The Township is confronted with an increased
demand for housing and acknowledges the imminent development and urbanization
of land. The Township also recognizes its obligation to accommodate
the resulting population influx. In furtherance of these findings,
this article is enacted and ordained for the accomplishment of the
following specific purposes:
A. To implement a higher intensity of residential land
use for an orderly transition from the developed higher densities
of adjoining communities to the lower density rural areas, while maintaining
the rural character of Franconia Township.
B. To encourage the logical and timely planning of land
development for residential purposes, with particular regard to the
flow of traffic and the extension of public facilities.
C. To establish a variety and appropriate mix of housing
types consistent with the economic and social needs of all sectors
of the population.
D. To ensure that the design and layout of residential
housing be integrated and compatible with the environment and adjacent
and nearby land uses.
E. To encourage by private initiative the establishment
and maintenance of open space, public facilities and ground amenities
to meet the social and recreational needs of the residents of residential
districts.
F. To establish regulations and permit development tailored
to the needs of residents 55 or more years of age in recognition of
their special needs with respect to location of buildings, the design
of dwellings relative to one another, the relationships of this type
of housing to surrounding land uses and public transit and the provision
of suitable, safe housing and facilities for this age group, consistent
with the Federal Fair Housing Act, as amended.
[Added 7-10-1995 by Ord. No. 221]
G. In accordance with the above, to set reasonable standards
for the development of a Mixed Residential District, with respect
to types and setbacks of residential buildings, the areas and dimensions
of lots and yards consistent with the objectives of this article.
[Amended 7-14-1986 by Ord. No. 131; 7-10-1995 by Ord. No. 221]
Each tract may be developed mixed dwelling residential development, multifamily residential development and/or older adult residential development in compliance with the requirement of §§
145-61 and
145-62 of this chapter.
A. Mixed dwelling residential development.
(1) A building may be erected, altered or used, and a
lot or premises may be used or occupied for any of the following purposes,
and no other, except as specified in Subsection A(2) below:
(a)
Single-family detached dwelling.
(b)
Single-family semidetached.
(c)
Single-family quadriplex.
(f)
Accessory use on the same lot with and customarily
incidental to any of the permitted uses.
(g)
A single-family detached dwelling (but not a mobile home) may be used as a family day-care home, as defined in §
145-5, pursuant to the standards of Article
XXXI.
[Added 3-11-1996 by Ord. No. 232; amended 10-13-1997 by Ord. No. 256]
(h)
A single-family detached dwelling may be used as a group day-care home, as defined in §
145-5, as a conditional use, pursuant to the standards of Article
XXXI.
[Added 3-11-1996 by Ord. No. 232]
B. Multiple-family residential developments. A building
may be erected, altered or used and a lot or premises may be used
or occupied for any of the following purposes and no other:
(1) All uses specified in Subsection
A above.
(2) Multiple-family dwelling and residential building
types that are generally and judicially recognized in Pennsylvania
may be incorporated in a Mixed Residential District as a conditional
use by the Board of Supervisors based on the following and any other
relevant criteria, as determined by the Board of Supervisors:
(a)
The site shall be of such shape and topography
as to allow development in visual and functional harmony with the
natural features of the site, conserve land and preserve natural amenities
and fit within the surrounding public infrastructure.
(b)
The development of the site for multifamily
use will provide housing not otherwise available under and in accordance
with the objectives of this chapter. It will enhance and complement
the existing surrounding neighborhoods in accordance with the community
development.
(c)
The development will supplement existing aesthetic
and functional amenities and provide such levels of privacy and protection
from excess noise, light and congestion so as to be a pleasant neighborhood
for the residents to live harmoniously in a higher-density environment.
C. Older adult residential development. Uses permitted in older adult residential developments shall be limited to the following, in compliance with the requirements of §§
145-61 and
145-62 herein.
[Added 7-10-1995 by Ord. No. 221]
(1) Single-family detached dwellings.
(2) Single-family semi-detailed dwellings.
(3) Single-family attached dwellings, including quadriplexes
and townhouses.
(4) Community center or clubhouse, recreation facilities
and other similar uses or common facilities intended for the use of
residents and their guests.