60.7.1.
As used in this ordinance, words in the singular include the plural,
and those in the plural include the singular. Words in the present
tense include the future tense, words used in the masculine gender
include the feminine and neuter. The word "person" includes corporation,
unincorporated association, and partnership, as well as an individual.
The word "structure" includes the meaning of "building," and each
shall be construed as if followed by the phrase "or part thereof."
60.7.2.
Unless otherwise defined, all definitions in the Bethel Park Zoning
Ordinance, as amended, and the Municipalities Planning Code, as amended,
are hereby adopted and made a part hereof by reference.
60.7.3.
The following words, as used in this ordinance, shall have the meanings
indicated below:
60.7.4.
ACCELERATED EROSION — The removal of the surface of the land
through the combined action of man's activities and natural processes
at a rate greater than would occur from natural processes alone.
60.7.5.
ACT 247 or MPC — The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code
of July 31, 1968, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., as amended from
time to time.
60.7.6.
ALLEY — See "service street."
60.7.7.
BLOCK — A tract of land bounded entirely by streets; by streets
and a watercourse; by streets and a railroad; by streets and the corporate
boundaries of the Municipality; by streets and public land or other
park or recreation area; or any combination of the above.
60.7.8.
CARTWAY — The portion of a street right-of-way, paved or unpaved,
customarily used by vehicles in the regular course of travel over
the street.
60.7.9.
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLE — An area of unobstructed vision at street
intersections defined by lines of sight between points at a given
distance from the intersection of the street center lines.
60.7.11.
COUNCIL — The Council of the Municipality of Bethel Park.
60.7.12.
DETENTION BASIN — A structure designed to retard surface
water runoff for a period of time sufficient to cause the deposition
of sediment and to reduce the velocity and volume of surface flows
leaving a site, thus preventing further erosion.
60.7.13.
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT — The subdivision improvement agreement as set forth in Article X of this ordinance.
60.7.14.
DRIVEWAY (LANE) — A private means of vehicle access from
a public or private street to a single lot; provided, however, that
two contiguous lots may share a common driveway where the applicable
requirements of this ordinance and the Municipal Zoning Ordinance
are complied with on each lot.
60.7.15.
EARTHMOVING ACTIVITY — Activity resulting in the movement
of earth or stripping of vegetative cover from the earth.
60.7.16.
EASEMENT — A permanent right granted for limited use of
private land, normally for a public purposes. The owner of the property
shall have the right to make any other use of the land which is not
inconsistent with the rights of the grantee (e.g.: utility, drainage,
and public access easements).
60.7.17.
EASEMENT, CONSERVATION — A legal agreement between a property
owner and an appropriate conservation organization or governmental
entity, through which the property owner establishes certain use restrictions
over all or portion(s) of the property for conservation purposes.
60.7.19.
GUARANTEE, MAINTENANCE — Any security which may be required
of a developer by the Municipality after final acceptance by the Municipality
of improvements installed by the developer. Such security shall include
only those financial instruments authorized by the MPC.
60.7.20.
GUARANTEE, PERFORMANCE — Any security which may be required
of a developer by the Municipality in lieu of a requirement that certain
improvements be made before the Municipality approves the developer's
subdivision plan or land development plan. Such security shall include
only those financial instruments authorized by the MPC.
60.7.22.
IMPROVEMENTS — Buildings, for public or quasi-public use,
streets, curbs, gutters, street right-of-way line, storm drainage
lines, stormwater management structures, walkways, recreational facilities,
open space improvements, shade trees, buffer or screen plantings,
and all other additions to the tract that are required by ordinance
or necessary to result in a complete subdivision or land development
in the fullest sense of the term.
60.7.23.
IMPROVEMENTS, PUBLIC — Improvements, including but not
limited to those contained in the definition of "improvements," that
are intended for dedication to the Municipality, either in fee or
by easement.
60.7.24.
LAND DISTURBANCE — Any activity which causes land to be
exposed to the danger of erosion, including clearing, grading, filling,
plowing, or any other earthmoving, as defined.
60.7.25.
LANE, ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION — 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.
60.7.26.
LOT AREA — The acreage contained within the property lines
of a lot as defined in the deed, excluding street and other transportation
rights-of-way. Acreage shall be determined from an actual site survey
rather than from a deed description.
60.7.27.
LOT, FLAG — A lot which has a street frontage of less
than 20% of the width of the lot at its widest part when measured
on a line parallel to the street. Such lots are prohibited.
60.7.28.
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.
60.7.29.
MONUMENT — A permanent survey reference point as prescribed
by the Municipal Engineer.
60.7.30.
MUNICIPALITY — Municipality of Bethel Park.
60.7.31.
MINOR LAND DEVELOPMENT — Any land development involving:
[Amended 3-8-1989 by Ord. No. 5-8-89F; 4-13-1998 by Ord. No.
4-13-98B; 6-9-2003 by Ord. No. 6-9-03B]
1.
Construction of not more than one new multifamily, commercial or
industrial building or an addition which is not a conditional use
and where the gross floor area is less than 2,000 square feet and
when the proposed development abuts a residentially zoned property
and is not located in a C-1 Neighborhood Commercial Zoned property;
or
2.
Any addition to a new multifamily, commercial or industrial building
which is not a conditional use and where the gross floor area of the
addition is greater than 2,000 square feet and less than 8,000 square
feet; or
3.
Any addition to a new multifamily, commercial or industrial building
which is not a conditional use under 2,000 square feet in size when
the proposed development abuts a residentially zoned property.
60.7.32.
MINOR SUBDIVISION — Any subdivision or resubdivision of
land which involves adjustment of common property lines whereby 1)
no additional lots are created; 2) no provisions of the Zoning Ordinance
of the Municipality of Bethel Park are violated; 3) no public improvements
excepting sidewalks are required; 4) not more than three lots are
involved in the subdivision; and 5) no land development, as defined
by the MPC,[4] is involved.
[Amended 8-8-1989 by Ord. No. 8-8-89F]
[4]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
60.7.33.
MAJOR LAND DEVELOPMENT — Any land development involving:
[Amended 5-8-1989 by Ord. No. 5-8-89F; 4-13-1998 by Ord. No.
4-13-98B; 6-9-2003 by Ord. No. 6-9-03B]
1.
Any development that is a conditional use; or
2.
Construction of one or more new multifamily, commercial or industrial
building where the gross floor area is greater than 2,000 square feet;
or
3.
Any addition to a new multifamily, commercial or industrial building
where the gross floor area of the addition is greater than 8,000 square
feet.
60.7.34.
MAJOR SUBDIVISION — Any subdivision not deemed a minor
subdivision.
60.7.36.
PLAT (or PLAN):
1.
AS-BUILT — A corrected final plan, showing dimensions and locations
of all streets and other improvements as actually constructed.
2.
FINAL — An exact and complete site design and layout plan and
improvements construction plan prepared by a registered surveyor and
showing all details specified in this ordinance, to be recorded upon
approval.
3.
PRELIMINARY — A site design and layout plan and improvements
construction plan prepared by a registered engineer, in less detail
than a final plan, but showing all details specified in this ordinance,
and prepared for consideration prior to submission of a final plan.
4.
RECORDED — A final plan, with accompanying documents as required
by this ordinance, which has been recorded by the applicant in the
office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County.
5.
SKETCH — A plan submitted, at the applicant's option,
for review and discussion prior to application for preliminary plan
approval, 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.
60.7.37.
PLANNING COMMISSION — The Planning and Zoning Commission
of the Municipality of Bethel Park.
60.7.38.
RESUBDIVISION — A change in 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.
60.7.39.
RETENTION BASIN — A reservoir, formed from soil or other
material, which is designed to detain temporarily 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.
60.7.40.
RIGHT-OF-WAY — The total width of any land reserved or
dedicated as a street, alley or crosswalk or for any other public
or private purpose.
60.7.41.
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.
60.7.42.
SEWAGE FACILITIES —
1.
INDIVIDUAL SYSTEM — The disposal of sewage by use of cesspools,
septic tanks or other safe and healthful means approved by the Allegheny
County Health Department and generally within the confines of the
lot on which the use is located.
2.
COMMUNITY SYSTEM — A 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. Treatment and disposal may occur either on-site or off-site
and shall be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Resources.
3.
PUBLIC SYSTEM — A system for the treatment and disposal of
sewage in which sewage is conveyed by a system of pipes to an off-site,
publicly operated treatment facility and disposed of through means
approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
60.7.43.
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 obstructed by traffic.
1.
OBJECT SIGHT DISTANCE — Shall be measured from a point 4.5
feet above the center line of the road surface to a point 0.5 feet
above the center line of the road surface.
2.
VEHICLE SIGHT DISTANCE — Shall be measured from one point 4.5
feet above the center line of a road surface to another point 4.5
feet above the center line of a road surface.
60.7.44.
SOLAR ENERGY — Radiant energy (direct, diffused or reflected)
received from the sun at wavelengths suitable for conversion into
thermal, chemical or electrical energy.
60.7.45.
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 Municipality.
60.7.46.
STORMWATER — Water which surfaces, flows or collects during
and subsequent to rain or snowfall.
60.7.47.
STREET — A right-of-way as defined by Article XI, Section
50, of the Bethel Park Code intended for general public use to provide
means of approach for vehicles and pedestrians. The word "street"
includes the words "road," "highway," "thoroughfare" and "way."
1.
ARTERIAL or MAJOR — A 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.
2.
COLLECTOR — A 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
Municipality to major streets and/or a street used for access to nonresidential
properties, i.e., commercial, industrial, professional, etc.
3.
CUL-DE-SAC STREET — A local street intersecting another street
at one end and terminating at the other end by a permanent vehicular
turnaround.
4.
LOCAL STREET — A 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 STREET — A 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.
60.7.48.
STREET PAVEMENT — The wearing or exposed surface of the
roadway used by vehicular traffic.
60.7.49.
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.
60.7.50.
SUBDIVISION OFFICER — That official of the Municipality
(who may, but need not, also be the Municipal Engineer and/or the
Zoning Officer) designated by the Municipal Manager to administer
the provisions of this chapter. For purpose of this chapter, said
Subdivision Officer shall be considered the Planning Department Director
as defined in the Municipalities Planning Code.[6]
[Amended 4-13-1998 by Ord. No. 4-13-98B]
[6]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
60.7.50.1.
SUB-MINOR LAND DEVELOPMENT — Any land development
involving:
[Added 6-9-2003 by Ord. No. 6-9-03B]
1.
Construction of not more than one new multifamily, commercial or
industrial building or an addition which is less than 2,000 square
feet of gross floor area and is not a conditional use and the proposed
development does not abut a residentially zoned property; or
2.
Any addition of an accessory building, except accessory storage buildings,
where the gross floor area is less than 2,000 square feet and is not
a conditional use and the proposed development does not abut a residentially
zoned property.
60.7.51.
SURVEYOR — A registered surveyor licensed in Pennsylvania.
60.7.52.
WATERCOURSE — A permanent stream, intermittent stream,
river, brook, creek or a channel or ditch for water, whether natural
or man-made.
60.7.53.
WATER SUPPLY —
1.
INDIVIDUAL SYSTEM — A safe, healthful and adequate supply of
water to a single user from a private well located on the land of
the user.
2.
CENTRAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM — A 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 either
of the following:
a.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM — A 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.
b.
COMMUNITY WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM — A system which is owned by
a municipality, a public company or a private company and which serves
a single community or subdivision and is not interconnected with any
other water supply system.
60.7.54.
WOODLAND — Generally, a land area characterized by a more
or less dense and extensive tree cover. More particularly, a plant
community predominantly of healthy trees and other woody vegetation,
well-stocked and growing more or less closely together.
