating to open meetings).
Notice published once each week for two successive weeks
in a newspaper of general circulation in the Township. Such notice
shall state the time and place of a public hearing and the particular
nature of the matter to be considered at a public hearing. The first
publication shall be not more than 30 days and the second publication
shall be not less than seven days from the date of the hearing.
The surface of and space above and below any real property
in the Township in which the Township has a regulatory interest, or
interest as a trustee for the public, as such interests now or hereafter
exist, including, but not limited to, the total extent of land reserved
or dedicated as a street/way/alley/lane for public or private purpose;
all streets, highways, avenues, roads, alleys, sidewalks, tunnels,
viaducts, bridges, skyways, or any other public place, area or property
under the control of the Township; any unrestricted public or utility
easements established, dedicated, platted, improved or devoted for
utility purposes, but excluding lands other than streets that are
owned by the Township. The phrase "in the right(s)-of-way" means in,
on, over, along, above and/or under the right(s)-of-way.
[Added 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
Persons, corporations or governments supplying gas, electric
transportation, water, sewer, or land line telephone service to the
general public. For the purpose of this definition, commercial wireless
telecommunication service facilities shall not be considered public
utility uses, and are defined separately.
All of the buildings, wells, dams, reservoirs, plant and
equipment of a public utility, including all tangible and intangible
real and personal property without limitation, and any and all means
and instrumentalities in any manner owned, operated, leased, licensed,
used, controlled, furnished, or supplied for, by or in connection
with the business of any public utility.
A Township-owned and operated facility used to conduct business
and store machines, vehicles, tools and materials as related to the
construction, maintenance and repair of Township structures, utilities
and roads.
See "dwelling: multifamily."
A planted depression that is designed to absorb as much as
possible of the excess rainwater runoff from a building and its associated
landscape. The plants, a selection of wetland edge vegetation, such
as sedges, rushes, ferns, shrubs and trees, absorb the excess water
and through the process of transpiration return water vapor into the
atmosphere. Unlike a bioswale, a rain garden does not slope.
Visually conspicuous from public view. A commercial wireless
telecommunication facility which is camouflaged, screened or obstructed
from view from a public street, public place (where the general public
has a right to be and to go), or a residential use on a protected
residential lot such that its presence is not conspicuous, as determined
by the approving authority, shall not be deemed readily visible.
PRIVATEAn enterprise operated by an individual or nonprofit association or corporation, other than a public entity, for the pursuit of sports and recreational activities, which may be advertised to the general public, but the use of which is limited to members and their guests, including, but not limited to, such establishments as country clubs, golf courses, sportsman's club, golf practice facilities, playing fields, tennis or racquet clubs, swimming pools and similar facilities.
PUBLICAn enterprise owned and operated by a public entity, available to the general public, whether or not an admission fee is charged, including either indoor or outdoor facilities for the pursuit of sports, recreation or leisure activities, including, but not limited to, parks, playgrounds, playing fields, golf courses, golf or batting practice facilities, ice rinks, tennis courts, swimming pools and similar facilities.
COMMERCIALAn indoor or outdoor establishment operated by a for-profit entity for the pursuit of sports and recreational activities available to the general public for a fee, including, but not limited to, miniature golf, golf or batting practice facilities, ice or roller rinks, playing fields, racquet clubs, fitness centers, swimming pools, amusement parks, amphitheaters and similar facilities.
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIALThe installation of recreational facilities, such as a swimming pool, sport court, tennis court or other comparable facility, for family use accessory to a single-family dwelling.
That area of land suitable for the development of specific
active recreation facilities for leisure time activities, usually
of a formal nature and often performed with others, requiring equipment
and taking place at prescribed places, sites or fields, including,
but not limited to, baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields,
tennis, basketball and other court games, hockey facilities, multipurpose
fields and community swimming pools and attendant facilities.
A planning agency that is comprised of representatives of
more than one county. Regional planning responsibilities shall include
providing technical assistance to counties and municipalities, mediating
conflicts across county lines and reviewing county comprehensive plans
for consistency with one another.
The one-hundred-year flood elevation plus a freeboard safety
factor of 1 1/2 feet.
Any piece of equipment related to, incidental to, or necessary
for the operation of a wireless communications facility. By way of
illustration, not limitation, related equipment includes generators
and base stations.
[Amended 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
Any method, process, or substance whose supply is rejuvenated
through natural processes and, subject to those natural processes,
remains relatively constant, including, but not limited to, biomass
conversion, geothermal energy, solar and wind energy and hydroelectric
energy, and excluding those sources of energy used in the fission
and fusion processes.
Any establishment which carries on investigation in the natural,
physical or social sciences or engineering and development as an extension
of such investigation with the objective of creating end products.
Any restaurant whose design or principal method of operation
includes the ordering of food from a menu board and service through
a building opening, including windows, doors or mechanical devices.
A structure in which the principal use is the preparation
and sale of food and beverages, where food sales constitute more than
80% of the gross sales receipts for food and beverages. Primary food
service is via tableside ordering and/or consumption. Take-out service
is permitted, but drive-through service is not permitted.
A retail use which serves foods and/or drinks to customers
for consumption on or off the premises that may or may not have seating.
It may include accessory wholesaling, manufacturing, or processing
of foods, goods, or commodities on the premises. Aside from traditional
food service, the definition of "limited restaurant" also includes
coffee stores, juice bars, bakeries, delicatessens, and confectioneries
and made-to-order facilities, such as those associated with gas stations
(i.e., Sheetz), or grocery stores (i.e., Giant Eagle/Market District,
Whole Foods, Trader Joe's).
Any establishment not otherwise specifically defined in this
Part 3 that sells on the premises commodities and/or services directly
to consumers, but not including the manufacturing or processing of
any products.
An amendment to the map or text of the Zoning Ordinance to
effect a change in the nature, density, or intensity of uses allowed
in a zoning district or designated parcel, lot, or tract.
A strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, forced
dedication, prescription or condemnation and intended to be occupied
or occupied by a road, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission
lines, oil or gas pipeline, water line, sanitary or storm sewer and
other similar uses. A right-of-way grants a property interest to the
grantee and no permanent structure may be erected herein.
Road/street type/designation as determined by access typology.
An inspector certified by the certification board created
by the Sewage Facilities Act[15] to inspect and approve percolation tests and related installations
for individual on-site disposal systems.
A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid,
open mesh, or bar configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish,
cone, horn, or cornucopia. Such a device shall be used to transmit
and/or receive radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially
and/or orbitally based uses. This definition is meant to include but
not be limited to what are commonly referred to as satellite earth
stations, TVROs (television reception only satellite dish antennas),
and satellite microwave antennas.
A publicly or privately funded facility that provides a curriculum
of elementary and secondary academic instruction, including kindergarten,
elementary school, junior high school and high school.[16]
Lands identified in the resource inventory and subdivision
application as lands that complement or provide a buffer to the primary
conservation areas, or provide additional open space or recreational
lands.
A structure containing separate storage spaces of varying
sizes leased or rented on an individual basis for the purpose of dead
storage (i.e., goods not in use and not associated with office, retail,
or other business use on the premises).
Nonprofit organizations requiring registration and/or membership,
including fraternal organizations, lodges, swimming clubs, tennis
clubs or other athletic clubs.
Churches, Sunday schools, parsonages and other related functions;
colleges and other institutions of an educational, religious, charitable
or philanthropic nature.
Unique and environmentally fragile lands that are susceptible
to negative ecological impacts created by land development.
A right-of-way in residential areas that provides vehicle
access to a lot or common parking area. Generally, service courts
provide secondary vehicle access; however, where vehicle access from
the street is not allowed or possible, the service court may provide
primary access.
Any privately maintained driveway or street intended exclusively
for the use of service and delivery vehicles in a mixed-use or commercial
area.
A container used for the purpose of temporary storage of
waste and refuse for waste collection.
See "building setback line."
The joint use of a parking space by two or more nonresidential
and/or residential land uses within a twenty-four-hour period.
An accessory building to a residential structure that is
used to store equipment, furniture or other materials.
The horizontal space between the nearest foundation of a
building to the side lot line and that side lot line, unoccupied other
than by architectural appurtenances projecting not more than 24 inches
into that space; steps or terraces not higher than the level of the
first floor of the building; and open lattice-enclosed fire escapes,
fireproof outside stairways and balconies projecting not over 24 inches
into that space.
Any material substance or medium that contains graphic content,
whether symbolic or alphabetic, that is intended for the purpose of
conveying information, product advertising, services, goods, activities
or directions. This does not pertain to traffic control or directional
signs located within a road right-of-way as placed by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, Washington County or Peters Township. The term "placed"
shall include erecting, constructing, posting, painting, printing,
tacking, nailing, gluing, sticking, carving, or otherwise fastening,
affixing or making visible in any manner whatsoever. Refer to Part
7 for additional definitions related to signs.
The entire face of a sign, including the advertising surface
and any framing, trim, or molding, but not including the supporting
structure for all other signs. If no framing is provided, the sign
area is the smallest rectangle that encloses all lettering and other
graphics. The maximum sign area is the maximum allowable gross surface
area in square feet of a sign or signs.
Structural alterations that a) involve the replacement of
two or more major building components (roof structures, wall or floor
structures, foundations, plumbing, central heating and air conditioning
or electrical systems) or b) have a cost exceeding 15% of the property's
fair market value replacement costs after completion.
See "dwelling: single-family attached."
See "dwelling: single-family detached."
See "recreation facility: single-family residential."
A map or plan of the lot, prepared by an engineer, surveyor
or architect registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which
describes the proposed subdivision and land improvement(s) of a lot.
The inclination calculated by the vertical distance (rise)
divided by the horizontal distance (run). The degree of deviation
of a surface from the horizontal, usually expressed in percentage
or degrees.
A plan identifying the location and extent of topographic
gradient changes based upon contour intervals of not more than five
feet where the slope is greater than 10% and at intervals of not more
than two feet where the slope is 10% or less. Slopes shall be identified
by color or symbol for each of the following categories.
A wireless communications facility that meets the following
criteria:
[Added 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
The structure on which antenna facilities are mounted:
Each antenna associated with the deployment (excluding the associated
equipment) is no more than three cubic feet in volume; and
All antenna equipment associated with the facility (excluding
antennas) are cumulatively no more than 28 cubic feet in volume;
The facilities do not require antenna structure registration
under 47 CFR Part 17;
The facilities are not located on tribal lands, as defined under
36 CFR 800.16(x); nd
The facilities do not result in human exposure to radiofrequency
radiation in excess of the applicable safety standards specified in
47 CFR 1.1307(b).
Establishments providing assistance to those persons requiring
help with legal, counseling, employment, learning or physical disabilities
needs.
The access of a solar energy system to direct sunlight.
A legal agreement that protects access to sunlight on a property.
An energy conversion system, including appurtenances, which
converts solar energy to a usable form of energy to meet all or part
of the energy or heating requirements of the on-site user, or which
is to be sold to a utility company to be used by others, or sold directly
to other users. A solar energy system may be ground-mounted (i.e.,
placed on top of the ground surface) or roof-mounted (i.e., placed
on or as an integral part of a building).
The intensity of sound, measured in decibels, produced by
the operation of a permitted use.
A wall constructed around a site or object that assists in
the abatement of noise.
An instrument standardized by the American Standards Association
for measurement of intensity of sound.
An authorized use of a structure or land which may be granted
only by the Township Zoning Hearing Board after a public hearing and
in accordance with express standards and criteria specified in this
chapter.
A detailed plan for nonresidential development of an area
covered by a municipal or multi-municipal comprehensive plan, which
when approved and adopted by the participating municipalities through
ordinances and agreements supersedes all other applications.
An area, with or without fencing, netting or similar enclosure
material, marked with appropriate lines, upon which a game, such as
tennis, handball, or basketball, is played.
An area for temporary queuing of motor vehicles for drive-through
facilities.
A comprehensive land use and growth management report to
be prepared by the Center for Local Government Services and which
shall contain information, data and conclusions regarding growth and
development patterns in this commonwealth and which will offer recommendations
to commonwealth agencies for coordination of executive action, regulation,
and programs.
Any communications facility that is designed to blend into
the surrounding environment. Examples of stealth facilities may include
architecturally screened roof-mounted antennas, building-mounted antennas
painted to match the existing structure, antennas integrated into
architectural elements, and antenna structures designed to look like
light poles.
Camouflaging methods applied to wireless communications towers,
antennas and other facilities which render them more visually appealing
or blend the proposed facility into the existing structure or visual
backdrop in such a manner as to render it minimally visible to the
casual observer. Such methods include, but are not limited to, architecturally
screened roof-mounted antennas, building-mounted antennas painted
to match the existing structure and facilities constructed to resemble
trees, shrubs, and light poles.
Those slopes identified on a topographic survey prepared
by a land surveyor registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
as any area over a one-hundred-foot horizontal distance, the slope
exceeds 25% from the top to bottom of a break in grade. Said break
in grade must be at least a change in grade of 5% before consideration.
All areas over 25% shall be outlined on the topographic plan.
A landing outside of a doorway, generally at or nearly at
grade level.
The means designed (per Township specifications) to carry
stormwater.
A pipe or conduit that conveys intercepted surface runoff,
street water and other drainage but excludes domestic sewage and industrial
waste.
See Chapter 371 for definitions.
A portion of precipitation which runs over the land.
That part of a building included between the surface of any
floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there is no
floor above the space, between the floor and the ceiling next above
it. A basement shall be counted as a story when more than 1/2 of such
basement height is above the average finished grade level measured
at the front of the building.
A partial story, the habitable area of which does not exceed
1/2 of the habitable area of the first floor.
The boundary of a right-of-way.
A line that is usually at an equal distance from both street
lines or right-of-way lines.
Streets and roads are classified as "arterial," "collector,"
"connector" or "local" in the Road Classification Plan adopted in
December 1991, as may be amended. (See "road classification.")
A right-of-way reserved for the use of more than one lot
or structure which fronts on the street.
A dedicated right-of-way maintained by the state, county
or Township intended for general public use to provide means of access
for vehicles. The word "street" includes the words "road," "highway,"
"thoroughfare," "way," "avenue," "lane," "court," etc.
The visual image of a street including the combination of
buildings, parking, signs, sidewalks, landscaping, and similar features.
Anything constructed or erected with a fixed location on
the ground, or attached to something having a fixed location on the
ground, including, but not necessarily limited to, buildings, accessory
buildings, decks, spas, television dish antennas, pools, utility sheds,
tennis courts, air conditioners. For the purposes of this chapter,
signs, fences and walls shall not be considered structures. Covered
patios or porches are considered structures.
For the purposes of wireless communications, any man- made
object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or
water, whether or not affixed to the land, upon or to which wireless
communications facilities may be attached.
[Added 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
A building or portion of a building used as a place of work
by an artist, photographer or artisan of similar profession.
The division or redivision of a lot of land by any means
into two or more lots or other division 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
lots of more than 10 acres, not involving any new street or easement
of access or residential dwellings, shall be exempted.
A modification to an existing wireless communications facility
substantially changes the physical dimensions of a tower or base station
if it meets any of the following criteria:
For communication towers outside the public rights-of-way, it
increases the height of the facility by more than 10%, or by the height
of one additional antenna array with separation from the nearest existing
antenna, not to exceed 20 feet, whichever is greater; for communications
towers in the rights-of-way, it increases the height of the facility
by more than 10% or 10 feet, whichever is greater;
For communications towers outside the public rights-of-way,
it protrudes from the edge of the tower by more than 20 feet, or more
than the width of the tower structures at the level of the appurtenance,
whichever is greater; for those communications towers in the public
rights-of-way, it protrudes from the edge of the structure by more
than six feet;
It involves installation of more than the standard number of
new equipment cabinets for the technology involved, but not to exceed
four cabinets;
It entails any excavation of deployment outside the current
site of the communications tower; or
It does not comply with conditions associated with prior approval
of construction or modification of the communications tower unless
the noncompliance is due to an increase in height, increase in width,
or addition of cabinets.
For the purpose of building permits, shall mean footers and
foundation completed as per approved plans.
For the purpose of building permits, shall mean roof on,
fully enclosed walls, exterior wall materials in place, and utilities
installed, as per approved plans. For subdivision and site plan purposes,
"substantially completed" shall mean, all infrastructure installed
and 50% of the building constructed and occupied for site plans.
Water collecting on the ground or in a creek, stream, river,
pond, lake, wetland, or ocean; it is related to water collecting as
groundwater or atmospheric water.
The process of precisely ascertaining the area, dimensions
and location of a piece of land as well as the structures and physical
features where required and placing this information on a drawing
prepared and sealed by a surveyor registered in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
A professional licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
See "bioswale."
Any structure which is constructed above or below ground,
used or maintained to provide recreational facilities for swimming,
bathing or wading, and which is capable of containing water to a depth
of greater than 24 inches and all buildings, equipment and appurtenances
thereto.
An occupant of land or premises who occupies, uses, and enjoys
real property for a fixed time, usually through a lease arrangement
with the property owners.
An establishment, other than an adult movie theater or movie
house, inside a completely enclosed building devoted to showing motion
pictures and/or live dramatic or musical performances.
A lot which fronts on two parallel streets or which fronts
upon two streets that do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.
A self-supporting lattice tower, guy tower, monopole, or
any other pole, that is constructed primarily to support an antenna
for receiving and/or transmitting a wireless signal.
[Amended 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
A communication tower that is supported, in whole or in part,
by guy wires and ground anchors.
A guyed or self-supporting, three- or four-sided, open steel
frame structure used to support telecommunications equipment.
A communication tower consisting of a single pole, constructed
without guy wires and ground anchors.
A tower to which are attached the antennas of more than one
commercial wireless telecommunication service provider or governmental
entity.
A communication tower that is constructed without guy wires
and ground anchors.
A tower to which are attached only the antennas of a single
user, although the tower may be designed to accommodate the antennas
of multiple users as required by this code.
A tower and its supporting antennas, including, but not limited
to, self-supporting lattice towers, guy towers and monopoles. Distributed
antenna system hub facilities are considered to be tower-based WCFs.
[Added 11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857]
See "dwelling: single-family attached."
Peters Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania.
The Township Planning Commission of Peters Township.
An area of land developed for a compatible mixture of residential
units for various income levels and nonresidential commercial and
workplace uses, including some structures that provide for a mix of
uses within the same building. Residences, shops, offices, workplaces,
public buildings, and parks are interwoven within the neighborhood
so that all are within relatively close proximity to each other. Traditional
neighborhood development is relatively compact, limited in size, and
oriented toward pedestrian activity. It has an identifiable center
and a discernable edge. The center of the neighborhood is in the form
of a public park, commons, plaza, square, or prominent intersection
of two or more major streets. Generally, there is a hierarchy of streets
laid out in a rectilinear or grid pattern of interconnecting streets
and blocks that provides multiple routes from origins to destinations
and are appropriately designed to serve the needs of pedestrians and
vehicles equally.
Physical design and other measures, including narrowed roads
and speed humps, put in place on roads for the intention of slowing
down or reducing motor vehicle traffic as well as to improve safety
for pedestrians and cyclists.
A path designed for the conduct of sports and/or leisure
activities.
The attaching of development rights to specified lands which
are desired by a municipality to be kept undeveloped, but permitting
those rights to be transferred from those lands so that the development
potential which they represent may occur on other lands where more
intensive development is deemed appropriate.
A temporary residential living arrangement for persons leaving
an institutional setting and in need of a supportive living arrangement
in order to readjust to living outside the institution. Transitional
living facilities help residents re-enter society while housed under
supervision while under the constraints of alternatives to imprisonment
including, but not limited to, rerelease, work release or probationary
programs. Such facilities typically place a limit, measured in months,
on how long a person may stay.
A deciduous tree that is planted along a street. Street trees
are planted in a linear fashion to enhance the visual streetscape.
The movement completed by an individual vehicle in a one-way
direction.
A geological shale formation existing below the base of the
Elk Sandstone or its geologic equivalent stratigraphic interval where
natural gas generally cannot be produced at economic flow rates or
in economic volumes except by vertical or horizontal well bore stimulated
by hydraulic fracture treatments or by using multilateral well bores
or other techniques to expose more of the formation to the well bore.
The drilling or redrilling of any unconventional gas well
or the deepening of any existing unconventional gas well.
A bore hole drilled or being drilled for the purpose of or
to be used to produce natural gas from an unconventional formation
or that is deviated from the vertical.
Those lands in a proposed subdivision that are restricted
from development due to environmental conditions, such as steep slopes,
the presence of wetlands or waterways, or are restricted from development
under ordinances adopted by the Township.
A lamp or wall light designed or positioned to cast its light
upwards.
Any purpose for which a building or other structure or a
lot of land may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained or occupied,
or any activity, occupation, business, or operation carried on in
a building or other structure on a lot of land.
Any building, structure, or device which transfers directly
to the public the service or supply provided by a public utility,
including telephone, electric, gas, cable television, water and sewer,
and all other facilities, equipment and structures necessary for conducting
a local distribution service.
Any building, structure, or device which does not directly
transfer to the public the service or supply provided by a public
utility, including telephone, electric (greater than 55,000 volts
or 55 KV), gas, cable television, water and sewer, and all other facilities,
equipment, and structures, including substations, switching stations,
and reservoirs.
Lands or buildings that are not actively used for any purpose.
Permissive waivers from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance
as will not be contrary to the public interest, where owing to special
conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of the chapter
will result in unnecessary hardship, so that the spirit of this chapter
shall be observed and substantial justice done and granted or denied
only by the Township Zoning Hearing Board. Permission by the Zoning
Hearing Board to depart from the Zoning Ordinance may occur when special
circumstances applicable to the property, and strict application of
the provisions deprive such property of privileges enjoyed by other
properties under identical zoning.
An establishment owned and operated by a veterinary medical
doctor(s), certified in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the
medical or surgical treatment of domestic, agricultural or zoological
animals, but excluding the boarding and grooming of animals not subjected
to medical or surgical treatment.
An unincorporated settlement within the Township characterized
by higher density, mixed uses and a distinct and established sense
of place.
The quality of a place relating to its appeal, safety and
practicality for pedestrian circulation.
A building used primarily for the storage of goods and materials,
excluding truck terminals and truck maintenance facilities. (Also
see "self-service storage facility.")
A lined depression, excavation pit or facility situated in
or upon the ground, whether natural or artificial, used to store wastewater
fluid, including but not limited to brine, fracturing fluid, produced
water, recycled water, impaired water, flowback water, or any other
fluid that does not satisfy the definition of "fresh water."
A lined depression, excavation pit or facility situated in
or upon the ground, whether natural or artificial, used to store fresh
water.
A supply of water for human consumption or use, or for agricultural,
commercial, industrial, recreational, or other legitimate beneficial
uses.
An inventory of the source, quantity, yield and use of groundwater
and surface-water resources within a municipality.
Any channel or conveyance of surface water having a defined
bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent
flow.
Pennsylvania Wireless Broadband Collocation Act (53 P.S.
§ 11702.1 et seq.).
Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or
groundwater at a frequency or 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 and similar areas.
Businesses primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers;
to industrial, commercial, institutional, or professional users; or
to other wholesalers.
A business primarily engaged in processing, selling and distributing
indoor or outdoor grown plants and landscaping materials to industrial,
commercial, institutional or professional users or to other wholesalers.
Equipment, machinery and structures utilized in connection
with the conversion of kinetic energy of wind into electrical power
with a rated output of electrical power production equipment of greater
than 100 kW/0.1 MW.
All equipment, machinery and structures utilized in connection
with the conversion of kinetic energy of wind into electrical power.
This includes, but is not limited to, storage, electrical collection
and supply equipment, transformers, service and access roads, and
one or more wind turbines, which have a total rated nameplate capacity
of not more than 100 kW/0.1 MW.
A feature that provides shelter or protection from wind,
such as a row of trees, fence, wall or screen.
Transmissions through the airwaves, including, but not limited
to, infrared line of sight, cellular, PCS, microwave, satellite, or
radio signals.
Any person that applies for a wireless communication facility
building permit, zoning approval and/or permission to use the public
right-of-way (ROW) or other Township-owned land or property.
A freestanding structure, such as a communication tower or
any other support structure, that is constructed for the primary purpose
of supporting the placement or installation of a wireless communications
facility if approved by the Township.
See "commercial wireless telecom antenna."
A plant community composed predominantly of healthy trees
and other woody vegetation, well stocked and growing more or less
closely together.
An open space at grade between the building setback line
and the adjoining lot line(s), unoccupied and unobstructed by any
portion of a structure from the ground upward.
The yard extending along the full width of the front lot
line and being the minimum horizontal distance between the front lot
line (or right-of-way line, if present) and the front building setback
line.
A yard extending the full length of the rear lot line and
being the minimum horizontal distance between the rear lot line and
rear yard line.
A yard extending along the side lot line from the required
front yard to the required rear yard and being the minimum horizontal
distance between the side lot line and the side yard line.
A change to the text of this chapter or to the Zoning District
Map proposed for adoption by the Township pursuant to the procedures
specified in this chapter.
A finite area of land, as designated by its boundaries on
the Official Zoning Map, throughout which specific and uniform regulations
govern the use of land and/or the location, size and use of buildings.
The term "zoning district" shall include overlay districts.
The official plan delineating the official zoning districts
of Peters Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, together with
all amendments subsequently adopted.
Currently Chapter 440 of the Charter and Code of Peters Township, Pennsylvania.
Previously:
The Peters Township Zoning Ordinance No. 626, enacted February
10, 2003, revised by Ordinance No. 641, adopted May 10, 2004, as amended
and replaced by Ordinance No. 657, adopted November 29, 2005.
Ordinance No. 657, November 29, 2005 as amended by Ordinance
No. 683, May 14, 2007, Ordinance No. 684, June 11, 2007, and Ordinance
No. 736, July 25, 2011, Ordinance No. 737, August 8, 2011, Ordinance
No. 762, January 21, 2013, and Ordinance No. 764, June 10, 2013.
[1]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "camouflaging architectural
treatment," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed
11-9-2020 by Ord. No. 857.
[2]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "cell site," which
immediately followed this definition, was repealed 11-9-2020 by Ord.
No. 857.
[3]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "collapse zone," which
immediately followed this definition, was repealed 11-9-2020 by Ord.
No. 857.
[5]
Editor's Note: The former definitions of "commercial wireless
telecom antenna," and "commercial wireless telecommunication services,"
which immediately followed this definition, were repealed 11-9-2020
by Ord. No. 857.
[6]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10107(a).
[7]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10107(a).
[9]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10107(b).
[11]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "monopole," which
immediately followed this definition, was repealed 11-9-2020 by Ord.
No. 857.
[12]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[13]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10402.
[14]
Editor's Note: See 65 Pa. C.S.A. § 701 et seq.
[15]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.
[16]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "search radius," which
immediately followed this definition, was repealed 11-9-2020 by Ord.
No. 857.
