Baldwin Borough City Zoning Code
ARTICLE III
Zoning Districts and Zoning Map
§ 168-300 Zoning Map; district boundary lines.
A.
Adoption of Zoning Map. The areas within the Borough limits as assigned to each district and the location of boundaries of the districts established by this chapter are shown on the Zoning Map, which is declared to be part of this chapter and shall be kept on file with the Borough Secretary.
B.
District boundary lines.
(1)
The district boundary lines shall be as shown on the Zoning Map. District boundary lines are intended to coincide with lot lines, center lines of streets, the limits of the Borough or as dimensioned on the map.
(2)
Where a district boundary is not fixed by dimensions and where it approximately follows lot lines, such boundary shall be construed to follow such lot lines unless specifically shown otherwise.
(3)
The location of a district boundary that divides a lot shall be determined by the use of the scale appearing on the Zoning Map unless indicated otherwise by dimensions. In case any further uncertainty exists, the Zoning Officer shall interpret the intent of the map as to the location of the district boundary lines.
(4)
Where a municipal boundary divides a lot, the minimum lot area shall be regulated by the municipality in which the principal use(s) are located, unless otherwise provided by applicable case law. The land area within each municipality shall be regulated by the use regulations and other applicable regulations of each municipality.
§ 168-310 Establishment of districts.
§ 168-320 Land use chart.
The Land Use Chart to included as an attachment to this chapter.
§ 168-330 R-1: Single-Family Residential District.
A.
The purpose of this zoning district is to:
(1)
Further the statement of intent and community development objectives as included in this chapter and to further the goals and objectives of the Borough Comprehensive Plan.
(2)
Promote home ownership in the Borough to build property values and create a sense of community.
(3)
Create and maintain healthy residential neighborhoods that include single-family detached residences.
B.
Use regulations.
(1)
Permitted principal uses: refer to the Principal Land Use Chart.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said chart is included as an attachment to this chapter.
C.
Area and bulk regulations. The following regulations shall be observed:
D.
Off-street parking regulations and standards as required by this chapter.
§ 168-340 R-2: Medium and High Density Residential District.
B.
Use regulations.
(1)
Permitted principal uses: refer to Principal Land Use Chart.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said chart is included as an attachment to this chapter.
C.
Area and bulk regulations. The following regulations shall be observed:
(1)
(2)
Two-family dwelling.
(a)
Lot size: 5,000 square feet per dwelling, minimum.
(b)
Lot width at building setback line: 80 feet minimum.
(c)
Lot coverage: 25% maximum.
(d)
Minimum setback: 35 feet.
(e)
Side yards: 25 feet total, 10 feet one side.
(f)
Rear yard: 1,500 square feet per dwelling unit and not less than 30 feet in depth.
(g)
Maximum building height: 30 feet or 2 1/2 stories.
(h)
Paved area: 35% maximum.
(3)
All other uses:
(a)
Lot size: one acre minimum.
(b)
Lot width at building setback line: 150 feet.
(c)
Open area: 25% minimum.
(d)
Lot coverage: 35% maximum.
(e)
Maximum height: 43 feet or three stories.
(f)
Paved area: 40% maximum.
(g)
Minimum building setback: 35 feet plus the height of the building over 35 feet.
(h)
Side yards: 30 feet or the height of the building, whichever is greater.
(i)
Rear yard: 30 feet or the height of the building, whichever is greater.
(j)
Any yard abutting another residence district: 30 feet plus the height of the building.
(k)
High-rise. Any yard abutting another residence district: 150 feet plus the height of the building.
(l)
Dwelling unit density.
[1]
The following minimum lot areas shall be provided:
[a]
When the dwelling units have only one bedroom each, provide 1,200 square feet for each dwelling unit, plus paved parking space equal to 1 1/2 spaces per dwelling unit, plus usable open space of 500 square feet per dwelling unit. Thus, for each dwelling unit having one bedroom, the total lot area required shall be 1,970 square feet.
[b]
When the dwelling units have more than one bedroom each, there shall be provided for each additional bedroom a lot area of 500 square feet, plus a total paved area equal to two spaces, plus additional usable open space of 500 square feet per bedroom.
[c]
When computing lot area, no streets serving a multiple-family dwelling, whether public or private, shall be included in the lot area. If the streets are to remain private, their widths shall be considered as 50 feet.
(4)
Off-street parking regulations and standards: as required by this chapter.
§ 168-350 C-1: Neighborhood Commercial District.
A.
The purpose of this zoning district is to:
(1)
Further the community development objectives as included in this chapter and to further the goals and objectives of the Borough Comprehensive Plan.
(2)
Provide opportunities for non-residential uses to locate in proximity to residential neighborhoods such that the sales and services provided by these non-residential areas are reasonably accessible to the residential areas.
(3)
Allow for the creation of small pockets of commercial uses that are easily accessible to residential neighborhoods and serve as a transitional buffer between more intense non-residential uses and residential areas.
(4)
In addition to the general goals listed in the preamble and statement of intent, it is the purpose of this section to provide commercial and other permitted facilities to serve primarily the needs of the local residents, including neighborhood-type facilities and general convenience needs.
C.
D.
Off-street parking regulations and standards: as required by this chapter.
E.
Off-street loading regulations: as required by of this chapter.
G.
Signs: as required by this chapter.
§ 168-360 C-2: Large Retail and Professional Office District.
A.
The purpose of this zoning district is to:
(1)
Further the community development objectives as included in this chapter and to further the goals and objectives of the Borough Comprehensive Plan.
(2)
Accommodate local and regional commercial uses.
(3)
In addition to the general goals listed in the preamble and statement of intent, it is the purpose of this section to provide for a cohesive unit of commercial stores arranged and constructed according to a plan which will serve both the neighborhood and the community. It is also necessary to provide for the regulations requiring landscaping as well as provisions covering submission of plans so that such areas may be made to blend with adjoining uses.
C.
Area and bulk regulations:
(1)
Lot coverage: 35% maximum.
(2)
Building setback line: 60 feet minimum.
(3)
Side yards: 12 feet.
(4)
Rear yard: 50 feet minimum.
(5)
Paved areas: 60% maximum.
(6)
Building size: maximum 100,000 square feet.
(7)
Building length: 400 feet maximum.
(8)
Building height: eight stories.
(9)
Street access points: 300 feet minimum apart.
§ 168-370 I-1: Light Industrial District.
A.
The purpose of this zoning district is to:
(1)
Further the community development objectives as included in this chapter and to further the goals and objectives of the Borough Comprehensive Plan.
(2)
Provide suitable regulations for freestanding light industrial uses which can be accommodated in open areas near urbanized development.
(3)
Accommodate limited residential and commercial development.
B.
Use regulations.
(1)
Permitted principal uses: Refer to the Principal Land Use Chart.[1]
(a)
No noxious, odorous or undue noises, smoke, fumes, etc., shall be permitted in any of the foregoing uses. Such uses shall be completed within buildings and shall not involve processes generating smoke, fumes, odors, dust, noise or vibrations in an amount noticeable outside the building or which would adversely affect surrounding properties or the basic residential character of the total community.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said chart is included as an attachment to this chapter.
C.
The following regulations shall be observed for the development of lots less than 174,240 square feet (four acres).
(2)
Off-street parking regulations and standards: as required by this chapter.
(3)
Off-street loading regulations: as required by this chapter.
(4)
Design and performance standards: as required by § 168-420R, Non-residential design standards, of this chapter.
(5)
Signs: as required by this chapter.
D.
The following regulations shall be observed for the development of lots 174,240 square feet (four acres) or larger.
(1)
Area and bulk regulations. The following regulations shall be observed:
(2)
Off-street parking regulations and standards: as required by this chapter.
(3)
Off-street loading regulations: as required by this chapter.
(4)
Design and performance standards: as required by § 168-420R, Non-residential design standards, of this chapter.
(5)
Signs: as required by this chapter.
§ 168-380 I-2: Heavy Industrial District.
A.
The purpose of this zoning district is to:
(1)
Further the community development objectives as included in this chapter and to further the goals and objectives of the Borough Comprehensive Plan.
(2)
Provide suitable regulations for freestanding heavy industrial uses which can be accommodated in open areas near urbanized development.
(3)
Provide suitable regulations for industrial parks in which a number of businesses may locate within a landscaped tract. Because of the proximity of such uses to residential and commercial uses, restrictions are imposed to assure both attractive and useful surroundings. Site locations are an essential aspect of such parks which need to be interrelated into their surroundings.
(4)
Accommodate limited residential and commercial development.
B.
Use regulations.
(1)
Permitted principal uses: Refer to the Principal Land Use Chart.[1]
(a)
No noxious, odorous or undue noises, smoke, fumes, etc., shall be permitted in any of the foregoing uses. Such uses shall be completed within buildings and shall not involve processes generating smoke, fumes, odors, dust, noise or vibrations in an amount noticeable outside the building or which would adversely affect surrounding properties or the basic residential character of the total community.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said chart is included as an attachment to this chapter.
C.
The following regulations shall be observed for the development of lots less than 174,240 square feet (four acres).
D.
The following regulations shall be observed for the development of lots 174,240 square feet (four acres) or larger.
(1)
Area and bulk regulations. The following regulations shall be observed:
(2)
Off-street parking regulations and standards: as required by this chapter.
(3)
Off-street loading regulations: as required by this chapter.
(4)
Design and performance standards: as required by the non-residential design standards of this chapter.
(5)
Signs: as required by this chapter.
§ 168-390 Airport District Overlay Zone.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this article is to create an airport district overlay that considers safety issues around the Allegheny County Airport, regulates and restricts the heights of constructed structures and objects of natural growth, creates appropriate zones, establishing the boundaries thereof and providing for changes in the restrictions and boundaries of such zones, creates the permitting process for uses within said zones and provides for enforcement, assessment of violation penalties, an appeals process, and judicial review.
B.
Relation to other zone districts. The Airport District Overlay shall not modify the boundaries of any underlying zoning district. Where identified, the Airport District Overlay shall impose certain requirements on land use and construction in addition to those contained in the underlying zoning district.
C.
Establishment of airport zones. There are hereby created and established certain zones within the Airport District Overlay Ordinance, defined in this chapter depicted on Figure 1 and illustrated on the Allegheny County Airport (AGC) Hazard Area Map (Drawing 6 of 14 of the AGC Airport Master Plan, as amended) (Figure 1 and Drawing 6 of 14 of the AGC Airport Master Plan are on file in the Borough offices), all hereby adopted as part of this article, which include:
D.
Permit applications.
(1)
As regulated by Act 164 and defined by 14 CFR § 77.13(a) (as amended or replaced), any person who plans to erect a new structure, to add to an existing structure, or to erect and maintain any object (natural or man-made) in the vicinity of the airport, shall first notify the Department's Bureau of Aviation (BOA) by submitting PennDOT Form AV-57 to obtain an obstruction review of the proposal at least 30 days prior to commencement thereof. The Department's BOA response must be included with this permit application for it to be considered complete. If the Department's BOA returns a determination of no penetration of airspace, the permit request should be considered in compliance with the intent of this overlay ordinance. If the Department's BOA returns a determination of a penetration of airspace, the permit shall be denied, and the project sponsor may seek a variance from such regulations as outlined in this chapter.
(2)
No permit is required to make maintenance repairs or to replace parts of existing structures which do not enlarge or increase the height of an existing structure.
E.
Variance.
(1)
Any request for a variance shall include documentation in compliance with 14 CFR Part 77 Subpart B (FAA Form 7460-1, as amended or replaced). Determinations of whether to grant a variance will depend on the determinations made by the FAA and the Department's BOA as to the effect of the proposal on the operation of air navigation facilities and the safe, efficient use of navigable airspace. In particular, the request for a variance shall consider which of the following categories the FAA has placed the proposed construction in:
(a)
No objection. The subject construction is determined not to exceed obstruction standards and marking/lighting is not required to mitigate potential hazard. Under this determination a variance shall be granted.
(b)
Conditional determination. The proposed construction/alteration is determined to create some level of encroachment into an airport hazard area which can be effectively mitigated. Under this determination, a variance shall be granted contingent upon implementation of mitigating measures as described in § 168-390H, Obstruction marking and lighting.
(c)
Objectionable. The proposed construction/alteration is determined to be a hazard and is thus objectionable. A variance shall be denied, and the reasons for this determination shall be outlined to the applicant. Such requests for variances shall be granted where it is duly found that a literal application or enforcement of the regulations will result in unnecessary hardship and that relief granted will not be contrary to the public interest, will not create a hazard to air navigation, will do substantial justice, and will be in accordance with the intent of this article.
(2)
Such requests for variances shall be granted where it is duly found that a literal application or the enforcement of the regulations will result in unnecessary hardship and that relief granted will not be contrary to the public interest, will not create a hazard to air navigation, will do substantial justice, and will be in accordance with the intent of this chapter.
F.
Use restrictions. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article, no use shall be made of land or water within the Airport District Overlay in such a manner as to create electrical interference with navigational signals or radio communications between the airport and aircraft, make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and others, impair visibility in the vicinity of the airport, create bird strike hazards or otherwise endanger or interfere with the landing, takeoff or maneuvering of aircraft utilizing the Allegheny County Airport.
G.
Preexisting nonconforming uses. The regulations prescribed by this article shall not be construed to require the removal, lowering, or other change or alteration of any structure or tree not conforming to the regulations as of the effective date of this article or otherwise interfere with the continuance of a nonconforming use. No nonconforming use shall be structurally altered or permitted to grow higher so as to increase the nonconformity, and a nonconforming use, once substantially abated (subject to the underlying zoning ordinance), may only be reestablished consistent with the provisions herein.
H.
Obstruction marking and lighting. Any permit or variance granted pursuant to the provisions of this article may be conditioned according to the process to require the owner of the structure or object of natural growth in question to permit the municipality, at its own expense, or require the person requesting the permit or variance to install, operate and maintain such marking or lighting as deemed necessary to assure both ground and air safety.
I.
Violations and penalties. The enforcement and penalties regarding violations of this article shall be the same as those set forth in this chapter.
J.
Appeals. All appeals from actions taken pursuant to this article shall be the same as those set forth in this chapter.
K.
Conflicting regulations. Where there exists a conflict between any of the regulations or limitations prescribed in this article and any other regulation applicable to the same area, the more stringent limitation or requirement shall govern and prevail.
§ 168-395 Route 51 Streetscape Enhancement Overlay (SEO) District.
[Added 4-19-2022 by Ord. No. 921]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of the SEO District regulations is to promote the development of a safe, inviting, and accessible commercial corridor along Pennsylvania State Route 51 that is easily navigable by vehicular traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The regulations provide for a variety of streetscape amenities and design treatments including, but not limited to, sidewalks, crosswalks, street trees, and screened and pedestrian-friendly parking areas. The SEO District regulations shall serve as an additional series of site plan requirements applicable to the development, redevelopment, or alteration of commercial uses and properties, and are to be implemented with the site plan in addition to all standard requirements of the base commercial zoning district within which the property or commercial use is located. Other objectives include:
(1)
Regulation of public and private improvements relative to commercial uses located in the corridor and to increase flexibility for site design.
(2)
Implementation of long-term planning efforts and strategies for the corridor, including but not limited to the AIA Center for Communities by Design, Sustainable Design Assessment Team project for Allegheny County (2010).
(3)
Management of the future development of strip-type, auto-dependent, commercial uses to minimize traffic conflicts and pedestrian safety problems and creation of an overall cohesive character for the streetscapes along the corridor.
(4)
Enhancement of pedestrian circulation and pedestrian-oriented streetscapes through the use of sidewalks and pedestrian areas.
(5)
Creation of consistent and cohesive streetscapes through the use of effective landscaping and screening.
(6)
Definition of the character and identity of the corridor through the effective use of unified elements of the streetscape such as street trees, landscaping, hardscapes, street furniture, and accessory structures.
(7)
Encouragement for the installation of landscape elements and visual screening of off-street parking areas.
(8)
Promotion of green construction and maintenance practices so as to mitigate the environmental impact of development.
B.
District boundary lines. The SEO District shall extend to all lots abutting Pennsylvania State Route 51, as shown on the Zoning Map.
C.
Relation to other zoning districts. The SEO District shall not modify the boundaries of any underlying zoning district. Where identified, the SEO District shall impose certain requirements on land use and construction in addition to those contained in the underlying zoning district.
D.
Preexisting nonconforming uses. The regulations prescribed by this section shall not be construed to require change to any existing development or structure not conforming to the regulations as of the effective date of this section until one of the applicability criteria detailed in Subsection E is met.
E.
Applicability.
(1)
The requirements of the SEO District are mandatory for the development, redevelopment, or alteration of properties abutting Pennsylvania State Route 51 that fall within the boundaries of the Borough of Baldwin, when any of the following criteria are met:
(a)
Any land development or commercial change of use requiring site plan review;
(b)
Expansion of any building by more than 25% of the gross floor area; or
(c)
Alteration of any building at an estimated cost of at least 25% of the property's total assessed value, as recorded on the Allegheny County Real Estate Portal, current year total assessed value, when compared to the cost of improvement submitted with the building permit application.
(2)
Should the requirements of the SEO District conflict with the provisions of any other section of the Zoning Ordinance, or any other chapter of the Baldwin Borough Code, the more restrictive provisions shall apply. The more restrictive provision is defined as the provision that imposes more stringent controls on land use and development. All provisions controlling land development in the Borough of Baldwin subdivision and land development ordinances shall apply.
(3)
Applicants may provide alternate design standards solutions which support the SEO objectives for consideration and approval by the Borough Council.
F.
Application requirements. A Streetscape Enhancement Overlay Plan that conforms to the regulations of the SEO District must be submitted when a land development application or building permit application is submitted for any property in the SEO District meeting one or more of the applicability criteria. The Streetscape Enhancement Overlay Plan shall include the following:
(1)
Preapplication Planning Commission review (optional).
(3)
A project narrative that includes both written and graphical descriptions of how that proposed application promotes development pursuant to the SEO District design standards and general design guidelines and integrates with the community.
(4)
Drawings and photographs of existing conditions, and conceptual sketches or illustrative sketches of proposed enhancements under the SEO District regulations.
(5)
Prioritization Worksheet, Appendix A.[2] The worksheet provides guidance with regards to required elements and adaptable elements.
[2]
Editor's Note: Appendix A is included as an attachment to this chapter.
G.
Design standards. In the SEO District, the following regulations shall be applied to the development of any commercial properties pursuant to Subsection E of this section. All applicable standards and requirements of the respective base zoning district as further identified on the official Zoning Map shall apply to the SEO District. However, in case of conflict, the SEO standards shall take precedence. Conceptual layouts and standard detail requirements are provided in Appendix B.[3]
(1)
Requirements. The following design standards are required design elements in the SEO District:
(c)
Sidewalks.
[1]
Sidewalks shall be constructed in the right-of-way, shall be parallel to the public street for the entire length of the frontage, and shall be installed to connect to the lot line of adjacent parcels.
[2]
Public sidewalks shall comply with the following standards: A minimum sidewalk width of six feet, which shall include a minimum of three feet of sidewalk space that is unobstructed.
[3]
Pavement materials that may result in a slippery or uneven walking surface shall not be used.
[4]
Accessible curb ramps shall be located, installed and maintained in accordance with PennDOT highway occupancy permit ("HOP") approvals and accessibility requirements.
[5]
Sidewalks shall be installed, owned, operated and maintained and kept free of litter, trash, and debris, including snow removal, on a daily basis.
[6]
If it is determined that the sidewalk installation in conformance with this section is technically infeasible due to topographic issues, a reasonable alternative public pedestrian access system shall be designed and considered for approval with the site plan. An alternative sidewalk location on the property may be considered to provide continuity for pedestrian access throughout the corridor.
(d)
Buffer strip.
[1]
A buffer strip, minimum of three feet wide, shall be provided between the sidewalk and the roadway.
[2]
Buffer strips shall be landscaped with exceptions for locations where landscape is not sustainable.
[3]
Hardscaped will be a surface material with structural soil beneath to accommodate street trees.
[4]
Buffer strips shall be installed, maintained and kept free of litter, trash, and debris on a daily basis.
[5]
Buffers strips shall be designed to accommodate the installation of street trees and pedestrian lights.
(2)
Adaptable requirements. The Prioritization Worksheet shall be utilized to provide and incorporate additional adaptable requirements in addition to the required elements detailed in Subsection G(1) above. A rating of "complies with overlay" must be obtained by a combination of elements detailed below as determined by the applicant. The Borough may approve alternate design solutions which support the SEO District if additional elements are provided to exceed the minimum compliance rating on the Prioritization Worksheet.
(a)
Building orientation. Provide a prominent and highly visible street-level doorway or entrance along the front side of the building that faces a public street. The applicant may alternatively propose to face the doorway or entrance toward an access driveway or primary parking area.
(b)
Accessory buildings and uses.
[1]
Provide architectural features similar to the overall neighborhood character.
[2]
Design screening devices surrounding dumpsters, mechanical equipment, and utility boxes to be architecturally compatible to the buildings located on the site.
[3]
Design enclosed dumpster areas to provide convenient accessibility to both vehicles and pedestrians.
(c)
Benches.
[1]
Install and anchor one bench for every 300 linear feet of street frontage. However, this requirement shall not apply where an existing bench, installed and maintained in conformance with this article, sits on an adjacent parcel within 300 linear feet of the subject property's nearest lot line.
[2]
Benches shall be located along the public sidewalk. If such location would constitute a pedestrian safety hazard, the applicant may alternatively propose to locate benches within other pedestrian spaces located on the site.
[3]
Benches shall be dark blue or black in color, shall be constructed of durable materials, and shall have a decorative design conforming to the attached general design guidelines in Appendix B.[4] Graffiti-resistant surfaces should be used wherever possible.
[4]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(d)
Bicycle racks.
[1]
Install and anchor one rack for every 40 automobile parking spaces or portion thereof. Each rack shall be capable of providing parking for at least two bicycles.
[2]
Racks shall be located within pedestrian areas and shall be placed near the building entrance.
[3]
Racks shall be situated so as not to hinder pedestrian access.
[4]
Racks shall be sturdily anchored to the ground.
[5]
Racks shall be dark blue or black in color, shall be constructed of durable materials, and shall conform to the attached general design guidelines. Graffiti-resistant surfaces should be used wherever possible.
(e)
Bollards.
[1]
Where necessary, bollards shall be used to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas.
[2]
Bollard placement shall not interfere with emergency vehicle access.
[3]
Bollards that are intended to block vehicular access must be placed no further apart than five feet on center.
[4]
Bollards shall be painted in colors other than gray to be easily seen by the visually impaired, in colors that complement other streetscape elements.
[5]
If bollards are located in an area that can be accessed by a motor vehicle, the method of grounding should be considered to minimize damage to surrounding surfaces and allow for easy replacement.
(f)
Building transparency.
[1]
Design street-level facade of any building facing a public street, access drive, or main parking area to be transparent from a height of three feet to a minimum height of eight feet above the walkway grade for at least 50% of the horizontal length of the structure.
[2]
All glazing shall be clear, lightly tinted, or spandrel glass.
[3]
Spandrel glass may only be used to achieve the transparency requirement if spandrel and visual glass are not located along the same wall plane.
(g)
Crosswalks.
[1]
Provide crosswalks across the width of the driveway approach apron.
[2]
Crosswalks shall be as wide as the sidewalks to which they connect.
[3]
Crosswalks shall be constructed of stamped concrete.
[4]
Crosswalks within a PennDOT roadway or right-of-way shall be visually distinctive and designed, located, constructed and maintained in accordance with PennDOT standards and specifications.
(h)
Driveway. When two adjacent property owners enter into a PennDOT-approved and recorded shared driveway agreement to combine access points, the Borough may grant an incentive bonus as part of the site plan review and approval process, which may reduce the required number of parking stalls by up to 10% for the development, or increase by up to 10% the building lot coverage.
(i)
Lighting.
[1]
Provide pedestrian-scaled, ornamental streetlights in the right-of-way and locate adjacent to the sidewalk.
[2]
Standard placement of pedestrian-scaled, ornamental streetlights shall be one fixture per 100 linear feet of street frontage. The applicant may propose alternate spacing, provided that pedestrian spaces are sufficiently illuminated so as to provide safe movements on the site. Light levels should be uniform across the space with a minimum of two footcandles and a max of five footcandles. Cutoff-type fixtures shall be used to reduce light trespass and glare.
[3]
Pedestrian-scaled, ornamental streetlights shall be at least 12 feet in height but no taller than 25 feet in height from the mounting surface to the top of the fixture.
[4]
Pedestrian-scaled, ornamental streetlights shall be dark blue or black in color, shall be constructed of durable materials, and shall conform to the attached general design guidelines.
(j)
Parking.
[1]
Design parking areas to be located adjacent to the sides and rear areas of the lot.
[2]
Screen from view of the street using a buffer strip that includes trees, shrubs, groundcovers, or decorative fencing in accordance with other provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. Wire fabric fencing or similar materials are prohibited for use as a decorative fence. No part of the required buffer strip shall obstruct the clear-sight triangle or intersection visibility requirements of this chapter.
[3]
Link parking to the structure by a pedestrian sidewalk or walkway.
[4]
Provide lighting for parking areas in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. Illumination levels shall provide sufficient area lighting for adequate safety, yet not detract from or overemphasize the site or building.
(k)
Street trees.
[1]
Provide one street tree at an average interval of every 30 linear feet of frontage and locate adjacent to the sidewalk.
[2]
Street trees shall be high-branching with a canopy that starts at least six feet above finished grade; only street trees suitable for urban environments and with growth habits that minimize interference with utilities should be selected. Trees planted between a sidewalk and street curb must have a minimum nonpaved planting area of 18 square feet, with a minimum depth of three feet, depending on species or cultivar, and have roots that will not break up sidewalks or streets or interfere with utility lines. Tree selection shall be subject to approval by the Borough.
[3]
Street trees shall be placed so as not to interfere with sight distance or visibility at any intersection, driveway, or parking area that would create a safety concern.
[4]
Street trees shall be installed and maintained along public sidewalks within the corridor but located at least 15 feet from utility poles, light posts, and fire hydrants; at least 20 feet from the edge of the curb at street intersections; and at least 10 feet from driveways. The Borough may accept an alternative street tree location plan which maintains an equivalent density or coverage at the site to accommodate sight distance requirements for driveways or intersections or to avoid public utilities and infrastructure.
[5]
Specific types and species of acceptable trees can be found at the updated Recommended Species List provided by the City of Pittsburgh Forestry Division. The Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Shade Tree Commission may be contacted for consultation as a Borough-sponsored advisory committee.
(l)
Transit shelters.
[1]
Public transportation system needs, including bus stops, must be accommodated to support quick and reliable transit service along the corridor.
[2]
Bus shelters shall be provided at the discretion of the Borough in conjunction with the approval of the Allegheny County Port Authority (ACPA) transit system at appropriate locations to facilitate transit use by providing places of refuge, especially during periods of inclement weather. Transit shelters shall conform to the ACPA guidelines.
[3]
Shelters shall be located where the sidewalk width is extended and the paved area is sufficient to accommodate at least the minimum required clear travel around the shelter and the ability to accommodate expected pedestrian volumes.
[4]
Transit shelters shall be designed to provide protection from the sun, wind, and rain. Additional amenities such as real-time arrival information, nighttime lighting, and trash receptacles shall be provided if possible. Graffiti-resistant surfaces should be used wherever possible.
[5]
Transit shelters should be designed to promote transit and energy efficiency by incorporating features such as solar panels and LED lights.
[6]
Transit shelters shall conform to the attached general design guidelines.
(m)
Utilities.
[1]
When possible, utilities should be located underground. If this condition cannot be satisfied, utilities should be located to the side or back of the building where they will be out of view of the public street.
[2]
Utilities must be screened from view through the use of landscaping or architectural screening.
(o)
Waste receptacles.
[1]
Locate waste receptacles near high pedestrian activity uses and locations, including storefronts and transit stops.
[2]
There shall be at least one waste receptacle located adjacent to the sidewalk at a maximum spacing of every 300 linear feet of frontage. However, this requirement shall not apply where an existing waste receptacle, installed and maintained in conformance with this article, sits on an adjacent parcel within 300 linear feet of the subject property's nearest lot line.
[3]
One waste receptacle shall be located at each corner of each intersection. However, no waste receptacle shall obstruct the clear-sight triangle or intersection visibility requirements of this chapter.
[4]
Waste receptacles shall be dark blue or black in color, shall be constructed of durable materials, and shall have a decorative design conforming to the attached general design guidelines. Graffiti-resistant surfaces should be used wherever possible.
[5]
Waste receptacles shall be installed, owned, operated and maintained by the property owner, the surrounding area shall be kept free of litter, trash, and debris, including snow removal to facilitate access, on a daily basis.
[3]
Editor's Note: Appendix B is included as an attachment to this chapter.
H.
Implementation. The SEO regulations shall be implemented and maintained as follows:
(1)
All improvements shall be maintained by the property owner abutting the Pennsylvania State Route 51 right-of-way.
(2)
Property owners may enter into an agreement with other property owners adjacent to their property for shared maintenance responsibility. In such instances, the applicant shall submit a copy of the maintenance agreement as part of the Streetscape Enhancement Overlay Plan.
(3)
Maintenance responsibilities shall include ongoing sweeping, debris removal, waste receptacle waste removal, snow removal, landscape maintenance, and repair and replacement of all street enhancement features.
(4)
Any structure or improvement that is damaged, destroyed, or otherwise nonfunctional shall be replaced or repaired within 90 days of receipt of notice from the Borough to replace or repair same.
(5)
All other applicable Borough requirements, codes, ordinances, and PennDOT regulations shall be met.
§ 168-3100 Municipally owned property.
This chapter shall not apply to property owned by Baldwin Borough in the exercise of its municipal functions. The Borough will develop and control property in accordance with existing charters and codes, and will have no obligation to enforce the provisions of this chapter on itself.