For the purpose of this chapter, words used in the present tense
shall include the future. The singular number shall include the plural
and the plural shall include the singular. The masculine shall include
the feminine and the neuter. The word "shall" is always mandatory.
The word "building" includes "structure" and shall be construed as
if followed by the words "or any part thereof." The phrase "used for"
includes "arranged for," "person" includes an individual, corporation,
partnership, incorporated association, or any other legal entity.
The word "includes" or "including" shall not limit the term to the
specified example, but is intended to extend its meaning to all other
instances of like kind and character. Except as defined within this
chapter, all words and phrases shall have their normal meanings and
usage.
The following words and phrases shall have the meaning given
in this section.
A subordinate building, incidental to, and located on the
same lot as, the principal building, and used for an accessory use.
One second single-family detached dwelling or mobile home on a lot
shall be considered an accessory building, provided that the second
dwelling shall meet all of the yard and height requirements of the
principal structures in the zoning district.
A use incidental to, and subordinate to and located on the
same lot occupied by the principal use to which it relates.
An enterprise that is actively engaged in the commercial
production and preparation for market of crops, livestock and livestock
products and in the production, harvesting and preparation for market
or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural and
aquacultural crops and commodities. The term includes an enterprise
that implements changes in production practices and procedures or
types of crops, livestock, livestock products or commodities produced
consistent with practices and procedures that are normally engaged
by farmers or are consistent with technological development within
the agricultural industry. This definition includes boarding of horses
and training of riders, but not an arena or venue for public equine
events, which shall be regarded as outdoor commercial recreation.
Businesses selling goods or services to a substantially agricultural
clientele, including feed mills, seed sales, feed grinding services,
and agricultural implement dealers.
Area of a lot or site shall be calculated from dimensions
derived by horizontal projections of the site.
Any premises in which food, shelter, assisted living services,
assistance or supervision and supplemental health care services are
provided for a period exceeding 24 hours for four or more adults who
are not relatives of the operator, who require assistance or supervision
in matters such as dressing, bathing, diet, financial management,
evacuation from the residence in the event of an emergency or medication
prescribed for self-administration, and licensed and regulated as
such by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
[Amended 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021]
A permanent structure specifically designed and constructed
for an assemblage of persons and including catering facilities, for
the purpose of hosting weddings, receptions, and other gatherings.
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021]
A building, accessory to a farm, that is used for storing
agricultural equipment, hay, grain, and other crops, and often for
housing livestock.
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021]
A floor level completely below grade or floor level in which
more than 2/3 of the perimeter walls are below grade. A wall shall
be considered below grade where the dimension from the first floor
line to the finished grade is five feet or less, and the slope of
the finished grade extending 10 feet from the building walls does
not exceed 30°.
An owner-occupied residence offering, for pay, overnight
or short-term lodging and breakfast for transient guests.
A sign that identifies or communicates a commercial or non-commercial
message related to an activity conducted, a service rendered, or a
commodity sold at a location other than where the sign is located.
An establishment operated for profit or pecuniary gain, which
has a capacity for the assemblage of 20 or more persons and in which
alcoholic liquors, alcohol or malt or brewed beverages are not legally
sold but where alcoholic liquors, alcohol or malt or brewed beverages
are either provided by the operator or agents or employees of the
operator for consumption on the premises or are brought into or kept
at the establishment by the patrons or persons assembling there for
use and consumption. The term shall not include a licensee under the
act of April 12, 1951 (P.L. 90, No. 21), known as the Liquor Code,[1] or any organization as set forth in section 6 of the act
of December 19, 1990 (P.L. 1200, No. 202), known as the Solicitation
of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act.[2]
A roofed structure, whether or not enclosed by walls, to
be used for the shelter, enclosure or protection of persons, goods,
materials or animals.
The storage of material in outdoor yards for retail sale,
including, lumber, pipe, culverts and block.
The line to which a building or structure may encroach towards
a yard or setback.
Any business activity that renders service to other commercial
or industrial enterprises, including banks, credit unions and other
financial services.
An area of land and/or a structure with machine- or hand-operated
facilities used principally for the cleaning, washing, polishing,
or waxing of motor vehicles.
Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead
and dedicated for cemetery purposes, including columbariums, crematories,
mausoleums, and mortuaries when operated in conjunction with and within
the boundaries of such cemetery.
A place of religious instruction or public worship.
A facility which offers various indoor recreational opportunities
for its patrons, including such games as pool, billiards, bowling,
video games, miniature golf and similar pursuits.
A facility which offers various outdoor recreational or spectator
opportunities for its patrons, including go-cart raceways, paintball,
auto raceways, motor sports, outdoor concert performances, and similar
pursuits. This category does not include annual or seasonal festivals
held by nonprofit community organizations or businesses, which may
include occasional accessory or incidental outdoor performances as
may be otherwise permitted by the Township.
A facility which offers outdoor recreational or spectator
opportunities for its patrons, including such games as miniature golf,
driving ranges, tennis, team sports, such as soccer or baseball, camps
and clinics for sport instruction, canine or equine sports and activities
(such as a public arenas), and similar pursuits. This category does
not include recreation fields accessory to schools, churches or community
based nonprofit organizations.
A use to be allowed or denied by the Board of Supervisors
pursuant to public notice and hearing and recommendations by the Springfield
Township Planning Commission and pursuant to the express standards
and criteria set forth in this chapter. In allowing a conditional
use, the Board of Supervisors may attach such reasonable conditions
and safeguards, in addition to those expressed in this chapter, as
it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of the Planning Code[3] and of this chapter.
A facility with overnight lodging to accommodate all participants
in an event, at which meetings, seminars and conferences are conducted.
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021]
The construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, extension,
expansion, alteration or relocation of a building or structure, including
the placement of mobile homes.
The place of business for a carpenter, mason, plumber, electrician
excavator, or similar tradesman. The key aspects of this business
are that most of the services rendered are completed on a site other
than the business location. The business location is used for ancillary
activities, such as, billing and accounting, storage of construction
materials for use on such other sites, and service and repair of the
contractor's vehicles and equipment.
A small store, selling a limited variety of food and nonfood
products, including prepared food but with limited or no patron seating,
typically with extended hours of operation. Convenience stores may
also sell gasoline or other motor vehicle fuels.
A place of confinement for adult or juvenile persons adjudicated
by a court, whether said person are mentally competent or not, and
whether said facility is operated by a government, or contractor selected
by a government agency to manage said facility.
The percentage of a lot covered by buildings or structures,
measured as gross floor area divided into lot area.
An establishment containing an incinerator used for cremation
of human or animal remains.
Provides out-of-home care for part of a twenty-four-hour
day to children under 16 years of age, excluding care provided by
relatives and excluding day care furnished in places of worship during
religious services. This chapter identifies three levels of day care
services for children:
FAMILY DAY CARE HOMESFacilities in which child day care is provided at any one time to four, five, or six children who are not relatives of the care giver.
GROUP DAY CARE HOMESFacilities in which care is provided for more than six but less than 12 children, at any one time, where the child care areas are being used as a family residence. [Care of one to 12 children where the child care areas are not used as a family residence will be considered a day-care center.]
DAY-CARE CENTERSFacilities in which care is provided for seven or more children, at any one time, where the child care areas are not used as a family residence.
Childcare for less than four children will not be considered
as day care services.
Any facilities identified and licensed as a kennel by the
laws or regulations of Pennsylvania.
A building arranged, intended, designed or used as the living
quarters for one or more families living independently of each other
upon the premises. The term "dwelling" shall not be deemed to include
hotels or motels.
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGA building containing only one dwelling unit.
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGA building containing two dwelling units, collectively defined under this chapter as a duplex, regardless of configuration.
MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGA building containing three or more dwelling units, including apartment houses, townhouses, flats, and garden apartments.
DETACHED DWELLINGA dwelling with yards on all four sides.
A building or portion thereof containing one or more rooms
for living purposes together with separate and exclusive cooking and
sanitary facilities, accessible from the outdoors either directly
or through an entrance hall shared with other dwelling units, and
used or intended to be used by one family.
A business establishment whose principal business is the
selling of unpackaged food to the customer in a ready-to-consume state.
This definition includes banquet halls and reception centers where
food cooked elsewhere is served on site, and a limited winery, brewery,
or distillery as defined by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
Businesses involved in the sale, rental, or servicing of
motor vehicles or machinery not necessarily intended for registration,
licensing, and travel on highways, including those used for agriculture,
forestry, and construction.
The erection, construction, alteration or maintenance by
public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies of underground
or overhead gas, electrical, steam or water transmission or distribution
systems, including poles, wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes conduit
cables, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, 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 other governmental agencies or for
the public health and safety or general welfare, but not including
buildings.
An individual, or two or more persons related by blood, marriage,
adoption or foster child care, including domestic servants or gratuitous
guests thereof, or a group of not more than three unrelated persons
living together without supervision in a dwelling unit as permanent
residents; or, any number of persons protected by the provisions of
the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq., as now or hereafter
amended) living together in a group living arrangement with supervision,
provided those persons do not have a criminal record and are in a
family-like situation as permanent residents. Family shall not include
persons living together in an assisted living facility, or nursing
home, as defined herein, or any other supervised group living arrangement
for persons other than those protected by the Fair Housing Act or
persons who constitute a direct threat to others or their physical
property. Family does not include transient guests as herein defined
except that two or fewer transient guests may lodge on a temporary
basis in a dwelling also occupied by a family.
A business which leases outdoor, tent or partially enclosed
space to persons who wish to vend a variety of new and used goods
for sale to the general public by displaying those goods on tables,
in or on motor vehicles, or on the ground. This definition does not
include farmers' markets, which sell produce, flowers, and similar
agricultural products.
The sum of the gross area of the several floors of a building
or buildings measured from the face of the exterior walls, or from
the center line of the walls separating two buildings.
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. Pursuant to Section 603(f) of the Municipalities Planning
Code,[4] forestry shall be a permitted use by right in all zoning
districts wherein harvesting of timber is not conducted pursuant to
any land development.
A temporary event to sell used household goods from a single-family
dwelling, an accessory building, or a yard area. Garage sales are
a permitted temporary accessory to a single-family dwelling, provided
that no such sales shall exceed seven days in duration, and no more
than 30 days of such sales occur within any calendar year from the
premises.
Land for playing the sport of golf, consisting of a minimum
of nine holes, but excluding miniature golf, par-three golf, pitch
and putt, and similar golf-associated activities, except as accessory
uses on a golf course.
The area within the perimeter of the outside walls of a building
as measured from the inside surface of the exterior walls, with no
deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, thickness of walls, columns,
or other interior spaces. When applied to a nonbuilding structure
(otherwise allowed in a district), gross floor area shall be calculated
by the square feet of the total exterior dimension of the nonbuilding
structural elements.
A transitional residential facility licensed and operated
by a government or social service agency that provides a supervised
environment to residents who require psychiatric, correctional or
behavioral treatment between periods of institutional and independent
living.
The manufacture, storage, processing, and treatment of materials
which are potentially hazardous, or processes which produce significant
amounts of smoke, noise, glare, or dust or odor as a primary or secondary
effect of the principal use of the land or buildings. Heavy manufacturing
characteristically employs some of such equipment, such as smokestacks,
tanks, distillation or reaction columns, chemical processing equipment,
scrubbing towers, pickling equipment and waste-treatment lagoons.
Heavy manufacturing, although conceivably operable without polluting
the environment, has the potential to pollute when equipment malfunctions
or human error occurs. Examples of heavy manufacturing are oil refineries,
basic steel manufacturing plants (such as foundries, blast furnaces,
and stamping mills), industries handling animal offal or hides, basic
cellulose pulp-paper mills and similar fiberboard and plywood production,
production of cement and asphalt, lime manufacturing, ore and metal
smelting and refining, natural gas distillation, and chemical plants
such as petrochemical complexes. An incinerator structure or facility
which, including the incinerator, contains 5,000 square feet or more,
whether public or private, is "heavy manufacturing" for purpose of
this chapter, as is any electric power production plant which is a
principal use, whether said power is generated by coal, natural gas,
or cogeneration or more than three wind turbines (unless such turbines
are clearly accessory and incidental to a dwelling or other business).
The vertical distance measured from the average level of
finished grade along all the exterior walls of the building to the
highest point of the roof and to the highest point on any structure
which rises wholly or partly above the roof.
Any use customarily carried on entirely within a dwelling,
by the occupants thereof, which use is clearly incidental and subordinate
to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes and does not change
the residential character thereof. Examples include, but are not limited
to, professional services, such as legal, financial, accounting or
engineers, barber- and beauty shops, studios of artists, writers and
associations. (See "professional office.")
A form of light manufacturing or service or repair business
conducted as accessory to a home or farm by an owner resident. This
may include woodworking enterprises, repair services, such as welding
or machinery repair, and incidental retail sales of items generally
produced on the premises.
An institution providing health services primarily for human
medical or surgical care for the sick or injured and including related
facilities such as laboratories, outpatient departments, training
facilities, central services facilities and staff offices that are
an integral part of the facilities.
Any discarded material or article, and shall include, but
not be limited to, scrap metal, scrapped or abandoned motor vehicles,
machinery, equipment, paper, glass, containers and structures. It
shall not include, however, refuse or garbage kept in a proper container
for the purpose of prompt disposal. For the purpose of this chapter,
a proper container shall mean a solid plastic or metal container,
with a sealable lid, specifically designed for the storage of waste
matter.
Any place where any junk is stored, disposed of, or accumulated. This definition shall include recycling centers, recycling yards, and salvage businesses and vehicles lacking current inspection or registration except for storage in conformity with Chapter 256, Nuisances. However, it does not include municipal recycling centers where no materials are stored in an exterior environment.
A business involved in the outdoor sale of garden supplies,
retail plants, or bulk materials, such as mulch, topsoil and stone.
These businesses may include greenhouses and agricultural activities,
or storage of equipment for installing landscaping at other sites
as well as retail sales or wholesale. This definition also includes
farm markets that do not produce agricultural products upon the premises.
The assembly, fabrication, manufacture, production, processing,
storage and/or wholesale distribution of goods or products where no
process involved will produce noise, light, vibration, air pollution,
fire hazard, or emissions, noxious or dangerous to neighboring properties
within 400 feet, including production of the following goods: home
appliances; electrical instruments; office machines; precision instruments;
electronic devices; time pieces; jewelry; optical goods; musical instruments;
novelties; wood products; printed material; lithographic plates; type
composition, machine tools; dies and gauges; ceramics; apparel; light
weight nonferrous metal castings; light sheet metal products; plastic
goods; pharmaceutical goods; and food products (but not including
animal slaughtering, curing nor rendering of fats).
Small-scale retail enterprises of limited size of gross floor
area; and intended to benefit neighborhood residents or tourists.
Limited retail businesses are distinguished from other retail businesses
by being smaller and confining all commercial activities indoors.
Limited retail business shall not include sale of pharmaceuticals
or other prescription controlled substances, storage of any goods
for sale outdoors, sale of alcohol (unless by a Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania-owned
state store) sale of lumber or building materials, or convenience
stores selling gasoline.
A tract or parcel of land, regardless of size, held in single
or joint ownership, which is occupied or capable of being occupied
by buildings, structures, and accessory buildings, including such
open spaces as are arranged, designed or required. The term "lot"
shall also mean "parcel," "plot," "site," or similar term.
A lot at the point of intersection of and abutting on two
or more intersecting streets.
A lot which has a narrow strip connecting the lot to a public
road in order to provide owner access to the main part of the lot.
The access strip shall be a part of that lot but shall not be used
in computing the minimum lot area. No structure may be placed within
the access strip, except for driveways, vehicle parking, fencing or
a lawful sign. (See lot and yard area sketches.)
Any line dividing a lot from another lot or from an abutting
street or other right-of-way.
Marijuana for certified medical use as set forth in the Medical
Marijuana Act, Act 16 of 2016,[5] and any subsequent amendments thereto.
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021]
The use of the premises by a person, including a natural
person, corporation, partnership, association, trust or other entity,
or any combination thereof, holding a permit issued by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania Department of Health to dispense medical marijuana,
or as otherwise defined in any subsequent amendments to the Medical
Marijuana Act, Act 16 of 2016.
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021]
The use of the premises by a person, including a natural
person, corporation, partnership, association, trust or other entity,
or any combination thereof, holding a permit issued by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania Department of Health to grow and process medical marijuana,
or as otherwise defined in any subsequent amendments to the Medical
Marijuana Act, Act 16 of 2016.
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021]
Mineral extraction shall include all activity which removes
from the surface or beneath the surface of the land some material
mineral resource, natural resource or other element of economic value,
by means of mechanical excavation necessary to separate the desired
material from an undesirable one; or to remove the strata or material
which overlies or is above the desired material in its natural condition
and position. Open pit mining includes, but is not limited to, the
excavation necessary to the extraction of sand, gravel, topsoil, limestone,
sandstone, coal, clay, shale and iron ore.
A building consisting of individual, small, self-contained
units that are leased or owned for the storage of business and household
goods or contractors supplies.
A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent
occupancy, contained in one or more units designed to be joined into
one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing,
which arrives at a site, complete and ready for occupancy, except
for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, and constructed
so that it may be used without a permanent foundation.
A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the
necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for
the erection thereon of a single mobile home.
A parcel of land under single ownership which has been planned
and improved for the placement of mobile homes for nontransient use,
consisting of two or more mobile home lots.
A building or group of detached or connected buildings designed
or used primarily for providing sleeping accommodations for travelers.
The definition includes hotels, motor lodges, cottages with full bath
and toilet, and similar uses.
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. The business or commercial activity 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 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.
If the business meets all such requirements, it shall be considered
a lawful accessory use to a dwelling.
A lot the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to
the adoption or amendment of this chapter, but which fails to conform
to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located
by reasons of such adoption or amendment.
A structure or part of a structure manifestly not designed
to comply with the applicable use or extent of use provisions of this
chapter or an amendment hereafter enacted, where such 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 nonconforming structures include, but are
not limited to, nonconforming signs.
A use, whether of land or structure, which does not comply
with the applicable use provisions of this chapter or amendment hereafter
enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence 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.
A facility to give long-term skilled care to geriatric or
handicapped patients and licensed as such a facility by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania. For the purposes of this chapter, a nursing home,
as licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania may also include personal
care or assisted living options.
An open space with a dustless and mud free all-weather surface,
or space in a private garage or other structure with an effective
length of at least 18 feet and a uniform width of at least nine feet
for the storage of one automobile and accessible from a public way.
A person who owns residential real estate in the Township
of Springfield which they regard as their residence for the purpose
of voting, or maintains a domicile at such real estate under the Pennsylvania
Code with regards to personal or Commonwealth income tax, or is in
the process of establishing residency for such purposes within a period
of 60 days, or any lawful tenant (occupying a legal dwelling unit
for the purposes of this chapter and the Uniform Construction Code)
maintaining such domicile for said purposes. Minor persons related
by blood, marriage or adoption, or within foster care arraignments
shall be regarded as permanent residents if they reside within the
dwelling with an adult person regarded as their parent or legal guardian.
A facility giving geriatric care in a home-like setting and
licensed as such by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Any enterprise conducted for man which primarily offers services
to the general public, such as shoe repair, valet services, watch
repairing, barber shops, beauty parlors, therapeutic massage (as further
defined herein) and related activities. "Therapeutic massage" shall
be regarded as:
Any establishment offering massage services provided by any
person licensed as a practitioner by the State Board of Massage Therapy;
or
When a practitioner is statutorily exempt from state licensure,
they shall hold an independent board certification such as The American
Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia or the American Reflexology
Certification Board; or
The services are offered within a premises, and under the supervision
of another licensed practitioner, such as a physical therapist, chiropractor,
or barber/beautician; and
That under no circumstances shall the practitioner appear or provide services in a state of nudity or seminudity (as defined in Chapter 322, Sexually Oriented Businesses).
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of
1968, as reenacted and amended by Act No. 170 of 1988 and Acts 67
and 68 of 2000, and as further amended from time to time.[6]
Buildings and related facilities owned and operated by an
association or group of individuals established for fraternal, social,
educational, conservation, recreational or civic benefit of members.
Full access to facilities is typically restricted to members and their
guests. Facilities may include a clubhouse, dining facilities, golf
courses, swimming, tennis, noncommercial shooting ranges, primitive
camping, or cabins. For the purposes of this chapter, this definition
does not include miniature golf, golf driving ranges, paintball, commercial
hunting, commercial motor sports, or other uses defined by this chapter
as various forms of commercial recreation. It also may not include
any sexually oriented business or bottle club.
The office or studio of a physician, surgeon, dentist, lawyer,
architect, artist, engineer, certified public accountant, real estate
broker or salesman, insurance broker or agent, musician, teacher,
or similar occupation.
Parks and playgrounds that are owned and operated by the
Township of Springfield or by an authority created for such purposes
by the Township of Springfield or any government agency.
An area or tract of land on which accommodations for temporary
occupancy are located or may be placed, including cabins (which may
lack plumbing or toilet facilities) tents, and recreational vehicles.
Self-contained development providing visitor-oriented accommodations
and developed recreational facilities in a setting with high natural
amenities.
A disposal site employing an engineering method of disposing
of solid wastes in a manner that minimizes environmental hazards by
spreading, compacting to the smallest volume, and applying cover material
over all exposed waste at the end of each operating day.
Screen planting for this chapter shall mean an evergreen
hedge at least six feet high at time of planting, planted in such
a way that it will block a line of sight. The screening may consist
of either one, or multiple rows of bushes or trees and shall be at
least four feet wide. It shall be the responsibility of the property
owner to maintain a screen planting, replacing trees as needed. The
Zoning Officer may require replacement of screening trees.
Screening shall mean a fence, screen planting or wall at
least six feet high, provided in such a way that it will block a line
of sight.
A form of equipment service or repair which may include woodworking
enterprises, repair services, such as welding, vehicle or machinery
repair, and incidental fabrication or retail sales of items
An area of land, together with any structure thereon, used
for the retail sale and dispensing of motor fuel, and lubricants and
incidental services, such as lubrication and washing of motor vehicles,
and the sale, installation or minor repairs of tires, batteries or
other automobile accessories.
Businesses which require a license and meet the definitions contained in Chapter 322, Sexually Oriented Businesses. This definition includes any massage services which do not meet the definition of "therapeutic massage" under "personal services" as defined in this article.
A commercial facility developed as a mixture of uses, including
retail sales, theaters, personal services and eating and drinking
places, but planned, constructed, managed or promoted as an integral
whole.
Any structure, building, wall, or other outdoor surface,
or any device or part thereof, which displays or includes any letter,
word, model, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, device, or other representations
used for announcement, direction, advertisement or identification.
The actual area of any sign shall be measured in square feet and determined
by the smallest rectangle which can be drawn to encompass all of the
letters and symbols depicted upon this sign.
A sign that directs attention to a business, profession or
industry conducted on the premises or to products sold, manufactured
or assembled upon the same premises upon which it is displayed.
A sign or portion thereof which has a readerboard for the
display of text information in which each alphanumeric character,
graphic or symbol is defined by objects, not consisting of an illumination
device and may be changed or rearranged manually with characters,
letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without
altering the face or the surface of the sign.
Electronic signs are identified by their subtype: electronic
changeable copy signs, electronic graphic display signs multivision
signs, or video display signs.
A sign or portion thereof that displays single color electronic
information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic, or symbol
is defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations
of single color light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light
bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area. Electronic
changeable copy signs include computer programmable, microprocessor
controlled electronic displays. Electronic changeable copy signs do
not include official or time and temperature signs. Electronic changeable
copy signs include projected images or messages with these characteristics
onto buildings or other objects.
A sign or portion thereof that displays multiple color electronic,
static images, static graphics or static pictures, with or without
text information, defined by a small number of matrix elements using
different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics,
light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area
where the message change sequence is accomplished immediately or by
means of fade, repixalization or dissolve modes. Electronic graphic
display signs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled
electronic or digital displays. Electronic graphic display signs include
projected images or messages with these characteristics onto buildings
or other objects.
A sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall
of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches
from the building or structure wall; also includes signs affixed to
architectural projections that project from a building, provided the
copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of
the building facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection
to which it is affixed.
 |
A sign principally supported by one or more columns, poles,
or braces placed in or upon the ground.
|
Any sign composed in whole or in part of a series of vertical
or horizontal slats or cylinders that are capable of being rotated
at intervals so that partial rotation of the group of slats or cylinders
produces a different image and when properly functioning allows on
a single sign structure the display at any given time one of two or
more images.
A sign other than a wall sign that is attached to or projects
more than 18 inches from a building face or wall or from a structure
whose primary purpose is other than the support of a sign.
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A sign mounted on the main roof portion of a building or
on the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is
wholly or partially supported by such building. Signs mounted on mansard
facades, pent eaves, and architectural projections, such as canopies
or marquees, shall not be considered to be roof signs.
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.tif.png "425 Roof Sign (2).tif") |
A temporary sign created by attaching two sign faces at a
single point, intended to be self-supporting.
A sign that changes its message or background in a manner
or method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery,
which may or may not include text, and depicts action or a special
effect to imitate movement, the presentation of pictorials or graphics
displayed in a progression of frames which give the illusion of motion,
including, but not limited to, the illusion of moving objects, moving
patterns or bands of light, or expanding or contracting shapes, not
including electronic changeable copy signs. Video display signs include
projected images or messages with these characteristics onto buildings
or other objects.
A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message
intended to be visible to exterior environment.
An architectural plan, landscape architecture document, and/or
a detailed engineering drawing of proposed improvements to a given
lot prepared by a design consultant who must be either a licensed
engineer, architect, landscape architect or land surveyor.
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021]
An electric-generating facility, with the purpose of electricity
supply, consisting of one or more solar panels and other ancillary
associated buildings and structures, including substations, meteorological
towers, electrical infrastructure, transmission lines, and other appurtenant
structures and facilities.
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021]
A permanent structure that is currently being used as a barn
on a farm and which is sometimes used for the commercial purpose as
a venue for weddings, receptions, and other gatherings, to include,
but not limited to, birthday parties, retirement parties, anniversary
parties, graduation parties, formal dinners, and business engagements,
where such commercial use of the barn is secondary to the farming
activity on the property.
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021]
A permanent existing structure that was previously used as
a barn and is fully or partially repurposed as a venue for the commercial
purpose of hosting weddings, receptions, and other gatherings to include,
but not limited to, birthday parties, retirement parties, anniversary
parties, graduation parties, formal dinners, and business engagements.
[Added 3-2-2021 by Ord. No. 1-2021]
A use permitted with special permission, granted by the Zoning
Hearing Board, to occupy or use land and/or a building for specific
purposes in accordance with the criteria set forth in this chapter
when such use is not permitted by right.
For the purposes of this chapter, specialized animal raising
and care shall include:
Exotic animal raising and care; further defined as the keeping
of any animals i) not subject to regulation of the Pennsylvania Department
of Agriculture as part of an agricultural operation; ii) which are
not common household pets; and/or iii) which are subject to Pennsylvania
Game Commission exotic wildlife permits, or any zoological garden
open to the public.
Pens or structures for the raising and care of fur-bearing animals,
game birds, or similar operations for profit.
Licensed kennels.
That portion of a building located between the surface of
any floor and the next floor above; if there is not more than one
floor, the space between any floor and the ceiling next above it shall
be considered a story.
A public or private right-of-way, excluding driveways, intended
for use as a means of vehicular and pedestrian circulation, which
provides a means of access to abutting property. The word "street"
includes "thoroughfare," "avenue," "boulevard," "court," "drive,"
"expressway," "highway," "lane," "alley" and "road" or similar terms.
A line defining the right-of-way boundaries of a street.
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location
on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land.
A place of indoor assembly for educational or entertainment
purposes where any sales of food and drink is accessory or incidental
to the assembly. Such entities shall not include any display, performance
or activities which would meet the definition of a "sexually oriented
business."
A transient person who maintains legal residency elsewhere
or otherwise does not meet expectations of permanent residency, but
may be lodging in the Township under a commercial basis for a period
of less than 30 days. No more than two transient guests shall occupy
any dwelling or dwelling unit at any one time unless approved as a
bed-and-breakfast.
A structure whose principal use is to provide shelter for
more than a twelve-hour period to three or more persons who are homeless,
subject to abuse, under a protection-from-abuse order, or whom otherwise
need transitional housing, but are not persons in group housing due
to being adjudicated a juvenile delinquent, having a criminal record,
or have a status as a sex offender, or persons who currently use illegal
drugs, or persons who have been convicted of the manufacture or sale
of illegal drugs, or persons with or without disabilities who present
a direct threat to the persons or property of others. (See also "halfway
house.")
Land and buildings used as a relay station for the transfer
of a load from one vehicle to another or one party to another. The
terminal cannot be used for permanent or long-term accessory storage
for principal land uses at other locations. The terminal facility
may include storage areas for trucks and buildings or areas for the
repair of trucks associated with the terminal.
A facility used for the treatment of domestic animals for
pay with health treatment provided by a licensed veterinarian.
A use engaged in storage, wholesale, and distribution of
manufactured product, supplies, and equipment, but excluding bulk
storage of materials that are inflammable or explosive or that create
hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions. For the purpose
of this chapter, storage of explosive, inflammable, hazardous or community-recognized
offensive conditions shall be considered "heavy manufacturing."
That portion of a lot that is unoccupied and open to the
sky and extends from the lot line or right-of-way to a setback or
yard line. (See lot and yard area sketches.)
See "garage sale."
A setback line from an adjacent right-of-way extending for
the full width of the lot. (See lot and yard area sketches.)
A yard between the rear lot line and a line drawn, parallel
thereto at such distance as may be specified herein for any zoning
district, and extending for the full width of the lot. (See lot and
yard area sketches.)
An open yard space between the side lot line and parallel
thereto extending from the front lot line to the rear lot line. (See
lot and yard area sketches.)
The Zoning Officer of the Township of Springfield, or his/her
authorized representative.
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Flag Lot Setbacks Sketch #2
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Corner Lot Setbacks Sketch 2A
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