The VR Village Residential District
derives its purpose and authority from Article VII-A of the Pennsylvania
Municipalities Planning Code, including the purposes set forth in
that chapter, which are incorporated herein by reference. The VR Village
Residential District is established under this authority to encourage
urban infill and outgrowth or extension of the existing development
together with activities that are compatible and normally associated
in the Township's historic villages as empowered by § 702-A of
the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
A. Use permitted by right.
(5) Communications antennas that fall under
the Pennsylvania Wireless Broadband Collocation Act, subject to the requirements of §
195-81.
(6) Educational institution, commercial and
noncommercial.
(9) Group residential facility.
(10)
Municipal or neighborhood recreation.
(12)
Private garage under 999 square feet.
(13)
Home occupation.
[Added 7-7-2021 by Ord. No. 739]
(14)
School bus shelter.
[Added 7-7-2021 by Ord. No. 739]
B. Conditional use.
(3) Communications antennas that do not fall
under the Pennsylvania Wireless Broadband Collocation Act, subject to the requirements of §
195-81.
(5) Eating and drinking establishments.
(7) Personal and business services, including
artisan workspace, coworking space, live-work unit, and makerspace.
[Amended 7-7-2021 by Ord. No. 739]
(10)
Tourist home and short-term rental.
[Amended 7-7-2021 by Ord. No. 739]
(11)
Water-related recreation.
(12) Condominium.
[Added 12-21-2022 by Ord. No. 754]
D. Accessory use.
(1) Uses customary to principal use.
(4) No-impact home-based business.
(5) Private garage over 1,000 square feet.
(7) Accessory solar energy system.
[Added 5-6-2020 by Ord. No. 728]
The following conditional uses may
be authorized by the Township Commissioners pursuant to the standards
and criteria specified herewith:
A. Club/private club/lodge.
(1) The developer shall present a sketch plan
that includes elevations or architectural perspectives and illustrates
that the proposed building is architecturally compatible with the
village neighborhood which is reviewed by the Township Planning Agency.
(a)
Approval of a conditional use sketch plan does not constitute a land development approval under the Rostraver Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Chapter
175, or the Rostraver Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, Chapter
164.
(b)
At the time of land development submission,
the developer shall meet all applicable standards, including but not
limited to the requirements for stormwater management and/or a traffic
impact study.
(2) There shall be no outdoor display of goods
or material associated with the sales service. All use activities
shall be confined to the indoors unless specifically approved by conditional
use.
(3) Lighting shall conform with §
195-81.2 of this chapter.
(4) The Commissioners may limit the hours of
operation as a reasonable additional condition and safeguard.
(5) Signage shall conform with §
195-54 of this chapter.
(6) The developer shall show that parking requirements
can be met on lot or through sufficient on-street parking within 400
feet of the proposed development. One parking space must be provided
for every four patron seats.
(7) The club shall provide the Township with
its articles of incorporation, purpose, and tax status as a fraternal
organization or nonprofit.
(8) A detailed plan that discusses any proposed
distribution of alcohol upon the premises and demonstrates compliance
with all commonwealth regulations for the sale of alcohol.
B. Commercial recreation.
(1) The developer shall present a sketch plan
that includes elevations or architectural perspectives and illustrates
that the proposed building is architecturally compatible with the
village neighborhood which is reviewed by the Township Planning Agency.
(a)
Approval of a conditional use sketch plan does not constitute a land development approval under the Rostraver Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Chapter
175, or the Rostraver Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, Chapter
164.
(b)
At the time of land development submission,
the developer shall meet all applicable standards, including but not
limited to the requirements for stormwater management and/or a traffic
impact study.
(2) No more than 4,000 square feet of retail,
service and/or sales space shall be permitted for each commercial
recreation establishment.
(3) All storage and display of stock, equipment,
refuse and other materials shall be within enclosed main or accessory
structures.
(4) Fencing may be deemed necessary for purposes
of safety and security.
(5) Parking requirements must be met per Article
XVII, Parking and Loading Requirements, of this chapter.
(6) Lighting shall conform with §
195-81.2 of this chapter.
(7) Signage shall conform with §
195-54 of this chapter.
(8) The Commissioners may limit the hours of
operation as a reasonable additional condition and safeguard.
C. Communications antennas that do not fall
under the Pennsylvania Wireless Broadband Collocation Act, subject to the standards and criteria of Article
XVIII, §
195-81, of this chapter.
D. Conversion apartments.
(1) The purpose of this conditional use is
to reasonably regulate the conversion of large, older single-family
dwellings to multiple-family dwellings to meet the affordable housing
needs of persons age 55 and older. The conversion must meet the following
standards:
(a)
The developer shall certify that
tenancy is limited to persons age 55 or older as defined and interpreted
pursuant to the Fair Housing Act and Housing for Older Persons Act.
(b)
All applicable standards of §
195-14B of this chapter shall be met.
E. Eating and drinking establishments.
(1) The developer shall present a sketch plan
that includes elevations or architectural perspectives and illustrates
that the proposed building is architecturally compatible with the
village neighborhood which is reviewed by the Township Planning Agency.
(a)
Approval of a conditional use sketch plan does not constitute a land development approval under the Rostraver Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Chapter
175, or the Rostraver Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, Chapter
164.
(b)
At the time of land development submission,
the developer shall meet all applicable standards, including but not
limited to the requirements for stormwater management and/or a traffic
impact study.
(2) Hours of operation shall be limited from
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(3) Lighting shall conform with §
195-81.2 of this chapter.
(4) Signage shall conform with §
195-54 of this chapter.
(5) Drive-through windows shall not be permitted.
(6) No eating and drinking establishment shall
exceed 4,000 square feet of gross floor area.
(7) Parking requirements must be met per Article
XVII, Parking and Loading Requirements, of this chapter.
F. Neighborhood commercial.
(1) The developer shall present a sketch plan
that includes elevations or architectural perspectives and illustrates
that the proposed building is architecturally compatible with the
village neighborhood which is reviewed by the Township Planning Agency.
(a)
Approval of a conditional use sketch plan does not constitute a land development approval under the Rostraver Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Chapter
175, or the Rostraver Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, Chapter
164.
(b)
At the time of land development submission,
the developer shall meet all applicable standards, including but not
limited to the requirements for stormwater management and/or a traffic
impact study.
(2) There shall be no outdoor display of goods
or material associated with the sales service.
(3) Lighting shall conform with §
195-81.2 of this chapter.
(4) The Commissioners may limit the hours of
operation as a reasonable additional condition and safeguard.
(5) The developer shall show that parking requirements
can be met on lot or through sufficient on-street parking within 400
feet of the proposed development. Two parking spaces must be provided
for each commercial business.
(6) No newly constructed building shall be
greater that 5,000 square feet of gross floor area.
(7) Signage shall conform with §
195-54 of this chapter.
G. Personal and business services, including artisan workspace, coworking space, live-work unit, and makerspace, subject to the standards and criteria of Article
VII, §
195-17F, of this chapter.
[Amended 7-7-2021 by Ord. No. 739]
H. Pet grooming.
(1) The developer shall present a sketch plan
that includes elevations or architectural perspectives and illustrates
that the proposed building is architecturally compatible with the
village neighborhood which is reviewed by the Township Planning Agency.
(a)
Approval of a conditional use sketch plan does not constitute a land development approval under the Rostraver Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Chapter
175, or the Rostraver Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, Chapter
164.
(b)
At the time of land development submission,
the developer shall meet all applicable standards, including but not
limited to the requirements for stormwater management and/or a traffic
impact study.
(2) Fencing may be deemed necessary by the
Commissioners for purposes of safety or security.
(3) Operational hours shall be limited to the
hours between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
(4) There shall be no pets kept on the premises
overnight.
(5) All lighting shall be designed and utilized in compliance with §
195-81.2.
(6) Signage shall conform with §
195-54 of this chapter.
I. Office, subject to the standards and criteria of Article
VII, §
195-17F, of this chapter.
J. Tourist home and short-term rental.
[Amended 7-7-2021 by Ord. No. 739]
(1) The developer shall present a sketch plan
that includes elevations or architectural perspectives and illustrates
that the proposed building is architecturally compatible with the
village neighborhood which is reviewed by the Township Planning Agency.
(a)
Approval of a conditional use sketch plan does not constitute a land development approval under the Rostraver Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Chapter
175, or the Rostraver Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, Chapter
164.
(b)
At the time of land development submission,
the developer shall meet all applicable standards, including but not
limited to the requirements for stormwater management and/or a traffic
impact study.
(2) There shall be no modifications to the
external appearance of the building (except fire escapes) which would
alter its residential character. No expansions or alterations shall
be permitted which would increase the number of rooms available for
lease from that within the existing dwelling.
(3) No event or gathering shall be permitted which involves outdoor amplified entertainment though use of any speaker system or sound amplification device. Neither occupants nor guests shall engage in disorderly conduct or disturb the peace and quiet of any nearby neighborhood or person by loud, unusual or excessive noise, by tumultuous or offensive conduct, public indecency, threatening, traducing, quarreling, challenging to fight, or fighting, or creating a dangerous or physically offensive condition. The Rostraver Township Nuisance Ordinance, Chapter
124, shall apply.
[Amended 7-7-2021 by Ord. No. 739]
(4) There shall be no more than four guest
rooms. No more than two transient guests (as defined) are permitted
for each guest room, unless specifically permitted through a UCC occupancy
permit. The intent of this use is to encourage small-scale lodging
in villages where tourism is encouraged.
(5) Lighting shall conform with §
195-81.2 of this chapter.
(6) The developer shall show that parking requirements
can be met on lot or through sufficient on-street parking within 400
feet of the proposed development. One parking space must be provided
for each guest room.
(7) Signage shall conform with §
195-54 of this chapter.
(8) The property owner must designate a local property representative
who shall be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, for
the purpose of: (a) responding within one hour to complaints regarding
the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants; and (b) taking
remedial action to resolve any such complaints. The name, address,
and telephone contact number of the property owner and the local property
representative shall be kept on file at the Township.
[Added 7-7-2021 by Ord. No. 739]
(9) Overnight occupancy of recreational vehicles, camper trailers, and
tents at the property shall not be allowed. Outdoor overnight sleeping
of occupants or guests is prohibited.
[Added 7-7-2021 by Ord.
No. 739]
(10)
A short-term rental/tourist home may not be used for a purpose
other than or not incidental to its use for overnight lodging. This
restriction includes using the rental for a wedding, banquet, reception,
bachelor or bachelorette party, concert, fundraiser, sponsored event,
or any similar group activity.
[Added 7-7-2021 by Ord.
No. 739]
(11)
The property owner shall maintain on file at the Township an
up-to-date certificate of insurance documenting that the dwelling
is insured as a short-term or vacation rental.
[Added 7-7-2021 by Ord.
No. 739]
(12)
All short-term rentals and tourist homes shall have a clearly
visible and legible notice posted within the dwelling unit on or adjacent
to the front door containing the following information:
[Added 7-7-2021 by Ord.
No. 739]
(a)
The name of the local property representative and a telephone
number at which that party can be reached on a twenty-four-hour basis.
(b)
The 911 address of the property.
(c)
The maximum number of occupants permitted to stay in the dwelling
unit and the maximum number of day guests permitted at any one time.
(d)
The maximum number of all vehicles allowed to be on the property
and the requirement that all guest parking must be parked in the available
parking areas on the property and not in or along any private, community
or public street right-of-way or on any lawn or vegetated area on
the property.
(e)
The trash pickup day and notification that trash and refuse
shall not be left or stored on the exterior of the property.
(13)
All short-term rentals and tourist homes shall be equipped with
the following, including all standards of the Uniform Construction
Code:
[Added 7-7-2021 by Ord.
No. 739]
(a)
Smoke detectors in each bedroom.
(b)
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors outside each bedroom in
common hallways.
(c)
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor.
(d)
GFI outlets for outlets located within six feet of water source.
(e)
Aluminum or metal exhaust from dryer.
(f)
Fire extinguisher in kitchen conspicuously located.
(g)
Stairs (indoor and outdoor) in good condition.
(h)
Swimming pools, hot tubs and spas must meet the barrier requirements
as indicated in the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
(14)
Shall be serviced by and connected to a water system regulated
by the PUC and approved by PADEP and a municipal sewage system or
a sewage treatment system approved by PADEP.
[Added 7-7-2021 by Ord.
No. 739]
K. Water-related recreation.
(1) The use of land and structures established
under this conditional use category shall be limited to riparian river
sites.
(2) Land uses shall be limited to the following
public and private activities:
(b)
Cruise and excursion centers for
river-oriented recreation.
(c)
Bait and fishing supplies.
(3) The developer shall present a sketch plan
that includes elevations or architectural perspectives and illustrates
that the proposed building is architecturally compatible with the
village neighborhood which is reviewed by the Township Planning Agency.
(a)
Approval of a conditional use sketch plan does not constitute a land development approval under the Rostraver Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Chapter
175, or the Rostraver Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, Chapter
164.
(b)
At the time of land development submission,
the developer shall meet all applicable standards, including but not
limited to the requirements for stormwater management and/or a traffic
impact study.
(4) Outdoor storage areas shall not be permitted to front directly on streets and shall be enclosed or screened, subject to the standards and criteria of Article
XVIII, §
195-75G, of this chapter.
(5) No site or lot shall be used for any purpose
or business that is considered dangerous or unsafe or that constitutes
a nuisance or is noxious or offensive by reason of emission of dust,
odor, smoke, fumes, vibration, radiation, noise or pollution potential.
(6) The total ground area of the site not covered
by buildings, paved parking, interior roadways and service areas is
to be landscaped. Yards are to be landscaped with grass or other planting
materials, and all slopes are to be covered by grass or ground cover.
(7) Site access drives and parking areas shall
consist of defined entrances and exits and shall have a minimum width
of 20 feet.
(8) Any parking area with five or more spaces shall be surfaced with a paved, dust-free surface. Where feasible, all parking and vehicular site access shall be to the side or rear of a site. All parking areas shall be landscaped subject to the standards and criteria of Article
XVII, §
195-64D, of this chapter.
(9) No more than 4,000 square feet of retail,
service and/or sales space shall be permitted for each commercial
recreation establishment.
(10)
Lighting shall conform with §
195-81.2 of this chapter.
(11)
Signage shall conform with §
195-54 of this chapter.
L. Condominium, as defined in Article
III of this chapter.
[Added 12-21-2022 by Ord. No. 754]
(1) The
developer shall present a sketch plan that includes elevations or
architectural perspectives and illustrates that the proposed building
is architecturally compatible with the village neighborhood which
is reviewed by the Township Planning Agency.
(a) Approval of a conditional use sketch plan does not constitute a land development approval under the Rostraver Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Chapter
175, or the Rostraver Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, Chapter
164.
(b) At the time of land development submission, the developer shall meet
all applicable standards, including but not limited to the requirements
for stormwater management and/or a traffic impact study.
(2) At
least two off-street parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling
unit, and such space shall be within 150 feet of any commonly used
entranceway for such dwelling units.
(3) No
structure shall b erected within 10 feet of another structure.
(4) The
development shall provide an approved (PADEP) sanitary sewage disposal
system of sufficient size and design to adequately serve the maximum
designed capacity of the proposed residential units in the development
in lieu of connection to an approved municipal sewage system.
(5) An
approved municipal water system shall be provided to serve the maximum
designed capacity of the proposed residential units.
The following requirements shall
apply to the VR Village Residential Districts:
Use Category
|
Min. Lot Area
(sq. ft.)
|
Min. Lot Width
(ft.)
|
Min. Front Yard Setback
(ft. from ROW)
|
Min. Side Yard
(ft.)
|
Min. Rear Yard
(ft.)
|
Max. Bldg. Height
(ft.)
|
Max. Lot Coverage
|
---|
Permitted Use:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Single-family dwelling
|
3,000
|
30
|
15
|
5
|
5
|
35
|
80%
|
Duplex dwelling
|
5,000
|
50
|
15
|
5
|
5
|
35
|
80%
|
Ambulance station
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
5
|
45
|
60%
|
Church
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
5
|
45
|
60%
|
Communications antenna
|
Subject to the requirements of § 195-81
|
Educational institution commercial
and noncommercial
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
5
|
45
|
60%
|
Essential services
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fire station
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
5
|
45
|
60%
|
Group residential facility
|
5,000
|
50
|
15
|
5
|
5
|
35
|
80%
|
Home occupation [Added 7-7-2021 by Ord. No. 739]
|
Standard for single-family dwelling shall apply
|
Municipal or neighborhood recreation
|
5,000
|
40
|
15
|
5
|
5
|
35
|
60%
|
Public facility
|
5,000
|
40
|
15
|
5
|
5
|
35
|
60%
|
Private garage under 999 sq. ft.
|
3,000
|
30
|
15
|
5
|
5
|
35
|
80%
|
School bus shelter [Added 7-7-2021 by Ord. No. 739]
|
10-foot setback from all rights-of-way
|
Conditional Use:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Club/private club/lodge
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
10
|
35
|
60%
|
Commercial recreation
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
10
|
45
|
60%
|
Condominium [Added 12-21-2022 by Ord. No. 754]
|
5,000
|
50
|
15
|
5**
|
5
|
35
|
80%
|
Conversion apartments
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eating and drinking establishments
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
10
|
35
|
60%
|
Neighborhood commercial
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
10
|
35
|
60%
|
Personal and business services
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
10
|
35
|
60%
|
Pet grooming
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
10
|
35
|
60%
|
Office
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
10
|
35
|
60%
|
Tourist home/short-term rental [Amended 7-7-2021 by Ord. No. 739]
|
5,000
|
50
|
15
|
5
|
5
|
35
|
80%
|
Water-related recreation
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
10
|
35
|
60%
|
Special Exceptions:
|
Blasting
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commercial parking lot
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
10
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Day care (all types)
|
5,000
|
50
|
15
|
5
|
5
|
35
|
80%
|
Veterinary clinic
|
8,000
|
50
|
15
|
10
|
10
|
35
|
60%
|
NOTES:
|
**
|
There shall be no minimum side yard requirement at the common
party wall. The minimum side yard setback for non-common party walls
(any exterior wall not owned by both parties in common) shall be five
feet.
|