Specific words and phrases. The following words and
phrases shall have the particular meaning assigned by this section
in the appropriate sections of this chapter:
ACCESS DRIVE
An improved cartway designed and constructed to provide for
vehicular movement between a public road and a tract of land containing
any use other than one to four dwelling units or a farm.
ACCESSORY DWELLING
A self-contained dwelling unit, resulting from the conversion
of an existing single-family detached dwelling into two units or the
creation of a dwelling unit within an authorized accessory structure,
which is complete with kitchen and bath facilities, has direct access
to the outdoors or to a hall from which there is direct access to
the outdoors, and is physically subordinate to the primary dwelling
unit that exists on the property.
[Added 7-16-2015 by Ord.
No. 2015-03]
ACCESSORY OUTDOOR STORAGE
The storage, outside of a completely enclosed building, of
items related to the principal use of the property. Accessory outdoor
storage within the Residential Zone may include items such as firewood,
lawn and garden equipment, sports equipment, and other household-related
items.
ACCESSORY USE
A use on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental
and subordinate to, the principal use or structure.
ACREAGE, NET
The total land area contained within a property or proposed
site, exclusive of lands within a public or private street right-of-way.
[NOTE: one acre equals 43,560 square feet.]
ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (ADL)
Activities which include eating, drinking, ambulating, transferring
in and out of bed or chair, toileting, personal hygiene, seeking health
care, managing health care, self-administering medication and properly
turning and positioning in a bed or chair.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-01]
ADULT-RELATED USES
(1)
A business or club which engages in one or more
of the following areas of sales, services or entertainment:
(a)
ADULT BATH HOUSEAn establishment or business which provides the services of baths of all kinds, including all forms and methods of hydrotherapy during which specified anatomical areas are displayed or specified sexual activity occurs. This section shall not apply to hydrotherapy treatment practiced by, or under the supervision of a medical practitioner. A medical practitioner, for the purpose of this chapter, shall be a medical doctor, physician, chiropractor, or similar professional licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(b)
ADULT BODY PAINTING STUDIOAny establishment or business, including but not limited to a tattoo parlor, which provides the service of applying paint or other substance, whether transparent or nontransparent, to or on the human body when specified anatomical areas are exposed.
(c)
ADULT BOOKSTOREAny establishment which has 20% or more of its stock-in-trade consisting of:
[1]
Books, films, videotapes, magazines, or other
periodicals or other forms of audio or visual representation which
are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on depiction or
description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical
areas.
[2]
Instruments, devices, or paraphernalia (excluding
prophylactics) which are designed for use in connection with specified
sexual activities.
(d)
ADULT CABARETA nightclub, theater, bar, or other establishment which features live or media representations of performances by topless or bottomless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, or similar entertainers, where such performances are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
(e)
ADULT MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTAny establishment or business which provides the services of massage and body manipulation, including exercises, heat and light treatments of the body, and all forms and methods of physiotherapy, unless operated by a medical practitioner, chiropractor, or professional physical therapist licensed by the commonwealth. This definition does not include an athletic club, health club, school, gymnasium, reducing salon, tanning salon, spa, or similar establishment where massage or similar manipulation of the human body is offered as an incidental or accessory service.
(f)
ADULT MINI MOTION PICTURE THEATERAn enclosed building with a capacity of more than five, but less than 50, persons used for presenting any form of audio or visual material, and in which a substantial portion of the total presentation time measured on an annual basis is devoted to the showing of material which is distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
(g)
ADULT MODEL STUDIOAny place where, for any form of consideration or gratuity, figure models who display specified anatomical areas are provided to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed, or similarly depicted by persons paying such consideration or gratuity, except that this provision shall not apply to any figure studio or school of art or similar establishment which meets the requirements established in the Education Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the issuance or conferring of, and is in fact authorized there under, to issue and confer a diploma.
(h)
ADULT MOTELA motel or similar establishment offering public accommodations for any consideration, which provides patrons with material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
(i)
ADULT MOTION PICTURE ARCADEAny place to which the public is permitted or invited wherein coin- or slug-operated or electronically or mechanically controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors, or other image producing devices are maintained 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 an emphasis on depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
(j)
ADULT MOTION PICTURE THEATERAn enclosed or unenclosed building with a capacity of 50 or more persons used for presenting any form of audio or visual material, and in which a substantial portion of the total presentation time measured on an annual basis is devoted to the showing of material which is distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
(k)
ADULT NEWS RACKAny card- or coin-operated machine or device which dispenses material which depicts, describes or relates to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
(l)
ADULT OUT-CALL SERVICE ACTIVITYAny establishment or business which provides an out-call service which consists of individuals leaving the premises upon request or by appointment to visit other premises for a period of time for the purpose of providing any service during which time specified anatomical areas are displayed or specified sexual activity occurs.
(m)
ADULT SEXUAL ENCOUNTER CENTERAny business, agency, or person who, for any form of consideration or gratuity, provides a place where two or more persons, not all members of the same family, may congregate, assemble or associate for the purpose of engaging in specified sexual activity or exposing specified anatomical areas, excluding psychosexual workshops, operated by a medical practitioner licensed by the commonwealth, to engage in sexual therapy.
(n)
ADULT THEATERA theater, concert hall, auditorium or other similar establishment, either indoor or outdoor, which regularly features live performances which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on specified sexual activities or by exposure of specified anatomical areas for observation by patrons.
(o)
ADULT VIDEO STOREAny establishment which has 50% or more of its stock-in-trade consisting of video tapes, video discs, or both, which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis, depiction, or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
(2)
Any other business or establishment which offers
its patrons services or entertainment characterized by an emphasis
on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities
or specified anatomical areas.
AEU-ANIMAL EQUIVALENT UNIT
One thousand pounds live weight of livestock or poultry animals,
on an annualized basis, regardless of the actual number of individual
animals comprising the unit.
[Added 8-15-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-04]
AGRICULTURAL OPERATION[Amended 8-15-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]
(1)
The activities, practices, equipment and procedures that farmers
adopt, use or engage in the production and preparation for market
of poultry, livestock and their products and in the production, harvesting
and preparation for market or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural,
silvicultural and aquacultural crops and commodities and is:
(a)
Not less than 10 contiguous acres in area; or
(b)
Less than 10 contiguous acres in area but has an anticipated
yearly gross income of at least $10,000.
(2)
This term includes new activities, practices, equipment and
procedures consistent with technological development within the agricultural
industry. Use of equipment shall include machinery designed and used
for agricultural production and/or processing, including, but not
limited to, crop dryers, feed grinders, saw mills, hammer mills, refrigeration
equipment, bins and related equipment used to store or prepare crops
for marketing and those items of agricultural equipment and machinery
defined by the act of December 12, 1994 (P.L. 944, No. 134), known
as the Farm Safety and Occupational Health Act. Custom work shall be considered a normal farming practice.
AGRICULTURE
The tilling of the soil, the raising of crops, forestry,
horticulture, viniculture, and gardening, including the keeping or
raising of livestock, such as cattle, cows, swine, horses, sheep,
goats, poultry, rabbits, birds, fish, bees, and other similar animals.
Agriculture also includes the incidental slaughter for personal consumption
of livestock which have been raised on the site (see also "farm").
[Amended 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05; 1-16-2014 by Ord. No.
2014-01; 8-15-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]
AIRPORT
A principal use where aircraft are stored, maintained, repaired,
and refueled, and where aircraft take off and land. Airports may also
include other accessory accommodations for aircraft passengers, cargo,
or both.
ALLEY
A minor right-of-way, privately or publicly owned, primarily
for service access to the rear and/or side of properties.
ALTERATION
Any change, rearrangement, enlargement, addition, moving,
reconstruction, relocation, removal, or demolition of any building,
structure or of the structural parts thereof, or any modification
which may change the valuation for tax assessment purposes of the
building, structure, or site involved, but not including the mere
painting or finishing of surfaces when not accompanied by any other
activity herein referred to, provided that the original configuration,
plan and form of the structure are not altered.
[Amended 1-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-01]
ALTERNATIVE TOWER STRUCTURE
Man-made trees, clock towers, bell steeples, light poles,
flagpoles, and similar alternative-design mounting structures that
camouflage or conceal the presence of antennas or towers.
AMUSEMENT ARCADE
A commercial establishment which provides as a principal
use, amusement devices, games of skill or chance, or both (e.g., pinball
machines, video games, squabble, electronic or water firing ranges
and other similar devices). This definition does not include the use
of two or less such devices as an accessory use.
ANIMAL EQUIVALENT UNIT (AEU)
One thousand pounds live weight of livestock or poultry regardless
of the number of individual animals or birds comprising the unit.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Any establishment offering veterinary services that includes
outdoor and overnight boarding of animals.
APPLICANT
A landowner or developer, as hereinafter defined, who has
filed an application for development, including his heirs, successors
and assigns.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
APPROVED GROUT
Neat cement, cement plus bentonite, bentonite, bentonite
plus silica sand, or low-permeability sealing material, as approved
for use by the municipality. Approved grout is to be mixed and applied
according to manufacturer's specifications (e.g., water content and
viscosity) for use in grouting wells and/or geothermal boreholes.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
ATTIC
That part of a building which is immediately below and wholly
or partly within the roof framing. Within a dwelling unit, an attic
shall not be counted as floor area unless it is constructed as or
modified into a habitable room by the inclusion of dormer windows,
an average ceiling height of five feet or more, and a permanent stationary
interior access stairway to a lower building story.
AUTOMOBILE FILLING STATION
Any area of land, including structures thereon, that is principally
used for the sale of any motor vehicle fuel. Automobile filling stations
can also include the accessory sales of motor vehicle lubricants,
additive treatments, compressed air, and other accessory items. The
minor incidental repair of motor vehicles is also permitted.
BANKFULL FLOW OR LEVEL
The discharge that just fills the water channel to the top
of its banks and at a point where the water begins to overflow onto
a floodplain.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
BANKS
See "financial institution."
BASE FLOOD
The flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or
exceeded in any given year (one-hundred-year flood).
BASEMENT
Any area of the building having its floor below ground level
on all sides.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
A single-family detached dwelling where between one and six
rooms are rented to overnight guests on a daily basis for periods
not exceeding two weeks. Meals may be offered only to registered overnight
guests.
BEEKEEPING
An agricultural use or an accessory residential use in which
bees are raised, kept, or both.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP)
A structural or nonstructural device or procedure designed
to temporarily store or treat stormwater runoff in order to mitigate
flooding and pollution, and reduce soil loss and water quality degradation
caused by runoff containing nutrients, animal waste, toxins, and sediments.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
BILLBOARD
A sign upon which images, messages, or both, of any kind
are printed, posted, or lettered, whether freestanding or attached
to a surface of a building or other structure. A billboard is used
to advertise products, services or businesses at a location other
than the premises on which the sign is placed, or to disseminate other
messages.
BOARDINGHOUSE
A detached building arranged or used for sheltering, or sheltering
and feeding, more than five and not more than 10 individuals that
do not constitute a family.
BRITISH THERMAL UNIT (BTU)
The amount of thermal energy necessary to raise the temperature
of one pound of pure liquid by 1° F. at the temperature at which
water has its greatest density (39° F.).
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
BUILDING
Any structure having walls and a roof or other covering,
designed or used for the shelter or enclosure of any person, animal,
property, or any combination thereof. Within the floodplain, the term
"building" shall include a combination of materials to form a permanent
structure having walls and a roof, and all manufactured homes and
trailers to be used for human habitation, gas and liquid storage tanks.
BUILDING AREA
The total of areas taken on a horizontal plane at the average
grade level of the principal building and all accessory buildings,
exclusive of uncovered porches, patios, decks, awnings, terraces,
and steps.
BUILDING FRONTAGE
The side of a building determined by the Zoning Officer to
be the front of the building or tenant space for purposes of determining
sign size. Each building and tenant space shall have only one building
frontage. The Zoning Officer shall determine the front of the building
based on factors including but not limited to the location of the
main entrance doors and disabled access entry, location of the parking
areas, location of access drives, location of public streets and the
street address.
[Added 7-18-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-06]
BUILDING HEIGHT
A building's vertical measurement from the average level
of the ground abutting the building at its corners to the highest
point of the roof.
BUSINESS PARK
A campus-like development containing a number of separate
business and office buildings, supporting uses and open space designed,
planned, constructed, and managed on an integrated and coordinated
basis to ensure compatibility for circulation, parking, utility needs,
and aesthetics.
CAFE
An exterior seating area associated with a restaurant or
tavern which is under constant supervision by an employee of the business.
CAFO-CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATION
An agricultural operation that meets one or more of the following
criteria established by the Department of Environmental Protection
under authority of the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L. 1987, No. 394) known
as the Clean Streams Law (Chapter 92a regulations):
[Added 8-15-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-04]
(1)
The operation is considered a concentrated animal operation
(CAO) with greater than 300 animal equivalent units (AEUs); or
(2)
The operation maintains an animal population of greater than
1,000 AEUs; or
(3)
The operation is defined as a large CAFO under U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) regulations at 40 CFR 122.23(b)(4).
CAMPGROUND
A lot, tract, or parcel of land upon which two or more campsites
are located or established, intended and maintained for occupation
by transients in recreational vehicles or tents.
CAMPSITES
A plot of ground within a campground intended for occupation
by a recreational vehicle or tent.
CAO-CONCENTRATED ANIMAL OPERATION
Agricultural operations with eight or more AEU where the
animal density exceeds two AEUs per acre on an annualized basis.
[Added 8-15-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-04]
CARE BED
Includes licensed bed and/or long-term care bed as defined
by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or other regulatory authority.
CARPORT
An unenclosed structure for the storage of one or more vehicles
in the same manner as a private garage, which may be covered by a
roof supported by columns or posts except that one or more walls are
the walls of the main building to which the carport is accessory.
CAR WASH
A principal or accessory use whereby structures equipped
with apparatuses for the washing, waxing, vacuuming, or any combination
thereof, of vehicles are provided.
CASINO, category 4
A facility, other than a racetrack and/or an off-track betting
parlor, wherein wagering and other lawful gambling activity is conducted
under Pennsylvania law. This use shall include any facility in which
gambling devices, including but not limited to slot machines, video
poker machines, punch boards, and similar devices, are located. The
term "lawful gambling activity" shall not include the sale of lottery
tickets in compliance with the State Lottery Law. Category 4 casinos
are limited to a maximum of 750 slot machines and a maximum of 30
table games.
[Added 10-4-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-08]
CEMETERY
Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the deceased,
including columbariums, crematoria, mausoleums, and mortuaries when
operated in conjunction with the cemetery and within the boundaries
thereof.
CERTIFICATE OF USE AND OCCUPANCY
A statement signed by the Zoning Officer, setting forth that
a building, structure, or use legally complies with this chapter,
other applicable codes and regulations, and the zoning permit.
CHANNEL
A natural or artificial watercourse with a definite bed and
banks which confine and conduct continuously or periodically flowing
water.
CHIMNEY
Any vertical structure enclosing a flue or flues that carries
off smoke or exhaust from an outdoor solid fuel-burning appliance.
[Added 8-20-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-05]
CHURCH AND RELATED USES
A building, structure, or group of buildings or structures,
including accessory uses, designed or intended for public worship.
This definition shall include rectories, convents, church-related
schools, church-related day-care facilities, or any combination thereof.
CLEAN WOOD
Wood that contains no paint, stains or other types of coatings,
and wood that has not been treated with preservatives or chemicals,
including but not limited to copper, chromium arsenate, creosote and
pentachlorophenol.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
CLOSED-HORIZONTAL-LOOP GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM
A mechanism for heat exchange which consists of the following
basic elements: underground loops of piping, heat transfer fluid,
a heat pump, and an air-distribution system. An opening is made in
the earth. A series of pipes is installed into the opening and connected
to a heat exchange system in the building. The pipes form a closed
loop and are filled with a heat transfer fluid. The fluid is circulated
through the piping from the opening into the heat exchanger and back.
The system functions in the same manner as the open-loop system, except
there is no pumping of groundwater. A horizontal-closed-loop system
shall be no more than 20 feet deep.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
CLOSED-VERTICAL-LOOP GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM
A borehole that extends beneath the surface. Pipes are installed
with U-bends at the bottom of the borehole. The pipes are connected
to the heat exchanger, and heat transfer fluid is circulated through
the pipes.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
COMMERCIAL TRUCK
A vehicle, other than a recreational vehicle, that exceeds
an actual vehicle weight of 9,000 pounds.
COMMON OPEN SPACE
Any area of land or water, or a combination of land and water,
within a development site designed and intended for use by all residents
of the development or the general public. Land included within the
right-of-way lines of streets and stormwater detention basins with
impervious surfaces shall not be classified as common open space.
Common open spaces shall not include required setbacks between buildings
and street rights-of-way, driveways, access drives, parking areas,
and property lines of the development.
COMMUNICATIONS
Any structure that is designed and constructed primarily
for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas for telephone,
radio, and similar communications purposes, including self-supporting
lattice towers, guyed towers, or monopole towers, common-carrier towers,
cellular telephone towers, alternative tower structures, and the like.
The terms includes the structure and any support thereto.
COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA
Any exterior transmitting or receiving device mounted on
a tower, building or structure and used in communications that radiate
or capture electromagnetic waves, digital signals, analog signals,
radio frequencies (excluding radar signals), wireless telecommunications
signals, or other communications signals. The term "communication
antenna" does not include a receiving facility for the sole use of
an individual consumer and located on the property in which such individual
consumer resides.
COMPLETELY DRY SPACE
A space which will remain totally dry during flooding; the
structure is designed and constructed to prevent the passage of water
and water vapor.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The most recently adopted version of the Official Comprehensive
Plan, Hellam Township, York County, Pennsylvania, including any amendments.
CONDITIONAL USE
A use which may be appropriate to a particular zoning district, only when specific conditions and criteria prescribed for such uses have been complied with. Conditional uses are reviewed by the Board of Supervisors after recommendations by the Planning Commission, in accordance with Article
VII of this chapter.
CONDOMINIUM
A form of property ownership providing for individual ownership
of a specific dwelling unit, or other space, together with an undivided
interest in the land or other parts of the structure in common with
other owners.
CONSERVATION PLAN
A plan including a map(s) and narrative that outlines an
erosion and sedimentation control plan for an identified parcel of
land.
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY (CCRC)
A development/facility that provides accommodations and care
for senior persons aged 55 and over which may include independent
residential living units, personal care living units, assisted care
living units, a skilled nursing facility or any combination thereof.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-01]
CONTINUOUS CANOPY
An area of woodlands forming a complete or nearly complete
layer of foliage.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
CONTRACTOR'S OFFICE OR SHOP
Offices and shops for tradesmen, such as those contractors
engaging in plumbing, welding, heating, air conditioning, electrical,
roofing, flooring, glass, and swimming pools and hot tubs, and other
structural components of buildings.
CONVENIENCE STORE
(1)
A retail sales business which specializes in
providing household products and foods. Convenience stores may also
provide for any or all of the following as an accessory use:
(a)
The rental of video tapes, provided that an
adult bookstore is specifically prohibited;
(b)
The preparation and sales of delicatessen sandwiches
and food, provided that not more than 10% of the gross floor area
is used for patron seating.
[Amended 1-17-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-02]
(c)
The use of no more than two amusement devices
(e.g., pinball machines, video games, and other similar devices).
(2)
Convenience stores shall not include the dispensing
of gasoline or other vehicle fuels, unless the appropriate approvals
for an automobile filling station (as defined herein) have been obtained.
CONVENTION CENTER
A facility in a completely enclosed building used for civic
corporate, trade and professional meetings, seminars training, trade
shows and/or exhibition of products and technology and which may include
supporting care, dining, lodging, and recreational facilities as accessory
uses.
COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A land use and growth management plan prepared by the County
Planning Commission and adopted by the County Commissioners which
establishes broad goals and criteria for municipalities to use in
preparation of their comprehensive plan and land use regulation.
DAY CARE
The offering of care or supervision over minors or special
needs adults in lieu of care or supervision by family members. This
definition does not include the offering of overnight accommodations.
(1)
COMMERCIAL DAY CAREA day-care facility that offers care and supervision to more than six nonresidents of the site during any calendar day. Commercial day-care facilities can be operated as principal uses or as accessory uses associated with other uses (e.g., schools, churches, industries, residential complex, etc.); however, in no case shall a commercial day care be considered an accessory use to one dwelling unit. Commercial day-care facilities shall include group child day-care homes and child day-care centers, as defined and regulated by the Department of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All commercial day-care centers must obtain a valid certificate of compliance from the Department of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to operation.
(2)
FAMILY DAY CAREA day-care facility that is operated as an accessory use to a dwelling unit, in which the care and supervision are offered to between one and six nonresidents of the site during any calendar day. Family day-care facilities must be registered by the Department of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
DECLARATION OF USE OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
A legal document which recites a chain of title for one or
more development rights, specifies the developing tract which will
use such development rights, and permanently extinguishes the development
rights used for the development of the developing tract. Upon the
recording of a declaration of use of development rights, the development
rights in the declaration of use of development rights can no longer
be used for any purpose.
DEED OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
A legal document which grants transfer of ownership of development
rights and provides for:
(1)
The attachment of the development rights to a specific developing
tract; or
(2)
Transfer of the development rights in gross (i.e., without being
attached to a specific tract of land) to any person.
DEVELOPING TRACT
A lot existing within the Transferable Development Rights
Sending Overlay District which will be built upon using transferable
development rights, or a lot within any zone other than the Transferable
Development Rights Sending Overlay District which will be the recipient
of transferable development rights to enable development at a higher
density than would be permitted without the use of transferable development
rights.
[Amended 8-21-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-07]
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to the construction, reconstruction, renovation,
repair, expansion, or alteration of buildings or other structures,
the placement of manufactured homes, streets, and other paving, utilities,
filling, grading and excavation; mining; dredging, drilling operations,
storage of equipment or materials; and the subdivision of land.
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY
A disability of a person which has continued or can be expected
to continue indefinitely, a disability which is:
(1)
Attributable to mental retardation, cerebral
palsy, epilepsy, autism, injury, trauma, or any combination thereof.
(2)
Found to be attributable to any other conditions
found to be closely related to mental retardation because such condition
results in similar impairment of general intellectual functioning
or adaptive behavior to that of mentally retarded persons or requires
treatment and services similar to those required for such persons.
(3)
Attributable to dyslexia resulting from a disability described in Subsections
(1) and
(2) of this definition.
DISTRIBUTION
A process whereby materials, goods, or products are obtained,
stored by one person, and then delivered to another.
DOMESTIC PETS
The noncommercial keeping of no more than six adult animals
that are locally available for purchase as pets as an accessory use
to a dwelling unit. Domestic pets shall not include livestock, or
any animal or bird for which a permit is required under the Pennsylvania
Game and Wildlife Code, 34 Pa.C.S.A. § 101 et seq., or the
regulations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
[Amended 8-15-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]
DRIVEWAY
An improved cartway designed and constructed to provide vehicular
movement between a public road and a tract of land serving one to
four dwelling units or a farm. (See also "joint use driveway.")
DWELLING
Any building or portion thereof designed
and used exclusively for residential occupancy, including those listed
below, but not including hospitals, hotels, boarding, rooming and
lodging houses, institutional houses, tourists' courts, and the
like, offering overnight accommodations for guests or patients. In
addition, all dwellings shall be properly connected to approved and
permanently designed public or on-lot sewer and public or on-lot water
electrical and other utility systems as appropriate.
[Amended 12-17-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-07]
(1)
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED (SFD)A freestanding building containing one dwelling unit for one family, and having two side yards, one front yard, and one rear yard; in the case of a corner lot, the building will have two front and one side and rear yards. Mobile homes and tiny homes can be considered single-family detached dwellings if, in addition to the requirements listed for all dwellings, they are permanently affixed to a completely enclosed foundation constructed of currently accepted materials that shall be an entire perimeter wall and extend from below the frost line to the first floor of the building. Such foundation shall be constructed to provide sufficient structural integrity to prevent the building from heaving, shifting, or settling unevenly, due to frost action. Travel trailers, as defined herein, shall not be construed as dwellings. Modular homes can be considered single-family detached dwellings so long as they comply with the general requirements of a dwelling.
(2)
MULTIPLE FAMILYA building containing three or more dwelling units, at least one of which must be located above or below the remaining units.
(3)
TOWNHOUSEA building containing between three and eight dwelling units arranged in a side-by-side configuration with two or more common party walls.
(4)
TWO-FAMILY OVER-UNDERA freestanding building containing two dwelling units for two families, arranged in an over-and-under configuration and having one front and rear yard and two side yards.
(5)
SINGLE-FAMILY SEMIDETACHEDA freestanding building containing two dwelling units for two families, arranged in a side-by-side configuration. Each unit shall be constructed on individual lots and shall have one front yard, one side yard, and one rear yard (no yard along the common lot line).
(6)
MOBILE HOMEFor the purposes of this chapter, all mobile homes, except those contained within mobile home parks, shall be governed by all regulations applicable to single-family detached dwellings of this chapter. Mobile homes located within Mobile Home Parks shall be governed by the Hellam Township Mobile Home and Mobile Home Park Ordinance of 1996, as amended.
(7)
TINY HOMEA dwelling unit placed on a property for occupancy as a residential dwelling with a habitable area of not less than 150 square feet and not more than 699 square feet, constructed on a permanent foundation. A tiny home shall be considered a mobile home and shall comply with all requirements of Chapter
310 regarding mobile homes and Chapter
490 regarding single-family dwellings. All tiny homes must be certified by Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
DWELLING UNIT
A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities
for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living,
sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
EARTHMOVING ACTIVITY
Any construction or other activity which disturbs the surface
of the land including, but not limited to, excavations, embankments,
land development, subdivision development, mineral extraction, and
the moving, depositing or storing of soil, rock or earth, excluding
the tilling of the soil.
ESSENTIALLY DRY SPACE
A space which will remain dry during flooding, except for
the passage of some water vapor or minor seepage; the structure is
substantially impermeable to the passage of water.
EVENT VENUE
The use of a structure and/or the green space surrounding
said structure which is available for private rental for the purpose
of gathering or congregating attendees at events such as weddings,
receptions, graduations, reunions, anniversaries, business meetings,
conferences, banquets, private parties, fundraisers or similar occasions
that are not open to the public and is conducted for profit.
[Added 10-4-2018 by Ord.
No. 2018-06]
FAMILY
One or more persons living together in a single dwelling
unit as a traditional family or the functional equivalent of a traditional
family. It shall be a rebuttable presumption that more than five persons
living together in a single dwelling unit, who are not related by
blood, adoption, or marriage, do not constitute the functional equivalent
of a traditional family. In determining the functional equivalent
of a traditional family, the following criteria shall be present:
[Amended 10-15-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-06]
(1)
The group shares the entire dwelling unit.
(2)
The group lives and cooks together as a single housekeeping
unit.
(3)
The group shares expenses for food, rent, utilities or other
household expenses.
(4)
The group is permanent and stable, and not transient or temporary
in nature.
(5)
Any other factor reasonably related to whether the group is
the functional equivalent of a family.
FAMILY PLOT
A burial plot or family cemetery accessory to a single-family
detached dwelling for the burial of deceased individuals who are related
by blood, marriage or adoption.
FARM
A parcel or parcels of land which are used for a principal
agricultural use, including one single-family detached dwelling and
other necessary farm structures, and the use, repair, maintenance,
and storage of equipment associated with the principal agricultural
use.
FARM OCCUPATION, SECONDARY
Any occupation in addition to the agricultural use of a property
whereby the farmer in residence engages in an occupation that is secondary
to the agricultural use. Such use does not need to be accessory to
the agricultural use.
[Amended 8-15-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]
FARM-RELATED BUSINESSES
Occupations and services directed at meeting the needs of
those engaged in local farming. Activities are typically directed
at providing materials and services needed to farm, rather than the
distribution of goods produced on the farm. Farm-related businesses
include, but need not be limited to, blacksmith shops, butcher shops,
composting and other farm waste storage facilities, feed supply, fuel
and fertilizer distributors, grain mills, processing of locally produced
agricultural products, and sales or repair of agricultural equipment.
FARMERS/FLEA MARKET
A retail sales use where more than one vendor displays and
sells general merchandise that is new or used. Farmers/flea markets
can include indoor and outdoor display or merchandise.
FEEDLOT
A use whereby livestock which are in transport are temporarily
fed and/or watered.
FENCE/WALL
An artificially constructed barrier made of any material
or combination of materials erected either for the purpose of screening
one property from another to assure privacy, protection or confinement
of the property or to permanently or temporarily prohibit or inhibit
unrestricted travel between properties or portions of properties or
between street or public right-of-way and a property. A freestanding
masonry wall, when located for one of the preceding purposes, is considered
to be a fence. Hedges or other similar types of vegetative cover shall
not be deemed to be a fence. The height of all fences and walls or
portions thereof shall be measured from grade level.
[Amended 9-3-2015 by Ord.
No. 2015-05; 7-21-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-02; 4-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03]
FILL
Material placed or deposited so as to form an embankment
or raise the surface elevation of the land, including but not limited
to levees, bulkheads, dikes, jetties, embankments, and causeways
FILTER STRIP
An area of land abutting a stream where the dominant vegetation
shall be composed of a variety of native riparian tree and shrub species
and appropriate plantings necessary for streambank stabilization and
which shall remain in such vegetation unless other development is
authorized under this chapter.
FLOOD
A general, but temporary condition of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of streams,
rivers, or other waters of this commonwealth.
FLOOD ELEVATION
The projected heights, in relation to the National Geodetic
Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD), reached by floods of various magnitudes
and frequencies in the floodplain areas.
FLOODPLAIN/FLOODPLAIN AREA
An area of land adjacent to the channel of a watercourse
which has been or is likely to be flooded, or any area subject to
the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from
any source.
FLOODPROOFING
Structural or other changes or adjustments to properties
or obstructions for the reduction or elimination of flood damages
to such properties and obstructions, or to the contents of any structure.
FLOODWAY
The portion of the floodplain, including the watercourse
itself and any adjacent land area, that must be kept open in order
to carry the water of a one-hundred-year flood. At a minimum, any
floodway must be large enough to carry the water of the one-hundred-year
flood without causing an increase of more than one foot in the elevation
of the existing one-hundred-year flood.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS
The sum of the floor areas of a building as measured to the
outside surfaces of exterior walls and including all areas intended
and designed for the conduct of a business or use.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS LEASABLE
The total floor area designed for occupancy by an owner or
tenant, as measured to the center of interior joint walls and the
exterior of outside walls.
FLOOR AREA, HABITABLE
The sum of the floor areas of a dwelling unit as measured
to the outside surfaces of exterior walls and including all rooms
used for habitation, such as living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom,
bathroom, closets, hallways, stairways, but not including basements
or attics, or service rooms or areas such as utility rooms, nor unheated
areas such as enclosed porches.
FORESTED RIPARIAN BUFFER
A riparian buffer that consists predominantly of native trees,
shrubs and/or herbaceous plants that provide minimum of sixty-percent
uniform canopy coverage.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
FOREST LITTER
The uppermost layer of the forest floor consisting chiefly
of decaying organic matter.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
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, which does not involve any land development.
FRONTAGE
The continuous linear distance taken along a property's common
boundary with an adjoining street right-of-way, other than that of
a limited access highway.
FRONT BUILD-TO LINE
An area establishing the required location for all, or a
portion of a building's front facade, as measured from the street
line.
FUNERAL HOME
A principal use for the preparation and viewing of the dead
prior to burial or cremation. Funeral homes shall not include cemeteries,
columbariums, mausoleums, nor entombments, but do include mortuaries
and crematoria.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
An accessory building for the storage of one or more automobiles,
other vehicles accessory and incidental to the primary use of the
premises, or both.
GEOTHERMAL BOREHOLE
A hole drilled or bored into the earth into which piping
is inserted for use in a closed-vertical-loop geothermal system.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM
An energy-generating system that uses the earth's thermal
properties in conjunction with electricity to provide greater efficiency
in the heating and cooling of buildings.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
GOLF COURSE
A golf course with a minimum of 2,800 yards of play in nine
holes.
GREENHOUSE/NURSERY
The retail or wholesale sale of any trees, shrubs, vines,
flowers, vegetables or other plants which have not been germinated,
cultivated or grown on site, including the buildings, structures and
equipment customarily incidental and accessory to the primary use.
Other items directly related to the growth and propagation of plants
may be sold, such as fertilizer, plant food, etc.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
GROUND COVER
Ground cover is made up of shorter plants or fungi that grow
close to the ground.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
GROUP HOME
A single-family dwelling operated with a program to provide
a supportive living arrangement for individuals where special care
is needed by the individual served due to age, emotional, mental,
or physical handicap. This definition shall expressly include facilities
for the supervised care of developmentally disabled persons, those
under treatment for alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or both, unwed parents,
and those who have been physically abused. Group homes must be licensed
where required by any appropriate government agencies, and a copy
of any such licenses must be delivered to the Township prior to beginning
the use. Group homes shall be subject to the same limitations and
regulation by the Township as single-family dwellings, and are permitted
by right in those zones where single-family dwellings are permitted
by right.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
A substance or combination of substances that, because of
the quantity, concentration, physical, chemical or infectious characteristics,
if not properly treated, stored, transported, used, or disposed of,
or otherwise managed, would create a potential threat to public health
through direct or indirect introduction into groundwater resources
and the subsurface environment which includes the soil and all subsequent
materials located below. Such hazardous substances include substances
regulated under DEP regulations.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Any substance defined as a hazardous waste under the Pennsylvania
Solid Waste Management Act, 35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq.,
the Pennsylvania Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction
Act, 53 P.S. § 4000.101 et seq., the Pennsylvania Hazardous
Sites Cleanup Act, 35 P.S. § 6020.101 et seq., the Clean
Streams Law, 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq., the Federal Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.,
and the regulations of the PA DEP and the United States Environmental
Protection Agency.
HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITY
Any structure, group of structures, aboveground or underground
storage tanks, or any other area or buildings used for the purpose
of permanently housing or temporarily holding hazardous waste for
the storage or treatment for any time span other than the normal transportation
time through the Township.
HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB
A commercial business that offers active recreational activities,
fitness activities, or both. Such activities are provided only to
club members and their guests. Such facilities do not include golf
courses.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
Machinery, vehicles and other devices that are not normally
used for domestic purposes upon a residential dwelling lot. Examples
include, but are not limited to, farm machinery, excavation equipment,
commercial trucks and trailers, yachts, industrial machinery, etc.
HEIGHT, BUILDING
A building's vertical measurement from the average ground
level at the corners of the building to the highest point of the roof.
HEIGHT, STRUCTURE
A structure's vertical measurement from the average level
of the ground abutting the structure to the highest point of the structure.
HELIPORT
A principal use where one or more helicopters may land/take
off and be stored. Such use may also include support services such
as fueling and maintenance equipment, passenger terminals and storage
hangars.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure that is:
(1)
Listed individually in the National Register
of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the Department of the
Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior
as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National
Register;
(2)
Certified or preliminarily determined by the
Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance
of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined
by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
(3)
Individually listed on a state inventory of
historic places in states with historic preservation programs which
have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or
(4)
Individually listed on a local inventory of
historic places in communities with historic preservation programs
that have been certified either:
(a)
By an approved state program as determined by
the Secretary of the Interior; or
(b)
Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in
states without approved programs.
HOME OCCUPATION
A business or commercial activity other than a no-impact
home-based business that is conducted as an accessory use to and within
a principal single-family detached dwelling.
HOSPITAL
An institution, licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
as a hospital, which renders inpatient and outpatient medical care
on a twenty-four hours-per-day basis and provides primary health services
and medical/surgical care to persons suffering from illness, disease,
injury, deformity and other abnormal physical or mental conditions.
A hospital use can also include attached and detached accessory uses,
provided that all accessory uses are contained upon the hospital property.
HOTEL
A facility which provides lodging to boarders for compensation,
which contains more than eight rooms with less than 25% of all rooms
having direct access to the outside without the necessity of passing
through the main lobby of the building, and which may provide meals
and other services as a part of the compensation.
IDENTIFIED FLOODPLAIN AREA
The floodplain area specifically identified in this chapter
as being inundated by the one-hundred-year flood.
IMPACTED RIPARIAN BUFFER
A riparian buffer that, as a result of land use or land development
activity, contains impervious cover or landscape use such that no
longer meets the definition of "forested riparian buffer."
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
IMPERVIOUS COVER
Those surfaces that do not readily absorb precipitation and
surface water. The term includes but is not limited to buildings,
parking areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks, swimming pools, and any
areas in concrete, asphalt, packed stone or equivalent surfaces, including
those with a coefficient of runoff of 0.7 or higher. Impervious surfaces
also include disturbed surfaces with a bulk density of 95% of the
value at which plant growth limitation is expected for average plant
material.
[Amended 9-3-2015 by Ord.
No. 2015-05; 7-21-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-02; 4-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03]
INDEPENDENT LIVING UNIT
A dwelling unit in a building of multiple dwelling units,
or standing alone, used exclusively for occupancy by one or more senior
persons, aged 55 and over, in a continuing care retirement community.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-01]
INFLATABLE SIGN
Any sign that is either expanded to its full dimensions or
supported by gases contained within the sign, or sign parts, at a
pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. For purposes of this definition
and chapter, a simple helium balloon is not considered to be an inflatable
sign.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
JOINT-USE DRIVEWAY
An improved cartway designed and constructed to provide for
vehicular access between a public street and from two to four dwelling
units.
JUNK
Used materials, discarded materials, or both, including,
but not limited to, wastepaper, rags, metal, building materials, house
furnishings, machinery, vehicles, or parts thereof, which are being
stored awaiting potential reuse or ultimate disposal.
JUNKYARD
An area of land, with or without buildings, used for the
storage, outside of an completely enclosed building, of used or discarded
materials, including, but not limited to, wastepaper, rags, metal,
building materials, house furnishings, machinery, vehicles, part thereof,
with or without the dismantling, processing, salvage, sale, or other
use or disposition of the same. The deposit or storage on a lot of
one or more unlicensed, wrecked, or disabled vehicles, or the major
part thereof, shall be deemed to constitute a "junkyard." For the
purpose of this definition, a "disabled vehicle" is a vehicle intended
to be self-propelled that shall not be operable under its own power
for any reason; or where inspection and/or registration is required,
a vehicle that does not have a valid current registration plate or
that has a certificate of inspection which is more than 60 days beyond
the expiration date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the storage of
disabled farm vehicle or pieces of farm equipment on a lot shall not
be considered a junkyard if: the lots is currently being used for
agriculture; and the vehicle or equipment is owned by the landowner
or the operator of the farm; and the vehicle or equipment was used
on the lot in connection with the agricultural operation before such
vehicle or equipment became disabled.
KCVPS, INC.
Kreutz Creek Valley Preservation Society, Incorporated.
KENNEL
Any lot on which six or more animals that are older than
six months (except relating to a farm) are kept, boarded, raised,
bred, treated, or trained, for a fee, or for sale, including but not
limited to dog or cat kennels.
LAND APPLICATION OF SEWAGE SLUDGE
The spraying or spreading of sewage sludge onto the land
surface, the injection of sewage sludge below land surface or the
incorporation of sewage sludge into the soil.
LAND DISTURBANCE
Any activity that exposes soils, alters topography, and/or
detrimentally alters vegetation.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
LARGE SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION FACILITY
An area used for a solar collection system principally used
to capture solar energy and convert it to electrical energy. Large
solar energy production facilities consist of one or more roof- and/or
ground-mounted solar collector devices, solar-related equipment, including
light reflectors, concentrators, and heat exchangers, substations,
electrical infrastructure, transmission lines and other appurtenant
structures and facilities. A facility is considered a large solar
energy production facility if it supplies electrical or thermal power
primarily for off-site use.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
LAUNDROMAT
A facility where patrons wash, dry, or dry clean clothing
or other fabrics in machines operated by the patron.
LIVESTOCK
Any domestic farm animal such as, but not limited to, cattle,
donkeys, horses, mules, burros, sheep, swine, goats, poultry, emus,
llamas, rabbits, birds, exotic wildlife (when permitted by the Pennsylvania
Game Commission or other appropriate regulatory agency), maintained
for agricultural use or commercial purposes. Livestock shall include
the raising of fur-bearing animals and fish farming. Domestic pets
shall not be considered livestock.
[Amended 8-15-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04]
LOADING SPACE
An off-street paved space suitable for the loading or unloading
of goods and having direct usable access to a street or alley.
LONG-TERM CARE (SKILLED NURSING FACILITY)
A facility which provides for personal health care in a continuing
care retirement community and is licensed to provide long-term skilled
nursing care by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-01]
LOT
Any parcel, plot, or tract of land intended as a single unit for purposes of ownership, transfer of ownership, use, rent, improvement, or development. A lot herein defined must coincide with a single lot of record. A lot not otherwise specified is defined as having frontage along a public street, or a street that has been dedicated to the Township, or a private street that has been improved to the standards in Chapter
430, Subdivision and Land Development, for a public street.
(1)
LOT, CORNERA lot which has an interior angle of less than 135° at the intersection of two street lines. A lot abutting upon a curved street shall be considered a corner lot if the tangents to the curve at the points of intersection of the side lot lines with the street line intersect at an interior angle of less than 135°.
(2)
LOT, FLAGA lot, other than a townhouse lot, which has less than 50 feet of frontage on a public street; or a street which has been dedicated to the Township; or a private street which has been improved to the standards in Chapter
430, Subdivision and Land Development, for a public street.
(3)
LOT, INTERIORA lot, other than a corner lot, the sides of which do not abut a street.
(4)
LOT, THROUGHA lot which fronts on two streets that do not intersect at the boundary of the lot.
LOT AREA
The area contained within the property lines of a single
lot, excluding any area within a street right-of-way, but including
the area of any easement.
LOT COVERAGE
A percentage of the lot area which may be covered with an
impervious surface (e.g., buildings, driveways, parking area, sidewalks).
LOT DEPTH
The horizontal distance measured between the street right-of-way
line and the closest rear property line. On corner and reverse frontage
lots, the depth shall be measured from the street right-of-way line
of the street of address to the directly opposite property line.
LOT LINE
A line of record which divides one lot from another lot,
or from a public or private road or any other public space. Where
a lot abuts a public right-of-way, the lot line for regulatory purposes
shall be the right-of-way line.
LOT OF RECORD
A lot identified on a subdivision plan or on a deed or other
instrument of conveyance recorded in the Office of the Recorder of
Deeds in and for York County, Pennsylvania.
LOT WIDTH
The horizontal distance measured between side property lines.
On corner lots, lot width shall be measured between the street right-of-way
line for the non-address street and the directly opposite property
line. Unless otherwise noted, lot width shall be measured at the actual
building setback line.
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest floor of the lowest fully enclosed area (including
basement). An unfinished, flood-resistant partially enclosed area,
used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, and incidental
storage, in an area other than a basement area is not considered the
lowest floor of a building, provided that such space is not designed
and built so that the structure is in violation of the applicable
nonelevation design requirements of this chapter.
MANUFACTURE
A function involving either the processing, conversion or
production of materials, goods, or products.
MANURE
The fecal and urinary excrement of livestock and poultry,
often containing some spilled feed, bedding or litter.
MANURE STORAGE FACILITY
A detached structure or other improvement built to store
manure for future use, or disposal. Types of storage facilities are
as follows: underground storage, in-ground storage, earthen bank,
stacking area, and aboveground storage.
MAXIMUM FLOOD ELEVATION
The water surface elevations of a flood which would completely
fill the floodplain to the boundaries of the Restricted Development
Overlay.
MEDICAL CLINIC
Any building or group of buildings occupied by licensed medical
practitioners and related services for the purpose of providing health
services to people on an outpatient basis.
MEDICAL RESIDENTIAL CAMPUS
A coordinated development of residential, medical, commercial,
service, civic, and recreation uses that are blended to create a comprehensive
environment offering various levels of nursing care.
METHADONE TREATMENT FACILITY
A facility licensed by the Department of Health to use the
drug methadone in the treatment, maintenance or detoxification of
persons.
MINERALS
Any aggregate or mass of mineral matter, whether or not coherent.
The term includes, but is not limited to, limestone and dolomite,
sand and gravel, rock and stone, earth, fill, slag, iron ore, zinc
ore, vermiculite and clay, anthracite and bituminous coal, coal refuse,
peat, and crude oil and natural gas.
MINI WAREHOUSE
One or more buildings divided into separate storage units
for personal property, property associated with some business or other
organization, or both. These units shall be used solely for dead storage
and no processing, manufacturing, sales, research and development
testing, service and repair, or other nonstorage activities shall
be permitted.
MINOR REPAIR
The replacement of existing work with equivalent materials
for the purpose of its routine maintenance and upkeep, but not including
the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal
or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal
or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts
of a structure affecting the exit way requirements, nor shall minor
repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation
of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas,
oil, waste, vent, or similar piping, electric wiring, or mechanical
or other work affecting public health or general safety.
MOBILE HOME/MANUFACTURED HOME
A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent
occupancy, contained in one unit, or 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 completed 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.
MOBILE HOME/MANUFACTURED 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.
MOBILE HOME/MANUFACTURED LOT
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.
MOTEL
A facility which provides lodging to boarders for compensation,
which contains more than eight rooms with at least 25% of all rooms
having direct access to the outside without the necessity of passing
through the main lobby of the building, and which may provide meals
and other services as a part of the compensation.
MOTOR VEHICLE SALES
Any building or land utilized for the retail sales or leasing
of vehicles, including accessory service and repair facilities if
conducted within a wholly enclosed building.
MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICE
The retail repair, servicing, maintenance and reconstruction
of vehicles but not including car washes as defined herein.
MPC
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of July
31, 1968, P.L. 805, No 247, as amended and reenacted by the Act of
December 21, 1988, P.L. 1329, No 170, and as amended, 53 P.S. § 10101
et seq.
MUNICIPAL USE
Any use owned or operated by the Township or by a municipal
authority created by the Township.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Structures for which the start of construction commenced
on or after December 1, 1985.
NIGHTCLUB
Any building used for on-site consumption of alcoholic or
nonalcoholic beverages where live entertainment is offered. For the
purposes of this definition, "live entertainment" is meant to include
the use of disc jockeys for the purposes of supplying musical entertainment.
Nightclubs may also provide for on-site consumption of food. Additionally,
nightclubs can offer the retail sale of carry-out beer and wine as
an accessory use. This is also meant to include an "under 21" club
which features entertainment.
NO-IMPACT HOME-BASED BUSINESS
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
the residential use. The business or commercial activity must satisfy
all of 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 employees other
than family members residing in the dwelling.
(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.
(5)
The business may not use any equipment or process
which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical
interference, including interference with radio or television reception,
which is detectable in the neighborhood.
(6)
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.
(7)
The business activity shall be conducted only
within the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable
floor area.
(8)
The business may not involve any illegal activities.
NONCOMMERCIAL KEEPING OF LIVESTOCK
An accessory use to a principal detached single-family dwelling
that is not contained upon a farm, whereupon livestock are kept exclusively
by the residents of the site.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to the adoption or amendment of a zoning ordinance, but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zone in which it is located by reasons of such adoption or amendment. Nonconformities are regulated by Article
V of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
A structure or part of a structure manifestly not designed to comply with the applicable use or extent of use provisions in this chapter or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment or prior to the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation. Such nonconforming structures include, but are not limited to, nonconforming signs. Nonconformities are regulated by Article
V of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of such ordinance, or amendment or prior to the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation. Nonconformities are regulated by Article
V of this chapter.
NONCONFORMITY, DIMENSIONAL
Any aspect of a land use that does not comply with any size, height, bulk, setback, distance, landscaping, coverage, screening, or any other design or performance standard specified by this chapter, where such dimensional nonconformity lawfully existed prior to the adoption of this chapter or amendment thereto. Nonconformities are regulated by Article
V of this chapter.
NON-PHASE 2 OUTDOOR WOOD-FIRED BOILER
An outdoor wood-fired boiler which has not been certified
or qualified as such by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP).
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
NORMAL POOL ELEVATION[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03]
(1)
For watercourses which have no structural measures to regulate
the height of water, the height of water at ordinary stages of low
water unaffected by drought.
(2)
For structurally regulated bodies, the elevation of the spillway,
outlet control, or dam crest which maintains the water body at a specific
height.
(3)
The term does not apply to wetlands.
OBSTRUCTION
Any structure or assembly of materials including fill above
or below the surface of land or water, and an activity which might
impede, retard or change flood flows. The planting, cultivation and
harvesting of field and orchard crops or the grazing of livestock,
including the maintenance of necessary appurtenant agricultural fencing,
shall not be considered an "obstruction" under this definition.
OFF-TRACK BETTING PARLOR
A commercial use at which persons can visit to wager upon,
and observe by remote television, the outcomes of events that are
taking place elsewhere.
ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR FLOOD
The highest level of flooding that, on the average, is likely
to occur every 100 years, that is, that has a one-percent chance of
occurring each year.
ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR FLOOD BOUNDARY
The outer boundary of an area of land that is likely to be
flooded once every 100 years (i e., that has a one-percent chance
of being flooded each year). A study by the Federal Insurance Administration,
the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Department
of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, the United
States Geological Survey, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission,
or a licensed surveyor or professional engineer, registered by the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is necessary to define this boundary.
ON-LOT SEWER SERVICE
The disposal of sewage generated by one principal use with
the use of safe and healthful means within the confines of the lot
on which the use is located, or within an approved sewage effluent
easement, as approved by the PA DEP.
ON-LOT WATER SERVICE
The provision of a safe, adequate and healthful supply of
water to a single principal use from a private well.
OPEN-LOOP GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM
Water is pumped from a water well or other water source into
a heat exchanger located in a surface building. The water drawn from
the earth is then pumped back into the ground through a different
well or, in some cases, the same well, also known as "reinjection."
Alternatively, the groundwater could be discharged to a surface water
body, also known as a "pump and dump." In the heating mode, cooler
water is returned to the earth; and in the cooling mode, warmer water.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
OPEN SPACE
A space unoccupied by buildings or other impervious surfaces,
and open to the percolation of rainwater.
OUTDOOR SOLID FUEL-BURNING APPLIANCE
Any equipment, device or apparatus which is installed, affixed
or situated outdoors and not situated within a building intended for
habitation by humans or domestic animals, which is used for the primary
purpose of combustion of fuel to produce heat for energy as a heating
system, or component thereof, which provides heat or hot water to
the principal structure, to a structure used for human or animal habitation
or to any accessory uses or structures, including, but not limited
to, greenhouses, conservatories and swimming pools.
[Added 8-20-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-05]
OUTDOOR WOOD-FIRED BOILER
Any equipment, device or apparatus, which is installed, affixed
or situated outdoors and not situated within a building intended for
habitation by humans or domestic animals, which is used for the primary
purpose of combustion of fuel to produce heat for energy as a heating
system, or component thereof, which provides heat or hot water to
the principal structure, to a structure used for human or animal habitation,
or to any accessory uses or structures, including, but not limited
to, greenhouses, conservatories and swimming pools, and which:
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
(1)
Is designed to burn, or is capable of burning, clean wood or
other allowed fuels.
(2)
Has a rated thermal output of less than 350,000 BTUs per hour.
(3)
The manufacturer designs or specifies for outdoor installation
or installation in structures not normally intended for habitation
by humans or domestic animals, including garages and sheds.
(4)
Heats building spaces or fluids, or both, through the distribution,
typically through pipes, of a fluid heated in the device, typically
water or a mixture of water and antifreeze.
OVERSTORY TREES
Trees that form the uppermost canopy layer in a forest or
woodland, defined as trees greater than nine inches in diameter at
DBH (diameter at breast height), where breast height is 4 1/2
feet.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05; amended 4-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03]
PA DEP
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
PARENT TRACT
When used in determining the permissible number of development
rights assigned to land in the Rural Agricultural Zone, each individual
York County Tax Map parcel in existence on July 15, 2004, shall be
considered a parent tract.
PARKING LOT
An accessory use in which required, and possibly additional,
parking spaces are provided.
PARKING SPACE
An off-street space available for the parking of one motor
vehicle and having usable access to a street or alley.
PENNDOT
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
PERSON
An individual, partnership, public or private association
or corporation, firm, trust, estate, municipality, governmental unit,
public utility, or any other legal entity whatsoever, which is recognized
by law as the subject of rights and duties.
PERSONAL CARE, ASSISTED CARE LIVING UNIT
A dwelling unit within a facility licensed by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, in which food, shelter, personal assistance or supervision
with activities of daily living are provided for a period exceeding
24 hours for four or more adults who are not relatives of the operator,
who do not require the services in or of a licensed long-term care
facility, but who do require assistance or supervision in such matters
as dressing, bathing, diet, financial management, evacuation of a
residence in the event of any emergency, or medication prescribed
for self-administration.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-01]
PERSONAL CARE FACILITY
Coordinated and centrally managed rental housing, including
self-contained units designed to provide a supportive environment
to accommodate a relatively independent lifestyle. Such a development
may contain a limited number of supportive services, such as meals,
transportation, housekeeping, linen, and organized social activities
for residents and their invited guests. Such a use shall primarily
serve persons 55 years of age and older, persons with physical handicaps
and/or developmentally disabled. Personal care facilities shall be
licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
PHASE 2 OUTDOOR WOOD-FIRED BOILER
An outdoor wood-fired boiler which has been certified or
qualified as such by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP).
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
PLANNED CENTER
A group of uses planned and designed as an integrated unit
with controlled ingress and egress and shared off-street parking provided
on the property as an integral part of the unit.
[Amended 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
PLANNED COMMERCIAL CENTER
A planned center which contains retail sales and service
establishments, restaurants, and similar uses.
PREMISES
The property upon which the activity is conducted as determined
by physical facts rather than property lines. It is the land occupied
by the buildings or other physical uses that are necessary or customarily
incident to the activity, including such open spaces as are arranged
and designed to be used in connection with such buildings or uses.
The following are not considered to be a part of the premises on which
the activity is conducted, and any signs located on such land are
to be considered off-premises advertising:
(1)
Any land which is not used as an integral part
of the principal activity, including land which is separated from
the activity by a roadway, highway, or other obstruction, and not
used by the activity, and extensive undeveloped highway frontage contiguous
to the land actually used by a commercial facility, even though it
might be under the same ownership.
(2)
Any land which is used for, or devoted to, a
separate purpose unrelated to the advertised activity.
(3)
Any land which is in closer proximity to the
highway than to the principal activity, and developed or used only
in the area of the sign site or between the sign site and the principal
activity and whose purpose is for advertising purposes only. In no
event shall a sign site be considered part of the premises on which
the advertised activity is conducted if the site is located on a narrow
strip of land which is nonbuildable land, or is a common or private
roadway, or is held by easement or other lesser interest than the
premises where the activity is located.
PRIME AGRICULTURAL LAND
Land used for agricultural purposes that contains soils of
the first, second, or third class as defined by the United States
Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service county
soil survey.
PRIME AGRICULTURAL SOILS
Soils of the first, second, or third class as defined in
the most recent edition of the United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service York County Soil Survey.
PRIVATE CLUB
An organization catering exclusively to members and their
guests, or premises or buildings for social, recreational, and administrative
purposes which are not conducted for profit, provided there are not
conducted any vending stands, merchandising, or commercial activities
except as required for the membership of such club. Clubs shall include,
but not be limited to, service and political organizations, labor
unions, as well as social and athletic clubs. Private clubs shall
not include adult-related facilities, off-track betting parlors, golf
courses, shooting ranges, nightclubs, campgrounds, or airports, unless
the respective requirements of this chapter are satisfied.
PROCESSING
A function which involves only the cleaning, sorting, sizing,
packaging, or any combination thereof, of products and materials.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
An establishment for professional, executive, and administrative
offices, including those of accountants, lawyers, architects, engineers,
drafting offices, insurance agents, real estate agents, and other
occupations which are of similar character to those enumerated, but
not including barbers, beauty parlors, cosmetologists, or other service
establishments and structure trades contractors.
PUBLIC
Owned, operated, or controlled by a government agency (federal,
state or local, including a corporation created by law for the performance
of certain specialized governmental functions and the Board of Public
Education).
[Amended 7-18-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-06]
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice published once each week for two successive 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 hearing. Public notice
for rezoning, special exception, variance, or any combination thereof,
requests shall also include the posting of a sign(s) at a conspicuous
location(s) upon the site to notify potentially interested citizens;
this sign(s) shall be posted at least one week prior to the hearing
and will exhibit the nature, date, time and location of the hearing.
PUBLIC PARK
An area owned or operated by a governmental unit or public
utility maintained principally for active or passive outdoor recreation
which is open to the public. A park may include amenities such as
ball fields, tennis courts, trails, rest rooms, picnic tables, cooking
grills, and similar facilities. A park shall not include improvements
for or permit motorized recreation, such as go-carts, or arcade games,
carnival rides, or similar activities.
PUBLIC SEWER
A municipal sanitary sewer or a comparable common or package
sanitary facility approved and permitted by the PA DEP. Such systems
are capable of serving multiple users.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DEPOT
A building, structure, or area designed and used for and
used persons utilizing and/or changing public transportation modes.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Use or extension thereof which is operated, owned, or maintained
by a municipality or municipal authority or which is privately owned
and approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the
purpose of providing public sewage disposal, treatment, or both; or
public water supply, storage, treatment, or any combination thereof;
or for the purpose of providing the transmission of energy, cable
television or telephone service.
[Amended 12-17-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-07]
PUBLIC WATER
A municipal water supply system, or a comparable common water
facility approved and permitted by the PA DEP. Such systems are capable
of serving multiple users.
RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
Any natural or artificially produced substance which emits
radiation spontaneously.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Any portable or mobile vehicle used or designed to be used
for travel, camping, vacation and recreational use, and/or temporary
living purposes and with its wheels, rollers or skids in place. A
recreational vehicle shall also include a trailer, house trailer,
motor home, tent trailer, horse trailer, pickup truck or van camper,
camper, snowmobile, golf cart, all-terrain vehicle, trail bike, boat,
boat trailer, airplane, or similar vehicle, but does not include mobile
homes. In addition to the above, any of the following attributes are
characteristics of a recreational vehicle:
[Amended 1-16-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-01]
(1)
The unit is of such size or weight as to not require a special
highway movement permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
when self-propelled or when hauled by a standard motor vehicle on
a highway.
(2)
Built on a single chassis.
(3)
Not more than 400 square feet, measured at the largest horizontal
projections.
(4)
Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty
truck.
(5)
Not designed for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary
living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
RECREATION FACILITY
An activity operated open to the public, for the purpose
of public recreation or entertainment, including but not limited to,
bowling alleys, drive-in motion picture facilities, swimming pools,
miniature golf courses, museums, etc. This does not include adult-related
uses, shooting ranges, amusement arcades, nor off-track betting parlors,
nor anything else defined in this chapter.
RENTAL
A procedure by which services or personal property are temporarily
transferred to another person for a specific time period for compensation.
REPAIR
Replacement of existing worn or damaged materials with equivalent
materials for the purpose of routine maintenance and upkeep; but not
including any alteration.
[Amended 1-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-01]
RESTAURANT
An establishment that serves prepared food primarily on nondisposable
tableware, but can provide for incidental carry-out service so long
as the area used for carry-out service does not exceed 5% of the total
patron seating area or 80 square feet (whichever is less). Caterers
shall be included in this definition.
RESTAURANT, DRIVE-IN
An establishment that primarily serves foods, confections
or beverages to the customer in a ready-to-consume state, and whose
method of operation includes a drive-up window so that foods or beverages
are served directly to motorist customers or by means which eliminate
the need for the customer to exit the motor vehicle.
RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD
An establishment that primarily serves rapidly prepared foods,
confections, or beverages to the customer in a ready-to-consume state,
and whose method of operation is such that customers normally order
the product at a central location separate from the tables or counters
used for consumption. Cafeteria service establishments in which a
customer serves himself while passing along a food-service line are
also considered fast-food restaurants.
RETAIL SALES
Those businesses whose primary activities involve the display
and sales of goods and products to the general public. This term shall
not include adult-related uses as defined herein.
RETAIL SERVICE BUSINESSES
An establishment that provides a service oriented to personal
needs of the general public and which does not involve primarily retail,
wholesale, or services to businesses. These businesses do not include
adult-related uses.
RIDING STABLE
A principal use whereby equestrian instruction is offered
and/or horses are kept, bred, trained, exercised, or any combination
thereof, upon land not occupied by the owner of the horse(s).
RIGHT-OF-WAY
A corridor of publicly owned or leased land for purposes
of maintaining primary vehicular and pedestrian access to abutting
properties, including but not limited to, roads, streets, highways
and sidewalks. Abutting property owners are prohibited from encroaching
across the right-of-way line. (See also "street right-of way line.")
RIPARIAN
Belonging or related to the bank of a river, stream or wetland.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
RIPARIAN BUFFER
A vegetated area, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous
vegetation, adjacent to a stream, river or wetland.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
RIPARIAN BUFFER AREA
Any area adjacent to both sides of a stream or surrounding
wetland which protects water quality from the impacts of nearby activities
by slowing and spreading surface water, trapping and filtering out
suspended sediment and also providing shade and wildlife habitat.
[Added 4-15-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-01]
ROADSIDE STAND
An accessory use to a farm, which sells only agricultural
commodities which that person or persons have produced at least 50%
of on the tract of land on which the roadside stand is set up, or
on land owned by the person or persons who produced the agricultural
commodities, if those agricultural commodities are produced on other
land. Roadside stands shall not exceed 300 square feet of floor area.
[Added 8-15-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-04]
RURAL OCCUPATION
An accessory use to a single-family detached dwelling in
which residents engage in an occupation contained within an accessory
building.
SALDO
The latest version of the Township's Subdivision and Land
Development Ordinance, as may be amended.
SATELLITE DISH ANTENNA
A device incorporating a reflective surface which is solid,
open mesh or bar-configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish,
cone, horn, or cornucopia. Such device shall be used to transmit,
receive, or both, radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially
based uses, orbitally based uses, or both. This definition is meant
to include but not be limited to what are commonly referred to as
satellite earth stations, TVROs, and satellite microwave antennas.
SAWMILL OPERATIONS
A principal use consisting of a building, structure, or area
where timber is cut, sawed, or planed, either to finished lumber,
or as an intermediary step, and may include facilities for the kiln
drying of lumber and may include the distribution of such products
on a wholesale or retail basis. The processing of timber may be from
the property on which it is located, from adjoining property, or from
other properties removed from the sawmill.
SCHOOL, COMMERCIAL
A school that may offer a wide range of educational or instructional
activities (excluding vocational-mechanical trade schools as defined
below) that may, or may not, be operated as a gainful business by
some person or organization other than the public school district.
SCHOOL, PRIVATE
A school that offers elementary, secondary, postsecondary,
postgraduate, or any combination thereof, education that may, or may
not, be operated as a gainful business.
SCHOOL, PUBLIC
A school licensed by the Department of Education for the
purpose of providing elementary, secondary, and adult education, and
operated by the Eastern York School District
SCHOOL, VOCATIONAL-MECHANICAL TRADE
A school that may, or may not, be operated as a gainful business
that principally offers training in any of the following occupations:
(3)
Building construction and general contracting;
(7)
Electrical contracting; and
(8)
Other similar trades, as determined by the Zoning Hearing Board pursuant to Article
I and Article
VI of this chapter.
SEASONAL RESIDENCE
A dwelling, cabin, lodge or summer house which is intended
for occupancy less than 182 days of the year.
SEMI-IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface such as stone, rock, or other material which prevents
some percolation of water into a ground.
SEMIPUBLIC
Something owned, operated and supported by private individuals
or a corporation, on a nonprofit basis, for the use or benefit of
the general public or for some part of the general public, often with
constraints. This definition may include a nonprofit use or institution
such as a church, private school, college, hospital, museum, and other
institutions of an educational, religious, charitable or philanthropic
nature.
[Added 7-18-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-06]
SETBACK
The required horizontal distance between a setback line and
a property or street right-of-way line.
(1)
SETBACK, FRONTThe distance between the street right-of-way line and the building setback line projected the full width of the lot.
(2)
SETBACK, REARThe distance between the rear lot line and the rear setback line projected the full width of the lot.
(3)
SETBACK, SIDEThe distance between the side lot line and the side setback line projected from the front yard to the rear yard.
SETBACK LINE
A line within a property and parallel to a property or street
line which delineates the required minimum distance between some particular
use of property and that property or street line.
SEVERE DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS
Slopes in excess of 15%, soils with severe limitations for
development as described by the SCS Soil Survey for York County, floodplain,
wetlands, rock outcrops, streams, or drainage ways.
SFD
Single-family detached dwelling.
SHOOTING RANGE, INDOOR
A completely enclosed building where firearms and other projectile-type
weapons (e.g., guns, rifles, shotguns, pistols, air guns, archery
crossbows, etc.) can be shot for recreation competition, skill development,
training, or any combination thereof. Nothing within this definition
shall be construed to include hunting when conducted in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
SHOOTING RANGE, OUTDOOR
The use of land outside of a completely enclosed building
where firearms and other projectile-type weapon (e.g., guns, rifles,
shotguns, pistols, air guns, archery crossbows, etc.) can be shot
for recreation, competition, skill development, training, or any combination
thereof. Nothing within this definition shall be construed to include
hunting when conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
SHOPPING CENTER
One store, or a planned center of stores, or stores and offices
containing more than 40,000 square feet of gross leasable floor area
designed for the site on which it is built, functioning as a unit,
with shared off-street parking provided on the property as an integral
part of the unit.
SIGN
A device for visual communication that is used to bring the
subject to the attention of the public. A sign shall not include flags
or other insignia of any government or fraternal organization.
(1)
CENTER SIGNA sign or other structure that provides identification at the entrance to a center such as a shopping center, planned commercial center, office complex, or industrial park.
[Amended 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
(2)
FLAT WALL SIGNA sign displayed, mounted, or both, upon or generally parallel to the same plane as the face of a wall, such that no portion of the sign extends more than 12 inches from said wall.
[Amended 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
(3)
FREESTANDING SIGNA sign erected upon a permanently affixed, independent structure (legs or base).
(4)
HOME OCCUPATION SIGNA sign providing information about a business activity conducted within a dwelling unit on the premises on which the sign is located.
(5)
MOBILE SIGNA sign capable of moving from one premises to another, including those painted on vehicles that are parked and/or stored at a location other than where the activity associated with said vehicle is conducted, unless said vehicle is being used in the normal day-to-day operations of the use of the premises on which the vehicle is parked or stored.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
(6)
OUTPARCEL SIGNA sign affixed to a freestanding unit of occupancy contained within a planned center.
[Amended 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
(7)
PERMANENT SIGNA sign which is expected to be continuously displayed during the presence of a principal land use.
[Amended 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
(8)
PORTABLE SIGNA sign which is intended to easily be moved and not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground.
[Amended 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
(9)
TEMPORARY SIGNA sign which is only permitted for specified periods of time, associated with some temporary event or work conducted on the site.
[Amended 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
(10)
UNDER-CANOPY SIGNA sign which identifies one leasable unit within a shopping center and is hung from an overhead canopy of the shopping center or is provided as a wall projecting sign attached to the front wall of the unit where no canopy is provided.
[Amended 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
(11)
WALL PROJECTING SIGNA sign mounted to a building wall such that its principal display area is not parallel to the building wall. It can also be attached to a marquee.
[Amended 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
SINGLE AND SEPARATE OWNERSHIP
The ownership of a lot by one or more persons which ownership
is separate and distinct from that of any abutting or adjoining lot.
SLUDGE
(1)
Solid, semisolid, or liquid residue generated
during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment facility or
water treatment facility. Sludge includes, but is not limited to,
domestic septage, scum or solids removed in primary, secondary, or
advanced wastewater treatment processes, and material derived from
sewage sludge. Sludge does not include ash generated during the firing
of sewage sludge in a sewage sludge incinerator or grit and screenings
generated during preliminary treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment
works.
(a)
Domestic sewage is waste and wastewater from
humans or household operations that is discharged to or otherwise
enters treatment works.
(b)
Industrial wastewater is wastewater generated
in a commercial or industrial process.
(c)
Grit (sand, gravel, cinders, or other materials
of high specific gravity).
(d)
Screenings (relatively large materials such
as rags) generated during preliminary treatment of domestic sewage
in a treatment works.
(2)
The sewage treatment residues may consist of
viscous semisolid mixture of bacteria and virus-laden organic matter,
toxic metals, synthetic organic chemicals, and settled nonbiodegradable
solids removed from domestic and industrial wastewater at a sewage
treatment plant.
SLUDGE SITE
An area of land used for the application of sludge.
SMALL SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A solar collection system consisting of one or more roof-
and/or ground-mounted solar collector devices and solar-related equipment,
and which is intended to reduce on-site consumption of utility power.
A system is considered a small solar energy system only if it supplies
electrical or thermal power solely for on-site use; except that when
a property upon which the facility is installed also receives electrical
power supplied by a utility company, excess electrical power generated
and not presently needed for on-site use may be used by the utility
company.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEM
A wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine,
a tower, and associated control or conversion electronics, which has
a rated capacity of not more than 100 kW and which is intended primarily
to reduce on-site consumption of utility power.
[Added 1-17-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-02]
SOIL CLASSIFICATION
The classifications defined by the United States Department
of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service York County
Soil Survey. Class 1 shall be considered the highest classification,
and Class 8 shall be considered the lowest classification. Unless
otherwise specified, differentiation between prime agricultural soils
and nonprime agricultural soils shall be sufficient soil classification
under this chapter. Prime agricultural soils shall be considered a
higher classification than nonprime agricultural soils.
SOIL SURVEY
The latest published version of the United States Department
of Agriculture's Soil Survey for York County, Pennsylvania.
SOLAR COLLECTION SYSTEM
A solar photovoltaic cell, panel, or array, or solar hot-air
or -water collector device, which relies upon solar radiation received
from the sun as an energy source for collection, inversion, storage,
and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation or transfer
of stored heat.
[Added 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
SPECIAL EXCEPTION
A use that is generally compatible with a particular zone once specified criteria have been met. Special exception uses are listed by zone and approved by the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with Article
VI of this chapter.
SPECIAL PERMIT
A special approval which is required for hospitals, nursing
homes, jails, and new manufactured home parks and subdivisions and
substantial improvements to such existing parks, when such development
is located in all, or a designated portion of a floodplain.
SPECIAL PROTECTION WATERS
Any water body within an exceptional value (EV) or high quality
(HQ) watershed.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL, AREAS
Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals,
pubic region, buttocks, anus, female breasts below a point immediately
above the top of areolae, human male genitals in a discernible turgid
state, or any combination thereof, even if completely and opaquely
covered. (See "adult-related uses.")
SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES
For the purposes of this chapter, this term shall include
any of the following: (See "adult-related uses.")
(1)
Actual or simulated sexual intercourse, oral
copulation, anal intercourse, oral-anal copulation, bestiality, direct
physical stimulation of unclothed genitals, flagellation or torture
in the context of a sexual relationship, or the use of excretory functions
in the context of a sexual relationship, and any of the following
depicted sexually oriented acts or conduct: anilingus, buggery, coprophagy,
coprophilia, cunnilingus, fellatio, necrophilia, pederasty, pedophilia,
piquerism, sapphism, zooerasty; or
(2)
Clearly depicted human genitals in a state of
sexual stimulation, arousal or tumescence; or
(3)
Use of human or animal masturbation, sodomy,
oral copulation, coitus, ejaculation; or
(4)
Fondling or touching of nude human genitals,
pubic region, buttocks or female breast; or
(5)
Masochism, erotic or sexually oriented torture,
beating, or the infliction of pain; or
(6)
Erotic or lewd touching, fondling or other contact
with an animal by a human being; or
(7)
Human excretion, urination, menstruation, vaginal
or anal irrigation.
STOCKYARD
A use whereby livestock are kept temporarily until slaughtered
or shipped elsewhere.
STORAGE
A function involving the deposition of materials, goods,
products, or any combination thereof, for safekeeping.
STOREFRONT
The wall of a unit of occupancy which faces the front yard
within a planned commercial center, as defined herein.
STREAMS
Naturally occurring bodies of surface water, flowing in defined
beds or channels. Flow may be either continuous, or only during wet
periods.
(1)
TYPE A STREAMSFor the purposes of the Restricted Development Overlay, Type A streams shall have a buffer of 25 feet of the ordinary waterline of a naturally occurring waterway having a drainage area greater than 500 acres.
(2)
TYPE B STREAMSFor the purposes of the Restricted Development Overlay, Type B streams shall have a buffer of 10 feet buffer of the ordinary waterline of a naturally occurring waterway having a drainage area of between 200 and 500 acres.
STREET
Includes street, avenue, boulevard, road, highway, freeway,
lane, viaduct, and any other dedicated and adopted public right-of-way,
or private right-of-way, used or intended to be used by vehicular
traffic, pedestrians, or both.
STREET CENTER LINE
The horizontal line paralleling the street that bisects the
street right-of-way into two equal widths. In those instances where
the street right-of-way cannot be determined, the street center line
shall correspond to the center of the cartway.
STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE
A line defining the edge of a street right-of-way and separating
the street from abutting property or lots. The street line shall be
the same as the legal right-of-way line currently in existence.
STRUCTURE
Any assembly of materials constructed or erected with a fixed
location on the ground, or attached to something having a fixed location
on the ground, any portion of which is above the natural surface grade,
excluding mailboxes, swing sets, birdfeeders, birdhouses, decorative
fountains, sandboxes, pools, impervious and semi-impervious coverage
for patios, driveways, parking areas and sidewalks, fences, signs
and other similar nonpermanent objects. This term does include any
man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or
in land or water whether or not affixed to land. For purposes of the
Restricted Development Overlay, the term "structure" shall include
anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the ground
including, but not limited to buildings sheds, manufactured homes
and other similar items.
[Amended 1-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-01]
STRUCTURE ACCESSORY
A structure on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily
incidental and subordinate to, the principal use or structure.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
Damage from any cause sustained by a structure whereby the
cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would
equal or exceed 50% or more of the market value of the structure before
the damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement
of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market
value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement.
This term includes structures which have incurred substantial damage,
regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not,
however, include either:
(1)
Any project for improvement of a structure to
correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or
safety code specifications which have been identified by the local
code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure
safe living conditions; or
(2)
Any alteration of a historic structure, provided
that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation
as an historic structure.
SWIMMING POOL
Any pool, not located within a completely enclosed building,
and containing, or normally capable of containing, water to a depth
at any point greater than 1 1/2 feet. Farm ponds, ornamental ponds,
and lakes are not included, provided that swimming was not the primary
purpose for their construction.
TASTING FACILITY
A facility or portion of a facility of a winery where the
public may sample products provided by the winery and which has ancillary
wine-related retail sales.
[Added 1-16-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-01]
TAVERN
An establishment which serves primarily alcoholic beverages
for mostly on-premises consumption and which is licensed by the Pennsylvania
Liquor Control Board. Taverns may also serve food, but no live entertainment
shall be permitted.
TESTING
A function involving the examination and assessment of qualities,
performances, capabilities, or any combination thereof, of a product,
good or material.
THEATER
A building, room, or outdoor structure for the presentation
of live performances or motion pictures.
TINY HOME
A dwelling unit placed on a property for occupancy as a residential dwelling with a habitable area of not less than 150 square feet and not more than 699 square feet, constructed on a permanent foundation. A tiny home shall be considered a mobile home and shall comply with all requirements of Chapter
310 regarding mobile homes and Chapter
490 regarding single-family dwellings. All tiny homes must be certified by Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
[Added 12-17-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-07]
TOP OF BANK
The elevation at which rising waters begin to inundate the
floodplain. In case of ambiguous, indefinite, or nonexistent floodplain
or question regarding the location, the top of bank shall be the bankfull
water elevation as delineated by a person trained in fluvial geomorphology
and utilizing the most recent edition of "Applied River Morphology"
by Dave Rosgen or comparable reference book. "Top of bank" shall be
synonymous with "edge of water."
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
TOWNSHIP
Hellam Township, York County, Pennsylvania.
[Amended 10-15-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-06]
TRANSFERABLE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
A separate estate in the land which may be severed from and
used or transferred separately which represents rights to develop
with the Township has attached to specified lands within the Rural
Agricultural Zone which the Township desires to be kept minimally
developed or undeveloped transferable. Development rights may be used
to enable subdivision of lots and development of the land to which
the Township assigned the transferable development rights, or they
may be transferred from those lands so that the development potential
which they represent may occur on other lands where more intensive
development is deemed to be appropriate.
[Amended 8-21-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-07]
TRANSFERRING TRACT
A parent tract from which development rights are severed
to be transferred in gross or to be used on a developing tract.
TRUCK STOP
A planned center in which two or more different truck and
transport-related uses are provided on a common site.
TWO-FAMILY CONVERSION
The conversion of an existing single-family detached dwelling
unit to contain two separate dwelling units.
UNDERSTORY
The smaller vegetation (shrubs, seedlings, saplings, small
trees) within a forest stand, occupying the vertical zone between
the overstory and the herbaceous plants of the forest floor.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
USE
The specific purpose for which land or a structure is designed,
arranged, intended, occupied or maintained.
(1)
USE, ACCESSORYA use on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use or structure.
VARIANCE
A modification of any provision of this chapter granted by the Zoning Hearing Board subject to Article
VI of this chapter.
VETERINARIAN'S OFFICE
A building used primarily for the treatment, by a veterinarian,
of small domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds or
fowl. No outdoor boarding of animals is permitted.
VINEYARD
Ground planted with grapevines cultivated for the purpose
of commercially producing wine. A vineyard is an agricultural use
where grapes and/or other wine-producing crops are grown.
[Added 1-16-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-01]
WASTE
Garbage, refuse, and other discarded materials including, but not limited to, solid, semisolid, contained gaseous and liquid materials resulting from municipal, industrial, institutional, commercial, agricultural, residential, and other activities. Such wastes shall also include biological excrement and hazardous waste materials, as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Chapter
1, Part 261, dated July 1, 1984, or as amended. Waste shall expressly include those materials defined, at any given time, as waste by the PA DEP and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. For the purposes of this chapter, the difference between waste and junk or recyclables is that waste shall include materials that have entered a reasonably continuous process by which their ultimate disposal is imminent, whereas, junk includes materials that may be stored for longer periods of time awaiting potential reuse or ultimate disposal, and whereas, recyclables include materials that have entered a reasonably continuous process whereby their reuse is imminent.
WATER BODY
Any natural or man-made pond, lake, wetland, impoundment,
or watercourse. This shall not include an active quarry or any facility
designed and constructed solely to contain stormwater, or a swimming
pool.
[Added 4-18-2019 by Ord.
No. 2019-03]
WATERCOURSE
Any channel or conveyance of surface water having a defined
bed and banks, such as a stream, river, brook, or creek, whether natural
or artificial, with perennial, intermittent, or seasonal flow. This
shall not include any channel or ditch designed and constructed solely
to carry stormwater.
[Amended 9-3-2015 by Ord.
No. 2015-05; 7-21-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-02; 4-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03]
WATERSHED
All the land from which water drains into a particular watercourse.
WECS UNIT (WIND ENERGY CONSERVATION SYSTEM)
Any device which converts wind energy to mechanical or electrical
energy and shall include blades, hubs to which blades are attached,
and any device, such as a tower, used to support the hub, rotary blades,
etc., or any combination thereof.
WETLAND or WETLANDS
Those areas inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater
at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under
normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically
adapted for life in a saturated soil conditions, including swamps,
marshes, bogs, ponds, lakes, and similar areas. "Wetlands" shall include
any area so delineated by the National Wetlands Inventory of the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and all lands regulated as wetlands by the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) or the
United States Army Corps of Engineers (ACE). In the event there is
a conflict between the definitions of these agencies, the more restrictive
definition that defines the wetlands most expansively shall apply.
[Amended 9-3-2015 by Ord.
No. 2015-05; 7-21-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-02; 4-18-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-03]
WHOLESALE
Any distribution procedure involving persons who, in the
normal course of business, do not engage in sales to the general public.
WIND ENERGY FACILITY
An electric generating facility, whose main purpose is to
supply electricity off-site, consisting of one or more wind turbines
and other accessory structures and buildings, including substations,
meteorological towers, electrical infrastructure, transmission lines
and appurtenant facilities.
[Added 1-17-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-02]
WINDOW
An opening to the outside other than a door which provides
all or part of the required natural light, natural ventilation or
both to an interior space. The glazed portion of a door in an exterior
wall may be construed to be a window in regard to provision of natural
light.
WIND TURBINE
A wind energy conversion system that converts wind energy
into electricity for use off-site, through the use of a wind turbine
generator, and includes the nacelle, rotor, tower and pad transformer,
if any.
[Added 1-17-2008 by Ord. No. 2008-02]
WINERY EVENT
A gathering or activity occurring at a predesignated time
which is considered as an accessory function of a Type B winery. These
activities may include, but are not limited to: weddings, receptions,
festivals, concerts, meetings, retreats and other agritourism gatherings
which are intended to allow for the sampling and direct marketing
and sales of wines produced on the premises or produced elsewhere.
A winery event would not apply to regular walk-in tasting, retail
sales or tours.
[Added 1-16-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-01]
WINERY, TYPE A
A facility that processes grapes and other fruit products
or vegetables, to produce wine or similar spirits. Processing includes
crushing, fermenting, blending, aging, storage, bottling, administrative
office functions for the winery, and warehousing. A Type A winery
may include barrel rooms, bottling rooms, tank rooms, laboratories
and offices, as well as uses that are clearly incidental to the production
of wine. No on-site sales of wine shall be allowed.
[Added 1-16-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-01; amended 10-15-2020 by Ord. No.
2020-02]
WINERY, TYPE B
Includes the uses listed under Type A winery, and also includes
retail and wholesale sales of wine, catering areas, banquet areas
or rooms, halls, winery events, tours, picnic areas, food service
and a tasting facility. Food service is not to include a restaurant.
[Added 1-16-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-01]
WOODLANDS
An area or stand of trees covering an area 10,000 square
feet or more, having a continuous canopy, and located on a parent
tract prior to subdivision.
[Amended 12-6-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-05]
YARD
An area between the permitted structures and the property
lines.
(1)
YARD, FRONTThe area contained between the street right-of-way line and the principal structure. For flag lots, the front yard shall be that area between the principal structure and that property line which is most parallel to the street that provides access and is not part of the flagpole.
(2)
YARD, REARThe area contained between the principal structure and the property line directly opposite the street of address. For flag lots, the rear yard shall be that area between the principal structure and that lot line which is directly opposite the above-described front yard.
(3)
YARD, SIDEThe area(s) between a principal structure and any side lot line(s). On corner lots, the side yard shall be considered those areas between the principal structure and the property lines directly opposite the non-address street(s) For flag lots, the side yards shall be the area between the principal structure and that one outermost lot line which forms the flag and pole, plus the area on the opposite side of the principal structure.
ZONING
The designation of specified districts within the Township,
reserving them for certain uses together with limitations on lot size,
heights of structures and other stipulated requirements.
ZONING OFFICER
The duly constituted municipal official designated to administer
and enforce this chapter in accordance with its literal terms.