East Vincent Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
PART 17
GENERAL REGULATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS
§ 27-1701 Purpose.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1700; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
The provisions of this Part represent certain supplementary regulations and standards that are common to all zoning districts unless stated as pertinent to a specific district herein.
§ 27-1702 Vision Obstruction on Corner Lots.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1701; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
Any wall, fence, or other structure, object, hedge, tree, or other planting on a corner lot shall be designed in a manner that does not obscure the vision of traffic. No vision-obstructing object shall obscure vision above the height of 30 inches or below the height of 10 feet within the area bounded by the street lines of such corner lots and a line joining them 75 feet from their point of intersection. For example, trees shall be limbed to a height of 10 feet. Applications for subdivision or land development shall comply with the clear sight triangle requirements of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].
§ 27-1703 Projections into Required Yards.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1702; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
1.
Projections into required yard areas shall be permitted in all zoning districts in accordance with the following provisions:
§ 27-1704 Reduction of Front Yard Requirement.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1703; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
The front yard of a proposed building in any LR, MR, or HR District may be decreased in depth to the average alignment of existing buildings within 100 feet on each side of the proposed building, provided such calculation is limited to the same block. Such reduction may occur when alignment of existing buildings is less than the front yard requirement for the applicable district.
§ 27-1705 Exemptions to Height Restrictions.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1704; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
2.
Barns, silos, and bulk bins shall be exempt from the maximum building height limit within the Agricultural Preservation and Rural Conservation Districts when attached to an existing structure or located such that the distance from the base of the barn, silo, or bulk bin to both the nearest property line and the nearest street right-of-way line is no less that the height of said barn, silo, or bulk bin.
3.
The height limitations of this chapter shall also not apply to church spires, belfries, cupolas, monuments, observation towers, transmission towers, chimneys, smoke stacks, ventilators, HVAC, water towers, parapet walls less than six feet in height, elevators, flagpoles, masts or other appurtenances usually located above the roof of a building or structure and not intended for human occupancy. The total height of such structures shall be no greater than the smallest horizontal distance between any facade of the structure and the property line closest thereto. Where authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception, an increase to this maximum height limit may be permitted where it is demonstrated that the structure incorporates safety features, which, in the event the structure is toppled, will prevent it from falling beyond the boundaries of the property. Additionally, the granting of such exception is contingent upon adherence to other applicable Township codes.
§ 27-1706 Public Utility Corporations.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1705; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to any existing or proposed building or use, or extension thereto; used or to be used by a public utility corporation, unless upon petition of the corporation, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) shall decide that the present or proposed situation of the building or use in question is reasonably necessary for the convenience or welfare of the general public.
§ 27-1707 Prohibited Uses.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1706; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
No use shall be permitted which is noxious or offensive by reason of odor, dust, smoke, gas, vibration, illumination or noise or which constitutes a public hazard whether by fire, explosion or otherwise. All uses shall comply with the specific performance standards of § 27-1716 where applicable.
§ 27-1708 Access, Highway Frontage and Interior Circulation.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1707; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
All uses shall minimize impacts to traffic congestion and hazard and provide for controlled street access, in conformance with all applicable provisions of the East Vincent Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].
§ 27-1709 Parking Standards.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1708; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
1.
No building or structure shall hereafter be constructed, enlarged, or modified and no use or activity shall be conducted or expanded unless provision is made for off-street parking facilities, either within a structure or in the open, and with proper and safe access from a street, to adequately serve the uses within the district according to the provisions of this section.
A.
Location.
(1)
All required parking shall be on the same lot as the principal buildings except when permitted by the Board of Supervisors, subject to the following conditions:
(a)
The owners of two or more establishments shall submit for approval a single application for conditional use of shared parking facilities. A site plan shall also be submitted with their application for conditional use, showing joint use, recorded agreement (with deed and page number) demonstrating that the parking spaces shown on the site plan will be available for satisfying Township parking requirements for as long as the uses sharing the parking facilities exist, and location of a common off-street parking area.
(b)
Some portion of the common off-street parking area shall lie within 200 feet of an entrance, regularly used by patrons, into the buildings served thereby.
(c)
The total number of parking spaces provided equals or exceeds the sum of the individual requirements.
(2)
Parking spaces shall not be located within required front yard areas, except for residential uses with parking spaces for fewer than five vehicles on a lot, or where authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception.
(3)
No parking lot for off street parking or for the storage or movement of motor vehicles shall directly abut a public street unless separated from the street line by a minimum five-foot wide buffer planting strip.
C.
Minimum Off-Street Parking Space Requirements. For all residential dwelling units there shall be provided two off street parking spaces per unit, except that for any group home there shall be provided one space per employee plus one space for each five beds. For all nonresidential uses there shall be sufficient parking spaces provided for each use so that there is a minimum of one space for each employee on shift of greatest employment, plus additional parking spaces to be provided by the application of the appropriate formula for each use as listed in this subsection. The Board of Supervisors or Zoning Hearing Board may authorize a reduction in the number of off-street parking spaces as provided for in Paragraph D.
(1)
Golf Course. Five parking spaces for each tee, plus one space per employee, plus 50% of parking spaces normally required for ancillary uses.
(2)
Park, Riding Academy, Hunting Club, or Other Outdoor Recreational Use. Variable, depending upon proposed intensity of use, subject to approval of the Board of Supervisors.
(3)
Elementary School/Middle School. One parking space per employee, plus one space per two classrooms.
(4)
All Other Schools, Except Those Listed in Subparagraph (5) Below. One parking space per two students of the maximum total student design capacity, plus one space per faculty member, employee, and volunteer.
(5)
Private Kindergarten, Child Nursery, Daycare, Preschool. One parking space for each 600 square feet of floor area.
(6)
Business, Professional, Governmental, Financial and/or Institutional Offices. One parking space for each 300 square feet of floor space.
(7)
Medical and Dental Offices and Clinics. One parking space for each 300 square feet of floor space.
(8)
Laboratory or Research Facilities. Sufficient parking to accommodate visitors and employees, subject to approval of the Board of Supervisors.
(9)
Wholesale Sales, Storage or Distribution. One parking space for each 1,000 square feet of sales area.
(10)
Retail Stores, Art and Antique Shops, and Personal Service Establishments. One parking space for each 200 square feet of customer service and sales area.
(11)
Restaurants, Except Fast-food Restaurants. One parking space for each four seats.
(12)
Fast-food Restaurants and Quick Service Food Stores. One parking space for each 100 square feet of floor space.
(13)
Hotels and Motels. One parking space for each rental unit. If a restaurant, auditorium, conference center, or other related use in connection with such principal use is open to the public, the off street parking facility for such related uses shall not be less than those required individually for such uses.
(14)
Service Station, Automobile Sales and Service, Automobile Repair Shop, or Car Wash in Addition to Display and Storage Areas. Two parking spaces for each 200 square feet of floor or ground area devoted to repairs, sales, or service facilities. In no case shall the spaces for permitted motor vehicle storage in conjunction with a service station be less than five.
(15)
Churches, Meeting Places, Entertainment, and Commercial Recreational Establishments. One parking space for each four seats and/or 50 square feet of floor area.
(16)
Undertaking Establishments. One parking space for each 100 square feet of floor area devoted to assembly room purposes.
(17)
Bowling Alley. Three parking spaces for each alley.
(18)
Newspaper Publishing, Job Printing, and All Other Commercial and Industrial Uses. One parking space for each 1,000 square feet of floor area.
(19)
Hospital, Nursing or Convalescent Home, Home for Handicapped Individuals. One parking space for each five beds for patient use.
D.
Parking Reductions. A reduction in the total number of required parking as stipulated in Paragraph C above may be granted, or required, by the Board of Supervisors, at the time of land development or conditional use approval, or by the Zoning Hearing Board, at the time of special exception approval, on the basis of the following two options:
(1)
Shared Parking. A reduction in the sum total of the required parking may be granted by the Township, in the case of a development plan in which there are efficiencies derived by shared parking for two or more contiguous uses with a common parking area, and which have complementary peak parking demands. The applicant shall submit shared parking data, based upon standard methodology, (such as that published by the Urban Land Institute or from actual parking studies within the region) sufficient for the Township to determine the appropriate reduction. In such cases, the required number of off street parking spaces shall not be reduced by more than 30%.
(2)
Reserve Parking. At the discretion of the Township, up to 25% of the maximum required parking and any additional parking provided beyond the maximum required may be "reserved" but not constructed in order to create open space without unnecessarily requiring more paving than necessary. Reserve parking shall be designed, engineered, and shown as reserve parking on the sketch plan and/or land development plan, but need not be constructed until directed by the Township. The applicant shall submit a declaration, that shall be made part of any reduction approval, which commits the applicant or assigns to providing the reserved parking when requested by the Township.
E.
Special Exception or Conditional Use. For any use permitted by special exception or conditional use, it shall be the burden of the applicant to present evidence of the parking needs of the proposed use. The Zoning Hearing Board, in granting a special exception, or the Board of Supervisors in granting conditional use approval, may attach specific parking requirements, which vary from the requirements of this Part where the Board of Supervisors makes a decision using the conditional use criteria set forth in § 27-1901 or the Zoning Hearing Board uses the special exception criteria set forth in § 27-2001.
§ 27-1711 Loading and Unloading.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1710; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
1.
In connection with any building or structure which is erected or substantially altered and which requires the receipt or distribution of materials or merchandise by trucks or similar vehicles, there shall be provided a sufficient number of off-street loading and unloading berths not less than the minimum requirements specified in this section:
A.
Location.
(1)
All required loading areas shall be located on the same lot as the use to be served, and no portion of the vehicle shall project into any traffic lane. No loading area for vehicles of more than two-ton capacity shall be located less than 100 feet from any residential district. No permitted or required loading area shall be located within 50 feet of a property line that it faces.
(2)
No loading facilities shall be constructed within any required yard areas.
B.
Size. A required off-street loading area shall be at least 14 feet in width by at least 66 feet in length, exclusive of the aisle and maneuvering space, and shall have vertical clearance of at least 16 feet.
C.
Access. Each required off-street loading area shall be designed with appropriate means of vehicular access to an interior drive in a manner which will least interfere with traffic movements, and shall be subject to the approval of the Township. Such access shall have all-weather surfaces to provide safe and convenient access during all seasons.
D.
Surfacing. All outside off street loading areas shall be improved with a compacted macadam base not less than seven inches thick, or equal, and surfaced with not less than two inches of asphaltic-concrete or some comparable all-weather dustless material.
E.
Repair and Service. No storage of any kind, or motor vehicle repair work of any kind, except emergency work, shall be permitted within any required loading area.
F.
Space Allowed. Space allowed to any off-street loading berth shall not, while so allocated, be used to satisfy the space requirements of any off-street parking facilities or portions thereof Required off-street parking spaces shall not be used for loading and unloading purposes except during hours when business operations are suspended.
§ 27-1712 Screening.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1711; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
1.
Screens or buffer plantings are required under the following circumstances:
A.
Where any nonresidential use including any above-ground utility use abuts any residential use, or abuts any land in any residential zoning district.
B.
Where any mobile home park abuts any other residential use, or any land in any residential zoning district.
C.
Where any multiple family use abuts any other residential use or any land in any residential zoning district.
D.
Where required by the Zoning Hearing Board or where stipulated as a condition of conditional use approval by Board of Supervisors.
E.
Where otherwise required by this chapter.
2.
Required screens shall consist of vegetative plantings and/or berms, providing a year round visual screen, but in no case shall a screen interfere with motorists' visibility. Design of screens and selection of plant materials to be used shall be in accordance with § 27-1713 and shall be subject to review and approval by the Board of Supervisors.
3.
Architectural Screening.
A.
All mechanical equipment not enclosed in a structure of residential appearance shall be fully and completely screened from view from any point in a manner compatible with the architectural and landscaping style of the remainder of the lot. Such screening shall be subject to site plan and architectural review by the Township.
B.
Water towers, storage tanks, processing equipment, fans, HVAC, skylights, cooling towers, vents and any other structures or equipment which rise above the crest of the roof line shall be architecturally compatible or effectively shielded from view from any public or private dedicated street by an architecturally sound method, such as a parapet wall not to exceed six feet in height, which shall be approved, in writing, by the Township before construction or erection of said structures or equipment.
§ 27-1713 Landscape Design, Installation, and Maintenance.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1712; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
1.
Applicability. Any part or portion of a lot or tract which is not occupied by buildings nor used for loading and parking spaces and aisles, sidewalks and designated storage areas shall be left in its natural state or shall be landscaped. All required landscaping and screening shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the provisions of § 22-422 of the East Vincent Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] as applicable.
2.
Modifications.
A.
For any use or activity subject to subdivision or land development review, modification(s) to the provisions of § 22-422 of the East Vincent Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] may be requested, which modification(s) may be granted at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors pursuant to the provisions of that ordinance.
B.
For any use or activity not subject to subdivision or land development review, where subject to application for approval of a conditional use, special exception, or zoning variance, modification(s) to the provisions of said § 22-422 may be requested as part of such application.
C.
For any use or activity not otherwise subject to permit or approval as provided in Paragraphs A or B above, modification(s) to the provisions of said § 22-422 may be requested in the form of an application for grant of a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board.
D.
In approving any application pursuant to Paragraphs A or B above, the Zoning Hearing Board or Board of Supervisors, as applicable, as a condition of approval of such application, may permit specific modification(s) to the provisions of said § 22-422 subject to the following:
(1)
The Zoning Hearing Board or Board of Supervisors, as applicable, shall determine that the specific nature of the lawful use or activity, existing site conditions, and/or safety considerations warrant such modification(s).
§ 27-1714 Minimum Habitable Floor Areas.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1713; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
The minimum habitable floor area of a principal dwelling unit shall be 1,000 square feet except for apartments, and in which case the minimum habitable floor area required shall be 600 square feet.
§ 27-1715 Lighting.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1714; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
1.
Applicability. Outdoor lighting, in conformance with the provisions of § 22-414 of the East Vincent Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22], shall be required for all uses where necessary to provide for public safety and personal security during hours of darkness where there is public assembly and traverse, including but not limited to the following uses: multi-family residential, commercial, industrial, public-recreational and institutional.
2.
Glare Control. The glare-control requirements contained in § 22-414.3C of the East Vincent Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] shall apply to lighting in all above-mentioned uses as well as, but not limited to, signs, architectural lighting, landscape lighting, and residential lighting.
4.
Lighting Plans.
A.
Where not otherwise submitted and approved in connection with a subdivision or land development application, lighting plans in conformance with § 22-414.4 of the East Vincent Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] shall be submitted to the Township for review and approval with any conditional use, special exception, or variance application where applicable.
B.
The Code Enforcement Officer also may require submission of lighting plans for review and approval by the Township, as stipulated above, with any building permit application other than single-family residential use.
5.
Nonconforming Lighting. Any lighting fixture or lighting installation existing on the effective date of this chapter that does not conform with the requirements of this section shall be considered as a lawful nonconformance. Unless minor corrective action is deemed by the Township to be an acceptable alternative, a nonconforming lighting fixture or lighting installation shall be made to conform with the requirements of this section or of the East Vincent Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22], as applicable, when:
6.
Standards for Lighting in Connection with Recreational Uses.
A.
The use of outdoor recreational facilities during hours of darkness shall be permitted where approved by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception. Where the use of such facilities is permitted, necessary lighting shall comply with the following requirements:
B.
Mounting Heights for Outdoor Recreational Lighting.
(1)
Where permitted, maximum mounting heights for outdoor recreational lighting shall be generally in accordance with the following:
Sport | Max. Mtg. Height |
|---|---|
Basketball | 20 feet |
Football and other field sports | 50 feet |
Organized Baseball and Softball | |
200 feet Radius | 60 feet |
300 feet Radius | 70 feet |
Miniature Golf | 20 feet |
Tennis | 30 feet |
7.
Temporary Lighting. Temporary lighting shall comply with the provisions of this section and of the East Vincent Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22], as applicable.
8.
Modifications.
A.
For any use or activity subject to subdivision or land development review, modification(s) to the provisions of § 22-414 of the East Vincent Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22] may be requested, which modification(s) may be granted at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors pursuant to the provisions of that ordinance.
B.
For any use or activity not subject to subdivision or land development review, where subject to application for approval of a conditional use, special exception, or zoning variance, modification(s) to the provisions of said § 22-414 may be requested as part of such application.
C.
For any use or activity not otherwise subject to permit or approval as provided in Paragraphs A or B above, modification(s) to the provisions of said § 22-414 may be requested in the form of an application for grant of a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board.
D.
In approving any application pursuant to Paragraphs B or C above, the Zoning Hearing Board or Board of Supervisors, as applicable, as a condition of approval of such application, may permit specific modification(s) to the provisions of said § 22-414 subject to the following:
(1)
The Zoning Hearing Board or Board of Supervisors, as applicable, shall determine that the specific nature of the lawful use or activity, existing site conditions, and/or safety considerations warrant such modification(s).
§ 27-1716 Physical Performance Requirements.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1715; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004; and by Ord. 185, 8/2/2006]
1.
The following standards shall apply to all uses in all districts in the Township:
A.
Air Quality. There shall be no emission of smoke, ash, dust, fumes, vapors, gases, or other matter toxic or noxious to air which violates the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Laws, including the standards set forth in Chapter 123 (Standards for Contaminants) and Chapter 131 (Ambient Air Quality Standards), Article III, Title 25, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Rules and Regulations. No user shall operate or maintain or be permitted to operate or maintain any equipment, installation or device which by reason of its operation or maintenance will discharge contaminants to the air in excess of the limits prescribed herein unless he shall install and maintain in conjunction therewith such control as will prevent the emission into the open air of any air contaminant in a quantity that will violate any provision of this chapter.
B.
Fire and Explosive Hazards. All activities and all storage of flammable and explosive material at any point shall be provided with adequate safety devices against the hazard of fire and explosion, and adequate firefighting and fire-suppression equipment and devices as detailed and specified by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All buildings and structures and activities within such buildings and structures shall conform to the Building Code [Chapter 5, Part 1], and other applicable Township Ordinances. Any explosive material shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 211, Title 25, Rules and Regulation, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, for Storing, Handling and Use of Explosive.
C.
Glare and Heat. No direct or sky-reflected glare, whether from floodlights or high temperature processes such as combustion or welding or otherwise, so as to be visible at the lot line shall be permitted. These regulations shall not apply to signs or floodlighting of parking areas otherwise permitted by this chapter. There shall be no emission or transmission of heat or heated air so as to be discernible at the lot line.
D.
Liquid and Solid Waste. There shall be no discharge at any point into any public or private sewerage system, or watercourse or into the ground, of any materials in such a way or such a nature, as will contaminate or otherwise cause the emission of hazardous materials in violation of the laws of East Vincent Township and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and specifically Chapters 73, 75, 95 and 97, Title 25, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Rules and Regulations.
E.
Noise. Noise levels shall be maintained at a level which is not objectionable due to intermittence, frequency or intensity and shall not exceed the standards established by this section. Farm operations, temporary activities involved in the construction or demolition of structures, and emergency alarm signals shall be excluded from this regulation. Sound levels measured at all the property lines housing the activity producing the sound by a sound level meter which conforms to the specifications published by the American Standards Association shall not exceed 65 decibels (dBA) at any time. Sound levels at property lines abutting residential uses shall not exceed 50 decibels (dBA) between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
F.
Odor. No uses, except agricultural operations, shall emit odorous gases or other odorous matter in such quantities to be offensive at any point on or beyond its lot lines. Odor thresholds shall be measured in accordance with ASTM d-1391-57, "Standard Method for Measurement of Odor in Atmospheres (Dilution Method)."
G.
Vibration. No vibration shall be produced which is transmitted through the ground and is discernible at or at any point beyond the lot lines without the aid of instruments.
H.
Radioactivity or Electrical Disturbances. There shall be no activities which emit radioactivity disturbance (except from domestic household appliances) or electromagnetic interference (EMI) adversely affecting the operation at any point of any equipment other than that of the creator of such disturbance.
I.
Public Health and Safety. No use shall create any other objectionable condition in an adjoining area which will endanger public health and safety or be detrimental to the proper use of the surrounding area.
§ 27-1717 Signs.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1716; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
1.
Intent. The intent of this Part is to provide for the regulation of signs in East Vincent Township, as a proper exercise of the municipal police power, to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in accordance with the following objectives:
A.
To control the size, location, and illumination of signs in the Township in order to reduce hazards to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
B.
To encourage signs which are well-designed and pleasing in appearance, and to provide latitude for variety, in order to enhance the economic value as well as the visual character of properties within the Township.
C.
To establish standards designed to encourage signs which are compatible with their surroundings, appropriate to the type of activity to which they pertain, expressive of the identity of individual proprietors, and legible in the circumstances in which they are seen; and to prohibit the erection of signs that do not meet these criteria.
D.
To prohibit the construction of and require the removal of signs which constitute a hazard or a blighting influence.
2.
General Regulations. The following regulations shall be observed in all districts:
A.
No sign shall be erected within a street line, except traffic signs and similar regulatory notices of a duly constituted governmental body.
B.
Illuminated signs shall be consistent with the lighting regulations of § 27-1715, and the National Electric Code.
C.
No sign which emits smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound, or odor shall be permitted.
D.
No artificial light or reflecting device shall be used as a part of a sign where such light or device interferes with, competes for attention with, or may be mistaken for a traffic signal.
E.
No sign shall be erected containing information on it which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted in the zoning district in which the property is located.
F.
Every sign shall be constructed of a durable material and kept in good condition, repair, and safe from collapse. Whenever a sign becomes structurally unsafe or endangers the safety of a building or premises, or the general public, written notice shall be given to the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises on which such sign is located, that such sign shall be made safe or removed within five days. A sign shall be considered unsafe upon the lapse of the insurance required by Subsection 6 herein.
G.
All distances provided for in this Part shall be measured along straight lines between signs, and from the near edge of a sign or sign structure. This paragraph shall apply in all cases, including locating new signs in relationship to current existing non-conforming signs.
H.
No sign, other than official street signs shall be erected or maintained nearer to a street line than a distance equaling the height of the sign, unless attached flatly to a building. Along State Routes 724 and 23, the minimum setback for all free-standing signs shall be 15 feet measured from the street right-of-way. In the case of a pole sign, this measurement shall be taken from the edge of the sign board closest to the street.
I.
No sign shall be erected in any district without a permit, unless so stated in Subsection 3, "Exempt Signs."
J.
No business sign may be located nearer to a residence or a residential district lot line than permitted for buildings on the lot. If located nearer than 30 feet and facing into a residence or a residential district, it shall be so designed as not to shine or reflect light upon such residence or district.
K.
The gross sign area shall be the entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of such sign, and in no case passing through or between adjacent elements of the same. Such perimeter shall not include any structural elements lying outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display. In the case of an open sign, made up of individual letters, figures or designs, the space between such letters, figures or designs shall be included. In computing the area of a double-face sign, only one side shall be considered, provided that both faces are identical. In V-type structures, the interior angle of which exceeds 45°, both sides shall be considered in computing the sign area.
L.
No sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No signs shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape. No roof signs shall be permitted, and no signs projecting above the roof-line shall be permitted.
M.
Signs and their respective illumination existing at the time of the passage of this Part and which do not conform to the requirements of this Part shall be considered nonconforming signs subject to the regulation of § 27-1806.
N.
No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any premises owned or controlled by him a sign which has been abandoned. An "abandoned sign," for the purposes of this Part, is a sign erected on and/or related to the use of a property which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of six months or more, or any sign which was erected for a prior occupant or business, or any sign which relates to a time, event, or purpose which is past. Any such abandoned sign shall be removed by the landowner or person controlling the property within 10 days of the abandonment as described above.
3.
Exempt Signs. No permit shall be required for the following signs. These signs shall conform to all other regulations set forth in Subsections 1 and 2, above:
A.
Traffic signs or other directional, information, or public services signs such as those advertising the availability of restrooms, telephone, or similar public conveniences.
B.
Signs advertising meeting times and places of non-profit service or charitable clubs and organizations, provided that such signs do not advertise any commercial establishment, activity, organization, product, goods, or service, excepting public utilities. Such signs shall be limited to one sign per use and shall not exceed 12 square feet.
C.
Trespassing signs.
D.
Real estate signs of six square feet or less.
E.
Home occupation signs.
F.
Agricultural signs.
4.
Sign Classification, Size, and District Applicability. Signs shall be classified, regulated, and permitted as follows:
B.
Traffic Signs. Signs regulating traffic, naming streets, or describing conditions, which are officially erected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or East Vincent Township.
C.
Identification Signs. Signs which display the name of a particular non-commercial or non-industrial building or use, such as a church or school or development.
G.
Temporary Professional Signs. Signs of contractors, architects, mechanics, or artisans displayed on a temporary basis on the premises at which the services are being performed, pursuant to the provisions of Subsection 5 below.
H.
Temporary Nonprofessional Signs. Signs noting a special event such as a fair, circus, yard sale, bingo party, or political activity, or a seasonal activity such as the sale of Christmas trees, pursuant to the provisions of Subsection 5 below.
I.
Home Occupation Signs. Signs used to indicate a major home occupation pursuant to § 27-1605C. Signs used to indicate a minor home occupation are prohibited by the provisions of § 27-1605B.
J.
Business, Commercial, or Industrial Signs. Signs used to attract attention to a permitted use on the same premises. Such signs normally include the identifying name, type of business, and trademark of the establishment.
(1)
Permitted in the NC, GC, PO, and GI Districts.
(2)
Dimensional Requirements.
(a)
Mounted Signs. The total area of all signs mounted on any single building facade shall not exceed 5% of the wall area of the facade upon which the sign(s) is/are to be mounted or 12 square feet of signage for each individual business housed within the building, whichever is greater. Mounted signs shall be installed parallel to the supporting wall and project not more than 12 inches from the face of such wall. No more than one mounted sign shall be permitted per use.
(b)
Projecting Signs. Signs projected from the face of a building shall extend no more than 42 inches, with a minimum height of 10 feet from ground level, and have a maximum area of 12 square feet. No more than one projecting sign shall be permitted per use.
(c)
Free-standing Signs. No more than one free-standing sign shall be erected within the limits of the front yard of the property to which it pertains only, regardless of how many individual uses are located on the property. Free standing signs shall have a maximum sign area of 24 square feet, provided however that free standing signs advertising multiple use of a single property shall have a maximum area of 32 square feet except where a larger sign is approved as a conditional use, and provided further that signage applicable to any single use shall not exceed 12 square feet. Pole signs shall be setback a minimum of 15 feet from the public street right-of-way, measured from the edge of the sign closest to the street, and shall not exceed 15 feet in height; monument signs shall be setback a minimum of five feet from the public street right-of-way. A monument sign shall not exceed six feet in height.
(3)
No sign provided for by this subsection may be located nearer to a residence or a residential district lot line than permitted for buildings on the lot. If located nearer than 30 feet and facing into a residence or a residential district, it shall be so designed as not to shine or reflect light upon such residence or district.
K.
Off-Premises Signs. All outdoor off-premises advertising signs shall be consistent with all definitions and shall comply with all standards and regulations of this chapter.
(1)
Location of Off-Premises Signs. Permitted in the GI District along Route 724.
(2)
Area of Off-Premises Signs. No sign may exceed 400 square feet in area, with a maximum length of 40 feet. The sign area is measured by finding the area of the minimum imaginary rectangle or square of vertical and horizontal lines which fully enclose all extremities of the sign, excluding supports, the base or apron unless such copy, message, announcement, or decoration appears on the base or apron. The allowable sign area of signs with equal size and shape for double-faced signs is measured by computing the area of only one side of the sign.
(3)
Height. No off-premises sign may exceed 35 feet in height.
(5)
Spacing of Signs. Off-premises signs shall be located at least 300 feet apart.
(6)
Type. Double-faced signs (back-to-back) are permitted.
5.
Temporary Sign Regulations. Temporary signs shall be subject to the following:
A.
Permits shall not be issued for a period in excess of six months per year.
B.
Any free standing sign shall be located at least five feet from any lot line.
C.
Signs shall be removed immediately upon expiration of the permit or cessation of the activity to which they pertain, whichever is sooner.
D.
The site or building on which the sign was erected shall be restored to its original condition upon removal of the sign.
6.
Sign Permits and Bond.
A.
Applications for sign permits shall be filed on forms furnished by the Township and shall be accompanied by detailed plans and specifications and such other information deemed necessary by the Code Enforcement Officer to determine the location and details of sign construction.
B.
All applications for sign permits shall be accompanied by the property owner's written consent, if the property owner is not the owner of the sign.
C.
Permit fees shall be collected prior to the issuance of a permit. Permit fees shall be as designated by the Board of Supervisors.
D.
Before any permit will be issued for any sign projecting over any public property or right-of-way, a liability insurance policy or an indemnity bond in an amount and form satisfactory to the Township, shall be posted and maintained for the life of the sign.
E.
The Code Enforcement Officer is hereby authorized to revoke any sign permit upon failure of the holder thereof to comply with any provisions of this chapter.
F.
All signs for which a permit is required may be subject to annual inspection by the Code Enforcement Officer. The fees for annual inspection shall be as established by resolution by the Board of Supervisors, and the Code Enforcement Officer shall issue a certificate of inspection upon payment of the same.
§ 27-1718 Sewer and Water Service.
[Ord. 162, 6/12/2002, § 1717; as amended by Ord. 179, 12/1/2004]
All uses within East Vincent Township shall be served by adequate water supply and sewage disposal in accordance with all applicable regulations, including but not limited to § 22-423, "Sewage Treatment and Disposal," and § 22-424, "Water Supply," of the East Vincent Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].