The following regulations shall govern a designated residential district.

   A.   A building may be erected, altered or used and a lot or premises may be used for any one use permitted in this section. Permitted uses on each lot in A and B Residential Districts shall be as follows: [Amended 10-12-1993 by Ord. No. 858; 1-10-1995 by Ord. No. 879; 8-8-2000 by Ord. No. 1041; 8-11-2009 by Ord. No. 09-1216]

      (1)   Single-family detached dwelling , including age-restricted housing . [Amended 5-11-2004 by Ord. No. 1127]

      (2)   Agriculture , except commercial greenhouses or establishments for sale of farm or agricultural products other than uses accessory to agriculture as provided in Article IV hereinabove.

      (3)   Public schools .

      (4)   Community residential program , when authorized as a special exception , subject to the following: [Amended 8-11-2009 by Ord. No. 09-1216]

         (a)   [Reserved]. [Amended 8-11-2009 by Ord. No. 09-1216]

         (b)   In residential districts which have more than a single set of area and width regulations, community residential programs shall meet the area and width regulations for single-family dwellings .

         (c)   Each community residential program must make application to and obtain from the Code Enforcement Department a use and occupancy permit , which shall be issued after an inspection by the Township to ensure that the building (s) meet(s) the standards of the International Property Maintenance Code currently adopted by the Township. 16  This requirement is applicable regardless of whether the residents of the community residential program are lessees or owners of the community residential program .  [Amended 8-11-2009 by Ord. No. 09-1216]

         (d)   Off-street, on-site parking must be provided and will include at least two spaces for the community residential program and at least one additional space for every staff member working on the premises. Parking must be provided in the side or rear yard only. The setback of the parking area and the approaches thereto will be no closer to an adjacent lot than an accessory building in the same zoning district may be located pursuant to this chapter. All driveways must be constructed to permit the turning of vehicles on the lot so as to avoid the necessity of backing into the street .

         (e)   It is the intent of this subsection to make reasonable accommodations in the rules, policies and practices within this Township to afford all handicapped persons equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling in satisfaction of the requirements of the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601, et seq.), as amended. No provision of this article shall require that a dwelling be made available to an individual whose tenancy would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals or whose tenancy would result in substantial physical damage to the property of others.

      (5)   Any one of the following uses when authorized as a special exception :

         (a)   Church, chapel or other place of worship, including an adjunct residential dwelling .

         (b)   A swim and recreational club , provided that it is owned and operated by its members as a nonprofit association or corporation and the membership is limited to the geographical community within which it is located, which limit shall be defined by the Zoning Hearing Board as a condition to the grant of an exception hereunder.

         (c)   Public utility facilities, provided that the exterior architectural design shall be of a residential character, and provided that the property shall at no time be used for the storage of equipment or vehicles or that it be used for other commercial purposes.

         (d)   Day camp

      (6)   Any of the aforesaid uses granted by way of special exception shall be subject to such reasonable conditions as may be determined by the Zoning Hearing Board, after hearing, among which conditions shall include the following: reasonable setbacks as to front, side and rear yards ; percentage of lot occupancy; adequate off-street parking on approved surfaces; provided, however, that no condition shall be granted which is less restrictive as to height of structure , percentage of lot usage, setbacks and off-street parking than those required within the zoning district in which the property is located.

      (7)   No special exception that may be granted hereunder by the Zoning Hearing Board shall be contrary to the ordinances of the Township.

      (8)   Townhouse structures as a conditional use in the B Residential District, subject to the provisions of § 255-42.1 and Article XXV. [Added 1-17-2006 by Ord. No. 1162]

   B.   Permitted uses on each lot in C Residential Districts shall be as follows:

      (1)   Any use permitted in A and B Residential Districts, except townhouse structures . [Amended 1-17-2006 by Ord. No. 1162]

      (2)   Duplex dwelling and twin dwelling , when approved by Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception , provided that the area of the lot shall be at least 6,000 square feet for each dwelling unit . The units may also be age-restricted. [Amended 12-14-1999 by Ord. No. 1015; 8-8-2000 by Ord. No. 1041; 5-11-2004 by Ord. No. 1127]

   C.   Permitted uses on each lot in NH Residential districts shall be as follows:

      (1)   Any use permitted in A and B Residential districts, except townhouse structures .

      (2)   Twin dwellings .

Decks and patios may extend into the required rear and side yard setbacks of a single-family dwelling , single-family patio dwelling , twin dwelling , attached patio dwelling , townhouse structure , duplex dwelling , twin duplex dwelling and multiplex dwelling , provided that they are not enclosed either on the sides, by a roof or underneath the deck. The deck perimeter shall not exceed 20 feet to the rear or 10 feet to the side, and in no case shall it be closer than 10 feet to a property line. Decks and patios adjacent to interior party walls are not limited by side yard setbacks. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet are not considered as impervious surface , provided they are constructed above a pervious area, with spaces between each plank to allow rainwater to pass through.

   A.   It shall be unlawful for the owner or operator of any tractor-trailer, construction vehicle, commercial motor vehicle, or motor carrier vehicle (as defined by the PA Vehicle Code) having a gross vehicle weight of 9,000 pounds or more to park such vehicle at any time on any street within a residential district or on property within a residential district in the Township of Upper Dublin, except when making deliveries or improvements to the property on such street.

   B.   One tractor-trailer, construction vehicle, commercial vehicle or motor carrier vehicle having a gross vehicle weight of 9,000 pounds or less may be parked or stored on any property within a residential district at any time, provided the tractor-trailer, construction vehicle, commercial vehicle or motor carrier vehicle is parked or stored in an enclosed structure or on a paved driveway .

   C.   This section shall not apply to police, fire or other emergency vehicles.

   D.   This section shall not apply to the following vehicles, when otherwise legally parked:

      (1)   Vehicles owned by the township.

      (2)   Vehicles owned by utility companies when utility work is underway nearby.

      (3)   Construction vehicles when the vehicle is connected with an active work site that is permitted by the township or PennDOT.

   E.   Enforcement. The Police Department will initially investigate reported violations of this section. If there are no safety issues that need to be addressed immediately, the Police Department will report the relevant information about the violation to the Zoning Officer for enforcement in accordance with § 255-197.

   A.   Definitions.

   Recreational vehicle — Any boat, boat trailer, house coach, house trailer, mobile home, truck camper (mounted on a truck or dismounted), travel trailer, folding tent camper, recreational cargo trailer or other motor vehicle adapted for vacation, residential or recreational use.

   B.   No person shall store a recreational vehicle equal to or greater than 20 feet in overall length upon any street in a residential district in the Township of Upper Dublin. For purposes of this section, storage shall mean to park a vehicle on the street on more than five days in any 30-day period. One recreational vehicle may be parked or stored on any property in a residential district at any time, provided the recreational vehicle is parked or stored in an enclosed structure or on a paved driveway .

   C.   Enforcement. The Police Department will initially investigate reported violations of this section. If there are no safety issues that need to be addressed immediately, the Police Department will report the relevant information about the violation to the Zoning Officer for enforcement in accordance with § 255-197.

No repairs or body and fender work may be done within the limits of any street in a residential zone except for those designated as emergency repairs.

   A.   Any of the uses authorized as special exceptions in § 255-39 above shall be granted by the Zoning Hearing Board pursuant to the procedures set forth in Article XXIII and subject to proof by the applicant for such use that such use shall not be detrimental to the health and welfare of the public.

   B.   No use authorized as a special exception shall be granted unless the applicant shall show that the proposed use complies with the following:

      (1)   Church, chapel or place of worship.

         (a)   Lot area : not less than 80,000 square feet, with a width of not less than 200 feet at the building line .

         (b)   Building area : not more than 20% of the area of the lot .

         (c)   Yards .

            [1]   Front yard : not less than 100 feet in depth.

            [2]   Side yard : not less than 25 feet in width on each side.

            [3]   Rear yard : not less than 50 feet in depth.

         (d)   Parking. Parking places shall be provided as required by Article XIX of this chapter, and provided further that not more than 33% of the required parking area shall be located in the front yard area.

      (2)   Swim and recreational club .

         (a)   Lot area : not less than 80,000 square feet with a width of not less than 200 feet at the building line .

         (b)   Building area : not more than 20% of the area of the lot . For the purposes of this section, a swimming pool, handball, racquet or squash court shall be considered a building .

         (c)   Yards .

            [1]   Front yard : not less than 100 feet in depth.

            [2]   Side yard : not less than 25 feet in width on each side.

            [3]   Rear yard : not less than 50 feet.

         (d)   Parking: as required by Article XIX, § 255-135C(8) of this chapter.

      (3)   Day camp .

         (a)   The lot shall be not less than five acres.

         (b)   No structure shall be erected within 50 feet of the outside lot boundaries or of a public street .

         (c)   No day camp activity shall be engaged in before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. of each weekday (prevailing time) and on Saturdays and Sundays.

         (d)   The use of a lot shall be limited to children between the ages of six and 16.

         (e)   The number of campers shall be limited to 10 per acre, with a maximum of 100 campers for each day camp .

         (f)   Each day camp shall be supervised by a minimum of qualified adult supervisors (in addition to administrative personnel), as follows:

            [1]   For each eight or fewer campers, eight or under years of age: one supervisor.

            [2]   For each 10 or fewer campers, 10 or over years of age: one supervisor.

         (g)   Trash and refuse must be stored in approved containers and removed daily from the lot .

         (h)   An adequate centralized sanitary waste facility shall be provided, based upon plans and construction approved by the Board of Health of the Township.

         (i)   Adequate facilities shall be provided to control noise, eliminate physical hazards and make provision for activities during inclement weather periods. Excessive levels of noise are determined in accordance with § 158-12 of this Code. [Amended 5-13-1997 by Ord. No. 943]

         (j)   A permit can be issued and continued only to an adult natural person or persons , which permit cannot be transferred without the consent of the Zoning Hearing Board. No permit shall attach to the title of the lot .

         (k)   Each day camp shall be inspected at least annually by the Board of Health of the Township.

         (l)   Each day campshall pay the Township, payable on or before May 15 of each year, an inspection fee as set forth in the Township fee schedule. [Amended 1-10-1995 by Ord. No. 879]

         (m)   The Zoning Hearing Board reserves unto itself the right and privilege to review the application and the issuance of the permit and (following a hearing held in accordance with § 255-179 of Article XXIII) to revoke said permit for any substantial violation of the conditions of the permit .

         (n)   Adequate provision shall be made for vehicular traffic by means of an all-weather paved driveway and on-lot parking areas; no parking shall be permitted within 25 feet of a boundary line, with the provision of at least one parking area for each 10 campers.

         (o)   Any other conditions deemed necessary by the Zoning Hearing Board.

No conditional use for a townhouse structure shall be granted unless the applicant shows that the proposed use complies with the following:

   A.   Tract area : a minimum of five acres together with access onto a primary road and a tract width on such road of not less than 200 feet.

   B.   Density : the maximum density shall be 3.1 units/acre of lot area .

   C.   Common open space: no less than 50% of the tract area , excluding street rights-of-way.

      (1)   All dwelling units shall have access to common open space without the obstruction of intervening lots , structures , fences or other impediments to pedestrians.

      (2)   A covenant providing for the use and maintenance of the open space in a form approved by the Township Solicitor shall be recorded with the final plan. The covenant shall require joint maintenance by an association of unit owners and permit joint use of the open space.

      (3)   Stormwater management facilities may be included in the common open space.

   D.   Perimeter setback: Structures shall be situated so as to maintain a minimum setback line from an ultimate right-of-way line of 50 feet and from any lot line of 75 feet.

   E.   Building separation: Individual structures must have sufficient separation to meet applicable fire protection codes. In no case may this distance be less than 30 feet.

   F.   Building length or depth: The greatest dimension in length or depth of a new structure containing three or more dwelling units shall not exceed 120 feet. No more than six units shall be allowed in a new structure .

In an A Residential District, the following regulations shall apply:

   A.   A building may be erected, altered or used and a lot or premises may be used for any uses permitted in § 255-39.

   B.   Lot , yard and bulk requirements. 17 [Amended 9-14-2004 by Ord. No. 1138]

 

   C.   Open Space Preservation District overlay option. All parcels located in the A Residential District may be developed in accordance with the provisions of Article XXVIII of this chapter providing for an Open Space Preservation District. [Added 8-12-1997 by Ord. No. 947]

   D.   Calculation of site capacity. Development in the A Residential District shall be regulated by a calculation of site capacity according to the developable acreage concept. The applicant shall determine the developable acreage using the following method and submit sufficient evidence in the form of plans and data to verify the calculations: [Added 8-12-1997 by Ord. No. 947]

      (1)   Developable acreage calculations.

         (a)   From the gross acreage of the site, subtract the following:

            [1]   Existing roadultimate right-of-way .

            [2]   Noncontiguous land .

            [3]   Floodplain land: 100%.

            [4]   Wetlands: 100%.

            [5]   Ponds or lakes: 100%.

            [6]   Slopes from 15% to 25%: 50%.

            [7]   Slopes over 25%: 85%.

            [8]   Existing utility rights-of-way: 50%.

         (b)   The balance constitutes the total developable acreage .

         (c)   In the calculations above, the following shall apply:

            [1]   Land separated by roads or railroads or land where the connecting link is less than 50 feet wide is noncontiguous land .

            [2]   The calculated 100-year floodplain shall be used where available, otherwise alluvial soils shall be used.

            [3]   Where two or more categories overlap, the overlapping acreage shall be counted only once using the most restrictive classification.

            [4]   Utility corridors owned in fee simple by the utility shall not be counted towards the applicant’s land area.

      (2)   Density calculation. To determine the number of units permitted on a given site, multiply the developable acreage by 1.68 dwelling units per developable acre .

   A.   In an A-1 Residential District, the following regulations shall apply:

      (1)   With a public water supply and sanitary sewers installed and capped for future use , as approved by the Township as a condition of approval of a subdivision plan, as follows:

 

      (2)   With sanitary sewers and a public water supply, as follows:

 

   B.   In an A-2 Residential District, a residential development plan is required in accordance with Article VI, Planned Residential Areas, of this chapter. Public water and sanitary sewers are required. The following regulations shall apply:

 

In an A Residential District, in addition to the provisions at § 255-43 above, Age Qualified Residential Community shall be a permitted use and the following regulations shall apply to that use :

   A.   Any Age Qualified Residential Community shall require a minimum developable acreage , calculated pursuant to § 255-43D of 35 acres.

   B.   Lot , yard and bulk requirements.

 

   C.   Density . The maximum permitted density shall be 2.9 units per developable acre . (Total number of lots to be rounded up if fraction greater than 0.75 or down if 0.75 or less.)

   D.   Open Space. A minimum of 20% of the developable acreage shall be retained as open space for use of the residents to include recreation, leisure activities, resource protection, stormwater management facilities and minimum setback areas from abutting properties or abutting ultimate roadright-of-way . Open space areas having a dimension less than 30 feet in width or containing an individual area less than 20,000 square feet shall not be counted toward this minimum 20% requirement.

   E.   The required setback areas on the perimeter of the site shall be utilized for a combination of landscape buffering, earthen berm buffering and stormwater management to effect a suitable screening of the Age Qualified Residential Community from abutting public road rights-of-way and to provide appropriate buffering between the Community and adjoining residential properties.

   F.   Perpetual use guarantee:

      (1)   A property which has been developed to the special standards allowed for the Age Qualified Residential Communityuse shall not, at any time in the future, change from age-restricted use unless all of the standards for the other use are complied with.

      (2)   An applicant for an Age Qualified Residential Communityuse shall provide at the time of final plan approval proof of deed restrictions or other documentation satisfactory to the Township Solicitor that limits the residential use of the property to one where the residents are restricted by age in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act.

      (3)   Any homeowners association associated with an Age Qualified Residential Communityuse shall include in their bylaws provisions to restrict and enforce the restriction of residents by age in compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act and the provisions of applicable Township regulations. Such provisions may not be amended unless approved by the Township.

      (4)   Should the homeowners association fail to enforce the age restrictions, the Township reserves the right to do so by any lawful means, including the imposition of fines on the violating residents and/or the homeowners association .

   G.   Special design considerations–Age Qualified Residential Community . The following design criteria shall be applicable to an Age Qualified Residential Community , and shall supersede any conflicting provisions in other Township ordinances, including the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance [Chapter 212]:

      (1)   Front yard setback. Not more than two adjacent lots shall provide the same front yard setback for each dwelling unit . There shall be a minimum difference in front yard setback of five feet for compliance with this requirement. Front yard setback on the undedicated internal roadways shall be measured from face of curb if no sidewalk and back of sidewalk where sidewalk provided.

      (2)   Corner lots . Each corner lot shall have one front yard , two side yards and one rear yard . The internal road parallel to the front of the dwelling unit shall determine the front yard .

      (3)   Internal pedestrian circulation. Sidewalk shall be provided on one side of all internal roadways, unless provision is made for a comprehensive internal trail system designed to standards acceptable to the Township. Any provision for trail in lieu of sidewalk to be approved in the discretion of the Board of Commissioners.

      (4)   Internal road cartway. Cartway width for all internal roadways shall be a minimum of 26 feet from face of curb to face of curb. All internal roadways shall be undedicated and shall be the maintenance responsibility of the homeowners associations .

      (5)   Public pedestrian improvements . An Age Qualified Residential Community shall provide sidewalk in accordance with Township design criteria along the perimeter of the development site bordering any public roadway. A macadam trail may be substituted in the discretion of the Board of Commissioners, at a width and along such perimeter areas as shall be determined by the Board in furtherance of Township open space considerations and trail plans. Any such sidewalk and/or trail shall be within dedicated right-of-way or within an easement area established for the benefit of public usage.

      (6)   Private road system. All internal roadways are to be privately owned and maintained by the homeowners association for the Community. Access to and from bordering public roadways shall be established in a manner to prevent thru-public traffic. The Board of Commissioners may approve of a single point of access from an adjoining public roadway provided an acceptable emergency access to and from an abutting public roadway is provided. The primary access shall be designed in boulevard configuration with 20-foot wide cartways separated by an eight-foot center island, same extending to an appropriate point within the interior roadway system as determined in the discretion of the Board of Commissioners.

      (7)   Trash removal. As all internal roadways are to be privately owned, the homeowners association shall have responsibility to provide for trash removal for the dwelling units and clubhouse amenity within the Community.

In a B Residential District the following regulations shall apply:

   A.   Lot , yard and bulk requirements.

 

   B.   Lot , yard and bulk requirements for townhouse dwellings /structures authorized as a conditional use pursuant to §§ 255-39A(8) and 255-42.1. [Added 1-17-2006 by Ord. No. 1162]

      (1)   The applicant may but shall not be required to construct residential units on individual lots . Where units are constructed on individual lots the following standards apply:

         (a)   Lot area (minimum): 5,000 square feet.

         (b)    Front yard (minimum): 35 feet.

         (c)    Side yard for end unit in a townhouse structure (minimum): 25 feet.

         (d)   Rear yard (minimum): 30 feet.

      (2)   Principal building height (maximum): 35 feet.

      (3)   Accessory building height (maximum): 20 feet.

      (4)   Building coverage (maximum): 20% of total lot area .

      (5)   Impervious surface (maximum): 30% of total lot area .

In a C Residential District, the following regulations shall apply:

   A.   A building may be erected, altered or used and a lot or premises may be used for any one use permitted in § 255-39B.

   B.   Lot , yard and bulk requirements.

 

In a NH Residential District, the following regulations shall apply:

   A.   A building may be erected, altered or used and a lot or premises may be used for any one use permitted in § 255-39C.

   B.   Lot , yard and bulk requirements–single-family dwelling .

 

   C.   Lot , yard and bulk requirements–for each unit of a twin and/or duplex dwelling .

 

      (1)   General Requirements.

         (a)   A Multi-family Option shall be permitted on a minimum tract area of three acres. Tract area may include adjacent lots separated by a public or private street .

         (b)   A Multi-family Option shall consist of a mixture of at least two of the following: twin dwellings , duplex dwellings , and townhouse dwellings .

      (2)   Lot , yard and bulk requirements.

 

* In the case of a tract abutting streets on three sides, there shall be three front yards (abutting the streets ) and one side yard .

      (3)   Density . The maximum density shall be 18 units/acre. Density shall be calculated based on the total tract area .

      (4)   Parking.

         (a)   A minimum of 1.5 parking spaces per unit shall be provided.

         (b)   The parking requirement may be met through a combination of driveways, garages, parking lots, and on-street parking within the development .

      (5)   Administrative and Maintenance Office.

         (a)   An Administrative and Maintenance Office building shall be permitted as an accessory use .

         (b)   Only one Administrative and Maintenance Office building shall be permitted per Multi-family Option use .

         (c)   An Administrative and Maintenance Office building shall meet the setback and building height requirements set forth in § 255-45.1.D.(2). The maximum building footprint of an Administrative and Maintenance Office shall be 3000 square feet.

      (6)   Design requirements.

         (a)   General Standards.

            (i)   All buildings shall be served by public water and sewer service.

            (ii)   All utility lines shall be placed underground, to the extent permitted by the utility supplier, from the edge of the right-of-way to the place of service.

         (b)   Building design. The following provisions apply to additions to existing buildings and to new construction .

            (i)   The walls and fenestration of the buildings shall be architecturally compatible with the style, materials, colors, and details of the building .

            (ii)   The mass of a building or buildings shall be mitigated in a variety of ways, including the use of projecting and recessed elements such as porches, windows, and roof dormers, to reduce their apparent overall bulk and volume, to enhance visual quality, and to contribute to human-scaled development . Breaks in the facades and rooflines shall occur no less frequently than every 100 feet.

         (c)   Roof design.

            (i)   The roof shall be designed with either overhanging eaves, bargeboards, or cornices on all sides; or other architectural elements appropriate to the neighborhood .

            (ii)   Roof material shall include fiberglass architectural shingles that resemble slate or wood, natural slate, shakes, shingle (either wood or asphalt composition), and metal formed to resemble “standing seams.”

            (iii)   Flat roofs shall be prohibited from the main massing of one-story buildings .

            (iv)   Flat roofs may be used on buildings of two or more stories. In these instances, all visibly exposed walls shall have parapet walls or articulated cornices that project horizontally from the vertical building wall plane.

         (d)   Pedestrian accessibility standards.

            (i)   All buildings must be placed to encourage continuous uninterrupted pedestrian accessways that link doorways.

            (ii)   Sidewalks with a minimum width of five feet shall be constructed along all street frontages and across major access driveways.

            (iii)   Pedestrian crosswalks across public streets shall be designed with curb bump-outs to facilitate non-vehicular movement.

            (iv)   Crosswalks across public streets and major access driveways shall utilize material, color, or texture differentiated from the cartway, as well as signage and other pavement markings to alert drivers to pedestrians.

         (e)   Streetscapeimprovements .

            (i)   All new developments and renovations shall incorporate streetscapeimprovements , including sidewalks.

            (ii)   Site lighting (which excludes street lighting) shall be installed along all pedestrian facilities, including sidewalks, internal walkways, stairways, etc. Site lighting shall be designed to shield the source of illumination and to prevent glare on adjacent residential properties. The illumination level of site lighting shall be no more than 0.3 footcandles measured either vertically or horizontally at a height of five feet above grade from adjacent residential properties.