Hatfield Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXVI
General Provisions
§ 282-195 Effect of private covenants.
Nothing herein contained shall be constructed to render inoperative any enforceable restriction established by covenants running with the land, and which restrictions are not prohibited by or are not contrary to the regulations herein established.
§ 282-196 Modifications of front yard requirements.
When an unimproved lot of record is situated on the same street frontage with two improved lots or one unimproved lot and one improved lot, the front yard requirement for that district may be modified so that the front yard shall be an average of the existing and as required front yard. But in no case shall the front yard be less than 25 feet from the ultimate right-of-way.
§ 282-197 Reduction of lot.
No lot area shall be so reduced that the area of the lot or the dimension of the open spaces shall be less than herein prescribed.
§ 282-198 Dwelling quarters in Limited Industrial and Heavy Industrial Districts.
As a special exception, one dwelling quarter for a watchman or caretaker employed on the premises shall be permitted in connection with any administrative offices, laboratories or industrial establishments.
§ 282-199 Obstructions to vision at intersections.
On any lot, no wall, fence, sign or other structure shall be erected, altered or maintained and no hedge, tree, shrub or other growth shall be planted or maintained which shall interfere with a free and unobstructed view down and across lands located at or near the intersection of any two roads, or a road and railroad and railway, or at any curve in any road, as may be necessary to assure a full and unobstructed view in all directions at such crossing or curves and to so prevent the use of such lands for any purpose or in any manner which may interfere with or obstruct the vision of persons traveling upon such highways.
§ 282-200 Projections into required yards.
[Amended 10-23-2024 by Ord. No. 706]
No building and no part of a building shall be erected within or shall project into or over any required yard in any district, except that, in residential districts, the following shall apply:
A.
An unroofed, open patio, deck, or terrace may be erected to extend into a required front, side, or rear yard not more than 10 feet, provided that in no case shall it extend into such yard more than 50% of the required depth of the yard.
B.
A buttress, chimney, cornice, eave or gutter of a building may project not more than 18 inches into a required yard.
C.
Open, unenclosed fire escapes, steps, bay windows and balconies may project no more than three feet into a required yard.
§ 282-201 Fences and walls.
[Amended 7-22-2015 by Ord. No. 659]
A.
Residential uses. No fence or wall, except a retaining wall or wall of a building permitted under the terms of this chapter, over six feet in height shall be erected within any of the open spaces required by this chapter. No fence or wall shall extend beyond the front building line of a lot on which it is located; however, in the case of a lot with more than one street frontage, a fence not exceeding four feet in height may be erected within the front yard(s) which do not include the main entrance (front door) of the home so long as the fence is set back at least five feet from the ultimate right-of-way.
B.
Nonresidential uses. No fence or wall over six feet in height shall be erected within any of the open spaces required by this chapter.
C.
No fence shall be permitted within any easements benefiting Hatfield Township, Hatfield Township Municipal Authority, or any other regulatory agency without the written permission of that agency and Hatfield Township.
§ 282-202 Accessory uses.
[Amended 9-7-2011 by Ord. No. 628; 12-21-2016 by Ord. No. 669; 10-23-2024 by Ord. No. 706]
Accessory uses authorized in this article shall be the following:
A.
Uses accessory to agriculture. Greenhouse, roadside stand for the sale of products produced on the premises, barn, keeping, breeding and management of livestock and poultry, and preparation of products produced on the premises.
B.
Uses accessory to single-family detached and single-family semidetached dwellings. Private garages, private greenhouses, private parking spaces, shelter for domestic pets, private storage sheds, private swimming pools (including pool houses and cabanas), private tennis courts and private stables; provided, that:
(1)
All accessory structures shall be located entirely within the permissible building area (exclusive of all mandatory setback areas), but not to include the front of the main building.
(2)
Private swimming pools shall be constructed in accordance with applicable Township ordinances and shall not be located in front yards. All pools, filters, heaters, decks, aprons, or any facilities incidental thereto shall be not less than 10 feet from all side and rear property lines. Any accessory buildings used in conjunction with the pool must follow the setback requirements for accessory buildings in the zoning district where they are located.
(3)
Private tennis courts and all facilities incidental thereto shall be located in rear yards and shall be not less than 15 feet from the side and rear property lines. Tennis courts shall have drainage systems approved by the Township Engineer, specifically with respect to the discharge of water onto adjacent properties.
(4)
Private stables and the keeping of horses shall be permitted only when the lot area is not less than two acres. Grazing areas shall be suitably fenced to contain the horses at all times. Buildings or structures used for the housing and stabling of horses shall be located in the rear yard not less than 50 feet from any property line and not less than 100 feet from any street line.
C.
Solar energy systems. Solar energy systems shall be permitted as an accessory use to a principal use permitted under this chapter. Systems shall be designed to supply no more power than required by the principal use on the property.
(1)
Roof-mounted solar energy systems shall not extend more than three feet above the existing roof plane and shall not exceed the maximum allowable height requirement for the district in which they are located.
(2)
Ground-mounted solar energy systems shall be permitted when authorized as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board. Such uses shall be subject to the general requirements of § 282-230 and the following specific standards:
(a)
Ground-mounted systems shall be set back from property lines a distance equal to the required setback for a principal building or a distance equal to the height of the system, whichever is greater. In all residential districts, the entire installation must be located behind the rear-most portion of the principal building.
(b)
Installation shall be designed such that any reflection is directed away or is properly buffered from adjoining properties.
(c)
The support structure shall be screened from adjoining properties by evergreen plantings.
(d)
The support structure shall be screened from adjoining residentially zoned properties by evergreen plantings.
D.
Generators. The placement of emergency generators shall be regulated as follows:
(1)
For nonresidential and multifamily residential use, emergency generators must comply with applicable building setbacks.
(2)
For all other residential uses, emergency generators may not be located within the required front yard and shall be set back from side and rear yards a distance not less than 50% of the applicable yard requirement in the district where they are located.
E.
Electric vehicle charging stations, when accessory to any permitted use other than a one- or two-family dwelling or townhouse, shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from any structure and shall be set back from property lines a distance equal to the required parking setback for the district in which they are located.
§ 282-203 Flag lots.
[Amended 8-9-2000 by Ord. No. 464; 12-8-2004 by Ord. No. 536; 6-27-2007 by Ord. No. 561; 10-23-2024 by Ord. No. 706]
No flag lot shall be hereafter created, except within the ER or RA-1 Zoning Districts and pursuant to the following conditions:
A.
The parcel of land being developed is of such a shape, size and configuration that the use of a flag lot(s) is a reasonable method of developing and providing access to the site.
B.
Calculation.
(1)
Flag lots are permissible based on the number of lots ultimately approved and/or developed on a parcel, as follows:
(a)
For subdivision up to three lots, one flag lot is permitted.
(b)
For subdivisions of four to 15 lots, two flag lots are permitted.
(c)
For subdivisions of 16 to 30 lots, three flag lots are permitted.
(d)
For subdivisions of 31 to 45 lots, four flag lots are permitted.
(e)
For subdivision of 46 or more lots, no more than five flag lots are permitted.
(2)
These calculations and the number of allowable flag lots shall be based on the configuration of the overall property/parcel(s) as of the effective date of this section. Where development is staged or approved/developed pursuant to subdivision applications submitted at different times, the total number of permissible flag lots is to be based on the total number of subdivided lots ultimately approved for the entire parcel as it was originally configured. A sketch plan indicating the overall development scheme envisioned for the entire parcel must be submitted with any application seeking subdivision of only a portion of the parcel.
C.
No more than two flag lot access strips may be located adjacent to each other, and any additional flag lot access strip to another such lot shall be separated by a full, standard lot width, as required by the district in which the land is located.
D.
The access strip serving any flag lot shall have a minimum width of 25 feet and shall not exceed 300 feet in length, as measured from the street right-of-way to the flag front line. No portion of the access strip shall be counted as a part of the required lot area.
E.
A single-family detached dwelling is the only type of dwelling unit or other use permitted upon a flag lot.
F.
A driveway serving a flag lot shall be a minimum of 16 feet in width for its entire length, shall be unobstructed for a height of 13 feet six inches, shall not exceed a 10% grade, shall be paved, and shall be capable of supporting a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds.
G.
The front yards of flag lots (the required yard closes to the street to which the flag lot gains access) must include a buffer planting, as required by § 250-38 of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, along the full width of the lot.
H.
Notwithstanding the general definition of front yard set forth in § 282-6 of this chapter, the front yard of any flag lot shall be a yard extending the full width of the lot and extending in depth from the flag front line to the nearest point of any structure on the lot.
I.
The required lot area and front yard dimension of flag lots shall be 150% of the minimum otherwise specified for the zoning district in which the lot is located.
J.
All flag lots shall be provided with stormwater management facilities designed to mitigate the effect of any existing drainage issues on the site as well as the expected increased runoff from proposed construction. All roof water, downspouts, and sump pump discharges shall be controlled as part of the stormwater management plan. Documentation necessary to evaluate compliance with this section shall be submitted with any subdivision application proposing to create a flag lot.
§ 282-204 Reverse frontage lots.
[Added 10-23-2024 by Ord. No. 706]
In the case of a reverse frontage lot, as defined in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, the following shall apply:
A.
All ingress and egress to the lot shall be from the street of lesser classification.
B.
The yard adjacent to the street with a greater classification shall be considered a rear yard for zoning purposes.
C.
Any wall or fence erected within the rear yard as defined above shall be a minimum of five feet from the street right-of-way and shall have a maximum height of six feet.
D.
All improvements shall be designed and constructed so as to maintain clear and unobstructed visibility along the street frontage.
§ 282-205 Conditional uses.
[Amended 11-24-2003 by Ord. No. 513; 5-14-1997 by Ord. No. 420KK; 10-23-2024 by Ord. No. 706]
A.
The purpose of this section is to provide for conditional uses as otherwise set forth in this chapter which are of an unusual nature so that their operation may give rise to unique problems with respect to their impact upon neighboring properties or public facilities.
B.
The following criteria shall be utilized by the Board of Commissioners when acting upon any conditional use application and it shall be the burden of the applicant to prove conformity with these criteria:
(1)
Where applicable, there shall be market analysis showing need and impact of the proposed use.
(2)
That the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the conditional use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, comfort or general welfare.
(3)
That the conditional use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of the properties in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted nor substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood.
(4)
That the establishment of the conditional use will not impede the normal and orderly development or improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the district.
(5)
That adequate utility access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or are being provided beyond those normally contemplated for the neighboring properties.
(6)
That adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress and egress designed so as to minimize traffic congestion on public streets beyond what the normal impact would be by a permitted use.
C.
Application for conditional use. All applications for conditional use shall be made to the Board of Commissioners in writing. The application shall contain all of the information customarily provided for applications to the Zoning Hearing Board as well as any information specified elsewhere in this chapter for the particular conditional use being requested. Application fees and costs shall be established from time to time by resolution of the Board of Commissioners in the case of a change or amendment to the Zoning Map or this chapter.
D.
Notice. Public notice shall be given and written notice shall be given to the applicant, the Zoning Officer and to any person who has made timely request for the same. Written notices shall be given at such time and in such manner as shall be prescribed by rules of the Board of Commissioners. In addition to the written notice provided herein, written notice of said hearing shall be conspicuously posted on the affected tract of land at least one week prior to the hearing.
E.
The hearing shall be held within 60 days from the date of the applicant's request, unless the applicant has agreed in writing to an extension of time.
F.
The Board of Commissioners shall render a written decision or, when no decision is called for, make written findings on the application within 45 days after the last hearing before the Board.
G.
Unless otherwise specified by the Board of Commissioners, a conditional use approval shall expire if the applicant fails to obtain a permit in connection therewith within one year of the date of the order. In those instances where land development/subdivision approval is a prerequisite to obtaining a building permit, the Board's order shall expire if the applicant fails to make a diligent effort to obtain such approval within six months following the date of the order. Upon receipt of land development/subdivision approval, the order shall expire if a building permit is not obtained within six months of the date of land development approval.
§ 282-206 Placement of electric vehicle charging stations for all nonresidential and multifamily properties.
[Added 2-26-2025 by Ord. No. 708]
A.
An EVCS providing a Level 3 charge, or an EVCS providing a 480+ volt charging outlet, shall not be installed inside or under any structures or buildings, or inside, under, or on the top of any structure or building including, without limitation, a structured parking lot.
B.
In a surface parking lot, the entirety of an EVCS providing a Level 2 or Level 3 charge, including the vehicle parking space area, shall be separate from the following materials and structures by the defined distance:
Item | Distance (ft) |
|---|---|
Means of ingress/egress or emergency exit pathway | 50 |
Buildings/structures | 20 |
Utility poles | 25 |
Utility distribution infrastructure deemed to pose a potential public safety hazard | 25 |
Fuel tank or gas pump | 25 |
Electrical meters, gas meters, or gas pipes | 25 |
C.
In a structured parking lot, the entirety of an EVCS providing a Level 2 charge, including the vehicle parking space area, shall be separate from the following materials and structures by the defined distance:
Item | Distance (ft) |
|---|---|
Means of ingress/egress or emergency exit pathway | 50 |
Utility poles | 25 |
Utility distribution infrastructure deemed to pose a potential public safety hazard | 25 |
Electrical meters, gas meters, or gas pipes | 25 |
D.
All Level 2 and Level 3 EVCS shall be installed at parking spaces in compliance with § 250-40 of the Hatfield SALDO.
E.
All Level 3 EVCS shall not be installed under a canopy.
F.
All Level 2 and Level 3 EVCS shall include approved signage, which includes the following information: voltage and amperage levels, hours of operation, tow-away provisions, usage fees, safety information and contact information for reporting when the EVCS is not operating or other problems.
G.
All EVCS equipment shall be separated from associated parking spaces by bollards or other approved impact protection to shield the EVCS from damage.
H.
These subsection requirements shall apply to parking and loading areas for all nonresidential buildings and multifamily dwellings and shall not apply to single-family or two-family or townhouse dwelling types.
§ 282-206.1 Permitting process of electric vehicle charging stations.
[Added 2-26-2025 by Ord. No. 708]
A.
An electrical permit shall be obtained from the Township prior to a new installation or modifications of an existing EVCS. The electrical installation/modification shall be approved by Hatfield Township Safety and Code Enforcement Department and Hatfield Township's approved electrical inspection agency.
B.
All existing EVCS installed without an approved permit from the Township shall obtain a permit and shall be inspected for compliance with Hatfield Township's requirements. Any noncompliant items, including the separation requirements found in § 282-206B above shall be corrected and approved by the Township in a timeframe established by the Township.
§ 282-207 Access to a public street.
[Amended 8-9-2000 by Ord. No. 464]
Except for flag lots created pursuant to this chapter, each and every lot hereafter created shall abut a public street for a minimum distance equal to 75% of the required lot width for the zoning district in which the lot is located.
§ 282-208 Yards for corner lots.
[Amended 10-23-2024 by Ord. No. 706]
In the case of lots with more than one street frontage, other than reverse frontage lots as regulated in § 282-204, yards abutting a street shall be treated as front yards with respect to all regulations contained in this chapter. The first of any remaining yards on such lots shall be treated as a rear yard, and any other yards shall be treated as side yards.
§ 282-209 Exterior storage of motor vehicles and junk.
The exterior storage of motor vehicles is prohibited in all residential districts. The exterior storage of junk is prohibited in all districts.
§ 282-210 Home occupations.
[Amended 10-23-2024 by Ord. No. 706]
Home occupations as defined in Article II and permitted under the provisions of this chapter shall comply with the following regulations and standards:
A.
The occupation shall be conducted only by members of the family residing on the premises and shall be conducted entirely within the dwelling or a building accessory thereto.
B.
No more than one additional person (not a resident in the dwelling) shall be employed by the practitioner of the home occupation to provide secretarial, clerical or other similar assistance.
C.
No article may be sold or offered for sale that is not produced by members of the immediate family residing on the premises.
D.
There shall be no public display of goods on the premises.
E.
Parking for any home occupation shall be provided in accordance with Article XXIV, Off-Street Parking and Loading, and shall be no closer than 25 feet to any property line.
F.
The space devoted to any home occupation shall not exceed 400 square feet.
G.
A no-impact home-based business, as defined in Article II, is permitted as an accessory use to any residential use.
§ 282-211 Wireless communications antennas.
[Added 2-25-1998 by Ord. No. 420SS]
In recognition of the quasi-public nature of wireless communications systems, the following regulations shall apply:
A.
Legislative intent.
(1)
To accommodate the need for wireless communications antennas while regulating their location and number in the Township.
(2)
To minimize adverse visual effects of wireless communications antennas and antenna support structures through proper design, siting and vegetative screening.
(3)
To avoid potential damage to adjacent properties from antenna support structure failure and falling ice through engineering and proper siting of antenna support structures.
(4)
To encourage the joint use of any new antenna support structures to reduce the number of such structures needed in the future.
B.
Use regulations.
(1)
A wireless communication site with antenna that is attached to an existing communications tower, smoke stack, water tower or other tall structure is permitted in all zoning districts. The height of the antenna shall not exceed the height of the existing structure by more than 15 feet.
(2)
A site with antenna that is not mounted on an existing structure is prohibited in any residential district or within 200 feet of a residential district. Such sites may be located in nonresidential districts when authorized by special exception.
(3)
All other uses ancillary to the antenna and associated equipment (including a business office, maintenance depot, vehicle storage, etc.) are prohibited from the site, unless otherwise permitted in the zoning district in which the site is located.
C.
Standards of approval of special exceptions. In addition to the standards contained in § 282-230, the following standards shall apply; the burden of proof rests with the applicant:
(1)
The communications company is required to demonstrate, using technological evidence, that the antenna must go where it is proposed in order to satisfy its function in the company's grid system.
(2)
If the communications company proposes to build a tower (as opposed to mounting the antenna on an existing structure), it is required to demonstrate that it contacted the owners of buildings or structures tall enough to accommodate the needs of the proposed user within a one-fourth-mile radius of the site proposed, asked permission to install the antenna on those structures and was denied for reasons other than economic ones. This includes, without limitation, smoke stacks, water towers, tall buildings, antenna support structures of other communications companies, other communications towers (fire, police, etc.) and other tall structures. The Township may deny the application to construct a new tower if the applicant has not made a good faith effort to mount the antenna on an existing structure.
(3)
Shared use. In order to reduce the number of antenna support structures needed in the community in the future, the proposed support structure shall be required to accommodate other users, including other communication companies and local police, fire and ambulance companies. If rental is charged, it must be demonstrated to be commercially reasonable.
D.
Standards of approval of all wireless communication antenna.
(1)
Antenna height. The applicant shall demonstrate that the antenna is the minimum height required to function satisfactorily. In any case, the maximum height of a new antenna shall be 200 feet.
(2)
Setbacks from the base of antenna support structure. If a new antenna support structure is constructed (as opposed to mounting the antenna on an existing structure), the minimum distance between the base of the support structure or any guy wire anchors and any property line shall be the largest of the following:
(a)
Antenna height.
(b)
The minimum setback in the underlying zoning district.
(c)
Forty feet.
(3)
Antenna support structure safety. The applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed antenna and support structure are safe and the surrounding areas will not be negatively affected by support structure failure, falling ice or other debris, electromagnetic fields or radio frequency interference. All support structures shall be fitted with anti-climbing devices, as approved by the manufacturers.
(4)
Fencing. A fence shall be required around the antenna support structure and other equipment, unless the antenna is mounted on an existing structure. The fence shall be six feet in height.
(5)
Landscaping. In addition to the landscaping requirements of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance,[1] the following landscaping shall be required to screen as much of the support structure as possible, the fence surrounding the support structure and any other ground level features (such as a building), and in general soften the appearance of the site. The Township may permit any combination of existing vegetation, topography, walls, decorative fences or other features instead of landscaping if they achieve the same degree of screening as the required landscaping. If the antenna is mounted on an existing structure and other equipment is housed inside an existing structure, landscaping shall not be required.
(a)
An evergreen screen shall be required to surround the site. The screen can be either a hedge (planted three feet on center maximum) or a row of evergreen trees (planted 10 feet on center maximum) . The evergreen screen shall be a minimum height of six feet at planting and shall grow a minimum of 15 feet at maturity.
(b)
In addition, existing vegetation on and around the site shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 250, Subdivision and Land Development.
(6)
In order to reduce the number of antenna support structures needed in the community in the future, the proposed support structure shall be required to accommodate other users, including other communication companies and local police, fire and ambulance companies. If rental is charge, it must be demonstrated to be commercially reasonable.
(7)
The communication company must demonstrate that it is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.
(8)
Required parking. If the site is fully automated, adequate parking shall be required for maintenance workers. If the site is not automated, the number of required parking spaces shall equal the number of people on the largest shift.
(9)
Antenna support structures should be painted silver or have a galvanized finish retained in order to reduce the visual impact. Support structures may be painted green up to the height of nearby trees. No antenna support structure may be artificially lighted, except when required by the FAA or by the Township.
(10)
A full site plan shall be required for all sites, showing the antenna, antenna support structure, building, fencing, buffering, access and all other items required in the Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[2] The site plan shall not be required if the antenna is to be mounted on an existing structure.
[2]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 250, Subdivision and Land Development.
(11)
The support structure's foundation shall be designed to accommodate a two-hundred-foot antenna, regardless of the initial installation.
§ 282-211.1 Small wireless facilities within public rights-of-way.
[Added 10-27-2021 by Ord. No. 698A]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish policies and procedures for the placement of small wireless facilities and associated utility poles in rights-of-way within the Township of Hatfield's jurisdiction, which will provide public benefit consistent with the preservation of the integrity, safe usage, and visual qualities of the Township's rights-of-way and the Township as a whole.
B.
Intent. In enacting this section, the Township is establishing uniform standards to address issues presented by small wireless facilities within the public rights-of-way, including, without limitation, to:
(1)
Limit interference with the use of streets, sidewalks, alleys, parkways, public utilities, public views, certain Township corridors, and other public ways and places.
(2)
Limit the creation of visual and physical obstructions and other conditions that are hazardous to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
(3)
Limit interference with the facilities and operations of facilities lawfully located in rights-of-way or public property.
(4)
Limit environmental damage, including damage to trees.
(5)
Respect the character of the neighborhoods and other areas in which facilities are installed.
C.
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ANTENNA
An apparatus designed for the purpose of emitting radiofrequency (RF) signals, to be operated or operating from a fixed location for the provision of personal wireless service and any commingled information services.
APPLICABLE CODES
Zoning, uniform building, fire, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical codes adopted by a recognized national code organization, or local amendments to those codes, enacted solely to address imminent threats of destruction of property or injury to persons, to the extent not inconsistent with this section.
APPLICANT
A person or entity that submits a siting application, and the agents, employees, and contractors of such person or entity.
APPLICATION
A request submitted by an applicant to a municipality:
(1)
For a permit to install or co-locate small wireless facilities; or
(2)
To approve the installation, modification or replacement of a utility pole associated with a co-located small wireless facility.
CO-LOCATE or CO-LOCATION
To install, mount, maintain, modify or replace small wireless facilities on an existing utility pole or other wireless support structure.
CODE
The Code of Ordinances of Hatfield Township.
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER
A cable operator, as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 522(5); a provider of information service, as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 153(24); a telecommunications carrier, as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 153(51); or a wireless provider.
DAY
Calendar day.
EMERGENCY
A condition that:
(1)
Constitutes a clear and immediate danger to the health, welfare, or safety of the public; or
(2)
Has caused or is likely to cause facilities in the right-of-way to be unusable and result in loss of the services provided.
FCC
The Federal Communications Commission of the United States.
LAW
Federal, state, or local law, statute, common law, code, rule, regulation, order, or ordinance.
MICRO WIRELESS FACILITY
A wireless facility that meets the following qualifications:
(1)
Does not exceed two cubic feet in volume; and
(2)
Has an exterior antenna no longer than 11 inches.
PERMIT
A written authorization required by the Township to perform an action or initiate, continue, or complete a project.
PERSON
An individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust, or other entity or organization, including the Township.
RIGHT-OF-WAY or ROW
The area on, below, or above a roadway, highway, street, sidewalk, alley, utility easement, or similar property, but not including a federal interstate highway, in the Township.
SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY
A facility that meets each of the following conditions:
(1)
The structure on which antenna facilities are mounted is 50 feet or less in height;
(2)
Each antenna (excluding associated antenna equipment) is cumulatively no more than three cubic feet in volume;
(3)
All antenna equipment associated with the facility (excluding antennas) are cumulatively no more than 28 cubic feet in volume;
(4)
The facility does not require antenna structure registration under 47 CFR Part 17; and
(5)
The facility does not result in human exposure to radiofrequency radiation in excess of the applicable safety standards specified in 47 CFR 1.1307(b).
TOWNSHIP
Hatfield Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
UTILITY POLE
A pole or similar structure that is used in whole or in part for the purpose of carrying or providing lateral support to electric distribution lines or cables or wires for telecommunications, cable or electric service, or for lighting.
WIRELESS FACILITY
Equipment at a fixed location that enables wireless communications between user equipment and a communications network, including: 1) equipment associated with wireless communications; and 2) radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, regular and backup power supplies, and comparable equipment, regardless of technological configuration. The term includes small wireless facilities. The term does not include the structure or improvements on, under, or within which the equipment is co-located.
WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDER
Any person, including a person authorized to provide telecommunications service in the state, that builds or installs wireless communication transmission equipment, wireless facilities, or wireless support structures, but that is not a wireless services provider.
WIRELESS PROVIDER
A wireless infrastructure provider or a wireless services provider.
WIRELESS SERVICES
Any services, whether at a fixed location or mobile, provided to the public using wireless facilities.
WIRELESS SERVICES PROVIDER
A person who provides wireless services.
WIRELESS SUPPORT STRUCTURE
A freestanding structure, such as a monopole; tower, either guyed or self-supporting; existing billboard; or other existing or proposed permitted structure designed to support or capable of supporting wireless facilities. Such term shall not include a utility pole.
D.
Permitted use; application and fees.
(1)
Permit required. No person shall place a small wireless facility or associated utility pole in the ROW without first filing an application and obtaining a permit therefor, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(2)
Application. All applications for permits filed pursuant to this section shall be on a form, paper or electronic, provided by the Township. The applicant may designate portions of its application materials that it reasonably believes contain proprietary or confidential information as "proprietary" or "confidential" by clearly marking each page of such materials accordingly.
(3)
Application requirements. An application shall be made by the wireless provider or its duly authorized representative, and shall contain the following:
(a)
The wireless provider's name, address, telephone number, and email address.
(b)
The applicant's name, address, telephone number, and email address, if different than the wireless provider, and its interest in the work.
(c)
The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of all consultants, if any, acting on behalf of the applicant with respect to the filing of the application.
(d)
A general description of the proposed work and the purposes and intent of the small wireless facility. The scope and detail of such description shall be appropriate to the nature and character of the work to be performed, with special emphasis on those matters likely to be affected or impacted by the work proposed.
(e)
A site plan, with sufficient detail to show the proposed location of items the applicant seeks to install in the ROW, including any manholes or poles, the size, type, and depth of any conduit or enclosure.
(f)
An attestation that the small wireless facilities will be fully constructed by a wireless services provider within one year after the permit issuance date, unless the Township and the applicant agree to extend this period.
(g)
An attestation that, to the best of the applicant's knowledge, the information contained in the application is true.
(4)
When application not required. An application shall not be required for:
(a)
Routine maintenance;
(b)
The replacement of a small wireless facility with another small wireless facility that is substantially similar or the same size or smaller and still qualifies as a small wireless facility; or
(c)
The installation, placement, maintenance, operation, or replacement of micro wireless facilities that are strung on cables between existing utility poles, in compliance with the National Electrical Safety Code.
(5)
Application fees. All applications for permits shall be accompanied by a fee of $500 for a single up-front application that includes up to five small wireless facilities, with an additional $100 for each small wireless facility beyond five; and $1,000 in nonrecurring fees for each new or replacement utility pole. Fees must be in compliance with the Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act ("Act"), 53 P.S. § 11704.1 et seq., and can be changed by resolution of the Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners.
(6)
Right-of-way management fee. The owner of the small wireless facilities shall pay a right-of-way management fee of $270 per small wireless facility by January 30 of every year. Fees must be in compliance with the Act and can be changed by resolution of the Hatfield Township Board of Commissioners.
(7)
Consolidated applications.
(a)
An applicant may submit a consolidated application for up to 20 small wireless facilities, if all the small wireless facilities in the consolidated application are substantially the same type.
(b)
If the Township denies the application for one or more small wireless facilities in a consolidated application, the Township may not use the denial as a basis to delay the application process of any other small wireless facility in the same consolidated application.
(c)
A single permit may be issued for siting and collocating multiple small wireless facilities spaced to provide wireless coverage in a contiguous area.
E.
Action on permit applications.
(1)
Review of small wireless facility and utility pole applications.
(a)
Within 10 days of receiving an initial application, the Township will determine and notify the applicant whether the application is materially complete. If an application is materially incomplete, as determined in the Township's discretion, the Township will specifically identify the missing documents or information, and the specific rule or regulation creating the obligation to submit such documents or information. The shot clock set forth in Subsection E(1)(b) shall restart at zero on the date which the applicant submits all the documents and information identified by the Township to make the application complete. If the applicant's supplemental submission fails to make the application complete, and the Township notifies the applicant within 10 days of the supplemental submission and clearly and specifically identifies the missing documents or information, the applicable shot clock set forth in Subsection E(1)(b) shall be tolled until the applicant provides the missing documents and information. The shot clock resumes (the date calculation does not restart) to run on the date when the applicant submits all the documents and information identified by the Township to render the application complete.
(b)
All applications shall be processed on a nondiscriminatory basis, and the Township shall approve or deny an application for:
[1]
Co-location of small wireless facility on an existing, permitted structure within 60 days of receipt of the application; or
[2]
Within 90 days for applications to deploy a small wireless facility using a new, permitted structure.
(c)
An applicant and the Township may enter into a written agreement to toll the time periods set forth in Subsection E(1)(b).
(d)
If the Township fails to issue a decision on an application for a small wireless facility within the required time periods set forth in Subsection E(1)(b) of this section, the application shall be deemed approved.
(e)
The Township may deny a proposed co-location of a small wireless facility or installation or modification of a utility pole only if the proposed application:
[1]
Interferes with the safe operation of traffic control equipment.
[2]
Interferes with sight lines or clear zones for transportation or pedestrians.
[3]
Interferes with compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar federal or state standards regarding pedestrian access or movement.
[4]
Fails to comply with reasonable and nondiscriminatory spacing requirements that apply to other communications service providers and electric utilities in the ROW and that concern the location of ground-mounted equipment and new utility poles. Such spacing requirements shall not prevent a small wireless facility from serving any location.
[5]
Fails to comply with applicable codes.
[6]
Fails to comply with the requirements in Subsection F of this section.
(f)
The Township shall document the basis for a denial, including the specific code provisions on which the denial was based, and send the documentation to the applicant on or before the day the Township denies an application. The applicant may cure the deficiencies identified by the Township and resubmit the application within 30 days of the denial without paying an additional application fee. The Township shall approve or deny the revised application within 30 days. Any subsequent review shall be limited to the deficiencies cited in the denial.
(2)
Permit scope and effect. Installation, modification, or co-location for which a permit is granted pursuant to this section shall be completed within one year after the permit issuance date unless the Township and the applicant agree to extend this period or a delay is caused by the lack of commercial power or communications facilities at the site. Approval of an application authorizes the applicant to:
(a)
Undertake the installation, modification, or co-location; and
(b)
Subject to applicable relocation requirements and the applicant's right to terminate at any time, operate and maintain the small wireless facilities and any associated utility pole covered by the permit for a period of not less than 10 years.
(3)
Authority granted; no property right or other interest created. A permit from the Township authorizes an applicant to undertake only certain activities in accordance with this section, and does not create a property right or grant authority to the applicant to impinge upon the rights of others who may already have an interest in the ROW.
F.
Small wireless facilities in the ROW; maximum height; other requirements.
(1)
Technical requirements. Small wireless facilities and utility poles installed to support small wireless facilities in the ROW shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)
Each new or modified small wireless facility installed in the right-of-way shall be installed on an existing utility pole or a new utility pole subject to the following:
[1]
The installation of a small wireless facility on an existing utility pole shall not extend more than five feet above the existing utility pole.
[2]
If co-location on an existing utility pole cannot be achieved under Section 4(i) of the Act,[1] a small wireless facility may be installed on a new or replacement utility pole. The maximum permitted height of the facility, which shall include the utility pole and small wireless facility, shall not be taller than 50 feet above ground level.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 11704.4(i).
(b)
Maximum size. The small wireless facility must conform to the size and height limitations as defined for a small wireless facility in this section.
(c)
Utility poles. Utility pole installations, modifications, and replacements relating to small wireless facility co-locations shall be fabricated from material having a degree of strength capable of supporting the small wireless facility, and shall be capable of withstanding wind forces and ice loads in accordance with applicable standards. A modification, installation, or replacement shall be securely bound in accordance with applicable engineering standards.
(d)
Color. To the extent technically feasible, small wireless facilities shall be of a color that is consistent with or most blends into the structure on which they are installed, unless a different color, approved by the Township, is needed for public safety or service reliability reasons.
(e)
Wiring and cabling. Wires and cables connecting the antenna and appurtenances serving the small wireless facility shall be installed in accordance with the version of the National Electrical Code and National Electrical Safety Code adopted by the Township and in force at the time of installation. In no event shall wiring and cabling serving the small wireless facility interfere with any wiring or cabling installed by a cable television or video service operator, electric utility, or telephone utility.
(f)
Guy wires restricted. Guy wires and similar support structures may not be used as part of the installation of any small wireless facility, unless the small wireless facility is proposed to be attached to an existing utility pole that incorporated guy wires prior to the date of the small wireless application.
(g)
Grounding. The small wireless facility, including any ground-mounted equipment, shall be grounded in accordance with the requirements of the most current edition of the National Electrical Code adopted by the Township regarding grounding of wireless facilities.
(h)
Signage. Other than the minimal size of warning or notification signs as required by federal law or regulations, or small identification and location markings, a small wireless facility shall not have signs installed thereon.
(i)
Access. Wireless providers and their employees, agents, and contractors shall have the right of access to utility poles, wireless support structures, and small wireless facilities in the ROW at all times for purposes consistent with this section.
(2)
Other requirements. A wireless provider that seeks to co-locate small wireless facilities or install or modify a utility pole supporting small wireless facilities shall be subject to the following requirements:
(a)
Small wireless facilities shall be located such that they do not interfere with a public health or safety facility, such as, but not limited to, a fire hydrant, fire station, fire escape, water valve, underground vault, valve housing structure, or any other public health or safety facility. New utility poles and small wireless facilities shall not be installed directly over any water, sewer, or reuse main or service line.
(b)
To the extent technically feasible, new utility poles installed to support small wireless facilities shall be made of the same or similar material as existing poles in the immediate area.
(c)
Any tree-disturbing activity necessary for the installation or co-location of small wireless facilities and utility poles installed to support them shall comply with any applicable Shade Tree Commission and Township Code and permitting requirements related to tree trimming and/or removal.
(d)
Small wireless facilities and utility poles or wireless support structures on which they are co-located shall not be lighted or marked by artificial means, except when small wireless facilities are co-located on a light pole or where illumination is specifically required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other federal, state, or local regulations.
(e)
A wireless provider shall repair, at its sole cost and expense, any damages, including, but not limited to, subsidence, cracking, erosion, collapse, weakening, or loss of lateral support to the Township's streets, sidewalks, walks, curbs, gutters, trees, parkways, street lights, traffic signals, improvements of any kind or nature, or utility lines and systems, underground utility line and systems, or sewer or water systems and water and sewer lines directly resulting from any activities performed in connection with the installation and/or maintenance of a wireless facility in the ROW. The wireless provider shall restore such areas, structures, and systems to substantially the same condition in which they existed prior to the installation or maintenance that necessitated the repairs.
(f)
Small wireless facilities shall blend in with the surrounding environment or be otherwise concealed to the extent practicable.
(g)
Wireless support structures installed or replaced in order to accommodate attached small wireless facilities shall be a minimum of two feet from any sidewalk, path or trail and shall not obstruct vehicular, pedestrian, or cyclist traffic or sight lines.
(h)
Antenna placement shall not materially impair light, air, or views from adjacent windows.
(i)
Pole-mounted accessory equipment shall be mounted to provide a minimum of eight feet vertical clearance from ground level.
(j)
All accessory equipment shall be contained within a single equipment shroud or cabinet. Such equipment shroud or cabinet shall be of the smallest dimensions technically feasible.
(k)
No accessory equipment shall feature any visible lighting, including flashing indicator lights, unless required by state or federal law.
(l)
To the extent technically feasible, no new wireless support structure shall be installed:
[1]
In the front facade area of any residential structure.
[2]
Within 10 feet of the edge of any driveway.
[3]
In the public rights-of-way directly opposite any driveway.
(3)
Underground provision. Small wireless facilities shall not be located in a right-of-way in which all utility installations are presently underground.
G.
Removal, relocation, or modification of small wireless facility in the ROW.
(1)
Notice. Within 90 days following written notice from the Township, wireless provider shall, at its own expense, protect, support, temporarily or permanently disconnect, remove, relocate, change, or alter the position of any small wireless facilities or utility pole for which it has a permit hereunder whenever the Township has determined that such removal, relocation, change or alteration is reasonably necessary for the construction, repair, maintenance, or installation of any Township improvement in or upon, or the operations of the Township in or upon, the ROW. In such cases the Township shall work with the provider to allow for continuity of service and use of an alternative location as needed.
(2)
Emergency removal or relocation of facilities. The Township retains the right to cut or move any small wireless facilities or utility poles located within the ROW, as the Township may determine to be necessary, appropriate, or useful in response to any public health or safety emergency. If circumstances permit, the Township shall notify the wireless provider and provide it an opportunity to move its small wireless facilities or utility poles prior to cutting or removing them, and in all circumstances shall promptly notify the wireless provider after cutting or removing a small wireless facility or utility pole.
(3)
Abandonment of facilities. The Township may require a wireless provider to remove an abandoned small wireless facility or utility pole permitted hereunder within 180 days of abandonment. Should the wireless provider fail to timely remove the abandoned small wireless facility or utility pole, the Township, upon providing 30 days' prior written notice to provider, may remove the small wireless facility or utility pole to be removed and may recover the actual cost of such removal from the wireless provider. A small wireless facility or utility pole shall be deemed abandoned at the earlier of the date that the wireless provider indicates in any way that it is abandoning the small wireless facility or utility pole, or the date that is 180 days after the date that the small wireless facility or utility pole ceases to be used, unless the wireless provider gives the Township reasonable evidence that it is diligently working to place the small wireless facility or utility pole back in service.
§ 282-212 Notice.
[Added 5-10-2000 by Ord. No. 462]
Public notice shall be given by the applicant for any major land development or subdivision at such time and in such manner as shall be prescribed by rules of the Township Board of Commissioners. In addition to this notice, written notice shall be conspicuously posted on the affected tract of land at least 10 days prior to the first appearance of the applicant before the Township Planning Commission.
§ 282-213 Adult uses.
[Added 4-23-2003 by Ord. No. 507]
In order to establish an adult use, the following criteria must be satisfied in addition to any other applicable criteria set forth in this chapter and/or elsewhere. No adult use may be established:
A.
Less than 500 feet from any residential use or residential zoning district.
B.
Less than 750 feet from the ultimate right-of-way of a road or street with an ultimate right-of-way greater than 50 feet wide.
C.
Less than 750 feet from any business enterprise oriented primarily toward children.
D.
Less than 1,000 feet from any church, hospital, school and/or park.
E.
Less than 1,000 feet from any other adult use.
F.
Less than 1,500 feet from a municipal boundary.
§ 282-213.1 Outdoor solid-fuel-burning appliances.
[Added 5-12-2010 by Ord. No. 601]
An outdoor solid-fuel-burning appliance shall be operated for the sole purpose of furnishing heat and/or hot water to a principal or accessory structure pursuant to the following criteria:
A.
Outdoor solid-fuel-burning appliances shall be permitted only in the ER Estate Residential District, the RA-1 Residential District and the LI Light Industrial District and shall not be permitted in any other zoning districts.
B.
An outdoor solid-fuel-burning appliance shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from all property lines.
C.
Only natural, untreated wood and/or fuel as recommended by the appliance manufacturer shall be burned in an outdoor solid-fuel-burning appliance. Items such as, but not limited to, garbage, household trash or rubbish, waste oil, plastic, newspapers or magazines, asphalt products, rubber and/or any material not recommended by the appliance manufacturer are prohibited from being burned in the appliance.
D.
All outdoor solid-fuel-burning appliances that are used in Hatfield Township shall be manufactured to meet or exceed the most recent standards for manufacture of outdoor solid-fuel-burning appliances promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or any other federal or state agency which promulgates regulations regarding the manufacture of such appliances, whichever is more strict. Outdoor solid-fuel-burning appliances that are not labeled as being certified at least Phase 2 by the EPA are prohibited.
E.
All outdoor solid-fuel-burning appliances must be UL-approved and must be installed in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.
F.
Prior to installing or operating an outdoor solid-fuel-burning appliance, a permit must be obtained from the Hatfield Township Safety and Code Enforcement Department. Proof of compliance with all of the provisions of this section shall be required prior to the issuance of a permit. A permit may be revoked at any time by Hatfield Township for violation of any provision of this section.
