Marlborough Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XII
R-1 Residential District
§ 275-94 Legislative intent.
In expansion of the declaration of legislative intent found in Article I, § 275-2 of this chapter, and the statement of community development objectives found in Article I, § 275-3 of this chapter, it is the intent of this article to maintain the rural character of the Township and promote the preservation of land and waterways which because of location or natural features have a unique character by:
A.
Preserving natural amenities, including woodlands, floodplains, steep slopes, stream valleys, and rock outcrops.
B.
Encouraging retention of woodlands, hedgerows, and other vegetation to moderate the effects of storms, absorb pollutants and noise, shelter wildlife, and provide a diverse natural environment.
C.
Maintaining natural and rural vistas, especially from public areas such as roads and waterways.
D.
Minimizing the impact of development on groundwater resources to ensure the continued availability of a reliable, safe, and adequate water supply.
E.
Preserving as much as possible the unique expanse of contiguous forest which extends into the Township, an expanse which constitutes the single largest forest within Bucks and Montgomery Counties, as identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Forestry.
§ 275-95 Permitted uses.
On any lot in the R-1 District, any one of the following uses, and no other, is permitted:
A.
Permitted uses.
(1)
Single-family detached dwelling.
(3)
Agriculture.
(4)
Natural open space uses of a passive nature and conducted out-of-doors, including wildlife sanctuary, forest preserve, nature center, and arboretum.
(5)
Game farm, fish hatchery, hunting or fishing preserve, or similar uses designed for the protection or propagation of wildlife.
(6)
Public utility facilities, provided the exterior architectural design shall be of a residential character and provided the property at no time be used for the storage of equipment or vehicles or that it be used for any other commercial purpose.
(8)
Municipal parks and recreation areas providing facilities for active recreation such as playing fields, tot lots and picnic areas.
B.
Conditional use. The following uses, when approved by the Board of Supervisors as a conditional use:
§ 275-96 Dimensional standards.
A.
Minimum developable lot area: two acres (87,120 square feet). [Note: Refer to Article XI for determination of actual allowable lot size(s).]
B.
Minimum lot width: 150 feet.
C.
Minimum yards.
(1)
Front: 75 feet; however, parcels with frontage on a scenic road (currently identified as Finland Road, from Upper Ridge Road to Brinckman Road; Swamp Creek Road, from Miller Road to Bucks County Line; Long Road, Whites Mill Road, Swamp Creek Road, from Geryville Pike to Whites Mill Road; Hiffletrager Road, Geryville Pike, Mclean Station Road, from Buck Road to Geryville Pike, and Hoppenville Road; and additional roads, and parts thereof, as further designated and amended from time to time in the Marlborough Township Open Space Plan) shall have a front yard setback of 100 feet. The Board of Supervisors, upon recommendation of the Township Planning Commission, may allow for a lesser setback to 75 feet if an adequate hedgerow or woodland exists and is maintained to preserve the corridor's scenic value.
(2)
Side (each): 30 feet (accessory building: 10 feet).
(3)
Rear: 60 feet (accessory building: 10 feet).
D.
Maximum impervious coverage: 15%.
E.
Maximum height:
(1)
For any dwelling: 35 feet.
(2)
For any building accessory to any dwelling use: 20 feet.
(3)
For any nonresidential building or other structure: 35 feet, except that such height may be increased to a maximum of 60 feet or such increased height as may be warranted when approved by the Zoning Hearing Board for such structures as water towers, barns, silos, chimneys, and stacks, provided that, for every foot of height in excess of 35 feet, there shall be added to each yard requirement one corresponding foot of width or depth.