[Ord. 658, 4/9/2015]
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Zoning
Ordinance."
[Ord. 658, 4/9/2015]
Pursuant to the authority contained in the Pennsylvania Municipalities
Code, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., as amended, and the Floodplain
Management Act, Act 166 of 1978, as amended, and for the purpose of
promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the Township,
the Board of Supervisors does hereby enact this chapter to regulate
and restrict height, number of stories, size and location of buildings
and other structures, their construction, alteration, extension, repair,
maintenance of all facilities and services in or about such buildings
and structures, density of lot development, size of lots, yards, courts,
and other open spaces, the density of population in relation to land
use, and the location and use of buildings, structures, land, and
watercourses for trade, industry, commerce, residence, public service
and other purposes.
[Ord. 658, 4/9/2015]
The provisions of this chapter are intended to achieve the following
purposes:
A.Â
To promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare of
the residents and businesses of the Township and of the public generally.
B.Â
To encourage and facilitate orderly community growth and development in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and Official Map Ordinance [Chapter 14].
C.Â
To provide adequate light, air, amenities, and access to private
property.
D.Â
To guide development in order to provide adequate community facilities
and utilities.
E.Â
To prevent the overcrowding or incompatible development, or use of
land and to prevent the blighting conditions, congestion, and hazard
in travel and transportation.
F.Â
To divide the Township into various zoning districts that restrict
and regulate therein the location, construction, alteration, and use
of buildings, structures, and property.
G.Â
To encourage new development that is well-designed, of high quality
and suited to the natural conditions of its site.
H.Â
To encourage the coordinated growth of communities.
I.Â
To encourage compact, efficient, and economic patterns of development.
J.Â
To avoid excessive public costs of scattered development.
K.Â
To prevent development which may be hazardous because of the physical
character of land.
L.Â
To protect and preserve valued natural, historic, and cultural features
of the environment.
M.Â
To ensure the provision of public improvements which are necessary
and appropriate for the development, and which are coordinated with
nearby areas.
N.Â
To provide flexibility in standards and requirements so that the
design of development can be fitted to the character of its site and
to the community in which it is located.
O.Â
To prevent loss of health, life or property from fire, panic or other
dangers.
P.Â
To define and limit the powers and duties of the Township's administrative
officers and bodies as addressed by this chapter.
[Ord. 658, 4/9/2015]
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter,
the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be the minimum requirements
for the promotion of health, safety, morals and the general welfare
of the Township and its citizens. It is not intended by this chapter
to interfere with or abrogate or annul any rules or regulations previously
adopted or permits previously issued by the Township which are not
in conflict with any provisions of this chapter, nor is it intended
by this chapter to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements,
covenants, building restrictions, or other agreements between parties;
provided, however, that where this chapter imposes a greater restriction
upon the use of the buildings or premises or upon the height of the
building, or requires a larger open space than is imposed or required
by such ordinance, rules, regulations or permits, or by easements,
covenants, building restrictions or agreements, the provisions of
this chapter shall control.
[Ord. 658, 4/9/2015]
No building, structure, or land shall be constructed, altered, used, or occupied for any purpose or in any manner unless in conformity with this chapter, the regulations herein specified for the zoning district in which it is located, and all other applicable Township ordinances including, but not limited to, the Construction Code [Chapter 5, Part 1], the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] and the Stormwater Management Ordinance [Chapter 23], and after the lawful issuance of all permits, approvals, and certificates required by this chapter.
[Ord. 658, 4/9/2015]
1.Â
Requirements. The regulations set forth by this chapter within each
zoning district shall apply uniformly to each zoning district and
shall be held as the minimum requirements for the protection of public
health, safety, and general welfare. Wherever the regulations of this
chapter are at variance with the requirements of any other lawfully
adopted rules, regulations, deed restrictions, covenants, or ordinances,
the most restrictive or that imposing the higher standards shall govern.
2.Â
Terms and Words. For purposes of this chapter, the terms and words
used herein shall be interpreted as follows:
A.Â
Words used in the present tense shall include the future.
B.Â
Words used in the singular shall include the plural.
C.Â
The word "person" includes a corporation as well as an individual,
or an association of individuals.
D.Â
The word "lot" includes the words "plot" or "parcel."
E.Â
The words "shall" and "will" are always mandatory.
F.Â
The term "may" is always permissive.
G.Â
The words "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or buildings
shall be construed to include the words "intended, arranged or designated
to be used or occupied."
[Ord. 658, 4/9/2015]
For purposes of this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the meanings set forth below unless otherwise expressly stated. Any terms or words not defined herein shall be interpreted consistent with the definitions and meanings referenced in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].
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.
A detached subordinate building or structure, the use of
which is clearly incidental to that of the principal structure or
principal use of the land and which is located on the same lot as
occupied by the principal structure or use.
A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal
use and located on the same lot as the principal use.
The Federal Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1201
et seq., as amended, and the federal regulations promulgated thereunder.
Same as "business or professional office."
An adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion picture theater, adult theater, escort agency, nude model studio, sexual encounter center, tattoo parlor or body piercing establishment as defined in the Adult Oriented Business License Ordinance [Chapter 13, Part 7].
An African and European honeybee hybrid that may be more
aggressive than the European honeybee; not included under this Code's
definition of "bee."
[Added by Ord. No. 685, 4/3/2019]
An enterprise that is actively engaged in 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.
The science and art of farming, the work of cultivating the
soil, producing crops and livestock.
The use of land, or building, or structure for facilitating
the landing and handling of aircraft and their passengers and freight.
Airports shall include the following uses:
AIRPORT CARGO FACILITYAny building or part thereof, and the adjacent loading areas, where goods, materials or cargo are loaded and/or unloaded to or from aircraft to or from one or more other modes of transportation and where such goods, materials, or cargo are stored. Airport cargo facilities may include improvements that facilitate the maintenance, fueling, storage or dispatching of vehicles, subject to the standards described in § 27-512 of this chapter, but only as an accessory use.
AIRPORT PARKINGAn open area of land or a structure, other than a street, used for the long-term or short-term parking of vehicles, with or without a fee being charged, and available to the public or as an accommodation to employees, clients or customers, or for the storage of delivery vehicles and rental cars and the like.
AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITIES AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIESBuildings, towers, observation towers and Navaids reserved for the communication and relay of aviation commands between ground operators and airborne vehicle operators.
AIRPORT ASSEMBLY AND REHABILITATIONAny building or part thereof designated and used for the assembly and rehabilitation of aircraft.
AIRPORT MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND STORAGE HANGARA building or structure designed and used for the shelter, repair and maintenance of aircraft.
AIRPORT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICEAny building or part thereof in which one or more persons are employed in the management or direction of airport operations and maintenance.
AIRPORT RUNWAYSurface or strip of ground for the arrival and/or departure of airplanes.
AIRPORT SERVICE FACILITIESFlight kitchens and aircraft food processing centers which provide direct services to the traveling public and are located on the premises of or are directly related to the Pittsburgh International Airport.
AIRPORT TAXIWAYAny surface area used for the moving of airplanes to and from a runway, parking area, apron, terminal and the like.
AIRPORT TERMINALAny building or part thereof in which one or more persons are employed for airline ticketing, luggage checking facilities, restaurants, bars, retail shops, confections, post office, parcel shipping facilities and janitorial services.
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Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, airports may
include the following accessory uses in association with the operation
of the airport or airline activities: ticket and other offices supporting
airport uses; luggage checking facilities and parcel shipping facilities.
Outdoor storage, supply yards, and warehouses shall be permitted as
accessory uses; provided, any article or material authorized to be
stored outside an enclosed structure shall be buffered by six-foot
height opaque fencing, planting, earthen mounds or existing topography
to assure that such articles or material cannot be seen from Business
Loop 376 (SR 3160), any other public street or adjacent properties.
Outdoor storage, supply yards or warehousing shall not be permitted
as a primary principal use as defined in this chapter in the AP District.
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Notwithstanding any definition or other provision of this chapter,
this chapter shall not be construed, applied or interpreted in a fashion
which conflicts with or violates any federal statue or regulation
governing aircraft safety, including any applicable regulations of
the Federal Aviation Administration. An applicant claiming that the
forgoing sentence applies to its proposed use shall submit, prior
to or in conjunction with its relevant permit application or other
land use application: (a) a description of the proposed use, structure
or improvement; (b) the provisions of this chapter to which such use,
structure or improvement is subject; (c) the name and citation of
the federal regulation or requirement to which such use, structure
or improvement is subject; (d) a description of the conflict between
the provisions of this chapter and the federal regulations or requirements;
and (e) such other material or data as deemed relevant and necessary
by the Zoning Officer. The application shall be referred to the Zoning
Hearing Board, which shall determine whether, with regard to the development
of the applicant's proposed use, structure or improvement on the applicant's
property, there is an actual conflict between the specific standards
and requirements of this chapter and those contained in the cited
federal regulation(s) or requirement(s). If the Zoning Hearing Board
determines that an actual conflict exists, the specific standards
and requirements of this chapter shall not be applicable to the applicant's
proposed use, structure or improvement, to the extent of any such
conflict. Said hearing and decision shall be conducted in accordance
with the requirements of §§ 107 and 908 of the MPC,
53 P.S. §§ 10107 and 10908.
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Soil material, such as sand, silt or clay that has been deposited
on land by streams. Alluvial soils in the Township include Ph-Philo
Silt Loam.
As applied to a building or structure, means a change or
rearrangement in the structural parts or in the existing facilities,
or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing
height, or the moving from one location or position to another.
An indoor or outdoor structure or area having tiers of seats,
risers, benches or grassy slope rising gradually outward from a central
open space or arena where fee-based or non-fee-based events, programs,
spectacles and the like are performed or displayed.
A facility that is designed and operated as an amusement center equipped with any combination of five or more mechanical and/or electronic amusement devices, either as the sole use or in combination with other business activity, and which contains no form of slot machine, gambling or wagering. An amusement arcade is permitted as part of an indoor entertainment center or restaurant; all other types of amusement arcades shall be considered a use not expressly listed as a permitted use, conditional use or special exception in any zoning district and subject to the requirements of § 27-206 of this chapter, unless otherwise specifically provided in this chapter.
A commercial establishment in a planned residential development
whose primary function is to supply services and/or products for use
within the area of the planned residential development.
An establishment for the grooming and aesthetic enhancement
of domestic animals that does not include medical or surgical treatment,
or overnight boarding facilities.
A separate building containing a designated number of dwelling
units having common corridors and stairways and having shared exit
and entrance facilities. An apartment shall be considered a multi-family
dwelling. The following shall be types of apartments:
GARDEN APARTMENTAn apartment building containing at least three dwelling units, but not more than 10 dwelling units, and not exceeding three stories in height, sometimes designed around courts or common open spaces, often having private balconies or patios.
HIGH-RISE APARTMENTAn apartment building containing two or more dwelling units per floor, which is four or more stories in height, and which share a common entrance and/or common interior corridor.
Any place where one or more colonies or nuclei of bees are
kept.
[Added by Ord. No. 685, 4/3/2019]
A landowner or developer, as hereinafter defined, who has
filed an application for development including his heirs, successors,
assigns or agents.
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 zoning
and occupancy permit, conditional use, special exception, for the
approval of a subdivision plat or plan and/or for the approval of
a land development plan.
A professional architect licensed as such in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
Any building or part thereof where premanufactured parts
are assembled or fashioned into a finished product for wholesale or
retail sale.
Shall be defined consistent with the definition of "assisted
living residence" contained in the state regulations for assisted
living residences found in 55 Pa. Code § 2800.4, as amended.
[Added by Ord. 661, 6/1/2016]
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 servicing of vehicles is performed.
An architectural projection or shelter projecting from and
supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering
of rigid or nonrigid materials and/or fabric on a supporting framework
that may be either permanent or retractable.
An establishment that is rented by individuals or groups
to accommodate private functions for meetings, banquets, weddings,
anniversaries and similar celebrations and events.
Same as "banquet facility."
Any portion of a building that is partly or completely below
ground or the adjacent ground level of the lot.
A detached dwelling which is the principal residence of the
operator and in which a maximum of five sleeping rooms are provided
for overnight guests for a period of not more than 14 consecutive
nights in a thirty-day period, with or without breakfast meals, for
compensation. This definition shall not include a boarding house,
rooming house, domiciliary hostel, group home, motel, or hotel.
Within this Code, a "bee" refers only to a European honeybee.
[Added by Ord. No. 685, 4/3/2019]
An owner or caretaker of an apiary.
[Added by Ord. No. 685, 4/3/2019]
See definition under "sign."
The Board of Supervisors of the Township.
An establishment, including a fraternity or sorority house,
with lodging for five or more persons where meals are regularly prepared
and served for compensation and where food is placed upon the table
family style, without service or ordering of individual portions from
a menu.
A private school at which students reside and receive meals
during the school term.
A landscaped area of a certain depth specified by this chapter
which shall be planted and maintained in trees, grass, ground cover,
shrubs, bushes or other natural landscaping material and shall consist
of a mix of types and sizes of plant material in accordance with the
requirements of this chapter.
Any structure occupied or intended for supporting or sheltering
any occupancy.
Same as "lot coverage."
The vertical distance from the average elevation at finished
grade level to the highest point of the roof.
Same as "building setback line."
Same as "front building setback line."
Same as "principal building."
A line parallel to a lot line, defining the yard required
by this chapter.
The building setback line that is parallel to the front lot
line, located at a distance equal to the front yard required by this
chapter for the zoning district in which the lot is located.
The building setback line that is parallel to the rear lot
line, located at a distance equal to the rear yard required by this
chapter.
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 definition under "solar photovoltaic system."
[Added by Ord. 660, 1/4/2016]
Same as "business or professional office."
A building or part of a building in which one or more persons
are employed in the management, direction or conducting of business
or where professionally qualified persons and their staff serve clients
who seek advice or consultation, and which may include the administrative
offices of a nonprofit or charitable organization. A business or professional
office shall not include a medical office.
Establishments engaged in rendering services to businesses
and offices on a fee or contract basis including, but not limited
to: advertising and mailing; data processing; secretarial; financial;
photocopying; quick printing and fax; office supplies; building maintenance;
equipment servicing, rental, leasing and sales; employment service;
management and consulting services; and other similar business services.
An area of land and/or a structure with machine- or hand-operated
facilities used principally for the interior and/or exterior cleaning,
washing, polishing, or waxing of motor vehicles and whereas no repairs
or sales of petroleum fuel or lubricants are performed.
A freight terminal that utilizes multiple modes of transportation
for the transfer and distribution of goods, materials and cargo. The
term "cargo facility" shall not be construed to include an "airport
cargo facility," as defined in this chapter under the definition of
"airport."
That portion of the street right-of-way that is surfaced for vehicular use, excluding shoulders and berms, as required by the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] or the Township Standard Details.
Same as "basement."
A burial place or ground for human remains, including a graveyard,
mausoleum, and columbarium, but not including a crematorium.
A "chicken" refers only to a female chicken.
[Added by Ord. No. 685, 4/3/2019]
A structure to house chickens; must be properly ventilated,
heated, and protected from weather, vermin, and predators.
[Added by Ord. No. 685, 4/3/2019]
A facility where child care is provided for four, five or
six children under the age of 16, who are not relatives of the operator,
at any one time for part of a twenty-four-hour day and which is licensed
by the Department of Public Welfare as a "child day care home." A
child day care home may qualify as a home occupation, as provided
for in the conditional use criteria for home occupation. Day care
for fewer than four children shall be permitted as a no-impact home-based
business.
Same as "place of worship."
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 the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22], intended to allow the operators of vehicles approaching simultaneously to see each other in time to anticipate and avoid potential collisions.
See definition under "forestry."
A residential development design technique that concentrates
residential lots in specific areas of a tract of land to allow the
remaining land to be used for recreation, common open space and preservation
of sensitive natural resources.
Soil material, rock fragments, or both, moved by creep, slide
or local wash and deposited at the base of steep slopes. Colluvial
soils within the Township include ER-Ernest Silt Loam.
A unit of bees, including workers, a queen, and, at times,
drones.
[Added by Ord. No. 685, 4/3/2019]
Engaging in a business enterprise, activity, or other undertaking
for consideration.
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 definition of school or university/college in this chapter.
Any use that is commercial.
A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water or a combination
of land and water within a land development designed and intended
for the use or enjoyment of the residents of and employees in the
development, not including streets and off-street parking areas.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including departments and
agencies thereof.
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 licensed by the Federal
Communications Commission ("FCC") to operate such device. This definition
includes free standing antenna, antenna mounted on communications
towers ("tower-mounted communications antenna") and antenna mounted
on buildings ("building-mounted communications antenna"). This definition
does not include satellite dishes, television antennas or amateur
radio equipment (including ham or citizen band radio antennae) mounted
on private residence and accessory to the residential use of a dwelling.
Any unmanned structure, cabinet, or other enclosure containing
equipment or control devices for the operation of communication antennas.
A structure, other than a building, such as a monopole, self-supporting
or guyed tower, designed and used to hold and facilitate the operation
of communications antennas. A communications tower shall include the
appurtenant tower-mounted communication antennas and communications
equipment structure. The term "communications tower" shall not be
construed to include an "airport traffic control facility and communications
facility," as defined in this chapter under the definition of "airport."
The vertical distance measured from the ground level to the
highest point on a communications tower, including any communications
antenna mounted on the tower.
The Comprehensive Plan of the Township, as amended.
The Township's interconnected system of arterial and collector
streets.
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 recommendations by the Planning
Commission and a public hearing conducted by the Board of Supervisors
pursuant to public notice.
A multi-family residential building where each dwelling unit
in the building is individually owned and the owner of each unit has
an undivided interest in the common areas and facilities of the building
and surrounding grounds.
A facility used for corporate or professional meetings, seminars
and/or employee training, but which may include supporting dining
and lodging facilities and related recreational facilities as accessory
uses.
An agreement or correspondence between matters being compared
which denotes a reasonable, rational, similar connection or relationship.
The erection, renovation, repair, extension, expansion, alteration
or relocation of a building, structure or site improvements including
the placement of mobile homes.
See "Township Standard Details."
Same as "life care facility."
[Added by Ord. 661, 6/1/2016]
Any publicly or privately operated facility housing persons
awaiting trial or persons serving a sentence after being found guilty
of a criminal offense, including but not limited to a jail, prison,
halfway house, juvenile detention facility, or other facility where
individuals are incarcerated or otherwise required to reside pursuant
to court order under the supervision of paid staff and personnel.
A detached single-family dwelling constructed as part of
a cottage home land development.
A single-family land development on one or more contiguous parcels of not more than 20 acres total, held in single ownership at the time of recording, for the purpose of residential cottage homes as prescribed in this chapter and the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22]. The development shall be done as a condominium project, with common ownership of the land.
A recreational facility operated by a public or private entity
which has, as its principal use, facilities for playing golf and which
may include one or more of the following accessory uses: a clubhouse
and/or restaurant, locker rooms, pro shop, swimming pool, facilities
for racquet sports.
Allegheny County, situated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
and any departments and agencies thereof.
The Allegheny County Department of Economic Development or
any agency successor thereto.
A facility operated for the collection of natural, scientific,
artistic or literary objects or works of art, or which provides exhibits
and interpretative information on the natural environment botanical
or geological exhibits, trails and pathways with interpretive signage,
and structures which provide lecture and exhibit space.
A facility, other than a residential dwelling unit, where
day care for the elderly or child care and educational instructions
are provided for seven or more children under the age of 16 or any
number of elderly persons, who are not relatives of the operator,
at any one time for part of a twenty-four-hour day, operated for profit,
and which is licensed by the Department of Public Welfare as a "day-care
center." Day care for fewer than four children shall be permitted
as a no-impact home-based business.
Final adjudication of any board or other body granted jurisdiction
under any land use ordinance or the MPC 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.
The number of dwelling units per acre of land.
The Department of Environmental Protection of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania or any agency successor thereto.
The Department of Health of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
or any agency successor thereto.
[Added by Ord. 664, 2/1/2017]
The Department of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
or any agency successor thereto.
The Department of Transportation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
or any agency successor thereto.
Any landowner, agent of such landowner or tenant with the
permission of such landowner, who makes or causes to be made a subdivision
of land or land development; a subdivider.
A building owned by a homeowners association or condominium
association and located within a specific planned residential development
or residential development plan that is used exclusively by the residents
of the planned residential development or development plan for social
or recreational activities. A clubhouse may include a swimming pool.
The provisions for development, including a planned residential
development, planned nonresidential development, a land development,
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. The phrase "provisions of the development
plan" shall mean the written and graphic materials referred to in
this definition. Where the provisions of this chapter require the
filing of a development plan, such a plan shall encompass a proposed
land development and/or development of property, which in addition
to a plat of subdivision (if required by the Township) includes:
All covenants relating to the use of the land.
A topographic and boundary survey of the lot or parcel.
The proposed use, location and bulk of buildings, structures
and other site improvements.
The intensity of use or density of development.
Vegetation, drainage, grading (slopes), roadways, wetlands and
waterways, streets, ways, and parking facilities.
Pedestrian circulation routes, common open space and public
facilities.
The proportionate area of a sensitive natural resource that
is permitted to be developed.
The outside bark diameter at breast height 4.5 feet (1.37m)
above the forest floor on the uphill side of the tree.
The activities that are associated with the process of directly
marketing, storing, and supplying wholesale goods. In terms of area
these activities include, but are not limited to, the following: any
building, parking lot, loading dock, bufferyard, setback area, or
open space associated with the distribution center.
Any building or part thereof where the process of directly
marketing and supplying wholesale goods to a retailer or manufacturer
is conducted.
A building in which household pets are dropped off and picked
up daily for temporary care. Overnight stay is for the benefit of
dog day care customers only. Facilities may provide shelter, feeding,
grooming and retail sales. This shall not include breeding or raising
of household pets or animals or facilities for which the primary use
is overnight pet boarding.
[Added by Ord. No. 698,
8/2/2023]
Animals, reptiles, fish and/or fowl normally permitted in a house and kept for company or pleasure such as dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, canaries, parakeets and similar animals or fowl, but not including: (1) any animal, reptile, fish and/or fowl normally found on a farm; (2) any other animal, reptile, fish and/or fowl normally found in a zoo; or (3) any exotic animal as that term is defined by the Exotic Animal Ordinance [Chapter 2, Part 3]. Domestic pets shall not include a sufficient number of dogs, cats, and/or domestic pets that is permitted to roam freely in a dwelling to constitute a kennel, as defined by this chapter. Any member of the swine, sheep, poultry, bovine or equidae family of quadrupeds, or reptiles having a venomous or constrictor nature shall not constitute a domestic pet under any provision of this chapter.
A building used as a group living facility for a student
body or other group as an associated use to a university/college,
boarding school or commercial school.
The perimeter boundary formed by the points farthest away
from the trunk of a tree where precipitation falling from the branches
of said tree, contacts the ground.
A place of public assembly intended for the viewing of motion
pictures from the confines of a motor vehicle and may also include
accessory uses and structures such as a snack bar, projector building,
speaker stands and ticket office.
Any portion of a building or structure from which business
is transacted, or is capable of being transacted, directly with customers
located in a motor vehicle during such business transactions.
A private vehicular access route serving only one parcel
or lot which provides access to a public street or private street,
but which does not provide access to any other lot or parcel under
separate ownership.
A public or private area operated for the purpose of developing
golfing techniques, including par 3 golf courses, but excluding golf
courses.
Same as "two-family dwelling."
A building, portion thereof or other structure used primarily
for human habitation (whether permanent or seasonal), providing complete
housekeeping facilities for a single family and which includes exclusive
sleeping, cooking, eating and sanitation facilities and a separate
entrance for each unit. Buildings with more than one set of cooking
facilities are considered to contain multiple dwelling units unless
the additional cooking facilities are clearly accessory, such as an
outdoor grill. The word "dwelling" shall not include hotels, motels,
fraternity or sorority houses, group residences, institutional facilities,
nursing home or similar uses for group residence. Dwelling types shall
include the following:
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGA detached residential building which is the only principal structure on the lot, designed exclusively for occupancy by one family, as defined herein, and containing one dwelling unit.
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGA residential building which is the only principal building on the lot, designed exclusively for occupancy by two families living independently of each other; and containing two dwelling units, each with a separate entrance directly to the outside, including double houses and duplexes.
MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGA building containing three or more dwelling units, including units that are located one over the other and/or side by side, but each an independent dwelling relative to utilities, facilities and access. This definition shall include apartments and townhouses.
QUADPLEXA detached residential building divided by two common party walls into four distinct and separate dwelling units where each dwelling unit has direct access to the outdoors.
TOWNHOUSEA residential building consisting of a series of at least three, but not more than 10 dwelling units, which shall not exceed three stories in height, attached to each other by continuous vertical walls without opening from basement to roof, with each dwelling unit having separate access to the outdoors not shared with the access of other dwelling units, and with each dwelling unit located or capable of being located on a separate lot.
One or more rooms for living purposes, together with separate
cooking and sanitary facilities, which is accessible from the outdoors,
either directly or through an entrance hall shared with other dwelling
units, and is used or is intended to be used by one family.
A grant by a property owner for the use, for a specific purpose
or purposes, of a strip of land by the general public, a corporation,
or a certain person or persons, and as may be required by this chapter
and/or the Township Standard Details. An easement shall not be considered
to be separate and distinct from the lot or parcel burdened by the
easement for purposes of this chapter.
An area used for the maintenance, fueling, storage, dispatching
or parking of vehicles and/or equipment utilized to provide rescue
or ambulatory services, excepting rescue services offered from a fire
station, which area may or may not include buildings utilized in connection
therewith.
An eating establishment located within a business establishment
which is restricted to employees of the business establishment and
their invited guests.
A professional engineer licensed as such in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency or any
agency successor thereto.
Includes built, constructed, reconstructed, moved upon or
any physical operations on the land required for the building. Excavation,
fill, drainage and the like shall be considered part of the erection.
The provisions of distribution systems by public utilities
regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC), municipal
authorities, Township or other government agencies of underground
or overhead water, sanitary or storm sewers, gas, electrical, telephone,
pipes, conduits, cables, towers, fire alarm boxes, traffic signals,
hydrants and similar equipment and accessories in connection therewith
and where reasonably necessary for the furnishing of adequate services
by such public utilities regulated by the PUC, municipal authorities,
Township or other governmental agencies for the public health, safety
or general welfare. Essential services do not include communications
antennas, communications equipment structures, and communications
towers.
A facility devoted principally to the public display or exhibition
of products and technology and which may include, as accessory uses,
facilities for meeting and/or training.
An individual, or two or more persons related by blood or
marriage or adoption, living together in a dwelling unit; or a group
of not more than three persons who need not be related by blood or
marriage or adoption, living together as a single housekeeping unit
in a dwelling unit, and sharing common facilities as considered reasonably
appropriate for a family related by blood, marriage or adoption; provided,
however, that "family" shall not include boarding houses, dormitories,
fraternity houses, sorority houses, group care facilities, group residences,
life care facilities, nursing homes, or similar uses.
An establishment or premises where the retail sale of farm
products and/or prepared foods produced by local growers occurs.
The United States of America, including the departments and
agencies thereof.
The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States
Department of Transportation or any agency successor thereto.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency of the United States
Department of Homeland Security or any agency successor thereto.
A bank, savings and loan association and other similar institution
that lends money or is engaged in a finance-related business.
The completed surfaces of lots, walks, streets and roads
brought to grades as shown on official plans or designs related thereto.
That floor of a building that is immediately above a basement
or, where there is no basement, that floor of a building that is at
ground level. A basement shall not be considered a first floor.
Same as "first floor."
An assessment of the monetary impact of proposed development
as related to the potential costs of Township infrastructure services,
tax revenues and public facilities.
An indoor facility for personal exercise and physical conditioning,
which includes uses such as sport courts, exercise equipment and/or
locker rooms that may or may not include a Jacuzzi and/or sauna and
retail shops as accessory uses. This use may also be referred to as
a health club.
A building or buildings that can be divided for use by one
tenant or multiple tenants primarily for office, light manufacturing,
pilot manufacturing, research and development, warehousing, and associated
administrative space.
The channel of the watercourse and portions of the adjoining
floodplains which are reasonably required to carry and discharge the
one-hundred-year frequency flood. Unless otherwise specified, the
boundary of the floodway is as indicated on maps and flood insurance
studies provided by FEMA. In an area where no FEMA maps or studies
have defined the boundary of the one-hundred-year frequency flood,
it is assumed, absent evidence to the contrary, that the floodway
extends from the stream to 50 feet from the top of the bank of the
stream.
A habitable area of uniform vertical elevation that is contained
within the outside walls of a building or structure.
See "first floor."
An obstacle of man-made materials and/or vegetation which
directs bees in flight upwards, toward the sky.
[Added by Ord. No. 685, 4/3/2019]
The management of forests and timberlands when practiced
in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing,
cultivating, harvesting, transporting and selling trees for commercial
purposes which does not involve any land development.
CLEAR-CUTTINGA forestry harvesting and regeneration technique that removes all the trees, regardless of size, in an area in one operation.
SELECTION CUTTINGA forestry harvesting and regeneration technique in which specific trees are removed according to their size and specie.
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 or the vehicles. The term "freight terminal"
shall not be construed to include an airport cargo facility, as defined
in this chapter under "airport."
See "building setback line, front."
See definition under "yard."
The length of a lot line bordering a street that is open
to vehicular traffic.
The retail sale of motor vehicle fuel, including gasoline,
diesel, and compressed natural gas.
A building used for the embalming of the deceased prior to
burial, but not including, cremation, and for the viewing of the deceased
and ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation.
An establishment in which legal betting activities, parimutuel wagering activities, gambling activities and the playing of games of chance or mixed chance and skill are conducted and/or permitted under the laws of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania including, but not limited to, any establishment, business and/or facility regulated and/or licensed by the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Commission, and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Industry Reform Act, 4 P.S. § 325.11 et seq., as amended, and the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, 4 Pa.C.S.A. § 1101 et seq., as amended. This definition shall include an off-track betting facility as defined herein. For purposes of this chapter, a gaming enterprise shall be considered a use not expressly listed as a permitted use, conditional use, or special exception in any zoning district and, therefore, subject to the requirements of § 27-206 of this chapter.
See "private garage."
See definition under "apartment."
See "finished grade."
A retail store in excess of 10,000 square feet of gross floor
area which primarily sells meat and food products but which may also
include as accessory uses one or more of the following: a pharmacy,
a florist, a dry cleaner, travel agent, video rental, banking, copy/fax
services, delicatessen or coffee shop.
[Added by Ord. 667, 9/6/2017]
The total acreage of a lot.
The sum of the gross horizontal area of several floors of
a principal building or buildings located on the same lot. All dimensions
shall be measured between exterior faces of walls. For purposes of
an accessory structure, gross floor area shall mean the sum of the
gross horizontal area of the floor(s) of an accessory structure, as
measured between the exterior faces of walls.
Same as "first floor."
See definition under "solar photovoltaic system."
[Added by Ord. 660, 1/4/2016]
Water source that is located between saturated soil and rock
and is capable of supplying wells and springs.
An establishment including, but not limited to, an assisted
living facility, independent living facility and personal care home,
that provides room and board to persons who are residents by virtue
of receiving supervised specialized services limited to health, social
and/or rehabilitative services provided by governmental agencies,
their licensed or certified agents, or any responsible nonprofit corporation
meeting the minimum requirements of the sponsoring agency. Supervision
shall be provided by responsible adults whose number shall be determined
and certified by the sponsoring agency; however, no less than one
responsible adult shall always be in the actual facility on a twenty-four-hour
basis. The number of residents shall not exceed 14 persons, excluding
supervisory adults and the children of supervisory adults. This category
shall not include correctional facilities or other facilities operated
by or under the jurisdiction of any government bureau of corrections
or similar institution.
A dwelling unit in a residential area where room and board
are provided to six or fewer unrelated persons of any age who are
permanent residents, who are mentally or physically handicapped and
who are in need of supervision and specialized services, including
necessary staff who may or may not reside in the dwelling and who
provide health, social and/or rehabilitative services to the residents;
such services being provided by a governmental agency, its licensed
or certified agents or any other responsible nonprofit corporation
meeting the minimum requirements of the sponsoring agency. This category
shall not include facilities operated by or under the jurisdiction
of any government bureau of corrections or similar institution.
The cleaning of underbrush from a well-treed area.
Same as "fitness center."
The mechanical or chemical transformation of raw materials
or substances into new products or other raw materials or any manufacturing
process not included in the definition of "light manufacturing."
See definition under "restaurant."
See definition under "apartment."
The Historic Preservation Plan of the Township, as amended
from time to time.
[Added by Ord. 669, 9/6/2017]
Any frame hive, box hive, box, or other receptacle or container,
natural or artificial, or any part thereof, which may be used or employed
as a domicile for honey bees.
[Added by Ord. No. 685, 4/3/2019]
A business or commercial activity administered or conducted
as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the use as a residential
dwelling, but which does not meet the requirements of a no-impact
home-based business.
An establishment that provides diagnostic health services
and extensive medical, surgical and/or psychiatric services and/or
treatment either through inpatient care or on an emergency outpatient
basis.
An establishment which provides transient lodging accommodations
to the general public in sleeping units which each have independent
access to a common interior corridor and which may provide such additional
supporting services as restaurants, meeting and banquet rooms, recreation
facilities, and living quarters for a resident manager or proprietor.
Equipment used to heat, cool or ventilate a structure.
[Added by Ord. 660, 1/4/2016]
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. Hydric soils in the Township include those listed
in Appendix 27-E "Hydric Soils in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania."
The percentage of the total lot area, which is covered by
impervious surface.
A surface which resists the entrance or passing through of
water or other liquids and prevents the percolation of water into
the ground.
Any establishment which provides amusement, recreation or
entertainment for the general public within a completely enclosed
structure for a fee or admission charge including, but not limited
to, bowling alleys, billiard and pool halls, and amusement arcade.
A gaming enterprise, a nightclub, and/or a shooting range shall not
be considered an indoor entertainment center.
The manufacturing, compounding, assembling, processing, packaging
or treatment of raw material or other products.
A channel or watercourse that shows or contains flowing water
only part of the time.
A facility for the encouragement and conduct of international
trade that may include an exposition hall, conference and training
center and business or governmental offices.
Any discarded material, articles or things including, but
not limited to, scrap, copper, brass, rope, rags, batteries, paper,
trash, rubber debris, water, iron, steel and other old or scrap ferrous
or nonferrous material. Any wrecked, ruined, dismantled, abandoned,
nonoperable, disabled or junked motor vehicles or parts thereof, or
motor vehicles no longer used as such.
Any vehicle which is without a currently valid license plate
or state registration and is in a rusted, wrecked, discharged, dismantled,
partly dismantled, inoperative, or abandoned condition, or for which
the certificate of title has been returned to PennDOT in accordance
with the provisions of the State Vehicle Code, or which by its appearance
is unsightly and not in repairable condition, or which has been declared
abandoned according to provisions of Township ordinances or the State
Vehicle Code. Where a certificate of junk has been issued by PennDOT,
such certificate shall be conclusive evidence that the subject vehicle
is a junk vehicle; however, where no such certificate has been issued
or applied for, the failure to have the vehicle licensed shall be
prima facie evidence that the subject vehicle is a junk vehicle. Also
included in this definition is any trailer, semitrailer or any other
article which would be classified as a vehicle, as well as any disabled,
abandoned, nonoperable, nonregistered, wrecked, ruined or dismantled
motor vehicle.
Any yard, lot or place covered or uncovered, outdoors or
in an enclosed building, containing junk as defined herein, upon which
occurs one or more acts or buying, keeping, storing, accumulating,
dismantling, processing, recycling, salvaging, selling, or offering
for sale, any such junk, in whole units or by parts, or any premises
used for the storage of junk vehicles. This definition shall not include
a transfer station, licensed or permitted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
or a recycling center, licensed or permitted by the Township. In no
district shall this use be considered to be accessory or incidental
to another use.
Maintaining horses and/or ponies for personal use of the
residents of the lot, not involving any profit-making activity such
as boarding, riding instruction or training of horses owned by persons
other than residents of the lot.
An establishment where six or more domestic pets that are
six months or older are kept, bred, trained, or boarded at any one
time, whether for profit or not. A kennel shall not be considered
a no-impact home-based business, or a home occupation, or an accessory
use to a residential dwelling, unless specifically permitted by this
chapter.
A building or portion of a building in which is located facilities
for scientific or technical research, investigation, testing, experimentation,
or observation, but not facilities for the manufacture or sale of
products, except as incidental to the main purpose of the laboratory.
A laboratory shall not be considered a medical clinic, as defined
in this chapter.
Shall be defined as:
Any of the following activities:
The improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts
or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings,
whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential
building on a lot or lots regardless of the number of occupants or
tenure.
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.
A subdivision of land.
Development in accordance with § 503(1.1) of the MPC,
53 P.S. § 10503(1.1).
As used in this definition of "land development", the term "improvement"
shall include, but not be limited to:
Construction of a new principal building.
Construction of an addition to an existing building.
A change in the use of an existing building or lot resulting
in an increase in the area of the lot covered by a building and/or
an impervious surface.
Construction, reconstruction, and/or renovation of an existing
principal building the cost of which is equal to or greater than 40%
of the fair market value of the subject property as established by
the current Allegheny County property assessment records.
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 or
she is authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner;
or other persons having a proprietary interest in the land.
A landscape architect licensed as such in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
A wall less than three feet in height and used in the art
of modifying the features of a landscape solely for aesthetic purposes.
Any land used to raise trees, shrubs, flowers, and other
plants for wholesale or retail purposes or for transplanting.
A qualitative measure describing operational conditions within
a traffic stream; generally described in terms of such factors as
speed, freedom to maneuver, traffic, interruptions, comfort, convenience,
and safety. Levels of service are designated A through F, with LOS
A indicating the best service and LOS F indicating the worst service.
A public facility in which literary, musical, artistic, or
reference materials, including, but not limited to, books, manuscripts,
computers, recordings, or films, are kept for use by or loaning to
patrons of the facility, but are not normally offered for sale. An
adult oriented business shall not be considered a library.
A facility having a certificate of authority from the commonwealth
to provide continuing care (as the term is defined in the Continuing
Care Provider Registration and Disclosure Act, 40 P.S. § 3203,
as amended) and which facility provides for the transitional residency
of its residents progressing from independent living in single-family
dwellings, duplexes, quadplexes, and/or apartments to an assisted
living facility and/or personal care home, and which facility may
include a nursing home.
[Amended by Ord. 661, 6/1/2016; and by Ord. No. 676, 10/3/2018]
The processing and fabrication of certain materials and products
where no process involved produces noise, vibration, air pollution,
fire hazard or noxious emission which will disturb or endanger neighboring
properties. "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 metal castings; film processing; light sheet
metal products; plastic goods; pharmaceutical goods; and food products,
but not animal slaughtering or curing nor rendering of fats.
Animals used or raised on a farm, whether for home use or
profit including, but not limited to, cattle, horses, pigs, sheep,
chickens and turkeys.
The total composite of all off-street structures and facilities
for a loading and unloading area to include, but not limited to, the
loading space(s), docking approach, access drive(s) and all related
accessory facilities.
An off-street space or berth on the same lot with a building
or contiguous to a group of buildings, for the temporary stopping
of commercial vehicles while loading or unloading merchandise or materials
and which abuts upon an appropriate means of vehicular access.
See "forestry."
A tract of land in a plan of subdivision or any other parcel
of land described in a deed or legal instrument pursuant to the laws
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania intended to be used as a unit
for development or transfer of ownership. General illustrations of
lots are provided in Appendix 27-B.
The area of a lot measured on a horizontal plane bounded
by all lot lines of the subject lot, exclusive of any area within
a street right-of-way.
That percentage of the total lot area which is covered by
all principal and accessory structures, including any parking structure/garage,
on the lot.
The mean horizontal distance between the front lot line and
rear lot line.
A boundary line of a lot, which may be used to describe such
lot and often used in description of a contiguous lot.
A lot line separating the lot from the street.
The lot line not intersecting a front lot line that is most
distant from and most closely parallel to the front lot line. A lot
bounded by only three lot lines will not have a rear lot line.
Any lot line which is not a front lot line or a rear lot
line.
A lot which is part of a subdivision plat duly recorded in
the office of the Allegheny County Department of Real Estate identified
in those records by plan book volume and page number or other similar
approved recording citation.
The mean horizontal distance across the lot between the side
lot lines, measured at the front building setback line unless otherwise
stated.
See definition under "restaurant."
The mechanical or chemical transformation of materials or
substances into new products, including the assembling of component
parts, the creation of products and the blending of materials.
Any business or part thereof where massage services are provided
by a person having graduated from a massage therapy training program
approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools,
or equivalent agency if trained in another state, by a person certified
through a massage therapy certification exam approved by the National
Commission for Certifying Agencies, by a person certified through
the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork,
or by a person who is a practitioner or higher level member of the
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and
Massage Professionals (ABMP), or International Massage Association
(IMA).
A fully or partially roofed and walled enclosure or screening,
constructed on the top of a building solely to enclose heating, ventilation,
air conditioning, electrical, or other mechanical and/or public safety
equipment that serves the building on which it is erected, and which
is designed to protect such equipment from the elements in order to
extend the equipment's longevity or to provide for the safe year-round
maintenance of the equipment, that is neither designed, nor is permitted
to be used, as regularly occupied space.
An establishment, excluding a medical office and business
or professional office, where two or more medical professionals licensed
by the Pennsylvania Department of Health provide diagnostic health,
medical, surgical and/or psychiatric services and/or treatment to
the general public, where patients are not provided with board or
kept overnight, and shall include such uses as reception areas, waiting
areas, consultation rooms, x-ray and minor operating rooms and a dispensary,
provided that all such uses have access only from the interior of
the building or structure.
An establishment where one or more licensed medical professionals,
provide diagnosis and treatment by appointment to the general public,
without surgical procedures or pharmacy, where patients are not provided
with board or kept overnight, and shall include such uses as reception
areas, offices, consultation rooms, and x-ray, provided that all such
uses have access only from the interior of the building or structure.
Shall be defined consistent with the definition of "medical
marijuana" contained in the Medical Marijuana Act.
[Added by Ord. 664, 2/1/2017]
The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act, 35 P.S. § 10231.101
et seq., as amended.
[Added by Ord. 664, 2/1/2017]
Shall be defined consistent with the definition of "dispensary"
contained in the Medical Marijuana Act.
[Added by Ord. 664, 2/1/2017]
Shall be defined consistent with the definition of "grower/processor"
contained in the Medical Marijuana Act.
[Added by Ord. 664, 2/1/2017]
See definition under "sign."
A facility owned and operated by a private for-profit entity,
a private nonprofit entity or the Allegheny County Department of Human
Services Bureau of Drug and Alcohol where the drug "methadone" or
similar substances are prescribed and administered for the treatment,
maintenance or detoxification of persons. A methadone treatment facility
shall be considered a medical clinic, as defined by this chapter.
Land and/or buildings owned and/or operated by the United
States Department of Defense or approved for the training of military
personnel, maintenance and development of military vehicles and equipment
and/or administrative purposes.
Mineral extraction shall include all activity which removes
from the surface or beneath the surface of the land some material,
mineral resource, natural resource or other element of economic value
by means of mechanical excavation necessary to separate the desired
material from an undesirable one; or to remove the strata or material
which overlies or is above the desired material in its natural condition
and position. Open pit mining includes, but is not limited to, the
excavation necessary to the extraction of sand, gravel, topsoil, limestone,
sandstone, coal, clay, shale and iron ore. Oil and gas extraction,
excavation for the purposes of grading a building lot or roadway and
the removal of grass or sod for landscaping, or the removal of materials
from a lot for use on that same lot shall not be considered mineral
extraction.
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
and peat.
A building that is a maximum of five stories in height and
which houses both nonresidential and residential uses. At least 25%
of the gross floor area of a mixed-use building must have nonresidential
uses, such as retail store, office, restaurant, medical office, etc.;
provided, however, that a parking structure/garage and accessory uses
shall not be considered in such calculation. The street-level facade
of a mixed-use building must have individual expression by creating
a very regular pattern of large storefront openings (to include windows
and glass doors).
[Added by Ord. No. 674,
9/5/2018]
The development of a single tract of land where commercial
and industrial land uses permitted within a mixed-use district are
combined.
The development of a tract of land by a university/college for a combination of those uses permitted in the MEO Mixed-Use Educational Overlay District, as set forth in § 27-205 and Table 27-1 (Use Table) of this chapter.
A 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 incidental unpacking and assembly operations.
A parcel of land in a mobile home park improved with the
necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for
the erection thereon of a single mobile home, which is leased by the
park owner to the occupants of the mobile home erected on the lot.
A parcel of land under single ownership which has been planned
and improved for the placement of mobile homes for nontransient use,
consisting of two or more mobile home lots.
An establishment which provides transient lodging accommodations
to the general public in units which each have independent access
directly to the outside and which may provide such additional supporting
services as restaurants, meeting and banquet rooms, recreation facilities,
and living quarters for a resident manager or proprietor.
Any land development which proposes three or more multi-family
dwelling units.
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10101
et seq., as amended and re-enacted.
A fossil fuel consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbon gases,
primarily methane, and possibly including ethane, propane, butane,
pentane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide and
other gas species. The term includes natural gas from oil fields known
as associated gas or casing head gas, natural gas fields known as
nonassociated gas, coal beds, shale beds and other formations. The
term does not include coal bed methane.
A facility designed and constructed to compress natural gas
that originates from a natural gas well or collection of such wells
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.
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.
Communication devices utilized in aiding the navigation of
aircraft.
An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of frequently
or recurrently needed goods for household consumption, such as prepackaged
food and beverages, and limited household supplies and hardware. Neighborhood
convenience stores shall not include fuel pumps or the selling of
fuel for motor vehicles. Typical uses include neighborhood markets
and country stores.
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 leasable space, lobbies, rest rooms,
storage (except in conjunction with warehouses and other industrial
uses) and equipment rooms, food preparation areas in a restaurant,
interior vehicle parking or loading areas and any other areas not
accessible to the general public.
A commercial enterprise (including all or a portion of a
restaurant, bar, hotel or motel) which offers dancing and entertainment,
either live or recorded, and may be characterized by low light levels,
closely packed tables and/or a dance floor, whether or not the consumption
of alcoholic beverages is permitted or allowed on the premises. Nightclubs
shall not include banquet facilities, private clubs, recreation facilities
or other buildings used primarily for social gatherings of members
of condominiums, cooperatives, homeowner associations, civic, charitable
or fraternal organizations which periodically have dances, stage shows,
or music, and alcoholic beverage consumption and admission fees. For
purposes of this definition, entertainment shall not include television
viewing of sporting events, programs, or movies.
A business or commercial activity administered or conducted as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the use as residential dwelling and which involves no customer, client or patient traffic, whether vehicular or pedestrian, pick up, delivery or removal functions to or from the premises, in excess of those normally associated with residential use, and which otherwise complies with the requirements of § 27-517 of this chapter.
A structure, or part of a structure, manifestly not designed
to comply with the applicable minimum yard or other dimensional requirements
of this chapter, or an amendment hereafter enacted, which lawfully
existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or any subsequent amendment.
Such nonconforming structures include, but are not limited to, nonconforming
signs.
A lot which does not comply with the applicable area and
dimensional requirements of this chapter, or an amendment hereinafter
enacted, which lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter
or any subsequent amendment.
A use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply
with the applicable use provisions of this chapter, or amendment hereafter
enacted, which lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter
or any subsequent amendment.
Any use other than single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling,
multi-family dwellings, or quadplex.
See definition under "recreation facility."
Any use that is nonresidential. Also, an institutional use
in which persons may reside, such as a dormitory, correctional facility,
nursing home, or hospital shall be considered a nonresidential use.
Any land that does not contain sensitive natural resources and as otherwise defined in § 27-422 of this chapter.
Same as "landscaping center."
An establishment, licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
engaged in providing a patient nursing and health-related personal
care, utilizing in whole or part licensed and/or registered nurses,
excluding hospital services and excluding day-to-day personal care
which is not health care by licensed or registered nurses.
A facility in which pari-mutuel wagering is conducted by
a licensed racing entity, other than the horse racetrack where live
racing is conducted, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Race Horse Industry
Reform Act, 4 P.S. § 325.101 et seq., as amended. For purposes
of this chapter, an off-track betting facility shall be considered
a gaming enterprise, as defined herein.
Same as "business or professional office."
See "business or professional office."
The Township Official Map established by the Official Map Ordinance [Chapter 14].
Chapter 14 of the Moon Township Code of Ordinances, Official Map, as amended.
The term includes the following:
Well location assessment, including seismic operations, well
site preparation, construction, drilling, hydraulic fracturing and
site restoration associated with an oil or gas well of any depth.
Water and other fluid storage or impoundment areas used exclusively
for oil and gas operations.
Public or private land used for passive recreation, resource
protection, amenity and/or buffers, not including any area of a lot,
any part of an existing or future street right-of-way, easement of
access, or areas set aside for public or private utilities, stormwater
facilities, and easements.
The storage of materials, equipment, containers, and/or trailers
outside of a completely enclosed building. The term "outdoor storage"
shall not be construed to include: (1) outdoor storage of motorized
vehicles (such as automobiles, boats and buses) that do not constitute
junk vehicles; or (2) outdoor storage conducted as an accessory use
in association with the operation of an airport, as that term is defined
in this chapter, provided the requirements contained in the definition
of "airport" contained in this section are met.
A zoning district that encompasses one or more underlying
zoning districts and that imposes additional requirements or provisions
above that required by the underlying zoning district.
Same as "landowner."
An area specifically designed for outdoor use for active
or passive recreation purposes, open space and/or sports that offers
all of its activities and services to the general public for no fee
or charge; provided, however, a park owned by the federal, state,
county and/or Township may charge fees for usage or activities that
are established by the appropriate governing body or governmental
entity. 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 planned residential development,
that is dedicated, either publicly or privately, specifically for
the use as a park, open space, and/or active or passive recreation
area.
An area utilized to meet the parking requirements of this
chapter, including the parking aisles that provide access to the parking
spaces, but not including any streets or driveways that provide access
to the parking lot.
An off-street space available for the parking of a vehicle.
Occupancy of one space shall not restrict ingress or egress to another
space.
A building with multiple stories of off-street parking spaces
where vehicles are temporarily stored, with or without a nominal fee,
in association with occupational, commercial, entertainment, municipal,
educational or residential use.
Recreation facilities that generally do not require a developed
site, involve existing natural resources, and have a minimal impact
on the subject property and adjacent properties.
An outside surfaced area having no roof and no more than
three sides walled or fenced and which is considered a part of the
principal building.
An underlying prepared base or support of cemented concrete
blocks or similar masonry placed upon a footer (the footer must be
below the frost line) upon which a structure is placed and completely
encloses the structure exclusive of half-windows, windows or doors.
An authorized use allowed by right, which may be granted
by the Zoning Officer upon compliance with the requirements of this
chapter.
Unless otherwise specified, person shall mean the singular
and plural, male or female, firm, business, partnership, association,
limited liability company or corporation, or any other legal entity.
Shall be defined consistent with the definition of "personal
care home" contained in the state regulations for personal care homes
found in 55 Pa. Code § 2600.4, as amended.
[Added by Ord. 661, 6/1/2016]
Same as "nursing home."
Any enterprise providing domestic commodities and 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.
A retail store not exceeding 7,000 square feet of gross floor
area which primarily sells prescription drugs, patient medicines,
and surgical and sickroom supplies.
A semiconductor-based device that converts light directly
into electricity.
[Added by Ord. 660, 1/4/2016]
An establishment or part thereof which may be used to test
concepts and ideas and determine physical layouts, material flows
and processes, types of equipment required, costs and other information
necessary prior to undertaking full-scale production, and which may
include the conduct of small-scale product runs under simulated production
conditions.
An institution of any denomination where people regularly
observe, practice or participate in religious or spiritual services,
meetings, or activities.
A development of land controlled by one landowner to be developed as a single entity for a combination of nonresidential uses, and limited residential uses, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and Part 11 hereof.
A development of land controlled by one landowner to be developed as a single entity for a number of dwelling units or a combination of residential and nonresidential uses in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and Part 10 hereof.
The Planning Commission of the Township.
The Planning Director of the Township, the authorized designee
of the Township Manager and/or the authorized designee of the Board
of Supervisors.
A map or plan, either preliminary or final, presented to
the Township for approval, indicating the subdivision, consolidation
or redivision of land or a land development.
An area specifically designed for outdoor recreational use
by children that offers all of its activities and services to the
general public for no fee or charge. A playground shall also include
a parcel of land or portion thereof owned by a homeowners association
or condominium association, as part of a Township-approved subdivision,
land development and/or planned residential development, specifically
designed for outdoor recreational use by children.
A covered structure projecting from the front, side or rear
wall of a building and which is considered a part of the principal
building.
A specialized bituminous (asphalt) paving mixture with a
crushed stone storage bed below designed to serve as a storage/infiltration
structure or a sub-surface detention basin.
A container, that is not affixed to the land, that is designed
for temporary, short-term storage.
A facility owned and maintained by the United States Postal
Service for the purpose of distributing mail to the public.
Any lot, parcel or tract of land and any building constructed
thereon.
Land whose topography has been altered by the activities
of man prior to the enactment of Ord. 543 on December 18, 2002. Previously
disturbed land shall include, without limitation, strip-mined areas
and high walls adjacent thereto, shallow mining which has created
a likelihood of subsidence, waste disposal, previous grading for development,
mineral removal, borrow and fill areas. Previously disturbed land
shall not include disturbances such as landslides, natural erosion
or other acts of God. Land which has been subject to forestry or agriculture
shall not be considered previously disturbed land.
The building(s) or structure(s) on a lot in which the principal
use or uses are conducted.
The main use of land or structures, as distinguished from
a subordinate or an accessory use.
Owned, operated or controlled by an individual, group of
individuals, association or corporation, not for profit, and restricted
to members who meet certain qualifications and their guests.
Any establishment operated by a private organization for
social, recreational, educational, fraternal or social purposes, but
open only to members and their guests and not to the general public.
An accessory building or a portion of the residential principal
building used for the storage of one or more motor vehicles, equipment,
or personal property of the occupants of the residential principal
building on the subject property, provided that no business, occupation,
or commercial activity is conducted therein.
All roads, streets, walkways, gutters, stormwater management facilities, curbs, sewers, and other facilities to be owned, maintained, or operated by a private entity as an individual, corporation, or homeowners association for which plans and specifications must comply with the provisions of this chapter, the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22], the Township Standard Details, and all other Township ordinances and regulations.
Same as "business or professional office."
Same as "lot line."
A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Board
of Supervisors, Planning Commission or Zoning Hearing Board, intended
to inform and obtain public comment, prior to taking action in accordance
with the MPC and/or this chapter.
All streets, walkways, gutters, stormwater management facilities, curbs, sewers, and other facilities to be dedicated to and accepted by or maintained by the Township or other public entity for which plans and specifications must comply with the provisions of this chapter, the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22], the Township Standard Details, and all other Township ordinances and regulations.
A forum held pursuant to notice under the Pennsylvania Sunshine
Act, 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq., as amended.
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 public hearing and the particular
nature of the matter to be considered at the public 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 public hearing.
Land reserved by way of public ownership or dedication for
use as a road, street, alley, crosswalk, pedestrian way, sidewalk,
trail, or other public purpose.
A municipal sanitary sewer system approved and permitted
by DEP and owned and operated by a municipality or a municipal authority.
A system providing distribution of water, gas, electric,
or telephone services, or the collection and disposal of waste water,
such system operating as a municipal authority or under the rules
and regulations of the Public Utility Commission (PUC). This definition
does not include any system or device used for the transmission or
reception of radio, television, wireless telephone, pager, commercial
mobile radio service or any other wireless communications signals.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or any agency
successor thereto.
A structure, owned or operated by a public utility regulated
by the Public Utility Commission (PUC), designed and used to support
overhead electricity, telephone, or other transmission lines.
A municipal water supply facility approved and permitted
by DEP and owned and operated by a municipality or a municipal authority,
or a water supply facility owned by a public utility and operated
in accordance with a certificate of public convenience granted by
the Public Utility Commission (PUC).
Facilities and structures owned by a governmental entity
and used for the storage, treatment, and distribution of potable water,
the collection of sewage and/or the maintenance of municipal streets,
structures, and other municipal utilities.
See definition under "dwelling."
A course or facility where motor vehicles including, but not limited to, automobiles, trucks, go-carts, motorcycles, model airplanes and similar vehicles, are driven and/or operated for recreation, testing and/or competition; or any course or facility where animals are raced for competition. For purposes of this chapter, a racetrack shall be considered a use not expressly listed as a permitted use, a conditional use, or a special exception in any zoning district and, therefore, subject to the requirements of § 27-206 of this chapter.
See "building setback line, rear."
See definition under "yard."
An establishment offering recreation, sports or leisure time
activities, and for purposes of this chapter "recreation facility"
is specifically defined and delineated as nonresidential recreation
facility and residential recreation facility defined below; provided,
however, a gaming enterprise, indoor entertainment center, nightclub,
racetrack, shooting range and/or stadium shall not be considered a
recreation facility.
NONRESIDENTIAL RECREATION FACILITYA recreation facility that is conducive to a nonresidential zoning district and that satisfies the standards, criteria and requirements of this chapter, including but not limited to those contained in § 27-849 of this chapter.
RESIDENTIAL RECREATION FACILITYA recreation facility that is conducive to a residential zoning district and that satisfies the standards, criteria and requirements of this chapter, including, but not limited to, those contained in § 27-518 of this chapter.
Landslide-prone soils including the following soil types
as defined by the Allegheny County Conservation District:
Any establishment, including laboratories, which carries
on investigation in the natural, physical, or social sciences and
engineering and development as an extension of such investigation
with the objective of creating end products and which may include
supporting storage and transportation facilities and pilot manufacturing,
as defined by this chapter, as an accessory use.
Any single-family dwelling, two-family dwelling, multi-family
dwelling, or quadplex use.
See definition under "recreation facility."
Any use that is residential.
An establishment where the principal business is the sale
of food and beverages to the public in a ready-to-consume state, where
the food preparation is completed in the on-site kitchen, and where
the design or principal method of operation consists of one or more
of the following:
HIGH TURNOVER RESTAURANTA restaurant where food is inexpensive or moderately priced and the customer turnover time is generally less than one hour, including drive-through restaurants and take-out establishments.
LOW TURNOVER RESTAURANTA restaurant where food is more expensively priced than in a high turnover restaurant and where the customer turnover time is generally one hour or longer.
DRIVE-THROUGH RESTAURANTA restaurant which includes a principal building and adjoining parking area used for the purpose of furnishing food and beverages to the public normally for consumption outside the confines of the principal building, or in vehicles parked upon the premises, regardless of whether or not seats are provided inside for patrons.
|
A restaurant does not include establishments where food service
is subordinate or incidental to the consumption of alcoholic beverages,
to entertainment, to the sale of merchandise or nonfood related services.
|
A business 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. An adult oriented business shall not be considered
a retail store.
A land set aside for use as a street, alley or other means
of travel.
See "street right-of-way line."
A male chicken.
[Added by Ord. No. 685, 4/3/2019]
A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid,
open mesh, or bar configured and is in the shape of a shallow disk
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.
A public or private establishment approved by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania to provide formal academic and/or vocational education
at the elementary and secondary levels.
Facilities, structures or property owned by a school used
exclusively for the storage of equipment, vehicles or materials to
maintain school buildings and property.
A masonry wall, solid board fence with finished side toward
an adjacent use or a screen planting used to conceal from the view
of the occupants of an adjoining use, the structures and uses on the
premises on which the visual screen is located.
See definition under "forestry."
A building or group of buildings in a controlled access and
fenced compound that contains various sizes of individual compartmentalized
and controlled-access rooms, stalls and/or lockers for the storage
of the customer's goods and belongings.
A building without overnight sleeping facilities or accommodations
that is used to provide daytime care, education, entertainment and
dining services to elderly persons.
Unique and environmentally fragile lands that are susceptible
to negative ecological impacts created by land development and as
further identified in Part 4B of this chapter.
Any land that contains sensitive natural resources.
An accessory structure in the form of a propane tank, dumpster,
air conditioning unit and condenser, electrical transformer, and other
similar equipment or element providing service to a building or lot.
Same as "adult oriented business."
An accessory building used for the storage of equipment or
personal property of the occupants of a residential principal building
on the subject property, provided that no business, occupation, or
commercial activity is conducted therein.
A group of commercial businesses developed, owned and maintained
as a single entity and sharing a common parking lot.
Any dwelling unit rented for the purpose of overnight lodging
for a period of not less than one day and not more than 60 days in
exchange for rent, compensation or renumeration of any kind. The term
does not include a hotel or motel.
[Added by Ord. No. 697,
7/6/2022]
See "building setback line, side."
See definition under "yard."
The maximum extent of unobstructed vision (in a horizontal
or vertical plane) along a street from a vehicle located at any given
point on the street. The safe stopping sight distance for the vertical
curves on roadway pavement shall be calculated with an eye level of
3.75 feet above the pavement. (See "clear sight triangle").
Any surface fabric, device or structure bearing lettered,
pictorial or sculptured matter intended, designed, or used to convey
information visually and exposed to public view, which directs attention
to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization,
or business. The term "sign" does not apply to a flag, emblem or insignia
of a nation, political unit, school, or religious group.
ANIMATED SIGNA changeable sign which employs actual motion or the illusion of motion.
ARCADE SIGNA sign suspended beneath a ceiling of an arcade, a roof or 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.
AWNING SIGNA sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface or surfaces of an awning.
BILLBOARDAn off-premises sign which advertises a business, organization, establishment, activity, event, person, product or service not principally located or sold on the premises where the billboard is located.
BULLETIN BOARD SIGNA changeable sign, in the form of a freestanding ground sign, designed and used to announce events, such as those used by places of worship and schools.
BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION SIGNA sign which contains the name, address and/or goods, services, facilities or events available on the premises.
CHANGEABLE SIGNA sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote input, including signs which are:
ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATED CHANGEABLE SIGNA changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed by electrical or digital means on a display surface. Illumination may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light-emitting devices; or it may be from an external light source designed to reflect off the changeable component display. Electronic message signs, animated signs and digital signs shall be considered electrically activated changeable signs.
MANUALLY ACTIVATED CHANGEABLE SIGNA changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed manually.
CONSTRUCTION SIGNA temporary sign announcing the name of contractors, mechanics or artisans engaged in performing work on the premises.
DEVELOPMENT SIGNA temporary sign erected during the period of construction and/or development of a property by the contractor and developer or their agent.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGNAn electrically activated changeable sign whose variable message capability can be electronically programmed.
FLASHING SIGNAny illuminated sign or device in which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and/or constant in intensity and color at all times.
FREESTANDING SIGNA sign permanently affixed to the ground and not attached to any building or other structure, including:
GROUND SIGNA sign that is affixed to the ground by means of a permanent foundation other than a freestanding frame, mast or pole.
POLE SIGNA sign erected and maintained on a free-standing frame, mast or pole.
GROSS SIGN SURFACE AREAThe entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of a sign, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed, excluding necessary supports or uprights upon which such sign is placed. For signs utilizing individual letters or figures or characters mounted directly on the wall or face of a structure, the gross sign surface area shall be the entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the sign. For two-sided signs, only one sign face is counted in computing the gross sign surface area of the sign.
GROUND SIGNSee definition of "ground sign" under "freestanding sign."
IDENTIFICATION SIGNA sign used to identify only the name of the individual or organization occupying the premises, the profession of the occupant, the name of the building on which the sign is displayed, and the address of the property.
INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGNA sign which is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices external to, and reflected on, the sign, which lighting is stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times and which is shielded so that the illumination is concentrated on the face of the sign and there is no spillover of illumination or glare beyond the face of the sign.
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNA sign which is lighted by means of lamps or lighting devices internal to the sign, which lighting is either behind the face of the sign or is an integral part of the sign structure and the advertising effect.
MENU BOARDA freestanding sign oriented to the drive-through lane for a high-turnover restaurant that advertises the menu items available from the drive-through window of such restaurant.
MOVING SIGNAny sign or any part thereof located on said sign which oscillates, rotates or moves.
NOTIFICATION SIGNSigns bearing legal and/or property notices such as "no trespassing," "private property," "no turnaround," "safety zone," "no hunting" and similar messages, and signs posted by a governmental agency for traffic control or the safety of the general public.
OFF-PREMISES DIRECTIONAL SIGNA sign, other than a "billboard," erected by a governmental agency and which directs the public to an establishment, activity, person, product or service which is not sold, produced or available on the premises on which the sign is located.
ON-PREMISES DIRECTIONAL SIGNA sign which directs and/or instructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic to parking areas, entrances, exits, loading areas, and similar facilities on the premises on which the sign is located, and which shall contain no advertising other than the business name or logo.
OVERHANGING SIGNA sign, other than a wall sign or arcade sign, affixed to a building or wall whose leading edge extends beyond such building or wall more than 12 inches including marquees or similar structures used for business identification.
POLE SIGNSee definition of "pole sign" under "freestanding sign."
POLITICAL SIGNA temporary sign which indicates the name, cause or affiliation of anyone seeking public office or which refers to an issue concerning which a public election is scheduled to be held.
PORTABLE SIGNA sign that is not attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located and which advertises the business conducted on the premises. This definition includes a wheeled sign.
REAL ESTATE SIGNA temporary sign advertising the sale or rental of a premise. The sign may also bear the words "sold," "sale pending" or "rented" across the sign face or attached.
RESIDENTIAL IDENTIFICATION SIGNA sign containing only the name and address of the occupant of the premises.
RESIDENTIAL PLAN IDENTIFICATION SIGNA permanent wall or freestanding ground sign containing only the name and address of a subdivision plan or a multi-family building or development.
ROOF SIGNA sign erected and maintained upon or above the roof of any building which projects no more than six feet above the roof.
SANDWICH BOARD SIGNA temporary sign which is placed in front of the entrance to the premises and advertises daily specials or other current matters related to the business conducted on the premises, and which is removed at the close of each day of business.
SIGN AREASee "gross sign surface area."
SIGN FACEThe area or display surface of a sign, including the advertising surface and any framing, trim, or molding, used for the message on a single pane.
TEMPORARY COMMUNITY EVENT SIGNA temporary sign of a decorative, festive and/or informative nature announcing activities, promotions or events having a broad community interest.
TEMPORARY SPECIAL EVENT SIGNA temporary sign that may include a banner, flag, pennant or similar display constructed of durable material, whose sole purpose is to advertise a special event.
WALL PROJECTING SIGNA sign attached or affixed to a wall of a building or structure and protruding from the wall surface in such a way that more than one face of the sign is visible.
WALL SIGNA sign attached to and erected parallel to the face of an outside wall of a building, projecting outward no more than 12 inches from the wall of the building.
WINDOW DISPLAY SIGNA sign or group of signs affixed to the inside of a display window in a commercial establishment which advertises a product or service available on the premises or which announces or promotes a special sale or event.
An informal plan, not necessarily to exact scale, indicating salient existing features of a tract and its surroundings, with the general layout of a proposal prepared in accordance with the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].
An establishment providing one or more social services for
an individual or family limited to counseling, referral, temporary
or disaster relief, welfare service, or similar human support services.
A medical clinic shall not be considered a social service agency.
See "solar photovoltaic system."
[Added by Ord. 660, 1/4/2016]
A solar collection system consisting of one or more building-mounted
solar systems and/or ground-mounted solar systems, solar photovoltaic
cells, panels or arrays and solar-related equipment that relies upon
solar radiation as an energy source for collection, inversion, storage
and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation. A solar
PV system is a generation system which: has a nameplate capacity of
not greater than 50 kilowatts if installed on a residential lot and
not greater than 3,000 kilowatts if installed on a nonresidential
lot; and does not produce excess on-site energy greater than currently
permitted by PUC guidelines. A solar PV system shall not be considered
a service structure. Solar PV system types shall include the following:
[Added by Ord. 660, 1/4/2016]
BUILDING-MOUNTED SOLAR SYSTEMA solar photovoltaic system attached to any part or type of roof on a lawfully permitted accessory or principal building on the subject lot. This system also includes any solar-based architectural elements.
GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR SYSTEMA solar photovoltaic system mounted on a structure, pole, or series of poles constructed specifically to support the solar photovoltaic system and not attached to any other structure.
A number of photovoltaic modules mounted such that they track
the movement of the sun across the sky to maximize energy production,
either with a single-axis or dual-axis mechanism.
[Added by Ord. 660, 1/4/2016]
An authorized use of a structure or land which may be granted
only by the Zoning Hearing Board after public hearing and in accordance
with express standards and criteria specified in this chapter. Also
referred to as a "use by special exception."
A large, open or enclosed place used for athletic competitions
and major events and partly or completely surrounded by tiers of seats
for spectators.
Same as "commonwealth."
An area where the inclination (vertical distance over horizontal
distance) of the land's surface is 15% or greater, and encompassing
a vertical grade differential of 10 feet within the slope. 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.
Chapter 23 of the Moon Township Code of Ordinances, Stormwater, as amended.
That portion of a building included between the surface of
any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there
is no floor above it, then the space between the surface of any floor
and the ceiling next above it. A basement shall be counted as a story
when more than 1/2 of such basement height is above the finished grade
of the lot.
A strip of land, including the entire right-of-way and cartway, utilized as a means of vehicular and pedestrian travel for more than one lot or parking compound. Street includes avenue, boulevard, road, highway, freeway, parkway, lane, alley, viaduct and any other ways used or intended to be used by vehicular traffic or pedestrians, whether public or private; however, "street" shall not include a driveway. Streets within the Township shall be defined and classified in accordance with the definitions and classifications set forth in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].
A line defining the edge of a street right-of-way and separating
the street from abutting property or lots. Also known as the "street
line" and/or "right-of-way line."
A tree planted in the front yard 12 feet from the front property
line and whose use is intended, in conjunction with other street trees,
to create a tree-lined street.
The visual elements along a street, including, but not limited
to, sidewalks, pedestrian amenities, street furniture, street trees
and landscaping, open space, and similar improvements, that combine
to form the street's character.
[Added by Ord. 669, 9/6/2017]
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 from one position to another.
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location
on or in land or water, whether or not it is affixed to the land.
The term "structure" includes, but is not limited to, buildings, gazebos,
storage sheds or containers, portable storage units, free-standing
posts, communications equipment structure, communications towers,
pillars, and similar objects.
The vertical distance from the average elevation at finished
grade level to the highest point of the structure.
The division or re-division 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.
Chapter 22 of the Moon Township Code of Ordinances, Subdivision and Land Development, as amended.
A commercial establishment storing or offering for sale building
supplies, steel supplies, coal, heavy equipment, feed and grain and
similar goods. "Supply yards" do not include the wrecking, salvaging,
dismantling or storage of automobiles, similar vehicles and junk.
The term "supply yard" shall not be construed to include supply yards
conducted as an accessory use in association with the operation of
the airport, provided the requirements contained in the definition
of "airport" contained in this section are met.
Selected retail stores, which are compatible with and support
the principal uses authorized in a business park.
A Professional land surveyor licensed as such in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
A building or structure intended to be used for a period
of six months or less, including, but not limited to, construction
or land sales trailers, tents, bleachers, air-supported structures,
seasonal displays, and similar structures.
An establishment inside a completely enclosed building devoted
to showing motion pictures and/or live dramatic or musical performances.
An adult oriented business shall not be considered a theater/auditorium.
See definition under "dwelling."
The Township of Moon, located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
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.
Buildings, structures and/or land owned, occupied, controlled
and/or operated by the Township or any of its agencies and used to
provide services to the residents of the Township. Township facilities
shall include, but not be limited to, administrative offices, public
works buildings, storage yards, libraries, police department facilities,
fire department facilities, recreation facilities, parks and playgrounds.
A professional forester duly retained and/or designated by
the Board of Supervisors, and/or the authorized designee of the Township
Manager, to serve as the Forester of the Township.
A professional arborist, landscape architect, or landscape
consultant duly retained and/or designated by the Board of Supervisors,
and/or the authorized designee of the Township Manager, to serve as
the Landscape Consultant of the Township.
The Manager of the Township duly appointed by the Board of
Supervisors, his authorized designee and/or the authorized designee
of the Board of Supervisors.
The Solicitor of the Township duly appointed by the Board
of Supervisors pursuant to the requirements of Article XI of the Second
Class Township Code, 53 P.S. §§ 66101-66103, as amended,
and/or his authorized designee.
The Township's accepted methods, materials, designs, details,
and practices for construction, repair, and replacement of certain
private improvements and public improvements prepared by the Township
Engineer and approved by the Board of Supervisors by resolution, as
may be amended from time to time. Copies of the current Township Standard
Details are on file in the offices of the Township Manager.
An area of land typically developed for a compatible mixture
of residential units for various income levels and nonresidential
commercial and workplace uses, including some structures that provide
for a mix of uses within the same building. Residences, shops, offices,
workplaces, public buildings and parks are interwoven within the neighborhood
so that all are within relatively close proximity to each other. Traditional
neighborhood development is relatively compact and oriented toward
pedestrian activity. It has an identifiable center and a discernible
edge. The center of the neighborhood is in the form of a public park,
commons, plaza, square or prominent intersection of two or more major
streets. Generally, there is a hierarchy of streets laid out with
an interconnected network of streets and blocks that provides multiple
routes from origins to destinations and is appropriately designed
to serve the needs of pedestrians and vehicles equally.
[Added by Ord. 669, 9/6/2017]
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 transportation network.
An educational institution, other than a commercial school,
authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to award baccalaureate
or higher degrees, including, principal uses for classrooms, libraries,
auditoriums, gymnasiums, stadiums, administrative offices, dormitories
and dining facilities, boarding houses, maintenance and operating
facilities as well as ancillary uses, such as research facilities,
retail services and businesses that support student, faculty and staff
needs.
An area not located within a building and not located in
a setback and/or yard established by this chapter.
[Added by Ord. 660, 1/4/2016]
The specific purpose for which land or a building is designed,
arranged, intended or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
The term "permitted use" or its equivalent shall not be deemed to
include any nonconforming use.
Same as "special exception."
Facilities that transmit and/or distribute to the general
public electric power, cable television and telephone communications.
A grant of relief, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter,
by the Zoning Hearing Board permitting a developer or a landowner
to use a property in a manner not wholly in accordance with this chapter
and the MPC, but specifying what modifications to strict conformance
with this chapter are permitted.
An establishment owned and operated by a veterinarian medical
doctor(s), certified in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the
medical or surgical treatment of domestic, agricultural or zoological
animals but excluding the boarding and grooming of animals not subject
to medical or surgical treatment.
Same as "warehousing."
An establishment for the storage and handling of freight
or merchandise, but not including, the maintenance or fueling of commercial
vehicles. The term "warehousing" shall not be construed to include
warehousing conducted as an accessory use in association with the
operation of an airport or airline activities in the AP District,
provided the requirements contained in the definition of "airport"
contained in this section are met.
Any natural or man-made receptacle or facility or the collection
and/or storage of water, whether permanent or temporary, used either
for swimming, boating or other recreational purpose or as part of
a public water supply system.
A channel or conveyance of surface water having defined bed
and banks, whether natural or artificial, with perennial or intermittent
flow.
The component at the surface of an oil well or natural gas
well that provides the structural and pressure-containing interface
for the drilling and production equipment.
An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or
groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and
that under normal circumstances, does support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands
include, but are not limited to, swamps, bogs and similar areas. Wetlands
shall be identified by a person appropriately qualified and trained
to delineate wetlands, using the current delineation manual and other
protocols and guidance required by the DEP, the EPA, and/or the Army
Corps of Engineers.
Same as "wholesaling."
An establishment engaged in selling merchandise to retailers,
institutional, commercial or professional business customers or other
wholesalers rather than to the general public or acting as a broker
for such merchandise sales.
A facility used for the manufacture of furniture, cabinets,
pressed pulp products or other wood products for retail sale to customers
but shall not include a wood distillation plant or other similar type
use.
An open space adjacent to a lot line, open and unobstructed
from the ground to the sky, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
Typical yard configurations are illustrated in Appendix 27-B.
FRONT YARDA yard extending across the full width of the lot and extending back in depth the required minimum distance from the front lot line to the parallel front building setback line.
REAR YARDA yard extending across the full width of the lot and extending forward in depth the required minimum distance from the rear lot line to the parallel rear building setback line.
SIDE YARDA yard extending the required minimum distance between the side lot line and the parallel side building setback line.
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.
A document issued by the Zoning Officer upon a request to
certify: the correct zoning classification; the compatibility of existing
land uses; the compatibility of proposed land uses; and/or the legal
status of a nonconforming use, structure or lot.
A finite area of land, as designated by its boundaries on
the Zoning Map, throughout which specific and uniform regulations
govern the use of land and/or the location, size and use of buildings.
The term "zoning district" shall include "overlay districts."
The Zoning Hearing Board of the Township.
The official Township map(s) delineating the zoning districts
of the Township, together with all amendments subsequently adopted,
which are incorporated in and made a part of this chapter by reference
thereto.
That individual duly appointed and/or designated by the Township
Manager who shall be responsible for administering and enforcing this
chapter. The Zoning Officer shall comply with the requirements of § 614
of the MPC, 53 P.S. § 10614, as amended.
This chapter, as amended, which is identified as Chapter 27 of the Moon Township Code of Ordinances, Zoning, as amended.
[Ord. 658, 4/9/2015]
Notwithstanding any definition or any other provision of this
chapter, no definition or other provision of this chapter shall be
construed, applied or interpreted in a fashion which violates the
Federal Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq., as amended,
and as interpreted by any court of competent and binding jurisdiction.
