This Part 5 identifies regulations, general development standards and uniform criteria for uses in all districts. The provisions of this Part 5 shall apply in addition to any other applicable zoning regulations.
A. 
All accessory structures and/or uses shall require a permit, with the exceptions noted below.
B. 
Accessory buildings or structures covering an area of ground exceeding 120 square feet and/or having a height of 10 feet or more shall conform to the setback requirements for accessory structures.
C. 
All accessory buildings or structures shall be permanently attached to the ground or adequately secured to the ground to prevent the structure from causing property damage in high winds.
D. 
A principal structure shall exist on the lot prior to the issuance of a permit for an accessory structure.
E. 
No use that is to be carried on in an accessory structure shall violate the permitted uses in the district in which the principal structure is located.
F. 
All accessory structures shall comply with the side and rear yard setback requirements for the district in which the principal structure is located.
G. 
No accessory structures shall be closer than five feet to a principal structure.
H. 
A zoning permit shall be required for the following accessory structures: sport courts, chicken coops, outdoor dog pens/runs, pool houses 120 square feet or less, sheds 120 square feet or less, play structures/playhouses 120 square feet or less and less than 10 feet high, greenhouses 120 square feet or less, and gazebos 120 square feet or less.
[Amended 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
A. 
General regulations. The official building codes of Peters Township are the currently adopted versions of the International Building Code.
B. 
Building construction is further subject to the excessive slope controls in the Peters Township Grading Ordinance (See Chapter 229) and Floodplain controls. (See Part 11.)
C. 
Buildings in a nonresidential district shall:
(1) 
Be designed to take advantage of the natural terrain;
(2) 
Not be physically located or entered so as to unnecessarily concentrate activity in one portion of the lot;
(3) 
Have the front and sides, and the rear, when the rear faces a street or residential district, faced with brick, stone, or other suitable material, as approved by the Township Planning Commission; and
(4) 
Not be excessive in length or depth (over 200 feet), except when the landowner and/or developer can illustrate to the satisfaction of the Township Planning Commission that the proposed architectural design of the lot and building(s) avoids monotonous patterns of construction, repetitive spaces between buildings or fire-fighting difficulties.
D. 
In a multifamily development:
(1) 
Buildings shall be designed so as to avoid monotonous patterns of construction or repetitive spaces between buildings.
(2) 
Multifamily dwellings may be designed around courts or common green spaces, have private balconies or patios, and should exhibit different factors and design features between structures in the complex.
(3) 
Townhouses should have differing architectural facades or treatment of materials and have varying front yard setbacks.
E. 
Buildings in the Town Center District. These construction requirements include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
(1) 
Roof materials: shall include the utilization of roof tiles, roof shingles, or other roof material that is residential in character.
(2) 
Mechanical equipment. All mechanical equipment shall be located on the ground and be screened with fencing, walls, or landscaping or be housed within the structure.
(3) 
Exterior finish: All construction shall be of brick, stone, or other material residential in character deemed acceptable by both the Township Planning Commission and the Township Council. Siding may be used on structures that are primarily brick or stone.
(4) 
Other architectural elements are encouraged, such as bay windows, chimneys, dormers, porches, columns, or decks to enhance the residential character of the building design.
F. 
Building roofs in all other commercial and industrial districts. If a landowner and/or developer provides a roof other than a flat roof, the landowner and/or developer shall be entitled to one of the following as approved by the Township Council:
(1) 
Buffer area reduction.
(2) 
Floor area increase not to exceed 10% of the original proposed floor area.
G. 
Balconies in mixed-use districts (TC, MA, VM, WV, VB).
(1) 
Balconies shall be permitted on a building facade that is adjacent to a public right-of-way.
(2) 
A balcony shall be a maximum of 20 square feet, where the balcony's depth shall not exceed 2.5 feet.
(3) 
To ensure expedient escape from fire or other similar danger if necessary, balconies shall not be utilized for the outdoor storage of grills.
A. 
General standards for all driveways.
(1) 
In order to provide a safe and convenient means of access, grades of all driveways shall be in accordance with the specification in Part 12, Appendixes, of this chapter. Driveways, in all districts other than residential districts, shall have a maximum grade of 12% with 10% the preferred maximum.
(2) 
All curb cuts shall be properly constructed in accordance with state and/or Township regulations. Curb cuts on Township streets shall be installed in accordance with the specifications in Part 12, Appendixes, of this chapter and § 440-503.
(3) 
Driveways shall not be constructed in such a way as to create a drainage problem on an adjacent lot. The size and kind of drainage facilities shall be subject to the approval of the Township Engineer.
(4) 
Visibility at driveways shall be maintained as required in § 440-600. Driveway pillars along local roadways shall be a minimum of three feet off the curb. Driveway pillars along collector or arterial streets shall be positioned outside the right-of-way.
(5) 
Sight distance for driveways. All driveways intersecting with Township roads must have a minimum sight distance as described in the tables below, corresponding to PADOT Regulations Title 67 § 441.8(h). Highway occupancy permits on state roads must be obtained. If the minimums below cannot be achieved, the formula in PADOT Regulations, Title 67, § 441.8(h)(2)(iv), may be used.
Figure 500.1
Safe Sight Distance for Passenger Cars and Single-Unit Trucks Exiting from Driveways onto Two-Lane Roads
Posted Speed
(miles per hour)
Safe Sight Distance Left
(feet)
Safe Sight Distance Right
(feet)
25
250
195
35
440
350
45
635
570
55
845
875
Figure 500.2
Safe Sight Distance for Buses and Combinations Exiting from Driveways onto Two-Lane Roads
Posted Speed
(miles per hour)
Safe Sight Distance Left
(feet)
Safe Sight Distance Right
(feet)
25
400
300
35
675
625
45
1,225
1,225
55
2,050
2,050
B. 
Driveways in nonresidential districts.
(1) 
Interior circulation and traffic control. Curb cuts in the nonresidential and industrial districts shall not exceed 25 feet in width, exclusive of the curb return radius of 25 feet. Safety considerations in the review process will include limits on the number of curb cuts, one-way access requirements, possibilities for the sharing of curb cuts, and PADOT review where required.
(a) 
Driveways that provide parking spaces should be so designed as to discourage through traffic. If parking spaces are indicated by lines with angles other than 90°, then traffic lanes may be restricted to one-way, permitting head-in or diagonal parking. Parking and aisle width requirements are in § 440-508.
(b) 
Driveways for areas provided for loading and unloading of delivery trucks and other vehicles, and for the servicing of shops by refuse collection, fuel, deliveries, and other service vehicles, shall be separate from driveway used by the general public for access to parking areas if required by the Commission or the Township Council. Loading requirements are in § 440-507L.
(2) 
Design.
(a) 
All driveways shall be paved. Design of bituminous surfaces shall be a minimum of six inches of PENNDOT 2A aggregate base with three inches of ID-2 bituminous binder and 1 1/2 inches of ID-2 bituminous wearing course. Concrete driveways should be constructed with a minimum of four inches of AASHTO No. 57 aggregate and five inches of Class A concrete, reinforced with six-inch by six-inch welded wire fabric. Concrete driveways abutting Township roads should have an expansion joint constructed 24 inches behind the curb. This requirement will save the Township restoration costs during future maintenance projects by not having to replace the full concrete slabs.
(b) 
Design of driveways shall include provisions for positive subsurface and subbase drainage under and at the outside edges of the paving. In major cut or potentially wet areas, underdrains are to be installed under edges of the driveway and connected to the storm drainage system.
(c) 
Curbs shall be installed on sides of driveways as requested by the Township Engineer to contain vehicular traffic, protect pedestrians, control stormwater, and reduce maintenance of adjacent seeded or planted areas.
(d) 
Where no curbs are to be installed, paved scupper ditches of sufficient depth to intercept surface water and maintain a dry subgrade for the driveway paving shall be installed.
(e) 
Center-line markings on driveways shall be required to guide and control traffic flow.
(f) 
Traffic direction and control signs shall be provided and "no parking" and speed limits posted where required by the Township.
(3) 
Frontage on private rights-of-way. Development of properties that front on or contain a private right-of-way shall be governed by the following criteria and standards.
(a) 
No nonresidential lot shall be developed unless the private right-of-way is improved to nonresidential driveway standards (paving, width, etc.) all the way to a public right-of-way.
(b) 
All properties fronting on a private right-of-way shall provide proof that they have the right to use said right-of-way all the way to a public street.
(c) 
Any lot containing a private right-of-way shall improve it as required in Subsection B(3)(a) of this section for the full depth or width of the lot being developed.
(4) 
Service streets. Service streets (e.g., to loading areas) should be of adequate width to handle the type of traffic anticipated; and should meet the driveway regulations in this chapter as a minimum; be designed according to good engineering practices; and be approved by the Township Planning Commission.
C. 
A maximum of two entrance driveways shall be constructed per lot, unless otherwise specified in this chapter.
D. 
A landowner and/or developer shall be permitted to construct a pedestrian drop-off and/or vehicular access driveway within a lot's front yard setback requirements.
E. 
Driveways for new land development shall be aligned at 90° with an existing public street right-of-way unless otherwise approved by the Township Planning Commission.
F. 
Driveways may extend from the right-of-way of the street to the cartway of the street but shall not change the grade or contour of the street right-of-way, nor shall any person cut into, fill, or in any way alter any gutter, curbing, drainage ditch or storm drain within the right-of-way of a street or easement for the purposes of extending a driveway.
G. 
Commercial district driveways/joint and cross access.
(1) 
The Planning Commission may require a joint driveway in order to achieve the following driveway spacing standards that are desirable for arterial and major collector roads:
(a) 
Principal arterial: 600 feet.
(b) 
Minor arterial: 400 feet.
(c) 
Major collector: 200 feet.
(2) 
Adjacent commercial properties shall provide a joint or cross access driveway to allow circulation between sites wherever feasible along roadways classified as major collectors or arterials in accordance with the functional classification contained in the municipal comprehensive plan. The following shall apply to joint and cross access driveways:
(a) 
The driveway shall have a design speed of 10 miles per hour and have sufficient width to accommodate two-way traffic, including the largest vehicle expected to frequently access the properties.
(b) 
A circulation plan that may include coordinated or shared parking shall be required.
(c) 
Features shall be included in the site design to make it visually obvious that abutting properties shall be tied in to include cross access.
(3) 
The property owners along a joint or cross access driveway shall:
(a) 
Record an easement with the deed allowing cross access to and from other properties served by the driveway.
(b) 
Record an agreement with the municipality so that future access rights along the driveway shall be granted at the discretion of the municipality and the design shall be approved by the municipal engineer.
(c) 
Record a joint agreement with the deed defining the maintenance responsibilities of each of the property owners located along the driveway.
H. 
Clear sight triangles. To maintain adequate visibility at driveways and roadway intersections, safe sight distance shall be constructed and maintained as defined by § 440-503A. See Part 12, Appendixes, for clear sight triangle diagram.
I. 
Driveway dimensions.
[Amended 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
Figure 500.3
Driveway Dimensions
Driveway Type
Distance
Distance from Property Line
Surface Width
Driveway Angle with Center Line of Intersecting Street Pavement
Single-family dwelling
Corner lot: greater than 50 feet from the point of intersection to the nearest paved cartways
Greater than 2 feet
Greater than 12 feet and less than 20 feet, excluding any parking bay or turnaround
Entrance to street shall be at an angle of 75° to 105° with the center line of the intersection street. Driveways shall be paved with impervious material from street cartway to building line. Beyond building setback, driveway shall have dust-free surface.
Multifamily land developments
Near corner: greater than or equal to 50 feet from the point of intersection to the nearest paved cartways
Based on required buffer area
Greater than 15 feet for one-way traffic; 20 feet for two-way traffic, excluding any parking space or turnaround
Entrance to the street shall be at an angle of 75° to 105° with the center line of the intersection street.
All other uses in all districts
Greater than or equal to 200 feet from the intersection of any two street pavements; shall be designed in a manner conducive to safe ingress and egress as determined by Planning Commission and Township Council. Where practicable, exits shall be located on minor rather than major streets or highways. In the event the property is less than 200 feet in frontage, the driveway shall be at the farthest feasible extremity from the street intersection.
No design shall be approved which is likely to create substantial traffic hazards endangering public safety. Safety requirements which may be imposed in such review shall include traffic control devices, acceleration or deceleration lanes, turning lanes, traffic and lane markings and signs. The landowner and/or developer shall be responsible for the construction of any such traffic control devices.
Driveways accommodating oversized vehicles may exceed the widths specified in this chapter by permission or request of the Planning Commission based on good engineering practices.
Entrance to the street shall be at an angle of 75° to 105° with the center line of the intersecting street.
A. 
Any part or portion of a lot which is not used for buildings, other structures, loading or parking spaces and aisles, sidewalks and designated storage areas shall be planted with an all-season grass ground cover and shall be landscaped in accordance with an overall landscape plan. Mulch and/or aggregate shall not be considered an appropriate landscaping material along public streets or internal private driveways.
B. 
Trees and shrubs shall be specified in accordance with the recommended practice of the American Society of Nurserymen, and a list of recommended plants in Part 12, Appendixes, of this chapter. In addition to the tree and plant list, the Township will consider suggested plantings by the landowner/developer.
C. 
All plantings not surviving for three planting seasons shall be replaced. All landscaped areas including swales shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition, neat and orderly appearance, and kept free from refuse and debris. All landscaping shall be so arranged and maintained as not to obscure the vision of traffic or hide fire hydrants. No vehicles shall be parked nor shall parking be provided for vehicles in the portions of a site required to be landscaped.
D. 
Landscape plans.
(1) 
A landscape plan, with appropriate details, shall be prepared and submitted at the time of site plan or subdivision and land development application. The landscape plan shall contain and show the following information:
(a) 
All required buffer areas with proposed plantings (identifying each proposed tree, bush or shrub) drawn to scale and identifying the height and width of any proposed mounds.
(b) 
All required planting independent of any buffer area requirements (identifying each tree, bush, shrub, the use of sod or seeding, etc.) drawn to scale.
(c) 
Any planting in excess of the requirements in this Part 5.
(d) 
Any existing trees or vegetation that are to be preserved, accurately identifying their relative size and location.
(e) 
Any existing trees or vegetation that will be removed, accurately identifying their relative size and location.
(2) 
All landscape plans for parking lots 5,000 square feet or greater shall be designed by a landscape architect or other professional nurseryman.
E. 
Interior parking lot landscaping.
[Added 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
(1) 
Parking lots should be effectively landscaped with trees and shrubs to reduce glare, to delineate driving lanes and to reduce reflected heat.
(a) 
Perpendicular stall design. In nonresidential and mixed-use districts, one planting island of at least nine feet in width shall be provided for every double row of 15 stalls. Each planting island shall extend to the full length of both parking spaces. For nonresidential projects in residential zones, one planting island of at least nine feet in width shall be provided for every double row of 10 parking stalls. The planting island shall contain one shade tree plus shrubs and/or groundcover for the island's entire area.
(b) 
Angled stall design. In all districts, double rows of abutting angled spaces shall include a continuous landscaping divider strip nine feet wide centered on the dividing line, protected by curbing and planted with grass or other landscaping materials with no less than one shade tree for each five, or remaining thereof, abutting spaces counted down one side.
F. 
The Township shall require tree planting at the base of a slope to provide a visual screen.
[Added 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
G. 
Landscaping required in buffer areas as outlined in § 440-504 cannot be substituted for any required landscaping mandated in this section.
[Added 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
H. 
Landscaping for service structures. All service structures shall be fully screened, except when located in the Industrial (I) District. Service structures in the Industrial (I) shall be fully screened when located within 100 feet of any zoning district other than Industrial (I). For the purposes of this subsection, service structures shall include propane tanks, dumpsters, air conditioning units and condensers, electrical transformers and other equipment or elements providing service to a building or a site.
[Added 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
(1) 
Location of screening. A continuous planting, hedge, fence, wall or earthen mounding shall enclose any service structure on all sides unless such structure must be frequently moved, in which case screening on all but one side is required. The average height of the screening material shall be one foot more than the height of the enclosed structure but shall not be required to exceed eight feet in height. When a service structure is located next to a building wall, perimeter landscaping material may fulfill the screening requirements for that side of the service structure if that wall or screening material is of an average height sufficient to meet the height requirement set out in this section. Whenever service structures are screened by plant material, such material may count towards the fulfillment of required landscaping.
(2) 
Protection of screening material. Whenever screening material is placed around any trash disposal unit or waste collection unit that is emptied or removed mechanically on a regular basis, a fixed barrier to contain the placement of the container shall be provided within the screening material on those sides where there is such material. The barrier shall be at least 18 inches from the material and shall be of sufficient strength to prevent possible damage to the screening when the container is moved. The minimum front opening of the screening material shall be 12 feet to allow service vehicles access to the container.
I. 
If a landowner and/or developer provides landscaping within the lot equal to 1 1/2 times the required quantity and total area to be planted as defined by this chapter, Township Council may grant the landowner and/or developer a development bonus of up to 10% of the total nonresidential gross floor area.
[Added 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
A. 
To minimize potential physical and/or visual conflicts between uses, buffer areas shall be provided in certain situations. Buffer areas shall be required in conjunction with the development of any lot, as defined by Figure 500.4, Buffer Areas. Naturally existing wooded or vegetative areas may be able to serve as any of the buffers as required in Figure 500.4. The Township may require additional plantings to supplement the naturally preserved buffer area.
[Amended 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
Figure 500.4
Buffer Areas
Proposed Development
Required Buffer
A
B
C
D
E
Multifamily
Adjoining a single-family residential lot
X
Adjoining a farm
X
Adjoining any other use
X
Nonresidential
Adjoining a residential lot
X
Adjoining the Arrowhead Trail
X
Adjoining public right-of-way
X
Parking lot (or driveways)
Abutting a road right-of-way or lot line
X
Multifamily adjoining a farm
X
Accessory use if reduced residential setback is utilized
X
Single-family
Adjoining a farm
X
B. 
Buffer area requirements. Buffer areas are defined as follows.
(1) 
Buffer Area A is a minimum of 25 feet wide.
(a) 
No structures or uses, including but not limited to buildings, accessory structures, parking spaces, access drives and lighting devices, may be located closer than 25 feet to any front, side or rear lot line, except that access drives may be located in the front buffer area. The buffer area shall follow the entire length of the lot line.
(b) 
High- and low-level screening shall be provided as follows. The high-level screen shall abut the lot line.
Figure 500.5
Buffer Area A
High-Level Screen
Low-Level Screen
Plants
Spacing
Plants
Spacing
Evergreens 5 to 6 feet high or deciduous trees exceeding 2 inches in caliper and no less than 8 feet high
Intervals of less than or equal to 10 feet
Shrubs or hedges planted at an initial height greater than or equal to 2 feet
Intervals of less than or equal to 5 feet and in alternating rows to produce a more effective barrier
(c) 
The buffer area can be provided on the lot or parcel. A separate area or open space is not required.
(2) 
Buffer Area B is a minimum of 15 feet wide.
(a) 
No structures or uses, including but not limited to buildings, accessory structures, parking spaces, curbs, access drives and lighting devices, may be located any closer than 15 feet to any front, side or rear lot line except that access drives may be located in the front buffer area. The buffer area shall follow the entire length of the lot line.
(b) 
High- and low-level screening shall be provided as follows. The high-level screen shall abut the lot line.
Figure 500.6
Buffer Area B
High-Level Screen
Low-Level Screen
Plants
Spacing
Plants
Spacing
Evergreens 5 to 6 feet high or deciduous trees exceeding 2 inches in caliper and no less than 8 feet high
Intervals of less than or equal to 10 feet
Shrubs or hedges planted at an initial height greater than or equal to 2 feet
Intervals of less than or equal to 5 feet and in alternating rows to produce a more effective barrier
(3) 
Buffer Area C is a minimum of 10 feet wide.
(a) 
No structures or uses, including but not limited to buildings, accessory structures, parking spaces, curbs, access drives and lighting devices, may be located any closer than 10 feet to any front, side or rear lot line except that access drives may be located in the front buffer area. The buffer area shall follow the entire length of the lot line.
(b) 
One deciduous street tree with a diameter at breast height of 3 1/2 inches and not less than 18 feet high and 10 shrubs greater than two feet in height shall be planted for every 35 feet of linear footage. All ground cover shall be grass within a landscaped area along a public road.
(4) 
Buffer Area D. If a residential setback is reduced per the provisions of § 440-403, the landowner, developer or tenant shall provide one of the following:
(a) 
Deciduous and/or or evergreen shrubs five feet to six feet in height and planted no more than six feet apart;
(b) 
Deciduous trees exceeding two-inch diameter at breast height, no less than eight feet in height, planted at intervals no more than 10 feet apart with a low-level screen consisting of a combination of deciduous and evergreen shrubs planted at an initial height of not less than three feet; or
(c) 
Masonry wall or wooden fence with a minimum opacity of 80% and a minimum height of five feet.
C. 
Buffer area maintenance.
(1) 
The buffer area shall be provided and maintained by the landowner, developer or tenant of the said lot between any nonresidential or mixed-use district or use and contiguous residentially zoned districts, except where natural or physical man-made barriers exist that will duplicate the effect of the landscape screen.
(2) 
In a buffer area, the existing grade shall be maintained for a distance of at least eight feet to provide adequate width for plant material, and the maximum grade in the remainder of the buffer area shall not exceed three feet horizontal to one foot vertical.
(3) 
All plants not surviving three planting seasons shall be replaced.
A. 
Intent and purpose. These regulations are intended to maintain ambient lighting levels as low as possible in order to enhance the Township's community character and charm and maintain dark skies. Area lighting should provide good visibility, minimum glare and minimum spillage onto abutting properties or into the sky. It is the intent of this section to encourage, through the regulation of the types, kinds, construction, installation and uses of outdoor electrically powered illuminating devices, lighting practices and systems to conserve energy without decreasing safety, utility, security and productivity while enhancing nighttime enjoyment of property and night skies. These regulations are intended to be consistent with the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC), as referenced in the International Residential Code and the International Building Code.
B. 
Exterior lighting shall be:
(1) 
Architecturally integrated with the character of the associated structures, site design, landscape and zoning districts;
(2) 
Directed downward and shielded, or specifically directed to walls, landscape elements or other similar features, so that light is confined within the boundaries of the subject parcel;
(3) 
Installed so that lights do not blink, flash or be of unusually high intensity or brightness;
(4) 
Appropriate in height, intensity and scale to the uses and the site they are serving; and
(5) 
Installed in conformance with the provisions of this section, the Building Code, the Electrical Code, and the site plan approval.
C. 
Exceptions. The following outdoor lighting is not subject to the provisions of this section:
(1) 
All outdoor light fixtures existing and legally installed prior to the effective date of this section except:
(a) 
When 50% or more of the existing luminaires are reconstructed or replaced; or
(b) 
When a tenant or use change causes a change in the hours of operation or intensity of nighttime use.
(2) 
Lights used for holiday decorations, when displayed during the period of display of the Township's public holiday decorations.
(3) 
Portable temporary lighting used by law enforcement or emergency services personnel to protect life or property.
(4) 
In single-family residential zones, fixtures containing lamps emitting less than the 1,800 lumens (26 watts for fluorescent lighting, 50 watts for high-intensity discharge, and 100 watts for incandescent), provided that the light fixture is fully shielded and properly focused downward to minimize glare and spill light into the night sky and onto adjacent properties and does not exceed a height of 15 feet.
(5) 
Streetlights erected on public or private right-of-way. Streetlight design is to be in compliance with the Township streetlighting policy.
(6) 
Lighting associated with a special event must be approved by the Peters Township Council.
D. 
Lighting standards.
(1) 
Parking area illumination levels.
(a) 
The minimum maintained illumination requirement is one footcandle in the general parking areas. "General parking areas" are defined as being 80% of a parking lot, excluding entrances or traffic lanes directly in front of store entrances, for commercial zones with a maximum illumination of eight footcandles and an average not to exceed three footcandles, in general parking areas. Lighting plans should be designed so that higher traffic areas have sufficient lighting. Vertical lamps shall be utilized for lights on poles. Wall-mounted lights may utilize horizontal lamps, provided that they are fully shielded. Lenses shall not protrude below the lamp screening material; that is, sag lenses are not permissible.
(b) 
Subject to Planning Commission approval, the minimum maintained footcandle requirement may be reduced in parking areas which are provided with a significant level of ambient light; in parking areas that utilize a lighter colored parking surface, such as concrete; and in parking areas located along a transition with sensitive land uses. Also, subject to Planning Commission approval, the minimum maintained footcandle requirement may exceed one footcandle when necessary for security or other purposes.
(2) 
Entrance lighting. Multifamily residential and nonresidential development should provide glare-free light fixtures at building entrances and exits. Nonresidential developments shall provide for lighting in accordance with this chapter at all vehicle and pedestrian entrances and on-site vehicle intersections. Entrance lighting may not exceed a height of 12 feet and must be high-pressure sodium. In order to promote safety, lighting levels at entrances shall be equal to the average level of the associated parking lot.
(3) 
Spillover lighting. With the exception of light sources that do not exceed a height of three feet above finished grade, light sources must be a full cutoff so as to not direct light skyward, and shall be so arranged by means of filters or shields to avoid reflecting lighting onto adjoining properties or streets. Lighting fixtures that do not exceed a height of three feet above finished grade shall be properly focused to minimize glare and spill light into the night sky and onto adjacent properties.
(4) 
Height.
(a) 
In nonresidential zoning districts, the height of parking lot lighting must be in scale with the building and structure heights on the site. The lighting between the building and the property line shall be full cutoff, shielded wall-mounted or shielded freestanding light poles.
(b) 
Building-mounted lights may be mounted no higher than 18 feet and must be a full cutoff. Lighting may not be mounted above the roofline.
(c) 
In all commercial zoning districts as well as the IN Industrial Zoning District, pole heights shall not exceed 25 feet. For noncommercial uses, such as a church or a community facility in a residential zoning district, the height of freestanding light poles shall not exceed 20 feet in height.
(d) 
Notwithstanding the above, the height of a freestanding light fixture shall not exceed the heights listed above. The Planning Commission has the authority to allow the erection of lighting fixtures in excess of the light height limits in order to provide compatibility with adjoining properties and streets. When such lighting is located in parking areas located along or adjacent to areas with sensitive land uses, such as residential uses, the Planning Commission has the authority to limit the height, style, and placement of lights to architecturally integrate with the character of the site and adjoining land uses.
(5) 
Decorative lighting. In the Town Center District, decorative lighting shall be utilized. Decorative lights shall be placed along sidewalks in the front and along the public roadway as shown in the picture below. The decorative light used shall be consistent throughout the district, and shall comply with Part 6.
Figure 500.7
Sample of Decorative Lighting
(6) 
Hours of operation.
(a) 
All off-street parking areas associated with multifamily residential, commercial, industrial, and nonresidential uses shall be illuminated at night. Multifamily residential lighting systems shall provide the full illumination required herein throughout the night hours. Nonresidential uses shall provide the full illumination required during hours the facility is accessible to customers, employees, and other users with a maximum of 50% of full illumination provided throughout the remainder of the night.
(b) 
Outdoor lighting used for illumination for walkways, private roadways and streets, equipment yards and outdoor security may remain on all night.
(c) 
Outdoor lighting used for outdoor sales and eating areas, assembly or repair areas, signs, recreational facilities and other similar applications shall be off between the 30 minutes after the closing of the business and sunrise. Areas which contain approved permanent outdoor storage may be lighted at 50% of full illumination.
(7) 
Permitted lamp fixture types.
(a) 
Lighting in parking areas is limited to high-pressure sodium. Metal halide may be utilized to light architectural elements and pedestrian walkways.
(b) 
Lighting of private recreational facilities in the single-family and multifamily residential zoning districts (LD, WP, CL, MD, VR and RR) shall be directed downward and shielded so that light is confined to the recreation facility and within the boundaries of the property. Lights shall only be on when the facility is in use. Lighting for outdoor recreation facilities is also subject to § 440-601, public, private, and semiprivate recreation facility.
(c) 
Lighting for signs shall comply with Part 7.
(8) 
The Township of Peters reserves the right to require adjustments to outdoor lighting after a new site comes on-line and lighting problems or issues are found to exist.
A. 
Parking ratios.
(1) 
Any building or structure erected, altered, or used and any lot used or occupied for any of the following purposes shall be provided with the minimum number of parking spaces set forth in Figure 500.8 or 500.9, as determined by the Zoning Officer or Planning Director, unless reserve parking or shared parking are being used or the conditions in Subsection A(4) below apply.
(2) 
In addition to the regulations in Figure 500.9, Minimum Off-Street Parking Space Requirements by Use, the Township may require the developer to provide up to one visitor space for every two units within a multifamily development and may require additional parking facilities for recreational buildings or areas.
(3) 
Parking space minimum requirements for uses not provided in Figure 500.9 shall be determined by the Township Planning Commission as a component of site plan review and approval.
(4) 
Any future change in land use for structures or parts of structures exceeding 10,000 square feet in gross floor area shall require a recalculation of the required parking. The recalculation of parking shall be submitted to and approved by Township Planning staff prior to the change in use. In the case of shared parking, if the mixture of uses shall change from the original calculation, a new shared parking calculation shall be required to be submitted to the Township Planning staff for approval.
(5) 
When a parking space minimum requirement must be established for a commercial center, land development or building exceeding 10,000 square feet in gross floor area in which the uses cannot be reasonably determined or estimated, the Township may apply the following general minimums based on gross floor area:
Figure 500.8
General Parking Minimums for Use in Unclear Large-Scale Cases
Gross Floor Area (GFA)
(square feet)
Ratio of Required Spaces to GFA
10,000 to 24,999
1:150
25,000 to 99,999
1:175
100,000 to 399,999
1:200
400,000 or greater
1:250
(6) 
In any case, the Township reserves the right to adjust the minimum requirement based on site configuration, context of surrounding area and any information available on intended land use.
               Figure 500.9 - Minimum Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements by Use
Figure 500.9
Minimum Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements by Use
[Amended 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841; 10-11-2021 by Ord. No. 869]
Use
Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces
Minimum Number of Loading Spaces
Residential
Single-family detached
2 per dwelling unit
N/A
Single-family attached
2 per dwelling unit
Multifamily
1.5 per dwelling unit
Flat (mixed-use)
2 per dwelling unit
Group living facility: Type A
1 per 10 residents plus 1 per 2 employees on peak shift plus 1 per 10 residents (guest spaces)
Group living facility: Type B
1 per 10 residents plus 1 per 2 employees on peak shift plus 1 per 10 residents (guest spaces)
Mobile home park
1 per dwelling unit
Transitional facility
1 per 2 residents plus 1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Conservation Residential (CR) and Mixed-Residential (MR) developments
1 guest parking space per every 5 residential units; shall be evenly distributed throughout the development and shall have no more than 5 contiguous spaces in a single parking area
Agricultural
Agricultural operations
N/A
N/A
Farm
Forestry/woodlot
Community garden
Commercial
Adult-oriented use
1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area (GFA)
N/A
Bar/nightclub
1 per 75 square feet of GFA
N/A
Brewpub
1 per 75 square feet of GFA
N/A
Car wash
Automatic wash: 9 stacking spaces per wash unit plus 1 drying space, plus 1 per employee on peak shift
Self-service wash: 3 stacking spaces per wash unit plus 2 drying spaces, plus 1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Clinic
1 per 200 square feet of GFA
N/A
Convenience store
1 per 200 square feet of GFA
1
Crematory
1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Factory authorized automobile dealer
1 per 500 square feet of building GFA
N/A
Farmers' market
N/A
N/A
Funeral home
1 per 3 seats with viewing rooms
N/A
Greenhouse, major
1 per 300 square feet of GFA (indoor) plus 1 per 500 square feet of GFA (outdoor) plus 1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Office
1 per 250 square feet of GFA
N/A
Office (medical)
1 per 250 square feet of GFA
▪ Up to 20,000 square feet: 1
▪ 20,001 to 60,000 square feet: 2
▪ Each additional 60,000 square feet or fraction thereof: 1 additional
Office (warehouse)
1 per 750 square feet of office GFA
▪ Up to 20,000 square feet: 1
▪ 20,001 to 60,000 square feet: 2
▪ Each additional 60,000 square feet or fraction thereof: 1 additional
Restaurant: convenience/fast-food
1/75 square feet of GFA plus 1 per 3 outdoor seats
N/A
Restaurant: limited/counter service
1 per 200 square feet of GFA plus 1 per 3 outdoor seats
N/A
Restaurant: full/table service
1 per 220 square feet of GFA plus 1 per 3 outdoor seats
N/A
Retail store
1 per 200 square feet of GFA
N/A
Wholesale landscaping
1 per 500 square feet of GFA plus 1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Recreation, Education, Public Assembly
Cemetery
1 per 500 square feet of GFA office space plus 1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Conference and training center
1 per 3 persons at maximum legal occupancy
▪ Up to 5,000 square feet: 1
▪ 5,001 to 20,000 square feet: 2
▪ Each additional 20,000 square feet or fraction thereof: 1 additional
Equestrian facility
1 per 4 stables plus 1 employee on peak shift
N/A
Place of worship/assembly
1 per 3 seats in primary room of assembly
N/A
Private club
1 per 100 square feet of GFA
▪ Up to 5,000 square feet: 1
▪ 5,001 to 20,000 square feet: 2
▪ Each additional 20,000 square feet or fraction thereof: 1 additional
Recreation facility: private
To be determined by Planning Commission followed by a parking needs analysis
To be determined by Planning Commission
Recreation facility: public
Recreation facility: commercial
School
K to 8
1 per employee on peak shift plus 1 per classroom
N/A
9 to 12
1 per employee on peak shift plus 10 per classroom
Studio
1 per 400 square feet of GFA
N/A
Theater/auditorium
1 per 4 seats in each screening room
1/500 seats
Services
Animal kennel
1 per 1,000 square feet of GFA plus 1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Animal day care
1 per employee on peak shift plus 1 per 6 animals at peak occupancy
N/A
Animal grooming and retail operations
1 per 200 square feet of GFA
N/A
Automobile repair garage
3 per service bay plus 1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Automobile gas/service station
1 per 500 square feet of GFA plus 1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Bank
1 per 300 square feet of GFA plus 1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Bed-and-breakfast
1 per guest room
N/A
Business services
1 per 500 square feet of GFA
▪ Up to 5,000 square feet: 1
▪ 5,001 to 20,000 square feet: 2
▪ Each additional 60,000 square feet or fraction thereof: 1 additional
Day-care facility
1 per 5 patrons plus 1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Gallery
1 per 200 square feet of GFA open to the public
N/A
Hospital
1 per bed plus 1 per employee on peak shift
▪ Up to 5,000 square feet: 1
▪ 5,001 to 20,000 square feet: 2
▪ Each additional 60,000 square feet or fraction thereof: 1 additional
Hotel/motel
1 per sleeping room plus additional spaces for accessory uses (restaurant, bar, etc.)
N/A
Nursing care facility
1 per 3 patient beds
N/A
Personal services
1 per 300 square feet of GFA plus 1 per 2 employees on peak shift
1 space
Pharmacy
1 per 400 square feet of GFA
N/A
Post office
1 per 300 square feet of GFA
N/A
Public utility facility
N/A
N/A
Veterinary services
1 per 300 square feet of GFA
N/A
Industrial
Compressor station
N/A
N/A
Conventional gas drilling
N/A
N/A
Excavating service
1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Flex space
1 per 300 square feet of GFA
1 space
Light assembly
1 per 500 square feet of GFA
▪ Up to 20,000 square feet: 1
▪ 20,001 to 260,000 square feet: 2
▪ Each additional 60,000 square feet or fraction thereof: 1 additional
Medical marijuana processing facility
1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Micro-alcohol production
1 per 500 square feet of building GFA
N/A
Processing plant
1 per 500 square feet of building GFA
Research and development
1 per 500 square feet of building GFA
N/A
Self-storage facility
1 per employee on peak shift plus 1 per 10 storage spaces
1 space for each exterior door plus 1/5 interior doors
Unconventional gas drilling
Sufficient to allow all associated vehicles to be parked off-street, as adjudged by the Planning Commission.
N/A
Warehouse
1 per 2,000 square feet of GFA
▪ Up to 5,000 square feet: 1
▪ 5,001 to 20,000 square feet: 2
▪ Each additional 20,000 square feet or fraction thereof: 1 additional
Public Facilities/Infrastructure
Commercial wireless communications facility
1 per facility
N/A
Emergency services
1 per 250 square feet of GFA
N/A
Essential services
1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Parking facility
N/A
N/A
Public works facility
1 per 300 square feet of GFA plus 1 per employee on peak shift
N/A
Solar energy system: large
N/A
N/A
B. 
Stacking and queuing spaces.
(1) 
In addition to minimum parking requirements established in this chapter, the following stacking or queuing areas are required:
[Amended 5-13-2019 by Ord. No. 841]
Figure 500.10
Stacking and Queuing Spaces
Activity Type
Minimum Stacking Spaces Per Lane
Measured From
Automated teller machine
3
Teller
Bank teller lane
4
Teller window
Car wash stall, automatic
9
Entrance
Car wash stall, self-service
3
Entrance
Coffee shop
5
Window
Gasoline pump island
2
Pump island
Pharmacy
4
Window
Restaurant, drive-through
6
Order box
Restaurant, drive-through
4
Order box to pickup window
Oil change and quick lube
3
Per bay
Other
5
Determined by Zoning Officer
(2) 
Required stacking spaces are subject to the following design and layout standards.
(a) 
The size of a stacking or queuing space shall be 19 feet in length by nine feet in width.
(b) 
Each lane shall be clearly defined in a manner that is identifiable during all seasons.
(c) 
Stacking spaces may not impede on- or off-site traffic movements or movement into or out of off-street parking spaces.
(d) 
Stacking spaces must be separated from other internal roadways for traffic movement and safety.
C. 
Parking held in reserve. If the number of spaces required above is substantially larger than the number of spaces anticipated by the applicant, then the applicant may hold some of the parking in reserve in order to avoid unnecessary paving while ensuring adequate area for potential parking demands.
(1) 
Suitable area must be available on the site for 100% of the parking required above.
(2) 
The number of spaces which must be paved initially may be reduced by up to 50% by the Township Council or Planning Commission. All stormwater engineering shall be designed based on total parking requirements, including the reserve.
(3) 
Applicants that anticipate a need for more than 120% of the required parking spaces should design their developments with suitable area for the balance of the total number of spaces required. These spaces shall be held in reserve. The reserve parking spaces shall be constructed by the applicant if and when determined necessary by the Township Council or Planning Commission, upon recommendation of the Zoning Officer.
(4) 
The Township may require installation of these parking spaces under the following conditions:
(a) 
When there is evidence of a continued overflow of parking as installed by the applicant.
(b) 
When a reevaluation of the parking capacity by the Zoning Officer shows that future parking needs will not be met. The parking capacity shall be reevaluated whenever there is a change in use, ownership, number of employees, number of residents, building size, and/or land area.
D. 
Maximum parking. The maximum amount of permitted parking shall be 150% of the minimum required parking, unless the Township Council or Planning Commission requires installation of additional parking, as outlined in Subsection C above.
E. 
Shared parking.
(1) 
The parking spaces required in the above standards may be reduced by an amount determined by the Planning Director when it can be demonstrated through a parking demand study that sufficient parking is already available or can be provided by the subject uses through shared parking.
(a) 
The parking demand study shall provide evidence about anticipated parking demand at peak times and the distance relationship between shared parking spaces and the specific uses to be served.
(b) 
Some portion of the shared off-street parking area shall lie within 200 feet of an entrance, regularly used by patrons, into the buildings to be served by the shared parking.
(c) 
Access and parking easements shall be prepared and recorded for each property to be served by the shared parking.
(2) 
The use of shared parking shall be required when the development is under the control of a single owner/developer and contains commercial, retail, office, institutional, or public uses with staggered peak parking demands. A parking demand study is encouraged for all development and redevelopment to optimize available parking resources, minimize construction and maintenance costs and enhance community character.
(3) 
The minimum amount of shared parking required shall be calculated by the Township according to the shared parking calculator maintained by the Planning Department.
(4) 
A written agreement involving all parties to shared parking arrangements shall be kept on file with the Township. An example agreement appears in Part 12, Appendixes, of this chapter.
F. 
Accessibility requirements.
(1) 
The quantity of handicapped spaces for a land development shall be included within the total number of parking spaces required.
(2) 
The proportion and access of handicapped spaces required by a land development shall conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines, US Access Board.
(3) 
One in every eight accessible spaces, but not less than one, shall be served by an access aisle a minimum of 96 inches wide and shall be designated as "van accessible."
(4) 
All signage designating accessible spaces shall be in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code requirements.
G. 
Design and layout.
(1) 
Surface parking areas provided on-site for new development shall be located at the side, to the rear or at the face of a building that does not front along a street. Corners of primary street intersections shall be avoided in the location of parking lots, as shall the space between a building and the adjacent street frontage it faces. Partial or full underground parking may be used.
(2) 
The Township Council or Planning Commission shall approve one of the following incentives for parking lots in land or building redevelopment that provides a minimum of 80% of the required parking spaces between the building(s) rear face and rear lot line or side face(s) and side lot line(s):
(a) 
A gross floor area increase of 15% of a lot's net buildable area.
(b) 
A building height increase of eight feet.
(c) 
A reduction of the minimum front and/or side yard setbacks.
(3) 
Where parking lots are allowed to locate, or remain between the face of a building and its street frontage, a five-foot-wide planting area shall be provided between the parking lot and the street right-of-way.
H. 
Surface parking area specifications.
(1) 
Off-street parking spaces provided in a surface parking lot shall not be located any closer than 10 feet to the right-of-way line of a public or private roadway. The area between the right-of-way and off-street parking spaces shall be seeded and planted with shrubbery, trees or other landscaped barrier that will prevent the shining of lights from the parking area onto the roadway and in accordance with § 440-504 as appropriate.
(2) 
Parking lot interconnections shall be required. In all commercial, industrial, and mixed-use districts, the landowner and/or developer shall provide a two-way access point in the side yard. If development exists on an adjacent lot, then the access point shall be located so that the maximum traffic flow between parking lots can ultimately occur.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection B(3), at least 50% of all parking spaces required within a multifamily development shall be roofed and enclosed on three sides, which immediately followed this subsection, was repealed 4-24-2023 by Ord. No. 892. This ordinance also renumbered former Subsection B(4) and (5) as Subsection B(3) and (4), respectively.
(3) 
If more than 50% of the use's required parking is located between a public right-of-way line and the front facade of a building, the front yard buffer area shall be a minimum of 25 feet.
(4) 
Parking lots shall be constructed in accordance with applicable requirements of § 440-508.
I. 
Parking garage/structure specifications.
(1) 
No parking garage/structure shall exceed 35 feet in height above the average ground level immediately adjacent to the parking garage/structure.
(2) 
Parking garages/structures shall be included in all building and net site coverage calculations.
(3) 
Parking garages/structures shall be illuminated in conformance with the requirements of § 440-506.
(4) 
Parking structures shall conform to the yard setbacks of a principal building as defined in this chapter.
J. 
Parking within residential development. Private off-street parking areas shall be used exclusively for the parking of noncommercial vehicles and motorcycles owned and used by the occupants of the premises, including residents, tenants, employees and employers.
K. 
Mixed-use district parking; applies to McMurray Town Center, Mixed-Use Activity Center and Mixed-Use Village.
(1) 
For development on a lot that includes a mixture of nonresidential and residential uses for which individual uses cannot be reasonably determined or estimated, 3.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area minus 10% of the total number of spaces shall be provided.
(2) 
When adjacent to a public road right-of-way, an individual surface parking lot shall be equal to or less than 200 feet in length. No more than 50% of the lot's frontage to a public right-of-way shall be used for parking.
(3) 
If more than one parking lot exists in a development and two or more of the development's parking lots commonly share the same side of a public right-of-way, then one of the following shall occur between the parking lots:
(a) 
Landscape planting shall be provided for a minimum of 100 feet in length along the right-of-way between the two parking lots. The planting area shall be 20 feet minimum in depth. No parking spaces shall be constructed between the landscape area and the public-right-of-way. Driveway access shall be permitted to be constructed between the landscape area and the public right-of-way. The plantings shall be a mix of deciduous and evergreen plantings. Species reaching a mature height of less than three feet shall not exceed 40% of the total planted area.
(b) 
The lot's principal building shall be located between the parking lots. If the building is less than 60 feet in width, then the required landscape planting for the building's perimeter shall be extended beyond this district's standard minimum width so that the building width plus landscape width equals a minimum of 80 feet. An illustration of this typical relationship is included within Part 12, Appendixes, of this chapter.
(4) 
Parking lots for nonresidential uses shall not be constructed in the area between a building's front facade and the lot's front lot line.
(5) 
Structured parking shall be permitted within mixed-use districts. Parking structures shall be considered a building that is an accessory to the principal use of a site and shall not be included in the site's floor area ratio (FAR) calculation.
(6) 
Surface parking shall be permitted within the floodplain of a mixed-use district, provided that:
(a) 
Disturbance to the floodplain is in conformance with regulations stipulated by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Township Engineer.
(b) 
A stormwater management facility or equivalent facility as approved by the Township Planning Commission is provided below pervious parking surfaces or adjacent to an impervious parking surface for the management and control of the parking lot's stormwater runoff.
(c) 
To minimize damage to the lot on which the parking is constructed and properties downstream, the Township encourages the landowner and/or developer to incorporate best managements practices as outlined in the Pennsylvania Handbook of Best Management Practices for Developing Areas.
L. 
Loading requirements.
(1) 
General standards. The proportion of loading spaces shall be provided in accordance with Figure 500.9, Minimum Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements by Use.
(2) 
Adequate area that is screened from public view shall be provided for dumpsters and the disposal of waste. Dumpster locations shall be in the rear of a parking lot out of view from public streets where feasible. An illustration of this is provided in Part 12, Appendixes, of this chapter. Off-street loading and unloading space(s) with proper and safe access from the street, service street, or parking lot shall be provided on each lot where it is deemed necessary by the Township Planning Commission. Each loading space shall:
(a) 
Accommodate the size vehicles expected to frequent the site, providing adequate clearance and maneuvering area in accordance with good engineering practices.
(b) 
Have a paved surface to provide safe and convenient access during all weather conditions.
(c) 
Not be located between the street right-of-way line and the building set back line.
(d) 
Not use spaces or aisles for required parking for loading and unloading purposes, except during hours when business operations are suspended.
(e) 
Be designed so that vehicles will not back in or out on any public right-of-way.
(f) 
Not in any way block the effective flow of persons or vehicles or block any fire lane or fire protection apparatus.
(3) 
Delivery, loading and service areas.
(a) 
Location. Delivery/loading/service areas shall not be visible from:
[1] 
A building's primary entrance;
[2] 
An adjacent or abutting residential use; or
[3] 
An abutting public street right-of-way.
(b) 
If residential and nonresidential uses are combined within a single building, a common service area may be provided.
A. 
General standards.
(1) 
Off-street parking spaces with the proper and safe access shall be provided within a structure or in the open to serve adequately the uses on each lot within a district. Parking spaces shall be so arranged that no vehicle will back out on any public right-of-way or into an entrance driveway within 20 feet of a street cartway. Stacked spaces are prohibited except for display vehicles.
(2) 
For purposes of designing the layout of off-street parking facilities, the following minimum design standards shall be observed: (See diagram in Part 12, Appendixes, of this chapter.)
Figure 500.11
Minimum Off-Street Parking Width
Parking Angle
(degrees)
One-Way
Aisle Width
(feet)
Two-Way
Aisle Width
(feet)
Stall Width
(feet)
Stall Length
(feet)
Parallel
15
24
8
23
Up to 37°
13
24
9
18
38° to 57°
15
24
9
18
58° to 74°
18
24
9
18
75° to 90°
24
24
10
20
Stacking spaces for drive-through or drive-up facilities
9
19
(3) 
Parking lots for buildings used exclusively for offices may designate up to 1/3 of the required spaces for compact cars in perpendicular spaces of nine feet by 18 feet, provided that the area is identified with signs.
B. 
Parking lots shall:
(1) 
Have an impervious paved surface as required in § 440-503. However, Grasscrete, Monoslab, or equal may be used in place of impervious paving in lightly traveled areas with the permission of the Township Planning Commission.
(2) 
Have parking stalls clearly delineated by painted lines or markers.
(3) 
Be provided with guide rails or wheel stops when necessary for safety or protection of adjacent structures, landscaped areas, or downward slopes.
(4) 
Have all vehicular entrances and exits clearly designated for all weather conditions.
(5) 
Be adequately lighted if used during evening hours.
(6) 
Be approximately level, except for necessary drainage purposes. The maximum permissible slope of any parking area shall be 7%. If parking spaces are provided in an area which exceeds 5%, all such spaces shall be perpendicular to the contour lines of the area.
(7) 
Be landscaped in accordance with §§ 440-504 and 440-505.
These regulations have been designed to permit reasonable use of lots, to protect the public health and safety, to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the zoning districts and to protect the integrity of the area and bulk regulations in this chapter. Outdoor displays and storage of any type shall not be permitted unless such displays and storage are accessory to the approved occupancy conducted on the premises, follow the regulations specified in this section, or as are otherwise specified in this chapter.
A. 
Outdoor displays.
(1) 
A single sample of merchandise may be displayed outdoors in the nonresidential district, provided that:
(a) 
It does not occupy buffer areas, parking spaces, driveways, or interfere with traffic flow on the lot;
(b) 
It does not damage or obscure landscaping;
(c) 
It leaves a clear pedestrian path of six feet;
(d) 
It does not obstruct visibility (See § 440-600L.);
(e) 
It is of a type, size and design which will maintain and preserve the character, aesthetics and lot values in the zoning district in which such display shall be maintained; and
(f) 
It does not constitute a structure.
(2) 
No display of cars for sale (excluding auto dealers) shall occur on commercial property.
B. 
Outdoor storage.
(1) 
General. All junked or abandoned vehicles are specifically prohibited in this chapter. The outdoor accumulation of rubbish, parts, tires, etc., is regulated by Chapter 274, Nuisances, of the Code of the Township of Peters. Buffer areas and screening requirements are in § 440-505.
(2) 
Propane. All liquefied petroleum gas containers or tanks of 500 pounds or more shall be installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association Bulletin No. 58, 12972, as amended, the Regulations for Liquefied Petroleum Gas of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, and any applicable federal regulations. In addition, all bottled gas cylinder, tank or container installations, regardless of size or locations, shall be protected from tampering and/or damage as required by the Township Fire Marshal and the Fire Prevention Code. (See Chapter 165, Article II.) Installations shall be screened from view in any such manner specified by the Zoning Officer that does not conflict with the above cited regulations.
(3) 
General Commercial District and Industrial District.
(a) 
Merchandise.
[1] 
Temporary outdoor storage of merchandise of a seasonal nature shall be permitted by special permit if:
[a] 
It complies with the display provisions (above);
[b] 
It is not visible from an adjacent residentially zoned lot;
[c] 
It will not continue for more than six weeks; and
[d] 
No more than four permits will be issued during a calendar year.
[2] 
The permanent outdoor storage of merchandise is prohibited and all operations of a business shall take place within a closed building, unless otherwise specified. "Permanent" shall mean merchandise normally stocked for that business and replenished from new stock on a regular basis.
(b) 
Vehicles. Company vehicles operated daily in connection with a business may be parked on the premises after business hours. Fleets of company vehicles (three or more) operated daily in connection with a business cannot be parked on the premises after business hours if they exceed the size of a pickup truck or panel van. All other vehicles, except licensed school buses, shall remain on the premises only long enough to load, unload, or perform other functions incidental to the conduct of business. Vehicles for sale or rent and automobile repair garages are regulated by § 440-601.
(c) 
Shopping cart storage. Any establishment which furnishes carts or mobile baskets as an adjunct to shopping shall provide definite areas within the paved areas for storage of said carts. Each designed storage area shall be clearly marked for storage of shopping carts. Shopping carts shall be collected regularly and not create a safety hazard.
(4) 
No outdoor storage shall be conducted in any residential districts.
(5) 
Outdoor storage shall not occur in a front yard or yard adjacent to a residential district.
(6) 
If outdoor storage exceeds 150 square feet, the landowner or developer shall file a special permit with the Township Planning Department.
(7) 
Outdoor storage of merchandise related to a farm shall conform to the provisions of Part 6.
A. 
The peak hour trip calculations shall be defined by the guidelines and procedures outlined in the most current edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Handbook and the ITE Trip Generation Manual.
B. 
The threshold requirement for a traffic impact study is 75 peak hour trips. This shall apply regardless of the type of land use proposed. A study may also be required of the developer even if the threshold is not met when the development is located in an area with known traffic deficiencies. The study shall determine what, if any, improvements will need to be constructed and maintained as part of the development. The study shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. The Planning Director may waive the study requirement for an individual development, where said development was incorporated as part of a previously approved traffic impact study.
C. 
Technical aspects of the traffic impact study should be performed in accordance with the most recent edition of PennDOT's Policy and Procedures for Transportation Impact Studies and the most recent edition of ITE's Recommended Practice for Traffic Access and Impact Studies for Site Development.
D. 
The traffic study shall be signed and sealed by a licensed engineer from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with experience in traffic engineering.
E. 
Traffic impact study process. Prior to beginning a traffic impact study, the landowner and/or developer shall submit a proposed scope of services to the Planning Director for review and approval. If the scope of study includes access to any state highway, a traffic study scoping meeting should be held jointly with PennDOT. The traffic impact study shall include the following if determined to be appropriate by the Planning Director:
(1) 
A brief description of the proposed project in terms of land use and magnitude.
(2) 
An inventory and analysis of existing roadway and traffic conditions in the site environs including:
(a) 
Roadway network, roadway classification, and traffic control.
(b) 
Existing traffic volumes in terms of peak hours and average daily traffic (ADT); data collection to be conducted in accordance with the data collection and analysis methodologies outlined in PennDOT Publication 46 Traffic Engineering Manual.
(c) 
Planned roadway improvements by others.
(d) 
Level of service as defined by the current edition of the Transportation Research Board's (TRB) Highway Capacity Manual approved for use in Pennsylvania by PennDOT; level of service to be reported by lane group, approach, and overall intersection.
(e) 
Other measures of existing roadway adequacy, i.e., lane widths, shoulder widths, speed limits, crash history, geometric review, driveway sight distance, intersection sight distance, etc.
(3) 
Proposed site-generated traffic volumes in terms of:
(a) 
Peak hours and ADT (by development phase if required) including any pass-by trip calculations and internal capture calculations outlined in the most current edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Handbook and the ITE Trip Generation Manual.
(b) 
Arrival/departure distribution to be approved by the Planning Director.
(c) 
Site traffic volumes on study roadways.
(4) 
An analysis of future traffic conditions including:
(a) 
Future opening year no build and combined traffic volumes (site traffic plus future background roadway traffic). Opening year is the projected year of opening for the proposed development or change in use. For phased developments, the Planning Director will determine which year or years are to be analyzed.
(b) 
Future design year no build and combined traffic volumes (site traffic plus future roadway traffic). Design year is projected to five years beyond the expected opening year of the development/change in use. In the case of a phased development, the design year shall be five years beyond full buildout of the final phase of the development. The Planning Director may waive the analysis of the design year if the overall development generates fewer than 3,000 trips per day or fewer than 100 entering or 100 exiting trips during the peak hour of the development.
(c) 
Level of service as defined by the current edition of the Transportation Research Board's (TRB) Highway Capacity Manual approved for use in Pennsylvania by PennDOT; level of service to be reported by lane group, approach, and overall intersection.
(d) 
A pavement analysis of roadways which are projected to experience significant increase in ADT volumes off-site.
(e) 
Other measures of future roadway adequacy: lane widths, shoulder widths, speed limits, geometric review, driveway sight distance, intersection sight distance, etc.
(f) 
Traffic signal warrants in accordance with PennDOT procedures outlined in the current edition of PennDOT Publication 212 Official Traffic Control Devices and PennDOT Publication 46 Traffic Engineering Manual.
(g) 
Queuing analysis and turn lane warrants in accordance with a methodology outlined in the current edition of PennDOT Publication 46 Traffic Engineering Manual.
(h) 
When access is onto a state road, the analysis of future conditions shall be consistent with PennDOT requirements.
(i) 
Roadway levels of service on roadway segments within the defined study area as defined by the current edition of the Transportation Research Board's (TRB) Highway Capacity Manual approved for use in Pennsylvania by PennDOT.
(5) 
A description of future levels of service and their compliance with standards for traffic capacity of streets, intersections and driveways. New streets shall be designed for adequate traffic capacity defined as follows, all referenced by the current edition of the Transportation Research Board's (TRB) Highway Capacity Manual approved for use in Pennsylvania by PennDOT.
(a) 
Traffic capacity level of service (LOS) shall be based upon future design year analysis.
(b) 
New or modified (a new approach created) unsignalized intersections or driveways which intersect streets shall be designed for an overall LOS C or better unless otherwise specified by the Planning Director. Additional mitigation or turn restrictions may be imposed if individual lane groups or approaches are LOS E or LOS F at a new/modified unsignalized intersection or driveway.
(c) 
New or modified (a new approach created) signalized intersections shall be designed for an overall LOS C or better, unless otherwise specified by the Township. Additional mitigation may be required if individual lane groups or approaches are LOS E or LOS F at a new/modified signalized intersection.
(d) 
Existing intersections impacted by development traffic shall maintain a minimum overall LOS D, or, if future base (without development traffic) overall LOS E then mitigation shall be made to maintain overall LOS E with development traffic. If future base overall LOS F, then any degradation in terms of overall vehicle delay shall be mitigated. Additional mitigation may be required by the Planning Director if critical lane groups or approaches degrade below LOS D (i.e., LOS E or LOS F).
(e) 
New streets shall be defined for a minimum LOS C.
(f) 
Existing roadway segments impacted by development traffic shall maintain a minimum LOS D for each direction, or, if future base (without development traffic) LOS E or LOS F then degradation in LOS shall be mitigated.
(g) 
If sufficient evidence is provided that the above LOS criteria cannot be met with reasonable mitigation, then the Planning Director may modify LOS requirements thought the use of a ten-second variance in accordance with the most recent edition of PennDOT's Policy and Procedures for Transportation Impact Studies or the Planning Director may waive the LOS requirements altogether. If the LOS requirements are waived by the Planning Director, an alternative transportation mitigation as described in PennDOT's Policy and Procedures for Transportation Impact Studies maybe be required by the Planning Director.
(h) 
When access is onto a state road, the LOS criteria shall be consistent with PennDOT requirements.
(6) 
A description and analysis of the proposed access plan and site plan including:
(a) 
Access plan including analysis of required sight distances using PennDOT criteria and description of access roadway, location, geometric conditions, ADA compliance, and traffic control.
(b) 
On-site circulation plan showing parking locations and dimension, loading access, traffic circulation, pedestrian circulation, ADA compliance and traffic control.
(c) 
For new residential developments with roadways proposed to be offered for dedication to the Township, a transportation plan showing proposed internal traffic control and compliance with the Township's traffic calming standards for new development (Chapter 385: Traffic Calming Standards, Attachment TC-01 through TC-09; §§ 376-9; 376-16; and 385-37N) shall be provided.
(7) 
Traffic circulation mitigating action plan shall include:
(a) 
Project features relative to site access and on-site circulation that could be modified to maximize positive impact or minimize negative impact.
(b) 
Off-site improvement plan depicting required roadway and signal installation and signing improvements to meet the minimum level of service requirements.
F. 
Traffic control devices and other traffic improvements. Whenever, as a result of additional traffic generated by a proposed development, the traffic impact study determines the need for a traffic signal or regulatory sign, additional traffic lanes (acceleration, deceleration or turning) or other traffic improvements to be constructed on the landowner and/or developer's property or on the property abutting the landowner and/or developer's property, the landowner and/or developer shall, as a condition to approval of the final plat, agree to construct the improvements at the landowner and/or developer's cost, or in lieu thereof, and with the written consent of the Township, reimburse the Township for the cost of the improvements.
G. 
Wherever ITE, TRB, or PennDOT publications are referenced in this section, it shall be assumed that the most recent edition of such publications or in the event that a publication has been superseded by another manual/publication/handbook, the most recent edition of the successor publication is to be used to satisfy the requirements of this section. The Planning Director shall make the final determination regarding any standards, methodologies, or publications to be used in the preparation of the traffic impact analysis.
Vegetation preservation applicable to a landowner and/or developer of a land development is governed by the specifications in this section and the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
A. 
Vegetation preservation. The removal of trees, shrubbery, foliage, grass or other natural growth shall be permitted when in conformance with the provisions of this chapter or any other chapter of the Township regulating land use, development and logging as approved by the Township Council. The activity of grubbing (defined as the cleaning of underbrush from a well-treed area) shall be permitted with the expressed approval of the Planning Director. A landscape plan shall be prepared and submitted at the time of subdivision and/or land development application, bearing the seal of a registered landscape architect.
B. 
Cutting and clearing of vegetation; violations and penalties.
(1) 
Forestry activities of timber harvesting and/or logging, whether by clear-cutting, selective cutting or other common practice, shall be permitted in any zoning district. All forestry activities shall comply with Chapter 402, Trees, Article I, Logging and Timber Harvesting, of the Peters Township Code of Ordinances.
(2) 
The cutting of trees and/or clearing of vegetation within the maximum buffer area which could be applicable to the lot, as required by § 440-505, or within the minimum building setback as required by Part 4, whichever is greater, unless incidental to imminent development, is prohibited. Grubbing activity, as defined in Subsection A, is permitted where the purpose is to improve the appearance of the lot.
(3) 
"Imminent development" shall be considered to be development which is reasonably expected to commence and for which there are realistic plans to commence on a minimum basis of eight hours per day, 40 hours per week (utilizing a standard workweek basis of five on, two off) within 60 days of the completed cutting activities and for which a subdivision or land development plan or plat and a conceptual landscape plan has been submitted and approved by the Township.
(4) 
The penalty for violating this section shall be a maximum of $500 for each day in excess of 60 that the cleared lot is not subject to significant development activities, as defined above, unless the lack of significant development for time in excess of 60 days following the clearing of the lot occurred for reasons other than a lack of reasonable expectations as to when development would and could commence and/or a lack of realistic plans for the commencement of development. This language is not intended to prohibit the cutting of diseased, dead or dying plants or trees, the development of flower or vegetable gardens or the removal of single trees or clumps of vegetation for aesthetic, safety or other concerns. It does prohibit the mass or large-scale defoliation of a lot preparatory to development until shortly before the proposed development actually takes place.
(5) 
In addition to any other remedy available to the Township and in the event that the construction of structures and/or infrastructure on the site does not commence despite an approved land development plan within six months of the completion of the clearing operations as determined by the Township, the disturbed site shall be reforested in accordance with requirements for the applicable buffer area or, if in the area of any required minimum setback not within a required buffer area, in accordance with the spacing and planning variety required for Buffer Area A. Should this six-month period fall during a season not conducive to planting, the Township may permit the developer and/or landowner to delay this reforestation until a time more conducive, but shall commence, in no case, any later than April 1. Furthermore, at the time of the land development plan or plat approval, the Township shall require that a performance bond be provided, in the favor of the Township, to guarantee this reforestation, in an amount approved by the Township Engineer. The lot must be reforested with a species comparable to the predominant species on the lot prior to the commencement of the clearing operations.
(6) 
The landscape plan required by § 440-504 shall show the location and species of all existing trees six inches in diameter at breast height (dbh). All such trees shall be marked in the field in order that they may be inspected by the Township. Applicants are encouraged to maximize the retention of all healthy existing trees six inches or more dbh. All trees, including those not listed by the Township Planning Department, are subject to approval by the Township Planning Department with respect to health, location and species type. Trees to be preserved should not be disturbed within the dripline. Any change to the existing grade within the dripline shall disqualify the opportunity for credits. A developer preserving existing approved trees shall be entitled to the following credits from the buffer area requirements of § 440-505:
(a) 
Eighteen-inch dbh or greater tree located in required buffer areas: six trees.
(b) 
Eighteen-inch dbh or greater tree located outside required buffer areas: seven trees.
(c) 
Twelve-inch to eighteen-inch dbh located in required buffer areas: four trees.
(d) 
Twelve-inch to eighteen-inch dbh located outside required buffer areas: five trees.
(e) 
Six-inch to twelve-inch dbh tree located in required buffer areas: two trees.
(f) 
Six-inch to twelve-inch dbh tree located outside required buffer areas: three trees.
A. 
Retaining walls.
(1) 
Single-family lots. Retaining walls shall have a maximum height of six feet.
(2) 
All other development. See Peters Township Grading Ordinance, Chapter 229 of the Township Code.
B. 
Nongravity walls and fences.
(1) 
Fences and nongravity walls may be used for privacy, protection or screening, but shall not be used in lieu of landscape screening in buffer areas.
(2) 
Any fence or nongravity wall forward of the building set back line shall be no higher than four feet, shall not be a privacy or chain-link fence and shall not encroach into the street right-of-way. Fences and non-gravity walls in side and rear yards shall not exceed a height of six feet. Fence height measurements shall not include projections above fence posts, decorative features, or other protrusions. A permit to erect a nongravity wall and/or fence shall be required in accordance with the regulations of the Township Planning Department. Athletic fields and similar recreation facilities are exempt from the six-foot height restriction. (See Part 6.)
C. 
Fences.
(1) 
Fences shall be defined to include a front and back face. The finished side of the fence shall be considered the front face and the front face shall be oriented toward the exterior of a lot so that a maximum of 80% of each structural member of the fence, unless a split rail fence, shall be visible from an adjacent lot.
(2) 
Privacy fences shall include fences with slat spacing of less than one inch.
(3) 
No fence in the residential zoning districts shall be barbed wire or electric, excluding use on a farm.
(4) 
No privacy or chain link fence may be constructed forward of the front setback lines.
(5) 
No front yard fence shall exceed four feet in total height (measured from the ground to the highest point of fencing material).
(6) 
No side or rear fence shall exceed six feet in total height (measured from the ground to the highest point of fencing material).
(7) 
Fences, including decorative fencing, shall not have unprotected spikes or similar components.
A. 
Requirement. Sidewalks shall be provided on any lot and/or land development plan where the Planning Commission recommends them for public safety.
B. 
Unless approved by the Township Council, sidewalks within the MA (MA.1 and MA.2), TC, VC and VM Districts shall, at a minimum, be constructed within the front buffer area and shall be aligned so that the amount of contiguous planting area in the buffer area is maximized.
C. 
If a sidewalk exists in an adjacent lot's buffer area, the landowner and/or developer shall connect the sidewalk to the adjacent lot's existing sidewalk.
D. 
Sidewalks internal to a land development shall be designed to minimize conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.
E. 
Walkways shall be provided between plaza areas, parking areas and a lot's principal structure.
F. 
In the MA (MA.1 and MA.2), TC, VC and VM Districts, a minimum of one sidewalk connection shall be provided between a public road right-of-way and the principal building entrance or an alternative point of egress/ingress as approved by Township Planning Commission.
Farms and general agricultural regulations. Unless otherwise controlled within this chapter, operations involving the use of buildings and land for farming, gardening, nurseries, major and/or minor greenhouses, seasonal living, riding academies, animal kennels, livery or boarding stables, stock raising, dairying and poultry shall be permitted only on a farm in a R-1A District, subject to the following regulations:
A. 
The minimum size of a farm shall be 10 acres.
B. 
Storage of manure and/or odor- or dust-producing substances shall not be permitted within 200 feet of any property line.
C. 
All grazing or pasture area utilized for farming/agriculture purposes shall be fenced.
D. 
A greenhouse shall not be operated within 100 feet of any property line.
E. 
Buildings or kennels in which animals or poultry are kept shall not hereafter be erected within 200 feet of any lot line, provided that this shall apply to buildings housing more than two dogs or other household pets.
F. 
Additional farm buildings other than the principal dwelling unit shall not be constructed closer than 50 feet to any property line.
G. 
Normal agricultural operations, as defined and regulated by the Pennsylvania Right to Farm Act, Act 133, as amended,[1] shall be permitted as part of all farm and agricultural activities within the Township.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 3 P.S. § 951 et seq.
H. 
The display and sale of farm products shall be permitted, provided that signs conform to the requirements of Part 7 of Chapter 440 of the Charter and Code of Peters Township, Pennsylvania. If conducted from a portable stand, the stand shall be located at least 25 feet from the road right-of-way and removed at the end of the growing season. If business is conducted from a permanent stand, the stand shall be located at least 50 feet from the road right-of-way.
I. 
Agricultural activities shall be required to provide for the safe management of stormwater runoff in accordance with the applicable standards and criteria of the Township Stormwater Management Plan and the stormwater management requirements of the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter 385). The submission and approval of a stormwater management plan, as required by Chapter 371, Stormwater Management, shall be waived for agricultural activities (including nurseries and forest management operations) that have an erosion and sedimentation control plan approved by the County Conservation District.
J. 
The owner(s) and operator(s) of a farm shall incorporate best management practices as outlined in the Pennsylvania Handbook of Best Management Practices for Developing Areas to minimize negative impacts of erosion, siltation and surface water and groundwater contamination.
K. 
No more than eight seasonal living quarters per 100 acres shall be permitted to be located on a farm or agriculture lot, where the dwellings are utilized for employees of business conducted on the lot.