Hopewell Township Washington County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Special Exceptions
§ 320-701 Application and approval procedures.
A.
Considerations and safeguards.
(1)
In considering an application for approval of a use by special exception, the Zoning Hearing Board may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards in conformity with the spirit and intent of this chapter. A violation of such conditions and safeguards, when made part of the terms and conditions under which approval of a use by special exception is granted, shall be deemed a violation of this chapter.
(2)
Expiration of approval of use by special exception.
(a)
Approval of a use by special exception shall expire automatically without written notice to the applicant if an application for a building permit or zoning certificate to undertake the construction for the authorized occupancy described in the application for approval of the use by special exception is not submitted within 12 months of said approval.
(b)
The Zoning Hearing Board, in its sole discretion, may grant an extension of the special exception upon receipt of a written request by the applicant prior to the expiration date of approval. Only a one-time twelve-month extension may be granted.
(c)
Expiration of approval of use by special exception granted prior to effective date of this chapter. Approval of a use by special exception granted prior to the effective date of this chapter shall expire automatically without written notice to the applicant if an application for a grading permit, building permit or zoning certificate to undertake the construction or authorize the occupancy described in the application for approval of the use by special exception is not received submitted within 12 months of the effective date of this chapter or as specified in the approval.
§ 320-702 Specific criteria for special exceptions.
A.
It is the intent of this section to set forth the specific conditions that apply to the grant of a special exception by the Municipal Zoning Hearing Board.
B.
In addition to the minimum conditions contained in the performance standards of each special exception use, the applicant must demonstrate that the following conditions have been addressed to the maximum extent applicable:
(1)
The Municipal Zoning Hearing Board shall find that the use will not adversely affect the health or safety of residents in the neighborhood or district in which the use is located.
(2)
The Municipal Zoning Hearing Board shall find that the use will not overburden existing public services, including water, sanitary sewer, public roads, storm drainage or other public improvements.
(3)
The Municipal Zoning Hearing Board shall find that the use will not be detrimental to the use or development of, or change the essential character of, the neighborhood or district in which the use is proposed. The municipal elected officials shall consider, at a minimum, the impact of noise, dust, light, odor and adequacy of parking.
(4)
The use shall meet all other requirements of this chapter that may apply.
(5)
The minimum lot area shall be one acre when the use relies on an on-lot septic system.
C.
The Municipal Zoning Hearing Board may attach such reasonable conditions to the grant of a special exception to implement the policy, goals and community development objectives.