Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and phrases shall be construed throughout this chapter to have the meaning and usage indicated as follows:
A. 
If the zoning ordinance explicitly says that a word or phrase has a specific meaning to be used in a specified part of the zoning ordinance, then the word or phrase has that specific meaning throughout the specified part regardless of capitalization.
B. 
The present tense includes the future. The singular includes the plural and plural the singular. The masculine gender includes the feminine.
C. 
The words "person," "party," and "entity" are interchangeable and include any individual, partnership, association, organization, limited liability company, corporation, firm, trust, estate, municipality, governmental unit, public utility, or any other legal entity.
D. 
The words "shall" or "must" indicate a mandatory requirement. The word "may" is optional.
E. 
The word "used" includes the words "designed," "arranged," and "intended to be used."
F. 
The word "built" includes the words "erected," "constructed," or "altered."
G. 
The word "including" is not limited to the specified example, but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances of similar kind and character.
H. 
The word "Township" means Thornbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
I. 
The terms "Board of Supervisors" or "Supervisors" mean Thornbury Township Board of Supervisors.
J. 
The term "Planning Commission" means the Thornbury Township Planning Commission, as established under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code and as described in Chapter 46, Planning Commission.
K. 
The term "Zoning Hearing Board" means Thornbury Township Zoning Hearing Board.
L. 
The word "herein" shall refer to the regulations of the full chapter.
M. 
The word "chapter" shall refer to Thornbury Township Zoning Ordinance, as amended, unless otherwise specified.
N. 
When terms, phrases or words are not defined, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meaning or such as the context may imply.
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this article, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
ABANDONMENT
An intentional and absolute relinquishment and cessation of a use with no intention to resume such use.
ACCESSORY BUILDING STRUCTURE
A building or structure that is not a principal building or structure and which is used for purposes that are entirely incidental and subordinate to those of the principal building or structure and located on the same lot. Structures including, but not limited to, tennis courts, barns, swimming pools, sheds, carports and garages shall be considered as accessory structures.
ACT 247
See "Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC)."
ADULT-ORIENTED ESTABLISHMENTS
Any use meeting the definition for this term in Title 68, Chapter 55 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, as amended. An adult-oriented establishment shall be considered a distinct use, not be considered retail sales, theater, entertainment, personal service or any other use, and only be allowed where specifically stated in this chapter.
AGRICULTURAL OPERATION
An enterprise that is actively engaged in the commercial production and preparation for market of crops, livestock and livestock products and in the production, harvesting and preparation for market or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural and aquacultural crops and commodities. The term includes an enterprise that implements changes in production practices and procedures or types of crops, livestock, livestock products or commodities produced consistent with practices and procedures that are normally engaged by farmers or are consistent with technological development within the agricultural industry.
AGRITAINMENT
Activities conducted on an agricultural operation that are offered to the public or invited groups for the primary purpose of providing entertainment and/or recreation experiences. Examples of these activities include, but are not limited to: agricultural seasonal fairs/festivals; children's activities; corn and crop mazes; petting zoos; haunted activities; company picnics; weddings; and other activities that combine an agricultural setting with entertaining or recreational activities, including agritourism activities. Agritainment shall only be permitted as an accessory use customarily associated with an agriculture use and incidental to it.
AGRITOURISM
An accessory use customarily associated with an agriculture use and incidental to it, located on the same parcel as the principal agriculture use or an adjacent parcel owned by the same person(s) or a member(s) of their immediate family (spouse, sibling, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent), including those owned, in whole or in part, by entities (corporations, LLCs, partnerships) controlled by the operator of the agricultural operation and the immediate family members thereof, including associated off-street parking areas on those properties.
ALTERATION
Any change to any portion of a building or structure for the same or a different use.
APPLICANT
A landowner or developer, as herein defined, who has filed an application for development, including their heirs, successors and assigns.
ARTISAN TRADES
Professionals and/or tradespersons that are essential to and chiefly practiced in connection with the production of commercial goods by a manual worker or craftsperson such a jewelry, metalwork, cabinetry, stained glass, textiles, ceramics, or hand-made food products. Artisan trades do not include any activity that causes noise, odor, or vibration to be detectable on a neighboring property.
BARN
A building used for the shelter of livestock, the storage of agricultural products produced or consumed on the premises, or the storage and maintenance of farm equipment and agricultural supplies used for the agricultural operations on the premises.
BASE SITE AREA
The land area contained within the boundaries of a tract, exclusive of the areas of such permanent easements as are associated with provision of public or private utilities, land within the right-of-way of existing or planned roads or roads that may be required by Chapter 115, Subdivision and Land Development.
BASEMENT
Any area of the building having its floor below ground level on all sides.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
An owner-occupied or tenant/manager-occupied building designed, used and occupied as a single-family residence having, as an accessory use therein, public lodging rooms and facilities for and serving food and drink prepared within the building to transient guests which meets the requirements of § 155-1603.
BERM
An earthen embankment which serves purposes such as: retaining/detaining the flow of surface water runoff, preventing soil erosion, or supporting plant materials to aid in screening.
BILLBOARD
A freestanding commercial structure, erected, operated, and maintained for the purpose of advertising or conveying communications.
BLOCK
A tract of land bounded by streets, public parks, railroad rights-of-way, and/or corporate boundary lines of the Township.
BUFFER
An area designated to functionally and/or to visually separate conflicting land uses.
BUFFER PLANTING STRIP
A strip of required yard space adjacent to the boundary of a property or district, which is landscaped for the full width and on which is placed a screen of sufficient density not to be seen through and of sufficient height to constitute an effective screen and give maximum protection and immediate visual screening to an abutting property or district.
BUILDABLE AREA
That area of a lot within all required setback lines and not lying within a floodplain or other protected lands.
BUILDING
A combination of materials to form a permanent structure having walls and a roof.
A. 
DETACHEDA building having only one dwelling unit from ground to roof, independent outside access and open on all sides.
B. 
SEMIDETACHEDA building having one shared or party wall in common with an adjoining building.
C. 
ATTACHEDA building in a group of more than two buildings wherein there are two or more party walls in common with the adjoining buildings.
BUILDING AREA
The aggregate of the maximum horizontal cross-sectional areas of all buildings and structures on a lot above the ground level measured at the greatest outside dimensions, excluding cornices, eaves, gutters, chimneys and steps, provided that they do not project more than two feet from the building.
BUILDING CODE
The most current version of the UCC building code adopted by Thornbury Township.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The ratio of the total ground floor area of all buildings on a lot to the total area of the lot on which they are located.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance from the average grade (the average of the grades taken at ten-foot intervals around the building perimeter) to the top of the highest roof beams of a flat roof or to the mean level of a sloped roof, provided that chimneys and spires shall not be included in measuring the height. Elevator, stair and equipment penthouses, tanks and air-conditioning towers shall not be included. The height shall be measured from finished grade, but such measurement shall not be made from a point higher than eight feet above original grade.
BUILDING LINE
A line parallel to the street right-of-way at a distance therefrom equal to the depth of the front yard setback required for the district in which the lot is located, except in the case of an interior lot not fronting on the street or highway for its full width, in which case the building line shall be a line parallel to the highway or street at a distance from the property line nearest the highway or street equal to the depth of the front yard required for the district in which the lot is located.
BUILDING PERMIT
The permit to be issued by the Code Enforcement Officer when all the requirements of the zoning, sanitation and other relevant ordinances are met.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
The main building on a lot or any building that is not an accessory building. Each dwelling or apartment house and each commercial, industrial or institutional building which houses a separate commercial, industrial or other enterprise or a group of permitted commercial or industrial uses shall be construed to be a principal building.
BULK
A term used to describe the size of buildings or other structures and their relationship to each other, to open areas such as yards and or lot lines and includes: the size, height and floor area of a building or other structure; the relation of the number of dwelling units in a residential building to the area of the lot (density); and all open areas in yard space relating to buildings and other structures in accordance with the area and bulk requirements and other applicable requirements of this chapter.
CALIPER
The diameter of a tree trunk measured six inches above the ground for trees up to and including four-inch diameter and measured 12 inches above the ground for trees larger than four-inch diameter.
CARTWAY
The paved surface of a street available for vehicular traffic.
CEMETERY
Land used or intended to be used for the burial of bodies or cremated remains thereof, including columbariums and mortuaries when operated in conjunction with and within the boundary of such cemetery.
CERTIFICATE OF CONTINUANCE
A certificate authorized by the Board of Supervisors to allow for the discontinuance, not abandonment, of a nonconforming use for an extended period of time and resuming the nonconforming use at a later date.
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLE
An area of unobstructed vision at street intersections defined by lines of sight between points at given distances from the intersection of street center lines in accordance with the Multimodal Circulation Handbook for Chester County, PA.
CLUB
A property, buildings, or facilities used for or any organization established for some common social, fraternal, professional, or recreational purpose and characterized by regular meetings, and a charter and/or bylaws. A club does not include health clubs or gyms.
CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
An agent of the Board of Supervisors charged with the administration and enforcement of one or more of the Township's codes and ordinances, including this chapter and the Building Code.
COMMUNICATION TOWER
A reception and transmission tower intended for transmitting or receiving radio, television, telephone or digital communications.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan of the Township of Thornbury, Chester County, Pennsylvania, as adopted and amended from time to time in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[1]
CONSERVATION AREA
An undisturbed or nearly undisturbed natural area consisting of vegetation that is native to the area and intended to be preserved in its natural state.
CONSERVATION LOT
A lot that is created with a stated intent to preserve and protect an existing historic resource that is listed on the Thornbury Township Historic Resources Map[2] or is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The conservation lot must be offered for sale to the Township by the developer. The total lot size shall be at least five times larger than the average residential lot proposed by the subdivision. The area of the conservation lot may be counted toward the open space required by the applicable ordinance.
CONSTRUCTION
The erection, modification, or alteration of any structure. Limited disturbance to soil or vegetation associated with entering the premises for purposes of surveying, staking, or to obtain necessary data on existing conditions shall not be deemed "construction."
CONSUMER FIREWORKS
Any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or combination of substances intended to produce visible and/or audible effects by combustion and which is suitable for use by the public that complies with the construction, performance, composition and labeling requirements promulgated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission in 16 CFR (relating to consumer practices) or any successor regulation and which complies with the provisions for "consumer fireworks" as defined in the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) Standard 87-1, including, but not limited to, Sections *3.1 and *3.5, or any successor standard. The term does not include devices such as "ground and handheld sparkling devices" as defined in APA Standard 87-1, Section *3.1.1, "novelties" as defined in APA Standard 87-1, Section *3.2, or "toy caps" as defined in APA Standard 87-1, Section *3.3.
CONTRIBUTING RESOURCE(S)
A resource in an historic district or historic complex, as filed with the National Register of Historic Places, or the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, which supports the district's or complex's historical significance through location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and/or association.
CONVERSION
An alteration of a building, structure or land by change of use, theretofore existing, to a new use.
CREMATORY
A place which has been certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the cremation of deceased persons or animals.
CUL-DE-SAC
A street with access at one end and terminated at the other by a paved vehicular turnaround.
DAY CARE
Land and buildings where daytime care and/or instruction is provided for seven or more individuals and including staffed professional supervision necessary to serve such purposes. Such use may, but need not, be in support of and operated by another nonresidential use. Operation of a day-care center may be by a public agency, a private nonprofit organization or a private commercial entity, and shall be licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS
The features of a building which give it its particular architectural character and which, if removed or changed, would result in a significant change to its appearance and character.
DEMOLITION
The dismantling or tearing down of all or part of the exterior portion of a building or structure.
DENSITY, BASE
The number of dwelling units per acre, calculated by dividing the total number of dwelling units by the base site area.
DENSITY, GROSS
The number of dwelling units per acre, calculated by dividing the total number of dwelling units by the total acreage of the tract.
DENSITY, MAXIMUM ACHIEVABLE
The allowable increase in dwelling unit density above base density.
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
A committee of not more than three, registered landscape architects, architects or land planners appointed by the Board of Supervisors for study and recommendation as to the aesthetic aspects, the adequacy of overall plan design, open space, recreational and community facilities in a proposed development and the compatibility of the development with the existing and contemplated land uses of adjoining and nearby properties.
DETERMINATION
Any final action of the Building, Zoning, or Code Enforcement Officer, Township Engineer, Planning Commission, or other authorized Township officer relative to the provisions of this chapter, as specified herein.
DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY (DOE)
The process wherein an historic resource is determined by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as meeting National Register criteria, but is not formally listed on the National Register.
DEVELOPABLE AREA
The developable area of a parcel is determined by subtracting protected areas from the base site area.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, the construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, expansion, or alteration of buildings or other structures; the placement of manufactured homes; utilities streets and other paving; filling, grading and excavation; mining; dredging; drilling operations; storage of equipment or materials; and the subdivision of land.
DEVELOPMENT FACTOR
The percentage of density credit granted for protected areas within a given parcel, based upon the percentage of the base site area represented by the protected areas.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The provisions for development, including a Planned Residential Development (PRD), and/or a plat of subdivision, including all covenants relating to use, location and bulk of buildings and other structures, intensity of use or density of development, streets, pathways, parking facilities, common open space, stormwater facilities, public facilities and other features and/or information as required by Township ordinances. The provisions of the development plan shall mean the written and graphic materials referred to in this definition.
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH)
The outside diameter of a tree at 4.5 feet above the forest floor on the uphill side of the tree. The measured section should be unbranched and representative of the typical age of the tree species.
DOG DAY CARE
A short-term boarding kennel for dogs during the day with no overnight accommodations.
DRIVEWAY, PRIVATE
That portion of a lot which is intended for vehicular use and which is privately owned, whether paved or unpaved as regulated under Chapter 108, Article I.
DWELLING, DWELLING UNIT
A building or entirely self-contained portion thereof containing food preparation and bathroom facilities, for occupancy by only a single housekeeping unit (including any domestic servants living or employed on the premises) with no enclosed space (other than vestibules, entrance or other hallways or porches) in common with any other dwelling unit. Dwellings may be classified as follows:
A. 
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHEDA building having only one dwelling unit from ground to roof, independent outside access and open on all sides.
B. 
SEMIDETACHEDA building containing two dwelling units (detached, semidetached, or attached), including, but not limited to, twin or duplex:
(1) 
TWINA building containing two dwelling units, separated by a party wall, each having independent outside access and open space on three sides.
(2) 
DUPLEXA building containing two dwelling units from ground to roof, each of which has independent outside access and open space on all sides.
C. 
MULTIFAMILYA building containing three or more dwelling units, including, but not limited to, four-family dwelling (fourplex, quadruplex), townhouse and rowhouse (single-family attached), and apartment buildings:
(1) 
FOUR-FAMILY DWELLING (FOURPLEX, QUADRUPLEX)A building containing four dwelling units, each of which has independent outside access, two nonparallel walls in common with adjacent dwelling units, and open space on two nonparallel sides.
(2) 
TOWNHOUSE; ROWHOUSE (SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED)A building containing dwelling units separated by parallel party walls, each of which has only one dwelling unit from ground to roof, independent outside access, not more than two walls in common with adjoining units, and open space to the front and rear (internal units) or front, rear, and one side (end units).
(3) 
APARTMENT BUILDING; CONDOMINIUM BUILDINGA building containing three or more dwelling units separated by party walls, and which may have more than one dwelling unit from ground to roof, common outside accesses, and hallways. The dwelling units may either be renter-occupied or owner-occupied as condominium units with separate ownership.
EASEMENT
A right-of-way granted, but not dedicated, for limited use of private land for a public or quasi-public purpose, and within which the owner of the property shall not erect any permanent structures, but shall have the right to make any other use of the land which is not inconsistent with the rights of the grantee.
EFFECTIVE SCREEN
The use of plant materials, fencing, walls and/or earthen berms or combinations thereof, to aid in the concealment of such features as parking areas and vehicles within them and to provide privacy between two or more different land uses or activities; a visual and/or other barrier.
ENGINEER
The duly designated Engineer of Thornbury Township or the engineer or consultant employed by the Township to perform the duties herein prescribed.
ENLARGEMENT
An addition to the floor area of an existing building, an increase of size of another structure, or an increase in that portion of a lot occupied by an existing use.
FAMILY
A. 
A family may be composed of:
(1) 
A single person occupying a dwelling unit.
(2) 
Any number of persons related by blood, marriage or adoption, including not more than four foster children, domestics, resident nurse, and one other individual not related to another in the housekeeping unit.
(3) 
Not more than three unrelated persons living together as a single cooperative household unit.
(4) 
A group of individuals with disabilities living together as the functional equivalent of a family and entitled to a reasonable accommodation to allow them adequate housing choices pursuant to the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq.) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (43 P.S. §§ 951-963).
B. 
The Zoning Officer or other official Township representative shall have the authority to determine whether a group of individuals is living together as the functional equivalent of a family for purposes of this chapter. A family as herein defined specifically excludes individuals and groups occupying a boardinghouse or rooming house, lodging house, club, fraternity, hotel or similar living environment.
FLOODPLAIN AREA
A relatively flat or low land area which is subject to partial or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or watercourse; and/or any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation of surface waters from any source.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
Chapter 83 of the Township Code for the management of flood-prone areas as amended from time to time.
FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)
The measurement of a building's gross floor area in relation to the size of the lot/parcel that the building is located on.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS
The sum of the total horizontal area of all of the floors of a building.
FLOOR AREA, NET
The gross floor area less areas not directly used for the principal use intended, such as walls, columns, stairwells, shaftways, elevators or escalators, corridors, equipment or mechanical rooms, storage areas and lavatories.
FORESTRY
The management of forests and timberlands when practiced in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing, cultivating, harvesting, transporting and selling trees for commercial purposes, and which does not involve any land development.
FUNERAL HOME
A building or part thereof used exclusively for human burial services, including mortuaries. Such building may contain space and facilities for:
A. 
Embalming and the performance of other services used in the preparation of the dead for burial.
B. 
A crematory.
C. 
The storage of caskets, funeral urns, other related funeral supplies, and funeral vehicles.
D. 
The viewing of and services for the deceased.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
An accessory structure designed, built or used by the owner or tenant of the principal structure on a lot for storage of motor vehicles and other household items. A private garage is not affiliated with a motor vehicle business, service or industry.
GARAGE, PUBLIC
A structure used for the repair, servicing, or storage of motor vehicles. A public garage is not intended for sale of gasoline or use as a private garage.
GARDEN CENTER
An establishment for the wholesale or retail sale of nursery and garden products, supplies, tools, and/or equipment.
GRADE
The elevation, relative to a given datum, of the ground surface prior to any excavation or fill.
GRADING
The changing of the surface of the ground by excavation, filling, or combination of the two; the act of moving earth.
HISTORIC RESOURCES
All buildings, sites and structures shown on the Thornbury Township Historic Resources Map[3]; and sites, areas, structures, trails and/or routes which are valued due to their significance as examples and/or locations of events, customs, skills and/or arts of the past. This may include any building, structure or site that is recognized for its historic, architectural or archaeological significance by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, or designated as contributing to a National Register Historic District.
HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY
An official list of historic resources in Thornbury Township which is maintained by the Thornbury Historic Preservation Commission. These resources are further depicted on the Historic Resources Map.[4]
HISTORIC RESOURCES MAP
A map adopted as part of this chapter[5] showing the location of the historic properties and listing the historic sites and historic resources of the Historic Resources Inventory.
HOME-BASED BUSINESS
An accessory use constituting entirely or partly the livelihood of person(s) living in a dwelling unit, when in accordance with § 155-1612.
A. 
Minor home occupation (no-impact home-based business). A business or commercial activity administrated 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 the residential use.
B. 
Major home occupation. A business or commercial activity that exceeds the limits of a no-impact home-based business, such as a business that has employees that are not residents of the dwelling unit in which the home occupation is located.
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION (HOA)
A nonprofit organization comprised of homeowners or property owners, planned and operated under negotiated and approved rules and regulations, for the purpose of administering the needs of residents, subject to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform Planned Community Act of 1996.[6]
HOTEL, MOTEL or INN
A commercial facility offering transient lodging accommodations to the general public and providing additional services or accessory uses including, but not limited to, restaurants, meeting rooms, and recreational facilities made available to patrons. This definition does not include bed-and-breakfasts.
HYDRIC SOILS
Soils that form under conditions of saturation, flooding or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part, including soils inventoried or described as hydric according to the Soil Survey of Chester and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania, or other information provided by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In Thornbury Township, hydric soils shall include, but are not limited to:
A. 
Bedford Silt Loam (Bd).
B. 
Lawrence Silt Loam (La).
C. 
Glenville Silt Loam (Gn).
D. 
Chewacla Silt Loam (Ch).
E. 
Guthrie Silt Loam (Gu).
F. 
Worsham Silt Loam (Wo).
IMPACT STUDY
A study designed to determine the impact that a development will have in the area it is being proposed and the surrounding area.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface that has been compacted or covered with a layer of material so much that it prevents or is resistant to infiltration of water, including, but not limited to, structures such as roofs, buildings, storage sheds; other solid, paved or concrete areas such as streets, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, patios, decks, tennis or other paved courts; or athletic playfields comprised of synthetic turf materials. For the purposes of determining compliance with this chapter, compacted soils or stone surfaces used for vehicle parking and movement shall be considered impervious. Surfaces that were designed to allow infiltration (i.e., areas of porous pavement) will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Township Engineer, based on appropriate documentation and condition of the material, etc.
INSTITUTIONAL USE
A property involving buildings and grounds, including, but not limited to, schools, service clubs, museums, places of worship, hospitals, treatment facilities, and prisons.
LAND DEVELOPMENT
Any of the following activities:
A. 
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(1) 
A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings, whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or tenure; or
(2) 
The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective occupants by means of or for the purpose of streets, common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.
B. 
A subdivision of land.
C. 
Development in accordance with Section 503(1.1) of the Municipalities Planning Code.[7]
LANDSCAPING
Living vegetative material, including, but not limited to, grass, ground covers, trees, and shrubs required upon all lots, except where agricultural production or gardens are permitted, so as not to leave bare dirt exposed to erosion.
LEARNING CENTER
An educational or training academy providing instruction or programs of learning, including, but not limited to, academic tutoring and college entrance exam preparatory courses, art education programs, artistic performances, and music lessons. Private educational institutions may include indoor recreation programs, including, but not limited to yoga studios, martial arts, gymnastics, dance, or cycling. Private educational institutions do not include day-care centers, institutional uses, or education conducted in the provider's home as a home occupation.
LOADING SPACE OR BERTH
An off-street space provided for cargo vehicles, when loading and unloading.
LOT
A parcel of land on which a principal building or, where authorized by this chapter, a unified group of buildings and any accessory buildings are, or may be, placed, together with the required open spaces, such open spaces and the area and dimensions of such lot being not less than the minimum required by this chapter. The use of a lot for more than one principal building or for a unified group of buildings shall be considered a subdivision or land development, and the plan for any such use shall be subject to approval in accordance with Chapter 115, Subdivision and Land Development.
LOT AREA
See "base site area."
LOT LINE
A property boundary line of any lot held in single and separate ownership, except that, in the case of any lot abutting a street, the lot line for such portion of the lot as abuts such street shall be deemed to be the same as the street line, and shall not be the center line of the street or any other line within the street lines even though such may be the property boundary line in a deed.
LOT WIDTH
The horizontal distance between side lot lines measured along the building setback line. Where the street line is curved, the measurement shall be made on the arc parallel to the curve of the street line.
LOT, CORNER
A lot abutting upon two or more streets, at their points of intersection; or a lot with two or more connected sides which abut upon a street or streets, the interior angle being not more than 135°.
LOT, COVERAGE
The percentage of lot area covered by any and all improved or hardened materials and impervious areas, such as buildings, paved parking areas, paved walks, terraces and similar surfaces which do not normally absorb rainfall.
LOT, FLAG
A lot created by subdivision, which, while having the required area and being capable of having the required front, rear and side yard clearances, lacks the required public road frontage, and is connected to a public road by a narrow portion of the lot containing a private driveway or a private roadway of approved width.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot with side lot lines which do not abut a street.
LOT, IRREGULAR-SHAPED
A lot with more than two acute interior angles or a lot with an unconventional number of changes in direction which create areas which are extremely limited in use.
LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGE
A lot extending between and having frontage on two generally parallel streets, with vehicular access only from the minor street.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A single-family dwelling unit fabricated in an off-site manufacturing facility for installation or assembly at the building site, bearing a seal certifying that it was built in compliance with the federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Code, and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities.
MEDICAL OFFICE OR CLINIC
A use involved in the examination and treatment of persons as outpatients by licensed physicians or medical specialists practicing medicine during office hours. Medical clinics may include limited secondary facilities such as laboratory facilities and pharmacies to service patients. Medical clinics may include, but not be limited to, urgent medical care centers and facilities offering minor medical treatment for illnesses or minor outpatient surgeries. Uses providing overnight lodging of patients or prolonged surgical procedures (inpatient) shall not be considered medical clinics.
MICROWAVE ANTENNA FOR SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
A parabolic ground-based reflector, together with its pedestal and any other attachments and parts thereof commonly referred to as a "dish-shaped antenna" used or intended to receive radio or electromagnetic waves from an overhead satellite.
MOBILE HOME
A transportable single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit or in two or more units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations and constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation.
MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICE STATION
A lot with principal and accessory buildings used for sale of gasoline, oil and motor vehicle accessories, electric vehicle charging, and/or the servicing of motor vehicles, including washing of cars and minor repairs, but not for body and fender work or painting.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
A list maintained by the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior composed of buildings, sites, structures and districts of national, state or local significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. Structures and/or districts listed on the Register must meet criteria promulgated by the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior against which historic resources nominated to the National Register are evaluated.
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
An area within a PRD to which residents may walk by way of an integrated sidewalk/pathway system and in which a mix of uses is found such as a store, church, library, park, playground, school, day-care center, other civic or public uses, amenities or services.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Structures for which the start of construction commended on or after the effective date of this chapter.
NEW MOBILE HOME PARK or NEW MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISION
A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more mobile home lots for rent or sale for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lot on which the mobile home is to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads, and the construction of streets) is completed on or after the effective date of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to the adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance, but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located by reasons of such adoption or amendment.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A structure or part of a structure manifestly not designed to comply with the applicable use or extent of use provisions in a zoning ordinance or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment or prior to the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation. Such nonconforming structures include, but are not limited to, nonconforming signs.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions in a zoning ordinance or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment, or prior to the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.
NURSING HOME
A facility operated for the purpose of providing therein lodging, board, and nursing care to sick, invalid, infirm, disabled, or convalescent persons for compensation, provided that the facility has obtained proper governmental licensing. The term "convalescent home" is included in this definition.
OFFICIAL MAP AND ORDINANCE
A map identifying the location of existing and proposed public streets, well sites, watercourses and public grounds, including widening, narrowing, extensions, diminutions, openings or closings, adopted by ordinance under Chapter 37, Official Map, pursuant to Article IV of the MPC.[8]
OPEN SPACE, COMMON
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water or a combination of land and water within a developed site and designed and intended for the use and enjoyment of residents of a development, not including: streets; off-street parking areas; building lots; the 4,000-square-foot equivalent lot area for multifamily dwellings; an area within 20 feet from any exterior walls of any building containing multi-dwelling structures; areas set aside for public facilities; buildings and other aboveground structures associated with sewage disposal systems; and areas set aside for stormwater management facilities (unless designed as a pond, wet year-round).
OPEN SPACE, RECREATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES PLAN
A plan including an inventory of land and water resources in Thornbury Township and recommendations related to future open space, recreation needs and environmental resources protection, adopted by Thornbury Township in 1993.
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL USE
A use or combination of recreational uses carried on primarily outdoors, without the use of artificial illumination.
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL/AGRICULTURAL OPEN SPACE
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water or a combination of land and water to be permanently deed-restricted from subdivision and to outdoor recreational/agricultural uses, setting out areas of such parcel devoted to streets, driveways, off-street parking areas, stormwater management facilities, wastewater management structures and buildings accessory to such use.
PARKING SPACE
A generally level space, available for the parking of one motor vehicle, exclusive of aisles, passageways, driveways, or other means of circulation or access.
PARTY WALL
A common shared wall between two separate buildings. For purposes of a single-family attached or single-family semidetached dwelling, the party wall must extend continuously from the foundation of the dwelling through the roof of the dwelling.
PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE (MPC)
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended.[9]
PERMEABLE (PERVIOUS) SURFACE
A surface that presents an opportunity for precipitation to infiltrate into the ground, including any surface not considered an impervious surface and when approved by the Township Engineer.
PERSONAL SERVICES
A commercial establishment primarily engaged in providing services involving the care of a person or his or her apparel or merchandise and offering only limited, if any, products for sale, including, but not limited to, barbershops, salons, tanning salons, tailors, optometrists, beauticians, repair of electronic goods, bicycle repair, gyms, health clubs, fitness centers, and other similar uses.
PLAN, PRD
See "development plan."
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (PRD)
An area of land, controlled by a landowner, to be developed as a single entity for a number of dwelling units or combination of residential and nonresidential uses, the development plan for which does not correspond in lot size, bulk, type of dwelling or use, density or intensity, lot coverage and required open space to the regulations established in any one article of this chapter.
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS
Persons who provide expert or professional advice, including, but not limited to, architects, attorneys, certified public accountants, engineers, geologists, land surveyors, landscape architects or planners.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
Offices where services are provided that require specialized training or professional certification and where no goods or merchandise are sold or exchanged, except for those directly related to the service provided, including, but not limited to, accountant, appraiser, attorney, architect, financial planner, landscape architect and engineer. A professional office shall not constitute a medical office or clinic, including, but not limited to, physician, dentist, chiropractor, massage therapist, psychologist and optometrist.
PROTECTED AREA
A protected area is any portion of any lot covered by any of the characteristics as outlined under Article XIV, Natural Resources Protections, and Article XIII, Historic Resources Protection.
PUBLIC HEARING
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the governing body or planning agency, intended to inform and obtain public comment, prior to taking action in accordance with this act.
PUBLIC MEETING
A forum held pursuant to notice under 65 Pa.C.S.A. Chapter 7 (relating to open meetings).
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice published once each week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. Such notice shall state the time and place of the hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing. The first publication shall not be more than 30 days and the second publication shall not be less than seven days from the date of the hearing.
PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION BUILDING, GROUNDS OR FACILITY
A building grounds or facility used for a service furnished by a public service or utility corporation. This shall not apply to any existing or proposed building or extension thereof, used or to be used by a public service corporation, if, upon petition of the corporation, the Public Utility Commission shall, after a public hearing, decide that the present, or proposed, situation of the building in question is reasonably necessary for the convenience of the public.
PUBLIC WAY
A paved accessway which is manifest in one or more of the following: all state roads and highways; all dedicated roads maintained by the Township; all roads for which the offer of a deed of dedication has been made; and all private roads over which the general public has the right of access.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicular type unit for recreational, camping or travel use, which either has its own motive power or is mounted on or drawn by another vehicle. Recreational vehicles include, but are not limited to: travel trailers, camping trailers, boat trailers, truck campers and motor homes. A recreational vehicle is not designed for use as a permanent dwelling but is temporary housing quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
REGISTERED HISTORIC STRUCTURE
See "historic structure, registered."
REHABILITATION
The process of returning a property to a state of utility through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historical, architectural and cultural values.
RELIGIOUS USE
A nonprofit use of land or a building(s) where religious services are conducted as the principal purpose, such as a place of worship, and may include ancillary related uses such as religious education, reading rooms, and residences for pastoral staff.
RESTAURANT
Any form of restaurant and/or tavern open to the public and dispensing food and drink. Such use shall not be considered to include drive-through service.
RESTAURANT, DRIVE-THROUGH SERVICE
An establishment designed to allow patrons, without leaving their vehicles, to order and pick up food, beverages, ice cream, and other similar confections for off-site consumption.
RETAIL USE
An establishment engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods. Examples of a retail use include, but are not limited to, a grocery store, hardware store, pharmacy, magazine or bookstore, florist, clothing store, bakery, and other uses of a similar nature, but not including a convenience store.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
An area of land or water reserved or dedicated for any public or private access or utility purpose.
RIGHT-OF-WAY, STREET
A public thoroughfare for vehicular traffic and/or pedestrian traffic, whether designated as a street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway, road, avenue, boulevard, lane, alley, or however designated.
ROOMING HOUSE
A single-family dwelling in which the occupant, for compensation, supplies living accommodations, but no meals, by the week or longer to other than members of his family, provided that there shall be as least 500 square feet of habitable space for each occupant.
SCENIC LANDS
Lands containing protected areas as well as being located adjacent to scenic roadways and containing historic sites, as identified in the Thornbury Township open space, recreation and environmental resources plan.
SCREEN
A buffer comprised of natural and/or man-made material arranged in a certain specified depth, height and density to effectively block the view from one side to another during all seasons of the year and to reduce the transmittal of noise and odors between the sides.
SIGN
Any device for visual communication that is used for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of the public, but not including any flag, badge or insignia of any government or governmental agency.
SIGNIFICANT TREE
Any tree having a caliper of more than 12 inches at a height of 4.5 feet above the ground.
SITE
A tract or a portion of a tract being developed.
SLOPES, MODERATE
Those areas having slopes of 15% or greater but less than 25%, delineated and measured over a six-foot difference in vertical elevation, as measured perpendicular to any contour line. (The percent of slope is determined by dividing the total amount of vertical rise or fall by the horizontal distance over which the rise or fall occurs.) Areas of moderate slope less than 500 square feet in horizontal area shall be exempt from regulations pertaining to moderate slopes.
SLOPES, STEEP
Those areas having slopes of 25% or greater, delineated and measured over a six-foot difference in vertical elevation, as measured perpendicular to any contour line. (The percent of slope is determined by dividing the total amount of vertical rise or fall by the horizontal distance over which the rise or fall occurs.) Areas of steep slope less than 500 square feet in horizontal area shall be exempt from regulations pertaining to steep slopes.
SOLICITOR
An attorney appointed by the Supervisors of Thornbury Township responsible for providing legal advice.
STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION
Standards promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior, as adopted by Thornbury Township and set forth in § 155-1308, to guide and evaluate the rehabilitation of historic buildings.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY
Any feature, natural or man-made, that, due to its condition, design, or construction, conveys, stores, or otherwise affects stormwater runoff quality, rate, or quantity. Typical stormwater management facilities include, but are not limited to, detention and retention basins, open channels, storm sewers, pipes, and infiltration facilities.
STORMWATER ORDINANCE
Chapter 116 of the Township Code for the management of stormwater as amended from time to time.
STREET
A public or privately owned right-of-way, serving as a means of vehicular and pedestrian travel, furnishing access to abutting lots, and used to reserve space for the installation of improvements such as sewers, utilities, and other amenities.
STREET, PRIVATE
Those streets not offered for dedication.
STREET, PUBLIC
A public thoroughfare which has been dedicated and deeded to the Township and which affords the principal means of access to the abutting property.
STRUCTURE
An assembly of material forming a construction for occupancy or use, including, among others, buildings, stadiums, tents, reviewing stands, platforms, stagings, observation towers, water tanks, trestles, open sheds, shelters and display signs.
SUBDIVISION
The division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land, including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than 10 acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
The Thornbury Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance of 1983, as amended.[10]
SWALE
An artificial or natural waterway or low-lying stretch of land that gathers and conveys stormwater or runoff and is generally vegetated for soil stabilization, stormwater pollutant removal, and infiltration.
SWIMMING POOL (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE)
A structure, above or below ground level, for the purpose of containing water to a depth, at any point, in excess of two feet and intended primarily for recreation without regard to materials of its construction.
TOPSOIL
The upper part of the soil, which is the most favorable material for plant growth. It is ordinarily rich in organic matter and is used to top dress road banks and lawns.
TOTAL SITE AREA
The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a tract, excluding any area within a street or street right-of-way and the area of any right-of-way or easement exclusive to the holder thereof.
TOWNSHIP SECRETARY
The Secretary of the Township of Thornbury, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
TRACT
A parcel of land intended for development under the terms of this chapter. A tract may consist of one or more lots held by single and separate owners at the time of application for approval and developed pursuant to a common plan by agreement of the owners.
TRAILER
Any vehicle which is normally towed and has either an overall height of more than four feet or an overall length of more than 15 feet and is not used for farm purposes.
TREE, PROTECTED
A tree with a DBH of eight inches or more.
TREE, SPECIMEN
A mature tree which most typically represents a whole class or group in shape, form, historical importance or any other characteristic which may be designated as such by the Township. Specimen trees shall measure a minimum 24 inches DBH, have attained the minimum mature size as specified in the Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses, by Michael A. Dirr (Stipes Publishing Company, Champaign, Illinois, 1983), or be of specimen quality as determined by a registered landscape architect.
UNIVERSITY
An institution of higher education and research which awards academic degrees in various academic disciplines, typically providing undergraduate and postgraduate education.
USE
Any purpose for which a building or other structure or a tract of land may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained, or occupied; or any activity, occupation, business, or operation carried on or intended to be carried on in a building or other structure or on a tract of land.
USE AREA
Any area of land which is given to one category of land use, which is used to compute net density.
USE, ACCESSORY
A building, structure, land, or use thereof that is not a principal permitted use, but which is clearly incidental and subordinate to the associated principal permitted building, structure, or use on the same lot.
USE, CONDITIONAL
A use as permitted under the provisions set forth under § 155-2105.
USE, PERMITTED (BY RIGHT)
All uses allowed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter not subject to the provisions set forth in either § 155-2005 or § 155-2105.
USE, PRINCIPAL
The primary use of a lot. Except as specifically permitted by this chapter, there shall be only one principal use on each lot.
USE, SPECIAL EXCEPTION
A use as permitted under the provisions set forth under § 155-2005.
VARIANCE
A modification of the regulations of the Zoning Ordinance granted by the Zoning Hearing Board on grounds of physical conditions or unnecessary hardship, not self-imposed, pursuant to the provisions of § 155-2004 and the Municipalities Planning Code.[11]
VETERINARY CLINIC
A building used primarily for the treatment, by a veterinarian, of small domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds or fowl. No outdoor boarding of animals is permitted.
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
A. 
INDIVIDUAL SUPPLY SYSTEMA safe and healthful supply of water, to a single user from a private well located on the lot in which the use is located.
B. 
COMMUNITY OR PUBLIC SUPPLY SYSTEMA system for supplying water from a common source or sources to all dwellings and other buildings within a development or service area. The water supply source may be located on site and/or off site and may be publicly or privately owned.
WATERCOURSE
Any natural or artificial stream, river, creek, ditch, channel, canal, waterway, gully or ravine in which water flows in a definite direction or course, either continuously or intermittently, and has a defined bed and banks.
WETLAND
Those areas that are inundated and saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. Any area meeting the official wetland definition of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as amended, will be considered a wetland for the purposes of this chapter.
WOODLAND
A tree mass or plant community in which tree species are dominant, and the branches of the trees form a complete, or nearly complete, aerial canopy. The extent of any woodland plant community or any part thereof shall be measured from the outermost dripline of all the trees in the community. Woodland shall include any area where timber has been harvested within the previous three years and/or woodland disturbance has occurred within the previous three years which would have met the definition of woodland prior to timbering or disturbance. Woodlands do not include orchards, hedgerows, or old fields.
YARD
The required open space area, around the inner periphery of a lot, in which no principal building or structure shall be located. The area of the lot not required to be open space shall be called the buildable area of the lot.
A. 
FRONTA yard extending the full width of the lot along the front lot line and extending in depth from the front lot line to the nearest point of the permitted principal or accessory building or buildings on the lot. In the case of corner lots which do not have reversed frontage, a front yard of the required depth shall be provided along the frontage which abuts the primary street, and the yard along the other frontage which abuts the secondary street shall be designated as the second front yard and have the same depth as that which applies to the front yard. In the case of reversed frontage corner lots, a front yard of the required depth shall be provided on either frontage, and a second front yard of equal depth shall be provided on the other frontage.
B. 
SIDEThe minimum open space required between each side lot line and any principal building on the lot, exclusive of cornices, eaves, gutters and chimneys projecting not more than two feet from the building.
C. 
REARThe minimum open space extending the full width of a lot, required between the rear line of the lot and any principal building on the lot, exclusive of cornices, eaves, gutters and chimneys projecting not more than two feet from the building.
ZONING MAP
The Official Zoning Map of Thornbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.[12]
ZONING OFFICER
An official appointed by the Supervisors of Thornbury Township who is responsible for the enforcement of the regulations herein.
ZONING PERMIT
A document signed by a Zoning Officer as required and defined in this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: Said map is on file in the Township offices.
[3]
Editor's Note: Said map is on file in the Township offices.
[4]
Editor's Note: Said map is on file in the Township offices.
[5]
Editor's Note: Said map is on file in the Township offices.
[6]
Editor's Note: See 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 5101 et seq.
[7]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10503(1.1).
[8]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10401 et seq.
[9]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[10]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 115 of this Code.
[11]
Editor's Note: 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[12]
Editor's Note: The Official Zoning Map is included as an attachment to this chapter.