Sharpsburg City Zoning Code
ARTICLE IV
Special Exception
§ 27-401 General criteria for evaluation of zoning exceptions.
1.
In evaluating an application for Zoning Hearing Board exceptions, Sharpsburg Borough applies the guidelines and procedures associated with special exceptions in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
2.
Consideration of a Zoning Hearing Board exception, upon review of recommendations by the Borough Planning Commission, is predicated on the applicant's submission of a written application containing all of the information required under Subsection 3 along with a site plan meeting the requirements of Subsection 5.
3.
A written submission must demonstrate the special exception will meet the primary criteria outlined below and:
A.
Will not endanger the public health and safety if located where it is proposed and will not deteriorate the environment or generate nuisance conditions, such as, but not limited to, those outlined in Article V.
B.
Meets all other requirements of this chapter in the zone where the use is proposed.
C.
Is in general conformity with the Sharpsburg Borough Comprehensive Plan and is attractive and in harmony with the area in which it is proposed.
D.
Is an appropriate use on the proposed lot as a use by special exception.
E.
If defined as part of any special exception approval, said special exception use will be completed within the identified time frame.
F.
Upon approval of any special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board, any prior approved special exception for the same lot becomes null and void.
G.
Information, including address of applicant, location of site, listing of landowners who will receive notice of such zoning application, zone and other relevant information as defined by Sharpsburg Borough, are submitted.
4.
In requesting a special exception, the applicant has both the duty of initially presenting evidence and the burden of persuading the Zoning Hearing Board that the proposed use is available by special exception and satisfies the specific or objective requirements for the grant of a special exception as set forth in this chapter.
5.
The site plan must show to scale the entire lot to be ultimately developed and indicate the location, height and use of structure, driveways, signs, parking areas and topographical and/or natural features of the lot. An architectural rendering of the structures proposed must also be submitted.
6.
The Zoning Hearing Board may attach reasonable conditions in order to protect the public's health, safety and welfare. These reasonable conditions may include, but are not limited to, increased screening.
7.
Approval of all uses by special exception contained in this chapter are be subject to periodic inspections by the Zoning Officer to ensure compliance with the required conditions of approval. Such periodic inspections will be conducted annually while the use is conducting active operations.
§ 27-402 Uses for special exceptions.
1.
Public utility building.
A.
Front, side and rear yards shall be provided in accordance with the regulations of the zoning district in which the facility is located.
B.
Height restrictions shall be as required by the zoning district regulations.
C.
Unhoused equipment shall be enclosed within a fence constructed of materials present on the majority of adjacent principal structures. Said fence shall be a minimum of six feet in height.
D.
Housed equipment. When the equipment is totally enclosed within a building, no fence or screen planting shall be required and the yards shall be maintained in accordance with the zoning district in which the facility is located.
E.
Screen planting in residential and commercial districts shall be completed in accordance with this chapter.
F.
The external design of the building shall be to the greatest extent possible in conformity with the design of the majority of buildings on the block, block face and adjacent lots of the subject lot.
2.
Sewage treatment facility.