[Ord. No. 477, 5/11/2021]
For the purposes of this chapter, the following rules of usage and interpretation shall apply, unless the context indicates otherwise. In the interpretation of this chapter, the provisions and rules of this chapter shall be observed and applied, except when the context clearly requires otherwise.
1. 
Words in the present tense include the future.
2. 
Words in the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular.
3. 
The word "shall" is intended to be mandatory.
4. 
The word "lot" shall include the words "plot" or "parcel."
5. 
The word "person" includes a firm, company, corporation, partnership, trust, organization, or association, as well as an individual.
6. 
A building or structure includes any part thereof.
7. 
The word "and" indicates that all connected items, conditions, provisions, or events shall apply.
8. 
The word "or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events may apply singly or in any combination.
9. 
The words "either" and "or" indicate that the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events may apply singly but not in any combination.
10. 
The word "Township" means the Township of North Fayette, Pennsylvania.
11. 
The word "county" means the County of Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
12. 
Any use of gender-specific words (his, hers, him, her) shall imply both genders.
13. 
In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of this chapter and any caption, illustration, or table, the text shall control.
14. 
When a word or phrase is not specifically defined in this chapter, or referenced in another ordinance, then the common meaning of the word or phrase, or the definition contained in Webster's Dictionary, most current version, shall apply.
[Ord. No. 477, 5/11/2021]
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.
ACCESS DRIVE
A public or private thoroughfare that affords a means of access to an abutting property, parking area, or street and that has a width in accordance with the Township standard details, but in no case shall be less than 20 feet in width. An access drive shall not be considered a driveway.
ACCESSORY AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
An accessory structure that is customarily incidental to the permitted agricultural use or principal building, including not limited to, livestock barns, stables, grain silos, and toolsheds.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT
A separate and accessory living space that is attached or detached to the primary dwelling. Attached accessory dwelling units typically include living, sleeping, kitchen, and bathroom facilities that are accessed from a lockable entrance door.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A structure which is on the same lot with, but detached from, the principal building or structure and which is customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal structure or principal use of the land, including but not limited to private garages, storage sheds, and the like.
ACCESSORY USE
A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land located on the same lot as the principal use.
ADAPTIVE REUSE
Applies to structures not initially designed for permanent residential use and former public, semipublic and other large buildings (including schools, churches, armories, and other civic structures) which lie within a permitted zoning district within the Township, with the express purpose of encouraging the adaptive and flexible reuse of such buildings.
ADJACENT PROPERTY
Property that is contiguous with the boundaries of any side of the subject property.
ADULT-ORIENTED BUSINESSES
An adult bookstore/video store, adult live theater, move theater, or movie house, whereas such a business and licensing regulations are further defined in Chapter 13, Licenses, Permits and General Business Regulations, Part 6, of the Township Code of Ordinances.
AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
Any use of land or structures for an enterprise that is actively engaged in the commercial production and preparation for market of crops, livestock, and livestock products and in the production, harvesting, and preparation for market or use of agricultural, agronomic, horticultural, silvicultural, and aquacultural crops and commodities. The term includes an enterprise that implements changes in production practices and procedures or types of crops, livestock, livestock products, or commodities produced consistent with practices and procedures that are normally engaged by farmers or are consistent with technological development within the agricultural industry. Also see "barn," "grain silo," and "stable" in this section.
AGRITOURISM
The practice of attracting travelers or visitors to an area or areas used primarily for agricultural purposes, including but not limited to overnight stays (lodging and camping), special events and festivals, recreation activities and events, fresh products and value-added products, tourism-enhanced direct marketing, and/or education. Agritourism may serve as a supplementary, complimentary, or primary enterprise of the area(s). See definitions of "supplementary agritourism enterprise" and "complimentary agritourism enterprise" in this section.
AIRPORT
Any area of land or water, whether of public or private ownership, designed and set aside for the landing and taking off of aircraft, including all contiguous property that is held or used for airport purposes. This classification includes airport maintenance facilities and airport terminals.
AIRPORT CONTROL TOWER
A tower at an airfield from which air traffic is controlled by radio and observed physically and by radar.
AIRPORT ELEVATION
The highest point of an airport's usable landing area measured in feet above sea level.
AIRPORT HAZARD
Any structure or object, natural or man-made, or use of land which obstructs the airspace required for flight or aircraft in landing or taking off at an airport or as otherwise hazardous as defined in 14 CFR Part 77 and 74 Pa.C.S.A. § 5102.
AIRPORT HAZARD AREA
Any area of land or water upon which an airport hazard might be established if not prevented as provided for in this chapter and Act 164 of 1984 (Pennsylvania Laws Relating to Aviation).[1]
AISLE
The portion of the parking lot devoted to providing immediate access to the parking stalls. The recommended aisle width is dependent of the parking angle.
ALLEY
A passage of way open to public travel which affords generally a secondary means of vehicular access to abutting lots and is not intended for general traffic circulation.
ALTERATIONS
As applied to a building or structure, a change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the exit facilities, or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height, or the moving from one location to another, or any change in use from that of one zoning district classification to another. Also, a change in a building, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system that involves the extension, addition, or change to the arrangement or type of purpose of the original installation that requires a permit.
ALTERATIONS, STRUCTURAL
Any change in the support members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders; changes in the means of ingress and egress; enlargement of floor area or height of a structure; or relocation of a structure from one position to another.
AMBIENT NOISE LEVEL
The all-encompassing noise level associated with a given environment, being a composite of sounds from all sources at the location, constituting the normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location without extreme atmospheric conditions, such as wind greater than three meters per second or precipitation, and then adjusting the noise level to eliminate any noise associated with existing developments or facilities.
AMBULANCE STATION
A structure or other area set aside for storage of ambulance vehicles, medical equipment, personal protective equipment, and other medical supplies. Most stations are made up of garage bays or a parking area, normally under cover.
AMPHITHEATER
An oval or round structure having tiers of seats rising gradually outward from a central open space or arena. An amphitheater is provided for as a principal or accessory use.
AMUSEMENT ARCADE
An amusement arcade is provided for as principal or accessory use. If an accessory use, any establishment where two or fewer amusement devices are located. If a principal use, any establishment where three or more amusement devices are located.
AMUSEMENT DEVICE
Any mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical device, machine or apparatus used for the playing of games and amusements, which devices or apparatus are commonly known as "pinball machines," "video games," and "jukeboxes," or upon which games are played, or any device on which music is played after the insertion therein of a coin or other disc, slug, or token, or for which fees are paid to an attendant.
AMUSEMENT PARK
An establishment developed primarily for entertainment purposes and offering rides and exhibitions for a fee.
ANIMAL DAY CARE
A facility that cares for domestic animals for less than 12 consecutive hours in the absence of the pet's owner or a facility that provides training for domestic animals with or without the facility owner receiving compensation for such services. Animal day cares do not include medical or surgical treatment or overnight boarding facilities.
ANIMAL GROOMING FACILITY
A retail establishment that provides bathing, trimming, and grooming services for small domestic animals on a commercial basis. An animal grooming facility does not include medical or surgical treatment or overnight boarding facilities.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND VETERINARIAN SERVICES
An establishment where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment and the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care incidental to the hospital use or temporary boarding during treatment. Animal hospitals and veterinarians do not include kennel services.
ANSI
The American National Standards Institute.
ANTENNA
Any system of wires, rods, discs, panels, flat panels, dishes, whips, or other similar devices used for the transmission or reception of wireless signals. An antenna may include an omnidirectional antenna (rod), directional antenna (panel), parabolic antenna (disc), or any other wireless antenna. An antenna shall not include tower-based wireless communications facilities, as defined in this section.
APARTMENT
A multifamily dwelling. See "dwelling types" in this section.
APPLICANT
A landowner or developer who has filed an application for development, permit, or approval pursuant to this chapter, including his heirs, successors, and assigns.
APPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
Every application, whether preliminary, tentative, or final, required to be filed and approved prior to start of construction or development, including but not limited to an application for a building permit, for the approval of a subdivision plat or plan, or for the approval of a development plan.
APPURTENANCES
Exterior architectural features that are visible, functional, or ornamental objects attached to a structure or building.
AQUARIUM/ZOO
An establishment that maintains a collection of wild animals, typically in a park, garden, or a transparent tank of water for display to the public.
ARCHITECT
An architect registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. See "registered professional."
ARCHITECTURAL EASEMENT
An area of a property within a required front yard where a porch or deck can be built so long as it is not intended for occupancy.
ARCHITECTURAL FOOTPRINT
The entire area of ground covered by the permitted structure including, but not limited to, covered porches and breezeways. The architectural footprint is exclusive of patios, decks, and exterior walkways.
AREA, SITE
The total area of the lot or lots comprising a site.
ART GALLERY
A structure, or part thereof, devoted to the exhibition of visual works of fine art. Art galleries generally include accessory services, such as the sale or purchase of displayed works, custom framing, or encasement of art works and services related to art appraisal, display, preservation, or restoration.
ARTS AND CRAFT STUDIO
A use involving the creation, display, and sale of arts and crafts, such as paintings, sculpture, and fabric crafts. The creation of arts and crafts may also be permitted within a home occupation, provided the requirements for such use are met.
ASPHALT/CONCRETE PLANT
A plant where asphalt or concrete is mixed for distribution, typically for use off-site.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
See "care facilities and senior housing" in this section.
AUDITORIUM
A large building or hall used for public gatherings, typically speeches or stage performances.
AUTHORITY
A body politic and corporate created pursuant to the act of May 2, 1945 (P.L. 382, No. 164), known as the "Municipality Authorities Act of 1945."[2]
BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
Banks, savings, and loan associations, and similar institutions that lend money or are engaged in a finance related business.
BAR
An establishment where the principal use is the serving of alcoholic beverages by the drink to the general public and where food or packaged beverages may be served or sold as an accessory use.
BARN
A principal or accessory structure used for the shelter of livestock raised on the premises, the storage of agricultural products produced or consumed on the premises, or the storage and maintenance of farm equipment and agricultural supplies used for the agricultural operations on the premises. See also "accessory agriculture buildings."
BASEMENT
That portion of a building which partly or completely has a floor below grade.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
An owner-occupied dwelling that contains not more than four guest rooms/sleeping rooms in which lodging, long- or short-term, is provided for compensation and in which meals for lodgers may also be provided. This use shall not include group homes.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Structural and nonstructural environmentally sensitive design approaches to stormwater management as defined with the Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS
State-of-the-art mitigation measures applied to oil and natural gas drilling and production to help ensure that energy development is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTOR
Any operation which engages in the sale of beverages in beverage containers, which are not for consumption on the premises. This land use typically includes the sale of alcoholic beverages in quantities as prescribed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (LCB). This definition includes any manufacturer who engages in these sales.
BILLBOARDS
See the definition provided under "signs" in this section.
BOARD OF FIRE UNDERWRITERS
The American National Board of Fire Underwriters responsible for establishing the set of regulations governing the construction and installation of electrical wiring and apparatus in the United States and as issued by the National Electrical Code and administratively sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors of the Township of North Fayette, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
BOARDINGHOUSE
A building other than a hotel, motel, short-term rental, or bed-and-breakfast, where lodging is provided for compensation.
BREWERY
An establishment for brewing large quantities of beer or other malt liquors for wholesale distribution. This land use does not provide for retail sales and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premise. See also "microbrewery."
BROADCAST AND RELAY TOWERS
A freestanding support structure, attached antenna, and related equipment intended for transmitting, receiving, or retransmitting commercial television, radio, telephone, cellular, or other telecommunications services.
BUFFERYARD
A landscaped area of a certain depth specified by this chapter which shall be planted and maintained in trees, ground cover, shrubs, bushes, or other natural landscaping material or an existing natural or constructed natural barrier which duplicates the effect of the required bufferyard.
BUILD-TO LINE
The line which defines the placement of the building from the street on which the building fronts, measured from the ultimate street ROW. The build-to line of the building typically forms the street wall line. On a corner lot, the build-to line is located on each side of a lot abutting a street.
BUILDABLE AREA ANALYSIS
The process by which sensitive natural resources are inventoried and net buildable area is calculated.
BUILDING
A roofed structure, whether or not enclosed by walls, to be used for shelter, enclosure, or the protection of persons, goods, materials, or animals.
BUILDING CODE
The Unified Construction Code of Pennsylvania adopted and as amended by North Fayette Township.
BUILDING FACADE
That portion of any exterior elevation on the building extending from finished grade to top of the parapet, wall, or eaves and the entire width of the building elevation.
BUILDING FRONT
The wall of the building where the principal entrance is located, usually fronting on a public street.
BUILDING HEIGHT
See "structure height" in this section.
BUILDING PERMIT
A permit for activities regulated by the Uniform Construction Code and in accordance with the Township Construction Standards, as amended, including construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or an addition to a structure.
BUILDING SETBACK, FRONT
The line of that face of the building nearest the front line of the lot. This face includes sun parlors, covered porches, and covered patios, whether enclosed or unenclosed, but does not include steps.
BUILDING SETBACK, REAR
The line of that face of the building nearest the rear line of the lot. This face includes sun parlors, covered porches, and covered patios, whether enclosed or unenclosed, but does not include steps.
BUILDING SETBACK, SIDE
The line of that face of the building nearest the side line of the lot. This face includes sun parlors, covered porches, and covered patios, whether enclosed or unenclosed, but does not include steps.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
The building or buildings on a lot in which the principal use or uses are conducted.
BUS OR TRUCK MAINTENANCE FACILITY
A building or set of buildings that are designed for the maintenance of buses and trucks. Busses and/or trucks within this category include vehicles that have a GVWR greater than 8,500 pounds and less than 33,000 pounds. Related land use classifications include automobile repair and service, commercial motor vehicle repair, and heavy equipment repair. See also "supply yards" with regards to equipment sales.
BUSINESS SERVICES
A commercial establishment which provides services primarily to business establishments on a fee or contract basis, such as advertising and public relations, management and consulting services, security and maintenance services, equipment rental/leasing, document reproduction and related services, and computer and data processing services.
CAMPGROUND
A property, under single ownership, upon which two or more campsites are located, established, or maintained for occupancy by camping units as temporary living quarters for recreation, education, or vacation purposes.
CANOPY
A permanent, freestanding roofed structure without walls and not intended for human shelter.
CAR WASH
The car wash land use classification includes the related facilities and operations listed below.
CAR WASH TYPES
1. 
AUTOMOBILE DETAILAny building, premises, or land in which or upon which a business or individual performs or renders a service involving the detailing and servicing of an automobile or other motor vehicle. Detailing and servicing shall include any cleaning, buffing, striping, glass replacement, and audio installation or repair. Automobile detail shall not include any service defined as "vehicle repair."
2. 
CAR WASH, AUTOMATICA structure where chains, conveyors, blowers, steam cleaners, or other mechanical devices are used for the purpose of washing motor vehicles and where the operation is generally performed by an attendant.
3. 
CAR WASH, SELF-SERVICEA structure where washing, drying, and polishing of vehicles is generally on a self-service basis without the use of chain conveyors, blowers, steam cleaning, or other mechanical devices.
CARE FACILITIES AND SENIOR HOUSING
An establishment that contains dwelling units, intended or designed to be used, rented, leased, let, or hired out to be occupied for living purposes based on age and/or resident needs. Each care facility type designated below is provided for separately in the land use chart under "care facility type."
CARE FACILITY AND SENIOR HOUSING TYPES
1. 
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITYAny premises in which food, shelter, assisted living services, assistance or supervision, and supplemental health care services are provided for a period exceeding 24 hours for four or more adults who are not relatives of the operator, who require assistance or supervision in matters such as dressing, bathing, diet, financial management, evacuation from the residence in the event of an emergency, or medication prescribed for self-administration.
2. 
INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITYResidential dwelling units that restrict the minimum age of residents within the community or residential development. Independent living facilities include, but are not limited to, active adult communities, retirement communities, or 55+ communities composed of non-multi-family dwelling units.
3. 
LIFE CARE COMMUNITYA corporation or association or other business entity that, in exchange for the payment of entrance and monthly fees, provides:
A. 
Residential accommodations meeting the minimum standards for residents set forth by law and ordinances and providing a design to meet the physical, social, and psychological needs of older people;
B. 
Medical and nursing care covering, under ordinary circumstances, the balance of a resident's life;
C. 
Prepaid medical consultation opportunities through independent professionals selected by the organization or through some equivalent arrangement; or
D. 
Financial self-sufficiency, not dependent on outside support to any significant degree, with entrance and monthly fees adjusting to meet changing costs.
4. 
NURSING HOMEAn institution licensed by the commonwealth for the care of human patients requiring either skilled nursing or intermediate nursing care or both levels of care for a period exceeding 24 hours.
5. 
RETIREMENT HOUSING FACILITYA multifamily dwelling facility intended for senior citizens. Typically, each person or couple in the home has an apartment-style room or suite of rooms.
CARPORT
A detached accessory structure that includes private parking area(s) for the storage of one or more vehicles. A carport may be covered by a roof supported by columns or posts and has no more than three walls. An attached carport is an extension of the principal building and subject to the related building codes and zoning regulations of the permitted principal use. See also "garage, private" in this section.
CARTWAY
That portion of a street ROW or alley that is surfaced for vehicular or other traffic use, excluding shoulders and berms; the portion(s) between curbs where curbs are used.
CATERING FACILITY
A location that prepares food for delivery and consumption at a remote site. Catering operations, when authorized, may sometimes be located in conjunction with an events venue. As a land use classification, catering only includes food preparation.
CATERING/EVENT VENUE
A facility that provides a location for a planned occasion or activity, such as a wedding, reunion, graduation, or other social gathering. Event halls, when authorized, may sometimes include a catering use.
CEMETERY
Any site containing at least one burial, marked or previously marked, dedicated to and used or intended to be used for the permanent interment of the human dead, including perpetual care and nonperpetual care cemeteries. This land use classification includes mausoleums and columbaria but not crematoriums.
CHURCH
See "place of worship" in this section.
CLEAR SIGHT TRIANGLE
An area of unobstructed vision at the intersection of two streets or the intersection of a driveway with a street, measured at the height of a driver's eye, which is assumed to be 3.75 feet above the road surface, between points at a given distance from the intersection of the center lines of the two streets or of a street and driveway as specified in this chapter and the SALDO,[3] intended to allow the operators of vehicles approaching simultaneously to see each other in time to prevent a collision. Any obstruction that impedes line-of-sight should be removed upon notification from the Township. Further, a triangular area of unobstructed vision as defined by PennDot Publication No. 70M: Guidelines for the Design of Local Roads and Streets.
CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM
A system utilized while drilling so that various types of pits are not used and instead steel bins or closed containers are used to collect all drilling waste.
CLUBS/LODGES
Buildings and related facilities owned and operated by an individual or a group of individuals established for fraternal, social, educational, recreational, or civic benefits of members, and not primarily for profit. Access to facilities is typically restricted to members and their guests.
CLUSTER
A development design technique used in PRDs that concentrates buildings on a part of the site to allow the remaining land to be used for recreation, common open space, and/or preservation of environmentally sensitive areas.
CO-LOCATION
The mounting of one or more wireless communications facilities (WCFs), including antennas, on an existing tower-based WCF, or on any structure that already supports at least one nontower WCF.
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
An institute of higher learning that may offer two- or four-year programs and/or postgraduate programs.
COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS TOWER
Any structure, partially or wholly exterior to a building, used for transmitting or retransmitting electronic signals through the air and that does not meet the definition of a "standard antenna." Commercial communications antennas shall include, but are not limited to, antennas used for transmitting commercial radio or television signals, or to receive such signals for a cable system, or to retransmit wireless telecommunications. A commercial communications tower shall be a structure over 30 feet in height that is primarily intended to support one or more antennas. See standards in Part 11. This term shall not include a standard antenna.
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR
Any building, premises, or land in which or upon which a business, service, or industry performs or renders a service involving the maintenance, servicing, repair, or painting of a commercial motor vehicle. Commercial motor vehicles are those vehicles that have a GVWR in excess of 33,000 pounds and generally require a commercial driver's license to operate. Related land use classifications include vehicle repair garage, bus or truck maintenance facility, and heavy equipment repair. See also "supply yards" with regards to equipment sales.
COMMERCIAL SCHOOL
An educational establishment that provides specialized instruction and on-site training of business, commercial, clerical, industrial, managerial, trade, and/or artistic skills and which does not satisfy the definitions of "school" or "college/university" in this section.
COMMON OPEN SPACE
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination of land and water, within a development site and designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents of a development, not including streets, off-street parking areas, and areas set aside for public facilities, whether privately or publicly-owned.
COMMONWEALTH
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA(S)
Any device used for the transmission or reception of radio, television, wireless telephone, pager, commercial mobile radio service or any other wireless communications signals, including without limitation omnidirectional or whip antennas and directional or panel antennas, owned or operated by any person or entity required to be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate such device. This definition shall not include private residence-mounted satellite dishes or television antennas or amateur radio equipment.
COMMUNITY CENTER
A building or other place in which members of a community may gather for social, educational, or cultural activities.
COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
A charitable organization that solicits and warehouses donated food and other products. This food is then distributed to a variety of community agencies which serve people in need. A community food bank is considered an accessory land use.
COMPLETION OF DRILLING, REDRILLING AND REWORKING
The date within 60 days of the completion of drilling, redrilling, or reworking of the well site.
COMPLIMENTARY AGRITOURISM ENTERPRISE
Agritourism shares equal footing with other enterprises in the farm product mix. See also "agritourism" in this section.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Comprehensive Plan for the Township of North Fayette.
CONDITIONAL USE
An authorized use which may be granted only by the Board of Supervisors pursuant to express standards and criteria prescribed in this chapter, after review and recommendation by the Planning Commission and public hearing by the Board of Supervisors.
CONFERENCE CENTER
Specialized hotel (usually in a less busy but easily accessible location) designed and built almost exclusively to host conferences, exhibitions, large meetings, seminars, training sessions, etc. A conference center may also provide office facilities and a range of leisure activities.
CONICAL SURFACE (ZONE)
An imaginary surface extending outward and upward from the periphery of the horizontal surface at a slope of 20 feet horizontally to one foot vertically for a horizontal distance of 4,000 feet.
CONSTRUCTION
The erection, renovation, repair, extension, expansion, alteration, or relocation of a building, structure, or site improvements, including the placement of mobile homes.
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
The North Fayette Township Standard Construction Details, as amended.[4]
CONSTRUCTION-RELATED BUSINESS
Construction-related businesses shall include building-related industries, such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc. Construction-related business may include retail and/or office space related to the sales and distribution of the principal use. Supply yards and/or storage yards may be permitted as accessory uses. See also "supply yard" and "storage yard" in this section.
CONVENIENCE STORE
A retail establishment offering for sale a limited selection of goods, such as food products, household items, and other goods commonly associated with the same and generally having a gross floor area of less than 10,000 square feet. Convenience stores may sometimes be located in conjunction with a gas/fuel station use but only when the gas/fuel station use is also allowable in the zoning district.
CONVERSION DWELLINGS
See "dwelling types" in this section.
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Publicly or privately operated facilities housing persons awaiting trial or persons serving a sentence after being found guilty of a criminal offense, including but not limited to halfway houses, homes licensed for juvenile offenders, or other facilities where individuals are incarcerated or otherwise required to reside pursuant to court order under the supervision of paid staff and personnel.
COUNTY
The County of Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
COUNTY PLANNING AGENCY
The Allegheny County Department of Economic Development, Planning Division.
DAY CARE, HOME-BASED
An accessory use in which care is provided pursuant to approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, for children under the age of 16 who are unrelated by blood or marriage to all owners of the premises and to all owners and operators of the family child day care home operation being conducted on the premises; provided, further, that the premises wherein the family child day care home operation or business is located must be the full-time bona fide residence of the owner of said operation or business and said premises must be in compliance with all applicable provisions and requirements of the most recent editions of the Building Code, Residential Code, and Fire Code, as adopted by the Township, and the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare relating to family child day care homes, and any other applicable law, ordinance, or regulation.
DAY-CARE CENTER, ADULT
A facility, licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, located within a building which is not used as a dwelling unit, for the care of the elderly and/or functionally impaired adults for a portion of a twenty-four-hour day.
DAY-CARE CENTER, CHILD
A facility, licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, located within a building which is not used as a dwelling unit, for the care of children under the age of 16 for a portion of a twenty-four-hour day. This land use classification includes nursery schools which provide daytime care and/or instruction for two or more children of preschool age.
DECIBEL (dBa)
A unit of measurement of the intensity (loudness) of sound. Sound level meters which are employed to measure the intensity of sound are calibrated in decibels (dBa).
DECISION
Final adjudication of any board or other body granted jurisdiction under any land use ordinance or this chapter to do so, either by reason of the grant of exclusive jurisdiction or by reason of appeals from determinations. All decisions shall be appealable to the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County and the judicial district wherein the municipality lies.
DECK
A freestanding or attached accessory structure to a dwelling, which is constructed of natural or synthetic wood, either on or above the ground, without a roof or awning, and with flooring that is not completely impervious, and which may include steps or railings.
DEDICATED OPEN SPACE or RECREATION LAND
A parcel of land integrated within a subdivision or land development that is dedicated, either publicly or privately, specifically for use as a park, open space, and/or active recreation area.
DENSITY
The number of dwelling units in a lot, or group of lots, divided by the area in acres of the lot, or group of lots, computed exclusive of any portion of the ROW of any public road.
DEPARTMENT
The North Fayette Township Department of Community Development, the designated "planning agency" for the Township which performs the functions of a planning agency as described in the MPC for the purpose of administering this chapter.
DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE
The Allegheny County Department of Real Estate.
DETERMINATION
The final action by an officer, body, or agency charged with the administration of any land use ordinance or applications thereunder except the Board of Supervisors; the ZHB; and the Planning Agency, only if and to the extent the Planning Agency is charged with final decision on preliminary or final plans under the SALDO[5] or PRD provisions.
DEVELOPER
Any landowner, agent of such landowner, or tenant with the permission of such landowner, who makes or causes to be made an application for land development, a subdivision of land, permit, or approval pursuant to this chapter.
DEVELOPMENT
See "land development" in this section.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The provisions for development, including a PRD and PNRD, a plat of subdivision, all covenants relating to use, location, and bulk of buildings and other structures, intensity of use or density of development, streets, ways and parking facilities, common open space, and public facilities. Such provisions shall be prepared by a surveyor, engineer, or architect and drawings associated with such provisions shall be drawn at a scale no greater than one inch equals 100 feet.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
A person retained by the Township responsible for administering this chapter and to undertake all other powers and duties specified by the Board of Supervisors in accordance with Article II of the MPC, 53 P.S. § 10201 et seq.
[Ord. No. 483, 7/13/2021]
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
The Director of the Department of Community Development or his or her designee, appointed pursuant to Section 208 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended).[6]
[Amended by Ord. No. 483, 7/13/2021]
DISTILLERY
An establishment for distilling, especially for distilling alcoholic liquors. No products produced by the distillery shall be sold and/or consumed on the premise. See also "microdistillery."
DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEMS (DAS)
Network of spatially separated antenna sites connected to a common source that provides wireless service within a geographic area or structure.
DISTRIBUTION CENTER
A center for a set of products in a warehouse or other specialized building, often with refrigeration or air conditioning, which is stocked with products or goods to be redistributed to retailers, to wholesalers, or directly to consumers. A distribution center is a principal part, the order processing element, of the entire order fulfillment process.
DOMESTIC PETS
Animals or fowl customarily found in a dwelling and kept for company or pleasure, including but not limited to dogs, cats, hamsters, parakeets, or canaries and the like, but not including any animal, reptile, fish, and/or fowl normally found in a zoo. Domestic pets shall not include a sufficient number to constitute a kennel, as defined herein.
DORMITORIES
Buildings at a college/university, school, or institution containing a number of private or semiprivate rooms for residents, along with common bathroom facilities and recreation areas.
DRILLING
Any digging or boring of a new well to explore, develop, or produce oil, gas, or other hydrocarbons or to inject gas, water, or any other fluid or substance into the earth.
DRILLING PAD
See "oil and gas well/pad" in this section.
DRILLING SITE
An area that includes the perimeter of the surface area of drilling operations.
DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITY
A business that orients the sale of goods or services to those remaining in their vehicles while business transactions occur at a pickup window. Drive-through facilities shall be considered accessory uses which are attached to another authorized principal use which involves a window, service lane, bay, or other facility where customers are provided services either inside or outside their vehicles and where cars may or may not wait in line to access these services, including, but not limited to: drive-in or drive-through windows at fast-food restaurants, banks, drug stores or other businesses, exterior automated teller machines (ATMs), quick oil-change facilities, car washes and similar automotive services, and other such facilities.
DRIVEWAY
A private area which provides vehicular access to a parking space, garage, dwelling, or other structure.
DRUG STORE
See "pharmacy" in this section.
DWELLING
A building that contains dwelling units, intended, or designed to be used, rented, leased, let, or hired out to be occupied for living purposes. Each dwelling type designated below is provided for separately in the land use chart under "dwelling type."
DWELLING TYPES
1. 
CONVERSION DWELLINGA dwelling unit or units created from a larger existing residential dwelling, whether entirely from the existing structure or by building additions or combinations thereof. Conversion dwellings involve the creation of additional dwelling units in a structure from existing dwellings, not initially intended or designed when the dwelling was initially constructed. Conversion dwellings are primarily intended to serve as rental units and are defined separately from accessory dwellings units or in-law suites which are primarily intended to house family members.
2. 
DUPLEXA detached house designed for and occupied exclusively as not more than two units, each living as an independent housekeeping unit and with no internal connectivity between units.
3. 
GARDEN APARTMENTA multifamily residential building no more than three stories in height containing three or more dwelling units which share a common entrance to the outside, usually through a common corridor, and which dwelling units may have other dwelling units either above or below them.
4. 
HIGH-RISE APARTMENTA multifamily residential building containing at least four residential floors.
5. 
MANUFACTURED HOMEA transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit, or in two or more 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 without a permanent foundation.
6. 
MULTIFAMILYA residential building or portion thereof designed exclusively for occupancy by three or more families living independently of each other and containing three or more separate dwelling units, including garden apartments and high-rise apartments but not including single-family, duplex, townhouse, or quadruplex dwellings.
7. 
QUADRUPLEXA residential building, other than a townhome or garden apartment, containing only four dwelling units in one structure, each of which has two walls exposed to the outside and each unit shares two common walls with adjoining units which are placed at right angles to one another, rather than in a row, and which units have no other units above or below which share common floors/ceilings.
8. 
ROW HOUSESee "townhouse" in this section.
9. 
SINGLE-FAMILYA detached residential building that is the only principal structure on the lot, designed exclusively for occupancy by one family, as defined herein, and containing one dwelling unit with a minimum square footage of 750 square feet.
10. 
TOWNHOUSEA single-family dwelling unit no more than 3.5 stories in height constructed in a group of not fewer than three but not more than eight attached units, in which each unit shares no more than one common wall that extends from the foundation to the roof.
11. 
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGA residential building containing two independent dwelling units, each having a separate entrance, and which is the only principal building on the lot.
DWELLING UNIT
A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
A structure, part of a structure, or structures designed and used for training and teaching of children, youth, or adults, including laboratories appurtenant thereto. An educational institution does not include a school or college/university, as defined within this section.
ELECTRONIC NOTICE
Notice given by a municipality through the internet regarding the time and place of a public hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing.
EMERGENCY
A condition that 1) constitutes a clear and immediate danger to the health, welfare, or safety of the public, or 2) has caused or is likely to cause facilities in the ROWs to be unusable and result in loss of the services provided.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER (EOC)
A centralized location to support multiagency and or multijurisdiction disaster response coordination and communication.
EMERGENCY SERVICES FACILITY
An area utilized for the maintenance, fueling, storage, dispatching, or parking of vehicles and/or equipment providing rescue or ambulatory services, except rescue services offered from a fire station, and where the area may or may not include buildings utilized in connection therewith.
EMERGENCY SHELTER
A facility, including rescue missions, for persons seeking temporary voluntary shelter for a duration not to exceed 60 days.
ENFORCEMENT NOTICE
A notice as provided in Section 616.1 of the MPC, 53 P.S. § 10616.1, sent by the Township to the owner or occupant of record of a parcel on which a violation of this chapter has occurred, to any person who has filed a written request to receive enforcement notices regarding that parcel, and to any other person requested, in writing, by the owner or occupant of record, the purpose of which is to initiate enforcement proceedings.
ENGINEER, PROFESSIONAL
A licensed professional engineer registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. See "registered professional."
EPA
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or any agency successor thereto.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
The erection, construction, alteration, or maintenance of underground or overhead gas, electrical, steam or water transmission or distribution systems, including poles, wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, conduit cables, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants, street signs, cable television, or other telecommunications transmission lines provided by public or private entities, and other similar equipment and accessories in connection therewith, reasonably necessary for the furnishing of adequate service by such public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies or for the public health or safety or general welfare. Essential services include water supply pump stations and water tanks. Essential services do not include communications towers or operations and facilities associated with oil and gas development.
EXHIBITIONS AND ART GALLERIES
See "art gallery" in this section.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Unique and/or environmentally fragile lands that are susceptible to negative geological or ecological impacts created by land development.
EXPLORATION
Temporary geologic or geophysical activities, drilling in context with the zoning definition in this chapter, including seismic surveys, related to the search for natural gas or other subsurface hydrocarbons.
FAA
Federal Aviation Administration of the United States Department of Transportation.
FAMILY
Any one of the following: an individual; two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption; or not more than four unrelated persons living as a single housekeeping unit. A family may also include domestic servants and gratuitous guests. The foregoing restrictions do not apply to persons with disabilities as defined in the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.
FARMERS MARKET
A retail establishment at which fruits, vegetables, breads, eggs, milk, cheese, meat, flowers, and the like are sold by persons who typically grow, harvest, or process such items from their farm or agricultural operation.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission.
FENCE
A freestanding, accessory structure, including entrance and exit gates or openings, designed and constructed for the purpose of enclosing space or separating parcels of land, screening, protection, confinement, and/or privacy.
FINAL APPROVAL
The ultimate approval of a development plan granted by the Board of Supervisors, which follows tentative approval and filing of an application for final approval.
FIRE STATION
A building in which firefighting apparatus and usually Fire Department personnel are housed.
FITNESS CENTER
An indoor facility for personal exercise and physical conditioning, which includes uses such as sports courts, exercise equipment, and/or locker rooms that may or may not include a Jacuzzi and/or sauna, and retail shops and accessory uses. This use may also be referred to as a "health club."
FLAG
Any fabric containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the County of Allegheny County, and the Township of North Fayette. A flag is not a sign.
FLEA MARKET
A business that sells new and used merchandise, other than automobiles, logging equipment, or other agricultural equipment, and stores or displays the merchandise outdoors.
FLEX SPACE
An establishment which can include office, light manufacturing, pilot manufacturing, and research and development, in addition to warehousing and associated administrative space.
FLOODPLAIN
As defined by the North Fayette Township Floodplain Management Ordinance.[7]
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE (FMO)
The North Fayette Township Floodplain Management Ordinance.[8]
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river or other watercourse and adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood (100-year floodplain) without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot, or as amended by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
FLOODWAY FRINGE
The remainder of the floodplain after the floodway has been determined. Generally, the slower velocity backwater area of the floodplain.
FLOOR
A habitable area of uniform vertical elevation that is contained within the outside walls of a building or structure.
FLOOR AREA
The sum of the gross floor areas for each of a building's stories, including the basement, but not including the attic unless the attic meets the International Code Council (ICC) International Property Maintenance Code.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS (GFA)
The sum of all the horizontal floor areas of a building, measured between exterior faces of walls.
FLOOR AREA, NET
The total floor area of a building designed for tenant occupancy, or areas accessible to the customers, clients, or general public, but excluding storage areas, equipment rooms, food preparation areas in a restaurant, and common areas, such as halls, corridors, stairwells, elevator shafts, restrooms, interior vehicular parking and loading areas, and similar common areas, expressed in square feet and measured from the center line of joint partitions and exteriors of outside walls.
FLOWBACK WATER
The murky, salty water from fracking natural gas wells. It consists of frack fluid which returns to the surface as well as produced water.
FLOWBACK WATER TREATMENT PLANT
A facility that specializes in treating water used during the hydraulic fracturing process in oil and gas production. These treatment facilities remove the clays, chemical additives, and metals that are commonly found in throwback water, with the overall goal of reintroducing the treated water back into the production process.
FOOD AND GROCERY STORE
Supermarkets; bakeries; dairies; and delicatessens; but not including convenience stores.
FOOTCANDLE
A unit of light density incident on a plane (assumed to be horizontal unless otherwise specified), measurable with an illuminance meter (also known as a "light meter").
FORESTRY
The management of forests and timberlands when practiced in accordance with accepted silvicultural principals, through developing, cultivating, harvesting, transporting, and selling trees for commercial purposes, which does not involve any land development.
FRACTURE or FRACKING
The process of injecting water, customized fracking fluid, steam, or gas into a gas well under pressure to improve gas recovery.
FREIGHT TERMINAL
A building and adjacent loading area where cargo is stored and where commercial vehicles load and unload cargo on a regular basis, which may or may not include facilities for maintenance, fueling, storage, or dispatching of the vehicles.
FRESH WATER
Water obtained from a potable water source of the commonwealth, such as a hydrant, stream, lake, water well, spring, or other source that has not been treated or utilized in commercial or industrial operations.
FRONT YARD
See "yard, front."
FRONTAGE
See "street frontage."
FUNERAL HOME
A building used for the embalming of deceased human beings for burial and for the display of the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation, and which may include a crematorium.
GARAGE, ATTACHED NONRESIDENTIAL
An extension of a permitted principal building, and subject to the regulations of the underlying district.
GARAGE, ATTACHED RESIDENTIAL
An attached residential garage is an extension of a permitted residential dwelling and subject to § 27-305 of this chapter.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
A detached accessory structure that is not accessible to the general public. A private garage is designed for the storage of private vehicles and personal property of the occupants of the principal building. All nonresidential detached storage structures are defined as storage buildings. See also "storage buildings" and "carport."
GARDEN APARTMENT
See "dwelling."
GARDEN CENTER
A building or structure used for the sale of flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, and other natural flora and associated products. A garden center does not include a greenhouse, nursery and/or outdoor storage, display and sales of equipment and/or materials associated with the principal use. See also "greenhouse/nursery," "landscape service center," and "storage yard."
GAS WELL
Any well drilled for the intent of extracting gas or other hydrocarbons from beneath the surface of the earth.
GAS/FUEL STATION
A building(s), premises, or portions thereof, which are used, arranged, designed, or intended to be used for the retail sale of gasoline or other fuel for motor vehicles. This land use classification shall include electric recharge stations for electric motor vehicles. Gas stations may include the operation of a convenience food store in conjunction with the retail sale of petroleum products. Gas stations may sometimes also be located with a vehicle repair and service use, but only when the vehicle repair and service use is also allowable in the zoning district.
GAZEBO
A freestanding, accessory, roofed structure, usually open on the sides.
GOLF COURSE
Any golf course, publicly or privately owned, on which the game of golf is played, including accessory uses and buildings customary thereto, but excluding golf driving ranges as defined herein.
GOLF DRIVING RANGE
A limited area on which golf players do not walk, but onto which they drive golf balls from a central driving tee. A golf range may be permitted as either a principal or accessory use.
GOVERNING BODY
The Board of Supervisors of North Fayette Township.
GRADING ORDINANCE
The Grading Ordinance of North Fayette Township: Chapter 9, Grading and Excavating, of the Township Code of Ordinances.
GRAIN SILO
A principal or accessory structure for storing bulk materials, such as grain or fermented feed, known as "silage." Other typical bulk storage items include coal, green feeds, and wood chips. See also "accessory agricultural buildings" in this section.
GREENHOUSE/NURSERY
A retail or wholesale business that sells flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, and other natural flora and products that aid their growth and care and that may include a greenhouse and/or the growing of plant material outside on the lot. See also "sheds" with regards to residential greenhouses.
GROSS
The total area or number prior to any deductions.
GROSS DENSITY
The total number of dwelling units per one acre permitted to be developed on a lot.
GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR SYSTEM
A solar photovoltaic system mounted on a structure, pole, or series of poles constructed specifically to support the photovoltaic system and not attached to any other structure.
GROUNDWATER
Water in that portion of the generally recognized hydrologic cycle which occupies the pore spaces and fractures of saturated subsurface materials. Groundwater often supplies wells and springs and is often withdrawn for domestic, agricultural, municipal, industrial, and other beneficial uses.
GROUP CARE FACILITY
1. 
A facility which provides room and board and specialized services for:
A. 
More than eight residents who are mentally or physically handicapped;
B. 
Any number of permanent residents who are dependent and/or delinquent children under the age of 18 adjudicated by the court system;
C. 
Mentally handicapped persons of any age; or
D. 
Persons assigned by a court of law or public or semipublic agency on a short-term basis for supervision, care, and counseling for a specified period of time, including alcoholic recovery, shelters for battered persons and their children, community reentry services following incarceration, and other such transitional and/or supervised short-term assignments.
2. 
Staff shall be qualified by the sponsoring agency, who may or may not reside at the facility, and who provide health, social, and/or rehabilitative services to the residents. The services shall be provided only by a governmental agency, its licensed or certified agents or any other responsible nonprofit social services corporation, and the facility shall meet all minimum requirements of the sponsoring agency.
GROUP HOME
A dwelling unit where room and board is provided to not more than eight permanent residents who are mentally or physically handicapped persons of any age, who are in need of supervision and specialized services, and no more than two caretakers on any shift, who may or may not reside in the dwelling and who provide health, social, and/or rehabilitative services to the residents. The service shall be provided only by a governmental agency, its licensed or certified agents or any other responsible nonprofit social services corporation, and the facility shall meet all minimum requirements of the sponsoring agency. A group home does not include persons assigned by a court of law or public or semipublic agency on a short-term basis for supervision, care and counseling for a specified period of time, including alcoholic recovery, shelters for battered persons and their children, community reentry services following incarceration, and other such transitional and/or supervised short-term assignments. A group home shall be considered a single-family dwelling and shall be authorized wherever a single-family dwelling is permitted, subject to the requirements of the district applicable to single-family dwellings.
GRUBBING or GRUBBING ACTIVITY
The cleaning of underbrush from a well-treed area.
HABITABLE
A structure consisting of an enclosed living room, sleeping room, kitchen, and dining room. A finished basement is considered habitable.
HAZARDOUS WASTE RECYCLING FACILITY
A structure where hazardous waste is collected for recycling purposes.
HEARING
An administrative proceeding conducted by a board pursuant to Section 909.1 of the MPC.[9]
HEAVY EQUIPMENT REPAIR
A facility for the repair, rebuilding, painting, or reconditioning of heavy equipment not classified as a motor vehicle for use on public roadways. See also "supply yard" regarding equipment sales.
HEIGHT OF A TOWER-BASED WCF
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.
HEIGHT OF STRUCTURE
For structures other than buildings or signs, the vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the finished grade around the structure to the highest point on the structure.
HEIGHT, BUILDING
The vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the proposed finished grade of the building to the eaves. For the purpose of determining maximum permitted height for principal buildings, such measurement shall be made from the average finished grade at the front setback. For the purpose of side or rear yard determination, such measurement shall be made from the average finished grade of the wall extending along such side yard or rear yard. Measurements shall be taken from the lowest grade to the peak of the roof. See Figure No. 7 in Appendix B[10] regarding yard configuration and lot lines.
HIGH-RISE APARTMENT
See "dwelling."
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure that is:
1. 
Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Registry;
2. 
Certified or preliminary determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to quality as a registered historic district;
3. 
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs that have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or
4. 
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either by an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior or directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
HOBBY FARM
A lot with a minimum area of five acres where agricultural activities are conducted by the residents thereof, but where such activities are not the principal source of employment or income.
HOME OCCUPATION BUSINESS
Any use customarily carried on entirely within a dwelling, by the occupant thereof, which use is clearly incidental and subordinate to the use of the dwelling as a residence. Examples include, but are not limited to, professional services such as legal, financial, accounting, or engineering; barber- and beauty shops; and music and tutoring instruction. Home occupation businesses are different than no-impact home-based businesses. See also "no-impact home-based business."
HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION (HOA)
An organization formed to manage the common open space and common facilities within a development plan that are not to be publicly owned and maintained. Membership in and financial support of such organization is mandatory for all owners of private property in the plan.
HORIZONTAL SURFACE (ZONE)
An imaginary plane 150 feet above the established airport elevation that is constructed by swinging arcs of various radii from the center of the end of the primary surface and then connecting the adjacent arc by tangent lines. The radius of each arc is based on the planned approach.
HORSE BOARDING AND RIDING ACADEMY
Land and/or structures utilized for the maintenance of horses and/or ponies for personal enjoyment and/or profit-making activity.
HOSPITAL
An institution providing acute medical or surgical care and treatment for sick or injured humans, as defined in current state licensure requirements.
HOTEL
A building containing rooms intended or designed to be used or that are used, rented, or hired out to be occupied or that are occupied for sleeping purposes by guests. Hotels have a common reception area on premises which is staffed 24 hours a day where clients check in to obtain access to a room. Hotels may provide such additional supporting services as restaurants, meeting rooms, and recreation facilities.
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING or FRACKING
See "oil and gas well/pad" in this section.
HYDRIC SOILS
Soils, classified by the Allegheny County Conservation District, whose major components are conducive to wetland conditions, are located in a high water table, and are saturated with water close to the surface most of the year.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
As defined by the North Fayette Township Stormwater Management Ordinance: Chapter 19 of the North Fayette Township Code of Ordinances.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE RATIO
As defined by the North Fayette Township Stormwater Management Ordinance: Chapter 19 of the North Fayette Township Code of Ordinances.
INDOOR RECREATION
A use consisting of indoor facilities for the pursuit of sports, amusement, recreation, and leisure activities available to the general public for a fee, where the principal use is conducted entirely within a completely enclosed building, including but not limited to such principal uses as health, racquet, and/or swim clubs, fitness centers, roller or ice rinks, karate schools, gymnasiums, arenas, sports courts or playing fields, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, virtual reality and simulation gaming parlors, billiard parlors, shooting ranges, and dance halls, but not including any adult business.
INJECTION WELL
A well that is used to place fluid underground into porous geologic formations. These underground formations may range from deep sandstone or limestone to a shallow soil layer. Injected fluids may include water, wastewater, brine (salt water), or water mixed with chemicals.
INTERNAL DRIVEWAY SYSTEM
The portion of the parking lot devoted to providing access to individual parking lot aisles.
JUNKYARD
Land or structure used for the collection, storage, processing and/or sale of scrap metal, scrapped, abandoned, or junked motor vehicles, machinery, equipment, waste paper, glass, rags, containers, and other discarded materials. Under this chapter, two or more scraped, abandoned, unregistered, inoperable or junked motor vehicles shall constitute a junkyard. Refuse or garbage kept in a proper container for prompt disposal shall not be regarded as a junkyard. See "salvage yard" in this section.
KENNEL
A use of land and structures in combination, wherein four or more domestic animals or pets six months or older are bred, trained, and/or boarded for compensation for more than 12 consecutive hours. Animal day cares and animal grooming facilities where pets are not on site for more than 12 consecutive hours shall not be considered kennels.
LABORATORY
A building or part of a building devoted to the testing and analysis of any product or animal. No manufacturing is conducted on the premises except for experimental or testing purposes.
LAND DEVELOPMENT
Includes any of the following activities:
1. 
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
A. 
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
B. 
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.
2. 
A subdivision of land.
3. 
Land development shall not include:
A. 
The conversion of an existing single-family detached dwelling or single-family semidetached dwelling into not more than three residential units, unless such units are intended to be a condominium.
B. 
The addition of an accessory building, including farm buildings, on a lot or lots subordinate to an existing principal building.
C. 
The addition or conversion of buildings or rides within the confines of an enterprise which would be considered an amusement park. For purposes of this subsection, an amusement park is defined as a tract or area used principally as a location for permanent amusement structures or rides. This exclusion shall not apply to newly acquired acreage by an amusement park until initial plans for the expanded area have been approved.
LANDFILL
See "solid waste landfill facility" in this section.
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.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
A landscape architect registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. See "registered professional."
LANDSCAPE PLAN
A plan prepared by a registered professional, identifying proposed landscape features, materials, and vegetation. The requirements of a landscape plan are identified in the SALDO.[11]
LANDSCAPE SERVICE CENTER, RETAIL
A business primarily engaged in selling indoor or outdoor grown plants and landscaping materials to the general public.
LANDSCAPE SERVICE CENTER, WHOLESALE
A business primarily engaged in processing, selling, and distributing indoor or outdoor grown plants and landscaping materials to industrial, commercial, institutional, or professional users or to other wholesalers.
LAUNDROMAT
An establishment with coin-operated washing machines and dryers for public use.
LEGAL NONCONFORMING
Refers to uses and structures which were begun or constructed when the law allowed for them but have since become noncompliant due to a change in legislation.
LIBRARY
A building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music for people to read, borrow, or refer to.
LIFE CARE COMMUNITY
See "care facilities and senior housing" in this section.
LIGHT MANUFACTURING
See "manufacturing facility, light" in this section.
LIMITED WINERY
A small winery established to produce wine, wine coolers and alcoholic cider up to 200,000 gallons per year. A limited winery provides for the retail sales of wine at the location where beverages are produced. A limited winery may also include a tasting room and restaurant in conjunction with the use, as regulated by Title 47, the Pennsylvania Liquor Code, as amended.
[Added by Ord. No. 513, 11/14/2023]
LIVE-WORK UNITS
A commercial use, such as a shop, studio, office, cafe, deli, personal service establishment, or other place of business, in combination with a dwelling unit located above such place of business. Only the proprietor of the business may occupy the residential unit. All connections between the uses must be internal to the structure. see also "mixed-use."
LOADING BERTH
A portion of a lot used for the standing, loading, or unloading of motor vehicles.
LOT
A designated parcel, tract, or area of land established by a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed, or built upon as a unit.
LOT AREA
The total area within the boundary of the lot excluding any areas contained in a public street ROW.
LOT COVERAGE
The percentage of the area of a lot covered by all principal and accessory structures.
LOT LINE
A line that denotes the boundary of a lot or parcel of land, as defined herein.
LOT LINE TYPES
1. 
LOT LINE, FRONTA line measured along the ROW of any street frontage, whether public or private, between the side lot lines.
2. 
LOT LINE, REARThat lot line that is generally opposite to the front lot line.
3. 
LOT LINE, SIDEAny lot line that is not a front lot line or rear lot line.
LOT OF RECORD
Any lot which, individually or as a part of a subdivision, has been recorded in the Department of Real Estate of the county.
LOT TYPES
(Also see "Figure 1" at the end of this Part 2):
1. 
LOT, CORNERA lot at an intersection of, and fronting on, of two or more streets.
2. 
LOT, INTERIORA lot other than a corner lot or through lot.
3. 
LOT, THROUGH OR DOUBLE FRONTAGEA lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets and which is not a corner lot.
LOT, FLAG
A lot that has any portion of its front lot line or front yard abut the rear or side yard of an adjacent lot rather than a public road ROW and where access to the public road ROW would typically be by a narrow, private right ROW or driveway.
LOT, WIDTH
The horizontal distance between side lot lines, measured at the front setback line.
LUMBER YARD
See "supply yard" in this section.
MAGISTRATE OFFICE AND COURT
A court having limited jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters and matters of contracts not exceeding a particular threshold.
MAILED NOTICE
Notice given by the Township, by first-class mail, of the time and place of a public hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing.
MANUFACTURED HOME
See "dwelling type."
1. 
TINY HOUSEA single-family dwelling unit on a property for occupancy as either a principal or accessory dwelling unit with a habitable floor area that is 749 square feet or less and is constructed with a foundation or on wheels.
MANUFACTURED HOME LOT
A parcel of land in a manufactured home park, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erections thereon of a single manufactured home.
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK
A parcel, or contiguous parcels, of land which has been so designated and improved that it contains two or more manufactured home lots for the placement thereon of manufactured homes.
MANUFACTURED HOME SALES
An establishment which conducts the sale of a structure, transportable in one or more sections, and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. For manufactured homes built prior to June 15, 1976, a label certifying compliance to the Standard for Manufactured Homes, NFPA 501, in effect at the time of manufacture is required. For the purpose of these provisions, a mobile home shall be considered a manufactured home.
MANUFACTURING
The processing and fabrication of any article, substance or commodity.
MANUFACTURING FACILITY, HEAVY
The manufacture, storage, processing, and treatment of materials which are potentially hazardous, or processes which produce significant amounts of smoke, noise, glare, dust, or odor as a primary or secondary effect of the principal use of the land or buildings. Heavy manufacturing characteristically employs such equipment as smokestacks, tanks, distillation or reaction columns, chemical processing equipment, scrubbing towers, pickling equipment, and waste treatment lagoons. Examples of heavy manufacturing include basic steel manufacturing plants (such as foundries, blast furnaces, and stamping mills), industries handling animal offal or hides, basic cellulose pulp paper mills and similar fiberboard and plywood production, lime manufacturing, ore and metal smelting and refining, and chemical plants, such as petrochemical complexes. Heavy manufacturing facilities do not include any oil and gas facilities or operations.
MANUFACTURING FACILITY, LIGHT
The manufacture, fabrication, assembly, or processing of goods and materials, excluding heavy manufacturing facilities. Processes involved with light manufacturing typically will not produce noises, vibration, air pollution, fire hazards, or noxious emissions capable of disturbing or endangering neighboring lots. Light manufacturing includes the production of the following goods: home appliances, electrical instruments, office machines, precision instruments, electronic devices, timepieces, jewelry, optical goods, musical instruments, novelties, wood products, printed material, lithographic plates, type composition, machine tools, dies and gauges, ceramics, apparel, lightweight nonferrous metal castings, film processing, light sheet metal products, plastic goods, pharmaceutical goods, and food products, but no animal slaughtering, curing, or rendering of fats.
MANURE MANAGEMENT MANUAL
The guidance manual published by the DEP that is entitled Manure Management Manual for Environmental Protection, including its supplements and amendments. The manual describes approved manure management practices for all agricultural operations.
MANURE MANAGEMENT PLAN
A written site-specific plan which meets the requirements set forth in the DEP Manure Management Manual.
MASSAGE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENT
Any establishment or business which provides the services of massage and body manipulation, including exercises, heat, and light treatments of the body, and all forms of physiotherapy, unless operated by a medical practitioner, chiropractor, or professional physical therapist licensed by the State of Pennsylvania. This definition does not include an athletic club, school, gymnasium, reducing salon, spa, or similar establishment where massage or similar manipulation of the human body is offered as an identical or accessory service. A massage establishment may not include any aspects of adult entertainment or an adult-oriented establishment, as either are elsewhere defined and regulated in this chapter. Massage therapy professionals must be licensed by an approving agency, association, or school.
MEDIATION
A voluntary negotiating process in which parties in a dispute mutually select a neutral mediator to assist them in jointly exploring and settling their differences, culminating in a written agreement which the parties themselves create and consider acceptable.
MEDICAL CLINIC
Any establishment where human patients are examined and are treated by or under the care and supervision of doctors, dentists, or other medical practitioners, but where patients are not hospitalized overnight. Medical clinics shall include such uses as reception areas, waiting areas, consultation rooms, and a dispensary, providing that all such uses have access only from the interior of the building or structure.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Marijuana for certified medical use as set forth in the Medical Marijuana Act (Act 16, Pennsylvania Law 84, No. 16).[12]
MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY
The use of the premises by a natural person, corporation, partnership, association, trust, or other entity, or any combination thereof, holding a permit issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health, to dispense medical marijuana per the Medical Marijuana Act (Act 16, Pennsylvania Law 84, No. 16).[13]
MEDICAL MARIJUANA GROWER/PROCESSOR
The use of the premises by a natural person, corporation, partnership, association, trust, or other entity, or any combination thereof, holding a permit issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health, to grow and/or process medical marijuana.
MICROBREWERY/BREW PUB
A small, usually independent brewery that produces limited quantities of malt or brewed beverages. A microbrewery provides for the retail sales of the beer at the location where it is produced. A microbrewery may also include a tasting room and restaurant in conjunction with the use, as regulated by Title 47, the Pennsylvania Liquor Code, as amended.
[Amended by Ord. No. 513, 11/14/2023]
MICRODISTILLERY
A small, often boutique-style distillery established to produce beverage-grade spirit alcohol in quantities of no more than 100,000 gallons per year. A microdistillery provides for the retail sales of the distilled beverage at the location where beverages are distilled. A microdistillery may also include a tasting room and restaurant in conjunction with the use, as regulated by Title 47, the Pennsylvania Liquor Code, as amended.
[Amended by Ord. No. 513, 11/14/2023]
MINERAL DEVELOPMENT
Mineral development is a broad land use classification that includes the operations listed below. Mineral development does not include oil and gas facilities or related operations. Oil and gas development is provided for under separate terms in this section.
MINERALS
Any aggregate or mass of mineral matter, whether or not coherent. The term includes, but is not limited to, limestone and dolomite, sand and gravel, rock and stone, earth, fill, slag, iron ore, zinc ore, vermiculite and clay, anthracite and bituminous coal, coal refuse, peat and crude oil, and natural gas.
MINERAL DEVELOPMENT TYPES
1. 
METALLIC MININGThe extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth from an ore body, lode, vein, seam, or reef, which forms the mineralized package of economic interest to the miner.
2. 
MINI WAREHOUSE AND SELF-STORAGE BUILDINGA building or group of buildings in a controlled access and fenced compound that contains various sizes of individualized, compartmentalized, and controlled access stalls and/or lockers leased by the general public for a specified period of time for the dead storage of personal lot.
3. 
NONMETALLIC MININGThe extraction of stone, sand, rock, or similar materials from natural deposits.
4. 
QUARRYING AND STONE CUTTINGThe removal and/or the cutting of stone from a quarry.
MIXED USE
A commercial use in combination with a residential use in a single principal structure. A mixed use is distinguished from live-work units due to the lack of any internal connections between the uses. See also "live-work units."
MONOPOLE
A WCF or site which consists of a single pole structure, designed and erected on the ground or on top of a structure, to support communications antennas and connecting appurtenances.
MOTEL
A building or group of detached, semidetached, or attached buildings on a lot containing guest dwellings, each of which has a separate outside entrance leading directly to rooms, with a garage or parking space conveniently located with each unit, and which is designed, used, or intended to be used primarily for the accommodation of automobile transients. Boardinghouses shall not be considered motels.
MULTIFAMILY DWELLING
See "dwelling types" in this section.
MUNICIPAL BUILDING
A building occupied by the principal offices and departments of the Township.
MUNICIPALITIES PLANNING CODE (MPC)
Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, as reenacted and amended (53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.).
NATURAL GAS COMPRESSOR STATION
A facility designed and constructed to compress natural gas that originates from a natural gas well or collection of such well operating as a midstream facility for delivery of natural gas to a transmission pipeline, distribution pipeline, natural gas processing plant or underground storage field, including one or more natural gas compressors, associated buildings, pipes, valves, tanks, and other equipment.
NATURAL GAS PROCESSING PLANT
A facility designed and constructed to remove materials such as ethane, propane, butane, and other constituents or similar substances from natural gas, to allow such natural gas to be of such quality as is required or appropriate for transmission or distribution to commercial markets, but not including facilities or equipment that are designed and constructed primarily to remove water, water vapor, oil, or naturally occurring liquids from natural gas.
NATURE PRESERVE
A piece of land protected and managed to preserve its flora and fauna.
NET BUILDABLE AREA
The total acreage of permitted disturbance on a lot. Disturbance includes the portions of a lot where grading and construction activities occur.
NET FLOOR AREA
The total of the floor areas of a building, measured from the interior faces of walls, excluding stairwells and elevator shafts, common hallways which are not rentable space, lobbies, restrooms, storage (except in conjunction with warehouses and other industrial uses) and equipment rooms, food preparation areas, interior vehicle parking or loading areas, and any other areas not accessible to the general public.
NIGHTCLUB
An establishment primarily for evening, late-night to early morning entertainment, that typically serves food and/or alcoholic beverages, and may provide either live or prerecorded music or video, comedy acts, floor shows, with or without the opportunity for dancing. A nightclub may not include any aspects of adult entertainment or an adult-oriented establishment, as either are elsewhere defined and regulated in this chapter.
NO-IMPACT HOME-BASED BUSINESSES
1. 
A business or commercial activity administered or conducted as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the use as a residential dwelling and which involves no customer, client, or patient traffic, whether vehicular or pedestrian, pickup, delivery, or removal functions to or from the premises, in excess of those normally associated with residential use. The business or commercial activity must satisfy the following requirements:
A. 
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential use of the property and surrounding residential uses.
B. 
The business shall employ no employees other than family members residing in the dwelling.
C. 
There shall be no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling or inventory of a substantial nature.
D. 
There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including but not limited to parking, signs, or lights.
E. 
The business activity may not use any equipment or process which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical or electronic interference, including interference with radio or television reception, which is detectable in the neighborhood.
F. 
The business activity may not generate any solid waste or sewage discharge, in volume or type, which is not normally associated with residential use in the neighborhood.
G. 
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.
H. 
The business may not involve any illegal activity.
2. 
No-impact home-based businesses are different than home occupation businesses. See "home occupation business."
NONCONFORMING BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
A structure or part of a structure that does not comply with the applicable area and bulk provisions of this chapter or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or an amendment thereto, or prior to the application of this chapter or amendment to its location by reason of annexation. Nonconforming signs are included in this definition.
NONCONFORMING LOT
Any lot which does not comply with the applicable area and bulk provisions of this chapter or an amendment thereafter enacted, which lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or any subsequent amendment.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use, whether of land or of a structure, that does not comply with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of this chapter or an amendment thereto, or prior to the application of this chapter or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.
NONTOWER WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (NONTOWER WCF)
All nontower WCFs, including but not limited to antennas and related equipment. Nontower WCFs shall not include support structures for antennas or any related equipment that is mounted to the ground or at ground level.
NURSERY SCHOOL
See "day care, child" in this section.
NURSING HOME
See "care facility and senior housing" in this section.
OCCUPANCY
The physical possession upon, on, or within any lot or structure for a use.
OCCUPANCY PERMIT
A permit for the use or occupancy of a building, structure, or lot indicating compliance with all provisions of this chapter and the ICC International Property Maintenance Code.
OFFICE, BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL
Any office of recognized professions, other than medical, such as doctors, lawyers, architects, engineers, real estate brokers, insurance agents, and others who, through training, are qualified to perform services of a professional nature and other offices used primarily for accounting, corresponding, research, editing, or other administrative functions, but not including banks or other financial institutions.
OFFICE, MEDICAL
A building or a series of buildings or rooms where one or more licensed medical professionals provide diagnosis and treatment to the general public without overnight observation. A medical office shall include such uses as reception areas, offices, examination rooms, and x-ray rooms, provided that all such uses have access only from the interior of the building. A medical office shall not include a pharmacy or surgical suites.
OFFICE, MEDICAL TYPES
1. 
MEDICAL OFFICE, LOW-INTENSITYA facility that contains a total of four or fewer examination rooms (not including laboratories and/or x-ray rooms).
2. 
MEDICAL OFFICE, HIGH-INTENSITYA facility that contains more than four exam rooms (not including laboratories or x-ray rooms).
OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
The official plan delineating the official Zoning Districts of North Fayette Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, together with all amendments subsequently adopted.
OIL AND GAS COMPRESSOR STATION
A facility designed and constructed to compress natural gas that originates from an oil and gas well or collection of such wells operating as a midstream facility for delivery of oil and gas to a transmission pipeline, distribution pipeline, natural gas processing plant, or underground field, including one or more natural gas compressors, associated buildings, pipes, valves, tanks, and other equipment.
OIL AND GAS PROCESSING PLANT
A facility designed and constructed to remove materials such as ethane, propane, butane, and other constituents or similar substances from natural gas, to allow such natural gas to be of such quality as is required or appropriate for transmission or distribution to commercial markets, but not including facilities or equipment that is designed and constructed primarily to remove water, water vapor, oil, or naturally occurring liquids from the natural gas.
OIL AND GAS WELL/PAD
The well site preparation, construction, drilling, redrilling, hydraulic fracturing, and/or site restoration associated with an oil or gas well of any depth; water and other fluid storage, impoundment, and transportation used for such activities; and the installation and use of all associated equipment, including tanks, meters, and other equipment and structures whether permanent or temporary; and the site preparation, construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of associated equipment and activities associated with the exploration for and production of oil and gas. An oil and gas well includes the pierced or bored hole drilled or being drilled in the ground for the purpose of, or to be used for, producing, extracting, or injecting gas, oil, petroleum, or another liquid related to oil or gas production or storage.
OPEN BURNING
Any fire or combustion from which air contaminants pass directly into the open air without passing through a flue. The term includes any fire or combustion which occurs in a chimney, firepit, outdoor fireplace, or grill.
OPEN SPACE
Public or private land used for recreation, resource protection, amenity, and/or buffers, not including any area of a lot, any part an existing or future street ROW, easement of access or areas set aside for public or private utilities, stormwater facilities, and easements.
OUTDOOR DINING AREA
A permanent area set up outside the confines of the commercial structure, with tables, chairs, and other furnishings for the purpose of selling, offering for sale, and serving food and/or beverages by an adjoining restaurant, bar, tavern, microbrewery/brew pub, food and grocery store, hotel, or convenience store, in which the same food and/or beverages are offered for sale, sold, and served.
[Ord. No. 483, 7/13/2021]
OUTDOOR RECREATION
An enterprise which is conducted wholly or partly outside an enclosed structure for the pursuit of sports, recreation, and amusement activities, where the principal use is outdoors, but which may include accessory uses that are indoors, including but not limited to such principal uses as miniature golf courses, golf or batting practice facilities, ice rinks, roller blade parks, swimming pools, sports playing fields, ballparks, stadiums, amphitheaters, drive-in theaters, amusement parks, racetracks, and similar facilities.
OUTDOOR STORAGE
Storage of materials and/or equipment, but not including motorized vehicles such as automobiles, boats, and buses, outside of a completely enclosed building.
OVERLAY DISTRICT
A zoning district that encompasses one or more underlying zoning districts and that imposes additional requirements or provisions above those required by the underlying zoning district.
PARK AND RIDE FACILITY
A facility designed for patrons to park their private vehicle and transfer to other private or public transportation.
PARK, PUBLIC OR SEMIPUBLIC
A parcel of land owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Allegheny County, and/or the Township, that is dedicated, either publicly or privately, specifically for outdoor use for open space and/or active or passive recreation purposes. A park shall also include a parcel of land owned by a homeowners' association or condominium association, as part of a Township-approved subdivision, land development, and/or PRD that is dedicated, either publicly or privately, specifically for the use as a park, open space and/or active or passive recreation area.
PARK/PLAYGROUND
Land designed for the purposes of recreation and leisure and maintained by a private or public entity as such.
PARKING GARAGE/STRUCTURE
A building with multiple stories of off-street parking spaces where vehicles are temporarily stored with or without a nominal fee.
PARKING LOT
Any lot, parcel, or yard used in whole or in part for the storage or parking of two or more vehicles where such usage is not incidental to or in conjunction with a single-family or two-family dwelling.
PARKING LOT, COMMERCIAL
Any lot, parcel, or yard used in whole or in part for the temporary storage or parking of two or more vehicles where such usage is the principal use on the site.
PARKING STRUCTURE, ACCESSORY
An accessory structure used exclusively for the temporary storage of motor vehicles and associated with a permitted principal use.
PARKING STRUCTURE, COMMERCIAL
A principal structure used exclusively for the temporary storage of motor vehicles.
PATIO
A structure accessory to a principal building or structure constructed on the ground from impervious material, such as concrete, stones, bricks, blocks, or other paving material, and which may or may not have a roof or awning.
[Amended by Ord. No. 483, 7/13/2021]
PAWN SHOP
A business or establishment which loans money on deposit, or pledge of personal property, or other valuable things, other than securities or printed evidence of indebtedness, or who deals in the purchasing of personal property or other valuable thing on condition of selling the same back again at a stipulated price.
PEDESTRIAN GATHERING AREA
A public space for pedestrians, not to be used for overnight activities, that includes a variety of opportunities for sitting, relaxation, reading, and informal picnicking.
PEDESTRIAN POCKET
A public gathering place that is designed and maintained with features such as benches, sitting walls, trash receptacles, plantings, and other landscape features.
PERMITTED USE
An authorized use allowed by right, which may be granted by the Zoning Officer upon compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
PERSONAL SERVICES
Any enterprise providing services pertaining to the person, their apparel, or personal effects commonly carried on or about the person, including but not limited to shoe repair, tailoring, clothes cleaning, watch repairing, barbershops, beauty parlors, and related activities.
PERSONS
Individuals, corporations, companies, associations, joint-stock companies, firms, partnerships, limited-liability companies, corporations, and other entities established 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.
PET BOARDING
Taking custody or possession of more than four dogs and/or more than six cats for the keeping, accommodation, care, training, or feeding for fee or reward at a property other than the animal's normal place of residence. The domesticated animal can be left in the care of said establishment for a variable period of time. The establishment must be able to accommodate domesticated pets for extended periods of time, including but not limited to overnight stays within indoor facilities.
PET POCKET
A public gathering place that is designed and maintained with features such as benches, sitting walls, plantings, pet-oriented amenities, and other landscape features.
PHARMACY
A retail store which primarily sells prescription drugs, patent medicines, and surgical and sickroom supplies.
PILOT MANUFACTURING
An establishment or part thereof used to test concepts and ideas, determine physical layouts, material flows and processes, types of equipment required, costs, and other information necessary prior to undertaking full-scale production.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
A semipublic use, including any of the following: church, manse, rectory, convent, synagogue, parish, monastery, seminary, or similar building incidental to the particular use; but this term does not include business offices, except administrative offices incidental to the operation of the particular use, rescue missions, or the occasional use for religious purposes of properties not regularly so used.
PLANNED NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (PNRD)
An area of land, controlled by a landowner, to be developed as a single entity for a combination of nonresidential uses, the plan for which does not necessarily correspond in lot area, size, bulk, type of dwelling unit or use, density or intensity, lot coverage, or required open space to any one district in this chapter but complies with the PNRD requirements and provisions herein.
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT (PRD)
An area of land, controlled by a landowner, to be developed as a single entity for a number of dwelling units, or combination of residential and nonresidential uses, the development plan for which does not correspond in lot area, size, bulk, type of dwelling unit or use, density or intensity, lot coverage, or required open space to any one district in this chapter but complies with the PRD requirements and provisions herein.
PLANNING AGENCY, COUNTY
Allegheny County Economic Development, Planning Division.
PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission of North Fayette Township.
PLAT
The map or plan of a subdivision or land development, whether preliminary or final.
POLE-MOUNTED/SHARED USE COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
Any antenna used for the transmission or reception of any radio wave or radio signal, which is to be mounted upon a preexisting steel or metal electrical transmission tower owned or operated by a public utility.
POLICE STATION
The office or headquarters of a local police force.
PORCH
A roofed or uncovered accessory structure without enclosing walls that is attached to or part of the principal building and which has direct access to and from the principal building.
POST OFFICE
A building or room where postage stamps are sold and other postal business is conducted.
PRIMARY SURFACE (ZONE)
An imaginary surface longitudinally centered on the runway, extending 200 feet beyond the end of paved runways or ending at each end of turf runways. The elevation of any point on the primary surface is the same as the elevation of the nearest point on the runway center line.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
The building(s) or structure(s) on a lot in which the principal use or uses are conducted.
PRINCIPAL USE
The primary or predominant use of any lot or structure.
PRIVATE
Owned, operated, or controlled by an individual, group of individuals, association, corporation, or not-for-profit, and restricted to members who meet certain qualifications and their guests.
PRIVATE IMPROVEMENTS
All roads, streets, walkways, gutters, stormwater management facilities, curbs, sewers, and other facilities not owned, maintained, or operated by the Township for which plans and specifications shall apply to the Township's Minimum Construction Standard Details (Chapter 5, Part 4, of the Township Code of Ordinances).[14]
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT
Persons who provide expert or professional advice, including, but not limited to, architects, attorneys, certified public accountants, engineers, geologists, land surveyors, landscape architects, or planners.
PUBLIC
Owned, operated, or controlled by a government agency (federal, state, county or local).
PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC USES
Uses operated by the public or semipublic body, such as schools, public libraries, public safety buildings, museums, public meeting halls, and community centers. This definition shall not include hospitals and continuing care facilities.
PUBLIC BUILDING
Of, or pertaining to, buildings, structures, or uses belonging to, or affecting, any duly authorized governmental body, which is available for common or general use by all.
PUBLIC GROUNDS
Land reserved for but not limited to one or more of the following: 1) parks, playgrounds, trails, paths, and other recreational areas and public areas; 2) sites for schools, sewage treatment, refuse disposal, and other publicly owned or operated facilities; 3) publicly owned or operated scenic or historic sites.
PUBLIC HEARING
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Board of Supervisors or planning agency, intended to inform and obtain public comment prior to taking action in accordance with this chapter.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
All roads, streets, walkways, sidewalks, gutters, curbs, sewers, waterlines, stormwater management facilities, landscaping, streetlighting, traffic control devices, and other facilities to be dedicated to or maintained by the Township.
PUBLIC MEETING
A forum held pursuant to notice under 65 Pa.C.S.A. Chapter 7 (relating to open meetings).
PUBLIC NOTICE
A 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 from the date of the hearing.
PUBLIC PARK
An area of public land specifically defined or set aside for use by and for the general public in both active and passive recreational uses; and includes all landscaping, facilities, and apparatus, playing fields, utilities, buildings, or other structures that are consistent with the general purposes of public parkland, and whether or not such recreational facilities are publicly owned or operated by other organizations pursuant to arrangements with the public authority owning the park and may include public and private cemeteries.
PUBLIC UTILITY BUILDING
Any administrative or service building operated by a public utility which does not meet the definition of an essential service.
PUBLIC UTILITY TRANSMISSION FACILITY
A structure used for relaying public utilities, including electricity, potable water, sanitary sewer lines, and other similar functions.
QUADRUPLEX DWELLING
See "dwelling types" in this section.
RADIO OR TELEVISION TRANSMITTER
A piece of equipment that relays radio or television signals.
RAILROAD FACILITY
A series of buildings, with or without an open yard, with a permanent road laid with rails, commonly in one or more pairs of continuous lines forming a track or tracks, on which locomotives and cars are kept for maintenance and/or storage.
RAILROAD FREIGHT TRANSLOADING AND DISTRIBUTION TERMINAL
A terminal facility for the purpose of loading, unloading, handling, transloading, transferring, storing, staging, sorting, processing, and distributing railroad freight moving to and from railcars and other modes of transportation.
REDRILL
Deepening or sidetrack/horizontal drilling of the existing well bore extending more than 150 feet from said well bore.
REWORK
Reentry of an existing well within the existing bore hole or by deepening or sidetrack/horizontal operations (which do not extend more than 150 feet horizontally from the existing well bore) or replacement of well liners or casings.
REAR YARD
See "yard, rear" in this section.
RECREATION
Activity or area intended for the use, play, relaxation, sports, or other leisure activities. Active recreation uses include activities or areas for game courts, athletic playing fields, play apparatus, and similar facilities. Passive recreation uses include open space, trails, and similar low-impact activities.
RECREATION FACILITY
A building, structure, or area designed and equipped for the conduct of sports and/or leisure activities that attract a large number of users. Activities and improvements associated with a recreation facility include 1) indoor or outdoor swimming pools; or 2) indoor or outdoor ice skating rinks; or 3) any other public recreation facilities.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A single-axle or multiple-axle structure mounted on wheels or otherwise capable of being made mobile, either with its own motive power or designed to be mounted on or drawn by an automotive vehicle, for the purpose of travel, camping, vacation, and recreational use, including but not limited to travel trailers, mobile homes, motor homes, tent trailers, boats, boat trailers, pickup campers, horse trailers, snow mobiles, jet skis, wave runners, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles.
RECYCLING BUSINESS
A business that is 1) primarily engaged in converting ferrous or nonferrous metals or other materials into raw material products having prepared grades and having an existing or potential economic value; or 2) using raw material products of that kind in the production of new products; or 3) obtaining or storing ferrous or nonferrous metals.
REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY
A planning agency that is comprised of representatives of more than one county. Regional planning agency responsibilities shall include providing technical assistance to counties and municipalities, mediating conflicts across county lines, and reviewing county comprehensive plans for consistency with one another.
REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL
An individual licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to perform services or activities required by provisions of this chapter and qualified by training and experience to perform the specific services and/or activities with technical competence.
REHABILITATION FACILITY
See "group care facility" in this section.
RELATED EQUIPMENT
Any piece of equipment related to, incidental to, or necessary for, the operation of a communications tower or communications antenna. By way of illustration, not limitation, related equipment includes generators and base stations.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE
Any method, process, or substance whose supply is rejuvenated through natural processes and, subject to those natural processes, remains relatively constant, including, but not limited to, biomass conversion, geothermal energy, solar and wind energy, and hydroelectric energy and excluding those sources of energy used in the fission and fusion processes.
REPOSSESSION BUSINESS
A business that repossess vehicles when owners default on payments or fail to return rental vehicles on time. Repossession businesses may include retail/office space and vehicle service areas within a completely enclosed building. Any exterior storage of vehicles and/or related items on the site may be permitted as an accessory use to the principal structure. See also "storage yard."
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Any establishment which carries on investigation in the natural, physical, or social sciences or engineering and development as an extension of such investigation with the objective of creating end products and which may include pilot manufacturing, as defined by this chapter, as an accessory use, where concepts are tested prior to full-scale production.
RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITY
A processing facility that provides for the extraction and utilization of materials or energy from municipal waste which is generated off-site, including, but not limited to, a facility that mechanically extracts materials from municipal waste, a combustion facility that converts organic fraction of municipal waste to usable energy, and any chemical or biological process that converts municipal waste into a fuel product.
RESTAURANT
An establishment designed and operated for the express purpose of providing food and beverage service within the confines of a structure and generally excluding any encouragement, orientation, or accommodation of services or products to the patrons' automobiles on or within the premises.
1. 
RESTAURANT, TAKEOUT ONLYA restaurant containing less than 1,500 square feet of gross floor area and which does not contain more than 20 seats.
RETAIL STORE
A retail establishment located entirely within an enclosed building which sells goods, services, or merchandise to the general public for personal, household, or office consumption and which shall not include wholesaling, manufacturing, or processing of the goods offered for sale.
RETIREMENT HOUSING FACILITY
See "care facilities and senior housing" in this section.
RIGHT-OF-WAY (ROW)
A strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, forced dedication, prescription, or condemnation and intended to be occupied or occupied by a road, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipeline, water line, sanitary or storm sewer, and other similar uses. An ROW grants a lot interest to the grantee and no permanent structure may be erected therein.
ROADSIDE STAND, ACCESSORY
An accessory use that includes a seasonal, temporary, or a semitemporary structure for the sale of goods or produce.
ROADSIDE STAND, PRINCIPAL
A principal use that includes a permanent structure for the sale of seasonal goods or produce.
ROOMING HOUSE
See "boarding house" in this section.
RUNWAY
A defined area of an airport prepared for landing and takeoff of aircraft along its length. Types of runways include:
1. 
NON-PRECISION-INSTRUMENT RUNWAYA runway having an existing instrument approach procedure utilizing air navigation facilities with only horizontal guidance, or area-type navigation equipment, for which a straight-in non-precision-instrument approach procedure has been approved or planned.
2. 
OTHER THAN UTILITY RUNWAYA runway that is constructed for and intended to be used by propeller-driven aircraft of greater than 12,500 pounds maximum gross weight and jet-powered aircraft.
3. 
PRECISION-INSTRUMENT RUNWAYA runway having an existing instrument approach procedure utilizing an Instrument Landing System (ILS) or a Precisions Approach Radar (PAR). It also means a runway for which a precision approach system is planned and is so indicated on an approved airport layout plan or any other planning document.
4. 
UTILITY RUNWAYA runway that is constructed for and intended to be used by propeller-driven aircraft of 12,500 pounds maximum gross weight or less.
5. 
VISUAL RUNWAYA runway intended solely for the operation of aircraft using visual approach procedures.
SALT STORAGE FACILITY
A structure used to house salt used to treat public and/or private roadways.
SALVAGE/JUNK YARD
Any premises devoted wholly or in part to the storage, buying or selling, sorting, exchanging, salvaging, recycling, or otherwise handling or dealing in junk, including automotive wreckage.
SATELLITE DISH ANTENNA
A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh, or bar configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, horn, or cornucopia. Such a device shall be used to transmit and/or receive radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially and/or orbitally based uses. This definition is meant to include, but not be limited to, what are commonly referred to as "satellite earth stations," "TVROs" (television reception only satellite dish antennas), and "satellite microwave antennas."
SCHOOL
Any public, private, or parochial place of instruction which teaches those academic subjects that are fundamental and essential in general education and which provide instruction at the preprimary level and/or kindergarten through 12th grade, or a vocational school, and meets the requirements of the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Schools exclude "educational institution" and college/university" as defined in this section.
SELF-STORAGE FACILITY
See "mini-warehouse" or "self-storage facility" as defined in this section.
SERVICE STATION
A retail place of business, engaged primarily in the sale of motor fuels or supplying goods and services generally required in the operation and maintenance of motor vehicles and fulfilling of motorist's needs, including the sale of petroleum products; sale and service of tires, batteries, automotive accessories and replacement items; washing and lubrication services; the supplying of other incidental automotive customer services and products; and the performing of automotive maintenance and repair, excluding such repair as spray-painting, body, fender, axle, frame, major engine overhaul, or recapping/retreading of tires. A service station may also include the operation of a convenience food store.
SETBACK LINE
A line parallel to a lot line, defining the building setback required by this chapter. See Figure No. 8 in Appendix B[15] regarding yard configuration and lot lines.
SETBACK LINE, FRONT
The building setback line that is parallel to the front lot line, located at a distance as required by this chapter. See Figure No. 8 in Appendix B[16] regarding yard configuration and lot lines.
SETBACK LINE, REAR
The building setback line that is parallel to the rear lot line, located at a distance as required by this chapter. See Figure No. 8 in Appendix B[17] regarding yard configuration and lot lines.
SETBACK LINE, SIDE
The building setback line that is parallel to the side lot line, located at a distance equal to the side yard required by this chapter. See Figure No. 8 in Appendix B[18] regarding yard configuration and lot lines.
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
A facility designed to receive the wastewater from domestic sources and to remove materials that damage water quality and threaten public health and safety when discharged into receiving streams or bodies of water.
SHED
A detached, accessory structure which is incidental to a permitted residential structure. Sheds typically sit on a simple concrete slab, piers, or soil and are used to store household goods, tools, and/or equipment. Sheds shall include but are not limited to toolsheds, residential greenhouses, and pool equipment structures. All nonresidential detached storage structures are defined as storage buildings. See also "storage buildings."
SHOPPING CENTER
Two or more retail store(s) and other authorized uses in the zoning district in which it is an authorized use, developed as a single entity on a site, whether developed at one time or in phases or by different owners.
SHORT-TERM RENTAL
A principal or accessory use other than a hotel or motel where lodging is provided for compensation generally for less than 30 days. Rentals are generally facilitated by an online tool that allows for peer-to-peer lodging options where the lodging facilities are generally owned by private individuals. This use include rentals commonly called by industry names including but not limited to Airbnb, HomeAway, FlipKey, World Escape, Uproost, etc.
SIGN
A name, identification, description, display, illustration, or device which is affixed or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or land and which functions as an accessory use by directing attention to a product, place, activity, person, institution, or business. The following terms and definitions are associated with the sign regulations contained in this chapter.
1. 
FRAME— A portable sign comprised of two separate panels or faces joined at the top and spread apart at the bottom to form the base on which the sign stands.
2. 
ADDRESSThe number or other designation assigned to a housing unit, business establishment, or other structure for all purposes of location, mail delivery, and emergency services. An address sign may include the name and address of the occupant of the premises.
3. 
AGRICULTURAL SALES SIGNA sign displayed on a farm by the owner or other operator thereof, for the purpose of identifying such farm or advertising products thereof.
4. 
ANIMATED OR MOVINGAny sign or part of a sign that changes physical position or light intensity by any movement or rotation or that gives the visual impression of such movement or rotation. Changeable copy signs as defined herein are not considered animated or moving signs.
5. 
ANIMATIONThe movement, or the optical illusion of movement, of any part of the sign structure, design, or pictorial segment including the movement of any illumination or the flashing, scintillating, or varying of light intensity. Also included in this definition are signs having "chasing action" which is the action of a row of lights commonly used to create the appearance of motion.
6. 
ARCADEA sign suspended beneath a ceiling of an arcade, a roof, or a marquee containing only the name of a business for the purpose of assisting pedestrian traffic traveling under the arcade, roof, or marquee to identify the location of establishments within a shopping center or similar building.
7. 
AWNING, CANOPYAny sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.
8. 
BANNERA sign or outside advertising display having the character, letters, illustrations, ornamentations, symbols, color, or visual representation applied to cloth, paper, vinyl, fabric, plastic, or like kind of malleable material with or without frame. National, state, or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business, shall not be considered banners.
9. 
BILLBOARDA permanently installed sign identifying/advertising and/or directing the public to a business, merchandise, service, institution, residential area, or entertainment which is located, sold, rented, leased, produced, manufactured, and/or furnished at a place other than the real property on which said sign is located.
10. 
BUILDING IDENTIFICATIONA small pedestrian-oriented sign attached to a building, which bears only the name, number(s) and/or logo of the building but not the tenant and which is intended to be legible only from the pedestrianways immediately adjacent to the sign.
11. 
CHANGEABLE COPYA sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged manually to change the message on the sign without altering the face or surface of the sign.
12. 
CHANGEABLE COPY, BULLETINA type of changeable copy sign constructed to allow letters or symbols to be changed periodically, such as those used by places of worship and schools to announce events.
13. 
CHANGEABLE COPY, REMOTEA sign that is designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations can be changed or rearranged remotely by electronic or other means to change the message or sign without altering the face or surface of the sign.
14. 
COMMERCIAL MESSAGEAny sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service, or other commercial activity.
15. 
CONSTRUCTIONA temporary sign announcing the name of contractors, mechanics, or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises and only during active construction activities.
16. 
DEVELOPMENTA temporary sign erected during the period of construction and/or development of a property by the contractor and developer or their agent.
17. 
DIGITAL SIGNA computer programmable sign capable of displaying words, numbers, symbols, figures, or picture images that can be altered or rearranged by remote or automatically without physically altering the face or surface of the sign. These signs typically utilize light-emitting diode, plasma, or liquid crystal display technology to produce the character and graphic of the display. Digital signs shall include static alphanumeric displays and electronic message boards.
18. 
DIRECTIONAL, INCIDENTALA sign generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot or site on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "exit," "one way," "loading only," "telephone," and other similar directives, and provided that such sign does not exceed five square feet. Directional, incidental signs shall be located only in conjunction with site drive entrances and/or internal traffic drive aisles.
19. 
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARDA type of digital sign which displays messages, such as time and temperature, in alternating light cycles.
20. 
FLASHINGA sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source or has a light source which is not stationary, varies in illumination intensity, or contains elements which give the appearance of any of the aforementioned.
21. 
FREESTANDINGAny sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.
22. 
GOVERNMENTALA sign, which is owned, installed, and maintained by the Township or other governmental agency.
23. 
GROUND/MONUMENTA freestanding sign which is completely self-supporting, has its sign face or base on the ground and has no air space, columns, or supports visible between the ground and the bottom of the sign. It shall not be attached to a pole or pylon, nor raised by mounting on a man-made berm, wall, or similar structure. Pole/pylon signs that have pole covers which extend from the base of the sign face to the ground shall not be considered ground/monument signs.
24. 
HOME OCCUPATION IDENTIFICATIONA sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises and their occupation. No logos or other advertising shall be permitted.
25. 
ILLUMINATED SIGN, EXTERNALA sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting either by lights on or in the sign or directed toward the sign.
26. 
ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNALA sign containing a source of light contained within the sign structure or sign cabinet.
27. 
INFLATABLEA three-dimensional (3-D) object, filled with air or gas, and located in such a manner as to attract attention.
28. 
MARQUEEAn integral part of the building consisting of a roof which is supported by the building and may also be supported by columns or piers, and which includes porches, porticos, and porte-cocheres, but does not include canopies or awnings.
29. 
MARQUEE SIGNA wall sign attached to a marquee.
30. 
MEMORIAL OR HISTORICAL PLAQUEA commemorative plaque(s) placed by a recognized agency of the Township, county, state, or federal government.
31. 
MENU BOARD SIGNA sign that lists for consumers the various options of products, goods, or services provided by a business.
32. 
MURALA hand-painted, hand-tiled, or digitally printed restorative image on the exterior wall of a building that does not contain any commercial message. For definition purposes, a commercial message is any message that advertises a business conducted, services rendered, or goods produced or sold.
33. 
NITSThe measure of the light emanating from an object that is used to quantify digital sign brightness, which is calculated by the total amount of light emitted from a sign divided by the surface area of the sign measured as candelas per square meter.
34. 
NOTIFICATIONA sign bearing legal and/or lot notices, such as "no trespassing," "private lot," "no turnaround," "safety zone" "no hunting," or similar messages and signs posted by a governmental agency for the safety of the general public.
35. 
OFF-PREMISESA sign identifying/advertising and/or directing the public to a business, or merchandise, or service, or institution, or residential area, or entertainment which is located, sold, rented, leased, produced, manufactured and/or furnished at a place other than the real property on which said sign is located. However, billboard signs shall not be considered to be off-premises signs.
36. 
ON-PREMISESA sign or display that identifies or communicates a message related to the activity conducted, the service offered, or the commodity sold on the premises where the sign is located.
37. 
PANELThe primary surface of a sign that carries the identifying/advertising message.
38. 
PENNANTAny lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.
39. 
POLE/PYLON SIGNA freestanding sign erected on a pole, poles, pylon, or pylons, or other supporting structure where the bottom edge of a sign face is installed above the ground. Pole/pylon signs that have pole covers which extend from the base of the sign face to the ground shall not be considered ground/monument signs.
40. 
POLITICALA temporary sign which indicates the name, cause, or affiliation of a person seeking public or elected office or on which reference is made to an issue for which a public election or referendum is scheduled to be held.
41. 
PORTABLEAny sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public ROW, unless vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business.
42. 
PROJECTIONA sign, which reproduces a remote image, by optical or any other means, on any surface.
43. 
PUBLIC UTILITYSigns in connection with the identification, operation, or protection of any public utility, on the same lot therewith, provided that the total sign area on any one street frontage does not exceed eight square feet.
44. 
REAL ESTATE SIGNA temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease, or sale. The signs may also bear the words "sold," "sale pending," or "rented" across their face.
45. 
RESIDENTIALAny sign located in a district zoned for residential uses that contains no commercial message except advertising for goods or services legally offered on the premises where the sign is located, if offering such service at such location conforms to all requirements of this chapter.
46. 
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IDENTIFICATIONA permanent wall or freestanding ground sign containing the name and address of a plan of subdivision or a multifamily building or development, and if a ground sign, shall be located at the principal entrance or entrances of a development.
[Amended by Ord. No. 513, 11/14/2023]
47. 
ROOF SIGNA sign erected on or attached to a roof or a sign attached to a building that projects above the highest point on a wall that supports the roofline.
48. 
SAFETY CONTROLPublic safety sign pursuant to federal, state, or local public safety regulations.
49. 
SECONDARY SIGNA sign located on a structure whereas the sign is intended for the advertisement of a product, service, or directions related to goods and/or service sold or provided on the subject property.
50. 
SIGN BASEThe support on which a sign face stands. The sign base shall not communicate any messages or include business identification.
51. 
SIGN FACEThe area or display surface, including the advertising surface and any framing, trim, or molding, used for the message on a single plane.
52. 
SIGN or SIGNBOARDAny writing, printing, painting, display, emblem, drawing, graphic, electronic display, computerized display, or other device designed to be viewed by the public, designed and intended for advertising, and the structure supporting the display.
53. 
SITE DEVELOPMENT SIGNA sign indicating that the premises is in the process of being subdivided and/or developed for the future construction of dwellings or other buildings before any actual construction activity has begun.
54. 
STATIC ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAYA type of a digital sign that is only capable of displaying numbers and letters and that is not designed or programmed to flash, blink, move, or display multiple messages over a preset time interval.
55. 
STREAMERA string or strip of miniature or full-size pennants or flags which may or may not be suspended between two points.
56. 
SUSPENDEDA sign which is suspended from a structure above into a vehicular or pedestrian accessway, more than one foot from the surface on which it is mounted, and is mounted usually, but not always, at right angles to the building.
57. 
TEMPORARY SIGN, GENERALAny sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, or other light material, with or without frame, displayed for a period not exceeding 30 days. Temporary signs shall be permitted to advertise grand openings, distress sales, change in ownership; or temporary businesses which have been approved by the Zoning Officer, Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, or ZHB.
58. 
TIME-AND-TEMPERATURE SIGNA sign which indicates changing time and/or temperature.
59. 
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNA sign regulating traffic.
60. 
WALL SIGNAny sign painted, attached to, or affixed to a building or structure, attached flat against the wall surface, in such a way that only one face of a sign is visible. The sign may project outward no more than six inches from the wall of the building.
61. 
WINDOW SIGNAny sign, picture, symbol, or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service that is temporarily affixed inside a window or upon the windowpanes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
See "dwelling types" in this section.
SITE
The original tract of land which exists prior to any subdivision activity and which is the subject of an application for development, as defined by the SALDO.
SITE AREA
The total area of all lots, ROWs, easements, open space, and other features contained within the boundaries of a site. The total project area is determined by a survey prepared by a registered surveyor. The total site area may include multiple parcels. Also see "lot area" in this section.
SKILLED NURSING FACILITY
An inpatient health care facility with the staff and equipment to provide skilled care, rehabilitation and other related health services to patients who need nursing care, but do not require hospitalization, and when stays are not more than 90 days.
SLOPE MAP
A plan identifying the location and extent of topographic gradient changes based upon contour intervals of not more than five feet where the slope is greater than 10% and at intervals of not more than two feet where the slope is 10% or less. Slopes shall be identified by color or symbols.
SOLAR COLLECTION SYSTEM
A solar photovoltaic cell, panel, or array, or solar hot air or water collector device, which relies upon solar radiation as an energy source for collection, inversion, storage, and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation or transfer of stored heat.
SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION FACILITY, LARGE
An area of land or other area used for a solar collection system principally used to capture solar energy and convert it to electrical energy. Large solar energy production facilities consist of one or more freestanding ground-, or roof-mounted solar collector devices, solar related equipment and other accessory structures and buildings including light reflectors, concentrators, and heat exchangers, substations, electrical infrastructure, transmission lines, and other appurtenant structures and facilities. A facility is considered a large solar energy production facility if it supplies electrical or thermal power solely for off-site use.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, SMALL
A solar collection system consisting of one or more roof- and/or ground-mounted solar collector devices and solar related equipment, and is intended to primarily reduce on-site consumption of utility power. A system is considered a small solar energy system only if it supplies electrical or thermal power solely for on-site use, except that when a property upon which the facility is installed also receives electrical power supplied by a utility company, excess electrical power generated and not presently needed for on-site use may be used by the utility company.
SOLAR-RELATED EQUIPMENT
Items including a solar photovoltaic cell, panel, or array, or solar hot air or water collector device panels, lines, pumps, batteries, mounting brackets, framing, and possibly foundations used for or intended to be used for collection of solar energy.
SOLID WASTE COMBUSTOR OR INCINERATOR
A solid waste facility for the controlled burning of large quantities of solid waste at high temperatures under carefully regulated conditions.
SOLID WASTE LANDFILL FACILITY
All continuous land and structures, other appurtenances, and improvements on the land, used for processing, storing, or disposing of solid waste, or used for the purpose of processing, extracting, converting, or recovering energy or materials from solid waste. A facility may be publicly or privately owned and may consist of several processing, storage, or disposal operational units as required by the federal and/or state agency having jurisdiction.
SOLID WASTE TRANSFER STATION
Land or structures where solid waste is received and temporarily stored at a location other than the site where it was generated and which facilitates the bulk transfer of accumulated solid waste to a facility for further processing or disposal. Such facility may or may not involve the separation of recyclables from solid waste. Such facility shall not include a junkyard, leaf composting, clean fill, sewage, or sludge application.
SOUND LEVEL
The intensity of sound, measured in decibels (dBa), and produced by the operation of a permitted use.
SOUND LEVEL METER
An instrument standardized by the American Standards Association for measurement of intensity of sound.
SPECIAL EVENT
Any temporary display, sale of goods, use, or event that is located outside of a principal building structure and is accessory to the principal use of the lot that has the potential to create an increase in traffic, congestion, and/or noise than that which is typically caused by the principal use of the lot.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION
See "use by special exception" as defined in this section.
SPECIALIZED INDUSTRIAL FACILITY
Any fixed equipment or facility which is used in connection with, or as part of, any process or system for industry.
STABLE, COMMERCIAL
A public facility dedicated to the keeping of horses and/or ponies for commercial boarding as a principal use on a lot. Private stables are defined as an "accessory agricultural building" and must be paired with a permitted principal use allowed in the district. See "accessory agricultural building" in this section.
STABLE, PRIVATE
The keeping of horses and/or ponies for the personal use of the residents of a lot, not including any profit-making activities. Private stables are defined as an "accessory agricultural building" and must be paired with a permitted principal use allowed in the district. See "accessory agricultural building" and commercial stable" in this section.
STACK
Any vertical structure enclosing a flue(s) that carry off smoke or exhaust from a furnace or other fuel-burning device, especially that part of a structure extending above a roof.
STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
Camouflaging methods applied to wireless communications towers, antennas, and other facilities 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.
STEEP SLOPE
Any portion of any lot which has a natural or finished slope in excess of 25% shall be considered a steep slope and shall be subject to these regulations, except that high walls remaining from mineral removal activities shall be exempt from these regulations. Slope is calculated based upon contours at intervals of not more than five feet where the slope is greater than 10% and at intervals of not more than two feet where the slope is 10% or less.
STORAGE BUILDING
An accessory structure used for storing goods and products incidental to a permitted, nonresidential, principal use.
STORAGE YARD, ACCESSORY
As an accessory use, a storage yard includes a portion of a lot or parcel which is not occupied by a building and is used to store construction equipment, vehicles, and/or construction materials associated with the permitted principal use. Materials and/or equipment within a storage yard are not offered for commercial sale nor are they accessible to the general public. See also "supply yard."
[Amended by Ord. No. 483, 7/13/2021]
STORAGE YARD, PRINCIPAL
As a principal use, a storage yard is an otherwise vacant lot or parcel that is used to store construction equipment, vehicles, and/or construction materials. Materials and/or equipment within a storage yard are not offered for commercial sale nor are they accessible to the general public. See also "supply yard."
[Amended by Ord. No. 483, 7/13/2021]
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITIES
See the definition provided by the Township Stormwater Management Ordinance.[19]
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE
The Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, Chapter 19 of the Township Code of Ordinances.
STORY
That portion of a building included between the surface of any finished floor and the surface of the floor next above it or, if there is no floor above it, then the space between any floor and the ceiling next above it. In determining the number of stories for purposes of height measurement, a basement shall be counted as a story if the ceiling is more than five feet above the average adjoining ground level at the front setback, and a mezzanine shall be counted as a story if it covers 50% or more of the area of the story underneath such mezzanine. An attic or a cellar shall not be counted as a story.
STREET
All land between ROW lines, whether public or private, and whether improved or unimproved, which is intended to accommodate vehicular traffic, including an avenue, drive, boulevard, highway road, freeway, parkway, lane, viaduct, or other vehicular way. The term shall not include the word "driveway."
1. 
TYPE OF STREETSAs defined below and also in the SALDO.[20] See Table 23 in Appendix F[21] for a list of arterial and collector streets within the Township.
2. 
ARTERIAL ROAD/STREETA public street that serves large volumes of high speed and long distance traffic.
3. 
COLLECTOR ROAD/STREETA public street which, in addition to providing access to abutting lots, intercepts local streets and provides a route for carrying considerable volumes of local traffic to community facilities and arterial roads.
STREET FRONTAGE
The length of the front lot line. See also "lot line."
STREET TREE
Any tree planted within the ROW of a street. Street trees are not the same as trees planted in the front yard of a residential home or lot.
STREET WALL
The wall of a building adjoining a sidewalk at the edge of the street ROW; or architectural elements, such as walls, piers, pillars, fences, colonnades, porches, and porticoes, in lieu of a building wall when a building is set back from the street wall line.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION
Any change in the support members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders; changes in the means of ingress and/or egress; enlargement of floor area or height of a structure; or relocation of a structure from one position to another.
STRUCTURE
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land.
STRUCTURE HEIGHT
The vertical distance from the lowest finished grade level to the peak of the roof. See Appendix B.[22]
STUDENT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
A facility or facilities for the enjoyable relaxation of students enrolled at a commercial school.
SUBDIVISION
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 or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development; provided, however, that 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 any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE (SALDO)
The North Fayette Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), Chapter 22 of the Township Code of Ordinances, as adopted and amended by the Board of Supervisors.
SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE TO A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
A modification to an existing wireless communications facility that substantially changes the physical dimensions of a tower or base station and meets any of the following criteria: 1) for communications towers outside the public ROW, it increases the height of the facility 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; for communications towers in the ROW, it increases the height of the facility by more than 10% or 10 feet, whichever is greater; 2) for communications towers outside the public ROW, it protrudes from the edge of the WCF by more than 20 feet, or more than the width of the tower structures at the level off the appurtenance, whichever is greater; for those communications towers in the public ROW, it protrudes from the edge of the structure by more than six feet; 3) it involves installation of more than the standard number of new equipment cabinets for the technology involved, but not to exceed four cabinets; 4) it entails any excavation of deployment outside the current site of the communications tower; or 5) it does not comply with conditions associated with prior approval of construction or modification of the communications tower unless the noncompliance is due to an increase in height, increase in width, or addition of cabinets.
SUPPLEMENTARY AGRITOURISM ENTERPRISE
Minor activity that would support the other products on the farm. See also "agritourism" in this section.
SUPPLY YARD, ACCESSORY
As an accessory use, a supply yard shall include the portion of a lot or parcel that is not occupied by a building and is used for the display and/or sale of building materials, construction equipment, and/or goods associated with the permitted principal use. Supply yards do not include the storage and sale of vehicles. See also "storage yard" and "vehicle sales."
SUPPLY YARD, PRINCIPAL
As a principal use, a supply yard is an otherwise vacant lot or parcel that may or may not be occupied by a building and is used for the display and sales of building materials, construction equipment, feed and grain, and/or goods typically stored outdoors for sale to the public. Supply yards do not include the storage and sale of vehicles. See also "storage yard" and "vehicle sales and service."
SURFACE AREA OF A SIGN
The area of all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed (whether such background is open or enclosed), but excluding any supporting framework and bracing which are solely incident to the display itself, provided that the same do not contain such lettering, wording, designs, or symbols. Where the sign consists of individual letters, designs, or symbols attached to a building, awning, wall, or window, the area shall be that of the smallest rectangle which encompasses all of the letters, designs, and symbols. Where a sign consists of a double face, only one side shall be considered for the purpose of calculating the sign area, provided that both faces are identical.
SURVEYOR
A professional surveyor licensed in the State of Pennsylvania. See "registered professional."
SWIMMING POOL
A man-made enclosure, designed to impound water for the purpose of creating depth of water suitable for swimming, or other types of water recreation or therapy, including but not limited to waterslides, lap pools, whirlpools, soaking tubs, or hot tubs.
TASTING ROOM
An establishment which offers wine, beer, malt beverages or intoxicating liquors for consumption on the premises that are manufactured or rectified on the premises or at an off-site location associated with the premises.
[Added by Ord. No. 513, 11/14/2023]
TATTOO/BODY PIERCING ESTABLISHMENT
An establishment in which tattooing or body piercing is carried out professionally, subject to all applicable county and/or state health and licensing requirements.
TAVERN (BAR)
Any use in which the primary purpose is the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, which may or may not include dancing. Taverns may include prepared food sales, but such prepared foods are typically accessory or incidental to the primary purpose as a Tavern.
TAXI AND LIMOUSINE SERVICE
A fee-based service regulated by the PUC that provides a vehicle and a driver from one point to another.
TEMPORARY USE OR STRUCTURE
Any use or structure which may be a principal use on a lot or accessory to an existing principal use on a lot intended to be used for less than six consecutive months, including but not limited to construction or land sales trailers, tents, bleachers, air supported structures, seasonal displays, and similar structures. Structures intended to be used for more than six months shall be considered permanent and shall meet the use and structure requirements for permanent structures.
TENTATIVE APPROVAL
An approval prerequisite to final approval of a development plan granted by the Board of Supervisors in accordance with this chapter.
THEATER
A building or part of a building devoted to showing motion pictures or dramatic, dance, musical, or other live performances. This definition does not include "adult-oriented businesses."
THEATER, DRIVE-IN
A structure consisting of a large outdoor screen, a projection booth, and a large parking area for automobiles. Within this enclosed area, customers can view movies from the privacy and comfort of their cars.
TINY HOUSE
See "manufactured homes" in this section.
TOWER-BASED WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (TOWER-BASED WCF)
A structure that is used for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas, including, but not limited to, self-supporting lattice towers, guy towers and monopoles, utility poles, and light poles. DAS hub facilities are considered to be tower-based WCFs.
TOWING AND OTHER ROAD SERVICES
A personal service engaged in the business of offering the services of a vehicle wrecker or towing service, whereby disabled motor vehicles are towed or otherwise removed from the place they are disabled by use of a wrecker so designed for that purpose by a truck, automobile, or other vehicle so adapted for that purpose.
TOWNHOUSE
See "dwelling types" in this section.
TOWNSHIP
The Township of North Fayette, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
See "Board of Supervisors" in this section.[23]
TOWNSHIP CONSTRUCTION CODE
The Township Construction Code, Ordinance No. 344, as amended, and as found in Chapter 5 of the Township Code of Ordinances. Any reference to "Township Building Code" shall be interpreted to mean the Township Construction Code.
TOWNSHIP CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
The plans and specifications for building infrastructure and other defined systems and/or facilities in the Township as outlined in the Township's Minimum Construction Standards.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
A professional engineer licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, duly appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve as the engineer for the Township. See also "registered professional" in this section.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER
A person retained by the Board of Supervisors as the Manager of North Fayette Township and responsible for directing and controlling the business and administrative affairs of the Township.
TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR
An attorney licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and retained by and responsible to the Board of Supervisors to furnish legal assistance for the administration of municipal regulations and arrangements relative to this chapter.
TRAFFIC NETWORK ANALYSIS
A technical report, submitted by a professional traffic engineer, which projects the trip generation of a land development and the anticipated trip impact on the Township's Comprehensive Road Network.
TRAILER, SALES OR CONSTRUCTION
A temporary structure to be used for the duration of the zoning, building, and grading permit to provide temporary offices for personnel associated with the permitted land development.
TRANSFER FACILITY
A facility licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) which receives and temporarily stores solid waste at a location other than the generation site, and which facilitates the bulk transfer of accumulated solid waste to a facility for further processing and disposal.
TRANSFERABLE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
The attaching of development rights to specified lands which are desired by a municipality to be kept undeveloped, but permitting those rights to be transferred from those lands so that the development potential which they represent may occur on other lands where more intensive development is deemed to be appropriate.
TRANSITIONAL SURFACE (ZONE)
An imaginary surface that extends outward and upward from the edge of the primary and approach surfaces to the horizontal surface at a slope of seven feet horizontally to one foot vertically.
TREE
Any object of natural growth.
TREE PRESERVATION PLAN
A map or site plan which illustrates the general layout of proposed buildings, structures, driveways, and on-site areas on a lot or tract of land, along with the design of landscaped areas, including detail of the location, species, and trunk circumference of all legacy trees which are to be retained or removed, trees which are to be planted as replacement trees, and trees which are to retained on-site for mitigation purposes.
TURBINE HEIGHT
The distance measured from the highest point of the wind turbine rotor plane to the ground level.
TWO-FAMILY DWELLING
See "dwelling" in this section.
UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE
See "college/university" in this section.
URBAN AGRICULTURE, PRINCIPAL
Agricultural activities intended primarily for the growing of crops and in which no livestock, poultry, or other farm animals are kept or raised. Limited agricultural uses are intended to allow for the growing of agricultural products on vacant lots or properties as a permissible principal use.
USE
Any purpose for which a building or other structure or a tract of land may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained or occupied, or any activity, occupation, business, or operation carried on in a building or other structure or on a tract of land.
USE, ACCESSORY
A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use and located on the same lot as the principal use.
USE, BY SPECIAL EXCEPTION
An authorized use in a particular zoning district pursuant to Part 3 and Part 7 of this chapter which may be granted only by the ZHB in accordance with express standards and criteria specified in this chapter after a public hearing.
USE, PRINCIPAL
The primary or predominant use to which the property is or may be devoted, and to which all other uses on the premises are accessory.
VARIANCE
Relief granted pursuant to the provisions of Articles VI and IX of the MPC.[24]
VEHICLE RENTAL FACILITY
The rental of motor vehicles, watercraft, recreational vehicles, or trailers, including outdoor display areas and service areas within a completely enclosed building and a showroom and offices within the building.
VEHICLE REPAIR GARAGE
Any building, premises, and land in which or upon which a business, service, or industry performs or renders a service involving the maintenance, servicing, repair, or painting of vehicles weighing less than 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Businesses solely devoted to vehicle electronics repair and/or installation shall be considered retail stores.
VEHICLE SALES AND SERVICE
A retail establishment which may include one or more of the following: an open area, other than a street, for the display and sale or rental of new or used automobiles and light-duty trucks; buildings which may contain offices and showrooms; an area within a completely enclosed building where reconditioning, preparation, accessory installation, repairs, and/or the servicing of vehicles is performed.
VETERINARY CLINIC
See "animal hospitals and veterinarian services."
VINEYARD
A farm where grapevines are planted, grown, raised, or cultivated for the purpose of producing grape wine.
WAREHOUSE AND STORAGE SERVICES
A structure primarily used for the storage of goods and materials, which also includes refrigeration and cold storage services. This use does not include distribution centers.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
A facility that processes and converts wastewater, which is water no longer needed or suitable for its most recent use, into an effluent that can be either returned to the water cycle with minimal environmental issues or reused.
WATER IMPOUNDMENT, FRESH
A lined depression, excavation pit, or facility situated in or upon the ground, whether natural or artificial, used to store fresh water.
WATER IMPOUNDMENT, WASTE
A lined depression, excavation pit, or facility situated in or upon the ground, whether natural or artificial, used to store waste water fluid, including but not limited to brine, fracturing fluid, produced water, recycled water, impaired water, flowback water, or any other fluid that does not satisfy the definition of "fresh water."
WATER INTAKE WELLS
A site authorized by a permit from the PA DEP for the drilling site for the production of potable water supply.
WATER STORAGE
Any impoundment of water by a public or private authority, agency, or corporation for the purpose of providing water supply or recreation to the general public.
WBCA
Pennsylvania Wireless Broadband Collocation Act (53 P.S. § 11702.1 et seq.).
WELL
A bored, drilled, or driven shaft whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension; or a dug hole whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension; or an improved sinkhole; or a subsurface fluid distribution system.
WELLHEAD
The precise point of entry into the ground where the drilling of a gas well takes place.
WELL OPERATOR or OPERATOR
Any person, partnership, company, corporation, and its subcontractors and agents who have an interest in real estate for the purpose of exploring or drilling for, producing, or transporting oil or gas. The person designated as the well operator or operator on the permit application or well registration. If the owner is a separate entity than the operator, then the owner shall also be listed. Where a permit or registration was not issued, the term shall mean any person who locates, drills, operates, alters, or plugs any well or reconditions any well with the purpose of production therefrom. In cases where a well is used in connection with the underground storage of gas, the term also means a storage operator.
WELL PAD
The area extending to the limits of disturbance of the grading plan for a drilling site where a well is to be drilled and occupied by any of the facilities, structures, and equipment associated with or incidental to the construction, drilling, fracturing, production, or operation of an oil or gas well. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the well pad site does not include the access road.
WELL SITE
Shall consist of the area occupied by any of the facilities, structures and equipment associated with or incidental to the construction, drilling, fracturing, production, or operation of an oil or gas well. If multiple areas are used, then the total combined areas shall be considered the well site.
WHOLESALE BUSINESS
A business primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers, institutional, commercial, or professional business customers or other wholesalers, rather than to the general public, which includes the warehousing of merchandise and which may include distribution of such merchandise on the site of the principal business.
WIND CHARGER
A wind-driven, direct-current generator used for charging storage batteries.
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (WECS)
A device such as a wind charger, wind turbine or windmill, and/or other electric generation facility whose main purpose is to convert wind power into another form of energy such as electricity or heat, consisting of one or more wind turbines and other structures and buildings, including substations, meteorological towers, electrical infrastructure, transmission lines, and other appurtenant structures and facilities.
WIND ENERGY PRODUCTION FACILITY, LARGE
An area of land or other area used for a wind energy conversion system principally used to capture wind energy and convert it to electrical energy. Large wind energy production facilities consist of one or more wind turbines, tower, and associated control or conversion electronics and other accessory structures and buildings, including substations, electrical infrastructure, transmission lines, and other appurtenant structures and facilities. A facility is considered a large wind energy production facility if it supplies electrical power solely for off-site use.
WIND ENERGY SYSTEM, SMALL
A wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine, tower, and associated control or conversion electronics, and is intended to primarily reduce on-site consumption of utility power. A system is considered a small wind energy system only if it supplies electrical power solely for on-site use, except that when a parcel on which the system is installed also receives electrical power supplied by a utility company, excess electrical power generated and not presently needed for on-site use may be used by the utility company.
WIND TURBINE
A device that converts wind energy into electricity through the use of a wind turbine generator, and includes the nacelle, rotor, tower, and pad transformer, if any.
WINDMILL
A device that runs on the energy generated by a wheel of adjustable blades or slats rotated by the wind.
WINERY
An area devoted to the growing of grapes or other fruit and the process of fermenting the product into wine. Wineries shall also include the structures or areas provided for the tasting or sale of the wine so long as such areas are on the same site as the products grown.
WIRELESS
Transmissions through the airwaves, including, but not limited to, infrared line of sight, cellular, PCS, microwave, satellite, or radio signals.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (WCF)
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.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY APPLICANT (WCF APPLICANT or APPLICANT)
Any person that applies for a wireless communications facility building permit, zoning approval, and/or permission to use the public ROW or other Township-owned land or property.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS RELATED EQUIPMENT
Any piece of equipment related to, incidental to, or necessary for, the operation of a tower-based WCF or nontower WCF. By way of illustration, not limitation, "related equipment" includes generators and base stations.
WIRELESS SUPPORT STRUCTURE
A freestanding structure, such as a tower-based WCF or any other support structure that could support the placement or installation of a WCF, if approved by the Township.
WOODLANDS
A plant community composed predominantly of healthy trees and other woody vegetation, well-stocked, and growing more or less closely together.
YARD, FRONT
A yard extending between side lot lines across the full lot width from the front lot line to a line parallel to the front face of the structure of the principal use of the lot (See Figure 1).[25]
YARD, REAR
A yard extending between the side lot lines across the full lot width from the rear lot line to a line parallel to the rear face of the structure of the principal use of the lot (See Figure 1).[26]
YARD, SIDE
A yard extending from the front yard line to the rear yard line parallel to the side lot line (See Figure 1).[27]
ZONING AND OCCUPANCY PERMIT
A permit issued by the Zoning Officer which is required by this chapter prior to the commencement of a use; the construction, reconstruction, alteration, remodeling, enlargement, movement, occupancy, or use of a building, structure, or lot; the change in use of a building, structure, or lot; any change to, or enlargement or extension of a nonconforming use; and/or the construction, reconstruction, alteration, or movement of a retaining wall.
ZONING CERTIFICATE
A document signed and issued by the Zoning Officer upon a request to certify the correct zoning district, the compatibility of existing land uses, the compatibility of proposed land uses, and/or the legal status of a nonconforming use, structure, or lot.
ZONING DISTRICT
An area in the Township in which regulations under this chapter uniformly apply, including overlay districts.
ZONING HEARING BOARD (ZHB)
The Zoning Hearing Board of North Fayette Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, as defined by and appointed in accordance with the MPC, Act 247 of 1968, as amended by Act 170 of 1998 (53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., as may be amended from time to time).
ZONING HEARING BOARD SOLICITOR
The Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor shall be an attorney other than the Township Solicitor and shall not be employed within the same law firm as the Township Solicitor. The Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor shall be licensed as such in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and represents the Township Zoning Hearing Board.
ZONING MAP
The Official Zoning Map delineating the zoning districts of North Fayette Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, together with all amendments subsequently adopted.[28]
ZONING OFFICER
The designated official or authorized representative appointed by the Board of Supervisors whose duty it shall be to administer this chapter and as identified in Section 614 of the Pennsylvania MPC, Act 247 of 1968, as amended by Act 170 of 1998 (53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., as may be amended from time to time).[29]
ZONING ORDINANCE
The North Fayette Township Zoning Ordinance, Ordinance No. 27, as amended. This chapter of the Township Code of Ordinances.
Figure 1: Yard Type Illustration
[1]
Editor's Note: See 74 Pa.C.S.A. § 5101 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: The Municipality Authorities Act of 1945 was repealed by Act 22 of 2001 (6/19/2001, P.L. 287, No. 22); see now 53 Pa.C.S.A. § 5601 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 22, Subdivision and Land Development.
[4]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 3, Construction Standards.
[5]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 22, Subdivision and Land Development.
[6]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10208.
[7]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 8, Floodplain Management.
[8]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 8, Floodplain Management.
[9]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10909.1.
[10]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[11]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 22, Subdivision and Land Development.
[12]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[13]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq.
[14]
Editor's Note: The Township's Minimum Constructions Standard Details are kept on file in the Township's offices.
[15]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[16]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[17]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[18]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[19]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 19 Stormwater Management.
[20]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 22, Subdivision and Land Development.
[21]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[22]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[23]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "Township Community Development Director," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed by Ord. No. 483, 7/13/2021. See now the definition of "Director of Community Development."
[24]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10601 et seq. and 53 P.S. § 10901 et seq., respectively.
[25]
Editor's Note: Figure 1 follows the final definition in this section.
[26]
Editor's Note: Figure 1 follows the final definition in this section.
[27]
Editor's Note: Figure 1 follows the final definition in this section.
[28]
Editor's Note: The Zoning Map is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[29]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10614.