[Amended 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 1646]
In order to determine whether a proposed use will conform to the requirements of this article, the Council or the Zoning Hearing Board may require a qualified consultant whose credentials are acceptable to the Council or the Zoning Hearing Board to testify, whose cost for services shall be borne by the applicant.
A. 
Fire prevention and fighting equipment that conforms to the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code shall be readily available when any activity involving the handling or storage of flammable or explosive materials is carried on.
B. 
No activity shall cause electrical disturbance adversely affecting radio or other equipment in the vicinity.
C. 
No operation or activity shall cause or create noise in excess of the sound levels prescribed below. The noise shall be measured on an A-weighted scale of a sound-pressure-level meter that conforms to the standards prescribed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), New York, New York, in Specifications for Sound Level Meters, S1.4-1971, or latest revised edition.
D. 
At no point beyond the boundary of any lot within any district shall the exterior noise level resulting from any use or activity located on such lot exceed a 60 dBA for more than four hours during any twenty-four-hour period.
E. 
Any violation of the above standards shall be a violation of this article and shall be subject to the enforcement remedies and penalty provisions of this chapter; however, other intermittent noises, except those exempted herein, may be determined to be a nuisance by the Borough Zoning Officer and shall be subject to penalties and enforcement remedies for a public nuisance.
F. 
The following uses or activities shall be exempted from the noise regulations:
(1) 
Noises emanating from construction or maintenance activities between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
(2) 
Noises caused by safety signals, warning devices and other emergency-related activities or uses.
(3) 
Noises emanating from public or private recreational uses between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., excluding those produced by amplification, motorized vehicles or other mechanical sources.
(4) 
Noises emanating from the delivery of public services such as street maintenance or snow removal.
G. 
In addition to the above regulations, all uses and activities within the Borough shall conform to all applicable county regulations.
H. 
Whenever the regulations contained herein are at variance with any other lawfully adopted, the more restrictive shall govern.
I. 
Vibrations detectable without instruments on neighboring property in any district shall be prohibited.
J. 
No malodorous gas or matter shall be permitted that is discernible on any adjoining lot or property. There shall be no emission of any malodorous gas or matter that violates the regulations of the Allegheny County Health Department.
K. 
There shall be no emission at any point for longer than five minutes in any hour of visible gray or other color smoke with a shade darker than No. 3 on the Standard Ringelmann Chart issued by the United States Bureau of Mines, nor shall there be any emission at any point from any source that can cause damage to health, to animals or vegetation or other forms of property or that can cause excessive soiling at any point.
L. 
No direct or sky-reflected glare, whether from floodlights or from high-temperature processes, shall be visible from adjoining public streets or adjacent lots when viewed by a person standing on ground level. For purposes of interpreting this subsection, "glare" shall be defined as direct or indirect light from any source that exceeds 1/2 footcandle on any adjoining property.
M. 
In all zoning districts, all lighting devices located within 100 feet of a property line adjoining a residential use or any zoning district that has a residential use as a listed permitted use shall be designed with shields, reflectors or refractor panels that direct and cut off light at a cutoff angle that is less than 90°. "Cutoff angle" is defined as the angle formed by a line drawn from the direction of the light rays at the light source and a line perpendicular to the ground from the light source above which no light is emitted.
N. 
No erosion by wind, water or other source shall be permitted that will carry objectionable substances onto neighboring properties. All activities shall be subject to Chapter 101, Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control, of the Code of the Borough.
O. 
Water pollution shall be subject to the standards established by the PADEP.
P. 
Determination of compliance with performance standards.
(1) 
During the review of an application for zoning approval, the applicant may be required to submit data and evidence documenting that the proposed activity, facility or use will comply with the provisions of this section. In reviewing such documentation, the Borough may seek the assistance of any public agency having jurisdiction or interest in the particular issues, and the Borough may seek advice from a qualified technical expert. All costs of the expert’s review and report shall be paid by the applicant. A negative report by the technical expert and the applicant’s refusal or inability to make alterations to ensure compliance with this section shall be a basis for denying approval of the application.
(2) 
The Zoning Officer shall investigate any purported violation of the performance standards and, subject to the approval of the Council, may employ qualified technical experts to assist in the determination of a violation. Costs of the services of such experts shall be paid by the owner or operator of the facility or use accused of the violation if the facility or use is found to be in violation. If the facility or use is found to comply with the performance standards, said costs shall be borne by the Borough.
(3) 
If the facility or use is found to be in violation, the owner or operator shall be given written notice of violation in accordance with Article VII below and a reasonable length of time to correct the violation. Failure to correct the violation shall be subject to the penalty provisions of this all result in the revocation of the occupancy permit for the facility or use.
A. 
The standards of this section shall apply to all new construction or expansions of existing buildings by more than 20% of gross floor area within the C Zoning District or any mixed-use or multistory residential buildings meeting such criteria located in any other zoning district.
B. 
Prior to receiving a site plan or building permit, a landscaping plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Borough Manager or their designee in accordance with all instructions, the payment of all fees associated, and compliance with all standards set forth in this Article IV. The landscaping plan shall include all of the following:
(1) 
All required buffer areas with proposed plantings (identifying each proposed tree, bush or shrub by type and size), drawn to scale and identifying the height and width of any proposed mounds.
(2) 
All required planting independent of any buffer area requirements (identifying each tree, bush or shrub by type and size, the use of sod or seeding, etc.), drawn to scale.
(3) 
Any existing trees or vegetation that is to be preserved, accurately identifying type, size and their relative location.
(4) 
Any existing trees or vegetation that will be removed, accurately identifying their type, size and relative location.
C. 
All landscaping required to be installed herein shall be maintained in accordance with an approved landscape plan with landscaped areas maintained with plantings in good health and free of refuse and debris. It shall be the responsibility of the owner/applicant to assure the continued growth of all required landscaping and/or to replace the same in the event of frost, vandalism, disease or other reasons for the discontinued growth of the required trees, shrubs and bushes.
D. 
A maintenance bond in the form of cash, certified check or letter of credit shall be posted with the Borough in the amount of 15% of the total cost of landscaping shown on the approved landscaping plan for a period of two years from the date of installation of the landscaping materials. The maintenance bond shall guarantee replacement of the required landscaping materials during the term of the bond.
E. 
All yard areas not utilized for parking facilities, driveways, gardens, the planting of trees or shrubs, flower, vegetable or herb beds or similar uses must be seeded, sodded or landscaped within a reasonable period of time. The phrase "a reasonable period of time" shall be interpreted to be within 30 days after construction activities are completed, unless those activities are completed between a time period of November 1 through April 1. In such case, the required sodding or seeding must occur within 30 days of April 1.
F. 
In addition to any and all other landscaping and buffering requirements herein, for nonresidential development on lots of a total area of 21,780 square feet or more, at least one deciduous tree shall be planted for every 5,000 square feet of gross floor area.
G. 
In addition to any and all other landscaping and buffering requirements herein, for residential developments on lots of a total area of 21,780 square feet or more, at least one deciduous tree shall be planted for every 10 dwelling units thereon.
H. 
All proposed plant material shall be:
(1) 
Noninvasive species;
(2) 
Not more than 30% of any single plant genus; and
(3) 
Living, disease free, undamaged, and free of material defects.
I. 
The preservation of plants and trees that exist on a site shall count toward the requirements of this code, provided that:
(1) 
Existing preserved trees must be greater than a six-inch diameter caliper;
(2) 
Existing vegetation is clearly indicated on the landscaping plan;
(3) 
Existing vegetation is not an invasive species; and
(4) 
Existing vegetation is in good health or can reasonably be brought into good health.
J. 
Street trees.
(1) 
Street trees shall be planted at a rate of one tree per 20 linear feet of frontage. Trees shall be planted in the tree lawn or front yard not closer than three feet from the front lot line.
(2) 
Tree plantings shall not be placed in the sight clearance for visibility triangle.
K. 
Buffering.
(1) 
Buffer areas may be located within applicable side and rear yard setbacks along at least 80% of the length of any lot line creating the boundary between a C zoning district and any other zoning district and any mixed-use or multistory residential buildings in any zoning district.
(2) 
Buffer yards shall have a minimum depth of 10 feet as measured from the property line.
(3) 
Buffer yards shall be landscaped with a combination of grass and mulched landscape beds, and shall be comprised of one row of planted landscape elements containing no fewer than the following buffer landscape elements:
(a) 
A mixture of 30% deciduous trees and 70% evergreen trees spaced with the row 10 feet apart, measured from the vertical center lines of each adjacent tree, each of at least six feet in height as measured from the ground to the top of the tree, and a two-inch caliper diameter measured at a point one foot above the ground at planting; and
(b) 
A continuous row of horizontal evergreen shrubs or hedges of at least three feet in height.
(4) 
In lieu of the continuous row of horizontal evergreen shrubs or hedges, earthen mounding shall be constructed in the buffer area.
(5) 
Buffer yards may include a 100% opaque fence in accordance with applicable fence regulations in this code.
(6) 
In instances where an existing structure houses the principal use of the property and is located within any required buffer area, a buffer area of not less than the minimum distance from the existing structure to the property line shall be required. This reduced buffer area width shall apply only to the yard area upon which the existing structure encroaches. If the existing structure is located within the required buffer area on one side of the building, the required buffer area shall apply on all other yard areas. All planting requirements shall be met regardless of the buffer area width.
(7) 
When required by Chapter 179, Stormwater Management, of the Code of the Borough, stormwater management facilities and structures may be located within a buffer area; however, the existence of such facilities or structures shall not be a basis for a failure to meet the planting requirements in the buffer area.
[Amended 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 1646]
These regulations govern the erection, maintenance and replacement of all fences and screens on all property in the Borough:
A. 
Fences.
(1) 
A fence permit shall be obtained from the Borough Manager or their designee for the installation of all fences. A fence permit shall be required to change, alter or replace an existing fence.
(2) 
The Borough’s approval of a fence shall in no way make it liable to a property owner or create any responsibility on the part of the Borough relative to the erection of a fence on, over, or within any easement.
(3) 
Fences may be constructed on a lot line. All fences shall be constructed with structure elements (e.g., posts, beams) facing toward the property on which the fence is located and away from the lot line; provided, however, that if both property owners agree that the structural elements will face away from the property on which the fence is located and toward the lot line, then a letter signed by both property owners shall be provided to the Borough prior to approval.
(4) 
Unless located on property used for commercial agriculture, or unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Hearing Board, no fence shall contain an electric charger or contain Constantine or barbed wire. Notwithstanding the foregoing, barbed wire, but not Constantine wire, may be included on fences in the side and rear yards of a property located in the C District.
(5) 
All fences shall be mounted to the ground and no fence shall be mounted to the roof, parapet wall, or any other portion of a building; provided, however, that a ground-mounted fence may be attached to the wall of a building at its terminus.
(6) 
Fences may be of any fencing material, which may include recycled materials, but shall not include sheathing, pallets, or items not originally intended to be used for fencing, in the rear and side yards of a lot.
(7) 
Fences in the side and rear yards shall be no taller than six feet from the natural grade. In the C District, side and rear yard fences may be a maximum of eight feet in height as measured from the natural grade.
(8) 
In front yards, fences may be no taller than four feet, shall be no more than 50% opaque, and shall be made only of wood (limited to cedar, redwood, southern pine, teak, or other similar wood species naturally resistant to decay or insects or treated with a preservative to effect a resistance to decay or insects), iron, or powder-coated aluminum.
(9) 
No fence shall be located within or interfere with the sight triangle for vision clearance as set forth in the Borough’s Engineering Standards.
(10) 
Signage is not permitted on any fencing except for a metal placard no greater than eight inches by eight inches in total and placed by the manufacturer or installer.
(11) 
Temporary fences erected for a specific function and limited time duration shall be maintained in good condition and shall not require a permit. No temporary fencing material shall be used for permanent fencing.
(12) 
Snow fencing shall not exceed four feet in height; shall be limited to plastic mesh or wood slat fencing.
(13) 
Construction and/or demolition fencing to enclose an active construction or demolition site is permitted for the duration of the construction or demolition period.
B. 
Screens and enclosures.
(1) 
All trash storage and collection areas on property used for other than a one-unit residential or two-unit residential use must be screened by a 100% opaque wood and/or masonry fence of a height at least 12 inches above the vertical height of the trash receptacle and in accordance with the Borough’s Engineering Standards for such enclosures.
(2) 
Mechanical equipment or other utility hardware on roof, ground, or buildings shall be screened from public view with materials harmonious with the building, or a fully opaque wall of shrubs, or they shall be so located as not to be visible from any public ways.
A. 
Any property containing a surface parking area containing 50 or more parking spaces shall include interior parking lot landscaping as follows:
(1) 
At least 5% of the surface parking area shall be landscaped with plantings to include one deciduous tree for every 10 parking spaces in accordance with the tree requirements herein.
(2) 
All interior landscaping shall be contained in landscape island that shall be installed below the level of the parking lot surface to allow for runoff capture; and
B. 
Any property containing a surface parking area abutting a public street shall contain a minimum five-foot-wide planting strip between the entire length of the surface parking area and the public street planted and maintained with shrubbery, trees or other landscape or decorative elements, in order to prohibit vehicle access except at approved ingress and egress points, provide a barrier between public pedestrianways and the vehicular parking, and to improve the aesthetics of the street frontage.
(1) 
Planting strip planting shall include a minimum of one tree and three shrubs must be planted for every 35 feet of linear feet of planting.
(2) 
The required five-foot landscaped area may be reduced to three feet when a three-foot high masonry wall, wrought iron or wood picket fence is erected.
A. 
An application for approval of an addition to or new construction of any principal use, other than a one-unit or two-unit dwelling, shall contain adequate information regarding natural and finished slopes on the site to show compliance with these regulations.
B. 
All applications for grading, filling or construction on slopes in excess of 25% shall be accompanied by a geotechnical report and a certification by a registered soils engineer regarding the feasibility of the proposed grading, the stability of the finished slopes, measures to mitigate landslides, soil erosion, sedimentation and stormwater runoff and potential impacts on adjacent properties. The consultant selected to prepare the geotechnical report shall have credentials acceptable to the Borough, and the cost of preparation of the report shall be borne by the applicant.
C. 
When required by the Borough Engineer, based on evidence from readily available sources that there may be development limitations associated with undermining, strip mining, landslide-prone soils or other geologic hazards on the site, a geologic report by a qualified registered professional soils engineer regarding soils and subsurface conditions and the probable measures needed to be considered in the design of the development, site grading, location of structures and design of foundations, if any, shall be submitted with the application. The consultant selected to prepare the geotechnical report shall have credentials acceptable to the Borough, and the cost of preparation of the report shall be borne by the applicant.
D. 
Only 50% of the total area of any lot that has natural slopes or finished slopes in excess of 25% shall be included in any calculation of the minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage or maximum dwelling unit density required in the zoning district in which the property is located.
E. 
Restoration of all slopes from which cover has been removed shall be finished and seeded within a reasonable time of such clearance activity. The phrase "a reasonable time" shall be interpreted to mean within 30 days after grading and/or construction activities are completed, unless those activities are completed between November 1 and April 1. In such cases, the required sodding or seeding shall occur within 30 days of April 1. In all cases, temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall be maintained on the site until permanent vegetative cover or other unerodable cover is accomplished.
F. 
In the case where natural cover has been removed incidental to imminent development, the finishing and seeding shall not be required until grading and construction are completed. "Imminent development" shall mean development that is reasonably expected to commence based on approved plans and permits within 30 days of the clearing and grubbing of the site, said construction to be undertaken on a regular work schedule of a minimum of eight hours per day, 40 hours per week.
G. 
In all cases where replacement of cover cannot be accomplished immediately upon completion of clearance activities, erosion and sedimentation control measures required by the Borough Engineer during clearance and construction shall be maintained on the site until the replacement of cover can be accomplished.
A. 
The following applies to all outdoor lighting on a property, whether or not attached to a building or affixed to the ground. The Borough is committed to achieving as close to "dark sky" compliance as practicable on all outdoor lighting.
B. 
The following exterior lighting is exempt from the requirements of this section:
(1) 
FAA-mandated lighting associated with a utility tower or airport;
(2) 
Lighting for the United States flag, Pennsylvania flag, a county or Borough flag, or any other flag not considered a flag sign;
(3) 
Customary decorative lighting during the months of November, December, and January, provided that the lighting does not create unsafe glare on street rights-of-way;
(4) 
Battery-powered emergency lighting;
(5) 
Architectural lighting of 10 fixtures or fewer of 1,000 lumens or less per fixture;
(6) 
Public safety lighting;
(7) 
Streetlighting in the public right-of-way, provided that the streetlighting has a correlated color temperature of 2,500 Kelvins or less, except when employed specifically to illuminate a crosswalk, and provided that the fixtures are glare-free fully shielded; and
(8) 
Residential garage, porch, and landscape accent lighting.
C. 
A photometric plan showing compliance with these standards shall be submitted along with all site plans. The photometric plan may be incorporated into the site plan if all photometric plan components are included. The lighting plan shall include all of the following:
(1) 
All structure(s), parking spaces, building entrances, traffic areas (both vehicular and pedestrian);
(2) 
Vegetation that might interfere with lighting;
(3) 
Adjacent uses that might be adversely impacted by the lighting;
(4) 
All exterior lighting, including but not limited to, architectural, building-entrance, landscaping, flag, accent, etc.; and
(5) 
A layout of all proposed fixtures by location, orientation, aiming direction, mounting height and type.
D. 
The following sets forth the measurement of light level:
(1) 
Light levels are specified, calculated and measured in footcandles. All footcandles values are maintained footcandles.
(2) 
Measurements are to be made at ground level, with the light-registering portion of the meter held parallel to the ground pointing up.
E. 
All light fixtures shall meet the following requirements:
(1) 
The maximum light level of any light fixture cannot exceed 0.5 footcandle measured at the property line of any zoning district that has a residential use as a listed permitted use, 2.0 footcandles measured at the property line of any zoning district that does not have a residential use as a listed permitted use, and 2.5 footcandles at the property line of a parking lot.
(2) 
Lighting must not be oriented to direct glare or excessive illumination onto adjacent properties, streets or sidewalks.
F. 
All lighting fixtures and poles within a single development shall be consistent in style, color, size, height, and design and are compatible with the architecture character of the development. Service connections for all freestanding lighting fixtures must be installed underground.
G. 
The following regulations apply specifically to parking and pedestrian areas:
(1) 
Light fixtures within parking, vehicular, and pedestrian areas may be no higher than 15 feet.
(2) 
Light fixtures located within 50 feet of a property line of any zoning district that has a residential use as a listed permitted use may be no higher than 15 feet.
(3) 
Light fixtures in parking and vehicular display areas must be full cutoff.
H. 
In all other areas, light fixtures with more than 2,000 lumens must be full cutoff unless they meet the following:
(1) 
Decorative, noncutoff fixtures can be used when the maximum initial lumens generated by each fixture does not exceed 9,500 lumens;
(2) 
If the unshielded fixture has all metal halide, fluorescent, induction, white high-pressure sodium and color-corrected high-pressure sodium lamps, the outer lamp envelope must be coated with an internal white frosting to diffuse light;
(3) 
All metal halide fixtures equipped with a medium base socket must use either an internal refractive lens or a wide-body refractive globe; or
(4) 
All noncutoff fixture open-bottom lights must be equipped with full cutoff fixture shields.
(5) 
To the extent possible, as determined by the Zoning Officer, internal light sources within structured parking shall not be visible from the adjacent public right-of-way. Rooftop lighting for parking facilities shall be no more than 15 feet above the rooftop parking surface and shall be mounted a minimum of 15 feet in from the edge of the structure.
I. 
The following regulations apply to floodlights and lamps:
(1) 
Floodlight fixtures must be either aimed down at least 45° from the horizontal.
(2) 
Any floodlight fixture located within 50 feet of a street right-of-way must be mounted and aimed perpendicular to the right-of-way, with a side-to-side horizontal aiming tolerance not to exceed 15°.
(3) 
All floodlamps emitting 1,000 or more lumens must be aimed at least 60° down from horizontal or shielded so that the main beam is not visible from adjacent properties or the street right-of-way.
J. 
Lighting under canopies must be designed to prevent glare off-site. Acceptable lighting designs include the following:
(1) 
Recessed fixture incorporating a lens cover that is either recessed or flush with the bottom of the canopy surface;
(2) 
Lighting fixture incorporating shields or is shielded by the edge of the canopy itself;
(3) 
Surface-mounted fixture incorporating a flat glass that provides a cutoff design or shielded light distribution;
(4) 
Surface-mounted fixture measuring no more than two feet by two feet, with a lens cover that contains at least 2% white fill diffusion material; or
(5) 
Indirect lighting where light is beamed upward and then reflected down from the underside of the canopy, provided that the fixture is shielded so that direct illumination is focused exclusively on the underside of the canopy.
K. 
Lighting of outdoor sports areas, athletic fields, and performance areas shall comply with the following standards:
(1) 
Sport field lights shall not exceed 60 feet in height.
(2) 
All lighting fixtures shall be equipped with an existing glare control package (e.g., louvers, shields, or similar devices) and aimed so that their beams are directed and fall within the primary playing or performance area.
(3) 
The hours of operation for the lighting system for any game or event shall not continue more than one hour after the end of the game or event.
[Amended 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 1646]
A. 
Off-street parking requirements are intended to prevent the crowding or the creation of traffic hazards on the public streets. Property abutting a public right-of-way with adjacent on-street parking or within 1,000 feet of a public parking facility shall not be required to provide or maintain a specific number of off-street parking spaces. All other properties shall be required to provide the following number off-street parking spaces as follows:
(1) 
One parking space for every two residential dwelling units on the property.
(2) 
One parking space for every 500 square feet of GFA of nonresidential use on the property; except that industrial, manufacturing, or warehouse uses shall be required to provide and maintain one parking space for every 2,500 square feet of GFA.
B. 
In determining the required number of parking spaces, fractional spaces are rounded to the nearest whole number, with 1/2 or more counted as an additional space. Where multiple uses exist on the same lot, the required parking minimum will be the sum of the required parking for each use.
C. 
Off-site parking located within 600 feet of a property and under common ownership or subject to a recorded easement agreement may be used to satisfy the above parking space count requirements. Parking may be provided at a rate that exceeds the required minimum number of parking spaces. However, if the amount of parking provided exceeds 175% of the required parking minimum, additional perimeter tree planting will be required at a rate of one tree with a minimum caliper diameter of three inches at the time of planting for every eight parking spaces that exceed 175% of the minimum required number of parking spaces.
D. 
To reduce the number of curb cuts along neighborhood sidewalks, improve safety for pedestrians, individuals with disabilities, and other users of the Borough’s streets and sidewalks, single- and two-unit residential buildings are encouraged to share a common driveway and curb cut.
E. 
All driveways, parking, and loading areas for all uses shall be paved with a material such as concrete, asphalt, or pavers. All open off-street parking facilities shall be provided with adequate drainage facilities as approved by the Borough Engineer. Designated parking spaces shall be marked on the surface of the parking area with paint or permanent marking materials and maintained in clearly visible condition.
F. 
In parking areas that contain five or more spaces, all parking spaces shall be clearly delineated by painted lines or markers. Parking spaces shall be provided with bumper guards or wheel stops, where necessary, for safety or protection to adjacent structures, walkways, roadways or landscaped areas. All vehicular entrances and exits to parking areas shall be clearly marked for all conditions. Short-term visitor parking spaces shall be differentiated from long-term employee spaces by suitable markings. Handicapped parking shall be appropriately marked.
G. 
Parking spaces and drive aisles shall conform to the following minimum dimensions:
Parking Space Angles
(one-way travel unless otherwise stated)
Minimum Width
(feet)
Minimum Length
(feet)
Minimum Drive Aisle Width
(feet)
Parallel parking
10
22
12
Parallel parking (two-way travel)
9
22
22
90°
9
19
22
60°
9
20
16
45°
9
18
12
Bicycle parking is required to be provided for all new construction in the C and TO Zoning Districts as follows:
A. 
Bicycle parking areas shall be designed so that, when fully occupied, bicycles, including trailers, shall not obstruct an adjacent sidewalk, path, or other pedestrianway.
B. 
Bicycle parking spaces shall be near the main entryway into the primary structure or located inside the primary structure.
C. 
Bicycle parking spaces shall be provided at a rate of one bicycle parking space per 20 off-street parking spaces. No more than 10 bicycle parking spaces shall be required for any primary structure.
A. 
The requirements for commercial off-street loading facilities shall be provided in accordance with the following standards for any new structure that requires the receipt or distribution of materials or merchandise by trucks or similar commercial vehicles. All commercial buildings of a minimum of 15,000 square feet gross floor area shall have at least one loading and unloading berth and one additional loading and unloading berth for each 15,000 square feet of gross floor area thereafter.
B. 
The following requirements shall pertain to the location of loading berths:
(1) 
All required loading berths shall be located on the same lot as the use served.
(2) 
In no case shall a loading berth be located in such a manner as to require loading/unloading vehicles to back into or maneuver within a public right-of-way or overhang adjacent property.
(3) 
A plan shall be submitted and approved during the review process that shows how the loading will occur.
(4) 
No permitted or required loading berth shall be located within 50 feet of the nearest point of intersection of any two streets.
(5) 
Loading or unloading may not interfere with or encroach on fire and emergency vehicle lanes, parking areas, sidewalks, bike lanes, drive aisles or queuing areas.
(6) 
Loading areas are not permitted within 100 feet of a residential dwelling.
(7) 
Loading areas may not block required parking, or the associated circulation for required parking.
(8) 
Loading areas must be located to the side or the rear of the building and may not be placed between the street and the building or any front facade of a building.
C. 
Unless otherwise specified, a required off-street loading berth shall be as follows:
(1) 
For local pickup and delivery trucks: 12 feet in width by 30 feet in length with a forty-five-foot maneuvering apron and shall have a vertical clearance of at least 12 feet. The maneuvering apron shall be at least 20 feet from the center line of the street.
(2) 
For over-the-road tractor-trailers: 12 feet six inches in width by 60 feet in length with a seventy-foot maneuvering apron and shall have a vertical clearance of at least 15 feet. In no case, shall the loading berth be less than 145 feet from the center line of the street.
D. 
Each required off-street loading berth shall be designed with appropriate means of vehicular access to a street or alley in a manner that will least interfere with traffic movement.
E. 
All off-street loading berths shall be surfaced with concrete or other appropriate material meeting the durability requirements. Bituminous asphalt may be used on the portions of the apron outside of the landing/parking space.
F. 
Loading spaces that are constructed below grade shall have a stormwater drainage system that complies with Borough engineering standards.
G. 
Space allocated for off-street loading use shall not, while so allocated, be used to satisfy the space requirements for any off-street parking facilities or portions thereof.
H. 
Uses for which off-street loading facilities are required herein, but that are located in buildings of less floor area than the minimum prescribed, shall provide adequate receiving facilities accessible by motor vehicles off any adjacent alley, service drive, or open space on the same lot.
I. 
Vehicle loading areas shall be screened from adjacent uses with a twenty-five-foot buffer area that is inclusive of the setback distances required in this code. Within the required setback, the buffer area shall consist of a six-foot-high landscaped earthen berm planted with eight trees and 15 shrubs per 100 linear feet of buffer or a six-foot-tall opaque fence. A minimum of 50% of the buffer area plants shall be evergreen.
J. 
The overnight parking of semi-trucks shall be permitted in designated areas in the rear or side yard of a building in the C Zoning District, provided that the such overnight parking shall not be located closer than 50 feet from the front lot line.
[Amended 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 1646]
The following standards apply to all new or expanded drive-through, and the addition of drive-through facilities on existing properties:
A. 
Drive-throughs may not be located within 100 feet of a district that allows one-unit dwellings or any one-unit dwelling no matter the zoning district.
B. 
If within 200 feet of a district that allows one-unit dwellings, drive-throughs may not operate between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
C. 
The entire drive-through lane, including stacking areas, must be paved with concrete.
D. 
Drive-through stacking space requirements are intended to provide for queuing of vehicles in line for drive-through services provided by an establishment where drive-throughs are permitted in this code.
E. 
Stacking spaces are measured in twenty-foot increments to provide for adequate space between vehicles and to ensure that queuing vehicles are not spilling into public rights-of-way or easements and causing congestion therein. All queuing vehicles at all times shall be located on the lot on which the drive-through services are being provided and shall not interfere with on-site parking or circulation.
F. 
Drive-through stacking lanes shall adhere to the following standards:
(1) 
All stacking spaces must have a minimum width of 10 feet along straight segments, 12 feet along curved segments, and the stacking space length must be a minimum of 20 feet.
(2) 
Drive-through lanes must be separated by striping and may not interfere with off-street parking or the lanes utilized for maneuvering in and out of off-street parking spaces.
(3) 
Establishments with drive-throughs must provide a bypass lane whereby vehicles may circulate around drive-through lanes.
(4) 
There must be one trash receptacle provided per drive-through lane.
(5) 
Pedestrian walkways shall be clearly visible and be emphasized by enhanced paving or markings where they intersect drive-in or drive-through aisles.
(6) 
The following regulations shall apply to menu boards and directional signage within drive-through facilities:
(a) 
A maximum of two menu boards per drive-through aisle are permitted.
(b) 
Associated access sign that give directions to vehicles through the parking lot and drive-through are permitted and may not be used for advertising purposes.
(c) 
Menu boards may internally illuminate for the sole purpose of lighting menu writing or graphics and may not flash or have any visible bulbs or Led lighting. External lighting is prohibited.
(d) 
All menu boards must be oriented toward the drive-through aisle that it is serving.
(e) 
Drive-through speakers shall not emit more than 50 decibels and shall not be audible above ambient noise from adjacent properties.
(f) 
Drive-through speakers shall not be used for outdoor music.
The following accessory uses are permitted or conditionally permitted as shown in the Use Table above:[1]
A. 
Accessory structures.
(1) 
No accessory structure shall be erected or constructed prior to the erection or construction of the principal building, except for a temporary building incident to construction of the principal building.
(2) 
No accessory buildings shall be located closer than three feet to a side or rear lot line.
(3) 
A detached accessory building shall only be permitted in the rear yard. An accessory building connected by a breezeway or similar structure not less six feet in length shall be permitted in the side or rear yard. Accessory buildings shall be at least six feet from any dwelling situated on the same lot and shall not, in the aggregate, occupy more than 30% of the required rear yard.
(4) 
An accessory structure may not exceed 1,000 square feet in total gross floor area unless all of the following are satisfied:
(a) 
The property has a total area of five acres of larger.
(b) 
The accessory structure meets the setback requirements applicable to a principal structure on the lot.
(c) 
The gross floor area of the accessory structure is not more than 80% of the gross floor area of the principal structure.
(5) 
Nonbuilding accessory structures, such as public utility installations, walks, driveways, curbs, retaining walls, mailboxes, nameplates, lampposts, bird baths, flagpoles, and structures of a similar nature, are permitted in any front, side or rear yard.
B. 
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
(1) 
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) may be established only through new construction, conversion of an existing structure, addition to an existing structure, or conversion of an existing house to an ADU while simultaneously constructing a new primary dwelling on the site where there is adherence to all zoning regulations for both structures. A permit is required for the construction or addition of an ADU. The following standards apply to ADUs.
(a) 
Only one ADU is allowed on a lot.
(b) 
Exterior finish materials must visually match in type, size and placement the exterior finish materials of the primary dwelling.
(c) 
The property owner must permanently reside in either the principal unit or the accessory unit.
(d) 
The maximum size of a detached ADU is 800 square feet of floor area and the maximum height must adhere to the accessory dwelling height maximum for the respective district. All other requirements for an accessory structure must be met.
(e) 
If the ADU is located within the principal unit, the principal structure must be at least 1,000 square feet and the accessory unit cannot exceed 1/3 of the total floor area of the structure. If the principal structure has more than one story, the maximum floor area of an ADU may be equal to that of the first floor, but shall be less than or equal to 50% of the total floor area of the structure.
(f) 
There must be a sidewalk from the street to the primary entrance of a detached accessory unit.
(2) 
An accessory unit on the upper floors of the principal structure shall have an interior stairway to the primary entrance of the accessory unit. Secondary stairways may be located on the exterior, but not on the front exterior of the building.
(3) 
Provided that the parking requirement is met for the principal one-unit dwelling, no additional parking is required.
(4) 
All utilities extended to serve the ADU must be located underground.
C. 
Private swimming pool. Private aboveground or below-ground swimming pools may be constructed as an accessory use to any primary use. The following standards apply:
(1) 
A permit is required prior to the construction of all below-ground swimming pools with a depth greater than two feet.
(2) 
Swimming pools are permitted in the side or rear yards only and must be set back at least 10 feet from side and rear property lines.
(3) 
Every swimming pool shall be provided with a suitable draining method, and in no case shall waters from any pool be drained into the sanitary sewer system, onto lands of other property owners adjacent to land on which the pool is located, or in the general vicinity.
(4) 
Swimming pools with a depth of more than two feet must be enclosed by a protective fence at least four feet in height. The fence must include self-closing, lockable gates or entrances when the pool is not tended by a lifeguard or an adult occupant of the primary residential structure. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a four-inch or greater diameter sphere. Solid barriers, that do not have openings, such as masonry or stone wall, shall not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacings between vertical members shall not exceed 1.75 inches in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1.75 inches in width.
(5) 
Maximum mesh size for chain-link fences shall be a square of 2.25 inches unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or the bottom that reduce the openings to not more than 1.75 inches.
(6) 
Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, such as a lattice fence, the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall not be more than 1.75 inches.
(7) 
Access gates shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Gates other than pedestrian access gates shall have a self-latching device. Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism and openings shall be located on the pool side of the gate at least three inches below the top of the gate and the gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than 0.5 inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.
(8) 
Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, one of the following conditions shall be met:
(a) 
The pool shall be equipped with a powered safety cover in compliance with ASTM F1346; or
(b) 
All doors with direct access to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with an alarm that produces an audible warning when the door and its screen, if present, are opened. The alarm shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30 seconds immediately after the door is opened and be capable of being heard throughout the house during normal household activities. The alarm shall automatically reset under all conditions. The alarm system shall be equipped with a manual means, such as touchpad or switch, to temporarily deactivate the alarm for a single opening. Such deactivation shall last for not more than 15 seconds. The deactivation switch(es) shall be located at least 54 inches above the threshold of the door; or
(c) 
Other means of protection, such as self-closing doors with self-latching devices, that are approved by the Building Inspector, shall be acceptable so long as the degree of protection afforded is not less than the protection afforded by Subsection C(8)(a) or (b) described above.
D. 
Overnight lodging, private transient occupancies (PAC).
(1) 
Within the R-A, R-S, and R-C Districts, the proprietor of a unit used for overnight lodging, private transient occupancies must also have their primary residence on the property on which the said unit is located.
(2) 
No more than six guests over the age of 18 shall be allowed to stay on any property at any given time, irrespective of the number of units on the property.
(3) 
All units must have operational fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
(4) 
Guest stays within units shall not exceed 30 consecutive days.
(5) 
No unit shall be used for overnight lodging, private transient occupancies for more than 25% of a calendar year.
[1]
Editor’s Note: See § 210-205, Summary Use Table.
A. 
The building design standards herein are intended to promote high-quality, aesthetically consistent, but not homogeneous or monotonous, design for the promotion of the durability and longevity of buildings and the preservation of property values in the Borough.
B. 
The building design standards herein shall apply to any expansion of an existing structure by an amount greater than or equal to 30% of the GFA.
C. 
Allowed exterior materials are determined by building elevation. Additional design standards specific to certain building elevations and circumstances may also apply as set forth herein.
D. 
These standards are in addition to the development standards applicable in each district. Where there is a conflict between the development standards in each zoning district and these building design standards, the building design standards herein shall govern and control.
E. 
Concrete block shall not be permitted on any exterior elevation. Split-faced concrete block shall not be used on any front elevation but may be used on a side and rear elevation of a building containing a commercial use so long as the elevation does not face a street or public way.
F. 
PVC piping, plastics, pressboard, cardboard, or veneers or panels for interior applications shall not be permitted on any building elevation.
G. 
Glass block shall not be used on any front or side elevation except at the basement level.
H. 
An applicant shall provide a sample of all proposed materials to be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Officer for compliance with the standards set forth herein.
I. 
All materials shall be rated and certified for exterior usage and shall be fully compliant with all applicable building and fire codes, regulations, and ordinances.
J. 
A material other than those permitted herein may be proposed by an applicant and approved by the Zoning Officer if all of the following are satisfied:
(1) 
The material is present on at least 50% of the total area of front elevations of all existing buildings within 1,000 feet of the subject building located along the same street frontage and the existing buildings were not constructed as part of a subdivision or common development scheme; and
(2) 
The material is existing on more than one building located in the same district that has been constructed, expanded, or altered within the five-year time period immediately preceding the application.
A. 
On through lots in any R-A, R-S or R-C Zoning District, a front yard is required on each street.
B. 
In any R-A, R-S or R-C Zoning District where a reversed interior lot abuts a corner lot or an alley separating such lots, an accessory building located on the rear lot line of a corner lot shall be set back from the side street as far as the dwelling on the reversed interior lot. For each foot that such accessory building is placed from the rear lot line toward the front lot line of the corner lot, the accessory building may be set four inches closer to the side street line, but in no case closer than five feet.
C. 
Side yard width may be varied where the side wall of the building is not parallel with the side lot line or is broken or otherwise irregular. In such case, the average width of the side yard shall not be less than the otherwise required minimum width; provided, however, that such side yard shall not be narrower at any point than 1/2 the otherwise required least width or narrower than three feet in any case.
[Amended 7-5-2022 by Ord. No. 1646]
A. 
The minimum front setback for steps, walks, terraces and open porches is eight feet less than the minimum front setback for the principal structure. The minimum front setback for architectural appurtenances, such as cornices, canopies and eaves, is two feet less than the minimum front setback for the principal structure. Wrap-around porches may extend up to 10 feet into the required setbacks at the front or side of a primary structure.
B. 
The minimum side setback for architectural appurtenances, such as cornices, canopies and eaves, is two feet less than the minimum side setback for the principal structure. The minimum side setback for open and lattice-enclosed fire escapes or fireproof outside stairways is four feet less than the minimum side setback of the principal structure.
C. 
The minimum rear setback for a deck that projects from a principal structure is 100% less than the minimum rear setback for that principal structure.
D. 
The minimum rear setback for steps, walks, terraces and open porches is five feet less than the minimum rear setback for the principal structure. The rear setback for architectural appurtenances, such as cornices, canopies and eaves, is two feet less than the minimum rear setback for the principal structure.
A
8 feet maximum
B
5 feet maximum
C
4 feet maximum
D
2 feet maximum
E
35% width of principal street, maximum
F
35% of minimum rear setback, maximum
A. 
The general intent of the provisions in this section is to promote the public health and welfare by increasing the supply of affordable housing for a range of family sizes and promoting economic integration within the Borough. Specifically, the intent is to encourage quality, economically balanced development by:
(1) 
Encouraging diverse and balanced housing available for households of all income levels and ensuring that when developing the limited supply of developable land, housing opportunities for persons of variety of income levels are provided; and
(2) 
Utilizing sites in a TO District as opportunities to build mixed-income developments. Because remaining land appropriate for residential development within in the TO District is limited, it is essential that a reasonable proportion of such land be developed into housing units affordable to low- and moderate-income people.
B. 
The provisions of this section shall apply to any new construction in the TO District containing a total of 15 or more residential dwelling units.
C. 
Not fewer than 15% of the dwelling units (rounded up to the nearest whole unit) within the participating residential development shall be affordable to households with an income not to exceed 80% of the area median income (AMI) for the Pittsburgh MSA as determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Participating residential developments including or consisting of multi-unit dwellings shall provide affordable housing units as rental units in the same proportion that the multi-unit dwellings comprise a portion of the total residential development.
D. 
Eligible households. Households whose income does not exceed 50% of AMI as adjusted for household size are eligible to rent an affordable unit and households whose income does not exceed 80% of AMI as adjusted for household size are eligible to purchase an affordable dwelling. In order to purchase or rent an affordable housing unit, the income-eligible household must receive a certificate of qualification issued by the Borough evidencing that the household has met said eligibility requirements.
E. 
Unit requirements. Affordable units may be places anywhere in the building except for any floor that is partially underground, and shall be substantially similar in size, quality of finishes and access to amenities as at least 51% of the market-rate units in the building.