All words used in this chapter shall carry their customary meanings except where specifically defined herein. Words used in the present tense shall include the future. The singular number shall include the plural and the plural, the singular. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not permissive; the word "may" is permissive. The words "used" or "occupied," as applied to any land or structures, shall be construed to include the words "intended, arranged, designed to be used or occupied." The word "person" shall include an individual, corporation, partnership, incorporated association or any other entity. Words in the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender.
The following words and phrases shall have the particular meanings specified for the purpose of this chapter:
Private driveway used for purposes of ingress and egress from a street to a lot.
A structure which is on the same lot with, but detached from, the principal building and which is customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal building, including, but not limited to, private garages, storage sheds, children's playhouses, fences, signs and the like.
A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use and located on the same lot as the principal use, including, but not limited to, gardening as an avocation on a residential lot, keeping of domestic pets, off-street parking or loading, storage of merchandise normally carried in stock on the same lot with a commercial use unless such storage is excluded in the district regulations.
Forty-three thousand five hundred sixty square feet.
A formula-based way of determining the amount of buildable land in a tract. The tract is analyzed to determine how much area is constrained (that is, limited by slopes, wetlands, etc.). The amount of constrained land is then multiplied by the density factors appropriate to the type of constraint. The result is subtracted from the gross tract acreage to determine the ATA. The ATA can then be multiplied by the base density for the tract to determine the number of permitted dwelling units that can be built on the tract.
Any place to which the public is permitted or invited wherein coin-operated, slug-operated or for any form of consideration, or electronically, electrically or mechanically controlled still or motion-picture machines, projectors, video or laser disc players, or other image-producing devices are maintained, not located within viewing booths, to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at any one time, and where the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by the depicting or describing of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
Any commercial establishment in which more than 5% of the inventory offered for sale or rental for any form of consideration is any one or more of the following:
Books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes or video reproductions, slides, CD ROM discs or other computer software or other visual representations which are characterized by the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas; or
Instruments, devices or paraphernalia which are designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities.
An adult arcade, adult book/video store, adult novelty store, adult cabaret, adult motion-picture theater, movie theater or movie house, adult live theater, escort agency, nude model studio or sexual encounter center, as defined herein.
A nightclub, bar, restaurant or other commercial establishment which regularly features:
Persons who appear in a state of nudity or seminudity; or
Live performances which are characterized by the exposure of specified anatomical areas or by specified sexual activities; or
Films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides or other photographic reproductions or visual representations of any other kind which are characterized by the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
Any commercial establishment which features on a regular basis live shows for public viewing in which all or some of the performers are displaying nudity or engaging in sexual conduct, as defined herein.
A commercial establishment where, for any form of consideration, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides or similar photographic reproductions or visual presentations are regularly shown which are characterized by the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
Any movie theater, including mini-theaters, which, on a regular, continuing basis shows films rated "X" by the Motion Picture Coding Association of America or any movie theater which presents for public viewing on a regular, continuing basis so-called "adult films" depicting sexual conduct.
A theater, concert hall, dance hall, auditorium or similar commercial establishment which regularly features persons who appear in a state of nudity or seminudity or live performances which are characterized by the exposure of specified anatomical areas or by specified sexual activities.
Any use of land or structures for farming, dairying, pasturage, agronomy, horticulture, floriculture, arboriculture or animal or poultry husbandry. Accessory uses permitted in conjunction with the agricultural use may include barns, stables, corn cribs, silos and any other use or structure that is clearly related to agricultural operation.
As applied to any nonresidential building or structure, a change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the exit facilities; and, as applied to all residential and nonresidential structures, an enlargement, whether by extending to the side or by increasing the height; the moving from one location to another; or any change from one use to another use which has differing zoning requirements.
Nonresidential supporting uses proposed as part of a planned residential development (PRD) whose only function is to supply services and/or products to the residents of the planned residential development (PRD).
A dwelling unit in a garden apartment building or high-rise apartment building.
A landowner or developer who has filed an application for development, including his heirs, successors and assigns, as the case may be.
A public street which serves large volumes of high speed and long distance traffic. Roads classified as arterial in the Township are: Pennsylvania Route 56; Pennsylvania Route 356 and SR 4048 (Melwood Road).
See "vehicle repair garage."
A retail place of business, engaged primarily in the sale of motor fuels or supplying goods and services generally required in the operation and maintenance of motor vehicles and fulfilling the motorists' needs, including one or more of the following: the sale of petroleum products; sale and service of tires, batteries, automotive accessories and replacement items; washing and lubrication services; the supplying of other incidental automotive customer services and products; and the performing of automotive maintenance and repair; excluding such repairs as spray painting, body, fender, axle, frame, major engine overhaul or recapping and/or retreading of tires. A service station may also include the operation of a convenience food store.
A story having more than 50% of its clear height below finished grade.
A single-family dwelling occupied by its owner as the owner's principal place of residence where no more than four sleeping rooms are offered for transient overnight guests for compensation and where the only meal served on the premises and included with the overnight accommodations is breakfast.
A sign displaying changeable advertising copy which pertains to a business, organization, event, person, place, service or product not principally located or sold on the premises upon which said sign is located.
A Zoning Hearing Board established by this chapter.
A landscaped area of a certain depth specified by this chapter which shall be planted and maintained in trees, grass, ground cover, shrubs or other natural landscaping material or an existing natural or constructed natural barrier which duplicates the effect of the required buffer yard and within which no structure is permitted except a wall or fence.
A roofed structure, completely enclosed by walls, used for shelter, enclosure or protection of persons, goods, vehicles, equipment or animals.
The line of that face of the building nearest the front line of the lot. This face includes sun parlors, covered porches and covered patios, whether enclosed or unenclosed, but does not include walks, terraces or steps.
The vertical distance from the average elevation of the proposed finished grade at the front of the building to the highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the deck line for mansard roofs and to the mean height between the eaves and ridge for gable, hip and gambrel roofs.
A line parallel to or concentric with the front lot line, the measurement of which is the front yard depth.
A permit issued by Allegheny Township after the applicant has demonstrated compliance with Allegheny Township Ordinance No. 21-2000[1] and this chapter, as amended.
Establishments engaged in providing services to business offices on a fee or contract basis, including, but not limited to, advertising and public relations; management and consulting services; building security and maintenance services; equipment servicing, rental/leasing and sales; computer and data processing services; mailing; photocopying, quick printing and fax services; sale of office supplies and similar business services, but not including the rental, sales or repair of vehicles or heavy equipment.
A permanent or temporary accessory structure with a roof and supporting members, but without walls, intended to protect persons, merchandise or other property from the elements, not including a canopy sign.
The surfaced area of a street, including travel lanes and parking areas, but not including shoulders, curbs, sidewalks or swales.
A permitted principal conditional use of a services character carried on within a residential dwelling unit for the preparation of food for the consumption of the public that is served at another location. This is not an eating and drinking establishment, as defined in this section of the chapter.
A portion of a building having 1/2 of its height below the average grade of the adjoining ground.
A building, other than a dwelling, used primarily as a place of worship for a recognized religious denomination which may also include, as accessory uses, rooms for religious education, social and recreational activities and administrative offices.
Any establishment where human patients are examined and treated by doctors or dentists, but not hospitalized overnight.
An establishment where animals are examined and treated by veterinarians and which may include kennels for temporary boarding of animals during treatment.
A center for the acceptance and processing of recyclable materials from the public. Recyclable materials shall be limited to glass containers, plastic containers, aluminum beverage cans, steel/bimetal containers, newsprint, high-grade office paper and corrugated paper. Processing of recyclable materials shall be limited to crushing, baling, chipping, shredding or other operations which physically reduce the mass of the materials, but which do not alter their composition in any way.
A public street which, in addition to giving access to abutting lots, intercepts local streets and provides a route for carrying considerable volumes of local traffic to community facilities and arterial roads. Streets classified as collector roads in the Township for the purposes of interpreting this chapter are: SR 4095 (South Gosser Hill Road), SR 4048 (Hyde Park Road), SR 4034 (Markle Road) and SR 4073 (White Cloud Road).
See "recreation, commercial."
An establishment providing nonacademic training, vocational or trade educational courses and programs.
A motor vehicle designed or used to transport passengers or property, including: any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; a school bus; any vehicle which transports hazardous waste materials and any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds. A motor vehicle or any part attached to or affiliated which is designed or used to transport passengers or property, including, but not limited to, any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, a school bus; any vehicle which transports hazardous waste material in any vehicle with the gross rating of 26,001 or more pounds.
A lot or portion thereof or body of water or a combination thereof within a development site for use and enjoyment of the residents of a planned residential development, not including the streets, off-street parking area and areas set aside for facilities for the general public.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
A wire or antenna no more than 10 feet in height or dish not more than 10 feet in diameter upheld in a vertical or horizontal position used for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves or microwaves in wireless television, telephone, radio and telegraphy and, further, used for distribution, redistribution, amplification, reception, broadcast, rebroadcast or transmission to other wires, receivers, antennas or dishes not located on the site. This includes communication antennas operated by either public or private organizations. Any communication antenna as herein defined greater than 20 feet in height shall be considered a communication tower.
A support structure which is usually very tall in proportion to its other dimensions, usually constructed of steel or wood and utilized to install, hold and support an antenna or antennas at or near the top of the tower in order for the antenna or antennas to be functional.
The Strategic Long-Range Comprehensive Plan of the Township which guides the physical development of the Township and which consists of maps, charts and textual matter in accordance with the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
An authorized use specifically listed in this chapter which may be granted only by the Township Supervisors pursuant to express standards and criteria prescribed in this chapter after review and recommendation by the Township Planning Commission and public hearing by the Township Supervisors.
A facility used for corporate or professional meetings, seminars and/or employee training and which may include supporting dining and lodging facilities and related recreational facilities as accessory uses.
A large, privately owned lot comprising part of an area of open land. The purpose of the conservancy lot is to provide surrounding residents with visual access to greenway land while keeping the land under private ownership and maintenance. Only a small portion of such lots may be developed; the remainder must be protected through conservation easements and used in conformance with standards for greenway land. Public access to conservancy lots is not required.
Land constrained from development under current codes and laws; includes very steep slopes (greater than or equal to 25%), wetlands, floodplains and land already protected from development (such as park).
Land not in primary conservation areas that contains locally noteworthy or significant features of the natural, historical or cultural landscape, such as mature woodlands; wildlife habitats and travel corridors; prime farmland; groundwater recharge areas; greenways and trails; historic sites and buildings and scenic viewsheds. Also includes steep slopes (greater then or equal to 15%, but less than 25%). These features, or portions of them, are often protected in a conservation development by designing greenway land to include them.
A type of residential subdivision in which all of the unbuildable land and a significant portion of the buildable land is left as permanent open space.
A retail establishment which does not exceed 20,000 square feet in gross floor area and which offers a limited selection of grocery, household and personal items for quick purchase and which may include the dispensing of gasoline at self-service pumps.
A dwelling unit added to or created within an existing structure utilizing space previously used as part of an established dwelling unit or some other use.
A recreational facility operated by a public or private entity which has as its principal use facilities for playing golf and which may include one or more of the following accessory uses: a clubhouse and/or restaurant, locker rooms, pro shop, swimming pool and facilities for racquet sports.
County of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania.
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Planning Commission or its designated planning agency.
A facility, licensed by the commonwealth, located within a building which is not used as a dwelling unit, for the care during part of a twenty-four-hour day of children under the age of 16 or handicapped or elderly persons.
A facility, registered in accordance with the laws of the commonwealth, located within a dwelling, for the care on a regular basis during part of a twenty-four-hour day of not more than six children under 16 years of age, excluding care provided to children who are relatives of the provider. Such use shall be secondary to the use of the dwelling for living purposes, and persons who do not reside in the dwelling shall not be employed.
A unit of measurement of the intensity (loudness) of sound. The unit of calibrations of sound level meters used to measure the intensity of sound.
Any landowner or agent of such landowner who makes or causes to be made an application for development.
The provisions for development, including a planned residential development, a plat of subdivision and provision 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. The phrase "provisions of development plan" when used in this chapter shall mean the written and graphic materials referred to in this definition.
See "zoning district."
Animals or fowl customarily found in a residential dwelling and kept for company or pleasure, including, but not limited to, dogs, cats, hamsters, parakeets or canaries and the like, but not operated as a kennel, as herein defined.
A retail establishment which sells prescription drugs, patent medicines, surgical and sickroom supplies and which also may sell cosmetics, household goods and a limited selection of food products.
Any building designed or used as permanent living quarters for one or more families, but not including hotels, motels, lodging or boarding houses.
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGA residential building containing one dwelling unit and which is the only principal building on the lot.
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGA residential building containing two independent dwelling units, each having a separate entrance and which is the only principal building on the lot.
MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGA residential building, or portion thereof, containing three or more dwelling units, including triplexes, fourplexes, garden apartments and townhouses.
GARDEN APARTMENTA multifamily residential building no more than three stories in height containing five or more dwelling units which share a common entrance to the outside, usually through a common corridor, and which dwelling units may have other dwelling units either above or below them.
HIGH-RISE APARTMENTA multifamily residential building containing more than three residential floors.
PATIO HOMEA single-family structure traditionally of one-story and on its own individual lot where said structure shares at least one side wall and includes an outdoor patio area but not necessarily a backyard.
TOWNHOUSEA multifamily residential building no more than 2 1/2 stories in height which contains at least three, but no more than eight, dwelling units, each of which are separated from the adjoining unit or units by a continuous, unpierced vertical wall extending from the basement to the roof, each unit having independent access directly to the outside and having no other units above or below.
TRIPLEXA multifamily residential building containing three attached dwelling units in one structure in which each unit has at least two walls exposed to the outside and each unit shares one or two common walls or floors/ceilings with an adjoining unit or units and which units may be above or below each other or side by side.
FOURPLEXA multifamily residential building containing four attached dwelling units in one structure in which each unit has at least two walls exposed to the outside and each unit shares one or two common walls or floors/ceilings with an adjoining unit or units and which units may be above or below each other or side by side.
One or more rooms which are used as living quarters for one family and which have permanent facilities for sleeping, cooking and eating, as well as sanitary facilities.
The number of dwelling units authorized by this chapter per acre of land.
An establishment whose principal business is the sale of foods, desserts or beverages to customers in a ready-to-eat state, including, but not limited to, restaurants, either conventional or fast-food, bars and nightclubs.
A vehicle that is equipped for immediate response in the event of responding to persons requiring immediate medical care, natural disasters or emergency rescue operations.
An eating establishment located within a business establishment which is restricted to employees of the business establishment and their invited guests.
A person who, for consideration, agrees or offers to act as a companion, guide or date for another person or who agrees or offers to privately model lingerie or to privately perform a striptease for another person.
A person or business association who furnishes, offers to furnish or advertises to furnish escorts as one of its primary business purposes for a fee, tip or other compensation.
The erection, construction, alteration or maintenance by public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies of underground or overhead gas, electrical, steam or water transmission or distribution systems, including poles, wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, conduit cables, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants, street signs and other similar equipment and accessories in connection therewith, reasonably necessary for the furnishing of adequate service by such public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies or for the public health or safety or general welfare, but not including buildings.
The key document in the conservation development design process; provides the developer and the Township with a comprehensive analysis of existing conditions both on the proposed development site and within 500 feet of the site, allowing them to make informed decisions on development design.
An individual or two or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption or foster child care, including domestic servants or gratuitous guests thereof; or a group of not more than four unrelated persons living together without supervision in a dwelling unit; or up to four persons living together in a group living arrangement with supervision, provided that the group living arrangement meets all of the following criteria:
It provides support services, including supervision, personal care, social and counseling services and transportation to persons who need such assistance in order to use and enjoy a dwelling or to avoid being placed in an institution because of physical disability, old age, mental retardation or other "handicap" or "disability" as defined by the Fair Housing Amendments Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act.
It provides for the joint occupancy of a dwelling where the residents maintain a common household and practice, on a permanent or long-term basis, a joint economic, social and cultural life.
It does not involve the housing of persons on a transient basis.
It does not involve the housing or treatment of persons accepted for residency in the group living arrangement on the basis of their status as criminal offenders, juvenile offenders or delinquents, who would otherwise qualify for residency by virtue of having been found by any governmental tribunal, court or agency to be a danger to society or are on release or under the jurisdiction of the criminal justice system, a government bureau of corrections or similar institution.
Any lot, or group of contiguous lots, under single ownership which is used for agriculture, as defined by this chapter.
An animal that is traditionally devoted to agriculture, pasturage, stock raising, dairy farming or some allied industry. These animals are commonly used in farming operations, rather than domesticated animals (i.e. cats, dogs, etc.).
A building located on private property which is zoned R2 or on private property on a farm which is a legal nonconforming use in the R1 District that is used for the purpose of processing, storage, refrigeration and distribution of agricultural products (storage, washing, packing cooking, smoking, etc.).
Products and related goods that are sold at a roadside stand, as described in Article XV, § 250-118D, retail farm stores and farm processing buildings that include, but are not limited to, fruits, vegetables, horticulture, floriculture, arboriculture, apiary, meat, poultry/eggs, dairy, deli, baked goods, canned goods, woolens and smoked meats.
The ultimate approval of a planned residential development granted by the Board of Supervisors which follows tentative approval and filing of an application for final approval, all granted in accordance with Article XIII of this chapter.
Banks, saving and loan associations and similar institutions that lend money or are engaged in a finance-related business.
See "lot, flag."
Any building which is designed to accommodate a combination of office and warehousing or office and manufacturing assembly.
A retail establishment which has a gross floor area of no more than 10,000 square feet and which offers for sale specialty or gourmet food items or meats which are packaged and which are not available for consumption or the premises.
A building and adjacent loading area where cargo is stored and where commercial vehicles load and unload cargo on a regular basis, which may or may not include facilities for maintenance, fueling, storage or dispatching of vehicles.
The number of oscillations per second in a sound wave which is an index of the pitch of the resulting sound.
A building used for the embalming of the deceased for burial, but not including cremation, and for the display of the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation.
An accessory building or part of a principal building used only for the storage of private motor vehicles and other personal effects of the occupants of the principal structure.
Any garage, other than a private garage, available to the general public which is used for storage, parking or rental of motor vehicles, but which is not used for the repair or maintenance of motor vehicles.
See "dwelling."
A retail establishment that sells flowers, plants, shrubs, trees and other natural flora and products which aid their growth and care and which may include a greenhouse or the growing of plant material outside the lot.
That portion of a tract that is set aside for the protection of sensitive natural features, farmland, scenic views and other unique features. Greenway land may be accessible to the residents of the development and/or the Township or it may contain areas of conservancy lots which are not accessible to the public or it may contain underground facilities for on-lot sewage systems.
A retail establishment which primarily sells meat and food products, but which may also include as accessory uses a pharmacy, bakery, florist, travel agency, video rental (excluding adult video store), banking and copy/fax services.
The sum of the horizontal areas of the several floors of a principal building or buildings on the same lot. All dimensions shall be measured between exterior faces of walls.
A facility which provides room and board and specialized services for more than eight residents who are mentally or physically handicapped or any number of permanent residents who are dependent and/or delinquent children under the age of 18 adjudicated by the court system or mentally disturbed persons of any age who are in need of supervisors and staff qualified by the sponsoring agency who may or may not reside at the facility who provide health, social and/or rehabilitative services to the residents. The services shall be provided only by a governmental agency, its licensed or certified agents or any other responsible nonprofit social service corporation, and the facility shall meet all minimum requirements of the sponsoring agency.
A dwelling unit where room and board is provided to not more than eight permanent residents who are mentally or physically handicapped persons of any age who are in need of supervision and specialized services and no more than two supervisors on any shift who may or may not reside in the dwelling and who proved health, social and/or rehabilitative services to the residents provided only by a governmental agency, its licensed or certified agents or any other responsible nonprofit social services corporation which meets all minimum requirements of the sponsoring agency.
A building, or part thereof, used for the servicing and repairing of heavy equipment, such as tractor trailers, tri-axle trucks, road graders, earth movers and other similar heavy motor vehicles and industrial construction equipment and where all storage of parts and all repair work are conducted entirely inside an enclosed building.
See "building height."
An area for the landing of or a base for helicopters or refueling helicopters or providing helicopter maintenance or repair.
See "dwelling."
A pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation and not for profit.
A lot where agricultural activities and/or the raising of animals are conducted by the residents for their personal use and enjoyment and does not constitute the principal economic activity of the resident.
An accessory use of a service character carried on entirely within a dwelling unit by the residents thereof which is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the building for dwelling purposes and which does not change the residential character thereof.
An establishment (including sanitariums) for the short-term care of patients suffering from physical or mental illnesses, but not including narcotics addiction or those found to be criminally insane and which may or may not include facilities for major surgery and which may be publicly or privately operated.
See "motel/hotel."
An enclosed device licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), or its successor agency, which uses controlled combustion for the primary purpose of breaking down solid waste.
A business enterprise involving the collection, storage, processing, recycling and/or sale of scrap metal, other than household recyclable materials, scrapped, abandoned or junked motor vehicles, machinery, construction or other equipment or parts.
Any establishment where more than four dogs or more than six cats who are more than six months old are kept, bred, trained and/or boarded at any one time for profit.
Any of the following activities:
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
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
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.
A subdivision of land.
Development in accordance with Section 503(1.1) of the Municipalities Planning Code.[2]
A plan prepared in accordance with the application requirements of the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance[3] for approval of a land development, as defined herein.
Any site licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) for the disposal of solid waste, other than hazardous waste, as defined and regulated by federal statute.
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 he is authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner or other person having a proprietary interest in the land.
A plan prepared by a registered landscape architect, or a member of the American Nurserymen's Association, identifying each tree and shrub by size, type and scientific name; the location of each, including a planting diagram and such other diagrams or reports as are necessary to show the method of planting, staking and mulching; grass seeding specifications and mixtures and existing trees to be preserved.
The processing and fabrication of certain materials and products where no process involved will produce noises, vibration, air pollution, fire hazard or noxious emission which will disturb or endanger neighboring properties. "Light manufacturing" includes the production of the following goods: home appliances, electrical instruments, office machines, precision instruments, electronic devices, timepieces, jewelry, optical goods, musical instruments, novelties, wood products, printed material, lithographic plates, type composition, machine tools, dies and gauges, ceramics, apparel, lightweight nonferrous metal castings, film processing, light sheet metal products, plastic goods, pharmaceutical goods and food products, but no animal slaughtering, curing nor rendering of fats.
A portion of a lot used for the standing, loading or unloading of motor vehicles.
A tract of land in a plan or subdivision or any other parcel of land described in a deed or legal instrument pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania intended to be used as a unit for development, lease or transfer of ownership.
That area measured on a horizontal plane bounded by the front, rear and side lot lines, exclusive of any area within a street right-of-way.
A lot at the intersection of and fronting on two or more street rights-of-way.
That coverage of the lot area covered by all principal and accessory structures.
The mean horizontal distance between the front lot line and the rear lot line, measured midway between the side lot lines.
A lot surrounded by another lot or lots on all side and where access to such lot is by means of a narrow strip of lot or easement. The narrow strip of lot or easement shall be termed as the "flagpole" portion of the lot.
A lot other than a corner lot or through lot.
Line which bounds the lot contiguous with the street right-of-way line, except for lots with long access driveways where the front lot line starts at the end of the access driveway.
That line which is generally opposite to the front lot line.
Any lot line which is not a front lot line or rear lot line, except for lots with long access driveways where the side lot lines start at the end of the access driveway.
Any lot which individually, or as part of a subdivision, has been recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Westmoreland County.
A lot which has frontage on two parallel streets and which is not a corner lot.
The straight line distance between the points of intersection of the building line with the side lot lines.
Addition in excess of 25% of the existing structure.
The processing and fabrication of any article, substance or commodity as a business activity for profit.
A facility for the storing, servicing, fueling, berthing and securing of boats which may include eating, sleeping and retail facilities for owners, crews and guests.
Total lot coverage, including rooftops, all paved surfaces and all surface structures that will not let water pass through to the earth.
A voluntary negotiating process in which parties in a dispute manually 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.
Any extraction of any mineral for sale or other commercial purpose which involves removal of the surface of the earth or exposure of the mineral or subsurface of the earth to wind, rain, sun or other elements of nature. The term "mineral" includes, but is not limited to, anthracite and bituminous coal, lignite, limestone and dolomite, sand, gravel, rock, stone, earth, slag, ore, vermiculite, clay and other mineral resources. Mining activities carried out beneath the surface of the earth by means of shafts, tunnels or other underground mine openings are included in this definition.
The minimum distance between the side lot lines measured along the street right-of-way line or, if the right-of-way line is not a straight line, a line tangent thereto.
Addition 25% or less of the existing structure.
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 constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation.
A mobile home which is utilized without a permanent foundation shall be located only in a mobile home park, as defined and regulated herein; however, a mobile home which is rendered immobile by permanent placement on a continuous masonry foundation or at least two concrete footers which project at least three feet below finished grade and are placed along the longer dimension of the mobile home and which mobile home is skirted and ties to its foundation in accordance with the requirements of the American National Installation of Mobile Home requirements (NFPA No. 501-A1974, ANSI Al 19.3-1975), as amended and which is connected to all available utilities shall be regarded as a single-family dwelling and shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter for single-family dwellings in the district in which it is proposed to be located.
A parcel of land in a mobile home park improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erection thereon of a single mobile home.
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.
An establishment which provides transient lodging accommodations to the general public and which may provide such additional supporting services as restaurants, meeting rooms, recreational facilities and living quarters for a resident manager or proprietor.
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of 1968, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., as amended.
The total floor area of a building designed for tenant occupancy, excluding halls, corridors, stairwells, elevator shafts, equipment rooms, rest rooms, interior vehicular parking and loading areas and other areas used in common by tenants of the building, expressed in square feet and measured from the center line of joint partitions and exteriors of outside walls.
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. The business or commercial activity must satisfy the following requirements:
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential use of the property and surrounding residential uses.
The business shall employ no employees other than family members residing in the dwelling.
There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling or inventory of a substantial nature.
There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including, but not limited to, parking, signs or lights.
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 is detectable in the neighborhood.
The business activity may not generate any solid waste or sewage discharge in volume or type which is not normally associated with residential use in the neighborhood.
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.
The business may not involve any illegal activity.
See "recreation, noncommercial."
Any lot which does not comply with the applicable area and bulk provisions of this chapter, or an amendment hereafter enacted, which lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or any subsequent amendment.
A structure, or part of a structure, manifestly not designed to comply with the applicable area, bulk or other provisions in this chapter or an amendment hereafter which lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or any subsequent amendment. Such nonconforming structures include, but are not limited to, nonconforming signs.
A use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or an amendment hereafter enacted which lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or any subsequent amendment.
Any place where a person who appears seminude, in a state of nudity or who displays specified anatomical areas and is provided to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed or similarly depicted by other persons who pay money or any form of consideration. "Nude model studio" shall not include a proprietary school licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or a college, junior college or university supported entirely or in part by public taxation; a private college or university which maintains and operates educational programs in which credits are transferable to a college, junior college or university supported entirely or partly by taxation; or in a structure:
That no sign visible from the exterior of the structure and no other advertising that indicates a nude or seminude person is available for viewing; and
Where, in order to participate in a class, a student must enroll at least three days in advance of the class; and
Where no more than one nude or seminude model is on the premises at any one time.
The showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, vulva, anus, anal cleft or cleavage with less than a fully opaque covering; the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any part of the nipple or the showing of the covered male genitals in a discemibly turgid state.
A facility licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania designed to provide daytime care and educational instruction for compensation to children who are not related to the operator.
A facility licensed to operate as such by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the purpose of providing skilled or immediate nursing care and related medical or other health services.
A permit for the use or occupancy of a building, structure or lot indicating compliance with all provisions of this chapter.
Any office of recognized professions, such as doctors, lawyers, architects, engineers, real estate brokers, insurance agents and other offices used primarily for accounting, corresponding, research, editing or other administrative functions, but not including banks or other financial institutions.
The removal of oil or gas resources in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by means of drilling or redrilling any well, deepening of any existing well or frac or hydra frac of any well.
An establishment for processing and packing livestock into meat, meat products and by-products, not including the slaughtering of live animals.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or any successor agency or agencies.
A facility licensed by the commonwealth located within a dwelling where room and board is provided to more than three permanent residents who are not relatives of the operator who are mobile or semimobile and require specialized services in such matters as bathing, dressing, diet and medication prescribed for self-administration for a period exceeding 24 hours, but who are not in need if hospitalization or skilled or intermediate nursing care.
Any enterprise providing services pertaining to the person, their apparel or personal effects commonly carried on or about the person, including, but not limited to, shoe repair, tailoring, clothes cleaning, watch repairing, barbershops, beauty parlors and related activities.
A retail establishment which does not exceed 10,000 square feet of gross floor area and which primarily sells prescription drugs, patent medicines, surgical and sickroom supplies.
An establishment or part thereof, used to test concepts and ideas, determine physical layouts, material flows and processes, types of equipment required, costs and other information necessary prior to undertaking full-scale production.
A development containing several industrial buildings on a site which is under single ownership and control at the time of an application for development and which is planned and developed as a single unit wherein several buildings or lots utilize a common means of access and may share other common facilities such as parking and signs.
A development containing several office buildings on a site which is under single ownership and control at the time of an application for development and which is planned and developed as a single unit wherein several buildings or lots utilize a common means of access and may share other common facilities such as parking and signs.
A type of conservation development in which mixed housing types (single-family residences, duplexes, garden apartments, etc.) are allowed in the same development.
A building or combination of buildings constructed and used for the purpose of the planned or phased retirement of persons permanently residing therein. Such combinations of buildings and uses may include multiunit apartment complexes, independent living complexes, independent living cottages, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing care facilities and medical centers, but do not include buildings or complexes not intended to be constructed or used for the planned or phased retirement of persons permanently residing therein.
A site under single ownership and control which is developed as a unit for two or more retail establishments in one or more buildings and designed so that parking, loading and access facilities are shared.
The Allegheny Township Planning Commission; Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
The building or buildings on a lot in which the principal use or uses are conducted.
The structure or structures in which the principal use or uses are conducted.
The primary or predominant use of any lot or structure.
The keeping of horses and/or ponies for the personal use and enjoyment of the residents of a lot.
See "offices, business and professional."
Owned, operated or controlled by a government agency, federal, state, local or county.
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the governing body or planning agency intended to inform and obtain public comment prior to taking action in accordance with this chapter.
A forum held pursuant to notice under the Act of October 15, 1998, P.L. 729, No. 93 (65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.), known as the "Sunshine Act."
Notice published once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. Such notice shall state the time and place of the hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing. The first publication shall not be more than 30 days and the second publication shall not be less than seven days from the date of the meeting.
A parking area on the surface of a lot which is the principal use on the lot, which may be operated by either a public agency or private entity, whether for profit or not, and which is available for use by the general public.
Any administrative or service building operated by a public utility or any transmission facility of a public utility which does not meet the definition of an essential service.
[Amended 6-10-2013 by Ord. No. 02-2013]
Includes any of the following vehicles:
Designed as temporary living quarters when recreating or on vacation.
Vehicle may or may not include a sewage holding tank.
Vehicle must contain at least four of the following, two of which must be listed in Subsection A(1)(c)[1], [2], [3], or [4]:
Liquid propane gas for cooking;
Potable water, including sink and faucet;
Separate 110-125 volt electrical power;
Not permanently anchored to a foundation or footing;
Heating or air conditioning;
Electric or propane refrigerator; or
Toilet self-contained or connected to a plumbing system.
Mobile homes and house trailers permanently anchored to a foundation or footing are not included in this definition.
VAN OR TRUCK WITH A SLIDE-IN CAMPERSlide-in camper may contain a sleeping area and potential cooking and personal content. Weighs 7,000 pounds or less and is not used day to day.
For the purpose of this chapter, no other motorized or unmotorized vehicles used for recreation, including, but not limited to, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, jet ski watercrafts, or which do not satisfy the criteria above, shall be defined as part of a use for recreational vehicle sales and service.
A seasonal recreational facility operated for profit which offers two or more spaces for rent for overnight occupancy by recreational vehicles and which contains sanitary facilities and recreational facilities for the use of the occupants.
An enterprise operated by other than a public entity for profit for the outdoor pursuit of sports, recreation and leisure activities, including, but not limited to, such establishments as miniature golf, golf or batting practice facilities, ice or roller rinks, playing fields, racquet clubs, swimming pools, amusement parks, arenas, stadiums, amphitheaters, racetracks and similar facilities, including supporting on-site restaurants and/or other food service.
Includes, but is not limited to, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts; soccer and football fields; baseball diamonds; golf courses; swimming pools; tot lots and playgrounds.
Includes, but is not limited to, jogging, equestrian and pedestrian trails; bicycle paths and hiking trails.
An enterprise operated by an individual, association or corporation, other than a public entity, whether or not for profit and whether or not the facilities are advertised to the general public, including either indoor or outdoor facilities for the pursuit of sports, recreation and leisure activities, the use of which is limited to members and their guests, including, but not limited to, such establishments as country clubs, golf courses, sportsmen's clubs, golf practice facilities, playing fields, tennis or racquet clubs, fitness clubs, swimming pools and similar facilities.
An enterprise operated by a public entity, available to the general public, whether or not an admission fee is charged, including either indoor or outdoor facilities for the pursuit of sports, recreation or leisure activities, including, but not limited to, parks, playgrounds, playing fields, golf courses, golf or batting practice facilities, ice rinks, tennis courts, swimming pools and similar facilities.
Any establishment which carries on investigation in the natural, physical or social sciences or engineering and development as an extension of such investigation with the objective of creating end products and which may include pilot manufacturing, as defined by this chapter, as an accessory use.
A processing facility that provides for the extraction and utilization of materials or energy from municipal waste which is generated off-site, including, but not limited to, a facility that mechanically extracts materials from municipal waste, a combustion facility that converts the organic fraction of municipal waste to usable energy and any chemical or biological process that converts municipal waste into a fuel product.
A business establishment located entirely on private property which is zoned R2 or on private property on any farm which is a legal nonconforming use in an R1 District, as defined by this chapter. The merchandise sold at this business establishment shall be predominantly agricultural products, which may include, but are not limited to, fruits, vegetables, horticulture, arboriculture, apiary, meat, poultry/eggs, dairy, deli, baked goods, canned goods and woolens. Some or all of the agricultural products must be grown or raised on the property owner's farm.
A business establishment located entirely within an enclosed building which sells goods, services or merchandise to the general public for personal, household or office consumption, but which shall not include wholesaling, manufacturing or processing of the goods offered for sale.
Any establishment, other than a private stable, where horses are kept for riding, driving and/or stabling for compensation or where horses are incidental to the operation of any club, association, ranch or similar establishment.
A chart described in the U.S. Bureau of Mines Information Circular 6888, or its successor, and on which is illustrated graduated shades of gray for use in estimating the light obscuring capacity of smoke.
The number appearing on the Ringlemann Chart ascribed by the observer to the density of smoke emission.
A place of instruction operated by a public or religious organization, having regular sessions, with regularly employed instructors and meeting all of the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education for providing primary, secondary, vocational or postsecondary education. This definition shall not include privately operated for-profit schools of trade, vocation, avocation or business.
A business establishment that offers a number of individual washing, drying, ironing or dry cleaning machines for hire to be used by customers on the premises.
A building or group of buildings in a controlled access and fenced compound that contains various sizes of individualized, compartmentalized and controlled access stalls and/or lockers leased by the general public for a specified period of time for the dead storage of personal property.
The state of dress in which clothing partially or nonopaquely covers specified anatomical areas.
Patently offensive representations or descriptions of ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated and patently offensive representations, description or acts of masturbation, excretory functions, homosexuality, sodomy, sexual intercourse or physical contact with a person's clothed or unclothed genital, pubic area, buttocks or, if such person be female, breasts.
A business or commercial enterprise that, as one of its principal business purposes, offers for any form of consideration:
Any structure or device used to attract attention by word or graphic display.
See "surface area of sign."
The original tract of land which exists prior to any subdivision activity and which is the subject of a preliminary application for development, as defined by the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[4]
The total area of all lots, rights-of-way, easements, open space and other features contained within the boundaries of a site.
A scaled graphical depiction of the proposed development of a lot, parcel or tract of land describing all covenants assigned as well as accurately depicting the use, location, and bulk of all buildings and structures, intensity of use or density of development, streets, driveways, rights-of-way, easements, parking facilities, topography, open space, public facilities and utilities, setbacks, height of buildings and structures, architectural characteristics and materials and other such data necessary for municipal officials to determine compliance with this chapter and appropriate provisions of other such ordinances as they may apply.
A diagrammatic illustration of initial thoughts about a conceptual layout for greenway lands, house sites and street alignments; provides a basis for informal discussion among the applicant, the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors on conservation development design; based closely on the information in the Existing Resources and Site Analysis Map, it is often prepared as an overlay sheet placed on top of the map.
An establishment for slaughtering, processing and packing livestock into meat, meat products and by-products.
Slopes greater than or equal to 15%, but less than 25%.
Slopes greater than or equal to 25%.
The intensity of sound, measured in decibels.
An instrument calibrated according to the standards of the American Standard Association for measurement of intensity of sound.
See "use by special exception."
Human genitals, pubic region, anus, buttocks, female breast(s) below a point immediately above the top of the areola or human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely covered.
Any of the following:
A container, whether above ground or in the ground, for the bulk storage of material in gaseous, liquid, powder or pellet form.
That portion of a building, excluding basement, between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it or, if there is no floor above it, then the space between any floor and the ceiling next above it.
All land between right-of-way lines, whether public or private and whether improved or unimproved, which is intended to accommodate vehicular traffic, including an avenue, drive, boulevard, highway, road, freeway, parkway, lane, viaduct or other vehicular way.
Any street within the boundaries of a development site such as a mobile home park or planned residential development which is intended to be privately owned and maintained.
Any change in the support members of any nonresidential building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders; changes in the means of ingress and/or egress; enlargement of floor area or height of any residential or nonresidential structure; or relocation of any residential or nonresidential structure from one position to another.
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land. Structures which shall be subject to the regulations of this chapter shall include: buildings, towers, antennas, fences, decks, gazebos, pavilions, swimming pools, tennis courts, garages, storage sheds. Structures which shall not be subject to the regulations of this chapter shall include: flagpoles, mailboxes, driveways, walkways, patios, residential composting facilities and similar structures which are decorative or are not used for human occupancy, storage of goods or other recreational activity.
The Allegheny Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[5]
The Board of Supervisors of the Township of Allegheny, County of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania.
A commercial establishment storing or offering for sale building supplies, steel supplies, coal, heavy equipment, feed and grain and similar goods. Supply yards do not include the wrecking, salvaging, dismantling or storage of automobiles and similar vehicles.
That area enclosed by one continuous line connecting the extreme points or edges of the sign. The area shall be determined using the largest sign area or silhouette visible at any one time from any one point. This area shall not include the main supporting sign structure, but all other ornamental attachments, inner connecting link, etc., which are not part of the main supports of the sign shall be included in determining the surface area of the sign. For two-sided signs, only one face is counted in computing the surface area.
A body of water in an artificial or semi-artificial receptacle or other container, whether located in or out of doors, in ground or above ground, used as a recreational facility for swimming, bathing or wading and having a depth at any point of more than 18 inches or a surface area of more than 100 square feet, excluding the equipment necessary to maintain the swimming pool and the healthful condition of the water.
A room or rooms, open to the general public, primarily used for the retail marketing of winery products. Merchandise offered for sale within the tasting room may also include souvenirs and clothing bearing the logo of the winery, as well as wine-related items and other products that reflect or enhance the character or theme of the winery. A room or rooms where wine tasting occurs, where wine tasting is part of the normal business practice in the wholesale marketing of winery products and not open to the public, is not considered a tasting room.
[Added 5-9-2016 by Ord. No. 01-2016]
Approval prerequisite to final approval of a planned residential development granted by the Board of Supervisors in accordance with Article XIII of this chapter.
An establishment, other than an adult movie theater or movie house, inside a completely enclosed building devoted to showing pictures and/or live dramatic or musical performances.
The Township of Allegheny, County of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania.
A facility licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) which receives and temporarily stores solid waste at a location other than the generation site and which facilitates the bulk transfer of accumulated solid waste to a facility for further processing and disposal.
A dwelling unit occupied on a short-term basis by persons assigned by a court of law or public or semipublic agency responsible for the occupants' care, safety, conduct, counseling and supervision for a specified period of time, including alcoholic recovery, shelter for battered persons and their children, community reentry services following incarceration or other court-ordered treatment and other such short-term supervised assignments.
A facility to accommodate the service, repair and storage of trucks and other motorized equipment and trailers and which may incidentally provide warehousing activities and transfer facilities.
Any activity, business or purpose for which any lot or structure is utilized.
An authorized use specifically listed in this chapter which may be granted only by the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with express standards and criteria specified in this chapter after public hearing.
A departure from the strict letter of this chapter as it applies to a specific property as authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with the terms of this chapter and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
A building, or part thereof, used for the servicing and repairing of motor vehicles, including engine overhaul, body work and repairing/retreading of tires and where all storage of parts and dismantled vehicles and all repair work are conducted entirely inside an enclosed building.
See "clinic, veterinary."
The storage and handling of freight or merchandise, but not including the maintenance or fueling of commercial vehicles.
Household, commercial, medical, industrial and other solid or liquid wastes classified as hazardous by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), as now or hereafter amended.
All types of waste which are not included in the definition of "hazardous waste."
A bonded facility primarily used for the commercial processing of grapes or other fruit products to produce wine or similar spirits or the refermenting of still wine into sparkling wine. Processing consists of controlled fermentation combined with any of the following: crushing, blending, barrel aging, and bottling. Storage of case goods shall only occur in conjunction with processing. Retail sales and tasting of wine and retail sales of related promotional items may be allowed as part of the winery operation.
[Added 5-9-2016 by Ord. No. 01-2016]
Anything constructed, erected, or placed, with or without a foundation, the use of which requires location on the ground, and which is covered by a roof. The footprint area of uncovered storage tanks and wine caves is also included as winery structural development. Winery structural development is restricted to development associated with the winery operation and does not include residential development, including employee housing, development that is solely accessory to vineyards, and other agricultural activities not directly associated with the winery.
[Added 5-9-2016 by Ord. No. 01-2016]
A required open space located on a lot which is unobstructed by any portion of a principal structure other than certain projections expressly permitted by this chapter.
A yard extending across the full lot width and abutting the front yard line. The depth measurement required by this chapter for the front yard shall be the horizontal distance between the front lot line and a line parallel or concentric thereto known as the "building line." Structures regulated by this chapter shall not be permitted in any required front yard, except those projections permitted by § 250-116 of this chapter or as otherwise authorized by § 250-115.
A yard extending across the width of the lot between the side yards and adjoining the rear lot line. The minimum depth measurement required by this chapter shall be the horizontal distance between the rear lot line and a line parallel thereto. Structures regulated by this chapter shall not be permitted in any required rear yard, except those projections permitted by § 250-116 of this chapter or otherwise authorized by § 250-115.
A yard extending between the building line and the rear yard line parallel to the side lot line. The minimum width measurement required by this chapter shall be the horizontal distance between the side lot line and a line parallel thereto. Structures regulated by this chapter shall not be permitted in any required side yard, except those projections permitted by § 250-116 of this chapter or otherwise authorized by § 250-115.
A graphic way of determining the amount of buildable land in a tract. A "yield plan" is a conceptual, but realistic, layout of a tract of land showing a standard (nonconservation) development pattern that could reasonably be expected to be implemented, taking into account the constraining factors of the land. The number of dwelling units on the yield plan is then used to determine the number of dwelling units permitted in a conservation development built on that same land.
Administrative areas within the Township designating the uses to which land can legally be utilized for which the boundaries are shown on the Zoning Map, which is part of this chapter.
The Zoning Hearing Board of Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, duly appointed by the Supervisors in accordance with Article XX of this chapter.
The official map delineating the zoning districts of Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, together with all amendments subsequently adopted.[6]
The designated official or an authorized representative appointed by the Supervisors whose duty it shall be to administer this chapter.