An intentional and absolute relinquishment and cessation of that use without intention to resume the said use for a period of time or the voluntary discontinuance of a use for a continuous period of time as indicated within § 27-1803.4.

To border upon, or lie next to, but not necessarily "contiguous" or "adjoining," which see.

A use or structure on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use of the structure. The term "accessory use" shall not include any home occupation, as hereinafter defined.

The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of 1968, (P.L. 805) as now and hereafter amended, by Acts 67, 68, and 127 of 2000, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.

Touching at some point or along a line.

Any adult bookstore, adult cabaret, or adult mini-picture theater, as defined herein and which, under the Pennsylvania Obscenity Code, must exclude minors or may not knowingly distribute to minors.

A development of individual or multiple dwelling units that is designed and operated for mature adults with or without certain support facilities. Age restricted community may include "assisted living community" as defined in this Part. The residents thereof need not be actually retired from their occupation or employment, however, they must have attained the age of at least 55 years or are elderly families (i.e., families whose heads or their spouses are at least 55 years of age or are under a disability as defined in § 223 of the Social Security Act or in § 1025 of the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Amendments of 1970).

Residences restricted to heads of households age 55 or over and with no children under age 18 residing on a permanent basis.

Existing lot of record intended for continued agricultural use and from which a new lot or lots is/are created for the purposes of very low density, rural residential development. See § 27-403.2E(1) for applicability.

The cultivation of the soil and the raising and harvesting of the products of the soil including, but not limited to, nurserying, horticulture, and the breeding and raising of livestock, and poultry, excluding pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits and the like and excluding horses for the personal recreational use of the occupant of the principal house.

Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition.

A device used to receive or transmit wireless communications signals including, but not limited to, cellular panels, microwave dishes, monopoles and whip antennae.

A landowner or developer, as herein after defined, who has filed an application for development, including heirs, successors and assigns.

Any application, whether preliminary or final, required to be filed and approved prior to the start of construction or development including, but not limited to, an application for a grading permit, building permit, for the approval of a subdivision plat or plan, or for the approval of a land development plan.

An age-restricted residential community comprising one or more principal residential structures containing dwelling units for assisted living or personal care whose residents are provided proper professional care, supervision, and nursing in accordance with all applicable State licensing requirement.

That portion of a building which is partly below and partly above grade. A basement shall be counted as a story for purposes of measurement of building height if the vertical distance between the ceiling of the basement and the average level of the adjoining ground is more than five feet, or where the basement is used as an office (which office use shall be subject to all of the other applicable provisions of this chapter) or for dwelling purposes, but not where used solely as a game or recreation room and/or a garage.

A raised earthen structure generally level and formed of compacted soils used for (1) the control of stormwater or other liquids, either by impoundment or diversion, or (2) for screening or landscaping purposes.

For the purpose of this chapter, the term refers to the East Vincent Township Board of Supervisors. This term is not intended to include the Zoning Hearing Board.

An area to be used as a visual and/or auditory barrier, consisting of a mound, berm or strip of land planted and maintained as an effective barrier separating parcels or uses of land in which no building is permitted.

A structure or appendage to a structure which is permanently affixed to the land, and is used for human, animal or chattel enclosure, or in the case of a mobile home, connected in any fashion to any source of electricity, gas, heating fuel, telephone, or to a sewage disposal or water system of any type.

The ratio of the total ground floor area of all buildings, plus the total surface area of any roof overhangs and decks, on a lot to the total lot size of the lot on which they are located, expressed as a percentage.

Where measured as a distance, building height is the vertical distance measured from average finished grade at all foundation corners of the building, or at not less than 10 equidistant points in the case of a circular structure, to a point midway between the highest and lowest points of the roof, excluding the chimney or any superstructure above the roof such as stair or elevator bulkheads, water towers, etc. Where measured as a number of stories, building height shall include all stories containing habitable floor area and shall include the basement where applicable. Also see "basement." For structures other than buildings, see "height."

The Code Enforcement Officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the Township Building Code [Chapter 5, Part 1].

A line passing through the point of a building nearest to the front lot line, parallel to such line and at a distance therefrom established by the actual location of the building; the building line may be the same as the "building setback line" or may be farther from the front lot line, but cannot be closer to the front lot line than the building setback line.

A statement issued and signed by the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer authorizing the erection, alteration, or enlargement of a building or structure. The statement should indicate that the proposed activity complies with the applicable Township codes and ordinances.

A line established within a lot, measured from the street right-of-way line and parallel thereto, defining the minimum distance in which no building may be constructed. In the case of a corner lot, the building setback line shall be established parallel to all streets. In the case of an interior lot not fronting a street for its entire width, the building setback line shall be a line parallel to the street right-of-way measured from the property line nearest the street, for the entire width of the lot, defining the minimum distance in which no building may be constructed.

A structure in which is conducted, designed to be conducted or intended to be conducted, the primary use of the lot on which it is located.

A term used to describe the size of buildings or other structures and their relationship to each other, to open areas such as yards and or lot lines and includes: the size, height, and floor area of a building or other structure; the relation of the number of dwelling units in a residential building to the area of the lot (usually called density); and, all open areas in yard space relating to buildings and other structures.

A frame-like structure enclosed on a maximum of three sides built to mark an existing regional transportation system bus stop and to shelter pedestrians from the weather while waiting for buses in a public or private regional transportation system.

A lot of land upon which two or more recreational vehicle sites are located, established, or maintained for occupancy by recreational vehicles of the general public as temporary living quarters for recreation or vacation purposes. "Temporary" shall mean not to exceed 14 days in any one calendar year.

A plot of ground within a recreational vehicle park intended for the accommodation of a recreational vehicle, tent, or other individual camping unit on a temporary basis. "Temporary" shall mean not to exceed 14 calendar days in any one calendar year.

A roofed-over structure, open on at least two sides, used in conjunction with a dwelling for storage of private motor vehicles.

That portion of a street right-of-way, paved or unpaved, customarily used by vehicles in the regular course of travel over the street.

See "basement."

Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the deceased, including crematories, mausoleums and mortuaries when operated in conjunction with the cemetery and within the boundaries.

A sanitary sewage collection and treatment system in which sewage is carried from individual dischargers by a system of pipes to one or more common treatment and disposal facilities approved by the applicable agencies.

A system for supplying water from a common source or sources to all dwellings and other buildings within a development. The water supply source may be located on-site and/or off site and may be publicly or privately owned.

A statement signed, issued, and enforced by the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer upon completion of construction of a new building or upon change or conversion of the structure or use of a building, which establishes that a building and the lot upon which it is situated comply with all requirements and regulations as provided in this chapter and other applicable codes, and that the same may be appropriately used for the intended use.

A building utilized for public divine worship. The term church shall also include accessory temple, hall, synagogue, mosque, rectory, parish house or parsonage.

The Code Enforcement Officer, charged with enforcing the literal terms of this chapter or the representative agent of the Zoning Hearing Board. The Code Enforcement Officer is the Zoning Officer as described in Municipalities Planning Code, § 614, 53 P.S. § 10614.

A use of land or improvements thereto for the purpose of engaging in retail, wholesale or service activities for profit.

Restricted open space within a development designed and intended for the use or enjoyment of residents of the development, and conforming to all applicable provisions of Part 9 of this chapter.

The processing of source-separated wastes such as plant waste, agricultural waste, pre-consumer and post-consumer food residuals, yard waste, card board, land clearing and other grubbing material, provided such processing produces a finished product for marketing and distribution, such as mulch, a soil additive, fertilizer, or other landscaping product(s). The term composting shall not include any processing of biosolids or sewage sludge, nor construction or rubber waste. No more then 5% of such source-separated waste can consist of untreated wood waste, gypsum wallboard, paper cardboard, waxed cardboard, virgin paper mill sludge, or spent mushroom substrate.

The "Comprehensive Plan of East Vincent Township," as adopted and amended from time to time.

A system of interlinking trails throughout East Vincent Township, designated for transportation and recreation purposes. The Township Comprehensive Trail System Plan delineates existing and proposed trails and is available from the Township.

A use which is not necessarily appropriate to a particular zoning district, but which may be suitable when specific conditions and factors prescribed for such cases within this chapter are present. Conditional uses are approved or denied by the Board of Supervisors after a public hearing and review and comments from the Planning Commission as set forth in Part 19.

A form of ownership of real property including an undivided interest in a portion of a parcel, together with a separate interest in a space within a structure, subject to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act of 1980 as may be amended from time to time, 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101 et seq.

A plan for the conservation of precipitation and soils meeting the standards established and revised from time to time by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Chester County Soil and Water Conservation District, and by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The erection or alteration of any structure and/or any disturbance of the existing surface of the land or any disturbance to existing vegetation related to the erection or alteration of structures thereon, including the cutting of trees or clearing of brush, provided that limited disturbance to soil or vegetation associated with the entering upon the premises for purposes of surveying, staking, or to obtain necessary data on existing conditions shall not be deemed "construction."

Touching along all or most of one side. Not the same as "abut," which see.

A building, structure or site adding to the historical significance of an individual property or an historic district. Contributing resources included in the East Vincent Township Historic Resource Inventory shall be regulated as Class I or Class II resources with the same classification as the principal resource(s) to which they contribute.

An alteration of a building, structure or land by change of use, theretofore existing, to a new use which imposes other special provisions of a law governing building construction, equipment, exits, or zoning regulations.

An imaginary line that differentiates the roof of a structure from its walls, closely following the cornice, generally a horizontal molding projecting along the top of a wall, building, etc.

A facility used for providing to the public instruction in the performing arts, limited to dance, music, and theater, and the fine arts, including drawing, painting, photography and sculpture.

Used as a basis for calculations or measurements, as a level from which elevations are measured in surveying.

As defined and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.

The diameter of a tree at breast height, more specifically measured 4.5 feet from the ground surface at the point of highest elevation in contact with the trunk of such tree.

In the context of Part 14, the razing or destruction, whether entirely or in significant part, of the exterior of a building, structure, or site. Demolition includes the removal of a building or structure from its site or the removal, stripping, concealing or destruction of the facade or any significant exterior architectural features which are integral to the historic character of the resource, for whatever purpose, including new construction or reconstruction.

A retail store commonly accepted as a "department store," with total floor area exceeding 60,000 square feet, but with a maximum floor area of 135,000 square feet.

Any landowner, agent of such landowner or tenant with the permission from a landowner, who makes or causes to be made an application for subdivision and/or land development.

Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, the placement of mobile homes, streets, and other paving, utilities, filling, grading, excavation, mining, dredging, or drilling operations and the subdivision of land.

A disability of a person which has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely, which disability is attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy or autism; is found to be attributable to any other condition found to be closely related to mental retardation because such condition results in similar impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior to that of mentally retarded persons or requires treatment and services similar to those required for such persons; or is attributable to dyslexia resulting from such disability.

A person with a developmental disability.

A generally circular line, the circumference of which is determined by the outer reaches of a tree's widest branching points.

Any lot upon which trash, debris and other refuse are periodically and illegally deposited; not a permitted use.

A building or entirely self-contained portion thereof containing complete housekeeping facilities, for occupancy by only one family (including any domestic servants living or employed on the premises) with no enclosed space (other than vestibules, entrance or other hallways or porches) in common with any other dwelling unit. Dwelling units may be classified, but not limited to, the following:

An interest in land owned by another that entitles the holder of the easement to a specific use or enjoyment of the land.

A legal agreement between a property owner and an appropriate conservation organization or governmental entity, through which the property owner establishes certain use restrictions over all or portions of the property for conservation purposes.

Land and/or buildings specifically designed, arranged, and intended for the purpose of education, including preschool, elementary, and secondary schools, either private or public, including schools relating to religious organizations and vocational schools.

Any arrangement of structural or vegetative materials capable of diverting or interrupting a clear view of an object or activity, but not necessarily 100% opaque during all seasons of the year.

Buildings, or structures and equipment erected and used for the purpose of transmission, switching or transforming of electrical current between customers and the utility company facilities, not including the storage of materials, trucks, repair facilities or housing of repair crews, such buildings or structures being effectively screened to blend the installation with the surrounding landscape.

Charitable.

A registered professional engineer, licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, duly designated by the Board to perform the duties of engineer as herein specified.

The process by which soils, vegetation and man-made materials on the earth's surface are worn away by action of water, wind, frost, or a combination of such action by natural forces.

Any exterior face or front of a building.

Two or more individuals living together as a single, non-profit housekeeping unit and doing their cooking on the premises, but not more than four unrelated individuals. This definition does not include the occupants of a club, fraternity or sorority house, boarding, lodging or rooming house, or group homes.

Any building used for storing agricultural equipment or farm produce or products, housing livestock or poultry, or processing dairy products. The term "farm building" shall not include dwellings, but shall include a barn, silo, and incidental storage sheds.

Any area where cows are held or maintained for the purpose of feeding or fattening where 60% or more of the feed for such cows is imported or purchased, when not incidental to a farm.

Any earth, sand, gravel, rock, or any other material, except landscape plantings or other customary landscape materials, which is deposited, placed, pushed, dumped, pulled, transported, or moved to a new location, including conditions resulting therefrom.

A general and temporary inundation of land areas.

A relatively flat or low land area that is subject to partial or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or watercourse; and are subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation of the surface waters from any source. The limits of a floodplain area shall be as mapped by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the National Flood Insurance Program.

The total enclosed area in the horizontal planes of a principal structure, and all accessory structures.

The aggregate floor area, in square feet, of a building or group of buildings on a lot divided by the area, in square feet, of the lot.

The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all rooms used for habitation, exclusive of the hallways, stairways, basements not included in height calculations, cellars, attics, bathrooms, closets, unheated areas, rooms without one window or skylight, garages and accessory buildings.

A unit of light intensity stated in lumens per square foot and measurable with an illuminant meter, also known as foot-candle or light meter.

A broad-leaved flowering plant, as distinguished from the grasses, sedges, etc.

The management of forests and timberlands when practiced in accordance with accepted silvicultural principals and where otherwise in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and/or the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22], as applicable, and including development, cultivation, harvesting, transporting and selling of trees for commercial purposes, but excluding any land development.

Front lot line shall mean the line separating such lot from any street or public right-of-way, whether or not it is the recorded boundary of the lot.

An accessory building or part of a principal building used for the storage of motor vehicles owned and used by the owner(s) or tenant(s) of the premises, and for the storage of not more than three motor vehicles owned and used by persons other than the owner or tenant of the premises. No occupation, business or service for profit shall be carried on within a private garage except for a permitted home occupation.

A building other than a private garage, one or more stories in height, used for the commercial storage, service or repair of motor vehicles.

The sensation produced by lighting that causes an annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual performance and visibility to the eye.

A tract designed and improved for the playing of golf, with a minimum of 2,800 yards of play in nine holes. A golf course may include accessory uses such as club house, snack bar, golf equipment pro-shop, and practice areas, provided that these uses are clearly incidental and subordinate to the use of the property as a golf course and are not directed primarily toward the general public. Private golf courses may also include swimming pools, tennis courts, and other recreational facilities provided solely for use by club members and their guests. Uses excluded from this definition include driving ranges or pitch and putt as a principal use, or miniature golf courses.

The elevation, relative to a given datum, of the ground surface prior to any excavation or fill.

The elevation, relative to a given datum, of the ground surface after completion of any excavation or fill.

The elevation, relative to a given datum, of the ground surface proposed to be achieved by excavation or fill.

A dwelling operated by a reasonably responsible individual, family or organization with a program to provide a supportive living arrangement for individuals where special care is needed by the individual served due to age, emotional, mental or physical handicap. This definition shall expressly include facilities for the care of developmentally disabled persons. A "group home" shall be licensed where required by an appropriate governmental agency, and a copy of such license must be delivered to the Township prior to the beginning of such use. It is the express intent of this definition to comply with the requirements of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, P.L. 100-430.

Any area of living or work space within a building or structure, excluding storage closets, stairwells, crawl spaces, walk-in coolers or freezers, or other similar spaces not intended for human occupancy for a long duration of time.

A linear plant community dominated by trees and/or shrubs. Hedgerows often occur along roads, fencelines, property lines, or between fields, and may occur naturally or be specially planted (e.g., as a windbreak).

See "building height." For structures other than buildings, including telecommunications towers and/or antennae, the height shall be the vertical distance measured from the elevation of the average finished grade at all foundation corners of the structure, or at not less than 10 equidistant points in the case of a circular structure, to its highest point. Where a structure other than a building is attached to a building, the average finished grade at the foundation of such building shall be utilized as the elevation of the base of the structure.

Any building, wall, bridge, structure, road, trail, quarry, archeological site or cultural artifact identified in the Chester County Historic Sites Survey and/or meeting the definition of either Class I or Class II Historic Resources in accordance with § 27-1403.2 of this chapter.

A business use generally of a service nature which is clearly incidental to the residential use of a dwelling unit and which is customarily undertaken by the residents thereof, does not alter the character of the structure, and otherwise conforms to the provisions of § 27-1605 of this chapter. A home occupation shall be classified as either a minor home occupation or a major home occupation, as provided in § 27-1605.

A non-profit organization comprised of homeowners or property owners, planned and operated under approved rules and regulations, for the purpose of administering the needs of residents through the maintenance of community-owned or controlled property, subject to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform Planned Community Act of 1996, 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 5101 et seq.

An accredited medical facility within which the diagnosis, treatment and care, both inpatient and outpatient, of human ailments are performed, but excluding facilities for the mentally retarded and the emotionally disturbed.

A building or buildings, arranged or intended for sheltering tourists or transient guests for compensation, not providing individual cooking facilities for guests, and providing sufficient off-street parking facilities adjacent or convenient thereto.

The quantity of light measured in foot-candles or lux.

Any surface which does not absorb precipitation or runoff. All buildings, including roof overhangs, parking areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks, decks, and other such areas in concrete or asphalt shall be considered components of impervious cover. In addition, other areas determined by the Township Engineer to be impervious within the meaning of this definition shall also be considered as contributing to total impervious cover. For purposes of determining compliance with maximum impervious cover limitations on any lot or tract, impervious cover shall be measured as a percentage of net tract area, defined herein. In no way shall the calculation of impervious cover for any lot exceed the maximum impervious coverage percentages under the area and bulk regulations of each zoning district established within this chapter. In no event shall the calculation of impervious cover for any lot exceed the maximum impervious cover percentages set forth under the area and bulk regulations of each zoning district.

A productive enterprise not resulting in the emission of steam, gas, noise, obnoxious odor, dust or waste particles, which does not provide for outdoor storage and which includes but is not limited to warehouses and offices.

An area of land with or without buildings used for storage of used and/or discarded materials, outside a completely enclosed building including, but not limited to, wastepaper, rags, metal, building materials, house furnishings, machinery, parts thereof, or vehicles, thereof, with or without the dismantling, processing, salvage, sale or other use or disposition of the same. The deposit or storage on a lot of two or more unlicensed, uninspected, wrecked, or disabled vehicles, or the major part thereof, is a "junkyard."

An establishment for the breeding or boarding of six or more dogs that are more than six months old.

A building or group of buildings within which the principal uses are facilities for scientific research, investigation, testing and experimentation, but not including the manufacture of products for sale on the premises.

According to usage:

Any activity that exposes soils, alters topography and/or alters vegetation, except for removal of hazardous or invasive alien vegetation (see definition of "woodland disturbance.") Customary agricultural practices such as tilling, plowing, mowing and harvesting are excluded from the definition of land disturbance.

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(s)), a lessee if he is authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner, or other person having a proprietary interest in the land.

The planting of turf or other appropriate ground cover or the planting of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubbery, other than for agricultural purposes, and including the maintenance and replacement thereof, for control of erosion, retention of precipitation, protection against elements or promotion of human comfort and welfare.

A description of traffic conditions along a given roadway or at a particular intersection according to the Highway Capacity Manual, Transportation Research Board, 1994, and as amended thereafter.

Light emitted by a lighting installation which extends beyond the boundaries of the property on which the installation is sited.

A tract, plot or parcel of land occupied or capable of being occupied by a building or permitted structure and its accessory buildings, in compliance with the terms of this chapter, together with such open spaces as are arranged and designed to be used in connection with such buildings, held in single or joint ownership. The term "lot" shall also mean parcel, plot, site, or any similar term but shall not be confused with "outlet," which see. For purposes of determining compliance with maximum impervious cover limitations, a "lot" shall be considered a "tract" and the definition of "net tract area" shall apply.

The total land surface contained within the limits of the property lines bounding the lot, exclusive of any streets; rights-of-way; easements for purposes of access, stormwater management, sewer or water service or other infrastructure; any area within the Flood Hazard District as established in § 27-1501; and any area comprising wetlands under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. For purposes of determining compliance with maximum impervious cover limitations, the definition of "net tract area" shall apply.

A property boundary line of any lot held in single and separate ownership, except that, in the case of any lot abutting a street, the lot line for such portion of the lot as abuts such street shall be deemed to be the same as the street line, and shall not be the centerline of the street or any other line within the street lines even though such may be the property boundary.

See "front lot line."

The total land surface of the lot lying within the limits of the property lines bounding the lot, exclusive of streets. The area of any lot abutting a street shall be measured to the street line only. In the case of interior lots, where permitted subject to modification of applicable subdivision regulations, the minimum lot size and any other applicable dimensional requirements shall be calculated and measured on that portion of the lot exclusive of the easement or access strip which gives the lot access to a street. See also "lot area, net."

The distance between side lot lines at the building setback line, measured parallel to the street line. Where the street line is curved or angled, the lot may be measured as an arc distance instead of a straight line.

A lot at the junction of, and abutting on two or more intersecting streets where the interior angle of intersection does not exceed 135°.

Any lot which only has access to a street by either an easement or right-of-way and may be characterized as "landlocked"; or any lot which has limited frontage to a street by virtue of being "flag-shaped." Interior lots are prohibited by § 22-403.4 of the East Vincent Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

A lot extending between and having frontage on two generally parallel streets with vehicular access only from the minor street.

For purposes of administering the Floodplain District provisions, the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor; provided, that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of this chapter.

The physical and measurable quantity corresponding to the brightness of a surface (e.g., a lamp, luminaries, reflecting material) in a specific area, and measurable with a luminance meter.

A unit of light intensity stated in lumens per square meter. There are approximately 10.7 lux per foot-candle.

A retail store commonly accepted as a "grocery store" or "supermarket" with total floor area exceeding 60,000 square feet, but with a maximum area of 135,000 square feet of floor area and with at least 51% of its floor area devoted to sales of food items.

See "mobile home."

A legally adopted map of all or a portion of the Township which may show appropriate elements or portions of elements of the comprehensive plan with regard to public lands and facilities, and which may include, but need not be limited to:

A plan or plans accompanied by written materials to describe, in graphic and narrative form, the information required in a master development plan conditional use application under Part 27 of this chapter. Such plan shall be a conceptual plan which visually and/or verbally defines and describes a comprehensively planned integrated mixed use development which qualifies under the commercial-oriented mixed use development requirements of this chapter.

A plant community or area of vegetation dominated by grasses and/or forbs, often managed through annual or seasonal mowing.

A facility for the examination and treatment of ill and afflicted human outpatients; provided, however, that the patients are not kept overnight except under emergency conditions. This includes doctors and dental offices and clinics.

To reduce to the smallest amount or extent possible. "Minimize" shall not mean complete elimination but shall require that the most substantial efforts possible under the circumstances have been taken to reduce the adverse effect(s) of the action required to be minimized. "Minimize" shall include, but not be limited to, the requirement that the placement of dwellings and other structures and the locations of roads, stormwater management facilities, and other land disturbance shall be planned and designed to reduce the adverse effect(s) of the activity in question to the smallest amount possible under the circumstances consistent with otherwise permitted development.

A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy contained in one unit, in two units, or in three 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 packing and assembly operations; and constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation, but with the same, or equivalent, electrical, plumbing and sanitary facilities as for a conventional dwelling. A mobile home shall include any addition or accessory structure, such as porches, sheds, decks or additional rooms. The term includes park trailers, travel trailers, recreational and similar vehicles which are placed on a site for more than 180 consecutive days.

A parcel of land in a mobile home park or subdivision, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erection thereon of a single mobile home either leased or held in private ownership.

A concrete pad at least six inches in thickness with at least six tie-down rings to which the mobile home shall be secured, and equal in length and width to the dimensions of the mobile home to be placed thereon.

A parcel of land under single ownership which has been planned and improved for placement of mobile homes for non-transient use, consisting of two or more mobile home lots.

A building or a group of two or more detached or semi-detached buildings on a lot held in single and separate ownership, containing rental units having separate entrances, provided directly, or closely, in connection with the automobile parking or storage space serving such units, which rental units are designed, intended or used principally for the providing of sleeping accommodations with private baths for automobile travelers, and which are suitable for occupancy throughout the year.

The use of land by East Vincent Township for Township administrative building, equipment storage facility, public park or public recreation area, or any similar use owned or operated by East Vincent Township; and public sewage treatment plant, pumping stations and similar sewage treatment and collection facilities owned or operated by East Vincent Township or the East Vincent Municipal Authority.

An institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, display and exhibition of objects of lasting interest or value.

For purposes of administering the Floodplain District provisions, structures for which the "start of construction" as herein defined commenced on or after May, 1971, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.

A lot which does not conform to the area or bulk regulations of the district in which it is located, either at the time of the enactment of this chapter or as a result of subsequent amendments thereto, but which did not violate such regulations prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment.

A structure or building, or part thereof which does not conform to, the applicable provisions or requirements of the district in which it is located, either at the time of enactment of this chapter, or as a result of subsequent amendments thereto, where such building or structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment.

Use of land or use of building or structure, which use does not conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located, either at the time of the enactment of this chapter or as a result of subsequent amendment of this chapter or as a result of subsequent amendments thereto, but which did not violate such regulations prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment.

A facility operated for the purposes of providing therein lodging, board and nursing care to sick, invalid, infirm, disabled or convalescent persons for compensation. The terms "convalescent home" and "assisted living housing" are included within this definition.

An area undergoing natural succession characterized by the presence of grasses, forbs, shrubs, and small trees (seedlings) whose branches do not form a complete or nearly complete aerial canopy.

The disposal of sewage by use of a system entirely contained within the confines of a lot to which the use it serves and is located as approved by the Chester County Health Department, as delegated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The supply of water to a single user from a private well within the confines of the lot on which the use if located.

A plan which provides for the long-term management over time of private, public, or common open space, in accordance with Part 9.

See "common open space."

See "restricted open space."

The owner of a mobile home park, or his authorized agent, who is duly licensed for maintaining a mobile home park in the Township.

A tract, plot or parcel of land precluded from occupancy, or incapable of being occupied by a building or permitted structure and its accessory buildings, as a result of subdivision or severance from a larger tract, plot or parcel conducted in accordance with this chapter or the East Vincent Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

An off-street surfaced area designed solely for the parking of motor vehicles, including driveways, passageways and maneuvering space appurtenant thereto.

An outdoor space located off the public right-of-way designated for the parking of motor vehicles, the usable area of which is not less than 171 square feet (nine by 19) to which there is access from a street, alley, or driveway.

A plant community or area of vegetation dominated by grasses which is actively or periodically grazed by livestock or which is managed through mowing to maintain the appearance and vegetative characteristics of pasture.

For the purpose of this chapter, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

An area to be used as a visual and/or auditory barrier, consisting of a mound, berm, or strip of land planted and maintained as an effective barrier separating parcels or uses of land.

Any individual, partnership, firm, association, corporation, or organization.

A contiguous area of land controlled by a single landowner and developed as a single entity for a number of commercial and other similar uses, the development plan for which may or may not correspond in lot size, bulk or other design standards in any one commercial district created from time to time, under the provisions of this chapter.

A contiguous area of land controlled by a single landowner and developed as a single entity through a unified development plan for a number of professional office, research and development, manufacturing and other similar industrial uses.

A subarea of a master plan prepared for a commercial-oriented mixed use development as defined in Part 27 of this chapter and which includes areas for both residential and nonresidential development uses as permitted under the commercial-oriented mixed use development option.

For the purpose of this chapter, the Planning Commission of East Vincent Township.

Graded areas with a minimum area of 20,000 square feet suitable for active recreational activities.

Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory.

The primary use, on a lot, serving as the basis for clarification as to use category.

Areas of land or water and any facilities thereon used for public purposes, including parks, playgrounds, trails, paths, other recreational areas or facilities, and other public areas, and the sites for schools, sewage treatment, refuse disposal, publicly owned or operated scenic and historic sites, and other publicly owned or operated facilities.

A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission or the Zoning Hearing Board, intended to inform and obtain public comment, prior to taking action in accordance with this chapter.

A forum held pursuant to notice under the Act of July 3, 1986, P.L. 1988, known as the "Sunshine Act."

Notice published once each week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Township. Such public notice shall, at a minimum, 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 be not more than 30 days and the second publication shall be not less than seven days from the date of the hearing.

Educational facilities and their accessory uses funded and operated by the Owen J. Roberts School District or Chester County Intermediate Unit used for the provision of Kindergarten through 12th Grade education to the general public, and not including charter schools.

An off-site system for the treatment and disposal of sewage in which sewage is conveyed by interceptor to a publicly-operated treatment plant and disposed of through means approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

A convenience store for the sale of food, beverages, paper products and other retail items with fuel-dispensing facilities, including, but not limited to, self-service gasoline facilities (such as facilities which are designed, intended or do require, permit or allow customers to dispense any type of fuel for motor vehicles rather than having such fuel dispensed by employees or the operator of the facilities or the operator of the convenience store). "Gasoline" includes any type of fuel for motor vehicles. See "service station" for a comparison.

Those recreational pursuits which require physical alteration to the area in which they are performed. Such areas are intensively used and include playgrounds, ball courts and swimming pools.

Recreational pursuits which are carried out indoors.

Recreational pursuits which can be carried out with little alteration or disruption in the area in which they are performed. Such uses include hiking and picnics.

A vehicle which is: (1) built on a single chassis; (2) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection; (3) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck, and (4) designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

A professional that is registered as a landscape architect with the Harrisburg Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

An individual space offered for rent or lease within but not limited to a residence, motel, rooming house, tourist home, dormitory, or professional or commercial office building.

A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a combination of land and water which, regardless of ownership, is restricted from further subdivision or development other than open space purposes permitted in accordance with this chapter. Restricted open space shall exclude public or private rights-of-way and shall be substantially free of structures and impervious surfaces but may contain such improvements as are in a development plan as finally approved, or an open space management plan, and as are necessary or appropriate for permitted open space use. Restricted open space may include stormwater management facilities where approved by the Board of Supervisors subject to applicable provisions of this chapter and the East Vincent Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 22].

A commercial activity comprising the sale of commodities in small quantities directly to the consumers.

The total width of any land acquired by any means and reserved, dedicated, or intended for use as a street, alley, crosswalk, utility or for any other public or private purpose, as reflected on a recorded easement, deed, subdivision plat, boundary plat, or dedication plat. Where additional right(s)-of-way may be required for future occupation by a road or street, including for purposes of ultimate widening, or for a crosswalk, trail, railroad, electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipelines, water lines, sewer mains, storm sewers, or other similar uses, the Township may require that the ultimate right(s)-of-way for such purpose(s) be indicated in any appropriate documentation. Any provisions herein requiring measurement from the right-of-way, including but not limited to yard area setback regulations, shall be measured from the ultimate right-of-way wherever applicable.

A riparian buffer area is an area of trees and other vegetation adjacent to a wetland, stream, or water body that forms a transition area between the aquatic and terrestrial environment. The riparian buffer is designed to intercept runoff from upland sources for the purpose of mitigating the effects of nutrients, sediment, organic matter, pesticides or other pollutants prior to entry into surface waters. For the purposes of this chapter, the riparian buffer shall be divided into two zones:

An institution for the recuperation and treatment of persons suffering from physical or mental disorders.

The use of plant materials, fencing and/or earthen berms to aid in the concealment of such features as parking areas and vehicles within them, and to provide privacy between two or more different land uses which abut one another.

Structures, buildings, or area of land or any portion thereof that is used for the selling or dispensing of gasoline, and/or diesel fuel or other motor vehicle fuel which may or may not include facilities for lubricating, washing, sale of accessories and otherwise servicing and minor repair of motor vehicles, but not principally the painting and/or body work thereof or the sale of new or used automobiles. See "quick service food store" for a comparison. Any business or industry dispensing gasoline for its own use and vehicles will be deemed to be a service station.

The line that establishes the required minimum distance from the street right-of-way line or any other lot line within which the principal structure must be erected or placed.

The length of street visible to the driver of a vehicle, essentially unobstructed.

Any structure or part thereof or any device attached to a building or painted or represented thereon which shall display or include any letter, word, model, banner, pennant, insignia, device, trade flag, symbol or representation which is in the nature of, or which is used as, an announcement, direction or advertisement for commercial purposes or otherwise. A sign includes a billboard, neon tube, string of lights or similar device outlining or placed upon any part of a building or lot but does not include the flag or insignia of any nation, group of nations, governmental agency, or any political, educational, charitable, philanthropic, civic, professional, religious or like campaign, drive, movement or event.

The ownership of a lot by one or more persons, partnerships, or corporations, which ownership is separate and distinct from that of any abutting or adjoining lot.

A lot, tract, or parcel of land on which grading, construction, or land development is taking place, or is proposed to take place; the location of the work.

The ratio of the change in elevation (rise) over the horizontal distance (run) as measured between consecutive contour lines, expressed as a percentage.

A use which, when deemed suitable, with or without the imposition of conditions or restrictions under applicable standards, may be allowed by the Zoning Hearing Board after public hearing.

Individual trees or other vegetation determined to be of specimen quality as determined by a registered landscape architect or which generally fall within the parameters of the following table shall be protected in accordance with these standards. The examples of specimen trees included in the following table are intended to provide general guidelines and examples of what constitutes a specimen tree and is not considered an all-inclusive list.

The deposit of goods, materials, or products intended for future disposition.

Any precipitation, but usually rainfall, which is sufficient to flow on any natural or impervious surface; frequently termed "runoff."

That portion of a building comprised between the surface of any floor and the surface of any floor or roof next above.

Any watercourse.

A strip of land, including the entire right-of-way, devoted or intended for public (dedicated) or private (undedicated) use primarily as a means of vehicular circulation to provide access to more than one lot. Streets also may accommodate pedestrian circulation. The term "street" shall be construed as synonymous with thoroughfare, avenue, boulevard, court, drive, expressway, highway, lane, alley, way, service street, and road or similar terms. Streets are further classified within the East Vincent Township Comprehensive Plan.

The dividing line between a lot and the outside boundary or ultimate right-of-way line of a public street, road, or highway legally open or officially platted; or between a lot and a privately owned street, road, or way over which the owners or tenants of two or more lots each held in single and separate ownership have the right-of-way.

Any change in or addition to the supporting structural members of a building, or other structure, such as the bearing walls, partitions, columns, beams or girders, or any change which could convert an existing building or other structure into a different structure, or adapt it to a different use, or which, in case of a non-conforming building or other structure, would prolong the life of such building or other structure.

An assembly of material having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land, including among other things, buildings, signs, fences, or walls, aerials, and antennae, porches, platforms, piers, pipelines, paddle tennis courts, shelters, swimming pools, tents, towers, tanks, tennis courts, and telephone poles.

A pool or tank capable of containing water to a depth greater than 24 inches for the purpose of swimming and/or other water-related recreational activities. Farm ponds and stormwater basins are not swimming pools unless specifically designed for that purpose.

Any building or structure not less than 40 feet in height as defined herein, where a lawful non-conforming structure or where permitted in accordance with § 27-1705 or through approval of a variance request by the Zoning Hearing Board.

Facilities providing for the transmission or reception of radio, television, telephone or digital communications or any other wireless telecommunication services, whether free-standing or attached to another structure or building, including any support structures, reception and/or transmission antenna(c) and accessory facilities and/or equipment.

Exterior fixtures and posts which are manufactured to a high level of design and craftsmanship from material such as (but not limited to) wrought iron, cast aluminum, brass or copper, and installed to be consistently used throughout designated areas of East Vincent Township including, for example, locations where promotion of a particular village character or historical theme is desired.

A dwelling in which over-night sleeping accommodations are provided for rent to less than 10 travelers, whether or not the serving of meals is included.

A structure that is intended to support wireless communication antenna(e).

The Township of East Vincent, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

One or more lots assembled for the purpose of unified development, including a planned residential, commercial, or industrial development.

For purposes of establishing the minimum open space required or, where applicable, the maximum number of dwelling units permitted, the gross tract area shall include all areas within the titled lines of a tract.

For purposes of establishing the maximum permissible number of lots or dwelling units on any tract, or for determining compliance with maximum impervious cover limitations, the net tract area shall include all areas within the titled lines of a tract, excluding the following:

A corridor through which passes, or will pass, a pedestrian or equestrian accessway or a bikeway as part of the East Vincent Township Comprehensive Trail System or as otherwise authorized or designated by the Township. A trail is to serve transportation, commuting, and/or recreational functions as part of an inter-modal transportation system. Trails shall exclude all motorized vehicles except motorized wheel chairs or as authorized by the Township for maintenance, management and emergency purposes.

The attaching of development rights to specified lands which are desired by the Township to be kept undeveloped, but permitting those rights to be transferred from those lands so that the development potential which they represent may occur on other lands within the Township where more intensive development is deemed by the Township to be appropriate.

Any vehicle used for temporary living or sleeping purposes for transient use.

An area and/or building for the maintenance and storage of trucks and where cargo is stored and where trucks load and unload cargo on a regular basis.

Any purpose for which a building or other structure or a tract or lot of land may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained or occupied, or any activity, occupation, business, or operation carried on in a building or other structure on a tract of land.

A modification of the regulations of this chapter granted by the Zoning Hearing Board on grounds of physical conditions or unnecessary hardship, not self-imposed, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and Act 247, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.

Perennial grasses, legumes, or other long-lived plant materials, such as crown vetch, fescues, and bluegrasses, etc. depending upon the degree of refinement desired.

Fast growing grasses, usually annuals, such as rye, oats, sudan, or other appropriate cover to prevent erosion until permanent vegetation can be installed.

An area of land with or without buildings used for temporary storage, display and wholesale sales of new or used autos, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles that are in an operable condition. A vehicular auction is a commercial establishment, subject to the use, development, and design standards of the zoning district in which permitted, and other applicable ordinance provisions. Vehicles stored on-site shall remain intact and operable, and shall not be dismantled, processed, salvaged, crushed, demolished, or sold in parts. See "junkyard" for comparison.

A permanent stream, intermittent stream, river, brook, creek, or a channel or ditch for water, whether natural or man-made, and having defined bed and banks.

Any and all rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, rivulets, dammed water, ponds, springs, and all other bodies of surface and underground water, or parts thereof, whether natural or artificial, within or on the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The on-site method or process for identifying jurisdictional wetlands which is currently or hereafter be adopted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection [Note: the Commonwealth currently requires the methodology outlined the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Manual (Technical Report Y-87-1) January 1987, and as amended].

A document that describes the investigation procedures and findings of a wetland delineation.

Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands include all lands regulated as wetlands by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and/or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A commercial activity comprising the sale of commodities in large quantities or in bulk, as to retailers or jobbers, rather than to consumers directly, including warehousing, loading and unloading, and shipping of such commodities.

Indigenous vegetation such as berries, mushrooms and other vegetation used as forage by wild animals in the area.

Consists of the antenna and any related equipment and structures involved in receiving wireless communications signals from a mobile radio communication source and transmitting those signals to a central switching computer which connects the mobile unit with the land-based telephone lines.

A tree mass or plant community in which tree species are dominant or codominant, the branches of the trees form a complete, or nearly complete, aerial canopy. Any area, grove, or stand of mature or largely mature trees (i.e., larger than six inches dbh) covering an area of XA of an acre or more, or consisting of more than 10 individual trees larger than six inches dbh, shall be considered a woodland. For the purpose of this chapter, the extent of any woodland plant community or any part thereof shall be measured from the outer-most drip line of all the trees in the community. "Woodland" shall include any area where timber has been harvested within the previous three years and/or woodland disturbance has occurred within the previous three years which would have met the definition of woodland prior to timbering or disturbance. Woodlands do not include orchards or old fields (former agricultural fields or pastures where natural succession has been allowed to occur, but where most trees are smaller than six inches dbh).

An open area around the inner periphery of each lot extending along the lot lines and street lines in which no buildings or structures shall be erected. The size of the yard shall be measured as the shortest distance between the structure and a lot line or street line.

The Zoning Hearing Board of East Vincent Township.

The East Vincent Township Zoning Ordinance, as amended [this chapter].