A.
The following hybrid form-based code is intended to institute a mixture
of form-based and euclidean (traditional) zoning in the residential
districts that will:
(1)
Promote the construction and renovation of housing that protects
and enhances the high-quality character of the community.
(2)
Ensure that when new housing is built, it will be of a size
and character consistent with existing housing in the community.
(3)
Promote the production of housing that is affordable to those
making at or below the area median income.
(4)
Promote the maintenance of the rich variety of housing types
and historic homes that contribute to Media's unique community
character.
(5)
Allow for the expansion of existing homes while limiting the
potential for widespread demolition of homes to construct larger,
more expensive housing.
(6)
Permit the construction of a variety of housing types that are
consistent with the character of the community.
(7)
Ensure that residential buildings include several unifying features
that allow the Borough to support a variety of housing typologies
while maintaining a high-quality public realm.
(8)
Ensure that when various building components (such as porches,
porticos, bay windows, and dormers) are constructed, they are useful
to their building occupants and contribute to a high-quality public
realm.
(9)
Promote the creation of high-quality open spaces, where appropriate.
(10)
Promote the planting of street trees and high-quality, landscaped
yards that include new trees and vegetation.
(11)
Protect and promote the Borough's multi-modal transportation
network, especially its walkable street system.
(12)
Reduce the negative impact of parking on the public realm while
ensuring sufficient supply of parking to meet the needs of residents.
A.
The standards of this zoning ordinance were developed after extensive
community engagement that included stakeholder meetings, informational
presentations, public workshops, surveys, and public hearings.
A.
This zoning ordinance is, in many ways, no different than a traditional
Euclidean zoning ordinance with a few exceptions:
(1)
This ordinance includes a building forms section,[1] which is not typically included in Euclidean ordinances.
This section includes specific standards for different building typologies
based on the specific impacts those typologies will have on the surrounding
community.
(2)
Uses are permitted based on whether or not they occupy a permitted
building form. Thus a permitted use must meet two criteria: it must
be permitted in the zone and be permitted within the building form.
All permitted uses are permitted in at least one building form.
(3)
Many of the bulk and area standards (such as setbacks) that
are traditionally regulated by zone are regulated in the building
forms section of this article.
(4)
This article includes standards for setbacks and lot coverage
that are dependent on the width of the lot and the size of the lot,
respectively. These "dynamic standards" ensure that housing on lots
of different sizes within the same zone are treated equitably.
A.
The following page provides a step by step guide to navigating the
Hybrid Form-Based Code. The guide identifies the common topics and/or
standards and where they can be found in the Code.
B.
Projects are likely subject to standards in other articles of the
Zoning Ordnance not specifically regulated in the Hybrid Form-Based
Code. The following table identifies where such standards can be found:
|
Topic/Standard
|
Location
|
|---|---|
|
Sidewalks and curb
|
Article E-I. Supplemental Regulations
|
|
Fences and walls
|
Article E-I. Supplemental Regulations
|
|
Lighting
|
Article E-I. Supplemental Regulations
|
|
Refuse
|
Article E-I. Supplemental Regulations
|
|
Satellite antennas
|
Article E-I. Supplemental Regulations
|
|
Conversions
|
Article E-I. Supplemental Regulations
|
|
Driveways on existing developed residential properties
|
Article E-I. Supplemental Regulations
|
|
Parking ratios
|
Article E-III. Parking Regulations
|
|
Signs
|
Article E-IV. Signs
|
|
How to Use this Ordinance
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Topic/Standard
|
Location
| |
|
STEP 1: Consult the Zoning Map
Find your property on the Zoning Map and determine which zone
it is in. The Zoning Map is available as an appendix to this document
and in the Borough offices.
|
Which zone controls a property
|
Zoning Map
|
|
STEP 2: Review standards for the appropriate zoning district
|
Permitted/Prohibited Uses
|
Zoning District
|
|
Permitted Building Forms
|
Zoning District
| |
|
Accessory Uses (except accessory dwelling units)
|
Zoning District
| |
|
Accessory Dwelling Units
|
Accessory Dwelling Units
(Article B-XV)
| |
|
Building Form - ADU External
| ||
|
Coverage Ratios
|
Zoning District
| |
|
STEP 3: Review the standards for the appropriate building
form
Each building form has its own setback and layout standards. Using the definitions in Article B-VIII, identify the building form that most closely matches your type and follow the regulations for that type.
|
Permitted Building Height
|
Zoning District
|
|
Setbacks
|
Building Form
(Article B-VIII)
| |
|
Building Regulations (e.g. width, depth, etc.)
|
Building Form
(Article B-VIII)
| |
|
Required, Permitted, and Prohibited Building Components
Elements and Roofs
|
Building Form
(Article B-VIII)
| |
|
STEP 4: Review additional standards applicable to all
projects
There are several sections that apply to all applications using
the Hybrid Form-Based Code. Consult these standards to understand
what will be required of your project.
|
Parking Design and Location Standards
|
Parking Location and Design
(Article B-IX)
|
|
Parking Ratios
|
See Article E-III - Parking Regulations
| |
|
Standards for Stoops, Porches, Bay Windows, etc.
|
Building Components
(Article B-IX)
| |
|
Building Design
|
Design Guidelines
(Article B-XI)
| |
|
Design Standards
(Articles B-XII)
| ||
|
Open Space Design
|
Open Space Standards
(Article B-XIII)
| |
|
Landscaping Standards
|
Open Space Standards
(Article B-XIV)
| |
