[Ord. No. 2020-01, 1/6/2020]
A.Â
General Interpretation. For the purposes of this chapter, words and
terms used herein shall be applied, construed and interpreted as follows:
(1)Â
Words in the present tense shall include the future tense.
(2)Â
The word "person" or "applicant" includes a profit or nonprofit
corporation, company, unincorporated association, partnership, limited
partnership, LLC, trust, or other legal entity, as well as individual.
(3)Â
The word "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or building
includes the words "intended, arranged, or designed to be used or
occupied."
(4)Â
The word "lot" includes plot or parcel.
(5)Â
The words "must" and "shall" are always mandatory.
(6)Â
The words "street," "highway," and "road" have the same meaning
and are used interchangeably.
(7)Â
The word "sale" shall also include rental and lease.
(8)Â
The singular shall include the plural and vice-versa.
(9)Â
The masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter,
and vice-versa.
(11)Â
Any word or term not defined in this chapter or the Township
Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, as amended, shall be used
with the meaning of standard usage within the context of the section.
(12)Â
The words "such as," "includes," "including" and "specifically"
shall provide examples, but shall not by themselves limit the provision
in which they appear only to those items that are specifically mentioned.
(13)Â
If a word is defined in both this chapter and another Township
ordinance, each definition shall apply to the provisions of each ordinance,
respectively.
B.Â
ABUT
ACADEMIC CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTER
ACCESS DRIVE or ACCESSWAY
ACCESS POINT
ACCESSIBLE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION
ACCESSORY BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT
ACCESSORY USE
ACRE
ADJACENT
ADJUSTED TRACT AREA
ADULT BOOKSTORE
ADULT MOVIE THEATER
ADULT PERSONAL CARE FACILITY
ADULT USE
AGRICULTURAL TOURISM
AGRICULTURAL WASTE
AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE (RESIDENTIAL)
AIRPORT
AIRPORT, PRIVATE
AIRPORT, PUBLIC
ALLEY
AMATEUR RADIO ANTENNA
ANIMAL CEMETERY
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
ANTENNA
APARTMENT
APPLICANT
AUDITORIUM, COMMERCIAL
AUTO REPAIR GARAGE
AUTO SERVICE STATION
AUTO, BOAT, AND/OR MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME SALES
BASEMENT
BATTERY CHARGING STATION
BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
BILLBOARD
BLACK POWDER
BLAST or BLASTING
BOARD
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
BOARDING HOUSE
BUFFER YARD
BUILDING
BUILDING CODE OFFICIAL
BUILDING COVERAGE
BUILDING SETBACK LINE
BUILDING, AREA
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
CABARET
CAMPGROUND
CANOPY
CARPORT
CARTWAY
CARWASH and/or AUTO DETAILING
CEMETERY
CHAIRPERSON
CHARGING LEVELS
CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC WASTE
CHILD DAY-CARE CENTER
CHIMNEY
CO-LOCATION
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
COMMERCIAL USE
COMMISSION
COMMON OPEN SPACE
COMMUNITY CENTER
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FEED OPERATION
CONDITIONAL USE
CONDOMINIUM
CONSERVANCY LOT
CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT
CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT SUBDIVISION
CONSTRAINED LAND
CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION/DEMOLITION WASTE
CONVENIENCE STORE
CONVERSION
COUNTY
COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
CREMATORIUM
CRIMINAL TREATMENT CENTER
CROP FARMING
CULTURAL CENTER
D.E.P.
DAY-CARE CENTER or NURSERY SCHOOL
DAYS
DENSITY
DENSITY FACTOR
DETACHED BUILDING
DEVELOPER
DEVELOPMENT
DISPOSAL
DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEMS (DAS)
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRICT (or ZONING DISTRICT)
DORMITORY
DRIVEWAY
DUMP
DWELLING
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
(a)Â
(b)Â
(c)Â
(d)Â
(e)Â
(4)Â
(5)Â
(6)Â
(7)Â
DWELLING UNIT
ELECTRIC VEHICLE
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION (EVCS)
ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE
EMERGENCY
EMERGENCY SERVICES STATION
EMPLOYEES
EQUIPMENT COMPOUND
EQUITABLE OWNER
EQUIVALENT DWELLING UNIT (E.D.U.)
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
EXERCISE CLUB
EXPLOSIVE
FAMILY
FAMILY CHILD DAY-CARE HOME
FCC
FENCE
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
FIREWORKS
FITNESS CENTER
FLOODPLAIN (100-YEAR)
FORESTRY ACTIVITIES
FRATERNITY
FUEL
FUNERAL HOME/MORTUARY
GARAGE SALE or YARD SALE
GARAGE, COMMERCIAL
GARAGE, PRIVATE OR HOUSEHOLD
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM (CLOSED LOOP)
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS (OPEN LOOP)
GLARE
GROUP HOME
GUNPOWDER
HAZARDOUS WASTE
HEALTH CARE MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORGANIZATION
HEIGHT
HEIGHT OF A TOWER-BASED WCF
HELIPORT
(1)Â
(2)Â
HOME GARDENING
HOME OCCUPATION
HOME-BASED BUSINESS, NO-IMPACT
HOSPITAL
HOTEL or MOTEL
HYDROGEOLOGICAL STUDY
IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE RATIO OR PERCENTAGE
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
IN-LAW SUITE
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS
INDUSTRIAL USE
INFECTIOUS WASTE
JUNK
JUNK VEHICLE
JUNKYARD
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
(4)Â
KENNEL
LAND DEVELOPMENT
LANDOWNER
LEAF COMPOSTING
LIGHTING, DIFFUSED
LINE, STREET
LOT
LOT AREA
LOT DEPTH
LOT LINES
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
LOT WIDTH
LOT, CORNER
LOT, FLAG
LOT, INTERIOR
LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGE
LOT, THROUGH
MAJOR SUBDIVISION
MANUFACTURE
MASSAGE
MASSAGE PARLOR
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
(4)Â
MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY
MEDICAL MARIJUANA GROWER/PROCESSOR
MEDICAL OFFICE OR CLINIC
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
MEMBERSHIP CLUB
MINERAL EXTRACTION
MINOR SUBDIVISION
(1)Â
(2)Â
(a)Â
(b)Â
(c)Â
MIXED-USE BUILDING
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME PARK
MODIFICATION or MODIFY
MONOPOLE
MOTEL
MUNICIPAL WASTE
MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT PLANT (WWTP)
MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE
NFPA 1124
NITS
NON-TOWER WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (NON-TOWER WCF)
NONCONFORMING LOT
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
NONCONFORMING USE
NUISANCE
NURSING HOME
OFFICE
OFFICIAL STREET CLASSIFICATION MAP
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
OPEN SPACE, COMMON
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
ORDINANCE
OUTDOOR SOLID-FUEL-BURNING APPLIANCE
OWNER
PARCEL
PARKING
PARKING LOT
PAVED AREA
PAVILION
PENNDOT
PERMIT
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
PERMITTED-BY-RIGHT USE
PERSON
PERSONAL CARE CENTER
PERSONAL SERVICE
PICNIC GROVE
PLACE OF WORSHIP
PLANNED BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
PLANNED UNIT COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING COMMISSION
PLANT NURSERY
PLOT PLAN
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
PRINCIPAL USE
PRIVATE STREET
PROCESSING OF WASTES
PROPERTY LINE
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLICLY OWNED RECREATION
RECREATION, OUTDOOR
RECREATION, PRIVATE OR COMMERCIAL
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE STORAGE AREA
RECYCLING COLLECTION CENTER
REPLACEMENT
RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURE
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
RESIDENTIAL LOT LINES
RESIDUAL WASTE
RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY
RESTAURANT, FAST FOOD
RESTAURANT, STANDARD
RETAIL SALES
RETAIL STORE
RETIREMENT VILLAGE
RIGHT-OF-WAY
RIGHT-OF-WAY, EXISTING OR LEGAL
RIGHT-OF-WAY, FUTURE
ROADSIDE PRODUCE STAND
SANITARY LANDFILL
SATELLITE ANTENNA
SCHOOL, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PRIMARY OR SECONDARY SCHOOL
SCREENING
SELF-STORAGE DEVELOPMENT
SELF-STORAGE DEVELOPMENT, HIGHWAY ADJACENT
SEPTAGE
SETBACK LINE
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM
SEWAGE SLUDGE or SLUDGE
SHORT-TERM TRANSIENT RENTALS
SIGHT DISTANCE
SIGN
SIGN AREA
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES
SITE
SITE PLAN
SITE PLAN REVIEW
SLAUGHTERHOUSE
SLOPE
SMALL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
(1)Â
(a)Â
(b)Â
(c)Â
(d)Â
(e)Â
(f)Â
(g)Â
(h)Â
SMOKELESS POWDER
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, OFF-SITE USAGE
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, ON-SITE USAGE
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
SOLID WASTE
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT
SPECIAL EXCEPTION
SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS
SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES
STABLE, NONHOUSEHOLD
STATE
STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
STEEP SLOPE AREA
STORY (and HALF-STORY)
STREET
STREET CENTER LINE
STREET CLASSIFICATION
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
(4)Â
STRUCTURE
(1)Â
(2)Â
SUBDIVISION
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE
SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGE or SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE
(1)Â
(2)Â
SWIMMING POOL, PRIVATE
SWIMMING POOL, PUBLIC
SWIMMING POOL, SEMIPUBLIC
TAVERN
TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY (SEASONAL OCCUPANCY)
TEMPORARY USE, BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
TENT
THEATER
THEATER, OUTDOOR DRIVE-IN
TIRE STORAGE, BULK
TOWER-BASED WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (TOWER-BASED WCF)
TOWNHOUSE
TOWNSHIP
TRACT
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
TRACT AREA, ADJUSTED
TRADE SCHOOL
TRANSFER STATION
TREATMENT
TREE FARM
TRUCK TERMINAL
(1)Â
(2)Â
USE
VARIANCE
VETERINARY OFFICE
WALL
WAREHOUSE
WATER SYSTEM
(1)Â
(2)Â
WBCA
WETLANDS
WHOLESALE SALES
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
WIND ENERGY FACILITY
WIND TURBINE/WINDMILL
WIRELESS
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (WCF)
YARD
YARD, FRONT
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
YARD, REAR
YARD, SIDE
YIELD PLAN
ZONING HEARING BOARD
ZONING MAP
ZONING OFFICER
ZONING ORDINANCE
Terms Defined. When used in this chapter, the following words, terms,
and phrases shall have the following meanings, unless expressly stated
otherwise, or unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Areas of contiguous lots that share a common lot line, but
not including lots entirely separated by a street or a nonintermittent
waterway. See "adjacent."
An accredited medical school within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
that operates or partners with an acute care hospital licensed within
the commonwealth.
A means of ingress and/or egress accessing not more than
three dwelling units or a commercial, institutional, or industrial
use(s).
One combined entrance/exit point or one clearly defined entrance
point separated from another clearly defined exit point. This term
shall not include accessways, access drives, and/or driveways that
are strictly limited to use by emergency vehicles only.
An electric vehicle charging station where the battery charging
station is located within accessible reach of a barrier-free access
aisle and the electric vehicle.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-03, 8/10/2022]
A separate or detached building or structure which is subordinate
and accessory to a principal building, structure and/or other use
on the same lot and which is used for purposes that are customarily
incidental to the principal use. Any portion of a principal building
or structure that is used for an accessory use shall not be considered
to be an accessory building or structure.
Any equipment serving or being used in conjunction with a
wireless communications facility or wireless support structure. The
term "accessory equipment" includes but is not limited to utility
or transmission equipment, power supplies, generators, batteries,
cables, equipment buildings, cabinets and storage sheds, shelters
or similar structures.
A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal
use or building, and located on the same lot with such principal use
or building.
43,560 square feet.
Includes contiguous lots that share a common lot line or
that are separated only by a street or nonintermittent waterway. See
"abut."
See "tract area, adjusted."
A commercial establishment which has a portion of its floor
space dedicated to the sale or rental of books, films, magazines,
video tapes, disks, novelties, or other periodicals, which are distinguished
or characterized by their emphasis on contact depicting, describing
or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical
areas. This shall include, but not be limited to, materials that would
be illegal to sell to minors under Pennsylvania state law.
A commercial establishment where a portion or all of which
is used for presenting motion pictures, slides or video tapes or similarly
reproduced images distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on
matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities
or specified anatomical areas for observation by patrons therein.
This shall include, but not be limited to, any theater that shows
any one or multiple motion pictures that have received a rating by
the Motion Picture Association of America of "X" over a total of more
than 14 days in any calendar year.
A premises in which food, shelter and personal assistance
or supervision are provided during the day for four or more adults
who are not relatives of the owner or operator, who do not require
the services in or of a long-term care facility, but do require assistance
or supervision in activities of daily living or instrumental activities
of daily living.
Shall include only the following: adult bookstore, adult
movie theater, massage parlor, or cabaret.
Tourist-related uses such as pumpkin patches, corn mazes,
hayrides, etc., that promote products and processes normal to farm
operations or life.
Waste that is defined as "agricultural waste" by the Solid
Waste Management Act.[2]
The cultivation of the soil and the raising and harvesting
of the products of the soil, including but not limited to nursery
cultivation, horticulture, crop production, and the breeding or raising
of livestock or poultry, or the active commercial production and preparation
for market of crops, livestock and livestock products, and the production,
harvesting and preparation for market or use of agricultural, agronomic,
horticultural, silvicultural, and aquacultural crops and commodities.
Farm livestock kept as pets for domestic purposes, provided
that the lot size is at least two acres.
An area of land or water or a surface of a building that
is designated, used, or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff
of motorized aircraft, hot air balloons, dirigibles, or blimps, and
any related aircraft support facilities such as for maintenance, refueling
and parking.
An airport limited to a maximum total of 15 flights or takeoff
in any seven-day period and that is not available for use by the general
public.
An airport that does not meet the definition of a "private
airport."
A public thoroughfare, which affords only a secondary means
of access to abutting property and is not intended for general traffic
circulation.
A device, partially or wholly exterior to a building that
is used for receiving and/or transmitting electronic signals on short
wave or citizens band radio frequencies. This includes any accessory
supporting structures.
Land or buildings used for the internment or burial of the
remains of three or more animals. Burial of one or two animals on
a lot shall be a permitted by right accessory use in all zoning districts.
A building routinely used for the treatment, housing, or
boarding of animals. The housing or boarding use shall be related
to and accessory to the treatment use. A "small animal hospital" involves
treatment of only small domestic animals, including but not limited
to dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, or fowl. A "large animal hospital"
includes treatment of all types of animals including horses, cows,
and pigs.
The raising and keeping of livestock, poultry or insects for any commercial purposes, or the keeping of any animals for any reason in excess of those allowed under the "keeping of animals" section of Part 14 and beyond what is allowed pursuant to any other provision of this chapter. Animal husbandry shall not include either a slaughterhouse or a stockyard used for the housing of animals awaiting slaughter.
An apparatus designed for the purpose of emitting radiofrequency
(RF) radiation, to be operated or operating from a fixed location
pursuant to Federal Communications Commission authorization, for the
provision of wireless service and any commingled information services.
See "dwelling types."
A landowner or developer (including heirs, successors, and
assigns), as herein defined, who has filed an application for a permit,
development, variance, special exception, conditional use, interpretation,
or other land use relief pursuant to this chapter.
A commercial area or structure not owned by the Township
or other public entity involving indoor or outdoor space for exhibits,
meetings, live performances or sports events, but not a use that meets
the definition of a movie theater, adult cabaret, or standard or fast-food
restaurant.
A building and/or land where repairs and installation of
parts and accessories for motor vehicles and/or boats are conducted
that involve work that is more intense in character than work permitted
under the definition of "auto service station." An auto repair garage
shall include, but not be limited to, any use that involves any of
the following work: major mechanical or body work, straightening of
body parts, painting, welding or rebuilding of transmissions. This
use shall also include any use described in the definition of "auto
service station."
A building and/or land where liquid fuels are sold, and where
no repairs are conducted, except service may be conducted that is
closely similar in character to the following: sale and installation
of oil, lubricants, tires, batteries, belts and similar accessories
and safety and emission inspections. This use may include as an accessory
use the sale of ready-to-eat food for consumption off of the premises
and common household goods.
A building and/or area, other than a street, used for the
outdoor or indoor display, sale or rental of one or more of the following:
motor vehicles, recreation vehicles, boat trailers, farm equipment,
motorcycles, trucks, utility trailers, construction vehicles, or boats
in an operable condition, or transportable mobile/manufactured homes
in a livable condition. This use may include an auto repair garage
as an accessory use provided that it complies with all requirements
of an auto repair garage. This use shall not include a mobile/manufactured
home park or a junkyard.
An enclosed floor area partly or wholly underground. A basement
shall be considered a "story" if more than 50% of the perimeter walls
at the basement ceiling height are five feet or higher above the external
finished grade.
An electrical component assembly or cluster of component
assemblies designed specifically to charge batteries within electric
vehicles.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-03, 8/10/2022]
Any vehicle that operates exclusively on electrical energy
from an off-board source that's stored in the vehicle's batteries
and produces zero tailpipe emissions or pollution when stationary
or operating.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-03, 8/10/2022]
The use and occupancy of a single-family detached dwelling
for overnight sleeping accommodations and providing breakfast for
monetary compensation for up to 10 transient guests at any one time.
See "sign, off-premises." A billboard shall be any off-premises
sign with any total sign area greater than 50 square feet.
An explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal
used especially in fireworks and as a propellant in antique firearms.
Black powder is inherently dangerous if mishandled and great care
must be taken to store and handle it in such a way as to avoid static
electricity of all kinds, as well as all other sources of sparks or
flame. When it burns, black powder produces a sulfurous odor, leaves
corrosive residue, and produces a thick, white smoke.
The detonation or explosion of dynamite, black powder, fuse,
blasting cap, detonators, electric squibs, or other explosives.
The Zoning Hearing Board of Williams Township.
The Board of Supervisors of Williams Township.
A residential use in which individual room(s) that do not
meet the definition of a dwelling unit are rented for habitation,
primarily and customarily for periods of time longer than 30 days,
and which does not meet the definition of a hotel, dormitory, motel,
life care center, personal care center, bed-and-breakfast use, group
home, or nursing home.
A strip of land separating a land use from another land use,
feature, and/or other zoning district, which is not occupied by any
principal or accessory building, parking, outdoor storage, or any
use other than open space or sidewalks. A buffer yard may include
the minimum setback distance, but land within an existing or future
street right-of-way shall not be used to meet a buffer yard requirement.
Any structure constructed or erected on the ground, with
a roof supported by columns or walls and having a total area under
the roof of greater than 16 square feet. Any structure involving a
permanent roof (such as a covered porch or a carport) that is attached
to a principal building shall be considered to be part of that principal
building.
The individual appointed by the Board of Supervisors as a
municipal code official to administer the construction code pursuant
to the Construction Code Act, 34 P.S. § 7210.101, as amended.
The percentage obtained by dividing the maximum area of building
in square feet of all principal and accessory buildings on a lot by
the lot area of the lot upon which the buildings are located.
See "setback line."
The horizontal area measured in the plane of the ground surface
around the outside of the foundation walls and the floors, roofed
porches and roofed terraces, including the area of accessory buildings,
if any.
A building used for the conduct of the principal use of a
lot, and which is not an accessory building.
A club, tavern, theater, auditorium or similar place that
includes live entertainment involving dancers, entertainers, or employees
that display "specified anatomical areas."
A use that is primarily recreational in nature that involves
the use of tents or sites leased for recreational vehicles for transient
and seasonal occupancy by persons vacationing or travelers, or the
use of tents or cabins for seasonal occupancy by organized groups
of persons under age 18 and their counselors. No tent, site, or cabin,
shall be occupied or used by the same person for more than four months.
A drapery, awning, or other roof-like covering providing
shade or shelter of an area.
A building intended for the storage of one or more motor
vehicles, but which is not enclosed on all sides. If any portion of
a carport is attached to a principal building, it shall be considered
to be part of that building.
The paved or improved portion of a street designed for vehicular
traffic and on-street parking, but not including the shoulder of the
street.
An area, building, or structure equipped with facilities
for washing of automobiles and performing minor cosmetic repairs.
Land, buildings, or structures used for the burial or interment
only of deceased humans and/or the cremated remains of humans.
Includes chairman, chairwoman, chair, and acting chairperson
(when applicable) of the Board.
Standardized indicators of electrical force, or voltage,
at which an electric vehicle's battery is recharged. The terms 1,
2 and 3 are the most common charging levels, and include the following
specifications:
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-03, 8/10/2022]
Waste defined as chemotherapeutic waste by the Pennsylvania
Solid Waste Management Act[3] and the regulations of the Department of Environmental
Protection implementing that Act.
A use in which care is provided at any one time for seven
or more children unrelated to the owner or operator of the facility.
Any vertical structure enclosing a flue or flues that carry
off smoke or exhaust from a heating appliance.
The mounting of one or more WCFs, including antennas, on
a preexisting structure, or modifying a structure for the purpose
of mounting or installing a WCF on that structure.
The LC, HC and PUCD Zoning Districts.
An area which has a total building coverage of less than
15%, is used principally for active or passive recreation, and is
used for a profit-making purpose.
Includes retail sales, offices, personal services, auto sales,
auto repair garages and other uses of a similar nature. The sale of
goods or services from a vehicle on a lot shall also be considered
to be a commercial use.
The Planning Commission of the Williams Township.
See "open space, common."
A noncommercial use that exists solely to provide leisure
and educational activities and programs to the general public or certain
age groups. The use also may include the noncommercial preparation
and/or provision of meals to low-income elderly persons. This shall
not include residential uses.
The document entitled the Williams Township Comprehensive
Plan of 1989 and 2000 Supplement, Williams Township, Northampton County,
Pennsylvania, or any part thereof, adopted by the Board of Supervisors,
as amended.
Agricultural operations where animals are kept and raised
in locations that are confined by fences and/or walls. Feed is brought
to the animals rather than the animal grazing or otherwise seeking
feed in pastures, fields, or on rangeland. Animals are confined for
at least 45 days in any twelve-month period, and no substantial amount
of grass or other vegetation is growing in the confinement area during
the normal growing season.
A specified use which requires approval by the Board of Supervisors
at a hearing after recommendation by the Planning Commission pursuant
to express standards and criteria set forth in this chapter.
Real estate, portions of which are designated for separate
ownership, and the remainder of which is designated for common ownership
solely by the owners of those portions, created under either the Pennsylvania
Unit Property Act of 1963 or the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium
Act,[4] each as amended.
A large, privately owned and maintained lot, containing an
existing dwelling or farm complex, comprising part of the required
open space in a conservation subdivision. An area of at least one
acre upon which the dwelling or farm complex is located is set aside
and is not counted toward the required minimum open space. The remainder
of the conservancy lot is permanently protected open space. Public
access to conservancy lots is not required.
A development program that emphasizes the preservation and
protection of natural, cultural and historic features and limits development
of constrained lands.
The subdivision of a property pursuant to Part 19 of this chapter.
Wetlands, floodway, flood fringe, rock outcrops, and steep
slopes.
Includes the placing of materials in permanent position and
fastening in a temporary or permanent position to create a structure
or building; and/or the demolition of a preexisting building and/or
structure.
Waste defined as construction/demolition waste by the Pennsylvania
Solid Waste Management Act[5] and the regulations of the Department of Environmental
Protection implementing that Act.
A use that primarily sells routine household goods, groceries,
and prepared ready-to-eat foods to the general public, but that is
not primarily a restaurant, and that includes a building with a floor
area of less than 5,000 square feet. This use may also include as
an accessory use sale of liquid fuels, provided the requirements for
an "auto service station" are also met.
To change or adapt land, buildings, or structures to a different
use.
The County of Northampton, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, or LVPC.
A building containing a furnace for cremating dead bodies.
A use, other than a prison, providing living accommodations
and treatment facilities for persons committed to such treatment because
of offenses that are criminal in nature. This shall include, but not
be limited to, drug rehabilitation centers, halfway houses for persons
recently released from prison, and treatment centers for drunk drivers.
The cultivating, raising and harvesting of products of the soil and the storage of these products produced on the premises. Crop farming shall also include orchards and tree farms, but shall not include animal husbandry, commercial forestry, riding academies, or kennels. If a crop farming lot is larger than 15 acres, the crop farming use may also include the keeping of up to 10 additional animals as a permitted accessory use, in addition to what is permitted under the "Keeping of Animals" requirements in § 27-1403.
A building and/or land open to the public that contains exhibits
of clearly artistic or cultural interest, such as a museum, art gallery,
or indoor nature study area. This shall not include uses that are
primarily commercial.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
A use involving the supervised care or baby-sitting of children
under age 16 outside of their home for periods of 18 hours or less.
This use may also include educational programs that are supplementary
to state-required education.
Calendar days.
The number of dwelling units divided by the lot area, unless
otherwise stated.
Minimum lot size of the zoning district expressed as dwelling
units per acre.
A building that is surrounded on all sides by open yards
and that is not attached to any other building.
Any landowner, or agent of such landowner, tenant, or other
person, each having written authorization or permission from a landowner,
who makes or causes to be made an application for approval of a subdivision
and/or land development.
Any man-made change or construction to improved or unimproved
real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures,
the placement of mobile homes, streets and other paving, parking lots,
utilities, mining, filling, grading, excavation or drilling operations,
and the subdivision of land, as well as sewage disposal systems and
water supply systems either as a principal or accessory use.
Acts that are defined as disposal in the Solid Waste Management
Act.[6]
Network of spatially separated antenna sites connected to
a common source that provides wireless service within a geographic
area or structure. DAS shall be considered a wireless communications
facility.
The processing and sorting of materials so as to determine
which materials are to be transported to different locations, and
the loading and unloading of such materials. This term shall not include
a "truck terminal."
A land area within the Township as depicted on the Official
Zoning Map within which certain uniform regulations and requirements
or various combinations thereof apply under the provisions of this
chapter.
A principal or accessory building that includes residential
areas occupied exclusively by faculty or students of an accredited
college or university, state-licensed hospital, or accredited public
or private primary or secondary school.
A privately constructed, owned, and maintained vehicular
access from a street or access drive to only one dwelling unit.
Any area used for solid waste disposal that does not operate
under a valid solid waste permit issued by PADEP and that is not a
permitted junkyard under this chapter.
A building used as nontransient living quarters. The term
"dwelling" shall not include boarding houses, hotels, motels, dormitories,
hospitals, or nursing homes. This chapter categorizes dwellings into
the following types:
GARDEN APARTMENTSThree or more dwelling units within a building that are separated by only horizontal floors or by a combination of horizontal floors and vertical walls (see definition of "townhouse"). This shall include buildings with a maximum height of 3Â 1/2 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less. The individual dwelling units may be leased or sold for condominium ownership.
MANUFACTURED MOBILE HOMEA transportable, single-family dwelling designed for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit or in two units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations and constructed so that it may be used with or without a permanent foundation. The term "manufactured home" shall not include a "recreation vehicle" or a "modular home" or any building of less than 300 square feet of interior floor space.
MODULAR HOMEA type of dwelling that meets a definition of single-family detached dwelling, single-family semidetached dwelling, townhouse or garden apartment that is substantially but not wholly produced in three or more major sections off the site and then is assembled and completed on the site. This shall not include any of the following:
A dwelling that meets the definition of manufactured/mobile
home;
A dwelling that does not rest on a permanent foundation;
A dwelling intended to be able to be moved to a different site
once assembled;
A dwelling that would not fully comply with any and all applicable
building codes; nor
A building that includes only one or two substantial pieces
prior to delivery on the site.
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLINGA dwelling unit accommodating a single family and having open area on all sides. This may include such a dwelling that is either built on the site or is a modular home.
SINGLE-FAMILY SEMIDETACHED DWELLINGOne dwelling unit accommodating one family that is attached and completely separated by a vertical, unpierced firewall to only one additional dwelling unit. One side yard shall be adjacent to each dwelling unit. This use is commonly known as 1/2 of a duplex or 1/2 of a twin home. Each unit may or may not be on a separate lot.
TOWNHOUSEOne dwelling unit that is attached to two or more dwelling units, and with each dwelling unit being completely separated from each other by vertical fire-resistant walls. Each dwelling unit shall have its own outside access. Side yards shall be adjacent to each end unit. Townhouses are also commonly referred to as "row houses."
TWO-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLINGTwo dwelling units accommodating one family each in one building, with both dwelling units within one lot and without the dwelling units being completely separated by a vertical firewall. The building shall have two side yards.
One dwelling occupied by only one family and a maximum of
two persons who function and are employed as domestic employees. See
definition of "family." Each dwelling unit shall have its own sanitary,
sleeping and cooking facilities and separate access either to the
outside, or to a common hallway or balcony that connects to outside
access at ground level.
Any vehicle that is licensed and registered for operation
on public and private highways, roads, and streets, either partially
or exclusively, on electrical energy from the grid, or an off-board
source that is stored on-board via a battery for motive purpose. "Electric
vehicle" includes a battery electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid
electric vehicle.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-03, 8/10/2022]
A public or private parking space that is served by battery
charging station equipment that has as its primary purpose the transfer
of electric energy (by conductive or inductive means) to a battery
or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-03, 8/10/2022]
Conduit/wiring, structures, machinery, and equipment necessary
and integral to support an electric vehicle, including battery charging
stations and rapid charging stations.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-03, 8/10/2022]
A condition that constitutes a clear and immediate danger
to the health, welfare, or safety of the public, or has caused or
is likely to cause facilities in the rights-of-way to be unusable
and result in loss of the services provided.
A building for the housing of fire, emergency medical, or
police equipment, and for related activities. A membership club may
be included if it is a permitted use in that district. This may include
housing for emergency personnel while on-call.
The highest number of workers (including both part-time and
full-time, both compensated and volunteer, and permanent, temporary
and contractors) present on a lot at any one time and engaged in any
aspect of the principal or any accessory or temporary uses on the
lot, other than clearly temporary and occasional persons working on
physical improvements to the site.
An area surrounding or adjacent to a wireless support structure
within which base stations, power supplies, or accessory equipment
are located.
One recognized as the beneficial or future owner of land
because use and some rights belong to that person, even though legal
title may be held by or in the name of to someone else; and/or a party
under valid written agreement to purchase the property.
For the purposes of determining a capacity or demand in terms
or units of the number of lots in a residential subdivision, that
part of multiple-family dwelling or commercial or industrial sewage
flows equal to 400 gallons per day (GPD).
Uses that are necessary for the preservation of the public health and safety, and that are routine, customary, and appropriate to the character of the area in which they are to be located. See standards in § 27-1403. Essential services shall not include a central sewage treatment plant, a solid waste disposal area or facility, commercial communications towers, a power generating station, septic or sludge disposal, offices, storage of trucks or equipment, or bulk storage of materials.
A facility that offers indoor or outdoor recreational facilities,
such as the following: weight rooms, personal exercise and gymnastics
equipment, aerobic, dance, or yoga rooms, non-household swimming pool,
racquetball, squash, basketball and tennis courts and training for
these activities.
A solid or liquid substance (or a mixture of substances)
which is in itself capable by chemical reaction of producing gas at
such a temperature and pressure and at such a speed as to cause damage
to the surroundings.
One or more individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption
(including persons receiving formal foster care), or up to five unrelated
individuals who maintain a common household and live within one dwelling
unit. For purposes of a group home, a family may include a number
of residents equal to the number of bedrooms approved in connection
with the sewage permit for any particular property provided that those
individuals function as a common household.
A use in a home other than the child's own home, operated
for profit or not for profit, in which child day-care is provided
at any one time to four, five or six children unrelated to the owner
or operator of the facility.
Federal Communications Commission.
A man-made barrier placed or arranged as either a line of
demarcation, an enclosure, or a visual barrier, and that is constructed
of wood, PVC or composite resin, chain-link metal or aluminum, and/or
plastic inserts. Man-made barriers constructed principally of brick,
concrete, earthen materials, cinderblock, stone or rock, or similar
materials shall be considered a "wall." The term "wall" does not include
engineering retaining walls, which are permitted uses as needed that
separate land at different elevations and provide support for the
higher land, in all districts. The terms "fence" and "wall" do not
include barriers of trees or shrubs.
A business establishment primarily involved with loans and
monetary transactions but not the sale or exchange of goods, and that
has routine interactions with the public.
Any combustible or explosive composition intended to produce
visible lighting effects and/or audible effects. This term includes,
but is not limited to, consumer fireworks, display fireworks, ground
and hand-held sparkling devices, "novelties" and "toy caps," as defined
in the Fireworks Law of 1951, as amended, 35 P.S. § 1271.
See "exercise club."
An area of relatively flat or lowlands delineated in the
currently effective Flood Insurance Study and/or flood insurance maps
for the Township prepared by the Federal Insurance Administration
dated April 16, 2014, as may be amended. The 100-year flood boundary
and the designated Flood Plain Districts delineated in this study
are considered part of the Official Zoning Map.
The management of forests and timberlands when practiced
in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing,
cultivating, harvesting, transporting, and selling trees for commercial
or noncommercial purposes, which does not involve any land development,
buildings, or structures. Landscaping activities or removal of trees,
connected with or preparatory to the development of residential, business,
industrial, and commercial structures, shall not be considered forestry
activities.
A type of boarding house.
Any solid, liquid, or gaseous substance or material or any
combination of substances or materials such as coal, wood, oil, natural
or refined gas, etc., burned to supply heat or power.
A business establishment where the bodies of dead persons
are prepared for burial or cremation and where funeral services can
be held. A funeral home does not include a crematorium.
The accessory use of any lot for the occasional sale or auction of only common household goods and furniture and items of a closely similar character. See § 27-1403.
An enclosed building where storage of automobiles occurs.
Does not include warehouse or mini-warehouse uses.
An enclosed building for the storage of one to four motor
vehicles. No business, occupation or service shall be conducted in
a private garage that is accessory to a dwelling, except as may be
allowed as a home occupation.
Any heating and/or cooling system that utilizes the earth's
thermal energy to heat and/or cool a building through the use of a
series of underground pipes in which the same liquid is circulated
through piping in a continuous configuration such that no new liquid
is introduced to the system or used liquid discharged from the system.
Any heating and/or cooling system that utilizes the earth's
thermal energy to heat and/or cool a building through the use of a
series of underground pipes in which the same liquid is circulated
through piping in a continuous configuration after being drawn from
a source and is then discharged to that source or an alternate location.
A temporary or steady sensation of brightness within the
visual field, which causes annoyance, discomfort, dazzling, or loss
in visual performance, visibility, and/or ability to focus.
A dwelling unit operated by a responsible individual, family,
or organization with a program to provide supportive living arrangements
for individuals where special care is required by the individual served
due to age, emotional, mental, or physical handicap. This definition
shall expressly include supervised care of developmentally disabled
persons and all persons subject to protection under the Federal Fair
Housing Act, as amended. Group homes shall be licensed, where required,
by the appropriate government agency and a copy of such license must
be delivered to the Zoning Officer prior to the initiation of the
use.
Both smokeless powder and black powder.
Waste defined as "hazardous waste" by the Pennsylvania Solid
Waste Management Act[7] and the regulations of the Department of Environmental
Protection implementing that Act, or by the regulations of the United
States Environmental Protection Agency.
A vertically integrated health system [a health delivery
system licensed under the Act of July 19, 1979 (P.L. 130, No. 48),
known as the Health Care Facilities Act, in which the complete spectrum
of care, including primary and specialty care, hospitalization and
pharmaceutical care, is provided within a single organization] approved
by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health to dispense
medical marijuana or grow and process medical marijuana, or both,
in accordance with research under the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana
Act of 2016, P.L. 84.
The vertical distance measured from the average ground level elevation on the front side of an existing or proposed structure to the highest point of an existing or proposed structure. See exemptions for certain types of structures in § 27-1303.
The vertical distance measured from the ground level, including
any base pad, to the highest point on a tower-based WCF, including
antennas mounted on the tower and any other appurtenances.
An airport that is limited to use by helicopters. This chapter
is not intended to regulate the non-routine emergency landing and
takeoff of aircraft to pick-up injured or ill persons, but is intended
to regulate the permanent landing site of such aircraft.
PUBLIC HELIPORTA heliport that does not meet the definition of a private heliport.
PRIVATE HELIPORTA heliport limited to a maximum total of 15 originating flights or takeoffs in any seven-day period and that is not available for use by the general public. This is also known as a "helistop."
The cultivation of herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables
on the same lot as a dwelling, but excluding the keeping of livestock.
A use conducted entirely within or administered from a dwelling or its accessory building, and that is clearly incidental and secondary to the principal residential use. See § 27-1403.
A business or commercial activity administered or conducted
as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the principal use
as a residential dwelling, and which involves no customer, client
or patient traffic, whether vehicular or pedestrian, pick up, delivery,
or removal functions to or from the premises in excess of those normally
associated with residential use.
A use that involves the diagnosis, treatment, or other medical
care of persons that includes care requiring stays overnight and that
may also include out-patient care. A hospital may involve care and
rehabilitation for medical, dental, or mental health, but shall not
include housing of the criminally insane nor primarily involve housing
or treatment of persons actively serving an criminal sentence after
being convicted of a felony. A hospital may also involve medical research
and training for health care professions.
A building or buildings including rooms rented out to persons
as transient and temporary living quarters. Any such use that customarily
and primarily involves the housing of persons for periods of time
longer than 30 days shall be considered a boarding house and shall
meet the requirements of that use. See also "bed-and-breakfast" use.
A review and analysis of geologic features related to surface
and subsurface water characteristics, including but not limited to
yield, quality, recharge and draw down rates, susceptibility to pollution,
direction of flow, etc.
The total area of all "impervious surfaces" on a lot (including
building coverage) divided by the total lot area. Areas being dedicated
as common open space may be included in the total lot area for determining
impervious coverage.
Area covered by roofs, concrete, paved areas, asphalt or
other materials that has a coefficient of runoff of 0.8 or greater.
Any dispute or question over whether an area is impervious shall be
decided by the Township Engineer.
A temporary use obtained by special exception to facilitate
the care of family members.
Includes the LI/B and GI Districts.
Includes manufacturing, distribution, warehousing and other
operations of an industrial nature and not primarily of a commercial,
institutional or residential nature.
Municipal and residual waste that is defined as infectious
waste by the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act.
Any discarded, scrap, or abandoned man-made or man-processed
material or articles, including but not limited to the following:
metal, wood, furniture, appliances, motor vehicles, aircraft, glass,
industrial waste, machinery, equipment, containers, structures, and
other used building materials. Junk shall not include organic solid
waste, grass clippings, leaves, or tree limbs. Outdoor storage and
outdoor processing of junk shall only be permitted within an approved
junkyard or solid waste disposal area. Junk shall not include solid
waste customarily stored in a completely enclosed and sanitary container
that is routinely awaiting collection.
A motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, trailer, or truck,
or the chassis or body of such vehicle that meets a minimum of two
of the three following conditions: 1) does not display a license plate
with a current state registration sticker, 2) does not have a valid
state safety inspection sticker, and 3) cannot be immediately moves
under its own power. Also, any motor vehicle that has been demolished
beyond reasonable repair (such that its retail costs exceed its present
market value) shall be considered a junk vehicle.
The collection, storage, dismantling, processing, and/or
sale of junk, but specifically excluding the use of shredders used
for processing metal into scrap, other than within a completely enclosed
building, meeting any of the following conditions:
Storage of junk that is not required by the state to be disposed
of in a state-approved solid waste disposal facility.
Storage of two or more junk vehicles. This shall not apply to
such vehicles allowed to be stored within the specific requirements
of an auto repair garage or auto service station.
Storage of one or more boats that do not have current registration
and are not presently in a seaworthy condition.
Storage of one or more mobile/manufactured homes that are not
in a habitable condition.
An establishment, including animal day care or a nonprofit
animal shelter, for the breeding and/or boarding of six or more dogs
and/or six or more cats that are more than six months old.
As defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land including
the holder of a valid option or contract to purchase (whether or not
such option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee or
if tenant if he is authorized under the lease to exercise the rights
of landowner, or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
The collection and processing of vegetative material to allow
and facilitate it to biologically decompose under controlled anaerobic
or aerobic conditions.
Illumination that passes from the source through a translucent
cover or shade.
The street right-of-way line. This shall be the future street
right-of-way line, if one is required to be established.
A designated parcel or area of land established by plat or
otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed, or built
upon as a separate and standalone unit with a distinct Northampton
County Uniform Tax Parcel Identification Number.
The horizontal land area contained within the lot lines of
a lot (measured in acres or square feet). Lot area shall not include
the following:
The average horizontal distance between the front and the
rear lot lines, measured through the approximate center of the lot,
between the centers of these lot lines.
The property lines bounding the lot. Wherever a property
line borders a public street, the lot line shall be considered to
be the future street right-of-way.
FRONT LOT LINE (STREET LINE)A lot line separating the lot from or approximately parallel to the future street right-of-way (see 1 on drawing below).
REAR LOT LINEA lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line. A three-sided lot has no rear lot line (see 2 on drawing below).
SIDE LOT LINEAny lot lines other than a front or rear lot line. A "side street lot line" is a side lot line separating a lot from a street (see 3 on drawing below).
The horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured
at the minimum front yard building setback line.
A lot that has an interior angle of less than 135° at
the intersection of two street lines. A lot abutting upon a curved
street or streets shall be considered a "corner lot" if the tangent
to the curve either at the points beginning the curve within the lot,
or at the points of intersection of the side lot lines with the street
lines, intersect at an angle of less than 135°.
An irregularly shaped lot characterized by an elongated extension
from a street to the principal part or major area of the lot ("the
flag"). The "pole" portion of the lot is intended and used to provide
for access to an otherwise landlocked interior parcel.
A lot other than a corner lot.
A lot that abuts two approximately parallel streets, but
only has access onto one street.
A lot that abuts two approximately parallel streets and has
access to both streets.
Any subdivision of land that does not qualify as a minor
subdivision.
The creation or making of good or product, and/or associated
assembly, fabrication, cleaning, testing, processing, recycling, packaging,
conversion, production, recycling, distribution and repair, with substantial
use of machinery, of products for sale. This term shall not include
the following: retail sales, personal services, solid waste disposal
facility, or truck terminal.
The rubbing or kneading of parts of the body to aid circulation
or to relax muscles, as a business service for financial compensation.
An establishment where:
Massages are conducted; and
The person conducting the massage is not licensed as a health
care professional or licensed massage therapist by the state; and
The massages are conducted within private or semiprivate rooms;
and
The massage is not clearly a customary and incidental accessory
use to a permitted exercise club or a high school or college athletic
program.
A person, including a natural person, corporation, partnership,
association, trust or other entity, or any combination thereof, which
holds a permit issued by the Department of Health of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania to dispense medical marijuana. The term does not include
a health care medical marijuana organization.
A person, including a natural person, corporation, partnership,
association, trust or other entity, or any combination thereof, which
holds a permit issued by the Department of Health of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania to grow and process medical marijuana. The term does
not include a health care medical marijuana organization.
A facility not located upon the premises of a hospital which
provides specialty or multispecialty outpatient surgical treatment
or emergency care which does not require hospitalization, but does
require constant medical supervision following the surgical procedure
performed or the emergency care. The surgical treatment and supervision
or the emergency care shall require less than twenty-four-hour stay
at the facility. A facility shall be considered a medical clinic if
it has all of the following:
A transfer agreement with a hospital to provide prompt, routine
emergency services, as well as hospitalization;
Specialized equipment for surgical treatment or equipment to
provide emergency care; and
A recovery room related to surgical treatment or suite of rooms
to provide emergency care and treatment.
An area of land or building used by a recreational, civic,
social, fraternal, religious, political or labor union association
of persons for meetings and routine socializing and recreation which
is limited to members, their occasional guests, and persons specifically
invited to special celebrations, but which is not routinely open to
members of the general public. This use shall not include a target
range for outdoor shooting, boarding house, or other form of overnight
accommodation, a tavern, a restaurant, an auditorium, or specified
sexual activities as defined by this Part, unless that particular
use is permitted in that district and the applicable requirements
of that use are met.
The permanent removal from the surface or beneath the surface
of the land of bulk mineral resources using machinery. "Mineral extraction"
includes but is not limited to the extraction of sand, gravel, topsoil,
rock, limestone, sandstone, coal, clay, shale, and iron ore. The routine
movement of and replacement of topsoil, subsoil, stone, or rock during
construction shall not by itself be considered to be mineral.
A subdivision involving land which is either:
A lot line adjustment; or
A subdivision:
That results in up to five new residential lots or EDUs; and
Which does not involve an extension or new segment of a street
(other than what was previously approved); and
Which has not involved the subdivision approval of at least
three lots on the tract within the five previous years.
A building which has both residential and commercial uses
in the same building; i.e., a retail or office on the first floor
and one or more apartments on the other floors.
See under "dwelling types."
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land under single ownership
which has been planned and improved for the placement of two or more
mobile/manufactured homes for nontransient residential use. The individual
mobile/manufactured homes may be singly and separately owned. A development
of mobile/manufactured homes that is subdivided into individual lots
for single and separate ownership shall be regulated in the same manner
as a subdivision of site-built homes, and shall not be considered
to be a "mobile home park."
The improvement, upgrade or expansion of existing wireless
communications facilities or base stations on an existing wireless
support structure or the improvement, upgrade, or expansion of the
wireless communications facilities located within an existing equipment
compound, if the improvement, upgrade, expansion or replacement does
not substantially change the physical dimensions of the wireless support
structure.
A WCF or site which consists of a single epole structure,
designed and erected on the ground or on top of a structure, to support
communications antennas and connecting appurtenances.
See "hotel."
Solid waste defined as municipal waste by the Pennsylvania
Solid Waste Management Act and the regulations of the Department of
Environmental Protection implementing that Act, or by the regulations
of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
A facility designed to treat municipal wastewater though
the use of primary, secondary, and advanced treatment facilities for
the removal of suspended, colloidal, or dissolved matter from wastewater;
the use of disinfection to inactivate or destroy pathogens; and the
stabilization of solids removed from wastewater.
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), 53 P.S.
§ 10101 et seq., as amended.
The National Fire Protection Association Standard 1124, Code
for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage and Retail Sales of Fireworks
and Pyrotechnic Articles, 2006 edition.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-9, 12/14/2022]
A nit is an International System of Units (SI) measurement
of the brightness of light. One nit equals one candela per square
meter.
Wireless communications facilities located on existing structures,
such as, but not limited to, buildings, water towers, electrical transmission
towers, utility poles, light poles, traffic signal poles, flagpoles
and other similar structures that do not require the installation
of a new tower. This term includes the replacement of an existing
structure with a similar structure that is required to support the
weight of the proposed WCF.
A lot which does not conform with the present minimum area
or dimensions, ratios, percentages, or other physical attributes or
characteristics which are presently specified for the district where
such lot is situated, but was lawfully in existence or conforming
prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendment which is made
it unlawful.
A structure or part of a structure manifestly not presently
in compliance with the applicable lot area, dimensional, setback,
and/or other provisions of this chapter, as amended, where such structure
was lawful or conforming prior to the enactment of this chapter or
amendment which made it unlawful.
A use, whether of land, building, or of a structure, which
does not presently comply with the applicable use provisions in this
chapter, as where such use was lawfully in existence prior to or conforming
prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendment which is made
it unlawful.
The unreasonable, unwarrantable, or unlawful use of public
or private property which causes injury, damage, hurt, inconvenience,
interference, disruption, annoyance, or discomfort to any person or
resident in the legitimate enjoyment of their reasonable rights as
a person of property, or that is set up, maintained, or continued
so as to be injurious to the health of a person or an obstruction
to property by interfering with repose, health, comfort, safety, or
life of any person or a considerable number of persons; whatever is
dangerous to human life or health; whatever renders the air, or food
or water or other drink unwholesome; and whatever cellar, erection,
building, or part thereof is unsafe, unsanitary, or not sufficiently
ventilated, sewered, drained, cleaned, lighted, or supported, either
by its own construction or connection.
A facility licensed by the state for the housing and intermediate
or fully skilled nursing care of four or more persons.
A use that involves administrative, clerical, financial,
governmental, or professional operations, and operations of a similar
character. This use shall not include retail or industrial uses, but
may include business offices, medical or dental offices, clinics or
laboratories, photographic studios, and/or television or radio broadcasting
studios.
The map as adopted by the Board of Supervisors classifying
the streets of the Township. See definition of "street classification."
The map as adopted by the Board of Supervisors that designates
the location and boundaries of zoning districts.
A parcel or parcels of land, or an area of water, or a combination
of land and water within a tract:
Which is designed, intended, and suitable for active or passive
recreation by residents of a development or the general public, such
as (but not limited to) in a planned residential development (PRD)
and/or the common elements of a condominium;
Which does not include in its dimension or computation (though
the following may cross or separate open space areas) any of the following:
existing or future street rights-of-way, accessways, buildings (other
than accessory buildings and pools intended for noncommercial recreation),
off-street parking (other than that clearly intended for noncommercial
recreation), any area needed to meet a requirement for an individual
lot, any area deeded over to an individual property owner for their
own use, and land with rights-of-way and easements;
Which is covered by an arrangement for perpetual maintenance
and is deed restricted to permanently prevent the use of land for
uses other than "common open space."
The Williams Township Zoning Ordinance, including the Official
Zoning Map, as each may be amended.
Any equipment, apparatus, or device that is designed, installed,
or operated outside of a residential structure and which is used to
burn solid fuel to produce heat for either domestic hot water, space
heating of houses, and/or accessory structures, such as, but not limited
to, greenhouses, conservatories and swimming pools.
A person owning, holding the legal title, leasing, renting,
occupying, or having charge of any site or lot within the Township.
An area of land with a distinct Northampton County Uniform
Tax Parcel Identification Number.
A lot or portion thereof used for the storage or parking
of motor vehicles for a period of time ranging from several minutes
to several months. Parking shall mean off-street parking unless otherwise
stated.
All areas covered by gravel and/or impervious surfaces, other
than buildings and concrete public sidewalks.
A light roofed structure, open on the sides, used as a shelter
in a public place.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
A document issued by the proper Township authority authorizing
the applicant to undertake certain activities.
ZONING PERMITA permit issued indicating that a proposed use, building, or structure is, to the best knowledge of the Township staff, in compliance with the Williams Township Zoning Ordinance, and which authorizes an applicant to proceed with said use, building, or structure, within all other applicable laws and regulations. For the purposes of this chapter, a zoning permit or "a permit under this chapter" shall mean and include the applicable portions of a building permit, unless a specific system of separate zoning permits has been established.
BUILDING PERMITA permit indicating that a proposed construction, alteration, or reconstruction of a building or structure is, to the best knowledge of the Township staff, in compliance with the provisions of any building ordinance or code that has been adopted by or is in effect within the Township.
OCCUPANCY PERMITA permit required by the Township that is issued upon completion of the construction of a structure, building or change in use of a structure, or parcel of land, or reoccupancy of a structure, building, or land indicating that the structure, building, or land, to the best knowledge of the Township staff, complies with the provisions of Township ordinances. This shall have the same meaning as a "certificate of use and occupancy" and "certificate of occupancy."
Uses that do not require prior approval by the Zoning Hearing
Board or the Board of Supervisors. A nonconforming use shall not be
considered to be a permitted use.
Individuals, corporations, companies, associations, joint
stock companies, firms, partnerships, limited liability companies,
corporations and other entities establishes pursuant to statutes of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, provided that "person" does not
include or apply to the Township, or to any department or agency of
the Township.
A residential use providing residential and support services
primarily to persons over age 55 and/or the disabled which includes
a nursing home and certain limited support facilities, and that is
licensed as a personal care center by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
An establishment that provides a service to meet or fulfill
personal needs of the general public and which does not involve primarily
retail or wholesale sales, or services to businesses. Personal services
include barber and beauty shops, shoe repair shops, household appliance
repair shops, and other similar establishments, but shall not include
a massage parlor.
An area of open space and pavilions that is not publicly
owned and which is rented for picnics and outdoor recreation.
Buildings, synagogues, churches, religious retreats, monasteries,
seminaries, and shrines used primarily for religious and/or spiritual
worship, and which are operated for nonprofit and noncommercial purposes.
If such use is primarily residential in nature, it shall be regulated
under the appropriate dwelling type.
See § 27-1003.
See § 27-903.
The Planning Commission for Williams Township.
The raising of trees, plants, shrubs, or flowers for sale,
but not including the cutting down of trees for lumber. A plant nursery
may include the growth of trees for sale for internal decoration of
homes, such as a Christmas tree farm.
A scaled and accurate depiction of a lot or portion thereof
to show the location, size, and extent of a proposed use, building,
structure, development or subdivision including all significant existing
and proposed structures, features, and utilities, and such other details
as may be required by the Zoning Officer, prepared by an engineer,
surveyor, architect, or landscape architect, and signed and sealed
by same.
The building in which the principal use of a lot is conducted.
Any building that is physically attached to a principal building shall
be considered part of that principal building.
The dominant use(s) or single main use on a lot, as distinguished
from an accessory use.
A privately owned, constructed, and maintained vehicular
access from a public or other private street serving four or more
residences.
Any technology applied for the purpose of reducing the bulk,
weight, or volume of solid waste materials or any technology designed
to convert part or all of the waste materials for reuse.
Has the same meaning as "lot line."
Notice required by the Municipalities Planning Code.
Land and/or facilities that are owned by a government agency
or the Township and are available for use by the general public for
leisure and recreation.
Activities that are typically associated with outdoor, natural,
or seminatural settings or that depend specifically on outdoor, natural,
or seminatural settings. Examples include canoeing, kayaking, hunting,
fishing, hiking, bicycling, golfing, backpacking, mountaineering,
rock climbing, and horseback riding. Outdoor recreation may also refer
to a team sport game, or practice held in an outdoor setting, whether
or not the game depends on such a context.
Land and/or facilities and activities that are only open
to members, guests, or specific groups, and/or that are principally
operated for commercial purposes.
A vehicle which is designed primarily to transport a person
for primarily recreational instead of transportation purposes, or
a vehicle that serves as a mobile, temporary dwelling. This may include
a vehicle that is self-propelled, towed, or carried by another vehicle,
but shall not include camper cabs that fit over pickup trucks occupied
and when not mounted in or on a pickup truck. This term shall also
include the following: watercraft with a hull longer than 12 feet,
motor homes, travel trailers, all terrain vehicles, and snowmobile.
An outdoor area used for the storage of two or more recreational
vehicles, typically for periods longer than one month. Retail sales
or major repair work shall only be allowed if those uses are permitted
in that district.
A use that involves the collection of common household materials
for recycling or reuse, but that does not involve processing or manufacturing
other than routine sorting, baling and weighing of materials to facilitate
transportation.
The replacement of existing wireless communications facilities
on an existing wireless support structure or within an existing equipment
compound due to maintenance, repair or technological advancement with
equipment composed of the same wind loading and structural loading
that is substantially similar in size, weight and height as the wireless
communications facilities initially installed and that does not substantially
change the physical dimensions of the existing wireless support structure.
Farm animals may be kept as pets for domestic purposes, provided
that the lot size is at least two acres.
This includes the LDR and MDR Zoning Districts.
The lot line of a lot containing an existing dwelling, or
the lot line of undeveloped land zoned as a residential district.
Solid waste defined as residual waste by the Pennsylvania
Solid Waste Management Act and the regulations of the Department of
Environmental Protection implementing that Act.
A processing facility that provides for the extraction and
utilization of materials or energy from municipal waste as defined
by the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act. This definition shall
not include the burning or combustion of solid waste in any manner
or with any technology.
An establishment that sells prepared, ready-to-consume food
or drink, which routinely involves the consumption of at least a portion
of such food or drink on the premises and that does not meet the definition
of a "standard restaurant." Fast-foot restaurants may, but need not,
have drive-in service bay or windows.
An establishment that serves made-to-order ready-to-consume
food or drink for financial compensation, in which the majority of
the customers order their food while seated inside a building from
a waiter or waitress and then the food is delivered to their table
and consumed at the table.
Sales and deliveries of goods or merchandise directly to
the buyer or consumer at the time of purchase from a fixed location.
A use in which merchandise is sold or rented to the general
public, but not including the following: sales of motor vehicles or
boats, adult movie theater, adult bookstore, manufacturing, tavern,
car wash, auto service station, auto repair garage, convenience store,
or restaurant.
A residential development limited to persons aged 55 years
and older and their spouses.
Land reserved for the public or others (such as utilities)
for use as a street or other purpose. Unless otherwise stated, "right-of-way"
shall mean the future street right-of-way line.
The line separating a lot from the established official street
right-of-way that is or will be owned by the Township or the commonwealth
after the completion of any proposed subdivision, land development,
or development of a use under this chapter.
Land that is required to be dedicated, or reserved for future dedication, for use as a street and for related public improvements. The terms "ultimate right-of-way," "right-of-way reserved for future dedication," and "future right-of-way" shall have the same meaning. See § 27-1306. If a future right-of-way is not required to be dedicated, then "future right-of-way" shall have the same meaning as "existing right-of-way."
A temporary or seasonal booth, stall, or structure from which
produce and farm products that are raised predominately on site are
sold to the general public.
An area of land including any structures and improvements
to the land, where solid waste is disposed on or in the land. "Sanitary
landfill" shall have the same meaning as "municipal waste landfill"
defined by the regulations of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection.
A circular or parabolic ground-based receiver of electronic
signals from a satellite. This shall also include any pedestal or
structure to which the antenna is mounted.
An educational institution primarily for persons between
the ages of five and 18 that primarily provides state-required or
state-funded educational programs.
A year-round vegetative material of substantial height and density designed to buffer two uses from each other. See requirements in § 27-1304C.
A building or group of buildings divided into individual
separately accessed units that are rented or leased for the storage
of personal and small business property.
A self-storage development on a property that abuts the right-of-way
of an interstate highway and takes access from another road which
is constructed as a fully enclosed or drive-up self-storage facility
with no outdoor storage or vehicle storage permitted.
[Added by Ord. No. 2023-1, 6/14/2023]
Materials pumped from a residential on-lot sewage disposal
system.
The line within a lot defining the required minimum distance
between any building or structure to be erected or use to be established
and the adjacent street right-of-way and/or exterior lot line. The
location and distance for such line shall be measured at right angles
from and parallel to the front lot line.
Any building setbacks shall be measured from the foundation, exterior wall, or other component of a structure that is closest to the right-of-way line or lot line from which the setback is being measured. See exceptions for eaves and cornices in § 27-1304B.
Unless otherwise stated, setback distances are for both accessory
and principal structures.
Private Streets. For a building setback measured from a private
street, the setback shall be measured from the right-of-way line of
such a street, if a right-of-way exists. If a private street does
not have a right-of-way, the setback shall be measured from the edge
of the cartway.
A system to collect, treat and dispose of sewage. No such
new system shall be permitted that does not comply with local, state
and federal requirements.
Liquid or solid sludge defined as sewage sludge by the Pennsylvania
Solid Waste Management Act and the regulations of the Department of
Environmental Protection implementing that Act.
The renting out of some part of the entirety of a single-family
detached dwelling for a period of less than 30 days. Such rentals
are popularly conducted through websites such as AirBnB or VRBO.
An area required to be kept free of visual obstruction for
the purpose of allowing vehicles and pedestrians to have adequate
visibility and stopping distance.
Any device for visual communication that is used for the purpose of bringing to the attention of the public and that is visible from beyond an exterior lot line, including all symbols, words, models, displays, banners, flags, devices, or representations. See definitions of types of signs in § 27-1703. This shall not include displays that only involve symbols that are clearly and entirely religious in nature, and which do not include advertising.
See § 27-1713.
A sign which directs attention to an object, product, service,
place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business that
is primarily offered or located at a location other than the lot upon
which the sign is located. See also "billboard."
A lot, tract, or parcel of land on which grading, construction,
subdivision, or land development is taking place; the location of
improvements.
A plot plan meeting the content requirements of § 27-1311F.
Review of a site plan by the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, and/or the Board of Supervisors. See § 27-1311.
A use involving the killing of animals for the production
of food and/or other commercial product. A commercial stockyard or
similar facility that primarily involves the bulk storage, keeping,
confinement, and transferring of animals on the way to slaughter shall
also be considered a slaughterhouse. This shall not include a custom
"butcher shop" that does not involve killing of animals (which is
a retail sales use).
The rate of vertical change of an area of land, calculated
by the vertical rise or fall in a certain horizontal distance, divided
by that horizontal distance, expressed in percent.
A wireless communications facility that meets the following
criteria:
The structure on which antenna facilities are mounted:
Is 50 feet or less in height; or
Is no more than 10% taller than other adjacent structures; or
Is not extended to a height of more than 50 feet or by more
than 10% above its preexisting height as a result of the co-location
of new antenna facilities; and
Each antenna associated with the deployment (excluding the associated
equipment) is no more than three cubic feet in volume; and
All antenna equipment associated with the facility (excluding
antennas) are cumulatively no more than 28 cubic feet in volume;
The facilities do not require antenna structure registration
under 47 CFR Part 17;
The facilities are not located on tribal lands, as defined under
36 CFR 800.16(x); and
The facilities do not result in human exposure to radiofrequency
radiation in excess of the applicable safety standards specified in
47 CFR 1.1307(b).
An explosive propellant that produces comparatively little
smoke on explosion and consists primarily of nitrocellulose.
A solar energy system on the property the primary purpose of which is to produce electrical energy for use at locations other than the site it is produced, subject to conditions as defined in § 27-1402.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-02, 5/11/2022]
A solar energy system that provides energy for the principal use and/or accessory uses of the property on which the solar energy system is located, and shall not be primarily used for the generation of energy for the sale to other users except as defined in § 27-1402.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-02, 5/11/2022]
Solar energy systems include any solar collector or other
solar energy device, or any structural design feature whose primary
purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution
of solar energy for space heating or cooling, for water heating, or
for electricity generation, which may be mounted on a building, or
on the ground, or on other structures. Solar energy systems may include
solar panels which for the purpose of this chapter are structures
containing one or more photovoltaic cells, the purpose of which is
to convert solar energy into useable electrical energy.
Solid waste as defined by the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management
Act and the regulations of the Department of Environmental Protection
implementing that Act.
35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq., as amended from time
to time.
A use for which the Zoning Hearing Board approves or grants
permission following a public hearing and a determination that the
proposed use is consistent with the standards and conditions of this
chapter.
One or more of the following:
One or more of the following:
Any housing of more than two horses. This may include a commercial or private riding club. The housing of one or two horses shall be considered an accessory use under "Keeping of Animals" (see § 27-1403).
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its agencies.
Camouflaging methods applied to wireless communications facilities
and accessory equipment which render them more visually appealing
or blend the proposed facility into the existing structure or visual
backdrop in such a manner as to render it minimally visible to the
casual observer. Such methods include, but are not limited to, architecturally
screened roof-mounted antennas, building-mounted antennas painted
to match the existing structure and facilities constructed to resemble
trees, shrubs, and light poles.
Those areas having slopes of 12% or more. See § 27-1503.
A floor level of a building having an average vertical distance
of not less than six feet between the surface of any floor and the
ceiling next above it shall be considered a full story. Any such portion
of a building having a maximum vertical distance of less than six
feet shall be considered a half-story, except as provided in the definition
of "basement."
A public or private thoroughfare that affords the principal
means of access to abutting properties or that is an expressway, but
not including an alley or a driveway.
The center of the existing street right-of-way or, where
such cannot be determined, then the center of the traveled cartway.
The functional classification of streets into the following
types, as shown on the Official Street Classification Map:
EXPRESSWAYA limited access street on which access is provided only at interchanges.
ARTERIALA street whose function is to provide for the movement of high volumes of through-traffic and direct access to abutting properties, subject to necessary control of entrances, exits, and curb use.
COLLECTORA street that provides for the movement of moderate volumes of traffic between arterials and local roads, and direct access to abutting property.
LOCALA street whose function is to provide for local traffic movement with relatively low volumes and direct access to abutting properties.
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location
on, below, or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land,
subject to the following specific standards:
Structures include but are not limited to the following: buildings;
signs; stadiums; platforms; communications towers; walkways, docks,
porches or decks that are structurally raised above the underlying
ground level, or that have covering by a permanent structure; swimming
pools (whether above or below ground); storage sheds; carports; and
garages.
Any structure shall be subject to the principal or accessory
setbacks of this chapter, as applicable, unless specifically exempted
or unless a specific setback is established for that particular type
of structure by this chapter.
As defined by the State Municipalities Planning Code, as
amended. The division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land
by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels, or other divisions
of land including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether
immediate of future, of lease, partition the court for distribution
to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development.
However, the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes
into parcels of more than 10 acres, not involving any new street or
easement of access or a residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
The Williams Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance
(SALDO), as amended.[8]
Any increase in the height of a wireless support structure by
more than 10%, or by the height of one additional antenna array with
separation from the nearest existing antenna not to exceed 20 feet,
whichever is greater, except that the mounting of the proposed wireless
communications facility may exceed the size limits set forth herein
if necessary to avoid interference with existing antennas; or
Any further increase in the height of a wireless support structure
which has already been extended by more than 10% of its originally
approved height or by the height of one additional antenna array.
A man-made area intended to enclose water at least 18 inches
deep for bathing or swimming, and that is intended to serve the residents
of only one dwelling unit and their occasional guests.
A man-made area intended to enclose water at least 18 inches
deep for bathing or swimming and that is intended to be open to and
serve the general public.
A man-made area intended to enclose water at least 18 inches
deep for bathing or swimming, and that does not meet the definition
of a "private" or a "public" swimming pool. This includes a pool that
serves only residents of a development or members of a club, and their
occasional guests.
A place where alcoholic beverages are served as a primary
or substantial portion of the total trade. The sale of food may also
occur. See also the definitions of "restaurants."
The use of any building, dwelling, or structure for living
and/or sleeping purposes by any persons or series of persons for less
than 100 consecutive days in any calendar year.
A use, building, or structure that is not to be used for
more than 12 months.
A portable shelter consisting of a flexible fabric or membrane
cover stretched over poles and attached to stakes or any similar structure,
and having side panels that may be rolled up or down.
A building or part of a building devoted to the showing of
motion pictures or theatrical or performing arts productions as a
principal use, but not including an outdoor drive-in theater or adult
movie theater.
An outdoor area devoted primarily to the showing of motion
pictures or theatrical productions to patrons seated in motor vehicles
or outdoors.
The indoor or outdoor storage of more than 300 tire on a
lot, except for manufacture or wholesale or retail sales of new tires.
Any structure that is used for the primary purpose of supporting
one or more antennas, including, but not limited to, self-supporting
lattice towers, guy towers and monopoles.
See "dwelling types."
Williams Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
Any area of land which is of sufficient size to be subdivided
into two or more lots that conform to this chapter, or any area of
land which has been validly subdivided but at least two of the lots
created by the subdivision have yet to be conveyed into a single and
separate ownership.
CONTIGUOUSAll land area within a tract shall be contiguous, although the land may be separated by alleys, streets, or waterways.
MUNICIPAL BOUNDARIESOnly areas within the Township shall be considered to be within a tract for purpose of meeting the minimum tract area.
MEASUREMENTThe land area with a tract shall be calculated by totaling the "lot area" (as defined in this Part) of each lot within the tract and also any land proposed to be dedicated as common open space.
See definition in Part 15 of this chapter.
A facility that is primarily intended for education of a
work-related skill, craft, or hobby, and that does not primarily provide
state-required education to persons of ages four to 19. This shall
include a dancing school, martial arts school, and/or ceramics school.
A supplemental transportation facility used as an adjunct
to solid waste route collection vehicles, whether fixed or mobile,
for the primary purpose of moving the solid waste from the collection
vehicles to other vehicles for further transfer.
Processes that is defined as treatment in the Solid Waste
Management Act.
A type of crop farming involving the raising and harvesting
of trees or shrubs for commercial purposes. This may include the seasonal
sale of trees produced on the site.
Any building or structure whose exterior elevation view,
as viewed from any side, contains more than 30% of the perimeter linear
feet of wall on any one side as doors, at or near ground level and
whose primary purpose is short- or long-term storing or warehousing
or transferring of products or goods, primarily delivered by trucks.
A use that primarily involves loading materials from tractor-trailers
onto smaller trucks or smaller trucks onto tractor-trailers shall
be considered a "distribution" use.
A truck terminal may include the following as accessory uses
if they are closely related to the principal use: repair, washing,
refueling, and maintenance facilities for trucks using the terminal,
administrative uses for the terminal and rest facilities for drivers
of trucks using the terminal.
The purpose, activity, occupation, business or operation
for which land or a building or structure, is designed, arranged,
intended, occupied, or maintained. As used in this chapter, "use"
includes but is not limited to a building or structure.
The granting of specific permission by the Zoning Hearing
Board pursuant to the MPC to use, construct, expand, or alter land,
buildings, or structures in such a way that is not in strict compliance
with a specific requirement of this chapter.
See "animal hospital."
See "fence."
A building or group of buildings primarily used for the indoor
storage, transfer and distribution of products and materials, but
not including retail uses or a truck terminal, unless such uses are
specifically permitted in that zoning district.
A system designed to transmit water from a source to users,
in compliance with the requirements of the appropriate state agencies
and the Township.
PUBLIC WATER SERVICEService by a central water system that is owned and operated by a municipality or a municipal authority or a water company with a service area defined by the State Public Utility Commission and which transmits water from a common source to more than 20 dwellings or principal uses.
ON-LOT OR NON-PUBLIC WATER SERVICEService by a water system that does not meet the definition of a "public water service." In most cases, this would involve an individual well serving an individual lot, but may also include a common well, community water supply, or another duly approved system.
Pennsylvania Wireless Broadband Collocation Act (53 P.S.
§ 11702.1 et seq.).
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface 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 saturated soil conditions. Wetlands
generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands
are defined on the basis of types of vegetation and soils and the
level of the water table below the surface. The regulations are enforced
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
Sales of goods, materials, and products that primarily involve
transactions with other businesses and their agents and not to the
general public.
A noncommercial preservation of land for providing wildlife
habitats, forests or scenic natural features that involves no buildings
other than a nature education and/or study center, caretaker residence,
and customary maintenance buildings.
A generation facility, whose main purpose is to supply electricity
for use or sale off-site, consisting of one or more wind turbines
and other accessory structures and buildings, including substations,
meteorological towers, electrical infrastructure, transmission lines
and other appurtenant structures and facilities. This term does not
include stand-alone wind turbines constructed primarily for on-site
residential or farm use.
A system that converts wind energy into electrical or mechanical
energy through the use of a generator and includes the nacelle, rotor,
tower, and pad turbine, if any. This definition also includes windmill
used for all other purposes.
Transmissions through the airwaves including, but not limited
to, infrared line of sight, cellular, PCS, microwave, satellite, or
radio signals.
The antennas, nodes, control boxes, towers, poles, conduits,
ducts, pedestals, electronics and other equipment used for the purpose
of transmitting, receiving, distributing, providing, or accommodating
wireless communications services.
An area not covered by buildings and that is on the same
lot as the subject structure, building, or use. Regulations of specific
districts generally prohibit principal and accessory structures within
specified required minimum yards.
A yard between the front lot line (which usually is the future
street right-of-way line) and the closest portion of the subject building
or use, and that extends the full width of the lot and from side lot
line to side lot line.
The front yard shall be on the side of the lot that faces towards
a public street, whenever one public street abuts the lot.
When a lot abuts onto two or more public streets, the applicant
may choose which yard shall be the front yard, unless the Zoning Officer
determines that the front yard should follow the clearly predominant
front yard orientation of the development of abutting lots.
No accessory or principal building shall extend into the required
front yard.
A yard extending the full width of the lot and situated between
the rear line and the closest portion of the subject building, and
stretching between the side lot lines parallel to the rear lot line.
A principal building shall not extend into the required rear yard
for a principal building, and an accessory structure shall not extend
into the required rear yard for an accessory structure.
A yard situated between the closest portion of the subject
building and the entire length of the side lot line, and extending
from the front lot line to the rear lot line. Any lot line that is
not determined by the Zoning Officer to be a rear line or a front
line shall be deemed a sideline. A building shall not extend into
the specified required side lot yard.
A determination of the number of residential units or developable
area remaining within a tract or parcel of land after local zoning
and land development criteria and state and federal regulations are
applied.
See "Board."
The Official Zoning Map of Williams Township, Northampton
County, Pennsylvania.
The administrative officer charged with the duty of enforcing
the provisions of this chapter, or his or her officially designated
assistant(s).
This chapter, i.e., The Williams Township Zoning Ordinance,
as amended.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq.
[4]
Editor's Note: The Unit Property Act was repealed 7-2-1980
(P.L. 286, No. 82). See now the Uniform Condominium Act, 68 Pa.C.S.A.
§ 3101 et seq.
[5]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq.
[6]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq.
[7]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 6018.101 et seq.