A. 
This chapter is adopted by the virtue of the authority contained in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247 (53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.). The zoning regulations and zones set forth in this chapter are made in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Altoona for the general welfare of the municipality and are intended to achieve, among others, the following purpose.
B. 
Regulating both existing and proposed land uses, thereby:
(1) 
Encouraging the most appropriate use of land;
(2) 
Preventing the overcrowding of land;
(3) 
Stabilizing and conserving the value of land and buildings;
(4) 
Facilitating development of good quality;
(5) 
Spurring reinvestment in the existing building stock;
(6) 
Lessening the congestion of traffic on the roads;
(7) 
Avoiding undue congestion of population;
(8) 
Providing for adequate light and air;
(9) 
Securing safety from fire, flood, and other dangers;
(10) 
Facilitating the adequate provision for transportation, water supply, sewage disposal, drainage, schools, parks, and other public facilities;
(11) 
Giving reasonable consideration, among other things, to the character of zones and their peculiar suitability for particular uses;
(12) 
Maintain and strengthen the City's neighborhoods;
(13) 
Ensure predictability and consistency in the land development process for neighborhood, business and development interests;
(14) 
Giving effect to the policies and proposals of the Comprehensive Plan, as amended and as approved by the Altoona City Planning Commission and adopted by the Council of the City of Altoona; and
(15) 
Fostering housing choice and affirmatively furthering fair housing. This will be done by abiding by the provisions of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 (as amended), promoting fair housing choice for all residents in the City of Altoona, assuring the rights of all individuals that are identified as members of a protected class by the Federal Government, and prevention of discrimination in housing based on a person's race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap.
[Added 7-12-2017 by Ord. No. 5706]
C. 
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the health, safety, morals, and general welfare.
This chapter implements, with general consistency, the community goals and objectives as described in the City Comprehensive Plan, as amended.
All definitions used in this chapter shall be interpreted using the hierarchy of definitions and general rules as hereinafter set forth.
In determining the meaning of a word in this chapter, the hierarchy below shall apply. The reader should use the definition appearing in the highest priority document, unless the context of the language clearly indicates otherwise.
A. 
The definitions shown for a specific article shall have first priority.
B. 
The definitions shown for a specific part shall have second priority.
C. 
The definitions listed below shall have third priority.
D. 
The definitions listed in the Municipalities Planning Code shall have fourth priority.
E. 
The definitions listed in the particular code being referenced shall have fifth priority.
F. 
Definitions not listed in any document above shall be based on common American English vernacular and have last priority.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings herein indicated.
A. 
Words used in the present tense include words in the future tense.
B. 
The singular number includes the plural.
C. 
Masculine gender includes the feminine gender, and vice versa.
D. 
The word "include" and its various grammatical forms shall not limit the term to the specific listing or example given but is intended to extend its meaning to all other instances of like kind and character.
E. 
The words "shall," "will" and "must" are mandatory.
F. 
The words "may," "could" and "should" are permissive.
G. 
The words "used" and "occupied" include the concepts of "intended," "designed," "maintained" or "arranged" to be used or occupied.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated in this section:
ABUTTING
Parcels shall be considered to be abutting when they touch or their lot lines are directly across from easements, utilities, parks, watercourses, water bodies, natural features, or private rights-of-way.
ACCESSIBILITY
The ease of access into and around the interior of a building or facility without obstruction to a person who may be physically disabled.
[Added 7-12-2017 by Ord. No. 5706]
ACCESSORY BUILDING
A building detached from, supportive of, and subordinate to the main building on the same lot and used for purposes customarily incidental to the main building.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A structure detached from a principal building but located on the same lot. It serves a customarily incidental and subordinate use to the use of the lot as a whole or the principal building on the lot.
ACCESSORY USE
A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use and located on the same lot with such principal use or building.
ADJOINING
See "abutting."
ADULT ARCADE
Any place to which the public is permitted or invited wherein coin-operated or slug-operated or electronically operated, electrically or mechanically controlled still- or motion-picture machines, projectors or other image-producing devices are maintained to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at any one time and where the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by the depicting or describing of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. (See also "adult motion-picture theater.")
ADULT BOOKSTORE or ADULT VIDEO STORE
A commercial establishment which, as one of its principal business purposes, offers for sale or rental for any form of consideration any one or more of the following:
A. 
Books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, videocassettes or video reproductions, slides, or other visual representations which depict or describe specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas; or
B. 
Instruments, devices or paraphernalia which are designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities.
ADULT CABARET
A nightclub, bar, restaurant or similar commercial establishment which features:
A. 
Persons who appear in a state of nudity; or
B. 
Live performances which are characterized by the exposure of specified anatomical areas or by specified sexual activities; or
C. 
Films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides, or other photographic reproductions which are characterized by the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. (See also "adult theater.")
ADULT MOTEL
A hotel, motel or similar commercial establishment which:
A. 
Offers accommodations to the public for any form of consideration; provides patrons with closed-circuit television transmissions, films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides, or other photographic reproductions which are characterized by the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas and has a sign visible from a public right-of-way which advertises the availability of this adult type of photographic reproductions; or
B. 
Offers sleeping rooms for rent four or more times in one calendar day during five or more calendar days in any continuous thirty-day period.
ADULT MOTION-PICTURE THEATER
A commercial establishment where, for any form of consideration, films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides, or similar photographic reproductions are shown which are characterized by the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. (See also "adult arcade.")
ADULT THEATER
A theater, concert hall, auditorium, or similar commercial establishment which features persons who appear in a state of nudity or live performances which are characterized by the exposure of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities. (See also "adult cabaret.")
AESTHETIC
The perception of artistic elements or elements in the natural or created environment that are pleasing to the eye.
AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
The production, keeping, or maintenance for sale, lease, or personal use of plants and animals useful to man. These activities shall include, but are not limited to, forages and sod crops; grains and seed crops; dairy animals and dairy products; poultry animals and poultry products; livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules, goats, or any mutations or hybrids thereof, including the breeding and grazing of any and all such animals; bees and apiary products; fur animals; trees and forest products; fruits of all kinds, including nuts and berries; vegetables; nursery, floral, ornamental and greenhouse products; or lands devoted to a soil conservation or forestry management program; and establishments primarily engaged in supplying soil preparation services, crop services, horticultural services, veterinary and other animal services, and farm labor and management services. It does not include landscaping services.
AIR RIGHTS
The right to use space above ground level. Such rights are in the public domain above 200 feet above ground level.
AISLE
The traveled way by which cars enter and depart parking spaces.
ALLEY
A minor public or private thoroughfare other than a side street, which affords only a secondary means of access to abutting property and not for general traffic circulation.[1]
ALTERNATIVE TOWER STRUCTURE
Man-made trees, clock towers, bell steeples, light poles and similar alternative-design mounting structures that camouflage or conceal the presence of antennas or towers.
AMENITY
A natural or created feature that enhances the aesthetic quality, visual appeal, or makes more attractive or satisfying a particular property, place, or area.
AMORTIZATION
A method of eliminating nonconforming uses by requiring the termination of the nonconforming use after a specified period of time.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
A building used for the treatment of small domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds or fowl by a veterinarian.
APPEAL
A means for obtaining review of a decision, determination, order, or failure to act pursuant to the terms of this chapter.
APPLICANT
An individual, including his or her heirs, successors and assigns, making application according to the regulations contained in this chapter, and whose signature appears on any application. The "applicant" must be the property owner or authorized agent.
APPLICATION
A. 
(verb) The submitting of an application for permit or service in a complete state.
B. 
(noun) The document which an applicant completes, along with all supporting documents, exhibits, and plans required for development review purposes.
APPOINTING AUTHORITY
Altoona City Council or its designee.
APPROVING AUTHORITY/BODY
The agency, board, group, or other legally designated individual or agency that has been charged with the review and approval of applications.
ARCHITECT
An individual licensed and registered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the practice of architecture.
AUTHORITY
A political or corporate body created pursuant to the former act of May 2, 1945 (P.L. 382, No. 164), known as the "Municipality Authorities Act of 1945."[2]
AUTHORIZED CITY REPRESENTATIVE
Staff member assigned to represent the City of Altoona.
AUTOMOTIVE ASSEMBLY
The use of any building, land area, or other premises for the construction, reconstruction, refurbishing, rehabilitating, or dismantling of automobiles.
BANK
An establishment for the custody, loan, exchange, or issue of money, for the extension of credit, and for facilitating the transmission of funds.
BASEMENT
A cellar which had been improved for dwelling space above and beyond the customary storage, laundry, heating, and utility functions of a basic cellar.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
An establishment providing overnight lodging and morning meals for paying guests. The service is offered in a residential setting containing the standard rooms of a single-family dwelling.
BEDROOM
A private room planned and intended for sleeping, separated from other rooms by a door, and accessible to a bathroom without crossing another bedroom.
BERM
A mound of earth, or the act of creating such a mound.
BLOCK
A tract of land, a lot, or a group of lots bounded by streets, public parks, railroad rights-of-way, watercourses, and boundary lines of the City, nonsubdivided land, other definite barriers, or by a combination of the above.
BOARD
Any body granted jurisdiction under a land use ordinance or under this chapter to render final adjudications. In this chapter, this term usually, but not always, refers to the Zoning Hearing Board.
BOARDINGHOUSE
A building where, for compensation, lodging on a temporary basis and meals are provided for at least four but not more than 16 independent individuals. The primary function of the boardinghouse is to provide room and board. Residents are not involved in the day-to-day maintenance or operation of the boardinghouse and are not under the supervision or care of staff. Residents do not receive habilitative or rehabilitative services at a boardinghouse. Relationships between residents are incidental as opposed to an essential part of living together in a group home or halfway house. Residents do not constitute an interdependent group that emulates a family. Tenancy is on a weekly or longer basis as distinguished from transient housing such as a hotel or motel.
BUFFER AREA
An open area made available to physically separate two land uses. A buffer area exists laterally; it does not in and of itself include screening, fences, landscaping, or other treatments which exist on a vertical plane to provide additional separation between uses.
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof supported by columns, walls, arches, or other devices and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals, vehicles, or chattels. This definition includes covered porches, carports, and similar features.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
The three-dimensional space within which a structure is permitted to be built on a lot. The extent of a building envelope is defined by height and setback regulations.
BUILDING FOOTPRINT
The area of ground hidden by a building when the building is viewed from directly above.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance from finished grade to the top of the highest roof beams on a flat or shed roof, the deck level on a mansard roof, and the average distance between the eaves and the ridge level for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs.
BUILDING LINE
A line parallel to the street line touching that part of the building that is closest to the street.
BUILDING MASS
The height, width and depth of a structure.
BUILDING SCALE
The relationship of a particular building, in terms of building mass, to other nearby and adjacent buildings.
BUILDING SCALE, PERCEIVED
The visual impact of a building and the relationship of the building to its surroundings as seen from any given point. Perceived building scale is usually considered from the street perspective but can be taken from any point.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE
The line within a property, parallel to and defining the required minimum distance between the foremost part of any building and the adjacent right-of-way or property boundary line.
BUILDING, COVERAGE
The total square feet of lot area that is covered by the principal building and all accessory buildings, exclusive of uncovered porches, terraces, and steps taken on a horizontal plane at the mean grade level.
BUILDING, DETACHED
A building surrounded by open space on the same lot.
BUILDING, FRONTAGE
A side of a building that faces any street to which the lot on which the building is located is adjacent.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
The building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is located. Lots with multiple principal uses may have multiple principal buildings, but storage buildings, garages, and buildings housing other clearly accessory uses shall not be considered principal buildings.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Artificially created fixed elements, such as buildings, structures, devices, and surfaces, that together create the physical character of an area.
BUS SHELTER
A small, roofed structure, usually having three walls, located near or on a street and designed primarily for the protection and convenience of bus passengers.
CALIPER
The diameter of a tree trunk.
CAMPGROUND
Any portion of land used for the purpose of providing a space or spaces for trailers or tents for camping purposes, regardless of whether a fee has been charged for the leasing, renting, or occupancy of such space.
CAMPSITE
Any site intended to be used for temporary and/or seasonal use for camping, inclusive of the area required to sustain a tent, camper, motor home, or other temporary camping facility.
CAMPUS
The grounds and buildings of an institution, educational facility, or business park.
CARPORT
A structure with at least three sides open used for storage of one or more vehicles.
CARTWAY
The portion of a street right-of-way, paved or unpaved, intended for vehicular traffic.
CELLAR
A story partly underground and having more than 1/2 of its clear height below the average level of the adjoining ground.
CEMETERY
Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead and dedicated to cemetery purposes, including columbariums, crematories, mausoleums, and mortuaries, when operated in conjunction with and within the boundary of such cemetery.
CENTER LINE
The projected line running exactly halfway between and parallel to the right-of-way lines of a street.
CHANGE OF USE
Any business or activity modification that involves changing the classification of a land use under the Standard Industrial Classification Manual from one three-digit group to another three-digit group. Changes of occupancy or changes of ownership shall not be construed as change of use.
CHANNEL
A perceptible natural or artificial waterway which periodically or continuously contains moving water or which forms a connecting link between two bodies of water. It has a definite bed and banks which confine the water.
CHILD DAY-CARE CENTER
Any premises other than the child's own home operated for profit or not for profit, in which child day care is provided at any one time to six or more children who are not relatives of the caregiver. These uses are considered retail services but also qualify as major-impact home-based businesses.
CHILD-ORIENTED BUSINESS
A commercial establishment which, as one of its principal business purposes, serves and/or sells to children and their families food, apparels, goods, services, play and/or entertainment.
CHIMNEY
A structure containing one or more flues for drawing off emissions from stationary sources of combustion.
CISTERN
An underground reservoir or tank for storing rainwater.
CITY
Altoona, Pennsylvania.
CITY COUNCIL
The governing body of the City of Altoona.
CLINIC
An establishment providing therapeutic, preventative, corrective, healing and health-building treatment services on an outpatient basis by physicians, dentists and other practitioners. Typical uses include medical and dental offices and hospitals and outpatient medical laboratories.
COMMERCE PARK
A tract of land that has been planned, developed, and operated as an integrated facility intended for a number of nonretail professional, business, personal, and other service uses, with special measures for traffic circulation, parking, utilities, and compatibility.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING
A building whose principal use is a commercial use. A building with a store on the first floor and apartments on the upper floors is a commercial building.
COMMERCIAL MESSAGE
Any sign, wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service, or other commercial activity.
COMMISSION
The Altoona City Planning Commission.
COMMON OPEN SPACE
A parcel or parcels of land, an area of land, an area of water, or a combination of land and water within a development site designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents of the development, not including streets, off-street parking areas, and areas set aside for public facilities.
COMMON OWNERSHIP
Ownership by one or more individuals in any form of ownership of two or more contiguous lots.
COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA
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 direction or panel antennas owned or operated by any person or entity licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate such device. This definition shall not include private residence mounted satellite dishes or television antennas or amateur radio equipment, including without limitation ham or citizen band radio antennas.
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT BUILDING
An unmanned building or cabinet containing communications equipment required for the operation of communications antennas.
COMMUNICATIONS TOWER
A structure other than a building, such as a monopole, self-supporting or guyed tower, designed and used to support communications antennas.
COMPLETE STATE
An application submitted with all required, relevant and pertinent information necessary for the approving body to render an informed decision.
COMPOUNDING
A process of manufacturing involving forming a complete product through parts assembly.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
When capitalized, the Comprehensive Plan for Altoona, as it may be amended from time to time. Otherwise, a plan plus any amendments or any of its component parts for the development of a county or municipality, providing the continuing orderly development of the municipality. The plan includes such elements as a statement of community development objectives, plans and policies for land use, housing, transportation, community facilities and utilities, and strategies for plan implementation.
CONDOMINIUM
Ownership in common with others of a parcel of land and certain parts of a building thereon which would normally be used by all the occupants, together with individual ownership in fee of a particular unit or apartment in such building or on such parcel of land and may include dwellings, offices, and other types of space in commercial and industrial buildings or on real property.
CONDUCT BUSINESS
Any person who does any one or more of the following shall be deemed to be conducting business:
A. 
Operates a cash register, cash drawer or other depository on the premises where cash funds or records of credit cards or credit card transactions generated in any manner by the operation of the establishment or the activities conducted therein are kept.
B. 
Displays or takes orders from any customer for any merchandise, goods, entertainment or other services offered on the premises.
C. 
Delivers or provides to any customer any merchandise, goods, entertainment or other services on or from the premises.
D. 
Acts as a door attendant to regulate the entry of customers or other persons into the premises.
E. 
Supervises or manages other persons in the performance of any of the foregoing activities on the premises.
CONTAINER
Any enclosed device used for the transportation or storage of materials, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, or used for temporary human habitation.
CONVALESCENT HOME
A health services establishment whose purpose is to assist patients to recover health and strength gradually after sickness or weakness.
CONVERSION APARTMENT
A multifamily dwelling constructed by converting an existing structure into apartments for more than one family.
CORPORATE HOUSING
A structure with individual dwelling units which are only available for rent or for hire for temporary occupancy by a verified business entity's officers, employees, consultants, vendors, or contractors. Each corporate housing dwelling unit lease shall require and include written, verified acknowledgment of employment/contract and tenancy from the business entity by whom the tenant is employed or contracted.
[Added 8-8-2022 by Ord. No. 5790]
COUNTY
Blair County, Pennsylvania.
COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
The Blair County Planning Commission.
COVERAGE
See "building, coverage" and "lot, coverage."
CROSSWALK
A right-of way, municipally or privately owned, intended to provide access for pedestrians.
CULTURAL FACILITIES
The use of land or buildings for activities related to religion, arts, government, public assembly, nonformal education, and similar activity. Includes facilities that document the social and religious structures and intellectual and artistic manifestations that characterize society, such as museums, zoos, and gardens.
DECISION
Final adjudication of any board or other body granted jurisdiction under any land use ordinance or this chapter to do so, either by reason of the grant of exclusive jurisdiction or by reason of appeals from determinations.
DENSITY
The cumulative measure of the average number of items in a specific space.
DESIGN CONTINUITY
A unifying or connecting theme or physical feature for a particular setting or place.
DETERMINATION
Final action by an officer, body, or agency charged with the administration of any land use ordinance or applications thereunder, except City Council, the Zoning Hearing Board, and the Planning Commission.
DEVELOPER
The person, persons, or any corporation, partnership, association, or other entity or any responsible person therein or agent therefor that undertakes the activities associated with changes in the built or human environment. The term "developer" is intended to include but not necessarily be limited to the terms "subdivider," "owner," and "builder" even though the individuals involved in successive stages of a project may vary.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, the construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, expansion, or alteration of buildings or other structures; the placement of streets and other paving; any activity affecting stormwater runoff characteristics; utilities; filling, grading and excavation; mining; dredging; drilling operations; storage of equipment or materials; and the subdivision of land.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The provision for development including a plat, 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" when used in this chapter shall mean the written and graphic materials referred to in this definition.
DISABILITY
A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities, impairs his or her ability to live independently, or a record of having such an impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment.
DORMITORY
A building where, for compensation, rooms are provided for four or more individuals, and in which no meals are furnished.
DRIVEWAY
A private vehicular passageway providing access between a street and a private parking area or private garage.
DWELLING or DWELLING UNIT
Any structure, or part thereof, designed to be occupied as living quarters as a single housekeeping unit containing cooking and sanitary facilities and a bathroom (as defined in Chapter 550 of the Code).
[Amended 2-13-2019 by Ord. No. 5741]
A. 
ATTACHEDA one-family dwelling physically attached to two or more one-family dwellings by common vertical walls.
B. 
DETACHEDA dwelling that is not physically attached to any other dwelling by any means.
C. 
TWIN OR SEMIDETACHED HOUSEA residential structure occupied by two dwelling units with a common wall, with each unit on a separate lot.
D. 
DUPLEXA residential structure divided into two dwelling units.
E. 
ROW HOUSE or TOWNHOUSEA single-family dwelling unit in a row of at least three such units, in which each unit has its own front and rear access to the outside, no unit is located over another unit, and each unit is separated from any other unit by one or more vertical common fire walls.
F. 
MULTIFAMILYA building containing three or more dwelling units.
(1) 
APARTMENTOne or more rooms with a private bath and kitchen facilities, comprising an independent, self-contained dwelling unit.
(2) 
EFFICIENCYA dwelling unit consisting of not more than one habitable room, together with kitchen facilities and sanitary facilities.
(3) 
GARDEN APARTMENTOne or more multifamily structures not exceeding three stories.
(4) 
HIGH-RISE APARTMENTAn apartment house exceeding eight stories in height.
(5) 
LOW-RISE APARTMENTAn apartment house up to eight stories in height.
(6) 
UPPER FLOORDwellings which exist entirely above ground level, with the exception of necessary entrances.
G. 
CONVERSION APARTMENTTwo or more dwelling units installed into a structure which was originally built as a single-family detached dwelling.
EASEMENT
The grant of one or more property rights by the property owner to and/or for use by the public, a corporation, an entity, or a person or persons.
EATERIES
Retail establishments selling food or drink for consumption on the premises, including lunch counters and refreshment stands selling prepared foods and drinks for on-site consumption by patrons.
ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION AND/OR DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES
Electric public utilities transmission and/or distribution facilities including substations.
ELEVATION
An elevation measured from a datum plane. For the purpose of this chapter, all elevations are referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD) based on mean sea level.
ELEVATION PLAN OR VIEW
A plan view of a building drawn as it would appear if the viewer were looking at the building across a horizontal plane standing at ground level.
EMINENT DOMAIN
The authority to acquire or take, or to authorize the taking of, private property for public use or public purpose.
ENCROACHMENT
Any structure or activity which in any manner changes, expands or diminishes the course, current or cross section of any watercourse, floodway or body of water, or intrudes within established regulatory or ownership boundaries.
ENGINEER
An individual licensed and registered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the practice of engineering. An engineer shall not practice land surveying as defined and set forth in this chapter, unless the engineer is also a registered surveyor.
ENLARGEMENT
An increase of the size of an existing structure or use, including physical size of the property, building, parking, and other improvements.
ENTERTAINMENT
Any act or performance, such as a play, skit, reading, revue, pantomime, scene, song, dance, musical rendition or striptease, whether performed by employees, agents, contractors or customers. The term "entertainment" shall also mean bartenders, waiters, waitresses or other employees exposing specified anatomical areas or engaging in specified sexual activities in the presence of customers.
ESCORT
A person or business association who furnishes, offers to furnish, or advertises to furnish escorts as one of its primary business purposes, for a fee, tip, or other consideration.
EXCAVATION
Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock, or any other material is dug into, cut, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced, relocated, or bulldozed. It shall include the conditions resulting therefrom.
FACADE
The exterior walls of a building exposed to public view or that wall viewed by persons not within the building.
FAMILY
An individual or two or more persons related by blood, marriage or adoption living together in a dwelling unit; or a group of not more than three individuals not necessarily related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship living together in a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit under a common housekeeping management plan based on an intentionally structured relationship, but not including a living arrangement otherwise defined in this chapter as a "student home." A group of not more than four unrelated disabled people 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, adoption or guardianship. If appropriate, one staff person may reside on the premises and will not be included in the total number of occupants. Any additional staff shall be included in the total number of occupants.
[Amended 8-14-2019 by Ord. No. 5748]
FENCE
An artificially constructed barrier of any material, including vegetation, or combination of materials erected to enclose, screen, or separate areas. Screening, vegetative or otherwise, required by this chapter shall not constitute a fence.
FENCE, 50% OPEN
Any fence, as defined above, which, when viewed at an angle perpendicular to the face of the fence, contains equal areas of opacity and transparency. Greater than 50% open would mean more transparency than opacity; less than 50% open would mean more opacity than transparency.
FILL
Sand, gravel, earth or other material placed or deposited so as to form an embankment or raise the elevation of the land surface. The term includes material used to replace an area with aquatic life with dry land or to change the bottom elevation of a surface water area.[3]
FLOODPLAIN
Any land susceptible to being inundated by water from any source during the base flood, as shown on the most current floodplain maps prepared by the Federal Insurance Administration and approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the purpose of determining the official federal designated floodplain, floodway and floodway fringe. These maps are based on the most current Flood Insurance Study prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; the study being the definitive source of floodplain information, particularly in regards to base flood elevations and floodway widths as reflected in the Floodplain Regulations of the City of Altoona and indicated on the Flood Boundary and Floodway Maps.
FLOOR AREA RATIO
The gross floor area of all buildings on a lot divided by the total lot area. For example, when a floor area ratio of 0.4 is specified, the floor area of a building constructed on a lot of 10,000 square feet is limited to a maximum of 4,000 square feet. The number of stories being optional, the building area may be 4,000 square feet for one story, 2,000 square feet for two stories, and so forth.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS
The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of a building and any accessory buildings on the same lot, excluding cellar and basement floor area not devoted to residential use, but including the area of roofed porches and roofed terraces. All dimensions shall be measured between interior faces of exterior walls.
FOREST MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS
All activities connected with growing and harvesting of forest products, including the site preparation, cultivation and logging of trees, and the construction and maintenance of roads.
FORESTRY ACTIVITIES
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 developments.
FRATERNITY HOUSE
A building containing sleeping rooms, bathrooms, common rooms, and a central kitchen and dining room maintained exclusively for fraternity members and their guests or visitors and affiliated with an institution of higher learning.
FRONTAGE
The linear distance which a property line runs coincident with a street right-of-way line. Frontage may be measured from any abutting street, but all required frontage must be measured from the same street. The street from which frontage is gained need not be the street to which the structure(s) on the lot are faced. Frontage cannot be gained from alleys, driveways, or elevated or buried roadways.
FRONTAGE ROAD
Minor collector streets parallel and adjacent to arterial streets, providing access to abutting properties and control of intersections with an arterial street.
FUNERAL HOME
A building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial and the display of the deceased and rituals connected therewith before burial or cremation.
GARAGE
A deck, building, parking structure, or part thereof used or intended to be used for the parking and storage of vehicles.
GARAGE, COMMUNITY
A garage used exclusively for parking and storage of vehicles that are owned or operated by residents of nearby dwelling units and their guests. Such a garage is neither operated as a commercial enterprise nor available to the general public. The residents themselves operate it.
GARAGE, PRIVATE CUSTOMER AND EMPLOYEE
A structure that is accessory to a retail commercial or manufacturing establishment and is used primarily for the parking and storage of vehicles operated by the establishment's customers, visitors, and employees.
GARAGE, PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL
A structure that is accessory to a residential building and that is used for the parking and storage of vehicles owned and operated by the residents thereof. A private residential garage is not a separate commercial enterprise available to the general public.
GARAGE, PUBLIC
A structure or portion thereof that is used primarily for the parking and storage of vehicles and that is available to the general public but is not a private residential garage, private customer and employee garage, community garage, or municipal garage.
GENERAL PUBLIC
Any and all individuals, without any prior qualifications.
GOVERNING BODY
The Altoona City Council.
GOVERNMENT FACILITIES
A building or lot owned or occupied by a governmental agency for any purpose.
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY
Any department, commission, independent agency, or instrumentality of the United States, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a Pennsylvania county, the City of Altoona, a Pennsylvania municipality or authority. The administrative offices of a public school district are included, but no other school district use or building qualifies.
GRADE
The slope of ground, street, or other public way, specified in percentage of change in elevation per horizontal distance; the act of altering the topography of undisturbed land.
GRADE, FINISHED
The completed surfaces of lawns, walks, and roads brought to grades as shown on official plans or designs relating thereto.
GROUP HOME
A residence occupied by unrelated persons who either by choice, referral, and/or governmental policy cannot live independently by themselves, but instead require a level of assistance, monitoring, or supervision related to individual situations. A group home may be distinguished from large-scale twenty-four-hour-care facilities that serve the same purpose by the family-like setting in which its residents live.
HALFWAY HOUSES
A temporary residential living arrangement for more than four persons not related by blood or marriage, living in an institutional setting and in need of supportive living arrangements in order to readjust to noninstitutionalized living. Persons living in halfway houses must be actively receiving therapy and counseling from support staff which is present when the residents are present. Residency at a halfway house is generally limited to a specified number of weeks or months.
HEARING
An administrative proceeding conducted by a board.
HEIGHT
With the exception of buildings and signs, the vertical distance from the finished grade to the highest point of the structure.
HEIGHT, COMMUNICATIONS TOWER(S)
The vertical distance measured from the ground level to the highest point on a communications tower, including antennas mounted on the tower.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure that is:
A. 
Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the United States Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
B. 
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district:
C. 
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of Interior; or
D. 
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either:
(1) 
By an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior; or
(2) 
Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.[4]
HOSPICE
A temporary living arrangement for more than four persons, not related by blood or marriage, with a terminal disease, that requires full-time support, therapy, and treatment. A hospice offers terminal care emphasizing quality of life, palliative measures, and limiting invasive procedures. It focuses on alleviating physical pain and symptoms while providing psychosocial, practical, spiritual, and bereavement support. A hospice is an alternative to a hospital or nursing home. Residency is measured in weeks, months, or no more than one or two years.
HOTEL, MOTEL
See "overnight lodging".
HOUSE OF WORSHIP
A. 
A church, synagogue, temple, mosque, or other facility that is used for prayer or worship by persons of similar beliefs.
B. 
A special purpose building that is architecturally designed and particularly adapted for the primary use of conducting, on a regular basis, formal religious services by a religious congregation.
HOUSEHOLD
Either a family living together or a single person living alone in a single dwelling unit with common access to and common use of all areas within the dwelling (see "family").
IMPROVED STREET
See "street, improved."
IMPROVEMENTS
Any physical addition or installation or construction required by the City to render land suitable for the use intended and including, but not limited to, streets, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, street signs and lights, walkways, sewer and water facilities, monuments and markers, grading, and stormwater drainage facilities.
INDUSTRIAL
Those fields of economic activity including construction contractors, mining, manufacturing, transportation, communication, electric, gas, sanitary services, and wholesale trade.
INDUSTRIAL PARK
A tract of land that has been planned, developed, and operated as an integrated facility intended for a number of individual industrial uses, with special measures for traffic circulation, parking, utilities, and compatibility.
INSTITUTIONALIZED HOMES
Residences for people that provide rooms, meals, personal care, and/or supervision of self-administered medication. They may also provide other services such as transportation, recreation and activities, financial services, and housekeeping.
INTERIOR REPAIR
Any modification, alteration, renovation, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to an existing structure to an extent or amount less than 50% of its market value, other than minor repairs, including the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support or the removal or change of any required means of egress or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exitway requirements.
JUNK STORAGE
Any area of a yard, structure, vehicle, or trailer, or any part thereof, used primarily for the collecting and storage of excess, abandoned, or transitional materials.
KNOWINGLY
As used in this chapter, means having knowledge of, or reason to know, or a belief or ground for belief which warrants further inspection or inquiry of: the character and content of any material or performance described herein which is reasonably susceptible of examination by a licensee or person the age of the minor; provided; however, that an honest mistake shall constitute an excuse from liability hereunder if the licensee or person made a reasonable bona fide attempt to ascertain the true age of such minor, "Knowingly" also means that a reasonable person using reasonable skills and faculties would have known or been aware.
LAND
Ground, soil, or earth, including structures on, above, or below the surface.
LAND BANK
Government-purchased land held for future use.
LAND SURVEYING
The location, relocation, establishment, reestablishment or retracement of any property line or boundary of any parcel of land or any lot right-of-way, easement, or alignment. This process shall include the principles of land surveying; determination of the position of any monument or reference point that marks a property line, boundary, or corner; setting, resetting, or replacing any such monument or individual point, including the writing of deed descriptions. This process shall also include the determination of elevations and topographic surveys. Land surveying shall be practiced by a surveyor or engineer registered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the practice of land surveying.
LANDOWNER
The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee if he or she is authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner, or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
LANDSCAPE
A. 
An expanse of natural scenery.
B. 
Lawns, trees, plants, rocks, wood chips, and decorative features such as sculptures, patterned walks, fountains, and pools.
LIBRARY
A facility housing a collection of books, magazines or other material which is loaned to the general public without charge, excluding adult content.
LOADING BERTH(S)
A space utilized for the loading or unloading of cargo, products, or materials from vehicles.
LODGING HOUSE
See "boardinghouse."
LOT
A parcel of land occupied by, or which may be occupied by, a building and/or an accessory building, and including the yards and other open spaces required by this chapter for the land, shown by deed as a separate lot or parcel. Land called out as separate parcels on the same deed shall be considered separate lots.
LOT AREA
The total area within the lot lines.
LOT AVERAGING
A design technique permitting one or more lots in a subdivision to be undersized, providing the same number of lots in the same subdivision are oversized by an equal or greater area. The desired effect is to have the average size of all the lots in the subdivision meet or exceed the minimum lot dimensions for the zone in which it is located.
LOT COVERAGE
That percentage of the parcel or lot area that is covered by the buildings, pools, and roofed accessory structures.
LOT LINE
A line of record bounding a lot that divides it from an adjacent property, street, right-of-way, or public space.
LOT OF RECORD
A lot that exists as shown or described on a plat, subdivision or deed in the records of the local Recorder of Deeds.
LOT WIDTH
The distance between side lot lines as measured at the setback line.
LOT, CONFORMING
An occupied or unoccupied lot whose area and dimensions meet the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located.
LOT, CORNER
A lot at the junction of and abutting on two or more intersecting streets or private roads, or at the point of abrupt change of a single street or private road, where the interior angle is less than 135°.
LOT, DEPTH
The distance between the front lot line and rear lot lines, measured perpendicularly to the right-of-way line at the center point between the two side lot lines.
LOT, IMPROVED
A lot on which a building or structure exists.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot other than a corner lot.
LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGE
A lot extending between and having frontage on an arterial and a minor street, with vehicular access solely from the latter.
LOT, THROUGH
A lot that fronts on two streets that do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.
LOWER-FLOOR COMMERCIAL
A facility, usually in a residential zone, where the primary residential use is located above the ground floor, leaving the lower floor(s) for commercial use. This commercial use is subordinate to the residential use of the property, and usually, though not always, serves the residents above.
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest floor of the lowest fully enclosed area (including basement),. An unfinished, flood-resistant, partially enclosed area, used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, and incidental storage, in an area other than a basement area is not considered the lowest floor of a building, provided that such space is not designed and built so that the structure is in violation of the applicable nonelevation design requirements of this chapter.
MAINTENANCE
The upkeep necessary for efficient operation of physical properties.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, office, or place of assembly, contained in one or more sections, built on a permanent chassis, which arrives at a site completed and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, and constructed so that it may be used with or without a permanent foundation. The term includes park trailers, travel trailers, recreational and other similar vehicles which are placed on a site for more than 180 consecutive days.
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK
A parcel of land under single ownership which has been planned and improved for the placement of two or more manufactured homes for nontransient use.
MANUFACTURING
Establishments engaged in 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 such as lubricating oils, resins, plastics, or liquors.
MARKET VALUE
A. 
For the purposes of the substantial improvement definition (below), "market value" means the most probable price for which the appraised building will sell in a competitive market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, with the buyer and seller each acting prudently, knowledgeably, and for self-interest and assuming that neither is under duress. For the purposes of determining substantial improvement, only the market value of the structure can be used. If the market value estimate is for an entire property, the value of the land, landscaping, and detached accessory structures must be deducted to find the value of the structure in question.
B. 
There are a variety of methods which can be used to estimate market value. No one particular method is necessarily preferred over another. The most common sources for obtaining estimates of market value include:
(1) 
Independent appraisals conducted by professional appraisers:
(2) 
Market value estimates adjusted from assessed values calculated by county tax assessment offices:
(3) 
The most recent sale price of a building adjusted by the general increase or decrease in property values since the sale; and
(4) 
The replacement cost of the building at current prices.
C. 
The applicant is responsible for providing market value information as part of the permit application submission. If the market value estimates appear questionable, the municipality may require the applicant to provide a professionally performed appraisal when other less reliable methods are inadequate.
MEDIATION
A voluntary negotiating process in which parties in a dispute mutually select a neutral mediator to assist them in jointly exploring and settling their differences, culminating in a written agreement which the parties themselves create and consider acceptable.
MEDICAL LABORATORIES
A facility where testing and analysis is done to assist in patient health care, diagnosis, and research and development of new medical products and techniques. Patients generally are not physically present in such facilities. Includes diagnostic facilities.
MINING AND/OR MINERAL EXTRACTION FACILITY
Any establishment that extracts solids, minerals, coal, ores, liquids, petroleum, natural gas, and gases from the earth.
MINOR REPAIR
The replacement of existing work with equivalent materials for the purpose of its routine maintenance and upkeep, but not including the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exitway requirements; nor shall "minor repairs" include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent, or similar piping, electric wiring, or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety, or to any sign.
MITIGATION
Methods used to alleviate or lessen the impact of development.
MOBILE HOME
A transportable, residential structure intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit or in two or more units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, and constructed without a permanent foundation.
MOBILE HOME LOT
A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erections thereon of a single mobile home.
MOBILE HOME PARK
A parcel or contiguous parcels of land which has been so designated and improved that it contains two or more mobile home lots for the placement thereon of mobile homes. Also, a site containing spaces with required improvements and utilities that are leased for the long-term placement of mobile homes and that might include services and facilities for the residents.
[5]
MORTUARY
See "funeral home."
MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
A body politic and corporate created pursuant to the Act of May 2. 1945 (P.L. 382, No. 164), formerly known as the Municipality Authorities Act of 1945.[6]
MUNICIPAL ENGINEER
A professional engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, duly appointed by the City of Altoona.
MUSEUM
An institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of lasting interest or value; a place where objects are exhibited.
NEIGHBORHOOD
An area of a community with characteristics that distinguish it from other areas of that community, and which may include distinct ethnic or economic characteristics, housing types, schools, or boundaries defined by physical barriers (e.g., major highways, railroads, and natural features such as rivers).
NONCONFORMING BUILDING
A structure or building, the size, dimensions, or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment of this chapter, but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements.
NONCONFORMING LOT
A lot, the area, dimensions, or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment of this chapter, but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements.
NONCONFORMING USE
A use or activity which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment of this chapter, but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements.
NUDE MODEL STUDIO
Any place where a person who appears in a state of nudity or displays specified anatomical areas is provided to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculptured, photographed or similarly depicted by other persons who pay money or any form of consideration.
NUDITY or A STATE OF NUDITY
The appearance of a human bare buttock, anus, male genitals, female genitals, or female breast, or showing the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple.
NUISANCE
Any interference with the lawful enjoyment and use of property.
NUISANCE ELEMENT
Any environmental pollutant, such as smoke, odors, liquid wastes, litter, solid wastes, radiation, noise, vibration, glare, or heat.
NURSERY
A tract of land on which trees and plants are raised or stored for transplanting and sale.
NURSING OR CONVALESCENT HOME
A building with sleeping rooms where persons are housed or lodged and furnished with meals and nursing care for hire.
OCCUPANCY or OCCUPIED
Either the residing of an individual or individuals overnight in a dwelling unit, or the storage or use of equipment, merchandise, or machinery in any public, commercial or industrial building.
OFF-SITE PARKING
Parking provided for a specific use but located on a parcel other than the one on which the specific use is located.
OFFICE, BUSINESS
An establishment engaged in overall management and general supervisory functions, executive activities, personnel, financial, legal, and sales activities, as well as certain services such as advertising, mailing, employment, consulting, security, development and testing, commercial research, and like activities. Generally, customers are not present on the premises. See the various types of "services."
OFFICE, PROFESSIONAL
The office of a member of a recognized not necessarily licensed profession maintained for the conduct of that profession. Generally, customers are not present on the premises. See "services, professional."
ORGANIZED CAMP
A combination of program and facilities established for the primary purpose of providing an outdoor group living experience for children, youth, and adults, with social, recreational, and educational objectives, and operated and used for five or more consecutive days during one or more seasons of the year.
OUTDOOR STORAGE
The keeping of any goods, junk, material, merchandise, or vehicles in the same area for more than 24 hours.
OVERLAY ZONE
A zoning district that encompasses one or more underlying zones and that imposes additional requirements above those required by the underlying zones.
OVERNIGHT LODGING
A building or group of buildings, whether detached or in connected units, used as individual sleeping units, possessing no facilities for individual cooking, designed with individual entrances and for year-round occupancy, and providing for accessory off-street parking facilities that does not provide any of the services included in the definition for "adult motel." Overnight lodging facilities may include restaurants and newsstands.
PARK
A tract of land designated and used by the public for active and passive recreation.
PARKING AREA
Any public or private area, under or outside of a building or structure, designed and used for parking motor vehicles. This term includes parking lots, garages, private driveways, and legally designated areas of public streets.
PARKING AREA, PRIVATE
A parking area for the exclusive use of the owners, tenants, lessees, customers, employees, or occupants of either the lot on which the parking area is located or the business situated on that lot.
PARKING AREA, PUBLIC
A parking area open to the public with or without payment of a fee.
PARKING LOT
Any place, lot, parcel, or yard used in whole or in part for storing or parking six or more motor vehicles, where a storage or parking fee is charged or where the lot is operated in connection with or for the use of the customers of a retail store, theater, or any commercial, industrial, or institutional use.
PARKING SPACE
A space for the parking of one motor vehicle within a public or private parking area or on a dedicated street.
PATIO
A ground-level structure with at least three sides open and used primarily for residential purposes.
PENNANT
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string — usually in series — and designed to move in the wind.
PERMIT
Written governmental permission issued by an authorized official, empowering the holder thereof to do some act not forbidden by law but not allowed without such an authorization.
PERMITTED ACCESSORY USE
A land use or structure that:
A. 
Is allowed by right in a zoning district;
B. 
Is subject to the restrictions applicable to the zoning district in which it is located; and
C. 
Is customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the lot on which it is located.
PERMITTED PRINCIPAL USE
A land use or structure that:
A. 
Is allowed by right in a zoning district;
B. 
Is subject to the restrictions applicable to the zoning district in which it is located; and
C. 
Is the principal use of the lot on which it is located.
PERMITTED USE
A land use that is allowed by right in a zoning district and is subject to the restrictions applicable to the zoning district in which it is located.
PERMITTEE and/or LICENSEE
A person in whose name a permit and/or license has been issued. This person is also the individual listed as an applicant on the application for a permit and/or license.
PERSON
An individual, partnership, sole proprietorship, public or private association or corporation, firm, trust, company, corporation, estate, municipality, government unit, public utility or any other legal entity whatsoever which is recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties.
PLAYGROUND
An active recreational area with a variety of facilities, including equipment for younger children, court games, and field games.
PLAZA
A new development or existing single structure designed to be occupied by multiple retail businesses or business offices primarily through floor space rental or lease agreements. A group of retail establishments planned, constructed, and managed as a total entity with customer and employee parking provided on site, provision of goods' delivery separated from customer access, and protection from the elements via a canopy or other enclosure.
PREMISES
Any lot, parcel or tract of land and any building constructed thereon.
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
See "building, principal."
PRINCIPAL USE
The primary or predominant uses of any lot or parcel.
PRIVATE ROAD
A legally established right-of-way, other than a street, which provides the primary vehicular access to a lot or lots, and is privately maintained.
PROPERTY
A lot, parcel, or tract of land, as well as the building and structures located thereon.
PROPERTY LINE
See "lot line."
PUBLIC GROUNDS
A. 
Parks, playgrounds, trails, paths, and other recreational areas and other public areas.
B. 
Sites for schools, sewage treatment, refuse disposal, and other publicly owned or operated facilities.
C. 
Publicly owned or operated scenic and historic sites.
PUBLIC UTILITY FACILITY
A building or structure for a closely regulated enterprise with a franchise for providing to the public a utility service deemed necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare. Telephone, electric, natural gas, water, and sewer companies are public utilities; however, commercial wireless communications companies are not.
PUBLIC UTILITY TRANSMISSION TOWER
A structure owned and operated by a public utility electric company regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, designed and used to support overhead electricity transmission lines.
RAILROAD MAINTENANCE FACILITY OR SWITCHING YARD
An industrial area dedicated to the repairing and maintenance of railroad equipment or the crossroads of rail lines where the switching of railcars takes place.
RECREATION
Includes activities that involve relatively inactive or less energetic activities as well as activities of a more active or formal nature. Activities may be performed alone or with others and may involve the use of equipment or personal property.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A. 
A vehicle which is:
(1) 
Built on a single chassis;
(2) 
Not more than 400 square feet, measured at the largest horizontal projections;
(3) 
Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck; and
(4) 
Designed for use as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
B. 
This definition also includes any vehicle classified by PennDOT as a travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, or motor home.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK
A lot of land upon which two or more recreational vehicle sites are located, established, or maintained for occupancy by recreational vehicles of the general public as temporary living quarters for vacation or recreation purposes.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE SITE
A plot of ground within a recreation vehicle park intended for the accommodation of either a recreation vehicle or other similar individual camping unit on a temporary basis.
REPORT
Any letter, review, memorandum, compilation, or similar writing made by any body, board, officer, or consultant other than a solicitor to any other body, board, officer, or consultant for the purpose of assisting the recipient of such report in the rendering of any decision or determination. All reports shall be deemed recommendatory and advisory only and shall not be binding upon the recipient, board, officer, body, or agency, nor shall any appeal lie therefrom. Any report used, received or considered by the body, board, officer, or agency rendering a determination or decision shall be made available for inspection to the applicant and all other parties to any proceeding upon request, and copies thereof shall be provided at cost of reproduction.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LABORATORIES
A facility engaged in scientific analysis, testing of hypotheses, product testing, consumer preference testing, pharmaceuticals, development of methodologies, and similar activities. Also, an establishment which carries on investigations in the natural, physical, or social sciences, which may include engineering and product development.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
A. 
A strip of land that is acquired by reservation, dedication, forced dedication, prescription, or condemnation, and is intended to be occupied by a road, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission line, oil pipeline, gas pipeline, waterline, sanitary sewer line, storm sewer line, and/or other similar use;
B. 
Generally, the right of one to pass over the property of another.
ROOMING HOUSE
A single-room occupancy (SRO) residential structure in which no less than four residents each rent a single room, as opposed to an entire apartment. Residents may share cooking facilities, sanitary facilities, and/or a bathroom (as defined in Chapter 550 of the Code[7]). Board is not provided at a rooming house, as opposed to a boardinghouse. Residents do not receive habilitative or rehabilitative services at a rooming house. Relationships between residents are incidental as opposed to an essential part of living together in a group home or halfway house. Residents do not constitute an interdependent group that emulates a family. Tenancy is on a weekly or longer basis as distinguished from transient housing such as a hotel or motel. The total number of residents in a rooming house may not exceed the number of bedrooms with closets in the involved structure.
[Added 8-14-2019 by Ord. No. 5748]
SALES, AUTOMOTIVE
The use of any building, land area, or other premises for the display and sale of new or used automobiles, trucks, vans, trailers, or recreational vehicles, including any vehicle preparation or repair work conducted as an accessory use.
SALES, RETAIL
Establishments engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption. Retail sales establishments may also render services incidental to the sale of such goods. Includes "warehouse" and "outlet" style stores. Does not include automotive sales, nor any services, although such may be combined with retail sales if permitted by this chapter.
SALES, WHOLESALE
Facilities primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers; to industrial, commercial, institutional, or professional business users; or to other wholesalers. Wholesale sales are not made to the general public.
SANITARY LANDFILL
A lot of land or part thereof used primarily for the disposal, by abandonment, dumping, burial, or burning or any other means and for whatever purposes, of garbage, sewage, trash, refuse, junk, discarded machinery, vehicles or parts thereof, or waste material of any kind.
SANITARY SEWAGE DISPOSAL, COMMUNITY
A sanitary sewage collection system, either publicly or privately owned, in which sewage is carried from individual lots by a system of pipes to a temporary central treatment and disposal plant, generally serving a neighborhood area.
SATELLITE DISH ANTENNA
A device that is composed of a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh, or bar-configured, and is in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, or horn. Satellite dish antennas are used to transmit or receive radio or similar type signals to or from terrestrially based towers and/or earth orbiting satellites. This definition is meant to include, but is not limited to, what are commonly referred to as satellite earth stations, TVROs (television reception only), and microwave antennas.
SCHOOL
Any building or part thereof which is designed, constructed, or used for education or instruction in any branch of knowledge, including colleges or universities supported wholly or in part by public funds and other colleges or universities giving general academic instruction, as prescribed by the State Board of Education.
SCHOOL, PRIVATE
A school that meets state requirements for elementary or secondary education and that does not secure the major part of its funding from any governmental agency.
SCHOOL, PUBLIC
Any building, structure, facility, or complex used by the general public for education that is licensed by the state and that meets the state requirements for education, whether constructed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Blair County, the City of Altoona, a local government, a governmental instrumentality, a private individual, a corporation, a partnership, or an association.
SCREENING
A vegetative material, landscaping, or opaque fencing of sufficient height and density to filter adequately from the adjacent properties light, noise, odors, and the views of the structures and uses on the premises upon which the landscaping, vegetative material, or fence is located.
SEMINUDE
A state of dress in which the clothing covers no more than the genitals, pubic region, and areola of the female breast as well as portions of the body covered by supporting straps or devices.
SEMIPERVIOUS SURFACE
A surface such as stone, rock, concrete or other materials which permits some vertical transmission of water.
SERVICES, AUTOMOTIVE
Any area of land, including any structures thereon, or any building or part thereof, that is used for the retail sale of gasoline, oil, other fuel, or accessories for motor vehicles, and which may include public rest rooms and facilities used for polishing, greasing, washing, dry cleaning, or otherwise cleaning or servicing such motor vehicles. A business that engages in engine rebuilding, major reconditioning of broken or damaged motor vehicles or trailers, collision repair service (including body, frame, or fender straightening or repair), vehicle painting, replacement of parts, motor service to automobiles, and/or state inspections.
SERVICES, COMMUNICATIONS
The creation and distribution of literature in the form of leaflets, pamphlets, booklets, newspapers, magazines, books, video, film, electronics, or any other form of media whereby information, fictional or nonfictional, is gathered, organized, and prepared for presentation to an audience. Also, the furnishing of point-to-point communications services, whether by radio, television. Internet, satellite, or any other means of broadcasting. This definition does not include performances or theatrics in a setting where an audience is present on the premises.
SERVICES, EDUCATIONAL
Any building or part thereof, which is designed, constructed, or used for education or instruction in any branch of knowledge and to any age level. This definition does not include child day-care centers (see above).
SERVICES, HEALTH
An institution providing primary health care services and medical or surgical care to persons that are suffering from illness, disease, injury, deformity, or other abnormal physical or mental conditions. Facilities may contain, as an integral part of the institution, related facilities such as laboratories, outpatient facilities, training facilities, medical offices, and staff residences.
SERVICES, PERSONAL
Establishments primarily engaged in providing services involving the care of a person, his or her appearance, goods, or apparel. Sales of merchandise may also take place incidental to the primary function of providing the service.
SERVICES, PROFESSIONAL
Services rendered by a member of a recognized — not necessarily licensed — profession, including meeting and providing such services to customers and clients on the premises.
SERVICES, RETAIL
Establishments providing services or entertainment, as opposed to products, to the general public for personal or household use. Retail service establishments may provide services such as eating and drinking, lodging, finance, insurance, real estate, personal services, motion pictures, amusement and recreational services, health care, or educational/social services. This definition does not include automotive services, except for gasoline dispensing,
SERVICES, TRANSPORTATION
An establishment engaging in any of the following:
A. 
The act of transferring freight or passengers between two modes of transport.
B. 
The act of transferring freight or passengers from long-haul vehicles to local-range vehicles, including breaking down such transfers into smaller parts.
C. 
The act of transshipment of goods from shippers to receivers for a charge, covering the entire transportation route and, in turn, making use of the services of other transportation establishments as instrumentalities in effecting delivery.
D. 
Terminals with the capability of handling a large variety of goods involving various forms of transportation or providing multimodal shipping capabilities.
E. 
The receipt, storage, and distribution of goods, products, cargo, and materials.
F. 
Train, bus, and air terminals for freight or passengers.
SERVICES, WHOLESALE
An establishment that engages in acting as a broker or agent to retailers; to industrial, commercial, institutional, or professional business users; or to other wholesalers to buy merchandise for or sell merchandise to such individuals. Wholesale services do not deal with the general public.
SETBACK
The distance that must be maintained between all parts (except for walks and steps) of all buildings (except permitted accessory uses as stipulated) and a specified lot line or publicly held right-of-way.
SETBACK LINE
The line within a property defining the required minimum or maximum distance between any building to be erected and the adjacent property line.
SEXUAL ENCOUNTER CENTER
A. 
A business or commercial enterprise that, as one of its primary business purposes, offers for any form of consideration:
(1) 
Physical contact in the form of wrestling or tumbling between persons of the opposite sex; or
(2) 
Activities between male and female persons and/or persons of the same sex when one or more of the persons is in a state of nudity or seminude.
B. 
This term does not include the following types of commercial enterprises:
(1) 
An enterprise in which massage therapy that does not involve specified sexual activities is provided by a physician, chiropractor, registered nurse, or other medical practitioner licensed or certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
(2) 
An enterprise in which massage therapy that does not involve specified sexual activities is provided by a professional massage therapist who is licensed by a national massage therapist professional organization that has an explicit and enforced policy statement which fully deals with the concerns raised by this chapter and furthers the purposes of this chapter.
SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS
An adult arcade, adult bookstore or adult video store, adult cabaret, adult motion-picture theater, adult theater, escort agency, nude model studio, or sexual encounter center.
SHADE TREE
A tree in a public place, street, special easement, or right-of-way adjoining a street, as provided in these regulations.
SHELTER(S)
A temporary living arrangement that provides overnight and short-term housing for people unable to live at home due to abusive practices of another resident or other emergency situation, including loss of residence. While the primary function of an emergency shelter is to provide housing, additional social services are often part of the shelter's program. The length of residency is limited to days or weeks.
SHOPPING CENTER
A group of retail establishments planned, constructed, and managed as a total entity with customer and employee parking provided on site, provision of goods delivery separated from customer access, and protection from the elements via canopy or other enclosure.
SIGHT DISTANCE
The required length of roadway visible to the driver of a passenger vehicle at any given point on the roadway when the view is unobstructed by traffic. Sight distance measurements shall be made from a point 10 feet from the edge of a cartway, 3 1/2 feet high, to a point 3 1/2 feet above the road surface.
SIGHT TRIANGLE
An area of unobstructed vision at street intersections defined by lines of sight between points at a distance of 50 feet from the intersection of the street center lines.
SIGN
Any object, device, display, or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images. Signs are considered accessory structures or uses on a lot.
SIGN, ABANDONED
A sign, either conforming or nonconforming, on property leased or owned by the party responsible for the sign that has been discontinued for a total of 12 months as described in Chapter 800, § 800-68, Abandoned signs. A nonconforming use that has been abandoned as described in Chapter 800, § 800-22, Nonconforming use of land, and all signs that are related to that use, as well as any structures that support these signs, shall be considered abandoned.
SIGN, ANIMATED
Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene.
SIGN, BANNER - MISCELLANEOUS
Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is permanently mounted to a pole or building by a permanent frame at one or more edges. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners. (See also "sign, building - banner.")
SIGN, BUILDING - BANNER
Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is permanently mounted to a building by a permanent frame at one or more edges. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners. (See also "sign, banner - miscellaneous.")
SIGN, BUILDING - INCIDENTAL
A building sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone," and other similar directives. No commercial messages of any kind are allowed on these signs unless the involved message is not legible from any location off the involved lot.
SIGN, BUILDING - INTEGRAL ROOF
Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six inches.
SIGN, BUILDING - MARKER
Any sign indicating the name and date of a building, as well as incidental information about its construction or historical data on a historic site, which is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or other permanent material.
SIGN, BUILDING - PROJECTING
Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such building or wall. A projecting sign incorporates a heavy, integral steel frame and mounting bolts or steel supports that completely penetrate the building wall.
SIGN, BUILDING - SUSPENDED
Any sign that is suspended from the underside of a horizontal plane surface and is supported by such surface.
SIGN, BUILDING - WALL
Any sign that is permanently etched or painted or directly attached to a wall with a projection of less than six inches.
SIGN, BUILDING
Any sign attached to any part of a building, as contrasted to a freestanding sign.
SIGN, BUS SHELTER
Signs placed for advertising purposes in bus shelters by an off-premises sign or advertising company.
SIGN, CANOPY
Any sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area. A marquee is not considered a canopy.
SIGN, FLAG
This category includes the flags of the United States, the states themselves, local governments, and foreign nations having diplomatic relations with the United States. Any flag that does not meet these requirements shall be considered a banner sign by this chapter.
SIGN, FREESTANDING - BUSINESS
A sign that directs attention to a business or profession conducted, or to a commodity or service sold, offered, or manufactured, or to an entertainment offered, or to any other commercial activity conducted on the premises where the sign is located.
SIGN, FREESTANDING - INCIDENTAL
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone," and other similar directives. No commercial messages of any kind are allowed on these signs unless the involved message is not legible from any location off the involved lot.
SIGN, FREESTANDING - RESIDENTIAL
Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or anchored in the ground, and that are independent from any building or other structure. These signs are for self-expression by the occupants of the premises and may take the form of political, religious, nameplates, or other form of self-expression.
SIGN, FREESTANDING
Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.
SIGN, IDENTIFICATION
Identifies only the address and name of the occupant.
SIGN, MARQUEE
Any sign attached to or made a part of a marquee. A permanent roof-like structure or canopy of rigid materials supported by and extending from the facade of a building.
SIGN, NONCONFORMING
A nonconforming sign is defined as a sign that:
A. 
Was legally established before July 24, 2003; and
B. 
Does not conform to the requirements of Article VI Signs, of this chapter.
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING
Any sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN, PLAZA
Any sign located on a lot designated as a plaza and whose purpose is to identify the plaza name and the names of the individual occupants of the plaza.
SIGN, PORTABLE
Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or another permanent structure or a sign designed to be transported. This includes, but is not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business.
SIGN, ROOF - INTEGRAL
Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six inches.
SIGN, ROOF
Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof.
SIGN, TEMPORARY
Any sign that is used only temporarily and is not permanently mounted. Regardless of any temporary characteristics they may have, residential signs shall not be classified as temporary signs for the purposes of this chapter.
SIMILAR USE
A use that has the same characteristics as the specifically cited uses in terms of trip generation, parking, circulation, type of traffic, utility demands, environmental impacts, physical space needs, and clientele.
SORORITY HOUSE
A building containing sleeping rooms, bathrooms, common rooms, and a central kitchen and dining room maintained exclusively for sorority members and their guests or visitors and affiliated with an institution of higher learning.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE
A use that is allowed in a particular zoning district subject to the approval of the Zoning Hearing Board.
SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS
A. 
Less than completely and opaquely covered;
(1) 
Human genitalia and pubic region;
(2) 
Buttock and anus; or
(3) 
Female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola.
B. 
Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state even if completely and opaquely covered.
SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES
Includes any of the following:
A. 
The fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, anus, or female breasts;
B. 
Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, or sodomy;
C. 
Masturbation, actual or simulated; or
D. 
Excretory functions as part of or in connection with any of the activities set forth in Subsections A through C of this definition above.
STORAGE FACILITY
A permanent structure designed to provide space for the storage of materials. Such storage space is usually provided on a rental basis by the owner to the general public. This definition does not include storage incidental to other uses on a property.
STORY, FIRST
The lowermost story entirely above the finished grade.
STORY/STOREY
That portion of a building included above foundation wall and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there be no floor above it, then the space between any floor and the next ceiling above it.
STREET
A right-of-way, including cartway, sidewalk space, and planting space, if any, which affords the principal means of access to abutting property. A street may be designated as a highway, thoroughfare, parkway, boulevard, road, avenue, lane, drive, place, or other appropriate name. Types of streets are:
A. 
EXPRESSWAYThose highways whose primary function is to move traffic with little or no land service and to accommodate large volumes of relatively high-speed traffic. Usually, a high degree of access control is provided with few, if any, intersections at grade.
B. 
ARTERIAL STREETSThose streets whose primary function is to serve comparatively high volumes of through traffic at speeds higher than desirable on a collector and minor street.
C. 
COLLECTOR STREETSThose streets which, in addition to providing access to abutting properties, collect traffic from minor streets and provide routes to community facilities and the arterial street system.
D. 
FEEDER STREETA class of street which primarily provides access to abutting properties and secondarily collects traffic and directs it into collector and arterial class streets.
E. 
LOCAL STREETSThose streets used primarily to provide access to abutting properties, including but not limited to cul-de-sac and marginal access streets.
F. 
FRONTAGE ROADMinor streets parallel and adjacent to arterial streets, providing access to abutting properties and control of intersections with arterial street.
G. 
ALLEYA minor public or private thoroughfare other than a side street, which affords only a secondary means of access to abutting property and not for general traffic circulation.
STREET LINE
The limit of a right-of-way.
STREET, IMPROVED
A strip of land in a dedicated right-of-way or formal easement which contains such improvements so as to provide proper access to and from abutting properties as well as any other properties which require its use for access, Generally, a street is considered improved if it is public or if it has been constructed to the standards set forth by the Planning Administrator under the procedure in Ch. 640, Subdivision of Land and Land Developments.
STREET, PRIVATE
Those streets not officially dedicated and/or accepted by the City.
STRUCTURE
Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not directly affixed to the land.
STUDENT HOME
A living arrangement within a one (single) family or twin, semidetached, duplex and/or row house dwelling by persons unrelated by blood, marriage or legal adoption, who are attending undergraduate or graduate programs offered by colleges or universities or are on semester break or summer break from studies at colleges or universities, or any combination of such persons. The residents of a student home may share living expenses and may live and cook as a single housekeeping unit. Exception: Student homes shall not include fraternity house, sorority house, boardinghouse, multifamily dwellings and/or rooms offered for let in one (single) family dwelling when the dwelling is occupied by a family that is the recorded owner of record by title and all renters are related to or members of this family by blood, marriage or legal adoption.
[Amended 10-9-2019 by Ord. No. 5752]
SUBDIVISION
The division or redivision of a lot, tract or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land, including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than 10 acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
Damage from any cause sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% or more of the market value of the structure immediately before the damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL ENLARGEMENT OF A SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS
The increase in floor areas occupied by the business by more than 25%, as the floor areas existed on August 27, 1997.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
A. 
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of an existing structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred substantial damage, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either:
(1) 
Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions: or
(2) 
Any alteration of a historic structure, provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure.
B. 
Where sexually oriented businesses are concerned, the term "substantial improvement" shall hold the same meaning as the term "substantial enlargement" above.
SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED
The condition where a project has been constructed to the point where:
A. 
All basic features have been completed.
B. 
All features necessary for public health, safety and welfare have been installed and are functioning properly.
C. 
No more than 10% of the project cost remains outstanding.
D. 
There is sufficient reason to believe the developer will complete the remaining portions of the project in a timely manner.
SURFACE DRAINAGE PLAN
A plan showing all present and proposed grades and facilities for stormwater drainage.
SURVEYOR
An individual licensed and registered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the practice of land surveying. A surveyor shall not perform engineering as defined by this chapter, unless the surveyor is also a registered engineer.
SWALE
A low-lying stretch of land which gathers or carries surface water runoff.
SWIMMING POOL
Any structure, basin, chamber, or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving, or recreational bathing and having a depth of two feet or more at any point, either above or in the ground.
TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY
Occupancy of a campground or organized camp for no more than six months in any consecutive twelve-month period.
TEMPORARY USE
A use of a limited duration that is to be discontinued after the expiration of a time period.
TENT
A portable lodging unit usually made of skins, canvas, plastic, or strong cloth stretched and usually sustained by poles, and dependent upon separate toilet and lavatory facilities.
THEATER
A building or part of a building devoted to the showing of moving pictures or theatrical productions on a commercial basis.
TOPSOIL
Surface soil and subsurface soil which presumably is fertile soil and ordinarily rich in organic matter or humus debris.
TRAILER
A vehicular portable structure built on, or designed to be mounted on, a chassis or wheels, or constructed as an integral part of a self-propelled vehicle for use as a temporary dwelling, recreation, or storage of items.
TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL
Includes any of the following:
A. 
The sale, lease or sublease of the property or business;
B. 
The transfer of securities which constitute a controlling interest in the property or business, whether by sale, exchange or similar means; or
C. 
The establishment of a trust, gift or other similar legal device which transfers ownership or control of the property or business, except for transfer by bequest or other operation of law upon the death of the person possessing the ownership or control.
TRANSITION ZONE
A zoning district that permits uses compatible with uses permitted in two adjacent zones that, without the transition zone, could be considered incompatible to each other.
TRANSITIONAL AREA
An area in the process of changing from one use to another or changing from one racial or ethnic occupancy to another; an area that acts as a buffer between two land uses of different intensity and compatibility.
TRUCK TERMINAL
Either end of a carrier line having facilities for the handling of freight and passengers for an automotive vehicle with a short chassis equipped with a swivel for attaching a trailer and used especially for the highway hauling of freight; a freight or passenger station that is central to a considerable area or serves as a junction at any point with other lines; a town or city at the end of a carrier line.
USE
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.
UTILITY
Any agency that provides the public with electricity, gas, heat, water, sewer, communications, and transportation. Includes public utilities, though not all services included within this definition are public utilities.
VARIANCE
A variance is a modification of the strict terms of zoning regulations where such modification will not be contrary to the public interest and where, owing to physical conditions peculiar to the property and not the result of the action of the applicant, a literal enforcement of the regulations would result in unnecessary and undue hardship.
[Amended 8-14-2019 by Ord. No. 5748[8]]
A. 
The Board shall hear requests for variances where it is alleged that the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance inflict unnecessary hardship upon the applicant. The Board may by rule prescribe the form of application and may require preliminary application to the Zoning Officer. The Board may grant a variance, provided that all of the following findings are made where relevant in a given case:
(1) 
That there are unique physical circumstances or conditions, including irregularity, narrowness, or shallowness of lot size or shape, or exceptional topographical or other physical conditions peculiar to the particular property and that the unnecessary hardship is due to such conditions and not the circumstances or conditions generally created by the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance in the neighborhood or district in which the property is located.
(2) 
That, because of such physical circumstances or conditions, there is no possibility that the property can be developed in strict conformity with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and that the authorization of a variance is therefore necessary to enable the reasonable use of the property.
(3) 
That such unnecessary hardship has not been created by the appellant.
(4) 
That the variance, if authorized, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or district in which the property is located, nor substantially or permanently impair the appropriate use or development of adjacent property, nor be detrimental to the public welfare.
(5) 
That the variance, if authorized, will represent the minimum variance that will afford relief and will represent the least modification possible of the regulation in issue.
B. 
In granting any variance, the Board may attach such reasonable conditions and safeguards as it may deem necessary to implement the purposes of this act and the Zoning Ordinance.
VENDING MACHINE
A device from which products or services are traded or sold without a salesperson or any employee present. Vending machines are considered commercial accessory uses and structures for the purposes of this chapter.
WAIVER
When the subdivider can show that a provision of this chapter would cause unnecessary hardship if strictly adhered to because of conditions peculiar to the site and where, in the opinion of the City, a departure from this chapter may be made without destroying the intent of such provisions, the City may authorize a waiver. A modification to the minimum standards of this chapter. (See "modifications.")
WALL
The vertical exterior surface of a building. Also, the vertical interior surfaces that divide the space within a building into rooms.
WASTE PROCESSING FACILITY
Any establishment engaged in the collection, storage, or distribution of waste. Included are transfer stations, landfills, trash-to-steam generators, refuse collection companies, auto wrecking yards, salvage yards, sewage plants, and similar uses.
WETLAND
Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including swamps, marshes, bogs, ferns, and similar areas.
WINDOW
An opening in an exterior wall, other than a door, which provides all or part of the required natural light, natural ventilation, or both, to an interior space.
WOODWORKING
The trade of manipulating, shaping, carving, assembling, and ornamenting wood products. Basic industries include furniture assembly, moldings, kitchen cabinetry, and carving. This definition does not include general carpentry, sawmills, lumbering, wood processing, or manufacture of landscaping items.
XYLOGRAPHY
The art of intricate wood carving and decorating.
YARD
An open space that lies between the principal building or buildings and the nearest lot line.
YARD SALE
The sale of surplus or unwanted personal property normally associated with daily living or collecting from residential property for a period of no more than three consecutive days in any six-month period. Yard sales are also known as garage sales, porch sales, tag sales, and similar names. Yard sales are considered accessory residential uses when held as defined above. Above and beyond this definition, such sales are considered home-based businesses.
YARD, FRONT
The area between the front lot line and the principal building(s).
YARD, REAR
The area between the rear lot line and the principal building(s).
YARD, SIDE
The area between a lot line which is not coincident with any right-of-way line and the principal building(s).
ZERO LOT LINE
The location of a building on a lot in such a manner that one or more of its walls rest directly on a lot line.
ZONE
A specifically delineated area or district within the City within which uniform regulations and requirements govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings.
ZONING
The delineation of districts within a municipality or county and the establishment of regulations for each of these districts. These regulations may govern the use of land; lot sizes; the placement, spacing, size, and character of buildings; and more.
ZONING DISTRICT
A specifically designated area or district in a municipality within which uniform regulations and requirements govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings.
ZONING HEARING BOARD
A multiple-member board, appointed by the Altoona City Council, that hears appeals and challenges under Section 909.1(a) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[9]
ZONING MAP
The map (or maps) that are a part of the zoning ordinance and delineate the boundaries of the zone districts.
ZONING OFFICER
The administrative officer designated to administer zoning and issue zoning permits.
ZONING PERMIT
The permit issued by the Zoning Officer, upon determination by the Zoning Officer that all information contained in the zoning permit application is in compliance with the regulations contained within zoning.
ZONING PERMIT APPLICATION
The application that must be completed by the applicant and the Zoning Officer to apply for a zoning permit, as required in this chapter.
[1]
The former definition of “alterations, structural,” which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 8-14-2019 by Ord. No. 5748.
[2]
Editor’s Note: The Municipality Authorities Act of 1945 (53 P.S. § 301 et seq.) was repealed by Act 22 of 2001 (June 19, 2001, P.L. 287, No. 22). See now Municipality Authorities Act, 53 Pa.C.S.A. § 5601 et seq.
[3]
The former definition of “financial security,” which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 8-14-2019 by Ord. No. 5748.
[4]
The former definition of “home-based business,” which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 8-14-2019 by Ord. No. 5748.
[5]
The former definition of “modifications,” which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 8-14-2019 by Ord. No. 5748.
[6]
Editor's Note: The Municipality Authorities Act of 1945 (53 P.S. § 301 et seq.) was repealed by Act 22 of 2001 (June 19, 2001, P.L. 287, No. 22). See now Municipality Authorities Act, 53 Pa.C.S.A. § 5601 et seq.
[7]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 550, Property Maintenance.
[8]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed the former definitions of "variance, dimensional," "variance, hardship," "variance, planning," "variance, use" and "variation," which immediately followed the definition of "variance."
[9]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 109091(a).
A. 
Urban redevelopment plans and proposals, as enabled by the Urban Redevelopment Law Act of 1945, always supersede the provisions and regulations of this chapter.
B. 
This chapter is not intended to interfere with, abrogate or annul applicable state or federal laws or other rules, regulations or ordinances, provided that, where a provision of this chapter conflicts with a provision of another, the stricter of the two shall apply.
All structures and plans for structures within the City's floodplain, or any subsequent revisions thereof, are subject to the floodplain regulations contained in Chapter 362. Furthermore, all structures and plans for structures within the City's floodplain, as defined by any relevant federal and state legislation, shall be subject to the floodplain regulations imposed by that legislation. Where any such ordinance or law imposes stricter regulations than the relevant parts of this chapter do, those parts of this chapter shall be null and void. Furthermore, where the provisions of any such ordinance or law contradict the provisions of this chapter, the stricter of the two shall apply. In both instances, the parts of this chapter that are not relevant to the provisions of the other law or ordinance shall remain in effect.
A. 
The Altoona City Manager may temporarily waive some of the regulations of this chapter during a declared local emergency. Any structure suitable for a housing facility in the case of emergency, necessity or disaster may be used for temporary housing or shelter in order to alleviate undue hardship that may be incurred by the above conditions, and such use of temporary housing shall not exceed a period of more than 90 days from the date of same. If for any of the above reasons the City Manager finds that the ninety-day period is not sufficient, then the emergency regulations may be extended for an additional ninety-day period.
B. 
During the period of enforcement of this regulation, all other regulations regarding limitations to the use of premises for residential reuse are suspended until the termination of the emergency provided for herein.
For the purposes of this chapter, parcels that consist of several land uses shall be classified by the land use that this chapter regulates the most strictly.