Township of Willistown, PA Definitions and Word Usage

The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:

A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings, whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or tenure; or

The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective occupants by means of, or for the purpose of, streets, common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.

LANE, ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION

A subdivision of land. Regarding the activities described in Section 503(1.1) of the Municipalities Planning Code, those addressed in Subsections (ii) and (iii),[5] concerning accessory buildings and amusement parks, respectively, shall not be considered land developments for purposes of this Part 1; any conversion of an existing single-family detached dwelling or single-family semidetached dwelling into two or more dwelling units shall be considered a land development. In addition, any nonfee lease for purposes of easement or right-of-way shall not be considered a land development.

LANDOWNER

The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee if he is authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner or other person having a proprietary interest in land shall be deemed to be a landowner for the purpose of this Part 1.

LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT

The addition of features to the land which enhance a particular site from the standpoint of, e.g., noise abatement, recreational enjoyment, wildlife preservation, visual amenity, etc., Such improvements might include plantings, pathways, patios and fences. Landscape Improvements may include vegetative components but are not considered to be buffer planting strips.

[Added 3-14-2016 by Ord. No. 6-2016]

A lane of a cartway intended for use by vehicles entering, leaving or crossing a lane of forward travel without interrupting the flow of traffic.

LIGHT TRESPASS

Light which is cast beyond the boundaries of the property it is intended to illuminate (on which the lighting installation is sited).

[Added 9-12-2011 by Ord. No. 8-2011]

LOT

A tract or parcel of land, undivided by any street or private road or dedicated future street right-of-way, held in single or joint ownership, which is occupied or capable of being occupied by buildings, structures and accessory buildings, including such open spaces as are arranged, desigued or required. Such parcel shall be separately described by metes and bounds, the description of which is recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Chester County by deed description or is described by an approved subdivision plan recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Chester County. The term "lot" shall also mean parcel, plot, site or any similar term.

[Amended 6-25-2001 by Ord. No. 4-2001]

LOT AREA

The area contained within the property lines of a lot (in existence or as shown on a plan), excluding any portion of a lot included in existing and proposed road and utility rights-of-way and any other easement similarly restricting the owner's right of use.

[Amended 6-25-2001 by Ord. No. 4-2001; 2-13-2017 by Ord. No. 1-2017]

LOT, CORNER

A lot at the junction of and abutting two or more intersecting streets where the interior angle of intersection does not exceed 135°. A lot abutting a curved street shall be deemed a corner lot if the tangent to the curve at the points of intersection of the side lot lines with the street lines intersect at an interior angle of less than 135°.

LOT, INTERIOR

A lot which does not adjoin a street but is connected thereto by an access strip of the required minimum width. Minimum lot area and other dimensional requirements shall be those of the applicable zoning district and shall be met on that portion of the lot, exclusive of the access strip.

LOT LINE, FRONT

The line separating the lot from the street right-of-way. For interior lots, the front lot line is the line generally parallel to the street right-of-way at the nearest point to the right-of-way where the lot attains substantially the minimum required lot width.

LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGE

A lot extending between and having frontage on an arterial or collector street and a local street, with vehicular access solely from the latter.

LOT WIDTH

The horizontal distance between side lot lines measured along the street line or building setback line as specified. When the street line is curved, the measurement shall be made on the arc on or parallel to the curve of the street line.

LUMEN

The light-output rating of a lamp (light bulb) or the unit of measure used to quantify the amount of light produced by a lamp or emitted from a luminaire (as distinct from "watt," a measure of power consumption).

[Added 9-12-2011 by Ord. No. 8-2011]

LUMINAIRE

The complete lighting unit (fixture), consisting of a lamp, or lamps and ballast(s) (when applicable), together with the parts designed to distribute the light (reflector, lens, diffuser), to position and protect the lamps, and to connect the lamps to the power supply.

[Added 9-12-2011 by Ord. No. 8-2011]

MANUFACTURED HOME

See "mobile home."

[Added 10-27-1992 by Ord. No. 2-1992]

MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION

A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.

[Added 10-27-1992 by Ord. No. 2-1992]

MARKER

A metal pipe or pin of at least 1/2 inch diameter and at least 24 inches in length.

MOBILE HOME

A transportable, single-family dwelling, intended for permanent occupancy contained in one unit, or in two or more units designed to be jointed into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, and constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation, including any addition or accessory structure, such as porches, sheds, decks or additional rooms. All mobile homes shall meet construction standards set by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

[Amended 10-27-1992 by Ord. No. 2-1992]

MOBILE HOME LOT

A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erection thereon of a single mobile home.

[Added 10-27-1992 by Ord. No. 2-1992]

MOBILE HOME PARK

A parcel or contiguous parcels of land which has been so designated and improved that it contains two or more mobile home lots for the placement thereon of mobile homes.

[Amended 10-27-1992 by Ord. No. 2-1992]

MONUMENT

A tapered permanent survey reference point of stone or concrete having a round top four inches on each side with a length of 24 inches.

MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE

The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of 1968, as amended and reenacted by Act 170 of 1988, 53 P.S. § 10101, et seq., and any subsequent amendments thereto.

[Added 10-27-1992 by Ord. No. 2-1992]

OPEN SPACE, COMMON

A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination of land and water, within a development and designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents of the development, excluding streets, off-street parking areas, areas set aside for public facilities and private yards.

PIPELINE

As defined by 49 CFR 195.2 and 192.3.

[Added 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 7-2014]

PLAN

AS-BUILTA corrected final plan, showing dimensions and locations of all streets and other improvements as actually constructed.

CONSERVATIONA plan to accompany preliminary and final plan submissions, showing such conservation features as required by this Part 1. Upon adoption by the Township of a natural features conservation ordinance, if the term "conservation plan" is defined therein, then for the purposes of this Part 1 the term "conservation plan" shall have the same meaning as defined in the natural features conservation ordinance.

(3)

FINALAn exact and complete site design and layout plan and improvements construction plan prepared by a registered engineer, to be recorded upon approval.

(4)

IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTIONA component of the preliminary and final plan prepared by a registered engineer showing the construction details of streets, drains, sewers, water-supply systems, bridges, culverts and other improvements as required by this Part 1, including a horizontal plan, profiles and cross sections.

(5)

PRELIMINARYA site design and layout plan and improvements construction plan prepared by a registered engineer in less detail than a final plan and prepared for consideration prior to submission of a final plan.

(6)

RECORDEDA final plan which has been placed on record in the office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for Chester County.

(7)

SITE DESIGN AND LAYOUTA component of the preliminary and final plan prepared by a registered engineer showing property lines, existing and proposed streets, lots, buildings, public areas, drainage facilities, easements and other details pertinent to the proposal.

(8)

SKETCHA plan submitted for review and discussion prior to application for preliminary plan approval (or prior to application for final plan approval if preliminary plan approval is not requested), including whatever information the applicant deems useful; for example, a graphic plan, not necessarily to scale, showing approximate tract boundaries and a general layout of lots, buildings and streets.

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission of the Township of Willistown.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice published once each week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Township. Such notice shall state the time and place of the hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing. The first publication shall not be more than 30 days, and the second publication shall not be less than seven days, prior to the date of the hearing.

[Added 10-27-1992 by Ord. No. 2-1992]

RECREATION, ACTIVE

Those recreational pursuits which require physical alteration to the area in which they are performed. Such areas are intensively used and include, but are not limited to, playgrounds, ball courts, golf courses and swimming pools.

[Added 6-28-1999 by Ord. No. 2-1999]

RECREATION, PASSIVE

Those recreational pursuits which can be carried out with little alteration or disruption to the area in which they are performed. Such uses include, but are not limited to, hiking and picnicking.

[Added 6-28-1999 by Ord. No. 2-1999]

RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE

Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the ground, pursuant to the definition of “structure,” as intended for community recreational purposes. Such structures shall not include facilities intended for the private use and benefit of individual property owners (patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, etc.)

[Added 6-28-1999 by Ord. No. 2-1999; amended 3-14-2016 by Ord. No. 6-2016]

REDEVELOPMENT

Any regulated activity that proposes or consists of demolition or removal of existing structures or impervious surfaces and replacement with new impervious surfaces; or construction on existing impervious surfaces, as determined by the Township (this does not include Township road maintenance activities, such as top-layer grinding and repaving, which may be exempt from stormwater standards).

[Added 7-18-2011 by Ord. No. 7-2011]

RESUBDIVISION

A change in the map of an approved or recorded subdivision plat if such change affects any street layout on such map or area reserved thereon for public use or any lot line; or if it affects any map or plan legally recorded prior to the adoption of any regulations controlling subdivisions.

RETENTION BASIN

A reservoir, formed from soil or other material, which is designed to temporarily detain a certain amount of stormwater from a catchment area and which also may be designed to permanently retain additional stormwater runoff from the catchment area. Retention basins also may receive fresh water from year-round streams. Unlike detention basins, retention basins always contain water, and thus may be considered man-made lakes or ponds.

REVERSE FRONTAGE LOT

A lot extending between and having frontage on two generally parallel streets with vehicular access from only one street.

RIGHT-OF-WAY or ROW

The surface of and space above and below any real property in the Township in which the Township or Commonwealth has ownership or interest as a trustee for the public, as such ownership and/or interests now or hereafter in existence including, but not limited to, all streets, highways, avenues, roads, alleys, crosswalks, sidewalks, tunnels, viaducts, bridges, skyways, or any other public place, area or property under the control of the Township or Commonwealth, and any unrestricted public or utility easements established, dedicated, platted, improved or devoted for utility purposes, but excluding lands other than streets that are owned by the Township. The phrase “in the right(s)-of-way” means in, on, over, along, above and/or under the right(s)-of-way.

[Amended 1-25-2016 by Ord. No. 3-2016]

SCREENING

The creation of a visual barrier through some combination of plantings, fences and walls, pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 73, Article X; in no case shall combinations of plantings, fences and walls be used as a method to reduce or eliminate the requirements of Chapter 73, Article X, unless specifically permitted otherwise or by approval of the Board.

[Amended 3-14-2016 by Ord. No. 6-2016]

SEDIMENT

Solid material, both mineral and organic, that is in suspension, is being transported or has been moved from its site of origin by water.

SEWAGE FACILITIES

INDIVIDUAL SYSTEMThe disposal of sewage by use of cesspools, septic tanks or other safe and healthful means, approved by the Chester County Health Department, and generally within the confines of the lot on which the use is located.

COMMUNITY SYSTEMA sanitary sewage system, privately built and operated, in which sewage is carried from individual dischargers by a system of pipes to one or more common treatment and disposal facilities employing spray irrigation and/or subsurface land disposal techniques. Treatment and disposal may occur either on-site or off-site, and shall be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.

(3)

A system for the treatment and disposal of sewage in which sewage is conveyed by a system of pipes to a publicly operated treatment facility and disposed of through means approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.

SHADE TREE

A tree in a public place, street, special easement or right-of-way adjoining a street as provided in this Part 1.

SHADOW ANALYSIS

A graphic representation of shadows cast by mature landscaping, screening and structures, plotted with regard to topography, slope and direction at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. on the date of winter solstice.

SHIELDED

A light fixture from which direct glare is not visible at normal viewing angles by virtue of its being properly aimed, oriented, and located and properly fitted with such devices as shields, barn doors, baffles, louvers, skirts or visors.

[Added 9-12-2011 by Ord. No. 8-2011]

SIDEWALK

An improved all-weather paved area parallel to and separate from the street which is used as a pedestrian walking area.

[Added 10-22-2007 by Ord. No. 10-2007]

SIGHT DISTANCE

The required length of roadway visible to the driver of a passenger vehicle at any given point on the roadway when the view is unobstructed by traffic.

OBJECT SIGHT DISTANCEShall be measured from a point 3.5 feet above the center line of the road surface to a point 0.5 feet above the center line of road surface.

VEHICLE SIGHT DISTANCEShall be measured from a point 3.5 feet above the center line of the road surface to another 3.5 feet above the center line of the road surface.

SOLAR ENERGY

Radiant energy (direct, diffused or reflected) received from the sun at wavelengths suitable for conversion into thermal, chemical or electrical energy.

SPECIMEN TREE

A unique, rare or otherwise specifically selected plant or tree which most typically represents a whole class or group, specifically in shape, form, historical importance or any other characteristic which may be designated as such by the Township.

STABILIZED SHOULDER

Any treatment of road shoulders (natural or man-made) to prevent erosion.

STORMWATER

Water which surfaces, flows or collects during and subsequent to rain or snowfall.

STREET

A right-of-way intended for the general public use to provide means of approach for vehicles and pedestrians. The word "street" includes the words "road," "highway," "thoroughfare" and "way."

ARTERIALA street serving a large volume of comparatively high-speed and long-distance traffic, including all facilities classified as main and secondary highways by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

PRINCIPALAn arterial serving the heaviest volumes of traffic in the Township, providing the highest degree of vehicular mobility and involving controls on access.

MINORAn arterial serving high volumes of traffic, providing a high degree of mobility and involving some controls on access.

COLLECTORA street designed and located to provide means to drain traffic off local streets and to provide access for through traffic between residential neighborhoods and districts within the Township to major streets and/or a street used for access to nonresidential properties, i.e., commercial, industrial, professional, etc.

MAJORA collector serving moderate levels of traffic within the Township, providing a mix of access and mobility and linking neighborhoods.

SURFACE LAND USES AFFILIATED WITH TRANSMISSION PIPELINES

MINORA collector serving lower amounts of traffic, providing relatively more access than mobility and serving as a major road through identifiable neighborhoods.

(3)

CUL-DE-SAC STREETA local street intersecting another street at one end and terminating at the other end by a permanent vehicular turnaround.

(4)

LOCAL STREETA street intended to serve and provide access to the properties abutting thereon and not connecting with other streets in such a manner as to encourage through traffic.

(5)

PRIVATE STREETA local street, serving only abutting lots, that is not offered or required to be offered for dedication.

(6)

SERVICE STREET (ALLEY)A minor right-of-way providing secondary vehicular access to the side or rear of two or more properties.

(7)

SINGLE-ACCESS STREETA local street or streets, including but not limited to cul-de-sac and loop designs, which has only one point of intersection with an existing Township or state road or with a proposed road having more than one access point.

STREETSCAPE

A design term referring to all the elements that constitute the physical makeup of the street and that as a group define its character, including street trees, lighting, sidewalks and crosswalks.

[Added 10-22-2007 by Ord. No. 10-2007]

STRUCTURE

Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on land or water, whether or not affixed to the land.

SUBDIVISION

The division or redivision of a single 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 or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development. 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 residential dwellings shall not be included within the definition of subdivision for the purpose of this Part 1. Any subdivision of land for mortgage purposes only shall nevertheless comply with all of the requirements of this Part 1 and of Chapter 139, Zoning, of this Code.

[Amended 10-27-1992 by Ord. No. 2-1992]

SUBDIVIDER

Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation, estate, trust or any other group or combination acting as a unit (or agent authorized thereby) which undertakes the subdivision or development of land.

SUBDIVISION OFFICER

That official of the Township (who may but need not also be Township Engineer and/or Zoning Officer) designated by the Board of Supervisors to administer the provisions of this Part 1.

Above-ground transmission pipeline facilities, including, but not limited to, compressor stations, pumping stations, regulator stations, launcher/receiver stations, and other surface pipeline appurtenances.

[Added 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 7-2014]

SURVEYOR

A registered surveyor licensed in Pennsylvania.

TOTAL PROTECTED LAND

The sum of the acreage of natural resource land requiring protection pursuant to Chapter 73, § 73-11.1.

[Added 6-28-1999 by Ord. No. 2-1999]

TOWNSHIP

The Township of Willistown.

TRACT AREA, GROSS

The area of land contained within the title lines of the tract.

[Added 6-28-1999 by Ord. No. 2-1999]

TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL OR DEVICE, WARRANTED

A traffic control signal or device, as defined by the Regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as set forth in Title 67 of the Pennsylvania Code, for which one or more of the warrants, as set forth in said regulations, has been met.

TRANSMISSION PIPELINES

Transmission pipelines include, but are not limited to, pipelines designed for the transmission of a gas or petroleum gas, except a service line, as those terms are defined by 49 CFR 192.3; also included are pipelines designed for the transmission of a hazardous liquid, as defined by 49 CFR 195.2.

[Added 12-15-2014 by Ord. No. 7-2014]

VERGE

A planting or landscape area or brick paving area between the curbline of a street or cartway and the sidewalk running along a street which may contain streetlights or signage.

[Added 10-22-2007 by Ord. No. 10-2007]

WATERCOURSE

A permanent stream, intermittent stream, river, brook, creek or a channel or ditch for water, whether natural or man-made.

WATER SUPPLY

INDIVIDUAL SYSTEMA safe, healthful and adequate supply of water to a single user from a private well on the lot of the user.

CENTRAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMA system for supplying water from a common source or sources to all dwellings and other buildings within a development. The water supply source may be located on-site and/or off-site. A central system can be further described as one of either of the following:

PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMA system which is owned by a municipality, a public company or a private company which serves more than a single community or subdivision and may be interconnected with other water supply systems.