Exciting enhancements are coming soon to eCode360! Learn more 🡪
Township of North Codorus, PA
York County
By using eCode360 you agree to be legally bound by the Terms of Use. If you do not agree to the Terms of Use, please do not use eCode360.
Words and terms used herein shall be interpreted as follows:
A. 
Words used in the present tense include the future tense.
B. 
The singular includes the plural, and the plural includes the singular.
C. 
The word "person" includes individual, corporation, partnership, trust, company, organization, firm, and association.
D. 
The word "lot" includes the words "plot" or "parcel."
E. 
The term "shall" is mandatory; the word "may" is permissive.
F. 
The word "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or building shall be construed to include words "intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied."
G. 
If a word or term is not defined in this chapter, and is defined in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO),[1] the SALDO definition shall also apply to this chapter. If a word or term is not defined in either ordinance, then the plain and ordinary meaning shall apply with the context of the provision.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 165, Subdivision and Land Development.
The following words, terms or phrases shall have the following meanings unless expressly stated otherwise or unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
ABANDONMENT
The cessation of the use of the property by the owner with the intention neither of transferring rights to the property to another owner nor of resuming the use of the property. For the purpose of this chapter, abandonment shall commence when reasonable efforts involving affirmative action or efforts of the owner to reestablish the use (such as actively offering for lease, rental or sale or conducting renovations) have ceased.
ACCESS DRIVE
A public or private drive, other than a driveway, which provides for vehicular access between a public street and a tract of land containing any use other than one single-family or two-family dwelling. See also the definition of "driveway."
ACCESS POINT
One combined entrance/exit point, or one clearly defined entrance point separated from another clearly defined exit point. This term shall not include accessways or driveways that are strictly and clearly limited to use by only emergency vehicles; such accesses are permitted by right as needed.
ACCESSORY BUILDING/STRUCTURE
A subordinate building or structure, serving a purpose customarily incidental to the use of the principal structure or principal use and located on the same lot as the principal structure or principal use.
ACCESSORY SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (ASES)
(Often referred to as "residential solar," but does not rule out commercial installations.) An area of land or other area used for a solar collection system principally used to capture solar energy, convert it to electrical energy or thermal power and supply electrical or thermal power the majority of which is for on-site use. An accessory solar energy system consists of one or more freestanding ground, wall- or roof-mounted, solar arrays or modules, or solar-related equipment and is intended to primarily reduce on-site consumption of utility power or fuels.
[Added 4-5-2022 by Ord. No. 285-04-2022]
ACCESSORY USE
A use of land or of a building customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building and located on the same lot with the principal use.
ADULT BUSINESS or ADULT USE
An establishment open to the general public or a private club open to members, except minors, which is used and occupied for one or more of the following activities and is defined further by the following definitions:
A. 
ADULT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FACILITYA use including live entertainment involving persons (which may include, but not be limited to, waiters, waitresses, dancers, clerks, bartenders, contractors or others) displaying uncovered male or female genitals or nude or almost nude female breasts or engaging in simulated or actual "specified sexual activities" to three or more persons and which is related to monetary compensation paid to the person or entity operating the use or to persons involved in such activity.
B. 
ADULT STOREAny establishment which involves more than 10% of the total floor area of a use occupied by publications or video which is pornography under the meaning ascribed to the word by this section and/or related devices and novelties, and which expressly prohibits entry to minors.
C. 
ADULT THEATERAny establishment operated for the purpose of showing films or video to patrons inside a building, which derives a substantial and significant portion of its gross receipts from the exhibition of films which are pornography under the meaning ascribed to that term in this section.
D. 
MASSAGE PARLORAny establishment where any part of the patrons' bodies are massaged, caressed, stroked, pounded, rubbed or treated in a similar fashion within a private room and which activity is not conducted by a state-licensed massage therapist or state-licensed health care professional.
E. 
NUDITYThe showing of the human male or female genitals or pubic area or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering or the showing of female breast with less than fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple or the depiction of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.
F. 
OTHER ADULT USESAny establishment in which conduct, activity or the sale, distribution or exhibition of printed or drawn material which is pornography within the meaning ascribed to that word in this section is the source of a substantial and significant portion of gross business receipts. Such other adult uses shall include, but not be limited to, nude wrestling, male or female erotic dancers or strippers and escort centers.
G. 
PORNOGRAPHYThe depiction or dissemination of nudity, sexual conduct, sadomasochistic abuse or explicit and detailed depictions of nudity, sexual excitement, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse which, to the average person applying contemporary community standards, has as its dominant theme, taken as a whole, an appeal to prurient interest.
H. 
SADOMASOCHISTIC ABUSEFlagellation or torture by or upon a nude person or person clad in undergarments or a costume or the condition of being fettered, bound or otherwise physically restrained in a manner intended to cause sexual arousal.
I. 
SEXUAL CONDUCTActs of masturbation, homosexuality, sexual intercourse or physical contact with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area or buttocks.
J. 
SEXUAL EXCITEMENTThe condition of human male or female genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
AFTER HOURS CLUB
A use that permits the consumption of alcoholic beverages by five or more unrelated persons between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and that involves some form of monetary compensation paid by such persons for the alcohol or for the use of the premises.
AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT SALES AND SERVICE
A building or area used for the outdoor or indoor display, sale, lease or rental of agricultural equipment and/or a building used for the repair, improvement and installation of parts and accessories for agricultural equipment.
AGRICULTURAL USES
The use of land for commercial production and/or preparation for market of crops, livestock and livestock products and in the production, harvesting and preparation for market or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural, and aquacultural crops and commodities. The term includes an enterprise that implements changes in production practices and procedures or types of crops, livestock, livestock products or commodities produced consistent with practices and procedures that are normally engaged in by farmers or are consistent with technological development within the agricultural industry.
A. 
This term shall also include the raising of crops for wine, and related accessory processing and bottling of wine, as well as the raising and on-site sales of Christmas trees.
AMENDMENT
A change in use in any district which includes revisions to the zoning ordinance text and/or the official Zoning Map.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
The raising and keeping of livestock and poultry, including commercial feedlots, with the intent of producing capital gain or profit or the intent of selling any livestock or poultry products, excluding accessory kennels or stables. See also definitions of "concentrated animal operation (CAO)" and "concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO)" in this section, which are types of animal husbandry uses.
APPLICANT
A landowner or developer, as hereinafter defined, who has filed an application for development including heirs, successors and assigns.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
Every application, whether preliminary, tentative or final, required to be filed and approved prior to start of construction or development, including but not limited to an application for a zoning permit, for the approval of a subdivision plat or plan or for the approval of a development plan.
AREA, BUILDING
The total of areas taken on a horizontal plane at the main grade level of the enclosed principal building and all accessory buildings, exclusive of uncovered porches, terraces and steps. A porch area that is only screened but not enclosed by solid material shall not by itself be considered to be building area.
BANQUET HALL
A room or building which is used for a fee by individuals or groups to accommodate private functions, including, but not limited to, banquets, weddings, anniversaries and other similar celebrations or social events. Such use may or may not include:
[Added 10-15-2019 by Ord. No. 278-08-2019]
A. 
Kitchen facilities for the preparation or catering of food;
B. 
The sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, only during scheduled events and not open to the general public; and
C. 
Outdoor gardens or reception facilities.
BASE SITE AREA
The land remaining after subtracting land which is held for future road rights-of-way or is in existing utility right-of-way or other easements.
BASEMENT
An enclosed floor area partly or wholly underground. A basement shall be considered a "story" if more than 50% of the perimeter walls at the basement ceiling height along the front of the building are five feet or higher above the adjacent finished grade.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST INN
Overnight accommodations and a morning meal in a dwelling unit provided to transients for compensation.
BOARD
The Zoning Hearing Board of North Codorus Township, unless otherwise stated.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors of North Codorus Township.
BOARDINGHOUSE or ROOMING HOUSE
A building arranged or used for lodging, with or without meals, for compensation, but in which no provision is made for cooking in any individual room or suite.
BUFFER
Open spaces, landscaped areas, fences that block 90% or more of views, architectural screening walls, berms, or any combination thereof used to physically separate or screen one use or property from another so as to visually shield or block noise, lights, or other nuisances.
BUILDABLE ACREAGE
The lot area of a development site that is used to determine the allowed density in certain zoning districts, after deleting certain features, as provided in § 195-10C.
BUILDING
Any combination of materials forming any structure, which is erected on the ground and permanently affixed thereto, designed, intended, or arranged for the housing, sheltering, enclosure, or structural support of persons, animals, or property of any kind, and which encloses more than 100 square feet of space.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The percentage obtained by dividing the maximum horizontal area in square feet of all principal and accessory buildings on a lot by the total lot area, as defined by this chapter, of the lot upon which the buildings are located.
BUILDING SPACING
The horizontal distance between two buildings.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building used for the conduct of the principal use of a lot, and which is not an accessory building.
CAMPGROUND or CAMP
A use that is primarily recreational in nature and involves the use of tents or sites for transient and seasonal occupancy by persons recreating or travelers, or the use of tents or cabins for seasonal occupancy by organized groups of persons.
A. 
CAMPGROUND, RECREATIONAL VEHICLEA campground that is primarily used by persons occupying recreational vehicles.
CEMETERY
Land or buildings used for the burial or internment of the dead.
CLUB, MEMBERSHIP
A building and/or structure utilized as a private club offering food and/or drink privileges.
COMMERCIAL CAMPUS
A tract of land that is planned, developed, and operated as an integrated facility for a number of individual commercial uses, with consideration to transportation facilities, circulation, parking, utility needs, aesthetics, and compatibility.
COMMERCIAL INDOOR RECREATION
Any establishment which provides recreation, amusement or entertainment for the general public within a completely enclosed structure for a fee or admission charge. Commercial indoor recreation facilities may include theaters, bowling alleys, pool halls, and skating rinks. These establishments do not include adult-oriented businesses.
COMMERCIAL NURSERIES AND GREENHOUSES
A commercial use primarily involving horticulture, which includes the retail and/or wholesale sale of plants grown on the premises and related goods and materials, as well as the storage of equipment customarily incidental and accessory to the principal use.
COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
A use of open land for leisure time activities, such as a swimming pool, tennis court, drive-in theater, miniature golf course, and miniature racing. A golf course that is not a miniature golf course shall be considered to be a separate use.
COMMISSION
The North Codorus Township Planning Commission. See also "Planning Commission."
COMMON OPEN SPACE
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water or a combination of land and water within a development site designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents, not including streets or off-street parking areas.
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
Communications antennas, buildings, structures and towers used in transmitting, re-transmitting or receiving electronics signals for commercial purposes, in accordance with the following definitions:
A. 
COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAAny device used for the transmission or reception of radio, television, wireless telephone, pager, commercial mobile radio service or any other wireless communications signals, including without limitation omnidirectional, microwave or whip antennas and directional or panel antennas, owned or operated by any person or entity licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate such device. This definition shall not include private residence-mounted satellite dishes or television antennas or amateur radio equipment, including without limitation ham or citizen band radio antennas.
B. 
COMMUNICATIONS TOWERA structure that supports two or more communications antennas, and which does not meet the requirements that allow antenna to be attached to a building, water tower, silo or electric transmission tower.
C. 
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT BUILDINGAn unmanned building or cabinet containing communications equipment required for the operation of communications antennas and covering an area on the ground not greater than 250 square feet per provider.
D. 
HEIGHT OF A COMMUNICATIONS TOWERThe vertical distance measured from the ground level to the highest point on a communications tower, including antennas mounted on the tower.
E. 
PUBLIC UTILITY TRANSMISSION TOWERA structure, owned and operated by a public utility electric company regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, designed and used to support overhead electricity transmission lines.
CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATION (or CAFO)
A type of animal husbandry use that meets the definition of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under this term, as amended, or its successor definition. (Note: As of 2014, such definition was in Title 25, Chapter 92a of the Pennsylvania Code.)
CONCENTRATED ANIMAL OPERATION (or CAO)
A type of animal husbandry use that meets the definition of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under this term, as amended, or its successor definition. (Note: As of 2014, such definition was in Title 25, Chapter 92a of the Pennsylvania Code.)
CONDOMINIUM
An ownership arrangement and not a land use; therefore, it is allowed in any district and under the same restrictions of the residential land use that comprises it. A condominium is a dwelling unit, which has all of the following characteristics:
A. 
The unit (the interior and associated exterior areas designated for private use in the development plan) is owned by the occupant.
B. 
The unit may be any permitted dwelling type.
C. 
All or a portion of the exterior open space and any community interior spaces area owned and maintained in accordance with the Uniform Condominium Act of Pennsylvania regulations[1] and in accordance with the provisions for open space, roads, or other development features in this chapter and the North Codorus Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[2]
CONVENIENCE STORE
A use that primarily sells, for off-site consumption, routine household goods, groceries, and/or prepared ready-to-eat foods to the general public and that includes a building with a floor area of less than 8,000 square feet. This use may also include the accessory sale of gasoline, provided it is allowed within the zoning district and such requirements are met.
COTTAGE BUSINESS
The routine, accessory and customary use of a portion of a dwelling for the conduct of business that is clearly incidental and secondary to the principal residential use and is conducted primarily by one or more residents of the dwelling in accordance with the use regulations established in this chapter.
COUNTY
The County of York, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
The York County Planning Commission.
CROP FARMING
The raising, keeping and/or sale of field, truck or tree crops.
DAY-CARE CENTER
A facility which provides care for a combined total of seven or more children or adults per day, where the facility is not being used as a residence.
DAY-CARE HOME, FAMILY
Any premises or dwelling unit where the day care areas are being used as a dwelling unit, either operated for profit or not for profit, in which day care is provided on a regular basis to a combined total of four to six children or adults per day other than relatives of the caregiver.
DENSITY
A measure of the number of dwelling units per unit of area. It shall be expressed in dwelling units per acre.
DENSITY, BASE
The maximum density permitted on a parcel of land in a particular zoning district.
DEP
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, or its successor, and its relevant subpart.
DESIGNATED RURAL GROWTH AREA
An area of the Township defined by the North Codorus Comprehensive Plan and intended to help consolidate the residential and commercial growth of the Township into a confined area thus allowing the concentration of public infrastructure and roadway improvements, the protection of prime agriculture resources in other areas of the Township and the minimization of intrusion on natural resources.
DEVELOPER
Any landowner, agent of such landowner or tenant with permission of such landowner, who makes or causes to be made a subdivision of land or a land development.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The provisions for development, including a plat of subdivision, all covenants relating to use, location and bulk of buildings and other structures, intensity of use or density of development, streets, ways and parking facilities, common open space and public facilities. This phrase "provisions of the development plan" when used in this chapter shall mean written and graphic materials referred to in this definition.
DISTRICT (or ZONING DISTRICT)
A land area within the Township within which certain uniform regulations and requirements apply under the provisions of this chapter.
DRIVE-THROUGH SERVICE
A use involving a customer being able to order and receive food or other items or make financial transactions while the customer remains within their vehicle.
DRIVEWAY
A private vehicular access between a public street and a garage, carport, or other parking space for one single-family or two-family dwelling.
DWELLING UNIT
Any building or part thereof, designed, occupied, and intended for occupancy as separate living quarter, with cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities provided for the exclusive use of a single family maintaining a common household.
DWELLING UNIT TYPES
A. 
MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGS (or APARTMENTS)One or more dwelling units in a building that do not meet the definition of other dwelling types. An apartment building shall not exceed 16 units. The dwelling units share a common lot area, which is the sum of the required lot areas of all dwelling units on the lot.
(1) 
TWO-FAMILY ATTACHED DWELLINGA building on a single lot containing two dwelling units, each of which is totally separated from the other by an unpierced ceiling and floor extending from exterior wall to exterior wall, except for common stairwell exterior to both dwelling units.
B. 
SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED DWELLINGS OR TOWNHOUSESA one-family dwelling attached to and separated from two or more one-family dwellings by common vertical fire-resistant walls. Each unit shall have its own front and rear access to the outside, and with no unit located over another unit. A row of attached townhouses shall not exceed eight dwelling units, unless otherwise stated.
C. 
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLINGSA building on one lot containing one dwelling unit that is not attached to any other dwelling.
D. 
SINGLE-FAMILY SEMI-DETACHED DWELLINGSA one-family dwelling attached to and separated from one other one-family dwelling by a common vertical wall, with each dwelling located on a separate lot.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Any building or part thereof which is designed, constructed, or used for public or private education or instruction in any branch of knowledge.
FAMILY
One or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption (including persons receiving foster care) that maintain one common household and live within one dwelling unit. Additionally, a group of not more than four unrelated persons thereof who live together in a dwelling unit with single cooking facilities and maintain a common household shall be considered as a family. A family shall also expressly include up to nine unrelated individuals who reside within a permitted group home, as defined and where allowed in this chapter.
FARM DWELLING
A single-family detached dwelling associated with a principal agricultural parcel and activities.
FARM SUPPORT BUSINESS
A customarily incidental accessory business operated on a principally agricultural lot that is intended to provide supplemental income to farmers to encourage the continuation of farming, and/or to provide needed services to other farmers.
FARM-RELATED WAREHOUSING
Warehousing limited to the storage of agricultural equipment, vehicles, produce, feed and supplies.
FEED AND GRAIN MILL
An establishment involved in the processing and storage of feed and grain.
FENCE
A man-made barrier placed or arranged as a line of demarcation, an enclosure or a visual barrier and that is constructed of wood, wire, metal (other than scrap or sheet metal), vinyl or aluminum and/or plastic inserts. Man-made barriers constructed principally of masonry, concrete or similar materials shall be considered a "wall."
FISH HATCHERIES
An area devoted to the cultivation of fish and other seafood for sale or distribution.
FLOODPLAINS
Those areas designated and delineated by the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), effective September 25, 2009, or their successors, and regulated by the North Codorus Township Floodplain Management Ordinance of 2009 or its successors for additional definitions and regulations.[3]
FLOOR AREA
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all floors of a building from the exterior face of the exterior walls, or from the center line of a wall separating two buildings, but excluding any space where the floor-to-ceiling height is less than six feet.
FORESTRY
The management of forests and timberlands when practiced in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles through developing, cultivating, harvesting, transporting and selling trees for commercial purposes, and which does not involve any land development.
FRONTAGE
The portion of a lot abutting a street right-of-way line.
FUNERAL HOME
A building devoted to the embalming and holding of services for the dead, including the sale of funeral equipment as an accessory activity. A crematorium shall only be allowed where permitted in the applicable zoning district.
FUTURE RIGHT-OF-WAY [4]
The right-of-way required for the expansion of existing streets to accommodate anticipated future traffic loads and/or a right-of-way established through the North Codorus Township Official Map to provide future access to or through undeveloped lands.
GARAGE, ACCESSORY
An enclosed building for the storage of one or more motor vehicles. No business, occupation or service shall be conducted in a private garage that is accessory to a dwelling in a residential district, except as may be allowed by other provisions of this chapter.
GLARE
A sensation of brightness within the visual field, which causes annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual performance, visibility and/or ability to focus.
GOLF COURSE
A tract of land laid out for at least nine holes for playing the game of golf and improved with tees, greens, fairways, and hazards and that may include a clubhouse, shelters, maintenance and storage facilities and a driving range.
GROUP HOME
A dwelling unit operated by a responsible individual, family or organization with a program to provide a supportive living arrangement for individuals where special care is needed by the persons served due to age, emotional, mental, developmental or physical disability. This definition shall expressly include facilities for the supervised care of persons with disabilities that are subject to protection under the Federal Fair Housing Act,[5] as amended. Group homes must be licensed where required by any appropriate government agencies, and a copy of any such license must be delivered to the Zoning Officer prior to the initiation of the use. Group homes shall be subject to the same limitations and regulations by the Township as the type of dwelling unit they occupy. A group home shall not include a halfway house.
HABITABLE FLOOR AREA
The sum of the horizontal areas of all rooms used for habitation, such as living room, dining room, kitchen and bedroom, but not including hallways, stairways, cellars, attics, service or utility rooms, bathrooms, closets, nor unheated areas such as enclosed porches nor rooms without at least one window or skylight opening onto an outside yard or court. At least 1/2 of the floor area of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of not less than seven feet and the floor area of that part of any room where the ceiling height is less than five feet shall not be considered as part of the habitable floor area. See also § 195-34B.
HALFWAY HOUSE
A dwelling, other than a prison or hospital, providing housing for four or more unrelated persons who need specialized housing, treatment, and/or counseling because of: criminal rehabilitation, such as a criminal or penal halfway house; current addiction to or illegal use of a controlled substance; or any individual whose tenancy would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals, or whose tenancy could reasonably result in substantial physical damage to the property of others. A halfway house shall be limited to a maximum of nine residents, excluding staff.
HEIGHT
A vertical distance measured from the mean elevation of the proposed finished grade at the front of a building or structure to the highest point of the roof. See height exceptions in § 195-34A.
HOME-BASED BUSINESS (ALSO KNOWN AS A "HOME OCCUPATION")
A routine, accessory and customary nonresidential use conducted within or administered from a portion of a dwelling or its permitted accessory building and that meets all of the applicable "horne-based business" requirements of § 195-26A. See § 195-26A for additional requirements for a "no-impact home-based business" and the definition of that term in this section.
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION
An organization of property owners within a development established as a nonprofit corporation for the ownership, administration, and maintenance of the common open space within the development. Such organizations are generally consistent with the requirements for unit owners associations found in the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act, 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101 et seq., or related state laws, such as the Pennsylvania Planned Community Act.[6]
HOTEL or MOTEL
A building or buildings including rooms rented out to persons as clearly transient and temporary living quarters and which does not meet the definition and regulations of a bed-and-breakfast inn. Such uses may include accessory uses such as restaurants, meeting rooms, and recreational facilities for guests.
IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE
The total amount of impervious surfaces on a lot divided by the total lot area of a lot, as expressed in the resulting percentage.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
For the purposes of this chapter, this term shall mean any man-made or man-processed material, structure or coverage that prevents the absorption of the majority of stormwater into the ground, including areas covered by stone or gravel. In case of uncertainty about whether a material is impervious, the Zoning Officer may request input from the Township Engineer.
IN-LAW QUARTERS
An accessory dwelling unit, designed and intended as to house no more than two persons which is located on the same lot as a principal dwelling, and is designed and intended to house relatives who need the assistance of family members. See § 195-17G, which limits the duration of this use and provides other standards.
INCINERATOR FACILITY
A principal use that involves using high temperatures to convert waste materials into fuel, ash or other materials, and in which all the combustion factors are controlled (such as temperature, retention time, turbulence, and combustion air).
INDUSTRIAL PARK
A tract of land that is planned, developed, and operated as an integrated facility for a number of individual industrial uses, with consideration to transportation facilities, circulation, parking, utility needs, aesthetics, and compatibility.
JUNKYARD
A use as defined and regulated in Chapter 116 of the Code of North Codorus Township, as amended, involving a place or establishment where junk is stored or accumulated on the outside of any building, edifice or structure that is enclosed on all sides, or where the business of selling, buying or dealing in junk is carried on, or where two or more motor vehicles are stored outdoors which are unlicensed, inoperable and do not have a current and valid inspection sticker as required by the motor vehicle laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
KENNELS
An establishment in which dogs or domesticated animals (excluding livestock, horses or poultry) are housed, bred, boarded, held for adoption, or sold, all for a fee or compensation, beyond the number of animals allowed under other provisions of this chapter.
LAND DEVELOPMENT
The definition in the SALDO[7] shall apply. (Note: As of the adoption of the 2014 SALDO, the following definition applied: "Any of the following activities:
A. 
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(1) 
A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings, whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or tenure; or
(2) 
The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective occupants by means of, or for the purpose of, streets, common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.
B. 
A subdivision of land.
C. 
The following shall not be considered a land development:
(1) 
The conversion of an existing single-family detached dwelling or single-family semidetached dwelling into not more than three residential units, unless such units are intended to be a condominium.
(2) 
The addition of an accessory building, including farm buildings, on a lot or lots subordinate to an existing principal building.
(3) 
The addition or conversion of buildings or rides within the confines of an enterprise which would be considered an amusement park. For purposes of this subsection, an "amusement park" is defined as a tract or area used principally as a location for permanent amusement structures or rides. This exclusion shall not apply to newly acquired acreage by an amusement park until initial plans for the expanded area have been approved by proper authorities.")
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 authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner, or other person having proprietary interest in land, including an individual, partnership, limited partnership, corporation or unincorporated association.
LANDOWNER CURATIVE AMENDMENT
A proposed zoning amendment submitted to the Board of Supervisors by any landowner who desires to challenge on substantive grounds the validity of an ordinance or map which prohibits or restricts the use or development of land in which they have an interest.
LANDSCAPE COVERAGE
The area of the lot covered by lawns, trees, plants and other natural material and decorative features, such as sculptures, walks, fountains, wading pools and fish ponds.
LICENSED HOSPITAL
An institution licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania providing primary health services and medical or surgical care to persons, primarily inpatients, suffering from illness, disease, injury, deformity, and other abnormal physical or mental conditions and including, as an integral part of the institution, related facilities, such as laboratories, outpatient facilities, training facilities, medical offices, and staff residences.
LIGHTING, DIFFUSED
Illumination that passes from the source through a translucent cover or shade.
LINE, STREET
A line defining the edge of a street right-of-way and separating the street from abutting property or lots. Commonly known as the "street right-of-way line."
LOADING SPACE
An off-street space on the same lot with a building or contiguous to a group of buildings, for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials, and which abuts on a street or other appropriate means of access.
LOT
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by a plat or otherwise as permitted by law to be used, developed or built upon as a unit. (See the graphic representation of the different lot configurations following the definitions.)
A. 
FRONT LOT LINE (STREET LINE)A lot line separating the lot from the street right-of-way. In the case of corner lots, the lines extending along all street rights-of-way shall be considered front lot lines. In the case of a lot other than a corner lot that fronts on more than one street, the lines extending along all street right-of-way lines are front lot lines.
B. 
REAR LOT LINEA lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line. Every lot must have a rear yard and a rear lot line, including a triangular or irregularly shaped lot. In case of a corner lot, the rear lot line is lot line that is closest to being opposite to and approximately parallel to the street on which the structure fronts.
C. 
SIDE LOT LINEAny lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
195 Side Lot Line.tif
LOT AREA
The area contained within the property lines of an individual parcel of land, excluding any area within a street right-of-way. Lot area shall include the area of any other easement, such as sanitary, storm drainage or utility easements. This is also known and referred to as the "lot size."
LOT COVERAGE (or IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE)
The total area of all impervious surfaces on a lot (including but not limited to building and paving coverage) divided by the total lot area.
LOT DEPTH
The average horizontal distance between the front and the rear lot lines, measured through the approximate center of the lot.
LOT SIZE
See "lot area."
LOT WIDTH
The minimum required distance between the side property lines measured at the minimum front setback line, except as may be allowed otherwise for an approved flag lot. See definition of "lot, flag."
LOT, CORNER
A lot which has an interior angle of less than 135° at the intersection of two street lines. A lot abutting upon a curved street or streets shall be considered a corner lot if the tangent to the curve at the points beginning within the lot or at the points of intersection of the side lot lines with the street lines intersect at an angle of less than 135°.
LOT, DOUBLED FRONTAGE
An interior lot having frontage on two streets.
LOT, FLAG
A lot that does not meet the minimum lot width requirements at the minimum front yard setback line, but instead that includes a narrower lot extension to connect to a road. The lot shall include lot area that provides room for vehicle access to the road. The lot shall meet the lot width requirement at the proposed front building setback line. Note: See the Lot Types Diagram above.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot other than a corner lot, with sides that do not abut a street.
LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGE
A type of through lot that abuts two generally parallel streets, excluding service streets, but which only has vehicular access from the less traveled street.
LOT, THROUGH
A lot that abuts two approximately parallel streets.
MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME
A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit, or in two or more units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations and utility connections, and constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation. The terms "mobile home" and "manufactured home" shall have the same meaning.
MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME LOT
A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erections thereon of a single mobile home.
MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARK
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land which has been so designated and improved that it contains two or more mobile home lots for the placement thereon of mobile homes.
MANUFACTURING
Establishments engaged in the production, processing, cleaning, testing and distribution of materials.
MEDIATION
A voluntary negotiating process in which parties in a dispute mutually select a neutral mediator to assist them in jointly exploring and settling their differences, culminating in a written agreement which the parties themselves create and consider acceptable.
MINERAL EXTRACTION
The searching for or removal of rock, soil or minerals from the earth by excavating, stripping, mining, leveling or any other process but exclusive of excavations or grading involved in the construction of a building. Also, mineral recovery operations include any processing operations in connection with the above activities. Permitted operations must comply with all current applicable federal, state and local regulations.
MOBILE HOME
See "manufactured/mobile home."
MPC
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.[8]
MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.[9]
MUNICIPALITY
The Township of North Codorus, York County, Pennsylvania.
NATURE PRESERVES
Areas in which human activities are very limited and where the natural environment is protected from man-made changes.
NO-IMPACT HOME-BASED BUSINESS
A. 
A business or commercial activity administered or conducted as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the use as a residential dwelling and which involves no customer, client or patient traffic (whether vehicular or pedestrian), pickup, delivery or removal functions to or from the premises, in excess of those normally associated with residential use, and with business or commercial activity that must satisfy the following requirements:
(1) 
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential use of the property and surrounding residential uses.
(2) 
The business shall employ no more than one employee who does not reside within the dwelling. (Note: North Codorus Township has chosen to be more permissive than the minimum state requirements in this regard.)
(3) 
There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling or inventory of a substantial nature.
(4) 
There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including but not limited to parking, signs or lights, except that a maximum of one sign that is not internally illuminated and that has a maximum sign area of two square feet on each of two sides shall be allowed. (Note: North Codorus Township has chosen to be more permissive than the minimum state requirements in this regard.)
(5) 
The business activity may not use any equipment or process which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical or electronic interference, including interference with radio or television reception, which are detectable in the neighborhood.
(6) 
The business may not generate any solid waste or sewage discharge in volume or type which is not normally associated with residential use in the neighborhood.
(7) 
The business activity shall be conducted within the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.
(8) 
The business may not involve any illegal activity.
B. 
When permitted by this chapter, such permission shall not supersede any deed restriction, covenant or agreement restricting the use of land, nor any master deed, bylaw or other document applicable to a common interest ownership community. See the definition of a "home-based business."
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot, the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to the adoption or amendment of the current zoning 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.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A structure or part of a structure which does not comply with the applicable use or extent of use provisions in this chapter, as amended, where such structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of such ordinance or to its location by reason of annexation. Such nonconforming structures include, but are not limited to, nonconforming signs.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use, whether of land or of a structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or amendments heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendment or prior to the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.
NURSING HOMES
An establishment licensed as a nursing home by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which provides full-time convalescent or chronic care or both for three or more individuals who are not related by blood or marriage to the operator and who, by reason of chronic illness or infirmity, are unable to care for themselves. A hospital shall not be construed to be included in this definition.
OFFICES
A use that involves administrative, clerical, financial, governmental or professional operations and operations of a similar character. This use shall not include retail or industrial uses, but may include business offices, medical offices, laboratories, photographic studios and/or television or radio broadcasting studios. This term shall also include an office of a governmental agency, social service organization, district justice, notary, utility or political organization.
OFFICIAL MAP
A map adopted by ordinance pursuant to Article IV of the Municipalities Planning Code.[10]
OFFICIAL STREET CLASSIFICATION MAP
The map as adopted by the Board of Supervisors classifying the streets of the Township. See definition of "street classification." This map may be amended by resolution of the Board of Supervisors, from time to time.
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
The map as adopted by the Board of Supervisors which designates the location and boundaries of zoning districts.[11]
OPEN SPACE
Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, or reserved for public or private use or enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners, occupants, and their guests of land adjoining or neighboring such open land. See also "open space, preserved or common."
OPEN SPACE, PRESERVED OR COMMON
A parcel or parcels of land within a tract which meets all of the following standards:
A. 
Is designed, intended and suitable for active or passive recreation by residents of a development or the general public, or that is approved for agricultural purposes;
B. 
Is covered by a system that ensures perpetual maintenance, if not intended to be publicly owned and if not approved for agricultural purposes;
C. 
Will be preserved by a deed restriction or conservation easement to permanently prevent uses of land other than "preserved open space" and noncommercial recreation or a golf course open to the public;
D. 
Does not use any of the following areas to meet minimum preserved open space requirements:
(1) 
Existing street rights-of-way;
(2) 
Vehicle streets or driveways providing access to other lots;
(3) 
Land beneath building(s) or land within 20 feet of a building (other than accessory buildings and pools clearly intended for noncommercial recreation and other than agricultural buildings and a farmstead which are permitted within land approved by the Township for agricultural preservation);
(4) 
Off-street parking (other than that clearly intended for noncommercial recreation);
(5) 
Area(s) needed to meet a requirement for an individual lot;
(6) 
For land intended to be open to the public, that does not have provisions for entry with a fifteen-foot minimum width by pedestrians from a street open to the public or from adjacent preserved open space that has access to such a street;
(7) 
Land that includes a stormwater detention basin, except for a basin or portions of a basin that the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the Board of Supervisors would: a) be reasonably safe and useful for active or passive recreation during the vast majority of weather conditions or b) serve as a scenic asset resembling a natural pond,
(8) 
Portions of land that have a width of less than 50 feet;
(9) 
Areas that are under water during normal weather conditions;
(10) 
Fifty percent of areas that are under electric transmission lines which are designed for a capacity of 35 kilovolts or greater.
E. 
Each square foot of preserved open space that is of 25% or greater slopes and each square foot within the one-hundred-year floodplain shall only count as 1/2 square foot for the purposes of determining the amount of preserved open space.
ORDINANCE
The North Codorus Township Zoning Ordinance, including the Official Zoning Map, as amended.
OUT-PATIENT MEDICAL FACILITY
Any building or group of buildings occupied by medical practitioners and related service for the purpose of providing health services to persons on an outpatient basis.
OUTDOOR BOILER
A fuel-burning device that provides indoor heat and/or domestic hot water service to a principal building, but which does not involve the device being located within a principal or livestock or poultry building, and which is designed to burn clean wood or wood pellets. These are devices that the manufacturer designs to be located outdoors or in a shed or garage-type structure. The stack of an outdoor boiler shall be considered to be any vertical structure enclosing a flue(s) that carries off smoke or exhaust from the boiler.
PARENT TRACT
Each tract of land held in single and separate ownership as of July 21, 1998.
PARK
Unless used with another descriptive term, shall mean a tract of land, designated and used by the public for active and/or passive recreation.
PARKING
Off-street parking unless otherwise stated.
PENNDOT
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, or its successor, and its subparts.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
An objective set of criteria or limits relating to certain characteristics that a particular use or process may not exceed.
PERMIT
A document issued by the proper Township authority authorizing the applicant to undertake certain activities.
A. 
BUILDING OR CONSTRUCTION PERMITA permit indicating that a proposed construction, alteration, or reconstruction of a structure is, to the best knowledge of applicable Township staff-person or Construction Official, in accordance with the provisions of applicable Construction Codes.
B. 
ZONING PERMITA permit issued indicating that a proposed use or structure is, to the best knowledge of the Township Zoning Officer, in accordance with this chapter and which authorizes an applicant to proceed with said use, building or structure, within all other applicable laws and regulations.
PERSONAL CARE HOME
A residential facility that is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a personal care home or an assisted living facility.
PERSONAL SERVICE BUSINESS
An establishment that provides a service oriented to personal needs of the general public and which does not involve primarily retail or wholesale sales or services to businesses. These businesses do not include adult-oriented businesses.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
A building that is primarily used for organized regularly scheduled religious services and customary accessory uses.
PLAN, SKETCH
An informal land development plan indicating salient existing features of a tract and its surrounding and the general layout of the proposed land development for discussion purposes only and not to be presented for approval.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The North Codorus Township Planning Commission.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
A building or structure in which is conducted in the principal use of the lot on which the building or structure is located.
[Added 4-5-2022 by Ord. No. 285-04-2022]
PRINCIPAL SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (PSES) (also referred to as "solar farms" or "commercial solar facilities")
An area of land or other area used for a solar collection system 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. Principal solar energy systems consist of one or more freestanding ground-, or roof-mounted, solar collector devices, solar-related equipment and other accessory structures and buildings including light reflectors, concentrators, and heat exchangers; substations; electrical inverters; electrical infrastructure; battery storage; on-site transmission lines; and other appurtenant structures. Off-site transmission lines will not be considered part of the PSES for the purposes of zoning applications, but must be shown on land development plans submitted for approval.
[Added 4-5-2022 by Ord. No. 285-04-2022]
PRINCIPAL USE
The main or primary purpose, activity, occupation, business or operation for which land or a structure is designed, arranged, intended, occupied or maintained.
PROPERTY LINE
Has the same meaning as "lot line."
PUBLIC HEARING
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Board of Supervisors that is intended to inform and obtain public comment, prior to taking action in accordance with this chapter and the MPC.
PUBLIC MEETING
A meeting that is open to the public and that is held pursuant to notice under the MPC.
PUBLIC NOTICE
As defined by the state Municipalities Planning Code, as amended. (Note: As of 2015, the MPC required that notice be published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. Such notice shall state the time, place and date of the meeting/hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered. The first publication shall be not more than 30 days and the second publication shall not be less than seven days from the date of the meeting/hearing.)
RECREATION AREA RATIO
The measure of the amount of space per dwelling unit required for recreation activities.
RECREATION, ACTIVE
Leisure-time activities, usually of an organized nature and often performed with others, requiring equipment and taking place at prescribed places, sites, or fields.
RECREATION, PASSIVE
Activities that involve relatively inactive or less energetic activities, such as walking, sitting, picnicking, card games, chess, checkers, and similar table games. Passive recreation includes open space for nature walks and observations.
RECYCLED MATERIALS COLLECTION AND PROCESSING
A lot or parcel of land, with or without buildings, upon which used materials are separated and processed for shipment for eventual reuse in new products. These centers do not include transfer stations, landfills, composting facilities, resource recovery facilities or junkyards.
REPORT
Any letter, reviews, memorandum, compilation or similar writing made by anybody, board, officer or consultant other than a solicitor to any other body, board, officer or consultant for the purpose of assisting the recipient of such report in the rendering of any decision or determination.
RESIDENTIAL CONVERSIONS
The change to an existing building to result in one or more additional dwelling units.
RETAIL SALES
A business involving the sale directly to the consumer, and not in bulk or at wholesale, of antiques, automotive parts, books, beverages, confections, drugs, dry goods, flowers, foodstuffs, gifts, garden supplies, hardware, household appliances jewelry, notions, periodicals, stationery, tobacco, paint, apparel, and similar consumer and household goods. This term shall not include any "adult business."
RETAIL SALES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
A structure for the display and retail sale of agricultural products. This use may involve existing or new or temporary or permanent structures.
RETAIL WAREHOUSE OUTLET
An establishment engaged in the sale of materials and goods, both durable and nondurable, as a combination of wholesale and retail trade. The outlet may be based wholly on a cooperative membership basis and not open to the general public as a club warehouse store.
RIDING SCHOOLS OR HORSE BOARDING STABLES
An establishment where horses are kept for riding or driving, or are stabled for compensation, or incidental to the operation of any club, association, ranch, or similar establishment.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
Land acquired by reservation, dedication, prescription or condemnation for the purpose of maintaining primary vehicular and pedestrian access to abutting properties.
RIGHT-OF-WAY, FUTURE [12]
Right-of-way width required for the expansion of existing streets to accommodate anticipated future traffic loads. A right-of-way established to provide future access to or through undeveloped land.
RIPARIAN BUFFER
A. 
Linear strips of land that are preserved or planted and maintained in trees, shrubs and low level vegetation along a waterway, in order to protect water quality, filter out sediments and other pollutants from runoff, avoid erosion and protect aquatic habitats. See § 195-15.4 of this chapter.
B. 
Note: A riparian buffer may also be required under PA. DEP requirements, particularly if a waterway is designated by DEP as high quality or exceptional value.
ROOMER, BOARDER OR LODGER
A person occupying any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit used or intended to be used for living and sleeping, but not for cooking or eating purposes, and paying compensation for lodging and/or board and lodging by prearrangement for a week or more at a time to an owner or operator. Any person occupying such room or rooms and paying such compensation without prearrangement or for less than a week at a time shall be classified, for purposes of this chapter, not as a roomer, boarder or lodger but as a guest of a motel/hotel or bed-and-breakfast inn. (See "boardinghouse or rooming house.")
SALDO
The North Codorus Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, as amended.[13]
SCALE OF DEVELOPMENT
The relationship of a particular project or development, in terms of size, height, bulk, intensity and aesthetics, to its surroundings.
SCHOOL, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PRIMARY OR SECONDARY
An educational institution primarily for persons between the ages of five and 19 that primarily provides state-required or state-funded educational programs.
SCHOOL, SMALL
A public or private primary or secondary educational institution primarily for persons between the ages of five and 19 that primarily provides state-required or state-funded educational programs. A small school shall accommodate no more than 35 students on site at the same time. Small schools may be permitted on leased lots. In order for small school use to be established, a land development plan must first be provided to the Board of Supervisors for review and approval.
[Added 10-15-2019 by Ord. No. 278-08-2019]
SCREENING
A method of visually shielding or obscuring one abutting or nearby structure or use from another by mostly solid fencing, architectural walls, berms, or densely planted vegetation.
SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES
A structure containing separate, individual, and private storage spaces of varying sizes leased or rented on individual leases for varying periods of time.
SETBACK
The required horizontal distance between a setback line and a property or street line.
A. 
SETBACK, FRONTThe distance between the street line and the front setback line projected the full width of the lot; commonly called "front yard."
B. 
SETBACK, REARThe distance between the rear lot line and the rear setback line projected from the full width of the lot; commonly called "rear yard."
C. 
SETBACK, SIDEThe distance between the side lot line and the side setback line projected from the front yard to the rear yard; commonly called "side yard."
SETBACK LINE
A line within a lot and parallel to a property or street line which delineates the required minimum distance between a structure and that property or street line.
SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
A system to collect, treat and dispose of sewage. No such system shall be permitted that does not comply with local, county, state and federal regulations.
A. 
PUBLIC OR CENTRAL SEWER SERVICEConnection to a municipal sanitary sewer system or a comparable centralized wastewater treatment and collection system that was approved and permitted by DEP.
B. 
ON-LOT OR NONCENTRAL SEWER SERVICEConnection to an on-lot septic system or other system designed to treat sanitary sewage within the boundaries of an individual lot and that meets federal, state, and local regulations. An approved DEP planning module may be required and a Township permit is required to construct such a system.
SHOPPING CENTERS
A group of commercial establishments planned, constructed and managed as a total entity, with customer and employee parking provided on-site, provision for goods delivery separated from customer access, aesthetic considerations and protection from the elements, and landscaping and signage in accordance with an approved plan.
SIGN
Any permanent or temporary structure, or part thereof, or any device attached, painted, or represented directly or indirectly on a structure or other surface that shall display or include any letter, word, insignia, flag, or representation used as, or which is in the nature of, an advertisement, announcement, visual communication, or direction; or is designed to attract the eye or bring the subject to the attention of the public.
A. 
BILLBOARDA sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to a commodity, business, industry, or other similar activity, which is generally sold, offered, or conducted elsewhere other than on the lot upon which such sign is located.
B. 
BUSINESS SIGNAn on-premises sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry, or other activity, which is sold, offered or conducted on the property on which the sign is located.
C. 
DIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGNA sign designed to give forth artificial light directly or through transparent or translucent material from a source of light within such sign.
D. 
FESTOON-LIGHTED SIGNA directly illuminated sign comprised of a group of incandescent bulbs hung or strung overhead or used to outline a structure or any part thereof.
E. 
FLASHING SIGNAn illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained in a stationary position and is not constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.
F. 
FREESTANDING SIGNA self-supporting sign resting on the ground or supported by means of poles, standards, or other similar means in the ground. The height of freestanding signs shall be measured from the official street grade.
G. 
INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATING SIGNA sign illuminated with a light so shielded that no direct rays therefrom are visible elsewhere on the lot where said illumination occurs.
H. 
NONCONFORMING SIGNAny sign existing at the time of the passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height, or size with the regulations of the district in which such sign is located shall be considered a nonconforming use and may continue in such use in its present location until replacement or rebuilding becomes necessary, at which time a permit will be required and the sign brought into conformity with this chapter.
I. 
NONILLUMINATED SIGNA sign which is not illuminated either directly or indirectly.
J. 
ON-PREMISES SIGNA sign which directs attention to an activity conducted on the same lot.
K. 
OFF-PREMISES SIGNA sign which directs attention to an activity not conducted on the same lot.
L. 
PARALLEL SIGNA sign attached, painted, or otherwise mounted parallel to a wall or other vertical building surface.
M. 
PROJECTING SIGNAny sign mounted to a wall or other vertical building surface other than a parallel sign.
SLOPE
The deviation of a surface from the horizontal, usually expressed in percent, computed by dividing the vertical distance by the horizontal distance times 100, or as a ratio of the feet vertical to a foot horizontal.
SOLAR EASEMENT
A solar easement means a right, expressed as an easement, restriction, covenant, or condition contained in any deed, contract, or other written instrument executed by or on behalf of any landowner for the purpose of assuring adequate access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems.
[Added 4-5-2022 by Ord. No. 285-04-2022]
SOLAR ENERGY
Radiant energy (direct, diffuse and/or reflective) received from the sun.
[Added 4-5-2022 by Ord. No. 285-04-2022]
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar photovoltaic cell, module, or array, or solar hot air or water collector device, which relies upon solar radiation as an energy source for collection, inversion, storage, and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation or transfer of stored heat.
[Added 4-5-2022 by Ord. No. 285-04-2022]
A. 
SOLAR ARRAYA grouping of multiple solar modules with the purpose of harvesting solar energy.
B. 
SOLAR MODULEA grouping of solar cells with the purpose of harvesting solar energy.
C. 
SOLAR CELLThe smallest basic solar electric device which generates electricity when exposed to light.
SOLAR-RELATED EQUIPMENT
Items including a solar photovoltaic cell, module, or array, or solar hot air or water collector device panels, lines, pumps, storage batteries, mounting brackets, framing and possibly foundations or other structures used or intended to be used for collection, storage, and transmission of solar energy.
[Added 4-5-2022 by Ord. No. 285-04-2022]
SOLICITOR
Unless otherwise stated, shall mean the appointed Solicitor to the North Codorus Township Board of Supervisors.
SOLID WASTE LANDFILL
A site involving disposal of municipal solid waste utilizing sanitary methods and that has been licensed and is operated under state environmental regulations.
STEEP SLOPES
Areas where the average slope is 25% or greater, which, because of this slope, are subject to high rates of stormwater runoff and, therefore, erosion and flooding.
STORY
That portion of any building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next floor above it, or, if there be no floor above it, then the space between such floor and the ceiling next above it.
STORY, HALF
A story under a gable, hip, or gambrel roof, the wall plates of which at least two opposite exterior walls are not over two feet above the finished floor of such story.
STREET
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.
STREET CENTER LINE
The center of the existing street right-of-way or, where such cannot be determined, the center of the traveled cartway.
STREET CLASSIFICATION
The functional classification of streets, as shown in the North Codorus Township Comprehensive Plan, for existing streets and as determined by the Township Engineer for future streets.
STREET LINE
A line defining the edge of a street right-of-way and separating the street from abutting property or lots; commonly known as the "street 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.
STUDIO
The workshop of an artist, sculptor, photographer, or craftsperson.
SUBDIVISION
The definition in the SALDO shall apply.[14]
(As of the enactment of the 2014 SALDO, the following definition applied:
The division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for solely agricultural purposes into parcels of more than 10 acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted from the definition of a "subdivision.")
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE, OR SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (ABBREVIATED AS "SALDO")
The North Codorus Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, as amended.[15]
SWIMMING POOL
A water-filled enclosure, whether permanently constructed or portable, having a water depth of more than 24 inches that is used for swimming and/or bathing by persons.
TARGET RANGE
Any area (usually in a sportsmen's or outdoor club) in which skeet shooting, firearms shooting or archery is practiced.
TAVERN
An establishment which serves primarily alcoholic beverages for mostly on-premises consumption and which is licensed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, and which involves more than 50% of the gross receipts resulting from the sale of alcohol. Uses with a lower percentage shall be considered to be a restaurant. Taverns may also serve food.
TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR FARM WORKERS
Mobile home or manufactured dwellings provided on a seasonal basis to house temporary farm laborers.
TEMPORARY PORTABLE SAW MILL OPERATIONS
A commercial timbering operation established temporarily (three months or less) for the sale of lumber cut and processed on the property to be sold for commercial purposes off-site.
TOWNSHIP
The Township of North Codorus, York County, Pennsylvania.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
A professional engineer or engineering firm licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, duly appointed as the engineer for North Codorus Township.
TRACT
A lot or set of adjacent lots in common ownership that is the subject of a development application.
TRANSIENT
Occupancy that typically involves stays by an individual of less than 30 total days in any sixty-day period.
TREATMENT CENTER
A use (other than a prison, halfway house or a hospital) providing housing for three or more unrelated persons who need specialized housing, treatment and/or counseling because of:
A. 
Criminal rehabilitation, such as a criminal halfway house;
B. 
Current addiction to a controlled substance that was used in an illegal manner or alcohol; and/or
C. 
A type of mental illness or other behavior that causes a person to be a threat to the physical safety of others.
TRUCK TERMINAL
An area and building where trucks load and unload cargo and freight and where the cargo and freight may be broken down or aggregated into smaller or larger loads for transfer to other vehicles or modes of transportation.
VARIANCE
The granting of specific permission by the Zoning Hearing Board to use, construct, expand or alter land or structures in such a way that compliance is not required with a specific requirement of this chapter. Any variance shall be granted only within the limitations of the Municipalities Planning Code.
VEGETATIVE COVERAGE
The area of the lot covered by lawns, plants, shrubs and trees.
VEHICLE FUELING STATION
A building where gasoline is sold, and where no auto body work or major repairs are conducted, except work that may be conducted that is closely similar in character to the following: sale and installation of oil, lubricants, batteries and belts and similar accessories and safety and emission inspections. This use may be combined with retail sales of other products if a retail store is also allowed in the zoning district.
VEHICLE REPAIR GARAGE
A building where repairs, improvements and installation of parts and accessories for motor vehicles and/or boats are conducted that involves work that is more intense in character than work permitted under the definition of "vehicle fueling station." An auto repair garage shall include, but not be limited to, any use that involves any of the following work: major mechanical or body work, straightening of body parts, painting, welding or rebuilding of transmissions. This use may be combined with retail sales of other products if a retail store is also allowed in the zoning district.
VEHICLE SALES
A building or area used for outdoor or indoor display, wholesale or retail or auction sale or lease or rental of one or more of the following in operable condition: motor vehicles, recreation vehicles, boat trailers, farm machinery, motorcycles, utility trailers, boats, or transportable mobile/manufactured homes in a livable condition.
VEHICLE WASHING FACILITY
A building designed and used primarily for the washing and polishing of vehicles and which may provide accessory services related to washing and polishing.
VETERINARIAN FACILITIES AND ANIMAL HOSPITALS
A place where animals are given medical care and the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care incidental to hospital use.
VILLAGE OF STOVERSTOWN
An area of the Township defined by the North Codorus Comprehensive Plan, including the historic crossroads community of Stoverstown and intended to accommodate additional residential and commercial development consistent with the historic development patterns.
VILLAGE-STYLE MIXED-USE STRUCTURE
A two-story building located in a village center district of similar style as surrounding single-family detached residential buildings utilized for the express purpose of providing one of the following mixture of uses:
A. 
RETAIL ON THE GROUND LEVEL WITH HOUSING ABOVEThe first floor of the building designated for a single permitted retail use of the underlying VC District with the second floor designated for a single residential use.
B. 
RETAIL ON THE GROUND LEVEL WITH OFFICES ABOVEThe first floor of the building designated for a single permitted retail use of the underlying VC District with the second floor designated for a single permitted office use of the underlying Village Center District.
C. 
OFFICES ON THE GROUND LEVEL WITH HOUSING ABOVEThe first floor of the building designated for a single permitted office use of the underlying VC District with the second floor designated for a single residential use.
WAREHOUSE
A building or group of buildings primarily used for the indoor storage, transfer and distribution of products and materials.
WATER FACILITY
Any water works, water supply works, water distribution system, or part thereof designed, intended or constructed to provide or distribute potable water.
A. 
WATER DISTRIBUTION SUPPLY SYSTEM, CENTRALIZEDA public or private utility system designed to transmit potable water from a common source to customers in compliance with DEP regulations or regulations of the Township, whichever may be more stringent.
B. 
WATER DISTRIBUTION SUPPLY SYSTEM, COMMUNITYA system for applying and distributing water from a common source for two or more dwellings and/or other buildings within a single neighborhood.
C. 
WATER DISTRIBUTION SUPPLY SYSTEM, ON-SITEA system for supplying and distributing potable water to a single dwelling or other building from a source located on the same lot.
WETLAND MARGIN
The wetland margin shall extend 50 feet from the wetland boundary.
WETLANDS
Areas meeting the definition of a "wetland" under federal or state regulations, whichever are more inclusive.
WHOLESALE
Sales that primarily involve the sale of goods or equipment to retail businesses, resellers and other businesses and their agents with the intent to resell such items, as opposed to sales to the general public.
WILDLIFE REFUGE
A publicly or privately owned natural area established and/or maintained as a protective habitat for plants and animals.
YARD
An open space that lies between the principal building or buildings and the nearest lot or street line. The minimum required yard as set forth in this chapter is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground up except as may be specifically provided in this chapter.
YARD BUFFER
A strip of land, free of any principal or accessory building or required improvement other than screening to physically separate one incompatible use from another and as illustrated in the SALDO.[16]
YARD, EXTERIOR
An open, unoccupied space between the buildings of a dwelling group or its accessory buildings and the project boundary or street line.
YARD, FRONT
An area within the minimum setback between the front lot line (as defined by this chapter) and the closest portion of the subject structure or use. This yard area shall extend the full width of the lot from one side lot line to the other side lot line. In the case of a corner lot, the yards extending along a street right-of-way lines are front yards. In the case of a lot other than a corner lot that fronts on more than one street, the yards extending along all street right-of-way lines are front yards. No accessory or principal building shall extend into the required front yard.
YARD, REAR
An area extending the full width of the lot and situated between the rear lot line (as defined by this chapter) and the closest portion of the subject building or use, and stretching between the side lot lines parallel to the rear lot line. In the case of a corner lot, the yard that is closest to being opposite from and approximately parallel to the street on which the structure fronts shall be considered the rear yard. Every lot shall have a rear yard.
YARD, SIDE
An area situated between the closest portion of the subject building and the entire length of the side lot line (as defined by this chapter), and extending from the front lot line to the rear lot line. A triangular lot that is adjacent to only one street shall have one side yard and one rear yard.
ZONING MAP
The Official Zoning Map of North Codorus Township as adopted by the North Codorus Board of Supervisors as amended.[17]
ZONING OFFICER
The administrative officer charged with the duty of enforcing the provisions of this chapter, or his or her officially designated assistant(s).
ZONING ORDINANCE
The North Codorus Township Zoning Ordinance, as amended.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 165, Subdivision and Land Development.
[3]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 102, Floodplain Management.
[4]
Editor's Note: See also definition of "right-of-way, future."
[5]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.
[6]
Editor's Note: See 68 Pa. C.S.A. § 5101 et seq.
[7]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 165, Subdivision and Land Development.
[8]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[9]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[10]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10401 et seq.
[12]
Editor's Note: See also definition for "future right-of-way."
[13]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 165, Subdivision and Land Development.
[14]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 165, Subdivision and Land Development.
[15]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 165, Subdivision and Land Development.
[16]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 165, Subdivision and Land Development.