Bridgeport City Zoning Code

A sign which has not identified or advertised a current business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 180 days, in the case of off-premises signs, or at least 360 days in the case of on-premises signs.

Areas of contiguous lots that share a common lot line, except not including lots entirely separated by a street or a perennial waterway. See definition of "adjacent."

A subordinate, uninhabitable building, located on the same lot as the principal building and clearly incidental and subordinate to that principal building. Any portion of a principal building devoted or intended to be devoted to an accessory use is not an accessory building. Examples of accessory buildings include, but are not limited to, detached garages, sheds, greenhouses, gazebos, carports and covered decks, patios, or terraces.

A subordinate, uninhabitable structure, located on the same lot as the principal building and clearly incidental and subordinate to that principal building. Examples of accessory structures include, but are not limited to, swimming pools, pergolas, fences or walls, signs, walkways, driveways, parking areas and uncovered decks, patios, or terraces.

A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use or building and located on the same lot with such principal use.

A sign that designates the street number and/or street name for identification purposes, as designated by the United States Postal Service (also known as "nameplate sign").

Two or more lots that share a common lot line or that are separated only by a street or waterway from each other.

A use with a significant portion of the market value of, or over 15 square feet of total floor area occupied by, items for sale or rent being books, films, magazines, videotapes, coin- or token-operated films or videotapes, paraphernalia, novelties or other periodicals which are distinguished or characterized by a clear emphasis on matter depicting, displaying, describing or relating to uncovered male or female genitals or specified sexual activities. This shall include but not be limited to materials that would be illegal to sell to persons under age 18 under state law.

A use including live entertainment involving persons (which may include, but not be limited to, waiters, waitresses, dancers, clerks, bartenders, contractors or others) displaying uncovered male or female genitals or nude or almost nude female breasts or engaging in simulated or actual specified sexual activities related to some form of monetary compensation paid to a person, company or organization operating the use or to persons involved in such activity.

A use involving the presentation to three or more persons at one time in a room of motion pictures, videotapes or similarly reproduced images distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on depiction of specified sexual activities for observation by such persons and that is related to some form of monetary compensation paid by the persons viewing such matter.

Land over which there is a right-of-way, municipally or privately owned, on which no dwelling or stores may front, serving as a secondary means of access to two or more lots.

A sign depicting action, motion, or light or color changes through electrical or mechanical means.

A device, partially or wholly exterior to a building, that is used for receiving electronic signals (other than a satellite dish antenna which is treated separately) or for transmitting short-wave or citizens band radio frequencies. This shall include antennas used by an amateur ham radio operator or by a contracting business or utility to communicate with its employees but shall not include a commercial communications antenna. This term includes any accessory supporting structures.

A landowner or developer, as hereinafter defined, who has filed an application for development, including their heirs, successors and assigns.

A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering that projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window. An awning is either permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.

Any sign painted on, or applied to, an awning.

A lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon, tethered in a fixed location, which contains an advertisement message on its surface or attached to the balloon in any manner.

Any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar non-rigid material attached to any structure, staff, pole, rope, wire, or framing which is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners. Banners are temporary in nature and do not include flags.

A flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. This is the regulatory standard also referred to as the "100-year flood."

The elevation shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Zones AE, AH, A1-30 that indicates the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a 1% or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The BFE is also shown on the FIS profile and can be determined from Zone A floodplains.

An enclosed floor area partly or wholly underground. A basement shall be considered a "story" if the majority of the basement has a clearance from floor to ceiling of 6.5 feet or greater and the top of the ceiling of the basement is an average of five or more feet above the finished grade along the majority of the front side of the building that faces onto a street.

Any source of electric light, whether portable or fixed, the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentrated beam of light generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its location rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure, or other object.

Borough of Bridgeport, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

A strip of land that separates one use from another use or feature and is not occupied by any building, parking, outdoor storage or any use other than open space or approved pedestrian pathways. A buffer yard may be a part of the minimum setback distance, but land within an existing or future street right-of-way shall not be used to meet a buffer yard requirement. See § 560-1905.

A build-to line is a line parallel to the street along which a front facade must be set. It is measured as a perpendicular distance from the curbline to the nearest point of the building facade.

A structure under a roof, used for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or property, and including covered or uncovered porches, steps and ramps, bay windows and chimneys. The word "building" shall include any part thereof. Any structure involving a permanent roof (such as a covered porch or a carport) that is attached to a principal building shall be considered to be part of that principal building.

The percentage obtained by dividing the maximum horizontal area in square feet of all principal and accessory buildings and attached structures covered by a permanent roof on a lot by the total lot area of the lot upon which the buildings are located.

The maximum linear width of a building measured in a single straight line parallel with the adjacent public street or parking lot.

The horizontal measurement between two vertical structural walls that are generally parallel of one building, measured in one direction that is most closely parallel to the required lot width. For attached housing, this width shall be the width of each dwelling unit, measured from the center of each interior party wall and from the outside of any exterior wall. For detached buildings, this width shall be measured from the outside of exterior walls.

A structure other than an awning made of fabric, metal, or other material that is supported by columns or posts affixed to the ground and may also be connected to a building.

Any sign that is part of, or attached to, a canopy.

The paved portion of a street, alley, or highway designed for vehicular traffic (this does not include paved shoulders).

A sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols change either automatically through electrical or electronic means, or manually through placement of letters or symbols on a panel mounted in or on a track system. The two types of changeable copy signs are manual changeable copy signs and electronic changeable copy signs, which include: message center signs, digital displays, and Tri-Vision Boards.

A sign consisting of fabricated or formed three-dimensional letters, individually applied to a wall, which may accommodate a light source.

The act of an electric vehicle being parked at an electric vehicle charging station and connected to a functioning electric vehicle supply equipment port and actively being charged.

The distance above the walkway, or other surface if specified, to the bottom edge of a sign. This term can also refer to a horizontal distance between two objects.

The mounting of one or more communications antennas on an existing communications tower, or on any structure that has been approved by the Borough to support at least one communications antenna.

The NC and GC Zoning Districts.

This term includes uses listed in § 560-305B.

Outside space with seating to be used for gathering and events. Common space can be used for the residents of a development or dedicated as public space.

Any entity or person that applies for a communications facility building permit, zoning approval and/or permission to use the public right-of-way, Borough-owned land, or other property for the placement, modification, construction, or siting of wireless communications facilities.

Any structure, other than a building, that is constructed for the primary purpose of supporting one or more communications antennas, including, but not limited to, self-supporting lattice towers, guy towers and monopoles.

A form of permitted use, authorized by this chapter and by Section 603(c)(2) of the Municipalities Planning Code,[1] under the jurisdiction of the Borough Council following recommendation by the Borough Planning Commission. The Borough Council is empowered to grant permission for conditional uses, consistent with the public interest, in compliance with the standards and procedures established in this chapter, following thorough examination of the proposal and hearing and under any reasonable safeguards necessary to implement the purposes and intent of this chapter and to protect the general welfare.

Real estate, portions of which are designated for separate ownership and the remainder of which is designated for common ownership solely by the owners of those portions, created under the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act of 1980 or Uniform Planned Community Act of 1996, as amended.[2]

A legal agreement granted by a property owner that strictly limits the types and amounts of development that may take place on such property. Such easement shall restrict the original and all subsequent property owners, lessees and all other users of the land.

A process provided in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code[3] that permits a municipality to address the potential invalidity of portions or all of its own zoning ordinance.

The number of dwelling units per developable acre.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and its relevant bureaus.

The Department of Health of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or any agency successor thereto.

Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to the construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, expansion, or alteration of buildings or other structures; the placement of manufactured homes; streets, and other paving; utilities; filling, grading and excavation; mining; dredging; drilling operations; storage of equipment or materials; and the subdivision of land.

The portion of a sign message made up of internally illuminated components capable of changing the message periodically. Digital displays may include but are not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays.

Signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic into and out of, or within, a site.

A land area within the Borough within which certain uniform regulations and requirements apply under the provisions of this chapter.

A private way for vehicular and pedestrian access between a public street and a parking area within a lot or property.

A building or structure designed, arranged, intended to and used as the living quarters for one or more families living independently of each upon the premises, as applicable by individual dwelling arrangement further defined below. The term "dwelling" shall not be construed to include short-term transient lodging, vacation rental, hotel/inn, motel, or bed-and-breakfast [the last except as expressly permitted in conformance with § 560-305F(3)].

This chapter categorizes dwellings into the following types:

A single habitable living unit occupied by only one family. See the definition of "family." Each dwelling unit shall have its own toilet, bath or shower, sink, sleeping and cooking facilities and separate access to the outside or to a common hallway or balcony that connects to outside access at ground level. A dwelling unit shall not include either or both of the following: two or more separate living areas that are completely separated by interior walls so as to prevent interior access from one living area to another or two separate and distinct sets of kitchen facilities.

Any vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on electrical energy that is stored on board for motive purposes. This may include, but is not limited to, a battery-operated vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Battery charging station equipment with an associated parking space that has as its primary purpose the transfer of electric energy (by conductive or inductive means) to a battery or other energy storage device in an EV.

An EVCS that operates through a 120-volt AC circuit, with typical power output of 1 kW.

An EVCS that operates through a 208- or 240-volt AC circuit, with typical power output of 7 to 19 kW.

An EVCS that operates through a 400- to 1,000-volt three-phase AC circuit, with typical power output of 50 to 350 kW. Level 3 chargers are also known as "direct current fast chargers" or "DCFC."

Any device that enables the safe transfer of energy between the local power supply grid and an electric vehicle. EVSE includes, but is not limited to, all the components for EV charging stations, including: the conductors; the ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors; EV connectors; attachment plugs, software and all other fittings, devices, power outlets, induction plates or apparatus installed specifically for the purpose of delivering energy from the electric supply grid to an EV. EVSE may deliver either alternating current or direct current electricity (consistent with fast-charging equipment standard). EVSE may also include alternative charging utilities, such as solar photovoltaic systems, to generate supplemental power for the EVSE/EVCS.

The highest number of workers (including both part-time and full-time, both compensated and volunteer, and both employees and contractors) present on a lot at any one time, other than clearly temporary and occasional persons working on physical improvements to the site.

One or more persons occupying the same dwelling unit and living and cooking as a single housekeeping unit; said unit consisting only of individuals who are related by blood, marriage or otherwise by law, except that such unit may also consist of foster children and one other individual not related to others in the housekeeping unit.

Federal Communications Commission.

A type of illumination comprised of either: (a) a group of incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building or other structure, or (b) light bulbs not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent direct rays of light from shining on adjacent properties or rights-of-way.

Any sign printed or painted on cloth, plastic, canvas, or other like material with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols attached to a pole or staff and anchored along only one edge or supported or anchored at only two corners.

A sign whose artificial illumination is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits changes in light, color, direction, or animation. This definition does not include electronic message centers signs or digital displays that meet the requirements set forth herein.

Official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated the special flood hazard areas (SFHAs), the base flood elevations (BFEs) and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

The official report provided by the Federal Insurance Administration that includes flood profiles, the Flood Insurance Rate Map, the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, and the water surface elevation of the base flood.

Any land area susceptible to being inundated by floodwaters from any source.

Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.

The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.

The sum of all floor area of a building capable of being used or devoted to a principal or accessory use of an occupant or tenant, but not including floor areas of the building devoted to:

The total floor space within building(s) measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the center lines of walls separating buildings. Floor area shall specifically include, but not be limited to, fully enclosed porches and basement or cellar or attic space that is potentially habitable and has a minimum head clearance of at least 6.5 feet. Floor area shall not include unenclosed porches, decks or breezeways.

A unit of incident light (on a surface) stated in lumens per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter, a.k.a. "footcandle" or "light meter." One foot-candle is equal to one lumen per square foot.

A unit of emitted light (from a surface) stated in lumens per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter, a.k.a. "footcandle" or "light meter." One foot-lambert is equal to one lumen per square foot.

A sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground; and that is independent and detached from any building or other structure. The following are subtypes of freestanding signs:

The percentage of the building that fronts a public street. This measurement helps to determine the shape of the building and the relationship between the building and the public streets.

A freestanding, open-air structure constructed for the purpose of shielding service station islands from the elements.

Any sign that is part of, or attached to, the vertical sides of the gas station canopy roof structure. For the purposes of this chapter, gas station canopy signs shall be considered wall signs.

The sensation produced by light within the visual field that is sufficiently greater than the light to which the eyes are adapted and which cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance or visibility, for any period of time, no matter how short in duration.

Any sign for the control of traffic or for identification purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction, which are erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee or agent thereof, in the discharge of official duties.

A roof of a building that is partially or completed covered with vegetation and a growing medium. Requires a high-quality water-proofing cover, drainage system, and filter cloth. Green roof vegetation can vary from small shrubs to trees. Basic maintenance involves watering, weeding, and plant care.

A product or waste or combination of substances that because of the quantity, concentration, physical or infectious characteristics, if not properly treated, stored, transported, used or disposed of, or otherwise managed, would create a potential threat to public health through direct or indirect introduction into groundwater resources and the subsurface environment, which includes the soil and all subsequent materials located below. Such hazardous material includes, but is not limited to, materials which are included on the latest edition of one or more of the following lists:

Hazardous substances included on the list of extremely hazardous substances in 29 CFR 1910 or its successor provisions.

The vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the proposed ground level along the front of the building to the highest point of a structure. For a building with a defined and pitched roof, an area equal to 20% of the building coverage may exceed the maximum height to provide for the roof peak, provided such 20% is not occupied by persons. See exemptions for certain types of structures in § 560-1904. A maximum of one more story may be exposed in the rear of a building compared to what is visible in the front of a building. For height of signs, see Article XVIII, Signs.

The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.

Any structure that is:

Signs or displays including lighting which are a non-permanent installation celebrating national, state, and local holidays, religious or cultural holidays, or other holiday seasons. (Also known as "seasonal decorations.")

A sign with electrical equipment installed for illumination, either internally illuminated through its sign face by a light source contained inside the sign or externally illuminated by a light source aimed at its surface.

A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light incorporated in, or indirectly from an artificial source.

The percentage of the lot area covered by man-made surfaces that have a coefficient of runoff of 0.85 or greater. For the purposes of determining compliance with this chapter, any stone surfaces that may be permitted for vehicle parking and movement shall be considered to be impervious.

A sign that displays general site information, instructions, directives, or restrictions that are primarily oriented to pedestrians and motor vehicle operators who have entered a property from a public street. These signs shall not contain any commercial advertising.

Signs displayed in the window displaying information such as the business' hours of operation, credit institutions accepted, commercial and civic affiliations, and similar information. These signs shall be informational only and shall not contain a commercial message.

The LIC and GIC Zoning Districts.

This term includes uses listed in § 560-305E.

A sign that is an air-inflated object, which may be of various shapes, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or structure and equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a constant flow of air into the device.

An electronic or animated sign that reacts to the behavior or electronic signals of motor vehicle drivers.

Any discarded, unusable, scrap or abandoned man-made or man-processed material or articles, such as the following types: metal, furniture, appliances, motor vehicle parts, aircraft, glass, plastics, machinery, equipment, containers and building materials. Junk shall not include: a) solid waste that is temporarily stored as is customary in an appropriate container that is routinely awaiting collection and disposed of in a manner consistent with state regulations; b) toxic wastes; c) grass clippings, leaves, tree limbs or similar yard waste materials; or d) items clearly awaiting imminent recycling at an approved recycling facility.

Includes any vehicle or trailer that meets any of the following conditions:

The owner of a legal or equitable interest in land, including the holder of a written, signed and active option or contract to purchase or a person leasing the property (if authorized under the lease to exercise the right of the landowner), or authorized officers of a partnership, incorporated organization or corporation that is a landowner.

The physical attributes of a sign that allow for an observer's differentiation of its letters, words, numbers, or graphics.

Light emitted by a lighting installation, which extends beyond the boundaries of the property on which the installation is sited.

Illumination that passes from the source through a translucent cover or shade.

A non-permanent sign that is displayed on private property for more than 30 days, but not intended to be displayed for an indefinite period.

A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed or built upon as a unit. A "lot" may or may not coincide with a lot of record and includes one or more adjacent pieces, parcels or plots of land of record held in single and separate ownership, including adjacent pieces, parcels or plots bisected by public or private streets. The area and depth of a lot shall be measured to the legal right-of-way line of the street, and all lots shall front on public or private streets.

The horizontal land area contained within the lot lines of a lot (measured in acres or square feet). For the purposes of determining compliance with the minimum lot area, the following shall be excluded:

A lot abutting on two or more intersecting streets which has an interior angle of less than 135° at the intersection of right-of-way lines of two streets. A lot abutting upon a curved street or streets shall be considered a corner lot if the tangent to the curve at the points beginning within the lot or at the points of intersection of the side lot lines with the street lines intersect at an angle of less than 135°.

The property lines bounding the lot. Wherever a property line borders a public street, for the purposes of determining setbacks, the lot line shall be considered to be the street right-of-way line that will exist at the time of completion of a subdivision or development. Every lot shall have a front yard, two side yards and one rear yard, except a side yard is not required where buildings are lawfully attached, and except a triangular shaped lot, where permitted, shall only have one side yard.

The horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at the minimum prescribed front yard setback line, unless otherwise stated. In the event of a curved lot line, such lot width at the minimum prescribed front yard setback line shall be measured along the curve. Where buildings are permitted to be attached, the lot width shall be measured from the center of the party wall.

The lowest floor of the lowest fully enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished, flood-resistant partially enclosed area, used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, and incidental storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered the lowest floor of a building, provided that such space is not designed and built so that the structure is in violation of the applicable nonelevation design requirements of this section.

An objective measurement of the brightness of illumination, including illumination emitted by an electronic sign, measured in candles per square foot (cd/ft²).

A sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols are changed manually through placement or drawing of letters or symbols on a sign face.

A permanent structure, other than a roof or canopy, attached to, supported by, and projecting from a building and providing protection from the elements.

Any sign attached to a marquee for the purpose of identifying a use or product. If attached to a theater, performing arts center, cinema, or other similar use, it may also advertise films or productions.

A sign having parts that physically move rather than merely appear to move as might be found in a digital display. The physical movement may be activated electronically or by another means, but shall not include wind-activated movement such as used for banners or flags. Mechanical movement signs do not include digital signs that have changeable, programmable displays.

Shall be defined consistent with the definition of "medical marijuana" contained in the Medical Marijuana Act.

The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act, 35 P.S. § 10231.101 et seq., as amended.

A memorial plaque or tablet, including grave markers or other remembrances of persons or events, which is not used for a commercial message.

A permanent sign for displaying the bill of fare available at a restaurant, or other use serving food or beverages.

A type of illuminated, changeable copy sign that consists of electronically changing alphanumeric text often used for gas price display signs and athletic scoreboards.

The spreading of one message across more than one sign structure.

The replacement of existing work with equivalent materials for the purpose of its routine maintenance and upkeep, but not including the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exitway requirements; nor shall minor repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, oil, waste, vent, or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.

Any motorized or nonmotorized vehicle, including, but not limited to, carts, stands, kiosks, any other device designed to be portable and not permanently attached to the ground and ancillary equipment from which food products are intended to be prepared and/or sold or distributed. Such use also includes the distribution of prepackaged foods.

See definition under "dwelling types."

An automobile, recreational vehicle, truck, bus, motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle or similar means of transportation designed to operate to carry persons or cargo on roads and that is powered by mechanized means.

A freestanding sign used to advertise businesses that occupy a shopping center or complex with multiple tenants.

See definition under "dwelling types."

The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act of 1968, P.L. 58, No. 247, as reenacted and amended.[7]

A large picture/image (including but not limited to painted art) which is painted, constructed, or affixed directly onto a vertical building wall, which may or may not contain text, logos, and/or symbols.

A sign illuminated by a neon tube, or other visible light-emanating gas tube, that is bent to form letters, symbols, or other graphics.

Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after February 9, 2016, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures. Any construction started after the effective date of the community's first floodplain management ordinance and before the effective date of this floodplain management ordinance is subject to the ordinance that was in effect at the time that the permit was issued, provided that the start of construction was within 180 days of permit issuance.

A term used to describe a metric unit of luminance defined as candela per square meter (cd/m²). The unit is based on the candela, the modern metric unit of luminous intensity; and the square meter.

Any existing lawful building or structure that does not conform with the applicable lot coverage, height, location, size, bulk, or other dimensional provisions in this chapter, or its amendment(s), where such building or structure existed prior to the enactment of such ordinance or applicable amendment(s). Such nonconforming structures include, but are not limited to, signs.

A lot which does not conform with the minimum lot width or area dimensions specified for the district where such lot is situated but was lawfully in existence prior to the effective date of this chapter or amendments hereinafter enacted.

Any lawful sign, signboard, billboard, or advertising device existing at the time of the passing of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height, or size, with the regulations of this chapter shall be considered a nonconforming sign.

Any building, structure, use of land, use of buildings, lot, and sign which does not conform to all of the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located or does not conform to other applicable requirements of this chapter or its amendment(s) shall be considered as nonconforming if it meets one or more of the following:

The existing lawful use of land, building(s), or structure(s), which does not comply with the applicable provisions in this chapter or its amendment(s). A use granted by variance is not a nonconforming use.

An outdoor sign whose message directs attention to a specific business, product, service, event or activity, or other commercial or noncommercial activity, or contains a non-commercial message about something that is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located.

This term includes uses listed in § 560-305D.

Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional signs and other traffic signs erected and maintained on public highways and roads in the interest of public safety or for the regulation of traffic.

The map, as adopted by Borough Council, which designates the location and boundaries of zoning districts.

A sign whose message and design relate to an individual business, profession, product, service, event, point of view, or other commercial or non-commercial activity sold, offered, or conducted on the same property where the sign is located.

The Bridgeport Borough Zoning Ordinance, including the Official Zoning Map, as amended.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Off-street parking and aisles for vehicle movement unless otherwise stated.

A triangular or irregular piece of fabric or other material, commonly attached in strings or strands, or supported on small poles intended to flap in the wind.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, or its successor, and its subparts.

A sign attached or affixed to a building, window, or structure, or to the ground in a manner that enables the sign to resist environmental loads, such as wind, and that precludes ready removal or movement of the sign and whose intended use appears to be indefinite.

Allowed uses in which zoning matters may be approved by the Zoning Officer, provided the application complies with all requirements of this chapter. A nonconforming use shall not be considered to be a permitted by right use, a special exception use or a conditional use.

An individual, partnership, public or private association or corporation, firm, trust, estate, municipality, governmental unit, public utility or any other legal entity whatsoever, which is recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties.

An on-premises sign that expresses an opinion, interest, position, or other non-commercial message.

A sign designed to be transported or moved and not permanently attached to the ground, a building, or other structure.

A principal structure which is also a building.

The structure in which the principal use of a lot is conducted. Any structure that is physically attached to a principal structure shall be considered part of that principal structure.

A dominant use(s) or main use on a lot, as opposed to an accessory use.

A sign indicating a street or drive which is not publicly owned and maintained and used only for access by the occupants of the development and their guests.

A building-mounted, double-sided sign with the two faces generally perpendicular to the building wall, not to include signs located on a canopy, awning, or marquee. (Also known as "blade sign.")

Notice required by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[8] (Note: As of the adoption date of this chapter, for a Zoning Hearing Board hearing or an amendment to this chapter, such Act generally required a legal advertisement published once each week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Borough, which states that time and place of a meeting/hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered. The first publication shall not be more than 30 days and the second publication not less than seven days from the meeting/hearing date.)

A sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification signs for public facilities.

The offering of leisure-time activities to unrelated persons. This term shall not include any adult use. For the purposes of this chapter, recreation facilities shall be permitted by right as an accessory use when clearly limited to residents of a development and their occasional invited guests.

A vehicle built on a single chassis; 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection; designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck; designed primarily not for use a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

A sign containing any material or device which has the effect of intensifying reflected light.

The base flood elevation (BFE) plus a freeboard safety factor of 1 1/2 feet.

Any structure or equipment at a fixed location, not including a tower, that enables FCC-licensed communications between a user and a wireless network.

Persons who are related by blood, marriage, adoption or formal foster relationship to result in one of the following relationships: spouse, brother, sister, parent, child, grandparent, great-grandparent, grandchild, great-grandchild, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, parent-in-law or first cousin. This term specifically shall not include relationships such as second, third or more distant cousins. See definition of "dwelling unit."

Shops for the repair of appliances, watches, guns, bicycles and other household items.

Flood-related damages sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during a ten-year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, on average, equals or exceeds 25% of the market value of the structure before the damages occurred.

The R1, R2 and R3 Zoning Districts.

The lot line of a lot that contains an existing primarily residential use or is undeveloped and zoned as a residential district.

This term includes uses listed in § 560-305A.

A sign which revolves in a circular motion; rather than remaining stationary on its supporting structure.

An area or strip of land which is reserved for use by or as a street or by one or more utilities or by the public or by others. The term "right-of-way" by itself shall mean the street right-of-way that will exist after completion of a subdivision or development, unless another meaning is otherwise stated or clearly implied from the context in which it is used.

A building-mounted sign erected upon, against, or over the roof of a building.

A sign contained within an athletic venue and intended solely to provide information to the attendees of an athletic event.

Year-round plant material of substantial height and density designed to provide a buffer.

See definition under "dwelling units."

An on-premises sign regulating the use of the premises, such as a "no trespassing," "no hunting," or "no soliciting" sign (also known as "warning sign").

The description of a luminaire from which no direct glare is visible at normal viewing angles, by virtue of its being properly aimed, oriented, and located and properly fitted with such devices as shields, barn doors, baffles, louvers, skirts, or visors.

The rental or exchange of any dwelling or dwelling unit for a duration of six months or less.

Any use of a dwelling or dwelling unit rented or exchanged as a short-term transient or recurrent lodging, regardless of whether there is concurrent or partial occupancy or full occupancy by the owner or another when not in use as a short-term transient lodging.

Any device, structure, fixture, painting, emblem, or visual that uses words, graphics, colors, illumination, symbols, numbers, or letters for the purpose of communicating a message. "Sign" includes the sign faces as well as any sign supporting structure.

The total dimensions of a sign surface used to display information, messages, advertising, logos, or symbols. See § 560-1806C for standards for measuring sign area.

The part of the sign that is or can be used for the sign area. The sign area could be smaller than the sign face.

The vertical dimension of a sign as measured using the standards in § 560-1806D.

Poles, posts, walls, frames, brackets, or other supports holding a sign in place.

The ownership of a lot by one or more persons, partnerships or corporations, which ownership is separate and distinct from that of any abutting or adjoining lot.

A sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, public benches, streetlights, or other objects, or placed on any public property or in the public right-of-way or on any private property without the permission of the property owner (also known as "bandit sign").

A use for which the Zoning Hearing Board may grant permission following a public hearing and findings of fact consistent with this chapter, provided the use complies with the conditions and standards required by this chapter. See § 560-109D(4).

An area in the floodplain subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year. It is shown on the FIRM as Zone A, AO, A1-A30, AE, A99, or AH.

A special approval which is required for hospitals, nursing homes, jails, and new manufactured home parks and subdivisions and substantial improvements to such existing parks when such development is located in all or a designated portion of a floodplain.

Includes substantial improvement and other proposed new development and means the date the permit was issued, provided that the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement was within 180 days from the date of the permit and shall be completed within 12 months after the date of issuance of the permit unless a time extension is granted, in writing, by the Floodplain Administrator. The "actual start" means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading, and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the "actual start of construction" means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its agencies.

Camouflaging methods applied to wireless communications facilities which render them more visually appealing or blend the proposed facility into the existing structure or visual backdrop in such a manner as to render it minimally visible to the casual observer. Such methods include, but are not limited to, alternative mounting structures, such as architecturally screened roof-mounted antennas, building-mounted antennas painted to match the existing structure and facilities constructed to resemble trees, shrubs, flagpoles, and light poles.

Sometimes referred to as "tiered setbacks" or "wedding-cake style setbacks." The dimensional requirement that taller buildings be set back further from the curb, or along the side of the building, to reduce shadow and cavernous feeling between multiple taller buildings.

The exterior facade of a building housing a commercial use visible from a street, sidewalk, or other pedestrian way accessible to the public and containing the primary entrance to the commercial establishment.

That part of any building comprised between any floor and the floor or roof next above. The "first story" of a wall is the lowest story which is 75% or more above the average level of the ground adjacent to said wall.

A display made of lightweight, flexible materials, consisting of long, narrow, wavy strips hung individually or in a series, with or without a logo or advertising message printed or painted on them and typically designed to move in the wind.

A public or private thoroughfare which provides the principal means of vehicle access to three or more lots or that is an expressway, but not including an alley or a driveway. The terms "street," "highway" and "road" have the same meaning and are used interchangeably.

The linear edge of a lot adjacent to the lot line abutting a street or public right-of-way. (Also known as "lot frontage.")

A banner suspended above a public sidewalk and attached to a single street pole. These signs shall not contain any commercial advertising.

Any form or arrangement of building materials, excluding fences, involving the necessity of providing proper support, bracing, tying, anchoring or other protection against the forces of the elements, whether or not affixed to the land.

The division or redivision of a lot, tract, or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land, including changes in existing lot lines, for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs, or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than 10 acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.

The Bridgeport Borough Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, as amended.[9]

Damage from any cause sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% or more of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.

Any repair reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure either before the improvement or repair is started or, if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For the purposes of this definition, substantial improvement is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include either: any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to ensure safe living conditions; or any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places.

A modification to an existing wireless communications facility that changes the physical dimensions of a communications tower or base station if it meets any of the criteria enumerated in the FCC's October 2014 Order and Report, as amended.

A type of non-permanent, sign that is located on private property that can be displayed for no more than 30 consecutive days at one time.

See definition of "dwelling types."

A person involved with building trades, such as but not limited to: plumbing, electrical work, building construction, building remodeling, and roofing.

An outdoor unit with a slatted face that allows three different copy messages to revolve at intermittent intervals.

A bored, drilled, driven or dug well for the emplacement of fluids into the ground. This term shall not include drilling muds or similar materials used in water supply well construction.

Any motor vehicle or trailer that does not display a license plate with a current registration sticker and does not have a valid state safety inspection sticker. This term shall not apply to vehicles (such as licensed antique cars) for which state regulations do not require an inspection sticker. The term also shall not include motor vehicles displaying license and inspection stickers that have each expired less than 90 days previously. This term also shall not include vehicles in operable condition owned by a licensed vehicle dealer.

The purpose, activity, occupation, business or operation for which land or a structure is designed, arranged, intended, occupied or maintained. Uses specifically include but are not limited to the following: activity within a structure, activity outside of a structure, any structure, recreational vehicle storage or parking of commercial vehicles on a lot.

The granting of specific permission by the Zoning Hearing Board to use, construct, expand or alter land or structures in such a way that compliance is not required with a specific requirement of this chapter. Any variance shall only be granted within the limitations of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[10] See § 560-109D(3).

A sign displayed on a vending machine indicating the name of the product being sold and/or the price of such product.

A strip of grass or plants (also known as a "green verge") or decorative pavers (also known as a "paved verge") located along the curb between the road right-of-way and sidewalk. A verge may have alternating green and paved sections.

Pedestrian connections internal to the development; not along public roads.

See "fences, walls, and berms."

A building-mounted sign which is either attached to, displayed on, or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall surface. A sign installed on a false or mansard roof is also considered a wall sign. (Also known as: "fascia sign," "parallel wall sign," or "band sign.")

Pennsylvania Wireless Broadband Collocation Act (53 P.S. § 11702.1 et seq.).

Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface- or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions; includes swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. Development in wetlands is regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Identification of wetlands should be based upon the "1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual."

Any sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window, or placed inside a window, within three feet of the glass, facing the outside of the building, and easily seen from the outside. Customary displays of merchandise or objects and material without lettering behind a store window are not considered signs.

A freestanding structure, such as a communications tower or any other support structure that could support the placement or installation of a wireless communications facility if approved by the Borough.

An area not covered by buildings and that is on the same lot as the subject structure or use and which is measured inward from a lot line. Regulations of specific districts prohibit principal and accessory structures within specified required minimum yard setbacks.

A yard measured from along the front lot line (which is the existing street right-of-way line where it abuts a street) and that extends the full width of the lot from side lot line to side lot line.

The Official Zoning Map of Bridgeport Borough, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

The person charged with the duty of enforcing the provisions of this chapter and any officially designated assistant.

The Bridgeport Borough Zoning Ordinance, as amended.