Perkiomen Township, PA Zoning Ordinance

Perkiomen Township City Zoning Code

ARTICLE XVIII

VCR-1 Village Commercial Residential District 1

§ 310-136 Legislative intent.

It is the specific intent of this article:

To establish regulations for the formation and maintenance of a quiet, compatible and uncongested environment for residences, businesses and professional offices, intermingled harmoniously with dwellings and limited commercial uses.

To establish a classification of uses to minimize visual and functional conflicts between residential and nonresidential uses within the district.

To encourage those types of commercial and office uses which do not attract large volumes of traffic and/or continuous customer turnover.

To encourage the retention and reuse of existing buildings to protect and retain the character of the district.

To establish lot size and lot width requirements which conform to the existing land use pattern in the Village of Rahns.

To prevent detrimental overdevelopment of lots by limiting the maximum permitted development and the maximum impervious coverage.

§ 310-137 Permitted uses.

Class One uses. A building may be erected, altered or used and a lot may be used or occupied for any of the following purposes:

(1)

Single-family detached dwelling.

(2)

Single-family semidetached dwelling (twin).

(3)

Two-family dwelling (duplex).

(4)

Residential conversion pursuant to § 310-141 of this article.

(5)

Accessory uses and structures in accordance with Article VIII, § 310-44, of this chapter.

Class Two uses. A building may be erected, altered or used and a lot may be used or occupied for any of the following purposes, provided that the use's primary facade is located only on an arterial road:

(1)

Specialized retail stores: gift shop, antique shop, bookstore, tobacco shop, jewelry store, hobby shop, florist, wearing apparel store, and any other use of similar nature.

(2)

General retail establishments for the sale of food, beverages, dry goods, medicine, variety merchandise, furnishings or other household supplies.

(3)

Personal service shop: barbershop, hairdresser, custom tailoring shop, dry-cleaning shop (provided no dry cleaning is done on the premises), shoe repair shop, household appliance repair shop, laundromat and any other similar use, at the discretion of the Township. There shall be no outdoor storage permitted.

(4)

Professional offices for doctors, dentists and other health services, lawyers, engineers, architects, accountants, professional consultants or other professionals similar to those listed above.

(5)

Business offices providing services in securities and commodities brokerage, travel agency, real estate sales, employment counseling, insurance sales, advertising, mailing and stenographic services, and other services similar in nature to those listed above.

(6)

Banks or financial institutions, including bank machines, excluding drive-through windows, which are permitted under § 310-138 of this article.

(7)

Hotel, inn, bed-and-breakfast or rooming house establishments.

(8)

Restaurants, cafes or taprooms, excluding drive-through windows, which are permitted under § 310-138 of this article.

(9)

Studios for art, dance, music, craft, photography and other similar uses.

(10)

Any use similar to the ones listed above.

§ 310-138 Conditional uses.

The following may be permitted as a conditional use in the VCR-1 District by the Board of Supervisors, in accordance with § 310-53 of Article VIII and the specific conditional use requirements listed in § 310-142:

(1)

Gasoline service station.

(2)

Automobile repair shops.

(3)

Commercial recreational, excluding arcades and mini golf courses.

(4)

Any permitted use that is proposing a drive-through window either as a land development under Act 247[1] or as an addition to an existing building.

[1]

Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., the Municipalities Planning Code.

(5)

Nursing homes.

(6)

Convenience food store.

(7)

Uses of similar nature to those listed above.

§ 310-139 Prohibited uses.

In support of the legislative intent of this article, the following are prohibited in the VCR-1 District:

Automobile and mobile home sales.

Car wash.

Arcades.

Mini golf courses.

§ 310-140 Dimensional standards.

Minimum lot area, lot width and yards.

(1)

Minimum lot area.

(a)

Two-family dwelling: 12,000 square feet.

(b)

Single-family semidetached dwelling: 6,000 square feet per dwelling unit.

(c)

All other permitted uses: 7,500 square feet.

(d)

All conditional uses: 20,000 square feet.

(2)

Minimum lot width, measured at the building line.

(a)

Single-family detached dwelling: 50 feet.

(b)

Single-family semidetached dwelling: 40 feet per dwelling unit.

(c)

Two-family dwelling: 80 feet.

(d)

All other permitted uses: 60 feet.

(e)

All conditional uses: 100 feet.

(3)

Minimum building setback.

(a)

Front yard.

[1]

For all permitted uses: 25 feet.

[2]

For all conditional uses: 35 feet.

(b)

Side yards.

[1]

For all permitted uses except single-family semidetached dwellings and two-family dwellings: 10 feet for each yard.

[2]

Single-family semidetached dwellings: 15 feet for the side not joined by a common wall.

[3]

Two-family dwellings: 15 feet for each side yard.

[4]

For all conditional uses: 15 feet for each side yard.

(c)

Rear yard: 25 feet for all permitted or conditional uses.

Maximum height and coverage requirements.

(1)

Maximum building coverage: 20%.

(2)

Maximum impervious coverage: 65%.

(3)

Maximum height: 35 feet.

Minimum parking area setbacks. The following standards shall apply to all off-street parking areas in the VCR-1 District:

(1)

Off-street parking in the front yard setback area is prohibited.

(2)

From all property lines adjacent to an existing nonresidential use: five feet.

(3)

From all property lines adjacent to an existing residential use or from a residential zoned parcel: 10 feet.

(4)

From buildings: five feet.

§ 310-141 Standards for conversion of existing structures.

Conversions to residential uses. The following standards shall apply to the conversion of an existing building within the VCR-1 District to a multifamily residential use:

(1)

The lot on which a conversion is proposed shall comply with the height and coverage requirements, and parking setback requirements of this article and the off-street parking regulations of this chapter.

(2)

All conversions shall be required to have 7,500 square feet of lot area for the first dwelling unit and an additional 3,000 square feet for each additional dwelling unit.

(3)

For all conversions of existing structures, the proposed use shall preserve, utilize and maintain an existing building in a way that is consistent with the character of Rahns. The applicant shall preserve the front and side facades and any front porch. Additions to existing buildings shall be located to the rear of the building and shall be compatible with the existing building in size, scale and building materials.

(4)

All conversions shall be required to submit a land development plan and comply with the requirements of Chapter 264, Subdivision and Land Development.

Conversions to nonresidential uses. The following development requirements shall apply to convert an existing residential structure within the VCR-1 District to a nonresidential use:

(1)

The lot on which a conversion is proposed shall comply with the height and coverage requirements and parking setback requirements of this article and the off-street parking regulations of this chapter.

(2)

All conversions shall be required to have 7,500 square feet of lot area for the first commercial use and an additional 3,000 square feet for each additional commercial use.

(3)

(4)

All conversions shall be required to comply with the Perkiomen Township Stormwater Management Ordinance[1] and shall contact the Perkiomen Township Code Enforcement Office prior to the conversion to ensure compliance with the Uniform Construction Code and shall comply with all the parking requirements as set forth within Article IX of this chapter.

[1]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 247, Stormwater Management.

§ 310-142 Conditional use standards.

The Board of Supervisors may authorize a conditional use if it conforms with the following:

The conditional use is only permitted on principal arterial roads.

Uses with drive-through windows shall meet the following:

(1)

A minimum of three automobile waiting spaces shall be provided for each drive-through bank lane, including the space at the teller window or ATM station.

(2)

A minimum of eight automobile waiting spaces shall be provided for each drive-through restaurant lane, including the space at the pickup window.

(3)

A minimum of three automobile waiting spaces shall be provided for each drive-through pharmacy lane, including the space at the pickup window.

(4)

These spaces shall not interfere with other parking spaces or the internal circulation of the site.

Gasoline service station meeting the following standards:

(1)

All activities except those performed at fuel or air pumps shall be performed within an enclosed building.

(2)

Fuel pumps shall be set back at least 15 feet from any ultimate right-of-way.

(3)

No paint spraying or body work shall be permitted.

Drive-in convenience store meeting the following standards:

(1)

Fuel pumps, if provided, shall be set back at least 15 feet from any ultimate right-of-way.

Design standards. All conditional uses in the VCR-1 District shall meet the following:

(1)

All principal buildings shall avoid long, monotonous, uninterrupted walls or roof planes. Building wall offsets, such as projections, recesses and demarcated changes in floor levels, shall be used. Roof planes shall be broken up through dormers, gables, cupolas and other architectural features.

(2)

All walls of the principal buildings that face public streets shall contain windows.

(3)

All principal buildings shall be constructed with traditional materials such as brick, wood or stucco. If synthetic materials are used, they must be of a quality so that they appear to be constructed with traditional materials.

(4)

Flat roofs are prohibited unless hidden by a decorative parapet and cornice. All parapets and cornices must contain architectural features to avoid a long, monotonous, uninterrupted appearance.

(5)

The scale and grouping of all principal buildings shall relate to neighboring properties. All buildings shall be architecturally compatible with the surrounding structures.

No outside storage, except seasonal items (such as nursery stocks, produce, Christmas trees, etc.), shall be permitted.

Motor vehicles may be stored in rear or side yards only, and the storage area shall be screened from the view of adjacent properties or roads.

§ 310-143 Buffering standards.

All dumpsters and loading areas shall be screened from the view of adjacent properties or streets. These screens may be either opaque fencing or landscaping material or a combination of both.

§ 310-144 Lighting standards.

All nonresidential uses shall provide an outdoor lighting plan for review. Any lighting installed shall not throw glare onto adjacent properties or cause a traffic hazard.

§ 310-145 Municipal water and sewer.

Any land development or subdivision shall be served by public water and sewer deemed acceptable by the Board of Supervisors upon recommendation of the Township Engineer.

Perkiomen Township City Zoning Code

ARTICLE XVIII

VCR-1 Village Commercial Residential District 1

§ 310-136 Legislative intent.

It is the specific intent of this article:

To establish a classification of uses to minimize visual and functional conflicts between residential and nonresidential uses within the district.

To encourage those types of commercial and office uses which do not attract large volumes of traffic and/or continuous customer turnover.

To encourage the retention and reuse of existing buildings to protect and retain the character of the district.

To establish lot size and lot width requirements which conform to the existing land use pattern in the Village of Rahns.

To prevent detrimental overdevelopment of lots by limiting the maximum permitted development and the maximum impervious coverage.

§ 310-137 Permitted uses.

Class One uses. A building may be erected, altered or used and a lot may be used or occupied for any of the following purposes:

(1)

Single-family detached dwelling.

(2)

Single-family semidetached dwelling (twin).

(3)

Two-family dwelling (duplex).

(4)

Residential conversion pursuant to § 310-141 of this article.

(5)

Accessory uses and structures in accordance with Article VIII, § 310-44, of this chapter.

(1)

Specialized retail stores: gift shop, antique shop, bookstore, tobacco shop, jewelry store, hobby shop, florist, wearing apparel store, and any other use of similar nature.

(2)

General retail establishments for the sale of food, beverages, dry goods, medicine, variety merchandise, furnishings or other household supplies.

(3)

(4)

Professional offices for doctors, dentists and other health services, lawyers, engineers, architects, accountants, professional consultants or other professionals similar to those listed above.

(5)

(6)

Banks or financial institutions, including bank machines, excluding drive-through windows, which are permitted under § 310-138 of this article.

(7)

Hotel, inn, bed-and-breakfast or rooming house establishments.

(8)

Restaurants, cafes or taprooms, excluding drive-through windows, which are permitted under § 310-138 of this article.

(9)

Studios for art, dance, music, craft, photography and other similar uses.

(10)

Any use similar to the ones listed above.

§ 310-138 Conditional uses.

(1)

Gasoline service station.

(2)

Automobile repair shops.

(3)

Commercial recreational, excluding arcades and mini golf courses.

(4)

Any permitted use that is proposing a drive-through window either as a land development under Act 247[1] or as an addition to an existing building.

[1]

Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., the Municipalities Planning Code.

(5)

Nursing homes.

(6)

Convenience food store.

(7)

Uses of similar nature to those listed above.

§ 310-139 Prohibited uses.

In support of the legislative intent of this article, the following are prohibited in the VCR-1 District:

Automobile and mobile home sales.

Car wash.

Arcades.

Mini golf courses.

§ 310-140 Dimensional standards.

Minimum lot area, lot width and yards.

(1)

Minimum lot area.

(a)

Two-family dwelling: 12,000 square feet.

(b)

Single-family semidetached dwelling: 6,000 square feet per dwelling unit.

(c)

All other permitted uses: 7,500 square feet.

(d)

All conditional uses: 20,000 square feet.

(2)

Minimum lot width, measured at the building line.

(a)

Single-family detached dwelling: 50 feet.

(b)

Single-family semidetached dwelling: 40 feet per dwelling unit.

(c)

Two-family dwelling: 80 feet.

(d)

All other permitted uses: 60 feet.

(e)

All conditional uses: 100 feet.

(3)

Minimum building setback.

(a)

Front yard.

[1]

For all permitted uses: 25 feet.

[2]

For all conditional uses: 35 feet.

(b)

Side yards.

[1]

For all permitted uses except single-family semidetached dwellings and two-family dwellings: 10 feet for each yard.

[2]

Single-family semidetached dwellings: 15 feet for the side not joined by a common wall.

[3]

Two-family dwellings: 15 feet for each side yard.

[4]

For all conditional uses: 15 feet for each side yard.

(c)

Rear yard: 25 feet for all permitted or conditional uses.

Maximum height and coverage requirements.

(1)

Maximum building coverage: 20%.

(2)

Maximum impervious coverage: 65%.

(3)

Maximum height: 35 feet.

Minimum parking area setbacks. The following standards shall apply to all off-street parking areas in the VCR-1 District:

(1)

Off-street parking in the front yard setback area is prohibited.

(2)

From all property lines adjacent to an existing nonresidential use: five feet.

(3)

From all property lines adjacent to an existing residential use or from a residential zoned parcel: 10 feet.

(4)

From buildings: five feet.

§ 310-141 Standards for conversion of existing structures.

Conversions to residential uses. The following standards shall apply to the conversion of an existing building within the VCR-1 District to a multifamily residential use:

(1)

(2)

All conversions shall be required to have 7,500 square feet of lot area for the first dwelling unit and an additional 3,000 square feet for each additional dwelling unit.

(3)

(4)

All conversions shall be required to submit a land development plan and comply with the requirements of Chapter 264, Subdivision and Land Development.

Conversions to nonresidential uses. The following development requirements shall apply to convert an existing residential structure within the VCR-1 District to a nonresidential use:

(1)

(2)

All conversions shall be required to have 7,500 square feet of lot area for the first commercial use and an additional 3,000 square feet for each additional commercial use.

(3)

(4)

[1]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 247, Stormwater Management.

§ 310-142 Conditional use standards.

The Board of Supervisors may authorize a conditional use if it conforms with the following:

The conditional use is only permitted on principal arterial roads.

Uses with drive-through windows shall meet the following:

(1)

A minimum of three automobile waiting spaces shall be provided for each drive-through bank lane, including the space at the teller window or ATM station.

(2)

A minimum of eight automobile waiting spaces shall be provided for each drive-through restaurant lane, including the space at the pickup window.

(3)

A minimum of three automobile waiting spaces shall be provided for each drive-through pharmacy lane, including the space at the pickup window.

(4)

These spaces shall not interfere with other parking spaces or the internal circulation of the site.

Gasoline service station meeting the following standards:

(1)

All activities except those performed at fuel or air pumps shall be performed within an enclosed building.

(2)

Fuel pumps shall be set back at least 15 feet from any ultimate right-of-way.

(3)

No paint spraying or body work shall be permitted.

Drive-in convenience store meeting the following standards:

(1)

Fuel pumps, if provided, shall be set back at least 15 feet from any ultimate right-of-way.

Design standards. All conditional uses in the VCR-1 District shall meet the following:

(1)

(2)

All walls of the principal buildings that face public streets shall contain windows.

(3)

(4)

Flat roofs are prohibited unless hidden by a decorative parapet and cornice. All parapets and cornices must contain architectural features to avoid a long, monotonous, uninterrupted appearance.

(5)

The scale and grouping of all principal buildings shall relate to neighboring properties. All buildings shall be architecturally compatible with the surrounding structures.

No outside storage, except seasonal items (such as nursery stocks, produce, Christmas trees, etc.), shall be permitted.

Motor vehicles may be stored in rear or side yards only, and the storage area shall be screened from the view of adjacent properties or roads.

§ 310-143 Buffering standards.

All dumpsters and loading areas shall be screened from the view of adjacent properties or streets. These screens may be either opaque fencing or landscaping material or a combination of both.

§ 310-144 Lighting standards.

All nonresidential uses shall provide an outdoor lighting plan for review. Any lighting installed shall not throw glare onto adjacent properties or cause a traffic hazard.

§ 310-145 Municipal water and sewer.

Any land development or subdivision shall be served by public water and sewer deemed acceptable by the Board of Supervisors upon recommendation of the Township Engineer.

Perkiomen Township City Zoning Code

ARTICLE XVIII

VCR-1 Village Commercial Residential District 1

§ 310-136 Legislative intent.

It is the specific intent of this article:

To establish a classification of uses to minimize visual and functional conflicts between residential and nonresidential uses within the district.

To encourage those types of commercial and office uses which do not attract large volumes of traffic and/or continuous customer turnover.

To encourage the retention and reuse of existing buildings to protect and retain the character of the district.

To establish lot size and lot width requirements which conform to the existing land use pattern in the Village of Rahns.

To prevent detrimental overdevelopment of lots by limiting the maximum permitted development and the maximum impervious coverage.

§ 310-137 Permitted uses.

Class One uses. A building may be erected, altered or used and a lot may be used or occupied for any of the following purposes:

(1)

Single-family detached dwelling.

(2)

Single-family semidetached dwelling (twin).

(3)

Two-family dwelling (duplex).

(4)

Residential conversion pursuant to § 310-141 of this article.

(5)

Accessory uses and structures in accordance with Article VIII, § 310-44, of this chapter.

(1)

Specialized retail stores: gift shop, antique shop, bookstore, tobacco shop, jewelry store, hobby shop, florist, wearing apparel store, and any other use of similar nature.

(2)

General retail establishments for the sale of food, beverages, dry goods, medicine, variety merchandise, furnishings or other household supplies.

(3)

(4)

Professional offices for doctors, dentists and other health services, lawyers, engineers, architects, accountants, professional consultants or other professionals similar to those listed above.

(5)

(6)

Banks or financial institutions, including bank machines, excluding drive-through windows, which are permitted under § 310-138 of this article.

(7)

Hotel, inn, bed-and-breakfast or rooming house establishments.

(8)

Restaurants, cafes or taprooms, excluding drive-through windows, which are permitted under § 310-138 of this article.

(9)

Studios for art, dance, music, craft, photography and other similar uses.

(10)

Any use similar to the ones listed above.

§ 310-138 Conditional uses.

(1)

Gasoline service station.

(2)

Automobile repair shops.

(3)

Commercial recreational, excluding arcades and mini golf courses.

(4)

Any permitted use that is proposing a drive-through window either as a land development under Act 247[1] or as an addition to an existing building.

[1]

Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., the Municipalities Planning Code.

(5)

Nursing homes.

(6)

Convenience food store.

(7)

Uses of similar nature to those listed above.

§ 310-139 Prohibited uses.

In support of the legislative intent of this article, the following are prohibited in the VCR-1 District:

Automobile and mobile home sales.

Car wash.

Arcades.

Mini golf courses.

§ 310-140 Dimensional standards.

Minimum lot area, lot width and yards.

(1)

Minimum lot area.

(a)

Two-family dwelling: 12,000 square feet.

(b)

Single-family semidetached dwelling: 6,000 square feet per dwelling unit.

(c)

All other permitted uses: 7,500 square feet.

(d)

All conditional uses: 20,000 square feet.

(2)

Minimum lot width, measured at the building line.

(a)

Single-family detached dwelling: 50 feet.

(b)

Single-family semidetached dwelling: 40 feet per dwelling unit.

(c)

Two-family dwelling: 80 feet.

(d)

All other permitted uses: 60 feet.

(e)

All conditional uses: 100 feet.

(3)

Minimum building setback.

(a)

Front yard.

[1]

For all permitted uses: 25 feet.

[2]

For all conditional uses: 35 feet.

(b)

Side yards.

[1]

For all permitted uses except single-family semidetached dwellings and two-family dwellings: 10 feet for each yard.

[2]

Single-family semidetached dwellings: 15 feet for the side not joined by a common wall.

[3]

Two-family dwellings: 15 feet for each side yard.

[4]

For all conditional uses: 15 feet for each side yard.

(c)

Rear yard: 25 feet for all permitted or conditional uses.

Maximum height and coverage requirements.

(1)

Maximum building coverage: 20%.

(2)

Maximum impervious coverage: 65%.

(3)

Maximum height: 35 feet.

Minimum parking area setbacks. The following standards shall apply to all off-street parking areas in the VCR-1 District:

(1)

Off-street parking in the front yard setback area is prohibited.

(2)

From all property lines adjacent to an existing nonresidential use: five feet.

(3)

From all property lines adjacent to an existing residential use or from a residential zoned parcel: 10 feet.

(4)

From buildings: five feet.

§ 310-141 Standards for conversion of existing structures.

Conversions to residential uses. The following standards shall apply to the conversion of an existing building within the VCR-1 District to a multifamily residential use:

(1)

(2)

All conversions shall be required to have 7,500 square feet of lot area for the first dwelling unit and an additional 3,000 square feet for each additional dwelling unit.

(3)

(4)

All conversions shall be required to submit a land development plan and comply with the requirements of Chapter 264, Subdivision and Land Development.

Conversions to nonresidential uses. The following development requirements shall apply to convert an existing residential structure within the VCR-1 District to a nonresidential use:

(1)

(2)

All conversions shall be required to have 7,500 square feet of lot area for the first commercial use and an additional 3,000 square feet for each additional commercial use.

(3)

(4)

[1]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 247, Stormwater Management.

§ 310-142 Conditional use standards.

The Board of Supervisors may authorize a conditional use if it conforms with the following:

The conditional use is only permitted on principal arterial roads.

Uses with drive-through windows shall meet the following:

(1)

A minimum of three automobile waiting spaces shall be provided for each drive-through bank lane, including the space at the teller window or ATM station.

(2)

A minimum of eight automobile waiting spaces shall be provided for each drive-through restaurant lane, including the space at the pickup window.

(3)

A minimum of three automobile waiting spaces shall be provided for each drive-through pharmacy lane, including the space at the pickup window.

(4)

These spaces shall not interfere with other parking spaces or the internal circulation of the site.

Gasoline service station meeting the following standards:

(1)

All activities except those performed at fuel or air pumps shall be performed within an enclosed building.

(2)

Fuel pumps shall be set back at least 15 feet from any ultimate right-of-way.

(3)

No paint spraying or body work shall be permitted.

Drive-in convenience store meeting the following standards:

(1)

Fuel pumps, if provided, shall be set back at least 15 feet from any ultimate right-of-way.

Design standards. All conditional uses in the VCR-1 District shall meet the following:

(1)

(2)

All walls of the principal buildings that face public streets shall contain windows.

(3)

(4)

Flat roofs are prohibited unless hidden by a decorative parapet and cornice. All parapets and cornices must contain architectural features to avoid a long, monotonous, uninterrupted appearance.

(5)

The scale and grouping of all principal buildings shall relate to neighboring properties. All buildings shall be architecturally compatible with the surrounding structures.

No outside storage, except seasonal items (such as nursery stocks, produce, Christmas trees, etc.), shall be permitted.

Motor vehicles may be stored in rear or side yards only, and the storage area shall be screened from the view of adjacent properties or roads.

§ 310-143 Buffering standards.

All dumpsters and loading areas shall be screened from the view of adjacent properties or streets. These screens may be either opaque fencing or landscaping material or a combination of both.

§ 310-144 Lighting standards.

All nonresidential uses shall provide an outdoor lighting plan for review. Any lighting installed shall not throw glare onto adjacent properties or cause a traffic hazard.

§ 310-145 Municipal water and sewer.

Any land development or subdivision shall be served by public water and sewer deemed acceptable by the Board of Supervisors upon recommendation of the Township Engineer.