Lower Macungie Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
PART 5
R - RURAL DISTRICT
§ 27-501 Purpose.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
The purpose of this district is to encourage the continuation of farming, maintain the existing low residential density, and to encourage the preservation of open space, wooded areas, steep slopes and stream valleys. Farming should be encouraged to continue and there should be no undue restrictions on agricultural operations. Single-family homes on scattered lots and small subdivisions are permitted, but large subdivisions are discouraged.
§ 27-502 Uses Permitted by Right.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The uses permitted by right in this zoning district are available in Exhibit 1: Zoning Use Matrix[1] of this chapter, which are conditioned on the requirements of Part 24 and provided the use type, dimensional and all other applicable requirements of this chapter are met.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said exhibit is included as an attachment to this chapter.
§ 27-503 Uses Permitted by Condition.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
The conditional uses allowed in this zoning district are available in Exhibit 1: Zoning Use Matrix, and their accessory uses may be permitted following a review and recommendation by the Planning Commission in accordance with the provisions of Part 24, any other applicable provisions listed herein, and approval of the Board of Commissioners.
§ 27-504 Uses Permitted by Special Exception.
§ 27-505 Accessory Uses.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Accessory uses or structures on the same lot which are customarily incidental to the permitted use and primary structure are permitted by right. Only the following accessory uses are permitted in this part. These uses shall comply with all yard regulations, except as modified by the provisions contained within § 27-1708, Residential Accessory Uses.
A.
Accessory recreational agricultural activity.
B.
Accessory residential dwelling.
C.
Amateur radio antennas.
D.
Clubhouse, swimming pool, community recreation owned and operated by a homeowners' association or condominium association.
E.
Farm stand.
F.
Home occupation.
G.
Solar panels.
H.
Temporary structure or use.
I.
Winery.
§ 27-506 Lot Area, Width, Building Coverage, Height Regulations.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
The following dimensional requirements in this section and § 27-507 apply to each use permitted in the R District by right, by condition and by special exception, subject to further applicable provisions of this chapter. The most restrictive dimensional requirement for each use shall apply.
Principal Use | Minimum Lot Area (acres) | Minimum Lot Width (feet) | Maximum Building Coverage | Maximum Impervious Coverage | Maximum Building and Structure Height Unless Otherwise Specified (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Single-family detached | 2 | 150 | 5% | 15% | 35 |
Farmstead | 10 | 300 | 15% | 25% | 35 |
Golf course | 50 | 300 | 15% | 25% | 35 |
Greenhouse Nursery | 3 | 200 | 30% | 40% | 35 |
Agriculture | 10 | 300 | — | — | — |
Animal husbandry | 10 | 300 | 15% | 25% | 35 |
Place of worship | 3 | 200 | 20% | 40% | 35 |
Public utility structures, necessary for transmission such as well house, switching station, etc. | No minimum | None | None | None | 35 |
All other uses unless otherwise specified | 3 | 200 | 15% | 25% | 35 |
§ 27-507 Minimum Yard Requirements.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
Principal Use | Front Yard | Side Yard | Rear Yard |
|---|---|---|---|
All structures unless otherwise specified | 35 feet | 35 feet | 35 feet |
Side and rear yards are in addition to buffer yards except as provided in § 27-1803. See Figure 1F in Exhibit 2: Typical Residential Lot Layouts for example. |
§ 27-508 Special Regulations in the R-Rural Residential District.
[Ord. No. 2019-10, 8/1/2019]
1.
Any new land development or subdivisions shall utilize architectural-grade cladding and enhanced architectural features on all newly constructed or renovated buildings.
2.
All roof mounted or nonresidential HVAC systems or building machinery shall be shielded from view utilizing appropriate screening as displayed in the Lower Macungie Township Design Guidelines.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said Design Guidelines are included as an attachment to this chapter.
3.
All new land development or subdivisions shall include illuminated monument entrance signs per this chapter and the Lower Macungie Township Design Guidelines with associated seasonal landscaping beds and plantings.
4.
All new land development or subdivisions shall naturalize all stormwater management features per this chapter and to the satisfaction of the Township.