A. 
The following words are defined in order to facilitate the interpretation of this chapter for administrative purposes and in the carrying out of duties by appropriate officers and by the Zoning Hearing Board.
B. 
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings herein indicated:
(1) 
Words used in the present tense include the future tense.
(2) 
The singular includes the plural.
(3) 
The word "person" includes any individual or group of individuals, a corporation, partnership or any other similar entity.
(4) 
The word "lot" includes the word "plot" or "parcel."
(5) 
The term "shall" is always mandatory.
(6) 
The word "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or building shall be construed to include the words "intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied."
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONED SIGN
A sign structure that has ceased to be used, and the owner intends no longer to have used, for the display of sign copy, or as otherwise defined by state law.
ACCESS DRIVE
A paved surface, other than a street, which provides vehicular access from a street or private road to a lot.
ACCESSORY BUILDING (STRUCTURE)
A building (structure) subordinate to and detached from the principal building on the same lot and used for purposes customarily incidental to the principal building.
ACCESSORY LIVING QUARTERS
An accessory building used solely as the temporary dwelling of guests of the occupants of the premises; such dwelling having no kitchen facilities and not rented or otherwise used as a separate dwelling unit.
ACCESSORY USE
A use conducted on the same lot as the primary use of the structure to which it is related; a use that is clearly incidental to, and customarily found in connection with, such primary use.
ACT
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247, as amended.[2]
ADULT BOOKSTORE
An establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its stock-in-trade books, magazines and other periodicals distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing or related to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas or an establishment with a segment or section devoted to the sale or display of such material and/or rental of said material, including but not limited to videotapes.
ADULT DAY-CARE CENTER
A facility providing counseling and rehabilitative services to functionally impaired adults, licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
ADULT MINI-MOTION-PICTURE THEATER
An enclosed building with a capacity for fewer than 50 persons used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or related to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas for observation by patrons therein.
ADULT PERSONAL CARE FACILITY
A building or part thereof, other than a hotel or restaurant, where meals and/or lodging are provided for compensation for two or more unrelated persons not transients. Where permitted, or permitted as a special exception, adult personal care facilities may be established subject to the following conditions:
A. 
Lot area shall be determined on the basis of building size, yard requirements, parking and access requirements, water and wastewater requirements and other applicable standards of this chapter.
B. 
A buffer yard and screen planting of no less than 10 feet in depth shall be established along rear and side lot lines.
C. 
Off-street parking facilities shall provide a minimum of two handicapped parking spaces or 5% of the required parking spaces, whichever is greater.
D. 
The facility shall be conducted and operated in compliance with all Pennsylvania Department of Human Services licensing/registration requirements and any other local, state or federal regulations.
AGRICULTURE
The tilling of the soil, raising of crops, farm animals, livestock, horticulture, gardening, beekeeping and aquaculture.
ALLEY
Any public way or thoroughfare more than 10 feet (3,048 mm), but less than 16 feet (4,877 mm), in width, which has been dedicated to the public for public use.
ALTERATION
Any change, addition or modification in construction, occupancy or use.
ALTERATION, STRUCTURAL
Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders.
AMENDMENT
A change in use in any district, which includes revisions to the zoning text and/or the official Zoning Map; and the authority for any amendment lies solely with the Borough Council.
AMUSEMENT CENTER
An establishment offering five or more amusement devices, including, but not limited to, coin-operated electronic games, shooting galleries, table games, and similar recreational diversions within an enclosed building.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
A building used for the treatment, housing, or boarding of small domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds or fowl by a veterinarian.
ANIMATED SIGN
A sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion. Animated signs, which are differentiated from changeable signs as defined and regulated by this code, include the following types:
A. 
Electrically activated: animated signs producing the illusion of movement by means of electronic, electrical or electromechanical input and/or illumination capable of simulating movement through employment of the characteristics of one or both of the classifications noted below:
(1) 
Flashing: animated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination is either the same as or less than the period of nonillumination. For the purposes of this chapter, flashing will not be defined as occurring if the cyclical period between on-off phases of illumination exceeds four seconds.
(2) 
Patterned illusionary movement: animated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by simulated movement through alternate or sequential activation of various illuminated elements for the purpose of producing repetitive light patterns designed to appear in some form of constant motion.
B. 
Environmentally activated: animated signs or devices motivated by wind, thermal changes or other natural environmental input; includes spinners, pinwheels, pennant strings, and/or other devices or displays that respond to naturally external motivation.
C. 
Mechanically activated: animated signs characterized by repetitive motion and/or rotation activated by a mechanical system powered by electric motors or other mechanically induced means.
ANTENNA
Any system of wires, poles, rods, reflecting discs, or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves, which is external to or attached to the exterior of any building, in excess of 35 feet from ground level.
ANTENNA, SATELLITE DISH
A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh or bar-configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, horn or cornucopia. Such device shall be used to transmit and/or receive radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially and/or orbitally based uses. This definition is meant to include, but not be limited to, what are commonly referred to as "satellite earth stations," "TVROs" and "satellite microwave antennas."
APARTMENT
A dwelling unit within a multiple dwelling. This classification includes apartments in apartment houses, studio apartments and kitchenette apartments. Accessory apartments and conversion apartments are not included in the classification.
APARTMENT, ACCESSORY
An independent dwelling unit incorporated within an existing single-family detached dwelling without any substantial external modification.
APARTMENT BUILDING
A building occupied by three or more dwelling units.
APARTMENT CONVERSION
An existing dwelling unit that is or was converted to a dwelling for more than one family, without substantially altering the exterior of the building.
APARTMENT DWELLING ABOVE FIRST FLOOR
A dwelling unit within a multiple-use building. This classification includes studio apartments and kitchenette apartments. The downstairs space is utilized for commercial, retail, or professional business and the second floor and/or third floor is utilized as dwelling space.
APARTMENT, GARDEN
A two-story multifamily dwelling containing one-story dwelling units.
APARTMENT HOUSE
A residential building designed or used for three or more dwelling units.
APPLICANT (*MPC)
A landowner or developer, as hereinafter defined, who has filed an application for development, including his heirs, successors and assigns.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT (*MPC)
Every application, whether preliminary, tentative or final, required to be filed and approved prior to the start of construction or development, including, but not limited to, an application for a building permit for the approval of a subdivision plat or plan or for the approval of a development plan.
APPOINTING AUTHORITY (*MPC)
The Mayor in cities; the Board of Commissioners in counties; the Council in incorporated towns and Boroughs; the Borough Council if of the first class; and the Borough Council in Boroughs of the second class; or as may be designated in the law providing for the form of government.
ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTION
Any projection that is not intended for occupancy and that extends beyond the face of an exterior wall of a building, but that does not included signs as defined herein. See also "awning"; backlit awning"; and "canopy, attached and freestanding."
AREA, BUILDING
See "building area."
AREA, GROSS LAND
The gross land area of any development parcel, including only the area contained within the property line and the ultimate right-of-way line. The area within the right-of-way is computed as part of the gross land area.
AREA, LOT
The area contained within the property lines of a lot or as shown on a subdivision plan, excluding space within any street, but including the area of any easement.
AREA, NET
The net land area of any development parcel includes only the area contained within the property line and the ultimate right-of-way line. The area within the right-of-way (public or other thoroughfare) is not computed as part of the net land area.
AUTHORITY (*MPC)
A body politic and corporate created pursuant to the Act of May 2, 1945 (P.L. 382, No. 164), known as the "Municipality Authorities Act of 1945."[3]
AUTOMOBILE AND GASOLINE SERVICE STATION
Any premises used for supplying gasoline and oil, tires, accessories and services for automobiles at retail direct to the motorist consumer, including the making of minor repairs, but not including such major repairs as:
A. 
Spray painting.
B. 
Body, fender, clutch, transmission, differential, axle, spring and frame repairs.
C. 
Major overhauling of engines requiring removal therefrom of the cylinder-head or crankcase pan.
D. 
Repairs of radiators requiring removal thereof.
E. 
Complete recapping or retreading of tires.
AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE
Lubrication of automobiles and replacement or installation of minor parts and accessories and including major repair work, such as motor replacement, body and fender repair or spray painting.
AUTOMOTIVE SALES
The sale or rental of new or used motor vehicles or trailers, including automotive maintenance and repair.
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR, MAJOR
An establishment primarily engaged in the repair or maintenance of motor vehicles, trailers and similar large mechanical equipment, including paint, body and fender, and major engine and engine part overhaul, which is conducted within a completely enclosed building.
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR, MINOR
An establishment primarily engaged in the repair or maintenance of motor vehicles, trailers and similar mechanical equipment, including brake, muffler, upholstery work, tire repair and change, lubrication, tune-ups, and transmission work, which is conducted within a completely enclosed building.
AUTOMOTIVE SELF-SERVICE STATION
That portion of property where flammable or combustible liquids or gases used as fuel are stored and dispensed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles by persons other than a service station attendant. Such an establishment shall be permitted to offer for sale at retail other convenience items as a clearly secondary activity and shall be permitted also to include a freestanding automatic car wash.
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE STATION
That portion of property where flammable or combustible liquids or gases used as fuel are stored and dispensed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles. Accessory activities shall be permitted to include automotive repair and maintenance, car-wash service, and food sales.
AWNING
An architectural projection or shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall for a building and composed of a covering of rigid or nonrigid materials and/or fabric on a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures that are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.
AWNING SIGN
A sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface or surfaces of an awning. See also "wall or fascia sign."
BACKLIT AWNING
An awning with a translucent covering material and a source of illumination contained within its framework.
BAFFLE
A freestanding randomly located structure, fence-like in nature and materials of construction, except that it is not normally attached to any building, does not particularly follow lot lines, nor enclose a particular area, but rather screens one segment of one property from another for the primary purpose of assuring privacy; a baffle or screen of this nature may also be utilized for the support of various types of living plant materials such as vines, climbing roses or espaliered trees and shrubs.
BANNER
A flexible substrate on which copy or graphics may be displayed.
BANNER SIGN
A sign utilizing a banner as its display surface.
BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Commercial establishments for the purpose of loaning and depositing money. The bank may also engage in other personal and commercial financial services as allowed by law. The facility may also include a drive-up window for handling transactions during business hours and an ATM drive-up or walk-up facility for twenty-four-hour automatic transactions.
BARRIER
A fence, a wall, a building wall, the wall of an aboveground swimming pool or a combination thereof, which completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.
BASEMENT
Any floor level below the first story in a building, except that a floor level in a building having only one floor level shall be classified as a basement unless such floor level qualifies as a first story as defined herein.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
A building or part thereof, other than a hotel or restaurant, where meals and/or lodging are provided for compensation for two or more unrelated persons.
A. 
Sleeping accommodations shall be located only within the dwelling and shall be limited to no more than three rooms for rent with a total size not to exceed 35%, or 750 square feet, of the dwelling, whichever is less.
B. 
Not more than six adult guests may be accommodated at any one time. The length of stay per guest shall be limited to 15 days.
C. 
Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the parking provisions.
D. 
Meals for compensation shall be provided only to guests of the bed-and-breakfast establishment.
BILLBOARD
A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of, the property on which it is displayed. (See "off-premises sign" and "outdoor advertising sign.")
BLOCK
An area of land bounded by streets.
BOARD
The Zoning Hearing Board of the adopting jurisdiction.
BOARD or ZONING HEARING BOARD
The Zoning Hearing Board as appointed by the governing body in connection with the Athens Borough Zoning Ordinance.
BOARDINGHOUSE
A dwelling containing a single dwelling unit and not more than 10 guest rooms or suites of rooms, where lodging is provided with or without meals, for compensation for more than one week.
BUFFER YARD
See "yard, buffer."
BUILDING
Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
BUILDING AREA
The total of areas taken on a horizontal plane at the main grade level of the principal building and all accessory buildings, exclusive of uncovered porches, terraces, and steps.
BUILDING CODE
The International Building Code promulgated by the International Code Council, as adopted by the jurisdiction.
BUILDING, DETACHED
A building surrounded by open space on the same lot.
BUILDING ELEVATION
The entire side of a building from ground level to the roofline, as viewed perpendicular to the walls on the side of the building.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance above the average existing grade measured to the highest point of the building. The height of a stepped or terraced building shall be the maximum height of any segment of the building.
BUILDING LINE
The perimeter of that portion of the building or structure nearest a property line.
[Amended 3-12-2012 by Ord. No. 647, approved 3-12-2012]
BUILDING, MAIN
A building in which the principal use of the site is conducted.
BUILDING PERMIT
Written permission issued by the proper municipal authority for the construction, repair, alteration or addition to a structure.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is located.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE
The line within a property defining the required minimum distance permitted between any enclosed structure and the adjacent right-of-way.
BUILDING, TEMPORARY
A building used temporarily for the storage of construction materials and equipment incidental and necessary to on-site permitted construction of utilities, or other community facilities, or used temporarily in conjunction with the sale of property within a subdivision under construction.
BUSINESS OR FINANCIAL SERVICES
An establishment intended for the conduct of service or administration by a commercial enterprise, or offices for the conduct of professional or business service.
CAMPING GROUND
A parcel of land used by campers for seasonal, recreational, or other similar temporary living purposes, in buildings of a movable, temporary, or seasonal nature, such as cabins, tents, or shelters.
CANOPY (ATTACHED)
A multisided overhead structure or architectural projection supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional points. The surface(s) and/or soffit of an attached canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light. See also "marquee."
CANOPY (FREESTANDING)
A multisided overhead structure supported by columns, but not enclosed by walls. The surface(s) and/or soffit of a free-standing canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light.
CANOPY SIGN
A sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or freestanding canopy.
CARPORT
An open space for the storage of one or more vehicles in the same manner as a private garage, which may be covered by a roof supported by columns or posts except that one or more walls may be the walls of the main building to which the carport is an accessory building or extension.
CARTWAY
That portion of a street or alley which is improved, designed, or intended for vehicular use.
CELLAR
A story partly underground and having more than one-half of its clear height below the average level of the adjoining ground. A cellar shall not be considered in determining the maximum number of stories.
CELLULAR TOWER
A radiotelephone system where a transmitter of limited range is mounted on a tower.
CEMETERY
A burial ground. For purposes of the Athens Borough ordinance, burial of human remains within the limits of the Borough of Athens is prohibited except for the Tioga Point Cemetery or in a cemetery in a conservation district subject to the approval of the Zoning Hearing Board. The Riverside Cemetery is prohibited from accepting any new burials by prior Borough ordinance.
[Amended 9-28-2009 by Ord. No. 621, approved 9-28-2009]
CENTER-BASED DAY-CARE FACILITY
A facility that is licensed annually by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services that has more than 12 children, and the number of children is based on the square footage of the facility.
CHANGEABLE SIGN
A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote input, including signs which are:
A. 
Electrically activated: A changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed by means of remote electrically energized on-off switching combinations of alphabetic or pictographic components arranged on a display surface. Illumination may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light-emitting devices; or it may be from an external light source designed to reflect off the changeable component display. See also "electronic message sign or center."
B. 
Manually activated: A changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed manually.
CHURCH
A building or group of buildings, including customary accessory buildings, designed or intended for public worship. For the purpose of this chapter, the word "church" shall include chapels, cathedrals, temples and similar designations as well as parish houses, convents and such accessory uses.
CITY or CITIES (*MPC)
Cities of the Second Class A and Third Class.
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLE
An area of unobstructed vision at a street intersection(s) defined by lines of sight between points at a given distance from the intersecting street right-of-way lines.
CLUB
A building or portion thereof or premises owned or operated by a corporation, association, person or persons for a social, educational or recreational purpose, but not primarily for profit or to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business.
CLUSTER
A development technique that concentrates building in specific areas on the site to allow the remaining land to be used for recreation, common open space and preservation of environmentally sensitive features.
CLUSTER SUBDIVISION
A form of development that permits a reduction in lot area and bulk requirements, provided there is no increase in the number of lots/units permitted under a conventional subdivision/land development and the resultant land area is devoted to open space.
COMBINATION SIGN
A sign that is supported partly by a pole and partly by a building structure.
COMMERCIAL CENTER, COMMUNITY
A completely planned and designed commercial development providing for the sale of general merchandise and/or convenience goods and services. A community commercial center shall provide for the sale of general merchandise, and may include a variety store, discount store or supermarket.
COMMERCIAL CENTER, CONVENIENCE
A completely planned and designed commercial development providing for the sale of general merchandise and/or convenience goods and services. A convenience commercial center shall provide a small cluster of convenience shops or services.
COMMERCIAL CENTER, NEIGHBORHOOD
A completely planned and designed commercial development providing for the sale of general merchandise and/or convenience goods and services. A neighborhood commercial center shall provide for the sale of convenience goods and services, with a supermarket as the principal tenant.
COMMERCIAL CENTER, REGIONAL
A completely planned and designed commercial development providing for the sale of general merchandise and/or convenience goods and services. A regional center shall provide for the sale of general merchandise, apparel, furniture, home furnishings, and other retail sales and services, in full depth and variety.
COMMERCIAL, HEAVY
An establishment or business that generally uses open sales yards, outside equipment storage or outside activities that generate noise or other impacts considered incompatible with less-intense uses. Typical businesses in this definition are lumber yards, construction specialty services, heavy equipment suppliers or building contractors.
COMMERCIAL, LIGHT
An establishment or business that generally has retail or wholesale sales, office uses, or services which do not generate noise or other impacts considered incompatible with less-intense uses. Typical businesses in this definition are retail stores, catering services or restaurants.
COMMERCIAL RETAIL SALES AND SERVICES
Establishments that engage in the sale of general retail goods and accessory services. Businesses within this definition include those that conduct sales and storage entirely within enclosed structure (with the exception of occasional outdoor "sidewalk" promotions); and businesses specializing in the sale of either general merchandise or convenience goods.
COMMISSION or PLANNING COMMISSION
The Athens Borough Planning Commission of Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
COMMON OPEN SPACE (MPC)
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination of land and water, within a development site and designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents of a development, not including streets, off-street parking areas, and areas set aside for public facilities.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The declaration of purposes, policies and programs for the development of the jurisdiction.
COMPRESSOR AND METERING STATION
The station where once the natural gas is extracted will be pressurized and filtered prior to being sent to market. The purpose of this station is to pressurize the natural gas prior to flowing through a gas pipeline; this process is repeated occasionally along the pipeline as the natural gas travels through it at intervals typically ranging between 40 and 100 miles. As the natural gas must be pressurized before traveling through the pipelines, the compressor station typically removes any other liquid or particles in the natural gas in order to filter the gas making it as pure as possible.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
COMPRESSOR STATION FOR CNG FUELING AT A GAS STATION
The station where, once the natural gas is extracted and piped to the compressor station located at the CNG Fueling Gas Station, it will be pressurized and filtered prior to being dispensed as fuel to the vehicle. The purpose of this station is to pressurize the natural gas prior to flowing through a gas pipeline.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
CONDITIONAL USE (*MPC)
A use permitted in a particular zoning district pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
CONDOMINIUM
A form of property ownership providing for individual ownership of a specific apartment or other space not necessarily on ground level together with an undivided interest in the land or other parts of the structure in common with other owners. A condominium is considered permissible under the same standards as a townhouse or garden apartment.
CONGREGATE RESIDENCE
Any building or portion thereof that contains facilities for living, sleeping and sanitation as required by this code, and may include facilities for eating and cooking for occupancy by other than a family. A congregate residence shall be permitted to be a shelter, convent, monastery, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house, but does not include jails, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels or lodging houses.
CONSTRUCTION
The construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, extension, expansion, alteration, or relocation of a building structure; includes the placement of mobile (manufactured) homes.
CONTRACTOR YARDS (PIPE YARDS AND EQUIPMENT STAGING AREAS)
A use of property for the storing of unhoused equipment and piping material for use in the natural gas industry which consists of loading and unloading pipe and equipment for staging and storage purposes to be reloaded and transported to a gas well site.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
CONVENIENCE STORE
A commercial establishment for the sale of commercial energy sources, food products, videotapes, and convenience items, with food served on the premises on a limited basis. Sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. The hours of operation shall be from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. In order to be opened for 24 hours, it will require Zoning Board approval.
CONVERSION INCREASES OR EXPANSION
The change of a single-family residential dwelling into a two-family or three-family residential dwelling.
CONVERSION
When an owner or occupant of real property, residential or commercial, reduces or expands the number of units in the structure.
A. 
APARTMENT CONVERSIONAn existing dwelling unit that is or was converted to add or reduce an additional residential unit dwelling for more than one family, without substantially altering the exterior of the building.
B. 
COMMERCIAL CONVERSIONAn existing commercial business that is converted to add or reduce an additional dwelling or to add or reduce an additional commercial use, without substantially altering the exterior of the building.
C. 
REDUCTION CONVERSIONWhen the owner or occupant of real property, residential or commercial, reduces the number of units in the structure.
COPY
Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign, excluding numerals identifying a street address only.
COUNTY (*MPC)
Any county of the Second Class through Eighth Class (definition amended December 14, 1992, P.L. 815, No. 131).
COURT
A space, open and unobstructed to the sky, located at or above grade level on a lot and bounded on three or more sides by walls of a building.
COURT, INNER
A court enclosed on all sides by exterior walls of a building or by exterior walls and lot lines on which walls are allowable, and which court does not extend to a street, alley, yard or other outer court.
COURT, OUTER
A court enclosed on not more than three sides by exterior walls and lot lines on which walls are allowable, with one side or end open to a street, driveway, alley or yard.
COVERAGE
That portion or percentage of the lot area covered by all buildings.
CREMATORIUM
A furnace for cremating; also, an establishment containing such a furnace.
DAY CARE, FAMILY
A residence offering baby-sitting services and child-care services that has six children or less and is registered biannually by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
DAY CARE, GROUP
A residence offering baby-sitting services and child-care services for seven to 11 children unrelated to the resident household and meeting all applicable licensing and registration requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare.
DAY CARE, RELATIVE OR NEIGHBOR
A residence offering baby-sitting services and child-care services for a relative or neighbor that does not require registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
DECISION (*MPC)
Final adjudication of any board or other body granted jurisdiction under any land use ordinance or this Act[4] to do so, either by reason of the grant of exclusive jurisdiction or by reason of appeals from determinations. All decisions shall be appealable to the Court of Common Pleas of the county and judicial district wherein the municipality lies.
DECK
A flat-floored roofless area adjoining a dwelling unit.
DENSITY
The number of dwelling units that are allowed on an area of land, which area of land shall be permitted to include dedicated streets contained within the development.
DETERMINATION (*MPC)
A. 
Final action by an officer, body or agency charged with the administration of any land use ordinance or applications thereunder, except the following:
(1) 
The governing body;
(2) 
The Zoning Hearing Board; or
(3) 
The planning agency, only if and to the extent the planning agency is charged with the final decision on preliminary or final plans under the subdivision and land development ordinance or planned residential development provisions.
B. 
Determinations shall be appealable only to the boards designated as having jurisdiction for such appeal.
DEVELOPER (*MPC)
Any landowner, agent of such landowner, or tenant with the permission of such landowner, who makes or causes to be made a subdivision of land or a land development.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, filling, grading, paving, excavation, mining, dredging or drilling operations and the subdivision of land.
DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX SIGNS
A freestanding sign identifying a multiple-occupancy development, such as a shopping center or planned industrial park, which is controlled by a single owner or landlord.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN (*MPC)
The provisions for development, including a planned residential development, a plat of subdivision, all covenants relating to use, location and bulk of buildings and other structures, intensity of use or density of development, streets, ways and parking facilities, common open space and public facilities. The phrase "provisions of the development plan" when used in this chapter shall mean the written and graphic materials referred to in this definition.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
DISTRICT
A portion of the territory of Athens Borough within which certain regulations and requirements, or various combinations thereof, apply under the provisions of this chapter.
DOG KENNEL
Any premises, except where accessory to an agricultural use, where three or more dogs, 10 weeks in age or older, are kept or boarded.
DOUBLE-FACED SIGN
A sign with two faces, back to back.
DRIVE-IN COMMERCIAL USES
Any retail commercial use providing considerable off-street parking and catering primarily to vehicular trade, such as drive-in restaurants, drive-in theaters and similar uses.
DRIVEWAY
A private access road, the use of which is limited to persons residing, employed, or otherwise using or visiting the parcel in which it is located.
DRY-CLEANING ESTABLISHMENT
A commercial establishment for the professional cleaning of clothes, including laundromats.
DUMP
A lot or land or part thereof used primarily for disposal by abandonment, dumping, burial, or other means, and for whatever purpose, of garbage, sewage, trash, refuse, junk, discarded machinery, vehicles or parts thereof, or waste material of any kind. The Borough is affiliated with the county landfill operated by the Northern Tier Solid Waste Authority; licensed solid waste haulers transport the garbage from the Borough to that facility or to the Chemung County Solid Waste Facility located in an adjoining county in New York State.
DWELLING
Any building, or portion thereof, which is designed for or used for residential purposes.
DWELLING, EARTH-SHELTERED
Any completed building or structure that was designed to be built partially or wholly underground; a completed building or structure which was not intended to serve as a substructure or foundation for a building.
DWELLING GROUP
A group of two or more single-family, two-family, or multifamily dwellings occupying a lot in one ownership.
DWELLING, MANUFACTURED HOUSING
Any structure designed primarily for residential occupancy, which is wholly or in substantial part made, fabricated, formed or assembled in manufacturing facilities for installation or assembly and installation on the building site in such manner that all concealed parts or processes of manufacture cannot be inspected at the site without disassembly, damage or destruction. This definition includes dwelling units of single- and double-wide trailers, any housing unit or mobile unit with a title, any unit that contains a chassis with or without wheels and modular homes.
DWELLING, MODULAR HOME
A transportable, single-family detached dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, constructed in a minimum of two pieces combined to be assembled on a permanent foundation as one unit; this definition expressly excludes dwelling units of single- and double-wide trailers, excludes any housing or mobile unit with a title. The units must meet or exceed the standards in the International Residential Code and the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code in effect at the time of installation.
[Added 3-12-2012 by Ord. No. 647, approved 3-12-2012]
DWELLING, SINGLE-WIDE TRAILER
A transportable, single-family detached dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit, which arrives at 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. The unit is capable of being removed for repeated towing and relocation. For Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain management purposes, this definition includes park trailers, travel trailers and other similar vehicles located on site for greater than 180 consecutive days. This definition includes any unit with a title. This definition excludes double-wide trailers and modular homes.
DWELLING, DOUBLE-WIDE TRAILER/HOME
A transportable, single-family detached dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, constructed as two units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing and relocation, which arrives at the 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. For Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain management purposes, this definition includes park trailers, travel trailers and other similar vehicles located on site for greater than 180 consecutive days. This definition excludes modular homes, single-wide trailers, and includes units that may have titles.
DWELLING, DOUBLE-WIDE TRAILER/HOME PERMANENT
A transportable, single-family detached dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, constructed as two units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing and relocation, which arrives at the 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. For Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain management purposes, this definition includes park trailers, travel trailers and other similar vehicles located on site for greater than 180 consecutive days. This definition excludes modular homes, single-wide trailers, and includes units that may have titles. After this double-wide trailer is located on a permanent foundation and is not capable of repeated towing and relocation, it shall be considered a permanent structure for purposes of this Zoning Ordinance. This definition shall also apply to any double-wide trailer installed in the Business District on a permanent foundation and utilized for business or residential purposes.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE, APARTMENT
A building used or designed as a residence for three or more families living independently of each other and doing their own cooking therein, including apartment houses, flats, row houses, garden apartments, townhouses and condominiums.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE-UNIT
A building or portion thereof designed for occupancy by three or more families living independently, in which they may or may not share common entrances and/or other spaces. Individual dwelling units may be owned as condominiums, or offered for rent.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY
A detached dwelling unit with kitchen and sleeping facilities, designed for occupancy by one family.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A detached dwelling unit with kitchen and sleeping facilities, designed for occupancy by one family.
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms for living purposes, together with separate cooking and sanitary facilities used or intended to be used by one or more persons living together and maintaining a common household, and accessible from the outdoors, either directly or through an entrance hall shared with other dwelling units.
DWELLING, ZERO LOT LINE
A single-family detached dwelling with the building positioned on a lot in such a manner that one or more of the building's sides rest directly on a lot line.
EASEMENT
That portion of land or property reserved for present or future use by a person or agency other than the legal fee owner(s) of the property. The easement shall be permitted to be for use under, on or above said lot or lots.
EATING ESTABLISHMENT
Any form or restaurant and/or tavern open to the public, dispensing food or drink for monetary consideration.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
A college or university giving general academic instruction, as prescribed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; included within this term are areas or structures used for administration, housing of students or faculty, a dining hall, and social or athletic activities, when located on the institution's land that is not detached from that portion of the campus where classroom facilities are maintained by more than street and/or other property owned by the institution.
ELECTRIC SIGN
Any sign activated or illuminated by means of electrical energy.
ELECTRIC SUBSTATION
An assemblage of equipment for purposes other than generation or utilization, through which electric energy in bulk is passed for the purposes of switching or modifying its characteristics to meet the needs of the general public.
ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES
Electric public utilities transmission and distribution facilities, including substations.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN OR CENTER
An electrically activated changeable sign whose variable message capability can be electronically programmed.
ELECTRONIC NOTICE
Notice given by a municipality through the Internet of the time and place of a public hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing, pursuant to 53 P.S. § 10109.
[Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY (SMALL-SCALE)
Any activity conducted for gain, which is generally related to the entertainment field, such as miniature golf, arcades, billiards, and related uses.
ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY (LARGE-SCALE)
Any activity conducted for gain, which is generally related to the entertainment field, such as motion-picture theaters, bowling alleys, roller skating rinks, golf driving ranges, commercial swimming pools, carnivals, and related uses.
EXTERIOR SIGN
Any sign placed outside a building.
FACE OF BUILDING, PRIMARY
The wall of a building fronting on a street or right-of-way, excluding any appurtenances such as projecting fins, columns, pilasters, canopies, marquees, showcases or decorations.
FASCIA SIGN
See "wall or fascia sign."
FAMILY
One or more persons living together in a single dwelling unit as a traditional family or the functional equivalent of a traditional family. It shall be a rebuttable presumption that five or more persons living together in a single dwelling unit, who are not related by blood, adoption, or marriage, does not constitute the functional equivalent of a traditional family. This definition does not intend to prohibit group homes and/or community living arrangements that are determined to be protected by the Federal Fair Housing law, provided such facilities are licensed and permitted under the authority of the Department of Welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or other state department or agency. In determining the functional equivalent of a traditional family, the following criteria shall be present:
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
A. 
The group shares the entire dwelling unit.
B. 
The group lives and cooks together as a single housekeeping unit.
C. 
The group shares expenses for food, rent, utilities or other household expenses.
D. 
The group is permanent and stable, and not transient or temporary in nature.
E. 
Any other factor reasonably related to whether the group is the functional equivalent of a family.
FAMILY CARE FACILITY
A facility providing shelter, counseling, and other rehabilitative services in a family-like environment for four to eight residents, plus such minimum supervisory personnel as may be required to meet standards of the licensing agency. Residents may not be legally related to the facility operators or supervisors and, by reason of mental or physical disability, chemical or alcohol dependency, or family or school adjustment problems, require a minimal level of supervision but do not require medical or nursing care or general supervision. A family care facility must be licensed and/or approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and may include uses such as foster homes, community residential alternative facilities, or home individual programs.
FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME
A residence offering baby-sitting services and child-care services that have six children or less and are registered biannually by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
FAMILY LIVING HOME
The private home of an individual where residential care is provided for individuals who are mentally retarded and who are not related to the homeowner and which is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
FARM
An area of land not less than one acre in size and used for agricultural purposes, as defined in "agriculture."
FARM ANIMALS
Animals other than household pets that shall be permitted to, where permitted, be kept and maintained for commercial production and sale and/or family food production, education or recreation. Farm animals are identified by these categories: large animals, e.g., horses and cattle; medium animals, e.g., sheep and goats; or small animals, e.g., rabbits, chinchillas, chickens, turkeys, pheasants, geese, ducks and pigeons.
FENCE
Any freestanding and uninhabitable structure constructed of wood, glass, metal, plastic materials, wire, wire mesh, or masonry, singly or in combination, erected for the purpose of screening or dividing one property from another to assure privacy, or to protect the property so screened or divided, or to define and mark the property line, when such structure is erected on or within two feet of any front, side or rear lot line; for the purpose of this chapter, a freestanding masonry wall, when so located, is considered to be a fence; also for the purpose of this chapter, when the term "lot line" is used in relation to fences, it shall be synonymous with "rear yard lot lines," "side yard lot lines" and "front yard lot lines."
FENCE HEIGHT
The distance measured from the existing grade to the top of the fence.
FILL
Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or any other material is placed, pushed, dumped, transported or moved to a new location above the natural surface of the ground or on top of the stripped surface and shall include the conditions resulting therefrom; the difference in elevation between a point on the original ground and a designated point of higher elevation on the final grade; the material used to make a fill.
FLASHING SIGN
See "animated sign, electrically activated."
FLOOD
A temporary inundation of normally dry land areas.
FLOOD, BASE (100-YEAR FLOOD)
A flood that, on the average, is likely to occur once every 100 years (i.e., that has a 1% chance of occurring each year, although the flood may occur in any year).
FLOOD FRINGE
That portion of the floodplain outside the floodway.
FLOODPLAIN
A. 
A relatively flat or low land area adjoining a river, stream, or watercourse which is subject to partial or complete inundation;
B. 
An area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any surface.
FLOODPROOFING
Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to proposed or existing structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.
FLOODWAY
The designated area of a floodplain required to carry and discharge floodwaters of a given magnitude. For the purposes of this chapter, the floodway shall be capable of accommodating a flood of the 100-year magnitude without increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot at any point.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS
The sum of the horizontal areas of floors of a building measured from the exterior face of exterior walls or, if appropriate, from the center line of dividing walls; this includes courts and decks or porches when covered by a roof.
FLOOR AREA, NET
The gross floor area, exclusive of vents, shafts, courts, elevators, stairways, exterior walls and similar facilities.
FOUNDATION, PERMANENT
Support for building; a part of a building usually below ground that transfers and distributes the weight of the building onto the ground which may consist of pillars, concrete slab, concrete basement, concrete block, foam blocks or another material that complies with and is installed according to the Building Code (to the frost line).
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign principally supported by a structure affixed to the ground, and not supported by a building, including signs supported by one or more columns, poles or braces placed in or upon the ground. For visual reference, see Section 1003.[5]
FRONTAGE
The width of a lot or parcel abutting a public right-of-way measured at the front property line.
FRONTAGE (BUILDING)
The length of an exterior building wall or structure of a single premises orientated to the public way or other properties that it faces.
FRONTAGE (PROPERTY)
The length of the property line(s) of any single premises along either a public way or other properties on which it borders.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
A building or a portion of a building not more than 1,000 square feet (92.9 m2) in area, in which only private or pleasure-type motor vehicles used by the tenants of the building or buildings on the premises are stored or kept.
GARAGE, PUBLIC
Any structure, other than a private garage, which is used for storage, repair, rental, servicing or supplying of gasoline or oil to motor vehicles for compensation.
GARAGE, SERVICE
A garage, other than a private garage, where motor-driven vehicles are stored, equipped for operation, repaired or kept for remuneration, hire or sale.
GARAGE/YARD SALES
A temporary accessory use on a residential lot that includes the display of personal possessions within a garage, porch or front yard, and those of friends, relatives and neighbors, for sale to the general public upon the property of one’s residence.
[Added 11-12-2013 by Ord. No. 662, approved 11-12-2013]
A. 
One four-foot-square (four feet by four feet) sign or smaller in size shall be allowed on the property, no sooner than seven days prior to the sale, and removed promptly upon the completion of the sale.
B. 
The conduct of garage or yard sales beyond the extent described herein represents a commercial or retail business and requires appropriate compliance with those specific standards found within the current Zoning Ordinance.
C. 
In no case shall any aspect of the garage or yard sale be conducted in the street right-of-way.
D. 
Garage and yard sales shall operate between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
E. 
The property owner shall obtain a temporary use permit from the Borough for garage and yard sales in order that the temporary use does not exceed the three-day limit and twice per year. The cost of the permit will be established by resolution of the Borough Council.
F. 
There shall be no sale of retail property purchased solely for resale by the property owners/tenants and not for the property owners'/tenants' personal use.
G. 
After the sale period has expired, the personal property in the sale must be removed from the outside of the premises, including the yard, driveway, and open porches, and stored inside an enclosed porch, the dwelling, inside the garage, and/or inside sheds unless the personal property is utilized for a specific purpose on the outside of the premises.
H. 
Plastic tarps and open-walled structures are not considered sheds and will not be allowed for the storage of the personal property after the three-day sale period has expired.
I. 
The property owner shall only be allowed a total of two sales per year, whether they are advertised as a garage sale, a yard sale, or a combination garage and yard sale.
GARBAGE
All table refuse, animal and vegetable matter, offal from meat, fish and fowl, vegetables and fruits and parts thereof, and all other articles and materials ordinarily used for food, for humans or domestic animals, and which have become unfit for such use or which are discarded for any reason.
GARDEN APARTMENT
Three or more dwelling units accommodating three or more families which are located one over the other and which, when more than three units are utilized, are attached side-by-side through the use of common party walls, and which shall have side yards adjacent to each first story end unit. Single-family dwelling units are generally built to a height of three stories, but may conceivably be built to a height of two stories. Each dwelling unit is accessible by a common stairwell.
GARDENING
The cultivation of herbs, fruits, flowers or vegetables, excluding the keeping of livestock.
GARDEN STRUCTURE
Any accessory structure which may be occupied for other than sleeping or general housekeeping purposes, or which serves as a shelter primarily for human beings, except a permitted garage, porch or carport, which is located in any side or rear yard not closer than four feet to any side or rear lot line; included in this category of structures, but not limited to, are arbors, aviaries, gazebos, pergolas, trellises, barbecue shelters, bath houses, private greenhouses and freestanding screens or baffles and similar structures however called. No such structure may be located in any required front yard between the building setback line and the street line. Such structures may be solidly roofed and walled or open to the sky and on the sides, but if solidly roofed or solidly walled on more than two sides, they must be located within the building line of the lot and may not invade any required yard. Unscreened, unroofed, unwalled or unfenced patios, birdbaths, ornamental pools and swimming pools are not considered as garden structures. Permitted structures may be attached to or be detached from a dwelling.
GAS
All natural gas and all other volatile hydrocarbons not herein defined as oil, including condensate because it originally was in a gaseous phase in the reservoir.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
GOVERNING BODY (*MPC)
The council in cities, Boroughs and incorporated towns; the Board of Commissioners in Boroughs of the First Class; the Borough Council in Boroughs of the Second Class; the Board of Commissioners in counties of the Second Class through Eighth Class or as may be designated in the law providing for the form of government (definition amended December 14, 1992, P.L. 815, No. 131).
GRADE (ADJACENT GROUND ELEVATION)
The lowest point of elevation of the existing surface of the ground, within the area between the building and a line five feet (1,524 mm) from the building.
GRADE, ESTABLISHED
The elevation of the center line of the streets, as officially established by the municipal authorities.
GRADE, FINISHED
The completed surfaces of lawns, walks, and roads brought to grades as shown on official plans or designs relating thereto.
GREENHOUSE, SALE
A building whose roof and sides are made largely of glass or other transparent or translucent material and in which the temperature and humidity can be regulated for the cultivation of delicate or out-of-season plants for subsequent sale.
GREENHOUSE, PERSONAL
A building whose roof and sides are made largely of glass or other transparent or translucent material and in which the temperature and humidity can be regulated for the cultivation of delicate or out-of-season plants for personal enjoyment.
GROUND FLOOR
The floor of a building nearest the mean grade of the front of the building.
GROUND SIGN
See "freestanding sign."
GROUP HOME FACILITY or COMMUNITY HOME
A facility providing shelter, counseling, and other rehabilitative services in a family-like environment for more than nine but fewer than 15 residents, plus such minimum supervisory personnel as may be required to meet standards of the licensing agency. Residents may not be legally related to the facility operators or supervisors and, by reason of mental or physical disability, chemical or alcohol dependency, or family or school adjustment problems, require a minimal level of supervision but do not require medical or nursing care or general supervision. A group care facility must be licensed and/or approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
GROUP DAY-CARE HOME
A residence offering baby-sitting services and child-care services for seven to 11 children unrelated to the resident household and meeting all applicable licensing and registration requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare.
HABITABLE SPACE (ROOM)
Space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility space, and similar areas are not considered habitable space.
HALFWAY HOUSE
A residence for inmates on release from more restrictive custodial confinement or initially placed in lieu of such more restrictive custodial confinement, wherein supervision, rehabilitation, and counseling are provided to mainstream residents back into society, enabling them to live independently. Such facility must be leased and operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for such services.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
A. 
Any garbage, refuse, sludge from an industrial or other wastewater treatment plant, sludge from a water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material, including solid, liquid, semisolid or contained gaseous material resulting from municipal, commercial, industrial, institutional, mining, or agricultural operations, and from community activities, or any combination of the above, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may:
(1) 
Cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in morbidity in either an individual or the total population; or
(2) 
Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or otherwise managed.
B. 
The term "hazardous waste" shall not include coal refuse as defined in the act of September 24, 1968 (P.L. 1040, No. 318), known as the "Coal Refuse Disposal Control Act."[6] "Hazardous waste" shall not include treatment sludge from coal mine drainage treatment plants, disposal of which is being carried on pursuant to the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L. 1987, No. 394), known as "The Clean Streams Law,"[7] solid or dissolved material in domestic sewage, or solid or dissolved materials in irrigation return flows or industrial discharges which are point sources subject to permits under § 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. § 1342), or source, special nuclear, or by-product material as defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2011 through 2394).
HEARING (*MPC)
An administrative proceeding conducted by a board pursuant to 53 P.S. § 10909.1.
HEIGHT OF BUILDING
See "building height."
HOME-BASED BUSINESS, NO-IMPACT
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, or 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:
A. 
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential use of the property and surrounding residential uses.
B. 
The business shall employ no employees other than family members residing in the dwelling.
C. 
There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling of inventory of a substantial nature.
D. 
There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including, but not limited to, parking, signs or lights.
E. 
The business activity may not use any equipment or process which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical or electronic interference, including interference with radio or television reception, which is detectable in the neighborhood.
F. 
The business activity may not generate any solid waste or sewage discharge in volume or type which is not normally associated with residential use in the neighborhood.
G. 
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.
H. 
The business may not involve any illegal activity.
HOME OCCUPATION
The partial use of a dwelling unit for commercial or nonresidential uses by a resident thereof, which is subordinate and incidental to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes.
HOSPITAL
An institution designed for the diagnosis, treatment and care of human illness or infirmity and providing health services, primarily for inpatients, and including, as related facilities, laboratories, outpatient departments, training facilities and staff offices.
HOTEL
A building designed or used primarily as a temporary abiding place in which lodging is provided for compensation, with or without meals, containing 10 or more guest rooms and having an outside entrance in common.
HOUSEHOLD PETS
Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, etc., for family use only (noncommercial) with cages, pens, etc.
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either projecting through its surface(s) (internally illuminated) or reflecting off its surface(s) (externally illuminated).
IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE
See "coverage."
IMPERVIOUS MATERIAL
Any substance placed on a lot which covers the surface in such fashion as to prevent natural absorption of surface water by the earth so covered. The following items shall be deemed to be impervious material: buildings, concrete sidewalks, paved driveways and parking areas, swimming pools and other nonporous structures or materials.
INCINERATOR
An approved device in which combustible material, other than garbage, is burned to ashes.
INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITY (SMALL)
Any establishment which provides recreation, amusement or entertainment for the general public within a completely enclosed structure for a fee or admission charge, including, but not limited to, billiard and pool halls, video and other coin-operated game arcades.
INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITY (LARGE)
Any establishment which provides recreation, amusement or entertainment for the general public within a completely enclosed structure for a fee or admission charge, including, but not limited to, theaters, dance halls, bowling alleys, and spas or health clubs where the principal use includes a gymnasium, exercise room, swimming pool or other sports facility.
INDUSTRIALIZED HOMES (the legal term for what is also known as "modular home")
Modular homes permanently installed on real property, built in accordance with Pennsylvania established building codes and not designed to be transported after installation. This definition expressly excludes dwelling units of single- and double-wide trailers, excludes any housing or mobile unit with a title and also excludes any unit that contains a chassis with or without wheels. This definition shall also apply to any modular home installed in the Business District and utilized for business or residential purposes.
[Amended 9-28-2009 by Ord. No. 621, approved 9-28-2009]
INDUSTRIAL OR RESEARCH PARK
A tract of land developed according to a master site plan for the use of a family of industries and their related commercial uses, and that is of sufficient size and physical improvement to protect surrounding areas and the general community and to ensure a harmonious integration into the neighborhood.
INDUSTRY
The manufacturing, compounding, processing, assembly or treatment of materials, articles, or merchandise. Light and heavy industry shall be defined as they are used in the industry.
INSTITUTION
A building or grounds, all or a portion of which is used by persons who occupy the buildings for a common purpose, including, but not limited to, hospitals, convents, school dormitories, college campuses, nursing homes; the education, administrative and/or recreational facilities of such organizations as the YMCA, YWCA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Boys Clubs; not to include penal institutions and similar facilities.
INTERIOR SIGN
Any sign placed within a building, but not including window signs as defined by this chapter. Interior signs, with the exception of window signs as defined, are not regulated by this chapter.
JUNK
Any discarded materials, machinery, scrap metals, articles or objects possessing value in part, gross, or aggregate, and including, but not limited to, inoperable vehicles and parts thereof, including motors, bodies of motor vehicles and vehicles which are inoperable. Junk includes vehicles, tires, vehicle parts, equipment, paper, rags, metal, glass, building materials, household appliances, brush, wood and lumber.
JUNKYARD
A place where waste, discarded or salvaged materials are bought, sold, exchanged, stored, baled, cleaned, packed, disassembled or handled, including auto wrecking yards, house wrecking yards, used lumber yards and places or yards for use of salvaged house wrecking and structural steel materials and equipment, but excluding such uses when conducted entirely within a completely enclosed building, and excluding pawnshops and establishments for the sale, purchase or storage of used cars in operable condition, salvaged machinery, used furniture and household equipment and the processing of used, discarded or salvaged materials as part of manufacturing operations.
JURISDICTION
As used in this code, "jurisdiction" is any political subdivision that adopts this code for administrative regulations within its sphere of authority.
KENNEL
A state-licensed facility for the housing of animals of all species and varieties for nonprofit and profit.
KITCHEN
Any room or portion of a room within a building designed and intended to be used for the cooking or preparation of food.
LAND DEVELOPMENT (*MPC)
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. 
Provisions for the exclusion of certain land development only when such land development involves:
(1) 
The conversion of an existing single-family detached dwelling or single-family semi-detached dwelling into not more than three residential units, unless such units are intended to be a condominium; or
(2) 
The addition of an accessory building, including farm buildings, on a lot or lots subordinate to an existing principal building.
LANDOWNER (*MPC)
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee if he is authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner, or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
LANDSCAPE SCREEN
A completely planted visual barrier composed of evergreen plants and trees arranged to form both a low-level and high-level screen.
LANDSCAPING
The finishing and adornment of unpaved yard areas. Materials and treatment generally include naturally growing elements such as grass, trees, shrubs and flowers. This treatment shall be permitted also to include the use of logs, rocks, fountains, water features and contouring of the earth.
LAND USE ORDINANCE (*MPC)
Any ordinance or map adopted pursuant to the authority granted in Articles IV, V, VI, and VII of the Municipalities Planning Code.[8]
LAUNDROMAT
A business premises equipped with individual clothes-washing machines for the use of retail customers, including laundry facilities provided as an accessory use in an apartment house or an apartment hotel.
LEGISLATIVE BODY
The political entity of the adopting jurisdiction.
LIBRARY
A place in which literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials (such as books, manuscripts, recordings, or films) are kept for use but not for sale.
LIGHTING
A. 
Diffused: that form of lighting wherein the light passes from the source through a translucent cover or shade.
B. 
Direct or flood: that form of lighting wherein the source is visible and the light is distributed directly from it to the object to be illuminated.
C. 
Indirect: that form of lighting wherein the light source is entirely hidden, the light being projected to a suitable reflector from which it is reflected to the object to be illuminated.
LIGHT MACHINERY REPAIR AND ELECTRIC SHOP
A workshop where machines and/or electrical motors and appliances are built, repaired, or assembled.
LIVESTOCK
Includes, but is not limited to, horses, bovine animals, sheep, goats, swine, reindeer, donkeys, mules and any other hoofed animals.
LOADING BERTH/SPACE
An off-street area on the same lot with a building or contiguous to a group of buildings, for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials, and which abuts on a street or other appropriate means of access.
LOT
A single parcel of land.
LOT, CORNER
A lot abutting on and at the intersection of two or more streets, or upon two parts of the same street, where, in either case, the interior angle formed by intersection of the street lines does not exceed 135°.
LOT, DEPTH OF
The average horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines.
LOT, DOUBLE-FRONTAGE
An interior lot having frontage on two streets.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot other than a corner lot or through lot.
LOT LINES
The lines bounding a lot as defined herein.
LOT, MINIMUM WIDTH OF
The minimum lot width at the building setback line.
LOT, NONCONFORMING
See "nonconforming lot."
LOT OF RECORD
Any lot which individually or as part of a subdivision has been recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGE
A lot extending between, and having frontage on, an arterial street and a minor street, and with vehicular access solely from the latter.
LOT WIDTH
The width of a lot at the front building line, measured at right angles to its depth.
MAILED NOTICE
Notice given by a municipality by first-class mail of the time and place of a public hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing, pursuant to 53 P.S. § 10109.
[Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
MANSARD
An inclined decorative roof-like projection that is attached to an exterior building facade.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING
See "dwelling, manufactured housing."
MANUFACTURING
The processing and/or converting of raw unfinished or finished materials or products, or of any combination, into an article or substance of a different character, or for use for a different purpose; industries furnishing labor in the case of manufacturing or the refinishing of manufactured articles.
MANUFACTURING, HEAVY
All other types of manufacturing not included in the definitions of "light manufacturing" and "medium manufacturing."
MANUFACTURING, LIGHT
The manufacturing, compounding, processing, assembling, packaging or testing of goods or equipment, including research activities, conducted entirely within an enclosed structure, with no outside storage, serviced by a modest volume of trucks or vans and imposing a negligible impact on the surrounding environment by noise, vibration, smoke, dust or pollutants.
MANUFACTURING, MEDIUM
The manufacturing, compounding, processing, assembling, packaging or testing of goods or equipment within an enclosed structure or an open yard that is capable of being screened from neighboring properties, serviced by a modest volume of trucks or other vehicles.
MARQUEE
See "canopy (attached)."
MARQUEE SIGN
See "canopy sign."
MEDIATION (*MPC)
A voluntary negotiating process in which parties in a dispute mutually select a neutral mediator to assist them in jointly exploring and settling their differences, culminating in a written agreement which the parties themselves create and consider acceptable.
MEDICAL CENTER
Establishments primarily engaged in furnishing medical, surgical or other services to individuals, including the offices of physicians, dentists and other health care practitioners, medical and dental laboratories, outpatient care facilities, blood banks and oxygen and miscellaneous types of medical supplies and services.
MENU BOARD
A freestanding sign orientated to the drive-through lane for a restaurant that advertises the menu items available from the drive-through window, and which has no more than 20% of the total area for such a sign utilized for business identification.
MINERAL BATCHING AND MIXING PLANT
A facility designed for the production of minerals to be used in the construction industry, including but not limited to concrete, blacktop, asphalt, and amecite. (Said mineral and batching plant shall not be constructed within 1,000 feet of a residential structure).
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
A. 
The definitions provided for "minerals" and "mineral batching and mixing plant" are consistent with the intended addition of uses related to asphalt plants. However, the proposed amendment does not outline any general provisions for this use:
(1) 
Minimum lot size shall be five acres.
(2) 
If materials are to be stored they shall be screened sufficiently from adjacent properties and the public right-of-way. Such screening shall be comprised of an earthen berm at least 10 feet in height. Such berm shall be located on the subject property and placed so as to maximize the berm's ability to absorb and/or block views of, and the noise, dust, smoke, etc., generated by, the proposed use. The berm shall be completely covered and maintained in an approved vegetative ground cover. Along any adjoining property line and road shall be located a ten-foot-wide landscape screen.
(3) 
No such facility shall be closer than 1,000 feet from any residential dwelling or water well not on the plant property.
(4) 
All mineral batching and mixing plants shall have an effective dust collection system approved by the Borough.
(5) 
The Borough may require the use of wheel washers or other means of cleaning trucks/vehicles before entering public streets.
(6) 
The Borough may require a bond to be posted of sufficient amount to cover the cost of maintenance, repair, and reconstruction of any Borough streets over which vehicles may travel to and from the approved site. The bond may be reviewed periodically to determine whether the amount is sufficient to cover any maintenance or repair cost.
(7) 
The Borough may impose restrictions on access to the facility, storage of vehicles or materials on the premises, hours of operation and other such matters as they deem necessary to insure that there is no adverse impact upon the function of the district or adjacent parcels.
MINERALS
Any aggregate or mass of mineral matter, whether or not coherent, that is extracted by surface mining. The term includes, but is not limited to, limestone and dolomite, sand and gravel, rock and stone, earth, fill, slag, iron ore, zinc ore, vermiculite and clay; but it does not include anthracite or bituminous coal or coal refuse, except as provided in § 4 of the Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act, 1984, P.L. 1093, No. 219, as amended,[9] or peat.
MINOR REPAIR
The replacement of existing work with equivalent materials for the purpose of its routine maintenance and upkeep, but not including the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exitway requirements; nor shall minor repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.
MIXED USE
Occupancy of a building or land for more than one use.
MOBILE HOME (*MPC)
See "dwelling, single-wide trailer."
MOBILE HOME LOT (*MPC)
A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erection thereon of a single mobile home.
MOBILE HOME PARK (*MPC)
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land which have been so designated and improved that they contain two or more mobile home lots for the placement thereon of mobile homes.
MODULAR HOMES
Homes installed under this definition that are not on a permanent foundation or a slab that utilize pillars must install skirting that is solid, durable, and all-encasing and shall be done in conformance with the recommended skirting standards in the IRC (International Residential Code) Section AE503.1, which requires skirting and permanent enclosures shall be installed in open spaces surrounding the base of a modular home. Skirting, when installed, shall be of material suitable for exterior exposure and contact with the ground. Permanent perimeter enclosures shall be constructed of materials as required by this code for regular foundation construction. Skirting shall be installed in accordance with the skirting manufacturer’s installation instructions. Skirting shall be adequately secured to assure stability, to minimize vibration and susceptibility to wind damage, and to compensate for frost heave and shall be installed prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.
[Added 3-12-2012 by Ord. No. 647, approved 3-12-2012]
MORTUARY; FUNERAL HOME
An establishment in which the dead are prepared for burial or cremation. The facility shall be permitted to include a chapel for the conduct of funeral services and spaces for funeral services and informal gatherings, and/or display of funeral equipment.
MOTEL; HOTEL
Any building containing six or more guest rooms intended or designed to be used, or which are used, rented or hired out to be occupied, or which are occupied for sleeping purposes by guests.
MOTEL, MOTOR COURT or TOURIST COURT
One or more buildings for the accommodation of transient guests, chiefly motorists, containing guest rooms for rent, each of which has a separate outside entrance.
MULTIPLE-FACED SIGN
A sign containing three or more faces.
MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY (*MPC)
A body politic and corporate created pursuant to the act of May 2, 1945 (P.L. 382, No. 164), known as the "Municipality Authorities Act of 1945."[10]
MUNICIPAL ENGINEER (*MPC)
A professional engineer licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, duly appointed as the engineer for a municipality, planning agency or joint planning commission.
MUNICIPALITY (*MPC)
Any city of the Second Class A or Third Class, Borough, incorporated town, Borough of the First or Second Class, county of the Second Class through Eighth Class, home rule municipality, or any similar general purpose unit of government which shall hereafter be created by the General Assembly (definition amended December 14, 1992, P.L. 815, No. 131).
MUNICIPAL WASTE
This term includes garbage, refuse, industrial lunchroom or office waste and other material, including solid, liquid, semisolid or contained gaseous material resulting from operation of residential, municipal, commercial or institutional establishments and from community activities, and sludge not meeting the definition of residual or hazardous waste from a municipal, commercial or institutional water supply treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant or air pollution control facility.
MUSEUM
An institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of lasting interest or value; also, a place where objects are exhibited.
NATURAL GAS PROCESSING PLANT
A processing plant engaged in the forced extraction of natural gas liquids from field gas, fractionation of mixed natural gas including extraction of CO2 and/or acid gas.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
NATURAL GAS TO LIQUID NATURAL GAS (LNG) CONVERSION FACILITY
A small scale facility that processes and liquefies natural gas, cooled to -260° F., and stored on-site within LNG storage tanks. The facility includes compressors, condensers, cold boxes, control room and dispensing unit for transfer onto LNG Class 8 trucks for fuel transport. The minimum size for this facility should be two to five acres, to provide for a disturbed area that includes access road, pad, equipment, and truck circulation area.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
NO-IMPACT HOME-BASED 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, or 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:
A. 
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential use of the property and surrounding residential uses.
B. 
The business shall employ no employees other than family members residing in the dwelling.
C. 
There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling of inventory of a substantial nature.
D. 
There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including, but not limited to, parking, signs or lights.
E. 
The business activity may not use any equipment or process which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical or electronic interference, including interference with radio or television reception, which is detectable in the neighborhood.
F. 
The business activity may not generate any solid waste or sewage discharge in volume or type which is not normally associated with residential use in the neighborhood.
G. 
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.
H. 
The business may not involve any illegal activity.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot whose width, area or other dimension did not conform to the regulations when this code became effective.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
A sign or sign structure or portion thereof lawfully existing at the time this code became effective, which does not now conform.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A building or structure or portion thereof lawfully existing at the time this code became effective, which was designed, erected or structurally altered for a use that does not conform to the zoning regulations of the zone in which it is located.
NONCONFORMING USE
See "use, nonconforming."
NURSERY, HORTICULTURE
Any lot or parcel of land used to cultivate, propagate and grow trees, shrubs, vines and other plants, including the buildings, structures and equipment customarily incidental and accessory to the primary use.
NURSING HOME
A proprietary facility, licensed by the state, for the accommodation of convalescents, or chronically ill persons, in which such nursing care and medical services are prescribed by or are performed under the general direction of persons licensed to provide such care or services in accordance with state laws.
OBSTRUCTION
Any wall, dam, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, projection, excavation, channel, rectification, culvert, building, fence, stockpile, refuse, fill, structure, or matter in, along, across, or projecting into any channel, watercourse, or flood-prone area, which may impede, retard, or change the direction of the flow of water either in itself or by catching or collecting debris carried by such water or which is placed where the flow of the water might carry the same downstream to the damage of life and property.
OFFICE BUILDING
A building designed or used primarily for office purposes, no part of which is used for manufacturing.
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of messages appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of the property on which it is displayed.
OFFICE, PROFESSIONAL
See "professional offices."
OFFICIAL MAP (*MPC)
A map adopted by ordinance pursuant to Article IV of the Municipalities Planning Code.[11]
OIL
Crude petroleum oil and all other hydrocarbons, regardless of gravity, produced at a will in liquid form by ordinary production methods, but does not include liquid hydrocarbons that were originally in a gaseous phase in the reservoir. (58 P.S. § 402)
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS
Includes the following:
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
A. 
Well location assessment, including seismic operations, well site preparation, construction, drilling, hydraulic fracturing and site restoration associated with an oil or gas well of any depth;
B. 
Water and other fluid storage or mobile only impoundment areas used exclusively for oil and gas operations;
C. 
Construction, installation, use, maintenance and repair of:
(1) 
Oil and gas pipelines;
(2) 
Natural gas compressor stations; and
(3) 
Natural gas processing plants or facilities performing equivalent functions.
D. 
Construction, installation, use, maintenance and repair of all equipment directly associated with activities specified in Subsection A, B and C to the extent that:
(1) 
The equipment is necessarily located at or immediately adjacent to a well site or mobile only, impoundment area, oil and gas pipeline, natural gas compressor station or natural gas processing plant; and
(2) 
The activities are authorized and permitted under the authority of a Federal or Commonwealth agency.
(58 Pa.C.S.A. § 3301)
ON-SITE WATER SERVICE
A potable supply of water used for the consumption by a single-family user from a private well.
OPEN SPACE
Land areas that are not occupied by buildings, structures, parking areas, streets, alleys or required yards. Open space shall be permitted to be devoted to landscaping, preservation of natural features, patios, and recreational areas and facilities.
OPEN SPACE, COMMON
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination of land and water within a development site and designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents of a development, not including streets, off-street parking areas, and areas set aside for public facilities.
OPERATOR
Any owner of the right to develop, operate, and produce oil and gas from the pool. In the event that there is no oil and gas lease in existence, the owner of the oil and gas rights shall be considered as "operator" to the extent of 7/8 of the oil and gas in that portion of the pool underlying the tract owned by such owner, and a royalty owner as to a 1/8 interest in such oil and gas. In the event that the oil is owned separately from the gas, the owner of the substance being produced or sought to be produced from the pool shall be considered as "operator" as to such pool. (58 P.S. § 402)
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN
A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of, the property on which it is displayed.
PARAPET
The extension of a building facade above the line of the structural roof.
PARK
A public or private area of land, with or without buildings, intended for outdoor active or passive recreational uses.
PARKING AREA
A parking lot or garage used for parking of automobiles, available to the public and which is not an accessory use.
PARKING LOT
An open area, other than a street, used for the parking of automobiles.
PARKING SPACE, AUTOMOBILE
A space within a building or private or public parking lot, exclusive of driveways, ramps, columns, office and work areas, for the parking of an automobile.
PARTY WALL
A common shared wall between two separate structures, buildings, or dwelling units.
PATIO
A recreational area usually, but not limited to, being roofless, adjoining a dwelling unit.
PAVED AREA
When required herein, that amount of land required for the location of adequate parking spaces, driveways, or other access roads. In the computation of a paved area, the actual building area shall be excluded.
PERSON
A natural person, heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, and includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid.
PERSONAL CARE BOARDING HOME/PERSONAL HEALTH CARE
A building in which food, shelter and personal assistance or supervision are provided for a period exceeding 48 consecutive hours for more than three adults who are not relatives of the operator and who require assistance or supervision in such matters as dressing, bathing, diet or medication prescribed for self-administration. Residents shall consist primarily of elderly persons, 55 years of age or older.
PERSONAL SERVICES
Any enterprise conducted for gain, which primarily offers services to the general public, such as shoe repair, valet service, watch repair, barbershops, beauty parlors and related activities.
PIPELINE
All parts of those physical facilities running through which gas, oil, hydrocarbons, hazardous liquids, fresh water, salt water or chemicals move in transportation, including, but not limited to, pipes, valves, and other appurtenance attached to pipe, whether or not laid in a public or private easement or public or private right-of-way within the Borough, including, but not limited to, gathering lines, production lines or transmission lines. This definition does not include pipelines associated with franchise utilities.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (*MPC)
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 district created, from time to time, under the provisions of a municipal zoning ordinance.
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD)
A residential or commercial development guided by a total design plan in which one or more of the zoning or subdivision regulations, other than use regulations, shall be permitted to be waived or varied to allow flexibility and creativity in site and building design and location, in accordance with general guidelines.
PLANNING AGENCY (*MPC)
A planning commission, planning department, or a planning committee of the governing body.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission of Athens Borough, Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
PLAT (*MPC)
The map or plan of a subdivision or land development, whether preliminary or final.
PLOT PLAN
A plot of a lot, drawn to scale, showing the actual measurements, the size and location of any existing buildings or buildings to be erected, the location of the lot in relation to abutting streets, and other such information.
POLE SIGN
See "freestanding sign."
POLITICAL SIGN
A temporary sign intended to advance a political statement, cause or candidate for office. A legally permitted outdoor advertising sign shall not be considered to be a political sign.
PORCH
A covered area in excess of four feet by five feet or 20 square feet in area at a front, side or rear door.
PORTABLE SIGN
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building or building surface.
POOLS (SWIMMING), HOT TUBS AND SPAS
A. 
ABOVEGROUND/ON-GROUND POOLSee "swimming pool (private)."
B. 
HOT TUBSee "swimming pool (private)."
C. 
IN-GROUND POOLSee "swimming pools (private)."
POWER SAFETY COVER
A pool cover that is placed over the water area, and is opened and closed with a motorized mechanism activated by a control switch.
PREMISES
Any lot, parcel, or tract of land and any building constructed thereon.
PRIVATE
Not publicly owned, operated, or controlled.
PRIVATE ROAD
A legally established right-of-way, other than a public street, which provides the primary vehicular and/or pedestrian access to a lot.
PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATION
The practice of a profession by any professional, including, but not limited to, attorney, physician, surgeon, osteopath, chiropractor, dentist, optician, optometrist, chiropodist, engineer, surveyor, architect, landscape architect, planner or similar type, entitled to practice under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICES
The use of offices and related spaces for such professional services including, but not limited to, attorney, physician, surgeon, osteopath, chiropractor, dentist, optician, optometrist, chiropodist, engineer, surveyor, architect, landscape architect, planner or similar type, entitled to practice under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
PROJECTING SIGN
A sign, other than a wall sign, that is attached to or projects more than 18 inches (457 mm) from a building face or wall or from a structure whose primary purpose is other than the support of a sign. For visual reference, see Section 1003.
[12]
PUBLIC
Owned, operated or controlled by a government agency (federal, state or local, including a corporation and/or board created by law for the performance of certain specialized governmental functions).
PUBLIC GROUNDS (*MPC)
Includes:
A. 
Parks, playgrounds, trails, paths and other recreational areas and other public areas.
B. 
Sites for schools, sewage treatment, refuse disposal and other publicly owned or operated facilities.
C. 
Publicly owned or operated scenic and historic sites.
PUBLIC HEARING (*MPC)
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.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT
Any drainage ditch, storm sewer or drainage facility, sanitary sewer, water main, roadway, parkway, sidewalk, pedestrian way, tree, lawn, off-street parking area, lot improvement, or other facility for which the local government may ultimately assume the responsibility for maintenance and operation, or for which the local government responsibility is established.
PUBLIC MEETING (*MPC)
A forum held pursuant to notice under the act of July 3, 1986 (P.L. 388, No. 84), known as the "Sunshine Act."[13]
PUBLIC NOTICE (*MPC)
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 SERVICES
Uses operated by a unit of government to serve public needs, such as police (with or without jail), fire service, ambulance, judicial court or government offices, but not including public utility stations or maintenance facilities.
PUBLIC SEWERAGE SYSTEM
Any sanitary sewer collection and treatment system, whether publicly or privately owned, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
PUBLIC USE
Public and semi-public uses of a welfare and educational nature, including, but not limited to, hospitals, schools, parks, churches, cemeteries, day-care centers, historical restorations, fire stations, municipal buildings, essential public utilities which require enclosure within a building, airports, fraternal clubs and homes, nonprofit recreational facilities, easements for alleys, streets, and public utility rights-of-way, and radio and television transmission facilities.
PUBLIC UTILITY FACILITIES
Public schools, parks and administrative, cultural and service buildings, but not including public land or buildings devoted primarily or solely to the storage and maintenance of equipment and material.
PUBLIC UTILITY STATION
A structure or facility used by a public or quasi-public utility agency to store, distribute, and generate electricity, gas, telecommunications, and related equipment, or to pump or chemically treat water. This does not include storage or treatment of sewage, solid waste or hazardous waste.
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM
A potable supply of water subject to the jurisdiction of either the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or other appropriate regulating agency.
PUBLIC WAY
Any street, alley or similar parcel of land essentially unobstructed from the ground to the sky, which is deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use.
QUASI-PUBLIC
Essentially a public use, although under private ownership or control.
QUORUM
A majority of the authorized members of a board or commission.
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A temporary sign advertising the sale, lease or rental of the property or premises upon which it is located.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, PRIVATE
Group recreation facilities other than commercial, or public recreation uses, not operated for profit and open only to its members.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, PUBLIC
Recreational facilities publicly owned and operated and open to the general public.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicular type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, which has its own motor power or is mounted or drawn by another vehicle; having a body width of no more than eight feet and a body length of no more than 40 feet when factory-equipped for the road, and licensed as such by the Commonwealth to include, but not limited to, truck campers and self-propelled motor homes.
RECREATION, INDOOR
An establishment providing completely enclosed recreation activities. Accessory uses shall be permitted to include the preparation and serving of food and/or the sale of equipment related to the enclosed uses. Included in this definition shall be bowling, roller skating or ice skating, billiards, pool, motion-picture theaters, and related amusements.
RECREATION, OUTDOOR
An area free of buildings except for rest rooms, dressing rooms, equipment storage, maintenance buildings, open-air pavilions and similar structures used primarily for recreational activities.
RECYCLABLES
Reusable material including, but not limited to, clear glass, colored glass, aluminum, steel and bimetallic cans, high-grade office paper, newsprint, corrugated paper, plastics and other materials designated as recyclable under the Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act.[14]
RECYCLING CENTER
A facility employing a technology that is a process that separates or classifies municipal waste and creates or recovers reusable materials that can be sold to or reused by a manufacturer as a substitute for or as a supplement to virgin raw materials. This term does not include such facilities as transfer stations, municipal waste landfills, composting facilities, resource recovery facilities, or junkyards.
RECYCLING FACILITY
Any location whose primary use is where waste or scrap materials are stored, bought, sold, accumulated, exchanged, packaged, disassembled or handled, including, but not limited to, scrap metals, paper, rags, tires and bottles, and other such materials.
REFUSE
All combustible refuse and incombustible refuse, referred to collectively.
A. 
COMBUSTIBLE REFUSEAll paper, straw, excelsior, packaging materials, rags, rubber, shoes and such other refuse as may result from ordinary housekeeping and commercial pursuits and which may be burned by fire.
B. 
INCOMBUSTIBLE REFUSEAll discarded articles or materials other than sewage, liquid waste, garbage and combustible refuse.
REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
An architect or engineer registered or licensed to practice professional architecture or engineering as defined by statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state in which the project is to be constructed.
REHABILITATION CENTER (HALFWAY HOUSE)
An establishment whose primary purpose is the rehabilitation of persons. Such services include drug and alcohol rehabilitation, assistance to emotionally and mentally disturbed persons, and halfway houses for prison parolees and juveniles.
RELIGIOUS, CULTURAL AND FRATERNAL ACTIVITY
A use or building owned or maintained by organized religious organizations or nonprofit associations for social, civic or philanthropic purposes, or the purpose for which persons regularly assemble for worship.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE (*MPC)
Any method, process or substance whose supply is rejuvenated through natural processes and, subject to those natural processes, remains relatively constant, including, but not limited to, biomass conversion, geothermal energy, and wind energy and hydroelectric energy, excluding those sources of energy used in the fission and fusion processes.
RENOVATION
Interior or exterior remodeling of a structure, other than ordinary repair.
REPORT (*MPC)
Any letter, review, memorandum, compilation or similar writing made by any body, board, officer or consultant other than a solicitor to any other body, board, officer or consultant for the purpose of assisting the recipient of such report in the rendering of any decision or determination. All reports shall be deemed recommendatory and advisory only and shall not be binding upon the recipient, board, officer, body or agency, nor shall any appeal lie therefrom. Any report used, received or considered by the body, board, officer or agency rendering a determination or decision shall be made available for inspection by the applicant and all other parties to any proceeding upon request, and copies thereof shall be provided at the cost of reproduction.
RESTAURANT
An establishment that sells prepared food for consumption. Restaurants shall be classified as follows:
A. 
RESTAURANT, FAST FOODAn establishment that sells food already prepared for consumption, packaged in paper, Styrofoam or similar materials, and may include drive-in or drive-up facilities for ordering.
B. 
RESTAURANT, GENERALAn establishment that sells food for consumption on or off the premises.
C. 
RESTAURANT, TAKE-OUTAn establishment that sells food only for consumption off the premises.
RETAIL STORES
A place of business engaged in selling goods and merchandise to the general public for personal or household use and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods.
REVOLVING SIGN
A sign that revolves 360° (6.28 rad) about an axis. See also "animated sign, mechanically activated."
RIGHT-OF-WAY
A strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, forced dedication, prescription or condemnation and intended to be occupied or occupied by a road, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipeline, water line, sanitary storm sewer and other similar uses; generally, the right of one to pass over the property of another.
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.
ROOFLINE
The top edge of a peaked roof or, in the case of an extended facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.
ROOF SIGN
A sign mounted on, and supported by, the main roof portion of a building, or above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building. Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves and architectural projections such as canopies or marquees shall not be considered roof signs. For a visual reference, and a comparison of differences between roof and fascia signs, see Section 1003.
[15]
ROOMING HOUSE
See "boardinghouse."
SAFE HOUSE
A residential dwelling utilized as a temporary protective shelter by battered and abused persons.
SATELLITE DISH
See "antenna, satellite dish."
SCHOOL
Any place of instruction in any branch of knowledge, approved and credited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
SCHOOL, COMMERCIAL
A school establishment to provide for the teaching of industrial, clerical, managerial or artistic skills. This definition applies to schools that are owned and operated privately for profit and that do not offer complete educational curriculum (e.g., a beauty school or modeling school).
SCHOOL, NURSERY
See "center-based day-care facility."
SCREEN PLANTING
A vegetative material of sufficient height and density to conceal from the view of property owners in adjoining residential districts the structures and uses on the premises on which the screen planting is located.
SEMIPUBLIC USE
Churches, Sunday schools, parochial schools, colleges, and other institutions of an educational, charitable, religious or philanthropic nature.
SETBACK
The minimum required distance between the property line and the building line.
SHOPPING CENTER
A retail commercial area designed as a unit, with adequate off-street free parking area, and usually consisting of several buildings.
SIGHT DISTANCE
The length of roadway visible to the driver of a passenger vehicle at any given point on the roadway when the view is unobstructed by traffic.
SIGN
Any device visible from a public place that displays either commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation of alphabetical or pictorial symbols or representations. Noncommercial flags or any flags displayed from flagpoles or staffs will not be considered to be signs.
SIGN AREA
The area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of the combination of regular geometric figures, which comprises the sign face. The area of any double-sided or "V" shaped sign shall be the area of the largest single face only. The area of a sphere shall be computed as the area of a circle. The area of all other multiple-sided signs shall be computed as 50% of the sum of the area of all faces of the sign.
SIGNS, COMMUNITY
Temporary, on- or off-premises signs, generally made of a woven material or durable synthetic materials primarily attached to or hung from light poles or on buildings. These signs are solely of a decorative, festive and/or informative nature announcing activities, promotions or events with seasonal or traditional themes having broad community interest, and which are sponsored or supported by a jurisdiction-based nonprofit organization.
SIGN COPY
Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic elements compromising the content or message of a sign, exclusive of numerals identifying a street address only.
SIGN FACE
The surface upon, against or through which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, not including structural supports, architectural features of a building or sign structure, nonstructural or decorative trim, or any areas that are separated from the background surface upon which the sign copy is displayed by a distinct delineation, such as a reveal or border.
A. 
In the case of panel- or cabinet-type signs, the sign face shall include the entire area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate upon which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, but not open space between separate panels or cabinets.
B. 
In the case of sign structures with routed areas of sign copy, the sign face shall include the entire area of the surface that is routed, except where interrupted by a reveal, border, or a contrasting surface or color.
C. 
In the case of signs painted on a building, or individual letters or graphic elements affixed to a building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the sum of the geometric figures or combination of regular geometric figures drawn closest to the edge of the letters or separate graphic elements compromising the sign copy, but not the open space between separate groupings of sign copy on the same building or structure.
D. 
In the case of sign copy enclosed within a painted or illuminated border, or displayed on a background contrasting in color with the color of the building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the area within the contrasting background, or within the painted or illuminated border.
SIGN STRUCTURE
Any structure supporting a sign.
SINGLE AND SEPARATE OWNERSHIP
The ownership of a lot by one or more persons, which ownership is separate and distinct from that of any adjoining property.
SKIRTING
The area between the ground level and the structure's siding. For purposes of the Zoning Ordinance, the skirting shall be concrete, concrete block, masonry, log facade, masonry facade, horizontal siding, or vertical siding if consistent with the majority of the structure's siding; temporary trailer skirting shall be prohibited.
SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
A scaled graphical depiction of the proposed development of a lot, parcel or tract of land describing all covenants assigned, as well as accurately depicting the use, location, and bulk of all buildings and structures, intensity of use or density of development, streets, driveways, rights-of-way, easements, parking facilities, open space, public facilities and utilities, setbacks, height of buildings and structures, and other such data necessary for municipal officials to determine compliance with this chapter and appropriate provisions of other such ordinances, as they may apply.
SITE PLAN
A plan that outlines the use and development of any tract of land.
SMALL NATURAL GAS TO ELECTRIC GENERATING FACILITIES
A small scale, privately owned energy facility, generating less than 20 megawatts, with equipment consisting of gas-fired generators, gas service lines, gas mains and overhead electric lines connecting to the local power grid for the purpose of generating, transmitting, delivering or furnishing energy for the commercial production of power. The minimum size for this facility should be five to 10 acres, to provide for a disturbed area that includes access road, pad, equipment, and truck circulation area.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
SOLAR ENERGY SOURCE
Any method, process or substance whose supply is rejuvenated through natural processes and, subject to those natural processes, remains relatively constant, including solar.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION (*MPC)
A use permitted in a particular zoning district pursuant to the provisions of subdivision, land development and zoning. The board may grant a special exception pursuant to express standards and criteria established in this chapter. Requests for such special exception shall be decided by the Board after a hearing to determine compliance with said standards and criteria and after review by the Planning Commission.
SPECIAL USE
Identical to a special exception.
STORAGE FACILITY
A structure intended for lease for the sole purpose of storing household goods, motor vehicles, or recreational equipment.
STORAGE TRAILER
A vehicular, portable structure built on a chassis, designed to be used for storage and transportation of goods. This definition shall apply to all such trailers with dimensions in excess of six feet in width and 19 feet in length.
STORY
That portion of building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. If the finished floor level directly above a usable or unused underfloor space is more than six feet (1,829 mm) above grade as defined herein for more than 50% of the total perimeter or is more than 12 feet (3,658 mm) above grade as defined herein at any point, such usable or unused underfloor space shall be considered as a story.
STORY, HALF
A story under a gabled, hipped, or gambreled roof, the wall plates of which at least two opposite exterior walls are not over three feet above the finished floor of such story.
STREET
Any thoroughfare or public way not less than 16 feet (4,877 mm) in width, which has been dedicated.
STREET CENTER LINE
The center of the surveyed street right-of-way; or where not surveyed, the center of the traveled cartway.
STREET, CUL-DE-SAC
A street intersecting another street at one end and terminating at the other in a vehicular turnaround.
STREET GRADE
The officially established grade of the street upon which a lot fronts or, in its absence, the established grade of the other streets upon which the lot abuts, at the midpoint of the frontage of the lot thereon. If there is no officially established grade, the existing grade of the street at such midpoint shall be taken as the street grade.
STREET LINE
The right-of-way line of a public street or the cartway line of a private street.
STREET, MAJOR
A. 
ARTERIAL STREETA major street or highway with fast or heavy traffic of considerable continuity and used primarily as a traffic artery for intercommunications among large areas.
B. 
COLLECTOR STREETA major street or highway which carries traffic from minor streets to arterial streets, including the principal entrance streets of a residential development and streets for circulation within such a development.
STREET, MARGINAL ACCESS
A minor street which is parallel and adjacent to a limited-access highway or arterial street, which provides access to abutting properties and protection from through traffic; also known as a "service road."
STREET, MINOR
A street used primarily for access to abutting properties.
STREET, PRIVATE
A right-of-way or easement in private ownership, not dedicated or maintained as a public street, which affords the principal means of access to two or more sites.
STREET WIDTH
The shortest distance between street lines measured at right angles to the center line of the street.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION
Any change in the structural members of a building, such as load-bearing walls, columns, beams or girders.
STRUCTURE
That which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
STRUCTURE, NONCONFORMING
See "nonconforming structure."
STRUCTURE, TEMPORARY
A structure without any foundation or footings and which is removed when the designated time period, activity, or use for which the temporary structure was erected has ceased.
STUDIO
A building or portion of a building used as a place of work by an artist, photographer, or artisan, or used for radio or television broadcasting.
STUDIO, DANCING OR MUSIC
The use of a premises by a teacher of music or dancing where students are taught these arts for a fee. This term is synonymous with "dancing school" and "music school," and other similar expressions.
SUBDIVISION
The division of a tract, lot or parcel of land into two or more lots, plats, sites or other divisions of land.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
A. 
Any repair, alteration, reconstruction or improvement of a structure, and/or use, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of its market value either:
(1) 
Before the improvement is started; or
(2) 
If the structure has been damaged and is being restored before the damage occurred.
B. 
For the purposes of this definition, substantial improvement is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include either any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions, or any alteration to a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic Places.
SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED (*MPC)
Where, in the judgment of the municipal engineer, at least 90% (based on the cost of the required improvements for which financial security was posted pursuant to 53 P.S. § 10509) of those improvements required as a condition for final approval have been completed in accordance with the approved plan, so that the project will be able to be used, occupied or operated for its intended use.
SWIMMING POOL (PRIVATE)
Any structure that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) in depth and which is used, or intended to be used, for swimming or recreational bathing and which is available only to the family and guests of the householder. This includes in-ground, aboveground, and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.
SWIMMING POOL (PUBLIC)
Any structure that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) in depth and which is used, or intended to be used, for swimming or recreational bathing and which is available in a public facility and/or open to the general public. This includes in-ground, aboveground, and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE BUILDING
A building and its equipment erected and used for the purpose of facilitating transmission and exchange of telephone and radio messages between subscribers, provided that in a residential district, such building shall conform to the architectural design of the neighborhood and shall not include public access or business facilities, storage of materials, trucks or repair facilities or the housing of repair crews.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A sign intended to display either commercial or noncommercial messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs or any sign not permanently embedded in the ground, or not permanently affixed to a building or sign structure that is permanently embedded in the ground, is considered a temporary sign.
THEATER
A building used primarily for the presentation of live stage productions, performances or motion pictures.
TOURIST HOME
A rooming house primarily for transient guests.
TOWNHOUSE
A residential building consisting of two to eight dwelling units, which are attached side by side through use of common party walls and which have side yards adjacent to each first story end unit not to exceed three stories.
TRAILER AND SIMILAR VEHICLES
A. 
TRAVEL TRAILERA vehicular, portable structure built on a chassis, designed to be used as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational and vacation uses, permanently identified as travel trailer by the manufacturer of the trailer and, when factory-equipped for the road, having a body width not exceeding eight feet; being of any length. Said vehicle must be towed and is not self-propelled.
B. 
PICKUP COACHA structure designed primarily to be mounted on a pickup or truck chassis and with sufficient equipment to render it suitable for use as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational and vacation uses.
C. 
MOTORIZED HOMEA portable dwelling designed and constructed as an integral part of a self-propelled vehicle.
D. 
SMALL UTILITY TRAILERAny trailer usually drawn by passenger automobile, used for the occasional transport of personal effects.
E. 
OFFICE TRAILER/CONSTRUCTION SITE TRAILERAny trailer used for a temporary office for construction workers at the site of construction or an office trailer used in conjunction with a business.
TRANSFERABLE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS (*MPC)
The attaching of development rights to specified lands which are desired by a municipality to be kept undeveloped, but permitting those rights to be transferred from those lands so that the development potential which they represent may occur on other lands where more intensive development is deemed to be appropriate (definition amended December 14, 1992, P.L. 815, No. 131).
TRANSPORTATION ZONE
Area where the railroad right-of-way is located and also the area which Route 220 interchanges. The corridor on the Zoning Map that includes the major public transportation rights-of-way, including the railroad and Route 220.
UNCONVENTIONAL GAS WELL
A bore hole drilled or being drilled for the purpose of or to be used for the production of natural gas from an unconventional formation. (58 Pa.C.S.A. § 2301)
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
UNCONVENTIONAL WELL
A bore hole drilled or being drilled for the purpose of or to be used for the production of natural gas from an unconventional formation. (58 Pa.C.S.A. § 3203)
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
UNDER-CANOPY SIGN or UNDER-MARQUEE SIGN
A sign attached to the underside of a canopy or marquee.
UNDEVELOPED LAND
Any lot, tract or parcel of land which has not been graded or in any other manner prepared for the construction of a building.
USE
The activity occurring on a lot or parcel for which land or a building is arranged, designed or intended, or for which land or a building is or may be occupied, including all accessory uses.
USE, CHANGE OF
The change within the classified use of a structure or premises.
USE, NONCONFORMING
A use that lawfully occupied a building or land at the time this code became effective, which has been lawfully continued and which does not now conform with the use regulations.
USE PERMIT
A certificate issued and enforced by the Zoning Officer upon completion of the construction of a new building or upon a change or conversion of the structure or use of a building, which certifies that all requirements and regulations as provided herein, as well as all other applicable requirements, have been satisfied.
USE, PRINCIPAL
A use that fulfills a primary function of a household, establishment, institution or other entity.
USE, TEMPORARY
A use that is authorized by this code to be conducted for a fixed period of time. Temporary uses are characterized by such activities as the sale of agricultural products, contractors' offices and equipment sheds, fireworks, carnivals, flea markets, and garage sales.
VARIANCE
A deviation from the height, bulk, setback, parking or other dimensional requirements established by this code.
VEGETATIVE COVER
Shall consist of trees, shrubs, flowers, grass, ground or bank cover or suitable pervious decorative substitute.
VEHICLE
Every device in or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway.
VEHICLE WASHING (CAR WASH)
A building on a lot, designed and used primarily for the washing and polishing of vehicles and which may provide accessory services set forth herein for vehicular service stations.
VEHICLE WRECKING
The dismantling or wrecking of used automobiles, trailers, or similar vehicles, or the storage, sale or dumping of dismantled, partially dismantled, obsolete or wrecked vehicles or their parts.
VEHICULAR BODY SHOP
Any structure or any building or part thereof that is used for the repair or painting of bodies, chassis, wheels, fenders, bumpers and/or accessories of automobiles and other vehicles of conveyance.
VEHICULAR GARAGE
A building on a lot designed and/or used primarily for mechanical and/or body repairs, storage, rental, servicing, or supplying of gasoline or oil to automobiles, trucks, or similar motor vehicles.
VEHICULAR SALES ESTABLISHMENT
The use of any building, land area or the premises for the display and sale of new or used automobiles, panel trucks or vans, trailers, or recreational vehicles and including any warranty repair work and other repair service conducted as an accessory use.
VEHICULAR SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT
A building or lot or part thereof supplying and selling gasoline or other equivalent fuel for motor vehicles at retail, directly from pumps and storage tanks, and which may include accessory facilities for rendering services, such as lubrication, washing, and minor repairs.
VEHICULAR SERVICE STATION
Any area of land, including any structures thereon, or any building or part thereof, that is used for the retail sale of gasoline, oil, other fuel, or accessories for motor vehicles, and which may include facilities used for polishing, greasing, washing, dry cleaning, or otherwise cleaning or servicing such motor vehicles.
VENTILATING SHAFTS
Any structure designed to furnish air and/or power, including transformation and conversion of said power, to underground coal mines.
V SIGN
Signs containing two faces of approximately equal size, erected upon common or separate structures, positioned in a "V" shape with an interior angle between faces of not more than 90° (1.57 rad) with the distance between the sign faces not exceeding five feet (1,524 mm) at their closest point.
WALL OR FASCIA SIGN
A sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches (457 mm) from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural projections from a building, provided the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection to which it is affixed. For a visual reference and a comparison of differences between wall or fascia signs and roof signs, see Section 1003.
[16]
WAREHOUSE, WHOLESALE OR STORAGE
A building or premises in which goods, merchandise or equipment are stored for eventual distribution.
WATER IMPOUNDMENT
Includes detention and retention ponds, artificial lakes and ponds, and similar water features.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
WATER STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
A facility that pumps water from a body of water or a hydrant to be stored on a temporary basis and transferred by vehicle to another off-site location.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
WATER SURVEY (*MPC)
An inventory of the source, quantity, yield and use of groundwater and surface water resources within a municipality.
WATER TREATMENT FACILITY
A facility used for treating the water solution used in the process of hydraulic fracturing in order to extract natural gas from shale. The treatment facility is where the water solution will be taken once the process of hydraulic fracturing is done in order to ensure that the water will be treated properly removing any harmful chemicals prior to being released back into the earth.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
WATER WITHDRAWAL
The withdrawal of water from the Susquehanna River or a stream for purposes of gas extraction and approved by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission.
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
WELL
A bore hole or excavation for the purpose of producing oil or gas, or both. (58 P.S. § 402)
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
WELL
A bore hole drilled or being drilled for the purpose of or to be used for producing, extracting or injecting gas, petroleum or another liquid related to oil or gas production or storage, including brine disposal, but excluding a bore hole drilled to produce potable water. The term does not include a bore hole drilled or being drilled for the purpose of or to be used for:
[Added 5-11-2015 by Ord. No. 672, approved 5-11-2015]
A. 
Systems of monitoring, producing or extracting gas from solid waste disposal facilities, if the bore hole is a well subject to the act of July 7, 1980 (P.L. 380, No. 97), known as the "Solid Waste Management Act," which does not penetrate a workable coal seam.
B. 
Degasifying coal seams, if the bore hole is:
(1) 
Used to vent methane to the outside atmosphere from an operating coal mine; regulated as part of the mining permit under the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L. 1987, No. 394), known as the "Clean Streams Law," and the act of May 31, 1945 (P.L. 1198, No. 418), known as the "Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act"; and drilled by the operator of the operating coal mine for the purpose of increased safety; or
(2) 
Used to vent methane to the outside atmosphere under a federally funded or state-funded abandoned mine reclamation project.
(58 Pa.C.S.A. § 3203)
WINDOW SIGN
A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message intended to be visible to and readable from the public way or from adjacent property.
YARD
An open, unoccupied space on a lot, other than a court, which is unobstructed from the ground upward by buildings or structures, except as otherwise provided in this code.
YARD, BUFFER
A strip of required yard space adjacent to the boundary of a property or district, not less than the width designated in this chapter, and on which is planted year-round shrubbery, hedges, evergreens, or other suitable plantings of sufficient height and density to constitute an effective screen and give maximum protection and immediate screening to an abutting property or district and, in addition to the natural screen, may include a wall or a baffle, as provided for in this chapter.
YARD, EXTERIOR
An open, unoccupied space between the buildings of a dwelling group or its accessory building and the project boundary or street line.
YARD, FRONT
A yard extending across the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the front lot line and a line parallel thereto.
YARD, INTERIOR
An open, unoccupied space between the buildings of a dwelling group or its accessory buildings, not a front, side, or rear yard.
YARD, REAR
A yard extending across the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the rear lot line or ordinary high water line and a line parallel thereto.
YARD, SIDE
An open, unoccupied space on the same lot with the building and between the building line and the side lot line, or to the ordinary high water line.
ZONING
The designation of specified districts within a community, reserving them for certain uses together with limitations on lot size, heights of structures and other stipulated requirements.
ZONING CERTIFICATE
The written authorization issued by the Zoning Officer for use of land, buildings or other structures.
ZONING MAP
The map or maps containing the zoning districts of Athens Borough, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, together with all amendments subsequently adopted.
ZONING OFFICER
The Zoning Officer or his authorized representative appointed by the governing body of Athens Borough, Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
ZONING PERMIT
A permit stating that the purpose for which a building and/or structure or land is to be used is in conformity with the uses permitted and all other requirements under this chapter for the district in which it is or will be located.
[1]
Editor's Note: Definitions marked with an "(*MPC)" notation are derived from the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code; see 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., particularly 53 P.S. § 10107, Definitions.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 301 et seq.
[4]
Editor's Note: See the Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[5]
Editor's Note: "Section 1003" refers to Chapter 10, Sign Regulations, Section 1003, of the International Zoning Code, 2006.
[6]
Editor's Note: See 52 P.S. § 30.51 et seq.
[7]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq.
[8]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. §§ 10401 et seq., 10501 et seq., 10601 et seq., and 10701 et seq., respectively.
[9]
Editor's Note: See 52 P.S. § 3301 et seq.
[10]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 301 et seq.
[11]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[12]
Editor's Note: "Section 1003" refers to Chapter 10, Sign Regulations, Section 1003, of the International Zoning Code 2006.
[13]
Editor's Note: See now 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.
[14]
Editor's Note: 53 P.S. § 4000.101 et seq.
[15]
Editor's Note: "Section 1003" refers to Chapter 10, Sign Regulations, Section 1003, of the International Zoning Code 2006.
[16]
Editor's Note: "Section 1003" refers to Chapter 10, Sign Regulations, Section 1003, of the International Zoning Code 2006.