Annville Township Lebanon County
City Zoning Code

Set standards, provide controls, and establish procedures that permit reasonable use of signs and enhance the character of the Township.

Encourage sign design that builds in harmony with the scale and character of the Township.

Protect the safety and general welfare of the community so that permitted signs provide identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness, confusion, and hazardous distractions to motorists.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, relocate, or alter any sign without first obtaining a sign permit, unless the sign is specifically exempt from the permit requirements. Properties in the Historic District also require a certificate of appropriateness from the HARB.

Applications for sign permits shall be made upon forms provided by the Zoning Officer and shall contain or have attached the following information where relevant:

Address signs;

Artisan signs;

Civic event signs;

Directional signs;

Election signs;

Government/regulatory signs;

Home occupation signs smaller than two square feet;

Identification signs;

Incidental signs;

Instructional signs;

Memorial signs;

Personal expression signs;

Public interest signs;

Real estate signs;

Yard sale signs.

Materials . All signs, excluding awning and window signs, shall be constructed only from wood, metal, stone, synthetic wood materials, or other material as determined by the Township Commissioners which has the general appearance of structures composed primarily of wood, metal or stone with painted, engraved or raised messages. Sign materials should complement the original construction materials and architectural style of the building façade on which they are to be displayed. If plywood is used, medium density overlay shall be used as a minimum grade. Bare plywood is prohibited.

Color. In selecting the principal colors for a sign, colors that complement the color of the building are recommended.

Illumination . Internally illuminated signs are not permitted in the Historic District Overlay. Where permitted, signs shall be illuminated only in accordance with the following regulations as authorized in an appropriate sign permit:

Electrical Connections. The electrical supply to all exterior signs, whether to the sign itself or to lighting fixtures positioned to illuminate the sign, shall be provided by means of concealed electrical cables. Electrical supply to freestanding signs shall be provided by means of underground cables. Applications for electrical permits, as required by the building code, shall be filed at the time of the sign permit application.

Nuisance. No sign shall create a public nuisance by emitting smoke, sound, vapor, beams or rays, particles, or odors.

Sign Removal. Any business that has closed shall remove any signs associated with the business within 60 days after it closes. The owner of the premises shall have the responsibility to ensure such signs are removed within the sixty-day period.

No sign or sign structure shall be erected unless it complies with all applicable requirements of the Township Building Code.

All signs and sign structures shall be safe, secure, kept in good repair and in a presentable condition, so that all sign information is clearly legible. Any sign found by the Zoning Officer to show deterioration, including rust, faded colors, discoloration, holes and missing parts or informational items, or to be unsafe, insecure, or a hazard to the public shall constitute a violation of this Section.

No sign or structure shall be placed in the public right-of-way except for permitted A-frame, T-frame, sandwich board, projecting, and civic event signs as provided for in this Section.

No sign shall cover architectural details such as arches, sills, moldings, cornices, and transom windows.

If a sign incorporates more than one purpose, the primary purpose shall determine the limitations as defined on Chart 1 in §27.500.12.

Those which by color, shape or location conflict with or resemble a traffic signal device.

Those attached to rocks, utility poles, parking meters, traffic signposts, traffic signals or control devices, street signs, or historical markers.

Those attached to trees, shrubs or any living vegetative matter.

Those erected without the permission of the property owner or authorized agent.

Those which create hazards to operators of vehicles and pedestrian traffic or which may interfere with, or obstruct the view of, any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.

Those that obstruct free ingress to or egress from a required door, window, fire escape or other required exit.

Those that exhibit statements, words or pictures of pornographic subjects.

Those with reflective backgrounds or elements.

Those displaying trademarks or logos of companies other than the business on the premises.

Abandoned signs which no longer identify or advertise an existing business, lease, service, owner, product, or activity, or for which no legal owner can be found.

Banners exceeding in size more than 10% of the façade of the structure on which they are used. Banners used for more than 30 days unless permission is secured from the Township Commissioners.

Beacon lights.

Motion signs with the exception of time and temperature signs and digital and electronic signs as otherwise permitted (§27-500.5).

Movable signs.

Roof signs.

Tethered balloons, filled either by gas or heated air.

Vehicular signs.

Marquee signs.

Murals.

Nothing in this Section shall relieve the owners or users of legally nonconforming signs, or the owners of the property on which legally nonconforming signs are located, from any provisions of this Section regarding the safety, maintenance, and repair of signs.

If a legally nonconforming sign lists more than one business, new businesses may be added without affecting the nonconforming status of the sign. However, the sign may not be altered in any way that extends the sign’s nonconformity in any manner.

Should 50% or more of any legally nonconforming sign be damaged by any means, it shall be removed and not reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this Section.

A legally nonconforming sign shall immediately lose its legally nonconforming designation if the sign is altered in any way, except as provided for in subsection .G of this Section. At that point, the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this Section and a new permit secured, or the sign shall be removed.

The existence of a legally nonconforming sign on a single or multiple occupancy premises shall not prevent the erection or placement of another sign on the premises, if the new sign meets the requirements of this Section. However, the total number of signs and the size and area of the signs shall not exceed the requirements of this Section.

Any business that has closed shall remove any signs associated with the business within 60 days after it closes. The owner of the premises shall have the responsibility to ensure such signs are removed within the sixty-day period.

Nonconforming signs may be repainted, repaired (including lighting) or replaced provided such repainted, repaired or replaced signs do not exceed the dimensions of the existing sign. Copy may also be changed. Nonconforming signs, once removed for a period of 60 days, may be replaced only with signs which conform to provisions of this Chapter.

All off-premises signs in excess of 100 square feet require a permit from the Township Zoning Officer.

Applications for sign permits shall be filed in duplicate with one copy to the Township Office and shall be accompanied by detailed plans and specifications and such other information deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer to determine the location and details of construction of such sign.

Permit Fees. No permit to erect shall be issued until a fee, as established by resolution of the Board of Commissioners, has been paid.

Billboards (off-premises signs) shall be placed back-to-back, double faced or in a V, with no more than two displays to each facing. Such structures shall be considered as one. No new billboard shall be erected having more than one viewable face that is directed toward the same lane(s) of traffic.

Size of Signs. The maximum area for any one billboard (off-premises sign) shall be 288 square feet with a maximum sign face height of 12 feet or width of 24 feet subject to the measuring provisions of this Section.

Height of Signs. The total maximum height of any billboard (off-premises sign) shall be 45 feet as defined herein. Any communication structures, antennas or other nonmoving structures that may be placed on billboards shall not extend higher than 20 additional feet.

Spacing of Signs. No billboard (off-premises sign) shall be erected within 1,000 feet of any other existing billboard signs in any direction on the same side. The term “measurement” in this Section shall be the minimum distances between billboard structures measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points directly opposite the signs and shall apply only to billboard structures located on the same side of the highway involved.

No billboard (off-premises sign) shall be located within 500 feet of any residential development (R1, R2, R3, and R4).

Lighting of Signs. Billboards (off-premises sign) may be illuminated by steady, stationary, and shielded light sources directed solely onto the surface of the sign face. No flashing, blinking, moving, scrolling, animated, crawling or intermittent lighting of billboard faces shall be allowed.

Billboards (off-premises signs) shall:

The Zoning Officer shall order the removal of any billboard (off-premises sign) or advertising structure erected or maintained in violation of this Chapter.

No sign shall be erected or altered until an application for a certificate of appropriateness has been reviewed and approved by the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) and after the Board of Commissioners has issued a certificate of appropriateness. HARB shall ensure the proposed sign is appropriate:

All applications for a certificate of appropriateness must contain the following information:

Read the entire §27-500 to understand definitions, restrictions, exemptions, prohibitions, etc.

Find your zoning district in one of the top two columns (A or B) on Chart 1.

Find the purpose of your sign in the left hand column of Chart 1.

The intersection of these two axes on Chart 1 will give you the restrictions on square footage and height above the ground.

If your district is in column A of Chart 1, go to Chart 2-A and find the purpose of your sign in the left-hand column. (If your district is in column B of Chart 1, skip to step 8.)

Find the form of your sign in the column headings to the right on Chart 2-A.

The intersection of these two axes on Chart 2-A will tell you any restrictions that may apply.

If your district is in column B of Chart 1, go to Chart 2-B and find the purpose of your sign in the left-hand column.

Find the form of your sign in the column headings to the right on Chart 2-B.

The intersection of these two axes on Chart 2-B will tell you whether any restrictions apply.

REMEMBER: Any person wishing to place a sign within the Historic District is required to appear before HARB and obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Board of Commissioners before applying for a permit and installing the sign (See §27-500.11.A).

Whenever a structure is constructed or a new use established; or

Whenever the use of an existing structure is changed to a use requiring more parking facilities; or

Whenever an existing structure is altered or enlarged so as to increase the amount of parking spaces required under this Section.

In the event of a change of an existing use in an existing building, no additional off-street parking shall be required if the total floor space does not increase and if the new existing use does not require any more spaces under this Section than the use it replaces.

Parking shall not be permitted within 25 feet of any street or road right-of-way. However, provided the minimum 25 feet is satisfied, up to 50% of the required front yard may be used for parking.

Required side and rear yards may be used for parking provided:

Loading and unloading areas shall not be permitted in the required front yard.

Where it is physically possible, parking lots shall be located behind buildings, such that buildings separate parking areas from the street. In cases where this is not possible, parking may be located to the side of a building. In no case shall parking be located in front of a building. Parking shall not be placed to the side of a building adjacent to a street.

The access to parking lots shall be on a side street or at the rear of the property.

Parking areas for nonresidential uses shall be located a minimum of five feet from a street right-of-way line, lot line, and principal structure.

Residential uses: Two parking spaces per dwelling unit.

Restaurant, tavern or similar use: One space for each three seats plus one space for each employee on the premises at any one time. For restaurants with no indoor seating, one space for each 1,000 square feet of lot area.

Retail and service establishments: One space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area of the ground floor; one space for each 300 square feet of gross floor area of upper floors.

Office buildings: One space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area.

Medical, dental and paramedical offices and clinics: One space per employee plus five spaces for each person engaged in practice.

Nursing home, personal care facilities, and similar uses: One space per employee on the premises at any one time plus one space for each four beds.

Funeral home: One space for each three seats plus one space per employee on the premises at any one time.

Auditorium, theater, municipal building, place of worship, club or lodge, or other place of public assemblage: One space for each three seats, plus one space per employee on the premises at any one time.

Library or museum: One space per 300 square feet of gross floor area.

Nursery schools and day care centers: One space per employee on the premises at any one time plus one space for loading and unloading of children for each six children accommodated in the school.

Elementary, middle, junior high and senior high schools: Two spaces per each administrative staff member, plus 1.2 spaces per each additional staff member, plus one-quarter space per seat in the gymnasium.

Motel, hotel, or bed and breakfast inn: One space for each rental unit, plus one space for each employee on the premises at any one time.

Motor vehicle service station or repair garage: Two parking spaces per service bay, plus one space per employee on the premises at any one time.

Bowling alley: Five spaces per alley, plus one space for each employee on the premises at any one time.

Indoor recreational facility or place of amusement: One space per 50 square feet devoted to patron use.

Industrial, wholesaling or warehousing establishment, laboratory, research center: One space per employee on the premises at any one time, or one space per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, whichever results in more parking spaces.

Barber shop or beauty shop: One space per employee on the premises at any one time, plus two spaces for each person engaged in practice.

Commercial school: One space per employee on the premises at any one time, plus two-thirds space per student.

Hospital: One-half space per bed plus one space per employee on the premises at any one time.

Golf course: 10 parking spaces per hole plus one space per employee based on the shift having the largest number of employees, plus 50% of spaces otherwise required for accessory use.

Miniature golf course and driving range: Two parking spaces per tee.

Health fitness center: One space per 50 square feet devoted to patron use.

Flea market: Two spaces per vendor space.

Dormitory or student group residence: One space per two persons in residence based upon design capacity.

For any building or use not covered above, the Zoning Officer shall apply the standard for off-street parking spaces in the above schedule deemed to most closely approximate the proposed use.

In well lit, secure locations;

In a highly visible place with much pedestrian traffic;

So bicycles do not obstruct pedestrians;

Near curb cuts;

With easy access from the street and protected from motor vehicles;

In proximity to the main entrance or directly inside the building with appropriate signage.

Multifamily dwelling units shall provide bicycle parking spaces equal to a minimum of 10% of the required vehicle spaces, unless separate secured garage space is provided for each unit. The bicycle spaces shall be distributed throughout the project to the extent feasible.

Retail commercial uses shall provide bicycle parking spaces equal to a minimum of 10% of the required vehicle spaces, distributed to serve customers and employees of the businesses.

Other nonresidential uses providing employment shall provide bicycle parking spaces equal to a minimum of 5% of the required vehicle spaces, distributed to serve employees and visitors.

Don’t bend wheels or damage other bicycle parts;

Accommodate high security U-shaped bike locks;

Allow users to secure the frame and both wheels;

Provide a minimum of two feet in width for each space.

Lighting, where required or otherwise allowed by this Chapter, shall have intensities and uniformity ratios in accordance with the current recommended practices of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) as contained in the IESNA Lighting Handbook or separately in IESNA Recommended Practices.

Future amendments to said recommended practices shall become part of this Chapter without further action of the Township.

For the lighting of predominantly horizontal surfaces such as, but not limited to, roadways, areas of vehicular and pedestrian passage, loading areas, and parking areas, fixtures, whether free-standing, wall mounted, or any other type, shall be aimed straight down and shall meet IESNA full-cutoff criteria.

Where the use of fixtures meeting IESNA full-cutoff criteria is not practical or possible, fixtures shall be equipped with aiming and/or light-redirecting devices such as shields, visors, baffles, skirts or hoods when necessary to direct or redirect offending light distribution.

The use of floodlighting, spotlighting, noncutoff wall-mounted fixtures, internally illuminated decorative globes and spheres, lanterns and other fixtures not meeting IESNA full-cutoff criteria, shall be permitted only with the approval of the Township, based upon acceptable justification and achievement of adequate glare control.

All outdoor lighting, whether or not required by this Chapter, on private, residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, recreational or institutional property shall be aimed, located, designed, fitted and maintained so as not to present a hazard to drivers or pedestrians by impairing their ability to safely traverse and so as not to create a nuisance by projecting or reflecting objectionable light onto a neighboring use or property. No direct beams of light shall be directed toward adjacent properties or public roads.

Vegetation screens shall not be employed to serve as the primary means for controlling glare. Rather, glare control shall be achieved primarily through the use of such means as cutoff fixtures, shields and baffles, and appropriate application of fixture mounting height, wattage, aiming angle and fixture placement.

Lighting proposed for use after 11:00 p.m., or after normal hours of operation of a business, whichever is earlier, for commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational or municipal application, except for the illumination of the American flag, shall have a lighting plan. Such lighting plans shall be designed to mitigate light trespass, nuisance glare, and sky-lighting consequences and shall not adversely impact residential housing. Such plans shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the Township Commissioners.

Lighting fixtures for externally illuminated signs and billboards shall be so designed or fitted to concentrate the light output onto and not beyond the sign or billboard.

The use of strobe lighting for tall structures such as smokestacks, chimneys and radio/communications/television towers is prohibited during hours of darkness, except as specifically required by FAA.

Poles supporting lighting fixtures for the illumination of parking areas shall be placed a minimum of five feet outside paved area, curbing or tire stops, or on concrete pedestals at least 30 inches high above the pavement, or suitably protected by other means approved by the Township.

Except as specifically approved by the Township Commissioners, fixtures meeting IESNA full-cutoff criteria shall not be mounted in excess of 20 feet above finished grade. Fixtures not meeting IESNA cutoff criteria, when specifically approved by the Commissioners, shall not be mounted in excess of 16 feet above grade.

Lighting fixtures and ancillary equipment shall be maintained so as always to meet the requirements of this Chapter.

Where required in this or other ordinances for residential uses, lighting shall be provided as follows:

The types of street lighting fixtures shall be approved by the Township.

For subdivision and land development applications where site lighting is required or proposed, lighting plans shall be submitted to the Township for review and approval with any preliminary or final subdivision/land development plan application and with any conditional use, special exception, variance application or building permit where applicable, and shall include:

When requested by the Township Commissioners, applicant shall also submit a visual-impact plan that demonstrates appropriate steps have been taken to mitigate on-site and off-site glare and light trespass.

The following notes shall appear on the lighting plans:

Safety Hazards.

Nuisance Glare and Inadequate Illumination Levels .

Access drives and common parking areas shall be provided with shade trees of an appropriate size and character.

Open space adjacent to buildings, areas between buildings, and border strips along the sides of pedestrian walkways shall be graded and seeded or landscaped.

Approaches and entrance areas to buildings shall be provided with trees and shrubbery.

Areas not used for buildings, drives, loading and parking space shall be seeded or landscaped.

Natural features such as wooded areas shall be preserved and incorporated into the design of the development.

Size, Location.

Characteristics.

Planting Screening.

Plans.

Parking lots.

Dumpsters, trash disposal or recycling collection centers.

Service or loading docks.

Outdoor storage.

Vehicle storage.

Detention basins.

Sewage treatment plants and pump stations.

Vacuums at car washes.

For example, if Use One requires a one-acre lot area and Use Two on the same lot requires a two-acre lot area, then the lot shall have a minimum lot area of three acres.

The applicant shall submit a site plan prepared by a qualified professional that demonstrates that each structure would meet the requirements of this Chapter.

The land shall be in common ownership. However, a condominium form of ownership of individual buildings, with a legally binding property owners association, may be established if the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the Zoning Officer, based upon review by the Township Solicitor, that there will be appropriate legal mechanisms in place.

A condominium residential development, apartment development, rental townhouse development, or retirement community may include more than one principal building per lot, provided all other requirements of this Chapter are met.

A condominium form of ownership of individual dwelling units, with a legally binding homeowners’ association, may be established if the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the Zoning Officer, based upon review by the Township Solicitor, that there will be appropriate legal mechanisms in place and compliance with applicable State law.

Residential structures without permanent foundations or without permanent connections to utilities.

The showing or presenting of lewd material or entertainment in an outdoor setting or theatre.

Any depository for dead animals or any facility for animal slaughtering or rendering.

The tanning of hides.

The use of any land for the storage of:

Transmission of communicable disease, including conditions that may encourage the breeding of insects or rodents.

A physical hazard to the public, or a physical hazard that could be an attractive nuisance that would be accessible by children.

Pollution to groundwater or surface waters, other than as authorized by a State or Federal permit.

Risks to public health and safety, such as but not limited to explosion, fire or biological hazards.

Fences shall be constructed and maintained so that the most aesthetic side shall face the exterior of the property.

A fence separating a wholly nonresidential use from any other wholly nonresidential use may not exceed 10 feet in height.

In the C and GC districts, fences shall not exceed six feet in height, unless a greater height is required elsewhere in this Chapter.

Adult entertainment establishments;

Indoor amusement arcades;

Check cashing establishments;

Payday loan stores;

Fortune telling establishments;

Pawnshops;

Tattoo and body piercing establishments;

Head shops;

Outdoor vending machines;

Vape shops.

Adult entertainment establishments;

Indoor amusement arcades;

Check cashing establishments;

Payday loan stores;

Fortune telling establishments;

Pawnshops;

Tattoo and body piercing establishments;

Head shops;

Outdoor vending machines;

Vape shops.

Each dwelling unit shall not have less than 700 square feet of floor area and shall only be occupied by one family as defined in this Chapter.

Two off-street parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit. Parking spaces for converted dwelling units shall not be located within front yards.

The lot area per unit is not reduced to less than 4,000 square feet per unit.

The yard, height, and lot coverage requirements for the District in which the dwelling unit is located shall be met.

The maximum number of people permitted to occupy a dwelling unit shall be in accord with any other applicable Township ordinance or code. The maximum number of persons permitted in any dwelling unit shall not exceed one person for every 80 square feet of habitable floor area in the dwelling unit.

The Zoning Hearing Board shall specify the maximum number of families and people permitted to occupy such building, and may prescribe such further conditions and restrictions as the Board may consider appropriate.

The building shall maintain the appearance of a one-family dwelling with a single front entrance. Additional entrances may be placed on the side or rear of the structure. The dwelling units may internally share the single front entrance.

The conversion shall not be permitted if it would require the placement of an exterior stairway on the front of the building. Dwelling units shall not be located within cellars.

Terraces, patios, decks, or open porches; provided, that such terraces, patios, decks, or open porches are not roofed or enclosed by any wall exceeding four feet in height, are not closer than five feet to any lot line (except a lot line which is the projection of a parting wall), and do not extend above the first floor of the building.

Projecting architectural features such as bay windows, cornices, basement entrances, pilasters, piers, eaves, roof overhang, fireplaces, chimneys, and window sills; provided, that all such features shall project no more than five feet into any required yard, and shall not be located closer than five feet to any lot line (except lot lines which are the projection of parting walls); however, any canopies, porte cochères or other roofs that extend more than five feet from the building line as defined in this Chapter shall be subject to the yard requirements applied from the lot line to the edge of the roof.

Uncovered stairs and landings, provided such stairs or landings are not located closer than five feet to any lot lines (except lot lines that are the projection of parting walls).

Fire escapes provided they are not supported on the ground and do not project more than five feet into any adjacent property line.

It is actually in use in performing some legitimate service at the site at which it is parked.

It is being used in connection with ongoing construction or similar work at the site at which it is parked.

It is a motor vehicle under 20 feet in length and 5,000 pounds in weight and is being used as a private vehicle, even if equipment is attached to it or carried on it.

The truck or trailer is parked on the lot of the legal or legally nonconforming use.

The truck or trailer is parked on the street adjacent to the legal or legally nonconforming use.

It is parked within a completely enclosed garage.

Properties with frontages of 100 feet or less shall be limited to one curb cut.

Not more than two curb cuts may be permitted for any single property, tract, or lot, for each street frontage. More than two curb cuts per frontage may be permitted only when anticipated traffic volumes warrant more than two and when supported by a traffic study prepared by a qualified traffic engineer.

On any lot on which a principal building existed at the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Chapter, an accessory building to such existing principal building which is constructed after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Chapter does not have to be set back further from any street right-of-way than that principal building.

No permanent structure shall be constructed on any lot prior to the commencement of construction of the principal building to which it is accessory. Temporary job site construction trailers are permitted during construction.

Nothing in this Section shall limit other residential accessory uses not mentioned so long as they are accessory to the residential use of the land, and do not create a threat to the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.

No nonresidential activities shall be permitted.

No accessory structure shall have an area exceeding 50% of the floor area of the principal building.

The total area of all accessory structures on a lot shall not exceed one-half the maximum permitted building coverage in the applicable zoning district.

No more than two storage sheds shall be located on any one lot. All storage sheds shall be anchored in accordance with the Township Construction Code.

Truck bodies or trailers, buses, mobile homes, mobile office trailers, and similar alternative containers shall not be permitted for use as a private storage shed.

No accessory structure shall be permitted within any front yard.

Any structure attached to a principal building in any manner shall comply in all respects with the yard requirements of this Chapter for a principal building.

Storage sheds shall be no larger than 200 square feet. Storage sheds shall be located only in rear and side yards, and shall not be permitted within three feet of any side or rear lot line.

Multi-story accessory structures (excluding garages) are permitted only if there are at least two other multi-story buildings on the same side of the same block within a two-hundred-and-fifty-foot radius as measured from the center of the proposed structure.

In the case of a lot on which a principal building existed on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Chapter, an accessory building thereto may be located closer to a side lot line than permitted above; provided, that the accessory building is situated to the rear of the principal building, complies with the construction standards of the Uniform Construction Code, and is not located closer to the side lot line than the principal building.

No more than three accessory structures shall be allowed on any one lot.

Private tennis courts shall be permitted within side or rear yards; provided, that such facility shall be not less than 15 feet from side or rear lot lines. No such tennis court shall be permitted unless it is protected on all sides (except for an access way) by a permanent fence 10 feet in height.

Greenhouses shall comprise a total floor area of no more than 200 square feet. Greenhouses shall be located only in rear yards and shall not exceed 12 feet in height.

Private, noncommercial swimming pools which are designed to contain a water depth of 18 inches or more, regardless of whether they are permanently affixed or movable, shall be located on the same lot or tract as the dwelling and shall not be permitted in the front yard. In all other yards, a pool shall not be closer than 15 feet to any lot line, as measured from the water’s edge. All pools shall be completely enclosed with a continuous impenetrable fence or barrier no less than four feet in height above the ground level and shall be equipped with a lockable gate or retractable ladder. Any deck, patio, or impermeable surface, not under roof or otherwise enclosed, which surrounds, is attached to, or associated with a pool shall be no closer than 10 feet to the side or rear lot line. Swimming pools shall be used solely for occupants of the property and their guests.

Apartment and townhouse accessory structures shall be restricted to uses for residents of the apartment and townhouse units.

Storage. When storage outside buildings is permitted within a zoning district, no storage shall be permitted within front and side yards. Outdoor storage of materials shall be screened from view from adjoining properties and streets.

Shopping Cart Storage. If any use permits shopping carts to be taken from the confines of the store building, storage areas for such carts shall be provided at convenient locations in the parking area or against the building.

Trash Containers. All trash and rubbish shall be kept in covered containers and stored in a permanent enclosure which surrounds the containers, and is constructed of the following materials: brick, stone, wood, concrete-based stucco, vinyl designed to look like wood.

Fences. All fences shall be higher than the materials being screened, and have a minimum height of four feet. Although trees, shrubs and other landscaping are encouraged, they may not be used to substitute for fence.

No cooking facilities shall be permitted in rooms for rent.

The maximum number of rooms for rent shall be six.

The bed and breakfast shall be owner or manager occupied.

At least one bathroom shall be provided for every three units, plus at least one bathroom for the resident owner or manager.

The use shall maintain an appearance and character consistent with a residence. The only exterior changes permitted to portions of residential buildings that are visible from a public street shall be for historic restoration, cosmetic improvements, and any necessary safety improvements or removal of architectural barriers.

Bed and breakfasts shall only be permitted within single-family detached dwellings that existed on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Chapter.

One off-street parking space shall be provided for each room available for rent and each employee on the premises at any one time, in addition to those required for the dwelling unit.

All parking areas shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from all property lines, and shall be screened from adjoining lots and streets.

Meals shall be offered only to registered overnight guests.

The applicant shall furnish proof to the Zoning Officer of any needed land development approvals.

The public utility shall file a plan with the Township indicating the location of all existing and proposed buildings or facilities within the Township.

No such building or facility shall create a danger to the public safety of any resident of the Township.

A special exception must be received from the Zoning Hearing Board prior to the locating of any building or facility.

If adjoining land is zoned to permit residential uses, all public utility buildings or facilities, storage, or activities outside a building, including parking and loading, shall be screened from view from public streets and adjoining lots.

The proposed building or facility must provide a necessary function.

Support and maintenance structures not requiring human occupancy are permitted. Facilities or buildings shall be located no closer than 10 feet to any lot line or street right-of-way line. The Zoning Hearing Board may establish greater setbacks depending on the nature of the use and its location. All other uses shall comply with all applicable zoning district regulations unless the Zoning Hearing Board imposes greater standards.

The nature and details of the building or facility;

That the building or facility will be used exclusively in the operation of the public utility service provided by the petitioner; and

That the building or facility is reasonably necessary for the convenience or welfare of the public with respect to the service provided.

Design, construction, maintenance, and retirement of the access system, including haul roads, skid roads, skid trails and landings;

Design, construction, and maintenance of water control measures and structures such as culverts, broad-based dips, filter strips, and water bars;

Design, construction, and maintenance of stream and wetland crossings;

The general location of the proposed operation in relation to municipal and state highways, including any accesses to those highways.

Site location and boundaries, including both the boundaries of the property on which the timber harvest will take place and the boundaries of the proposed harvest area within that property;

Significant topographic features related to potential environmental problems;

Location of all earth disturbance activities such as roads, landings, and water control measures and structures;

Location of all crossings of waters of the Commonwealth;

The general location of the proposed operation to municipal and state highways, including any accesses to those highways.

Erosion and sedimentation control regulations contained in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102, promulgated pursuant to the Clean Streams Law (35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq.). An erosion and sedimentation plan shall be on-site and shall be approved by the Lebanon County Conservation District when required.

Stream crossing and wetlands protection regulations contained in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 105, promulgated pursuant to the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act (32 P.S. § 693.1 et seq.).

Felling or skidding on or across any public thoroughfare is prohibited without the express written consent of the Township or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, whichever is responsible for maintenance of the thoroughfare.

No tops or slash shall be left within 25 feet of any public thoroughfare or private roadway providing access to adjoining residential property.

All tops and slash between 25 and 50 feet from a public roadway or private roadway providing access to adjoining residential property or within 50 feet of adjoining residential property shall be lopped to a maximum height of four feet above the ground.

No tops or slash shall be left on or across the boundary of any property adjoining the operation without the consent of the owner thereof.

Litter resulting from a timber harvesting operation shall be removed from the site before the operator vacates it.

Skid trail, skid road, haul road, and landing area design shall be consistent with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection guidelines.

The Township Commissioners shall approve routes using Township roads. The Commissioners will also set the maximum gross weight permissible on Township roads.

Hours during which harvesting can occur are subject to Township Commissioners approval.

Landing/staging areas and haul/skid roads shall be restored and reseeded after the harvest is complete. Site access roads shall be closed to the general public.

Active and passive solar systems, wind energy systems and similar alternate energy systems, including customary energy storage accessories, shall be permitted for the production, collection, movement, distribution or storage of heated water, air or other medium which is intended for conveyance to a principal or accessory building. Systems may include the following, subject to the requirements contained herein:

Cease operating the unit until reasonable steps can be taken to ensure that the outdoor wood furnace will not be a nuisance.

Agree to make modifications to the unit within 30 days to eliminate the nuisance such as extending the chimney, or relocating the outdoor wood furnace.

The following fuels are strictly prohibited in new and existing outdoor wood furnaces:

The outdoor wood furnace shall be located at least 50 feet from the property line.

The outdoor wood furnace shall be located at least 100 feet from any residence that is not served by the outdoor wood furnace.

The outdoor wood furnace shall be located on the property in compliance with manufacturer’s recommendations and/or testing and listing requirements for clearance to combustible materials.

The chimney of any new outdoor wood furnace shall extend at least two feet above the peak of any residence not served by the outdoor wood furnace located within 300 feet of such outdoor wood furnace.

The outdoor wood furnace shall be located on the property in compliance with manufacturer’s recommendations and/or testing and listing requirements for clearance to combustible materials.

If located within 300 feet to any residence not served by the furnace, the chimney must be at least two feet higher than the peak of the residence served.

If located within 100 feet to any residence not served by the furnace, the chimney must be at least two feet higher than the peak of the residence served or not served, whichever is higher.

Protection.

Maintenance.

Exact size and location of proposed solar or wind energy conversion system, or outdoor wood furnace.

Any associated apparatus, structures, or architectural features necessary for the efficient operation of a solar or wind energy device, or outdoor wood furnace.

Every building lot shall have access to a public street or an approved private street, except as provided for in §27-505.

Proposed access points shall be separated according to the provisions set forth in this Chapter.

Where a lot or multiple lots are created with frontage on more than one road, access shall only be permitted to the road with the lower functional classification according to this Chapter, unless permission is given by the Township Commissioners to access the road of higher functional classification.

Unless the Township Commissioners give permission, direct driveway access to collector and arterial roads, as defined by this Chapter, shall be prohibited.

Unless the Township Commissioners give permission, all residential lots shall have access only to local roads.

Where a development proposal creates lots with frontage along existing collector or arterial roads, the proposed street pattern shall provide driveway, parking and loading access to a local road within the development, rather than access to the collector or arterial road.

Where a building, structure, or lot is created having frontage along an existing collector or arterial road, and access to another street is not possible, access may be provided from an adjacent use.

Where a building, structure or lot is created having frontage along an existing collector or arterial road, and no viable alternative for access is possible in the opinion of the Township Commissioners, access to the arterial or collector road may be permitted in conjunction with the following:

From an intersection involving a collector road, proposed access drives and driveways shall be set back a minimum of 75 feet, except 40 feet in the TC District.

From an intersection involving an arterial road, proposed access drives and driveways shall be set back a minimum of 100 feet, except 40 feet in the TC District.

Adjacent nonresidential uses shall share access points to better facilitate the flow of traffic by increasing access coordination along road frontages and minimizing confusion caused by an excessive number of access points, unless permission is granted by the Township to use individual access points.

Limit the number of access points along collector and arterial roads.

Use parallel access roads as entrances to uses and lots that abut collector and arterial roads.

Coordinate ingress and egress locations for adjacent uses, lots and structures along collector and arterial roads.

Connect interior access ways, parking areas or loading areas of uses with frontage along collector and arterial roads.

Coordinate similar traffic movements at access locations to increase safety and facilitate vehicle movement.

The minimum separation distance between access points on a local road shall be 75 feet.

The minimum separation distance between access points on a collector road shall be 100 feet.

The minimum separation distance between access points on an arterial road shall be 300 feet.

To regulate the placement, construction and modification of communications and transmissions antennas and communications towers to protect the public safety and welfare;

To accommodate the need for communications antennas while regulating their location in the Township;

To minimize adverse visual effects of antennas and communications towers through proper design, siting, painting, and vegetative screening;

To encourage co-location of antennas and the use of existing structures to reduce the number of such structures needed in the future;

To avoid, through engineering and proper siting of communications towers, potential damage to adjacent properties from tower failure or falling ice or debris;

To minimize adverse effects to residential property values resulting from the location and design of personal wireless facilities;

To ensure that antennas and communications towers will be removed in the event that such structures are abandoned or become obsolete and are no longer necessary;

To promote co-location of emergency services antennas;

To insure that the location and number of personal wireless facilities protect the health, safety, and welfare of Township residents.

Communications antennas shall not exceed the height of the existing structure by more than 15 feet; omnidirectional communications antennas shall not exceed seven inches in diameter; directional or panel communications antennas shall not exceed five feet in height or width with a maximum surface area of 15 square feet.

Any applicant proposing a communications antenna to be mounted on a building or other structure shall submit to the Zoning Officer evidence of the following, satisfactory to the Township:

Procedure. The applicant and the Board of Commissioners shall follow the procedure set out in §27-810 to obtain a conditional use. The request for a conditional use shall be accompanied by documentation meeting each of the requirements of this Section as applicable. Prior to issuing a decision on the request for conditional use, the Board of Commissioners may engage the services of a consultant to review this information. The fees of the consultant shall be borne by the applicant. The Board of Commissioners may require the applicant to pay in advance a retainer to be used towards the fees incurred by the consultant, which retainer shall be provided by the applicant within 10 days of the request. The consultant may be required to perform inspections or testing, to determine the need for the facility, and whether the type of facility proposed is appropriate, and to provide comments on the documentation provided by the applicant.

License. The applicant shall demonstrate that it is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to operate a communications tower, if applicable, and communications antennas, and shall provide a copy of all applicable license approvals by the Federal Communications Commission, including any special conditions applicable to the license.

Setbacks. A communications equipment building shall be subject to the height and setback requirements of the applicable zoning district for an accessory structure.

As-Built Plans . Within 60 days of completion of the initial construction and any additional construction, the applicant shall furnish to the Township two complete sets of plans, drawn to scale, and certified to the Township as accurately depicting the wireless telecommunications facilities constructed pursuant to the conditional use approval.

Exposure Standards. The applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed communications tower, and communications antennas proposed to be mounted thereon, comply with all applicable standards established by the Federal Communications Commission governing human exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

Tower Location. Any applicant proposing construction of a new communications tower shall demonstrate that a good faith effort has been made to obtain permission to mount the communications antennas on an existing building structure or communications tower. A good faith effort shall require that all owners of potentially suitable structures within a one-quarter-mile radius of the proposed communications tower site be contacted and that one or more of the following reasons for not selecting such structures apply:

Access. Access to the communications tower and the communications equipment building shall be provided by means of a public street or easement to a public street, which easement shall be a minimum of 20 feet in width and shall be improved to a width of at least 10 feet with a dust-free, all-weather surface for its entire length.

Lot and Plan . A communications tower may be located on a lot occupied by other principal structures and may occupy a leased parcel within a lot so long as the minimum lot size requirements for the zoning district are met; recording of a land development or subdivision plan shall not be required for a leased parcel upon which a communications tower is proposed to be constructed so long as the communications equipment building is unmanned.

Airports and Traffic . Communications towers shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local aviation, airport and air traffic statutes, regulations and ordinances.

Height Regulations. Communications towers, including attached antennas, shall be kept to the minimum height necessary to perform their function, which may be adjusted to provide for co-location with other users, but in no event shall any communications tower exceed a maximum height of 150 feet; communications equipment buildings shall comply with all applicable requirements of the zoning district in which they are located.

Yard and Setback. Communications towers shall be located at a minimum of 500 feet from any existing residential structure or any other zoning district; communications towers shall be set back from all property lines or lease lines a distance of 110% of the height of the communications tower and communications antenna; communications equipment buildings shall comply with all yard requirements of the zoning district in which they are located.

Use of Stealth Technology. The applicant shall demonstrate that stealth technology has been used to the greatest extent possible in the design of the communications tower.

On-Site Parking. A minimum of one paved on-site parking space shall be provided on the lot or leased parcel on which the communications tower and/or communications equipment building is located for use by inspection or maintenance vehicles only.

Fencing and Landscaping . A fence shall be required to surround a communications tower and communications equipment building and other related equipment; a minimum of six feet in height and a maximum of eight feet in height, which shall not contain openings greater than nine square inches and shall contain, at all entrances, gates which shall be locked except during such times as the site is manned by authorized personnel; all guy wires associated with guyed communications towers shall be clearly marked so as to be visible at all times, and shall be located within the fenced enclosure; an evergreen screen shall be required to surround the fenced site, using evergreen trees of a minimum height of six feet at time of planting, tree planting not exceeding every eight feet.

Color. Communications towers and communications equipment buildings shall be painted in a color and/or composed of materials that best allows blending into the surrounding area, including the use of colors such as grays, blues and greens as appropriate.

Communications Equipment Buildings . Communications equipment buildings are accessory buildings and must conform to all requirements of the zoning district in which the communications equipment building is located.

Signs and Lighting. A sign shall be mounted in a visible location upon the communications tower or communications equipment building identifying the name, address and emergency telephone number of the operator; no lights shall be mounted on a communications tower unless as required by a governmental agency with such jurisdiction; security lighting may be placed upon communications equipment buildings but must be downshielded and the light shall not shine or reflect on adjacent properties.

Safety. The applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed antenna and communications tower are safe and the surrounding area will not be negatively affected by support structure failure, falling ice or other debris; compliance with all applicable standards established by the Federal Communications Commission governing human exposure to electromagnetic radiation shall be met in compliance with guidelines recommended by the American National Standards Institute with respect to radio frequency emissions; communication towers shall be fitted with anti-climbing devices, as approved by the manufacturers; certification from a Pennsylvania registered professional engineer that a proposed communications tower will be designed and constructed in accordance with the current Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures, published by the Electrical Industrial Association/Telecommunications Industry Association and the applicable requirements of any State, County and local building code.

Insurance. The applicant shall provide a certificate of insurance evidencing general liability coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence and property damage coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence covering the communications tower, communications antenna, and communications equipment building which insurance shall be maintained and remain in effect during the entire time the tower, antenna and/or equipment building remains upon the lot or leased premises.

Waste. No waste, including hazardous waste, shall be placed or disposed of on the site of the communications tower and communications equipment building.

Noise Levels. Noise levels shall not exceed five dBA above the ambient levels on adjacent properties; operation of a backup power generator in the event of power failure, or the testing of a backup power generator between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. are exempt from this limitation.

Visibility Impact Limitations . The applicant shall demonstrate that the communications tower, antenna and communications equipment building shall have no visual impact upon Annville’s Historic District or the Quittie Creek Nature Park.

Fully Automated Site. The applicant shall demonstrate that the site is fully automated.

Inspection. Beginning in December of the year that the construction of the communications tower is completed, and then in December of every other year thereafter, the owner of the communications tower shall have the communications tower inspected by an expert who is regularly involved in the maintenance, inspection and/or erection of communications towers. At a minimum, this inspection shall be conducted in accordance with the Tower Inspection Class Checklist provided in the Electronics Industries Association (EIA) Standard 222 Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Towers and Antenna Support Structures. A copy of said inspection report shall be provided to the Township. At the time said report is provided to the Township, the applicant shall pay a fee as the Board of Commissioners shall from time to time set forth in a resolution.

Amateur Radio. This regulation shall not govern any tower, or the installation of any antenna that is under 70 feet in height and is owned and operated by a federally licensed amateur radio station operator.

Removal. A communications tower, communications antenna or communications equipment building that is no longer in use for its approved purpose shall be removed at the owner’s expense. The owner shall provide the Township with a copy of the notice to the FCC of intent to cease operations. If the tower, antenna or equipment building remains unused for a period of six consecutive months, the owner shall be given 90 days from the end of that six-consecutive-month period to remove the communications tower, antenna or equipment building. The owner shall post a bond in an amount satisfactory to the Township to be used by the Township for such removal in the event the applicant fails to remove the facilities within the 90 days. In the case of multiple operators sharing use, this provision shall not become effective until all users cease operations. The equipment on the ground is not to be removed until the tower portion of the communications facility has first been dismantled and removed. If the owner removes the tower and equipment in proper fashion, upon request, the Township shall return the bond.