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City of Easton, PA
Northampton County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A. 
Use definitions.
(1) 
Residential uses.
(a) 
A1 Single-Family Detached. A structure having open space on all four sides, containing one dwelling unit, and occupied by a single housekeeping unit.
(b) 
A2 Single-Family Semidetached. A single-family dwelling attached to another single-family dwelling by a common vertical wall, with each dwelling located on a separate lot, having open space on three sides, and occupied by a single housekeeping unit.
(c) 
A3 Single-Family Attached. A one-family dwelling in a row of at least three such units in which each unit has its own front and rear access, no unit is located over another, each unit is separated from any other unit by one or more vertical common walls, and each unit is occupied by a single housekeeping unit. A row of single-family attached units will have two end units that have open space on three sides (e.g., townhouse, row home).
(d) 
A4 Two-Family Detached. A building on a single lot containing two dwelling units, each of which is totally separated from the other by an unpierced wall extending from exterior wall to exterior wall, having open space on all four sides (e.g., duplex), and each dwelling unit is occupied by a single housekeeping unit.
(e) 
A5 Two-Family Semidetached. A two-family dwelling attached to another dwelling by a common vertical wall, with each dwelling located on a separate lot, having open space on three sides, and each dwelling is occupied by a single housekeeping unit.
(f) 
A6 Two-Family Attached. A residential structure on a single lot containing two dwelling units, one over the other, in a row of at least three dwellings, with open space on two sides, an unpierced party wall in common, with adjoining dwellings on separate lots on either side, and each dwelling unit is occupied by a single housekeeping unit.
(g) 
A7 Multifamily. A residential structure containing more than two but less than five dwelling units, each totally separate from the others by an unpierced wall, ceiling or floor, and each dwelling unit is occupied by a single housekeeping unit. Multifamily structures shall not contain more than three stories.
(h) 
A8 Residential Low-Rise. One or more multifamily structures, containing a maximum of two stories, and including related amenities (e.g., common open space), and each dwelling unit is occupied by a single housekeeping unit. Garden apartment type development shall be included in this definition.
(i) 
A9 Residential Mid-Rise. A residential structure containing three to five stories and five or more dwelling units, including related amenities, and each dwelling unit is occupied by a single housekeeping unit.
(j) 
A10 Residential High-Rise. A residential structure containing a minimum of six stories and including related amenities, and each dwelling unit is occupied by a single housekeeping unit.
(k) 
A11 Rooming House. A structure in which lodging is provided by the operator to no more than three persons. No individual rental room shall have independent outside access nor separate cooking and/or separate bathroom facilities.
(l) 
Al2. Mixed Residential/Business. A structure containing both dwelling-unit and commercial components as principal uses. Each dwelling unit shall be occupied by a single housekeeping unit. This use shall not include a mixed-use/dormitory.
[Amended 9-24-2008 by Ord. No. 5120; 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(m) 
A13 Group Homes. Public or private dwelling which render supervised care in a residential setting to more than one person with a disability who maintain a common household. Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are excluded and are considered institutional uses.
(n) 
A14 Dormitory. A building that contains rooms or groups of rooms that provide sleeping and living accommodations solely for students enrolled at a college, university or similar institutional facility and members of its faculty or staff, provided that the dormitory is owned or managed by the institution where the students are enrolled or is owned or operated for the interests of and is operated for the benefit of that college or university. The rooms or groups of rooms may include provisions for eating, cooking and sanitation in addition to living and sleeping. Dormitories may have a maximum of four nonrelated individuals living in a unit.
[Amended 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(o) 
A15 Mixed-Use/Dormitory. A structure containing a dormitory [as defined in use Subsection A(1)(n) above] and commercial and/or service components open to the public at or below grade level, as otherwise permitted by right or special exception within the district, as principal uses.
(p) 
A16 Manufactured Home Park. Any site, lot, field or tract of land, privately or publicly owned or operated, upon which two or more mobile homes, used for living, eating or sleeping quarters by persons not related to the proprietor or his agent, are or are intended to be located, whether operated for or without compensation by whatsoever name or title they are colloquially or commercially termed.
(q) 
A17 Short-Term Rental. Any living quarters or accommodations in which the owner and/or landlord rents or leases for a term not exceeding one month.
(2) 
Arts, entertainment and recreational uses.
(a) 
B1 Cultural Activities and Exhibitions. Establishments such as museums, art galleries, and similar activities of an historical, educational or cultural interest.
(b) 
B2 Amusements. Establishments engaged in providing amusement or entertainment and activities characterized by one or more of the following: building or site development intensive, regional in nature, spectator oriented, fee required, community impacts; e.g., lighting, trash, noise, traffic. These include dance halls, theatrical productions, cinemas, musical entertainment, billiard halls, and sports arenas.
(c) 
B3 Parks. Tracts of land designated and used by the public for active and passive recreation.
(d) 
B4 Private Social Club. Organizations catering exclusively to members and their guests, providing noncommercial recreation, athletic or social functions. A private social club shall also include a place where food, drinks or refreshments are prepared for sale or for service on the premises exclusively to members with or without charge.
(e) 
B5 Adult Entertainment. Any business or part thereof which offers goods and/or services intended to provide sexual gratification or are generally considered sexual in nature, including, but not limited to, adult arcades, adult bookstores, adult cabarets, adult novelty stores, adult massage parlors, adult movie theaters, adult performances, adult visual material or video stores, and such similar or related uses.
(f) 
B6 Athletic Facilities. A facility or facilities devoted to recreation or sport, such as a playing field where sporting events take place.
(g) 
B7 Zoo. A facility with usually indoor and outdoor settings where living, typically wild animals are kept, especially for public exhibition.
(h) 
B8 Indoor Shooting Range. A facility designed and operated for the use of archery or firearms for the purpose of practice shooting.
(3) 
Retail uses.
(a) 
C1 Shopping Gallery. A group of at least three commercial establishments planned, constructed and managed as a total entity under a single roof sharing a common main entrance.
(b) 
C2 General Bookstore/Coffee Shop. An establishment primarily engaged in the buying, selling and/or trading of new and/or used books, manuscripts and periodicals of general interest, with an integral coffee shop which has a floor area not to exceed 20% of the use. This use is commonly found in conjunction with a college or university and may include the sale of gifts and apparel.
(c) 
C3 General Merchandise. Retail establishments or places of business engaged in selling or rental of general commodities or goods to the public with a footprint not greater than 4,000 square feet. This use does not include pharmacy, sale of liquor, wholesale or distributor of beer, guns, smoke or vape shops, or other retail specialty establishments.
(d) 
C4 Food Establishments. An establishment with a building footprint less than 4,000 square feet where food or beverage intended for human consumption is kept, stored, dressed, handled, sold or offered for sale with or without charge either at wholesale or retail and not consumed on the premises. This establishment may include the sale of "six packs" of beer or liquor, except when sold as part of an eating and drinking place; however, "food establishment" does not include eating and drinking places, wholesale beer distributors, or retail specialty.
(e) 
C5 Eating and Drinking Places. Includes any restaurant, coffee shop, cafeteria, short order cafe, luncheonette, tavern, sandwich stand, soda fountain, hospital kitchen, dining room or snack bar, school lunchroom or cafeteria or any other place where food, drinks or refreshments are prepared for sale or for service on the premises and any other eating and drinking place where food is served or provided for the public with or without charge. However, this definition does not include private households or private social club.
(f) 
C6 Retail Specialty Establishments. A retail store selling liquor, wholesale or distributor of beer, gun sales, smoke or vape shops, or automotive parts and accessories.
(g) 
C7 Wholesale Trade. Establishments or places of business primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers, commercial, industrial, institutional or professional business users but not to consumers or the public in general.
(h) 
C8 Motor Vehicle Sales. The use of any building, land area or other premises for the display, sale and incidental service of new or used automobiles, motorcycles, trucks or recreational vehicles.
(i) 
C9 Liquid Fuels. Establishments or places of business offering for sale oil, gas, kerosene, propane and other similar fuels on a retail or wholesale basis.
(j) 
C10 Retail Sales - Large Scale. Retail establishments or places of business engaged in selling or rental of general commodities or goods to the public. This use includes any establishment with a building footprint of 4,000 square feet or greater.
(k) 
C11 Pharmacy. A place where drugs and medicines are prepared and dispensed. This definition includes medical marijuana dispensaries.
(4) 
Service uses.
(a) 
D1 Information and Data Processing. Establishments such as, but not limited to, software publishing, the motion-picture and sound-recording industries; the broadcasting industries; telecommunications industries; Internet service providers and web search portals; data processing industries; and the information services industries. Information and data processing use shall not include Internet-based operations where goods are kept, stored, handled, sold or offered for sale or transfer with or without charge either at wholesale or retail (e.g., World Wide Web auctioneers).
(b) 
D2 Finance, Insurance, Real Estate. Establishments, such as, but not limited to, banks, trust companies, credit agencies, investment companies, brokers and dealers of securities and commodities, stock exchange brokers and real estate agents.
(c) 
D3 Personal Services. Establishments primarily engaged in providing services involving the care of a person or his or her apparel, including, but not limited to, laundry, cleaning and garment services, garment pressing, linen supply, diaper service, coin-operated laundries, dry cleaning shops, carpet and upholstery cleaning, hair, skin and/or nail care shops, spas, weight reduction salons, health and gym clubs, massage and acupuncture parlors, shoe repairs, hat cleaning, funeral services, clothing rental, locker rental and porter service.
(d) 
D4 Business Services. Establishments primarily engaged in rendering services to business establishments, such as advertising and mailing, building maintenance, employment service, management and consulting service, protective service, equipment rental and leasing, commercial research, development and testing, printing, commercial copy centers, personnel supply services, union halls and chambers of commerce.
(e) 
D5 Repair Services. Establishments primarily engaged in rendering services for the repair or maintenance of appliances, watches, guns, bicycles, locks, small business machines, electronic and precision equipment.
(f) 
D6 Professional Services. Establishments primarily engaged in rendering services in the field of architecture, engineering, surveying, law, art, literature, music, travel and photography.
(g) 
D7 Administrative Offices. Establishments primarily engaged in management and general administrative functions, such as executive, personnel and sales activities performed centrally for other establishments of the same company, including government administrative offices.
[Amended 9-24-2008 by Ord. No. 5120]
(h) 
D8 Hotel/Motel. Facilities offering overnight lodging accommodations to the general public and providing additional services such as restaurants, meeting rooms and recreation facilities which are not necessarily restricted to lodging guest use.
(i) 
D9 Bed-and-Breakfast. An establishment in a private, owner-occupied dwelling that supplies temporary accommodations to overnight guests for a fee. Any additional services such as dining shall be limited to lodging guest use only. No more than eight guest rooms shall be provided.
(j) 
D10 Community Services. Establishments rendering social services to the public, including welfare institutions, United Way, Red Cross, Salvation Army and similar uses.
(k) 
D11 Day-Care Center. A facility which is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to provide care to a cumulative number of seven or more children during any twenty-four-hour period, where the child-care areas are not used for a family residence.
(l) 
D12 Check-Cashing Facility. A business establishment that provides financial services limited to the exchange of cash for a personal or business check, money order, or similar credit device, for a fee, as well as the sale of money orders and cash gift cards. Such facilities do not provide loans, savings or checking accounts, or any other such services generally offered by a bank, savings and loan, credit union, or other regulated financial services.
(m) 
D13 Pawnshop. Any establishment in which is carried on the business of pawn brokerage, or the business of loaning money for the broker or for another person, receiving as security for payment thereof pawns or pledges of property, or the business of purchasing personal property and reselling or agreeing to resell, trade or exchange the article to vendors, their personal representatives or their assignees at a price agreed upon at or before the time of purchase, whether the business be the principal or sole business so carried on or be merely incidental to, in connection with or a branch or a department of some other business.
(n) 
D14 Automotive Repair. Businesses that specialize in automotive repair. This use may include the sale of automotive parts as an ancillary use.
(o) 
D15 Medical Services. Establishments that provide outpatient health services, primarily engaged in the field of dentistry, chiropractic, medicine, imaging, psychiatry, and psychology.
[Amended 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(p) 
D16 Kennel. Any place used for breeding, boarding, or keeping of dogs and/or cats over the age of four months.
(5) 
Institutional uses.
(a) 
E1 Educational Services. Establishments such as preschool, primary schools, secondary schools, postsecondary schools, technical schools, colleges, libraries and related administrative activities, both public and private.
(b) 
E2 Government Services. Establishments primarily engaged in rendering services under the auspices of a department, commission, independent agency or instrumentality of the federal, state, county or City governments.
(c) 
E3 Hospitals. Establishments that provide inpatient health services, many of which can only be provided using the specialized facilities and equipment that form a significant and integral part of the production process.
(d) 
E4 Extended-Care Facility. An institution or part of an institution that is licensed or approved to provide health care under medical supervision for 24 or more consecutive hours to two or more patients who are not related to the governing authority or its members by marriage, blood or adoption. This use includes nursing homes and hospices.
(e) 
E5 Religious Worship Services. Structures or places in which worship, ceremonial rituals to a particular system of religious beliefs are held, including churches, temples, synagogues, shrines and burial places.
(f) 
E6 Residential Treatment Facility. A facility whose primary function is to temporarily house individuals for the purpose of receiving medical, psychological or social treatment and/or counseling. This shall only apply to those groupings covered as protective classes under federal law.
(g) 
E7 Rehabilitation Facility. A facility which provides treatment and rehabilitation services, which may include room and board, personal care, and intensive supervision and casework, or one which houses individuals, whether adult or juvenile, receiving therapy and counseling under the supervision and constraints of alternatives to imprisonment, but not limited to pre-release, work release, restitution or probationary programs.
(h) 
E8 Correctional Facility, Prison or Jail. A facility for the confinement of a person convicted of a crime and sentenced to incarceration.
(6) 
Light industrial and agricultural.
(a) 
F1 Trade Contractors. An establishment in which the primary activity of the proprietor is performing specific activities involved in building construction or other activities that are similar for all types of construction.
(b) 
F2 Food Processing. An establishment in which food and kindred products are processed or otherwise prepared or packed for distribution to retail establishments.
(c) 
F3 Furniture and Other Furnishings Manufacture. An establishment in which furniture, including carpeting and other furnishings, are assembled or otherwise processed for distribution to retail establishments.
(d) 
F4 Publishing. An establishment engaged in the art, practice or business of producing books, magazines, newspapers and other printed material for distribution to retail establishments.
(e) 
F5 Textile Mill Products. An establishment in which filament or yarn used in making cloth is prepared for distribution to finishing establishments.
(f) 
F6 Apparel, Finished Products. An establishment in which cloth, leather and kindred materials are assembled and otherwise processed for distribution to retail establishments.
(g) 
F7 Lumber and Wood Products. An establishment in which lumber and wood products, except furniture, are processed for sale to retailers and the public.
(h) 
F8 Warehouse and Storage. Structures or other facilities used primarily for the storage of goods and materials, whether public or private.
(i) 
F9 Computers and Electronics. Establishments that manufacture computers, computer peripherals, communications equipment, and similar electronic products, and establishments that manufacture components for such products.
(j) 
F10 Cottage Industry. An art, crafts or light industrial use, employing a maximum of three employees. The use includes, but is not limited to, carpentry, upholstery, woodworking, pottery, food production, mechanical repair, glassworks or similar uses.
(k) 
F11 Husbandry. All ecosystems modified or created specifically to grow or raise biological products for consumption or use. Such as the breeding, cultivation and production of crops or animals. This includes cropland, pasture, orchards, groves, vineyards, nurseries, ornamental horticultural area, and confined feeding areas.
(7) 
Heavy manufacturing and industrial uses.
(a) 
G1 Outdoor Storage Area. An area, in excess of 200 square feet and not contained within a building, on which materials and objects are stored but not processed, manufactured, remanufactured or abandoned. Such use is not open to the public, and materials and objects are not available for sale, whether retail or wholesale.
(b) 
G2 Chemical Industries. Limited to research and development laboratory, similar experimental testing or scientific establishment.
(c) 
G3 Petroleum Industries. Limited to research and development laboratory or similar experimental testing or scientific establishment.
(d) 
G4 Plastics and Rubber Industries. Limited to research and development laboratory or similar experimental testing or scientific establishment.
(e) 
G5 Stone, Clay and Glass Industries. An establishment engaged in the production of glass and the processing or storage of stone, clay or glass products, not including art, for the distribution or sale to other manufacturers, retailers and the public.
(f) 
G6 Primary Metal Industries. An establishment engaged in the production of primary metal products such as iron, steel, aluminum, etc., for distribution to fabricators or retailers.
(g) 
G7 Fabricated Metal Industries. An establishment engaged in the transformation of metal into intermediate or end products, other than machinery, computers and electronics, and metal furniture or treating metals and metal-formed products fabricated elsewhere. Such uses engage in forging, stamping, bending, forming and machining, used to shape individual pieces of metal, and other processes, such as welding and assembling, used to join separate parts together. Fabricated metal industries may use one of these processes or a combination of these processes. An establishment engaged in the processing and storage of metal products for distribution to manufacturers or retailers, not including junkyards.
(h) 
G8 Recycling Collection Facility. A center for the acceptance, by donation, redemption or purchase, of recyclable materials from the public. Such a facility does not use power-driven equipment, except for compacting.
(i) 
G9 Recycling Processing Facility. An establishment, entirely contained in a building and in excess of 200 square feet, used for the collection and processing of recyclable materials, including the preparation of material for efficient shipment or to the end user's specifications by such means as baling, briquetting, compacting, flattening, grinding, crushing, mechanical sorting, shredding, cleaning and remanufacturing. Such a facility uses power-driven processing equipment but is not engaged in metal fabrication.
(j) 
G10 Salvage Yard. An establishment, not entirely contained within a building and in excess of 200 square feet, for the controlled storage and processing of reusable materials, including the preparation of material for efficient shipment or to the end user's specifications by such means as baling, briquetting, compacting, flattening, grinding, crushing, mechanical sorting, shredding and cleaning. Such establishment is not engaged in the dismantling, demolition or abandonment of automobiles or other vehicles or machinery or parts thereof, nor manufacturing of end products or metal fabrication. A salvage yard uses power-driven processing equipment.
(k) 
G11 Solid Waste Disposal Facility. A sanitary landfill, an incinerator, a composting facility, a garbage grinding facility, or any other facility that is suitable for solid waste disposal and is constructed and approved in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Such facilities collect solid waste, including all putrescible and nonputrescible solid and semisolid wastes, except human excreta, but including garbage rubbish, ashes, street cleanings, dead animals, offal, and solid commercial, industrial and institutional wastes. Such facility does not engage in manufacturing, remanufacturing or fabrication, nor collect or store broken or nonoperable vehicles, machinery or parts thereof. Such use shall not engage solely in collection or processing of recyclable materials.
(8) 
Transportation, communications facility, and utility uses.
(a) 
H1 Passenger Depot. A regular stopping place in a passenger transportation route, including a bus station, taxi or limo stand, train station and airport or heliport.
(b) 
H2 Freight Depot. An area or building used as a regular stopping place in a freight carrier line for trucks, trains or airlines, with classifying yards, docks and related facilities.
(c) 
H3 Parking Lot. Any public or private land area designed and used for parking motor vehicles.
(d) 
H4 Parking Structure. Any public or private land area or structure designed and used for parking motor vehicles.
(e) 
H5 Mixed Use Parking Structure. A structure containing a parking structure [as defined in Subsection A(8)(d), use H4, above], and a commercial component open to the public at grade level, as otherwise permitted by right or special exception within the district, as principal uses.
(f) 
H6 Utility Services. Establishments engaged in the generation, transmission and/or distribution of electricity, gas, steam or water; also included are water and wastewater treatment facilities.
(g) 
H7 Communications Facilities. A group or single communications antenna, communications equipment building, and/or communications tower, as defined and regulated in Part 4 of this chapter.
(9) 
Accessory uses.
(a) 
I1 Accessory Amusements. A portion of a structure, not exceeding 25% of the gross floor area of the principal use, engaged in providing amusement or entertainment for the exclusive use of the occupants or clientele or the principal use.
(b) 
I2 Accessory Offices. A portion of a nonresidential structure, not exceeding 25% of the gross floor area, used for conducting the affairs of a business, profession, service, industry or government, and totally subordinate and incidental to the primary use of the structure.
(c) 
I3 Small Accessory Structure. A structure or other feature detached from and on the same lot as the principal use to which it is customarily incidental and subordinate, such as garages, sheds, fencing, walls, basketball courts, pavements, and other stationary man-made objects. These structures shall not exceed 15 feet in height, and shall not be more than 15% of the gross floor area of the principal use.
(d) 
I4 Large Accessory Structure. A structure or other feature detached from and on the same lot as the principal use to which it is customarily incidental and subordinate, such as vehicle and storage garages. These structures shall not have a height greater than 10 feet less than the height of the principal use or 25 feet in height, whichever is lower, and shall not exceed 30% of the gross floor area of the principal use.
(e) 
I5 Temporary Structure. A structure without a foundation or footing necessary during construction or other special circumstances of a nonrecurring nature and which is completely removed upon completion of the project/event or within a period of no more than six months. Included are truck trailers, mobile offices and tents.
(f) 
I6 Accessory Storage. Storage or warehousing which is customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building and located on the same lot with such principal use. An accessory storage area shall not exceed 25% of the gross floor area of the principal structure.
(g) 
I7 Accessory Parking Area. A parking area located on a lot occupied by a principal structure and use. Such parking may or may not be customarily incidental to the principal use.
(h) 
I8 Accessory Swimming Pool. A private not-for-profit swimming pool located on the same lot as the principal use to which it is customarily incidental and subordinate and is used for the exclusive use of the occupants and their guests of the principal structure. Such uses are permitted in rear yards only, shall be completely enclosed with a four-foot-high fence and shall be set back at least six feet from the rear lot line, six feet from the side lot line and four feet from any other structure.
(i) 
I9 Accessory Religious Shelter. A temporary homeless shelter and operated under the supervision of an established religious group. Such temporary use shall be located in an area of an existing worship service facility suitable for such use and subject to the approval of the City's fire, building and health offices in accordance with applicable codes and standards. The establishment of an accessory religious shelter shall be limited in duration to two one-month periods in a given year at a given site. Approval shall not be given for use in consecutive months. Use shall be limited to the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
(j) 
I10 Small Family Day-Care Home. An accessory home occupation operated for profit or not for profit in which child day care is provided on a regular basis to no more than three children who are not relatives of the caregiver during any twenty-four-hour period.
(k) 
I11 Large Family Day-Care Home. An accessory home occupation operated for-profit or not-for-profit in which child day care is provided on a regular basis to no more than six children who are not relatives of the caregiver during any twenty-four-hour period.
(l) 
I12 No-Impact Home-Based Business (Accessory Home Business). A business or commercial activity administered or conducted as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the use as a residential dwelling and which involves no customer, client or patient traffic, whether vehicular or pedestrian, pickup, delivery or removal functions, to or from the premises in excess of those normally associated with residential use. The business or commercial activity must satisfy the following requirements:
[1] 
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential use of the property and surrounding residential uses.
[2] 
The business shall employ no employees other than family members residing in the dwelling.
[3] 
There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling or inventory of a substantial nature.
[4] 
There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including, but not limited to, parking, signs or lights.
[5] 
The business activity may not use any equipment or process which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, colors or electrical or electronic interference, including interference with radio or television reception, which is detectable in the neighborhood.
[6] 
The business activity may not generate any solid waste or sewerage discharge, in volume or type, which is not normally associated with residential use in the neighborhood.
[7] 
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.
[8] 
The business may not involve any illegal activity.
(m) 
I13 Nonresidential Solar Energy System. A solar energy system that is an accessory use to lawful nonresidential use in any zoning district and mounted on the principal building on the lot.
(n) 
I14 Residential Solar Energy System. A solar energy system that is an accessory use to a lawful residential use in any zoning district and mounted on the principal building on the lot.
(10) 
Forestry.
(a) 
J1 Timber Activities. The management, maintenance, cultivation and harvesting of timber outside of the public right-of-way from a site of 1/4 acre or more or a linear extent in any direction greater than 200 feet. The production or processing of lumber shall be considered an industrial use and is not included in this definition. Trees regulated by Chapter 554, Trees, Shade, shall not fall under this definition.
(b) 
J2 Timber Harvesting Operation. The uprooting or removal of five or more trees per acre of six-inch caliper or greater from any lot or tract which has a gross area prior to any subdivision or land development of more than one acre and which is undertaken in compliance with an approved timber harvesting plan. "Forestry," as defined by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., as amended, shall also be considered a tree harvesting operation and shall require the submittal and approval of a timber harvesting plan. (See also "selective cutting.")
(11) 
Advertising.
(a) 
K1 Advertising. The use of off-premises signage.
B. 
Use or occupancy to conform to zoning provisions. Except as provided by law or in this chapter, no building, structure or land shall be used or occupied except for the purposes permitted in each district and further subject to Part 3, Zoning General Regulations.
C. 
Uses not listed. Uses not listed or without a definition shall be a use compatible with, and shall be considered a special exception in the zoning districts as follows:
(1) 
All undefined residential uses shall be considered as a special exception in the College Hill, Downtown, South Side, and West Ward Zoning Districts.
(2) 
All undefined arts, entertainment, and recreational uses shall be considered as a special exception in the Adaptive Reuse, and River Corridors and Other Green Areas Zoning Districts.
(3) 
All undefined retail uses shall be considered as a special exception in the Downtown and Street Corridor Enhancement Overlay Zoning Districts.
(4) 
All undefined service uses shall be considered as a special exception in the Downtown Zoning District.
(5) 
All undefined institutional uses shall be considered as a special exception in the Adaptive Reuse, Expressway Transitional, Institutional-1, and Institutional-2 Zoning Districts.
(6) 
All undefined agricultural, industrial, manufacturing, transportation, communications facility, utility, and accessory uses shall be considered as a special exception in the Adaptive Reuse, Expressway Transitional, and Innovation Overlay Zoning Districts.
D. 
Prohibited activities and uses. Given the predominantly residential character of the City of Easton, its unique natural setting and its intent to preserve and enhance the quality of its air, land and water, certain uses and activities are hereby recognized and generally known to give off noxious odors, disturb the tranquility of a large area by making loud noises, have the obvious potential of poisoning the air or the water of the area, or similarly have clearly deleterious effects upon the general public, or are otherwise detrimental to the general health and welfare of the public. Such uses are specifically prohibited from all areas of the City and shall include:
(1) 
The use of fire, explosives or other chemical reactions to alter, grade or otherwise reshape the natural landform of the City.
(2) 
Any use which will cause public hazard whether by fire, explosion or by the use of processes involving explosives, poisons, dangerous chemicals, or other substances and any use clearly noxious or offensive by reasons of dust, odor, smoke, gas, vibration or noise.
(3) 
Dumps or junkyards.
(4) 
Open-air retail sales and vending activities except as specifically authorized on Centre Square or during periods of community bazaars and similar events authorized by Council.
(5) 
Any use involving activities which constitute violation of the Act of 1977, November 5, P.L. 221, No. 68, § 1 et seq., as amended (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 5903), relating to display, sale, vending, distribution or exhibiting of obscene and other sexual material. The term "obscene" as used in this subsection shall be defined in the same manner as set forth in the aforesaid statute.
(6) 
Any unscreened or unbuffered outdoor storage area.
(7) 
Habitation in accessory buildings.
(8) 
Flammable liquid storage of any kind except where permitted and controlled under Retail Use C9, Liquid Fuels, and for normal storage of home or business heating fuel oil necessary for the site on which it is located and not for resale or redistribution.
(9) 
Other similar uses as mentioned above.
(10) 
Any activities or uses otherwise prohibited or illegal.
E. 
Applicability of other laws. Uses permitted by right or as special exceptions shall, in addition to meeting the provisions of this chapter, conform with all applicable laws, ordinances, regulations or statutes of the City, state and federal governments which regulate such uses.
A. 
Nonconforming use. A use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or any amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendment or prior to the application of this chapter or amendment to its location by reasons of annexation.
B. 
Nonconforming structure or lot. A structure or lot or part thereof which does not comply with the applicable dimensional provisions in this chapter or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted where such structure or lot lawfully existed prior to the enactment of such chapter or amendment.
C. 
Continuation. The lawful use of a building or structure or the lawful use of any land as existing and lawful at the time of the enactment of this chapter or, in the case of an amendment to this chapter, then at the time of such amendment may be continued except as hereinafter provided although such use does not conform to the provisions of this chapter or subsequent amendments.
D. 
Extension or alteration.
(1) 
Nonconforming structures may be altered, reconstructed or enlarged, provided that such alteration, reconstruction or enlargement does not increase the extent of the nonconformity existing on the effective date of this chapter.
(2) 
In the case of a nonconforming structure which contains a nonconforming use, such alteration, extension or enlargement, if permitted by special exception, does not increase the nonconforming use or nonconforming structure and shall be contained to the lot with which it is situated.
(3) 
Nonconforming lots may not be altered as to increase the extent of the nonconformity.
(4) 
Nonconforming uses of land shall not be extended, and structures used in connection with such uses shall not be reconstructed, extended or enlarged, except by special exception.
E. 
Reconstruction after damage. A nonconforming structure or any building containing a nonconforming use destroyed by fire, explosion, flood, or other phenomenon may be reconstructed upon the same building footprint and used for the same use, provided that reconstruction of the building shall be commenced within one year and completed within two years from the date the building was destroyed and the reconstruction or re-use does not increase the extent of the nonconformity.
F. 
Ownership. It is the intent of this section to ensure that the level of nonconformity is not increased when a nonconforming use is transferred or sold. Whenever a nonconforming use is transferred or sold to a new owner, the use may be continued status quo by the new owner. Any subsequent proposal to extend the nonconformance shall be subject to § 595-10D.
G. 
Abandonment. If a nonconforming use of a building or other structure or of land is abandoned for a continuous period of one year, subsequent use of such building, structure or land shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, abandonment shall commence when the nonconforming use ceases as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
H. 
Changes. Once changed to a conforming use, no structure or land shall be permitted to revert to a nonconforming use. A nonconforming use may be changed to another nonconforming use only by special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board, provided that:
(1) 
The requirements of § 595-40C, Special exceptions, are met;
(2) 
The applicant shall show that the nonconforming use cannot reasonably be changed to a permitted use; and
(3) 
The applicant shall show that the proposed change will be less objectionable in external effects than the existing nonconforming use with respect to:
(a) 
Traffic generation and congestion, including truck, passenger car and pedestrian traffic;
(b) 
Noise, pollutants, smoke, dust, fumes, vapors, gases, heat, odor, glare or vibration;
(c) 
Storage and waste disposal; and
(d) 
Appearance.
A. 
Division into districts. All areas of the City of Easton are hereby divided into districts of different types, each type being of such number, shape, kind and area and of such common unity of purpose and adaptability of use that is deemed most suitable to carry out the objectives of this chapter and the City Comprehensive Plan. The following districts are hereby established:
Abbreviation
District
CH
College Hill
CH/INS-IT
College Hill/Institutional-1 Transitional Zone
SS
South Side
WW
West Ward
WW/INS-2T
West Ward/Institutional-2 Transitional Zone
RC
River Corridors and Other Green Areas
INS-1
Institutional-1
INS-2
Institutional-2
DD
Downtown
BE
Business and Entertainment District
AR
Adaptive Reuse
ET
Expressway Transitional
Abbreviation
Overlay
SC
Street Corridor Enhancement Overlay
IO
Innovation Overlay
B. 
Zoning district map.
(1) 
Districts are bound and defined as shown on the map entitled "City of Easton, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Zoning District Map" and as may further be revised. This map with all explanatory matters thereon accompanies and is hereby made part of this chapter.
(2) 
The Block Classes of the Zoning Districts shall be as shown upon the map attached to and made a part of this chapter,[1] depicting Block Classes A, B and C.
[1]
Editor's Note: This Map is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(3) 
Properties within the flood hazard area, as identified in City Code § 298-8, shall comply with Chapter 298[2] and any other applicable regulations.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 298, Floodplain Management.
C. 
Interpretation of district boundaries. The Zoning Administrator shall determine the exact location of zoning district boundaries using the following guidelines:
(1) 
Where district boundaries are indicated as approximately coinciding with the center lines of streets, highways or streams, such center lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.
(2) 
Where district boundaries are so indicated that they approximately coincide with lot lines, such lot lines shall be construed to be such boundaries, or where district boundaries are an extension of lot lines or connect the intersections of lot lines, such lines shall be such district boundaries.
(3) 
Where district boundaries are so indicated that they are approximately parallel to center lines of streets or highways, such district boundaries shall be construed as being parallel thereto and at such distance therefrom.
D. 
District design standards. The zoning districts in the following sections provide design standards which should be interpreted to ensure the character, scale and variety of the existing urban fabric and historic neighborhoods are respected. Design shall be evaluated and shall provide for:
(1) 
Promotion of adaptive reuse and redevelopment of buildings, strengthening historic main streets and cultural centers, and revitalization of walkable historic centers.
(2) 
Encouragement of investment in commercial and residential areas, revitalization of our neighborhoods and business districts.
(3) 
Protection of historic and other assets from potential threats.
(4) 
Advancement of quality, sustainable design and construction that has the capacity for future reuse.
(5) 
The matching of development intensity with sustainable infrastructure capacity.
A. 
Legislative intent. The purpose of the College Hill District is to protect the character of this unique hillside neighborhood adjoining Lafayette College, accommodating a mix of housing types and development intensities, neighborhood retail and commercial services, green space, and appropriate infill.
B. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
J1 Timber activities (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(2) 
J2 Timber harvesting operation (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(3) 
The following uses are permitted in Block Class A:
(a) 
A1 Single-family detached dwelling.
(b) 
A2 Single-family semidetached dwelling.
(c) 
A3 Single-family attached dwelling.
(d) 
A4 Two-family detached dwelling.
(e) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(f) 
I5 Temporary structure.
(g) 
I6 Accessory storage.
(h) 
I7 Accessory parking area.
(i) 
I8 Accessory swimming pool.
(j) 
I12 No-impact home-based business.
(4) 
In addition to the uses permitted in Block Class A, the following uses are permitted in Block Classes B and C:
(a) 
A5 Two-family semidetached dwelling.
(b) 
A6 Two-family attached dwelling.
C. 
Special exception uses.
(1) 
A7 Multifamily dwelling.
(2) 
A8 Residential low-rise.
(3) 
B3 Parks.
(4) 
E5 Religious worship services.
(5) 
H6 Utility service.
(6) 
H7 Communications facility.
(7) 
I4 Large accessory structure.
(8) 
I9 Accessory religious shelter.
(9) 
I10 Small family day-care home.
(10) 
E1 Educational services.
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the College Hill (CH) District shall be in accordance with the following table:
[Amended 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
Blocks
Minimum Lot Requirements
Minimum Yard Setbacks
A
B
C
Area
(square feet)
Width
(feet)
Build-To Line
(feet)
Side1
(feet)
Rear
(feet)
Maximum Building Height
(feet)
Maximum Impervious Coverage
Single-family detached dwelling unit
X
9,500
60
*
10**
40
40
50%
X
5,000
50
5
7**
35
40
50%
X
4,000
40
0
5**
25
40
50%
Single-family semi-detached dwelling unit
X
6,750
60
*
10**
40
40
50%
X
4,000
40
5
7**
35
40
50%
X
3,000
30
0
5**
25
40
50%
Single-family attached dwelling unit
X
4,500
45
*
0
40
40
50%
X
3,500
35
5
0
35
40
50%
X
1,800
18
0
0
25
40
50%
Two-family detached dwelling unit
X
6,750
60
*
10**
40
40
50%
X
4,000
40
5
7**
35
40
50%
X
2,500
25
0
5**
25
40
50%
Two-family semi-detached dwelling unit
X
4,000
40
*
10**
40
40
50%
X
2,500
50
5
7**
35
40
50%
X
1,750
30
0
5**
25
40
50%
Two-family attached dwelling unit
X
3,250
35
*
10
40
40
50%
X
2,000
25
5
0
35
40
50%
X
1,250
18
0
0
25
40
50%
Multifamily dwelling
X
7,000
70
*
10**
40
40
50%
X
6,000
60
5
5**
35
40
50%
X
5,000
50
3
5
25
40
50%
Mixed residential/ business
X
7,000
70
*
10**
40
40
50%
X
6,000
60
5
5**
35
40
50%
X
5,000
50
3
5
25
40
50%
All non-residential uses
X
7,000
70
*
10**
40
40
50%
X
6,000
60
5
5**
35
40
50%
X
5,000
50
3
5
25
40
50%
NOTES:
1
Two side yards required for detached buildings; one side yard per lot is required for semidetached buildings.
*
See § 595-12F(8)(a).
**
Patios without roofs or walls and on grade, made of concrete, bricks, or manufactured patio or paver blocks shall be permitted to reduce the side yard setback to one foot on the side that adjoins a neighboring property, and to zero feet on a side that adjoins the public right-of-way.
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall be four feet from any and all side lot lines.
(2) 
Shall be four feet from the rear lot line, where no vehicular access exists, and six feet otherwise.
(3) 
Shall be located at least four feet from other structures.
(4) 
Shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards. The following design standards shall apply:
(1) 
Streets and blocks.
(a) 
Existing grid network of streets and alleys shall be maintained.
(b) 
New blocks, street and alley networks shall be created to tie into the existing network, whenever properties are developed or redeveloped.
(c) 
Existing blocks shall be maintained.
(2) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
(3) 
Street trees. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets, in accordance with Chapter 554,[1] and as determined by the City Forester.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 554, Trees, Shade.
(4) 
Lots. Lot widths and sizes shall emulate existing lots on a block and adjacent blocks, but may vary up to 25% of the lots on the blocks, to create diversity for new and infill development.
(5) 
Off-street parking shall be accessed via an alley, where such alley exists. New off-street parking shall be located in the rear of buildings. If parking cannot be located to the rear of the lot, the parking shall be located to the side of the building.
(6) 
Driveways shall be no more than 10 feet wide.
(7) 
New single-family and two-family homes shall include architectural elements such as accessible front porches, covered entryways, entryway lighting or pitched roofs.
(8) 
Building location.
(a) 
Buildings in Block Class A shall have a front yard setback of 20 feet.
(b) 
New buildings on a block shall be located in alignment with existing buildings with a possible five-foot offset.
(c) 
Buildings shall be located to anchor street corners, except where a park or plaza may be located.
(9) 
Building size and height. New buildings shall be designed to be compatible in size and type with buildings on the same block. New principal buildings shall be a minimum of two stories and shall have a footprint that is not greater than or not less than 15% of the footprint of principal structures on adjoining properties.
(10) 
New buildings are intended to be positioned in context with existing traditional buildings.
(a) 
A vertical bay structure shall be utilized for new and redeveloped buildings.
(b) 
Fenestration shall be vertical in orientation.
(c) 
Any new building that exceeds 40 feet in width shall be designed with vertical bays formed by pilasters, windows, panels and other projections or recesses.
(11) 
When located directly beside any building under 40 feet in height or exceeds 40 feet in width, the applicant shall use one or more of the following design strategies:
(a) 
Incorporate transitions of appropriate height and scale;
(b) 
Step back the upper stories from the stories below;
(c) 
Tuck the upper stories inside a pitched roof; and/or
(d) 
Use pitched roofs with dormer windows for upper story rooms.
(12) 
No new attached garage may be front-loaded.
(13) 
Fences and walls.
(a) 
Fences and walls shall be constructed of durable materials, and shall not be constructed using barbed wire, razor wire, electric fencing, broken glass, or any other material that endangers the public health, safety and welfare.
(b) 
Chain-link fences are not permitted in front of a principal structure.
(c) 
Walls in the front of a principal structure shall be no greater than 36 inches in height and shall be brick or masonry construction. Walls of any kind shall not be located within a street right-of-way or a driveway site distance.
(d) 
Walls which are used as landscaping features shall be considered fences and shall be subject to the same height limitations.
(e) 
Fences in front of a principal structure shall have an opacity of no more than 50%, measured at each fence section between supports or posts. The sections of solids and voids shall be uniform throughout the fence section.
(f) 
Fences and hedges shall not exceed the following heights in each yard except by special exception:
[1] 
Front and side yard: four feet.
[2] 
Rear yard: six feet.
(g) 
Fence height shall be measured from the grade level on the side of the fence facing the property installing the fence.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(h) 
Fences installed on top of walls or within three feet of the top of walls shall be measured from the point where the wall is above grade when determining maximum fence height.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(i) 
Fences shall be installed with the rail side facing the property installing the fence and the pickets on the outside, facing away.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(14) 
No new front yard porches, porticos, or stoops are permitted to be enclosed, and shall be open on three sides. The exception is when the structure is attached on at least one side and the front walls of each dwelling are set back from the adjoining structure prohibiting, the openness of the three sides. In this case, all available sides shall be open.
[Added 9-24-2008 by Ord. No. 5120]
A. 
Legislative intent.
(1) 
College Hill/Institutional-1 Transitional Zone District's purpose is to provide for a mix of residential and nonresidential uses and development that will enhance the transition from Lafayette College campus to College Hill community.
(2) 
Uses would allow students, staff, faculty, residents, and visitors to live, shop, dine and receive their wellness needs. The district encourages mixed-use buildings and alternative modes of transportation such as walking and biking, with an emphasis on promoting safe and attractive pedestrian-oriented landscapes as well as a reduction in the need for impervious surfaces for parking. The College shall provide the necessary resources to facilitate the use of its ancillary and accessory facilities located within INS-1 and AR Districts that are situated in more suitable and less intrusive locations to meet its current and future parking demands.
B. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
J1 Timber activities (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(2) 
J2 Timber harvesting operation (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(3) 
A1 Single-family detached dwelling.
(4) 
A2 Single-family semidetached dwelling.
(5) 
A3 Single-family attached dwelling.
(6) 
A4 Two-family detached dwelling.
(7) 
A5 Two-family semidetached dwelling.
(8) 
A6 Two-family attached dwelling.
(9) 
A15 Mixed-use/dormitory.
(10) 
B1 Cultural activities and exhibitions.
(11) 
C2 General bookstore/coffee shop.
(12) 
C5 Eating and drinking places.
(13) 
D15 Medical services.
(14) 
E1 Educational services. (Permitted uses are limited to libraries, tutoring, or adult learning open to the public, that does not require enrolment in a college or university.)
(15) 
I2 Accessory offices.
(16) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(17) 
I5 Temporary structure.
(18) 
I6 Accessory storage.
(19) 
I7 Accessory parking area.
(20) 
I8 Accessory swimming pool.
(21) 
I12 No-impact home-based business.
C. 
Special exception uses.
(1) 
A7 Multifamily dwelling.
(2) 
A8 Residential low-rise.
(3) 
A9 Residential mid-rise.
(4) 
A12 Mixed residential/business.
(5) 
A17 Short-term rental.
(6) 
B2 Amusements.
(7) 
B3 Parks.
(8) 
B4 Private social clubs.
(9) 
C3 General merchandise.
(10) 
C4 Food establishments.
(11) 
D1 Information and data.
(12) 
D2 Finance, insurance and real estate.
(13) 
D3 Personal services.
(14) 
D4 Business services.
(15) 
D5 Repair services.
(16) 
D6 Professional services.
(17) 
D7 Administrative offices.
(18) 
D9 Bed-and-breakfast.
(19) 
E1 Educational services (except as permitted by right).
(20) 
E5 Religious worship services.
(21) 
F10 Cottage industry.
(22) 
H1 Passenger depot.
(23) 
H3 Parking lot.
(24) 
H4 Parking structure.
(25) 
H5 Mixed use parking structure.
(26) 
H6 Utility service.
(27) 
H7 Communications facility.
(28) 
I10 Small family day-care home.
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the College Hill/Institutional-1 Transitional Zone (CH/INS-1 T) shall be in accordance with the following table:
Blocks
Minimum Lot Requirements
Minimum Yard Setbacks
Permitted Use
A
B
C
Area
(square feet)
Width
(feet)
Build-To Line*
(feet)
Side**
(feet)
Rear
(feet)
Maximum Building Height
(feet)3
Maximum Impervious Coverage
Single-family detached dwelling unit
X
9,500
60
20
104
40
55
85%
X
5,000
50
10
74
35
55
85%
X
4,000
40
10
54
25
55
85%
Single-family semi-detached dwelling unit
X
6,750
60
20
104
40
55
85%
X
4,000
40
10
74
35
55
85%
X
3,000
30
10
54
25
55
85%
Single-family attached dwelling unit
X
3,500
35
10
0
35
55
85%
X
1,800
18
0
0
25
55
85%
Two-family detached dwelling unit
X
4,000
40
10
74
35
55
85%
X
2,500
25
0
54
25
55
85%
Two-family semi-detached dwelling unit
X
2,500
50
10
74
35
55
85%
X
1,750
30
0
54
25
55
85%
Two-family attached dwelling unit
2,000
25
10
0
35
55
85%
X
1,250
18
0
0
25
55
85%
Multifamily
X
4,000
40
10
7
35
55
85%
X
3,000
30
0
5
25
55
85%
Residential mid-rise
X
12,0002
30
0-51
5
5
55
85%
X
12,0002
30
0-51
5
5
55
85%
Mixed-use/ dormitory
X
12,0002
30
0-51
5
5
55
85%
12,0002
30
0-51
5
5
55
85%
All other non-residential uses
X
3,0002
30
0-51
5
5
55
85%
X
3,0002
30
0-51
5
5
55
85%
NOTES:
*
See § 595-28C.
**
Two side yards required for detached buildings; one side yard per lot is required for semidetached buildings.
1
Except for the development of public plazas and/or common areas in front or between buildings.
2
This number shall only denote the minimum lot area for the permitted use.
3
Minimum of 2 stories.
4
Patios without roofs or walls and on grade, made of concrete, bricks, or manufactured patio or paver blocks shall be permitted to reduce the side yard setback to one foot on the side that adjoins a neighboring property, and to zero feet on a side that adjoins the public right-of-way.
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall be four feet from any and all side lot lines.
(2) 
Shall be four feet from the rear lot line, where no vehicular access exists, and six feet otherwise.
(3) 
Shall be located at least four feet from other structures.
(4) 
Shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards.
(1) 
Lot sizes and dimensions in this district are not required to conform to existing lot patterns or dimensions but shall be suitable for development which transitions the building types from the Institutional-1 District to the College Hill District.
(2) 
The following design standards shall apply:
(a) 
Building location (build-to line). The build-to line shall be consistent with the dimensional criteria for the district, except for the development of public plazas and/or common areas in the front or between buildings to allow and encourage these amenities.
(b) 
Building size and types. Buildings shall have a mass and scale that transition from the INS-1 District to the CH District as a means of creating a harmonious streetscape.
(c) 
New buildings are intended to be positioned in context with existing buildings, utilizing a vertical bay structure, and vertically oriented fenestration.
(d) 
New buildings that exceed 40 feet in width shall be designed with vertical bays formed by pilasters, windows, panels and other projections or recesses.
(e) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
(f) 
Building height. Structures shall have a minimum height of two stories and a maximum height of 55 feet.
(g) 
Uses. Uses may be a combination of permitted uses to provide for a mix of uses to enhance the transitions between the Institutional-1 and College Hill Districts.
(h) 
Lot building and coverage. The maximum lot and building coverage shall comply with Attachment 3, "Dimensional Criteria for College Hill/Institutional-1 Transitional Zone (CH/INS-IT) District."[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Attachment 3 is available for review in the City Clerk's office.
(i) 
Building ornamentation. Any new building that exceeds 40 feet in width shall comply with Subsection F(3)(b)[3] below.
(j) 
Fences, walls, hedges and buffer areas.
[1] 
Fences and walls shall be constructed of durable materials and shall not be constructed using barbed wire, razor wire, electric fencing, broken glass, or any other material that endangers the public health, safety and welfare.
[2] 
Low walls, fences and hedges shall be placed to form a street wall wherever buildings do not adjoin the sidewalk except for along alleys, and the development of public plazas and/or common areas in the front or between buildings to allow and encourage these amenities.
[3] 
Fences, walls and hedges shall be used to screen off-street parking areas and utilities.
[4] 
Chain-link fences shall not be used in front of the principal structure or along a street wall.
[5] 
Fences in front of a principal structure shall have an opacity of no more than 50%, measured at each fence section between supports or posts. The sections of solids and voids shall be uniform throughout the fence section.
[6] 
Fences and hedges shall not exceed the following heights in each yard except by special exception:
[a] 
Front and side yard: four feet.
[b] 
Rear yard: six feet.
[7] 
Fence height shall be measured from the grade level on the side of the fence facing the property installing the fence.
[Amended 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
[8] 
Fences installed on top of walls or within three feet of the top of walls shall be measured from the base of the wall when determining maximum fence height.
[Amended 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
[9] 
Fences shall be installed with the rail side facing the property installing the fence and the pickets on the outside, facing away.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(k) 
No new front yard porches, porticos, or stoops are permitted to be enclosed, and shall be open on three sides. The exception is when the structure is attached on at least one side and the front walls of each dwelling are set back from the adjoining structure, prohibiting the openness of the three sides. In this case, all available sides shall be open.
(3) 
In addition to other design standards of this section pertaining to lot area and width, build-to lines, side yards, building height, and impervious surface, the following shall apply:
(a) 
One- and two-family, and multifamily dwellings:
[1] 
Off-street parking shall be accessed via an alley, where such alley exists, and shall be located at the rear of the buildings. If parking cannot be located to the rear of the buildings, the parking shall be located to the side of the building.
[2] 
No new attached garage may be front-loaded.
[3] 
Driveways shall be no more than 10 feet wide.
(b) 
Other than one- and two-family, and multifamily dwellings:
[1] 
Residents of dormitories are required to park in college or university parking areas. This section shall remain consistent with and be enforced through the requirements of Chapter 399 of the City Code, titled "Parking Permits."
[2] 
Within the College Hill/Institutional-1 Transitional Zone District, off-street parking for dormitory uses shall not be required on site but shall be provided for in the amount specified in § 595-33B; within college or university off-street parking areas within the INS-1 and AR Districts, § 595-33M shall not apply, and such parking areas shall comply with the design standards applicable to the zoning district within which they are located.
[a] 
Nonresidential business uses within a mixed-use/dormitory shall be calculated as 30% of one parking space per every 600 square feet. If, in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator, additional parking is necessary, a detailed parking study shall be required to determine if additional off-street parking is required. The study shall also provide a determination of the future percentage of pedestrian versus vehicle volumes. The study shall also provide documentation that the projected number of off-street parking spaces needed is sufficient to meet off-street parking standards set forth in this subsection. Joint-use parking shall comply with § 595-33. Required parking spaces may be located within parking areas within 600 feet of the lot on which the parking is required; § 595-33M shall not apply, and such parking areas shall comply with the design standards applicable to the zoning district within which they are located.
[3] 
When located directly beside any building under 40 feet in height or exceeds 40 feet in width, the applicant shall use one or more of the following design strategies:
[a] 
Incorporate transitions of appropriate height and scale;
[b] 
Step back the upper stories from the stories below;
[c] 
Tuck the upper stories inside a pitched roof; and/or
[d] 
Use pitched roofs with dormer windows for upper-story rooms.
[4] 
Dwelling units within mixed-use/dormitories shall have minimum area of 150 square feet for one student and 100 square feet shall be added for each additional student.
(c) 
Drive-through facilities or services are not permitted in this district.
A. 
Legislative intent. The purpose of the South Side District is to enhance the character of this neighborhood by accommodating a mix of housing types and development intensities, green space, local and regional commercial, and appropriate redevelopment and infill that maintains or extends the existing network of streets and alleys.
B. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
A1 Single-family detached dwelling.
(2) 
A2 Single-family semidetached dwelling.
(3) 
A3 Single-family attached dwelling.
(4) 
A4 Two-family detached dwelling.
(5) 
A5 Two-family semidetached dwelling.
(6) 
A6 Two-family attached dwelling.
(7) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(8) 
I5 Temporary structure.
(9) 
I6 Accessory storage.
(10) 
I7 Accessory parking area.
(11) 
I8 Accessory swimming pool.
(12) 
I12 No-impact home-based business.
(13) 
J1 Timber activities (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(14) 
J2 Timber harvesting operation (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
C. 
Permitted by special exception.
(1) 
A7 Multifamily dwelling.
(2) 
A8 Residential low-rise.
(3) 
B3 Parks.
(4) 
B8 Indoor shooting range (only when the use is part of a police facility).
(5) 
E5 Religious worship services.
(6) 
H6 Utility service.
(7) 
H7 Communications facility.
(8) 
I4 Large accessory structure.
(9) 
I9 Accessory religious shelter.
(10) 
I10 Small family day-care home.
(11) 
E1 Educational services.
[Added 9-24-2008 by Ord. No. 5120]
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the South Side (SS) District shall be in accordance with the following table:
[Amended 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
Blocks
Minimum Lot Requirements
Minimum Yard Setbacks
Permitted Use
A
B
C
Area
(square feet)
Width
(feet)
Build-To Line
(feet)
Side1
(feet)
Rear
(feet)
Maximum Building Height
(feet)
Maximum Impervious Coverage
Single-family detached dwelling unit
X
7,500
75
*
10**
35
40
50%
X
5,000
50
5
5**
30
40
50%
X
3,000
30
3
5
20
40
50%
Single-family semi detached dwelling unit
X
3,400
33
*
10**
35
40
50%
X
2,400
28
5
5**
30
40
50%
X
1,900
23
3
5
20
40
50%
Single-family attached dwelling unit
X
2,900
28
*
0
35
40
50%
X
2,150
23
5
0
30
40
50%
X
1,200
18
3
0
20
40
50%
Two-family detached dwelling unit
X
3,750
40
*
10**
35
40
50%
X
3,000
30
5
5**
30
40
50%
X
2,500
25
3
5
20
40
50%
Two-family semi detached dwelling unit
X
3,000
35
*
10**
35
40
50%
X
2,000
30
5
5**
30
40
50%
X
1,750
25
3
5
20
40
50%
Two-family attached dwelling unit
X
3,000
30
*
0
35
40
50%
X
2,000
25
5
0
30
40
50%
X
1,200
18
3
0
20
40
50%
Multifamily dwelling
X
6,500
65
*
10**
35
40
50%
X
5,500
55
5
5**
30
40
50%
X
5,000
50
3
5
25
40
50%
Mixed residential/ business
X
6,500
65
*
10**
35
40
50%
X
5,500
55
5
5**
30
40
50%
X
5,000
50
3
5
25
40
50%
All non-residential uses
X
6,500
65
*
10**
35
40
50%
X
5,500
55
5
5**
30
40
50%
X
5,000
50
3
5
25
40
50%
NOTES:
1
Two side yards required for detached buildings; one side yard per lot is required for semidetached buildings.
*
See § 595-14F(7)(a).
**
Patios without roofs or walls and on grade, made of concrete, bricks, or manufactured patio or paver blocks shall be permitted to reduce the side yard setback to one foot on the side that adjoins a neighboring property, and to zero feet on a side that adjoins the public right-of-way.
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall be four feet from any and all side lot lines.
(2) 
Shall be four feet from the rear lot line, where no vehicular access exists, and six feet otherwise.
(3) 
Shall be located at least four feet from other structures.
(4) 
Shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards. The following design standards shall apply:
(1) 
Streets and blocks.
(a) 
Existing grid network of streets and alleys shall be maintained.
(b) 
New blocks, street and alley networks shall be created to tie into the existing network, whenever properties are developed or redeveloped.
(c) 
Existing blocks shall be maintained.
(d) 
A new street and/or alley shall be designed in accordance with City Code §§ 520-21 through 520-25.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 520, Subdivision and Land Development.
(2) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
(3) 
Street trees. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets, in accordance with Chapter 554,[2] and as determined by the City Forester.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 554, Trees, Shade.
(4) 
Off-street parking shall be accessed via an alley, where such alley exists. New off-street parking shall be located in the rear of buildings. If parking cannot be located to the rear of the lot, the parking shall be located to the side of the building.
(5) 
Lots. Lot widths and sizes shall emulate existing lots on a block and adjacent blocks, but may vary up to 25% of the lots on the blocks, to create a diversity for new and infill development.
(6) 
Driveways shall be no more than 10 feet wide.
(7) 
Building location.
(a) 
Buildings in Block Class A shall have a front yard setback of 10 feet.
(b) 
Buildings in Block Class B and C shall be located on a build-to line adjoining the sidewalk.
(c) 
New buildings on a block shall be located in alignment with existing buildings with a possible five-foot offset.
(d) 
Buildings shall be located to anchor street corners, except where a City park or plaza may be located.
(8) 
Building size and height. New buildings shall be designed to be compatible in size and type with buildings on the same block. New buildings shall be a minimum of two stories and shall have a footprint that is not greater than or not less than 15% of the footprint of principal structures on adjoining properties.
(9) 
New buildings are intended to be positioned in context with existing buildings, utilizing a vertical bay structure, and vertically oriented fenestration.
(10) 
When located directly beside any building under 40 feet in height or if the building exceeds 40 feet in width, the applicant shall use one or more of the following design strategies:
(a) 
Incorporate transitions of appropriate height and scale;
(b) 
Step back the upper stories from the stories below;
(c) 
Tuck the upper stories inside a pitched roof; and/or
(d) 
Use pitched roofs with dormer windows for upper-story rooms.
(11) 
When a new building exceeds 40 feet in width, it shall be designed with vertical bays formed by pilasters, windows, panels and other projections or recesses.
(12) 
No new attached garage shall be front-loaded.
(13) 
Fences and walls.
(a) 
Fences and walls shall be constructed of durable materials, and shall not be constructed using barbed wire, razor wire, electric fencing, broken glass, or any other material that endangers the public health, safety and welfare.
(b) 
Chain-link fences are not permitted in front of a principal structure.
(c) 
Fences in front of a principal structure shall have an opacity of no more than 50%, measured at each fence section between supports or posts. The sections of solids and voids shall be uniform throughout the fence section.
(d) 
Walls in front of a principal structure shall be no greater than 36 inches in height and shall be brick or masonry construction. Walls of any kind shall not be located within a street right-of-way or a driveway site distance.
(e) 
Walls which are used as landscaping features shall be considered fences and shall be subject to the same height limitations.
(f) 
Fences and hedges shall not exceed the following heights in each yard except by special exception:
[1] 
Front and side yard: four feet.
[2] 
Rear yard: six feet.
(g) 
Fence height shall be measured from the grade level on the side of the fence facing the property installing the fence.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(h) 
Fences installed on top of walls or within three feet of the top of walls shall be measured from the base of the wall when determining maximum fence height.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(i) 
Fences shall be installed with the rail side facing the property installing the fence and the pickets on the outside, facing away.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(14) 
No front yard porches, porticos, or stoops are permitted to be enclosed and shall be open on three sides. The exception is when the structure is attached on at least one side and the front walls of each dwelling are set back from the adjoining structure, prohibiting the openness of the three sides. In this case, all available sides shall be open.
(15) 
Residential development design. New single-family and two-family homes shall include architectural elements such as front porches, covered entryways, or entryway lighting.
A. 
Legislative intent. The purpose of the West Ward District is to protect and enhance the character of this existing neighborhood by accommodating a mix of housing types and development intensities, green space, neighborhood retail and commercial services, and appropriate infill and redevelopment.
B. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
A1 Single-family detached dwelling.
(2) 
A2 Single-family semidetached dwelling.
(3) 
A3 Single-family attached dwelling.
(4) 
A4 Two-family detached dwelling.
(5) 
A5 Two-family semidetached dwelling (B and C Blocks only).
(6) 
A6 Two-family attached dwelling (B and C Blocks only).
(7) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(8) 
I5 Temporary structure.
(9) 
I6 Accessory storage.
(10) 
I7 Accessory parking area.
(11) 
I8 Accessory swimming pool.
(12) 
I12 No-impact home-based business.
(13) 
J1 Timber activities (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(14) 
J2 Timber harvesting operation (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
C. 
Special exception uses.
(1) 
A7 Multifamily dwelling.
(2) 
A8 Residential low-rise.
(3) 
B3 Parks.
(4) 
B8 Indoor shooting range (only when the use is part of a police facility).
(5) 
C2 General bookstore/coffee shop (shall only be permitted on a corner lot).
(6) 
C3 General merchandise (shall only be permitted on a corner lot).
(7) 
E5 Religious worship services.
(8) 
H6 Utility service.
(9) 
H7 Communications facility.
(10) 
I4 Large accessory structure.
(11) 
I9 Accessory religious shelter.
(12) 
I10 Small family day-care home.
(13) 
E1 Educational services.
[Added 9-24-2008 by Ord. No. 5120]
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the West Ward (WW) District shall be in accordance with the following table:
[Amended 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
Blocks
Minimum Lot Requirements
Minimum Yard Setbacks
Permitted Use
A
B
C
Area
(square feet)
Width
(feet)
Build-To Line
(feet)
Side1
(feet)
Rear
(feet)
Maximum Building Height
(feet)
Maximum Impervious Coverage
Single-family detached dwelling unit
X
6,000
60
20
10*
35
40
50%
X
4,500
45
10
5
30
40
50%
X
3,000
30
0
5
25
40
50%
Single-family semi-detached dwelling unit
X
4,000
40
20
10*
35
40
50%
X
3,500
35
10
5
30
40
50%
X
2,500
25
0
5
25
40
50%
Single-family attached dwelling unit
X
2,550
25
10
0
30
40
50%
X
1,800
18
0
0
25
40
50%
Two-family detached dwelling unit
X
3,000
30
10
5
30
40
50%
X
2,500
25
0
5
25
40
50%
Two-family semi-detached dwelling unit
X
2,000
25
10
5
30
40
50%
X
1,750
20
0
5
25
40
50%
Two-family attached dwelling unit
X
2,000
25
10
0
30
40
50%
X
1,200
18
0
0
25
40
50%
Professional office
X
3,500
35
10
5
30
40
50%
X
2,500
25
0
5
35
40
50%
Multifamily dwelling
X
6,000
60
20
10*
35
40
50%
X
5,000
50
10
5*
30
40
50%
X
4,500
45
0
5
25
40
50%
Mixed residential/ business
X
6,000
60
20
10*
35
40
50%
X
5,000
50
10
5*
30
40
50%
X
4,500
45
0
5
25
40
50%
All non-residential uses
X
6,000
60
20
10*
35
40
50%
X
5,000
50
10
5*
30
40
50%
X
4,500
45
0
5
25
40
50%
NOTES:
1
Two side yards required for detached buildings; one side yard per lot is required for semidetached buildings.
*
Patios without roofs or walls and on grade, made of concrete, bricks, or manufactured patio or paver blocks, shall be permitted to reduce the side yard setback to one foot on the side that adjoins a neighboring property, and to zero feet on a side that adjoins the public right-of-way.
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall be three feet from any and all side lot lines.
(2) 
Shall be three feet from the rear lot line, where no vehicular access exists, and six feet otherwise.
(3) 
Shall be located at least four feet from other structures.
(4) 
Shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards. The following design standards shall apply:
(1) 
Streets and blocks.
(a) 
Existing grid network of streets and alleys shall be maintained.
(b) 
New blocks, street and alley networks shall be created to tie into the existing network, whenever properties are developed or redeveloped.
(c) 
Existing blocks shall be maintained.
(2) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
(3) 
Street trees. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets, in accordance with Chapter 554,[1] and as determined by the City Forester.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 554, Trees, Shade.
(4) 
Off-street parking shall be accessed via an alley. New off-street parking shall be located in the rear of buildings. If parking cannot be located to the rear of the lot, the parking shall be located to the side of the building.
(5) 
Lots. Lot widths and sizes shall emulate existing lots on a block and adjacent blocks, but may vary up to 25% of the lots on the blocks, to create diversity for new and infill development.
(6) 
Driveways shall be no more than 10 feet wide.
(7) 
Building location.
(a) 
Buildings shall be located on a build-to line adjoining the sidewalk.
(b) 
New buildings on a block shall be located in alignment with existing buildings with a possible four-foot offset.
(c) 
Buildings shall be located to anchor street corners, except where a City park or plaza may be located.
(8) 
Building size and height. New buildings shall be designed to be compatible in size and type with buildings on the same block. New buildings shall be a minimum of two stories and shall have a footprint that is not greater than or not less than 15% of the footprint of principal structures on adjoining properties.
(9) 
New buildings are intended to be positioned in context with existing buildings, utilizing a vertical bay structure, and vertically oriented fenestration.
(10) 
When located directly beside any building under 40 feet in height or if the building exceeds 40 feet in width, the applicant shall use one or more of the following design strategies:
(a) 
Incorporate transitions of appropriate height and scale;
(b) 
Step back the upper stories from the stories below;
(c) 
Tuck the upper stories inside a pitched roof; and/or
(d) 
Use pitched roofs with dormer windows for upper-story rooms.
(11) 
When a new building exceeds 40 feet in width, it shall be designed with vertical bays formed by pilasters, windows, panels and other projections or recesses.
(12) 
Fences and walls.
(a) 
Fences and walls shall be constructed of durable materials, and shall not be constructed using barbed wire, razor wire, electric fencing, broken glass, or any other material that endangers the public health, safety and welfare.
(b) 
Chain-link fences are not permitted in front of a principal structure.
(c) 
Fences in front of a principal structure shall have an opacity of no more than 50%, measured at each fence section between supports or posts. The sections of solids and voids shall be uniform throughout the fence section.
(d) 
Walls in the front of a principal structure shall be no greater than 36 inches in height and shall be brick or masonry construction. Walls of any kind shall not be located within a street right-of-way or a driveway site distance.
(e) 
Walls which are used as landscaping features shall be considered fences and shall be subject to the same height limitations.
(f) 
Fences and hedges shall not exceed the following heights in each yard:
[1] 
Front and side yard: four feet.
[2] 
Rear yard: six feet.
(g) 
Fence height shall be measured from the grade level on the side of the fence facing the property installing the fence.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(h) 
Fences installed on top of walls or within three feet of the top of walls shall be measured from the base of the wall when determining maximum fence height.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(i) 
Fences shall be installed with the rail side facing the property installing the fence and the pickets on the outside, facing away.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(13) 
No new attached garage may be front-loaded.
(14) 
No front yard porches, porticos, or stoops are permitted to be enclosed, and shall be open on three sides. The exception is when the structure is attached on at least one side and the front walls of each dwelling are set back from the adjoining structure, prohibiting the openness of the three sides. In this case, all available sides shall be open.
(15) 
Residential development design. New single-family and two-family homes shall include architectural elements such as accessible front porches, covered entryways or entryway lighting.
A. 
Legislative intent.
(1) 
West Ward/Institutional-1 Transitional Zone District's purpose is to provide a mix of uses and development that will enhance the transition from the Northampton County Government institutional campus to the West Ward Neighborhood.
(2) 
Existing and new uses should allow county staff, legal businesses and agencies, associated and ancillary businesses and neighborhood residents to live, work, receive personal and professional services, and dine. The district encourages a variety of uses and mixed-use building styles and both vehicle and alternative modes of transportation.
B. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
A12 Mixed residential/business.
(2) 
D2 Finance, insurance and real estate.
(3) 
C4 Food establishments (B and C blocks only).
(4) 
C5 Eating and drinking places.
(5) 
C11 Pharmacy (C Blocks only).
(6) 
D4 Business services.
(7) 
D6 Professional services.
(8) 
D7 Administrative offices.
(9) 
D15 Medical services (C Blocks only).
(10) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(11) 
I5 Temporary structure.
(12) 
I6 Accessory storage.
(13) 
I7 Accessory parking area.
(14) 
I8 Accessory swimming pool.
(15) 
I12 No-impact home-based business.
(16) 
J1 Timber activities (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(17) 
J2 Timber harvesting operation (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
C. 
Special exception uses.
(1) 
A7 Multifamily dwelling.
(2) 
A8 Residential low-rise.
(3) 
A17 Short-term rental.
(4) 
B3 Parks.
(5) 
C2 General bookstore/coffee shop.
(6) 
C3 General merchandise.
(7) 
C16 Retail specialty establishments.
(8) 
C10 Retail sales - large scale.
(9) 
D1 Information and data.
(10) 
D3 Personal services.
(11) 
D5 Repair services.
(12) 
D9 Bed-and-breakfast.
(13) 
E1 Educational services.
(14) 
E5 Religious worship services.
(15) 
F10 Cottage industry.
(16) 
H1 Passenger depot.
(17) 
H6 Utility service.
(18) 
H7 Communications facility.
(19) 
I4 Large accessory structure.
(20) 
I10 Small family day-care home.
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the West Ward/Institutional-2 Transitional Zone (WW/INS-2 T) District shall be in accordance with the following table:
Blocks
Minimum Lot Requirements
Minimum Yard Setbacks
Permitted Use
A
B
C
Area
(square feet)
Width
(feet)
Build-To Line
(feet)
Side1
(feet)
Rear
(feet)
Maximum Building Height
(feet)
Maximum Impervious Coverage
Pro-fessional/Business Services
X
5,000
50
5
5
35
40
50%
X
3,500
35
5
5
30
40
50%
X
2,500
25
0
0
25
40
50%
Mixed residential/business
X
6,000
60
5
5
35
40
50%
X
4,500
45
5
5
30
40
50%
X
3,000
30
0
0
25
40
50%
NOTES:
1
Two side yards required for detached buildings; one side yard per lot is required for semidetached buildings.
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall be three feet from any and all side lot lines.
(2) 
Shall be three feet from the rear lot line, where no vehicular access exists, and six feet otherwise.
(3) 
Shall be located at least four feet from other structures.
(4) 
Shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards. The following design standards shall apply:
(1) 
Streets.
(a) 
Existing grid network of streets and alleys shall be maintained.
(b) 
New blocks, street and alley networks shall be created to tie into the existing network, whenever properties are developed or redeveloped.
(c) 
Existing blocks shall be maintained.
(2) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
(3) 
Street trees. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets, in accordance with Chapter 554,[1] and as determined by the City Forester.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 554, Trees, Shade.
(4) 
Lots. Lot widths and sizes shall emulate existing lots on a block and adjacent blocks, but may vary up to 25% of the lots on the blocks, to create diversity for new and infill development.
(5) 
Off-street parking shall be accessed via an alley. New off-street parking shall be located in the rear of buildings. If parking cannot be located to the rear of the lot, the parking shall be located to the side of the building.
(6) 
Driveways shall be accessed via an alley, and shall be no more than 10 feet wide.
(7) 
Building location.
(a) 
Buildings shall be located on a build-to line adjoining the sidewalk.
(b) 
New buildings on a block shall be located in alignment with existing buildings with a possible four-foot offset.
(c) 
Buildings shall be located to anchor street corners, except where a City park or plaza may be located.
(8) 
Building size and height. New buildings shall be designed to be compatible in size and type with buildings on the same block. New buildings shall be a minimum of two stories and shall have a footprint that is not greater than or not less than 15% of the footprint of principal structures on adjoining properties.
(9) 
New buildings are intended to be positioned in context with existing buildings, utilizing a vertical bay structure and vertically oriented fenestration.
(10) 
When located directly beside any building under 40 feet in height or if the building exceeds 40 feet in width, the applicant shall use one or more of the following design strategies:
(a) 
Incorporate transitions of appropriate height and scale;
(b) 
Step back the upper stories from the stories below;
(c) 
Tuck the upper stories inside a pitched roof; and/or
(d) 
Use pitched roofs with dormer windows for upper-story rooms.
(11) 
When a new building exceeds 40 feet in width, it shall be designed with vertical bays formed by pilasters, windows, panels and other projections or recesses.
(12) 
No new attached garage may be front-loaded.
(13) 
No front yard porches, porticos, or stoops are permitted to be enclosed, and shall be open on three sides. The exception is when the structure is attached on at least one side and the front walls of each dwelling are set back from the adjoining structure, prohibiting the openness of the three sides. In this case, all available sides shall be open.
(14) 
Fences and walls.
(a) 
Fences and walls shall be constructed of durable materials, and shall not be constructed using barbed wire, razor wire, electric fencing, broken glass, or any other material that endangers the public health, safety and welfare.
(b) 
Chain-link fences are not permitted in front of a principal structure.
(c) 
Fences in front of a principal structure shall have an opacity of no more than 50%, measured at each fence section between supports or posts. The sections of solids and voids shall be uniform throughout the fence section.
(d) 
Walls in the front of a principal structure shall be no greater than 36 inches in height and shall be brick or masonry construction. Walls of any kind shall not be located within a street right-of-way or a driveway site distance.
(e) 
Walls which are used as landscaping features shall be considered fences and shall be subject to the same height limitations.
(f) 
Fences and hedges shall not exceed the following heights in each yard:
[1] 
Front and side yard: four feet.
[2] 
Rear yard: six feet.
(g) 
Fence height shall be measured from the grade level on the side of the fence facing the property installing the fence.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(h) 
Fences installed on top of walls or within three feet of the top of walls shall be measured from the base of the wall when determining maximum fence height.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(i) 
Fences shall be installed with the rail side facing the property installing the fence and the pickets on the outside, facing away.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
A. 
Legislative intent. The purpose of the River Corridors and Other Green Areas District is to accommodate appropriate development while providing for adequate protection and buffering of the City's waterways and other natural resources; assist in flood management; protection of environmentally sensitive areas; and meet the need for local and regional greenways, open space, and recreation within the City.
B. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
B3 Parks.
(2) 
B6 Athletic facilities.
(3) 
C5 Eating and drinking places.
(4) 
E1 Educational services.
(5) 
E2 Government services.
(6) 
I2 Accessory office.
(7) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(8) 
I5 Temporary structure.
(9) 
I7 Accessory parking area.
(10) 
I12 No-impact home-based business.
(11) 
J1 Timber activities (in accordance with § 595-32 Supplemental standards).
(12) 
J2 Timber harvesting operation (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
C. 
Special exception uses.
(1) 
A1 Single-family detached dwelling.
(2) 
A2 Single-family semidetached dwelling.
(3) 
A3 Single-family attached dwelling.
(4) 
A8 Residential low-rise.
(5) 
A12 Mixed residential/business.
(6) 
B1 Cultural activities and exhibitions.
(7) 
B2 Amusements.
(8) 
B7 Zoo.
(9) 
B8 Indoor shooting range.
(10) 
C2 General bookstore/coffee shop.
(11) 
C3 General merchandise.
(12) 
C4 Food establishments.
(13) 
C6 Retail specialty establishments.
(14) 
C10 Retail sales - large scale.
(15) 
D1 Information and data.
(16) 
D3 Personal services.
(17) 
D4 Business services.
(18) 
D5 Repair services.
(19) 
D6 Professional services.
(20) 
D7 Administrative offices.
(21) 
D8 Hotel/motel.
(22) 
D15 Medical services.
(23) 
D16 Kennel.
(24) 
F10 Cottage industry.
(25) 
F11 Husbandry.
(26) 
H6 Utility services.
(27) 
H7 Communications facility.
(28) 
I4 Large accessory structures.
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the River Corridors and Other Green Areas (RC) District shall be in accordance with the following:
(1) 
Maximum building height: 40 feet.
(2) 
Maximum impervious coverage: 30% except that impervious coverage greater than 30% may be permitted if:
(a) 
The increase results from a lot line adjustment between developed parcels which does not involve new development or a cumulative increase in the existing impervious coverage.
(b) 
Justified by a design professional demonstrating that increased stormwater will be managed without adverse impacts on infrastructure or water quality.
(c) 
The increase is required in conjunction with improvements such as:
[1] 
Compliance with this chapter, Chapter 515,[1] or other applicable codes of the City of Easton.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 515, Streets and Sidewalks.
[2] 
Compliance with the regulations of other governmental agencies.
[3] 
Adherence to sound engineering or best management practices.
(3) 
Minimum lot requirements:
(a) 
Block Class A: 8,000 square feet and a minimum width of 80 feet.
(b) 
Block Class B: 5,000 square feet and a minimum width of 50 feet.
(c) 
Setbacks:
[1] 
Front yard: Block Class A, 30 feet; Block Class B, 25 feet.
[2] 
Rear yard: Block Class A, 40 feet; Block Class B, 30 feet.
[3] 
Side yard: Block Class A, 12 feet; Block Class B, 10 feet.
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall not be located in any required front yard.
(2) 
Shall be 10 feet from any property line.
(3) 
Shall be located at least six feet from other structures.
(4) 
Shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards. The following design standards shall apply:
(1) 
Streets and blocks.
(a) 
Existing grid network of streets and alleys shall be maintained.
(b) 
New blocks, street and alley networks shall be created to tie into the existing street network, whenever properties are developed or redeveloped.
(c) 
Existing blocks shall be maintained.
(2) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
(3) 
Street trees. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets, in accordance with Chapter 554,[2] and as determined by the City Forester.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 554, Trees, Shade.
(4) 
Lots. Lot sizes and dimensions in this district shall be suitable for development which is harmonious with the adjacent parcels and blocks.
(5) 
Off-street parking shall be accessed via an alley, where such alley exists. New off-street parking shall be located in the rear of buildings. If parking cannot be located to the rear of the lot, the parking shall be located to the side of the principal building.
(6) 
Driveways accessed via a street, and not an alley, shall be no more than 10 feet wide.
(7) 
Buildings and landscaping shall be designed to mitigate the impacts to the floodplain and promote adaptation to climate change.
(a) 
Compliance with this section can be achieved through the use of energy efficient building materials, stormwater mitigation features, the use of canopy trees for shading, and other materials and practices which can demonstrate flood mitigation and climate change adaptation.
(8) 
Fences and walls.
(a) 
Fences and walls on properties adjoining residential properties shall be designed and constructed of materials which do not detract from the general design of the neighborhood.
(b) 
Fences and walls shall be constructed of durable materials, and shall not be constructed using barbed wire, razor wire, electric fencing, broken glass, or any other material that endangers the public health, safety and welfare.
(c) 
Chain-link fences are not permitted in front of a principal structure.
(d) 
Walls in the front of a principal structure shall be no greater than 36 inches in height and shall be brick or masonry construction. Walls of any kind shall not be located within a street right-of-way or a driveway site distance.
(e) 
Walls which are used as landscaping features shall be considered fences and shall be subject to the same height limitations.
(f) 
Fences, hedges, or walls which are located on property lines shall not exceed six feet in height. Fences, hedges, or walls which are set back from property lines may be increased in height at a ratio of one foot additional height for every two feet of additional setback. In no case shall any fence, wall or hedge exceed 10 feet in height.
(g) 
Fence height shall be measured from the grade level on the side of the fence facing the property installing the fence.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(h) 
Fences installed on top of walls or within three feet of the top of walls shall be measured from the base of the wall when determining maximum fence height.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(i) 
Fences shall be installed with the rail side facing the property installing the fence and the pickets on the outside, facing away.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(9) 
No drive-in uses shall be permitted.
A. 
Legislative intent. The purpose of the Institutional-1 District is to accommodate the orderly development of educational campuses providing four-year or higher degree programs, such as Lafayette College.
B. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
A1 Single-family dwelling.
(2) 
A2 Single-family semidetached dwelling.
(3) 
A3 Single-family attached dwelling.
(4) 
A11 Rooming house.
(5) 
A14 Dormitory.
(6) 
A15 Mixed use dormitory.
(7) 
B1 Cultural activities and exhibitions.
(8) 
B2 Amusements.
(9) 
B3 Parks.
(10) 
B4 Private social clubs.
(11) 
B6 Athletic facilities.
(12) 
C2 General bookstore/coffee shop.
(13) 
C4 Food establishments.
(14) 
C5 Eating and drinking places.
(15) 
D7 Administrative offices.
(16) 
D9 Bed-and-breakfast.
(17) 
D10 Community services.
(18) 
D11 Day-care center.
(19) 
D15 Medical services.
(20) 
E1 Educational services.
(21) 
E2 Government services.
(22) 
E3 Hospitals.
(23) 
E4 Extended-care facility.
(24) 
E5 Religious worship services.
(25) 
E6 Residential treatment center.
(26) 
E7 Rehabilitation facility.
(27) 
H1 Passenger depot.
(28) 
H3 Parking lot.
(29) 
H4 Parking structure.
(30) 
H5 Mixed use parking structure.
(31) 
I1 Accessory amusements.
(32) 
I2 Accessory offices.
(33) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(34) 
I5 Temporary structure.
(35) 
I6 Accessory storage.
(36) 
I7 Accessory parking area.
(37) 
I8 Accessory swimming pool.
(38) 
I9 Accessory religious shelter.
(39) 
I10 Small family day-care home.
(40) 
I12 Non-impact home-based business.
(41) 
J1 Timber activities (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(42) 
J2 Timber harvesting operation (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
C. 
Special exception uses.
(1) 
A7 Multifamily dwelling.
(2) 
A8 Residential low-rise.
(3) 
A12 Mixed residential/business.
(4) 
A13 Group homes.
(5) 
B8 Indoor shooting range (only when the use is part of a police facility).
(6) 
C9 Liquid fuels.
(7) 
C10 Retail sales - large scale.
(8) 
H6 Utility services.
(9) 
H7 Communications facilities.
(10) 
I4 Large accessory structure.
(11) 
I11 Large family day-care home.
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the Institutional-1 (INS-1) District shall be in accordance with the following:
(1) 
Setback requirements: ten-foot along the perimeter of the campus; 50 feet along the Bushkill Creek.
(2) 
Maximum impervious coverage: 50%, but may be increased to 65% with justification by a design professional demonstrating that increased stormwater will be managed without adverse impacts on infrastructure or water quality.
(3) 
Maximum building height: 60 feet at the INS-1 District perimeter, for every 100 feet of distance away from the INS-1 District perimeter an additional 12 feet in building height is permitted with a maximum building height of 100 feet.
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall be 25 feet from any property line.
F. 
Design standards.
(1) 
The following university or college campus design standards shall apply:
(a) 
Mixed use buildings may have residential uses on all floors.
(b) 
Dormitories and mixed-use dormitories may have more than four unrelated people in each unit, provided the applicable units are in compliance with other City codes, standards, and regulations for proposed occupancy levels.
(2) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
G. 
Parking requirements.
(1) 
Parking facilities may be in any location within INS-1. Sections 595-33K and 595-33L do not apply.
(2) 
Parking Facilities may be located in the AR and RC Zoning Districts adjoining the INS-1 Zoning District.
(3) 
If the parking facility is located over 600 feet from the INS-1 Zoning District perimeter, a regular shuttle service shall be provided.
(4) 
All off-street parking areas of five or more spaces shall be illuminated such that public security and safety is maintained. All lighting shall be directed away from property so as to not cause glare or other nuisances to adjacent properties.
(5) 
Buffering along the perimeter of off-street parking areas located within the INS-1 District shall only be required when the parking area abuts the boundary of the INS-1 District. In addition to required buffering along the perimeter of off-street parking areas, interior landscaping shall be provided in accordance with the following standards:
(a) 
Canopy trees shall be provided and evenly distributed throughout the parking area to create maximum shade to parked vehicles and minimum disruption of pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow and visibility.
(6) 
In connection with any building or structure which is to be erected or substantially altered and which requires the receipt or distribution of materials or merchandise by trucks or similar vehicles, there shall be provided off-street loading berths when the building or structure is situated on a public street.
(a) 
The requirements of § 595-33K shall apply when § 595-18G(6) requires an off-street loading berth.
A. 
Legislative intent. The purpose of the Institutional-2 District is to accommodate the institutional needs of Northampton County Government.
B. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
A12 Mixed residential/business.
(2) 
B1 Cultural activities and exhibitions.
(3) 
B3 Parks.
(4) 
B4 Private social clubs.
(5) 
C2 General bookstore/coffee shop.
(6) 
C3 General merchandise.
(7) 
C4 Food establishments.
(8) 
C5 Eating and drinking places.
(9) 
D1 Information and data processing services.
(10) 
D2 Finance, insurance and real estate services.
(11) 
D3 Personal services.
(12) 
D4 Business services.
(13) 
D5 Repair services.
(14) 
D6 Professional services.
(15) 
D7 Administrative offices.
(16) 
D10 Community service.
(17) 
D11 Day-care center.
(18) 
D15 Medical services.
(19) 
E1 Educational services.
(20) 
E2 Government services.
(21) 
E3 Hospitals.
(22) 
E4 Extended-care facility.
(23) 
E6 Residential treatment facility.
(24) 
E7 Rehabilitation facility.
(25) 
H1 Passenger depot.
(26) 
H5 Mixed use parking structure.
(27) 
I1 Accessory amusements.
(28) 
I2 Accessory offices.
(29) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(30) 
I5 Temporary structure.
(31) 
I6 Accessory storage.
(32) 
I7 Accessory parking area.
(33) 
I8 Accessory swimming pool.
(34) 
I11 Large family day-care home.
(35) 
I12 No-impact home-based business.
(36) 
J1 Timber activities (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(37) 
J2 Timber harvesting operation (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
C. 
Special exception uses.
(1) 
A9 Residential mid-rise.
(2) 
B8 Indoor shooting range (only when the use is part of a police facility).
(3) 
C6 Retail specialty establishments.
(4) 
C10 Retail sales - large scale.
(5) 
E8 Correctional facility, prison or jail.
(6) 
H4 Parking structure.
(7) 
H4 Utility services.
(8) 
H7 Communications facilities.
(9) 
I4 Large accessory structure.
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the Institutional-2 (INS-2) District shall be in accordance with the following table:
Blocks
Minimum Lot Requirements
Minimum Yard Setbacks
Permitted Use
A
B
C
Area
(square feet)
Width
(feet)
Build-to line
(feet)
Side
(feet)
Rear
(feet)
Maximum Building Height
(feet)
Maximum Impervious Coverage
Mixed and non-residential uses
X
6,500
35
0-5
10
10
60
60%
X
5,000
30
10
8
25
40
50%
X
3,500
20
10
5
20
50
40%
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall not be located in any required front yard.
(2) 
Shall be 10 feet from any property line.
(3) 
Shall be located at least six feet from other structures.
(4) 
Shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards.
(1) 
Streets and blocks.
(a) 
Existing grid network of streets and alleys shall be maintained.
(b) 
New blocks, street and alley networks shall be created to tie into the existing network, whenever properties are developed or redeveloped.
(c) 
Existing blocks shall be maintained.
(2) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
(3) 
Street trees. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets, in accordance with Chapter 554,[1] and as determined by the City Forester.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 554, Trees, Shade.
(4) 
Lots. Lot widths and sizes shall emulate existing lots on a block and adjacent blocks, but may vary up to 25% of the lots on the blocks, to create diversity for new and infill development.
(5) 
Parking requirements.
(a) 
Required parking areas shall constitute no more than 50% of the maximum impervious surface.
(b) 
Off-street parking is required for all uses in the INS-2 District in accordance with § 595-33. Where two or more uses are located in the same structure, parking spaces shall be provided for each use, and all such required parking spaces shall be cumulative.
(c) 
New off-street parking shall be located in the rear of buildings. If parking cannot be located to the rear of the lot, the parking shall be located to the side of the building.
(6) 
Principal buildings shall have a minimum building height of 30 feet.
(7) 
New buildings are intended to be positioned in context with existing buildings, utilizing a vertical bay structure and vertically oriented fenestration.
(8) 
When located directly beside any building under 40 feet in height or if the building exceeds 40 feet in width, the applicant shall use one or more of the following design strategies:
(a) 
Incorporate transitions of appropriate height and scale;
(b) 
Step back the upper stories from the stories below.
(9) 
When a new building exceeds 40 feet in width, it shall be designed with vertical bays formed by pilasters, windows, panels and other projections or recesses.
(10) 
Building location.
(a) 
Buildings shall be located on a build-to line adjoining the sidewalk.
(b) 
New buildings on a block shall be located in alignment with existing buildings with a possible five-foot offset.
(c) 
Buildings shall be located to anchor street corners, except where a City park or plaza may be located.
(11) 
Public plazas/common areas. New multi-story development with a building footprint over 10,000 square feet shall incorporate a public plaza or common area that contains landscaping, seating and lighting. Such plazas shall be incorporated into plans, particularly on corner lots.
(12) 
Fences and walls.
(a) 
Fences and walls shall be constructed of durable materials, and shall not be constructed using barbed wire, razor wire, electric fencing, broken glass, or any other material that endangers the public health, safety and welfare.
(b) 
Chain-link fences are not permitted in front of a principal structure.
(c) 
Fences in front of a principal structure shall have an opacity of no more than 50%, measured at each fence section between supports or posts. The sections of solids and voids shall be uniform throughout the fence section.
(d) 
Walls in the front of a principal structure shall be no greater than 36 inches in height and shall be brick or masonry construction. Walls of any kind shall not be located within a street right-of-way or a driveway site distance.
(e) 
Walls which are used as landscaping features shall be considered fences and shall be subject to the same height limitations.
(f) 
Fences and hedges shall not exceed the following heights in each yard except by special exception:
[1] 
Front and side yard: four feet.
[2] 
Rear yard: six feet.
(g) 
Fence height shall be measured from the grade level on the side of the fence facing the property installing the fence.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(h) 
Fences installed on top of walls or within three feet of the top of walls shall be measured from the base of the wall when determining maximum fence height.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(i) 
Fences shall be installed with the rail side facing the property installing the fence and the pickets on the outside, facing away.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
A. 
Legislative intent. The purpose of the Downtown District to provide the highest intensity of development within the core of the City of Easton while preserving the City's historic resources and context; to promote a mix of regional commercial and office space, with residential opportunity and neighborhood services; and to support mass transit and transit-oriented development.
B. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
A8 Residential low-rise dwellings (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(2) 
A9 Residential mid-rise.
(3) 
A10 Residential high-rise.
(4) 
A12 Mixed residential/business.
(5) 
B1 Cultural activities and exhibitions.
(6) 
B2 Amusements.
(7) 
B3 Parks.
(8) 
B4 Private social club.
(9) 
C2 General bookstore/coffee shop.
(10) 
C3 General merchandise.
[Added 9-24-2008 by Ord. No. 5120]
(11) 
C4 Food establishments.
(12) 
C5 Eating and drinking places.
(13) 
D1 Information and data.
(14) 
D2 Finance, insurance, real estate.
(15) 
D3 Personal services.
(16) 
D4 Business services.
(17) 
D5 Repair services.
(18) 
D6 Professional services.
(19) 
D7 Administrative offices.
(20) 
D8 Hotel/motel.
(21) 
D9 Bed-and-breakfast.
(22) 
D10 Community services.
(23) 
D15 Medical services.
(24) 
E1 Educational services.
(25) 
E2 Government services.
(26) 
E3 Hospitals.
(27) 
E4 Extended-care facility.
(28) 
F4 Publishing.
(29) 
H1 Passenger depot.
(30) 
H4 Parking structure.
(31) 
H5 Mixed use parking structure.
(32) 
I1 Accessory amusements.
(33) 
I2 Accessory offices.
(34) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(35) 
I5 Temporary structure.
(36) 
I6 Accessory storage.
(37) 
I7 Accessory parking area.
(38) 
I8 Accessory swimming pool.
[Added 9-24-2008 by Ord. No. 5120]
(39) 
I9 Accessory religious shelter.
(40) 
I10 Small family day-care home.
(41) 
I11 Large family day-care home.
(42) 
I12 No-impact home-based business.
(43) 
J1 Timber activities (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(44) 
J2 Timber harvesting operation (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
C. 
Special exception uses.
(1) 
A1 Single-family detached dwelling.
(2) 
A2 Single-family semidetached dwelling.
(3) 
A3 Single-family attached dwelling.
(4) 
A4 Two-family detached dwelling.
(5) 
A5 Two-family semidetached dwelling.
(6) 
A6 Two-family attached dwelling.
(7) 
A7 Multifamily dwelling.
(8) 
A11 Rooming house.
(9) 
A14 Dormitory.
(10) 
A17 Short-term rental.
(11) 
B8 Indoor shooting range (only when the use is part of a police facility).
(12) 
C1 Shopping gallery.
(13) 
C6 Retail specialty establishments.
(14) 
C11 Pharmacy.
(15) 
D11 Day-care center.
[Added 9-24-2008 by Ord. No. 5120]
(16) 
E5 Religious worship services.
(17) 
F1 Trade contractors.
(18) 
F2 Food processing.
(19) 
F3 Furniture and other furnishings manufacture.
(20) 
F5 Textile mill products.
(21) 
F6 Apparel finished products.
(22) 
F7 Lumber and wood products.
(23) 
F9 Computers and electronics.
(24) 
F10 Cottage industry.
(25) 
H6 Utility services.
(26) 
H7 Communications facilities.
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the Downtown District (DD) shall be in accordance with the following table:
Blocks
Minimum Lot Requirements
Minimum Yard Setbacks
Permitted Use
A
B
C
Area
(square feet)
Width
(feet)
Build-to Line
(feet)
Side
(feet)
Rear
(feet)
Maximum Building Height
(feet)1
Maximum Impervious Coverage
Residential mid-rise
X
7,500
75
5
0
0
75
100%
X
6,500
60
0
0
0
75
100%
X
5,500
55
0
0
0
75
100%
Residential high-rise
X
8,000
80
5
0
0
100
100%
X
7,500
75
0
0
0
110
100%
X
6,500
65
0
0
0
90
100%
Mixed uses; non-residential uses
X
3,000
30
10
0
0
100
100%
X
2,500
25
0
0
0
110
100%
X
2,000
20
0
0
0
90
100%
Multifamily dwelling
X
7,000
70
5
0
0
40
100%
X
6,000
60
0
0
0
40
100%
X
5,000
50
0
0
0
40
100%
NOTES:
1
Minimum building height of 40 feet and a minimum of three stories.
E. 
Accessory buildings.
(1) 
Shall be set back four feet from any and all side lot lines.
(2) 
Rear yard setback shall be four feet where no vehicular access exists and six feet otherwise.
(3) 
Accessory buildings shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards. The following design standards shall apply:
(1) 
Existing grid network of streets and alleys shall be maintained.
(2) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
(3) 
Lots. Lot widths and sizes shall emulate existing lots on a block and adjacent blocks, but may vary up to 25% of the lot on the blocks, to create diversity for new and infill development.
(4) 
Parking requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, off-street parking is not required for new uses within the DD except for nonresidential uses requiring seven or more parking spaces and residential uses consisting of four or more dwelling units. In such cases, the minimum parking spaces requirement of § 595-33B of this chapter shall only apply to the number of dwelling units in excess of three, and all such required spaces may be provided off site in compliance with § 595-33I, Joint use, and § 595-33K, Location of facilities. Mixed-use parking shall be provided in accordance with § 595-33G, Maneuvering area; space layout.
(5) 
All driveways, parking pads, and parking areas located in the Downtown shall be paved.
(6) 
New development shall form a continuous street wall along the street.
(7) 
Buildings in the Downtown Zoning District shall comply with City Code Chapter 318, Historic Preservation.
(8) 
Building size and height. New buildings shall be designed to be compatible in size and type with buildings on the same block and adjoining blocks. Except for parking structures open to the public, new buildings shall have a footprint that is not greater than or not less than 15% of the footprint of principal structures on adjoining properties.
(9) 
Buildings shall have a minimum height of 40 feet and be designed to appear to be a minimum of three stories from the street.
(10) 
The build-to line shall apply to the first four stories of building height only. Additional stories may be set back 10 feet beyond the build-to line.
(11) 
The maximum building footprint in the DD shall be 16,000 square feet.
(a) 
Infill development may be up to 24,000 square feet by special exception.
(b) 
Parking structures open to the public shall be permitted to exceed the maximum building footprint.
(12) 
Primary entrances shall be located along the street front. Secondary entrances may be located at the side or rear of building.
[Amended 9-24-2008 by Ord. No. 5120]
(13) 
Public plazas/common areas. New multi-story development with a building footprint over 10,000 square feet shall incorporate a public plaza or common area that contains landscaping, seating and lighting. Such plazas shall be incorporated into plans, particularly on corner lots.
(14) 
A minimum of 60% of the first floor of the primary facade shall be window surface area. No more than 20% of such window surface area shall be blocked by interior fixtures and/or signs. Commercial buildings in the Downtown District are intended to be permeable to allow for window shopping and visibility of goods and services.
(15) 
All nonresidential uses located within the Street Corridor Enhancement Overlay and the Downtown District, fronting Northampton Street in the areas from Larry Holmes Drive/Riverside Drive to 2nd Street, and from 4th Street to 6th Street, shall have a nonresidential use occupying the first floor. Such use shall occupy an area equal to the linear frontage along the street line by a depth of at least 20 feet and shall provide direct pedestrian access from the sidewalk into the commercial area.
[Amended 9-24-2008 by Ord. No. 5120]
(16) 
No front yard porches, porticos, or stoops are permitted to be enclosed, and shall be open on three sides. The exception is when the structure is attached on at least one side and the front walls of each dwelling are set back from the adjoining structure, prohibiting the openness of the three sides. In this case, all available sides shall be open.
(17) 
Fences, walls, and hedges.
[Amended 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(a) 
Shall be used to screen off-street parking areas and utilities.
(b) 
Chain-link fences shall not be permitted in the Downtown District.
(c) 
Fences, walls, and hedges shall not exceed four feet in height in the front yard and shall not exceed six feet in the rear yard.
(d) 
Fences and walls shall be constructed of durable materials and shall not be constructed using barbed wire, razor wire, electric fencing, broken glass, or any other material that endangers the public health, safety and welfare.
(e) 
Walls in the front of a principal structure shall be no greater than 36 inches in height and shall be brick or masonry construction. Walls of any kind shall not be located within a street right-of-way or a driveway site distance.
(f) 
Walls which are used as landscaping features shall be considered fences and shall be subject to the same height limitations.
(g) 
Fences in front of a principal structure shall have an opacity of no more than 50%, measured at each fence section between supports or posts. The sections of solids and voids shall be uniform throughout the fence section.
(h) 
Fence height shall be measured from the grade level on the side of the fence facing the property installing the fence.
(i) 
Fences installed on top of walls or within three feet of the top of walls shall be measured from the base of the wall when determining maximum fence height.
(j) 
Fences shall be installed with the rail side facing the property installing the fence and the pickets on the outside, facing away.
G. 
Standards and criteria governing special exception uses.
(1) 
Cottage industry shall meet the supplemental standards of § 595-32.
(2) 
Trade contractors, food processing, furniture and other furnishings manufacture, publishing, textile mill products, apparel, finished products, lumber and wood products, and computers and electronics uses:
(a) 
The requirements of § 595-40C, Special exceptions, shall be met.
(b) 
The use shall not be located within the Street Corridor Enhancement Overlay District.
(c) 
The use shall have a retail component visible to and open to the general public during regular business hours. Such space shall consist of a minimum of 10 square feet for every foot of building frontage, with direct entry off of the street.
(d) 
The use shall be limited to a maximum of 80 feet of frontage along a public street.
A. 
Legislative intent.
(1) 
The purpose of the Business and Entertainment District (BE) is to encourage active uses and storefronts that enhance Easton's Downtown as a place to visit, do business, and stay for evening dining and entertainment.
(2) 
The Business and Entertainment District should encourage cultural events, vibrant commercial activity, dining, and entertainment establishments and venues. This district is considered the hub of local and regional festivals, events and is intended to create a consistent stream of daytime and nighttime foot traffic from existing businesses and potential customers that sustain the district.
(3) 
Maintain or construct vertical multi-story mixed-use buildings.
(4) 
Provide continuity between old and new in the built environment.
(5) 
Permit building design appropriate with the standards set forth by the Local Historic District Ordinance.
(6) 
Permit land uses that increase opportunities for day time, evening and weekend activities.
(7) 
Promote development that maintains an attractive streetscape.
(8) 
Support entrance and facade remodeling on downtown buildings that will contribute to the existing pedestrian environment.
(9) 
Permit housing and office opportunities on upper floors.
(10) 
Discourage development and uses that require storage, or drive-through lanes or drive-through windows.
B. 
Permitted uses. Uses permitted by right in the Business and Entertainment District are as follows:
(1) 
A12 Mixed residential/business.
(2) 
B1 Cultural activities and exhibitions.
(3) 
B2 Amusements.
(4) 
B4 Private social clubs.
(5) 
C1 Shopping gallery.
(6) 
C3 General merchandise.
(7) 
C5 Eating and drinking places.
(8) 
D1 Information and data.
(9) 
D2 Finance, insurance, real estate.
(10) 
D3 Personal services.
(11) 
D4 Business services.
(12) 
D6 Professional services.
(13) 
D7 Administrative offices.
(14) 
D8 Hotel/motel.
(15) 
F4 Publishing.
(16) 
F9 Computers and electronics.
(17) 
I1 Accessory amusements.
(18) 
I2 Accessory offices.
(19) 
I12 No impact home-based business.
C. 
Special exception uses. Special exception uses are as follows:
(1) 
H7 Communications antennas.
(2) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(3) 
I4 Large accessory structure.
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the Business and Entertainment (BE) District shall be as follows.
(1) 
Minimum building height: 60 feet, and shall be designed to appear to be a minimum of five stories at the street.
(2) 
Maximum building height: 125 feet.
(a) 
An additional 15 feet in height is permitted at street intersections.
(3) 
Maximum impervious coverage: 100%.
(4) 
Build-to Line: zero feet.
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards. The following design standards shall apply:
(1) 
All new building construction shall utilize the entire lot for building(s) and accessory uses.
(2) 
All buildings in the Business and Entertainment Zoning District shall comply with City Code Chapter 318, Historic Preservation.
(3) 
Lots. Lot widths and sizes shall emulate existing lots on a block and adjacent blocks, but may vary up to 25% of the lots on the blocks, to create diversity for new and infill development.
(4) 
Building design:
(a) 
The build-to line shall be zero feet. The build-to line shall apply to the first four stories of the building height. Additional stories may be set back 10 feet beyond the build-to line.
(b) 
Primary entrances shall be located along the street front. Secondary entrances may be located at the side or rear of building.
(c) 
The first floor use shall have a commercial or office component visible to the public from the front facade. Such space shall be located along the primary facade for depth of at least 20 feet and have direct pedestrian entry from the street.
[Amended 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(d) 
Building height:
[1] 
Buildings shall have a minimum height of 60 feet and be designed to appear to be a minimum of five stories at the street.
[2] 
Additional height is permitted at gateway and corner locations for architectural features, such as clock towers, spires, statues, or public art.
(e) 
Any new building that exceeds 40 feet in width shall be designed with vertical bays formed by pilasters, windows, panels and other projections or recesses. Fenestration shall be vertical in orientation.
(f) 
Corner buildings are considered to be anchor buildings in the City's downtown districts. Building design and front door placement shall be appropriately anchored to a street corner.
(g) 
A minimum of 60% of the first floor of the primary façade shall be window surface area. No more than 20% of such window surface area shall be blocked by interior fixtures and/or signs.
(5) 
Building design must promote enhanced pedestrian accessibility, active uses and amenities on the streets, public areas and rights-of-way in this district. New sidewalks and crosswalks proposed are intended to extend from and into existing sidewalks and crosswalks.
(6) 
Building size and height. New buildings shall be designed to be compatible in size and type with buildings on the same block and adjoining blocks. New buildings shall have a footprint that is not greater than or not less than 15% of the footprint of principal structures on adjoining properties.
(7) 
The maximum building footprint in the BE shall be 16,000 square feet.
(a) 
Infill development may be up to 24,000 square feet by special exception.
(8) 
Public plazas/common areas. New multi-story development with a building footprint over 10,000 square feet shall incorporate a public plaza or common area that contains landscaping, seating and lighting. Such plazas shall be incorporated into plans, particularly on corner lots.
(9) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
(10) 
Streetscape or landscape enhancements, including, but not limited to, fencing, sitting walls, brick pavers, and other hardscape elements must be included within a landscaping plan.
(11) 
Chain-link fences are not permitted.
(12) 
Fences, walls, and hedges shall not exceed four feet in height and shall not be permitted in the front or sides principal structures.
(a) 
When a wall or hedge is proposed in front of principal structures, it shall only be permitted as part of the landscaping for public plazas and shall not exceed 42 inches in height.
G. 
Parking requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, off-street parking is not required for new uses within the BE except for nonresidential uses requiring 10 or more parking spaces and residential uses containing five or more dwelling units. In such cases, the minimum parking spaces requirement of § 595-33B of this chapter shall only apply to the number of dwelling units in excess of four, and all such required spaces may be provided off-site in compliance with § 595-33I, Joint use, and § 595-33K, Location of facilities. Mixed-use parking shall be provide in accordance with § 595-33G, Maneuvering area; space layout.
A. 
Legislative intent. The purpose of the Adaptive Reuse District is to promote the redevelopment and revitalization of underutilized and underperforming areas of the City with residential, institutional, and commercial uses and industrial development.
B. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
A1 Single-family detached dwelling.
(2) 
A2 Single-family semidetached dwelling.
(3) 
A3 Single-family attached dwelling.
(4) 
A8 Residential low-rise.
(5) 
A9 Residential mid-rise.
(6) 
A10 Residential high-rise.
(7) 
A12 Mixed residential/business.
(8) 
A14 Dormitories.
(9) 
A15 Mixed-use/dormitories.
(10) 
B1 Cultural activities and exhibitions.
(11) 
B2 Amusements.
(12) 
B3 Parks.
(13) 
C1 Shopping gallery.
(14) 
C3 General merchandise.
(15) 
C5 Eating and drinking places.
(16) 
C7 Wholesale trade.
(17) 
C8 Motor vehicle sales.
(18) 
C9 Liquid fuels.
(19) 
D5 Repair services.
(20) 
D6 Professional services.
(21) 
D7 Administrative offices.
(22) 
D11 Day-care center.
(23) 
D14 Automotive repair.
(24) 
D15 Medical services.
(25) 
E1 Educational services.
(26) 
E2 Government services.
(27) 
F1 Trade contractors.
(28) 
F2 Food processing.
(29) 
F3 Furniture and other furnishings manufacture.
(30) 
F4 Publishing.
(31) 
F5 Textile mill products.
(32) 
F6 Apparel, finished products.
(33) 
F7 Lumber and wood products.
(34) 
F8 Warehouse and storage.
(35) 
F9 Computers and electronics.
(36) 
F10 Cottage industry.
(37) 
H1 Passenger depot.
(38) 
H2 Freight depot.
(39) 
H3 Parking lot.
(40) 
H4. Parking structure.
(41) 
H5 Mixed use parking structure.
(42) 
H6 Utilities.
(43) 
I1 Accessory amusement.
(44) 
I2 Accessory offices.
(45) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(46) 
I5 Temporary structure.
(47) 
I6 Accessory storage.
(48) 
I7 Accessory parking area.
(49) 
I8 Accessory swimming pool.
(50) 
I9 Accessory religious shelter.
(51) 
I12 No-impact home-based business.
(52) 
J1 Timber activities (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(53) 
J2 Timber harvesting operation (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
C. 
Special exception uses.
(1) 
A16 Manufactured home park.
(2) 
B5 Adult entertainment.
(3) 
B7 Zoo.
(4) 
B8 Indoor shooting range (only when the use is part of a police facility).
(5) 
D-12 Check-cashing facility.
(6) 
D-13 Pawnshop.
(7) 
D16 Kennel.
(8) 
G1 Outdoor storage area.
(9) 
G2 Chemical industries.
(10) 
G3 Petroleum industries.
(11) 
G4 Plastics and rubber industries.
(12) 
G5 Stone, clay and glass industries.
(13) 
G6 Primary metal industries.
(14) 
G7 Fabricated metal industries.
(15) 
G8 Recycling collection facility.
(16) 
G9 Recycling processing facility.
(17) 
G10 Salvage yard.
(18) 
G11 Solid waste disposal facility.
(19) 
H7 Communications facility.
(20) 
I4 Large accessory structure.
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the Adaptive Reuse (AR) District shall be in accordance with the following table:
Blocks
Minimum Lot Requirements
Minimum Yard Setbacks
(feet)
Permitted Use
A
B
C
Area
(square feet)
Width
(feet)
Setback
(feet)
Side(s)
Rear
Maximum Building Height*
(feet)
Maximum Impervious Coverage
Single-family detached dwelling unit
X
6,000
60
15
10
35
40
40%
X
4,500
45
10
5
30
40
40%
X
3,000
30
0
5
25
40
40%
Single-family semi-detached dwelling unit
X
4,000
40
15
10
35
40
40%
X
3,500
35
10
5
30
40
40%
X
2,500
25
0
5
25
40
40%
Single-family attached dwelling unit
X
3,000
30
15
10
35
40
40%
X
2,500
25
10
5
30
40
40%
X
2,000
20
0
5
25
40
40%
Residential mid-rise and dormitory
X
7,500
75
10
10
30
75
60%
X
6,500
60
5
10
25
75
60%
X
5,500
55
0
5
20
75
60%
Residential high-rise
X
8,000
80
10
10
30
90
60%
X
7,500
75
5
10
25
90
60%
X
6,500
65
0
5
20
90
60%
Mixed residential/business and mixed use/dormitory
X
5,000
50
5
10
30
90
60%
X
X
4,000
40
5
5
20
90
75%
All non-residential uses
X
8,000
80
10
10
30
100
75%
X
6,500
65
5
5
25
100
75%
X
4,000
40
0
0
20
100
75%
NOTES:
*
The principal building shall have a minimum height of 20 feet.
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall be set back five feet from any and all side lot lines.
(2) 
Rear yard setback shall be four feet where no vehicular access exists and 10 feet otherwise.
(3) 
Distance to other structures shall be five feet.
(4) 
Shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards.
(1) 
New street widths shall be consistent with existing street widths.
(2) 
Street trees. Street trees shall be planted along both sides of all streets, in accordance with Chapter 554,[1] and as determined by the City Forester.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Chapter 554, Trees, Shade.
(3) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
(4) 
Primary entrances shall be located along the street front. Secondary entrances may be located at the side or rear of building.
(5) 
Building size and types. Buildings shall have a minimum height of two stories, and a mass and scale that create a harmonious streetscape with the adjoining properties.
(6) 
Walls which are used as landscaping features shall be considered fences and shall be subject to the same height limitations.
[Added 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758[2]]
[2]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former Subsection F(6) as F(7) and repealed former Subsection F(7) through (10).
(7) 
Fences, walls and hedges.
[Amended 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(a) 
Shall be used to screen off-street parking areas and utilities.
(b) 
Fences and walls on properties adjoining residential properties shall be designed and constructed of materials which do not detract from the general design of the neighborhood. Chain-link fence is not permitted in front of principal structures.
(c) 
Fences, walls, and hedges shall not exceed six feet in height, Fences, hedges, or walls which are set back from property lines may be increased in height at a ratio of one foot additional height for every two feet of additional setback. In no case shall any fence, wall, or hedge exceed 10 feet in height.
(d) 
Fences and walls shall be constructed of durable materials and shall not be constructed using barbed wire, razor wire, electric fencing, broken glass, or any other material that endangers the public health, safety and welfare.
(e) 
Fence height shall be measured from the grade level on the side of the fence facing the property installing the fence.
(f) 
Fences installed on top of walls or within three feet of the top of walls shall be measured from the base of the wall when determining maximum fence height.
(g) 
Fences shall be installed with the rail side facing the property installing the fence and the pickets on the outside, facing away.
A. 
Legislative intent. The purpose of the Expressway Transitional (ET) District is to accommodate industrial, commercial, mixed and advertising uses in areas adjacent to multilane, controlled-access roads, to promote better safety and welfare within the City of Easton. These areas have traditionally been geared toward industry and commerce, with a minimal residential base. As such, the Expressway Transitional (ET) District is ideal for uses which are incompatible with residential areas.
B. 
Permitted uses.
(1) 
B1 Cultural activities and exhibitions.
(2) 
B2 Amusements.
(3) 
B3 Parks.
(4) 
C3 General merchandise.
(5) 
C5 Eating and drinking places.
(6) 
C7 Wholesale trade.
(7) 
D1 Information and data processing establishments.
(8) 
D2 Finance, insurance, real estate.
(9) 
D3 Personal services.
(10) 
D4 Business services.
(11) 
D5 Repair services.
(12) 
D6 Professional services.
(13) 
D7 Administrative offices.
(14) 
D8 Hotel/motel.
(15) 
D9 Bed-and-breakfast.
(16) 
D14 Automotive repair.
(17) 
D15 Medical services.
(18) 
E3 Hospitals.
(19) 
H1 Passenger depot.
(20) 
H2 Freight depot.
(21) 
H3 Parking lot.
(22) 
H4 Parking structure.
(23) 
H5 Mixed use parking structure.
(24) 
J1 Timber activities (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
(25) 
J2 Timber harvesting operation (in accordance with § 595-32, Supplemental standards).
C. 
Special exception uses.
(1) 
B7 Zoo.
(2) 
B8 Indoor shooting range.
(3) 
C1 Shopping gallery.
(4) 
C8 Motor vehicle sales.
(5) 
C9 Liquid fuels.
(6) 
E1 Educational services.
(7) 
F1 Trade contractors.
(8) 
F2 Food processing.
(9) 
F3 Furniture and other furnishings manufacture.
(10) 
F4 Publishing.
(11) 
F5 Textile mill products.
(12) 
F6 Apparel finished products.
(13) 
F7 Lumber and wood products.
(14) 
F8 Warehouse and storage.
(15) 
H6 Utilities.
(16) 
H7 Communications facility.
(17) 
K1 Advertising.
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the Expressway Transitional (ET) District shall be in accordance with the following table:
Blocks
Minimum Lot Requirements
Minimum Yard Setbacks
(feet)
Permitted Use
A
B
C
Area
(square feet)
Width
(feet)
Build-To Line
(feet)
Side(s)
Rear
Maximum Building Height*
(feet)
Maximum Impervious Coverage
Mixed uses
X
5,000
50
5
10
30
90
60%
X
X
4,000
40
5
5
20
90
75%
All non-residential uses
X
8,000
80
10
10
30
100
75%
X
6,500
65
5
5
25
100
75%
X
4,000
40
0
0
20
100
75%
NOTES:
*
The principal building shall have a minimum height of 20 feet.
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall be set back five feet from any and all side lot lines.
(2) 
Rear yard setback shall be four feet where no vehicular access exists and 10 feet otherwise.
(3) 
Distance to other structures shall be five feet.
(4) 
Shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards.
(1) 
The block structure of the City shall be maintained and extended onto properties that lack a block structure. New blocks shall be created to tie in to the existing block grid and the existing street and alley network.
(2) 
New street widths shall be consistent with existing street widths.
(3) 
Sidewalks. New sidewalks shall be a minimum width of five feet on both sides of any street. In the case where there is existing sidewalk and curbing, new sidewalk and curbing width shall match.
(4) 
The principal building shall have a minimum building height of 20 feet.
(5) 
Primary entrances shall be located along a street front, not to include limited access highways. Secondary entrances may be located at the side or rear of the building.
(6) 
(Reserved)[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection F(6), regarding construction materials of fences and walls, was repealed 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758.
(7) 
(Reserved)[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection F(7), regarding fences and walls on properties adjoining residential properties, was repealed 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758.
(8) 
(Reserved)[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection F(8), regarding chain-link fences, was repealed 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758.
(9) 
Walls in the front of a principal structure shall be no greater than 36 inches in height and shall be brick or masonry construction. Walls of any kind shall not be located within a street right-of-way or a driveway site distance.
(10) 
Walls which are used as landscaping features shall be considered fences and shall be subject to the same height limitations.
(11) 
Fences, walls, and hedges.
[Amended 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758]
(a) 
Shall be used to screen off-street parking areas and utilities.
(b) 
Chain-link fences are not permitted in front of the principal structure or along a street wall.
(c) 
Fences and walls on properties adjoining residential properties shall be designed and constructed of materials which do not detract from the general design of the neighborhood.
(d) 
Fences and walls shall be constructed of durable materials and shall not be constructed using barbed wire, razor wire, electric fencing, broken glass, or any other material that endangers the public health, safety and welfare.
(e) 
Fences, walls, and hedges shall not exceed six feet in height. Fences, hedges or walls which are located on property lines shall not exceed six feet in height. Fences, hedges or walls which are set back from property lines may be increased in height at a ratio of one foot additional height for every two feet of additional setback. In no case shall any fence, wall or hedge exceed 10 feet in height.
(f) 
Fence height shall be measured from the grade level on the side of the fence facing the property installing the fence.
(g) 
Fences installed on top of walls or within three feet of the top of walls shall be measured from the base of the wall when determining maximum fence height.
(h) 
Fences shall be installed with the rail side facing the property installing the fence and the pickets on the outside, facing away.
(12) 
(Reserved)[4]
[4]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection F(12), regarding fence height, was repealed 9-8-2021 by Ord. No. 5758.
(13) 
The design standards above do not apply to off-premises signs, which are to be regulated in accordance with § 595-34, Sign regulations, and the other provisions, standards and criteria herein which pertains to off-premises signs.
A. 
Legislative intent. The Street Corridor Enhancement Overlay District's purpose is to accommodate medium- and high-intensity development at the gateways to the City and along the principal vehicular and pedestrian corridors, and to promote compact, walkable, mixed-use buildings with local and regional commercial services, compatibly scaled light industrial, and residential uses.
B. 
Permitted uses. All uses permitted by right in the underlying zoning district shall be permitted by right in the Street Corridor Enhancement (SC) Overlay District.
(1) 
A7 Multifamily dwelling.
(2) 
A12 Mixed residential/business.
(3) 
B1 Cultural activities and exhibitions.
(4) 
B3 Parks.
(5) 
C2 General bookstore/coffee shop.
(6) 
C3 General merchandise (except on 13th Street between Washington and Pine Streets and between Church and Bushkill Streets where this use is still considered a special exception).
(7) 
C5 Eating and drinking places without drive-through service (except on 13th Street between Washington and Pine Streets and between Church and Bushkill Streets where this use is considered a special exception).
(8) 
D2 Finance, insurance, and real estate.
(9) 
D3 Personal services.
(10) 
D4 Business services.
(11) 
D6 Professional services.
(12) 
D7 Administrative offices.
(13) 
D15 Medical services.
(14) 
F4 Publishing.
(15) 
F10 Cottage industry.
(16) 
H1 Passenger depot.
C. 
Special exception uses. If a use is permitted by right in the underlying zoning district, a special exception is not necessary. Special exception uses in the Street Corridor Enhancement (SC) Overlay District are as follows:
(1) 
A9 Residential mid-rise (in College Hill, South Side, and West Ward Districts only).
(2) 
B2 Amusements.
(3) 
B4 Private social club.
(4) 
C3 General merchandise (except as permitted above).
(5) 
C4 Food establishments.
(6) 
C5 Eating and drinking places (except as permitted above).
(7) 
C6 Retail specialty establishments.
(8) 
C9 Liquid fuels.
(9) 
C10 Retail sales - large scale.
(10) 
C11 Pharmacy.
(11) 
D5 Repair services.
(12) 
D9 Bed-and-breakfast.
(13) 
D10 Community services.
(14) 
D11 Day-care center.
(15) 
D14 Automotive repair.
(16) 
E1 Educational services.
(17) 
E2 Government services.
(18) 
E5 Religious worship services.
(19) 
H4 Parking structure.
(20) 
H5 Mixed use parking structure.
D. 
Dimensional criteria. The dimensional criteria for the Street Corridor Enhancement (SC) Overlay District shall be in accordance with the following table:
Underlying District
Build-To Line
(feet)
Additional Building Height Permitted2
(feet)
Impervious Surface Ratio
College Hill
0 to 5
15 additional feet
100%
South Side
0 to 5
15 additional feet
100%
West Ward
0 to 5
30 additional feet within 1,000 feet of the boundary of the Downtown District, otherwise: +n 30 additional feet at street intersections; 15 additional feet midblock
100%
INS-1
0 to 10
15 additional feet
100%
Downtown
0/sidewalk
30 additional feet at street intersections; 15 additional feet midblock
100%
Adaptive Reuse
0 to 10
15 additional feet
100%
NOTES:
1
Unless noted here, dimensions shall comply with the regulations for the underlying district.
2
Additional height permitted over the existing regulations for the underlying district.
E. 
Design standards. The following design standards shall apply:
(1) 
There shall be a maximum building footprint of 12,000 square feet, unless permitted to be greater in the underlying zoning district.
(2) 
The new principal building shall have a minimum height of 30 feet and be at least two stories, unless located in the Downtown Zoning District where the minimum height is 40 feet and the appearance of the building is three stories.
(3) 
The primary façade of buildings longer than 30 feet at the build-to line shall be designed to look like more than one building. Each additional forty-foot building segment shall be designed to look like an additional building (i.e., a sixty-foot building shall be designed to look like two buildings, a ninety-foot building shall be designed to look like three different buildings). When this results in a fraction of a building, any fraction greater than 15 feet shall be counted as an additional segment (i.e., a forty-five-foot building shall be designed to look like two buildings, a seventy-five-foot building shall be designed to look like three different buildings). Pilasters, alternate materials, recesses and projections, or other architectural elements shall be used to differentiate each segment from the next. Color shall not be used to differentiate segments.
(4) 
Primary entrances shall be located along the street front. Secondary entrances may be located at the side or rear of buildings.
(5) 
No blank walls shall face a street. Such building walls facing a street shall have fenestration, entrances or other features.
(6) 
Required parking spaces may be located on facilities within 600 feet of the lot on which the parking is required: § 595-33M shall not apply.
(7) 
No drive-in uses shall be permitted.
(8) 
Commercial buildings in the street corridor are intended to be permeable to allow for window shopping and visibility of retail good and services.
(a) 
The first floor shall be a minimum of 60% glazing to meet this requirement.
(9) 
The following regulations shall apply within the CH, SS and WW Districts, except on Northampton Street and Cattell Street:
(a) 
Business activity shall be limited to general merchandise, food establishments, public eating and drinking places, specialty retail establishments, personal services, repair services, educational services, medical services and professional services.
[1] 
The use shall be located on a corner lot or a lot immediately adjacent to a corner lot.
(b) 
Each nonresidential use in a mixed-use building shall have a maximum floor area of 6,000 square feet.
F. 
Standards and criteria governing special exception uses.
(1) 
All nonresidential uses located within the Street Corridor Enhancement Overlay and the Downtown District, fronting Northampton Street in the areas from Larry Holmes Drive/Riverside Drive to 6th Street, or fronting on Center Square, shall have a permitted arts, entertainment, recreational, retail, or service use occupying the first floor. Such use shall occupy an area equal to the linear frontage along the street line by a depth of at least 20 feet and shall provide direct pedestrian access from the sidewalk into the commercial area.
(2) 
Nonresidential uses shall not be permitted anywhere on a floor above residential uses within the same building.
A. 
Legislative intent. The purpose of the Innovation Overlay District is to protect existing neighborhoods while accommodating the expansion and enhancement of compatible, light industrial and commercial opportunities that meet rigorous design standards.
B. 
Permitted uses. All uses permitted by right in the South Side District.
C. 
Special exception uses. Uses permitted by special exception in the Innovation Overlay District:
(1) 
B1 Cultural activities and exhibitions.
(2) 
C5 Eating and drinking places.
(3) 
C7 Wholesale trade.
(4) 
C11 Pharmacy.
(5) 
D1 Information and data processing.
(6) 
D2 Finance, insurance, and real estate.
(7) 
D3 Personal services.
(8) 
D4 Business services.
(9) 
D5 Repair services.
(10) 
D6 Professional services.
(11) 
D7 Administrative offices.
(12) 
D8 Hotel/motel.
(13) 
D14 Automotive repair.
(14) 
D15 Medical services.
(15) 
F1 Trade contractors.
(16) 
F2 Food processing.
(17) 
F3 Furniture and other furnishings.
(18) 
F4 Publishing.
(19) 
F5 Textile mill products.
(20) 
F6 Apparel finished products.
(21) 
F7 Lumber and wood products.
(22) 
F8 Warehouse and storage.
(23) 
F9 Computers and electronics.
(24) 
F10 Cottage industry.
(25) 
G1 Outdoor storage area.
(26) 
G2 Chemical industries.
(27) 
G3 Petroleum industries.
(28) 
G4 Plastics and rubber industries.
(29) 
G5 Stone, clay, and glass industries.
(30) 
G6 Primary metal industries.
(31) 
G7 Fabricated metal industries.
(32) 
I2 Accessory offices.
(33) 
I3 Small accessory structure.
(34) 
I4 Large accessory structure.
(35) 
I5 Temporary structure.
(36) 
I6 Accessory storage.
(37) 
I7 Accessory parking area.
(38) 
H6 Utilities.
(39) 
H7 Communications facilities.
D. 
Dimensional criteria.
(1) 
Permitted uses shall comply with the dimensional requirements of the underlying district.
(2) 
The dimensional criteria for the Innovation Overlay (IO) District shall be in accordance with the following table:
Special Exception Use
Minimum Lot Area
(square feet)
Minimum Lot Width
(feet)
Building to Line
(feet)
Minimum Side Yard(s)
(feet)
Minimum Rear Yard
(feet)
Maximum Building Height
(feet)
Maximum Impervious Coverage
Cultural activities; retail, service, light industrial
6,500
65
20
20
20
60
75%
Heavy manufacturing
10,890
100
20
20
20
60
75%
NOTES:
1
Permitted uses shall comply with the dimensional requirements of the underlying district.
E. 
Accessory buildings:
(1) 
Shall be set back four feet from any and all side yards.
(2) 
Rear yard setback shall be four feet where no vehicular access exists and six feet otherwise.
(3) 
Shall be located behind the principal structure.
F. 
Design standards.
(1) 
Drive-ins shall not be permitted.
(2) 
Loading and service areas shall be screened from any residential use.