A permanent sign which has not identified or advertised a current business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 365 days; a sign which is damaged, in disrepair, or vandalized and not repaired within 90 days.

To cease or discontinue a use or activity without the intent to resume, but excluding temporary or short-term interruption to a use or activity during remodeling, maintaining or otherwise improving or rearranging a facility, or during normal periods of vacation or seasonal closure.

A use, structure or building on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use, structure and/or building.

The person qualified and officially appointed by the Township to manage the grading and excavation section.

Any place to which the public is permitted or invited wherein coin-operated or slug-operated or electronically, electrically or mechanically controlled still- or motion-picture machines, projectors, or other image-producing devices are maintained to show images characterized by the depiction of nudity or sexual conduct, as defined by this chapter.

Any commercial establishment which offers, for sale or rental to the public, books, publications, films, videotapes, or other media which depict nudity or sexual conduct, as defined by this chapter. Establishments dedicating less than 5% of display area or less than 5% of the inventory of subject items, shall not be considered to be adult bookstores or adult video stores.

An adult arcade, adult bookstore or adult video store, adult nightclub, adult movie theater, adult live theater, or sexual encounter center, as defined by this chapter.

Any commercial establishment which features live shows for public viewing in which all or some of the performers display nudity or engage in sexual conduct, as defined in this chapter.

Any movie theater, including mini theaters, which show films rated "X" by the Motion Picture Coding Association of America or where, for any form of consideration, films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides, or similar photographic reproductions depicting sexual conduct, as defined in this chapter, are shown for public viewing.

Any establishment, including private clubs, which serves food and/or beverages, whether or not the consumption of alcohol is allowed on the premises, and which offers entertainment, either live or recorded, exhibiting nudity or sexual conduct, as defined in this chapter, or which provides service by waitpersons who exhibit nudity or sexual conduct, as defined by this chapter.

Growing or producing for use on the lot or for sale domestic livestock, farm grains, feeds or hay, fruits, nursery stock, vegetables, dairy products, poultry, eggs or other crops or produce typical of farm activity in the County of Washington. Includes related use of equipment and structures necessary for the foregoing purposes. Also includes uses of farm animals for recreational purposes, such as riding stables and riding lessons.

A public thoroughfare which affords only a secondary means of access to an abutting property and which is not intended for general traffic circulation.

A change in the size, shape, or type of an existing sign. Copy or color change of an existing sign is not an alteration. Changing or replacing a sign face or panel is not an alteration, providing there is no increase in the size of the sign face or panel.

Any device designed to transmit or receive wave signals to or from any source whatsoever.

One or more rooms with private bath and kitchen facilities comprising an independent, self-contained dwelling unit in a building containing three or more dwelling units.

A building consisting of guest rooms or suites of rooms which are occupied more or less permanently, wherein the occupants are furnished so-called hotel services, including dining room and/or maid service.

A person or entity who applies for a sign permit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Any projection, relief, cornice, column, change of building material, window or door opening on any building.

Plans and profiles prepared by an engineer or surveyor showing the exact location, size, grade and depth of all public improvements after completion, including Y-branches and laterals for future house connections.

Person or individual having legal power of attorney for another person or company.

Any premises used for supplying gasoline and oil, tires, accessories and services for automobiles, at retail, directly to the motorist, including the making of minor repairs, but not including such major repairs as complete recapping or retreading of tires, spray painting, body and fender repair, axle repair, frame repair, exhaust repair, brake repair, or major engine overhaul. Services such as washing and waxing of motor vehicles in an incidental one-bay washing facility, conduction of state safety and emissions inspections, and the operation of a convenience store are included in this definition only if retail sale of petroleum products is a part of the operation.

Any land, building, structure or premises used for the general repair, engine rebuilding or reconditioning of motor vehicles, collision service such as body, frame and fender straightening and repair, and painting of motor vehicles.

Any lot, land or structure or parts thereof used for the storage, accumulation, recycling, sealing or processing of junk or abandoned vehicles, or parts thereof, whether or not for sale. The accumulation or storage of two or more vehicles or parts thereof shall be construed to be an auto salvage yard.

A temporary or permanent structure extending out and over the upper part of a door, window or porch and serving as protection from sun or precipitation. Distinguished from a canopy by the lack of structural supports attached to the ground.

A sign with its copy on a shelter made of any nonrigid material, such as fabric or flexible plastic that is supported by or stretched over a frame and attached to an exterior wall of a building or other structure.

A sign with its copy on nonrigid material such as cloth, plastic, fabric or paper with no supporting framework. Banners are temporary signs and do not include flags.

That portion of the building that is underground but having at least half its clear height below the average grade of the adjoining ground. A basement shall be considered a story if more than half its clear height is above the average grade of the adjoining ground.

An owner-occupied dwelling unit providing overnight accommodations and breakfast to the public for compensation for 10 or more days in a twelve-month period.

The natural rock layer, hard or soft, in place at ground surface or beneath unconsolidated surface deposits.

Activities, facilities, designs, measures, or procedures used to manage stormwater impacts from regulated earth disturbance activities, to meet state water quality requirements, to promote groundwater recharge and to otherwise meet the purposes of this chapter.

An off-premises sign, owned by a person, corporation or other entity that engages in the business of selling the advertising space on that sign, that directs attention to a product or service not associated with the primary use, business or activity conducted on the premises where such sign is located.

A unit of land bounded by streets or by a combination of streets and public land, railroad rights-of-way, waterways or any other barrier to the continuity of development.

The elected governing body of the Township of Cecil, Washington County, Pennsylvania.

A landscaped area within which no structure or building is permitted except a wall or fence, of a certain depth specified by this chapter, which is planted and maintained in shrubs, bushes, trees, grass, ground cover or other natural landscaping material, consisting of a mix of types and sizes of plant material which, within three years of planting, meets the standard of providing a compact year-round visual screen.

Any structure, with walls and a roof, designed, built and used for the shelter, protection or enclosure of persons, animals or property, and which is permanently affixed to the land. A building is also a structure.

That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending vertically from grade to the top of a parapet wall or eaves and horizontally across the entire width of the building elevation.

The vertical distance from the average finished grade (as measured around the entire perimeter of the building) to the highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the deckline of mansard roofs, and to the mean height between eaves and peak for gable, hip or gambrel roofs. The following shall not be included in calculating height: chimneys, spires, towers, domes, masts, mechanical penthouses, and aerials.

See "setback line."

A permit issued by Cecil Township stating that a proposed construction or improvement complies with the provisions of this chapter and such other parts of the Township Code as may be applicable. (Also known as "zoning permit.")

A temporary or permanent structure extending out and over the upper part of a door, window or porch, and having structural supports attached to the ground, and serving to protect from sun and precipitation.

The paved area of a street between the curbs, including travel lanes and parking areas, but not including shoulders, curbs, sidewalks or swales. If curbs are lacking and parking is restricted to the shoulders, the cartway is defined as the travelway.

Land used or intended to be used for the burial of human or animal dead, and dedicated for cemetery purposes, including crematories, mausoleums, and mortuaries, if operated in connection with and within the boundaries of such cemetery, for which perpetual care and maintenance is provided.

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.

An enclosed area in which fowl are allowed to walk and run about.

A public or private institution providing full- or part-time education beyond the high school level and including any lodging rooms or housing for students or faculty. A business or trade school is not considered a college or university (See "commuter college.")

An occupation, employment or enterprise that is carried on for profit by the owner, lessee or licensee.

The duly authorized Cecil Township Planning Commission, as appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

A parcel or parcels of land, or an area of land or an area of water, or a combination of land and water within a development site, designed and intended for the dedication to and use and enjoyment of residents of a development, but not including streets and areas set aside for public utilities.

Any structure designed for transmitting or receiving radio, television or telephone communications, including omnidirectional or whip antennas, directional or panel antennas, and microwave dish antennas, which may be mounted on an existing building or on a communications tower, and including the accessory equipment cabinet necessary to operate the antenna.

Any communications antenna or communications tower, as defined by this chapter, which is operated by any agency or corporation, including a public utility regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) or any agency or franchisee of Cecil Township, or any police, fire, emergency medical or emergency management agency, but not including satellite dish antennas, defined as parabolic dishes designed for "receive-only" viewing of satellite programs for private viewing, or radio and TV antennas, defined as freestanding or building-mounted antennas located on residential property designed to enhance radio or television reception for the residents of the dwelling.

Any structure, whether freestanding or attached to a building, designed to support multiple communications antennas, including monopole, self-supporting, and guyed towers, and one or more of the following mounts for antennas: rotatable platform, fixed platform, multi-point, side-arm and pipe mounts for microwave dishes.

A state-licensed residential facility providing a place for residence for more than four foster children, disturbed children, mentally retarded persons, or physically handicapped persons, and including the required number of staff and live-in supervisors who provide service for such residents on a twenty-four-hour-a-day basis. For the purpose of this definition, a child is any person under the age of 18. This definition does not include rest homes, convalescent homes, homes for the elderly, homes for adjudicated delinquents, or other court-sentenced individuals.

A state-licensed residential facility providing a place for residence for not more than four foster children, disturbed children, mentally retarded persons, or physically handicapped persons, and including not more than one live-in supervisor who provides service for such residents on a twenty-four-hour-a-day basis. For the purpose of this definition, a child is any person under the age of 18. This definition does not include rest homes, convalescent homes, homes for the elderly, homes for adjudicated delinquents, or other court-sentenced individuals.

A public or private institution providing full-time or part-time education beyond the high school level and not including lodging rooms or housing for students or faculty.

A space that will remain totally dry during flooding; the structure is designed and constructed to prevent the passage of water and water vapor.

A plan adopted by the Cecil Township Board of Supervisors for the future development of the Township, pursuant to state law, and including any part of such plan separately adopted and any amendment to such plan, or parts thereof. The document shall include all components identified in Section 301 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[1]

A use that would not be appropriate generally or without restriction throughout the zoning district, but which, if controlled as to area, location or relation to the neighborhood, would not be detrimental to public health, safety or general welfare. The same as a special exception, except that it falls under the jurisdiction of the Township Board of Supervisors. Express standards and criteria are set forth in the specific zoning district. Additionally, the governing body has the opportunity to thoroughly examine the proposal and to impose any other reasonable safeguards necessary to implement the intent of this chapter and to protect the general welfare.

The individual ownership of a dwelling unit within a multifamily or two-family dwelling, together with an interest in the common land and building areas and the underlying land.

An area or strip of land which shall remain in a natural state, in perpetuity, free from improvement except for access road crossings and trails.

The maps, drawings and textual descriptions accompanying a subdivision plat and showing the specific location and design of public improvements to be installed in the subdivision in accordance with the requirements of this chapter as a condition of plat approval.

A design concept applicable to transportation networks, development patterns, streets, alleys, buildings, architecture, pedestrian amenities, open spaces, landscaping, streetscaping, accessory structures, utility poles, communication facilities, and the like, in which the design of the aforementioned item(s) is complimentary to and integrated with the aesthetics of its adjacent environment, which may range in scope, at the discretion of the Township, from the immediate area surrounding the item in question to the Township as a whole. Also may be referred to as "Context Sensitivity."

Any building or structure used as the permanent place of business for a general contractor or tradesman. Storage or staging or occupying the site with any equipment, material, company vehicles other than automobiles and office staff is prohibited.

Any developed, undeveloped, or vacant land or parcel used as a place of operation and/or storage for a general contractor or tradesman, including storage, staging, parking of construction equipment, material, and/or company vehicles.

A method of controlling stormwater runoff by slowing, dampening or retarding of runoff flows entering the natural drainage pattern or storm drainage system by temporarily holding water on a surface area such as a detention basin, parking lot, swale or within the drainage system itself, and releasing the water at a controlled rate of discharge.

A small building for housing fowl.

The graphic content or message of a sign.

The County of Washington, Pennsylvania.

The County Planning Commission of the County of Washington.

A state-licensed facility providing a place for residence for more than four individuals, whether minors or adults, and including the required number of staff and live-in supervisors who provide service for such residents on a twenty-four-hour-a-day basis. For the purpose of this definition, a resident is any individual serving a court-ordered period of detention. This definition does not include prisons. Persons convicted of an offense of a violent nature are prohibited from residing in a court-adjudicated facility.

A state-licensed residential facility providing a place for residence for not more than four individuals, whether minors or adults, and including the required number of staff and live-in supervisors who provide service for such residents on a twenty-four-hour-a-day basis. For the purpose of this definition, a resident is any individual serving a court-ordered period of detention. Persons convicted of an offense of a violent nature are prohibited from residing in a court-adjudicated home.

A private legal restriction on the use of land contained in the deed to the property.

A minor street intersecting another street at one end and terminated at the other by a vehicular turnaround.

A drain, ditch or conduit, not incorporated in a closed system, that carries drainage water under a driveway, roadway, railroad, pedestrian walk or public way.

A portion of land surface or area from which earth has been removed by excavation. The difference in elevation between a point on the original ground and designated point of lower elevation on the final grade.

Any ground-mounted structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of data collection including self-supporting lattice towers, guyed towers or monopole towers. The term includes structures used to wirelessly read utility meters and for other remote monitoring purposes. For the purposes of this chapter, the term includes facilities that are not solely under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, except where permitted by law. The term includes the structure and any supporting structures thereto.

A facility, licensed by the commonwealth, located within a building not used for dwelling purposes, for the care, during part of a twenty-four-hour day, of children under the age of 16, handicapped persons, or elderly persons.

A facility, licensed by the commonwealth, located within a dwelling for the care, on a regular basis during part of a twenty-four-hour day, of not more than seven children under 16 years of age, excluding care provided to children who are relatives of the provider, and which meets all standards required by this chapter.

The setting apart of land or interests in land for use by the public, by ordinance, resolution, or the recording of a plat.

A group of three or more residential dwellings located adjacent to each other, across from one another, or where three dwellings occupy an area not exceeding one acre in size, or where each dwelling occupies an individual lot or parcel that cannot be further subdivided to create additional conforming lots in that particular zoning district.

A measure of the number of dwelling units permitted per acre.

The number of dwelling units per acre of the total land to be developed, including public rights-of-way.

The number of dwelling units per acre of land when the acreage involved includes only the land devoted to residential uses, excluding public rights-of-way and other public land.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, its bureaus, divisions, departments, and/or agencies, as may from time to time be established, or such department or departments as may, in the future, succeed it.

See "waiver."

Those floodplain districts specifically designated in this chapter as being inundated primarily by the one-hundred-year flood. Included are areas identified as Floodway District (FW), Flood Fringe District (FF), and the Approximated Floodplain District.

An area in which surface water runoff is temporarily stored pending its release at a controlled rate.

The legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or of any land included in a proposed development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase or other persons having enforceable proprietary interests in such land. An option or contract can be conditioned on Township approval.

Any modification of the natural landscape above and below ground or water on a particular site, including but not limited to the division of land into two or more parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure; the placement of mobile homes; or the mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, or disturbance of land, including within flood hazard areas. Any use or extension of the use 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.

Any sign that is designed and erected for the purpose of providing direction and/or orientation for pedestrian or vehicular traffic, which is limited in size to four square feet and no more than four feet from ground to top of sign.

A network of spatially separated communications antenna sites connected to a common source that provides wireless service within a geographical area or structure. A network may consist of a single communications antenna.

Animals such as dogs and cats which normally and customarily reside in or at a family household. Excluded are any animals considered farm animals or exotic animals.

A sign with two faces, back to back.

The removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading or other means, including runoff controls to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after construction or development.

Any ditch, gutter, culvert, storm sewer, or other structure designed, intended or constructed for the purpose of carrying, diverting or controlling surface water or groundwater.

The lands required for the installation of storm sewers or drainage ditches or required along a natural stream or watercourse for preserving the channel and providing for the flow of water therein to safeguard the public against flood damage.

A private roadway providing access to a street or highway.

Any building that contains one or more dwelling units used, intended or designed to be built, used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied, or which are occupied for living purposes, not including hotels and motels or boardinghouses and lodging houses.

A multifamily residential building no more than three stories in height, containing five or more dwelling units which share a common entrance to the outside, usually through a common corridor, and which dwelling units may have other dwelling units either above or below them.

A residential building or portion thereof containing three or more dwelling units, including triplexes, fourplexes, garden apartments, high-rise apartments and townhouses.

A residential building containing one dwelling unit and which is the only principal structure on the lot and is separated by open space around the entire perimeter.

A multifamily residential dwelling no more than three stories in height which contains at least three or more single-family attached dwelling units, each of which are separated from the adjoining unit or units by a continuous, unpierced vertical wall extending from the foundation to the roof, with open space on at least two sides.

A residential building containing two independent dwelling units, each having a separate entrance, and which is the only principal building on the lot.

A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitary facilities. The term shall not include recreational vehicles.

An authorization or grant by a property owner to specific person(s) or to the public to use land for specific purposes, where the ownership of such easement is retained by the granting party.

An unmanned building or cabinet containing communications equipment required for the operation of communications antennas.

Emergency warning signs erected by a government agency, a public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work within the public right-of-way.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency.

A registered professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A person who holds a degree in geology from an accredited college or university and who has training and experience in the field of engineering geology.

The engineering criteria of the Township regulating the installation of any public improvement or facility. In the absence of such Township engineering criteria, the applicable standards of the Washington County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance shall apply.

The removal of surface materials by the action of natural elements.

The arrangement for the handling of instruments or money not to be released by the Township until specific conditions are met.

The erection, construction, alteration, or maintenance, of gas, electrical, and communication facilities; police, fire and EMS facilities; public buildings and parks; steam, fuel, or water transmission or distribution systems; and collection, supply, or disposal systems, including sewage disposal plants. Such systems may include poles, wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, sewage treatment plants, conduits, cables, fire alarm and police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants, and similar accessories. This definition is not intended to include private commercial enterprises such as cellular communications facilities, but only those public facilities necessary for the health, safety, and general welfare of the community.

A building space that will remain dry during flooding except for the passage of some water vapor or minor seepage, rendering the structure substantially impermeable to the passage of water.

A plant having foliage that remains on the plant throughout the year.

Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock, mineral substances, or organic substances, other than vegetation, is dug into, cut, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced, relocated or bulldozed, including the conditions resulting therefrom.

Defined as one of the following groups: those slopes as identified on the USDA-NRCS soil group map as steep slopes of 25% or more or those slopes identified on the topographic survey prepared by a land surveyor registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as any area where, over a one-hundred-foot horizontal distance, the slope exceeds 25% from the top to bottom of the break in grade. Said break in grade must be at least a change in grade of 5% before consideration. All areas over 25% must be outlined on the topographic plan.

Those animals or creatures of a foreign origin, or animals which are not ordinarily brought into a typical household or family environment, or those animals considered wild in nature or found wild in nature, and not normally domesticated.

A source of indirect illumination located away from the sign, but which is itself not visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk or adjacent property.

Any side of a building below the eaves that is visible from any abutting right-of-way.

An individual; two or more persons related by blood or marriage living together; or one or more persons maintaining, wholly or partly, other persons, not to exceed four unrelated individuals, all of whom live together in one household, but not embracing clubs, fraternities, boardinghouses or rooming houses or other groups of individual persons living together. A "family" may also include domestic servants and gratuitous guests. The foregoing restrictions do not apply to persons with disabilities as defined in the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.

Any parcel of land containing at least 10 acres of contiguous ground used for agriculture, as defined by this chapter.

A structure, including entrance and exit gates or openings, designed and constructed for enclosure, screening, protection, confinement or privacy.

Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or any other material is placed, pushed, dumped, pulled, transported or moved to a new location above the natural surface of the ground or on top of the stripped surface, including the conditions resulting therefrom. The difference in elevation between a point on the original ground and designated point of higher elevation on the final grade. The material used in the act of filling.

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 general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow, the unusual and rapid accumulation or the runoff of surface waters from any source.

A map or maps prepared under the National Flood Insurance Program by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The channel proper and the areas adjoining any wetland, lake or watercourse, including floodway fringe areas, which have been or hereafter may be covered by the regulatory flood. The floodplain includes both the floodway and the floodway fringe and is shown on the FIRM maps.

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

That flood having a peak discharge which can be expected to be equaled or exceeded on the average of once in a one-hundred-year period, as shown on the FIRM map(s).

The channel of a river or stream and areas adjoining the channel which are reasonably required to carry and discharge the floodwater of such river or stream. For purposes of this chapter, the floodway shall be capable of accommodating a flood of the one-hundred-year magnitude.

Those portions of the flood hazard area lying outside the floodway as shown on the FIRM map(s).

The sum, in square feet, of the floor areas of all roofed portions of a building, as measured from the exterior walls.

The gross floor area of the specified use, excluding stairs, washrooms, elevator shafts, maintenance shafts and rooms, etc., but including corridors, storage areas, and other areas not accessible to the public.

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

Domesticated birds that serve as a source of eggs or meat, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, peafowl, pigeons and pheasants.

The general term for any sign which is 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. Freestanding signs can be considered monument signs or pole signs.

The side of a lot abutting a street or way and regarded as the front of the lot. The length of any one property line of a premises, which property line abuts a legally accessible street right-of-way. All sides of a lot adjacent to streets shall be considered frontage. For lots which do not abut a street, frontage shall be defined as the side of the lot through which the lot has access to a street.

A local road or auxiliary road parallel to an arterial, established for control of access and providing access to abutting property and adjacent areas. Also called a "marginal access street."

A detached accessory building or a portion of the principal building used for storing or parking of passenger vehicles, recreational vehicles, and boats of the occupants of the premises and wherein not more than one space is rented for parking to a person not resident on the premises.

A principal or accessory building, other than a private or storage garage, used for parking or temporary storage of passenger vehicles.

A multifamily residential building not more than three stories in height containing three or more dwelling units which share a common entrance.

The use of land, buildings or structures, or portions thereof, where trees, shrubs or other plants are grown for the purpose of retail sales. A garden nursery may include the sale of soil, planting materials, fertilizers, garden equipment, ornaments, and similar materials.

Refers to the Cecil Township Board of Supervisors.

The mean elevation of the ground adjoining a building on all sides as referenced from the center line of the adjacent street(s).

The elevation of the finished surface of the ground adjoining a structure after final grading and normal settlement.

Any excavation or filling or combination of any act where earth, sand, gravel or rock is placed, pushed, dumped, pulled, transported or moved to a new location above or below the natural surface of the ground, including the conditions resulting from any excavation or fill. The plowing of, stripping of, or timbering of land for agricultural purposes shall not be considered as grading.

Any permit required under this chapter.[2]

A permanent building with roof and sides constructed largely of glass or other transparent or translucent material and in which the temperature and humidity can be regulated for the cultivation of delicate or out-of-season plants for subsequent sale. A private greenhouse carries the same definition, but cultivation is strictly for personal enjoyment.

A danger or potential danger to life, limb or health, or an adverse effect or potential adverse effect to the safety, use or stability of property, waterways, public ways, structures, utilities and storm sewers, including stream pollution.

The deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking, or otherwise placing of hazardous waste, as defined by this article, into or onto the land or water.

The containment, whether temporary or permanent, of any hazardous waste, as defined by this article, whether or not the storage is outside or inside of an enclosed building or structure and whether or not the storage is the principal use on the property or is accessory to the authorized principal use on the property.

The collection, hauling or removal from the site of any hazardous waste, as defined by this article, by any mode of transportation, for any purpose, within or through Cecil Township.

The recovery, reduction, detoxification, neutralization, conversion, reuse, or any other method of processing, excluding incineration, designed to change the chemical composition or physical form of any hazardous waste.

The vertical distance measured from the average finished grade (as measured around the entire perimeter of the building) to the highest point of the structure. (See "building height" and "sign height.")

Any area of land, water or structure (whether or not designated or set off as such), used or intended to be used for the landing or takeoff of helicopters.

Any structure that is:

A business use having a service characteristic, conducted completely within a dwelling unit, carried on by any member of the immediate family residing on the premises, allowing one additional employee not residing on the premises, clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes, which does not alter the exterior of the property in any way. A home occupation is an accessory use, contributing either entirely or partly to the livelihood of a person living in the dwelling.

A home occupation, as defined above, including, but not limited to, an office of an attorney, architect, engineer, or similar recognized profession, or the office of a realtor, insurance agent, investment counselor, manufacturer's representative, broker, or similar profession. A home office differs from a home occupation in that customers or clients do not visit the premises, no one who is not a resident of the dwelling is employed on the premises, and approval as a special exception from the Zoning Hearing Board is not required.

A community association, other than a condominium association, which is organized in a development in which individual owners share common interests in open space or facilities.

An institution licensed by the State Department of Health and providing health services primarily for inpatient medical or surgical care of the sick or injured and including related facilities such as laboratories, outpatient departments, training facilities, central service facilities, and staff offices which are an integral part of the facility, provided such institution is operated by, or treatment is given under direct supervision of, a licensed physician. Types of hospitals include general, mental, chronic disease, and allied special hospitals such as cardiac, contagious disease, maternity, orthopedic, cancer and the like.

A building in which lodging is offered with or without meals principally to transient guests and that provides a common entrance, lobby, halls and stairways.

Includes any or all of the following: church, cathedral, temple, manse, rectory, parish schools or similar buildings incidental to the particular use; convents and other buildings for the housing of students, teachers, communicants, and domestic or maintenance employees; but not including business offices (except administrative offices housed within the structure), rescue missions, or the occasional use for religious purposes of properties not regularly so used.

A topographic and boundary survey of property zoned special district, proposed for development, which includes a written description of the various categories of the proposed land uses, but which does not show the precise locations of proposed buildings; the major street network proposed to provide access to the areas proposed for development, but not necessarily the streets or driveways internal to the proposed development sites; and the location of the site with respect to surrounding properties and the existing street network. The plan shall be in sufficient detail to show compliance with all applicable requirements, standards, and criteria of this chapter regarding illustrative site plans.

Any permanent structure that becomes part of, is placed upon, or is affixed to real estate, which serves the purpose to render land suitable for the use intended, including, but not limited to, grading, paving, curbing and installation of streetlights and signs, fire hydrants, water mains, electric service, gas service, sanitary sewers, storm drains, sidewalks, crosswalks, driveways, culverts and street trees; any physical construction and all modifications of the natural landscape, above and below ground or water, on a particular site.

Those improvements done at the option of the property owner, intended to benefit that property owner, his or her heirs or assigns.

Those improvements, done at the option of property owner(s), intended to benefit the property owner(s), their heirs, or assigns.

Those improvements, either required by municipal ordinance, developer agreements, PRD conditions or any other conditions or agreements, such as stormwater ponds, tot lots, play area, walking trails, green space, conservation areas etc., which are intended to be owned and/or maintained by private entity.

Those improvements, either required by municipal ordinances or regulations, state regulations, or installed at the option of the property owner(s). These improvements are proposed or required to be turned over to a public entity for the permanent use and benefit of current and future property owners.

Being likely to ensue as a chance or minor consequence.

A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "telephone," "no trespassing" and other similar directives, and window signs giving store hours or the names of credit institutions. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.

Those uses of economic activity, including, for example, forestry, fishing, hunting and trapping; mining; construction; manufacturing; transportation, communication, electric, gas and sanitary services; and wholesale trade.

The fixed public works and facilities necessary in a community, such as sewers, water systems, and streets.

The Township Engineer or his authorized representative, whose duty it is to administer compliance with approved plans and permits.

Public and quasi-public land uses which enhance the community's quality of life, including schools, churches, libraries or hospitals, but not including such uses as utility plants or public garages.

A source of illumination entirely within the sign which makes the content of the sign visible at night by means of the light being transmitted through a translucent material but wherein the source of illumination is not visible.

A word, a group of initials, a logo, an abbreviation, a number, a symbol, or a geometric shape.

Any self-propelled, fuel-powered vehicle that has any part of the body missing, broken windshield, wheel or wheels off, motor out, transmission out, or missing any part that prevents the vehicle from moving on its own power. Also included is any other mobile equipment that has parts missing, that is pulled or towed by another fuel-powered vehicle. This shall not apply to farm vehicles or equipment.

Any lot, land or structure, or parts thereof, used for the storage, accumulation, recycling or processing of scrap metals (other than auto salvage), (see "auto salvage yard" for vehicle scrap and parts) or other material, whether or not for sale. The accumulation or storage of any material or discarded material not reasonably needed for the immediate personal use of the owner or possessor shall be construed to be a junkyard.

An establishment where more than three dogs or four cats older than six months, or other birds and animals, are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, trained and/or sold, all for a fee or compensation.

A plan prepared by a registered architect, engineer or land surveyor, or a site plan preparer acceptable to the Township, identifying each tree and shrub by size and type and location for planting. The plan shall include a planting diagram and any necessary reports to show method of planting, mulching and grass plantings.

A category of land use, including residential, commercial and industrial, which is shown on a subdivision plat for properties zoned special district, within an approved illustrative site plan and which indicates the intended use and establishes the applicable zoning regulations for development of a lot or tract within the illustrative site plan.

Any material or performance in which all of the following elements are present:

A sign not designed for permanent display. Limited duration signs require a permit. Limited duration signs may be displayed for more than 30 consecutive days at one time but are not intended to be displayed for an indefinite period.

Space logically and conveniently located for bulk pickups and deliveries, scaled to delivery vehicles expected to be used, and accessible to such vehicles when required off-street parking spaces are filled.

A parcel of land intended to be separately owned, developed or otherwise used as a unit. A parcel of land occupied, or intended to be occupied, by a building and its accessory buildings, or by a group of dwellings and their accessory buildings, together with such open spaces as are required, having at least the minimum area required for the lot in the zone in which such lot is located and having its principal frontage on a public or approved private street or way.

The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot, excluding any street rights-of-way.

That portion of a lot bounded by the required front, rear and side yards.

A lot located at the intersection of two or more streets, the interior angle of such intersection not exceeding 135°. A lot abutting a curved street or streets shall be considered a corner lot if tangent projections of the front lot lines drawn perpendicular at the side lot lines meet at an interior angle of less than 135° in front of the lot. On a corner lot, the rear lot line shall be opposite the side of the house considered to be the front. The owner or developer of a corner lot may, prior to issuance of a building permit, specify which street line shall be the front lot line, unless front lot lines are established for abutting properties.

The ratio of the covered ground floor area of all buildings on a lot to the total area of the lot. Accessory buildings and covered porches shall be included, but projecting eaves on any structure shall not.

The average horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines. The horizontal distance from the midpoint of the front lot line to the midpoint of the rear lot line, or to the most distant point on any other lot line where there is no rear lot line.

A lot approved with less frontage on a public street than is normally required, where a narrow panhandle access corridor leads to the bulk of the lot located behind lots or parcels with normally required street frontage. [See § 210-27B(10) in the Subdivision and Land Development chapter for illustration.]

A lot with only one frontage on a street.

On an interior lot, the line separating the lot from the street right-of-way; on a corner or through lot, the line separating the lot from either street right-of-way. When a lot or building site is bounded by a public street and one or more alleys, private street easements, or private streets, the front lot line shall be the nearest right-of-way line of the public street.

The lot line opposite the front lot line. On a lot pointed at the rear, the rear lot line shall be an imaginary line between the side lot lines parallel to the front lot line, not less than 10 feet long, lying farthest from the front lot line. On a corner lot, the rear lot line shall be opposite the side of the house considered to be the front.

Any lot line other than a front lot line or rear lot line.

A lot which is part of a subdivision, the plat of which has been recorded in the office of the Recorder of Washington County; or a lot or parcel described by metes and bounds, legally defined and duly recorded in the office of the Recorder of Washington County.

A lot other than a corner lot with frontage on more than one street. On a through lot, both street lot lines shall be deemed front lot lines.

The horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured at the building setback line.

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

Any operation (other than work in connection with the foundation for a structure) involving:

Any security that may be required and accepted by a governmental agency to assure that public improvements accepted by the Township will function as required for a specific period of time.

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 dwelling unit, designed and built in a factory, which bears a seal certifying that it was built in compliance with the Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Law of 1974 (42 U.S.C. § 5401 et seq.) and which is constructed after January 1, 1981, and which exceeds 950 square feet of occupied space. Also known as a "modular home."

A local or auxiliary road parallel to an arterial road, established for the control of access and providing access to abutting properties and adjacent areas.

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

A permanent sign attached to a covered structure projecting from and supported by a building with independent roof and drainage provisions and which is erected over a doorway or doorways as protection against the weather.

The classification of streets contained in the Cecil Township Comprehensive Plan.

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.

Any vehicle or trailer which has attached thereto or thereon any sign or advertising device for the basic purpose of providing advertisement of products or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property or any other premises. These shall not include business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles primarily used for other business purposes.

A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit or two or more units, designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, and constructed so that it may be used with or without a permanent foundation.

A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erection of a single mobile home.

A tract of land under single, joint or common ownership so designated and improved to contain two or more mobile home lots for nontransient use.

See "manufactured home."

A concrete, stone or other permanent object placed to designate boundary lines, corners of property, and rights-of-way of streets and utilities, for the purpose of reference in land and property survey.

A freestanding sign, permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported entirely by a base structure, and not mounted on a pole or attached to any part of a building. Also known as a ground sign.

Act of Assembly of July 31, 1968, P.L. 805, and as may be hereinafter amended.[5]

A lot which lawfully existed prior to the adoption or amendment of this chapter, but which fails by reason of such adoption or amendment to conform to the lot requirements of the district in which it is located.

Any sign which is not allowed under this chapter, but which, when first constructed before this chapter was in effect and for which a sign permit was issued, was legally allowed.

Any structure that does not meet the limitations on size and/or location on a lot for the district in which such structure is located, and which legally existed prior to the adoption or amendment of this chapter.

A use of land that does not comply with the use regulations for its zoning district but which complied with applicable regulations at the time the use was established.

The showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic areas or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, or the showing of the female breasts with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple, or the depiction of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.

An institution, licensed by the commonwealth, for the long-term care of patients requiring skilled, intermediate or institutional personal care, but not including facilities for major surgery or treatment for narcotics addiction.

Any wall, dam, embankment, dike, pile, abutment, projection, excavation, channel, swell, rectification, culvert, building, fence, stockpile, fill, refuse, structure or matter in, along, across or projecting into any channel, watercourse, swell or flood-prone area, which may impede, retard or change the direction of the flow of water either in itself or by catching or collecting debris carried by such water, or which is placed where the flow of water might carry the same downstream to the damage of life or property. Also included are any of the above-listed items which impede the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in legitimate rights-of-ways.

A certificate signed by an official of Cecil Township stating that the occupancy and use of land, building or structure referred to therein complies with the provisions of this chapter and all other building and local codes as may be applicable.

A sign which directs attention to an object, product, service, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business that is primarily offered at a location other than the lot upon which the sign is located.

A sign which directs attention to an object, product, service, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business that is primarily offered at the same location upon which the sign is located.

Land that is restricted in use for public or private recreational purposes, or undisturbed land from a subdivision not intended to be sold, that is to be left undeveloped with the intent to be turned over to a homeowners' association.

The keeping, in an unenclosed area, of any goods, junk, material, merchandise or vehicles in the same place for more than 24 hours.

The legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee if he is authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner, or other person having a proprietary interest in land. A legal power of attorney from the title holder of record will suffice to establish a proprietary interest.

The extension of a building facade above the line of the structural roof.

An area appropriate in size to accommodate the required vehicular parking for the applicable land use(s), together with driveways and access aisles, located completely out of the public right-of-way and set back from such right-of-way as required by this chapter.

An enclosed or unenclosed surfaced area permanently reserved for the temporary storage of one passenger motor vehicle or appropriately part of a street or connected with a street or alley by a surfaced driveway affording adequate ingress and egress.

A field test conducted to determine the absorption capacity of soil to a specified depth in a given location for the purpose of determining suitability of soil for on-site sewage disposal.

In connection with landscaping, a plant having a life span of more than two years.

A strip of land around a development that is to remain in its natural state.

Any security, including performance bonds, escrow accounts, or other similar surety agreements, which may be accepted by a municipality to assure that public improvements to be accepted by the Township as part of an application for development will be satisfactorily completed.

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.

An individual, partnership, corporation or other legally recognized entity.

A facility, licensed by the commonwealth and located within a dwelling, where room and board is provided for a period exceeding 24 hours to more than three but no more than 12 permanent residents, 62 or more years of age, who are not relatives of the operator, and who are mobile or semi-mobile and require specialized services in such matters as bathing, dressing, diet and medication prescribed for self-administration, but who are not in need of hospitalization or skilled or intermediate nursing care. Twenty-four-hour supervision by qualified staff shall be provided by the sponsoring agency, with no more than four staffpersons on any shift.

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

Establishments primarily engaged in providing services involving the care of a person or his or her personal goods or apparel, such as beauty shops, barbershops, watch repair, shoe repair, tanning and nail salons, etc.

Buildings and indoor or outdoor facilities, including, but not necessarily limited to, banquet halls, auditoriums and conference centers, and including any kitchens for the preparation of food to be consumed on the premises.

Structures and other indoor or outdoor facilities used for public worship and related educational, cultural and social activities.

An area of land, controlled by a landowner, to be developed as a single entity for a number of dwelling units, or combination of residential and nonresidential uses, the development plan for which does not correspond in lot size, bulk, type of dwelling or use, density or intensity, lot coverage and required open space to the regulations established in any one district, created, from time to time, under the provisions of a municipal zoning ordinance.

The Planning Commission of Cecil Township.

The map or plan of a subdivision or land development, whether preliminary or final.

A tentative subdivision plan or land development plan, in lesser detail than a final plan, showing approximate proposed street and lot layout as a basis for consideration prior to preparation of a final plan.

A complete and exact subdivision plan or land development plan, prepared for official recording as required by statute, to define property rights and proposed streets and other improvements.

An informal subdivision plan or land development plan, not necessarily drawn to scale, indicating salient existing features of a tract and its surroundings and the general layout of the proposed development.

A freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from the ground and not supported by a building or base structure.

A roofed, open area which may be screened, usually attached to or part of and with direct access to or from a building. A porch becomes a room when the enclosed space is heated or air-conditioned and when the percentage of window area to wall area is less than 50%.

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

The building in which the primary use on the lot is conducted. With regard to school, recreational or other uses of property which may include several buildings in which activity occurs, the Planning Commission shall determine whether or not each building shall be classified as a "principal building."

The primary use to which the premises are devoted, and the main purpose for which the premises exists, as distinguished from a secondary or accessory use.

A county, state or federal institution which houses violent convicts or a combination of violent and nonviolent offenders.

Any establishment or use limited to members of an organization or to other persons specifically invited or permitted, where no advertisement or inducement has been made to the general public.

See "street, private."

A sign which is supported by an exterior wall of a building or other structure and which is constructed and displayed perpendicular to the face of the building or other structure so that both sides of the sign are visible. Projecting signs are not permitted in any residential district.

Of or pertaining to buildings, structures, uses or activities belonging to or affecting any duly authorized governmental body, which is available for common or general use by all.

Parks, playgrounds and other public areas. and sites for schools, sewage treatment, refuse disposal, and other publicly owned or operated facilities.

A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission or Zoning Hearing Board, intended to take testimony and obtain public comment prior to taking action in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

A forum held pursuant to notice under the Act of July 3, 1986 (P.L. 388, No. 84) known as the Sunshine Act.[6]

Normally, notice published once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. Such notice shall state the time and place of the hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing. The first publication shall not be more than 30 days and the second publication not less than seven days prior to the date of the hearing. Public notice shall be made according to the regulations, requirements or guidelines which most closely apply to the type of meeting or hearing being held or cancelled.

Buildings, power plants or substations, water treatment plants or pumping stations, sewage disposal or pumping plants, and other similar public service structures used by a public utility or a railroad, whether publicly or privately owned, or by a municipal or other governmental agency, including the furnishing of electrical, gas, rail transport, communications, water and sewerage services.

Public parks, schools, fire and police stations, libraries, museums, zoological gardens and parks, city and town halls, county courthouses, utility complexes, fairgrounds, and administrative and cultural buildings and structures, but not including public land or buildings devoted solely to the storage and maintenance of equipment and materials for public service facilities.

Any person, firm or corporation duly authorized to furnish electricity, gas, steam, telephone, water or sewerage service to the public under public regulation.

A freestanding or building-mounted antenna designed to enhance radio or television reception for the area users.

Establishments for the pursuit of sports and similar recreational activities, including but not limited to tennis courts, bowling alleys, miniature golf, golf, skating rinks, and stables, but not including game machines or other devices providing entertainment not related to sports.

A vehicle primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreation, camping or travel, either with its own motor power or mounted on or towed by another powered vehicle.

Any indoor athletic activity, such as, but not limited to, swimming pools, track and field facilities, soccer fields, gymnasiums or skating rinks (ice or roller).

Earth disturbance activity of one acre or more with a point source discharge to surface waters or the Township's storm sewer system, or five acres or more regardless of the planned runoff. This includes earth disturbance on any portion of, or during any stage of, a larger common plan of development. This only includes road maintenance activities involving 25 acres or more of earth disturbance.

The sum of money required to reconstruct a structure identical to the one in question.

Research, development and testing related to such fields as chemical, pharmaceutical, medical, electrical, transportation and engineering.

Any property or parcel of land in any zoning classification on which exists a legally occupied dwelling.

Any single lot or parcel of ground on which is anticipated to be built a residential dwelling.

Any subdivision or transfer of land, laid out on a plat which has been approved by the Board of Supervisors, which changes or proposes to change property lines and/or public rights-of-way not in strict accordance with the approved plan.

Establishments engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods.

The display and sale of products and services primarily outside of a building or structure.

A sign which is erected, constructed, and maintained on or above the eave of the roof of a building.

The portion of rainfall, melted snow, irrigation water, and any other liquid that flows across ground surface and is eventually returned to streams.

A parabolic dish antenna designed for "receive-only" private viewing of satellite programs.

An institution primarily engaged in academic instruction for all or part of grades K through 12, and recognized or approved by the state.

A school with a curriculum which is focused upon certain skills required in business, trade or the arts, including secretarial skills, instrumental music, dancing, barbering, hairdressing or other technical trades which require knowledge of special machinery.

For purposes of determining the number of off-street parking spaces required for certain uses, the number of seats is the number of seating units installed or indicated, or each 24 lineal inches of benches, pews or space for loose chairs.

The depositing of earth or soil transported from its site of origin by water, ice, wind, gravity or other natural means as a product of erosion.

A building or group of buildings in a controlled access and fenced compound that contains various sizes of individual, compartmentalized and controlled access stalls and/or lockers leased to the general public for a specified period of time for the dead storage of personal property.

A watertight receptacle that receives the discharge of sewage from a building, sewer or part thereof, and is designed and constructed so as to permit settling of solids from this liquid, digestion of the organic matter, and discharge of the liquid portion into a disposal area.

The required minimum horizontal distance between the building line and the related front, side or rear property line, or along a private or public street, in which no building or accessory structure may be located above ground, except as otherwise provided in this chapter (excludes nominal roof overhangs, chimneys, unenclosed porches and stoops, and porch or entrance roofs not exceeding six feet in depth).

A line established generally parallel with and measured from the property line, defining the limits of a yard in which no building, other than a permitted accessory structure, may be located. Also known as a "building line."

A sanitary sewage collection method in which sewage is carried from the site by a system of pipes to a central treatment and disposal plant.

A septic tank or similar installation on an individual lot which utilizes an aerobic bacteriological process or equally satisfactory process for the elimination of sewage and provides for the proper and safe disposal of the effluent, subject to the approval of health and sanitation officials having jurisdiction.

Patently offensive representations or descriptions of ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, and patently offensive representations or descriptions of acts of masturbation, excretory functions, homosexuality, sodomy, sexual intercourse, or physical contact with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks or, if such person be female, breasts.

A business or commercial enterprise that, as one of its primary business purposes, offers for any form of consideration either physical contact in the form of wrestling or tumbling between persons of the opposite sex or activities between male and female persons and/or persons of the same sex when one or more of the persons is in a state of nudity.

The area of a road right-of-way between the moving traffic lanes and curb, which is used for emergency stopping of vehicles or for parking.

That portion of the road right-of-way which is improved for the use of pedestrian traffic.

The extent of unobstructed vision, in a horizontal or vertical plane, along a street, as differentiated for local, collector or arterial streets.

A triangular-shaped portion of land established at street intersections, defined by lines of sight between points at a given distance from the intersection of street center lines, in which nothing is erected, placed, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance of motorists entering or leaving the intersection.

Any device visible from a public place whose essential purpose and design is to convey either commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. The term "sign" shall not include any flag or badge or insignia of the United States of America, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Washington County, Cecil Township, or official historic plaques of any governmental jurisdiction or agency.

The total area of the face of a sign including all lettering, wording, accompanying designs and symbols, together with a background, whether or not open or enclosed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself. In the case of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a surface, building, wall, or window, the area shall be considered to be the smallest rectangle or other geometric shape which encompasses all letters and symbols.

A ground sign that identifies an office park, industrial park, apartment development, subdivision development, or shopping center.[7]

A street sign supported by one or more uprights, posts or bases placed upon or affixed to the ground and not attached to any part of a building.

The area of the face of a sign shall be computed as follows: a) the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination of four or fewer such shapes within a single perimeter that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets zoning regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself; and (b) the gross surface area of a freestanding sign with more than one face is computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point; and when two sign faces of identical size and shape are placed back to back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than 30 inches apart, the gross surface area of sign is computed by measurement of one of the faces. The area of a freestanding wall which supports the sign display, on which an identification sign for a residential development is mounted, shall not be considered in the calculation of gross surface area of sign.

Sign height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the highest portion of the sign to the ground on which the sign is located.

Any sign illuminated by electricity, gas or other artificial light, including reflecting or phosphorescent.[8]

A lot, tract or parcel of land or a series of lots, tracts or parcels of land which are adjoining, where grading work is continuous and performed at the same time.

The face of an embankment or cut section. Any ground surface that creates an angle with the plane of the horizon, usually expressed in a percentage based upon vertical difference in feet per 100 feet of horizontal distance.

Any domestic animal (excluding dogs or cats) such as a miniature and pygmy goat, rabbit, hare, guinea pig, rate, mouse or chinchilla.

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.

Interim Soils Survey Report, Volume II, United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1984, and the Greene and Washington Counties Soil Interpretations, United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,[9] 1974.

A person registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a professional engineer and who has training and experience in the branch of soils engineering.

All or combinations of ashes, garbage, refuse, radioactive material, combustible demolition materials, and industrial waste, such as food processing wastes, wood, plastics, metal scrap, etc.

An authorized use that may be granted only by the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with express standards and criteria specified in this chapter, plus in accordance with any additional criteria applied to determine that the impact of the proposed use on the environment and adjacent properties and streets is equal to or less than any use specifically listed in the district.

The first placement of permanent construction of a structure other than a mobile home on a site, such as the pouring of slabs or footings or any work beyond the stage of excavation. 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 as part of the main structure. For a structure other than a mobile home without a basement or poured footings, the start of construction includes the first permanent framing or assembly of the structure or any part thereof on its piling or foundation. For mobile homes not within a mobile home park or mobile home subdivision, start of construction means the affixing of the mobile home to its permanent site. For mobile homes within mobile home parks or mobile home subdivisions, start of construction is the date on which the construction of facilities for servicing the site on which the mobile home is to be affixed, including, at a minimum, the construction of streets, either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads, and installation of utilities, is completed.

As defined under state regulations — protection of designated and existing uses (see 25 Pa. Code Chapters 93 and 96), including:

Camouflaging methods applied to telecommunications towers, communications antennas, and other facilities, not necessarily related to wireless communication 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.

A structure on a residential lot or residentially occupied parcel, designed and used for the storage of personal and household items, not exceeding 12 feet by 16 feet in area and not exceeding nine feet in height. A storage shed shall not have provisions for a door capable of accommodating an automobile, truck, trailer, boat or recreational camper.

Natural or engineered structures which collect and transport stormwater through or from a drainage area to the point of final outlet, including but not limited to any of the following: conduits and appurtenant features, canals, channels, ditches, streams, culverts, streets and pumping stations.

A plan showing all existing ground features and proposed grading, including existing and proposed surface and subsurface drainage facilities, described by grades, contours and topography.

That part of a building between the surface of a floor and the ceiling immediately above; or if there is a floor above, the portion of a building between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next floor above. A basement or cellar shall be considered a story if more than half its clear height is above the average grade of the adjoining ground.

A right-of-way, whether public or private, improved or unimproved, used or intended to accommodate vehicular traffic.

A system of streets and roads which forms an integrated network of continuous routes primarily for through traffic. The arterial system is stratified into "major" and "minor" categories.

Serves corridor traffic movements having trip length and travel density characteristics indicative of substantial statewide or interstate travel, or connects major population centers in rural areas or serves major centers of activity and highest traffic volume corridors with the longest trip desires in urban areas.

Links other cities, towns and traffic generators and provides a substantial amount of interstate and intercounty service in rural areas; or interconnects and augments with the principal arterials to provide service to trips of moderate length for intracommunity continuity in urban areas.

A system of streets and roads which generally serves travel of primarily intra-area and intracounty importance with approximately equal emphasis on traffic circulation and land access service. The collector system is generally further stratified into "major" and "minor" categories. The system collects and distributes traffic between arterial and local systems.

A street, generally parallel with and adjacent to a property line, having a lesser right-of-way width than normally required for satisfactory improvement and use of the street.

A system of streets and roads that primarily provides local access service and access to higher order systems.

A street, parallel with and adjacent to an arterial street, providing access to abutting properties and control of intersections with the arterial street.

A local street that is not dedicated or accepted for public use or maintenance that provides vehicular and pedestrian access.

A street owned and maintained by a public entity to provide vehicular and pedestrian access.

A temporary dead-end street intended to be extended at a later date.

Any change to a structure which rearranges the structural parts, changes the means of ingress or egress, enlarges the floor area of building or height of structure or building or moves it from one location or position to another.

Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land. A structure is not necessarily a building, except as further defined by that term. This definition is intended to include signs.

The division or resubdivision 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, or transfer of ownership for 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, easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.

Any subdivision not classified as a minor subdivision or plat adjustment.

The subdivision of land into not more than four parcels located on an existing improved street that does not involve installation of improvements as required by this chapter, extension of utilities, frontage on an arterial or collector street, adverse effect to the development of the remaining parcel, adverse effect to adjoining properties, or conflict with the Township's Comprehensive Plan, this chapter or other state, county or Township ordinances, laws, or regulations.

A subdivision limited to any of the following purposes:

Where, in the judgment of the Municipal Engineer, at least 90% of those improvements required as a condition for final approval (based on the cost of the required improvements for which financial security was posted pursuant to Section 509 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code) have been completed in accordance with the approved plan, so that the project will be able to be used, occupied or operated for its intended use.

A licensed surveyor registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A low-lying stretch of land characterized as a depression, used to carry surface water runoff.

A pool, pond, lake or open tank containing at least 18 inches of water at any point or containing 150 cubic feet of water, and maintained by the owner or manager, including a hot tub or spa.

A sign not designed for permanent display. Temporary signs may be displayed no more than 30 consecutive days at one time, two times per year.

A use intended for limited duration, to be located in a zoning district as allowed by special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board.

A natural embankment between a building and its lot lines. The height of a terrace shall be the difference in elevation between the lot line and the finished grade at the line of the building.

Surface and subsurface soils, normally fertile and rich in organic matter of humus debris, usually found in the uppermost soil layer called the "A" horizon.

A type of multifamily residential building which contains at least three but not more than eight dwelling units, each for exclusive use by a single family, each of which has a separate entrance directly from the outside, and each of which is attached to another dwelling unit by continuous vertical walls without opening from basement to roof.

The Township of Cecil, Washington County, Pennsylvania.

Refers to the Cecil Township Board of Supervisors, or any individual or commission or agent or agency so designated by the Cecil Township Board of Supervisors.

A person or company duly appointed by the Township officials to act in that capacity.

A structure standing on wheels, towed or hauled by another vehicle, and used for short-term human occupancy, carrying of materials, goods or objects, or as a temporary office.

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

Any lot, tract or parcel of land which has not been graded for a specific intended use or purpose or in any other manner prepared for the construction of a building or other improvement.

Any structure which does not have its sides or foundation substantially constructed of a solid and continuous material such as block, brick, concrete, removable or permanent glass panes, siding, tile or wood so as to shelter the structure or its foundation.

A part of the property, structure or building designed or intended for any type of independent use, which has direct exit to a public street or way or to an easement or right-of-way leading to a public street or way, and including a proportionate undivided interest in the common elements assigned to the property, structure or building.

The specific purpose for which land or a building is designated, arranged, intended or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.

A use which is more severe in terms of effects and impacts on adjacent and neighboring properties, such as a steel manufacturing plant use would be considered more severe (less restrictive) than a typical laboratory or printing service use in the I-1 District.

A use which is considered milder in terms of effects and impacts on adjacent and neighboring properties, such as a professional office use would be considered less severe (more restrictive) than a gasoline service station use in the C-1 District.

A modification, granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, of the strict terms of the relevant zoning regulations of this chapter, where such modification will not be contrary to the public interest and where, owing to conditions peculiar to the property and not the result of the action of the applicant, a literal enforcement of this chapter would result in unnecessary and undue hardship and result in serious practical difficulties.

Any self-propelled vehicle which is not reasonably capable of being repaired or put into good running condition within 96 hours, or which exhibits defects listed under Chapter 155, Article I, Motor Vehicle Nuisances, § 155-2, of the Township Code.

A placed used for the care, diagnosis and treatment of sick, ailing, infirm or injured small animals, and those which are in need of medical attention, and generally operated by a licensed veterinarian.

A partitioned portion of a room or other enclosure which is available for viewing films, movies, videos or visual reproductions of any kind describing or depicting nudity or sexual conduct, as defined in this chapter, or for viewing persons who appear in a state of nudity or seminudity or who offer performances or presentations characterized by nudity or sexual conduct, as defined by this chapter.

A deviation from a specific standard in Article III, IV or V of Chapter 210, Subdivision and Land Development, dealing with subdivision, land development, design standards, improvement standards, and required improvement securities, to be investigated and approved on a case-by-case basis by the Board of Supervisors. Same definition applies to "departure."

A vertical element used to support earth embankments (cuts and fills) and/or enclose a space. Walls may require fencing, dependent upon height as required by the Building Code.[10]

A sign that is in any manner affixed to an exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches from the building or structure wall, including signs affixed to architectural projections, including parapets, from a building provided the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face of the architectural projection to which it is affixed.

A building or structure used for the storage and handling of goods, materials, freight, or merchandise awaiting sale on another lot or location. but not including the maintenance or fueling of commercial vehicles.

Any natural or artificial stream, river, creek, ditch, channel, canal, conduit, culvert, drain, waterway, gully, ravine or wash in which water flows in a definite direction or course, either continuously or intermittently, and has an undefined or definite channel bed, and banks, including any area adjacent thereto subject to inundation by reason of overflow or floodwater.

Any area declared by the appropriate state of federal agency to be a wetland.

Any waterworks, water supply works, water distribution system, or part thereof, designed, intended or constructed to provide or distribute potable water.

Business establishments that generally sell commodities and material in large quantities or by the piece to retailers, jobbers, other wholesale establishments, or manufacturing establishments. These commodities are basically for further resale, for use in the fabrication of a product, or for use by a business service.

A sign that is applied, painted, or affixed to a window, or placed inside a window, facing the outside of the building, and visible from the outside.

An open space on a lot, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. The minimum depth or width of a yard shall consist of the horizontal distance between the lot line and the required setback or building line.

A yard across the full width of the lot extending from the front property line to the front setback line, generally parallel and adjacent to the street right-of-way line. (See yard illustrations at the end of this section.)

A yard extending the full width of the lot between the rear setback line and the rear property line. (See yard illustrations at the end of this section.)

A yard between the side setback line and side property line and extending from the front setback line to the rear setback line. (See yard illustrations at the end of this section.)

A police power measure, enacted by the governing body of local government, in which the community is divided into districts or zones within which permitted and special uses are established as are regulations governing lot size, building bulk, placement and other development standards. Requirements vary from district to district, but they must be uniform within districts.

The Zoning Hearing Board of Cecil Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania.

The Official Zoning District Map of the Township of Cecil, Washington County, Pennsylvania, as approved by the Cecil Township Board of Supervisors, including all amendments. This map indicates the zoning districts and other relevant information and is a part of this chapter by reference. The map shall be signed by the Township Supervisors and shall bear the seal of the Township.

An official of the Township responsible for the general administration of zoning regulations, the issuance of building permits, the determination of individual permit fees, and filings of zoning citations in front of the Magisterial District Judge.

See "building permit" definition.