For purposes of this chapter, certain words shall be interpreted
as follows:
A.
Words used in the present tense include the future.
B.
The singular number includes the plural, and the plural includes
the singular.
C.
The phrase "used for" includes "arranged for," "designed for," "intended
for," "maintained for," and "occupied for."
D.
The word "person" includes an individual, corporation, partnership,
incorporated association, and/or any other similar entity.
E.
The words "include" or "including" shall not limit the term to the
specified examples but are intended to extend the meaning to all other
instances of like kind and character.
F.
The words "building" or "structure" shall always be construed as
if followed by the words "or part thereof."
G.
The word "may" is permissive, and the words "shall" and "will" are
always mandatory.
Words and terms used in this chapter shall have the meanings
given in this article. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any pertinent
word or term not a part of this listing, but vital to the interpretation
of this chapter, shall be construed to have its legal definition or,
in absence of a legal definition, its meaning as commonly accepted
by professionals, including civil engineers, surveyors, architects,
landscape architects and planners.
A privately owned, constructed and maintained vehicular access
from a public or private right-of-way to off-street parking or loading
spaces.
A piece of land which provides physical access to and legal
road frontage for a lot, but which does not comply with the minimum
lot width regulations of this chapter. Access strips provide access
to flag, rear or interior lots.
A structure or building detached from a principal building
on the same lot and customarily incidental and subordinate to the
principal building or use.
A use on the same lot that is incidental and subordinate
to the principal building or use.
See "net buildable acreage."
The calculated land area contained within the deeded boundaries
of a lot.
The gross land area of the tract, minus all land contained
within the ultimate right-of-way of any existing roads abutting or
crossing the tract.
See "Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code."
A structure that is attached to or connected with another
building that predated the structure; an extension or increase in
floor area or height of a building or structure.
Any premises operated for profit or not for profit in which
older adult daily living services, as defined herein, are simultaneously
provided for four or more adults who are not relatives of the operator.
The following types of adult day-care facilities are regulated by
this chapter; these facilities shall function on a day-to-day basis,
and they are not intended to be living facilities:
ADULT DAY-CARE HOMEAny adult day-care facility in which services are provided to between four and eight adults and where the day-care areas are being used as a family residence.
ADULT DAY-CARE CENTER Any adult day-care facility in which services
are provided to eight or more adults and where the day-care areas
are not being used as a family residence.
A structure utilized to store farm implements or hay, feed,
grain or other agricultural or horticultural products, or to house
poultry, livestock or other farm animals. The term shall not include
habitable space or spaces in which agricultural products are processed,
treated or packaged, and shall not be construed to mean a place of
occupancy by the general public.
An enterprise that is actively engaged in the commercial
production and preparation of market of crops, livestock and livestock
products and in the production, harvesting and preparation for market
or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural and
aquacultural crops and commodities. The term includes an enterprise
that implements changes in production practices and procedures or
types of crops, livestock, livestock products or commodities produced
consistent with practices and procedures that are normally engaged
in by farmers or are consistent with technological development within
the agricultural industry.
The cultivation of the soil and the raising and harvesting
of products of the soil, including but not limited to nursery, horticulture
and floriculture operations and animal and poultry husbandry. This
definition also includes all necessary accessory uses for packing,
treating and storing agricultural products; provided, however, that
the operation of any such accessory uses shall be secondary to that
of the normal agricultural activities.
A minor vehicular right-of-way, public or private, on which
no principal structures front, which serves as the secondary means
of access to two or more properties which otherwise front on a public
street.
A substantial change or rearrangement in the structural parts
of a structure not involving an addition to or removal of the exterior
dimensions of a building's structural parts.
A subordinate use that is controlled by a larger permitted
use. An example is a public garage (tires, batteries, and accessories)
or garden shop controlled by a department store.
A place where animals or pets are given medical or surgical
treatment and the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care
incidental to the hospital use.
The raising and keeping of livestock, fish, fur-bearing animals,
honey bees or poultry for any commercial purpose. The keeping of livestock,
fish, fur-bearing animals, honey bees or poultry as farm pets or for
domestic purposes shall not be construed as animal husbandry.
An apparatus for sending or receiving electromagnetic radio
signals.
The vertical distance measured from the average elevation
of existing grade to the highest point of the antenna.
Any pole, telescoping mast, tower, tripod or similar mechanism
which supports an antenna.
An underground bed or stratum of earth, gravel or porous
stone that contains water.
The exposed ground-level portion of an aquifer.
A place of business where three or more coin-operated video
screen game machines are located.
See "acreage, gross" or "acreage, net."
A building containing a stage and seating for meetings and/or
performances.
The dismantling or disassembling of used motor vehicles or
recreation vehicles, or the storage, sale or dumping of dismantled,
partially dismantled, obsolete or wrecked vehicles or their parts.
A business whose purpose is to perform mechanical repairs
on automobiles or light trucks.
Any premises used for supplying gasoline and oil, tires,
accessories and services for motor vehicles at retail direct to the
motorist consumer, including the making of automotive repairs.
A place where baked goods are made or sold.
A financial establishment for the deposit, loan, exchange
or issue of money and for the transmission of funds.
(Also known as "pub," "tavern" or "tap room.") Any business
that serves alcoholic beverages and where food may be prepared on
the premises. Excludes the term "topless bar," where topless female
or male employees serve drinks or dance.
A space having 1/2 or more of its floor-to-ceiling height
above the average level of the adjoining ground and with a floor-to-ceiling
height of not less than 6 1/2 feet. A space which does not meet
the above criteria is a "cellar."
(Also known as "inn.") A residential use consisting of one
dwelling unit with no more than seven rooms or suites that are rented
to overnight or weekly guests and where meals may be prepared for
the guests by the proprietors. The rented rooms do not contain kitchen
facilities and do not constitute separate dwelling units.
A unit of land bounded by streets or by a combination of
streets and public land, railroad rights-of-way, waterways or any
other barrier to development.
A building consisting of a single dwelling unit and no more
than five rooms or suites, where lodging is provided with or without
meals to tenants for periods generally longer than 30 days for compensation.
A business whose purpose is to repair body damage on automobiles
and/or light trucks and/or clean and polish such vehicles.
An area of land separating two different zones or areas to
help each blend more easily with the other. Buffers shall not be included
as part of the required setbacks and yard areas.
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls
and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of any individual,
animal, process, equipment, goods or materials of any kind or nature.
(See "accessory building" and "principal building.")
The gross area of a lot, less any areas of steep slopes,
floodplain and riparian corridor.
The Building Inspector or other person officially appointed
by the Township Supervisors to administer the Building Code.
The ratio obtained by dividing the maximum horizontal cross
section of all principal and accessory buildings on a lot (including
balconies and decks, covered porches, carports and breezeways, but
excluding patios) by the total area of the lot upon which the buildings
are located.
The area of a lot within which a principal building may be
erected or placed. This area is defined by the limits of the minimum
front, side and rear yards unless constrained by steep slopes, riparian
corridors or floodplains. In that case, the setback may be truncated
if approved by the Board of Supervisors upon recommendation of the
Planning Commission.
See "Building Code Official."
A boundary drawn along a curb or the edge of a municipality's
sidewalks to establish how far a building must be set away from the
street to maintain a uniform appearance.
A lot on which a structure(s) can be erected or placed.
A plot of ground upon which two or more campsites are located,
established or maintained for occupancy by camping units of the general
public as temporary living quarters for recreation, education or vacation
purposes.
A place or structure having special equipment for washing
motor vehicles.
The person responsible for the direct care, protection, supervision
and guidance of individuals in a day-care setting.
A building open on two or more sides and used in conjunction
with a dwelling for the storage of private motor vehicles.
The paved portion of a street or highway designed for vehicular
traffic.
That portion of a building which is partly or completely
below grade and having more than 1/2 of its height below grade. (See
"basement.")
Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the deceased,
including columbaria, crematories, mausoleums and mortuaries when
operated in conjunction with the cemetery and within its boundaries.
A sewage disposal network and facilities or water supply
network serving a group or series of property owners in common; may
be publicly or privately owned.
A person under 16 years of age.
The following types of child day-care facilities are regulated
by this chapter; these facilities are intended for daily use and not
as living facilities:
DAY-CARE CENTERA facility in which care is provided for seven or more children at any one time, where the child-care areas are not being used as a family residence.
FAMILY DAY-CARE HOMEAny premises other than the child's own home, in which child day care is provided at any one time to four, five or six children who are not relatives of the caregiver, and where the child-care areas are being used as a family residence.
GROUP DAY-CARE HOMEA facility in which care is provided for more than seven but less than 12 children at any one time, where the child-care areas are being used as a family residence.
One or more buildings or structures which by design and construction
are primarily intended for the conducting of organized religious services
and accessory uses associated therewith. Also known as "a place of
worship."
A group of people organized for a common purpose to pursue
common goals, interests or activities and usually characterized by
certain membership qualifications, payment of fees and dues, regular
meetings, and a constitution and/or bylaws.
Zoning that favors alternative development methods by allowing
a modification in lot size and frontage requirements under the condition
that other land in the development is permanently preserved as open
space or any other potential public need.
Light- or heavy-duty truck as defined by the United States
government and any attached trailer used as an instrument of conveyance
for business purposes.
A private vehicular access between a public or private street
or alley serving more than one but not more than three individual
residences.
A parcel or parcels of land within a development site designed
and intended for the use or enjoyment of the residents of the development,
not including streets, off-street parking areas and areas set aside
for public facilities. Common open space shall not be part of individual
residential lots and shall be substantially free of structures but
may contain such recreational facilities for residents as are shown
in the approved development plan. Also see "open space."
That area which is set aside for public use and enjoyment
as part of a planned commercial center or mixed-use office and commercial
development, where required by this chapter. A common use area may
contain green area, recreation facilities, courtyards, plazas and
other public amenities but shall be substantially free of structures.
Community center, adult education center or other similar
facility operated by an educational, philanthropic or religious institution.
Any structure or land where day care, independent living,
personal care, nursing, life care or other similar services are offered,
including any community center.
A facility providing residence to a minimum of eight but no more than 20 persons, and which may include specialized services and qualified staff who provide care, supervision and services for such residents exclusively. In order to qualify for assignment to a community residential facility, mentally ill persons shall be certified by county mental health/mentally disabled programs as capable of residing in a community residential facility and receiving services from a local community mental health program. No person receiving treatment under Article III, Involuntary Examination and Treatment, or Article IV, Determinations Affecting Those Charged with Crime or Under Sentence, of the Act of July 9, 1976, P.L. 817, No. 143, known as the "Mental Health Procedures Act,"[1] shall be eligible for such facility.
The Central Perkiomen Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan
and amendments thereto, including maps, charts and/or descriptive
matter officially adopted by the Township Planning Commission and
Township Supervisors, indicating recommendations for the continuing
development of the municipality and including all elements required
by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[2]
A use allowed or denied by the Board of Supervisors pursuant
to public notice and hearing and recommendations by the planning agency
and pursuant to express standards and criteria set forth in this chapter.
In allowing a conditional use, the Board of Supervisors may attach
such reasonable conditions and safeguards, other than those related
to off-site transportation or road improvements, in addition to those
expressed in the chapter, as may be necessary to implement the purpose
and intent of this chapter.
An agreement or correspondence between matters being compared
which denotes a reasonable, rational, similar connection or relationship.
The construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, extension,
expansion, alteration or relocation of a building or structure, including
the placement of mobile homes.
Sharing a boundary, for purposes of this chapter; properties
on opposite sides of a public right-of-way shall not be considered
contiguous.
A retail store selling a variety of food, beverages, drugs,
reading material or household supplies and having a retail floor area
not exceeding 3,000 square feet. Also known as a "convenience food
store" or "mini mart."
The remodeling or alteration of a structure so as to accommodate
more usable units or a different use than what had originally been
intended for the structure. Includes the alteration of a nonresidential
structure into a dwelling unit(s) for at least one family; the modification
of a single-family structure to accommodate more units than originally
intended; the alteration of existing dwellings into a commercial use;
and the alteration of an existing dwelling into a mixed commercial
and residential use.
A lot having contiguous frontage on two or more intersecting
roads.
The County of Montgomery, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A drain, ditch or conduit not incorporated in a closed system
that carries drainage water under a driveway, roadway or paved area.
A challenge on substantive grounds to the validity of any
provision of this chapter or the Township Zoning Map which prohibits
or restricts the use or development of land in which a landowner has
an interest; or a determination by the Board of Supervisors that the
provisions of this chapter may be substantively invalid.
A substantive challenge to the validity of the land use ordinance
and/or map brought before the Zoning Hearing Board for consideration.
See "child day-care facility," "adult day-care facility."
An open structure, without a roof, projecting from the front,
side or rear of a building or attached to a swimming pool.
A written instrument whereby an estate in real property is
conveyed by a grantor to a grantee.
A restriction upon the use of a property placed in a deed.
The number of dwelling units per net buildable acre.
A facility for the temporary storage of stormwater runoff.
Materials which decompose by detonation. Such materials include
explosives, unstable compounds, and fissionable matter.
A rapid buildup of a destructive pressure wave caused by
chemical reaction and/or the sudden release of energy.
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including buildings or other structures, streets and other paving,
utilities, mining, dredging, filling, grading, excavation or drilling
operations.
The provisions for guiding development, including a plan
of subdivision, all covenants relating to use, location and bulk of
buildings and other structures, intensity of use or density of development,
streets, parking facilities, ways, common open space, and public facilities.
The incineration, deposition, injection, dumping, spilling,
leaking or placing of solid waste into or on the land or water in
a manner that the solid waste or a constituent of the solid waste
enters the environment, is emitted into the air, or is discharged
to the waters of the commonwealth.
The natural or man-made features of land that are specifically
designed to store or carry surface water runoff.
An establishment which by design, physical facilities, service
or by packaging procedures encourages or permits customers to receive
services, obtain goods or be entertained while remaining in their
motor vehicles.
The area at a drive-through commercial establishment that
is designed to accommodate vehicles waiting in line for goods or services
to be provided by the commercial establishment.
A customer service facility designed for the convenience
of the motoring public, accessory to an office, bank, restaurant,
or retail establishment, which is intended to enable the customer
to transact business with a person located within a structure or a
machine without exiting the motor vehicle.
A private vehicular access between a public or private street
or alley and an individual lot. Does not include common access drive.
See "solid waste disposal."
For the purposes of this chapter, the following are the definitions
of the various types of dwelling units:
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHEDA dwelling designed for and occupied exclusively as a residence for only one family and not attached to any other building or dwelling units.
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED, LOT LINEA single-family dwelling on an individual lot with the building set on or close to one side property line so that the lot has only one side yard. Lot line homes should be designed so that the side yard and the rear yard constitute the primary outdoor living areas for the dwelling. Typically, no windows are placed on the wall of the building along the lot line. If the building is set on the side lot line, a five-foot access easement is provided on the adjacent property along the lot line for necessary maintenance of the building wall. Also known as "zero lot line."
TWO-FAMILY BUILDINGA residential building containing two dwelling units and which is not attached to any other building. A two-family building counts as two dwelling units for density purposes.
TWIN (SINGLE-FAMILY SEMIDETACHED)A two-family building with dwelling units placed side by side and joined to each other by a vertical, common party wall, but otherwise surrounded by yard areas. When lotted, each dwelling unit may be on a separate lot, with the common boundary between the two lots running along the common party wall. Separate ingress and egress is provided to each unit.
DUPLEX (TWO-FAMILY DETACHED)A two-family building with one dwelling unit placed above the other so that they share a common horizontal partition. When lotted, a duplex shall be entirely on one lot. Separate ingress and egress is provided to each unit.
SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED DWELLING UNITA dwelling unit having its own independent outside access, with no other dwelling units located directly and totally above or below it, and having party walls in common with at least one but not more than three adjacent similar dwelling units, and located in a building comprised of at least three dwelling units. Each dwelling unit may be individually lotted or owned as a condominium. This dwelling type shall include, but not be limited to, dwelling units commonly known as "townhouses," "row houses," "triplexes," "quadruplexes" and "multiplexes."
TOWNHOUSE (ROW HOUSE)A single-family attached dwelling in a row of at least three units, with one dwelling unit from ground to roof, with individual outside access. Although these units are in rows, their design should deemphasize a "lined-up" appearance.
MULTIPLEXAn attached dwelling arranged in a group of no more than six units in a variety of configurations: side by side, back to back, or vertically. Because of the variety of configurations, a multiplex can be designed to look like a large, single-family detached house; this feature is encouraged.
MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGA detached residential building containing three or more dwelling units. Units may not be arranged entirely in vertical rows (like townhouses) and are generally located entirely above or below one another. Units may share outside access and/or internal hallways, lobbies and similar facilities. The dwelling units cannot be individually lotted, but instead share the lot or tract on which the building containing them is located. The development is usually under one operating unit, as a rental or condominium development. This dwelling type includes, but is not limited to, garden apartments, flats and multifamily conversions, as defined below.
MULTIFAMILY CONVERSIONA multifamily dwelling containing not more than four dwelling units that results from the conversion of a single-family or two-family dwelling.
APARTMENTA single dwelling unit in a multifamily building; a single dwelling unit in a duplex or other multifamily dwelling may also be referred to as an "apartment."
One or more rooms designed, occupied or intended to be occupied
as separate living quarters, with cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities
provided within the dwelling unit for the exclusive use of a single
family maintaining a household.
An interest in land owned by another person, consisting in
the right to use or control the land or an area above or below it
for a specific limited purpose.
The erection, construction, alteration or maintenance by
public utility or municipal or other governmental agencies, or underground
or overhead gas, electric, steam or water transmission or distribution
systems, collection, communications, supply or disposal systems and
their essential buildings, excluding communications towers and communications
antennas, as defined herein.[5]
A material which produces flammable or explosive gases or
vapors under ordinary temperature conditions, and includes liquids
which have a closed-cup flash point (the temperature at which a liquid
sample produces sufficient vapor to flash, but not ignite, when in
contact with a flame in a closed-cup tester) of less than 105°
F.
Any number of individuals living together on a nontransient
basis as a single housekeeping unit and doing their cooking on the
premises, when said individuals are related by blood, marriage or
adoption, including foster children; no more than four unrelated individuals
living together as a single housekeeping unit and doing their cooking
on the premises, except when an application for a special exception
to enable a greater number of unrelated individuals to occupy a dwelling
unit is reviewed and approved by the Zoning Hearing Board, as provided
herein. The definition of family shall not apply to the occupants
of a club, fraternity house, lodge or residential club.
Notwithstanding the definition in the preceding subsection,
a "family" shall also be deemed to include any number of mentally
or physically handicapped persons occupying a dwelling unit as a single,
nonprofit housekeeping unit, if such occupants are handicapped persons
as defined in Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended
by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988.[6] Such unrelated individuals shall have the right to occupy
a dwelling unit in the same manner and to the same extent as any family
unit as defined in the first subsection of this definition.
A premises which is used for the production of agricultural
commodities in their unmanufactured state, such as raising livestock,
and which shall include those activities which are customarily associated
with such production, including the application of manure and/or fertilizers
for crop production.
An area that begins at a point at which the width of an access
strip is equal to the minimum lot width of the zoning district.
Subject to easy ignition and rapid flaming combustion.
A ratio derived by dividing the total (gross) floor area
of all buildings on a lot by the net buildable area of the lot.
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors
of a building measured from the exterior face of the exterior walls
or from the center line of a wall separating two buildings, but not
including interior vehicular parking or loading or any space where
the floor-to-ceiling height is less than six feet.
The total of all floor areas of a building, excluding stairwells
and elevator shafts, equipment rooms, interior vehicular parking and
loading, and all floor below the first or ground floor except when
used or intended to be used for human habitation or service to the
public. The area excluded as unusable may not exceed 15%.
The management of forests and timberlands when practiced
in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing,
cultivating, harvesting, transporting and selling trees for commercial
purposes, which does not involve land development.
A club or society organized around a common theme for the
mutual aid or benefit of its members.
The area of a lot which must remain free of buildings or
other structures and may be used as lawn or planted area, parking
or driveway space in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
A yard which extends across the full width of a lot for a depth equal
to the minimum front yard setback distance required by the specific
regulations of this chapter, measured at right angles from the ultimate
right-of-way line or the equivalent right-of-way line, excluding "lot,
flag."
The part of land abutting a street or highway or lying between
a building's front and a street or highway.
GARAGE, PRIVATEAn accessory building or part of a principal building used for the storage of motor vehicles owned and used by the owner or tenant of the premises and for the storage of not more than two motor vehicles owned and used by persons other than the owner or tenant of the premises. Not more than one commercial vehicle or truck may be stored in a private garage.
GARAGE, PUBLICA building, other than a private or storage garage, one or more stories in height, used solely for commercial storage, service or repair of motor vehicles.
GARAGE, STORAGEA building, other than a private or public garage, one story in height, used solely for the storage of motor vehicles (other than trucks) but not for the sale, service or repair thereof nor for the sale of fuel, accessories or supplies.
A multifamily dwelling not exceeding three stories in height,
containing three or more separate dwelling units, in which no more
than four dwelling units have common hallways. Each dwelling unit
will have at least two exposures.
Any area of land, including structures thereon, or any building
or part thereof that is used for the sale of gasoline or other motor
vehicle fuel or accessories and which may not include facilities for
lubricating, washing or otherwise servicing motor vehicles, but which
shall not include painting or body and fender repairs or recapping
of tires. See "automotive service station."
That which exhibits consistency.
In a development, "green area" includes all landscape features
such as planters, planted islands, landscaped buffers and screens,
lawn areas, woods, hedgerows and any area that is not covered by buildings
or paving. It is available and used for retention and maintenance
of natural vegetation and for absorption of stormwater for groundwater
recharge. Decorative stone and mulch ground covers may be included
if placed upon an earth surface.
The total floor area designed for tenant occupancy and exclusive
use, including basements, mezzanines and upper floors, expressed in
square feet and measured from the center line of partitions and from
outside wall faces. It is the space for which tenants pay rent, including
sales areas and integral stock areas. It does not include public or
common areas such as public toilets, corridors, stairwells, elevator
lobbies, or enclosed mall spaces.
A dwelling with no more than seven handicapped persons, excluding
resident staff, who live together as a single housekeeping unit and
in a long-term, family-like environment in which staff persons provide
care, education and participation in community activities for the
residents with the primary goal of developing or exercising the residents'
basic skills for daily living. As used herein, the term "handicapped"
shall have the meaning: a physical or mental impairment which substantially
limits one or more of such person's major life activities so that
such person is incapable of living independently; a record of having
such an impairment; or being regarded has having such an impairment.
However, "handicapped" shall not include current, illegal use of or
addiction to a controlled substance (as defined in Section 102 of
the Controlled Substance Act, 32 U.S.C. § 802), nor shall
it include any person whose residency in the home would constitute
a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals. The
term "group home for the handicapped" shall not include nursing homes,
alcoholism or drug treatment centers, work-release facilities for
convicts or ex-convicts or other housing facilities serving as an
alternative to incarceration. The term "handicapped" is interchangeable
with "person with a disability."
See "bed-and-breakfast," "hotel" and "motel."
Establishments primarily engaged in furnishing medical, surgical
or other services to individuals, including the offices of physicians,
dentists and other health practitioners, medical and dental laboratories,
outpatient care facilities, blood banks, and oxygen and miscellaneous
types of medical supplies and services.
A facility or institution, whether public or private, principally
engaged in providing services for health maintenance, diagnosis or
treatment of human disease, pain, injury, deformity or physical condition,
including a general hospital, public health center, diagnostic center,
treatment center, rehabilitation center, extended care facility, skilled
nursing home, nursing home, intermediate care facility, chronic disease
hospital, maternity hospital, outpatient clinic, dispensary, home
health care agency, or personal care facility.
The vertical distance measured from the average elevation
of the existing grade at the location of the building to the highest
point of a flat or multilevel roof or, for gable, hip or gambrel roofs,
to the mean height between the eaves and ridge. Chimneys, spires,
towers, mechanical penthouses, tanks and similar projections not intended
for human occupancy shall be excluded.
A landing area for helicopters which includes facilities
for fueling, repair and storage of helicopters and which is licensed
by the PA DOT.
A helicopter landing area (sometimes known as a "helistop")
licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PA DOT)
for the purpose of packing up or discharging passengers or cargo.
No fueling, helicopter repair or storage area(s) are permitted in
conjunction with the operation of a personal use heliport.
Any lawful occupation or business activity permitted by this
chapter, performed for financial gain, which is conducted in whole
or in part by a resident from either his/her primary residence or
within an enclosed accessory structure as an accessory use.
An establishment providing transient accommodations, containing
a minimum of five rental rooms, and having the following characteristics:
Those housing units designed for and intended for occupancy
exclusively by those persons over the age of 62. Such units shall
include those projects developed under applicable federal and/or state
housing assistance programs. Such housing units shall contain appropriate
safety features pertinent to the needs of their residents and ancillary
recreational and other community facilities as an integral part of
their development concept. The developer of such housing units in
Perkiomen Township must guarantee that said units will be occupied
solely by elderly residents as defined above.
Furthermore, elderly housing shall also be defined as consisting
of the following living arrangement types:
INDEPENDENT LIVING UNITSA multifamily or single-family dwelling designed exclusively for elderly residents living in separate dwelling units. Such residents typically do not require regular assistance or supervision in performing daily tasks.
PERSONAL CARE FACILITYA premises in which food, shelter and personal assistance or supervision are provided for a period exceeding 24 hours for four or more adults who are not relatives of the operator and who do not require the services of a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility, but who do require assistance or supervision in matters such as dressing, bathing, diet or medication prescribed for self-administration. Sometimes known as an "assisted living facility."
SKILLED NURSING CARE FACILITY or NURSING HOMEA premises in which nursing care and related medical or other health services are provided for a period exceeding 24 hours for two or more individuals who are not relatives of the operator, who are not acutely ill or in need of hospitalization but who, because of age, illness, disease, injury, convalescence or physical or mental infirmity, need such care.
LIFE CARE FACILITYAn age-restricted continuing care development that provides a continuum of accommodations and care from independent living units to personal care and nursing homes and enters into contracts to provide lifelong care in exchange for the payment of periodic fees and entrance fee. Independent living units are dwellings units located within a life care facility. Sometimes known as a "congregate care facility."
Coverage of the site by materials which cannot be penetrated
by water and which therefore results in stormwater runoff of 100%.
Included are:
The physical additions, installations and changes required
to render land suitable for the use proposed, including streets, curbs,
sidewalks, utilities and drainage facilities.
A self-contained apartment contained within a single-family
detached dwelling that is accessible from a separate access point.
A building or structure designed for athletic activities.
Such a facility may contain gymnasiums, playing courts, swimming pools,
etc. All activities must be conducted indoors.
Those fields of economic activity, including forestry, construction,
manufacturing, transportation, communication, extraction, utility
services, and wholesale trade. (See "industry, light" and "industry,
heavy.")
Industrial activities which do not meet the definition of
"light industry."
Industrial activities which are carried on entirely within
an enclosed building and involve no outdoor processes or outdoor storage
of primary raw materials.
A stream whose flow normally occurs in the wetter parts of
the year (October through April) or following major storm events.
Includes refuse, rubbish, debris and scrap, whether salvageable
or not and made from any and all material other than solid waste as
defined by the Solid Waste Management Act[7] and amendments, as would normally be disposed of at a
sanitary landfill as defined herein. (See "salvage," "waste," "recyclable
materials.")
Any outdoor establishment or place of business which is maintained,
used or operated for storing, keeping, buying or selling junk, and
for the purposes of this section, the term shall include refuse, rubbish,
garbage and debris whether salvageable or not and made of any or all
materials. It shall not include, however, refuse or garbage kept in
proper containers for the purposes of prompt disposal.
Natural or artificial bodies of water which retain water
year round. Artificial ponds may be created by dams or result from
excavation. The shoreline of such water bodies shall be measured from
the maximum condition rather than permanent pool if there is any difference.
"Lakes" are bodies of water two or more acres in extent. "Ponds" are
any water body less than two acres in extent.
Any of the following activities:
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts
or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
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.
A subdivision of land.
Except that the following activities shall not be considered
land developments:
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.
The addition of an accessory building, including farm buildings,
on a lot or lots subordinate to an existing principal building.
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.
A space accessible from a street, in a building or on a lot,
for the temporary use of vehicles while loading or unloading materials
or merchandise.
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 as a unit.
See "acreage, gross."
See "acreage, net."
Any property boundary line of a lot, further defined as follows:
"Front lot line" is the line identical with the ultimate right-of-way
line (also known as "street line").
"Rear lot line" is the line or lines most nearly parallel or
concentric to the front lot line.
"Side lot lines" are the lines most nearly perpendicular or
radial to the front lot line. On a corner lot, the side lot line shall
be the line or lines most nearly perpendicular or radial to the higher
classification of street, where applicable. The remaining line shall
be considered the rear lot line.
A lot which fronts on more than one street shall have a front
lot line on each street frontage.
The horizontal distance between side lot lines, measured
at the building line, parallel or concentric to the ultimate right-of-way
line. For a corner lot, lot width shall be measured parallel or concentric
to the ultimate right-of-way line of the higher classification of
street, where applicable.
A lot which conforms in all respects, excluding setbacks,
to the dimensional requirements of the zoning district in which it
is located, except that the only road frontage and access is limited
to an access strip. This definition does not include the commonly
used wedge-shaped lots located on a cul-de-sac turnaround. Also known
as "rear or interior lot."
The process or operation of making wares or products from
raw materials by hand or by the use of machine(s).
Any aggregate or mass of mineral matter, whether or not coherent.
The term includes, but is not limited to, limestone and dolomite,
sand and gravel, rock and stone, earthfill, slag, iron ore, vermiculite
and clay anthracite and bituminous coal, coal refuse, peat and crude
oil and natural gas.
A game modeled on golf and played on a small obstacle course.
A lot that has the least amount of square footage allowed
by a local zoning law.
A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent
occupancy, contained in one or more units, built on a permanent chassis,
which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for
minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, and constructed
so that it may be used with or without a permanent foundation. It
may not meet local building codes but does meet the standards of the
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, as indicated
by the structural engineering bulletin(s) provided to the Board of
Supervisors by the applicant. This term does not include recreational
vehicles or travel trailers.
A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the
necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for
the erection thereon of a single mobile home.
A parcel, 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.
A single-family dwelling unit for permanent occupancy, made
by assembling one or more factory-produced, three-dimensional sections
into one integral building, not capable of easily being separated
for repeated towing, whose construction materials must conform to
those of conventionally built units, as required by the Building Code,
and must be placed on a permanent foundation. A copy of the structural
engineering bulletin(s) must be provided to the Board of Supervisors,
indicating approval of the dwelling or its components by the United
States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
A parcel, or contiguous parcels of land, which has been so
designated and improved that it contains two or more modular home
lots for the placement thereon of modular homes.
An establishment providing transient accommodations, containing
a minimum of six rental rooms and having the following characteristics:
A commercial use for the sale and repair of motor vehicles,
including new and used cars, trucks, recreational vehicles, and/or
farm equipment; having both indoor and outdoor display areas and providing
maintenance and repair services for vehicle owners.
All vehicles propelled or drawn by power other than muscular
power and intended for use on public highways or in agricultural activities.
A business or commercial activity administered or conducted
as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the use as a residential
dwelling and which involves no customer, client or patient traffic,
whether vehicular or pedestrian, pickup, delivery or removal functions
to or from the premises in excess of those normally associated with
residential use.
A previously lawful lot that now violates a newly adopted
or amended zoning ordinance.
A structure or part of a structure manifestly not designed
to comply with the applicable use or extent of use provisions in a
zoning ordinance or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where
such structure was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of
such ordinance or amendment or prior to the application of such ordinance
or amendment to its location by reason of annexation. Such nonconforming
structures include nonconforming signs.
A use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply
with the applicable use provisions in a zoning ordinance or amendment
heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence
prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment or prior to
the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by
reason of its annexation.
An energy system not connected to the public electric utility.
Services provided or arranged for part of a twenty-four-hour
day to assist in meeting the needs, including, but not limited to,
personal care, social, nutritional, health and education needs, of
a population of persons who are predominantly 60 years of age or older
or who are under 60 years of age but who have a dementia-related disease,
such as Alzheimer's disease, as a primary diagnosis. The term does
not include services provided for persons whose needs are such that
they can only be met in a long-term-care facility on an inpatient
basis, receiving professionally supervised nursing care and related
medical and other health services. (See "adult day-care facility.")
An energy system connected to the public electric utility.
Public or private lands designated for the use and enjoyment
of residents of a development and/or the general public, incorporating
natural features such as woodlands, streams or meadows, and including
Township parks, trails and other recreational facilities. Also includes
"common open space," as defined above, and other private lands which
are available for the use of Township residents (i.e., through access
easements). Also see "common open space."
Any area which is predominantly open space, is used principally
for active or passive recreation, and is not used for a profit-making
purpose.
Outdoor areas or specially designed buildings or garages
used for the storage of vehicles.
An open or covered area with a dust-free, all-weather surface
for the storage of one automobile, accessible via a driveway.
Material other than water which is suspended in or discharged
into the atmosphere in a finely divided form as a liquid or solid.
A level hard-surfaced area, generally adjacent to a principal
building, without a roof and intended for outdoor dining, lounging
or similar activities.
The Municipalities Planning Code originally enacted as Act
247 of 1968, which establishes the basic authority for the exercise
of municipal land use controls in Pennsylvania. All subsequent amendments
are included. Abbreviated as "MPC" or "Act 247."[8]
A stream whose water flow normally occurs year round.
A document issued by the proper authority authorizing the
applicant to undertake specified activities. See the following:
BUILDING PERMITA permit indicating that a proposed construction, alteration or reconstruction of a structure is in accordance with construction provisions of the Building Code, and which authorizes an applicant to commence with said construction, alteration or reconstruction.
USE AND OCCUPANCY PERMITGenerally, a permit issued upon completion of the construction of any structure, indicating that the premises complies with the provisions of the chapter; or issued in approval of reoccupancy, a new use or a change in use of buildings or land, indicating compliance with the chapter.
ZONING PERMITA permit indicating that a proposed use or structure is in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
The use of a structure or of the land in conformity with
the uses permitted under the zoning classification of a particular
area, such as the building of a single-family dwelling in a residential
zone. Also known as "conforming use."
A business which provides a service oriented to personal
needs and not primarily involving retail sales of goods or professional
advisory services. Includes barber, beauty salon, tailor, dressmaker,
shoe repair, photographer, travel agent, jewelry and watch repair,
or similar service uses. It does not include a massage parlor or tattoo
parlor.
A building or room devoted to the practice of a religion.
Such places include churches, temples, synagogues or mosques.
A graphic representation of a proposal for subdivision and/or
land development, including necessary written notes.
A graphic representation of a proposal for subdivision or
land development, including written notes depicted from a position
directly above the ground surface at any point on the plan.
A community shopping center, designed according to a physically
unified and integrated plan and meeting specific design standards
and access controls, permitted as a conditional use at intersections
of arterial streets in certain nonresidential zoning districts in
the Township.
The Perkiomen Township Planning Commission.
A roofed structure projecting from the front, side or rear
wall of a building.
When used in connection with natural and historic resources,
shall include means to conserve and safeguard these resources from
wasteful or destructive use, but shall not be interpreted to authorize
the unreasonable restriction of forestry, mining or other lawful uses
of natural resources.
Land used for agricultural purposes that contains soils of
the first, second or third class, as defined by the United States
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Conservation Services
county soil survey.
A building in which is conducted the principal use of the
lot on which it is located.
The single dominant use or single main use on a lot.
Any technology used for the purpose of reducing the volume
or bulk of municipal or residual waste or any technology used to convert
part or all of such waste materials for off-site reuse. Processing
facilities include, but are not limited to, transfer facilities, composting
facilities and resource-recovery facilities.
A building in which services are performed by a member of
a profession, including an accountant, architect, author, dentist,
engineer, insurance agent, landscape architect, lawyer, notary, optometrist,
physician, planner, realtor or similar occupations.
A recorded boundary of a lot. Any property line which abuts
a street or other public way shall be measured from the right-of-way.
Any municipal or governmentally owned property, structure
or land, including a firehouse, school, park, etc.
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the governing
body, planning commission or other municipal agency, intended to inform
and obtain public comment prior to taking action in accordance with
the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.[9]
A designated growth area with all or any portion of a future
growth area described in a county or multimunicipal comprehensive
plan, where public infrastructure services will be provided and outside
of which such public infrastructure services will not be required
to be publicly financed.
Services that are provided to areas with densities of one
or more units to the acre, which may include sanitary sewers and facilities
for the collection and treatment of sewage, water lines and facilities
for the pumping and treating of water, parks and open space, streets
and sidewalks, public transportation and other services that may be
appropriate within a growth area, but shall exclude fire protection
and emergency medical services and any other service required to protect
the health and safety of residents.
A forum held pursuant to notice under the Sunshine Act, 65
Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.
Notice published once a week for two successive weeks in
a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. Such notice
shall state the time and place of the hearing and 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 date of the hearing.
A building or structure and its equipment, used for the transmission
and exchange of telephone, radio telephone, gas, power, sewer and
water facilities; provided, however, that in a residential district
these shall not include public business facilities, storage of materials,
trucks or repair facilities, or housing of repair crews.
A company regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Cellular communications companies and other companies not defined
as a public utility by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
shall not be considered a public utility.
A structure, owned and operated by a public utility electric
company regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, designed
and used to support overhead electricity transmission lines.
An antenna and attendant processing equipment for reception
of electronic signals from satellites.
The area in the common open space in a development designed
for active recreation. In general, this area shall be flat (grade
not to exceed 3%) and open.
Materials separated from municipal waste which are to be
used as raw materials for the development of new usable products.
Recyclable materials can include the following items: newsprint, high-grade
office paper, glass, aluminum, steel and bimetallic cans, plastic,
corrugated paper and leaf wastes.
An establishment which is maintained or used or operated
for the purposes of temporarily storing and preparing scrap and/or
discarded materials for consumption by other establishments whose
operations include producing products from recycled materials.
A parent, child, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild,
brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepbrother, stepsister,
first cousin, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew.
(Also known as "cafe.") Any establishment, except those fitting
the definition of "restaurant, carry-out/takeout" and "restaurant,
fast food," at which food is sold for consumption on the premises
to patrons seated within an enclosed building or elsewhere on the
premises. However, a snack bar or refreshment stand at a public, semipublic
or community swimming pool, playground, play field or park operated
by the agency or group of an approved vendor operating the recreational
facilities and for the convenience of the patrons of the facility
shall not be deemed to be a restaurant. (Also see "restaurant, fast-food"
or "restaurant, carry-out/takeout.")
Establishments where food is prepared on the premises for
consumption off the premises, with no seating or other area provided
on the premises for consumption. The establishment may deliver food
to the customer or the customer may pick up food.
Restaurants where customers order and are served their food
at a counter or in a motor vehicle in packages prepared to leave the
premises or able to be taken to a table or counter to be consumed.
Lotting which extends between two streets of differing classifications,
with vehicular access provided from the lesser street in order to
promote traffic flow and safety on the greater street.
ARTERIALA road or street which is designed to move traffic efficiently at the highest speed and efficiency. These roads or streets generally carry larger volumes of traffic for longer distances. Arterials in Perkiomen Township include Route 73 (Skippack Pike), Route 29 (Gravel Pike), Meyers Road, Ott Road, Plank Road, and Route 113 (Rahns Road).
COLLECTORA road or street which provide a mix of efficient traffic movement and more frequent access to lower classified streets and driveways with lower speeds. Collectors in Perkiomen Township include Haldeman Road, Seitz Road, Bridge Street, Wartman Road, Trappe Road, East Park Avenue, and Township Line Road.
Any discarded material or articles, including scrap metallic
or nonmetallic items, whole or parts of vehicles and equipment, paper,
glass containers and structures, which is separated for industrial
processing or reprocessing and further used or reused. (See "junk,"
"waste," "recyclable materials.")
See "solid waste disposal."
A centralized sanitary sewer system or a comparable common
or package sanitary sewer facility approved by the appropriate governmental
health agency.
A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid,
open mesh or bar configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish,
cone, horn or cornucopia. Such device shall be used to transmit and/or
receive radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially and/or
orbitally based uses. This definition is meant to include but not
be limited to what are commonly referred to as "satellite earth stations,"
"TVROs" (television reception only), and "microwave antennas."
A commercial establishment in a shopping center or planned
commercial center, located in a freestanding building independent
of other buildings, and frequently near the road frontage of the center.
Satellite uses are generally characterized by the following:
A firm engaged in the business of preparing scrap (metal
or rags and paper) for consumption by steel mills or paper companies
or other establishments whose purpose it is to use scrap in producing
products.
A sewage disposal system in compliance with all state and
local regulations approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection and applicable sewer authority. This could include the
central sewage system operated by the Perkiomen Township Municipal
Authority or a sewage disposal system independent of the public sewer
system serving one or more than one residence or business.
A group of commercial establishments planned and developed
as an integrated architectural and functional unit, providing convenient
on-site parking and controlled, common vehicular and pedestrian access.
Any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images. Sign types and sign-related terms are further defined in Article X.
The ownership of a contiguous land area of one or more lots
by one owner, whether a person, partnership, corporation or other
legal entity, irrespective of the fact that parts of the land may
have been acquired at different times or that the area may have been
divided into parts on any plan or plat.
A premises in which nursing care and related medical or other
health services are provided for a period exceeding 24 hours for two
or more individuals who are not relatives of the operator, who are
not acutely ill or in need of hospitalization but who, because of
age, illness, disease, injury, convalescence or physical or mental
infirmity, need such care.
The Montgomery County Soil Survey of 1967, prepared by the
Natural Resource Conservation Service of the United States Department
of Agriculture.
Any device, structure, machine or electronic equipment that
converts solar energy into usable electrical or thermal energy or
uses solar energy to heat liquids or produces hot air or performs
any similar function through the use of solar panels.
A device containing one or more receptive cells equal to
or greater than two square feet that converts solar energy into electrical
or thermal energy.
A land use, including buildings, land, equipment and any
other appurtenances used in the processing of solid waste, resource
recovery, cogeneration of energy, recycling, incineration and/or landfilling
as a means of disposal of solid waste.
DUMPA site used primarily for the disposal by abandonment, dumping, burial, burning or other means, and for whatever purpose, of garbage, trash, junk, vehicles or parts thereof, or waste material of any kind.
SANITARY LANDFILLAny outdoor establishment or place of business operated or maintained for the disposal of solid waste by the method known as "landfilling," in accordance with any or all federal, state and local landfilling laws, statutes, rules and regulations. The term "landfill" shall have the same meaning as "sanitary landfill."
An allowance in a zoning ordinance for special uses that
are considered essential and are not fundamentally incompatible with
the original zoning regulations.
Retail shops and stores selling gifts, novelties, flowers,
books, periodicals, jewelry, apparel, tobacco, toys, crafts, hobby
supplies, cameras and film, stationery or antiques. Stores in excess
of 7,500 square feet in a single structure are not included in this
use. Adult uses are excluded.
Areas with a gradient of 25% or greater, as determined by
the soil survey or accurate contour mapping, such as:
MAN-MADE STEEP SLOPESlopes created as a result of grading land or any other disturbance to a site's topography caused by man and creating a steep slope as defined herein.
NATURAL STEEP SLOPEUnimproved areas as defined by field-generated topographic survey.
That portion of a building included between the surface of
any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or, if there
is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and ceiling
next above it, and including those basements used for the principal
use.
Includes street, avenue, boulevard, road, highway, freeway,
parkway, lane, alley, drive, circle, and any other ways used or intended
to be used by vehicular traffic or pedestrians, whether public or
private.
A line identical to the front lot line, ultimate right-of-way
line, or equivalent right-of-way.
Right-of-way for street purposes are defined as follows:
LEGAL RIGHT-OF-WAYThe street right-of-way legally in the public domain at the time a plan is submitted.
ULTIMATE RIGHT-OF-WAYThe street right-of-way projected as necessary for adequate handling of anticipated maximum traffic volumes. The ultimate right-of-way is the legal right-of-way where it has been offered for dedication and accepted by the Township. Front yard setbacks are measured from the ultimate right-of-way.
EQUIVALENT RIGHT-OF-WAYA street right-of-way required to be reserved where private streets are permitted. The width shall be determined by the street's function, in accordance with the street classifications contained in Chapter 264, Subdivision and Land Development.
A shopping area of integrated design and development, including
but not limited to such uses as retail shops, personal service establishments,
professional and business offices, banks, post offices, restaurants,
theaters and auditoriums, housed in an enclosed building or buildings
and utilizing such common facilities as customer parking, pedestrian
walks, loading and unloading space, utilities and sanitary facilities.
A man-made object having a stationary location on or in land
or water, whether or not affixed to the ground.
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.
The duly elected governing body of Perkiomen Township. Also
known as the "Board of Supervisors."
Any structure that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm)
in depth and which is used, or intended to be used, for swimming or
recreational bathing. This includes in-ground, aboveground, on-ground
swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.
The use of any premises or structure for living and/or sleeping
purposes for less than 100 consecutive days in any calendar year.
Related terms:
ADVANCED REGENERATIONThe presence of new trees of desirable commercial species at least four feet in height.
BASAL AREAThe cross-sectional area of trees calculated in square feet per acre as measured at the DBH using a calibrated prism or angle gauge.
CLEAR CUTThe felling of substantially all trees on a tract of land or portion thereof.
CORDOne hundred twenty-eight cubic feet of wood, bark and space.
DBHThe diameter of a tree at breast height, measured 4.5 feet from the ground surface.
DIAMETER LIMIT HARVESTINGThe harvesting of trees greater than a given diameter. Trees below a given diameter are not cut regardless of quality.
FELLINGThe act of cutting a standing tree so that it falls to the ground.
LANDINGPlace where logs are assembled for transportation in loads.
LOGGING PLANA written description with a map of specific logging operation prepared before the operation commences.
LOPPINGTo cut tops and slash smaller pieces to allow materials to settle close to the ground.
OPERATORThe individual, partnership, company, firm, association or corporation engaged in the harvest of timber, including his agents or subcontractors or employees.
OWNERThe individual, partnership, company, firm, association or corporation which holds title to standing timber and to the land on which it is situated, including his/her agents or subcontractors or employees.
SAW TIMBERTrees that are 12 inches or larger DBH.
SELECTIVE HARVESTINGThe harvesting of individual preselected trees of a certain age or species within a forest composed of many species and ages.
SKIDDINGDragging trees on the ground, by any means, from the stump to the landing.
SLASHDebris left after logging, including logs, chunks, bark, branches, stumps and broken understory trees or brush.
STREAMAny channel or conveyance of surface water having a defined bed and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent flow.
TREE HARVESTING (also TIMBER HARVESTING or LOGGING)The cutting down and removal of trees and logs to be converted to any forest product or sale to others.
TOPSThe upper portion of a felled tree not merchantable because of small size, taper or defect.
See "bed-and-breakfast."
A recreational vehicle requiring a separate power source
for pulling, which may include living, sleeping, eating and sanitary
facilities, but which is designed for vacation travel and not for
long-term or permanent occupancy.
Tree diameter measured 2 1/2 feet from the ground.
The dividing line between a lot and the outside limit of
the ultimate right-of-way of a public street or equivalent right-of-way
of a private street. Identical with "front lot line" and "street line."
Aboveground and/or below-ground structures or facilities
(other than buildings, unless such buildings are used for storage
incidental to the operation of such structures or facilities) owned
by a governmental entity, a nonprofit organization, corporation or
any entity defined as a public utility for any purpose by the Pennsylvania
Public Utilities Commission and used in connection with the production,
generation, transmission, delivery, collection or storage of water,
sewage, electricity, gas, oil or communication signals. Excepted are
utility transmission lines and supporting structures.
The granting of permission by the Zoning Hearing Board to use or alter land or structures in a manner which requires a variation from the strict application of a requirement of the chapter. Variances are granted only if specific requirements are met in accordance with the provisions of § 310-19A of Article IV.
The portion of land devoted to vegetative coverage, including
lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens.
An open area, other than a street or parking area, used for
display, sale or rental of new or used motor vehicles, recreational
vehicles, or boats in operable condition, and where no major repairs
are done.
An unincorporated settlement that is part of a Township,
where residential and mixed-use densities of one unit to the acre
or more exist or are permitted and commercial, industrial or institutional
uses exist or are permitted.
A barrier whose purpose is to obscure a view; generally comprised
of plant materials suitable for the purpose.
A building or group of buildings primarily used for the commercial
storage, transfer and distribution of products and materials.
A building or group of buildings situated in a controlled-access
compound, which are divided into individual separate access units
which are rented or leased for the storage of tangible personal property.
A system designed to transmit water from a source to users
in compliance with the requirements of the appropriate state agencies
and the local authorities. Includes the following definitions:
WATER FACILITIES, PUBLICA water distribution system serving all or a portion of the Township and operated by a certified public utility.
WATER FACILITIES, COMMONA water distribution system serving a single neighborhood or development.
A place intended or used for the directed surface flow of
water, including permanent and intermittent streams, brooks, creeks,
channels, ditches, swales and rivers.
Those areas that are inundated and saturated by surface water
or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support,
and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions; includes
swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. Development in wetlands is
regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection. Identification of wetlands
should be based upon the Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating
Wetlands, an interagency publication of the United States Army Corps
of Engineers, US EPA, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and
USDA Soil Conservation Service, dated January 1989.
Places of business primarily engaged in selling merchandise
to retailers, to industrial, commercial, institutional or professional
business users, or to other wholesalers, or acting as agents or brokers
and buying merchandise for, or selling merchandise to, such individuals
or companies.
Any device, structure, machine or electronic equipment that
converts wind energy into usable electrical energy through the use
of a wind turbine, a support structure and associated control or conversion
electronics.
A machine that converts kinetic energy in wind into electricity.
Areas, groves or stands of mature or largely mature trees
(i.e., greater than six inches in caliper) covering an area greater
than 1/4 acre or groves of mature trees (greater than 12 inches in
caliper) consisting of more than 10 individuals.
Defined as follows:
FRONT YARDThe area of a lot which must remain free of buildings or other structures and may be used as lawn or planted area, parking or driveway space in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. A yard which extends across the full width of a lot for a depth equal to the minimum front yard setback distance required by the specific regulations of this chapter, measured at right angles from the ultimate right-of-way line, excluding "lot, flag."
REAR YARDA yard which extends across the full width of a lot for a depth equal to the minimum rear yard setback distance required by the specific regulations of this chapter, measured at right angles from the rear lot line.
SIDE YARDA yard which extends along a side lot line from the required front yard to the required rear yard, the minimum width of which shall be the minimum specified by the regulations of this chapter, measured at right angles from the side lot line.
A line which locates and delineates the minimum yard setback
requirements, measured from the front, rear and side lot lines.
The administrative officer charged with the duty of enforcing
the provisions of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 50 P.S. §§ 7301 et seq.
and 7401 et seq., respectively.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3102 et seq.
[4]
Editor's Note: See 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101 et seq.
[6]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.
[7]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq.
[8]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[9]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
