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Township of Girard, PA
Erie County
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Code
New Laws (5) Index
A. 
A map entitled the "Girard Township Zoning Map" is hereby adopted as part of this chapter. The official Zoning Map shall be kept on file and available for examination at the Township offices.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: The Zoning Map is on file in the Township offices.
B. 
Annexed areas. Any territory hereafter annexed by the Township of Girard or gained through discovery, survey or mapping error will be automatically zoned R-1 Residential District until otherwise classified by the Township.
C. 
District boundaries. District boundaries that are shown between the lines of streets, streams and transportation rights-of-way shall be deemed to follow the center line. The vacation of streets shall not affect the locations of such district boundaries. When the Zoning Administrator cannot definitely determine the location of a district boundary by such center lines, by the scale of dimensions stated on the Zoning Map or by the fact that it clearly coincides with a property line he shall refuse action. The Zoning Hearing Board, upon appeal, shall interpret the location of the district boundary with reference to the scale of the Zoning Map and the purpose set forth in all relevant provisions of this chapter.
D. 
Zoning district changes. All approved changes to zoning districts shall be promptly recorded on the Zoning Map by the Zoning Administrator.
E. 
Permitted uses, conditional uses and special exceptions. The permitted uses, conditional uses and special exceptions for each district are shown in the following tables of this chapter and are considered principal uses unless clearly noted. Conditional uses may be granted or denied by the Board of Township Supervisors with the advice of the Planning Commission in accordance with the express standards and criteria of this chapter. In granting a conditional use, the Supervisors may attach reasonable conditions as they may deem necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter and safeguard the neighborhood. Special exceptions may be granted or denied by the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with the express standards and criteria of this chapter. In granting a special exception, the Board may attach reasonable conditions and safeguards as it may deem necessary to implement the purpose of this chapter and protect the neighborhood. Uses in each category shall be according to the common meaning of the term or according to definitions set forth in Article VII. Whenever in any district established under this chapter a use is not specifically permitted within any district and an application is made by a property owner to the Zoning Administrator for such use, the Zoning Administrator shall refer the application to the Zoning Hearing Board, which shall have the authority to permit or deny the proposed use. The use may be permitted if it is similar to and compatible with permitted uses in the district and in no way is in conflict with the general purpose and intent of this chapter or any provision permitting the same, provided that the same shall comply and follow all regulations for such use.
The A-1 Agricultural District is meant to provide for the continuation of agriculture as an important endeavor in the community by targeted protection to high-value farmlands, prime agricultural soils and agricultural security areas.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Agriculture.
(2) 
Agriculture services.
(3) 
Essential services.
(4) 
Single-family dwellings.
(5) 
Bed-and-breakfasts.
(6) 
Landscaping/nursery.
(7) 
Churches.
(8) 
Public parks and recreation.
(9) 
Veterinary offices.
(10) 
Family/group day-care homes.
(11) 
Accessory uses and structures.
(12) 
Roadside stands/farm markets.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
B. 
Conditional uses:
(1) 
Specialized animal raising and care (§ 200-40).
(2) 
Sawmills (§ 200-31).
(3) 
Repair/service businesses (§ 200-27).
(4) 
Personal care homes (§ 200-28).
(5) 
Mini-storage facilities (§ 200-32).
(6) 
Home- or farm-based manufacturing (§ 200-41).
(7) 
Mineral excavation (§ 200-36).
(8) 
Gas and oil drilling (§ 200-36).
(9) 
Recreational campgrounds (§ 200-23).
(10) 
Home occupations (§ 200-48).
(11) 
Sign illumination.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
(12) 
Limited retail businesses (§ 200-24).[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
C. 
Lot, yard and height standards.
Table 200-11
A-1 Agricultural District
Lot, Yard and Height Standards
All Permitted Uses
Minimum lot area
1.5 acres
Minimum lot width
150 feet
Minimum front yard
35 feet
Minimum side yard
25 feet
Minimum rear yard
50 feet
Maximum height
40 feet
Maximum coverage
20%
The RA Residential Agricultural District is meant to provide for the continuation of agriculture as an important endeavor in the community. It is also meant to provide for residential opportunities in a rural setting and to foster a mixture of residential development and selected small businesses in a low-density setting, which will contribute to economic self-sufficiency and rural quality of life.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Agriculture.
(2) 
Agriculture services.
(3) 
Essential services.
(4) 
Accessory uses and structures.
(5) 
Bed-and-breakfasst.
(6) 
Landscaping/nursery.
(7) 
Churches.
(8) 
Professional offices.
(9) 
Veterinary offices.
(10) 
Family/group day-care homes.
(11) 
Single-family dwellings.
(12) 
Public parks and recreation.
(13) 
Golf courses.
(14) 
Roadside stands/farm markets.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
(15) 
No-impact home-based businesses.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
B. 
Conditional uses:
(1) 
Specialized animal raising and care (§ 200-40).
(2) 
Mineral excavation/gas and oil drilling (§ 200-36).
(3) 
Sawmills (§ 200-31).
(4) 
Repair/services businesses (§ 200-27).
(5) 
Cemeteries (§ 200-37).
(6) 
Communication towers (§ 200-22).
(7) 
Personal care homes (§ 200-28).
(8) 
Mini-storage facilities (§ 200-32).
(9) 
Home- or farm-based manufacturing (§ 200-41).
(10) 
Indoor private clubs (§ 200-47).
(11) 
Recreational campgrounds (§ 200-23).
(12) 
Home occupations (§ 200-48).
(13) 
Test tracks.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
(14) 
Sign illumination.[4]
[4]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
(15) 
Limited retail businesses (§ 200-24).[5]
[5]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
C. 
Lot, yard and height standards.
Table 200-12
RA Agricultural District
Lot, Yard and Height Standards
All Permitted Uses
Minimum lot area
1 acre
Minimum lot width
150 feet
Minimum front yard
35 feet
Minimum side yard
25 feet
Minimum rear yard
50 feet
Maximum height
40 feet
Maximum coverage
20%
The R-1 Residential District is established to provide for the continuation of a quality residential environment where single-family dwellings and compatible institutions can thrive commensurate with the availability of public water and sewer.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Agriculture.
(2) 
Single-family dwellings.
(3) 
Family day-care homes.
(4) 
Group day-care homes.
(5) 
Churches.
(6) 
Essential services.
(7) 
Accessory structures and uses.
(8) 
Public parks and recreation.
(9) 
No-impact home-based businesses.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
B. 
Conditional uses:
(1) 
Personal care homes (§ 200-28).
(2) 
Nursing homes (§ 200-21).
(3) 
Day-care centers (§ 200-29).
(4) 
Public schools (§ 200-21).
(5) 
Home occupations (§ 200-48).
(6) 
Sign illumination.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
(7) 
Limited retail businesses (§ 200-24).[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
(8) 
Mini-storage facilities (§ 200-32).[4]
[4]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
C. 
Lot, yard and height standards.
Table 200-13
R-1 Residential District
Lot, Yard and Height Requirements
Single-Family Dwellings, Home Occupations, Family and Group Day-Care Homes With Public Sewer
All Other Uses
Single-Family Dwellings, Home Occupations, Family and Group Day-Care Homes With On Lot Sewer
Minimum lot area
25,000 square feet
1.5 acres
37,000 square feet
Minimum lot width
80 feet
150 feet
100 feet
Minimum front yard
35 feet
35 feet
35 feet
Minimum side yard
35 feet
30 feet
25 feet
Minimum rear yard
30 feet
40 feet
35 feet
Maximum height
40 feet
40 feet
40 feet
Maximum coverage
25%
25%
25%
The R-2 Residential District is established to serve as a transition between high-density housing and other uses and also to provide for the continuation of a quality residential environment within the context of a unique, environmentally significant area.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Single-family dwellings.
(2) 
Agriculture.
(3) 
Family day-care homes.
(4) 
Group day-care homes.
(5) 
Churches.
(6) 
Essential services.
(7) 
Accessory structures and uses.
(8) 
Public parks and recreation.
(9) 
No-impact home-based businesses.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
B. 
Conditional uses:
(1) 
Recreational campgrounds (§ 200-23).
(2) 
Two-family dwellings.
(3) 
Limited retail businesses (§ 200-24).
(4) 
Bed-and-breakfasts (§ 200-30).
(5) 
Planned residential development (Article VI).
(6) 
Home occupations (§ 200-48).[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
(7) 
Sign illumination.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
(8) 
Mini-storage facilities (§ 200-32).[4]
[4]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
C. 
Lot, yard and height standards.
Table 200-14
R-2 District
Lot, Yard and Height Requirements
With Public Sewer
On-Lot Water and Sewer
Minimum lot area
25,000 square feet
37,000 square feet
Minimum lot width
80 feet
100 feet
Minimum front yard
35 feet
35 feet
Minimum side yard
15 feet
25 feet
Minimum rear yard
25 feet
35 feet
Maximum height
40 feet
40 feet
Maximum coverage
25%
25%
The R-3 High-Density Residential District is established to provide for all forms of housing in greater intensity or density in selected areas where road access and the availability of infrastructure to serve the needs of development is available.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Single-family dwellings.
(2) 
Two-family dwellings.
(3) 
Multiple-family dwellings (up to four dwelling units per building).
(4) 
Essential services.
(5) 
Family day-care homes.
(6) 
Group day-care homes.
(7) 
Churches.
(8) 
Public parks and recreation.
(9) 
Accessory structures.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
(10) 
No-impact home-based businesses.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
B. 
Conditional uses:
(1) 
Multiple-family dwellings (§ 200-38) (greater than four dwelling units per building).
(2) 
Mobile home parks (§ 200-39).
(3) 
Planned residential development (Article VI).
(4) 
Professional offices (§ 200-48).
(5) 
Sign illumination.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
C. 
Lot, yard and height standards.
Table 200-15
R-3 High-Density Residential District
Lot, Yard and Height Requirements
With Public Sewer
Multiple-Family Dwellings
On-Lot Sewer
Minimum lot area
20,000 square feet
1.5 acres for the first two units, plus 2,500 square feet per unit thereafter
37,000 square feet
Minimum lot width
80 feet
150 feet
100 feet
Minimum front yard
35 feet
40 feet
35 feet
Minimum side yard
15 feet
30 feet
25 feet
Minimum rear yard
25 feet
40 feet
35 feet
Maximum height
40 feet
40 feet
40 feet
Maximum coverage
25%
25%
25%
The C-1 Commercial District is established to provide for businesses which provide goods and services directly to the public and need access to major roads within the Township.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Indoor commercial recreation.
(2) 
Automobile sales and service.
(3) 
Landscaping/nursery.
(4) 
Equipment sales and service.
(5) 
Mini-storage facilities.
(6) 
Agricultural services.
(7) 
Funeral parlors.
(8) 
Retail businesses (less than 20,000 square feet gross floor area).
(9) 
Professional offices.
(10) 
Personal services.
(11) 
Home occupations.
(12) 
Nursing homes.
(13) 
Business services.
(14) 
Accessory uses and structures.
(15) 
Car washes.
(16) 
Churches.
(17) 
Eating/drinking places.
(18) 
Hotels/motels.
(19) 
Theaters.
(20) 
Public parks and recreation.
(21) 
Essential services.
B. 
Conditional uses:
(1) 
Service stations/convenience stores (§ 200-27).
(2) 
Retail businesses (greater than 20,000 square feet gross floor area) (§ 200-44).
(3) 
Multiple-family dwellings (§ 200-38).
(4) 
Shopping centers (§ 200-44).
(5) 
Light manufacturing (§ 200-45).
(6) 
Flea markets (§ 200-46).
(7) 
Supply yards (§ 200-34).
(8) 
Indoor private clubs (§ 200-47).
C. 
Lot, yard and height standards.
Table 200-16
C-1 Commercial District
Lot, Yard and Height Requirements
All Uses
Minimum lot area
1 acre
Minimum lot width
100 feet
Minimum front yard
50 feet
Minimum side yard
35 feet
Minimum rear yard
35 feet
Maximum height
40 feet
Maximum coverage
25% (may be exceeded with approved stormwater management plan)
The LB-Limited Business District is established to provide for businesses which have lower infrastructure needs and neighborhood impacts than the C-1, and also to provide for the protection of all interests in a mixed-use setting, and to plan for the long-term quality of development in the Township.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Single-family dwellings.
(2) 
Landscaping/nursery.
(3) 
Mini-storage facilities.
(4) 
Churches.
(5) 
Agriculture.
(6) 
Limited retail businesses.
(7) 
Home- or farm-based manufacturing.
(8) 
Professional offices.
(9) 
Personal services.
(10) 
Agricultural services.
(11) 
Home occupations.
(12) 
Nursing homes.
(13) 
Business services.
(14) 
Accessory uses and structures.
(15) 
Personal care homes/assisted living.
(16) 
Essential services.
B. 
Conditional uses:
(1) 
Multiple-family dwellings (§ 200-38).
(2) 
Light manufacturing (§ 200-45).
(3) 
Hotels/motels.
(4) 
Bed-and-breakfasts.
(5) 
Indoor private clubs (§ 200-47).
(6) 
Equipment sales and service.
(7) 
Eating and drinking places.
(8) 
Public parks and recreation.
C. 
Lot, yard and height standards.
Table 200-17
LB-Limited Business District
Lot, Yard and Height Requirements
All Uses with Public Sewer
Multiple-Family Dwellings
With On-Lot Sewer
Minimum lot area
1.5 acres
1.5 acres for first dwelling unit; 20,000 square feet for each unit thereafter
2 acres
Minimum lot width
150 feet
150 feet
150 feet
Minimum front yard
35 feet
40 feet
35 feet
Minimum side yard
30 feet
30 feet
30 feet
Minimum rear yard
40 feet
40 feet
40 feet
Maximum height
40 feet
40 feet
40 feet
Maximum coverage
20%
20%
20%
The I-1 Light Industrial District is established to provide for job-creating developments within the community.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Light manufacturing.
(2) 
Commercial bakeries.
(3) 
Dry cleaning and commercial laundry.
(4) 
Laboratory and research facilities.
(5) 
Rental service and equipment.
(6) 
Professional offices.
(7) 
Churches.
(8) 
Schools.
(9) 
Public parks and recreation.
(10) 
Essential services.
(11) 
Accessory uses.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
B. 
Conditional uses:
(1) 
Supply yards (§ 200-34).
(2) 
Communication towers (§ 200-22).
(3) 
Wholesale trade, truck terminals, and warehousing (§ 200-25).
(4) 
Planned residential developments (PRD) (Article VI).
C. 
Lot, yard and height standards.
Table 200-18
I-1 Light Industrial District
Lot, Yard and Height Requirements
With Public Sewer
On-Lot Sewer
Minimum lot area
1 acre
2 acres
Minimum lot width
150 feet
150 feet
Minimum front yard
40 feet
40 feet
Minimum side yard
30 feet
30 feet
Minimum rear yard
40 feet
40 feet
Maximum height
40 feet
40 feet
Maximum coverage
25%
25%
The I-2 Intensive Development District is established to provide for businesses and high-impact land uses that require unique conditions, but can have adverse impacts in other districts.
A. 
Permitted uses:
(1) 
Light manufacturing.
(2) 
Public utilities.
(3) 
Essential services.
(4) 
Churches.
(5) 
Landscaping/nursery.
(6) 
Building materials/supply yards.
(7) 
Equipment sales and service.
(8) 
Accessory uses and structures.
(9) 
Public parks and recreation.
B. 
Conditional uses:
(1) 
Outdoor commercial recreation (§ 200-35).
(2) 
Sexually oriented businesses (§ 200-42).
(3) 
Junkyards (§ 200-34).
(4) 
Correctional facilities/halfway houses (§ 200-43).
(5) 
Heavy manufacturing (§ 200-26).
(6) 
Communication towers (§ 200-22).
(7) 
Truck terminals/warehousing/distribution (§ 200-25).
(8) 
Sanitary landfills (§ 200-33).
C. 
Lot, yard and height standards.
Table 200-19
I-2 Intensive Development District
Lot, Yard and Height Requirements
With Public Sewer
On-Lot Sewer
Minimum lot area
1 acre
2 acres
Minimum lot width
150 feet
150 feet
Minimum front yard
40 feet
40 feet
Minimum side yard
30 feet
30 feet
Minimum rear yard
40 feet
40 feet
Maximum height
40 feet
40 feet
Maximum coverage
25%
25%