Collegeville City Zoning Code

To combine with other zoning requirements, as an overlay, certain restrictions for steep slope areas to promote the general health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the Borough of Collegeville.

To prevent inappropriate development of steep slope areas, in order to avoid potential dangers for human usage caused by erosion, stream siltation, soil failure leading to structural collapse or damage, and/or unsanitary conditions and associated hazards.

To minimize danger to public health and safety by promoting safe and sanitary drainage.

To permit only those uses that are compatible with development of steep slope areas in order to avoid accelerated erosion, soil failure, accelerated seepage, or other conditions which may create a danger to life and/or property.

To permit only those uses in steep slope areas that are compatible with the preservation of existing natural features, including vegetative cover, by restricting the grade of steep slope areas.

To promote the ecological balance among those natural system elements (such as wildlife, vegetation, and aquatic life) that could be adversely affected by inappropriate development of steep slope areas.

To prevent development that would cause excessive erosion and siltation, and a resultant reduction in the water-carrying capacity of the watercourses which flow through or around the Borough with the consequences of increased flood crests and flood hazards within the Borough and to both upriver and downriver municipalities.

To prevent landowners in the Borough and/or other municipalities from the possible harmful effects of inappropriate grading and development on steep slope areas.

To protect the entire Borough from inappropriate development on steep slope areas, which could have an effect upon subsequent expenditures for public works and disaster relief and, thus, adversely affect the economic well-being of the Borough.

To promote the provision of safe and reliable accessways, parking areas and utility systems serving developments on or around steep slope areas, where most sensitive grading and siting is essential.

To assist in the implementation of pertinent state laws concerning erosion and sediment control practices, including but not limited to Clean Streams Law, P.L. 1987,[1] and any subsequent amendments thereto, as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and the Montgomery County Conservation District.

The SSC District is defined and established as those areas of the Borough having steep slopes, as defined in Article II of this chapter.

Dispute procedures. Should any dispute arise as to the applicability of the SSC District regulations, the following procedures shall apply:

The SSC District shall have no effect on the permitted uses in the underlying zoning district(s), except where said uses intended to be located within the boundaries of the SSC District, and defined herein, are in conflict with the permitted uses set forth in this article.

In those areas of the Borough of Collegeville where the SSC District applies, the requirements of the SSC District shall supersede the requirements of the underlying zoning district(s).

Should the SSC District boundaries be revised as a result of legislative or administrative actions or judicial decision, the zoning requirements applicable to the area in question shall revert to the requirements of the underlying zoning district(s) without consideration to this article.

Should the zoning classification(s) of any parcel or any part thereof on which the SSC District is an overlay be changed as a result of legislative or administrative actions or judicial decision, such change(s) in classification shall have no effect on boundaries of the SSC District, unless an amendment to said boundaries was included as part of the proceedings from which the subsequent change(s) originated.

In evaluating any proposed development plan, the erosion and sediment control plan and any additional information submitted by the applicant in support of the application, the Borough Planning Commission, the Borough Engineer, and the Borough Council (where appropriate) shall consider the following factors:

Wildlife sanctuary, woodland preserve, arboretum, and passive recreation areas, including parks, but excluding enclosed structures.

Game farm or hunting preserve to the protection and propagation of wildlife but excluding enclosed structures.

Forestry and reforestation in accordance with recognized soil conservation practices, as contained in the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Technical Guide.

Pasture and controlled grazing of animals in accordance with recognized soil conservation practices, as contained in the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Technical Guide.

Recreation uses, such as parks, with such activities as hiking, bicycling, and bridle trails, camps, picnic areas, but excluding enclosed structures.

Outdoor plant nursery or orchard in accordance with recognized soil conservation practices as contained in the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Technical Guide.

Cultivation and harvesting of crops in accordance with recognized soil conservation practices, as contained in the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Technical Guide.

Nonstructural accessory uses (except swimming pools), necessary for the operation and maintenance of the above-permitted uses.

Similar uses to the above which are in compliance with the intent of this article.

Front, side and rear yard and required lot area in the underlying zoning district(s), provided that such yards are not to be used for an on-site sewage disposal system, unless the said system meets the applicable requirements of § 680-205D.

Sealed public water supply wells with the approval of PADEP.

Sanitary or storm sewers and stormwater detention basin with the approval of the Borough Engineer and PADEP, as applicable.

Underground utility transmission lines. On-site sewer disposal systems, when constructed in compliance with the Act 208 amendments to Act 537, the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act.[1]

Extractive uses and barrow pits, when permitted in the underlying zoning district(s), and when operated in accordance with recognized soil conservation practices, as specified by PADEP.

Roads, access driveways, and parking facilities, when no viable alternative is feasible, upon the determination of the Borough.

Similar uses to the above which are in compliance with the intent of this article.

Freestanding structures, buildings and retaining walls, or swimming pools, unless the applicant can demonstrate to the Borough Council that the proposal will be sound from architectural, engineering and environmental perspectives, the proposal will have no adverse impacts on the health, safety, and welfare of the community, and there are no viable alternatives. If the applicant can so demonstrate, the use may be permitted by conditional use (§ 680-205, above).

The filling or removal of topsoil except when related to an activity related to an approved special exception use.

Solid waste disposal or recycling uses.

Junkyards or other outdoor storage uses.

Application procedures. Before a permit is issued for any construction or land disturbance activity on land within or affecting the SSC District, the following material, in full or in pertinent parts, shall be submitted for review by the Borough:

Standards and criteria for review of conditional use applications. In evaluating any application for conditional use within areas of steep slopes, the Borough Council shall determine consistency of the proposal with the following:

Uses and/or structures rendered nonconforming by the adoption of this district. Following the adoption of this article, any use or structure which is situated within the boundaries of the SSC District and which does not conform to the permitted uses specified in §§ 680-204 and 680-205 of this article shall become a nonconforming use or structure, regardless of its conformance to the district in which it is located without consideration of this article. The expansion or continuance of said nonconforming use or structure shall be governed by the requirements of Article VII of this chapter. However, the Zoning Hearing Board shall also ensure that the standards contained in Subsection B of this section are applied to the expansion or continuance of said nonconforming use or structure.