The purposes of this district are to provide for the retention, preservation and enhancement of existing and potential open space, recreation and conservation areas, both land and water, such as the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, Little Tinicum Island, portions of the Delaware River, and smaller areas adjacent to or near the Delaware River, Darby Creek and other waterways. Other purposes are to assure the preservation of significant natural resources such as marshlands, wetlands and wooded areas and establish reasonable controls and use limitations to maintain the benefits of open space, recreation, conservation and wildlife refuge areas. District regulations are intended to ensure that uses will have no adverse impact on natural amenities and resources located in the district or nearby residential areas.

It is also intended that gambling activities shall not be permitted in this district.

Passive open space uses such as a wildlife refuge, forest preserve, nature center, arboretum, and similar uses.

Activities such as walking, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing, boating, ice skating, and similar uses.

Daytime camping, provided that all applicable regulations of the facility are followed, such as registration, obtaining permits, etc.

Environmental educational building or center.

Stables.

Any use of the same general character as the above-permitted uses, provided such use is consistent with the intent/purpose of the district and not detrimental to the surrounding area.

Parking and signs as per Articles XXII and XXIII, respectively.

Quarters for guard or other security, maintenance or similar personnel.

Any accessory use on the same lot with and customarily incidental to any of the uses permitted in § 395-105.

Open space character. Buildings or other structures shall generally not encroach upon floodplains, stream valleys, wooded areas, sensitive areas and shall be planned, designed and located to minimize any disturbance of these sensitive areas or features. However, buildings or structures may encroach upon such sensitive features where they are specifically designed and constructed to function properly in such areas.

Use of appropriate materials. Except as stated in § 395-108E, parking areas, driveways and similar areas shall be covered with pervious materials, consistent with the open space character of this district.

Access. Public access easements, deed restrictions or other legal mechanisms to permit access to or through privately owned land for such purposes as walking, hiking, fishing, bicycling and similar activities are strongly encouraged.

Commercial activity limitation. No commercial activity shall be permitted except for charging admission, the sale of refreshments, boat rentals or such other purposes that are clearly subordinate and incidental to a use or activity permitted in this district.

Extension of district. As shown on the Tinicum Township Zoning Map, where this district abuts the Delaware River, its boundaries shall extend a distance of 500 feet from the mean low water line into the River.

Lot area: 10 acres.

Lot width: 200 feet.

Setbacks: 100 feet from all property lines and public streets.

Building coverage: 2%, maximum.

Impervious surface: 5%, maximum.

Height: 30 feet, maximum.