A. 
For the purposes of this Code, words and terms used herein shall be interpreted as follows, unless a contrary intention clearly appears in the text of a specific section:
(1) 
Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense.
(2) 
Words used in the singular shall include the plural, and those used in the plural shall include the singular.
(3) 
The word "person" shall include an individual as well as a corporation, partnership, association, or other legal entity.
(4) 
The word "lot" shall be interchangeable with the words "plot," "parcel," "premises," "tract," or "site."
(5) 
The words "shall" and "will" are always to be construed as mandatory; the words "may," "should," and "are encouraged" are always to be construed as optional.
(6) 
The words "used" or "occupied," when applied to any land or building, shall include the words "arranged for," "designed for," or "intended for."
(7) 
The word "building" shall always be construed as if followed by the words "or part thereof."
(8) 
The word "building" shall include the word "structure."
(9) 
Any word or term not specifically defined herein shall be construed with a meaning of standard usage.
B. 
If a word or term is not defined in this chapter, but is defined in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance,[1] Building Code, or in any other applicable Code adopted by the Township of Cheltenham, the definition in that chapter shall apply.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 260, Subdivision and Land Development.
C. 
All uses shall be construed in accordance with the use regulations set forth herein.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings herein indicated:
ACCESSORY BUILDING
A building subordinate to the principal building on a lot and used for purposes customarily incidental to those of the principal building.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A subordinate structure either detached from or attached to a principal building on the same lot, which serves a purpose clearly incidental to the permitted principal use of that lot or principal building. Accessory structures include decks, fences, and sheds.
ACCESSORY USE
A lawful use subordinate and customarily incidental to the principal use of a lot or of a principal building on the same lot.
ACTIVE RECREATION
Physical activity and recreation which requires extensive structures or facilities development and maintenance, such as courts, fields or pools maintained for sports and playground equipment. Such activities include, but are not limited to, baseball, basketball, golf, and playground activities.
ALTERATION
As applied to a building or structure, a change or rearrangement in the structural parts, or an enlargement, whether by extending or by increasing in height, or the moving from one location or position to another. In the case of a nonconforming use, an alteration is any change in or addition to a building which would prolong the life of such use or building.
AMENDMENT
A change in the requirements of any use provided for in this chapter, which would necessitate a revision to the zoning ordinance text in order to accommodate the change, or a change in any zoning district boundary which would necessitate a revision to the Official Zoning Map of the Township. The authority for any amendment lies solely with the Board of Commissioners.
AMPHITHEATER
An outdoor oval or round structure having tiers of seats rising gradually outward from a central open area or arena.
APARTMENT
A room or group of rooms in a multiple dwelling or an apartment hotel designed for and occupied exclusively as a residence for only one family.
APARTMENT HOTEL
A multiple dwelling which provides meal service for its tenants and their guests, with or without a central dining room, such service not being available to the general public.
APPEAL
Action as prescribed in this chapter and by laws of the commonwealth taken by an aggrieved applicant against the action, decision, or interpretation of officers appointed by the municipality to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
APPLICANT
An individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal representative who, with the permission of the landowner of record, files an application for any permit, use, or provision provided for in this chapter.
APPLICATION
A written form supplied by the Township for a Township approval, decision, or permit, including any accompanying site plan and additional information and materials that the Township requires the applicant to submit.
ARTERIAL, MINOR
Highways which interconnect with and augment principal arterials. They are generally spaced at intervals consistent with population density and carry traffic within or between municipalities. Further, they link other areas not connected by principal arterials and provide key connections between roads of higher classification. A minor arterial is a higher classification than a major collector, but lower than a principal arterial. Notwithstanding the above, only those roads identified as minor arterial highways in the Cheltenham Comprehensive Plan shall be considered as such in this chapter.
ARTERIAL, PRINCIPAL
Any major highway that is not an expressway. Generally it provides between two and four through lanes of travel depending on traffic volume and land use intensity. They serve major activity centers and carry a high proportion of cross-county traffic. A principal arterial is a higher classification than both a minor arterial and a major collector. Notwithstanding the above, only those roads identified as principal arterial highways in the Cheltenham Comprehensive Plan shall be considered as such in this chapter.
BASEMENT
A portion of a building located partly or wholly underground that contains usable floor area. A basement shall be considered a "story" if more than 50% of its wall area is above the adjacent finished grade level. A basement shall be counted in the floor area of a building if it is finished or used for other than utility and storage purposes.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
An owner-occupied single-family dwelling where lodging is offered for compensation, having no more than seven sleeping rooms for this purpose. A bed-and-breakfast operation may offer a morning meal for overnight guests only.
BREWERY/DISTILLERY/WINERY
A facility for the production, packaging and sampling of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, cider and distilled liquors for retail or wholesale distribution, for sale or consumption on- or off-premises, and which produces 100,000 gallons or more of such beverages per year.
BREWPUB
A restaurant, as defined herein, that includes as an accessory use the on-premises production of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, cider and distilled liquors, which produces less than 100,000 gallons of such beverages per year, and primarily sells its beverages on-site, either for on- or off-premises consumption. The area used for brewing, distilling, bottling, and kegging shall not exceed 30% of the total gross leasable floor area.
BUFFER AREA
An area designed to ease the transition between uses or intensity of uses on abutting properties, typically located adjacent to a property line. Buffer areas shall be used for no purpose other than planting and screening and shall be landscaped according to requirements set forth herein. Unless otherwise specified, a "buffer" may be included as part of the required setbacks and yard areas, and also as part of any required open space or green area.
BUILDING
Any structure having enclosed walls and a roof and permanently located on the land, which is used or intended to be used to house persons, animals, or property.
BUILDING AREA
The aggregate of the maximum horizontal cross-section area at the ground level of all buildings on a lot, excluding cornices, eaves, gutters, or chimneys projecting not more than 36 inches, bay windows not extending more than one story and not projecting more than five feet, stoops, steps and balconies.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The aggregate area of a lot covered by principal and accessory buildings, as measured at grade level. Building coverage area shall not include cornices, eaves, gutters or chimneys projecting not more than 36 inches, bay windows not extending through more than one story and not projecting more than five feet, stoops, steps and balconies. Building coverage shall be expressed as a percentage ratio of the lot area covered by buildings divided by the total lot area.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
The area of a lot within which a principal building may be erected. This area is defined by the limits of the minimum front, side, and rear yard areas, and encompasses the area of the lot found in the yard areas and rights-of-way.
BUILDING HEIGHT
See definition of "height."
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building in which is conducted or could be conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is situated.
CARPORT
A structure erected over a driveway entirely open on at least two sides exclusive of the necessary supporting columns and customary architectural features.
CEMETERY
A place for the disposal or burial of deceased human beings, by cremation or in a grave, mausoleum, vault, columbarium or other receptacle. The term does not include a private family cemetery.
CITIZEN COMMITTEE
A group of Township residents appointed by the Commissioners for a particular purpose.
COLLECTOR, MAJOR
A highway that provides a combination of mobility and access with a priority on mobility. Ideally, access is partially controlled with preference given to through traffic. Access is permitted with at-grade intersections and major access driveways of selected land uses such as a retail or employment center. They accommodate trips within and between neighboring municipalities. Further, they may serve as a major road through large industrial or office parks or provide key connections between roads of higher classification. A major collector is a lower classification than either a principal arterial or a minor arterial. Notwithstanding the above, only those roads identified as major collector highways in the Cheltenham Comprehensive Plan shall be considered as such in this chapter.
COMMERCIAL ENHANCEMENT DISTRICTS (CDEP AREAS)
The areas known as the Glenside District, Elkins Park East and West, East Cheltenham Avenue District, and the Cheltenham Village District, as defined and delineated in the Cheltenham Township Comprehensive Plan, as adopted and amended by the Board of Commissioners, and the Cheltenham Township Commercial District Enhancement Plan, as approved and amended.
COMMERCIAL/CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES (C/C VEHICLES)
Those vehicles that are used in and/or for the operation of a commercial and/or construction business. Any trailer, whether attached or unattached to a motor vehicle, shall be considered a separate C/C vehicle for the purposes of this chapter. A trailer is a vehicle or wagon that is designed, intended, arranged or used for hauling or transporting goods, property or equipment, which is designed to be towed by a motor vehicle, and is constructed so that its weight is entirely supported by its own wheels (i.e., a full trailer) or that some parts of its weight rests upon or is carried by the towing motor vehicle (i.e., a semi- or utility trailer). C/C vehicles are classified as follows:
A. 
Class 1 C/C vehicles are passenger cars, station wagons, standard size vans (nine seats maximum) and pickup trucks up to 1/2 ton capacity that do not have logos and/or advertising on them.
B. 
Class 2 C/C vehicles are passenger cars, station wagons, standard size vans (nine seats maximum) and pickup trucks up to 1/2 ton capacity that do have logos and/or advertising on them.
C. 
Class 3 C/C vehicles are all C/C vehicles not falling under Class 1 C/C vehicles or Class 2 C/C vehicles.
COMMON OWNERSHIP
Ownership by the same persons or entities, or directly or indirectly by persons or entities which are affiliates of one another and/or under common control by legal structure or by agreement, and all successors and assigns thereof or purchasers or transferees therefrom, by agreement or operation of law. Ownership of percentage interests in an entity that do not constitute control of that entity shall not alone constitute common ownership, but ownership of a controlling equity interest, or contractual management control, in a controlling entity such as the general partner of a limited partnership, or contractual control by an individual or by minority interests having management authority under the organizational documents of an entity such as the operating agreement of a limited liability company, or common control under any other contractual relationship such as a management contract, shall be common ownership. "Ownership" shall include leasehold interests and shall include the right to ownership under an agreement of sale, or option agreement in a lease or separate agreement.
COMMONWEALTH
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The 2005 Comprehensive Plan Update of Cheltenham Township or that Update most recently adopted by the Board of Commissioners of Cheltenham Township, as amended.
CONDOMINIUM
Real estate, portions of which are designated for separate ownership and the remainder of which is designated for common ownership solely by the owners of those portions, created under either the Pennsylvania Unit Property Act of July 3, 1963,[1] or the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act.[2]
CONSUMER FIREWORKS
[Added 3-28-2018 by Ord. No. 2364-18]
A. 
Any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or combination of substances which is intended to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, is suitable for use by the public, complies with the construction, performance, composition and labeling requirements promulgated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission in Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations (relating to commercial practices) or any successor regulation and complies with the provisions for "consumer fireworks" as defined in APA 87-1 (The American Pyrotechnics Association's Standard 87-1: Standard for Construction and Approval for Transportation of Fireworks, Novelties, and Theatrical Pyrotechnics, 2001 Edition, or any subsequent edition) or any successor standard, the sale, possession and use of which are permitted throughout the commonwealth.
B. 
The term does not include devices such as "ground and hand-held sparkling devices," "novelties" or "toy caps" in APA 87-1 or any successor standard, the sale, possession and use of which are permitted at all times throughout the commonwealth.
C. 
The term does not include display fireworks, used solely by professional pyrotechnicians and designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration or detonation, as further defined by Act 43 of 2017 (P.L. 672, No. 43).[3]
CONTIGUOUS
That which touches or shares a common boundary. Any two parcels or lots which are said to be contiguous are only those that share a common boundary. Any two parcels or lots whose only shared boundary is a street or road, public or private, would not fulfill this definition.
DENSITY
A measure of the intensity of the use of land expressed in terms of the number of dwelling units per gross acre. It shall be expressed in dwelling units per acre.
DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
Persons who provide expert or professional services related to land or building planning or design, including, but not limited to, an architect, landscape architect, civil engineer or professional land surveyor, registered or licensed to perform the proposed service, as applicable, and in good standing with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
DEVELOPABLE AREA/ACREAGE
All that land within the deeded lot lines of a parcel except for the following:
A. 
Areas set aside as the ultimate right-of-way for a public or private street, access easements, and access strips.
B. 
Areas with rights-of-way and easements for aboveground and underground utilities.
C. 
Steep slopes.
D. 
Floodplains.
E. 
Wetlands.
F. 
Watercourses.
G. 
Water bodies.
H. 
Stormwater management facilities.
DEVELOPMENT
Any human-made change to an improved or unimproved parcel of land, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, the placement of mobile homes, streets or other paving, utilities, mining, dredging, filling, grading, excavation, or drilling operations.
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH)
A measurement of the size of existing trees on the site, using the outside bark diameter at breast height. Breast height is defined as 4.5 feet (1.37 m) above the forest floor from the highest adjacent grade of the tree. If a tree has more than one stem or trunk, the measurement shall be the sum of the diameter of the largest trunk and 1/2 the diameter of each additional trunk.
DORMITORY
A room or building in a religious, educational, or other institution in which the residents sleep.
DWELLING
A building or structure designed, arranged, intended to and used as the living quarters for one or more families living independently of each upon the premises, as applicable by individual dwelling arrangement further defined below. The term “dwelling” shall not be construed to include short-term transient lodging, vacation rental, hotel/inn, motel, or bed-and-breakfast (the last except as expressly permitted in conformance with § 295-405B(4). Individual dwelling arrangements are further defined below:
[Amended 12-16-2020 by Ord. No. 2417-20]
A. 
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLINGA dwelling designed for and occupied exclusively as a residence for one family and not attached to any other building or dwelling units, including trailers or mobile homes.
B. 
TWO-FAMILY BUILDINGA residential building containing two dwelling units and which is not attached to any other building. A two-family building counts as two dwelling units for density purposes.
C. 
TWIN (SINGLE-FAMILY SEMI-DETACHED)A two-family building with dwelling units placed side-by-side, and joined to each other by a vertical, common wall, but otherwise surrounded by yard areas. When lotted, each dwelling unit shall be on a separate lot, with the common boundary between the two lots running along the common wall. Each unit shall have individual outside access.
D. 
DUPLEX (TWO-FAMILY SEMI-DETACHED)A two-family building with one dwelling unit placed above the other so that they share a common horizontal partition. When lotted, a duplex shall be entirely on one lot. Each unit shall have individual outside access.
E. 
SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED DWELLING UNITA dwelling unit having its own independent outside access, with no other dwelling units located directly and totally above or below it, and having vertical common walls with adjacent similar dwelling units, and located in a building composed of at least three dwelling units. Each include, but is not limited to, dwelling units commonly known as townhouses or row houses.
F. 
TOWNHOUSE (ROW HOUSE)A single-family attached dwelling in a row of at least three but not more than six units, with one dwelling unit from ground to roof, each with individual outside access.
G. 
MULTIPLEXAn attached dwelling arranged in a variety of configurations: side by side, back to back, or vertically. Because of the variety of configurations, a multiplex can be designed to look like a large, single-family detached house.
H. 
MULTIFAMILY BUILDING (MULTIPLE DWELLING)A detached residential building containing three or more dwelling units. Units are not arranged entirely in horizontal rows (like townhouses), and are generally located entirely above or below one another. Units may share outside access and/or internal hallways, lobbies, and similar facilities. The dwelling units cannot be individually lotted, but instead share the lot or tract on which the building containing them is located. The development is usually under one operating unit, as a rental or condominium development. This dwelling type includes, but it is not limited to, garden apartments, apartment houses, and multifamily conversions defined below.
I. 
MULTIFAMILY CONVERSIONA multifamily dwelling that results from the conversion of a single-family or two-family dwelling or the adaptive reuse of a nonresidential building.
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms designed, occupied or intended to be occupied as separate living quarters, with cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities provided within the dwelling unit for the exclusive use of a single-family maintaining a household.
EDUCATIONAL USE
Limited to those public, private or parochial educational institutions which are recognized, supervised and under the control of the Department of Public Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including an elementary or secondary school, college, kindergarten or child nursery, but not a business school, trade school, dance studio or similar use.
ELDERLY
An individual at least 62 years of age.
EMPLOYEES or NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
The greatest number of persons to be employed on the premises in question at any one time of the day or night.
EVENT FACILITY
A location, building, site or structure which is used as a place for the purpose of accommodating a group of diners, patrons, guests, or other attendees for functions such as banquets, wedding receptions, parties, entertainment, meetings, conferences, performances, and/or similar gatherings.
EVERGREEN
A living evergreen plant or tree, including most conifers having green leaves or needles throughout the year.
FAMILY
Any number of individuals living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit, provided that not more than one is unrelated to all of the others by blood, marriage or legal adoption. As a special exception, the Township Zoning Hearing Board may interpret the term "family" to apply to a group of individuals, not exceeding three, not related to each other by blood, marriage or legal adoption, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit; provided, however, that the applicant for the special exception shall dedicate one off-street parking space [see § 295-2301D(2)(a)] for each adult (18 or over) proposed as part of the group of individuals, while complying with all other dimensional criteria of the applicable district. As a reasonable accommodation as set forth in the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act, 42 U.S.C.A. § 3601 et seq., and in order to enable persons with handicaps equal access to housing in residential districts, the Township Zoning Hearing Board may interpret the term "family" to apply to a group of more than one individual, not related to each other by blood, marriage or legal adoption, qualified by their handicap as defined herein. Domestic workers shall not be included in the number of individuals counted in the term "family." The term “family” shall not include any renter or occupant who rents or occupies a dwelling or property on a short-term transient lodging basis or who rents or occupies as a vacation rental. The term “family” shall also not include anyone who claims the right to visit or occupy a dwelling or property through or by one who rents on a short-term transient lodging basis or who rents as a vacation rental.
[Amended 6-20-2018 by Ord. No. 2371-18; 12-16-2020 by Ord. No. 2417-20]
FLOODPLAIN, FLOODWAY, FLOODWAY FRINGE, APPROXIMATED FLOODPLAIN; SUPPLEMENTARY FLOODPLAIN
These terms shall be construed in accordance with the definition of these terms as set forth in Article XIX hereof.
[Amended 6-20-2018 by Ord. No. 2371-18]
FLOOR AREA
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of each floor of a building, measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the center line of party walls. The term does not include any area used exclusively for the parking of motor vehicles (surface parking or structured parking).
FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)
The ratio of gross building floor area to the total gross lot area.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS LEASABLE (GLFA)
The sum of all floor area of a building capable of being used or devoted to a principal or accessory use of an occupant or tenant, but not including floor areas of the building devoted to:
A. 
Basement or crawl space utilized strictly as storage space.
B. 
Mechanical and building utility spaces such as elevator shafts, water closets, and building equipment rooms.
C. 
Permanent common hallways and stairways.
D. 
Permanent, aesthetic lobbies used for architectural enhancement or the general public utilizing the building.
E. 
Mezzanines devoted exclusively to storage use.
F. 
Garage area, utilized in the required space count for the principal building use, provided it is not devoted to storage use (in a single-family dwelling, the garage area shall always be excluded from the gross leasable floor area, no matter its use).
G. 
Design elements for handicapped accessibility.
FOWL/POULTRY
Any bird maintained, kept or possessed by a household, the keeping of which shall be allowed in the R1, R2, R3, and R4 districts and no other as accessory uses, to include the following and no other, the classifications for which shall be strictly construed: ducks, chickens, swans, turkeys, guinea fowl and pigeons kept for show or racing.
GREEN AREA
A completely landscaped area and shall include living plantings and screening of sufficient height and density to protect and enhance surrounding property and the general appearance of the Township. The calculation of the "green area" may include lands provided in front, side, rear yards and all buffer areas as required under district provisions of this chapter.
GROCERY STORE, SUPERMARKET, CONVENIENCE MARKET
A retail market of any size selling a variety of foods and household items.
HANDICAP
With respect to a person, a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities or having a record of such an impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment. The Township Zoning Hearing Board shall interpret this term consistent with its meaning as provided in the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the applicable provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations set forth thereunder.
HEIGHT
The height of a building shall be measured from the average ground level surrounding the building to a point midway between the highest and the lowest point of the main roof. There shall be no structures or projections above the main roof, excepting chimneys, roof-mounted solar energy systems, agricultural features, stormwater management structures, and the height of church spires, which are exempt from the height calculation. Housing for mechanical equipment may project beyond the maximum height permitted, but shall not exceed 12 feet in addition to the maximum permitted.
HISTORIC ESTATE
A building or group of buildings, lot or premises which taken together constitutes the former residence of a wealthy and/or historically prominent family, containing at minimum a mansion or manor house with a building area of at least 15,000 square feet.
HISTORIC RESOURCE
A structure or building or portion thereof listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Pennsylvania Historic Resources Survey, the Montgomery County Inventory of Historic and Cultural Resources, the Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan, the Cheltenham Township Comprehensive Plan, the Cheltenham Township Inventory of Cultural Resources, or other appropriate documentation, or a structure seeking listing as an historic resource from any of the above listings. The term "historic resource" shall also include historic accessory uses.
HOME OCCUPATION
An activity, occupation, or use that is professional and office-oriented in nature; and clearly customary, incidental, and accessory to the use of the premises as a single-family detached, twin, duplex, or single-family attached (townhouse) residential dwelling unit and which does not affect the residential character of the neighborhood. Unlike a no-impact home-based business, such an occupation allows for no more than one employee from off-site being permitted to work on the premises, signs in conformance with the sign regulations, and visitation by clients only by appointment, among other conditions.
HOTEL
A series of three or more dwelling units devoted mainly to the housing of transients and having on-site parking space and commercial facilities for the use of its occupants. Access to rooms shall be through a central lobby only and not directly to the parking facilities. "Hotels" shall include apartment hotels and boutique hotels, but not motels, motor courts, motor inns or motor lodges. None of the following shall constitute a hotel: single-family detached dwelling; two-family building; twin; duplex; single-family attached dwelling unit; townhouse; multiplex; multifamily building; multifamily conversion; or village dwelling unit.
[Amended 12-16-2020 by Ord. No. 2417-20]
HOUSE TRAILER
Any vehicle used for living or sleeping purposes within the Township.
IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE
A measure of the intensity of use of land. It is measured by dividing the total area of all impervious surfaces within the site by the total lot area.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Those surfaces which do not absorb rainwater. All buildings, parking areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks, and any area in concrete, asphalt, and packed stone, including, without limitation, swimming pools, shall be considered impervious surfaces. In addition, other areas determined by the Township Zoning Officer to be impervious within the meaning of this definition shall also be classified as an impervious surface.
IMPROVEMENT
Any alteration to a lot, parcel, building, or structure.
JUNKYARD
A junkyard shall include any of the following: a lot, land or structure, or part thereof, used primarily for the collection, storage, and sale of wastepaper, rags, scrap metal, or discarded materials, including, without limitation, automobiles, appliances and machinery of any type, or for the collection, dismantling, storage or salvaging of machinery or vehicles not currently registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, or for the sale of parts thereof harvested from vehicles stored on the site.
LAND DEVELOPMENT
Any of the following activities:
A. 
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(1) 
A group of two or more residential, or nonresidential buildings, whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or tenure; or
(2) 
The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective occupants by means of, or for the purpose of streets, common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.
B. 
A subdivision of land.
C. 
Developments conforming to Section 503(1.1) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.[4]
LANDSCAPING
The improvement of an area of land's appearance by planting trees, shrubs, or grasses, or altering the contours of the ground.
LIFE CARE FACILITY FOR THE ELDERLY or CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY (CCRC)
A residential facility for the elderly, 62 years of age or older, married or single, with no children under the age of 18 living with them, may include skilled nursing beds for those in need of more intensive care, provided that they number no more than 25% of the total number of residential units permitted. Residential apartment units shall be limited to two bedrooms or fewer. Limited accessory uses may be provided, but the accessory shops shall be directed to or exclusively used by the residents, their visitors or staff.
LIVESTOCK
Any animal maintained, kept or possessed by a household, other than domesticated pets and fowl/poultry, which shall include those typically associated with agricultural animal husbandry, to include the following and no other, the classifications for which shall be strictly construed:
A. 
Cows (Bos taurus).
B. 
Goats (Capra hircus).
C. 
Horses and ponies (Equus caballus).
D. 
Mink.
E. 
Sheep (Ovis aries).
F. 
Llamas and alpacas (Lama).
G. 
Pigs, hogs and boars (Suidae).
LOADING AREA
A space, accessible from a street or way, in a building or on a lot, for the temporary use of vehicles while loading or unloading merchandise or materials. Such space shall be of a size as required by the district in which it is located, exclusive of access aisles and maneuvering spaces.
LOT
The parcel of land on which a main building and its accessory buildings are placed, together with the required open or green area. The area of a "lot" shall be measured to the street line only.
LOT DEPTH
The average distance between the front and rear lot lines.
LOT LINES
The lines bounding a lot, expressed in courses and distances, provided, however, that any street lines for such portion of the lot which abuts the street shall be considered lot lines for purposes of this chapter.
LOT WIDTH
The distance measured between lot lines, other than the front and rear lot lines, at the minimum front yard setback line.
LOT, CORNER
A parcel of land situate at the junction of and fronting on two or more intersecting streets.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot with road frontage on only one side.
MAINTENANCE OF BUFFER AND GREEN AREAS
Consists of:
A. 
Keeping all grass in said areas to a height not to exceed six inches, except when grass is intended to be naturalized and is kept as a "no-mow" area.
B. 
Trimming and pruning of all plants and trees and removal of deadwood or branches.
C. 
Replacement of any and all dead, damaged or diseased plants and trees.
D. 
Removal of all trash, paper or other debris in said areas.
MAJOR LIFE ACTIVITY
Functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working. The Township Zoning Hearing Board shall interpret this term consistent with its meaning as provided in the Fair Housing Amendments Act[5] and the applicable provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations set forth thereunder.
MICROBREWERY/MICRODISTILLERY/MICROWINERY
A facility for the production, packaging and sampling of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, cider and distilled liquors for retail or wholesale distribution, for sale or consumption on- or off-premises, and which produces less than 100,000 gallons of such beverages per year. "Nanobreweries" shall be included under this definition.
MINOR GARAGE
A building, not a private garage, used solely for the storage of motor vehicles.
MOBILE HOME
A single-family detached dwelling intended for permanent occupancy which may not conform to local building codes but does conform to the standards of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development as indicated by the structural engineering bulletin(s) provided to the Board of Commissioners by the applicant. It shall be contained in one unit (called a "single-wide") or in two or more units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing (called a "double-wide") 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 with or without a permanent foundation, including any roofed addition, such as extra rooms, patios, porches, etc.
MOBILE HOME LOT
A parcel of land in a mobile home park improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the installation of a mobile home.
MOBILE HOME PARK
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land which has been so designated and improved that it contains two or more mobile home lots for the placement of mobile homes.
MONOPOLE
A steel flanged or tapered steel pole structure erected on the ground or on top of a structure to support communications antennas.
MOTEL
A series of attached, semidetached or detached fixed dwelling units containing bedroom, bathroom and closet space where each unit has convenient access to on-site parking space for the use of the unit's occupants by way of separate, exterior entrances to each unit. The units, with the exception of the apartment of the manager or caretaker, are devoted to the use of automobile transients, shall not offer cooking facilities and shall not offer long-term residency to transients (more than 30 days occupancy). Motor courts, motor inns and motor lodges are included in this definition of a "motel." None of the following shall constitute a motel: Single-family detached dwelling; two-family building; twin; duplex; single-family attached dwelling unit; townhouse; multiplex; multifamily building; multifamily conversion; or village dwelling unit.
[Amended 12-16-2020 by Ord. No. 2417-20]
NATIVE PLANTS
Those plants, trees and shrubs which are indigenous to the Mid-Atlantic region and North America, and otherwise occurred within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania before settlement by Europeans.
NO-IMPACT HOME-BASED BUSINESS
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 and from the premises, in excess of those normally associated with residential use. The business or commercial activity shall satisfy the following requirements:
A. 
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential use of the property and the surrounding residential uses.
B. 
The business shall employ no employees other than family members residing in the dwelling.
C. 
There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling or inventory of a substantial nature.
D. 
There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including, but not limited to, parking, signs, or lights.
E. 
The business activity shall not use any equipment or process which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical or electronic interference, including interference with radio or television reception, which is detectable in the neighborhood.
F. 
The business activity shall not generate any solid waste or sewage discharge, in volume or type, which is not normally associated with residential use in the neighborhood.
G. 
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling and shall not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.
H. 
The business shall not involve any illegal activity.
I. 
The business shall be registered with Cheltenham Township.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A structure or part of a structure manifestly not designed to comply with the applicable use provisions in a zoning ordinance or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation. Such "nonconforming structures" include, but are not limited to, nonconforming signs.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use, whether of land or of a structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions in a zoning ordinance or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment or prior to the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.
OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING SIGN OR BILLBOARD
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or facility not located, conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.
OPEN FENCE
A fence where the through visibility at right angles to any surface of such fence has not been reduced by more than 50% by fence construction.
OPEN SPACE
Public or private lands designated for the use and enjoyment of residents of a development and/or the general public, incorporating natural features such as woodlands, streams, or meadows, and including state, county or Township parks, trails, and other recreational facilities. Also includes "open space, common," as defined below, and other private lands which are available for the use of Township residents (i.e., through access easements). (See "open space, common.")
OPEN SPACE, COMMON
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water or a combination of land and water within a development site designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents of the development, not including streets, off-street parking areas and areas set aside for public facilities, such as mobile home park offices, community buildings, etc. Common open space shall be substantially free of structures but may contain such improvements as are in the development plan as finally approved and as are appropriate for the recreation of residents.
PARKING LOT
A lot on a tract of land employed for the transient and open air parking of motor vehicles.
PARKING STRUCTURE
Also known as a "parking garage," a building, not a private or minor garage or carport, one or more stories in height used for the storage and/or parking of motor vehicles open to customers, patrons or tenants of a business or residence, all or parts of which may be above or below ground.
PASSIVE RECREATION; PASSIVE OPEN SPACE
Physical activity and recreation which requires minimal structures or physical facilities, and which primarily rely on the use or enjoyment of natural land or ecosystems with the incidental use of trails or other improvements to ensure accessibility and conservation of wildlife and plant ecosystems. Such activities include, but are not limited to, wildlife observation, walking, biking, and canoeing.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Measures and standards by which the suitability of a proposed use can be measured by the extent of its external effects.
PETS
Any domesticated animal maintained, kept or possessed by a household, the keeping of which shall be allowed by right in any residential district, subject to any federal or commonwealth law or leasehold agreement to the contrary, and does not include those animals classified as "livestock" or "fowl/poultry." Only the following animals and no other are permitted as defined herein, the classifications for which shall be strictly construed:
A. 
Cage birds (the term includes parakeets, parrots, canaries, finches, love birds, mynah birds and other birds ordinarily kept in cages in households; it excludes wild birds captured or rescued and kept in cages).
B. 
Cats (Felis catus).
C. 
Frogs (Salientia).
D. 
Dogs (Canis familiaris), including prairie dogs but excepting dingoes.
E. 
Gerbils.
F. 
Goldfish and carp (Cyprinidae).
G. 
Guinea pigs (Cavia cobaya).
H. 
Hamsters (Cricetus and Mesocricetus).
I. 
Lizard (Sauna).
J. 
Mice, white (Mus musculus).
K. 
Rats, white (Rattus norvegicus).
L. 
Salamanders (any tailed amphibian).
M. 
Rabbits, restricted to European-type rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), commonly kept as pets.
N. 
Snakes, nonpoisonous and native to the Township.
O. 
Toads (Salientia).
P. 
Tropical fish, limited to those customarily maintained in a household aquarium except piranhas.
Q. 
Turtles (Chelonia).
R. 
Ferrets (Mustela furo).
PRIVATE GARAGE
A building used for the storage of one or more automobiles owned and used by the owner or tenant(s) of the lot on which it is erected, for a purpose accessory to the use of the lot.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
The office or studio of a doctor, dentist, healer, teacher, accountant, lawyer, architect, planner, designer, consultant, or practitioner of similar character, excluding, however, veterinarians, animal hospitals and kennels.
PUBLIC GROUNDS
Land which is utilized for any of the following uses:
A. 
Parks, playgrounds, public or community gardens, trails, paths and other active and passive recreational areas and other public areas;
B. 
Publicly owned or operated scenic or historic sites.
PUBLIC SIDEWALK AREA
An area made available for the use of the public, irrespective of whether the sidewalk is situated within the legal right-of-way of a highway or on private property.
PUBLIC UTILITIES FACILITIES
A building or structure, together with related equipment, used for the transmission and exchange of telephone, radio, gas, power, sewer and water facilities. This shall not include cellular or digital telecommunications towers or related equipment.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
A modification to the rules and regulations contained in the Cheltenham Zoning Ordinance of 2017, as amended, that enables persons with handicaps to acquire equal access to housing in a residential district as provided in the Fair Housing Amendments Act.[6]
RELIGIOUS USE
Property owned by and utilized by a religious organization for public worship by a congregation, including religious school, ancillary and accessory uses.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
The surface of and space above and below any real property in the Township in which the Township has a regulatory interest, or interest as a trustee for the public, as such interests now or hereafter exist, including, but not limited to, all streets, highways, avenues, roads, alleys, sidewalks, tunnels, viaducts, bridges, skyways, or any other public place, area or property under the control of the Township, and any unrestricted public or utility easements established, dedicated, platted, improved or devoted for utility purposes, but excluding lands other than streets that are owned by the Township and also excluding pedestrian trails, footpaths and equestrian trails under the control of the Township. The phrase "in the right of way" means in, on, over, along, above and/or under the right-of-way. For the purpose of this chapter, ROW shall include streets and roads owned by Montgomery County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and any other Pennsylvania state agencies.
ROW
See "right-of-way."
SATELLITE DISH ANTENNA
A.
Shall include any of the following:
(1)
An antenna or dish antenna whose purpose is to receive communication or other signals from orbiting satellites and other extraterrestrial sources.
(2)
A low-noise amplifier (LNA) which is situated at the focal point of the receiving component and whose purpose is to magnify and transfer signals.
(3)
Any wire or cable whose purpose is to carry the signals into the interior of a building.
B.
The height of the apparatus shall be measured vertically from the highest point of the apparatus when positioned for operation to the bottom of the base which supports the antenna or dish.
SCREENING
The act of, or a barrier for the purpose of, limiting or obscuring a view; generally composed of vegetation, structures such as fencing or walls, or earthen works suitable for the purpose.
SELF-STORAGE LOCKERS
A building or group of buildings that contain individual, compartmentalized and controlled-access stalls or lockers for the dead storage of customers' goods or wares, also known as "miniwarehouses."
SHED
A general purpose accessory building on a residentially zoned lot, used for activities/functions specifically related to that lot. A shed shall neither be used for the storage of motor vehicles licensed to operate on public roads nor for any commercial construction and/or business use. The dimensions of a shed shall comply with § 295-405A(1)(a) through (g).
[Amended 6-20-2018 by Ord. No. 2371-18]
SHORT-TERM
The rental or exchange of any dwelling or dwelling unit for a duration of six months or less.
[Added 12-16-2020 by Ord. No. 2417-20]
SHORT-TERM TRANSIENT LODGING
Any use of a dwelling or dwelling unit rented or exchanged as a short-term transient or recurrent lodging, regardless of whether there is concurrent or partial occupancy or full occupancy by the owner or another when not in use as a short-term transient lodging.
[Added 12-16-2020 by Ord. No. 2417-20]
SIGN
A structure, building wall or other outdoor surface, indoor surface visible to the outside, or any device used for visual communication which is used for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of the public or to display, identify and publicize the name and product or service of an individual, business organization or institution. The size of a sign shall be determined by the area of the facing or surface of the sign upon, against or through which the message is displayed or illustrated on the sign.
SINGLE AND SEPARATE OWNERSHIP
The ownership of a lot by one or more persons, partnerships, or corporations, which ownership is separate and distinct from that of any adjoining lot. An owner of a lot shall have the burden of establishing the single and separate ownership. For purposes of this chapter, such proof shall include, without limitation, whether the title to the lot was acquired by a deed separate and distinct from any other parcel or lot and whether the lot is assigned a separate and unique tax parcel number. The use of any lot in connection with a use on an adjacent lot shall be evidence of the merger of that lot to the adjoining lot.
SITE AREA
All land area within the site as defined by the deed. Area shall be calculated from an actual site survey rather than from the deed description.
STEEP SLOPES
Areas of land in which the average ground slope exceeds 15%, which, because of this slope, are subject to high rates of stormwater runoff and, therefore, erosion and flooding. This term is further defined in Article XXI, Steep Slope Conservation Overlay District, herein.
STORY
That part of a building located between a floor and the floor or roof next above. The first story of a building is the lowest story having 50% or more of its wall area above the adjacent finished grade level.
STREAM
A watercourse having banks and channel which has a continuous flow of water, or for a majority of the year. This term is further defined in Article XIX hereof.
STREET
Includes a street, avenue, boulevard, road, highway, freeway, parkway, lane, alley, viaduct and any other ways used or intended to be used by vehicular traffic or pedestrians whether public or private.
STREET LINE
The dividing line between a street and a lot. The street line shall be the same as the outside boundary or ultimate legal right-of-way line of a public street or the outside boundary of a private road over which the owners or tenants of two or more lots each held in single and separate ownership have the right of way.
STRUCTURE
Any form or arrangement of building materials which requires a fixed location on the ground, or attachment to something having permanent location on the ground, including, but not limited to, supporting walls, signs, covered screened enclosures and any other covered area (excluding grade-level driveways, sidewalks, curbing, and patios); provided, however, neither a fence, nor a non-supporting wall acting as a screen or fence shall be considered a structure for the purpose of setbacks.
SUSTAINABILITY PLAN
The 2013 Sustainability Plan of Cheltenham Township, as adopted and amended by the Board of Commissioners of Cheltenham Township.
SWALE
A watercourse having a channel which is part of the natural or man-made stormwater drainage system. Stormwater runoff is the only source of water flow. Floodplain soils may or may not be found within a swale.
SWIMMING POOL
Any permanent outdoor swimming pool; any permanent excavation in which water is permitted to or may otherwise collect in excess of 12 inches in depth; any temporary structure designed to hold water, whether erected partially or entirely above ground level, in which water is permitted to or may otherwise collect in excess of 12 inches in depth. Only a swimming pool as above defined shall be considered a structure for purposes of this chapter.
TEMPORARY STRUCTURE FOR SALE OF CONSUMER FIREWORKS
A structure, other than a permanent facility with fixed utility connections, which is in use or in place for a period of 20 consecutive calendar days or less and is dedicated to the storage and sale of consumer fireworks and related items. The term includes temporary retail sales stands, tents, canopies and membrane structures meeting the specifications of NFPA 1124 (the National Fire Protection Association Standard 1124, Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, and Storage of Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles, 2006 Edition, or any subsequent edition). The term shall not include a facility that is not licensed to sell consumer fireworks under Article XXIV, Act 43 of 2017 (P.L. 672, No. 43).[7]
[Added 3-28-2018 by Ord. No. 2364-18]
TOWNSHIP
Cheltenham Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
TRAILER CAMP
Any land used or designed to be used as a parking space for more than one house trailer.
VACATION RENTAL
Any use of a dwelling or dwelling unit rented or exchanged as a short-term transient or recurrent lodging, regardless of whether there is concurrent or partial occupancy or full occupancy by the owner or another when not in use as a short-term transient lodging.
[Added 12-16-2020 by Ord. No. 2417-20]
WATERCOURSE
Any natural or artificial stream, river, creek, ditch, channel, canal, waterway, gully, or ravine in which water flows in a definite direction or course, either continuously or intermittently, and has a defined bed and banks.
WETLANDS
Those areas that are inundated and saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas; any areas defined as "wetlands" by the Army Corps of Engineers.
WOODLANDS
One-fourth acre or more of wooded land where the largest trees measure at least six inches diameter at breast height (dbh). The woodland shall be measured from the dripline of the outer trees. Woodlands are also a grove of trees forming one canopy where 10 or more trees measure at least 10 inches dbh.
YARD
A. 
FRONT YARDAn open, unoccupied space extending across the full width of a lot and lying between the street line and the nearest point of the principal building. In the case of a corner lot, both yard areas abutting streets shall be construed as front yards.
B. 
REAR YARDAn open, unoccupied space extending across the full width of a lot and lying between the rear lot line, or the corner of a triangular lot furthermost from the front lot line, and the nearest point of the building. In the case of a corner lot, there shall be no rear yard.
C. 
SIDE YARDAn open, unoccupied space between the side lot line of a lot and the nearest point of the building and extending from the front yard to the rear yard.
ZONING OFFICER
The Director of Planning and Zoning or the Township's designee.
[1]
Editor's Note: The Pennsylvania Unit Property Act, 68 P.S. §§ 700.101 to 700.805, was repealed by P.L. 286, No. 82, § 2, July 2, 1980, effective in 120 days.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 72 P.S. §§ 9401 to 9416.
[4]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10503(1.1).
[5]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C.A. § 3601 et seq.
[6]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C.A. § 3601 et seq.
[7]
Editor's Note: See 72 P.S. §§ 9401 to 9416.