This chapter shall apply throughout the Township of Chestnuthill. Any activity regulated by this chapter shall only occur in such a way that conforms with the regulations of this chapter. See § 119-3A.
This chapter is hereby adopted:
A. 
In accordance with the requirements and purposes [including Sections 604 and 605 or their successor section(s), which are included by reference] of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended;[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
B. 
In accord with the goals and objectives of the Chestnuthill Township Comprehensive Plan, as amended or updated, and the Monroe 2020 Comprehensive Plan, as amended or updated; and
[Amended 5-1-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-01]
C. 
To carry out the following major objectives:
(1) 
To make sure that development carefully relates to natural features, and to avoid overly intense development of environmentally sensitive land;
(2) 
To minimize disturbance of creek valleys and steep woodlands;
(3) 
To avoid overextending groundwater supplies, and to encourage groundwater recharge;
(4) 
To protect the quality of groundwater and surface waters;
(5) 
To encourage the continuation of farming;
(6) 
To promote compatibility between land uses;
(7) 
To seek coordinated development and roads across municipal borders;
(8) 
To provide for a variety of residential densities and meet legal obligations to provide opportunities for all housing types;
(9) 
To promote development that retains the rural character of the Township;
(10) 
To encourage rehabilitation and avoid demolition of historic buildings;
(11) 
To direct higher density development to areas that are physically suitable, accessible by major roads and that have the potential of central water supply and central sewage disposal;
[Amended 5-1-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-01]
(12) 
To coordinate development with future central water supply and central sewage disposal areas;
[Amended 5-1-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-01]
(13) 
To direct industrial development to locations that will minimize conflicts with homes;
(14) 
To direct commercial businesses to existing commercial areas, while avoiding new strip commercial areas that would cause traffic congestion and safety problems and conflicts with homes; and
(15) 
To promote new commercial and industrial development in appropriate areas that will provide additional tax revenue and job opportunities.
A. 
Applicability.
(1) 
Any of the following activities or any other activity regulated by this chapter shall only be carried out in conformity with this chapter:
(a) 
Erection, construction, movement, placement or extension of a structure, building or sign;
(b) 
Change of the type of use or expansion of the use of a structure or area of land;
(c) 
Creation of a lot or alteration of lot lines; and/or
(d) 
Creation of a new use.
(2) 
Zoning permit. A zoning permit indicates that a zoning application complies with this chapter to the best knowledge of the applicable Township staff.
(a) 
A zoning permit is required to be issued prior to the start of any of the following activities:
[1] 
Erection, construction, movement, placement or expansion of a structure, building or sign;
[2] 
Change of the type of use or expansion of the use of a structure or area of land;
[3] 
Creation of a new use; and/or
[4] 
Demolition of a building.
(b) 
The Township may, at its option, issue combined or separate building permits and zoning permits and/or may utilize a single or separate applications for the permits.
(c) 
When authorized by the issuance of a zoning permit, any permitted building construction or establishment of a permitted use shall be initiated within one year of the permit issuance date and be completed within two years of the permit issuance date. The zoning permit shall automatically expire for failure to comply with the required initiation and completion periods.
[Added 7-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-01]
(3) 
Certificate of use and occupancy.
(a) 
It shall be unlawful to use and/or occupy any new principal building or establish any new or replacement principal nonresidential use until a certificate of use and occupancy for such building or use has been issued by the Township staff.
(b) 
The Township staff may permit the zoning permit application to serve as the application for the certificate of use and occupancy.
(c) 
The certificate of use and occupancy shall only be issued by the Zoning Officer if the Zoning Officer determines that the activity complies with this chapter, to the best knowledge of the Zoning Officer. The Township may also withhold issuance of the certificate until there is compliance with other Township ordinances.
(d) 
The applicant shall keep a copy of the certificate of use and occupancy available for inspection.
(e) 
Upon the request of an applicant, the Zoning Officer may issue a temporary certificate of use and occupancy. Such temporary certificate may permit an activity to occur in all or part of a structure before the entire work covered by the permit has been completed.
(4) 
However, such temporary certificate shall only be issued if the applicant proves to the Zoning Officer that the activity or occupancy can occur safely without endangering public health or safety.
(5) 
The temporary certificate shall establish in writing a maximum time period under which it is valid. A six-month maximum time period shall apply if not otherwise specified.
(6) 
Failure to receive a permanent certificate of use and occupancy within such time period shall be a violation of this chapter.
(7) 
The temporary certificate may be conditioned upon compliance with certain specific requirements within certain time periods.
(8) 
See also Subsection G.
B. 
Repairs and maintenance. Ordinary repairs and maintenance to existing structures shall not by itself be regulated by this chapter. Examples of such work include replacement of a roof or porch that does not involve enclosure of space. (However, a construction permit under any Township building code[1] may be needed for such work.)
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 41, Construction Codes, Uniform.
C. 
Types of uses.
(1) 
Permitted by right uses. The Zoning Officer shall issue a permit under this chapter in response to an application for a use that is "permitted by right" if it meets all of the requirements of this chapter.
(2) 
Special exception use or application requiring a variance. A permit under this chapter for a use requiring a special exception or variance shall be issued by the Zoning Officer only in response to a written approval by the Zoning Hearing Board following a hearing.
(3) 
Conditional use. A use requiring zoning approval by the Board of Supervisors under § 119-18.
D. 
Applications.
(1) 
Submittal. All applications for a zoning permit or a decision by the Zoning Hearing Board shall be made in writing on a form provided by the Township. Such completed application, with required fees, shall be submitted to a designated Township staff-person.
(2) 
Site plan. The applicant shall submit a minimum of two copies of a site plan with the application if the application involves a new principal building, expansion of a principal building or addition of three or more parking spaces. The site plan shall be drawn to scale and show the following:
(a) 
Locations, dimensions and uses of existing and proposed structures, parking and loading areas, and locations of existing and proposed uses of areas of land, with existing features clearly distinguished from proposed features;
(b) 
Notes showing the dimensions of all buildings from lot lines and street rights-of-way;
(c) 
Locations of any watercourses and any one-hundred-year floodplain;
(d) 
Proposed lot areas, lot widths and other applicable dimensional requirements;
(e) 
Locations and widths of existing and proposed sidewalks;
(f) 
Well and primary and alternate on-lot sewage disposal system locations (see § 119-30); and
[Amended 5-1-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-01]
(g) 
All areas or features of the project parcel which are subject to the Township Official Map and the type of reservation as specified on the Official Map.
[Added 12-7-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-06]
(3) 
Additional information. Any application under this chapter shall include the following information, unless the Zoning Officer determines such information is unnecessary to determine compliance with this chapter:
(a) 
The address of the lot;
(b) 
Name and address of the applicant, and of the owner of the property if different from the applicant;
(c) 
A description of the proposed use of the property;
(d) 
All other applicable information listed on the official Township application form;
(e) 
If the applicant is incorporated, the legal names and day telephone numbers of officers of the organization/corporation; and
(f) 
Such additional information that the Zoning Officer may determine is reasonably necessary to determine compliance with this chapter.
(4) 
Submittals to the Board. In addition to the information listed in Subsection D(3) above, an application requiring a site plan and action by the Zoning Hearing Board shall also include the following information, unless the Zoning Officer determines that such information is unnecessary to determine compliance with this chapter:
(a) 
The present zoning district and major applicable lot requirements;
(b) 
For a nonresidential use:
[1] 
A description of the proposed nonresidential operations and storage in sufficient detail to indicate potential nuisances and hazards regarding noise, large truck traffic, glare, odors, dust, fire or toxic or explosive hazards or other significant public health and safety hazards;
[2] 
A list of the maximum hours of operation;
(c) 
The existing directions of stormwater flow (and any proposed revisions), and any proposed methods of stormwater management;
(d) 
A listing of any sections of this chapter being appealed, with the reasons for any appeal;
(e) 
Approximate locations of principal buildings and locations of streets and alleys and zoning district boundaries within 100 feet of the boundaries of the tract, and description of uses of adjoining properties (such as "drug store" or "single-family detached dwelling");
(f) 
Heights, locations, methods of illumination and intensity of exterior lighting and sign lighting;
(g) 
Name and address of person who prepared the site plan;
(h) 
Signed acknowledgement of the site plan by the applicant; and
(i) 
Such additional information required under applicable sections of this chapter.
(5) 
Ownership. No person other than a landowner or their specifically authorized agent or a tenant or lessee with written permission of the landowner shall submit a zoning application (see definition of "landowner" in Article II).
E. 
Issuance of permits.
(1) 
At least one copy of each permit application and any other zoning approval shall be retained in Township files.
(2) 
PennDOT permit. Where necessary for access onto a state road, a Township zoning or building permit shall be automatically conditioned upon issuance of a PennDOT highway occupancy permit.
F. 
Revocation of permits; appeal of permit or approval.
(1) 
Revocation. The Zoning Officer shall revoke, withhold or suspend a permit or approval issued under the provisions of this chapter in case of one or more of the following:
(a) 
Any false statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application or on the plans on which the permit or approval was based (Note: The Pennsylvania Crimes Code[2] provides for penalties for providing false information to a municipal employee in the carrying out of his/her duties);
[2]
Editor's Note: See 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 101 et seq.
(b) 
Upon violation of any condition lawfully imposed by the Zoning Hearing Board upon a special exception use or variance;
(c) 
Any work being accomplished or use of land or structures in such a way that does not comply with this chapter or an approved site plan or approved permit application; and/or
(d) 
For any other just cause set forth in this chapter.
(2) 
Appeals. A party with legitimate standing, or as otherwise provided by state law, may appeal decisions under this chapter within the provisions of the State Municipalities Planning Code.[3] Any such appeal shall occur within the time period established in the State Municipalities Planning Code (as of the adoption date of this chapter, such provisions were in Sections 914.1 and 1002-A[4]).
[3]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[4]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. §§ 10914.1 and 11002-A.
G. 
Zoning permit for temporary uses and structures.
(1) 
A zoning permit for a temporary use or structure may be issued by the Zoning Officer for any of the following:
(a) 
A temporary permit may be issued for customary, routine and accessory short-term special events, provided that:
[1] 
Only a well-established nonprofit organization or a permitted place of worship proposing a temporary use to clearly primarily serve a charitable, public service or religious purpose shall be eligible to receive approval for commercial-type activities in a district where a commercial use would not otherwise be permitted;
[2] 
Such total events shall be limited to a maximum of 45 days for Christmas tree sales and 12 total days per calendar year for all other activities; and
[3] 
The applicant shall prove to the Zoning Officer that sufficient parking and traffic control will be available for the special event, without obstructing parking that is required to serve other uses on the site.
(b) 
A temporary permit may be issued for temporary storage and office trailers that are necessary to serve on-site construction, while such construction is actively underway under a valid Township permit.
(c) 
A temporary permit may be issued for such other activities that the applicant proves to the Zoning Officer are clearly routine, customary, temporary and not in conflict with existing uses within the vicinity.
(2) 
Time period. The Zoning Officer shall state a reasonable maximum time period on the temporary permit. If no time limit is stated, then a seven-day maximum period shall apply. A temporary permit may be renewed for just cause.
(3) 
Temporary retail sales. Except as provided for in Subsection G(1)(a)[1] above, and except for agricultural sales allowed by § 119-27, a lot shall only be used for temporary retail sales if all of the following conditions are met:
(a) 
The property is located within a zoning district that allows retail sales.
(b) 
The operator shall have received any business permits required by the Township.
(c) 
No off-street parking spaces shall be obstructed that are required to serve permanent uses on the lot.
(d) 
Any signs visible from a public street shall comply with this chapter.
(e) 
If food or beverages are sold that are not prepackaged, the applicant shall prove compliance with state health regulations, including having on-site facilities for workers to wash their hands. Proper bathroom facilities shall also be available for workers.
(f) 
Any structure shall meet applicable minimum setbacks.
(g) 
A permit under this chapter shall be required from the Township, which shall be displayed while the activity is open for business.
(h) 
The application may be rejected if the Zoning Officer has reason to believe that the activity would obstruct safe sight distances.
H. 
Compliance with Chapter 98, Subdivision and Land Development. If an application under this chapter would also be regulated by Chapter 98, Subdivision and Land Development, then any permit or approval under this chapter shall automatically be conditioned upon compliance with Chapter 98, Subdivision and Land Development. See the definitions of "land development" and "subdivision" in Chapter 98, Subdivision and Land Development.
(1) 
For example, if an applicant applies for a single-family detached dwelling on a proposed new lot, the construction permit for such dwelling shall not be valid until after the lot is granted final subdivision approval and the lot is officially recorded by the County Recorder of Deeds.
[Added 12-7-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-06]
All activities subject to this chapter shall also be subject to the reservations shown and established by the Chestnuthill Township Official Map which has been enacted by ordinance pursuant to Article IV of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Code.[1] The applicant shall, prior to submitting an application, determine if in any of the land proposed for subdivision or land development is subject to the Chestnuthill Township Official Map. If any of the land is subject to the Official Map, the applicant is encouraged to contact the Township Zoning Officer prior to submitting the application.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 72, Map, Official.
A. 
After receiving a proper application, the Zoning Officer shall either:
(1) 
Issue the applicable permit(s); or
(2) 
Deny the application(s) as submitted, indicating one or more reasons.
B. 
After the permit under this chapter has been issued, the applicant may undertake the action specified by the permit, in compliance with other Township ordinances. However, it is recommended that applicants wait 30 days to begin construction if there is a possibility of an appeal by another party to have the permit revoked. Any commencement of construction or a use within this thirty-day appeal period shall be at the risk of the applicant.
A. 
Minimum requirements. Where more than one provision of this chapter controls a particular matter, the provision that is more restrictive upon uses and structures shall apply. The provisions of this chapter are in addition to any other applicable Township ordinance.
B. 
Uses not specifically regulated. This § 119-6B addresses, by special exception, a proposed use which is neither specifically permitted nor specifically denied in any zoning district established under this chapter and which is not permitted in a zoning district in another participating municipality by intermunicipal agreement in accord with § 119-27E.
[Amended 5-1-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-01]
(1) 
Jurisdiction. Whenever an application is made to the Zoning Officer for such a use, the application shall be submitted to the Zoning Hearing Board, which shall have the authority to permit the use or deny the use as a special exception.
(2) 
Findings. The use may be permitted only if the Zoning Hearing Board makes all of the following findings, and the burden of proof shall be upon the applicant:
(a) 
The use is similar to and compatible with the uses listed for the subject zoning district by the Schedule of Use Regulations.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Schedule of Use Regulations is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(b) 
The use in no way conflicts with the intent of the zoning district and the general purpose and intent of this chapter.
(c) 
The use is not permitted in any other zoning district in the Planning Area.
(d) 
The use where proposed would be consistent with the Chestnuthill Township Comprehensive Plan.
(3) 
Planning Commission review. At the time the application is submitted to the Zoning Hearing Board, the Zoning Officer shall also provide a copy to the Township Planning Commission and the Regional Planning Committee for review and recommendation. The Zoning Hearing Board shall not conduct a public hearing on the application until 30 days have passed from the time the application was referred to the Township Planning Commission and the Regional Planning Committee.
(4) 
Conditions. The Zoning Hearing Board may attach reasonable conditions and safeguards to any special exception approval granted for a use not specified in the Schedule of Uses, incorporating standards in this chapter for similar uses in the district and such other conditions as the Zoning Hearing Board may deem necessary to protect and promote the public health, safety, morals and welfare and to implement the purposes of this chapter and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
C. 
Interpretation of chapter text and boundaries.
(1) 
The Zoning Officer shall literally apply the wording of this chapter and the location of all district boundaries to particular applications. In any case, the Zoning Officer may also request an advisory opinion from the Township Solicitor or the Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor to aid in the Zoning Officer's determination.
(2) 
If an applicant disagrees with the Zoning Officer's determination and believes that the chapter should be interpreted in the applicant's favor, the applicant may appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. See § 119-12.
D. 
Undefined terms/interpretation of definitions. See § 119-20.
E. 
Interpretation of zoning boundaries. See § 119-25.
All of the enforcement, violations and penalty provisions of the State Municipalities Planning Code, as amended, are hereby incorporated into this chapter by reference. (Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, these provisions were primarily in Sections 616.1, 617 and 617.2 of such Act.[1])
A. 
Violations. Any person who shall commit or who shall permit any of the following actions violates this chapter:
(1) 
Failure to secure a zoning permit prior to a change in use of land or structure, or the erection, construction or alteration of any structure or portion thereof, or the excavation of land to prepare for the erection, construction or alteration of any structure or portion thereof.
(2) 
Placement of false statements on or omitting relevant information from an application for a zoning permit.
(3) 
Undertaking any action in a manner which does not comply with a zoning permit.
(4) 
Violation of any condition imposed by a decision of the Zoning Hearing Board in granting a variance or special exception or other approval.
B. 
Enforcement notice. If the Township has reason to believe that a violation of a provision of this chapter has occurred, the Township shall initiate enforcement proceedings by sending an enforcement notice as provided in Section 616.1 of the State Municipalities Planning Code. Prior to sending an official enforcement notice, the Zoning Officer may at his/her option informally request compliance.
C. 
Time limits. An official enforcement notice shall state the deadline to complete bringing the property into compliance with this chapter, and shall state that the applicant has 30 days from the receipt of the notice to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board.
D. 
Causes of action; enforcement remedies. The causes of action and enforcement remedies provisions of the State Municipalities Planning Code, as amended, are hereby incorporated by reference. (Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, such provisions were in Sections 617 and 617.2 of such law.)
[Amended 2-7-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-03]
(1) 
Enforcement action. If the enforcement notice is not complied with promptly, the Zoning Officer shall notify the Board of Supervisors. The Supervisors may request the Township Solicitor to institute in the name of the Township any appropriate action or proceeding at law or in equity to prevent, restrain, correct or abate such violation or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful use of the structure, building, sign, landscaping or land in violation of the provisions of this chapter or the order or direction made pursuant thereto. The Board of Supervisors may also direct the Zoning Officer or Township Solicitor to institute a civil enforcement proceeding before a district justice.
(2) 
Violations and penalties. Any person who has violated or permitted the violation of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon being found liable therefor in a civil enforcement proceeding commenced by the Township, pay a judgment of not more than $500 plus all court costs, including the reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the Township as a result thereof. No judgment shall commence or be imposed, levied or be payable until the date of the determination of a violation by the District Justice. If the defendant neither pays nor timely appeals the judgment, the Township may enforce the judgment pursuant to the applicable Rules of Civil Procedure. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation, unless a District Justice determining that there has been a violation further determines that there was a good faith basis for the person violating this chapter to have believed that there was no such violation, in which event there shall be deemed to have been only one such violation until the fifth day following the date of the determination of a violation by the District Justice, and thereafter each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. All judgments, costs and reasonable attorney's fees collected for the violation of this chapter shall be paid over to the Township for the general use of the Township.
(3) 
Remedies. In case any building, structure, sign or landscaping is erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted or maintained; or any building, structure, sign or land is used; or any hedge, shrub, tree or other growth is maintained in violation of this chapter or of any of the regulations made pursuant thereto or any of the permits or certificates of use and occupancy issued under this chapter or any conditions imposed upon the grant of a special exception or variance by the Zoning Hearing Board or upon the grant of a conditional use, then, in addition to any other remedies provided by law, any appropriate action or proceeding may be instituted or taken to prevent or restrain such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in and about such premises.
E. 
Enforcement evidence. In any appeal of an enforcement notice to the Zoning Hearing Board, the Township shall have the responsibility of presenting its evidence first.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. §§ 10616.1, 10617 and 10617.2.
A Township fee schedule for permits and applications may be established and amended by written resolution of the Board of Supervisors.[1] No application or appeal shall be considered filed until all fees are paid.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said fee schedule is on file in the Township offices.
Within the requirements of the State Municipalities Planning Code, the Board of Supervisors may amend or repeal any or all portions of this chapter on its own motion or after agreeing to hear a written request of any person, entity, landowner or the Planning Commission.
The applicable provisions of the State Municipalities Planning Code shall apply. (Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, these provisions were primarily in Sections 609.1, 609.2 and 916.1 of such Act.[1])
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10609.1, 10609.2 and 10916.1.
A. 
Appointment. The Zoning Officer shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The Zoning Officer may designate other Township staff-persons to serve as Assistant Zoning Officer(s). Such designations may be subject to concurrence by the Board of Supervisors. Assistant Zoning Officers may serve with the same authority and duties as the Zoning Officer. The Zoning Officer shall not hold any elective office within the Township, but may hold other appointed offices.
B. 
Duties and powers. The Zoning Officer's duties and powers shall include the following:
(1) 
Administer this chapter in accordance with its literal terms, including to receive and examine all applications required under the terms of this chapter, and issue or refuse permits within the provisions of this chapter;
(2) 
Conduct inspections to determine compliance, and receive complaints of violation of this chapter;
(3) 
Keep records of applications, permits, certificates, written decisions, and variances granted by the Board, and of enforcement orders, with all such records being the property of the Township and being available for public inspection;
(4) 
Review proposed subdivisions and land developments for compliance with this chapter; and
(5) 
Take enforcement actions as provided by the State Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.
A. 
Membership of Board.
(1) 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall consist of five residents of the Township appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The existing terms of office shall continue, with terms of office being five years, and with the terms being so fixed that the term of office of one member shall expire each year. Members of the Board shall hold no other office in the Township.
(2) 
Alternate members. The Board of Supervisors may appoint alternate members of the Zoning Hearing Board within the applicable provisions of the State Municipalities Planning Code. [Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, such provisions were in Section 903(b) of such Act.[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10903(b).
B. 
Vacancies. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be only for the unexpired portion of a term.
C. 
Organization. The applicable provisions of the State Municipalities Planning Code, as amended, shall apply. [As of the adoption date of this chapter, these provisions were in Section 906(a), (b) and (c) of such Act.[2]]
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10906(a), (b) and (c).
D. 
Zoning Hearing Board jurisdiction and functions. The Zoning Hearing Board shall be responsible for the following:
(1) 
Appeal of a decision by the Zoning Officer.
(a) 
The Board shall hear and decide appeals where it is alleged by an affected person, entity or the Board of Supervisors that the Zoning Officer has improperly acted under the requirements and procedures of this chapter.
(b) 
See time limitations for appeals in Subsection E.
(2) 
Challenge to the validity of the chapter or map. The applicable provisions of the State Municipalities Planning Code, as amended, shall apply. (Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, these provisions were primarily in Sections 909.1 and 916 of such Act.[3])
[3]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. §§ 10909.1 and 10916.
(3) 
Variance.
(a) 
The Board shall hear requests for variances filed with the Township staff in writing.
(b) 
Standards. The Board may grant a variance only within the limitations of state law. [Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, the Municipalities Planning Code provided that all of the following findings must be made, where relevant:
[1] 
There are unique physical circumstances or conditions (including irregularity, narrowness, or shallowness of lot size or shape, or exceptional topographical or other physical conditions peculiar to the particular property) and that the unnecessary hardship is due to such conditions and not the circumstances or conditions generally created by the provisions of this chapter in the neighborhood or district in which the property is located;
[2] 
Because of such physical circumstances or conditions, there is no possibility that the property can be developed in strict conformity with the provisions of this chapter and a variance is therefore necessary to enable the reasonable use of the property;
[3] 
Such unnecessary hardship has not been created by the appellant;
[4] 
The variance, if authorized, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or district in which the property is located, nor substantially or permanently impair the appropriate use or development of adjacent property, nor be detrimental to the public welfare; and
[5] 
The variance, if authorized, will represent the minimum variance that will afford relief and will represent the least modification possible of the regulation in issue.]
(c) 
In granting any variance, the Board may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter.
(4) 
Special exception.
(a) 
The Board shall hear and decide requests for all special exceptions filed with the Township staff in writing. The Board shall only permit a special exception that is authorized by this chapter. See § 119-17.
(b) 
Conditions. In granting a special exception, the Zoning Hearing Board may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards, in addition to those expressed in the chapter, as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes and intent of this chapter.
(5) 
Persons with disabilities. After the Zoning Officer receives a complete written application, the Zoning Hearing Board shall grant a special exception allowing modifications to specific requirements of this chapter that the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the Zoning Hearing Board are required under applicable federal law to provide a "reasonable accommodation" to serve persons who the applicant proves have "disabilities" as defined in and protected by such laws.
(a) 
Such reasonable accommodations shall be requested in accordance with the U.S. Fair Housing Act Amendments and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended.
(b) 
If the applicant is requesting a reasonable accommodation under the United States Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988 or the Americans with Disabilities Act, the applicant shall identify the disability which is protected by such statutes, the extent of the modification of the provisions of this chapter necessary for a reasonable accommodation, and the manner by which the reasonable accommodation requested may be removed when such person(s) with a protected disability no longer will be present on the property.
(c) 
Any modification approved under this section may be limited to the time period during which the persons with disabilities occupy or utilize the premises.
(6) 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall also hear any other matters as set forth in the State Municipalities Planning Code, as amended. (Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, such provisions were primarily within Section 909.1 of such law.[4])
[4]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10909.1.
E. 
Time limits for appeals. The applicable provisions of the State Municipalities Planning Code, as amended, shall apply. (Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, these provisions were in Section 914.1 of such Act.[5])
[5]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10914.1.
F. 
Stay of proceedings. The stay of proceedings provisions of the State Municipalities Planning Code, as amended, shall apply. (Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, such provisions were in Section 915.1 of such Act.[6])
[6]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10915.1.
G. 
Time limits on permits and approvals.
(1) 
After a variance is approved or other zoning approval is officially authorized, then any applicable zoning and building permits shall be secured by the applicant within 12 months after the date of such approval or authorization. The work authorized by such permits shall then be completed within 12 months after the issuance of the permits.
(2) 
Extension. In response to an applicant stating good cause in writing, the Zoning Officer may extend in writing the time limit for completion of work to a maximum total of 36 months after permits are issued.
(3) 
If an applicant fails to obtain the necessary permits or begin construction within the above time periods, or allows interruptions in substantial construction of longer than 12 months, the Zoning Officer may conclusively presume that the applicant has waived, withdrawn or abandoned approvals and permits under this chapter and may consider all such approvals and permits to have become null and void.
H. 
Multiple applications. No more than one application for the same property shall be pending before the Zoning Hearing Board for special exception approval at any time.
[Amended 2-7-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-03]
The procedures and requirements of Section 908 of the State Municipalities Planning Code, as amended,[1] shall apply to notice, conduct and decisions for hearings before the Zoning Hearing Board.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10908.
The provisions for appeals to court that are stated in the State Municipalities Planning Code, as amended, shall apply. (Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, these provisions were in Sections 1001-A, 1002-A, 1003-A, 1004-A, 1005-A and 1006-A of such Act.[1])
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 11001-A et seq.
See the provisions of the State Municipalities Planning Code, as amended. (Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, such provisions were within Section 619 of such Act.[1])
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10619.
The minimum lot area, minimum lot width and minimum street frontage requirements of this chapter shall not apply to uses or structures owned by Chestnuthill Township or by a municipal authority created solely by Chestnuthill Township for uses and structures that are intended for a public utility, stormwater or public health and safety purpose.
A. 
Purpose. The special exception process is designed to allow careful review of uses that have some potential of conflicts with adjacent uses or areas.
B. 
Special exception procedure.
(1) 
A site plan shall be submitted, which shall contain the information required in § 119-3D. If a fully engineered subdivision or land development plan will be required, it may be submitted separately, such as after a special exception is approved.
(2) 
The Zoning Officer should provide a review to the Zoning Hearing Board regarding the compliance of the application with this chapter.
(3) 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall follow the procedures provided in § 119-13.
(4) 
The Township staff should offer a special exception application to the Township Planning Commission for any advisory review that the Commission may wish to provide. However, the Zoning Hearing Board shall meet the time limits of state law for a decision, regardless of whether the Township Planning Commission has provided comments.
C. 
Consideration of special exception applications. When special exceptions are allowed by this chapter, the Zoning Hearing Board shall hear and decide requests for such special exceptions in accordance with standards established by this chapter, including the following:
(1) 
Compliance with this chapter. The applicant shall establish by credible evidence that the application complies with all applicable requirements of this chapter. The applicant shall provide the Board with sufficient plans, studies or other data to demonstrate this compliance.
(2) 
Compliance with other laws. The approval may be conditioned upon proof of compliance with other specific applicable Township, state and federal laws, regulations and permits. Required permits or other proof of compliance may be required to be presented to the Township prior to the issuance of any zoning permit, building permit, certification of occupancy and/or recording of an approved plan.
(3) 
Traffic. The applicant shall establish that the traffic from the proposed use will be accommodated in a safe and efficient manner that will minimize hazards and congestion, after considering any improvements proposed to be made by the applicant as a condition on approval.
(4) 
Site planning. The application shall include proper site layout, internal circulation, parking, buffering, and all other elements of proper design as specified in this chapter.
(5) 
Neighborhood. The proposed special exception shall not substantially harm any surrounding residential neighborhood, after considering any proposed conditions upon approval.
(6) 
Safety. The proposed use shall not create a significant hazard to the public health and safety, such as fire, toxic or explosive hazards.
D. 
Conditions. In granting a special exception, the Board may require such reasonable conditions and safeguards (in addition to those expressed in this chapter) as it determines are necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter. Conditions imposed by the Zoning Hearing Board shall automatically become conditions of the building permit issued pursuant thereto, and any failure to comply with said conditions shall be a violation of this chapter.
A. 
Purpose. The conditional use approval process is designed to allow the Board of Supervisors to review and approve certain uses that could have significant impacts upon the community and the environment.
B. 
Procedure. The Board of Supervisors shall consider the conditional use application and render its decision in accordance with the requirements of the State Municipalities Planning Code.
(1) 
Submittal. A site plan shall be submitted, which shall contain the information listed in § 119-3D. Detailed site engineering (such as stormwater calculations and profiles) are not required at the conditional use stage. If a fully engineered subdivision or land development plan will be required, it may be submitted separately, such as after a conditional use is approved; or, an applicant may voluntarily choose to submit a subdivision or land development plan for review at the same time as a conditional use application.
(2) 
Reviews.
(a) 
The Zoning Officer should provide a review to the Board regarding the compliance of the application with this chapter.
(b) 
The Township staff shall submit a conditional use application to the Planning Commission for any review that the Commission may wish to provide. However, the Board of Supervisors shall meet the time limits for a decision, regardless of whether the Planning Commission has provided comments.
(3) 
The only uses that shall be approved as conditional uses shall be those listed as conditional uses in Article III.
(4) 
Time limits. Conditional uses shall be processed in accord with the time frame established by the PA Municipalities Planning Code.
[Amended 7-16-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-01]
C. 
Consideration of conditional use application. The Board of Supervisors shall determine whether the proposed conditional use would meet the applicable requirements of this chapter. The same standards shall apply to a conditional use as are listed in § 119-17C for a special exception use.
D. 
Conditions. In approving conditional use applications, the Board of Supervisors may attach conditions it considers necessary to protect the public welfare and meet the standards of this chapter. These conditions shall be enforceable by the Zoning Officer and failure to comply with such conditions shall constitute a violation of this chapter and be subject to the penalties described in this chapter.
A. 
Any review of activity within the floodplain, site plan review, subdivision or land development approval, erosion control review, wetland delineation review, stormwater runoff review, review of activity on steep slopes, or any other review, approval or permit under this chapter by an officer, employee, board, commission, solicitor, consultant or agency of the Township shall not constitute a representation, guarantee or warranty of any kind by the Township, or its employees, officials, boards, solicitor(s), consultants or agencies of the practicality or safety of any structure, use or subdivision, and shall create no liability upon nor a cause of action against such entity or person for any damage that may result pursuant thereto.
B. 
If the Zoning Officer mistakenly issues a permit under this chapter, the Township shall not be liable for any later lawful withdrawal of such permit.