[Ord. 05-01-01, 5/7/2001; as amended by Ord. 1/8/2009A; and by A.O.]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONEDThe visible or otherwise apparent discontinuance of a nonconforming use of a building or premises, or the removal of the characteristic equipment or furnishing used in the performance of a nonconforming use without its replacement by similar equipment or furnishings, or the replacement of the nonconforming use or structure.
ACCESS DRIVEA durable, all-weather surface, other than a street, which provides vehicular access from a street or public road to a lot, e.g., a driveway.
ACCESSORY USE OR STRUCTUREA use or structure subordinate to the principal use of a building on the same lot and serving a purpose customarily incidental to the use of the principal building.
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT FACILITYA store or other commercial use which offers for retail sale, rent or payment of admission shows, movies, tapes, books, magazines, literature, and objects of an explicitly sexual nature, the purchase and possession of which is generally restricted to those over 18, as its main, or predominant, stock-in-trade. This provision shall not be construed to apply to an establishment when the explicit material offered for sale constitutes only a small fraction of the inventory of the establishment.
AGRICULTURAL RELATED USESIncludes soil preparation services, crop services, large animal veterinary services, animal services, farm labor management services, farm product warehousing and storing, refrigerated warehousing and storage, interior storage of boats, automobiles, motor homes, airplanes or heavy equipment within barns or accessory farm buildings which were in existence on the effective date of this chapter, seed and related agricultural supply stores, lawn and garden supply stores and tack shops.
AGRICULTUREThe use of land and structures for agricultural purposes, including farming, dairying, pasturage, apiculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry, and the accessory uses for packing, treating, or storing the produce; provided, however, that the operation of any such accessory uses shall be secondary to that of normal agriculture activities. For the purposes of this chapter, feed lots, concentrated animal feeding operations, CAFOs and intensive hog/swine rearing operations (as defined in Part
4) shall not be considered agricultural uses.
AISLEA corridor used for access to a parking space within a parking lot by motor vehicles.
AMENDMENTAny change or revision to the text of this chapter or the Official Zoning Map.
ANIMAL HOSPITALA building used by a veterinarian for the treatment, housing or boarding of small domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and fowl.
APARTMENT COMPLEXA group of two or more buildings occupying a lot in single ownership with each building used by three or more families.
APPLICANTAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
ART GALLERYAn establishment engaged in the sale, loan, or display of art books, paintings, sculpture, or other works of art. This clarification does not include libraries, museums, or non-commercial art galleries.
ARTIST STUDIOAn establishment, not exceeding 3,000 square feet of floor area, for the preparation, display, and sale of individually crafted artwork, jewelry, furniture, sculpture, pottery, leather craft, hand-woven articles, and related items.
AUTHORITYAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
AUTO WRECKING, JUNK AND SCRAP ESTABLISHMENTSThe use of land and structures for the storage, bailing, packing, sorting, handling, disassembling, purchase or sale of any material which has been used, salvaged, scrapped, or reclaimed but is capable of being reused in some form, including metals, fiber, paper, cloth and rags, rubber, rope, bottles, machinery, tools, appliances, fixtures, utensils, lumber, boxes, crates, pipe and pipe fittings, tires, motor vehicles which do not have a current and valid inspection sticker, and motor vehicle parts, but not including, garbage or other organic wastes.
AUTOMOBILE SALES AREAAn open space area, other than a street, used for the display, sale, or rental of new or used motor vehicles which are in operable condition and where no major repair work is done.
AUTOMOTIVE AND/OR MOTORIZED VEHICLE SERVICE STATIONA building or place of business where gasoline, and possibly oil and greases, batteries, tires and automobile accessories are supplied and dispersed directly to the motor vehicle trade, at retail, and where repair service may be rendered. (See also "garage, repair.")
AWNINGAn architectural projection or shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and comprised of a covering or rigid or non-rigid materials and/or fabric on a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures which are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.
AWNING SIGNA sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface or surfaces of the awning.
BACK-LIT AWNINGAn awning with a translucent covering material and a source of illumination contained within its framework.
BANNERA sign of cloth, paper, soft plastic or similar material, which is more than three times wider than it is tall.
BASE FLOOD ELEVATIONThe water surface elevation of the flood level that has a one-percent or greater chance of occurrence in any given year.
BASEMENTThat portion of a building partly underground, but having less than 1/2 of its clear height below the average lot grade. A basement shall be counted as a story for the purpose of height measurement if the vertical distance between the ceiling and the average level of the adjoining ground is more than five feet in height or if it is used for business or dwelling purposes.
BED-AND-BREAKFASTA house, or portion thereof, which provides sleeping accommodations for a small number of paying overnight guests for a limited number of nights, and the breakfast meal only, with the operator living on the premises, or on an adjacent premises.
BOARDThe Zoning Hearing Board of Gregg Township.
BOUNDARYA line marking the limit, or border of a lot or district.
BUFFER STRIPA buffer strip is an open space of ground containing no man-made structures (except signs as allowed by the sign regulations and fences) which acts as a barrier to noise and visibility. Buffer strips shall be assigned to meet specific dimensions provided under the provisions of this chapter.
BUILDABLE AREAThat portion of a lot bounded by the required front, side, and rear yards, and/or setbacks.
BUILDINGAny structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, that is used for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals or property, and that shall be affixed to the land with a permanent foundation. Note: All buildings are structures: however, not all structures are buildings.
BUILDING HEIGHTThe vertical distance measured from the average level of the ground surrounding the building to a point midway between the highest and lowest point of the roof, but not including chimneys, spires, towers, tanks, and similar projections.
BUILDING LINEA line parallel to the street line located at a distance which is equal to the front yard setback requirement for the district in which the lot is located.
BUILDING SETBACK LINEThe line within the lot defining the required minimum setback distance between any structure and the adjacent street line.
BUILDING, ACCESSORYA subordinate building or a portion of the main building on a lot, the use of which is customarily incidental to that of the main or principal building.
BUILDING, COVERAGEThat percentage of the plot of land area covered by the principal and accessory buildings (included covered porches, carports, and breeze-ways, but excluding open patios).
BUILDING, PRINCIPALA structure in which the principal use of the site is conducted. In the Residential District, a dwelling shall be deemed to be a principal building.
CAMPGROUNDA tract or tracts of land, or any portion thereof, used for the purpose of providing a space or spaces for trailers or tents for camping purposes, with or without a fee charged for the renting or occupancy of such space.
CAMPS AND CAMPING GROUNDThe use of land and structures by campers for seasonal, recreational and temporary living purposes in cabins, tents or outdoor recreational vehicles.
CARPORTA roofed structure not more than 75% enclosed by walls and attached to the main building for the purpose of providing shelter for one or more motor vehicles.
CARTWAYThe portion of the street right-of-way designed for vehicular use.
CELLARA story partly underground and having more than 1/2 of its clear height below the average level of the adjoining ground. A cellar shall not be considered in determining the permissible number of stories or in measuring building height.
CENTER LINEA line running parallel to and equidistant from both sides of a street.
CENTRE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICTThe County Conservation District created under the authority of state law to administer soil and other conservation work within Centre County, with the technical assistance of state and federal agencies.
CHILD DAY-CARE CENTERThe use of land and structures for the Supervisors day care of six or more children, not all siblings. Synonymous with "day nursery."
CHURCHES AND PLACES OF WORSHIPThe use of land and structures for religious worship, education and related activities, including chapels, cathedrals, temples, synagogues, and the like.
CLOSED DEPRESSIONFor purposes of this chapter, a closed depression shall be defined as: "In a Karst area, a distinct bowl-shaped depression in the land surface; it is characterized by varying magnitude, an unbroken ground surface and internal drainage." (Said definition is taken from the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey, Open File Report 8702, entitled "Sinkholes and Karst-Related Features of Northampton County, Pennsylvania" by W.E. Kochanov).
CLOSED DEPRESSION AREAFor purposes of this chapter, a closed depression area shall be defined as: "A localized area of depressions attributed to karst processes; it is characterized by a distinctive, rolling topography of varying magnitude." (Said definition is taken from the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey, Open File Report 8702, entitled "Sinkholes and Karst-Related Features of Northampton County, Pennsylvania" by W.E. Kochanov).
CLUBS, LODGES AND FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONSThe use of land and structures by a nonprofit group which is not operated for purposes of trade or business, no part of the earnings of which benefit any individual, but which is operated for social and community service activities among group members and their guests.
CLUSTERA grouping together of lots with the minimum perimeter.
COMMERCIAL DAIRYThe use of land and structures for the manufacture and processing of dairy products.
COMMERCIAL GRAIN STORAGE FACILITYThe use of land and structures for the containment, drying, manufacture and processing of grain produce such as (but not limited to) livestock feed, flour, cornmeal and other related products for the use and resale by the entity. At least 51% of the products for resale must be produced by operator.
COMMON OPEN SPACEAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
COMMUNITY CENTERThe use of land and structures for social and community service activities which are charitable, educational or religious in nature and are for public rather than private gain including recreational programs, counseling services and human service agencies and programs.
CONDITIONAL USEA use permitted in certain districts, as provided for in Part
3, which may only be authorized by the Gregg Township Board of Supervisors as set forth in Part
9 of this chapter.
CONSTRUCTIONThe construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, extension, expansion, alteration or relocation of a building or structure, including the placement of manufactured homes.
CONVENIENCE FOOD STORESmall stores allowed in selected districts which sell retail food, beverages and some household supplies primarily to the immediately surrounding population. A convenience store may have fuel pumps and/or an exterior MAC machine.
CONVENTThe dwelling of a religious order or congregation.
CONVERSION APARTMENTA one-family detached dwelling unit which is converted into a two-family dwelling; provided, however, single-family mobile homes shall not be included in this definition and may not be converted.
COUNTYCentre County, Pennsylvania.
CURB RETURNA curved curb connecting the tangents of two intersecting curbs of streets or driveways.
DAY NURSERYA facility regularly used for the care of six or more young children, not all siblings, whether or not a fee is charged for such care. Synonymous with child-care center.
DESIGNATED WELL SITEAny existing or potential well site, to be used for potable water, and which has been identified by the official water survey, Official Map or other study deemed acceptable by the Township Engineer.
DEVELOPERAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
DEVELOPMENTAny man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, the placement of mobile homes, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations.
DEVELOPMENT PLANAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
DISTRICTAll land and watercourses located within designated boundaries on the Official Zoning Map; a zoning district.
DOCKSA temporary structure extending into a stream or other body of water for the purpose of securing a boat or boats.
DOMICILIARY CAREA. Supervised living arrangement in a home-like environment for adults who are unable to live alone because of demonstrated difficulties:
(1) In accomplishing activities of daily living;
(2) In social or personal adjustment; or
(3) Resulting from disabilities.
B. The Centre County Office of Aging certifies domiciliary care homes.
DRIVEWAYA corridor which provides motor vehicle access from a street onto or across a lot.
DWELLINGAny building designed for or used exclusively as the residence or sleeping place of one or more persons as provided hereafter. Note: All dwellings are buildings; however, not all buildings are dwellings.
DWELLING, MOBILE HOMEA transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, office or place of assembly contained in one unit, or in two units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, and is constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation.
DWELLING, MULTIFAMILYA building designed for occupancy by three or more families living independently of each other, and containing three or more dwelling units. A multifamily housing development shall consist of more than one multifamily dwelling or structure.
DWELLING, TOWNHOUSEA single-family dwelling designed for or occupied by not more than one family and which has a portion of one or both of its side walls in common with adjoining dwellings (single-family attached structures). Townhouse buildings or dwellings shall be designed to appear in groups containing no less than three dwelling units. For purposes of this chapter, the provisions in §
15-406, Multifamily Housing Developments, shall apply where more than one townhouse dwelling is proposed.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY ATTACHEDAn attached or semidetached building where not more than two individual family or dwelling units are entirely separated by vertical walls or horizontal floors, unpierced except for access to the outside or to a common cellar.
ESSENTIAL SERVICESFacilities for the distribution of utility services including gas, electric, steam, water, sewerage, telephone and similar services. Local distribution lines that provide retail essential services to individual retail customers that do not require any additional rights-of-way or property of their own are exempt from regulation hereunder.
EXTENSIONAn addition to the floor area of an existing structure, or, an increase in the size of a structure, or, an increase in that portion of a lot occupied by an existing use, or, an enlargement of an existing lot or structure.
FACING WALLSWalls of a structure opposite and parallel to each other, and/or walls or wall lines extended of opposite walls intersecting at angles of less than 65°.
FAMILYA person, or two or more persons, all of whom are related by blood or marriage, adoption (including foster children), living together as a single housekeeping unit. In addition to the family, two or fewer unrelated persons may reside within the housekeeping unit in the dwelling unit. Except that in the case where one or more of the unrelated persons is a family care client, the number of unrelated persons allowed to be with the housekeeping unit shall be three or fewer. Domestic servants employed on the premises and temporary gratuitous guests shall not be counted.
FAMILY CAREThe provision of care in accord with the regulations of appropriate state agencies for up to three mentally ill, retarded, disabled children or adults or elderly persons in a dwelling unit by a provider who resides in that unit.
FARM USEThe use of the land and structures for one or more of the following: the tilling of the land, the raising of crops, fruits and vegetables, and the raising and keeping of animals and plants; horticultural uses related to the raising, propagating, and selling of trees, shrubs, flowers and other plant materials; forestry uses related to the harvest of lumber products.
FARMERS' MARKETThe seasonal selling or offering for sale at retail of home-grown vegetables or produce, occurring in a pre-designated area, where the vendors are generally individuals who have raised the vegetables or produce or have taken the same on consignment for retail sale.
FLOODPLAINA. A relatively flat or low land area adjoining a river, stream, or watercourse which is subject to partial or complete inundation. Such flooding has a one-percent chance of occurring each year (i.e., is likely to occur once every 100 years).
B. An area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation or run-off of surface waters from any source. (See also the Gregg Township Floodplain Ordinance [Chapter
3].)
C. Areas as shown as a flood hazard on the current Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Gregg Township Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
FLOODWAYThe designated area of a floodplain as shown on the Community's Flood Boundary and Floodway Map required to carry and discharge flood waters of a one-hundred-year flood without cumulatively raising the flood elevation more than one foot at any point, (See also the Gregg Township Floodplain Ordinance [Chapter
3]), and areas as shown as a flood hazard on the current Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Gregg Township Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
FLOOR AREAThe sum of the gross usable area of all floors of a building measured from the face of the exterior walls. Retail and service floor area is that portion of the total floor area devoted to use by the customers and employees for retail sales and service, including display areas for goods, but not including office space or storage areas.
FLORAL SHOPA retail business whose principal activity is the selling of plants which are not grown on the site and conducting business within an enclosed building.
FREESTANDING SIGNA sign supported by an upright (or uprights) permanently anchored in the ground.
FRONTAGEThe portion of a lot boundary abutting a street.
GARAGE, PRIVATEAn accessory building designed or used for the storage of not more than four vehicles owned and used by the occupants of the building to which it is accessory.
GARAGE, REPAIRA building used primarily for making major repairs to motor vehicles, including overhauling, body work, refinishing, and upholstering, as well as incidental servicing.
GOVERNING BODYAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
GRADINGThe act of excavating and/or filling land for the purpose of changing natural slope.
GREENHOUSEA partially or fully enclosed structure, permanent or temporary, which is used for the growth of plants.
GREGG TOWNSHIP COMPREHENSIVE PLANA comprehensive inventory of existing facilities, services, land uses, etc., for Gregg Township and a detailed analysis of the community's future needs and its projected goals and objectives.
GROUP HOMEA dwelling unit in which care and residence are provided in accord with regulations of the appropriate state agencies for more than three and not more than eight nonadjudicated clients who are dependent children or elderly, mentally ill, retarded or disabled adults.
HABITABLE FLOOR AREA/LIVING SPACEAny floor area within a dwelling unit that is usable for living purposes, including area for working, sleeping, eating, cooking, and recreation, or a combination thereof. Living space shall not include floor area used for storage, such as closet, attic, or unimproved basement space.
HALFWAY HOUSE/REHABILITATION CENTERA residence or community center in which social and community service activities in accord with regulations of the appropriate state agencies are provided for no more than eight resident and an unlimited number of nonresident alcoholics, drug addicts, emotionally disturbed adults, former convicts or other adjudicated individuals.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCEAny substances or materials that, by reason of their toxic, caustic, corrosive, abrasive or otherwise injurious properties, may be detrimental or deleterious to the health of any person handling or otherwise coming in contact with such material or substance.
HEAVY INDUSTRYA manufacturing or industrial operation that produces a substantial amount of noise, smoke, odor, dust, vibration, or glare, or combination thereof as a result of the operation of the activity. In many instances these emissions can be annoying or noxious to the general public, even though they are within the limits set by the Department of Environmental Protection.
HEIGHTThe vertical distance of a structure measured from the mean level of the ground surrounding the structure to its highest point, regardless of roof design.
HOME OCCUPATIONAn accessory use customarily conducted entirely within a dwelling and carried on by the inhabitants thereof, which use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes and does not change the character thereof.
HOSPITALA business or nonprofit establishment for the diagnosis, treatment and other care of the general public through an organized medical staff which is primarily engaged in providing in-patient care. The establishment shall be licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health and have as its mission the provision of acute care, medical and nursing services to injured, disabled, pregnant, diseased, sick or mentally ill persons and/or the provision of rehabilitation services for such persons and to provide further services which promote good health and well-being of people.
HUNTING AND FISHING CABINA building used for seasonal and temporary living purposes by persons engaged in hunting, fishing and similar recreational activities. Also called a "seasonal dwelling," or "seasonal cottage" or "summer cottage."
JUNKAny used or discarded material including, but not limited to, wastepaper, rags, metal, glass-, building materials, house furnishings, machinery, vehicles or parts thereof, with or without the dismantling, processing, salvage, sale or other use or disposition of the same.
JUNKYARDAn area of land, with or without buildings, utilized for the collection, storage, warehousing and/or sale of used and discarded materials, which shall include but not be limited to: wastepaper, rags, scrap metal, glass, building materials, house furnishings, or for the collecting, dismantling, storage and salvaging of machinery or vehicles not in running condition and/or for the sale of parts thereof. A junkyard may exist with or without the actual dismantling, processing, salvage, sale or other use or disposition of the above-mentioned items. A junkyard as defined herein may also include an automotive dismantling and recycling facility, auto wrecking and the sales of parts therefrom.
KARSTFor purposes of this chapter, karst shall be defined as: "A type of topography that is formed over limestone, dolomite, or gypsum by bedrock solution, and that is characterized by closed depressions or sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage." (Said definition is taken from the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey, Open File Report 8702, entitled "Sinkholes and Karst-related Features of Northampton County, Pennsylvania" by W.E. Kochanov).
KENNELA commercial facility designed to provide overnight housing or boarding for family pets, such as dogs and cats, plus any accessory uses such as sales of pet supplies, grooming, clipping and bathing of pets, etc.
LABORATORY, SUPPORTA facility for scientific laboratory analysis of natural resources, medical resources, and manufactured materials. The scientific analysis is generally performed for an outside customer, to support the work of that customer. This category includes environmental laboratories for the analysis of air, water, and soil; medical or veterinary laboratories for the analysis of blood, tissue, or other human medical or animal products.
LAND DEVELOPMENTAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
LANDOWNERAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
LAUNDROMATA business that provides washing, drying, and/or ironing machine for hire to be used by customers on the premises.
LIBRARY (PUBLIC)A public facility for the use, but not sale, of literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials.
LIGHT INDUSTRYA manufacturing or industrial operation that produces a negligible amount of noise, smoke, odor, dust, vibration, or glare as a result of operation of the activity.
LIVE-WORK QUARTERSBuildings or spaces within buildings that are primarily used jointly for commercial and residential purposes where the residential use of the space is secondary or accessory to the primary use as a place of work.
LOTA tract or parcel of land intended for transfer of ownership, use or improvement; land which is shown as a separate parcel on records of Centre County.
LOT AREAThe computed area contained within the lot lines.
LOT DEPTHThe mean horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines.
LOT LINESThe property lines bounding the lot.
B. REAR LOT LINEThe lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line.
C. SIDE LOT LINEAny lot line other than a front or rear lot line, a side lot line separating a lot from a street is called a side street lot line.
LOT OF RECORDAny lot which individually or as part of a subdivision has been recorded in the office of the Centre County Recorder of Deeds.
LOT WIDTHThe distance between the two side lot lines measured at the required setback line.
LOT, CORNERA lot abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection or upon two parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than 135°.
LOT, NONCONFORMINGAny lot which does not conform to the minimum width, depth, and area dimensions specified for the district in which said lot is located (including those lots existing prior to the enactment of this chapter) and where the owner(s) of said lot does not own any adjoining land which might be added to the nonconforming parcel to create one or more conforming lots. (See Part
6, Nonconformities, for more detailed information.)
MACHINE SHOPA workshop, manufacturing plant, or industrial facility where work is machined, repaired, or rebuilt. For the purposes of this chapter, machine shops shall include, but not be limited to, the following types of operations: automotive engine rebuilding, tool and die making, and similar activities.
MAIL-ORDER SERVICESA business that receives and processes orders for goods to be shipped through the mail.
MANUFACTURED HOUSINGA transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, office or place of assembly contained in one unit, or in two units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations and is constructed so that it may be used without a permanent foundation.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING PARKA parcel of land under single ownership which has been planned for the placement of two or more mobile homes, appurtenant structures or additions.
MANUFACTURINGThe act of producing or preparing finished products or goods from raw materials through the repetitious use of an established or set process.
MANUFACTURING, LIGHTThe manufacture, predominately from previously prepared materials, of finished products or parts, including processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment and packaging of such products, and incidental storage, sales, and distribution of such products, but excluding basic industrial processing and custom manufacturing.
MARKET VALUEThe fair market price of a structure or property as determined by an appraiser or insurance adjuster; the price at which both buyer and seller are willing to do business.
MEDIATIONAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
MINERAL EXTRACTION OR SURFACE MINING OPERATIONThe extraction of mineral from the earth or waste or stockpiles, or from pits or banks, including, but not limited to, strip, drift, auger and open pit mining, dredging, quarrying, leaching, mountaintop removal, box cutting, and activities related thereto.
MINERALSIncludes, but is not limited to, anthracite and bituminous coal, lignite, limestone and dolomite, sand, gravel, rock, stone, earth, slag, ore, vermiculite, clay and other mineral resources.
MONASTERYThe dwelling of a religious order or congregation.
MOTELA commercial establishment consisting of a series of attached or semi-attached dwelling structures which are designed to provide sleeping accommodations for automobile transients or overnight guests, with or without meeting rooms or food service, which does not meet the definition of bed-and-breakfast.
MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGA single structure designed for and constructed to contain three or more dwelling units.
MUNICIPAL AUTHORITYAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
MUSEUMA building having public significance by reason of it architecture or former use of occupancy or a building serving as a repository for a collection or natural, scientific, or literary curiosities or objects of interest, or works of art, and arranged, intended and designed to be used by members of the public for viewing, with or without an admission charge, and which may be included as an accessory use the sale of goods to the public as gifts or for their own good.
NEW CONSTRUCTIONThe construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, extension, expansion, alteration, location, or relocation of a building (including mobile homes), structure, and/or improvements (such as street utilities, etc.).
NONCONFORMING LOTAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
NONCONFORMING USEAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
NURSERYAn enterprise that conducts the retail and/or wholesale of plants as well as accessory items (but not power equipment, such as gas or electric lawn mowers and farm implements) directly related to their care and maintenance.
OBSTRUCTIONAny dam wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment, projection, excavation, channel, rectification, bridge, conduit, culvert, building, wire fence, rock, gravel, refuse, fill, structure or matter in along, across, or projecting into any channel, watercourse, floodplain or regulatory flood hazard area which may impede, retard or change the direction or flow of water or that is placed where the flow of water might carry the same downstream to the damage of life or property.
OFF-SITE SEWER SERVICEA sanitary sewer collection system in which sewage is carried from individual lots by a system of pipes to a central treatment and disposal plant.
OFF-SITE WATER SERVICEA water provision system in which water is collected from a source (be it spring, well, reservoir or other source) which is wholly or partially located on a tract of land which is not the tract on which development is to occur, and is transported or piped onto the tract to be developed.
OFF-STREET LOADING SPACEA space not located within any street right-of-way used by motor vehicles for the temporary storage of trucks and other commercial vehicles while loading and unloading merchandise or materials.
OFF-STREET PARKING SPACEA space not located within any street right-of-way used by motor vehicles for the temporary storage of one motor vehicle.
OFFICIAL MAPAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
ON-SITE SEWER SERVICEA sanitary sewer disposal system in which sewage is collected, treated and discharged on the same lot as the use which it serves.
ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR FLOODA flood that, on the average, is likely to occur once in every 100 years, i.e., that has a one-percent chance of occurring each year, although it may occur in any year.
OPEN SPACEA space not occupied by a structure, open to the sky, and on the same lot with the building or structure.
PARKING BAYA row of parking spaces abutting each other along the length of each space.
PARKING LOTA facility providing off-street parking for five or more vehicles.
PERSONAL CARE BOARDING HOMEAny premises in which food, shelter, and personal assistance or supervision are provided for a period exceeding 24 consecutive hours for four to eight adults 55 years of age or older who are not relatives of the operator and who require assistance or supervision in such matters as dressing, bathing, diet or medication prescribed for self-administration but do not require hospitalization or care in a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility. Such personal care boarding home shall be licensed by the Department of Public Welfare of the commonwealth.
PERSONAL SERVICEAn establishment or place of business primarily engaged in the provision of frequent or recurrent needed services of a personal nature.
PLANNED COMMERCIAL/RETAIL DEVELOPMENTAn area of land, controlled by a landowner(s), to be developed as a single entity for a number of retail businesses, the development plan for which does not necessarily correspond in lot size, bulk or type of commercial establishment, density, lot coverage, and required open spaced to the regulations established in the General Commercial District.
PLANNED INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTA group of industries planned and developed specifically for the site upon which they are to be built and owned as a unit. The development plan for this type of activity will not necessarily correspond to the lot, yard, or open space requirements established for their uses in the Industrial District.
PLANNING AGENCYAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
PONDA water impoundment made by constructing a dam or embankment, or by excavating a pit or dugout.
PREMISESAny lot and structure(s) located thereon.
PRIMARY HIGHWAY SYSTEMThat portion of connected main highways located within the commonwealth as officially designated or as may be hereafter so designated by the State and/or Federal Departments of Transportation.
PRINCIPAL USEThe primary or dominant use of the site, taking into account economic factors as well as area or coverage.
PRIVATENot publicly owned, operated or controlled.
PRIVATE PARKA park which provides outdoor recreational enjoyment and activity for members of the organization which owns the facility or to the general public on a fee basis. A private park may also include buildings and accessory structures.
PRIVATE SWIMMING POOLA recreation facility designed and intended for water contact activities that serves a single-family dwelling(s).
PROFESSIONAL OFFICES, INCLUDING MEDICAL AND DENTAL OFFICESThe office of a member of a recognized profession maintained for the conduct of that profession. A profession is a vocation, calling, occupation, or employment requiring training in the liberal arts or sciences, or combination thereof, requiring advanced study in a specialized field, any occupation requiring licensing by the state and maintenance of professional standards applicable to the field.
PROJECTING SIGNA projecting sign is attached to and projects more than 18 inches from a wall of a building.
PUBLICOwned, operated or controlled by a governmental agency or governmental unit.
PUBLIC HEARINGAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
PUBLIC NOTICENotice published once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. Such notice shall state the date, time, and place of the hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered. The first publication shall be not more than 30 days nor less than 14 days from the date of the hearing and the second publication shall be not less than seven days prior to the hearing date.
PUBLIC SEWAGE SYSTEMA system designed to treat the sewage wastes of more than one structure and which discharges the resultant outflow into a stream or other body of water. Such a system must be designed in accordance with DEP standards and be permitted by the Bureau of Water Quality of the Department of Environmental Protection. These systems shall include municipal treatment facilities as well as package treatment plants installed by private developer.
PUBLIC UTILITY FACILITYIncludes, but not be limited to: electric substations, automatic telephone exchanges, micro-relay stations and the like, (but excluding public sewer and water facilities, radio and TV transmitters and towers), and any other public utility corporation when exempted from the provisions of this chapter by state law.
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMA system designed to treat/provide water to more than one structure or use. Such a system must be designed in accordance with DEP standards and be permitted by the Bureau of Water Quality of the Department of Environmental Protection. This definition shall include municipal water treatment facilities as well as water provision systems installed by private developer, if turned over to the Township for operation.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLEA vehicle less than 38 feet in length, used for temporary living or sleeping purposes, which stands on wheels. Included in this definition are travel trailers, truck campers and motor homes.
RESEARCH FACILITYA structure or group of structures used primarily for applied and development research, where product testing is an integral part of the operation and goods or products may be manufactured as necessary for testing, evaluation, and test marketing.
RESTAURANTA commercial establishment which serves food and drink to customers on a sit-down or take-out basis. As used herein, the term shall include establishments with a liquor license, such as bars, whether or not they serve food.
RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTA commercial enterprise that provides goods and/or services directly to the consumer, where such goods are available for immediate purchase and removal from the premises by the purchaser.
RIDING STABLE AND ACADEMYAn establishment where horses are kept for riding or driving or are stabled for compensation as part of a club, association ranch or similar establishment.
ROOMING HOUSE or BOARDING HOUSEA building containing a single-family dwelling unit and rooms for the rooming and/or boarding of between three and twenty-five persons for definite periods of not less than one week.
RUNOFFThe surface water discharge or rate of discharge of a given watershed after a fall of rain or snow or other form of precipitation that does not enter the soil but runs off on the surface of the land.
SCHOOLAny place offering instruction in any branch of knowledge under the supervision of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or a lawfully constituted ecclesiastical governing body, person, partnership or corporation meeting the requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
SCREENINGThe provision of a barrier to visibility, glare, and noise between adjacent properties composed of plant materials such as trees or shrubs which shall be of such species as will produce within three years, a visual screen at least six feet in height. However, such plantings shall adhere to §
15-504, Subsection
3, and shall be broken at points of vehicular or pedestrian access or utility easements.
SEASONAL COTTAGE/SEASONAL DWELLINGA single-family detached dwelling used for seasonal and temporary living purposes during any season by persons engaged in recreational pursuits. Also called a summer cottage or hunting and fishing cabin.
SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITYAny structure designed and used for the purpose of renting or leasing storage space to occupants who are to have access to such space for the purpose of storing and removing personal property.
SHOPPING CENTERA group of two or more primary uses or structures used for retail sales and service occupying a lot in single ownership.
SIGNAny surface, fabric, device or structure bearing lettering or pictorial or sculptured matter, designed for visual communication or information and used for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of the public; not including any flag, badge, or insignia of a government.
SIGN, BILLBOARDA sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to a commodity, business, industry, or activity which is sold, offered or conducted at a location other than on the lot upon which such sign is located.
SIGN, BUSINESS IDENTIFICATIONA sign, which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, industry or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted on the premises upon which such sign is located and may be affixed to either the ground or a wall of the business.
SINKHOLEFor purposes of this chapter, a sinkhole shall be defined as: "a localized, gradual or rapid sinking of the land surface to a variable depth, occurring in areas of carbonite bedrock; generally characterized by a roughly circular outline, a distinct breaking of the ground surface, and downward movement of soil into bedrock voids." (Said definition is taken from the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey, Open File Report 8702, entitled "Sinkholes and Karst-Related Features of Northhampton County, Pennsylvania" by W.E. Kochanov).
SMALL ANIMAL VETERINARY HOSPITALA facility for the care and treatment of household pets and other small animals and which is climate controlled, served by public sewer and water and which has no exterior kennels or outside runs.
SMALL STORAGE STRUCTUREA structure that is used for storage and does not have a door or other entranceway into a dwelling unit and does not have water fixtures within its confines, the use of which is limited solely to storage of inanimate objects.
STABLE, PROFESSIONALA facility which provides one or more of the following services to the public on a commercial basis: boarding, care grooming and feeding of horses, riding lessons, trail rides, sales of equipment and tack.
STEEP SLOPELand whose slope (surfaces at an angle to the plane of the horizon) is 25% or more, i.e., a vertical difference of 25 feet or more per 100 feet of horizontal difference.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT STRUCTUREA designed device constructed or manufactured, used in a soil or water conservation or management system to retain, regulate or control the flow of water.
STREETAs defined by Section 105 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105. The following terms used therein are further defined for the purpose of this chapter as follows:
A. ALLEYA street, usually located to the rear or side of properties otherwise abutting a street and used primarily for vehicular service access.
B. ARTERIAL STREETA major street with fast or heavy traffic of considerable continuity used primarily as a traffic artery connecting two or more neighborhoods or areas.
C. COLLECTOR STREETA major street which carries traffic from local streets to arterial streets.
D. LOCAL STREETAny street not defined as a collector street or an arterial street.
STREET LINEThe dividing line between a street and a lot.
STRUCTUREAny man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water which may or may not be affixed to the land.
STRUCTURE, NONCONFORMINGA structure or part of a structure manifestly not designed to comply with the applicable use provisions of this chapter, where such structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of the chapter or amendment thereto. Such nonconforming structures, include but are not limited to, nonconforming signs. (See Part
6, Nonconformities, for more detailed information.)
SUBDIVISIONAs defined in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10105.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTAny repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure either (a) before the improvement or repair is started or, (b) if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For purposes of this definition "substantial improvement" is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not include either:
A. Any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions; or
B. Any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a state inventory of historic places.
TEMPORARY USE OR STRUCTUREA use or structure permitted for a fixed period of time with the obligation and intent to discontinue the use, or dismantle the structure, and the end of such time. Such uses do not involve the construction or alteration of any permanent structure.
THEATER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTSThe use of land and structures which may contain an assembly hall and studios with or without stage, which may be equipped with curtains and permanent stage scenery or with mechanical equipment adaptable, but not limited to, the showing of plays, operas, performances, spectacles and similar forms of live or audio-visual entertainment and for instruction in the performing arts.
TOURIST HOMEAn establishment used for dwelling purposes in which rooms, with or without meals, are offered to transient guests for compensation, including establishments known as bed-and-breakfasts.
TRUCK TERMINAL or FREIGHT STATIONA structure or group of structures owned and/or operated by trucking firm(s) intended to be used for loading, unloading, storage, and/or transfer of truck-transported goods, including truck maintenance and fueling facilities.
USEThe specific purpose for which land or a building is designed, arranged, intended, or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained. The term "permitted use" shall not be deemed to include any nonconforming use.
USE, NONCONFORMINGAny use of a building or land which is not listed as a principal permitted use or a conditional use for the district in which such use is located, including those uses which existed prior to the enactment of this chapter. (See Part
6, Nonconformities, for more detailed information.)
VARIANCEA modification of the literal provisions of this chapter which the Zoning Hearing Board is allowed, but is not obligated to grant when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship to an individual property owner.
VILLAGE COMMERCIAL DISTRICTThe intent of the district is to provide a centrally located commercial service area to the adjoining residential and mixed use districts and the region. Residential use is encouraged on upper floors of storefronts.
VILLAGE MIXED USE DISTRICTThe intent of the district is to provide suitable locations for limited, neighborhood-oriented commercial, business, and service activities, public/civic, and light manufacturing uses. Residential uses are also encouraged, particularly medium density residential development. The types of uses allowed should be compatible with the adjoining residential and commercial districts, and the users should not cause traffic congestion, cause obnoxious noise, dust, odors, fire hazards or lighting objectionable to surrounding residences, nor visually detract from the overall appearance of the village.
VILLAGE-ORIENTED SHOPA shop or store including corner grocery that shall not be in excess of 20,000 square feet.
WETLANDSThose areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas.
WINDOW SIGNA sign painted on or attached to the inside surface of a window.
YARDAn open space, which lies between the principal building or group of buildings and the nearest lot line and is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as herein allowed. (Reasonable plantings shall not be considered an obstruction hereunder.)
A. FRONT YARDAn open space, which lies between the principal building or group of buildings and the front lot lines, unoccupied and, unobstructed from the ground upward.
B. REAR YARDAn open space extending the full width of the lot between a principal building and the rear lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward.
C. SIDE YARDAn open space extending from the front yard to the rear yard between a principal building and the nearest side lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward.
ZONING MAPThe Official Zoning Map of Gregg Township, together with all references, notations and amendments which may subsequently be adopted. Said map is made a part of this chapter in §
15-203, Subsection
1.
ZONING OFFICERThe administrative officer charged with the duty of enforcing the provisions of this chapter.
ZONING PERMITA permit stating that the purpose for which a building or land is to be used is in conformity with the uses permitted and all other requirements of this chapter for the district in which it is to be located.