Caln Township City Zoning Code

Except as otherwise specifically provided for in this Article IV, the following provisions shall apply to all Zoning Districts:

Purpose. The R-1 Zoning District generally contains areas with low-density residential uses, woodlands, steep slopes, stream valleys and agricultural land areas, as well as public, municipal and institutional uses. Subdivision and land development activity should be carefully planned and limited based upon the existing road system, utility provisions and environmentally sensitive land areas. Conservation management practices should be encouraged to preserve or maintain the existing natural features, habitats and resources.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the R-1 Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.[1]

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 1, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix C,[2] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the R-1 Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 1, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

Purpose. The R-2 Zoning District generally contains areas with low- to medium-density residential uses, woodlands, steep slopes, stream valleys and agricultural land areas, as well as public, municipal and institutional uses. Subdivision and land development activity should be carefully planned and encouraged as either infill development or to serve as a transition between areas of low to medium residential densities. Conservation management practices should be encouraged to preserve or maintain the existing natural features, habitats and resources.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the R-2 Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 2, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix D,[1] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the R-2 Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 2, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

Purpose. The R-3 Zoning District generally contains areas with medium-density residential uses, woodlands, steep slopes, stream valleys and carbonate geology zones, as well as public, municipal and institutional uses. Subdivision and land development activity should be carefully planned and encouraged as either infill development or to serve as a transition between areas of low to high residential densities. Conservation management practices should be encouraged to preserve or maintain the existing natural features, habitats and resources features.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the R-3 Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 3, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix E,[1] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the R-3 Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 3, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

Purpose. The R-4 Zoning District generally contains areas with medium- to high-density residential uses, stream valleys and carbonate geological zones, as well as public, municipal and institutional uses. Subdivision and land development activity should be carefully planned and encouraged as either infill development or to serve as a transition between areas of medium to high residential densities. Conservation management practices should be encouraged to preserve or maintain the existing natural features, habitats and resources features.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the R-4 Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 4, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix F,[1] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the R-4 Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 4, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

Purpose. Prior to the enactment of the Caln Township Comprehensive Plan (2003), a few planned residential communities had been previously approved under older alternative zoning regulations such as traditional neighborhood development, planned residential development, mixed-use development or lot averaging, which have been terminated as viable alternatives for planned residential communities. The purpose of the R-5 Zoning District is to recognize these planned residential communities, which because of their preexisting condition are allowed to continue under the basic zoning and land development provisions, as they were applied, recognized and approved in the past. Under this concept, the minimum and maximum dimensional requirements of the R-5 Zoning District should be compatible to the minimum and maximum dimensional requirements that were identified on the approved subdivision and land development plans for the applicable planned residential development. Where setback and coverage requirements are not provided on the approved subdivision and land development plan, the setback and coverage requirements in Matrix Chart 5, which is included as an attachment to this chapter, shall govern.

Uses by right. The following principal uses and their accessory uses are permitted by right within the R-5 Zoning District, provided that the use is approved by the Zoning Officer; the use complies with the provisions of the previously approved plans; the use complies with the minimum and maximum dimensional requirements as specified on the previously approved plans; and the use complies with all other supplemental development and design requirements specified within the Code.

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 5, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix G,[1] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all uses within the R-5 Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all uses shall comply with the requirements on such chart.

Accessory uses and structures. In addition to the requirements of § 155-113, accessory uses and/or structures to the permitted uses of the R-5 Zoning District shall be permitted, provided they are in compliance with the previously approved plans.

Subdivision and land development requirements. No further subdivision or land development activity shall be permitted within the land areas of the R-5 Zoning District unless it is in strict compliance with a previously approved plan or it is approved by the Board of Commissioners. If permitted or required, a subdivision plan and/or land development plan shall be submitted to Caln Township for review and consideration prior to the issuance of a building permit for any permitted use within the R-5 Zoning District. If a subdivision or land development plan is required, the plan shall be prepared to comply with the appropriate provisions of Chapters 137 and 155 of the Code.

Change of uses. The existing and/or planned uses within the R-5 Zoning District shall be in strict compliance with the previously approved plan. A change of use may be permitted, provided the proposed use is similar or compatible to the previously planned use; the representative homeowners' association has approved the change of use; a special exception is granted by the Caln Township Zoning Hearing Board; and a land development plan is submitted to Caln Township for review and consideration.

Off-street parking and loading. Where applicable, all permitted uses within the R-5 District shall comply with the off-street parking and loading requirements, as identified on the approved plans or as specified under Article X of this chapter.

Signs. Where applicable, all permitted uses within the R-5 District shall comply with the requirements for signs, as identified on the approved plans or as specified under Article XI of this chapter.

Supplemental regulations. Where applicable, all sections of this chapter shall apply as supplementary regulations and specifications for permitted uses within the R-5 Zoning District.

Purpose. The TVC Zoning District generally provides for a mixture of commercial, institutional, municipal, high-density residential, and mixed-use development, which establishes the central business district and village within Thorndale. Uses throughout the district are encouraged to include cohesive architectural, landscape, and other design elements to improve the Lincoln Highway streetscape, as well as sidewalks and other amenities to improve pedestrian accessibility. Improved access to the Thorndale Train Station and other public transit is a priority. Redevelopment opportunities through conversions, adaptive reuse, and creative land development designs are encouraged in order to accommodate new business opportunities and enhance economic development opportunities.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the TVC Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 6, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix H,[1] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the TVC Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 6, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

Design standards. Where applicable, all permitted uses within the TVC District shall comply with the design standards specified under § 155-135 of this chapter and Chapter 137, Subdivision and Land Development.

Purpose. The VG Zoning District generally provides for high-profile commercial uses, as well as institutional, municipal, high-density residential, and mixed-use development. Uses throughout the district are encouraged to include cohesive architectural, landscape, and other design elements to improve the Lincoln Highway streetscape, as well as sidewalks and other amenities to improve pedestrian accessibility. Improved access to the Thorndale Train Station and other public transit is a priority. Redevelopment opportunities through conversions, adaptive reuse, and creative land development designs are encouraged in order to accommodate new business opportunities and enhance economic development opportunities.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the VG Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.[1]

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 7, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix I,[2] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the VG Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 7, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

Design standards. Where applicable, all permitted uses within the VG District shall comply with design standards specified under § 155-135 of this chapter and Chapter 137, Subdivision and Land Development.

Purpose. The C Zoning District generally contains areas with high-profile commercial uses, business and professional parks, medical campuses and industrial parks within unified and planned areas, which provides opportunities to accommodate the regional commercial needs of the residents within the region. Subdivision and land development activity should be carefully planned and encouraged on undeveloped parcels of land or as infill development. Redevelopment, interchange development, adaptive reuse and/or creative land development designs should be considered to accommodate new business opportunities and to enhance economic development opportunities.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the C Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 8, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix J,[1] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the C Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 8, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

Purpose. The I-1 Zoning District generally contains areas with industrial uses or undeveloped parcels of land located within close proximity to arterial highways and expressways, which provide employment opportunities for the residents within the region. The existing and/or proposed land uses should be served by a road system, rail service (if available) and by public utilities with sufficient capacities. Redevelopment, interchange development or adaptive reuse opportunities should be considered to accommodate new industrial opportunities and to enhance economic development opportunities.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the I-1 Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 9, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix K,[1] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the I-1 Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 9, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

Purpose. The I-2 Zoning District generally contains areas with industrial uses or smaller scale commercial uses located on the south side of Lincoln Highway near the railroad right-of-way and in close proximity to residential uses in the R-1 District. The existing and/or proposed land uses should be served by a road system, public utilities with sufficient capacities and be of a scale and impact that they are compatible with residential uses.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the I-2 Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 10, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix L,[1] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the I-2 Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 10, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

Purpose. The I District provides for large institutional uses such as educational uses and hospitals and allows for utility uses to service such uses.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the I Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 11, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix M,[1] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the I Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 11, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

Purpose. The CRE Zoning District generally provides for uses or activities operated as a municipal recreational use or business for profit that is open to the public for the purpose of recreation and entertainment. The CRE District is designed to provide open space areas for recreational and entertainment activities while preserving natural resources to the fullest extent possible pursuant to Article V.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the CRE Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 12, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix N,[1] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the CRE Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 12, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.

Off-street parking and loading. Brew pubs, distillery pubs, and winery pubs shall comply with the off-street parking and loading requirements for a restaurant.

Purpose. The RTC Zoning District includes all land within a railroad corridor that traverses the Township along US 30. The southern fork of the rail line at the east of the Township is inactive and is proposed for an extension of the Chester Valley Trail. The remainder of the line is active. The district is intended to accommodate the continued use and operation of rail service and the proposed trail extension.

Permitted uses. Permitted uses in the RTC Zoning District shall be in accordance with the Table of Uses, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix B.

Utility and dimensional requirements. Matrix Chart 13, which is attached hereto and incorporated in Appendix O,[1] provides the basic utility and dimensional requirements for all permitted uses within the CRE Zoning District. Unless otherwise specified within the Code, all permitted uses shall comply with these requirements. Where a discrepancy should exist between the provisions contained within the text and the provisions contained within Matrix Chart 12, the provisions contained within the text shall prevail.