Township of Patton, PA General Provisions

Editor's Note: Original Section 101.1, Long title, was repealed 8-14-1996 by Ord. No. 96-330.

General Districts:
R-1	Rural Residence District
R-2	Low-Density Residence District
R-3	Medium-Density Residence District
R-M	Manufactured Home Residence District
R-MHP	Manufactured Home Park
C-1	General Commercial District
C-2	Planned Commercial District
PAD	Planned Airport District
PC	Planned Community District
OB	Office Buffer District
OBD2	Office Buffer District 2
C-T	Commercial Transitional District

Conservation Districts:
A-1	Rural District
NR-1	Natural Resource District
NR-2	Natural Resource and Recycling District
FP-1	Floodplain District
I-1	Industrial District
I-RD	Research, Development and Light Industry District
UPD	University Planned District

Editor's Note: The Zoning Map is on file in the Township offices.

Language interpretations. For the purpose of this chapter, certain words shall have the meanings assigned to them as follows:

(1)

Words used in the present tense include the future. The singular number includes the plural and the plural the singular.

(2)

The word "shall" or "must" is always mandatory.

(3)

The word "building" includes "structure" and any part thereof.

(4)

The phrase "used for" includes "arranged for," "designed for," "intended for," "maintained for" or "occupied for."

(5)

The word "person" includes an individual, corporation, partnership, incorporated association or any other similar entity.

(6)

The word "includes or including" shall not limit the term to the specified example, but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances of like kind and character.

Definitions. The following words and phrases shall have the meanings given in this section as follows:

ACCESSORY BUILDING

A subordinate building, the use of which is customarily incidental to that of the principal building and is used for an accessory use and is located on the same lot.

ACCESSORY USE or ACCESSORY

A use conducted on the same lot as a principal use to which it is related; a use which is clearly incidental to and customarily found in connection with a particular principal use.

ACCESS POINT

The point of entering and exiting a development site from a designated public street.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

ADVERTISING SIGN

See "sign" and "billboard."

AGRICULTURE (WITHIN THE PLANNED AIRPORT DISTRICT)

The use of land for agricultural purposes, including farming, horticulture, floriculture and viticulture and the necessary accessory uses of packing, treating or storing the produce; provided, however, that the operation of any such accessory uses shall be secondary to that of normal agricultural activities. The raising or keeping of livestock is not a permitted agricultural use in the Planned Airport District, except within the area of the Planned Airport District situated within 1,000 feet of the northwest perimeter of the district.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

AGRICULTURAL USE

The use of land for agricultural purposes, including farming, raising of livestock, horticulture, floriculture and viticulture and the necessary accessory uses of packing, treating or storing the produce; provided, however, that the operation of any such accessory uses is secondary to that of the normal agricultural activity conducted on the parcel.

[Added 9-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-274]

ALLEY

Is a minor way, which may or may not be legally dedicated, and is used primarily for vehicular service access to the rear or side of properties otherwise abutting on a street.

ALTERATION OF HISTORIC BUILDING

Any addition or modification to the character, size and shape of the historic part of the building.

[Added 2-11-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-422]

(1)

MINOR ALTERATIONA change that does not affect the character, size and shape of the historic building.

(2)

MAJOR ALTERATIONAn alteration that involves substantial changes to the character, size and shape of the exterior facade of the historic building, including repositioning of existing exterior architectural elements.

(3)

NATURAL OR ACCIDENTAL ALTERATIONAn alteration that occurs as a result of a cause beyond the owner's or operator’s control, such as a fire or weather-related causes (for example, wind storms or tornadoes), resulting in the destruction of a substantial portion of the historic part of the building.

ALTERATIONS

Alterations include, but are not limited to the following: all incidental changes in or replacements to the nonstructural parts of a building or other structure; minor changes or replacements in the structural parts of a building or other structure.

AMENDMENT

Any duly enacted change or revision to this chapter.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

AMUSEMENT ENTERPRISE

Establishments engaged in providing amusement or entertainment for a fee or admission charge (indoor or outdoor) for uses including, but not limited to musical entertainment, bowling alleys, billiard and pool establishments, commercial sports, coin operated games and similar entertainment and amusement devises.

[Added 2-24-1993 by Ord. No. 93-300]

ANTENNA

Any structure or device used for the purpose of collecting or transmitting electromagnetic waves, including but not limited to directional antennas, such as panels, microwave dishes and satellite dishes, and omni-directional antennas, such as whip antennas.

[Added 12-10-1997 by Ord. No. 97-354]

ANTIQUE SHOPS

A place offering antiques for sale. For the purposes of this chapter, an antique shall be a work of art, piece of furniture, decorative object, or the like, of or belonging to the past, at least 30 years old.

[Added 2-11-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-422]

APARTMENT BUILDING

A building which consists of three or more dwelling units other than flats but does not include "group dwellings."

AUTOMOBILE LAUNDRY

An "automobile laundry" is a structure or area, used for the purpose of cleaning or reconditioning the exterior and interior surfaces of automotive vehicles, but not including an incidental one-bay washing facility in a gasoline service station.

BASEMENT or CELLAR

An enclosed area partly or completely below grade. It shall be considered a building story if more than 1/3 of the walls are five feet or more above grade.

BED AND BREAKFAST

An owner-occupied single-family dwelling providing for compensation, sleeping accommodations and breakfast for transient guests.

[Added 10-13-1993 by Ord. No. 93-303]

BICYCLE PARKING SPACE

A physical space that is a minimum of 2.5 feet in width by six feet in length with a vertical clearance of at least seven feet that allows for the parking of one bicycle and, if located outside, is hard surfaced and well drained.

[1]

[Added 7-11-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-590]

BICYCLE PARKING, LONG-TERM

Bicycle parking that is primarily intended for bicyclists who need parking for three hours or more and is fully protected from the weather.

[Added 7-11-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-590; amended 9-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-624]

BICYCLE PARKING, SHORT-TERM

Bicycle parking that is primarily intended for bicyclists who need parking for three hours or less.

[Added 7-11-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-590]

BICYCLE RACK

A device consistent with industry standards that is capable of supporting a bicycle in a stable position, is made of durable materials, is no less than 36 inches tall from the base to the top of the rack and no less than 1.5 feet in length, permits the securing of the bicycle frame and one wheel with a U-shaped lock, and is of a character and color that adds aesthetic value to the immediate environment.

[Added 7-11-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-590]

BIKE LANE

A one-way facility that carries bike traffic in the same direction as adjacent motor vehicle traffic and is designed in accordance with the 1999 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, as amended.

[Added 1-2-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-384]

BIKE PATH

A minimum ten-foot-wide shared use path constructed in accordance with the current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261; amended 1-2-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-384; 9-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-624]

BILLBOARD

A sign other than one indicating a business conducted on the premises; a sign upon which advertising matter of any character is printed, posted or lettered; and it may be either freestanding or attached to a surface of a building or other structure.

BLOCK

A tract of land bounded by streets, public parks, railroad rights-of-way or corporate boundary lines of the Township.

BLOCK FACE

The area which encompasses the buildings on both sides of the street, bordered at either or both ends by the nearest cross street.

[Added 2-13-1985 by Ord. No. 85-201]

BOUNDARY

A line marking the limit or border of a lot or district.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

BUILDING

Any structure which is permanently affixed to the land, has one or more floors or stories and is bounded by either lot lines or yards. A "building" shall not include such structures as billboards, fences or structures with interior surfaces not normally accessible to human use, such as gas tanks, grain elevators, coal bunkers or similar structures. A "building" may accommodate more than one family and have more than one dwelling unit and be used for residential or commercial or manufacturing purposes.

BUILDING, DETACHED

A building which has yard areas on all sides.

BUILDING, SEMIDETACHED

A building which is surrounded on three sides by yard area and so constructed that one wall is on a side lot line in common with an attached building on the neighboring lot.

BUILDING SETBACK LINE

An established line within a property defining the minimum required distance between any structure to be erected and an adjacent right-of-way or street line.

BULK

The term used to describe the size of buildings or other structures and their relationship to each other, to open areas such as yards and to lot lines and includes: the size, height and floor area of building or other structure; the relation of the number of dwelling units in a residential building to the area of the lot (usually called density); all open areas in yard space relating to buildings and other structures.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Establishments primarily engaged in providing services for individuals, business and government establishments and other organizations.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

CANDLEPOWER

The amount of light that will illuminate a surface one foot distant from a light source to an intensity of one footcandle. Maximum (peak) candlepower is the largest amount of candlepower emitted by any lamp, light source or luminaire.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

CELLAR

See "basement."

CEMETERY

A place for the burial of deceased human beings, by cremation or in a grave, mausoleum, vault, columbarium, or other receptacle.

[Added 11-2-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-574]

CENTER LINE OF STREET

See "street, center line of."

CHURCHES AND OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP

The use of land or structures for religious exercise (as defined by the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act[2]), including worship, education, and related activities; includes, but is not limited to, chapels, cathedrals, temples, mosques, synagogues, and the like.

[Added 12-14-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-578]

COMMON FACILITIES

All the real property and improvements set aside for the common use and enjoyment of the residents, including but not limited to buildings, open land, private roads, parking areas, walkways, recreation areas, landscaped areas, drainage easements and any utilities that service more than one unit, such as sewer and water facilities.

[Added 12-11-1996 by Ord. No. 96-334]

COMMUNITY CENTER

The nonprofit use of land and structures for social and community service activities, including recreational programs, professional counseling services and/or human service agencies and programs, provided that the sale of intoxicating beverages on the premises be prohibited.

[Added 2-13-1985 by Ord. No. 85-201]

COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

A locally based, democratically controlled (with a local board of directors), 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that accepts or acquires real estate and then holds it in perpetuity in order to provide affordable housing though homes built on the involved real estate. The organization’s adopted mission statement must reflect this purpose, and the organization’s board of directors must avoid any conflicts of interest with developers who may negotiate with the trust under the regulations of the Commercial Transitional Zoning District. The organization must have policies in place that restrict the housing built on its land so that the affordability of these units is maintained in perpetuity. In this chapter, the words “community land trust” and “land trust” are interchangeable.

[Added 6-20-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-482]

COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA)

A farming operation supported by members of the local community who contribute to the operation costs of the farm in return for the receipt of a share in the farm's bounty. For the purposes of this chapter, this definition shall also apply to the term "development-supported agriculture" and any other terms expressing a similar concept. When a CSA is included as part of a development proposal also consisting of residential and/or other uses, the use of this phrase shall also be apply to the development as a whole.

[Added 3-10-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-518]

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The officially adopted Patton Township Comprehensive Plan.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

CONDITIONAL USE

A use which is not appropriate to a particular zoning district as a whole, but which may be suitable in certain locations within the district only when specific conditions and factors prescribed for such cases within this chapter are present. Conditional use is allowed or denied by the Patton Township Board of Supervisors after receipt of a report from the Township Planning Commission.

CONTINUOUS CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Residential uses with assisted care facilities for retirement living, which may include detached or attached dwellings, duplexes, townhouses, apartments and other types of residential units, community centers, dining facilities, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, recreational facilities and incidental retail sales and services for the benefit of residents and patients.

[Added 9-24-1997 by Ord. No. 97-345]

CONVERTED HOUSE TRAILER

A trailer rendered immobile and placed on either a temporary or permanent foundation for use as sleeping or living quarters (but still considered as a manufactured home).

CORNER LOT

See "lot, corner."

CRITICAL GROUNDWATER RECHARGE AREA (ONE YEAR ZONE OF CONTRIBUTION)

The area of an aquifer from where a well or wellfield derives water when pumped for one year. The area takes into account the influence of both the steady state (ambient) groundwater table and pumping of the well or wellfield at its maximum capacity without the influence of precipitation.

[Added 2-24-1993 by Ord. No. 93-300]

CUTOFF

The point at which all light rays emitted by a lamp or luminaire are eliminated (cut off) at a specific cutoff angle above the ground.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

CUTOFF ANGLE

The angle formed by a line drawn from the direction of light rays at the light source and a line perpendicular to the ground from the light source, above which no light is emitted.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

CUTOFF-TYPE LUMINAIRE

A luminaire with elements such as shields, reflectors or refractors, or refractor panels which direct and cut off the light at a cutoff angle that is less than 90°.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

DESIGNATED USE

A use in the University District which by its nature involves a substantial degree of public use and/or a level of intensity and nontraditional relationship to a university which suggests that it should be limited in some way in a given area. Such uses are permitted in the University District as a conditional use.

[Added 9-24-1997 by Ord. No. 97-345]

DEVELOPER

The person or entity that owns the property to be developed or that intends to develop the property, or both.

[Added 5-16-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-388]

DIRECT LIGHT

Light actually seen coming straight from the lamp, reflector or reflector diffuser, in the luminaire.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

DISPOSAL

The incineration, deposition, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking or placing of solid waste into or on the land or water in a manner that the solid waste or a constituent of the solid waste enters the environment, is emitted into the air or is discharged to the waters of the commonwealth.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

DEDICATION

The conveyance of land or objects to some public use, made by the owner and accepted for such use by or on behalf of the public by a municipality, school district, public authority or other government agency.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

DEVELOPMENT

Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate including, but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations.

[Added 9-12-1978 by Ord. No. 154]

DEVELOPMENTS OF REGIONAL IMPACT

The following proposals are designated "developments of regional impact" (DRI):

[Added 2-28-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-479]

(1)

Any request to expand the Regional Growth Boundary/Sewer Service Area or to extend public sewer lines to areas outside the sewer service area.

(2)

Requests to rezone properties or complete zoning text amendments within the Regional Growth Boundary/ Sewer Service Area that could increase density by more than 50 equivalent dwelling units. In determining the number of equivalent dwelling units that will be generated as a result of a rezoning or by a zoning text amendment, the highest and most intensive use permitted by the existing or proposed district will be used.

(3)

Any proposal to rezone or complete rezoning text amendments for properties outside of the Regional Growth Boundary/Sewer Service Area that will result in an increase of equivalent dwelling units.

DRIVE-THROUGH USE

A use that provides a drive-through lane that permits a person to receive a product or service without leaving their vehicle.

[Added 7-11-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-590]

DRIVEWAY

A corridor which provides motor vehicle access from a street into a lot.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

DWELLING, GROUP OR TOWNHOUSE

A building divided by vertical walls, to consist entirely of three or more dwelling units each having a separate main entrance and a separate service entrance from the outside.

DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY

A detached building containing a single dwelling unit designed for and occupied exclusively by one family. Included in this definition is a manufactured home that is affixed to a permanent foundation with the wheels and trailer hitch removed.

[Added 9-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-274]

DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY

A building designed for and occupied exclusively by two families.

DWELLING, MULTIPLE

A building used or designed as a residence for three or more families living independent of each other and doing their own cooking therein, including apartment houses, apartment hotels, flat and group dwellings.

DWELLING UNIT

Consists of one or more rooms for living purposes together with separate cooking and sanitary facilities and is accessible from the outdoors either directly or through an entrance hall shared with other dwelling units and is used or intended to be used by one or more persons living together and maintaining a common household.

END

When applied to a building, the shortest dimension of a building.

ENGINEER

A professional, licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to practice engineering.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

ENLARGEMENT

An addition to the floor area of an existing building, an increase in size of another structure or an increase in that portion of a tract of land occupied by an existing use.

ENTRY FEATURE

A sign, flag, fence, wall, fountain, kiosk or pavilion, plant material or a combination of such structures or decorative elements located at the entrance to a site to indicate or mark an access point.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

ESSENTIAL SERVICES

The erection, construction, alteration or maintenance, by public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies, of underground or overhead gas, electrical, steam or water transmission or distribution system, collection, communication telephone exchange, supply or disposal systems.

ESTATE LOT

A large, privately owned lot compromising all of an area of open land. The purpose of the estate lot is to provide surrounding residents with visual access to open land, while keeping the land under private ownership and maintenance.

[Added 12-11-1996 by Ord. No. 96-334]

FACE

When applied to a building, the longest dimension of a building.

FAMILY

A person, or two or more persons, who are related by blood, marriage, parentage, adoption (including foster children) and living together. In addition to the family, two or fewer unrelated persons may reside within the dwelling unit. In the case where one or more of the unrelated persons is a family care client, the number of unrelated persons permitted to be within the dwelling unit shall be no more than three. For dwelling units in apartment buildings the number of persons permitted to occupy a unit shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Patton Township Property Maintenance Code.[3]

[Amended 9-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-274]

FAMILY BURIAL CEMETERY

A cemetery on private land in which no lots are sold to the public and in which interments are restricted to a group of persons related to each other by blood or marriage.

[Added 11-2-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-574]

FAMILY CARE

The provision of care in accord with regulations of the appropriate state agency(ies) for up to three mentally ill, retarded, disabled or elderly persons in a dwelling unit by a family which resides in that unit.

[Added 2-13-1985 by Ord. No. 85-200]

FARM CAFE

An eating establishment that prepares and serves food grown, raised, or produced on site locally or within Pennsylvania to the greatest extent possible. The principal objective of a farm cafe is to support local agriculture and provide alternatives to the conversion of farmland through sustainable rural economic development while empowering farmers to undertake entrepreneurial endeavors that augment, support, and highlight local agriculture.

[Added 11-2-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-573]

FENCE

Any barrier constructed of wood, metal or plastic that is used as a boundary or means of protection, confinement or for privacy. The maximum height permitted for fences shall be eight feet, except as otherwise expressly permitted or required by this chapter.

[Added 9-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-274; at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]

FISH HATCHERY

A place where fish are propagated for use elsewhere.

[Added 5-28-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-557]

FIXTURE

The assembly that houses a lamp or lamps and can include all or some of the following parts: a housing, a mounting bracket or pole socket, a lamp holder, a ballast, a reflector or mirror and/or a refractor or lens.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

FLAT

A dwelling unit located above a commercial establishment in a building not exceeding two stories in height and which dwelling unit is completely separate from such commercial establishment and has a separate interior entrance from the street which entrance may be used in common by the occupants of more than one flat.

FLOODLIGHT or SPOTLIGHT

Any light fixture or lamp that incorporates a reflector or a refractor to concentrate the light output into a directed beam in a particular direction.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

FLOODPLAIN

Those areas along natural watercourses which are subject to periodic flooding as delineated by the official Flood Hazard Boundary Maps of the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, prepared for Patton Township, dated February 6, 1976.

[Added 9-12-1978 by Ord. No. 154]

FLOOD-PRONE SOILS

Those alluvial soils subject to flooding as delineated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, in the Interim Soils Report of the Centre Region, 1969.

[Added 9-12-1978 by Ord. No. 154]

FLOOR AREA

The sum of the gross usable area of the floors of a building measured from the face of exterior walls.

FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)

A measure of land use intensity. It is computed by dividing the gross building floor area on a parcel by the total area of the parcel.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

FOOTCANDLE (FC)

A unit of illumination produced on a surface, all points of which are one foot from a uniform point source of one candle.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

FRONT YARD

See "yard."

FRONT YARD LINE

See "yard line."

GAME RESERVE

A place where wildlife is raised for the purpose of being harvested on-site or transported for off-site release.

[Added 5-28-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-557]

GARAGE, PRIVATE

Accessory to a principal building, either attached to it or separate, and is used only for storage purposes.

GASOLINE SERVICE STATION

An area of land, together with any structure thereon used for: the retail sale of motor fuel and lubricants and incidental services, such as lubrication and hand-washing of motor vehicles and the sale, installation or minor repair of tires, batteries or other automobile accessories.

GENERAL USE

A use in the University District which is fundamental to the educational, research, public service or technology transfer missions of a university.

[Added 9-24-1997 by Ord. No. 97-345]

GLARE

Light emitting from a luminaire with an intensity great enough to reduce a viewer's ability to see and in extreme cases causing momentary blindness.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

GREEN ROOF AREA

The area atop a building roof surface, open to the sky and air, which is surfaced with soil and living plant material for the purpose of retaining rainwater and absorbing heat from sunlight. The depth of soil and planted material shall be a minimum of four inches.

[Added 7-11-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-590]

GROUP DWELLING OR TOWNHOUSES

See "dwellings-group."

GOVERNING BODY

The Board of Supervisors of the Township of Patton, County of Centre, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

GREENHOUSE, COMMERCIAL

A building or buildings used for the growing of plants, all or part of which are sold at retail or wholesale.

[Added 5-28-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-557]

GROSS FLOOR AREA

The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of a building measured from the exterior face of exterior walls or from the center line of a wall separating two buildings, but not including interior parking spaces, loading space for motor vehicle or any space where the floor-to-ceiling height is less than six feet.

GROUP HOME

A detached dwelling unit in which care and residence are provided in accord with regulations of the appropriate state agency(ies) for more than three, but not more than six nonadjudicated clients who are dependent children, elderly, mentally ill, retarded or disabled persons.

[Added 2-13-1985 by Ord. No. 85-200]

HAZARDOUS WASTE

Any garbage, refuse, sludge from an industrial or other wastewater treatment plant, sludge from a water supply treatment plan 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, but does not include 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 Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (86 Stat. 880) or source, special nuclear or by-product material as defined by the United States Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended (68 Stat. 923), which because of its quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may:

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

(1)

Cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in morbidity in either an individual or the total population.

(2)

Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or otherwise managed.

HALFWAY HOUSE

A residence in which social and community service activities in accord with regulations of the appropriate state agency(ies) are provided for no more than six resident adjudicated individuals.

[Added 2-13-1985 by Ord. No. 85-200]

HEIGHT OF BUILDING

The vertical distance measured from the average level of finished grade along all the exterior walls of a building to the mean height between the eaves and ridge, in the case of a pitched roof; otherwise the highest point of the roof.

HEIGHT OF LUMINAIRE

The vertical distance from the ground directly below the center line of the luminaire to the direct light emitting part of the luminaire.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

HEIGHT OF SIGN

The vertical distance measured from ground level to the highest point on the sign or its supported structure.

HISTORIC BUILDING

For a building to qualify as a historic building, it shall meet at least one of each standard under Criterias A and B:

[Added 2-11-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-422]

(1)

Criteria A:

(a)

A building or proposed building of which at least 40% of the floor area and exterior facade was constructed prior to 1900.

(b)

A building listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

(2)

Criteria B:

(a)

A building identified with a person or group that contributed significantly to the Township’s cultural or historical development.

(b)

A building possessing distinctive characteristics of architecture, building type, construction period or method that is representative of the area.

(c)

A building used for a "historic use" (see definition).

HISTORIC USE

Any historic purpose for which the building was designed and maintained, or any activity, occupation, business or operation carried out in the building prior to the year 1900, such as an inn, stagecoach stop or retail store.

[Added 2-11-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-422]

HOME OCCUPATION

A "home occupation" is an accessory use which is clearly incidental or secondary to the residential use of the dwelling unit, and is customarily carried on within a dwelling unit or accessory building by one or more occupants of such dwelling unit; does not permit selling articles produced elsewhere than on the premises, having exterior displays of goods visible from the outside or making external alterations which are not customary in residential buildings; and includes the following occupations: professional offices such as for the practice of medicine, dentistry, architecture, law and engineering; artists, beauticians, barbers, veterinarians (excluding stables or kennels) and other occupations which do not create objectionable noise, glare, smoke, odor, vibration, electrical interference, fire hazards, substantially increased traffic or other nuisances and does not permit the full-time employment of more than two persons not living on the premises; does not use more than 25% or 500 square feet, whichever is less, of the total floor area of the dwelling; and provides adequate off-street parking if needed.

[Amended 9-24-1986 by Ord. No. 86-214]

HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION (HOA)

A community association combining individual home ownership with shared use or ownership of common property and facilities. The homeowner owns the lot, including the interior and exterior of the individual home, while the association owns and maintains the common facilities.

[Added 12-11-1996 by Ord. No. 96-334]

HOSPITAL

An institution where sick or injured persons are given medical care and, in the course of same, are housed overnight, fed and provided nursing and related services. This definition does not include halfway houses, convalescent or nursing homes, institutions for mentally ill individuals, or other similar facilities.

[Added 9-22-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-438]

HOUSE TRAILER

See "manufactured home."

HORIZONTAL CLEARANCE ZONE

A horizontal plane 150 feet above the established airport elevation of 1,239 feet mean sea level, the perimeter of which is constructed by swinging arcs 10,000 feet out from the center of each end of the runway and connecting the opposing arcs by using straight lines.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE

A surface which prevents the penetration of water into the ground.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

INDIRECT LIGHT

Direct light that is reflected from or has scattered off other surfaces.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

INN

A historic building used for the purpose of offering public lodging on a day-to-day basis, not including a bed-and-breakfast home. An inn shall be considered as a historic use (see definition for "historic use") and subject to regulations specified in § 425-52.

[Added 2-11-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-422]

INTERCHANGE ACCESS ROAD

The highest order road serving an interchange and providing access to the interstate highway.

[Added 5-16-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-388]

INTERMENT

The act of burying a deceased human being.

[Added 11-2-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-574]

INTERSTATE CORRIDOR

The area located within 1/8 mile along each side of the interstate highway and the interchange access road.

[Added 5-16-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-388]

INTERSTATE HIGHWAY

That roadway designated as Interstate 99, U. S. Highway 322 or Mount Nittany Expressway.

[Added 5-16-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-388]

JUNKYARD

An area of land, with or without buildings, used for the storage, outside a completely enclosed building, of used and discarded materials, including but not limited to, waste paper, rags, metal, building materials, house furnishings, machinery, vehicles or parts thereof, with or without the dismantling, processing, salvage, sale or other use or disposition of the same. The deposit or storage on a lot of two or more unlicensed, wrecked or disabled vehicles or the major part thereof, shall be deemed to make a "junkyard."

LAMP

The component of a luminaire that produces the actual light.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

LANDMARK FEATURE

A prominent or conspicuous feature, such as a clock tower, cupola, or other uninhabitable portion of a building or a freestanding object that serves as a unique and distinct element marking a site or location.

[Added 7-11-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-590]

LANDOWNER

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 they are authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner or other persons having a proprietary interest in land.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

A professional, licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to practice landscape architecture.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

LOT

A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.

[Amended 8-14-1996 by Ord. No. 96-330]

LOT, CORNER

One side bounded on at least two sides by streets that intersect adjacent to the lot.

[Amended 9-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-274]

LOT LINE, FRONT

The line separating the lot from the street line.

LOT LINE, REAR

The line generally parallel to the front lot line which defines the rear of the lot.

LOT LINE, SIDE

Any lot line which is not a front lot line or a rear lot line.

LOT WIDTH

The horizontal distance between side lot lines measured along the front lot line.

LOW-OCCUPANCY FACILITY

A building or use with limited customer or nonemployee contact and less than one employee per every 10,000 square feet of gross floor area.

[Added 7-11-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-590]

LUMEN

A unit of luminous flux. One footcandle is one lumen per square foot. For the purposes of this chapter, the lumen output values shall be the initial lumen output ratings of a lamp.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

LUMINAIRE

A complete lighting unit consisting of a light source and all necessary mechanical, electrical and decorative parts.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

MANUFACTURED HOME

A factory-built structure which bears the seal of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or applicable agency or department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or its agent, and is equipped with the necessary service connections and made so as to be readily movable as a unit on its own running gear and designed to be used as a dwelling unit with or without a permanent foundation.

[Added 10-25-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-379]

MANUFACTURED HOME LOT

A parcel of land in a manufactured home park, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erection thereon of a single manufactured home.

[Added 10-25-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-379]

MANUFACTURED HOME PARK

A parcel or contiguous parcels of land which has been so designated and improved that it contains two or more manufactured home lots for the placement thereon of manufactured homes.

[Added 10-25-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-379]

MASTER PLAN

A comprehensive preliminary land development plan and narrative which indicates the design pattern for development, establishes FAR, establishes residential densities, locates access points and defines the gross square footage of all uses.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

MAXIMUM LOT COVERAGE FOR BUILDINGS

The percentage of lot area which may be occupied by the footprint area of all buildings.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

MAXIMUM PERMITTED ILLUMINATION

The maximum illumination measured in footcandles at the property line.[4]

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS

Organizations that include individuals formally organized for a common interest, usually cultural, humanitarian services, with regular meetings and formal written membership requirements. This definition does not include wholesale or retail uses.

[Added 9-22-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-438]

MOTEL

A building or group of buildings having units containing sleeping accommodations which are available for temporary occupancy by transients and providing off-street parking facilities adjacent or convenient thereto.

MOTION SENSOR DEVICE

A device that will sense motion electronically and switch on security lighting for a timed duration.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

MOTOR VEHICLE ORIENTED BUSINESS

Any commercial business which, by design, type of operation and nature of business, either requires or encourages the physical presence of a motor vehicle in order to perform its function and to justify its existence. It shall be deemed to include gasoline service stations, drive-in banks, drive-in restaurants, drive-in beverage sales, car wash operations and other businesses which essentially create the frequent entry on and exits from the premises of motor vehicles. The foregoing specific examples are not intended as an inclusive list of such businesses.

MULTISTORY COMMERCIAL-STYLE STORAGE FACILITY

A structure with two or more floors designed and used for the storage of materials by multiple individuals for a fee. All materials must be stored within one or more structures on the site. Storage of materials outside of any structure is strictly prohibited. No office, sales, rental of good or services, or industrial activities shall occur within or outside of the storage buildings, nor shall any hazardous or otherwise dangerous materials be permitted to be stored in such facilities. No more than 40% of the units can be located on the first floor and no more than 40% of the units can have exterior points of access.

[Added 3-8-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-627]

MUNICIPAL

Of or for the Township of Patton, unless specifically in reference to another municipality.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places, administered by the National Park Service, a part of the U.S. Department of Interior, is the nation's official inventory of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American history, architecture, archaeology and culture. (54 U.S.C. § 302101 et seq., 36 CFR Part 60)

[Added 2-11-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-422; amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]

NATURAL AREAS

Undeveloped land that contains one or a combination of the following: steep slopes, wetlands, forest, floodplains, water features and drainage ways, meadows, and animal habitat areas.

[Added 2-24-1993 by Ord. No. 93-300]

NONCONFORMING LOT

A lot the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to the adoption or amendment of this ordinance, but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located by reasons of such adoption or amendment.

[Amended 8-14-1996 by Ord. No. 96-330]

NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE

A structure or part of a structure manifestly not designed to comply with the applicable use or extent of use provisions in this chapter or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment or prior to the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation. Such nonconforming structures include, but are not limited to, nonconforming signs.

[Amended 8-14-1996 by Ord. No. 96-330]

NONCONFORMING USE

A use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions in a zoning ordinance or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment or prior to the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.

NURSING HOME

An extended or intermediate care facility licensed or approved to provide full-time convalescent or chronic care to individuals who, by reason of advanced age, chronic illness or infirmity, are unable to care for themselves.

[Added 2-24-1993 by Ord. No. 93-300]

OFF-SITE SANITARY SEWAGE DISPOSAL, COMMUNITY

A sanitary sewage collection system in which sewage is carried from individual lots by a system of pipes to a central treatment and disposal plant, generally serving a neighborhood area.

OFF-SITE SANITARY SEWAGE DISPOSAL, PUBLIC

A sanitary sewage collection system in which sewage is carried from individual lots by a system of pipes to a central treatment and disposal plant.

ON-SITE (SEPTIC TANK) SANITARY SEWAGE DISPOSAL

A covered watertight settling tank in which raw sewage is biochemically changed into solid, liquid and gaseous states to facilitate further treatment and final disposal.

OPEN LAND

That portion of a tract within a development meeting rural preservation design standards (at least 50%) that is set aside for the protection of sensitive natural features, farm land, scenic views and other unique features. Open land may be accessible to the residents of the development and/or the municipality, or it may contain areas of farm land or estate lots which are not accessible to the public. If open to the public, it shall be so stated on the recorded plan.

[Added 12-11-1996 by Ord. No. 96-334]

(1)

The following are to be included as open land:

(a)

Identified wetlands as shown on NWI (National Wetland Inventory) mapping and/or field studies.

(b)

The one-hundred-year floodplain as shown on official FEMA maps and the Zoning (floodplain/alluvial soils) Map.

(c)

Land with slopes of 25% or greater.

(d)

Land within the open land required for street rights-of-way that traverse the open land.

(e)

Land under permanent easement prohibiting future development, including utility drainage access and utility easements.

(f)

Land identified within the Centre County Natural Heritage Inventory.

(2)

The following may be included as open land to the extent possible:

(a)

Woodlands.

(b)

Meadows not used as pasturage.

OPEN SPACE

The areas within the perimeter boundaries of a master plan that are intended to preserve natural amenities such as woodlands, wetlands/natural drainage areas and wildlife. Passive and active recreation areas are also included (playgrounds, hiking/biking trails, public swimming pools, public recreation centers and picnic/seating areas). Areas excluded from open space calculations shall include public and private streets, drives, parking lots (except those accessory to active and passive recreation areas), pipeline and/or power easements, schools, clubhouses and private spaces such as required yard setbacks, lawn and patio areas not available for common and/or public use.

[Amended 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 261; 2-24-1993 by Ord. No. 93-300]

PARKING SPACE

Consists of an open space with a dust-free all-weather surface (or space in a private garage or other structure) which shall be at least nine feet by 18 feet in size for the storage of one automobile.

[Amended 9-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-274]

PENAL OR CORRECTIVE INSTITUTION

A publicly or privately operated facility housing persons awaiting trial or persons serving a sentence after being found guilty of a criminal offense.

[Added 5-28-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-557]

PennDOT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

[Added 5-16-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-388]

PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE

Act 247 of 1968, July 31, P.L. 805, as amended (53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.).

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

PERIMETER SETBACK

A distance extending from the boundary of the University District to a structure within the district. The size of a required perimeter setback shall be measured as the shortest distance between the structure and the boundary of the University District.

[Added 9-24-1997 by Ord. No. 97-345]

PERSONAL CARE FACILITY

Any premise licensed or approved that provides food, shelter and personal assistance or supervision for a period exceeding 24 hours to individuals who require assistance or supervision in such matters as dressing, bathing, diet or medication prescribed for self-administration but do not require hospitalization or care in a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility.

[Added 2-24-1993 by Ord. No. 93-300]

PERVIOUS PAVEMENT SYSTEM

A low-impact development (LID) stormwater best management practice (BMP) that consists of a pervious pavement layer and an aggregate stone bed storage layer placed on a noncompacted soil subgrade. The pavement layer must be capable of supporting vehicular or pedestrian traffic and have sufficient porosity to allow rainwater to percolate into the storage layer below. A pavement layer is considered pervious if it is one of the following materials: pervious bituminous asphalt, pervious concrete or nonseparated pervious paver blocks, all of which must be underlain by a uniformly graded aggregate stone bed on a noncompacted soil subgrade. The storage layer typically consists of gravel or crushed stone with sufficient voids that will store water after a storm until such time as the water can infiltrate into the soil subgrade below. Such systems are an effective method for minimizing the environmental impact of land development. The latest version of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) BMP Manual provides a detailed description of pervious pavements and their proper construction and maintenance.

[Added 7-11-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-590]

PHASE

A component or definable part of a whole: a stage of development. A "phase of a development plan" that is that part of the entire plan which, if implemented, is capable of standing on its own. A "phase of planned development" shall be able to function independently of the undeveloped phases, while being compatible with adjacent or neighboring land uses, even if the remainder of the planned development were to be discontinued.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Patton Township Planning Commission, Township of Patton, County of Centre, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

PRIVATE HUNTING LODGE

Area reserved for public or private hunting of wildlife, fishing, and accessory structures in support of those activities.

[Added 5-28-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-557]

PRIVATE RECREATION

Privately owned or operated facilities that provide active or passive outlets for recreation.

[Added 5-28-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-557]

PROJECT

Any development, including retail, office, commercial, residential, and industrial uses.

[Added 5-16-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-388]

PUBLIC CELEBRATION

An event or series of events scheduled in observance of a state, federal, or religious holiday, or conducting organized activities for an historical, cultural, or a special theme held for a limited period of time and where such events or activities are not being held solely for profit. Public celebrations may include, but are not limited to, farmers markets, seasonal celebrations, craft fairs, or festivals.

[Added 7-11-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-590]

PUBLIC GATHERING PLACE

Any outdoor place to which the public or a substantial number of the public has access, including but not limited to parks, courtyards, playgrounds, and the outdoor common areas of public and private buildings and facilities.

[Added 7-11-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-590]

PUBLIC RECREATION

Publicly owned or operated facilities that provide active or passive outlets for recreation.

[Amended 5-28-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-557]

PUBLIC TRANSIT FACILITY

A premises for the transient housing or parking of motor driven buses and the loading and unloading passengers in addition to satellite administrative services.

[Added 2-24-1993 by Ord. No. 93-300]

PUBLIC USE

A use by a public governing body, board, commission or authority or any agency or department thereof for a governmental or public purpose.

[Added 9-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-274; 5-28-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-557]

REAR YARD

See "yard."

REAR YARD LINE

See "yard line."

RECOGNIZED CEMETERY

Any cemetery that is not a family burial cemetery.

[Added 11-2-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-574]

REHABILITATION CENTER

A community center in which social and community service activities in accord with regulations of the appropriate state agency(ies)) are provided for drop in (nonresident) adjudicated individuals.

[Added 2-13-1985 by Ord. No. 85-200]

RETAIL TRADE

Establishments engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Residential uses and ancillary facilities for retirement living which may include detached or attached single-family dwellings, duplexes, townhouses or apartments and other types of residential units, community centers, recreational facilities and incidental retail sales for the benefit of residents.

[Added 9-24-1997 by Ord. No. 97-345]

RUNWAY APPROACH ZONE

A volume of airspace that is longitudinally centered along the end of the runway protection zone and is trapezoidal in shape. The inner width has a dimension of 1,425 feet, a length of 8,500 feet, and an outer width of 3,500 feet. The zone rises at a slope of 34 feet (horizontal) to one foot (vertical) away from the end of the runway protection zone.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

RUNWAY PROTECTION ZONE

A volume of airspace that is longitudinally centered along the end of the runway and is trapezoidal in shape. The inner width has a dimension of 1,000 feet, a length of 2,000 feet and an outer width of 1,425 feet. The zone rises at a slope of 50 feet (horizontal) to one foot (vertical) away from the end of the runway.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

SANITARIUM

A health station, retreat, or an institution for the recuperation and treatment of persons suffering from physical or mental disorders.

[Added 5-28-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-557]

SAWMILLS

A facility where logs or partially processed cants are sawn, split, shaved, stripped, chipped, or otherwise processed to produce wood products, not including the processing of timber for the use on the same lot by the owner or resident of that lot.

[Added 5-28-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-557]

SCHEDULE

A schedule for development is the projected time frame in which the several phases of a development are to be implemented.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

SCHOOL, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE

An institution for the teaching of children or adults including primary and secondary schools; colleges; and professional, dance, business, trade, art schools; or similar facilities.

[Added 5-28-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-557]

SCREENING

The provision of a visual shield or barrier, which may include vegetative plantings; fencing; natural or man-made berms; or landforms, between adjacent properties, structures or uses.

[Added 5-16-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-388]

SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES

One or more structures designed and used for the storage of materials by multiple individuals for a fee. All material must be stored within one or more structures on the site. Storage of materials outside of any structure is strictly prohibited. No office, sales, rental of goods or services, or industrial activities shall occur within or outside of the storage buildings, nor shall any hazardous or otherwise dangerous materials be permitted to be stored in such facilities.

[Added 3-8-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-627]

SEMIPUBLIC USE

A nonprofit use or institutions such as a church, library, public or private school, hospital or municipality owned or operated building, structure or land used for public purpose.

[Added 9-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-274]

SETBACK

See "building setback line."

SIDE YARD

See "yard."

SIDE YARD LINE

See "yard line."

SIGN

A sign is any structure, device, light or natural object including the ground itself, or any part thereof, or any device attached thereto or painted or represented thereon which shall be used to identify, advertise or attract attention to any object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, firm, group, commodity, profession, enterprise, industry or business or which shall display or include any letter, word, model, number, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, device or representation used as an announcement, direction or advertisement and which is intended to be seen from off the premises or from a parking lot. The word "sign" shall include signs which are affixed to the inside of windows and glass doors and are intended to be seen from roadways or parking lots. No other indoor sign shall be deemed a sign within this chapter.

[Amended 8-14-1996 by Ord. No. 96-330]

(1)

GROUND-POLE SIGNA sign supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces placed in or upon the ground.

(2)

ILLUMINATED SIGNA sign that provides artificial light directly or through any transparent or translucent material, from a source of light connected with such sign or a sign illuminated by a light focused upon or chiefly directed at the surface of the sign.

(3)

OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING SIGNA sign which contains a message unrelated to a business or profession conducted upon the premises where such sign is located or which is unrelated to a commodity, service or entertainment sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.

(4)

PERMANENT SIGNAny sign which is not a temporary sign.

(5)

PROJECTING SIGNA sign which projects from and is supported by a wall of a building.

(6)

TEMPORARY SIGNA sign, constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, wood or other similar material, with or without a structural frame and intended for a limited period of display.

(7)

WALL SIGNA sign which is attached directly to a building wall, and which does not extend more than 18 inches therefrom, nor extend above the roofline.

(8)

ROOF SIGNAny sign erected and maintained upon or above the roof of any building.

SIGN AREA

Sign area is the area of the smallest triangle, rectangle or circle which can wholly enclose the surface area of the sign. All visible faces of a multifaced sign shall be counted separately and then totaled in calculating sign area. Three-dimensional signs shall be treated as dual-faced signs, such that the total area shall be twice the area of the smallest triangle, rectangle or circle which can totally circumscribe the sign in the plane of its largest dimension.

[Added 8-14-1996 by Ord. No. 96-330]

SOLAR COLLECTOR SURFACE

Any part of a solar energy system that absorbs or reflects solar energy for use in the system's transformation process, including any portion of the frames, supports, and mounting hardware.

[Added 7-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-586]

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM

An energy system that converts solar energy to usable thermal, mechanical, chemical, or electrical energy. Solar energy systems may be mounted on a building or on the ground, integrated into the construction of a building, or self-contained whereas it generates energy exclusively for the device it is mounted to.

[Added 7-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-586]

SOLID WASTE

Any waste, including but not limited to municipal, residual or hazardous wastes, including solid, liquid, semisolid or contained gaseous materials.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

SPECIAL EXCEPTION

The granting of special exceptions to the provisions of this chapter where specifically stated within this chapter subject to stated standards and criteria. Special exceptions are administered by the Zoning Hearing Board.

STORAGE

The containment of any waste on a temporary basis in such a manner as not to constitute disposal of such waste. It shall be presumed that the containment of any waste in excess of one year constitutes disposal. The presumption can be overcome by clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

STORAGE SHED

A prefabricated or on-site constructed enclosure that is less than 12 feet high, less than 150 square feet in area and is used for the storage of lawn tractors, garden implements, bicycles and other common household commodities. No more than two storage sheds having a cumulative area of up to 150 square feet can be placed in the side or rear yard on any lot of 10 acres or less under the exclusion contained in the definition of "structure" in this section. Such sheds shall not be placed within the front yard.

[Added 9-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-274; amended 4-23-1997 by Ord. No. 97-340]

STORY

That portion of a building located between the surface of any floor and the next floor above it.

STREET

Includes street, avenue, boulevard, road, highway, freeway, parkway, lane, alley, viaduct and any other ways used or intended to be used by vehicular traffic or pedestrians whether public or private.

[Amended 8-14-1996 by Ord. No. 96-330]

STREET, CENTER LINE OF

The line which is usually at an equal distance from both street lines or right-of-way lines.

STREETLIGHT

A luminaire placed in or adjacent to a street right-of-way for the purpose of illuminating a road, sidewalk and/or intersection.

[Added 8-12-1998 by Ord. No. 98-357]

STREET LINE

A "street line" is a right-of-way line.

STRUCTURE

Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land. Excluded from the definition of a structure are fences, storage sheds, any deck that is less than 18 inches above ground level, stairwells to basements, chimneys, heat pumps, air conditioning units, roof overhangs less than 18 inches from the wall of a structure, tree houses up to 75 square feet in area and pet houses up to 75 square feet in area. Excluded from this definition are gazebos under 150 square feet in area and under 12 feet in height, light poles, utility poles, retaining walls, decorative walls and awnings.

[Amended 9-11-1991 by Ord. No. 91-274; 9-24-1986 by Ord. No. 86-214; 4-23-1997 by Ord. No. 97-340]

SURVEYOR

A professional licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to practice surveying.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

SWIMMING POOL

As defined by the International Building Code as adopted in Chapter 170, Construction Codes, Uniform.

[Added 1-2-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-384; amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]

TAVERN

An establishment that meets one or more of the following criteria:

[Added 5-28-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-496]

(1)

Has a name that references alcoholic beverages or the consumption thereof.

(2)

Has a name that includes words such as bar, sports bar, tavern, pub, saloon, brewery, speakeasy, lounge, club, or similar term associated with a purveyor of alcoholic beverages.

(3)

Has more than one serving station for alcoholic beverages.

(4)

Will likely have alcohol sales that, based on a study of similar existing establishments, meet or exceed 20% of total sales.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY

Consists of equipment, buildings, towers and other structures involved in transmitting, receiving and the relay of electromagnetic waves.

[Added 12-10-1997 by Ord. No. 97-354]

TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY BUILDING

The building in which electronic receiving, transmitting and relay equipment for a telecommunications tower is housed.

[Added 12-10-1997 by Ord. No. 97-354]

TOWER

Any ground-mounted structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas for telephone, radio and similar communication purposes, including self-supporting lattice towers, guyed towers or monopole towers. The term includes radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telephone towers, alternative tower structures and the like. The term includes the structure and any support thereto. Not included are towers and supportive structures on residential dwellings for private noncommercial amateur purposes, including but not limited to ham radios and citizen band radios that are regulated by the residential district section of this chapter.

[Added 12-10-1997 by Ord. No. 97-354]

TOWN CENTER

An area within a planned community that contains a variety of land uses, including but not limited to residential, retail, office, professional, service, educational, cultural, governmental and recreational within a defined area shown on a master plan. The land uses are to be located in close proximity to each other. The town center shall promote pedestrian movement, social interaction and the environmentally sound conservation and development of land. The design and development of a town center core area should not exceed an area with a radius of approximately one-fourth (1/4) mile.

[Added 2-24-1993 by Ord. No. 93-300]

TREATMENT

Any method, technique or process, including neutralization, designed to change the physical, chemical or biological character or composition of any waste so as to neutralize such waste or so as to render such waste nonhazardous, safer for transport, suitable for recovery, suitable for storage or reduced in volume. Such term includes any activity or processing designed to change the physical form or chemical composition of waste so as to render it neutral or nonhazardous.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

USE

Any purpose for which a building or other structure or a tract of land may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained or occupied or any activity, occupation, business or operation carried on in a building or other structure on a tract of land.

UAJA

University Area Joint Authority.

[Added 3-10-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-518]

UTILITY SCALE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM

Any commercially sized or scaled solar energy system that is the principal use on the property and its operator has signed an official agreement of power purchase with a utility provider, or it produces energy in excess of 125% of the energy needed by the property's principal use, or produces energy in excess of 10 megawatts.

[Added 7-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-586]

VARIANCE

A permissive waiver from the terms and conditions of this chapter where literal enforcement would create hardship. A variance can be granted only by the Zoning Hearing Board.

WALKWAY

A right-of-way intended to provide pedestrian access.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

WELL SITE

The physical structure, facility or device at the land surface from or through which groundwater flows or is pumped from subsurface water bearing formations then distributed off-site by a water provider.

[Added 2-24-1993 by Ord. No. 93-300]

WHIP ANTENNA

A single pole antenna that is used for the purpose of collecting or transmitting electromagnetic waves and is less than one inch in diameter with a maximum height of 15 feet. This type of antenna is usually mounted to a supporting structure.

[Added 12-10-1997 by Ord. No. 97-354]

WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION

Establishments or places of business primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers to industrial, commercial, institutional or professional business users or to other wholesalers; or acting as agents or brokers and buying merchandise for or selling merchandise to such individuals or companies.

[Added 2-27-1991 by Ord. No. 91-261]

YARD

That portion of the lot which is unoccupied and open to the sky and extends from the lot line to the yard line.

YARD, FRONT

The yard extending along the full length of the front lot line.

YARD, REAR

A yard extending the full length of the rear lot line.

YARD, SIDE

A yard extending along the side lot line from the required front yard to the required rear yard.

YARD LINE

A line drawn parallel to the corresponding lot line at a distance specified for the required depth of yard in each respective case.

YARD LINE, FRONT

Bounds the front yard and is parallel to the front lot line.

YARD LINE, REAR

Bounds the rear yard and is parallel to the rear lot line.

YARD LINE, SIDE

Bounds the side yard and is parallel to the side lot lines.

[1]

Editor's Note: The original definition of "bicycle parking space, sheltered," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 9-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-624.

[2]

Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc et seq.

[3]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 270, Property Maintenance and Fire Code.

[4]

Editor's Note: The definitions of "mobile home," "mobile home lot," and "mobile home park," which followed this definition, were repealed 10-25-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-379.