Meadville City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 1301
Authority and Purposes
§ 1301.01 Title.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
This title of Part 13 of the Meadville Municipal Code, consisting of Articles 1301 through 1314, shall be the zoning code of the City of Meadville.
§ 1301.02 Authority and purposes.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
This zoning code is adopted by virtue of the authority granted to the city under Article VI of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of 1968, as amended by Act 170 of 1988, and as further amended. The provisions of this zoning code are designed to:
(A)
Promote, protect and facilitate one or more of the following: the public health, safety, morals, general welfare, coordinated and practical community development and proper density of population, emergency preparedness and operations, airports, and national defense facilities, the provisions of adequate light and air, access to incident solar energy, police protection, vehicle parking and loading space, transportation, water, sewage, schools, recreational facilities, public grounds, the provision of a safe, reliable and adequate water supply for domestic, commercial, agricultural or industrial use, and other public requirements, as well as preservation of the natural, scenic and historic values in the environment and preservation of forests, wetlands, aquifers and floodplains.
(B)
Prevent one or more of the following: overcrowding of land, blight, danger and congestion in travel and transportation, loss of health, life or property from fire, flood, panic, or other dangers.
(C)
Provide for the use of land within the municipality for residential housing of various dwelling types encompassing all basic forms of housing, including single-family and two-family dwellings, and a reasonable range of multi-family dwellings in various arrangements, mobile homes, and mobile home parks.
(D)
Accommodate reasonable overall community growth, including population and employment growth, and opportunities for development of a variety of residential dwelling types and nonresidential uses.
§ 1301.03 Community development objectives.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
The zoning regulations and districts set forth in this zoning code are made consistent with the latest comprehensive plan adopted for the general welfare of the city at the time of passage of this zoning code and are intended for the following policy goals:
(B)
Character of Growth.
(1)
That growth not be to such an extent that it alters Meadville's pleasant, small-town character.
(2)
While growth is welcomed, it should be sensitive to previous developments and conditions in the city, including revitalization of the central business district.
(3)
That growth be allowed in a variety of economic sectors and residential forms, ensuring prosperity through diversity.
(C)
Overall Objectives.
(1)
Continue developing the diversity which will keep the city competitive and flexible to changing economic conditions.
(2)
Bring all parts of Meadville to a uniform level of soundness and attractive appearance through targeted code enforcement and incentives.
(3)
Encourage the occupation and maximum utilization of the city's many existing residential and commercial structures.
(4)
Maximize the benefits of the city's density, reduce traffic congestion, and improve public health by encouraging multi-modal transportation, including pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit options.
(5)
These are made with reasonable consideration of, among other things, the existing character of the various areas within the city and their respective suitability for particular uses.
§ 1301.04 Interpretation of regulations.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
Whenever the provisions of this zoning code are at variance with any other lawfully adopted rules, regulations or ordinances, the more restrictive requirements shall govern.
§ 1301.05 Compliance.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
No structure shall be located, erected, demolished, constructed, placed, moved, altered externally converted, or enlarged, nor shall any structure or land be used or be designed to be used, except in full compliance with all the provisions of this zoning code, and after the lawful issuance of all permits, and certifications required by this zoning code. In cases of mixed occupancy or use, the regulations for each permitted use shall apply to that portion of the building or land so used.
§ 1301.06 Prohibited activities.
[2-6-2024 by Ord. No. 3821]
(A)
No building, structure or land shall hereafter be used or occupied, and no building or structure or part thereof shall hereafter be erected, constructed, reconstructed, placed, moved, or structurally altered, except in conformity with all of the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is located.
(B)
No building or other structure shall hereafter be erected or altered to:
(1)
Exceed the height or bulk;
(2)
Accommodate or house a greater number of families;
(3)
Occupy a greater percentage of lot area;
(4)
Have narrower or smaller rear yards, front yards, side yards or other open spaces; than herein required or in any other manner contrary to the provisions of this zoning code.
(C)
No yard or lot existing at the time of passage of this zoning code shall be reduced in dimension or area below the minimum requirements set forth herein. Except as provided for in Article 1307, yards or lots created after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this zoning code shall meet at least the minimum requirements established by this zoning code.