Folcroft, PA Zoning Ordinance

The primary purpose of the OSR Open Space/Refuge District is to provide for the retention, preservation, and enhancement of open space, recreation, conservation, and refuge areas such as the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge, Darby Creek, other waterways, and undeveloped areas. Other purposes are to assure the preservation of significant natural resources such as bodies of water, marshlands, wooded areas, etc. and to establish reasonable controls in order to maintain the benefits of natural features and environmental areas. District regulations are also intended to assure that the uses in this district will have no adverse effect on the natural resources and wildlife in the district or nearby residential areas.

Land, buildings, or premises shall be used by right for only one or more of the following uses:

Passive open space such as a wildlife refuge, forest preserve, nature center, arboretum, and similar preservation and conservation uses.

Hiking, walking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing, boating, ice skating, and similar recreational uses.

Camping, provided that all applicable regulations of the facility are followed, such as registration, obtaining permits, etc.

A building related to environmental education shall be allowed, provided that ownership and operation is vested in the Borough.

Any use of the same general character as the above permitted uses, provided that such use is consistent with the purposes of the district and not detrimental to the surrounding area.

The following uses shall be permitted as conditional uses only, subject to the applicable provisions of Article XVI:

A building related to environmental education with ownership and operation by a governmental entity other than the Borough or with operation by a nonprofit organization.

Parking and signs, as required in Articles XIII and XIV, respectively.

Any accessory use on the same lot with and customarily incidental to any of the uses permitted above in § 600-66 and not detrimental to the area.

Buildings or other structures shall not compromise the natural value of floodplains, stream valleys, wooded areas, or other sensitive areas and shall be planned, designed, and located to minimize any disturbance of such areas or features.

Parking areas, driveways, walkways, and similar areas shall be covered with pervious materials, consistent with the open space character of this district.

Public access easements, deed restrictions, or other legal mechanisms to permit access to or through privately owned land for such purposes as walking, hiking, fishing, bicycling, and similar activities are strongly encouraged.

No commercial activity shall be permitted except as it relates to a use permitted by right in § 600-66.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, the following shall be minimum requirements:

Lot area: 10 acres.

Lot width: 200 feet.

Setbacks: 30 feet from all property lines and public streets, and 50 feet from the mean high water mark.

Building coverage: 2% maximum.

Impervious surface: 5% maximum.

Height: two stories or 30 feet.