A subordinate building, incidental to and located on the same lot as a principal building, and used for an accessory use such as a garage, shed or swimming pool.

A use clearly incidental and subordinate to and located on the same lot occupied by the principal use to which it relates.

Any place of business where various forms of adult entertainment are offered to the general public, which shall include adult arcade, adult bookstore, adult novelty store, adult video store, adult cabaret, adult theater, adult video theater, escort agency, massage parlor, nude model studio, sexual encounter center, or any other commercial establishment where adult entertainment is offered or presented for money or other forms of consideration. For purposes of this section, the term "specified sexual activities" shall mean any of the following: (a) the fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, anus or female breasts; (b) sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, masturbation or sodomy; (c) excretory functions as part of or in connection with any of the activities set forth in (a) and (b) above; (d) human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; and the term "specified anatomical areas" shall mean human genitals, pubic region, anus, buttocks, female breast(s) below a point immediately above the top of the areola, or human male genitals in a discernible turgid state, even if completely covered.

A part of a building containing cooking and housekeeping facilities, consisting of a room or suite of rooms intended, designed and used as a residence/dwelling unit.

Same as "dwelling, multifamily."

Any man-made system or materials used for blocking a line of sight, which would include a fence or fencing (as defined by this chapter), and also include panels, latticework, or louvers used to divide, conceal or protect.

The concourse or meeting together of a considerable number of persons at the same time. Also, the persons so gathered.

Establishments primarily engaged in furnishing automotive repair, rental, leasing and parking services to the general public.

A roof-like covering made of a durable canvas or vinyl material supported by a frame that projects over a sidewalk or ground area.

A story or portion of a story partly below the average grade of the surrounding ground with at least 1/2 of its height (measured from floor to ceiling) below the average grade level of the surrounding ground.

A private residence which contains eight or fewer bedrooms used for providing overnight accommodations to the public and in which breakfast is the only meal served and is included in the charge for the room.

A use which allows the conversion of an existing owner-occupied residential dwelling to provide a maximum of two additional living units that can be temporarily rented to guests by the owner/occupant, and which allows for the provision of breakfast as a part of the rental fee.

A sign indicating a business conducted somewhere other than on the premises, on which advertising matter of any character is printed, posted or lettered by any means and is designed for such purposes. A billboard may be either freestanding or attached to a surface of a building or other structure.

The Zoning Hearing Board of the City of Oil City.

A type of residential living facility which provides food and shelter, for payment, to three or more adults who are unrelated to the provider and who require no services beyond food and shelter. See also "rooming house."

A place of assembly owned, maintained or leased, for pecuniary gain, in which no intoxicating beverages are sold, but where patrons are permitted to bring intoxicating liquors upon the premises for their own use and consumption.

The area of that part of the lot not included within the open space herein required.

The width of that part of the lot not included within the open spaces herein required.

A roofed structure, whether or not enclosed by walls, to be used for the shelter, enclosure or protection of persons, goods, materials or animals.

A building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is located.

Establishments primarily engaged in rendering services to business establishments on a fee or contract basis, such as advertising and mailing; building maintenance; employment services; management and consulting services; protective services; equipment rental and leasing; commercial research; development and testing; photo finishing; and personal supply services.

A roofed structure providing space for the parking of motor vehicles and enclosed on not more than three sides.

A structure or designated area used for the purpose of cleaning or reconditioning the exterior and interior surfaces of automotive vehicles, whether self-operated or not, but not including an incidental one-bay washing facility in a gasoline service station.

A place of worship (church, synagogue, temple, mosque or similar facility) that is used for prayer, religious education or regular religious services.

A structure or structures owned by a college/university or owned by a nonprofit corporation whose sole purpose is to promote and support that college/university that permits living arrangements within a multifamily dwelling occupied by one or more persons regardless of relation by blood, marriage or legal adoption, who are attending undergraduate or graduate school, whether full- or part-time, offered by a college/university, or any combination of such persons. In the case where the housing development plan exceeds two contiguous acres in size, the City shall allow the deviation from the site development requirements[1] as long as the general purposes for the standards are achieved and the general intent of the chapter is observed, in the opinion of the Zoning Hearing Board. Notwithstanding the previous statement, there shall be no more structures permitted on the site than would be allowed if the lot size requirements for the district were met, i.e., total lot size divided by the minimum lot size of the district.

A facility which offers various indoor recreational opportunities for its patrons, including such games as pool, billiards, bowling, video games, dancing and similar pursuits.

Any device used for the transmission or reception of radio, television, wireless telephone, pager, commercial mobile radio service, or any other wireless communication signals, including without limitation omnidirectional or whip antennas and directional or panel antennas, owned or operated by any person or entity licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate such device. This definition shall not include private residence-mounted satellite dishes or television antennas or amateur radio equipment, including without limitation ham or citizen band radio antennas. However, no satellite dish/antenna may be installed in the front yard area of a residential structure.

An unmanned building or cabinet containing communications equipment required for the operation of communications antennas and covering an area on the ground not greater than 375 square feet.

A structure other than a building, such as a monopole, self-supporting or guyed tower, designed and used to support communications antenna.

A use permitted in a particular zoning district pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and in accordance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[2]

Real estate, portions of which are designed for separate ownership and the remainder of which is designed for common ownership solely by the owners of those portions. Real estate is not a condominium unless the undivided interests in the common elements are vested in the unit owners or as defined by the Uniform Condominium Act of Pennsylvania.[3]

A commercial establishment engaged in building, foundation or excavation contracting and related activities. A contractor's yard is construed to mean office, storage and repair facilities/structures, as well as open, out-of-doors storage areas. Said facilities are to meet all yard, setback and related requirements of this chapter. Outdoor storage area(s) must be fully screened from sight with an architectural screen as defined in this chapter.

A retail establishment of limited size, designed for the sale of newspapers, sundries, groceries, freshly prepared foods, and combustible fuels, but does not provide repair services, tire sales or similar activities.

A single-family dwelling that has been converted into two or more residential units that are consistent with the requirements of this chapter and all applicable codes.

An indentation of the curb approved by the City or the state that allows for smooth passage from a street to a sidewalk or driveway.

The number of dwelling units allowed, by this chapter, on one acre of land.

A decline in quality of appearance of signs, having characteristics including, but not limited to, rotting, peeling, corroded, worn, torn or frayed.

A final action taken by the duly appointed Zoning Officer of the municipality charged with the administration and enforcement of the chapter. Determinations shall be appealable only to the Zoning Hearing Board of the City of Oil City.

Animals that are customarily kept as household pets for personal use or enjoyment within the home. Household pets shall include domestic dogs, domestic cats, domestic tropical birds, and similar animals.

A permanently surfaced area of asphalt, concrete, bricks or pavers designed for such purposes, crushed stone, crushed bricks or aggregate, and whereby the entrance from the street has an approved City or state curb cut.

Any large metal fully enclosed container that is used for the temporary storage of waste products, building materials, garbage, etc. Dumpsters located in commercial districts and that are openly visible shall be fully screened from view (this shall include all garbage cans set out to be emptied in the commercial districts). Dumpsters located in residential districts shall be emptied at least once per week and must be immediately removed after its use. This shall apply to current existing dumpsters.

A building arranged, intended, designed or used as the living quarters for one or more families living independently of each other upon the premises. The term "dwelling" shall not be deemed to include "hotel," "motel" or any other type of temporary accommodation.

A building or portion thereof containing one or more rooms for living purposes, together with separate and exclusive cooking and sanitary facilities, accessible from the outdoors either directly or through an entrance hall shared with other dwelling units, and used or intended to be used by either one family or one nonfamily household.

The erection, construction, alteration or maintenance by public utilities or municipal departments, authorities or commissions of underground gas; underground or aboveground electrical, telephone and cable television transmission or distribution systems; and public water, public sanitary sewer and public storm sewer facilities, including wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, traffic signals, hydrants and similar equipment and accessories in connection therewith, for adequate services of the public health, safety and general welfare, but excluding office buildings, gas, telephone and electric substations, the outside storage of equipment, or maintenance depots.

An individual or group of individuals living together as a single household and which: 1) are related by blood, marriage or adoption; or 2) if unrelated by blood, marriage or adoption, contain a total of no more than four unrelated individuals; or a group of disabled or handicapped persons, as defined by the Fair Housing Amendment (1988) to the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1968, including any required staff.

An artificially constructed barrier erected to enclose, screen or separate areas. All fences shall be constructed of traditional fencing materials, and no fence shall be constructed of fencing material designed for construction or temporary use, such as plastic mesh, or primarily designed for agricultural use, such as high-tensile wire or small gauge wire mesh, or constructed of scrap or inappropriate materials creating visual blight.

A relatively flat or low area which is subject to partial or complete inundation from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or watercourse; and/or any area subject to the unusual and rapid accumulation of surface waters from any source as indicated on the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map.

The sum of the gross area of several floors of a building or buildings measured from the face of the exterior walls or from the center line of the walls separating two buildings. Floor area shall exclude spaces such as garages, basements, open porches and similar areas.

The management of forests and timberlands when practiced in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing, cultivating, harvesting, transporting and selling trees for commercial purposes, which does not involve any land development.

A use of residential property that would allow for art and music studios and other cultural and arts related uses as a secondary use of the premises. See § 310-16A(32).

A building or portion of a building, either attached to the principal building or separate, in which only private or pleasure-type motor vehicles and crafts used by the tenants of the building or buildings on the premises are stored or kept.

An area of land, together with any structure thereon, used for the retail sale of motor fuel (gas and diesel), kerosene, liquid natural gas, and lubricants and incidental services, such as lubrication and hand washing of motor vehicles, and the sale, installation or minor repairs of tires, batteries or other automobile accessories.

Direct light emitted by a luminary that causes noticeably reduced vision or momentary blindness.

A dwelling unit occupied as a single housekeeping unit in a family-like environment for the sheltered care of persons with disabilities, which, in addition to providing food and shelter, shall also provide some combination of personal care, social or counseling services, rehabilitative services and transportation to the group home residents. A group home may be owned or operated under the auspices of a nonprofit association, private care provider, government agency or other legal entity, other than the residents themselves or their parents or other individuals who are their legal guardians. All group homes shall be licensed or certified by the appropriate state, national, regional or local licensing or certification body. The term "group home" shall not apply to recovery homes or halfway houses for people with drug or alcohol addictions.

The vertical distance from the grade to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deckline or highest point of coping or parapet of a mansard roof, or to the mean height level between eaves and ridge of gable, hip, shed and gambrel roofs. When the highest wall of a building with a shed roof is within 30 feet of a street, the height of such building shall be measured to the highest point of coping or parapet.

Any use customarily carried on entirely within a dwelling by occupants thereof, which use is clearly incidental and subordinate to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes and which does not change the residential character thereof. Home occupations are covered by § 310-16A(16).

A person or group of people occupying a dwelling unit.

The person owning or leasing the dwelling unit.

Something necessary, appertaining to or depending upon another which is termed the "principal."

The adornment and finishing of unpaved yard areas or other open spaces. Materials and treatment generally include naturally growing elements such as grass, trees, shrubs and flowers. This treatment shall be permitted also to include the use of logs, rocks, fountains, water features and contouring of the earth.

A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by a plat or otherwise as permitted by law and to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.

A lot at the point of the intersection of and abutting on two or more intersection streets and which has an interior angle of less than 115° at the intersection of two street lines (see also "yard, front").

The ratio of the horizontal area measured from the exterior surface of the exterior walls of the ground floor of all principal and accessory buildings on a lot to the total lot area.

Any line dividing a lot from another lot or from an abutting street or other right-of-way.

A lot that has a pair of opposite lot lines along two substantially parallel streets and which is not a corner lot. Such lots are also known as double-frontage lots (see also § 310-19).

The horizontal distance between the side lot line measured at the required front yard building line.

Heavy manufacturing includes the processing of paper, pulp or paperboard; the manufacture of chemicals; the processing of petroleum products, leather tanning; stone, clay or glass products; the primary metals industry; the manufacture, repair or rehabilitation of heavy equipment; the manufacture of motors, railroad equipment and similar activities which would use heavy equipment. Any activity which uses heavy presses, drop forges, or is engaged in forging or foundry work. "Heavy industry" is also defined as any manufacturer which employs 150 or more persons or which will receive or generate 25 or more truck visits/trips per day.

The assembly, fabrication, manufacture, production, processing, storage and/or wholesale distribution of goods or products where no process involved will produce noise, light, vibration, air pollution, fire hazard or emissions noxious or dangerous to neighboring properties within 400 feet. This includes any manufacturing not defined as heavy manufacturing.

See "sign, canopy, attached."

See "sign, canopy."

Establishments where patients for doctors or dentists are admitted for examination and treatment on an outpatient basis. Places which house patients overnight and methadone treatment facilities are specifically excluded in this definition.

A transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit or in two or more units designed to be joined into one integral unit capable of again being separated for repeated towing, which arrives at a site complete and ready for occupancy, except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations. Mobile homes shall be limited to the R-2 Medium Density Residential Districts. [Subject to the Act of May 11, 1972 (P.L. 286, No. 70), known as the "Industrialized Housing Act," and to Title VI (Public Law 93-383), referred to as the Federal Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974.] Also, see § 310-28 of this chapter.

A parcel of land in a mobile home park, improved with the necessary utility connections and other appurtenances necessary for the erection thereon of a single mobile home.

A parcel or contiguous parcels of land under single ownership which has been so designated and improved that it contains two or more mobile home lots for the placement thereon of mobile homes. Mobile home parks shall be limited to the R-2 Medium Density Residential Districts.

A building or group of buildings containing individual rooms or apartment accommodations primarily for transients, each of which is provided with a parking space, and offered principally for rental and use by motor vehicle travelers. The term "motel" includes, but is not limited to, auto courts, motor courts, motor inns, motor lodges or roadside hotels.

Any sound emitted by a person, an appliance, equipment, instrument, other devices, or an animal other than a barking dog.

Any noise which:

An individual or householder who shares the dwelling unit with persons unrelated by blood, marriage or adoption and who generally reside together on a temporary basis.

A business or commercial activity administered or conducted as an accessory use which is clearly secondary to the use as a residential dwelling and which involves no customer, client or patient traffic, whether vehicular or pedestrian, pickup, delivery or removal functions to or from the premises in excess of those normally associated with residential use. The business or commercial activity must satisfy the following requirements:

A lot the area or dimension of which was lawful prior to the adoption or amendment of this chapter, but which fails to conform to the requirements of the zoning district in which it is located by reasons of such adoption or amendment.

A structure or part of a structure manifestly not designed to comply with the applicable use or extent of use provisions of this chapter or an amendment hereafter enacted, where such structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendment or prior to the application of this chapter or amendment to its location by reason of annexation. Such nonconforming structures include, but are not limited to, nonconforming signs.

A use, whether of land or structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions of this chapter or amendment hereafter enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendment or prior to the application of this chapter or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.

A lot or structure whose principal use is the parking or storage of motor vehicles for specified time periods or on a rental basis, but not for commercial or public utility vehicles or the dead storage of motor vehicles.

A parking area for the exclusive use of the owners or tenants of a residential structure on the same lot and their guests, but excluding the rental of parking spaces to nonresidents of the structure or the long-term use (over 24 hours) of parking spaces by nonresidents.

An open space with a dustless all-weather surface or space in a private garage or other structure with an effective length of at least 18 feet and a uniform width of at least nine feet, for the storage of one automobile and accessible from a public way.

A premises in which food, shelter and personal assistance or supervision are provided for a period exceeding 24 consecutive hours for more than three adults who are not relatives of the operator and who require assistance or supervision in matters as dressing, bathing, diet or medication prescribed for self-administration but do not require hospitalization or care in a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility.

Establishments primarily engaged in providing services involving the care of a person or his or her personal goods or apparel.

The daytime care of domestic dogs or other household pets belonging to persons not residing on the premises. No overnight boarding of pets is permitted.

The care associated with a pet that can include washing and manicuring of coat and nails. It shall not include the keeping, breeding, training, boarding, offering for sale, or the provisions of medical treatment of any kind to any pet.

An area of land controlled by a landowner to be developed as a single entity for a number of dwelling units, or combination of residential and nonresidential uses, the development plan for which does not correspond in lot size, bulk, type of dwelling or use, density or intensity, lot coverage and required open space to the regulations established in any one district, created, from time to time, under the provisions of a municipal zoning ordinance.

The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended.[4]

A roofed, open area that may be screened and is attached to or part of a building, with direct access to or from it.

The office or studio of a physician, surgeon, dentist, lawyer, architect, artist, engineer, certified public accountant, real estate broker or salesman, insurance broker or agent, musician, dance teacher, gallery, hair dresser, barber shop, or similar occupation.

One of the following services, when practiced by an individual duly licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of State: massage therapy, occupational therapy, optometry, physical therapy, psychology, speech-language and hearing examiners, social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, lawyers, accountants, architects, landscape architects, real estate appraisers and brokers, professional engineers, land surveyors, and arts therapist.

Public notice as required by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.[5]

A structure or building used for the distribution of gas, electric, telephone or cable utilities but not including office, garage, maintenance or similar facilities.

A self-contained vehicle, designed for human habitation, with its own motive power, which contains a passageway from the body of the vehicle to the driver's and front passenger's seats.

Restaurants specializing in fast food with drive-through facilities.

A dwelling having three or more sleeping rooms for rent to persons not related to its other occupants, and who generally reside together on a temporary basis. See also "boardinghouse."

Any scrap, waste, reclaimable material or debris, whether or not stored, for sale or in the process of being dismantled, destroyed, processed, salvaged, stored, baled, disposed or other use disposition.

Any location whose primary use is as a place where waste or scrap materials are stored, bought, sold, accumulated, exchanged, packaged, disassembled or handled, including, but not limited to, materials such as scrap metals, papers, rags, tires and bottles.

A public or private institution which provides primary (elementary) or secondary education and is duly approved/accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

"Screen planting," for this chapter, shall mean an evergreen hedge at least six feet high, planted in such a way that it will block a line of sight. The screening may consist of either one row or multiple rows of evergreen bushes or trees.

A fence, screen planting or wall at least six feet high, provided in such a way that it will block a line of sight.

A business district or portion thereof, wherein stores and shops occupy space in a single structure and where these stores and shops use a common off-street parking lot.

A sign which directs attention to a business, profession, service or industry conducted, sold, manufactured, assembled or offered for sale other than upon the premises where the sign is displayed.

A sign painted, stamped, perforated or stitched or otherwise applied on the valance of an awning.

A sign which directs attention to a business, profession or industry conducted on the premises or to products sold, manufactured or assembled upon the same premises upon which it is displayed.

A multisided overhead structure or architectural projection, supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional points. The surface(s) and/or soffit of an attached canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light. See also "marquee."

A multisided overhead structure supported by columns, but not enclosed by walls. The surface(s) and/or soffit of a freestanding canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light.

A sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or freestanding canopy.

A sign supported by one or more upright poles, columns or braces placed in or on the ground and not attached to any building or structure.

All permanent signs shall be constructed of solid body substrates such as aluminum, wood, porcelain, molded plastic, steel, etc. The use of vinyl and corrugated materials is prohibited.

A sign constructed of lasting materials, with an unchanging message, attached to a building or installed in the ground.

A use permitted with special permission granted by the Zoning Hearing Board, in accordance with specific criteria set forth in this chapter and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

"Storage" shall mean storage of those types of goods, wares and products not encompassed within the definition of "salvage yard."

That portion of a building located between the surface of any floor and the next floor above; if there is not more than one floor, the space between any floor and the ceiling next above it shall be considered a story.

A public or private right-of-way, excluding driveways, intended for use as a means of vehicular and pedestrian circulation which provides a means of access to abutting property. The word "street" includes thoroughfare, avenue, boulevard, court, drive, expressway, highway, lane, alley and road, or similar terms.

A line defining the right-of-way boundaries of a street.

Any man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land; the word "structure" is to include antennas or satellite dish antennas.

A commercial establishment storing or offering for sale building supplies, structural steel, heavy equipment, feed and grain, as well as related goods. Supply yards do not include any type of auto salvage operation or salvage yard.

A water-filled enclosure, permanently constructed or portable, having a depth of more than 18 inches below the level of the surrounding land, or an above-surface pool, having a depth of more than 30 inches, designed, used and maintained for swimming and bathing.

An area of land developed for a compatible mixture of residential units for various income levels and nonresidential commercial and workplace uses, including some structures that provide for a mix of uses within the same building. Residences, shops, offices, workplaces, public buildings, and parks are interwoven within the neighborhood so that all are within relatively close proximity to each other. Traditional neighborhood development is relatively compact, limited in size and oriented toward pedestrian activity. It has an identifiable center and a discernible edge. The center of the neighborhood is in the form of a public park, commons, plaza, square or prominent intersection of two or more major streets. Generally, there is a hierarchy of streets laid out in a rectilinear or grid pattern of interconnecting streets and blocks that provides multiple routes from origins to destinations and are appropriately designed to serve the needs of pedestrians and vehicles equally.

An enclosed vehicle without motive power designed to haul or carry goods, materials or other property in its structure and to be drawn by a vehicle with motive power.

An open vehicle without motive power designed to haul various recreational watercraft on its bed and be drawn by a vehicle with motive power.

The area of yard located between the curbline and the front of the sidewalk.

A multifamily dwelling consisting of three or more dwelling units that are attached side by side by an unpierced party wall.

Relief granted pursuant to the provisions of Articles VI and IX of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

An automobile, truck, van, bus or other motorized conveyance that is used in support of a business, firm, career, profession or hobby and which can only be used for those above-stated purposes.

A continuous, permanent structure or barrier made of stone, brick or block designed to enclose an area.

A building used primarily for the storage of goods and materials.

That portion of a lot which is unoccupied and open to the sky and extends from the lot line to the yard line.

A line within a lot defining the minimum distance between any building or structure or portion thereof and an adjacent lot line. Such line shall be measured at right angles from and parallel to the corresponding lot line.

A yard between an adjacent right-of-way and the building line and extending for the full width of the lot. On corner lots, the front yard shall be considered on the street which has the least dimension.

A yard between the rear lot line and a line drawn parallel thereto at such distance therefrom as may be specified herein for any zoning district and extending for the full width of the lot.

An open yard space between the side lot line and parallel thereto extending from the front lot line to the rear lot line.

The location of a building on a lot in such a manner that one or more of the building's sides rests directly on a lot line.

The Zoning Officer of the City of Oil City or his authorized representative.