Defined terms.
ACCELERATED EROSION
The removal of the surface of the land through the combined
action of human activity and the natural processes at a rate greater
than would occur because of the natural process alone.
ACCELERATED RUNOFF
Runoff occurring at rates in excess of rates occurring under
natural, undisturbed conditions.
AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
An enterprise that is actively engaged in the commercial
production and preparation for market of crops, livestock and livestock
products in the production, harvesting and preparation for market
or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural and
aquacultural crops and commodities. The term includes an enterprise
that implements changes in production practices and procedures or
types of crops, livestock, livestock products or commodities produced
consistent with practices and procedures that are normally engaged
by farmers or are consistent with technological development within
the agricultural industry. Construction of new buildings or impervious
area is not considered an agricultural activity.
ALTERATION
As applied to land, a change in topography as a result of
the moving of soil and rock from one location or position to another;
changing of surface conditions by causing the surface to be more or
less impervious; land disturbance.
APPLICANT
A landowner or developer, as hereinafter defined, who has
filed an application for development including his heirs, successors
and assigns.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
Every application, whether preliminary, tentative or final,
required to be filed and approved prior to start of construction or
development, including, but not limited to, an application for a building
permit, for the approval of a subdivision plat or plan or for the
approval of a development plan.
AS-BUILT PLANS
Plans prepared and certified by a professional land surveyor
depicting the exact location, orientation, and elevation of all site
improvements which exist as a result of construction activities. As-built
plans are also referred to as "record drawings" or "record plans."
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION
The 100-year flood elevation as indicated in a Flood Insurance
Study (FIS), as revised, for the Township of Lower Paxton, Dauphin
County, Pennsylvania, prepared by the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, Federal Insurance Administration, that indicates the water
surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a 1% chance of equaling
or exceeding that level in any given year.
BLOCK
An area bounded by streets.
BMPs (BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES)
Activities, facilities, designs, measures, or procedures
used to manage stormwater impacts from earth disturbance activities;
to meet state water quality requirements; to promote groundwater recharge;
and to otherwise meet the purposes of this chapter. BMPs include,
but are not limited to: infiltration facilities, filter strips, low-impact
design, bioretention, wet ponds, permeable paving, grassed swales,
forested buffers, sand filters, and detention basins.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors of Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin
County, Pennsylvania.
BUILDING LOT
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by
plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed or
built upon as a unit.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE
The line within a property defining the required minimum
distance between any principal or accessory structure and adjacent
right-of-way, and the line defining side and rear yards, where required.
CARTWAY
The portion of a street which is improved, designated or
intended for vehicular use.
CHAIRMAN
The Chairman of the Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors.
CHANNEL
A passage for water (or other fluids) to flow through.
CHANNEL EROSION
The widening, deepening, and headward cutting of small channels
and waterways, due to erosion caused by moderate to large floods.
CHANNEL, MAIN
The downstream later receiving channel designated in the
Act 167 Plans that accepts the discharge of undetained post-development
peak runoff without causing any harm for the given design storm.
CISTERN
An underground reservoir or tank for storing rainwater.
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLE
A triangular shaped portion of land established at street
or driveway intersections in which nothing is erected, placed, planted
or allowed to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight
distance of motorists entering or leaving the intersection.
COMMON ELEMENTS
Land amenities, parts of buildings, central services and
utilities, and any other elements and facilities owned and used by
all unit owners and are designated as common elements. These elements
may include, but are not limited to:
(1)
The land on which the building is located and
portions of the building which are not included in a unit.
(2)
The foundation, structural parts, supports, main
walls, roofs, basements, halls, corridors, lobbies, stairways and
entrances and exits of the building.
(3)
The yards, parking area and driveways.
(4)
Portions of the land and building used exclusively
for the management, operation or maintenance of the common elements.
(5)
Installations of all central services and utilities.
(6)
All other elements of the building necessary
or convenient to its existence, management, operation, maintenance
and safety or normally in common use.
(7)
Such other facilities as are designated as common
elements.
COMMON OPEN SPACE
A parcel, or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination
of land and water within a development site and designed and intended
for the use and enjoyment of residents of a development, not including
streets, off-street parking areas and areas set aside for public facilities.
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 for those portions. Real estate is not a condominium
unless the undivided interest in the common elements are vested in
the unit owners.
CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
The community association which administers and maintains
the common property and common elements of a condominium.
COUNTY
County of Dauphin, Pennsylvania.
CROSSWALK
A right-of-way, publicly or privately owned, intended to
furnish access to pedestrians.
CUL-DE-SAC
A minor street open at one end for vehicular and pedestrian
access with the opposite end terminating in a vehicular turnaround.
CULVERT
A pipe, conduit or similar structure, including appurtenant
works, which carries surface water under a roadway or other structure.
CURB
A cut stone, asphalt or concrete boundary usually marking
the edge of the roadway, driveway or other paved areas.
CURB CUT
The opening along the curbline at which point vehicles may
enter or leave the roadway or other paved area.
CURVE NUMBER
A numerical designation which reflects amounts of runoff
based on land use and hydrological soil group.
CUT
(2)
The difference between a point on the original
ground and designated point of lower elevation on the final grade.
(3)
Also, the material removed from an excavation.
DAM
Any artificial barrier, together with its appurtenant works,
constructed for the purpose of impounding or storing water or any
other fluid or semifluid or any refuse bank, fill or structure for
highway, railroad or other purposes which does or may impound water
or any other fluid or semifluid.
DEP
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
DESIGN STORM
The magnitude of precipitation from a storm event measured
in probability of occurrence and duration and used in computing stormwater
management control systems.
DESIGNEE
An agent of the governing body involved with the administration,
review or enforcement of any provisions of this chapter by employment,
contract, or memorandum of understanding.
DETENTION BASIN
A basin designed to retard stormwater runoff by temporarily
storing the runoff and releasing it at a predetermined rate.
DETENTION FACILITIES, REGIONAL
A detention facility that detains and treats stormwater runoff
for two or more development sites, where the development sites are
generally considered to be independent and typically would contain
their own separate detention facilities.
DETENTION FOND
A vegetated pond designed to collect water runoff for a given
storm event and release it at a predetermined rate; also known as
a "dry pond."
DEVELOPER
Any landowner, agent of such landowner, or tenant with the
permission of such landowner, who makes or causes to be made a subdivision
of land or a land development.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to buildings or other structures, filling,
grading, paving, excavating, earth disturbance activity, mining, dredging
or drilling operations, the placement of manufactured homes, streets
and other paving, utilities and the subdivision of land.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The provisions for development, including a planned residential
development, a plat of subdivision, all covenants relating to use,
location and bulk of buildings and other structures, intensity of
use or density of development, streets, ways and parking facilities,
common open space and public facilities. The phrase "provisions of
development plan" when used in this chapter, shall mean the written
and graphic materials referred to in this definition.
DEVELOPMENT SITE
The specific parcel or tract of land for which a development
activity is proposed.
DOWNSLOPE PROPERTY LINE
That portion of the property line of the lot, tract, or parcels
of land being developed located such that all overland or pipe flow
from the site would be directed toward it.
DRAINAGE
(2)
The removal of surface water or groundwater from
land by drains, grading or other means which include runoff controls
to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after construction
or development, the means for preserving the water supply and the
prevention or alleviation of flooding.
DRAINAGE AREA
That area in which all of the surface runoff resulting from
precipitation is concentrated into a particular point of interest.
DRAINAGE CONVEYANCE FACILITY
Any ditch, gutter, swale, culvert, storm sewer or other structure
designed, intended or constructed for the purpose of diverting surface
waters from or carrying surface waters off streets, public rights-of-way,
parks, recreational areas or any parts of any subdivision or land
development.
DRAINAGE EASEMENT
A right granted by a landowner to a grantee, allowing the
use of private land for stormwater management or drainage purposes.
DRAINAGE FACILITY
Any ditch, gutter, swale, culvert, storm sewer, or other
system designed, intended, or constructed for the purpose of diverting
surface waters from or carrying surface waters off streets, public
rights-of-way, parks, recreational areas or any part of any subdivision
or land development.
DRAINAGE PLAN
The documentation of the design and analysis of a stormwater
management or drainage system, if any, to be used for a given development
site.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Pipes, swales, natural features and man-made improvements
designated to carry drainage.
DRAINAGEWAY
Any natural or artificial watercourse, trench, ditch, pipe,
swale, channel, or similar depression into which surface water flows.
DRIVEWAY
A private access drive providing access for vehicles to a
parking area, space, garage, dwelling or other structure, including
nonresidential structures.
DWELLING or DWELLING UNIT
A single unit providing complete independent living facilities
for one or more persons including permanent provisions for living,
sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
DWELLING, MOBILE HOME
A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent
occupancy, contained in one unit, or in two or more units designed
to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated
for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for
occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations,
and constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation.
EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY
A construction or other human activity which disturbs the
surface of the land, including, but not limited to, clearing and grubbing,
grading, excavations, embankments, road maintenance, building construction
and the moving, depositing, stockpiling, or storing of soil, rock
or earth materials.
EASEMENT
A right-of-way granted for the limited use of land for public,
quasi-public or private purposes.
EASEMENT, DRAINAGE
An easement required for the installation and maintenance
of storm sewers, drainage ditches, other drainage facilities, and/or
required for the preservation or maintenance of a natural watercourse,
drainageway, channel or stream.
ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL
An individual licensed and registered under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the practice of engineering.
A professional engineer may not practice land surveying unless licensed
as set forth in P.L. 534, No. 230; however, a professional engineer
may perform engineering land surveys.
ENGINEER, TOWNSHIP/MUNICIPAL
A registered professional engineer in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania designated by the Township to perform the duties of Engineer
as herein specified.
ENGINEERING LAND SURVEYS
Surveys for:
(1)
The development of any tract of land including
the incidental design of related improvements, such as line and grade
extension of roads, sewers and grading but not requiring independent
engineering judgment; providing, however, that tract perimeter surveys
shall be the function of the professional land surveyor.
(2)
The determination of the configuration or contour
of the earth's surface, or the position of fixed objects thereon
or related thereto by means of measuring lines and angles and applying
the principles of mathematics, photogrammetry or other measurement
methods. Geodetic or cadastral survey, underground survey and hydrographic
survey.
(3)
Erosion and sedimentation control surveys.
(4)
The determination of the quantities of materials.
(5)
Tests for water percolation in soils.
(6)
The preparation of plans and specifications and
estimates of proposed work as described herein.
ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS
The engineering specifications of the Township regulating
the installation of any required improvements or for any facility
installed by any owner, subject to public use.
EROSION
The process involving the detachment and movement of soil
or rock fragments, or the wearing away of the land surface or channels
by water, ice, wind, chemical action and gravity.
EXCAVATION
Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or any other similar
material is dug into, cut, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced,
relocated or bulldozed. It shall include the conditions resulting
thereof.
EXCEPTIONAL-VALUE WATERS
Surface waters of high quality, which satisfies Pennsylvania
Code Title 25 Environmental Protection, Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards
93.4b(b) (relating to antidegradation).
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The initial condition of a project site prior to the proposed
subdivision, land development or construction.
EXISTING GRADE
The vertical location of the ground surface prior to excavation
or filling.
FILL
(1)
Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or
any other material is placed, pushed, dumped, pulled, transported
or moved to a new location above the natural surface of the ground
or on top of the stripped surface and shall include the conditions
resulting therefrom.
(2)
The difference in elevation between a point on
the original ground and designated point of higher elevation on the
final grade.
(3)
The material used to make a fill.
FINISHED GRADE
The proposed elevation of the land surface of a site after
completion of all site preparation work.
FLOOD
A general but temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of streams,
rivers, and other waters of the commonwealth.
FLOOD FRINGE
That portion of the floodplain outside the floodway.
FLOOD, BASE (100-YEAR FLOOD)
A flood that on the average, is likely to occur once every
100 years (i.e., that has a 1% chance of occurring each year, although
the flood may occur in any year.)
FLOODPLAIN
Any land area susceptible to inundation by water from any
natural source or as delineated by applicable Department of Housing
and Urban Development, Federal Insurance Administration, Flood Hazard
Boundary - mapped as being a special flood hazard area.
FLOODPROOFING
Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions,
changes or adjustments to proposed and existing structures which reduce
or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property,
water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.
FLOODWAY
The channel of the watercourse and those portions of the
adjoining floodplains that are reasonably required to carry and discharge
the 100-year frequency flood. Unless otherwise specified, the boundary
of the floodway is as indicated on maps and flood insurance studies
provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In an
area where no FEMA maps or studies have defined the boundary of the
100-year frequency floodway, it is assumed, absent evidence to the
contrary, that the floodway extends from the stream to 50 feet from
the top of each of the banks of the stream.
FREEBOARD
A vertical distance between the elevation of the design high
water and the top of a dam, levee, tank, basin, or diversion ridge.
The space is required as a safety margin in a pond or basin.
FUTURE
Post-development (as with future condition or runoff).
FUTURE RIGHT-OF-WAY
(1)
A right-of-way required for the expansion of
existing streets to accommodate anticipated future traffic.
(2)
A right-of-way established to provide future
access to or through undeveloped land.
GOVERNING BODY
The Board of Supervisors of Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin
County, Pennsylvania.
GRADE
(1)
A slope, usually of a road, channel or natural
ground specified in percent and shown on plans as specified herein.
(2)
(To) Grade — To finish the surface of a
roadbed, top of embankment or bottom of excavation.
GRASSED WATERWAY
A natural or constructed waterway, usually broad and shallow,
covered with erosion-resistant grasses, used to convey surface water.
HIGH-QUALITY WATERS
Surface water having quality which exceeds levels necessary
to support propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation
in and on the water by satisfying Pennsylvania Code, Title 25, Environmental
Protection, Chapter 93, Water Quality Standards, 93.4b(a).
HYDROLOGIC SOIL GROUP (HSG)
Infiltration rates of soils vary widely and are affected
by subsurface permeability as well as surface intake rates. Soils
are classified into four HSGs (A, B, C, and D) according to their
minimum infiltration rate, which is obtained for bare soil after prolonged
wetting. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of the United
States Department of Agriculture defines the four groups and provides
a list of most of the soils in the United States and their group classification.
The soils in the area of interest may be identified from a soil survey
report, which can be obtained from the local NRCS office or Dauphin
County Conservation District office.
IDENTIFIED FLOODPLAIN OR DISTRICT
Those floodplain areas specifically designated in the Township
of Lower Paxton Zoning Ordinance (§ 203-504D) as being inundated
by the 100-year flood. Included would be areas identified as the Floodway
(FW) and the Flood Fringe (FF).
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE (IMPERVIOUS AREA)
A surface that prevents the percolation of water into the
ground. Impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to: any roof,
parking, or driveway areas, and any new streets and sidewalks. For
purposes of stormwater runoff analysis, any surface areas existing
or proposed to be gravel or crushed stone shall also be assumed to
be impervious surfaces.
IMPOUNDMENT
A retention or detention basin designed to retain stormwater
runoff and release it at a controlled rate.
IMPROVEMENTS
Any man-made, immovable item which becomes part of, is placed
upon or is affixed to, real estate.
INFILTRATION STRUCTURE
A constructed device, such as a seepage pit, trench drain
or infiltration pond, designed to facilitate the infiltration of runoff
into the soil.
INLET
(1)
A surface connection to a closed drain.
(2)
A structure at the diversion end of a conduit.
(3)
The upstream end of any structure through which
water may flow.
KARST
A type of topography or landscape characterized by depressions,
sinkholes, limestone towers and steep-sided hills, underground drainage,
and caves. Karst is formed on carbonate rocks, such as limestone or
dolomites and sometimes gypsum.
LAND DEVELOPMENT
Any of the following activities:
(1)
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous
lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(a)
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
or occupants or tenure; or
(b)
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.
(3)
"Land development" does not include development
which involves:
(a)
The conversion of an existing single-family detached
dwelling or single-family semidetached dwelling into not more than
three residential units, unless such units are intended to be a condominium.
(b)
The addition of an accessory building, where
such addition is not more than 1,000 square feet, or any accessory
farm building, on a lot or lots subordinate to an existing principal
building.
[Amended 9-17-2013 by Ord. No. 13-06]
(c)
The addition or conversion of buildings or rides
within the confines of an enterprise which would be considered an
amusement park. For purposes of this subsection, an "amusement park"
is defined as tract or area used principally as a location for permanent
amusement structures or rides. This exclusion shall not apply to newly
acquired acreage by an amusement park until initial plans for the
expanded area have been approved by the proper authorities.
(d)
Where an addition of no more than 15% of the
square footage is being added to an existing building, but in no case
of an addition of more than 2,000 square feet, a building permit and
site plan approval is required to be obtained from the appropriate
officer of the Township, but submission of a land development plan
and review by the Planning Commission and approval by the Board of
Supervisors may be waived, only when:
[1]
The building is added to the existing structure
and is not separated; and
[2]
There is no change to any street or public way;
and
[3]
There is no interference or substantial change
to drainage or the flow of water; and
[4]
The appropriate building officer of the Township
determines that the same is otherwise in compliance with all zoning
and land development requirements.
LAND/EARTH DISTURBANCE
Any activity involving grading, excavating, digging, or filling
of ground or stripping of vegetation or any other activity that causes
an alteration to the natural condition of the land.
LANDOWNER
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.
LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY
A street, roadway, or highway which carries a large volume
of traffic at relatively high speeds with access controlled at designated
points and not specifically from adjacent properties.
LOT
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by
a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed
or built upon as a unit.
LOT AREA
The area contained within the property lines of a lot as
shown on a subdivision plan excluding space within any street rights-of-way,
but including the area of any easement or utility right-of-way.
LOT, REVERSE-FRONTAGE
A lot extending between and having frontage on an arterial
street and a minor street, and with vehicular access solely from the
latter.
MAIN STEM (MAIN CHANNEL)
Any stream segment or other runoff conveyance facility used
as a reach in the Paxton Creek, Spring Creek or Multi-Creek watershed
hydrologic models.
MAINTENANCE
Provisions to ensure proper functioning, safety, structural
integrity, weed and pest control, aesthetic appeal or any other measures
required to maintain facilities to a standard as approved under the
requirements of this chapter.
MANNING'S EQUATION (MANNING'S FORMULA)
A method for calculation of velocity of flow (e.g., feet
per second) and flow rate (e.g., cubic feet per second) in open channels
based upon channel shape, roughness, depth of flow and slope. "Open
channels" may include closed conduits so long as the flow is not under
pressure.
MASTER DEED
A legal instrument under which title to real estate is conveyed
and by which a condominium is created and established.
MINIMUM SEPARATION DISTANCE
The minimum distance between the discharge of runoff from
impervious surfaces and the receiving stream, storm sewer, or property
line, whichever is smaller, whether the discharge is from a point
or non-point source. It is intended to provide ample, natural, undisturbed
vegetated pervious areas to allow for infiltration of increased volumes
of runoff caused by development.
MOBILE HOME LOT
A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the
necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for
the erections thereon of a single 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 thereon of mobile homes.
MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
A body politic and corporate created pursuant to the Act
of May 2, 1945 (P.L. 382, No. 164), known as the "Municipalities Authority
Act of 1945."
MUNICIPALITY
Any city of the second class A or third class, borough, incorporated
town, township of the first or second class, county of the second
class through eighth class, home rule municipality, or any similar
general purpose unit of government which shall hereafter be created
by the General Assembly.
NATURAL DRAINAGE FLOW
The pattern of surface and stormwater drainage from a particular
site before the construction or installation of improvements or prior
to any grading operations.
NON-POINT-SOURCE POLLUTION
Pollution that enters a water body from diffuse origins in
the watershed and does not result from discernible, confined, or discrete
conveyances.
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, the federal
government's system for issuance of permits under the Clean Water
Act, which is delegated to DEP in Pennsylvania.
NRCS
Natural Resource Conservation Service [previously Soil Conservation
Service (SCS)].
OBSTRUCTION
Any wall, dam, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, projection,
excavation, channel, rectification, culvert, building, fence, stockpile,
refuse, fill, structure or matter in, along, across or projecting
into any channel, watercourse or flood-prone area, which may impede,
retard or change the direction of the flow of water either in itself
or by catching or collecting debris carried by such water, or is placed
where the flow of the water might carry the same downstream to the
damage of life and property.
OPEN CHANNEL
A drainage element in which stormwater flows with an open
surface. Open channels include, but shall not be limited to, natural
and man-made drainageways, swales, streams, ditches, canals, and pipes
not under pressure.
OPEN SPACE, PUBLIC
Open space owned by a public agency and maintained by it
for the use and enjoyment of the general public.
OUTFALL
(1)
The point where water flows from a conduit, stream,
or drain;
(2)
"Point source" as described in 40 CFR 122.2 at
the point where the municipality's storm sewer system discharges
to surface waters of the commonwealth.
OUTLET
Points of water disposal from a stream, river, lake, tidewater,
or artificial drain,
PARKING LOT STORAGE
The use of impervious parking areas as temporary impoundments
with controlled release rates during rainstorms.
PEAK DISCHARGE
The maximum rate of flow of storm runoff at a given point
and time resulting from a specified storm event.
PERSON
Any individual or group of individuals, partnership, copartnership
or corporation.
PERVIOUS SURFACE
Surface such as soil which allows for the infiltration of
water to the ground.
PIPE
A culvert, closed conduit, or similar structure (including
appurtenances) that conveys stormwater or other fluids.
PLAN, COMPREHENSIVE
The development policy plan (master plan) and/or future land
use plan and/or official map or other such plans, or portions thereof,
as may be adopted, pursuant to statute, for the area of the Township
in which the subdivision or land development is located.
PLAN, FINAL
A complete and exact subdivision or land development plan,
prepared for official recording as required by statute, to define
property rights and proposed streets and other improvements. In all
cases where only one plan is required, it shall be a final plan.
PLAN, PRELIMINARY
A tentative subdivision or land development plan, in lesser
detail than a final plan, showing approximate proposed street and
lot layout as a basis for consideration prior to preparation of a
final plan.
PLAN, SKETCH
An informal plan indicating the salient existing features
of a tract and its surroundings and the general layout of a proposed
subdivision or land development.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The committee duly appointed by the Board of Supervisors
of Lower Paxton Township to carry out the duties as described herein
and to make recommendations to the governing body relative to subdivision,
land development and other related matters.
PMF (PROBABLE MAXIMUM FLOOD)
The flood that may be expected from the most-severe combination
of critical meteorological and hydrologic conditions that are reasonably
possible in any area. The PMF is derived from the probable maximum
precipitation (PMP) as determined on the basis of data obtained from
the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
POINT SOURCE
Any discernible, confined, or discrete conveyance, including,
but not limited to: any pipe, ditch, channel, runnel, or conduit from
which stormwater is or may be discharged, as defined in state regulations
at 25 Pa Code § 92.1.
POLLUTANT
Any introduced gas, liquid or solid that makes a resource
unfit for a specific purpose.
POLLUTION
The presence of matter or energy whose nature, location or
quantity produces undesired environmental effects.
PRESENT
Pre proposed development (as with present conditions or runoff).
PRINCIPAL BUILDING or PRINCIPAL USE
The basic or predominant purpose for which a building or
land area is occupied or intended to be occupied as opposed to accessory
or incidental uses; usually classifiable as residential, commercial,
industrial or public in nature.
PRIVATE ROAD
A legally established right-of-way, other than a public street,
which provides the primary pedestrian and vehicular access to one
or more lots and constructed to the design standards contained in
this chapter.
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS
Persons who provide expert or professional advice, including,
but not limited to, architects, attorneys, certified public accountants,
engineers, geologists, land surveyors, landscape architects or planners.
PROFILE LINE
The profile of the center line of the finished surface of
the street, which shall be midway between the sidelines of the street.
PROJECT SITE
The specific area of land where any regulated activity in
the Township is planned, conducted or maintained.
PUBLIC GROUNDS
Includes:
(1)
Parks, playgrounds, trails, paths and other recreational
areas and other public areas.
(2)
Sites for schools, sewage treatment, refuse disposal
and other publicly owned or operated facilities.
(3)
Publicly owned and operated scenic and historic
sites.
PUBLIC HEARING
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Board
of Supervisors intended to inform and/or obtain public comment, prior
to taking action in accordance with this chapter.
PUBLIC MEETING
A forum held pursuant to notice under the Act of July 3,
1986 (P.L. 388, No. 84), known as the "Sunshine Act."
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice published once a week for two consecutive weeks in
a newspaper of general circulation in the Township. Such notice shall
state the time and place of the hearing and the particular nature
of the matter to be considered at the hearing. The first publication
shall not be more than 30 days and the second publication shall not
be less than seven days from the hearing.
QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL
A professional engineer licensed by the Pennsylvania Department
of State, and other persons licensed or otherwise qualified by law
to perform the work required by this chapter.
REAL ESTATE
Any fee, leasehold or other estate or interest in, over and
under land, including structures, fixtures and other improvements
and interests by which, by custom, usage or law, pass with a conveyance
of land though not described in the contract of sale or instrument
of conveyance. Real estate includes parcels with or without upper
or lower boundaries and spaces that may be filled with air or water.
REDEVELOPMENT
Development activities on land which has previously been
developed.
REGULATED ACTIVITIES
Actions or proposed actions, which impact upon proper management of stormwater runoff and which are governed by Chapter
170, as specified in §
170-105C.
REGULATED EARTH DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY
Earth disturbance activity one acre or more with a point
source discharge to surface waters or the Township's storm sewer
system, or five acres or more regardless of the planned runoff. This
includes earth disturbance on any portion of, part, or during any
stage of, a larger common plan of development.
REGULATORY FLOOD ELEVATION
The 100-year base flood elevation as either indicated in
a Flood Insurance Study (FIS), as revised, for the Township of Lower
Paxton, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, prepared by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Federal Insurance Administration, or, in the absence
of a Flood Insurance Study, the 100-year flood elevation computed
using acceptable hydrologic and hydraulic engineering principles without
respect to a computed floodway.
RELEASE RATE
The percentage of the existing conditions peak rate of stormwater
runoff for a development site to which the future conditions peak
rate of runoff must be controlled to protect downstream areas.
RELEASE RATE DISTRICT
Those subwatershed areas in which post-development flows
must be reduced to a certain percentage of predevelopment flows as
required to meet the plan requirements and the goals of Act 167.
RESERVE STRIP
A strip of land adjacent to a street intended to control
access to the street from an adjacent property.
RETENTION BASIN
An impoundment in which stormwater is stored and not released
during the storm event. Stored water may be released from the basin
at some time after the end of the storm.
RETURN PERIOD
The average interval in years over which an event of a given
magnitude can be expected to recur. For example, the twenty-five-year
return period rainfall or runoff event would be expected to recur
on the average once every 25 years, or have one out of 25 (4%) chance
of occurring in any given year.
RIGHT-OF-WAY, STREET
A public thoroughfare for vehicular traffic and/or pedestrian
traffic, whether designated as a street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway,
road, avenue, boulevard, lane, alley or however designated.
RISER
A vertical pipe or structure extending from the bottom of
a pond that is used to control the discharge rate from the pond for
a specified design storm.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
Earth disturbance activities within the existing road cross
section, such as grading and repairing existing unpaved road surfaces,
cutting road banks, cleaning or clearing drainage ditches, and other
similar activities.
ROOFTOP DETENTION
Temporary ponding and gradual release of stormwater falling
directly onto flat roof surfaces by incorporating controlled-flow
roof drains into building designs.
RUNOFF
That part of precipitation which flows over the land.
RUNOFF CAPTURE VOLUME
The volume of runoff that is captured (retained) and not
released into surface waters of the commonwealth during or after a
storm event.
SANITARY SEWAGE SYSTEM (COMMUNITY)
A sanitary sewage collection method serving more than one
lot within a subdivision or land development owned and operated by
a private entity in which sewage is carried from the site by a system
of pipes to a privately owned and operated centralized treatment and
disposal facility.
SANITARY SEWER (PUBLIC)
A sanitary sewage collection method owned and operated by
a public utility, municipal authority, or other public entity, in
which sewage is carried from the site by a system of pipes to a central
treatment and disposal plant.
SCS
Soil Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
SEDIMENT BASIN
A barrier, dam, retention or detention basin located and
designed to retain rock, sand, gravel, silt, or other material transported
by water.
SEDIMENT POLLUTION
The placement, discharge, or any other introduction of sediment
into waters of the commonwealth occurring from the failure to properly
design, construct, implement or maintain control measures and control
facilities in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
SEDIMENTATION
The process by which mineral or organic matter is accumulated
or deposited by wind, water or gravity. Once this matter is deposited
(or remains suspended in water), it is usually referred to as "sediment."
SEEPAGE PIT/SEEPAGE TRENCH
An area of excavated earth filled with loose stone or similar
material and into which surface water is directed for infiltration
into the ground.
SEMIPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface such as stone, rock or other materials which allows
some infiltration of water to the ground.
SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM
A conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with
drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters,
ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains) primarily used for collecting
and conveying stormwater runoff.
SEPTIC SYSTEM
An underground sewage disposal system with a septic tank
and drain field used for the decomposition and disposal of domestic
wastes; also referred to as an "on-lot system."
SERVICE DRIVE (PRIVATE)
A service way providing a secondary means of private access
to abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.
SHEET FLOW
Runoff that flows over the ground surface as a thin, even
layer, not concentrated in a channel.
SIDEWALK
A paved, surfaced or leveled area, paralleling and usually
separated from the street, used as a pedestrian walkway.
SIGHT DISTANCE
The length of roadway visible to the driver of a passenger
vehicle at any given point on the roadway when the view is unobstructed
by traffic or other objects.
SLOPE
The face of an embankment or cut section; any ground whose
surface makes an angle with the plane of the horizontal. Slopes are
usually expressed in a percentage based upon vertical difference in
feet per 100 feet of horizontal distance.
SOIL COVER COMPLEX METHOD
A method of runoff computation developed by the NRCS that
is based on relating soil type and land use/cover to a runoff parameter
called Curve Number (CN).
SOIL STABILIZATION
Chemical or structural treatment of a mass of soil to increase
or maintain its stability or otherwise to improve its engineering
properties.
SPEED, DESIGN
The selected speed for which the horizontal and vertical
alignment, sight distances and other engineering elements of a roadway
are planned and designed.
SPEED, OPERATING
The speed at which vehicles routinely travel over a portion
of a roadway in a free-flow condition. For purposes of this chapter,
the operating speed shall be considered to be the 85th percentile
of the distribution of observed speeds of vehicles traveling over
the portion of a roadway in question.
SPEED, POSTED
The speed limit that is specifically stated for a segment
of a roadway by way of regulatory signs placed along said segment
of roadway.
SPILLWAY (EMERGENCY)
A depression in the embankment of a pond or basin, or other
overflow structure, that is used to pass peak discharges greater than
the maximum design storm controlled by the pond or basin.
STATE WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
As defined under state regulations - protection of "designated"
and "existing" uses (See 25 Pennsylvania Code Chapters 93 and 96)
- including:
(1)
Each stream segment in Pennsylvania has a "designated
use," such as "cold water fishery" or "potable water supply," which
is listed in Chapter 93. These uses must be protected and maintained,
under state regulations.
(2)
"Existing uses" are those attained as of November
1975, regardless whether they have been designated in Chapter 93.
Earth Disturbance activities must be designed to protect and maintain
existing uses and maintain the level of water quality necessary to
protect those uses in all streams, and to protect and maintain water
quality in special protection streams.
(3)
Water quality involves the chemical, biological,
and physical characteristics of surface water bodies. After earth
disturbance activities are complete, these characteristics can be
impacted by addition of pollutants such as sediment, and changes in
habitat through increased flow volumes and/or rates as a result of
changes in land surface area from those activities. Therefore, permanent
discharges to surface waters must be managed to protect the stream
bank, streambed, and structural integrity of the waterway, to prevent
these impacts.
(4)
Protection and maintenance of water quality in
special protection streams pursuant to 25 Pa. Code, Chapter 93.
STORAGE INDICATION METHOD (MODIFIED PULS)
A reservoir routing procedure based on solution of the continuity
equation (inflow minus outflow equals the change in storage for a
given time interval) and based on outflow being a unique function
of storage volume.
STORM FREQUENCY
The number of times that a given storm "event" occurs or
is exceeded on the average in a stated period of years. See "return
period."
STORM SEWER
A system of pipes or other conduits and related appurtenances
which collects and carries intercepted surface runoff, street water
and other wash waters or drainage, hut excludes domestic sewage and
industrial wastes.
STORMWATER
The surface runoff generated by precipitation reaching the
ground surface.
STORMWATER CONTROL FACILITIES
Any structure, device, dam, channel, swale, pit, trench or
any other measure taken or method employed to control stormwater runoff.
STORMWATER CONTROL PLAN (DRAINAGE PLAN)
The documentation of the design and analysis of proposed stormwater management controls, if any, to be used for a given development chapter site, the contents of which are established in Chapter
170, Stormwater Management, Drainage and Erosion Control.
STORMWATER DETENTION
Any storm drainage technique that retards or detains runoff,
such as detention or retention basin, parking lot storage, rooftop
storage, porous pavement, dry wells or any combination thereof.
STORMWATER DETENTION BASIN
A vegetated pond designed to drain completely after storing
runoff only for a given storm event and releasing it at a predetermined
rate; also known as a "dry pond."
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITIES
Any structure, natural or man-made, that, due to its condition,
design, or construction, conveys, stores, or otherwise affects stormwater
runoff. Typical stormwater management facilities include, but are
not limited to, detention and retention basins, open channels, storm
sewers, pipes and infiltration structures.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
The planned control of runoff to allow water falling on a
given site to be absorbed or retained on site to the extent that after
development the peak rate of discharge leaving the site is not greater
than if the site had remained undeveloped; a plan showing all present
and proposed grades and facilities for stormwater management and best
management practices (BMPs).
STREAM
A watercourse with definite bed and banks, which confines
and conveys perennially or intermittently flowing water.
STREAM ENCLOSURE
A bridge, culvert, or other structure in excess of 100 feet
in length upstream to downstream which encloses a regulated water
of this commonwealth.
STREET
Includes 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 GRADE
The officially established grade of the street upon which
a lot fronts or, in its absence, the established grade of the other
streets upon which the lot abuts, at the midpoint of the frontage
of the lot thereon. If there is no officially established grade, the
existing grade of the street at such midpoint shall be taken as the
street grade.
STREET WIDTH
The shortest distance between the lines delineating the cartway
or right-of-way for a street.
STRUCTURE
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location
on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land.
SUBDIVIDER
The owner or authorized agent of the owner of a lot, tract
or parcel of land to be subdivided for transfer, sale or development
under the terms of this chapter.
SUBDIVISION
The 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, 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.
SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED
Where, in the judgment of the Township Engineer, at least
90% (based on the cost of the required improvements for which financial
security was posted pursuant to the requirements of this chapter)
of those improvements required as a condition for final approval have
been completed in accordance with the approval plan, so that the project
will be able to be used, occupied or operated for its intended use.
SUBWATERSHED AREA (SUBAREA)
The smallest drainage unit of a watershed for which stormwater
management criteria has been established in the Stormwater Management
Plan.
SURFACE DRAINAGE PLAN
A plan showing all present and proposed grades and facilities
for stormwater drainage.
SURFACE WATERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH
Any and all perennial and intermittent rivers, streams, creeks,
rivulets, impoundments, ditches, watercourses, storm sewers, lakes,
reservoirs, dammed water, wetlands, ponds, springs, natural seeps
and estuaries, and all other bodies or channels of conveyance of surface
water, or parts thereof, whether natural or artificial, within or
on the boundaries of the commonwealth.
SURVEYOR, PROFESSIONAL LAND
An individual licensed and registered under the laws of this
commonwealth to engage in the practice of land surveying. A professional
land surveyor may perform engineering land surveys but may not practice
any other branch of engineering.
SWALE
A low-lying stretch of land which gathers or carries surface
water runoff.
TIME OF CONCENTRATION (Tc)
The time for surface runoff to travel from the hydraulically
most-distant point of the watershed to a point of interest within
the watershed. This time is the combined total of overland flow time
and flow time in pipes or channels, if any.
TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP
A map showing the elevations of the ground by contours or
elevations.
TOPOGRAPHY
The configuration of a surface area showing relative elevations.
TOPSOIL
Surface soils and subsurface soils which presumably are fertile
soils and soil material, ordinarily rich in organic matter or humus
debris. Topsoil is usually found in the uppermost soil layer called
the "A" horizon.
TOWNSHIP
The Township of Lower Paxton, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania,
Board of Supervisors, its agents or authorized representatives.
UNDEVELOPED LAND
Any lot, tract or parcel of land which has not been graded
or in any other manner prepared for the construction of a building
or other improvements and on which no development or building has
occurred.
UNIT
A part of the property, structure or building designed or
intended for any type of independent use, which has direct exit to
a public street or way or to an easement or right-of-way leading to
a public street or way, and includes a proportionate undivided interest
in common elements, which are assigned to the property, structure
or building.
UTILITY, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE
(1)
Any agency which under public franchise or ownership,
or under certificate of convenience and necessity, provides the public
with electricity, gas, heat, steam, communication, rail transportation,
water, sewage collection or other similar service, or
(2)
A closely regulated private enterprise with a
franchise for providing a public service.
VEGETATIVE COVER
Such cover shall consist of trees, shrubs, flowers, grass
or similar natural cover.
VERGE
An area adjacent to a roadway and located between the curb
and sidewalk which is intended to be maintained in grass cover and
used as a planting space for street trees.
WATER POLLUTION
The addition of pollutants to water in concentrations or
in sufficient quantities to result in measurable degradation of water
quality.
WATER TABLE
The upper surface of groundwater, or that level below which
the soil is seasonally saturated with water.
WATERCOURSE
Any channel of conveyance of surface water having defined
bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent
flow.
WATERSHED
A region or area that contributes surface water to a defined
point.
WETLAND
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface 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. (The term includes but is
not limited to wetland areas listed in the State Water Plan, the United
States Forest Service Wetlands Inventory of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania
Coastal Zone Management Plan and a wetland area designated by a river
basin commission. This definition is used by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.)