[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
After due consideration, the Board of Commissioners of West
Norriton Township have determined that the unregulated construction
or use of any lot, or portion thereof, within the Township, as a heliport
or helistop would adversely affect the health, safety and general
welfare of the community in that:
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
A public landing area for helicopters which includes facilities
for fueling, repair and/or storage of helicopters, which are licensed
by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Bureau
of Aviation.
The approach surface begins at the end of the heliport/helistop
primary surface, with the same width as the primary surface, and extends
outward and upward for the horizontal distance of 4,000 feet, where
its width is 500 feet. The slope of the approach surface is eight
to one for civil heliports/helistops.
The area of the primary surface coincides in size and shape
with the designated takeoff and landing area of a heliport/helistop.
The surface is a horizontal plane at the elevation of the established
heliport/helistop elevation.
A helicopter landing area licensed by PennDOT, Bureau of
Aviation, for the purpose of picking up or discharging passengers
or cargo. No fueling, helicopter repair or storage areas are permitted
in conjunction with the operation of a personal use heliport.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
No heliport or helistop shall be constructed or used unless
and until a special exception is granted by the Township Zoning Hearing
Board, which shall grant such special exception only under the following
terms and conditions:
A.
The construction or use of a heliport or helistop shall be prohibited
within the Township, except in those zoning districts, on lots in
excess of 25 acres, which are classified Industrial or Limited Commercial
Industrial. However, in no case shall a heliport or helistop be constructed
in that Limited Commercial Industrial District located between Montgomery
and Forrest Avenues south of Main Street, as same adjoins heavily
populated residential areas in both the Township and the Borough of
Norristown.
B.
The applicant for such special exception must clearly establish that
the proposed heliport or helistop will not be detrimental to the health,
safety and/or welfare of persons or property within the Township.
C.
The landing pad of the proposed heliport or helistop shall be a minimum
of 60 feet in the case of a circle, and must be paved, level and maintained
dirt free.
D.
Landing pads, both ground level and rooftop, shall be free of all
loose stone and/or aggregate.
E.
All ground pads must be surrounded by a four-foot fence, which shall
be located so as not to obstruct the approach slope of a helicopter
using the heliport or helistop.
F.
There shall be a minimum distance from a heliport or helistop to
any residential use or residentially zoned district of at least 600
feet, or the minimum required by federal or state agencies, whichever
is greater.
G.
At least two approach lanes to each landing pad shall be provided
and maintained free of obstructions and shall be located not less
than 90° apart. Each approach lane shall be located within 45°
left or right of the prevailing winds and shall extend outward and
upward for the horizontal distance of 4,000 feet, where its width
shall be 500 feet, and shall have a glide angle slope of eight to
one measured from the outer edge of the pad.
H.
Clear areas, as defined by the Bureau of Aviation of the Department
of Transportation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for emergency
landings of the helicopter in the event of mechanical failure shall
be available. These emergency landing areas shall be located within
the normal glide range of the helicopter with one engine off when
operating in the approved takeoff or landing lane from the heliport
or helistop.
I.
The location of heliports or helistops in the vicinity of public
highways shall be shielded or screened so as to minimize distractions
to motorists in the area.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
Any application for a special exception for a heliport or helistop
shall be accompanied by plans and data demonstrating compliance with
all of the provisions herein. Additionally, any application for a
special exception for a heliport or helistop to be constructed or
used on a roof shall be accompanied by a certification by a registered
engineer that the loads imposed by a helicopter of not less than 12,000
pounds gross weight plus full crew, passengers and baggage, or a total
of 150% of the gross weight of the largest helicopter permitted to
use the pad, will be safely supported by the structure.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
Traffic patterns for landing and takeoff from the proposed heliport
or helistop shall avoid residential areas, schools, churches, hospitals
and other heavily populated areas.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
The heliport or helistop shall be used only for the loading
or discharge of passengers.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
No helicopter under 12,000 pounds gross weight shall be permitted
to use any heliport or helistop.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
All helicopters landing or taking off from heliports or helistops
shall be fully operated by fully licensed and qualified pilots. Operation
by student pilots is strictly prohibited.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
Prior to the grant of any special exception, the applicant shall
provide the Zoning Hearing Board with proof of site approval from
PennDOT, Bureau of Aviation. Any grant of a special exception shall
be conditioned upon compliance with all applicable regulations and
licensing procedures of the Federal Aviation Administration and PennDOT,
Bureau of Aviation.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
Construction and/or use of a heliport or helistop in violation
of the provisions of this Part, or of any other provisions of the
Township ordinances, is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and
shall be repaired, vacated, demolished, abated or otherwise cured
as provided by law or equity.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
Nothing herein contained shall prohibit the emergency landing
of helicopters within the Township, provided, however, that, where
practicable, advance notice is given to the Chief of Police and, within
24 hours of such landing, a written report is filed with the Chief
of Police giving the reasons for such landing. "Emergency landings"
are defined as those necessary for medical, fire and law enforcement
emergencies.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
1.
Permit Required. Unless otherwise permitted by this § 27-1613, in no circumstance shall a business helicopter with supplies, machinery, parts, etc., land or take off without first obtaining an emergency permit.
2.
Application. In addition, in those instances where there exists a
business emergency, such as where it is necessary that a business
helicopter fly in needed supplies, machinery, parts, etc., application
shall be made to the Chief of Police, for an emergency permit to allow
such landing and takeoff. Such application shall include the following
information:
A.
The name and address of the person seeking the permit.
B.
The date, time and place when and where the helicopter is requesting
to land and take off.
C.
The specific cargo which shall be transported by the helicopter.
D.
The make and model of helicopter which shall be used for such purpose.
E.
Specifically why the use of a helicopter, as opposed to other means
of transportation, is required.
F.
The specific traffic patterns for landing and takeoff.
G.
The application shall be accompanied by proof of compliance with
all applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and licensing
procedures.
3.
Approval. The granting of an emergency permit shall be within the
discretion of the Chief of Police.
4.
Appeals. In those instances where the Chief of Police shall deny
such permit, appeal of such denial may be made to the Board of Commissioners
who, in their discretion, may sustain or overrule the decision of
the Chief of Police.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
Any person who shall violate any provision of this Part shall,
upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding
$600 and in default of payment to undergo imprisonment for a term
not to exceed 30 days. Each day that a violation continues beyond
the date fixed for compliance shall constitute a separate and district
offense.
[Ord. 524, 12/31/1991]
The remedies provided herein for the enforcement of this Part,
or any remedy provided by law, shall not be deemed mutually exclusive.
Rather, they may be employed simultaneously or consecutively, at the
option of the Township Board of Commissioners.
