For the purposes of this chapter, the following words, terms and phrases shall have the meaning indicated herein:
ABUTTING OWNERThe owner of record of a lot which is contiguous, at any point, to the lot to be subdivided and/or developed or which is contiguous to that section of street on which the subject lot has frontage, i.e., a lot across from the lot to be subdivided and/or developed.
ACCELERATED EROSIONRemoval of the surface of the land through the combined action of man's activities and natural processes at a rate greater than would occur from natural processes alone.
ACCELERATION LANEAn added roadway lane which permits integration and merging of slower-moving vehicles into lanes of the main vehicular flow.
ACCESSA way or means of approach to provide physical ingress to and egress from a lot.
ACCESSWAYA paved surface, other than a street, which provides vehicular or pedestrian access from a street to a lot or parking area, including the area providing for the movement of vehicles around and through designated parking lots. An accessway may be a strip of land which provides access, an easement, or a driveway.
ACTUAL TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYA field prepared and/or aerial photogrametric survey which produces a plan of contours, physical features and structures, consistent with National Map Accuracy Standard.
ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTSResult in contributing to a harmful or degraded condition and/or producing environmental harm or degradation. Adverse environmental impacts may include a negative impact on surrounding land uses; negative impacts which are contrary to the Edgmont Township Comprehensive Plan and the intent of Chapter
365, Zoning; negative impacts which may create a threat to public health, safety and general welfare; and negative impacts on naturally occurring physical and biological resources and systems.
Any person or entity, other than the landowner or developer, who, acting upon written authority from the landowner or developer, files subdivision and/or land development plans with the Township for the purpose of obtaining approval thereof.
AISLEAn accessway within a parking area or parking lot which provides space for the maneuvering of vehicles.
ALTERNATIVESChoices between or among two or more plans, layouts, approaches, solutions and/or results.
APPLICANTA landowner or developer who has filed a complete application for subdivision and/or land development, including heirs, successors, assigns and grantees. The term "applicant" may include a landowner or developer who has filed an application for conditional use, special exception or variance, or any other application required by this chapter.
APPLICATION FOR SUBDIVISION AND/OR LAND DEVELOPMENTThe action taken to complete, sign and file the application form as required by this chapter, which shall also include the filing of the number and type of plans, documents and other submissions required by this chapter for the review and/or approval of a preliminary or tentative plan and thereafter a final plan, together with the necessary fees in accordance with the prevailing application fees; an application, whether preliminary or final, required to be filed and approved prior to the conveyance or other transfer of lots and/or the commencement of construction and development, including an application for the approval of a subdivision plan and an application for the approval of a land development plan.
APPLICATION FORMA form as amended from time to time by the Board of Supervisors available from the Township Manager (included in the appendix of this chapter) which is to be used to provide information to aid in the review of a subdivision and/or land development plan and for general administrative purposes.
ARCHITECTA design professional duly registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to practice architecture.
AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNAreas, including such features as very steep slopes, flood hazard and flood-prone areas, woodland and forest areas, and ponds, lakes, streams and other water bodies as depicted in the Comprehensive Plan, and other resources as described in the open space provisions of Chapter
365, Zoning.
Results contributing to an improvement in a condition and/or producing a favorable result, such as making a use more compatible with the intent of this chapter and the goals of the Comprehensive Plan and promoting the public health, safety and general welfare.
BERMAn earthen embankment which serves purposes such as retaining/detaining the flow of surface water runoff, preventing soil erosion or supporting plant materials to aid in screening.
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCESCharacteristics of the natural environment manifest in flora and fauna. The disposition of these characteristics is typically expressed in vegetation and/or wildlife units, such as tree, woodland or forest stands and related understory and ground-cover growth; and aquatic and terrestrial wildlife and/or their habitats.
BUFFER PLANTING STRIPA strip of required yard space, not less in width than designated in Chapter
365, Zoning, of the Code, which is landscaped for its full width with plantings such as evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs and which is permanently maintained. Buffer planting strips shall consist of such plantings as will create an effective screen of sufficient density to provide a continuous visual buffer, and shall be of sufficient height to minimize visibility from abutting properties or districts or from a discrete area of a premises.
The area of a lot remaining after the minimum yard and setback requirements of Chapter
365, Zoning, have been met, within which a principal permitted building shall be located. Such setback requirements include yard setbacks; setbacks from flood hazard and flood-fringe areas; areas of steep slope and very steep slope; and easements. Where a buildable area is shown on a plan as extending into a flood hazard district, a steep slope conservation district or any other area which may involve a conditional use or special exception, those portions of the buildable area extending into any such areas shall be delineated, depicted and otherwise noted on all plans in an accurate and conspicuous manner to disclose the specific uses which may occur in such areas.
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or enclosing walls or other support, and used for the shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals or property.
BUILDING PERMITA document issued by the Township, granting permission for the construction, repair, alteration of, or addition to a structure.
BUILDING, PRINCIPALA building in which is conducted the principal permitted use of the lot on which it is situated.
CALIPERThe diameter of a tree trunk measured at a point 12 inches from the ground surface at the center of the base of the tree.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
That area of a road or other street within which vehicles are permitted, including travel lanes, but not including shoulders, curbs, gutters, sidewalks or drainage swales.
CATCH BASINAn inlet which has a sump below the pipe to collect debris and is designed to intercept and redirect surface waters.
CENTER LINE OF STREETA line in the center of a street which is equidistant from and parallel to the street lines.
CHANNELAn area which conveys the normal continuous or intermittent flow of water.
CHECKLISTThe forms (
attached to this chapter as Appendix F), which are to be used to provide information relative to the completeness of the subdivision and/or land development plan submission.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
The required length of street clearly visible to the driver of a vehicle at any given point on the street when the view is unobstructed. Clear sight distance shall be made from a point 3.75 feet above the center line of the proposed street surface to a point six inches above the center line of the approach lane of the existing street surface, measured from a point 10 feet back from the edge of the existing cartway and meeting the minimum standards of PA DOT and the Township, whichever is greater.
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLEAn area of unobstructed vision at street intersections defined by lines of sight between points at a given distance from the intersection of street center lines.
COMMON OPEN SPACEA 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 a development, not including streets, off-street parking areas and areas set aside for public facilities.
COMMUNITY FACILITIESThe services which provide for various health, education, safety, leisure and the like needs of residents of the Township and the community, and the locations at which these services are provided. Typical community facilities include parks and recreation areas, libraries, hospitals and other health-care facilities, fire protection, police, ambulance and rescue service and postal services.
COMMUNITY SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMAny system providing sanitary sewage, collection, conveyance, and disposal to more than one lot, principal building or use, other than by way of a public sewage disposal system, provided that community sewage disposal systems shall only be permitted within and for purposes of serving a single unified development or part thereof. Such systems shall comply with all prevailing federal, state, county and municipal regulations, and shall be operated, maintained, and guaranteed to the satisfaction of the Township.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Any system providing water supply to more than one lot, principal building, or use other than by way of a public water supply system, provided community water supply systems shall only be permitted within and for purposes of serving a single unified development or part thereof. Such systems shall comply with all prevailing federal, state, county, and municipal regulations, and shall be operated, maintained and guaranteed to the satisfaction of the Township.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
The Edgmont Township Comprehensive Plan, as may be amended from time to time, including maps, tables and text which constitute a policy guide for decisions regarding land use, circulation, community facilities and utilities within the Township.
CONSERVATION PLANA plan filed as and forming a part of the preliminary plan and the final plan detailing the measures to be taken by the landowner or developer for the purposes of the protection of watercourses, notable trees and other important natural features and for the control and other management of surface water runoff, erosion and sedimentation, which includes all information required in Article
VIII for the control of soil erosion, sedimentation, stormwater management and grading; and any other Township ordinances regulations, plans and maps.
Any disturbance of the land or the erection of structures thereon, including the cutting of trees or clearing of brush; provided, however, that the clearing for survey lines or performing engineering or other scientific tests to obtain data shall not be deemed as construction.
CONTINUOUS VISUAL BUFFERA visually impenetrable screen created through the effective use of plant materials, fencing, walls and/or earthen berms.
CONTOURAn invisible line on the surface of the earth along which all points are at the same elevation above sea level.
CONTRACTORA person, who is not necessarily the owner of the land or agent of the same, who by contract or other agreement is charged with the responsibility of construction of buildings or other structures or making any construction improvements on any parcel of land.
CUL-DE-SACA street having vehicular access to and from another street at one end and terminating in a vehicular turnaround at the other end, said turnaround having its ingress and egress at the same point.
CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTA representation of man's influence on land and/or water through the use, organization, adornment and maintenance of property and structures.
CULVERTA structure designed to convey water under a street or pedestrian walk.
CURBA stone or concrete boundary marking the edge of the cartway or paved area.
CUTA portion of land or other area from which earth has been removed or will be removed by excavation; or the depth below the original ground surface or excavated surface; or the act of removal or excavation of earth or other materials.
DATE OF FILINGThe date on which a complete application for subdivision and/or land development has been submitted to and accepted by the Township Manager in accordance with Article
III.
A reference point from which elevations are measured. The standard datum is sea level as established by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
DBHThe diameter of an existing tree at breast height, 4 1/2 feet above the ground at the center of the tree.
DECELERATION LANEAn added roadway lane that permits vehicles to slow down and leave the main vehicular flow.
DEDICATIONA gift or other donation of property by the owner thereof to the Township or other entity, which is formally accepted by the Township.
DEEDA legal document conveying an estate or other right, title or interest in property.
DETENTION BASINA structure designed, built and used to retard surface water runoff for a period of time sufficient to cause the deposition of sediment and to reduce the rate of runoff leaving a site to the predevelopment rate.
DEVELOPERAny landowner, equitable owner, or authorized agent of such landowner who makes or causes to be made a subdivision of land or a land development.
DITCHA small drainage channel.
DRAINAGEA system for conveying stormwater runoff, surface water or groundwater from the land by facilities or structures which serve to control or otherwise manage runoff and minimize sedimentation and soil erosion during and after construction or development.
DRAINAGE EASEMENTA right-of-way granted to use private land to facilitate the flow of water as deemed necessary by the Township within which the owner shall erect no permanent structures but may use the land in any other way not inconsistent with the grantee's rights.
DRAINAGE FACILITYAny trench, ditch, swale, gutter, pipe, culvert, storm sewer or other similar depression or structure designed, intended or constructed for the purpose of controlling stormwater runoff within a subdivision or groundwater within and away from a subdivision, land development area or contiguous areas.
DRAINAGEWAYAny watercourse or trench, ditch, swale, pipe flow, or other similar depression or structure in which water flows in a definite direction either continuously or intermittently and has a definite channel, bed and banks, and includes any area adjacent thereto subject to inundation by reason of overflow.
DRIVEWAYA gravel or paved surface on a lot which provides access for vehicles to a parking space, garage, dwelling or other structure from a street.
DRIVEWAY, COMMONSee "driveway, shared."
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
A commonly shared or used gravel or paved way on a lot which provides access for more than one use, dwelling or other structure from a street.
DWELLINGA building, including a mobile home, designed and zoned exclusively for family residential use.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
A single, habitable unit within a dwelling with facilities which are used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating by one family.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Land disturbance activity resulting in the movement of earth or stripping of vegetative cover from the earth.
EASEMENTA right, privilege or other interest granted or reserved for the use of land for a particular purpose; the land to which such right or privilege pertains.
ECONOMIC AND FISCAL CHARACTERISTICSCharacteristics related to the expenditures and revenues in conjunction with the management of income of a household, private business, community, association and/or government.
ENGINEERA design professional duly registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to practice professional engineering.
ENLARGEMENTAn addition to the horizontal or vertical size of an existing structure, an increase in the area of a lot which is occupied by an existing use, or an increase in the intensity of a use as a result of increased parking, traffic generation, sewage, or other impacts on surrounding land uses, existing or zoned.
ENVIRONMENTThe conditions, resources and/or characteristics which exist within and surround the area to be affected by a proposed subdivision and/or land development, including natural elements such as land, water, air, minerals, natural flora and natural fauna; and man-made components such as objects of historic or aesthetic significance, infrastructure; and man-related attributes of a social and economic nature.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORTAn assessment which objectively describes, analyzes and documents both the beneficial and adverse environmental effects of a proposed subdivision and/or land development and the measures to be undertaken to mitigate adverse effects in accordance with the provisions set forth in this chapter.
EXCAVATIONRemoval or recovery by any means whatsoever of soil, rock, minerals, mineral or organic material other than vegetation from water or land or beneath the surface thereof, whether exposed or submerged.
FILEDThe complete submission of a plan with the proper forms, plans, documents and other submissions, and fees as required by this chapter, according to the timetable set forth herein.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Material which is placed, pushed, dumped, pulled, transported, deposited, moved to a new location above the natural surface of the ground or on top of a stripped or otherwise cut surface, so as to form an embankment or raise the surface elevation of any portion of the land. See Appendix D of this chapter for clean fill standards.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
A temporary inundation of normally dry areas.
FLOOD FRINGEThat portion of the floodplain outside the floodway.
FLOOD HAZARD AREAThe area so described in Chapter
365, Zoning, and delineated on the Flood Hazard District Map.
A relatively flat or low land area, adjoining a creek, stream or other watercourse, which is subject to partial or complete inundation; an area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
FLOOD-PRONE AREAThe area as described in Chapter
365, Zoning, and delineated on the Flood Hazard District Map.
A general or temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of areas from the overflow of inland waters and/or the unusual and rapid accumulation of water on or under the ground.
FLOODWAYThe area as described in Chapter
365, Zoning, and delineated on the Flood Hazard District Map.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
The slope of a street, road, or other installation expressed as a percent, or the elevation of existing, finished or proposed conditions as hereinafter defined.
GRADE, EXISTINGThe elevation, relative to a given datum, of the ground surface prior to any excavation, cut or fill.
GRADE, FINISHEDThe elevation, relative to a given datum, of the ground surface after completion of any excavation, cut or fill.
GRADE, PROPOSEDThe elevation, relative to a given datum, of the ground surface proposed to be achieved by excavation, cut or fill.
GRADINGThe changing of the surface of the ground by cutting, filling or excavation, including land in its cut or filled condition.
GROUNDWATER RECHARGEReplenishment with water within rock or soil interstices which have the capacity to store water, or which permit the transfer of water to a geologic storage area.
GUARANTEE, COMPLETIONThe financial security that may be accepted by the Township as a guarantee that improvements required as part of an application for subdivision and/or land development are completed to the satisfaction of the Township.
GUARANTEE, MAINTENANCEThe financial security that may be accepted by the Township as a guarantee that improvements required as part of an application for subdivision and/or land development will be in first-class condition, state of repair and working order for a specific period of time. Such financial security shall be similar to that accepted for a completion guarantee.
GUTTERThat portion within a street right-of-way, outside the cartway, designed for surface drainage, whether paved with upright curb or concrete with a rolled curb.
IMPACTThe power of an event to produce changes in a condition. In the context of impact exerted on the environment, changes which affect the existing conditions and/or quality are of greatest concern.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACEA surface which has materials that do not normally absorb rainfall or surface water, such as buildings, paved areas such as streets and parking lots, and paved walks and similar surfaces.
IMPOUNDMENTA body of water, such as a pond, detention or retention basin, confined by a headwall, dike, floodgate or other barrier, in the nature of a dam.
IMPROVEMENTSPhysical additions and changes to land, such as grading, paving, curbing, fire hydrants, water mains, sanitary sewers, capped sewers, storm sewers, storm drains, catch basins, culverts, sidewalks, monuments, crosswalks, bridges, earthworks, streetlights, wells, on-site sewage disposal systems, street trees and other plantings, and other structures that may be necessary to produce usable and desirable land development.
INFILTRATION STRUCTUREA structure designed to direct the flow of rain into storage in geologic structures where soils are proven to accommodate the proposed infiltration.
INFRASTRUCTUREThe basic installations and facilities on which the continuance and growth of a community depend, such as roads, schools, electrical transmission facilities, transportation and communication systems.
INSPECTIONA visit to the site of construction or development by a Township official or representative to view, evaluate and report on compliance with this chapter.
INVERTThe lowest visible surface of a drainage conduit or channel.
LAKES AND PONDSNatural or artificial bodies of water which retain water year-round. The shoreline of such water bodies shall be measured from the spillway crest elevation rather than the permanent pool if there is any difference. Lakes are bodies of water of two or more acres. Ponds are any water body of less than two acres.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
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
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;
LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANA sketch, preliminary or final plan submitted in compliance with the requirements of this chapter, showing the provision for development of a tract of land. See also "subdivision plan."
LAND PLANNERA design professional who is recognized as a certified planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners, an institute of the American Planning Association.
LAND USEThe category of land expressed in terms of the type of activity or development which exists, such as agricultural, residential, municipal and the like, whether such use is principal or accessory.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee if he is authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner, or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
A design professional duly registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to practice landscape architecture.
LANDSCAPED AREAThat portion of a tract or lot in which plantings have been installed in accordance with the design standards and requirements for landscaping in Article
VIII. The landscaped area includes the buffer planting strip, as well as plantings which serve a functional and/or aesthetic purpose when located around and between buildings, streets, parking areas, sidewalks, walkways, sitting areas, service or maintenance structures, courtyards, and the like.
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.
LONG-TERM EFFECTSResults which are manifest for, or extending over, a long period of time.
LOTA contiguous area of land held or to be held in one ownership and not divided by a street, not including any land within the limits of a street right-of-way upon which said lot abuts, even if such right-of-way is maintained by the owner of the lot; a designated parcel, tract or area of land established by a plan and to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.
LOT AREAThe area of land contained within the property lines of a parcel of land, including the area of any easement, but excluding any area within an existing or designated future road rights-of-way and existing utility rights-of-way; provided, however, that the area of land comprised by any additional road rights-of-way (i.e., in addition to the 50 feet, 60 feet or 80 feet set forth in Article
VIII), which the Board of Supervisors may require, shall not be subtracted when computing a minimum lot area. See also provisions for the R-1 Zoning District in Chapter
365, Zoning.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
The distance along a straight line drawn from the midpoint of the front lot line to the midpoint of the rear lot line. In the case of the corner lot, the lot depth shall be achieved along the longest dimension of the lot.
LOT LINEA property boundary line of any lot held in single and separate ownership. In the case of any lot abutting a street, including shared driveways, the lot line for such portion of the lot as abuts such street including shared driveways shall be deemed to be the same as the street line, and shall not be the center line of the street, or any other line within the street right-of-way.
LOT WIDTHThe distance measured between the side lot lines at the required building setback line. When there is only one side lot line, as in the case of two-family or single-family attached dwellings, the lot width shall be measured between the side lot line and the center line of the party wall. In the case of a corner lot, the lot width shall be measured between the side lot line and the front lot line opposite.
LOT, CORNERA lot abutting upon two or more streets, including shared driveways, or upon two parts of the same street, including shared driveways, forming an interior angle of less than 135°.
LOT, FLAGA lot which has street frontage connected to the major portion of the lot by means of a narrow strip of land. A lot whose configuration resembles a flag and a connecting pole or post.
LOT, FRONTAGEThe length of the front lot line measured at the street right-of-way line.
METES AND BOUNDSA method of describing the boundaries of land by directions or bearings and distances from a known point of reference.
MITIGATIONThe act of precluding a potentially adverse effect and/or making a potentially adverse effect less severe through measures which will improve a condition and/or lessen the impact.
MONUMENTS AND MARKERSA structure which marks and identifies lot lines and street lines or corners of lots and streets in accordance with Article
VIII.
A composition of land, water and/or air represented by its inherent physical and biological resources.
NET ACREAGEThe acreage of a lot, including the area of any proposed easement, but excluding any area within an existing or designated future road rights-of-way and existing utility and other easements. See also provisions of the R-1 Zoning District in Chapter
365, Zoning.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Trees of eight-inch DBH or greater which are within a woodland or forest area, or are freestanding.
OFFICIAL MAPA map adopted by ordinance that conclusively shows the location of existing and proposed public streets, watercourses and public grounds.
OFFICIAL SEWAGE FACILITIES PLANThe plan adopted by the Township and approved by the PA DEP which sets forth recommendations for the provision of adequate sewage systems in the Township in accordance with Act 537, the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.
ON-LOT SEWAGE DISPOSALA single system of piping, septic tanks or other facilities serving a single lot, collecting and disposing of sewage in compliance with the prevailing federal, state, county and municipal regulations.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
An individual well serving one lot and/or a water supply on a lot occupied or to be occupied serving a permitted building, and in compliance with the prevailing federal, state and county regulations.
OPEN SPACELands characterized by areas of environmental concern and other related resources, or used for noise and/or visual buffers or for other purposes as required in the open space provisions of Chapter
365, Zoning.
The choice which may be exercised where permitted to arrange lots with particular consideration of and sensitivity toward environmental resources, the minimum net size requirements for which would be less than would otherwise be required in the districts, and the relative density of which would be greater than would otherwise be permitted in the districts, in exchange for allocating open space for various conservation and recreation purposes.
OVERLAY DISTRICTSAreas described in Article
XVIII, Flood Hazard District, and Article
XIX, Steep Slope Conservation District, of Chapter
365, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Edgmont, relative to the Flood Hazard District and the Steep Slope Conservation District.
An area for the parking of motor vehicles which is designed and constructed in accordance with the design standards and requirements of §
305-46 and the parking regulations of Chapter
365, Zoning.
A reasonably level space, available for the parking of one motor vehicle, exclusive of aisles, passageways, driveways or other means of circulation or access. A parking space shall include either covered garage spaces or uncovered parking lot space located off the street right-of-way. The size of parking spaces shall be as required by Chapter
365, Zoning.
Pennsylvania Act 247 of 1968 (P.L. 805), as amended, also cited as 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., or any subsequent act of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which replaces, supplements, amends or repeals any or all of the provisions of Act 247.
PHYSICAL RESOURCESCharacteristics of the natural environment manifest in its landforms, soils, geological structure of surface and/or sub-surface rock, minerals, natural bodies of water and/or man-made impoundments, watercourses, groundwater and the like. The disposition of these characteristics is typically expressed in physiographic, topographic and/or hydrologic units, such as rock formations, slopes, elevations, soil types, watersheds, surface water types, wetlands, floodplains, aquifers or aquifer recharge areas and the like.
PLAN REQUIREMENTSRequirements set forth in Articles
IV through
VII, and related to all other sections of this chapter.
A plan prepared by a surveyor or engineer showing locations, dimensions and elevations of all improvements as actually constructed.
PLAN, CONSTRUCTION DETAILA plan prepared and sealed by a surveyor or engineer, showing construction details, such as, but not limited to, typical cross sections, tree protection, manholes, drainage facilities, and the like, which would provide information indicating the size, materials and/or techniques for development.
PLAN, FINALA subdivision plan and/or land development plan prepared for official recording purposes depicting all features required in Articles
VI and
VII and all plans, documents and submissions required therein.
A plan view and profile plan prepared by an engineer, showing the construction details of streets, drains, sewers, bridges, culverts and other improvements as required by §§
305-24 and
305-29, and which shall include horizontal plans, profiles and cross sections.
A subdivision and/or land development plan filed as a basis for consideration and approval prior to preparation of a final plan, including all plans, documents and submissions required in Article
V.
A plan prepared by an engineer showing the vertical section of the existing grade and proposed grade along the center line of any proposed street, storm sewer line and sanitary sewer line.
PLAN, RECORDA final plan prepared for recording by an engineer or surveyor, showing the ultimate width of streets, the lot lines, easement, existing structures, streams, floodplains, building setback lines and the original required endorsements of the Township, and any other relevant information pertaining to a subdivision and/or land development as required by this chapter.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
A schematic plan, not necessarily to exact scale, indicating topographic, vegetative and other existing features of a tract and its surroundings and the general layout of the proposed subdivision and/or land development in sufficient detail to allow for disclosure of all significant review matters prior to the filing of a preliminary plan for a proposed subdivision and/or land development.
PLATA map or plan of a subdivision or land development.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
See "lakes and ponds."
PRIMARY CONSERVATION AREASAreas of environmental concern, including flood hazard and flood-prone areas; very steep slopes; woodland and forest areas; and surface water resources, including ponds, streams and wetlands, as generally shown on Map 2 of the Comprehensive Plan.
PRIMARY EFFECTSResults of a direct nature which have a principal influence on a particular condition or state.
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTSPersons or entities who provide expert or professional advice, including, but not limited to, architects, attorneys, certified public accountants, engineers, geologists, land surveyors, landscape architects or planners.
PUBLIC NOTICENotice published in accordance with Section 107 of the Municipalities Planning Code, as amended from time to time.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Any street, avenue, boulevard, highway, sidewalk, alley or similar place which is owned or controlled by a governmental entity.
PUBLIC SANITARY SEWER SYSTEMAny system, other than an individual or community on-lot sewage disposal system, which is administered and operated by an organization which is regulated by a governmental agency, authority or commission for the collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal of wastes from customers, in compliance with prevailing federal, state, county and municipal regulations.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Any system for water distribution and water supply, other than an on-lot water supply system, which is owned, administered and operated by an organization which is regulated by a governmental agency, authority or commission, in compliance with prevailing federal, state, county and municipal regulations.
RELEASE RATE PERCENTAGEThe maximum percentage of predevelopment rate of flow which is permitted to leave a site in a given subarea of the Ridley Creek watershed as noted on the watershed map of Chapter
365, Zoning.
An area on a lot which is reserved as a required secondary location for on-lot sanitary sewage disposal, in the event the primary area is no longer utilized or is no longer suitable.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
The further division of lots or the relocation of lot lines of any lot or lots within a subdivision previously made and approved or recorded; or the alteration of any streets or the establishment of any new streets within any such subdivision. Resubdivision does not include conveyances made so as to combine entire existing lots by deed or other instrument.
RETENTION BASINA reservoir, formed from soil or other material, which is designed to retain permanently a certain amount of stormwater from a catchment area and which also may be designed to detain temporarily additional stormwater runoff from the catchment area. Retention basins also may receive fresh water from year-round streams. Retention basins always contain water and thus may be considered man-made lakes or ponds.
REVIEWAn examination of the sketch, preliminary and/or final plan by the Township Planning Commission, Township Engineer, other Township officials, representatives and bodies and the Board of Supervisors to determine compliance with this chapter and its regulations, design standards and all other Township ordinances, codes, regulations, plans or maps.
RIGHT-OF-WAYA strip of land granted or reserved for public or private use.
RIPARIAN BUFFERAn area of land adjacent to a body of water, including, without limitation, a perennial or intermittent stream, wetlands, and ponds, and managed to maintain the integrity of stream channels and shorelines to reduce the impact of upland sources of pollution by trapping, filtering, and converting sediments, nutrients, and other chemicals; and to supply food, cover, and thermal protection to fish and other wildlife.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Any liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution, or the water-carried waste resulting from the discharge of water closets, laundry tubs, washing machines, sinks, dishwashers or any other source of water-carried waste of human origin.
SANITARY SEWER, CAPPEDSanitary sewers, force mains, pumping stations, and all other appurtenances necessary to serve an entire subdivision and/or land development which are capped because existing sanitary sewer facilities are not accessible and available, but are proposed in the Official Sewage Facilities Plan of the Township.
SCALEThe relationship between distances on a map and the actual ground distances.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC MEETINGA meeting of the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors which is open to the public and is advertised, during which various items of business are reviewed and discussed at scheduled intervals throughout the year.
SCREEN PLANTINGThe plantings which are used in a buffer planting strip or other landscaping arrangements to create a continuous visual buffer.
SCREENINGThe use of plant materials, fencing, walls and/or earthen berms, or combinations thereof, to aid in the concealment of such features as parking areas and vehicles within them, and to provide privacy between two or more land uses or activities; a visual and/or sound buffer or other barrier.
SECONDARY CONSERVATION AREASRock outcrops; riparian buffers/wetland margins of 50 feet beyond the boundary of flood hazard areas and flood-prone areas; hedgerows; historic resources; and prime farmland soils, and soils of statewide importance on existing agricultural sites, as generally shown on Map 3 of the Comprehensive Plan.
SECONDARY EFFECTSResults of an indirect nature which have an influence on a particular condition or state derived from a primary effect.
SEDIMENTDeposited silt or other matter that is being or has been moved from its site of origin by water or other means of erosion.
SEPTIC SYSTEMAn underground system with a septic tank and filter field used for the decomposition of domestic wastes and its safe disposal.
SEPTIC TANKA watertight receptacle that receives the discharge of sewage from a building, sewer or part thereof, and is designed and constructed so as to permit settling of solids from this liquid, digestion of the organic matter and discharge of the liquid portion into a disposal area.
SEPTIC TANK FILTER FIELDA system of open jointed pipes intended to distribute septic tank effluent into the ground for absorption and evaporation.
SEWAGEThe total of organic waste and wastewater generated by residential, industrial, commercial, institutional or other establishments.
SEWERAny pipe or conduit used to collect and carry away sewage or stormwater runoff from the generating source of origin to treatment plants and/or to a receiving stream or other drainageway.
SHADE TREEA woody plant, usually deciduous, which normally grows with one main trunk to a height in excess of 40 feet and has a canopy which screens and filters the sun in the summer and winter, respectively.
SIDEWALKA paved, surfaced or leveled area, paralleling and separated from the cartway of the street, used as a pedestrian walkway.
SILTFinely divided particles of soil or rock, often carried in cloudy suspension in water and eventually deposited as sediment.
SITEA tract, lot or combination of contiguous lots on a tract which forms an area for a development project.
SOIL EROSIONThe detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments, or the wearing away of the land surface by water, wind and ice.
SOIL PERCOLATION TESTA field test, including a deep hole test, in accordance with criteria of the PA DEP and the Sewage Enforcement Officer, conducted to determine the suitability of the soil for on-site sewage disposal facilities and infiltration structures by measuring the absorptive capacity of the soil at a given location and depth.
SOIL SURVEYA report entitled, Soil Survey - Chester and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania, published May 1963 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, and updated from time to time.
SPECIMEN TREEAn ornamental tree, which may be a shade tree or a street tree, or a mature tree which is indigenous to the area which is of a shape, size and quality that is typical of the species.
STAGEA section or sections of a site on which an applicant proposes to commence development at the same time as part of a timetable for development of a planned residential development over a period of years.
STALLSee "parking space."
STEEP SLOPEThose areas of land which are characterized by a change in elevation of 15% or more but not exceeding 25% over a distance or contour specified in Article
XIX, Steep Slope Conservation District, of Chapter
365, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Edgmont.
A pipe or conduit that carries intercepted surface runoff, street wash and other wash waters or drainage, but excludes domestic sewage and industrial wastes.
STORMWATERThat water which accumulates from precipitation and is manifest in surface runoff.
STORMWATER DETENTIONAny storm drainage technique that retards or detains runoff, in rate, volume, or otherwise, such as a detention or retention basin, parking lot storage, porous pavement, dry wells or any combination thereof.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLANA plan for controlling surface water runoff so that it will preclude erosion or flooding and/or the adverse effects of impervious areas on surface water runoff as described in Article
VIII.
A public or privately owned right-of-way serving as a means of vehicular and pedestrian travel, furnishing access to abutting lots and used to provide space for installation of improvements such as sewers, other utilities, street trees and sidewalks.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
The dividing line between a lot and the outside boundary or right-of-way line of a public street, road or highway legally open or officially platted, or between a lot and a privately owned street (such as a shared driveway) or road over which the owners or tenants of two or more lots, each held in single and separate ownership, have the right to access.
STREET TREEA shade tree within the street right-of-way in accordance with Article
VIII. Street trees recommended for use within the Township are listed in the appendix of this chapter.
A street intended to serve a principal role in collecting traffic from minor collectors and local streets, and used primarily as the means of access for through traffic within the Township and to areas adjacent thereto and from minor arterial or principal arterial streets.
STREET, COLLECTOR, MINORA street intended to serve a principal role in collecting traffic from local streets and used primarily as the means of access for through traffic between residential neighborhoods and other areas within the Township and to areas adjacent thereto and from major collectors and arterials.
STREET, LOCALA street intended to serve a principal role in providing access to lots abutting thereon, and as a means of collecting traffic from other local streets and gaining access to collector streets.
STREET, MINOR ARTERIALA street intended to serve a principal role in accommodating traffic from collector streets and in carrying relatively large volumes of long distance traffic between principal arterials and other minor arterials.
STREET, PRIVATEA street not offered or required to be offered for dedication; or not duly accepted by the Board of Supervisors as a public street.
STRUCTUREAny man-made object or improvement having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land.
SUBDIVISIONThe division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land, including changes in existing lot lines, for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devisees, conveyance or other transfer of ownership or building or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than 10 acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
SUBDIVISION PLANA sketch, preliminary or final plan, submitted in compliance with this chapter, showing the provision for the subdivision of a tract of land. See also "land development plan."
SURVEYORA design professional duly registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to practice surveying.
SWALEAn elongated depression in the ground which collects and channels surface water runoff.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEERA licensed engineer designated by the Board of Supervisors to perform the duties of engineer in accordance with this chapter.
TRACTAn area, parcel, site, lots or property which is the subject of a subdivision and/or land development application.
USEThe specific purpose for which land, a building or other structure is proposed to be subdivided and/or developed or is otherwise designed, arranged, intended or improved, or for which it is proposed or may be occupied or used.
USE AND OCCUPANCY PERMITA document issued by the Township allowing the occupancy or other use of a permitted building, structure or property and certifying that the building, structure, or property and the use thereof has been constructed and will be used in compliance with all applicable Township ordinances, codes, regulations, plans and maps existing at the time of issuance.
[Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Facilities such as sewers, water mains, fire hydrants, streetlights, gas lines and other facilities of the same general character; installations of a community which pertain to their consumption and emission characteristics, including facilities such as those used for water supply, sewage disposal, refuse disposal, storm drainage, communications and electrical transmission.
VERY STEEP SLOPEThe area of land which is characterized by a change in elevation of more than 25% over a distance or contour specified in Article
XIX, Steep Slope Conservation District, of Chapter
365, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Edgmont.
Characteristics of the natural and/or cultural environment which are visible. The visual resources of a particular area are typically expressed in terms of their visibility, character and/or attractiveness relative to their amenity value and/or quality, or lack of it.
WAIVERA modification to the provisions of this chapter as set forth in §
305-76.
A thoroughfare for pedestrian travel.
WETLANDSAreas with hydric soils that are inundated or saturated by surface and/or groundwater which support hydrophytic vegetation, such as swamps, bogs, marshes and the like, such areas being regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and/or the PA DEP.
WOODLAND AND FORESTThose areas of extensive vegetation in which the dominant plants are trees that are indigenous to the area, such areas being illustrated on the Areas of Environmental Concern Map in the Comprehensive Plan.
YARDAn open area on a lot that lies between the permitted principal or accessory building or buildings and the nearest lot line. Such yard shall be unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as provided otherwise in Article
XXII, General and Supplemental Provisions, of Chapter
365, Zoning, of the Code of the Township of Edgmont.
The Edgmont Township Zoning Code, Chapter
365, as amended.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]