The purpose of the F-C Forest Conservation District
is to discourage the scattering of commercial, industrial, residential,
and other urban uses throughout predominantly forested areas of the
Township where public services are neither presently available nor
anticipated in the immediate future; to provide for the regulation
of housing density in such areas; to encourage the preservation of
natural and historic amenities and to otherwise create conditions
conducive to carrying out the purposes of this chapter.
A.
Single-family detached dwellings.
B.
Forest reserves, tree farming, production of forest
products and forest industries.
C.
Parks, playgrounds, and recreation areas when owned
or operated by the municipality.
D.
Accessory buildings and uses on the same lot with
and customarily incidental to any of the above permitted uses and
which may include a home occupation.
E.
Essential municipal services facility.
F.
The keeping of chickens, ducks, and/or other poultry, subject to
the following regulations:
[Added 1-20-2014 by Ord. No. 246; amended 8-17-2020 by Ord. No. 276]
(1)
The minimum lot size of any property where chickens, ducks, and other
poultry may be kept shall be two acres.
(2)
No male chickens (roosters) shall be permitted.
(3)
No more than eight total birds shall be permitted, per property.
(4)
The keeping of chickens, ducks, and other poultry shall be an accessory
use on the same lot with and customarily incidental to the primary
use as a residence.
(5)
All items and materials produced, including eggs, offspring, or compost
containing manure, shall be solely for the use of the persons residing
on the property and shall not be offered for sale or sold.
(6)
Housing for chickens, ducks, and/or other poultry:
(a)
Chickens shall be housed at all times in a chicken coop which
has access to a chicken pen. During non-daylight hours, chickens shall
be secured in the chicken coop.
(b)
Ducks and/or other nonchicken poultry shall be housed in such
a manner as to prevent them from leaving the property.
(c)
New structures and alterations to existing accessory structures for the purpose of use as housing for chickens, ducks, and/or other poultry shall be subject to land use permit requirements as per § 360-120.
(d)
Housing for chickens, ducks, and/or other poultry (including
chicken coops and chicken pens) shall be located at a minimum of 100
feet from any side or rear property line, shall not be located within
any front or side yard, and shall be located a minimum of 50 feet
from any residence or well.
(e)
No more than one structure for housing ducks and/or other poultry,
or one chicken coop and one chicken pen, shall be kept on any property.
(7)
A manure management plan shall be provided and approved by the Franklin
County Conservation District, and manure shall be removed from the
housing for chickens, ducks, and/or other poultry in a timely manner
and disposed of by appropriate methods, including composting.
G.
Beekeeping,
subject to the following regulations:
[Added 8-17-2020 by Ord. No. 276]
(1)
The
minimum lot size of any property where bees may be kept shall be two
acres.
(2)
Man-made
beehives shall be located at a minimum of 100 feet from any side or
rear property line, shall not be located within any front or side
yard, and shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from any residence.
Natural beehives created by bees on the property must be removed or
relocated if they do not comply with these setbacks.
A.
Public utility facilities.
B.
Outdoor recreational facilities and organizations
such as private playgrounds, fishing and hunting clubs, swimming clubs,
golf clubs, tennis courts and similar activities, subject to the following
conditions:
(1)
That such use shall occupy a lot with an area of not
less than five acres.
(2)
That all lighting, which is necessary as incident
to such use, shall be shielded from adjacent properties.
(3)
Along all property lines adjacent to a residential
use, a one-hundred-foot-wide landscaped buffer strip shall be provided.
C.
Campgrounds, travel trailers or recreational vehicle
camps, not for year-round permanent residential occupancy, subject
to the following:
(1)
Any such camp or campground site shall occupy a lot
area of not less than 10 acres and no building shall be erected within
100 feet of a public road or lot line.
(2)
The maximum length of any buildings shall not exceed
150 feet. Distance between buildings shall not be less than 25 feet.
(3)
There shall be a minimum of two points of ingress
and egress.
(4)
All camps or campgrounds shall have a sewage disposal
system and water supply system approved by the State Department of
Environmental Protection.
(5)
Usable open space. All trailer camps or campgrounds
shall provide not less than 20% of the total land area for usable
open space purposes. This open space shall include recreation facilities
for the use of all the patrons of the trailer camp or campground.
Usable open space shall be so located as to be free of traffic hazards
and should, where the topography permits, be centrally located and
easily accessible to all campers.
(6)
Campground and camp density. The campground and camp
density shall not exceed 15 campsites per acre.
(7)
Parking: a minimum of 1.5 parking spaces must be provided
for each rental space.
(8)
Each campsite must provide sufficient space for the
intended use, be it tent, recreation vehicle or trailer. No tent,
trailer or recreation vehicle shall be closer than 30 feet to any
property line, and shall be a minimum of 20 feet apart.
(9)
A minimum of one double electrical outlet supplying
a minimum of 110 volts shall be provided to each campsite.
(10)
One pipe provided potable water supply, with
valve controlled by campsite tenant, shall be installed at each campsite.
Minimum line size is 1/2 inch.
(11)
Sanitation. If central rest room facilities
are provided, one central dumping station can also be installed for
those vehicles with self-contained sanitary facilities. If no central
rest room facilities are provided, a connection to the sewer system
must be installed at each campsite.
(12)
In camps where tents, recreation vehicles or
trailers that have no self-contained sanitary facilities, the camp
must provide central sanitary facilities to meet the minimum requirements
set forth below:
(a)
Toilet facilities for males shall consist of
not less than one flush toilet and one urinal for the first 15 additional
campsites, or fractional number thereof.
(b)
Toilet facilities for females shall consist
of not less than two flush toilets for the first 15 campsites and
two additional flush toilets for each 10 additional campsites or fractional
number thereof.
(c)
Each sex shall be provided with not less than
one lavatory and one shower or bath tub with hot and cold running
water, with individual dressing accommodations for the first 10 campsites
or any fraction thereof. One additional lavatory and one additional
shower or bath tub, with individual dressing accommodations shall
be installed for each additional 10 campsites.
(d)
Each toilet and each shower or bath tub with
individual dressing accommodations shall be in a private compartment
or stall.
(e)
The toilet and other sanitation facilities for
males and females shall either be in separate buildings or shall be
separated, if in the same building, by a soundproof wall.
(13)
Laundry facilities shall be provided as follows:
(a)
One commercial grade automatic washer per each
10 campsites, and one additional washer for each 10 additional campsites
or fraction thereof.
(b)
One commercial grade hot air dryer for each
10 campsites and one additional dryer for every 10 additional campsites
or fraction thereof.
(c)
All washers and dryers shall be securely wired
into electrical circuits in a manner not accessible to the users.
(d)
The laundry facilities shall be either in a
separate building or, if in the same building where sanitation facilities
are housed, shall be separated from the rest rooms by a soundproof
wall.
(14)
Service buildings. Buildings housing sanitation
and laundry facilities are service buildings, and as such, shall be
permanent buildings, approved by the Department of Labor and Industry
and complying with all applicable ordinances and statutes.
(a)
Service buildings shall be well lighted at all
times of day or night, shall be well ventilated with automatic exhaust
fans as necessary, and shall be maintained at a temperature of at
least 65° F. during the period of October 1 to May 15. The floors
shall be of a water-impervious material. All service buildings shall
be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition and kept free of any
condition that will menace the health of any user or constitute a
nuisance.
(b)
Service buildings shall be located no closer
than 30 feet to any property line, no closer than 10 feet, nor farther
than 250 feet from any campsite on which a tent, camper, trailer,
or motor home without toilet or bathing facilities is located.
(15)
Trash containers with closing lids must be provided
for residents to dispose of trash, and recycling containers must be
provided for recyclables, and containers must be picked up at least
once a week, if collected at each campsite. If a central collection
area is utilized, trash and recyclables must be picked up twice a
week. It shall be the camp owner's responsibility to maintain the
centralized collection area in a nonobjectionable manner.
(16)
Sufficient lighting will be provided outside
to ensure safety and security of campers.
(17)
Fire hydrants must be installed per the water
authority regulations.
D.
Churches or similar places of worship including all
parish houses, parsonages and church-related cemeteries.
E.
Neighborhood outdoor recreational facilities and organizations
when not operated for gain or profit.
F.
Federal, state and local municipal buildings and uses
and essential services.
G.
Signs when erected and maintained in accordance with the applicable provisions of Article V, Signs.
H.
Surface mining. All new surface mining operations
and expansions of existing surface mining operations shall be permitted
as a conditional use, when said operation is located with vehicular
access over a roadway with paving, a minimum of three inches thick
and at least 20 feet in width connecting said operation to a roadway
classified in the Township Comprehensive Plan as an arterial roadway,
and subject to the following conditions and performance standards:
(1)
Surface mining operations shall include sandpits,
gravel pits, removal of topsoil or rock, or the removal of any natural
resource or mineral from the land or ground.
(2)
Any person, corporation or otherwise, engaged in,
or proposing to engage in, surface mining operations as defined herein,
shall be properly licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection to engage in such operations.
(3)
Surface mining operations including production, processing,
excavation, extraction, sedimentation ponds, stockpiling and related
structures shall not be conducted or erected closer than 300 feet
to any property line or public road.
(4)
Vegetative screening shall be provided by the owner
along all of the property and street boundary lines separating the
operation from adjacent uses. The screening is to be in the form of
vegetation and the following standards shall apply:
(a)
A minimum of three rows of trees, shrubs, or
other vegetation not less than 50% evergreen material shall be planted
to produce the effective visual barricade.
(b)
At least two different species of trees, shrubs
or other vegetation shall be utilized. Selected species shall exhibit
different tolerances to insect and disease.
(c)
Species selected must be capable of producing
the effective visual barrier, 10 feet in height, within five years
of planting.
(d)
Prompt replacement of any dead species shall
be required.
(5)
The following security measures shall be provided:
(a)
Prior to the commencement of surface mining
operations, a physical barricade shall be constructed enclosing the
area actively being excavated in accordance with the following standards:
Fencing shall be at least six feet high and constructed of wire mesh
fabric and barbed wire across the top.
(b)
All access openings shall be provided with gates
that can be locked to prevent unauthorized entry during periods of
nonoperation.
(c)
Warning signs stating the nature of the operation
shall be conspicuously posted around the perimeter of the operation.
(6)
A site plan of the entire property, clearly and legibly
drawn at a scale of one inch equals 100 feet or less, shall be provided
and include the following items:
(a)
North arrow, scale and date.
(b)
Topographic contour lines.
(c)
All property lines including a metes-and-bounds
description and the size of the property expressed in acres or square
feet.
(d)
The location of all existing buildings, structures,
cemeteries, streets, wells and streams within 500 feet of the property
proposed for surface mining operations.
(e)
The location of the proposed surface mining
operation and the staging of operations if applicable.
(f)
The location of proposed stockpiles, sedimentation
ponds, access road and buildings associated with the proposed operation.
(g)
The location of security fences, gates, and
signs.
(h)
The location and description of required screening.
(i)
The location and description of all erosion
and sedimentation control measures.
(8)
An operation plan shall be provided for all surface
mining operations and shall include the following:
(a)
Procedures to be followed for compliance with Section 102, Chapter 77, of the Department of Environmental Protection Rules and Regulations.
(c)
Procedures for the removal of mud or debris
on any public road resulting from the ingress or egress of vehicular
traffic from the operation. Said mud or debris shall be removed at
the end of each working day, or more frequently if needed during the
working day.
(d)
Procedures for dust control shall include the
following:
(e)
Procedures for controlling erosion and sedimentation
resulting from the proposed operation as required by the Department
of Environmental Protection and consistent with erosion and sedimentation
control measures included in this chapter.
(f)
Procedures for the ultimate closing and reclamation
of the proposed operation as required by the Department of Environmental
Protection.
(9)
Maintenance bonds.
(a)
A maintenance bond not exceeding 50% of the
full cost of repaving the Township roads servicing the operation,
from the entry to the operation to the first utilized arterial roadway,
as classified by the Township Comprehensive Plan, under such conditions,
in form and with surety as shall be approved by the Township Board
of Supervisors, shall be provided by the operator. In lieu of a bond,
the operator may deposit cash or securities with the Township to secure
said repaving under an escrow agreement approved by the Township Solicitor
and Board of Supervisors.
(b)
The amount of the bond or other guarantee shall
be equal to 50% of the cost of the required repaving as estimated
by the Township Engineer. The amount of financial security may be
increased by up to an additional 10% for each one-year period beyond
the first anniversary date from posting of financial security.
(10)
Abandonment of mines. Any mine abandoned or ceasing operations shall provide appropriate closure and reclamation measures in accordance with Chapter 77 of the Pennsylvania department of Environmental Protection Rules and Regulations regarding noncoal mining activities. Said measures shall include, but not be limited to, backfilling, soil stabilization, compacting and grading, revegetation, fencing and security, and the elimination of potential combustion and fire hazards.
I.
Bed-and-breakfast operations.
J.
Convalescent homes, group homes, hospices, and assisted-living
facilities.
K.
Radio and television transmission facilities, electric
or telephone substation, and natural and propane gas facilities.
L.
Shooting ranges, firing ranges, weapon ranges, subject
to the minimum conditions below:
(1)
Minimum
of five-acre sites.
(2)
No
alcoholic beverages permitted on the same property as range.
(3)
Details
on ammunition storage and shooter orientation programs must be provided
in writing.
(4)
Perimeters
of range must be fenced.
(5)
Lead
recovery programs must be implemented.
(6)
Posting
of signs indicating area is subject to shooting and raising of range
flags when range is in use.
(7)
Details
on range design, including the "safety fan."
(8)
Utilization
of sound abatement materials.
(9)
Details
on backstop construction, size, etc.
(10)
Separation of shooting, preparation and observation areas.
(11)
Verifications that all design elements are prepared in accordance
with NRA (National Rifle Association) range design standards.
(12)
Identification of individuals who will be range operators and who
have completed NRA Range Development and Operations Conference or
equivalent training acceptable to the Township.
(13)
Proof that insurance coverage is provided for damage done on- or
off-property by range users.
(14)
A minimum of $2,000,000 liability coverage shall be maintained at
all times.
(15)
Additional conditions as recommended by the Planning Committee and
set by the Township Supervisors.
[Amended 12-16-2019 by Ord. No. 271]
M.
Horses with private stables and goats subject to the
following conditions:
[Added 8-19-2002 by Ord. No. 158; amended 3-21-2016 by Ord. No. 255; 12-19-2016 by Ord. No. 262]
(1)
Such use shall occupy a lot with open space, such as pasture, grassland
or cropland devoid of trees and shrubs, of not less than one acre
and a minimum of 70% ground cover must be maintained to prevent soil
erosion.
(2)
Minimum setback distances from any property line for stables or any
other building housing horses or goats, and any waste storage area,
shall be 100 feet.
(3)
A manure/waste management plan shall be provided with the conditional
use application.
(4)
No more than one horse or goat per acre of open space.
N.
Communications towers or structures on property by
any municipal corporation, by a municipal authority organized by the
municipality, or by a nonprofit corporation, existing for at least
36 months prior to filing an application, whose primary purpose is
to serve the recreational needs of the community. Any such installation
shall be designed and intended to serve multiple telecommunication
carriers.
[Added 11-20-2006 by Ord. No. 206; amended 9-3-2008 by Ord. No.
216]
O.
Solar
farms, solar furnaces, and other solar collection systems principally
used to capture solar energy, convert it to electrical energy or thermal
power and supply electrical or thermal power primarily for off-site
use.
[Added 12-21-2020 by Ord. No. 279]
P.
Wind turbines
and other wind collection systems principally used to capture wind
energy, convert it to electrical energy or thermal power and supply
electrical or thermal power primarily for off-site use.
[Added 12-21-2020 by Ord. No. 279]
A.
All buildings, including accessory buildings, shall
not cover more than 10% of the area of the lot.
C.
Where
a parcel greater than 8.0 acres in size is to be subdivided into residential
lots, the minimum lot area may be reduced to one acre, provided that
50% of the original parcel remains as open space. The open space shall
be reviewed by the Township Planning Committee and Board of Supervisors
by way of sketch plan, for their approval before a preliminary plan
may be submitted.
[1]
Editor’s Note: This ordinance also provided for the
redesignation of former Subsection C as Subsection D.
D.
When on-lot sewer facilities are to be utilized, the
minimum lot size may be increased by the Township Sewage Enforcement
Officer or the Department of Environmental Protection for factors
relating to health and sanitation.
