[Ord. 2035, 12/9/2002, § 800; as amended by Ord. No. 2400, 7/17/2017]
In order to carry out the stated purpose of this chapter, the
Township is hereby divided into zoning districts as shown on the Official
Zoning Map and designated as follows:
|
Full Name
|
Short Name
|
|---|---|
|
One-Family District
|
R-1
|
|
One- and Two-Family District
|
R-2
|
|
One- and Two-Family and Townhouse District
|
R-3
|
|
Multi-Family District
|
R-4
|
|
Multi-Family District
|
R-5
|
|
Regional Commercial District
|
C-1
|
|
Community Commercial District
|
C-2
|
|
Neighborhood Commercial District
|
C-3
|
|
General Commercial/Light Industrial District
|
I-1
|
|
Transportation Overlay District
|
TD-1
|
|
Rochester Road/Lowries Run Conservation Corridor Overlay District
|
RLD-1
|
|
Mixed Use Overlay District
|
MUO
|
[Ord. 2035, 12/9/2002, § 801; as amended by Ord.
2288, 4/12/2010]
1.
The locations and boundaries of the areas classified within each
of these zoning districts are set forth on the Zoning Map attached
hereto and made a part hereof by reference, and adopted at the time
of enactment of this chapter. All notations, references, explanatory
matter and other information on the Zoning Map are adopted and incorporated
herein by this reference. The Zoning Map shall be kept on file for
public inspection in the Zoning Officer's office of the Township.
2.
The Zoning Map is amended by the addition of a Transportation Overlay
Map, attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A,"[1] which shows the boundaries of the study area and the initial
Transportation Overlay District.
[1]
Editor's Note: The Transportation Overlay District Map, Exhibit
A, is on display in the Zoning and Building Department of Ross Township.
3.
The Zoning Map is amended by the addition of the Rochester Road/Lowries
Run Conservation Corridor Overlay District Map, attached hereto and
made a part hereof as Exhibit "B,"[2] which shows the boundaries of the study area and the initial
Transportation Overlay District.
[2]
Editor's Note: The Rochester Road/Lowries Run Conservation
Corridor Overlay District Map, Exhibit B, is on display in the Zoning
and Building Department of Ross Township.
[Ord. 2035, 12/9/2002, § 802]
All land annexed to, or otherwise acquired for, the Township
after the effective date of this chapter, shall be automatically classified
as an R-1, One-Family District, and shall remain so classified until
a zoning plan for the annexed or acquired areas has been adopted by
the Township Commissioners. The Planning Commission shall recommend
to the Board of Commissioners appropriate zoning for the annexed area
within 90 days of the effective date of such annexation or acquisition.
[Ord. 2035, 12/9/2002, § 803; as amended by Ord.
2288, 4/12/2010]
1.
One- and Two-Family and Townhouse Residential Districts (R-1, R-2,
R-3). It is the purpose of these districts to provide for low density
residential development in areas where such density now exists, and
in additional areas to protect the natural resources and the environmentally
sensitive areas.
2.
Multi-Family Residential Districts (R-4, R-5). It is the purpose
of these districts to provide a wide range of higher intensity development
in portions of the Township with convenient and adequate access to
the commercial and light industrial zones and major transportation
thoroughfares.
3.
Regional Commercial Districts (C-1). It is the purpose of these districts
to allow an admixture of higher intensity commercial and residential
uses, both reflecting existing land use patterns and projecting future
development.
4.
Community Commercial District (C-2). It is the purpose of this district
to allow an admixture of medium intensity commercial and residential
uses, both reflecting existing land use patterns and projecting future
development.
5.
Neighborhood Commercial District (C-3). It is the purpose of this
district to allow an admixture of low intensity commercial and residential
uses both reflecting existing land use patterns and projecting future
development.
6.
General Commercial-Light Industrial District (I-1). It is the purpose
of this district, in keeping with the existing character of the Township
and the projected development to encourage quality light industrial
and general commercial development in and around the main thoroughfares,
which development will relate to the adjacent residential areas in
a positive way.
7.
Transportation Overlay District. (TD-1). It is the purpose of this
overlay district, to monitor development, expansion, change in use
within the TD-1 in order to insure that any development, expansion,
change in use within the overlay does not create anymore than the
traffic capacity assigned to the lot notwithstanding the fact that
the development, expansion or change in use would be permitted in
the underlying district.
8.
Rochester Road/Lowries Run Conservation Corridor Overlay District
(RLD-1). It is the purpose of this overlay district to promote the
preservation and retention of open spaces; promote the use of coordinated
pedestrian paths, street lighting, signs, street trees, landscaping
and screened parking areas which encourages the development of a "country
village atmosphere," promote the use of flexible and innovative residential
development design concepts that preserve and incorporate the unique
natural features of the site into the design processes; and to preserve
the existing "country atmosphere" of the corridor area.
[Ord. 2035, 12/9/2002, § 804]
1.
When a property of one zoning designation, as indicated on the Official
Zoning Map, is located in such a way that any of the property lines
directly abut another zoning district, the uses in that abutting zoning
district may be permitted as a conditional use with the recommendation
of the Planning Commission and approval of the Board of Commissioners.
2.
The criteria established for each use in each zoning district shall
apply unless modified by the conditions, safeguards, standards and
criteria set forth in this section.
3.
Buffer Area. Developments shall have a minimum buffer area established
around the entire perimeter of the property of 35 feet; provided,
however, that when the maximum natural ground surface slope, perpendicular
to and within 100 feet of the perimeter, at any point on the perimeter
is greater than 10%, the width of the buffer area shall be increased
by one foot for each 1% increase in grade in excess of 10%; and, provided
further, in the case of small or irregular properties, where the minimum
buffer area prescribed as aforesaid would create a special hardship
the Board of Commissioners, after receiving the recommendation of
the Planning Commission, may reduce such minimum buffer area or eliminate
it in its entirety, in its sole discretion. The buffer area shall
be preserved in its natural state; provided, however, that additional
planting and screening may be required. Vehicular and pedestrian access
to the development through the buffer area shall be so constructed
as to minimally disturb said buffer area.
4.
Height. The maximum building height authorized in the zoning district
in which the property is located shall not be exceeded; provided,
however, that where two districts abut, the lesser authorized building
height shall prevail.
5.
Signage. No sign or other advertising device shall be authorized
on the sides, roof or rear of any building or structure.
6.
Conditions.
A.
In evaluating whether to authorize any of the uses referred to in Part 9 of this chapter, the Board of Commissioners shall determine that the proposed use will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or district in which the property is located, nor substantially or permanently impair the appropriate use or development of adjacent property or properties, nor be detrimental to the public welfare. In the course of its evaluation, the Board of Commissioners shall consider, among other things, the effect and overall compatibility of the proposed use from the standpoint of:
(1)
The density of population.
(2)
The height, size, shape and location of proposed buildings and
other structures.
(3)
The adequacy and location of off-street parking facilities.
(4)
The potential for increased traffic conditions.
(5)
The existence and location of natural and artificial buffering
facilities including, screen planting.
(6)
The proposed method of treatment of any facilities to be located
on a roof or portion thereof, or anywhere on or about the exterior
facade of the proposed buildings and other structures.
(7)
Lighting (including type, source, magnitude, exposure angle
and location).
(8)
Odors and noise.
(9)
Signs and other display devices.
B.
In granting its approval for a specific use, the Board of Commissioners
shall impose such reasonable conditions and safeguards, in addition
to those otherwise specified in this chapter or incorporated herein
by reference, as it may deem necessary to protect and preserve the
appropriate use or development of adjacent property or properties;
to protect and advance the public welfare; and to promote and foster
the development of the Township in conformity with the Comprehensive
Plan. The Board of Commissioners may require that such conditions
and safeguards be incorporated in a plan of lots or other appropriate
recordable form and filed in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of
Allegheny County. Each situation shall be deemed to be separate and
individual, and the decision made by the Board of Commissioners shall
apply only to the case in point and shall in no way be construed to
establish precedent.
7.
Additional Requirements to be Submitted with Application.
A.
The site plan shall indicate all property lines and location of existing
structures adjacent to and abutting the proposed development to a
depth of 200 feet.
B.
The applicant shall provide photographs of the present site and the
surrounding contiguous area to a depth of 200 feet.
C.
Floor plans and elevations (not to be considered to require working
drawings or construction drawings) and perspectives or models showing
the bulk of the proposed buildings or structures shall also be provided.
The elevations or perspectives shall identify the major materials
on the exterior of the proposed buildings and other structures.
D.
Upon request by the Planning Commission or Board of Commissioners,
the applicant shall furnish by affidavit concerning features and effects
of the proposed use upon the adjacent properties and the surrounding
neighborhood.
