Zone 1: Lincoln Highway Overlay District.

Zone 2: Lincoln Highway Overlay District.

Route 30 Bypass Interchange Overlay District.

Historical Preservation Overlay District.

Planned Residential Development Overlay District.

To encourage the reuse and redevelopment of existing buildings, structures and land within the overlay district subject to the specific design criteria and procedural requirements specified herein.

To provide incentives to property owners who own property in the overlay district when choosing to redevelop and reuse vacant commercial buildings and land within the overlay district.

To promote development of uses which will provide a sound tax base and employment opportunities for the Township.

To promote the assembly of small nonconforming or underutilized properties.

To promote development that supports the use of mass transit services.

To encourage mixed-use development with commercial businesses on the ground floor and residential uses on floors other than the ground floor.

Hotel complex and conference center.

Landscaping. Any portion of a site which is not utilized for buildings, accessory structures, loading or parking spaces, drive aisles, sidewalks and designated storage areas shall be planted with an all-season ground cover and shall be landscaped in accordance with an overall landscape plan that is prepared in accordance with the provisions of § 155-119 and approved by the Board as part of land development.

Streetlighting. Properties in Zone 1 may install lights on the building in lieu of streetlights, subject to approval of the Board of Commissioners. Properties in Zone 2 of the overlay district shall install streetlights at consistent intervals as approved by the Board of Commissioners.

The use of joint access driveways, rear alleys to provide access to the rear of lots and shared parking shall be encouraged.

If an existing building is nonconforming with regard to height or building setbacks, the Board of Commissioners may allow the existing building to be expanded or enlarged by no more than 25% without the requirement of obtaining variance or special exception approval, provided that the nonconforming condition is not increased. (For example, if an existing building has a nonconforming front yard setback, the building may be enlarged by no more than 25%, provided the nonconforming setback is not further increased). If an existing lot is nonconforming with regard to building cover or impervious cover, the Board of Commissioners may allow an existing building to be expanded or enlarged by no more than 25% without the requirement of obtaining variance or special exception approval, provided the applicant can demonstrate to the Board of Commissioners' satisfaction that there will be no increase in stormwater runoff or other harmful or dangerous effects to Lincoln Highway or adjacent properties.

For any lot located in the overlay district which is nonconforming with respect to minimum net lot area and/or minimum lot width, the Board of Commissioners may permit the nonconforming lot to be used for any of the uses permitted in the underlying zoning district without the requirement of obtaining variance or special exception approval, provided that all other area and bulk requirements may be met and the applicant does not own any adjacent land which can be merged together with the nonconforming lot.

The Board of Commissioners may agree to reduce the total number of off-street parking spaces that would otherwise be required pursuant to Article X of this chapter for the proposed use(s), provided that the applicant demonstrates that it has provided sufficient parking for its use(s) and the proposed use(s) will utilize public transportation services or other modes of transportation for its customers and/or employees. Applicants are also encouraged to use joint parking arrangements. Off-premises parking on other lots may also be permitted to satisfy the off-street parking requirements in Article X, provided that the applicant secures an agreement with the property owner where the parking is to occur and the off-premises parking area is within 200 feet of the use(s).

Applicants may use joint off-street loading areas with other adjacent land uses, provided that the proposed loading area is within 200 feet of the use which it serves and provided that the applicant secures a written agreement from the owner of the property where the common loading area is located.

The Board of Commissioners may agree that certain area and bulk requirements that are required for the use as identified in the underlying zoning district requirements or in this section may be modified if necessary to allow the redevelopment or reuse of the lot or building, provided the applicant demonstrates that literal compliance with the area and bulk requirements makes redevelopment impracticable or creates undue hardship given the site constraints.

For any redevelopment or reuse of an existing building in the overlay district, the Board of Commissioners may waive the public facilities and open space requirements in the Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance,[3] provided that the overall impervious cover on the lot is reduced after redevelopment, additional green areas are added pursuant to a landscape plan approved by the Board of Commissioners or the applicant incorporates green building techniques into its redevelopment or reuse.

To provide incentive-minded parameters to attract or expand desirable land uses, including: office and business parks; hospitals and medical campuses; hotel complex and conference centers; restaurants; medical research and laboratory centers; and higher learning institutions.

To establish enterprise zones that will provide economic benefits to the tax base while creating employment opportunities.

To make the most efficient use of the land areas near the existing interchanges.

To maintain a positive relationship with the local business community.

To implement the recommendations concerning land use planning and economic development, as outlined within the Caln Township Comprehensive Plan.

Office and business parks. All such uses shall be permitted, provided the proposed office and business park contains at least 10 acres of land with one acre per permitted use, and subject to the provisions of § 155-74 of the Code.

Hospitals and medical campuses. All such uses shall be permitted, provided the proposed medical campus contains at least 10 acres of land with one acre per permitted use, and subject to the provisions of § 155-75 of the Code.

Medical research and laboratory centers. All such uses shall be permitted, provided the proposed medical research and laboratory center contains at least 10 acres of land with one acre per permitted use, and subject to the provisions of § 155-75 of the Code.

Higher learning institutions and trade schools. All such uses shall be permitted, provided the proposed higher learning institution or trade school contains at least three acres per permitted use, and subject to the provisions of § 155-91A of the Code.

Hotel complex and conference centers. All such uses shall be permitted, provided the proposed hotel complex and conference center contains at least two acres per permitted use.

Restaurants. All such uses shall be permitted, provided the proposed restaurant is either part of the permitted hotel complex/conference center; located as a separate parcel of land exceeding one acre in land area; and does not include drive-though services.

Recreational uses. All such uses shall be permitted, provided the proposed recreational use is accessory to the permitted uses described in this section of the Code as well as the requirements specified under § 155-90 of the Code.

Shopping centers or shopping malls. All such uses shall be permitted by conditional use provided that the proposed shopping center or shopping mall contains at least 20 acres of net lot area and complies with §§ 155-71 and 155-72 of the Code.

Retail business establishments with greater than 7,500 square feet of floor area but less than 15,000 square feet of floor area. All such uses shall be permitted, provided the proposed retail business establishment is part of a shopping center or shopping mall, or located on a separate lot not less than two acres in net lot area.

Convenience store or mini market, subject to the provisions of § 155-69 of the Code.

The minimum lot width shall be 200 feet per lot.

The front yard setback shall be 60 feet, as measured from the ultimate right-of-way line.

The side yard setback shall be 30 feet for each side.

The rear yard setback shall be 50 feet.

Each permitted use shall be located at least 100 feet from an existing lot containing an existing residential use.

The maximum height of the buildings shall be 50 feet.

The maximum building coverage shall be 40% of the approved lot.

The maximum lot coverage shall be 60% of the approved lot.

Where developments contain multiple buildings and uses, the architectural appearance should be compatible or harmonious to each other.

A landscaping plan shall be submitted to comply with the provisions of § 155-119 of the Code.

Unless otherwise directed by the utility company providing service, all proposed utilities shall installed underground.

Where feasible, all dumpsters shall be located in the rear yard within an enclosed fence with a lockable gate. The location of the dumpster and the specifications of the fence shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Commissioners as part of the conditional use application.

Where feasible, streetlights should be considered and strategically located at consistent intervals. All streetlights shall have a diffused light source at the luminaries so as to avoid glare. Any parking lot lights which interfere with the location of the required sidewalk system shall be relocated. The size, type and location of the streetlights shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Commissioners.

The total number and size of all signs within the Route 30 Bypass Overlay District should be limited to the basic needs of the use. All proposed signs shall comply with the provisions of Article XI of this chapter.

Where feasible, the off-street parking spaces and loading spaces for all uses should be located along the sides or rear of the principal building. Whenever the proposed off-street parking spaces interfere with the location of the required sidewalk system, such off-street parking shall be relocated.

To establish a zone that emphasizes the preservation of selected areas that have historical significance.

To implement the official policy statement for the protection and preservation of historical resources.

To establish effective historical enhancement provisions which consider provisions for buffer yards, scenic vistas, landscaping, signs and other visual enhancements.

To promote tourism within this historical region of Chester County.

To implement the recommendations concerning historical and cultural resources, natural features and land use planning, as outlined within the Caln Township Comprehensive Plan.

No proposed building or structure shall be located within 100 feet of a historical site which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

No proposed building or structure shall be located within 50 feet of a historical site which is not listed on the National Register of Historical Places but listed as a significant historical site within the Caln Township Comprehensive Plan or as identified by the Caln Township Historical Commission.

Where feasible, street trees and other aesthetic landscaping improvements should be incorporated into the design of the subdivision or land development plan. Unless otherwise directed by Caln Township, all proposed street trees shall be located at least 10 feet from the legal or ultimate right-of-way line, outside of the clear sight triangle for all intersections, and staggered to promote future growth. The selected street trees and landscaping materials shall comply with the provisions of § 155-119 of the Code.

The total number and size of all signs within the Historical Preservation Overlay District should be limited to avoid clutter and to serve the basic needs of the use. All proposed signs shall comply with the provisions of Article XI of this chapter.

Unless otherwise directed by the utility company providing service, all proposed utilities shall installed underground and within a utility easement or right-of-way.

All proposed residential uses shall consider the architectural characteristics of the existing properties within the Historical Preservation Overlay District. Where appropriate, the developer shall utilize building materials that are compatible to these existing properties.

The proposed developments shall be designed with regard to the topographic and natural features of the site. The purpose of this provision is to insure that the natural features of the development are preserved and protected to the extent that it is not necessary to disturb the site in order to implement the criteria and standards of this Code. All natural features (lakes, streams, topsoil, knolls, basins, trees and shrubs) not proposed for disturbance as otherwise permitted by the objective standards and criteria of this Code shall be preserved and incorporated into the final landscaping and open space design of the development.

The development shall be designed to preserve and incorporate scenic, natural, historical and cultural features. Where feasible, the development shall incorporate, locate and identify scenic vista points, which will remain after construction of the proposed residential dwellings, other permitted uses and related site improvements, and which will provide visual amenities to the development. The vista points may include unobstructed views looking into the development from adjacent public roads and unobstructed views within the development, each incorporating open space and/or other preserved natural features.