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Upper Oxford Township
City Zoning Code

PART 2

District and Use Regulations

§ 27-201 Zoning Districts.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
To carry out the objectives of this chapter, the Borough of Oxford has been divided into the following zoning districts.
District Name
Abbreviation & Map Symbol
Residential Districts
Low Density Residential
R-1
Mixed Residential
R-2
Planned Development
PD-1
Commercial Districts
General Commercial
C-1
Neighborhood Commercial
C-2
Industrial Districts
General Industrial
I
Mixed-Use Commercial/Industrial
MU-CI
Town Center (TC) Districts
Town Center-1
TC-1
Town Center-2
TC-2
Town Center - Density Overlay
TC-DO
Special Districts
Historic Overlay
HO
Flood Hazard Overlay1
FHO1
NOTES:
1.
See § 27-207 and Subpart 2G for Flood Hazard Overlay District Regulations.

§ 27-202 Residential District Purpose Statement.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Low Density Residential (R-1). R-1 District areas are predominantly built out with single-family residential uses interspersed with two-family residential and institutional uses. The purpose of the R-1 District is to preserve these well-defined neighborhoods by accommodating residential uses that blend with Oxford's historic and traditional neighborhood setting. New infill development and redevelopment opportunities will primarily consist of improvements to existing single vacant lots. Supporting a low density, walkable neighborhood setting, the R-1 District provides a logical transition and connection between the larger lot Planned Development (PD-1) District neighborhoods and the core neighborhoods and activity centers within the Borough.
2. 
Mixed Residential (R-2). The R-2 District includes areas predominantly built out with a mix of single-family, two-family, and multi-family residential uses as well as supporting institutional uses. The purpose of this district is to reflect the organic mixed density residential settlement pattern at the Borough's core, providing infill residential and redevelopment opportunities that continue the variety of housing options. The R-2 District fosters a sense of community and accessibility, providing a pedestrian-friendly environment that connects residents to abutting neighborhoods and the amenities of the Town Center Districts.
3. 
Planned Development (PD-1) District. The intent of the PD-1 District is to guide development consistent with the design principles of the Borough's traditional neighborhoods with lower density single-family neighborhoods that have larger lots and deeper building setbacks. The PD-1 District provides for a mix of housing styles, types, and sizes to accommodate households of all ages, sizes, and incomes. This district also includes civic, recreational, and open space uses to provide public amenities, prioritizing connectivity between neighborhoods and nearby amenities with sidewalks and paths. The requirements of the PD-1 District help to create a logical transition from existing Borough neighborhoods to the rural development pattern and agricultural industry in adjacent municipalities.

§ 27-203 Commercial District Purpose Statements.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
General Commercial (C-1).
A. 
The purpose of the C-1 District is to accommodate a broad range of larger-scale retail and commercial establishments serving the Borough and the Oxford Region. The regulations of this district are intended to provide for safe and convenient multi-modal access, circulation, and parking with landscaping to create a quality retail and employment activity center.
B. 
Development in the C-1 District should not be made at the expense of the Borough's character and walkability, but rather be pursued in a manner that enhances the public and private realms. Future investment should include pedestrian and bicyclist access both on- and off-site, implement traffic-calming measures in building and site design practices, and provide ample greenery and landscaping so as to create a comfortable and inviting streetscape for all modes of travel. Special attention should be given to the design and buffering techniques of parking facilities, access points, and structures to create a welcoming gateway to the Borough.
2. 
Neighborhood Commercial (C-2).
A. 
The purpose of the C-2 District is to accommodate smaller-scale, low-impact commercial uses that increase access to local jobs, goods, and services in residential areas and transitional zones between established neighborhoods and larger-scale commercial activity centers.
B. 
The regulations of the C-2 District are intended to support traditional development patterns compatible with adjacent neighborhoods rather than a highway commercial character. To achieve this, new development shall complement the scale and design of Oxford neighborhoods, balancing connectivity and privacy for the nearby homes. Nonresidential uses shall be limited in extent and intensity to ensure their operation does not negatively impact resident quality of life.

§ 27-204 Industrial District Purpose Statements.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
General Industrial (I). The General Industrial (I) District provides larger-scale institutional, commercial, retail, and light industrial uses and warehousing operations that serve the Borough, the Oxford Region, and the surrounding agricultural community. The I District provides reasonable standards for high-quality industrial areas to ensure its compatibility with the rural character and location of the Borough with adjacent nonindustrial activities. Industrial uses are near arterial roads and the rail line to provide efficient and safe access for industrial-related traffic.
2. 
Mixed-Use Commercial/Industrial (MU-CI). The purpose of the MU-CI District is to provide for increased economic development opportunity in areas of the Borough where the provision of low-impact, limited commercial, office, and light industrial uses is desired. Regulations of the MU-CI District are intended to foster a unique mixed-use environment that serves as a logical transition and connection between adjacent neighborhoods and existing commercial and industrial uses. With future investment in this district, the Borough seeks to expand local industry, commerce, and employment opportunities.

§ 27-205 Town Center District Purpose Statements.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
General Purpose and Intent.
A. 
The Town Center Districts support the creation of a harmonious and vibrant mixed-use town center that advances the Borough's goals as established in the Comprehensive Plan. These standards particularly advance the goals of:
(1) 
Creating a safe, efficient, and multi-modal transportation network connecting to regional trails and public transportation opportunities to accommodate the future needs of all who work, live, and play in Oxford Borough.
(2) 
Promoting and facilitating growth, retention, and diversity of businesses with vibrant streetscapes that are pedestrian-friendly and celebrate creativity.
(3) 
Providing opportunities for growth, redevelopment, and preservation while responding to the need for affordable housing choices and respecting the Borough's unique character and diverse neighborhoods.
B. 
To advance these goals, the district permits appropriate commercial, residential, and institutional uses to serve the daily needs of Borough residents, with particular emphasis on uses that support and reinforce the historic character of the area while allowing for the Town Center to evolve in response to changing community needs.
C. 
The regulations are designed to maintain the scale and character of core areas while allowing for additional bulk and density in certain priority investment areas. The district is not intended to accommodate commercial uses that are more appropriate for the C-1, C-2, or MU-CI Districts and that are characterized by high-volume traffic, large parking areas, and/or outdoor storage and display areas.
2. 
Town Center-1 (TC-1).
A. 
The TC-1 District comprises Oxford's historic Town Center. It also includes areas that are intended to extend the building form, architectural character, and streetscape features of Oxford's historic core down Third Street.
B. 
New mixed-use infill development and redevelopment is to be carefully designed to complement and enhance the historic and walkable character of the streetscapes and urban fabric. The TC-1 District maintains the area's scale and architectural integrity. It encourages a balanced mix of uses that meet the daily needs of residents and visitors while creating opportunities for new mixed-use development. New development will allow for more housing opportunities and a greater mix of local businesses than currently exist in the Town Center, in part because of the opportunity for larger modern retail spaces.
C. 
The TC-1 District fosters a vibrant community-supported business environment that is a hub for shopping, entertainment, dining, gathering, and community events. This district further prioritizes the restoration, reuse, and maintenance of historic buildings, preserving their authenticity and preventing deterioration. Development in the TC-1 District respects neighboring residential areas through the careful crafting of building forms to reduce the visual and shade impacts and provide ample buffering and screening, thoughtful lighting, and judicious location of refuse facilities and parking, among other strategies.
3. 
Town Center-2 (TC-2).
A. 
The TC-2 District provides a gateway into Oxford's historic Town Center. It encourages a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional uses at a smaller scale and intensity than in other Town Center subdistricts, while still promoting the same quality streetscape and walkable environment as the TC-1. The TC-2 District extends Oxford's Town Center down Third Street with consistency in architectural character and streetscape features that blend modernity with Oxford's historic charm and character.
B. 
The TC-2 District promotes creative approaches to new infill development and redevelopment that support strong streetscapes in areas with shallower lot depths. Development in the TC-2 District respects Oxford's historic district and neighborhood character. This is achieved by the careful crafting of building forms to reduce the visual and shade impacts and providing ample buffering and screening, thoughtful siting of lighting, and judicious location of refuse facilities and parking, among other strategies.
4. 
Town Center — Density Overlay (TC-DO).
A. 
The TC-DO District is intended to allow for larger mixed-use development to advance the Borough's housing, economic, and social goals in certain areas of the Town Center where the size of the development parcels, the location of transportation infrastructure, and the absence of on-site historic buildings would support such redevelopment.
B. 
Projects created under the Density Overlay are intended to meet the same goals as their underlying districts, including but not limited to re-enforcing the building form, architectural character, and streetscape features of Oxford's historic core. New projects are intended to contribute to the historic character of the area while allowing for the creation of modern residential and commercial spaces in the area.

§ 27-206 Historic Overlay (HO) District.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Purpose and Intent. The purpose of the HO District is to align this chapter with the standards and procedures of the Borough's existing Chapter 12 (Historic District) in furtherance of the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of local properties and districts to preserve the economic, cultural, and architectural integrity of the Oxford Borough. By establishing this overlay district it is the intent of the Borough to:
A. 
Identify the recognized historic properties and districts within Oxford;
B. 
Foster public knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the historical and architectural character of the Borough;
C. 
Enhance the visual character of the Borough by encouraging new design and construction that complements Oxford's historic buildings and sites;
D. 
Protect and promote the economic benefits of historic and architectural preservation to the Borough, its residents and visitors;
E. 
Protect property values in the Borough; and
F. 
Support the ongoing use, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the existing built environment.
2. 
Applicability. The HO District shall consist of the properties delineated on the Certified Historic District Map of Oxford Borough, as provided for by Chapter 12 of the Borough Code. Properties in the HO District shall be governed by the use, area, and bulk requirements of the underlying zoning district. Should the regulations of this chapter be in conflict with Chapter 12, the regulations of Chapter 12 shall take precedence.

§ 27-207 Flood Hazard (FHO) District.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The Flood Hazard Overlay District, based on the delineations cited in Subpart 2G, shall be deemed an overlay on the existing applicable zoning districts as delineated on the Oxford Borough Zoning Map,[1] and as such, the provisions for the Flood Hazard Overlay District shall serve as a supplement to the underlying district provisions.
[1]
Editor's Note: The Zoning Map is included as an attachment to this chapter.
2. 
Should the Flood Hazard Overlay District be determined as inapplicable to any tract by reason of amendment by Borough Council, interpretation of the Zoning Hearing Board, or the decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, the underlying zoning provisions shall be deemed applicable.
3. 
Where a conflict arises between the provisions or requirements of any of the Flood Hazard Overlay District and those of any underlying district, the more restrictive provision shall apply.
4. 
For specific regulations applicable to the Flood Hazard Overlay District, see Subpart 2G of this chapter.

§ 27-208 Uses Allowed by District.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Permitted Use Table. Uses permitted in each Borough of Oxford zoning district shall be in accordance with the Permitted Use Table.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said table is included as an attachment to this chapter.
2. 
Table Legend. When referring to the Permitted Use Table, the conditions under which each use may be allowed is indicated by the following:
A. 
Uses identified with a "P" are permitted as-of-right, subject to compliance with all other applicable standards of this Zoning Ordinance.
B. 
Uses identified with a "CU" are conditionally permitted, subject to approval by the Borough Council. Any proposed conditional use shall comply with the procedures and standards contained in Subpart 4C.
C. 
Uses identified with an "SE" may be allowed as a special exception use if reviewed and approved in accordance with Subpart 4D.

§ 27-209 Other Uses Prohibited on Public Sidewalks.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
Except as expressly permitted by the provisions of §§ 27-237 and 27-238 or other provisions of the Borough's Zoning Ordinance, no commercial use may, for commercial purposes, utilize the public sidewalk associated with the property on which it operates.

§ 27-210 Residential Districts - Area and Bulk Requirements.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
R-1
R-2
PD-1
MIN Lot Area, Gross
R-1
R-2
PD-1
Single- or Two-Family Dwelling
6,000 sf
2,750 sf
15,000 sf
Multi-Family Dwelling
-
1,400 sf/du1
8,000 sf/du1
Other Residential Use
-
-
15,000 sf
Nonresidential Use
1 acre
12,000 sf
1 acre
MIN Lot Width
R-1
R-2
PD-1
Single- or Two-Family Dwelling
40 ft
20 ft
50 ft
Multi-Family Dwelling
-
45 ft
60 ft
Other Residential Use
-
-
50 ft
Nonresidential Use
50 ft
45 ft
70 ft
MIN Front Yard
R-1
R-2
PD-1
Residential Use
25 ft
20 ft
30 ft
Nonresidential Use
25 ft
20 ft
30 ft
MIN Side Yard
R-1
R-2
PD-1
Single-Family Dwelling
8/18 ft2
6/15 ft2
15 ft
Two-Family or Multi-Family Dwelling
0/10 ft2
0/10 ft2
0/15 ft2
Nonresidential Use
10/20 ft2
6/15 ft2
20 ft
Nonresidential Use, where abutting residential
20 ft
15 ft
30 ft
MIN Rear Yard
R-1
R-2
PD-1
Residential Use
25 ft
20 ft
30 ft
Nonresidential Use
25 ft
25 ft
50 ft
MAX Building Height
R-1
R-2
PD-1
Residential Use
35 ft
35 ft
35 ft
Nonresidential Use
35 ft
35 ft
35 ft
MAX Impervious Surface Area3
R-1
R-2
PD-1
Residential Use
45%
65%
35%
Nonresidential Use
60%
70%
50%
NOTES:
1.
The notation "sf/du" shall indicate required square footage of lot area per dwelling unit.
2.
The first number shall apply to each side yard separately. The second number applies to both side yards in the aggregate.
3.
Where green roofs are proposed, 75% of the building footprint covered by the green roof may be deducted from the calculation of impervious surface area.

§ 27-211 Commercial Districts - Area and Bulk Regulations.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
C-1
C-2
MIN Lot Area, Gross
C-1
C-2
Single- or Two-Family Dwelling
-
7,500 sf
Multi-Family Dwelling
-
2,500 sf/du1
Other Residential Use
-
10,000 sf
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
30,000 sf
10,000 sf
MIN Lot Width
C-1
C-2
Single- or Two-Family Dwelling
-
40 ft
Multi-Family Dwelling
-
60 ft
Other Residential Use
-
60 ft
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
80 ft
70 ft
Front Yard
C-1
C-2
Residential Use
-
20 ft MIN
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
15 ft MIN
10 ft MIN
25 ft MAX
MIN Side Yard
C-1
C-2
Single-Family Dwelling
-
10/20 ft2
Two-Family or Multi-Family Dwelling
-
0/10 ft2
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
15 ft
10/20 ft2
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use, where abutting residential
25 ft
20 ft
MIN Rear Yard
C-1
C-2
Residential Use
-
25 ft
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
15 ft
15 ft
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use, where abutting residential
25 ft
25 ft
Building Height
C-1
C-2
Residential Use
-
35 ft
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
35 ft MIN4
45 ft MAX
35 ft MIN4
45 ft MAX
MAX Impervious Surface Area3
C-1
C-2
Residential Use
-
40%
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
55%
75%
NOTES:
1.
The notation "sf/du" shall indicate required square footage of lot area per dwelling unit.
2.
The first number shall apply to each side yard separately. The second number applies to both side yards in the aggregate.
3.
Where green roofs are proposed, 75% of the building footprint covered by the green roof may be deducted from the calculation of impervious surface area.
4.
This requirement shall apply to new construction only.

§ 27-212 Industrial Districts - Area and Bulk Regulations.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
MU-CI
I
MIN Lot Area, Gross
MU-CI
I
Other Residential Use
4,500 sf/du1
-
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
30,000 sf
1 acre
MIN Lot Width
MU-CI
I
Other Residential Use
80 ft
-
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
100 ft
100 ft
MIN Front Yard
MU-CI
I
Residential Use
30 ft
-
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
40 ft
40 ft
MIN Side Yard
MU-CI
I
Residential Use
10 ft
-
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
20/40 ft2
20/40 ft2
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use, where abutting residential
30 ft
40 ft
MIN Rear Yard
MU-CI
I
Residential Use
25 ft
-
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
30 ft
40 ft
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use, where abutting residential
50 ft
60 ft
MAX Building Height
MU-CI
I
Residential Use
35 ft
-
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
45 ft
50 ft
MAX Impervious Surface Area3
MU-CI
I
Residential Use
35%
-
Nonresidential or Mixed-Use
60%
75%
NOTES:
1.
The notation "sf/du" shall indicate required square footage of lot area per dwelling unit.
2.
The first number shall apply to each side yard separately. The second number applies to both side yards in the aggregate.
3.
Where green roofs are proposed, 75% of the building footprint covered by the green roof may be deducted from the calculation of impervious surface area.

§ 27-213 Town Center District Approach.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The Town Center Districts follow a form-based code approach, which includes specification of permitted uses, but also focuses on the physical form and character of development, particularly how it relates to existing downtown character and the public realm. The purpose of this is to recognize that there is a diverse palette of building types found in the Borough's walkable, historic downtown area. Traditional zoning districts focus on use alone, while the Town Center Districts define both allowable uses and building types to ensure a continuation of the mix of building heights, scales, and densities found today.
2. 
Building types, as defined by § 27-214, are particular arrangements of a distinct built form on a site. Having individual bulk and dimensional regulations applicable to a building type allows for a more diverse range of building scales, allowing smaller buildings to be built on smaller lots while still providing for larger scale developments, where desirable. This also helps provide for more context-sensitive transitions between varied lot sizes and character areas.

§ 27-214 TC Districts - Building Types.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Building Types. In the Town Center Districts, area and bulk standards are regulated based on building type. The definition of each building type is provided below.
A. 
Commercial Building. A building designed to support business activity and which was not intended to support any other use, including but not limited to residential uses.
B. 
Multi-Family. A detached structure containing at least three residential units where the principal structure contains only residential activities.
C. 
Live-Work. A hybrid commercial-residence building that may be new construction or a conversion of an existing home into a combination of ground-floor business and upper-floor dwellings. May be designed so that the ground-floor and upper-floor components are functionally integrated or separated.
D. 
Mixed-Use. A building designed to incorporate more than one use into a single building. Typically designed so that the ground-floor and upper-floor components are functionally separate and have independent entrances.
E. 
Flex. A building that does not meet the definition of any other building type.
2. 
Permitted Building Types by District. Not all building types are permitted in all districts. See the table below to identify the TC District(s) in which they may be located.
BUILDING TYPE
TC-1
TC-2
TC-DO
Commercial
Commercial
Yes
Yes
Yes
Residential
Multi-Family
No
Yes
No
Live-Work
No
Yes
No
Mixed-Use
Yes
Yes
Yes
Flex
Flex
Yes
Yes
Yes

§ 27-215 TC Districts - Area Requirements.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
MIN Lot Area, Gross
Lot Width
Setbacks
MIN
MAX
Front
MIN Side
MAX Side
BUILDING TYPE (see § 27-214)
Commercial
Commercial
4,000 sf
30 ft
-
1
0/12 ft2
20 ft
Residential
Multi-Family
15,000 sf
50 ft
-
1
0/12 ft2
-
Live-Work
-
20 ft
50 ft
1
0 ft
0 ft
Mixed-Use
15,000 sf
50 ft
-
1
0/15 ft2
20 ft
Flex
Flex
4,000 sf
40 ft
-
1
0/12 ft2
20 ft
NOTES:
1.
See § 27-216 (TC Districts - Front Setbacks).
2.
The first number shall apply to each side yard separately. The second number applies to both side yards in the aggregate.

§ 27-216 TC Districts - Front Setbacks.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Buildings that are located on a street corner are considered to have two primary facades. Both facades shall be required to conform to the front setback standards.
2. 
Front facades shall sit on the front property line, with the following exceptions:
A. 
Where an applicant proposes a facade of 100 feet or more, it shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet to create an ample pedestrian space.
B. 
Where conformance with this requirement would create a pedestrian space of less than 10 feet or would create conditions that prohibit or limit accessibility for people with disabilities, the front facade shall be set back to the minimum point that ensures at least 15 feet of pedestrian space is provided.
C. 
Where existing facades form a street wall already set back from the property line, the front facade shall be set back to align with adjacent properties to ensure a consistent street wall. Where adjacent buildings have different setbacks, the larger of the two shall be used.
D. 
Where recesses are necessary to accommodate entrances, those portions of the facade may be set back up to 15 feet.

§ 27-217 TC Districts - Bulk Requirements.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
MAX Building Width
MAX Building Height
MIN Building Height
MIN Stepback Above 36 ft
MAX Impervious Surface Area1
MIN Common Open Space2
BUILDING TYPE (see § 27-214)
Commercial
Commercial
150 ft
50 ft (4 stories)
35 ft (2 stories)
-
90%
-
Residential
Multi-Family
150 ft
50 ft (4 stories)
35 ft (2 stories)
-
90%
-
Live-Work
50 ft
50 ft (4 stories)
35 ft (2 stories)
-
90%
-
Mixed-Use
250 ft
50 ft (4 stories)
60 ft (5 stories)3
35 ft (2 stories)
10 ft
90%
50 sf/du4,5
Flex
Flex
75 ft
50 ft (4 stories)
35 ft (2 stories)
-
85%
-
NOTES:
1.
Where green roofs are proposed, 75% of the building footprint covered by the green roof may be deducted from the calculation of impervious surface area.
2.
Minimum common open space areas shall be in accordance with §§ 22-223 and 22-224.
3.
Additional building height may be granted in the TC-DO District with a density bonus as provided for by § 27-218.
4.
The notation "sf/du" shall indicate required square footage of open space per dwelling unit.
5.
Where the building width exceeds 150 feet, this minimum common open space requirement shall apply.

§ 27-218 TC-DO District - Density Bonus.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Density Bonus Conditions. Mixed-use buildings are permitted to have an increased building height up to 60 feet or five stories when permitted by Borough Council as a conditional use in the TC-DO District area. Such density bonus shall be contingent upon a determination by Borough Council that the project advances the goals and objectives of this chapter and the most recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, and meets the following conditions:
A. 
Contains a permitted use as established in the Permitted Use Table.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said table is included as an attachment to this chapter.
B. 
Complies with the mixed-use buildings requirements in §§ 27-215, 27-216, and 27-218.
C. 
Complies with all Town Center design standards or has approval for modifications or variances in accordance with the Oxford Borough Code.
D. 
Provides at least three dwelling units or 20% of the total number of dwelling units, whichever is greater, of attainable housing units as defined in Subpart 1D.
E. 
Has attainable units mixed with and not clustered together or segregated in any way from market-rate units.
F. 
To the satisfaction of Borough Council, the applicant has entered into a legally binding agreement and/or established deed restrictions that will ensure: the continued provision of attainable units; the ability of the Borough to verify their continued provision; the Borough has adequate remedy should the attainable units fail to be provided; and the applicant will meet any other requirements the Borough Council deems necessary to ensure the attainable housing requirements are met.
2. 
Alternative Attainable Housing Solutions.
A. 
Where an applicant believes that an alternative attainable housing approach is necessary in the TC-DO District, a project may be approved if Borough Council determines that:
(1) 
The requirements established in Subsections 1.D and E above would place an unreasonable economic hardship on the applicant; or the proposed solution would result in more attainable housing than if the standards in the above-referenced sections were followed.
(2) 
The proposed number of units and corresponding income thresholds would advance the goals and objectives of this chapter and the Comprehensive Plan.
(3) 
No fewer than 10% of the total units are provided at below-market-rate rents or sold at below-market-rate costs.
(4) 
All other standards of the TC District and TC-DO District are met.
B. 
In evaluating proposals, Borough Council may require the applicant to submit sufficient evidence to ascertain the credibility of economic hardship and retain the counsel of outside consultants to evaluate such evidence. Where an applicant fails to provide sufficient evidence to the satisfaction of Borough Council, Council may deny the application.

§ 27-219 TC-1 and TC-2 Districts - Design Regulations.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
No building shall be a windowless box.
2. 
Storefronts.
A. 
No building shall have opaque windows.
B. 
Storefront glass shall be clear with no more than 10% tinting. Reflective, bronze, smoked, heavily tinted, or black glass shall be prohibited.
3. 
Awnings and Canopies.
A. 
Awnings are permitted over entrances, storefronts, and large first-floor windows and over upper-floor windows.
B. 
Awnings and canopies shall be designed to fit the window, door, or storefront openings that they are intended to cover. Placement shall be in a traditional position and shall not conceal architectural features.
C. 
Awnings shall be made of low-sheen fabrics with a traditional appearance, such as canvas or acrylic. The use of rigid, reflective, and translucent materials is prohibited.
D. 
Wood, metal, and internally illuminated translucent awnings are prohibited. Awnings may be retractable or fixed. Fixed awnings must be structurally capable of withstanding both high winds and winter snow loads.
E. 
The use of fixed rounded awnings on historic buildings is prohibited unless historically significant. The use of rigid-frame rounded entrance canopies is permitted only where it is deemed architecturally compatible with the building to which it is attached.

§ 27-220 Purpose and Intent.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Purpose. This Subpart 2D provides additional regulations for uses that are generally considered to have a higher potential for incompatibility with residential or low impact commercial uses without proper mitigation measures. The purpose of the regulations contained herein is to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the public, while also protecting property values and the character of the immediate neighborhood and Borough of Oxford community.
2. 
Intent. These regulations are intended to mitigate the potentially undesirable impacts of certain uses, which by reason of nature or manner of operation, are or may become hazardous, obnoxious, or offensive owing to excessive and undue increases in the production and presence of odors, dust, smoke, fumes, noise, vibrations, refuse matter, vehicular traffic, or human activity.

§ 27-221 Applicability.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The following requirements are applicable to all uses, permitted (P), conditional uses (CU), and special exception uses (SE) as identified in the Permitted Use Table in this chapter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said table is included as an attachment to this chapter.
2. 
Special exception uses and conditional uses must obtain review and approval in accordance with Subparts 4C and 4D of this chapter.
3. 
Should the additional use regulations of this Subpart 2D conflict with other requirements of this chapter, the regulations contained herein shall take precedence.
4. 
No authorization for a building permit shall be granted for any use listed in this Subpart 2D unless it is determined that the proposed use also meets the additional regulations required in this Subpart 2D.

§ 27-222 Accessory Uses and Structures.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
General Requirements. Accessory uses and structures shall:
A. 
Be clearly incidental and subordinate to the primary structure or use by height, area, extent, and purpose.
B. 
Not create a public nuisance or interfere with the use of adjacent residential lots by way of odor, noise, or emission of light.
C. 
Not exceed 15 feet in height, except where specifically regulated by other provisions of the Code.
D. 
Be securely anchored to the ground and/or another building or structure.
E. 
Be counted as impervious surfaces when determining compliance with the maximum impervious surface requirement of the district, except for accessory uses, buildings, or structures covering less than 100 square feet of contiguous land area.
2. 
Location.
A. 
No accessory use, building, or structure shall be located in any required front yard, unless otherwise permitted in this chapter.
B. 
Except as provided below or where specifically regulated by other provisions of this chapter, no accessory use, building or structure shall be located closer than four feet from any side or rear property line.
C. 
Where an accessory building or structure is intended for active use including, but not limited to, animal shelter, swimming pool, hot tub, tennis or basketball court, or woodshop, it shall be located no closer than 10 feet from any side or rear property line.
D. 
The minimum distance between any accessory buildings shall be 10 feet. The minimum distance between any accessory building and a principal building shall be 10 feet if the buildings are not abutting and attached.
E. 
A swimming pool shall be located at least 15 feet from any principal dwelling, at least 10 feet from any side or rear property line, and shall be located no closer to the front property line than the front of the principal dwelling.
3. 
Residential Accessory Uses and Structures. The following shall be considered permissible residential accessory uses or structures for the purposes of this chapter:
A. 
Garages and carports, off-street parking areas, and driveways, including personal charging stations and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), in accordance with § 27-317.
B. 
Enclosed storage structures, including garden sheds, provided such structure does not exceed 120 square feet in area, 12 feet in length, and 10 feet in height; however, truck bodies, abandoned mobile homes, truck trailers, shipping containers, or other similar structures, whether or not permanently affixed to the ground, shall not be permitted.
C. 
Fences and walls up to six feet in height.
D. 
Greenhouses, playgrounds, playhouses, recreational courts, and household pet shelters.
E. 
Private swimming pools in accordance with Chapter 23 of the Oxford Borough Code.
F. 
Microwave dish antennas, in accordance with § 27-261.
G. 
Sale of agricultural products, in accordance with § 27-225.
H. 
Ramps, lifts, or other such structures intended to provide an increased level of accessibility to the structure or use. Such structures may be permitted in the front yard area.
I. 
Permanently installed whole-house generators, HVAC units, and other small-scale mechanical equipment for noncommercial use, provided such equipment is screened from public view.
J. 
Green infrastructure installations, such as rain barrels, rain gardens, or bioswales. Such infrastructure may be permitted in the front yard area.
K. 
Uses designed to serve residents of a residential development, including areas for washing machines and dryers, lockers or indoor storage areas, recreational facilities, and lounges.
L. 
Other uses and structures which the Zoning Officer deems appropriate by virtue of similarity in nature, activity, and/or extent to those already listed.
4. 
Nonresidential Accessory Uses and Structures. The following shall be considered permissible nonresidential accessory uses or structures for the purposes of this chapter.
A. 
All residential accessory uses and structures.
B. 
Accessory uses for commercial and industrial uses, provided that these uses are specifically designed for employees, including restaurants or cafeterias for use by employees only, living quarters for employees, and recreational uses designed primarily for employees of the principal use.
C. 
Other uses and structures which the Zoning Officer deems appropriate by virtue of similarity in nature, activity, and/or extent to those already listed.

§ 27-223 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Intent. It is the intent of the Borough of Oxford in regulating ADUs to:
A. 
Foster opportunities for new housing units while respecting the design and scale of low density residential neighborhoods;
B. 
Increase the housing stock of existing neighborhoods in a manner that is less intense than multi-family dwelling alternatives;
C. 
Provide a broader range of affordable housing options that respond to changing family and household needs; and
D. 
Offer a means for residents to remain in their homes and neighborhoods while also obtaining extra income, security, companionship, and/or services.
2. 
General Requirements. ADUs shall conform to the following.
A. 
ADUs may be permitted as an accessory use to a single-family residence in the primary or attached or detached accessory structure. Attachment of a mobile home or travel trailer to an existing structure is prohibited.
B. 
There shall be no more than one ADU per lot, and the ADU shall not have a separate postal address different from that of the principal single-family dwelling.
C. 
An ADU may be permitted on a nonconforming lot or within a nonconforming structure when approved by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception.
D. 
When utilized as a residential rental unit, ADUs shall be subject to an annual inspection under Chapter 5 by the Building Code Official to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter and all other local, regional, or state laws, rules, and regulations.
3. 
Building and Site Design.
A. 
The maximum floor area of an ADU shall not exceed 30% of the primary residence gross habitable floor area. ADUs exceeding this maximum floor area shall be permitted where approved by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception. In no case shall an ADU exceed 45% of the primary residence gross habitable floor area.
B. 
The maximum building height of a structure to be used as an ADU may be increased up to five feet, where approved by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception.
C. 
An ADU shall be limited to no more than two bedrooms.
D. 
One off-street parking space shall be provided for each ADU, and no ADU shall be permitted if the property cannot accommodate the minimum required parking spaces for the principal use and the additional ADU space.
E. 
The construction, modification, addition, or demolition of the ADU shall not discernibly alter the single-family residential character of the lot or structure located thereon.
F. 
All exterior entrances providing direct access to an ADU shall be located on the side or rear facade of the primary structure. Detached ADU structures are exempt from this restriction.
G. 
To ensure compliance with this chapter, an architectural plan shall be submitted as part of the building permit application, accurately drawn to scale, indicating the relationship and size of the two dwelling units on the property, as well as parking areas and any proposed exterior alterations.
4. 
Utilities. The applicant shall provide documentation from the Oxford Water Department and Oxford Area Sewer Authority that the proposed ADU can be connected to, and that its water and wastewater needs will be served by, the Borough and Authority.

§ 27-224 Adult Uses.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Intent. Buildings and establishments operated as adult uses as defined by this chapter are determined to be detrimental and harmful to the health, safety, and general welfare of a community. Noted to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the Borough of Oxford, this section is intended to restrict adult uses to nonresidential, nonbusiness, and noncommercial areas of the Borough of Oxford and otherwise regulate their operation. Wherever the operational characteristics of adult uses increase the deleterious impact on a community when such uses are concentrated, this section is intended to promote the health, safety, and general welfare and good order of the residents of the Borough of Oxford by regulating the concentration of such use to minimize the deleterious effect on the aesthetics and economics of the areas in which these uses are located.
2. 
Designation of Uses. The following uses are designated as regulated adult uses and may be permitted when approved as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board. No such use shall be established without first obtaining special exception approval in accordance with this section and chapter.
A. 
Adult bookstores or video stores.
B. 
Adult motion-picture theaters.
C. 
Adult cabarets.
D. 
Adult massage parlors.
3. 
Standards of Conduct. All regulated adult uses shall comply with the following standards:
A. 
Regulated adult uses shall be located a minimum of 1,000 feet from another existing regulated adult use.
B. 
Regulated uses shall be located a minimum of 1,000 feet from any residentially zoned district or any of the following residentially related uses:
(1) 
Churches, monasteries, chapels, synagogues, convents, rectories, religious article, or religious apparel stores.
(2) 
Schools up to and including the 12th grade and their adjunct play areas.
(3) 
Public playgrounds, public swimming pools, public parks, and libraries.
C. 
For the purposes of this section, spacing distances measure as follows:
(1) 
From all property lines of any regulated use in Subsection 2 above.
(2) 
From the outward line of boundary of all residential zoning districts.
(3) 
From all property lines of any residentially related use in Subsection 3.B above.
4. 
Signs and Other Visible Messages. All regulated adult uses shall be permitted signs and visible messages based on the available sign area of the zoning district in which they are located, provided that:
A. 
Sign messages shall be limited to verbal description of material or services available on the premises.
B. 
Sign messages may not include any graphic or pictorial depiction of material or services available on the premises.
C. 
Other messages which are visible or intended to be visible from outside the property, such as on or within doors or windows, shall not display materials, items, publications, pictures, films, or printed material available on the premises, or pictures, films, or live presentations of persons performing or services offered on the premises.
5. 
Special Exception Requirements.
A. 
Applications for special exception approval shall be submitted, processed, and reviewed in accordance with Subpart 4D of this chapter.
B. 
A special exception approval granted under the provisions of this section shall be conditioned such that it shall only apply to the current property owner or applicant and shall not be transferable or assignable to another property, subsequent owner of the property in question or applicant.
C. 
Should any regulated use listed in this section cease or discontinue operation for a period of 90 or more consecutive days, it may not resume nor may it be replaced by any other regulated use listed in this section unless it complies with all the requirements of this chapter.

§ 27-225 Agricultural Uses.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Passive Agricultural Uses. Passive agricultural uses shall be permitted as follows:
A. 
The minimum lot size shall be five acres.
B. 
No barn or other agricultural structure shall be constructed closer than 100 feet to any lot boundary.
C. 
The keeping of animals, exclusive of small domestic animals and customary household pets, shall not be permitted except on property qualifying for agricultural use in accordance with the provisions of this section.
D. 
The keeping of farm animals, including horses, to be maintained for the private, noncommercial use of the individual property owner, shall not be permitted on lots less than five acres in size.
E. 
All pasture areas shall be fenced.
F. 
No slaughtering operations for commercial purposes shall be permitted.
G. 
Lots shall be graded so that animal wastes are confined to the lot on which they originate.
H. 
Piggeries shall not be permitted as part of a passive agricultural use.
2. 
Intensive Agricultural Uses. Intensive agricultural use and customary buildings associated with intensive agricultural activities shall be permitted as follows:
A. 
The minimum lot size shall be five acres.
B. 
All agricultural buildings, structures, accessory mushroom composting, feedlots, or other odor- or dust-producing activities shall be set back a minimum of 200 feet from any lot boundary.
C. 
Mushroom houses and structures sheltering livestock shall be buffered by a vegetative screen from abutting lots containing nonagricultural uses. Screening shall be in accordance with Subpart 3C of this chapter and Subpart 3C of Chapter 22.
D. 
Mushroom houses and farms must have a Mushroom Farm Environmental Management Plan (MFEMP) reflecting best practices as provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
E. 
All pasture areas shall be fenced.
F. 
Lots shall be graded so that animal wastes are confined to the lot on which they originate.
3. 
Farm Stands. The display and sale of agricultural products shall be permitted from a temporary stand dismantled and removed at the end of the growing season or from a permanent building on the property, provided that:
A. 
At least 50% of such products displayed for sale shall be produced on the agricultural land contiguous to said structure.
B. 
Such stand, building, or parking area shall be located at least 30 feet from any street line.
C. 
A minimum of three parking spaces or one space for each 300 square feet of building floor area, whichever shall be greater, shall be provided behind the street line.
D. 
Such stand or building and any required parking area shall be located at least 75 feet from a side or rear yard lot line.
E. 
Signs associated with the sale of farm products shall conform to the sign regulations under Subpart 3E of this chapter.

§ 27-226 Animal Care Services.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The following shall apply to all animal care service operations, such as grooming shops, veterinary clinics, and animal hospitals not providing overnight accommodations:
A. 
Adjacent properties shall be adequately protected from noise, odors, and unsightly appearances. Such protections may include, but are not limited to, landscaped buffers, berming, and fencing.
B. 
Adequate methods for sanitation and sewage disposal, which may require a waste disposal plan, are required. The disposal plan, at a minimum, shall outline the approximate amount of waste expected and proper disposal and sanitation methods.
C. 
All such operations shall apply for and secure proper licensing and registration as required by state and local law.
D. 
All services shall be provided within a completely enclosed building, with the exception of outdoor animal exercise, play, or containment areas subject to site plan review and approval.
E. 
All buildings, structures, accessory use areas, and outdoor animal exercise, play, or containment areas, except off-street parking areas, shall be located at least 100 feet from any property line.
F. 
Screening for outdoor animal exercise, play, or containment areas shall be required to create a visual, sound, and odor buffer between such facility and adjacent properties.
G. 
All animals will be confined to the property and housed in an enclosed structure in humane conditions (i.e., protected from weather, clean, sanitary, adequate space, non-porous surfaces, well-ventilated, etc.).

§ 27-227 Bed-and-Breakfasts (B&Bs).

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Purpose. The Borough of Oxford is proud to be a community that welcomes visitors while maintaining the availability of permanent housing stock for residents and a high quality of life. The Borough recognizes that B&Bs may cause disruption to the peace, quiet, and enjoyment of Oxford residents. To respect the property rights and interests of all homeowners and long-term renters in the Borough, the following requirements seek to achieve a balance between those who wish to offer their homes and properties for such transient lodging purposes and those who choose not to do so. The following requirements for the Borough are intended to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating and controlling the location, use, occupancy, oversight, and maintenance of these uses.
2. 
General Restrictions.
A. 
B&Bs shall be limited to owner-occupied single-family dwellings and/or their associated accessory structures, including detached accessory structures.
B. 
All B&Bs shall have an on-site operator.
C. 
Owners and operators must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for a sales, use, and hotel occupancy tax license to collect and remit the applicable occupancy and sales tax as required by law.
D. 
No such use shall be permitted on a nonconforming lot or within a nonconforming structure.
E. 
No such use shall be permitted on any property that is in violation of this Zoning Ordinance, the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), or any other local, state, or federal rule, law, or regulation.
3. 
Operational Restrictions.
A. 
No more than five guest rooms may be offered for transient lodging purposes. The maximum occupancy shall be limited to two adults per bedroom or 10 adults, whichever is less.
B. 
There shall be no more than two employees not living on the property reporting for work.
C. 
Sales of merchandise shall be incidental to the B&B use.
D. 
The provision of meals shall be limited to lodgers only.
E. 
B&Bs shall be rented exclusively for lodging purposes. Such properties may not be rented or used commercially for conference centers, weddings, concerts, a public restaurant, auctions, retreats, or other for-hire events that would otherwise cause occupancy of the property to exceed the maximum number of guests permitted.
F. 
Any amenities, such as a tennis court or swimming pool, shall be solely for the use of the residents and guests of the facility.
G. 
The owner shall comply with all applicable health codes, building codes and other applicable laws. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the applicant must show that all applicable local, county, and state permits have been received.
H. 
The resident owner shall maintain a guest register which shall list the names and addresses of all guests.
4. 
Building and Site Requirements.
A. 
Exterior and interior alterations shall be limited to those customarily associated with residential use or those which may be required by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry or for safety reasons as required by any other local, state or federal regulation.
B. 
For B&Bs, at least one bathroom shall be provided per guest room. The living quarters for the resident/operator shall have its own bedroom and bathroom. Bathrooms shall be equipped with a toilet, washbasin, and bath and/or shower.
C. 
One sign shall be permitted in accordance with Subpart 3E of this chapter.
D. 
B&Bs must be able to accommodate the minimum off-street parking requirements of Subpart 3B of this chapter on-site.
E. 
Off-street parking shall not be permitted in the front yard, unless as part of an approved, designated driveway. All parking areas shall be screened from adjacent properties and the public right-of-way with plantings and/or fencing at least four feet in height.
5. 
Utilities.
A. 
The operator shall provide documentation from the Oxford Water Department and Oxford Area Sewer Authority that the proposed use can be connected to, and that its water and wastewater needs will be served by, the Borough and Authority.
B. 
No B&B shall have separate utility connections, meters, or billing.
6. 
Inspections.
A. 
The Zoning Officer shall make inspections prior to the issuance of a permit to determine the condition of the property and ensure compliance with this chapter and other applicable laws. For the purpose of making inspections, the Zoning Officer or Zoning Officer's representative may enter, examine and survey, at all times, all buildings, dwelling units, guest rooms and premises on presentation of the proper credentials. The owner of an establishment, or the on-site operator, shall give the Zoning Officer free access to the building.
B. 
Upon approval as a conditional use, any occupancy permit issued for such operations shall have a life of one year. The permit shall be renewed annually, provided that the Zoning Officer has inspected the facility and found it to be in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and any conditions imposed by Borough Council as part of the conditional use approval.
7. 
Revocation of Permit.
A. 
An occupancy permit for a B&B may be revoked by the Zoning Officer when any of the following occur:
(1) 
The property in question has had three verified violations within 12 consecutive months.
(2) 
The property owner fails to remedy a violation within the required timeframe.
B. 
A B&B shall cease operation immediately upon written notification of permit revocation by the Zoning Officer to the property owner.
C. 
Applicants that have had a permit revoked may not reapply for a period of 12 months from the date of revocation.

§ 27-228 Drive-Throughs.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Purpose. Products of the automobile age, drive-through facilities have become a common amenity for a specific range of uses, including banks, freestanding drug stores, and fast-food restaurants. A well-designed drive-through on a parcel with adequate area can be convenient for motorists and have minimal impact upon the streetscape and pedestrians. Conversely, a poorly designed drive-through on a parcel of inadequate size can cause problems with traffic circulation and create areas that are hostile to pedestrians. Drive-throughs have the potential to generate undesirable impacts for adjacent properties such as odors from vehicle exhaust and noise from engines, car stereos, and menu board speakers. The purpose and intent of this section is to establish appropriate standards which allow for the typical range of activities while ensuring public safety and mitigating the associated impacts.
2. 
Access Drives and Vehicular Lanes.
A. 
Only one access drive, or two one-way access drives, shall be permitted per street frontage.
B. 
Vehicular stacking/exit lanes, service areas, or windows shall not be located in the front yard.
C. 
All stacking/exit lanes shall be designed so that they do not interfere with off-street parking areas or vehicular and pedestrian circulation on the site. Such lanes shall be designed to reduce the impacts of traffic congestion on adjacent property and public streets.
D. 
All stacking/exit lanes and pedestrian walkways shall be delineated with landscaping, curbing, raised or decorative pavement, and/or signage that is identifiable during all seasons.
3. 
Speakers and Menu Boards.
A. 
Speakers and any other such devices used for audio amplification shall be located a minimum of 30 feet from any adjacent residential property line and shall not be audible beyond the property line.
B. 
Menu boards shall not be illuminated outside of business hours.
C. 
To the greatest extent practicable, all speakers and menu boards shall face away from adjacent residential uses and public rights-of-way and be suitably screened.
4. 
Buffering and Landscaping. All drive-through lanes, including required curbing, shall maintain a setback of at least 10 feet from any abutting residential property line. Such setback areas shall include a combination of fencing and/or landscaping to provide a continuous visual screen at least six feet in height.

§ 27-229 Group Care Facilities.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Intent. The intent of this use is to encompass living arrangements for a group of persons who meet one or more of the criteria for disability, as that term is defined by this chapter. The purpose of this use is to offer an alternative whereby persons can be placed in a setting which most nearly approximates traditional familial living arrangements.
2. 
Building Design. Any structure housing a group care facility shall, to the maximum extent feasible, have the same appearance as a dwelling unit not housing a group care facility. The dwelling housing a group care facility shall have no external alterations except as may be necessary for reasons of safety, including ramps or fire escapes. Such access shall be located to the side or rear of the building where practical.
3. 
Compliance with Other Laws and Regulations.
A. 
All group care facilities shall comply with the regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and all other applicable agencies.
B. 
The dwelling housing a group care facility shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Uniform Construction Code (Chapter 5, Part 1) of Oxford Borough.
4. 
Area and Bulk Requirements. Area and bulk requirements shall apply in the same manner as otherwise applicable to the type of dwelling unit being used as a group care facility.
5. 
Accommodations. The Zoning Hearing Board, through the grant of a special exception, may permit reasonable accommodations and/or reasonable modifications, to allow residents of a group care facility the full enjoyment of the housing unit and related facilities.

§ 27-230 Home Occupations.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Classification. Home occupations shall be classified as either:
A. 
No-impact home occupation, as defined in § 27-136 and where permitted by right under the terms of the base zoning districts.
B. 
Major home occupations, as defined in § 27-136 and where permitted as a special exception under the terms of the base zoning districts.
2. 
No-Impact Home Occupations. No-impact home occupations shall meet all of the following requirements:
A. 
The business activity shall be compatible with the residential use of the property and surrounding residential uses.
B. 
No exterior evidence of the activity, including signs, lighting, or the display, inventorying, or stockpiling of goods, shall be visible.
C. 
No retail sales, exclusive of telephone and/or internet solicitation, may be conducted.
D. 
Only residents of the dwelling may be engaged or employed in the activity.
E. 
The activity may be conducted only within the dwelling unit and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area.
F. 
The activity shall not require the delivery of materials and goods by trucks larger than standard panel trucks equipped with no more than one rear axle.
G. 
The activity may not use any equipment or process that creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical or electronic interference, including interference with radio or television reception, that is detectable in the neighborhood.
H. 
The activity may not generate any solid waste or sewage discharge in volume or type that is not normally associated with residential use in the neighborhood.
I. 
There shall be no customer or client traffic, whether vehicular or pedestrian, and no pickup, delivery, or removal functions to or from the premises, in excess of those normally associated with residential use.
J. 
There shall be no more than one home occupation per dwelling unit.
K. 
Any dwelling unit in which a home occupation is conducted shall have its own direct access to ground level.
L. 
The resident practitioner of any home occupation shall provide the Borough with the names of all individuals employed by the business constituting the home occupation, and shall report all additions or deletions among those so employed as they occur.
M. 
Prior to initiating the operation of a home occupation, the resident practitioner shall be required to obtain a permit from the Borough and pay a fee in an amount as established by resolution of Borough Council. The Borough shall conduct an inspection of the premises as part of the review of the permit application. Such permit must be renewed every two years for continued operation of the home occupation, but no additional fee or inspection shall be required.
3. 
Major Home Occupations. Major home occupations shall meet all of the following requirements:
A. 
The purpose of the standards in this section is to provide opportunity for certain home occupation uses that do not comply fully with the criteria in Subsection 2 above, for home occupations permitted by right, primarily due to the proposed employment of nonresidents and/or the nature of the proposed use. It is the intent of this section to assure that any home occupation is:
(1) 
Compatible with other uses permitted in the respective zoning districts.
(2) 
Incidental and secondary to the use of the property as a residential lot.
(3) 
Helping to maintain and preserve the character of the neighborhood.
B. 
In addition to the standards contained in this Subsection 3, any applicant seeking approval of a home occupation as a special exception shall comply with the standards of Subsections 2.A, F, G, H, J, K, and L above.
C. 
No exterior evidence of the activity in the form of lighting, or the display of inventory, or stockpiling of goods, shall be visible. Any sign associated with a home occupation shall comply with the standards in Subpart 3E of this chapter.
D. 
A home occupation approved under the terms of this section may be located only within a single-family detached dwelling or within an accessory building located on the same lot as a single-family detached dwelling.
E. 
Where a home occupation is conducted, in whole or in part, within an accessory building on the property, the total floor area devoted to the home occupation shall not exceed 25% of the floor area of the single-family detached dwelling or 600 square feet, whichever is less.
F. 
If the resident conducting the home occupation is a tenant and not the owner of the property, the owner shall be party to the application for special exception approval.
G. 
No more than two nonresident employees shall be permitted. However, where a home occupation is an office in the building trades and similar fields, the business may have additional employees for off-site activities provided they are not employed on-site, they do not park on or near the property, and they do not normally visit the property during the course of business.
H. 
Major home occupations shall be limited to those occupations customarily conducted within a single-family detached dwelling or a building accessory to a single-family detached dwelling. Major home occupations shall include, but not be limited to, the following activities:
(1) 
Medical, dental, or legal office.
(2) 
Family child/adult day care involving no more than six children or adults unrelated to the operator, and provided the following criteria are met:
(a) 
The minimum size of the lot containing the day-care facility shall be 15,000 square feet.
(b) 
Passenger drop-off and pick-up areas shall be provided on-site and arranged so that passengers are not required to cross traffic lanes on or adjacent to the site and vehicles are not required to back out onto the abutting street.
(c) 
There shall be suitable outside activity/recreation area which shall be buffered from all adjoining properties with screening by evergreens, walls, fencing or other materials acceptable to the Zoning Hearing Board. Any wall or fence shall not be constructed of corrugated metal, corrugated fiberglass, woven chain link, or sheet metal. Screening shall be arranged to block the ground level views between grade and the height of six feet. Landscape screens shall achieve this visual blockage within two years following installation.
(3) 
Preparation of food or food products to be sold or served off-site.
(4) 
Other accessory uses that do not qualify as no-impact home occupations under the terms of this section, but, in the determination of the Zoning Hearing Board, are considered to be of the same general character as the home occupations listed herein and meet all the requirements for major home occupations contained in this chapter.
I. 
The applicant shall demonstrate that adequate off-street parking shall be provided for both the home occupation and the dwelling unit. In no event shall the parking spaces provided be less than two for the dwelling unit and one for each nonresident employee.
J. 
Retail sale of merchandise, supplies, or products shall not be conducted on the property except for the following:
(1) 
The sale of items that are clearly incidental and subordinate to the conduct of the home occupation or items used in the home occupation such as the sale of beauty supplies used by the proprietor is permitted.
(2) 
Orders previously made by telephone, internet, appointment, or other prior contact may be filled at the site of the home occupation. There shall be no direct sales of products from display shelves or racks, but a person may pick up an order placed earlier as described above.
K. 
Unless otherwise determined by the Zoning Hearing Board, an approved home occupation may be conducted only during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
L. 
Where the proposed home occupation will include nonresident employees, in accordance with the terms of this chapter, the Zoning Hearing Board may require appropriate documentation that the sewage facilities serving the property will be adequate to meet the wastewater treatment and disposal needs that will be generated on the property Where such facilities cannot be provided, the Board may deny the request for special exception.
M. 
Prior to initiating the operation of a major home occupation, the resident practitioner shall be required to obtain a permit from the Borough and pay a fee in an amount as established by resolution of Borough Council. The Borough shall conduct an inspection of the premises as part of the review of the permit application. Such permit must be renewed annually for continued operation of the home occupation, and the Borough may conduct an inspection, as it deems necessary, in conjunction with the permit renewal process.

§ 27-231 Junkyards or Vehicle Towing Services.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Setbacks. The minimum setback requirements of the zoning district in which the use is located shall apply. However, where such use is located on a property adjacent to a residential zoning district or residential use, the setback from the adjacent residential zoning district boundary or residential use lot line shall be at least 100 feet.
2. 
Screening.
A. 
Wherever the property abuts a residential use or district or public or private street, a minimum 10-foot-wide planting strip shall be provided for screening along the property line and/or street line.
B. 
Plant material shall be a minimum of eight feet in height at the time of installation and shall be an evergreen hedge unless alternative plant materials and/or the incorporation of existing vegetation are determined to provide adequate screening and approved by the Zoning Officer.
C. 
The area of the property used to store junk and materials or to impound vehicles shall be enclosed within a wall or fence at least eight feet in height that is at least 90% solid or opaque.
3. 
Site Restrictions.
A. 
Storage piles shall not exceed eight feet in height.
B. 
No more than two adjacent rows of vehicles shall be stored together.
C. 
The maximum number of vehicles, whether operable or inoperable, that may be on-site at any one time shall be limited to one vehicle per 350 square feet of net lot area.
D. 
There shall be provided at least a 12-foot-wide accessway which shall be kept free and clear at all times to provide access to all parts of the premises for firefighting and other safety or emergency purposes.
E. 
No stored junk or vehicles shall be located within 50 feet of any stream or watercourse.
4. 
Operation.
A. 
An adult attendant shall be on the property at all times when the use is in operation.
B. 
The use shall obtain any applicable Borough, county, state, or federal license or permit and shall remain in compliance with those requirements.
C. 
There shall be no processing or sale of materials at a junkyard between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., prevailing time.
D. 
The maximum length of time that any vehicle may be impounded or stored on the property shall be 60 days.
E. 
The use shall not cause any excessive, offensive, or noxious sounds or odors, and shall not permit the breeding or harboring of rats, rodents, or vermin.
F. 
A permanent record of all junk and/or vehicles received or removed shall be kept on the property, containing the name and address from whom received or to whom delivered, the date thereof, and a description of the junk or vehicle. Such record shall at all times be open to inspection by the Borough or any law enforcement officer.
5. 
Materials.
A. 
No junk or other material shall be burned or melted on the premises.
B. 
No garbage or organic waste shall be kept on the premises.
C. 
All junk shall be stored or arranged to prevent accumulation of water.
D. 
No explosive, toxic, radioactive, or highly flammable materials shall be kept on the property. Gasoline, oil, Freon, vehicle batteries, and other flammable or toxic substances shall be removed from any junk or other items stored on the premises. Such materials shall be removed and disposed of in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and shall not be released into the air or deposited on or into the ground or watercourses.

§ 27-232 Kennels.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
State License Required. The applicant shall provide the appropriate Department of Agriculture license to the Borough and obtain a use and occupancy permit prior to opening any kennel operation.
2. 
Operational Requirements.
A. 
A kennel shall be contained in a completely enclosed building, shall be soundproofed, and shall not be located closer than 150 feet to any residential zoning district boundary, residential lot line, or street right-of-way line.
B. 
The applicant shall provide a plan for the proper disposal of animal waste generated by the operation.
C. 
The applicant shall provide a plan for the disposal of animals that perish while on the property, either by controlled incineration or removal from the premises in a sanitary manner within 24 hours of their death.
D. 
The sale of related products shall remain accessory to the kennel, and any area devoted to such sales shall comprise no more than 25% of the floor area of the principal building.
E. 
The owner/operator of the kennel shall be responsible to exercise sufficient control over the animals and shall not allow a nuisance condition to be created in terms of noise, dirt, or odor.
3. 
Outdoor Activity Restrictions.
A. 
Any outdoor animal pen, stall, or runway shall be located only within the rear yard.
B. 
The kennel shall have all outdoor exercise yards entirely fenced to prevent animals from leaving the property.
C. 
Outdoor storage areas are subject to the requirements of § 27-239 and shall be fully screened from adjoining properties zoned or used for residential purposes, in accordance with Subpart 3C of this chapter and Subpart 3C of Chapter 22.
D. 
All animals shall be housed in an enclosed all-weather protective structure between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

§ 27-233 Keeping of Animals.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Small Domestic Animals. The raising or keeping of small domestic animals shall be permitted provided the following standards are met:
A. 
"Small domestic animals" refers to those kept in a hutch or similar animal house and not within a dwelling unit, excluding poultry or reptiles.
B. 
Any lot on which the raising or keeping of small domestic animals is to be practiced shall have a lot area not less than that required for a single-family dwelling in the zoning district in which the lot is located.
C. 
The total number of small domestic animals shall not exceed one for each 4,500 square feet of lot area, regardless of the zoning district in which the property is located.
D. 
Fencing or an enclosed animal house structure shall be installed. An animal house structure shall comply with the setback requirements for accessory structures in this chapter.
E. 
All animals will be confined to the property and housed in an enclosed structure in humane conditions (i.e., protected from weather, clean, sanitary, adequate space, non-porous surfaces, well-ventilated, etc.).
2. 
Household Pets. The raising or keeping of household pets shall be permitted provided the following standards are met:
A. 
Household pets which generally are kept within a dwelling unit, including but not limited to dogs, cats, hamsters, and birds, shall not exceed 10 such animals on the property, regardless of the area of the lot.
B. 
In addition, no lot shall contain: (a) more than six cats; (b) more than four dogs, except that puppies or kittens from a litter born on the property shall not be included in this limit until four months following birth. The keeping of such household pets shall not be subject to the terms of Subsection 2.A, above.
C. 
Where household pets are being: (a) bred and raised commercially for resale, and/or (b) commercially boarded for another owner, such operation shall be considered a kennel, as defined and regulated by this chapter.
D. 
Any household pet for which a license is required shall display such license at all times.
E. 
All animals will be confined to the property and housed in an enclosed structure in humane conditions (i.e., protected from weather, clean, sanitary, adequate space, non-porous surfaces, well-ventilated, etc.).
3. 
Chickens. The keeping of chickens shall be permitted in all zoning districts except the TC-1 and TC-2 Districts. In addition to the regulations set forth in Chapter 2 of the Oxford Borough Code, the following provisions shall apply:
A. 
Maximum Number.
(1) 
There shall be no more than three chickens per 20,000 square feet of lot area.
(2) 
The maximum number for any property, regardless of size, shall be 20 chickens.
(3) 
No chickens shall be permitted on properties with less than 20,000 square feet of lot area.
B. 
Conditions.
(1) 
No chickens shall be allowed in two-family or multi-family complexes.
(2) 
No chickens shall be kept in front yard areas.
(3) 
Chickens shall be kept for personal use only. No person shall sell chicken meat or engage in breeding or fertilizer production for commercial purposes. The sale of eggs may be permitted with a temporary stand in accordance with the regulations of § 27-225.3.
C. 
Henhouses and Outdoor Enclosures.
(1) 
Chickens cannot be free range and shall always be within a henhouse or fenced enclosure which contains them on the property and prohibits them from occupying any space within 50 feet of any property line.
(2) 
Henhouses and enclosures must be screened from the neighbor's view, using an opaque fence and/or landscape screen.
(3) 
The henhouse may not be taller than eight feet, measured from the natural grade, and must be easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance. Henhouses shall be a minimum of three square feet per chicken.
(4) 
Chickens shall have access to an outdoor enclosure that is adequately fenced to contain the birds on the property and to prevent predators from accessing the birds. Outdoor enclosures shall be a minimum of four square feet per chicken.
(5) 
Henhouses must be located in a rear yard, or where there is no rear yard, in a side yard away from the street, behind the line of the primary dwelling nearest the street.
4. 
Bees. The keeping of bees, and associated beehives, shall be permitted in all zoning districts except TC-1 and TC-2 and shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Oxford Borough Code and the following regulations:
A. 
Number.
(1) 
No more than one beehive shall be kept for each 10,000 square feet of lot area.
(2) 
No beehive shall be kept on a lot less than 10,000 square feet in area.
B. 
Location and Setbacks.
(1) 
No beehive shall be kept closer than 10 feet to any lot line and 15 feet to a dwelling on another parcel.
(2) 
No beehive shall be kept in the required front yard area.
(3) 
The front of any beehive shall face away from the property line of the residential property closest to the beehive.
(4) 
No bees shall be allowed in multi-family complexes, including duplexes, without the express written consent of the owner of the building and all tenants residing therein other than the applicant.
C. 
Fences and Shrubs.
(1) 
A solid fence or dense hedge, known as a "flyway barrier," of six feet in height shall be placed along the side of the beehive that contains the entrance to the hive, and shall be located within five feet of the hive and shall extend at least two feet on either side of the hive.
(2) 
No such flyway barrier shall be required if all beehives are located at least 25 feet from all property lines.

§ 27-234 Live/Work Unit.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Applicability.
A. 
A single dwelling unit (e.g., studio, loft, apartment, or single-family home) consisting of both a commercial and a residential component where the uses share a common wall or floor with direct access between the residential and nonresidential area.
B. 
Live/work units are differentiated from home occupations in that the residential and/or commercial use need not be subordinate to the other in terms of floor area or intensity of use. Live/work units typically occupy a larger share of the dwelling and/or include a larger-scale commercial element such as retail sales or on-site production.
2. 
Requirements.
A. 
A single live/work dwelling unit shall not exceed 2,000 square feet in gross floor area.
B. 
Nonresidential areas of the live/work unit shall not exceed 60% of the gross floor area.
C. 
At least one of the full-time employees of the commercial operation must be a full-time resident of the live/work unit.
D. 
No more than two employees not living on the property may report to the unit for work.
E. 
No more than two bedrooms per live/work unit shall be allowed.
F. 
The residential area/bedrooms shall not be rented separately from the working space.
G. 
Commercial operations within live/work units may include on-site retail sales, production of materials, art, or other such craft.
H. 
No use shall be operated in an objectionable manner, due to fumes, odor, dust, smoke, gas, noise, or vibrations that are or may be detrimental to properties and occupants in the area, and/or to any other uses and occupants on the same property.

§ 27-235 Medical Marijuana Uses.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Applicability. The following standards shall apply to any medical marijuana grower/processor or dispensary, where such use is permitted as a conditional use under the terms of this chapter.
2. 
Medical Marijuana Grower/Processor.
A. 
A medical marijuana grower/processor shall provide proof of registration with the PA Department of Health, or proof that registration has been sought and is pending approval, and shall at all times maintain a valid, accurate, and up-to-date registration with the PA Department of Health. Should registration be denied or revoked at any time, any conditional use approval shall immediately become void.
B. 
A medical marijuana grower/processor shall at all times operate in compliance with all PA Department of Health regulations pertaining to such facilities.
C. 
No more than one grower/processor shall be permitted on any one site or in any one building.
D. 
The site or facility shall provide adequate security to prevent the unintended transfer of marijuana plants off the premises.
E. 
Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the applicable terms of Subpart 3B of this chapter. In applying the terms of Subpart 3B to determine the minimum number of parking spaces required, the requirements for "industrial operation" shall be applied.
F. 
Where off-street loading facilities are to be provided, they shall comply with the standards contained in Subpart 3B of this chapter.
G. 
A medical marijuana grower/processor use shall not be operated or maintained on a parcel within 1,000 feet of the nearest point on the property line of a residentially zoned property or a parcel containing a public, private, or parochial school or a day-care center.
H. 
A medical marijuana grower/processor shall submit a disposal plan to, and obtain approval from, the Zoning Officer or his or her designee. Medical marijuana remnants and by-products shall be disposed of according to the approved plan and shall not be placed within an exterior refuse container.
I. 
No retail sales of medical marijuana and no use of medical marijuana shall be permitted on the premises of a medical marijuana grower/processor.
3. 
Medical Marijuana Dispensary.
A. 
A medical marijuana dispensary shall provide proof of registration with the PA Department of Health, or proof that registration has been sought and is pending approval, and shall at all times maintain a valid, accurate, and up-to-date registration with the PA Department of Health. Should registration be denied or revoked at any time, any conditional use approval shall immediately become void.
B. 
A medical marijuana dispensary shall at all times operate in compliance with all PA Department of Health regulations pertaining to such facilities.
C. 
A medical marijuana dispensary may not operate on the same site as a medical marijuana grower/processor.
D. 
A medical marijuana dispensary shall not be operated or maintained on a parcel within 1,000 feet of the nearest point on the property line of a residentially zoned property or a parcel containing a public, private, or parochial school or a day-care center.
E. 
The site or facility shall provide adequate security to prevent the sale of medical marijuana products other than for state-licensed medical purposes.
F. 
No more than one dispensary shall be permitted on any one site or in any one building.
G. 
A medical marijuana dispensary must operate entirely within an indoor, enclosed, and secure facility. No exterior sales and no sidewalk displays shall be permitted. No drive-through, drop-off, or pick-up services shall be permitted.
H. 
No use of medical marijuana shall be permitted on the premises of a medical marijuana dispensary.
I. 
There shall be no emission of dust, fumes, vapors, or odors which can be seen, smelled, or otherwise perceived from beyond the lot line of the property where the medical marijuana dispensary is operating.
J. 
A medical marijuana dispensary shall submit a disposal plan to, and obtain approval from, the Zoning Officer or his or her designee. Medical marijuana remnants and by-products shall be disposed of according to the approved plan and shall not be placed within an exterior refuse container.
K. 
Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of Subpart 3B of this chapter.

§ 27-236 Multi-Family, By Conversion.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Applicability. The conversion of a single-, two-, or multi-family dwelling to include additional dwelling units shall comply with the standards of this section.
2. 
Size and Density.
A. 
No dwelling unit conversion shall be permitted in a structure with less than 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.
B. 
No dwelling unit conversion shall cause the use to exceed the maximum density requirements of the district in which it is located.
C. 
All dwelling units and structures resulting from conversion shall comply with the standards set forth in all applicable building codes and this chapter.
3. 
Building Design. Any alterations made to the exterior of the building due to the unit conversion shall be completed in such a way as to preserve the residential character. Where additional entrances to units are proposed, the new doorways shall not face the front yard.
4. 
Parking. No conversion shall be permitted unless the dwelling, following such conversion, can comply with the off-street parking requirements of Subpart 3B of this chapter.
5. 
Utilities. The applicant/owner shall provide documentation from the Oxford Water Department and Oxford Area Sewer Authority that the proposed use can be connected to, and that its water and wastewater needs will be served by, the Borough and Authority.

§ 27-237 Outdoor Cafes.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Purpose. The purposes of the outdoor cafe regulations are to promote and enhance the pedestrian character and experience within the Borough's commercial and central business district areas, add to the vibrancy of the downtown environment, and strengthen the vitality of the eating and drinking sector as an essential component of the Borough economy, while protecting adjacent properties and the general streetscape against deleterious impacts.
2. 
Outdoor Cafe Permit Required. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, or maintain an outdoor cafe without first applying for and securing a permit therefor as provided in this chapter. The permit shall be valid from the date of issuance until the end of the calendar year in which the permit was issued. No outdoor cafe permit shall be issued to any establishment that does not meet the definition of "outdoor cafe."
3. 
Permit Application.
A. 
Any person who shall desire to open an outdoor cafe shall submit an application therefor in writing to the Code Enforcement Officer. Such application shall be accompanied by such application fee as required by a schedule of fees established by and amended from time to time by resolution of Borough Council. Such application shall be made annually after the first of the year upon forms provided by the Borough and shall set forth and include the following:
(1) 
The name and address of the applicant.
(2) 
A scaled plan specifying the precise location of the outdoor cafe portion of the restaurant or licensed premises of which the proposed outdoor cafe is to be a part. The plan shall include a proposed seating plan, a calculation of the proposed occupant load and, where applicable, the location of any adjacent parking spaces in the public right-of-way.
(3) 
The written consent of the property owner, if different than the applicant.
(4) 
An agreement of indemnity as outlined in Subsection 4 below, and a certificate of liability insurance naming the Borough as an additional insured.
(5) 
Such other information as may be required from time to time by the Borough.
B. 
No action shall be taken on any application for a permit under this section until the application has been completed in its entirety and the application fee has been paid in full.
4. 
Indemnification of the Borough; Insurance. The applicant/property owner shall well and truly save, indemnify, defend, and keep harmless the Borough of Oxford, its officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all actions, suits, demands, payments, costs, and charges for and by reason of the existence of the outdoor cafe and all damages to persons or property resulting from or in any manner caused by the presence, location, use, operation, installation, maintenance, replacement, or removal of such outdoor cafe or by the acts or omissions of the employees or agents of the applicant in connection with such outdoor cafe. The applicant/property owner must obtain and maintain an insurance policy which covers general liability in the area of the outdoor cafe which is within the public right-of-way which names the Borough of Oxford as an additional insured. Proof that such insurance remains in force during the continuing operation of the outdoor cafe shall be provided as part of the annual permit renewal.
5. 
Specific Standards. The following regulations shall apply to outdoor cafes:
A. 
There shall be a minimum four-foot-wide sidewalk corridor that shall remain free and clear of any tables and chairs associated with the outdoor cafe and that shall provide for unobstructed passage of pedestrians and persons in wheelchairs. This corridor shall connect directly with similar corridors on adjacent properties to the maximum extent feasible.
B. 
The minimum height of umbrellas which project into the required minimum pedestrian walkway shall be 80 inches.
C. 
Tables which are placed on the sidewalk to be utilized as part of the outdoor cafe shall not exceed 13 square feet in area.
D. 
Staffing of Outdoor Cafe Location.
(1) 
Where alcoholic beverages are being sold to and consumed by patrons of the outdoor cafe, the outdoor cafe shall employ staff to be situated in the outdoor cafe location for purposes of preventing open containers of alcohol from being transported off the property, preventing underage consumption of alcohol, and preventing intoxication of patrons.
(2) 
Adequate personnel shall be specifically assigned to the outdoor cafe area to remove all leftover food items, containers, cups, dishes, eating utensils, etc., upon departure of the patron.
E. 
There shall be no temporary signs or banners permitted within the area devoted to an outdoor cafe.
F. 
The owner of an outdoor cafe is responsible for keeping the entire outdoor cafe space, including the required pedestrian walkway, clean and free of trash and debris at all times.
G. 
Hours of Operation.
(1) 
Outdoor Cafe Associated With a Restaurant. The outdoor cafe must stop seating newly arriving patrons by or before 10:00 p.m. prevailing time and must clear all tables of food and beverages by or before 11:00 p.m. prevailing time. All patrons must exit the outdoor cafe by 11:15 p.m. prevailing time.
(2) 
Outdoor Cafe Not Associated With a Restaurant. The outdoor cafe shall declare a "last call" for beverages no later than 10:45 p.m. prevailing time. All patrons must exit the outdoor cafe by 11:15 p.m. prevailing time.
(3) 
No outdoor cafe shall open for business prior to 6:00 a.m. on any day of the week.
H. 
The owner of an outdoor cafe shall be responsible for the conduct of patrons. Behavior that is deemed to be disorderly conduct, as prescribed in Chapter 6, Conduct, of the Code of the Borough of Oxford, shall be subject to enforcement by the Borough of Oxford.
I. 
Service To and Conduct of Patrons.
(1) 
Outdoor Cafe Associated With a Restaurant.
(a) 
Where the restaurant serves alcoholic beverages, the outdoor cafe must provide table service. All food and beverages served to patrons shall be prepared on the premises for service to the tables and consumed at tables.
(b) 
Where the restaurant does not serve alcoholic beverages, table service to outdoor cafe patrons is not required. Food and beverages provided to outdoor cafe patrons shall be prepared on the premises for consumption at tables.
(c) 
The maximum number of patrons within the outdoor cafe area shall not exceed the maximum seating capacity of the outdoor cafe at any given time. No individuals without seats shall be permitted to stand or congregate in or adjacent to an outdoor cafe.
(2) 
Outdoor Cafe Not Associated With a Restaurant.
(a) 
Patrons are not required to be seated at tables. Beverages shall be provided by the permittee. Food may be obtained by patrons off-site and brought to the outdoor cafe for consumption.
(b) 
The maximum number of patrons within the outdoor cafe area at any given time shall not exceed the maximum capacity stipulated by the terms of the outdoor cafe permit.
J. 
The owner of an outdoor cafe must provide for regular removal of all trash and/or provide trash receptacles, acceptable to the Borough of Oxford, which are located at the exterior of the premises.
K. 
Music is permitted as an element of an outdoor cafe use, but shall not present a noise disturbance to adjacent properties or beyond. All activities associated with the operation of an outdoor cafe shall comply with the terms of Chapter 6, Conduct, and Chapter 10, Health and Safety, of the Code of the Borough of Oxford.
L. 
The permittee shall maintain the outdoor cafe in accordance with all Borough ordinances and state and federal laws, as well as rules and regulations promulgated and adopted by the Borough which pertain to the use of outdoor cafes. All applicable requirements of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board shall be strictly complied with by the permittee.
M. 
Notice for Removal.
(1) 
The owner shall remove the outdoor cafe within 30 days after written notice by the Borough if the Borough determines that the outdoor cafe is detrimental to the health, safety, and general welfare of the Borough or its citizens because one or more of the following conditions has occurred:
(a) 
Due to pedestrian traffic changes, the outdoor cafe narrows the sidewalk to the extent that pedestrian traffic is impeded.
(b) 
The outdoor cafe interferes with the maintenance or installation of an underground utility structure.
(c) 
The outdoor cafe is no longer being used as such.
(d) 
The outdoor cafe has been temporarily or permanently closed for violation of any Borough, state, or federal law and/or regulation.
(e) 
The outdoor cafe is operated in violation of any ordinance, rule, or regulation of the Borough of Oxford.
(2) 
In the event that the owner fails to remove the outdoor cafe within 30 days after written notice, the Borough may proceed to remove and restore the area and charge the owner for the cost thereof. Should the outdoor cafe be removed by the Borough, the owner shall be entitled to a return of the equipment, furnishings, or appurtenances so removed only after the payment of all costs due to the Borough and by requesting the return in writing. The responsibility for removal under the provisions of this subsection shall be solely that of the owner without any obligation or cost assessed against the Borough.
N. 
The Code Enforcement Officer may approve the erection of a railing or fence in the sidewalk right-of-way as part of the permit for an outdoor cafe subject to the following criteria:
(1) 
All railings shall be constructed of wrought iron, anodized cast aluminum, or similar material. Design and color shall be as deemed acceptable by the Code Enforcement Officer and shall be selected to maintain maximum consistency of the streetscape within the Town Center (TC) Districts.
(2) 
Railings must be installed with removable sections and must demonstrate sufficient stability without causing damage to the sidewalk surface.
(3) 
The design of the railing shall not include sharp points on top of the rails.
(4) 
The height of the railing shall be a minimum of 30 inches and a maximum of 45 inches above the sidewalk grade.
O. 
Any establishment that is permitted to operate an outdoor cafe on the premises shall post a copy of this section, and any amendments thereto, within the establishment for inspection by any interested party.
6. 
Additional Rules and Regulations. The Borough may, from time to time, promulgate whatever rules or regulations it deems necessary or desirable to effectuate the purposes of this section, and is permitted to do so by ordinance or resolution and the same shall be approved by the Borough.

§ 27-238 Outdoor Sales and Display.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Applicability. It shall be unlawful for any person to store or display any goods, wares, or merchandise associated with the principal retail use of the property upon any public sidewalk except in accordance with the terms of this section.
2. 
Specific Standards.
A. 
There shall be a minimum four-foot-wide sidewalk corridor that shall remain free and clear of any displays of merchandise and that shall provide for unobstructed passage of pedestrians and persons in wheelchairs. This corridor shall connect directly with similar corridors on adjacent properties to the maximum extent feasible.
B. 
The display of merchandise, goods, or wares associated with the principal retail use of the property shall be permitted between the inner edge of the four-foot-wide travelable sidewalk corridor required in Subsection 2.A, above, and the front facade of the building.
C. 
No merchandise shall be displayed outdoors in a manner that is intended to or has the effect of interfering with vehicular traffic or distracting motorists.
D. 
The outdoor display of merchandise shall not interfere with the sight lines of traffic and shall not impair the visibility of any public or private sign.
E. 
No merchandise shall be displayed outdoors in a manner that, as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer, allows, or has the potential to allow, the merchandise to fall into the street or sidewalk, or to blow, spill, or otherwise become disorderly, hazardous, or a nuisance.
F. 
All merchandise displayed outdoors, and anything associated therewith, shall be removed and placed indoors at the close of business each day.
G. 
Any merchandise that is placed on the public sidewalk in violation of this provision, or that otherwise constitutes a hazard to the public, may be removed by the Code Enforcement Officer or a police officer with or without notice to the owner.
H. 
Music is permitted as an element of this sidewalk use, but shall not present a noise disturbance to adjacent properties or beyond. All activities associated with the operation of the sidewalk use shall comply with the terms of Chapter 6, Conduct, and Chapter 10, Health and Safety, of the Code of the Borough of Oxford.
I. 
A medical marijuana dispensary, where permitted under the terms of this chapter, must operate entirely indoors, and no part of such use shall be permitted on a public sidewalk.

§ 27-239 Outdoor Storage.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Applicability. These standards shall apply to all uses, except for single-family, two-family, or multi-family dwellings up to four units.
2. 
General Requirements. The following requirements shall apply to all outdoor storage areas:
A. 
Materials and goods located in outdoor storage areas shall be limited to those necessary for and specific to the operation of the use, such as items for sale at a retail store or building materials for a construction company.
B. 
Accessory outside storage areas shall occupy an area less than 50% of the existing primary building footprint. This provision shall not apply to uses where outdoor storage serves a primary purpose, such as contractor's yards and vehicle sales lots.
C. 
No area shall occupy or block any part of street rights-of-way, pedestrian walkways, vehicular accessways, required parking spaces, and required yard areas.
D. 
Such areas shall remain clean and free of trash or debris at all times.
E. 
Materials and goods located in outdoor storage areas, whether individually stored or stacked, shall not exceed 10 feet in height.
F. 
All areas shall be fully screened from public view and from adjacent residential uses or districts using landscaping, berming, fencing, or any combination thereof.
G. 
All materials, rubbish, or waste, whether organic or inorganic, shall be in accordance with Oxford Borough Ordinance 620, § 20-101 et seq.
H. 
Outdoor storage facilities for fuel, raw materials, and hazardous or consumable products shall be enclosed within an approved fence able to be secured to prevent unauthorized access.
I. 
No materials or waste shall be placed upon a lot in such form or manner that they may be transported off by natural causes or forces. Any substances which can contaminate groundwater, surface water or adversely affect aquatic life shall not be permitted to enter the groundwater or surface water. Applicable Department of Environmental Protection regulations shall apply.
3. 
Storage of Explosives. No flammable or explosive liquids, solids, or gases shall be stored in bulk above the ground except for tanks or drums of less than 275 gallons of fuel directly connecting with energy devices, heating devices, or appliances located and operated on the same lot as the tanks or drums of fuel.

§ 27-240 Recreation and Entertainment, Indoor.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Traffic Study Requirement. A traffic impact study may be required in accordance with § 22-416.
2. 
Food Service. Food service associated with the use shall be permitted, provided that it complies with all applicable requirements of this chapter and all Chester County Health Department regulations.

§ 27-241 Recreation and Entertainment, Outdoor.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Permitted Uses. Permitted outdoor recreation and entertainment uses may include passive or active recreation, such as a park; playfield; playground; arboretum; conservation area; wildlife sanctuary; winter sport; swimming pool; boating; horseback riding; fishing; foot, bicycle and bridle path; riding stable; picnic area; outdoor tennis and other racquet game court or any similar use characteristically identified with open space areas and of a noncommercial nature, but in accordance with the following development standards:
A. 
The use shall not involve construction or use of any building with over 500 square feet of floor area.
B. 
No less than 10 off-street parking spaces shall be provided for the use.
C. 
Impervious coverage for the use shall not exceed 10% of the gross lot area, excluding pedestrian or bicycle paths.
2. 
Special Exception Uses. The following uses may be permitted by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception. Development plans for such uses shall also be subject to review and approval.
A. 
Any outdoor recreation or entertainment use that is commercial or exceeds the development standards of Subsection 1 above.
B. 
Golf courses, racquet clubs, or other similar commercial or noncommercial recreation clubs.
C. 
Campgrounds or recreational vehicle parks (excluding mobile homes).
D. 
Auxiliary uses customarily incidental to operation of the uses in Subsections 2.A, B, and C above, including a restaurant, locker room, laundry, management headquarters, residence, nursery, and day-care center.
3. 
Additional Special Exception Standards. In addition to the requirements set forth in Subpart 4D, any use permitted in Subsection 2 above shall comply with the following:
A. 
Minimum lot size shall be five acres.
B. 
Any structure, building, parking, storage, loading, or paved areas, excluding foot and bicycle paths and other necessary accessways to a public street, shall not be located closer than 100 feet to any lot line and shall be screened from any residential use or adjacent residential district.
C. 
If practical, vehicular access for the use shall not be from any local street in a residential district or residential development.
4. 
Accessory Use Restrictions. Accessory uses or incidental services shall be restricted in their use to employees, patrons, members, and guests of the principal use. Such establishments shall present no visible evidence from any public street of their commercial character which would attract persons other than employees, patrons, members, and guests.
5. 
Food Service. Food service associated with the use shall be permitted, provided that it complies with all applicable requirements of this chapter and Chester County Health Department regulations.

§ 27-242 Recycling Collection Centers.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Screening.
A. 
Where a recycling collection center is located on a property which is adjacent to a residential district or use, there shall be a setback from the property line of at least 100 feet, screened in accordance with Subpart 3C of this chapter and Subpart 3C of Chapter 22.
B. 
The area where recyclable materials are stored outside shall be enclosed within a wall or fence at least eight feet in height which is designed and constructed so as to be at least 90% solid or opaque. Use of landscaping materials and earthen berms is encouraged to achieve an effective screen in addition to the required wall or fence.
C. 
Storage piles shall not exceed eight feet in height.
2. 
Operations.
A. 
There shall be provided at least a 12-foot-wide accessway which shall be kept free and clear at all times to provide for access to all parts of the premises for firefighting and other safety or emergency purposes.
B. 
Gasoline, oil or other flammable or toxic substances shall be removed from any recyclable materials or other items stored in the premises. Such liquid shall be removed and disposed of in a proper manner and shall not be deposited on or into the ground or watercourses.
C. 
No material shall be burned on the premises.
D. 
No garbage or other waste liable to give off a foul odor or attract vermin or insects shall be kept on the premises, and all recyclable material shall be stored or arranged to prevent the accumulation of water.

§ 27-243 Sanitary Landfills.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Minimum Lot Requirements.
A. 
Lot area: 10 contiguous acres undivided by streets, streams, or rights-of-way.
B. 
Lot width: 100 feet.
C. 
Setbacks: 200 feet from any property line and floodplain district boundary. This shall apply to all operations, including buildings, structures, and grading.
2. 
Access.
A. 
Access to a sanitary landfill facility shall be from an arterial or collector road as defined by the Oxford Borough Comprehensive Plan, to limit traffic congestion and excessive wear on collector and local roads.
B. 
All trucks entering and leaving the landfill shall be covered. Roads used for access within and adjacent to the tract shall be patrolled daily to pick up and dispose of scattered and blowing refuse.
C. 
All sanitary landfills shall be completely enclosed by fencing to deter trespassing and to prevent debris from blowing onto adjoining properties.
3. 
Operations.
A. 
All sanitary landfills shall be designed and operated in accordance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
B. 
All sanitary landfills shall be owned and operated by the Borough of Oxford or other authority or quasi-municipal entity.

§ 27-244 Schools.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
State and Federal Regulations. All applicable state and federal regulations for structures and operations shall be met. Copies of any required licenses and permits shall be provided to the Borough.
2. 
Recreation Areas.
A. 
Off-street parking areas shall not be utilized as recreation areas.
B. 
Recreation areas shall not be located within the front yard and must be set back at least 25 feet from all other lot lines.
C. 
Except where separated by a minimum of 300 feet, outdoor recreation areas shall be screened from adjoining residentially zoned properties and properties in agricultural or residential use by means of fences, plantings, or decorative enclosures sufficient to screen activities from adjacent lots.
D. 
Any vegetative materials located within the recreation area shall not present a threat to health or safety (i.e., not thorny, poisonous, allergenic, etc.).
3. 
Traffic Study Requirement. A traffic impact study may be required in accordance with § 22-416.

§ 27-245 Self-Storage Facilities.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Use Limitations. Property utilized for self-service storage warehouse units shall be limited to the storage of residential, commercial, or professional goods or records to which access is needed on a limited basis. No business activity other than the leasing of storage units and the auctioning of the contents of any unit in violation of the terms of a rental contract shall be conducted on the premises.
2. 
Prohibited Uses. The following uses are expressly prohibited as part of a self-service storage warehouse:
A. 
Commercial wholesale or retail sales or distribution, or garage/lawn sales.
B. 
The servicing, repair, or fabrication of motor vehicles, boats, trailers, lawn mowers, furniture, appliances, or other similar equipment.
C. 
The operation of power tools, spray-painting equipment, table saws, lathes, compressors, welding equipment, kilns, or other similar equipment.
D. 
The establishment of a transfer and storage business.
E. 
Any use that is noxious or offensive due to odors, dust, noise, fumes, or vibrations.
3. 
Contracts. The applicant shall adequately demonstrate that all self-service storage warehouse rental and/or use contracts shall specifically prohibit the above uses.
4. 
Parking Requirements. Off-street parking shall be provided as follows:
A. 
One space per 30 self-service storage warehouse units.
B. 
Where the site includes an office/administrative building, three additional spaces shall be provided to serve that building.
5. 
Building Separation. The minimum distance between buildings shall be 20 feet.
6. 
Arrangement and Use of Storage.
A. 
Except as noted in Subsection 6.B below, all storage shall be located within an enclosed building constructed on a permanent foundation of durable materials. Trailers, boxcars, or similar impermanent or movable structures shall not be used for storage.
B. 
Any boat, trailer, or recreational vehicle may be stored outside in designated areas. The storage of partially dismantled, wrecked, inoperable, unlicensed, or unregistered vehicles is not permitted outside and may occur only within a fully enclosed building. Any recreational vehicle, boat, or trailer stored outside shall not interfere with traffic movement within the site.
7. 
Safety.
A. 
The proposed use shall be subject to review by Borough police and fire officials regarding security and fire protection.
B. 
Any self-service storage warehouse shall be enclosed by an open metal fence, with a lockable gate and keypad, not less than eight feet in height. Such fence shall be located no closer to any property line than the applicable minimum yard setback dimension of the zoning district. The gated portion of the fence shall be located not less than 60 feet from the front lot line.
8. 
Screening. Vegetative screening shall be provided along the street line or lines, and where any side and/or rear yard of a self-service storage warehouse is contiguous to a residential use or zoning district. Such screening shall be located within a planting strip that has a minimum width of 10 feet.

§ 27-246 Short-Term Rentals (STRs).

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Purpose. The Borough of Oxford is proud to be a community that welcomes visitors while maintaining the availability of permanent housing stock for residents and a high quality of life. The Borough recognizes that STRs may cause disruption to the peace, quiet, and enjoyment of Oxford residents. To respect the property rights and interests of all homeowners and long-term renters in the Borough, the following requirements seek to achieve a balance between those who wish to offer their homes and properties for such transient lodging purposes and those who choose not to do so. The following requirements for the Borough are intended to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating and controlling the location, use, occupancy, oversight, and maintenance of these uses.
2. 
Residential Rental Inspections. All STRs shall be subject to the residential rental inspection and permit requirements of Chapter 5 of the Oxford Borough Code.
3. 
General Restrictions.
A. 
An STR may be operated in any single-, two-, or multi-family dwelling unit and/or their associated accessory structures, including detached accessory structures.
B. 
Owners and operators must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for a sales, use, and hotel occupancy tax license to collect and remit the applicable occupancy and sales tax as required by law.
C. 
No such use shall be permitted on a nonconforming lot or within a nonconforming structure.
D. 
No such use shall be permitted on any property that is in violation of this Zoning Ordinance, the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), or any other local, state, or federal rule, law, or regulation.
4. 
Operational Restrictions.
A. 
The maximum occupancy shall be limited to two adults per bedroom or 10 adults, whichever is less.
B. 
STRs shall be rented exclusively for lodging purposes. Such properties may not be rented or used commercially for conference centers, weddings, concerts, a public restaurant, auctions, retreats, or other for-hire events that would otherwise cause occupancy of the property to exceed the maximum number of guests permitted.
C. 
Any amenities, such as a tennis court or swimming pool, shall be solely for the use of the residents and guests of the dwelling.
D. 
The owner shall comply with all applicable health codes, building codes and other applicable laws.
5. 
Building and Site Requirements.
A. 
Exterior and interior alterations shall be limited to those customarily associated with residential use or those which may be required by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry or for safety reasons as required by any other local, state or federal regulation.
B. 
STRs must be able to accommodate the minimum off-street parking requirements of Subpart 3B of this chapter on-site.
C. 
Off-street parking shall not be permitted in the front yard, unless as part of an approved, designated driveway.
6. 
Utilities. The operator shall provide documentation from the Oxford Water Department and Oxford Area Sewer Authority that the dwelling unit can be connected to, and that its water and wastewater needs will be served by, the Borough and Authority.
7. 
STR Safety Standards. All STRs must comply with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) in addition to the following:
A. 
Emergency evacuation procedures must be posted in each sleeping room.
B. 
A fire extinguisher shall be provided on each floor and in each kitchen. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected monthly by the permit holders.
C. 
Exterior doors shall be operational and all passageways to exterior doors shall be clear and unobstructed.
8. 
Revocation of Permit.
A. 
An occupancy permit for an STR may be revoked by the Zoning Officer when any of the following occur:
(1) 
The property in question has had three verified violations within 12 consecutive months.
(2) 
The property owner fails to remedy a violation within the required timeframe.
B. 
An STR shall cease operation immediately upon written notification of permit revocation by the Zoning Officer to the property owner.
C. 
STR owners and operators that have had a permit revoked may not reapply for a period of 12 months from the date of revocation.
9. 
STR Complaints and Violations.
A. 
Any person aggrieved by the operation of an STR may submit a complaint in writing to the Zoning Officer.
B. 
STR complaints and suspected violations shall be reviewed and investigated by the Zoning Officer to determine if a violation has occurred in accordance with this chapter.
C. 
Upon finding by the Zoning Officer that the STR was or continues to be in violation of this chapter, the Zoning Officer shall issue to the property owner a written notice detailing the alleged violation(s). In the case of a continuing or ongoing violation, such notice shall also specify what corrective action is required and the date by which such action must be taken.

§ 27-247 Smoke Shops/Vape Shops.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
General Requirements.
A. 
Smoke shops and vape shops shall operate entirely indoors within an enclosed and secure structure.
B. 
No outdoor sales, storage, display, seating, or gathering areas shall be permitted. This shall also include vending machines.
C. 
No vehicular drive-through, drop-off, or pickup areas shall be permitted.
D. 
A buffer planting strip of at least five feet in width and privacy fencing of at least six feet in height is required along any property line that abuts a residential use or district.
E. 
There shall be no emission of dust, fumes, vapors, or odors that can be seen, smelled, or otherwise perceived beyond the exterior walls of the smoke shop or vape shop.
F. 
No smoke shop or vape shop shall be permitted to operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
2. 
Location Restrictions.
A. 
No smoke shop or vape shop shall be located within the following minimum separation distances, as measured in a straight line from the closest exterior wall of the building in which the shop is located to the closest property line of the protected district or use.
(1) 
500 feet from any residential district or use.
(2) 
1,000 feet from any school, day care, community center, recreational facility, park, religious institution, or other similar use where children and/or the general public regularly gather.
B. 
No smoke shop or vape shop shall be located within 1,000 feet, measured from property line to property line, from another smoke shop or vape shop.
C. 
No smoke shop or vape shop shall be operated or maintained on the same site as a marijuana grower/processor facility.
3. 
Ventilation for On-Site Smoking. Any establishment that will allow any sort of smoking on-site shall provide adequate ventilation. The requirements imposed by the Code Enforcement Department may be more comprehensive than current building codes to prevent negative health and nuisance impacts on neighboring properties, including a requirement for a separate system to prevent smoke and vapors from migrating to adjoining suites or buildings. The ventilation shall, at a minimum, prevent smoke and vapors from migrating into adjacent buildings and/or suites and to outdoor public areas. A mechanical exhaust hood system shall be required if an establishment permits indoor smoking.

§ 27-248 Solar Energy Systems and Solar Farms.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Statement of Intent. It is the intent of this section to allow for the safe use of solar energy systems within the Borough while providing simple guidelines to minimize any negative impacts on residents or properties throughout the Borough. These may include, but are not limited to, matters of public safety, glare, and stormwater. The requirements of this section are not intended to hinder the ability of citizens to supplement their energy supply through the proper use of solar energy systems. This section also establishes standards for the safe and appropriate operation of solar farms.
2. 
General Requirements. The following development and design standards shall be applied to the construction and installation of any solar energy system:
A. 
Solar energy systems are permitted in all zoning districts as an accessory use.
B. 
A building permit is required for the installation of any solar energy system.
C. 
Energy produced by a solar energy system shall be primarily for personal use on the property where the system is located. Energy produced in excess of personal needs on the property may be sold to a local electric provider, but only as an ancillary and secondary result of the solar energy system.
D. 
The local electrical distribution utility company shall be contacted concerning the connection of a system to the grid and to address any further issues. The applicant shall provide written proof to the Borough as part of the permit application that the local electrical distribution utility company was contacted and informed of the applicant's intent to install a solar energy system. Contacting the local electric company is not necessary for off-grid systems.
E. 
Advertising on solar energy systems, other than reasonable identification of manufacturer and operator, is prohibited. This includes any signage, streamers, ribbons, flags, banners, or similar materials, but does not include the posting of appropriate warning signs.
F. 
All solar energy systems shall be professionally constructed and shall be installed in accordance with all applicable codes and manufacturer's specifications. Solar energy systems shall be certified by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation, or other certifying agency determined acceptable by the Borough. The Borough reserves the right to deny a building permit for proposed solar energy systems deemed to have inadequate certification.
G. 
A solar energy system may be placed on the roof (roof mounted) or on the ground (ground mounted).
3. 
Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems.
A. 
A roof-mounted solar energy system may be mounted on a principal or accessory building. The system shall in no place hang off or extend beyond the edge of the roof. For sloped roofs, the system shall not extend higher than the current peak of the roof. For flat roofs, the system shall not extend higher than five feet vertically above the roof and shall not be higher than the maximum allowable height for buildings in the applicable zoning district. The system shall not be placed on a front roof unless the Zoning Officer determines that this represents the only feasible location where a solar energy system would be functional.
B. 
An application for any roof-mounted solar energy system with a pitch different than the roof (not flush mounted) must, as part of the building permit application, submit justification for the proposed design and demonstrate: (a) how the design will accommodate potential impacts from snow and wind; and (b) how any potential off-site impacts from glare will be mitigated. Such documentation shall be prepared by a professional or professionals acceptable to the Borough.
C. 
For any proposed roof-mounted solar energy system, the building permit application shall include certification of its structural integrity, prepared by a professional or professionals acceptable to the Borough.
D. 
For roof-mounted systems, an effort shall be made to make the wiring and hardware blend in with the roof and building facade.
4. 
Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems.
A. 
A ground-mounted solar energy system shall comply with the same setback requirements as an accessory building in the applicable zoning district. The system shall not be taller than 15 feet.
B. 
A ground-mounted solar energy system shall not be located in a front yard.
C. 
Where a ground-mounted solar energy system is proposed to be located in a residential zoning district and/or adjacent to a residential use, such system shall be screened from view from neighboring properties to prevent the impact of glare on such properties. Screening may be accomplished by vegetation, fences, or walls in accordance with the terms of this chapter.
D. 
All wiring for ground-mounted solar energy systems carrying electric current shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be buried underground to ensure safety. All wiring shall comply with the appropriate version of the National Electrical Code.
E. 
The surface area of a ground-mounted solar energy system shall be considered impervious surface and subject to the applicable terms of this chapter.
5. 
Passive Solar Energy Systems. Passive solar energy systems installed during the construction of a building that do not include solar panels are not subject to the terms of this section. If improvements are being made to a building to increase its use of passive solar energy, a building permit may be required.
6. 
Pre-existing Solar Energy Systems. Solar energy systems installed prior to enactment of this section are not required to comply with the terms of this section. However, any expansion of these systems at any point shall then require the updated system to be in compliance with this section.
7. 
Solar Farms. The following standards shall be applied to the installation and construction of any solar farm:
A. 
A solar farm may be permitted on any Borough-owned property at the sole discretion of Borough Council.
B. 
A solar farm shall comply with the minimum net lot area, minimum setback, and maximum impervious surface area requirements for a single-family detached dwelling in the PD-1 Zoning District.
C. 
A security fence of at least eight feet in height must enclose the perimeter of any solar farm site.
D. 
All appropriate warning signage and signage identifying operators shall be clearly posted at the site.
E. 
All wiring and on-site power lines shall be placed underground, to the maximum extent practicable. Any wiring carrying live current that is above ground shall be clearly labeled as such.
F. 
The following shall be included in any application for conditional use approval:
(1) 
A descriptive plot plan that includes setbacks, property lines, roads/rights-of-way, buildings, number of solar panels, solar panel size, and impervious surface area calculation.
(2) 
An application for a solar farm that is to be connected to the electric grid may not be approved until written evidence is provided to the Borough showing a written notice has been provided to the local electrical distribution utility company notifying them of the applicant's intentions to build an interconnected customer-owned solar farm.
(3) 
If the applicant is not the property owner, an affidavit or other satisfactory evidence of agreement between the applicant and property owner confirming that the former has the permission to apply for conditional use approval is required.
(4) 
The applicant shall provide any other relevant studies, reports, or approvals as may be reasonably requested by the Borough.
(5) 
A decommissioning plan, detailing the expected duration of the solar farm and how the facility will be deconstructed once it is no longer in use, shall accompany the application. The applicant shall provide financial security in a form and amount suitable to the Borough to guarantee the removal of the equipment when its useful lifespan has been reached.
(6) 
Solar panels shall be placed such that concentrated solar radiation or glare shall not be directed onto nearby properties or roadways. The Borough may require the applicant to submit a glare study in sufficient detail to demonstrate that this standard can be met.
(7) 
A solar farm shall be sited in such a way that it presents no threat to traffic or to public health and safety.
8. 
If any solar farm has stopped operating for longer than one year, the Borough may require that the facility be decommissioned at the owner's expense. A bond or other surety, satisfactory to the Borough, shall be provided to cover the anticipated cost of deconstruction of the solar farm.

§ 27-249 Temporary Uses or Structures.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
A temporary permit may be issued by the Zoning Officer for structures or uses necessary during construction of a permanent building or for special circumstances of a nonrecurring nature, subject to the following additional provisions:
A. 
Duration. The life of such permit shall not exceed six months, and such permit may be renewed for an aggregate period of not more than 18 months.
B. 
Removal. Such temporary structure or use shall be removed completely upon expiration of the permit without cost to the Borough.
C. 
Procedure. Permits shall be issued in accordance with the procedure under Subpart 4B.

§ 27-250 Vehicle Sales, Repair, Filling Station, or Wash.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
A curbed landscaped area shall be maintained at least three feet in depth along all street frontage not used as driveway. Landscaping and screening shall be provided in accordance with Subpart 3C of this chapter and Subpart 3C of Chapter 22.
2. 
No more than two access drives shall be permitted for any one lot. The access drives shall be at least 50 feet apart, as measured from the nearest edge or curb.
3. 
Access drives shall be at least 60 feet from any street intersection, as measured from the nearest edge or curb.
4. 
All vehicle service, repair, or maintenance activities are to be performed within an entirely enclosed building.
5. 
No operation shall be used for auto wrecking.

§ 27-251 Wind Energy Systems.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Statement of Intent. The intent of this section is to allow for the safe installation and use of wind energy conversion systems (WECS) for residents and businesses in Oxford Borough. Large-scale industrial wind farms are not considered suitable in the Borough; certain locations in the Borough, however, may have the potential for enough wind power to make smaller systems useful. This section seeks to address the safety and aesthetic issues associated with wind energy conversion systems, so as to integrate any systems into the community responsibly. It is intended to preserve and protect public health and safety without significantly increasing the cost or decreasing the efficiency of wind energy conversion systems.
2. 
General Requirements. The following development and design standards shall be applied to the construction and installation of all WECS:
A. 
The design of the wind energy conversion system shall conform to applicable industry standards, including those of the American National Standards Institute. The applicant shall submit certificates of design compliance obtained by the equipment manufacturers from Underwriters Laboratories, Det Norske Veritas, Germanischer Lloyd Wind Energies, or other similar certifying organizations.
B. 
To the extent applicable, the wind energy conversion system shall comply with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, Act 45 of 1999 as amended, and the regulations adopted by the Department of Labor and Industry.
C. 
All electrical components of the wind energy conversion system shall conform to relevant and applicable Borough, state and national codes, and relevant and applicable international standards.
D. 
Maximum height, as defined by this chapter, of a wind energy system structure, including all moving and rotating parts, shall be 72 feet. If a device is attached to an existing structure, then the height of the attached wind energy device shall not exceed 72 feet, including the height of the existing structure. No wind turbine blade in any position shall be less than 12 feet from the ground surface.
E. 
No wind energy conversion system shall be installed until the Borough is given proof that the local electric company is aware that a customer intends to install an interconnected, customer-owned generator. If the system is not connected to the grid, it is exempt from this requirement.
F. 
All wind turbines shall be painted a non-reflective, neutral color.
G. 
No advertising, streamers, flags, or other objects shall be attached to the wind turbines or other parts of the wind energy conversion system, except for required warning signs, identification of the owner, or objects specifically allowed in this chapter.
H. 
Unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other authorized body, wind energy conversion systems shall not be illuminated.
I. 
On-site transmission and power lines shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be placed underground.
J. 
Noise associated with any WECS shall meet the standard contained in § 27-255 of this chapter.
K. 
Where permitted, a wind turbine shall be located in side or rear yards only.
L. 
A WECS shall be a monopole structure and shall be installed without the use of guy wires or supports other than the foundation.
M. 
The owner or operator of any WECS shall be responsible for conducting an annual inspection of the WECS with regard to its structural integrity, safety, potential impacts on neighboring properties, and any other applicable standards of this section. The inspection shall be performed by a professional acceptable to the Borough. The inspection report shall be submitted to the Borough and reviewed by the Borough Engineer, who will consult with the owner or operator with respect to any deficiencies identified by the inspection that require mitigation.
3. 
Residential Wind Energy Systems (RWES). The following development and design standards shall be applied to the construction and installation of all residential wind energy systems:
A. 
A building permit is required for the installation of any system.
B. 
Setbacks.
(1) 
Any RWES shall be set back a distance not less than the wind turbine height from all power lines, occupied buildings, and any other wind turbine.
(2) 
Any RWES shall be set back a distance equal to 1 1/2 times the wind turbine height or 100 feet, whichever is greater, from any public road right-of-way or property line.
C. 
A fence of at least eight feet in height must separate any RWES turbine from outside interference; this fence may be placed around the perimeter of the property or around the turbine.
4. 
Large Wind Energy Systems (LWES). The following development and design standards shall be applied to the construction and installation of any large wind energy system (LWES):
A. 
An LWES shall comply with the minimum net lot area requirements for a single-family detached dwelling in the PD-1 Zoning District.
B. 
Setbacks.
(1) 
Any LWES shall be set back a distance equal to 1 1/2 times the wind turbine height from all property lines, power lines, public road rights-of-way, and occupied buildings.
(2) 
Each turbine shall be separated by a distance at least equal to the wind turbine height from other turbines.
C. 
Wind turbines shall not be climbable up to 15 feet unless a fence of at least eight feet in height encloses the turbines. If an applicant chooses to use a fence, it may enclose the entire property or only the LWES.
D. 
A development plan including the following shall accompany any application for conditional use approval of an LWES:
(1) 
A site plan showing the planned location of each wind turbine, property lines, setback lines, access roads and turnout locations, substation(s), electrical cabling from the large wind energy facility to the substation(s), ancillary equipment, buildings, and structures, including permanent meteorological towers, associated transmission lines, and layout of all structures within the geographical boundaries of any applicable setback.
(2) 
A short narrative, including where in the Borough the system will be located, the purpose of the system, the intended lifespan of the system, and a brief decommissioning plan for when this lifespan is reached.
(3) 
The applicant shall provide financial security in a form and amount suitable to the Borough to guarantee the removal of the equipment when its useful lifespan has been reached.
5. 
Modifications to Existing Systems. Any physical modification to an existing, permitted wind energy conversion system that materially alters the size, type, and/or number of wind turbine generators or other equipment appurtenant thereto shall require a building permit under the terms of this chapter. Like-kind replacements shall not require a permit hereunder.
6. 
Pre-Existing Systems. Wind energy conversion systems existing prior to the enactment of this section are exempt from its terms. Any replacement of or physical modification to such existing system that materially alters the size, type, and/or number of wind turbine generators or other equipment appurtenant thereto shall require a permit under the terms of this chapter.
7. 
Systems Not in Operation. If a wind energy conversion system is inoperable for 12 consecutive months, the Borough shall notify the property owner, who shall within three months either restore the system to operating condition or remove it at the owner's expense.

§ 27-252 Wireless Communications Facilities.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Purpose. The purpose of these standards for constructing and locating wireless communications facilities is:
A. 
To accommodate the need for wireless communications antennas while regulating the location and number of towers in the Borough.
B. 
To minimize adverse visual effects of towers through careful design, location, and vegetative screening.
C. 
To avoid potential damage to adjacent properties from tower failure through engineering and careful locating of tower structures.
D. 
To maximize the use of any new or existing transmission tower, as well as other tall structures, to reduce the number of towers needed to serve the community.
E. 
To limit radiation emitted by wireless communications equipment so that it will not adversely affect human health.
2. 
Commercial Communications Antenna Mounted on Existing Support Structure, Permitted as of Right.
A. 
Commercial communications antennas attached to or mounted on an existing public utility building, structure or pole; existing communications tower; water tower; or other nonresidential building or structure are permitted by right in any zoning district. A zoning permit shall be required for such purpose, to be issued by the Zoning Officer on the basis of his determination that the proposed antenna complies with the applicable standards of this section. The applicant shall pay a fee for such permit in an amount as established by resolution of Borough Council. Where the Zoning Officer deems it necessary to consult with the Borough Engineer or other technical and/or legal expertise in his review of the proposal, the applicant shall be responsible for paying the cost of such consultation.
B. 
The height of the communications antenna and any apparatus attaching the antenna to such structure shall not exceed by more than 10 feet the height of such existing structure.
C. 
The communications antenna shall be constructed to simulate the architectural facade and/or color of the building or object to which it is attached.
D. 
The applicant proposing to locate a communications antenna on an existing building or structure shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Zoning Officer that the following standards can be met:
(1) 
A structural engineer registered in Pennsylvania shall attest to the structural integrity of the existing structure and its adequacy to accept the total number of antennas, including any that may already exist on the structure and the proposed antenna. Where the Zoning Officer deems it necessary to consult with the Borough Engineer or other technical expertise in his review of the proposal, the applicant shall be responsible for paying the cost of such consultation.
(2) 
The attachment of the proposed antenna, in combination with any antennas already located on the structure, will not have a deleterious visual impact on surrounding properties.
(3) 
The servicing and maintenance requirements of the attached antenna or antennas can be met without creating negative impacts on surrounding properties in relation to physical damage, traffic, parking, or similar conditions.
E. 
The telecommunications provider shall prove to the satisfaction of the Zoning Officer that:
(1) 
Such location is necessary to satisfy the functional requirements of the provider's wireless communications system.
(2) 
Where applicable, such location will obviate the need for the erection of a tower in a zoning district where a tower is permitted by special exception.
F. 
Documentation provided to the Zoning Officer may be in the form of background studies and analyses conducted by the applicant in the course of verifying the suitability of the site for the applicant's purposes and may be supplemented by a propagation study or other supporting evidence. Any such analysis or study shall be conducted by a qualified radio frequency engineer.
G. 
As part of the Zoning Officer's approval of the installation of one or more antennas on an existing structure, the Zoning Officer may also authorize the location of the receiving and transmitting equipment necessary to the operation of the antenna or antennas within an existing building on the site. Where such location within an existing building is not feasible, the Zoning Officer may authorize, for each unrelated company with an antenna located on the structure, the location of up to three metal cabinets, each measuring not more than six feet in height and five feet in width, placed on a concrete pad not exceeding 10 feet by 20 feet in area or an equipment structure not exceeding 350 square feet in area located on the site to house the receiving and transmitting equipment necessary to the proper functioning of the antenna or antennas. The cabinets or equipment structure shall be located within a side or rear yard only, provided that the pad and the boxes are set back from the property line by a minimum of 20 feet, or such additional distance as the Zoning Officer determines is necessary to eliminate any discernible noise at the property line from the operation of the equipment boxes. The combined height of the pad and boxes shall not exceed eight feet. The screening requirements contained in § 22-328, Subsections 2 and 3 of Chapter 22 shall apply to any metal cabinet or equipment structure permitted under the terms of this section.
3. 
Newly Constructed/Installed Communications Tower, Permitted by Special Exception.
A. 
Use, Bulk, and Height Regulations.
(1) 
A communications tower may be permitted, in addition to other permitted uses on the same lot, in the General Industrial (I) District, the Mixed-Use Commercial/Industrial (MU-CI) District, or on any parcel used exclusively for municipal use when authorized as a special exception, following review and recommendation by the Planning Commission, so long as the height of the tower does not exceed 110 feet, measured from undisturbed ground level, and the proposed development otherwise conforms to all other area and bulk requirements of the zoning district for which it is proposed and the provisions of this section.
(2) 
Where a communications tower is permitted as a special exception under the terms of this chapter, one single-story wireless communications equipment structure not exceeding 350 square feet in area or up to three metal cabinets, each measuring not more than six feet in height and five feet in width, placed on a concrete pad not exceeding 10 feet by 20 feet in area, to house the receiving and transmitting equipment necessary to the proper functioning of the facility may be located on the site selected for installation of the tower for each unrelated company sharing antenna space on the tower. The cabinets or equipment structure shall be located within a side or rear yard only, provided that the pad and the boxes are set back from the property line by a minimum of 20 feet, or such additional distance as the Zoning Officer determines is necessary to eliminate any discernible noise at the property line from the operation of the equipment boxes. The combined height of the pad and boxes shall not exceed eight feet. The screening requirements contained in § 22-328, Subsections 2 and 3, of Chapter 22 shall apply to any metal cabinet or equipment structure permitted under the terms of this section.
B. 
Standards for Review of a Communications Tower.
(1) 
The applicant shall demonstrate, using technological evidence, that the communications tower must be located where it is proposed in order to serve the needs of the community, based on all providers of the service in the area. Such evidence shall include propagation diagrams and radio frequency studies and the data upon which diagrams and studies rely, submitted with the application at the time of filing, indicating that the height and location are the lowest height and best location to effect the efficient provision of communication services.
(2) 
The applicant proposing a communications tower is required to demonstrate that it contacted the owners of tall structures within a one-mile radius of the proposed site, whether within or outside the Borough, asked for permission to install the antenna on those structures, and was denied for reasons other than economic ones. Tall structures include, but are not limited to, buildings in excess of four stories, water towers, utility poles, support structures of other communications companies and other high structures. The Zoning Hearing Board may deny the application to construct a new tower if the applicant has not made a good-faith effort to locate the antenna on an existing tall structure and has not demonstrated that there are no available alternatives. Evidence that one or more of the following was the reason for not selecting such tall structure is required to demonstrate a good-faith effort:
(a) 
The proposed antennas and related equipment would exceed the structural capacity of the existing tall structure, and its reinforcement cannot be accomplished at a reasonable cost.
(b) 
The proposed antennas and related equipment would cause radio frequency interference with other existing equipment for that existing tall structure, and the interference cannot be prevented at a reasonable cost.
(c) 
Such existing tall structures do not have adequate and permitted location, space, access, or height to accommodate the proposed equipment or to allow it to perform its intended function.
(3) 
In order to reduce the number of antenna support structures needed in the community in the future, the applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed communications tower shall be designed to accommodate other users, including other cellular communications companies and/or local police, fire, and emergency responders.
(4) 
The minimum distances between the base of a communications tower or any guy wire anchors of the communications tower and any adjoining property line or street right-of-way line shall equal 40% of the proposed communications tower's height. Where the property on which a communications tower is proposed to be located is contiguous to an educational use, child day-care facility, or residential use, the minimum distance between the base of the communications tower and any such adjoining uses shall equal 100% of the proposed height of the communications tower, unless it is proven to the Zoning Hearing Board, through an engineering study prepared at the applicant's expense by a professional engineer specializing in structural engineering and licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, that in the event of tower failure, the communications tower is designed to collapse upon itself within a setback area less than the required minimum setback without endangering such adjoining uses and their occupants, provided that no setback shall be less than 40% of the communications tower height or the minimum setbacks for the zoning district, whichever is greater.
C. 
Special Development Regulations.
(1) 
A land development plan shall be required for any proposed communications tower, showing the antenna, antenna support structure, building, fencing, buffering, access, and all items required in the Borough SALDO [Chapter 22].
(2) 
A fence with a lockable gate shall be required around the antenna support structure and other equipment, unless the antenna is mounted on an existing structure. The fence shall be a minimum of six feet in height.
(3) 
The applicant proposing a communications tower must demonstrate that the communications tower and any other equipment or building in support of the communications tower has been designed to blend in with or mimic existing features in the landscape such as trees, light poles, clock towers, and flag poles.
(4) 
The applicant shall provide a landscape plan prepared by a registered landscape architect showing landscaping that will be installed to screen and buffer as much of the support structure and any other ground level features (such as a building) as possible. The landscape plan may incorporate the use of fences and walls to screen and buffer the communications tower site. The proposed landscaping shall comply with the following provisions:
(a) 
Existing vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible.
(b) 
Where the proposed communications tower site abuts residential zoning districts, residential uses, public land, or streets, the abutting property boundary shall be landscaped with at least one row of deciduous trees, not less than 3 1/2 inches in caliper, spaced not more than 30 feet apart and within 25 feet of the site boundary, as well as at least one row of evergreen trees or shrubs, at least 14 feet high when planted and spaced not more than 15 feet apart and within 40 feet of the property boundary. Alternatives such as walls or fences may be permitted by the Zoning Hearing Board based on security or other reasons.
(c) 
Where applicable, the plan shall demonstrate compliance with the screening requirements of Subsection 3.A(2).
(5) 
All communications towers located within 750 feet of a structure shall be constructed in compliance with a minimum 90 mile per hour wind load or such greater wind load as is appropriate in the opinion of the Borough Engineer.
(6) 
In the event future technological advances in the telecommunications industry permit a reduction in the size or configuration of the communications tower, as a condition of approval of any application or permit authorizing erection and installation of the tower, the applicant shall be deemed to have agreed to a reduction in the size of the communications tower at such time as such technology becomes an industry standard. In such event, the Zoning Officer shall require that the communications tower be brought into compliance with such industry standards within a reasonable time, but not exceeding six months from the date of the Zoning Officer's notice to the owner to do so.
(7) 
No sign or other structure shall be mounted on any wireless communications facility, except as may be required by the FCC, FAA, or other governmental agency.
(8) 
Wireless communications facilities shall be fully automated, requiring not more than one weekly visit by maintenance personnel, and shall require a minimum of two parking spaces.
4. 
General Regulations.
A. 
All commercial communications towers, antennas, and associated equipment shall be maintained and kept in good repair as required by applicable federal and state law and Borough regulations.
B. 
All applicants for and operators of any communications tower or communications antenna located within the Borough and regulated by the FCC shall provide a copy of a valid operator's license from the FCC for the transmission of radio frequencies from such tower or antenna constructed within the Borough. All such information shall be accompanied by a certification signed by an authorized officer of the provider telecommunications company stating that, after due inquiry, the information being supplied is true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge, information, and belief. The telecommunications company shall also provide the Zoning Officer with a copy of the site lease agreement authorizing the location of the communications tower or antenna, unless said telecommunications company is the legal owner of the site.
C. 
Proof of Inspection. The owner of a communications tower erected under this section and all co-locators shall submit to the Zoning Officer proof of the annual inspection of the communications tower and antennas by an independent professional engineer as required by the ANSI/TIA-222 Code. Based upon the results of such an inspection, the Zoning Officer or the Code Enforcement Officer may require removal or repair of all or any portion of a wireless communications facility. The provisions of the Borough Building Code [Chapter 5, Part 1] may be applied in requiring such repair or removal. In the event the annual inspections referred to are not performed in a timely manner, the communications tower owner and each communications company located thereon shall be subject to the civil enforcement proceedings of this chapter.
D. 
Any communications tower or communications antenna shall be dismantled within 60 days following the expiration date of the operator's license from the FCC provided to the Borough or cessation of use. As a condition of approval of any communications tower, the Zoning Hearing Board may require financial security for the dismantling and removal of such communications tower.
E. 
The applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed communications tower and communications antenna are safe and the surrounding areas will not be negatively affected by communications support structure failure, falling ice or other debris, electromagnetic fields, or radio frequency interference. All support structures shall be fitted with anti-climbing devices, as approved by the manufacturer.
F. 
No communications support structure may be lighted except when required by the FAA.
G. 
All other uses ancillary to the antenna and associated equipment (including a business office, maintenance depot, vehicle storage, etc.) are prohibited from the communications antenna or tower site, unless otherwise permitted in the zoning district in which the antenna or tower site is located.
H. 
Interference. In the event that any wireless communications facility causes interference with the radio, television, or cellular phone reception of any Borough resident for a period of three continuous days, the resident shall notify either the telecommunications provider or the Zoning Officer of such interference, and the telecommunications provider, at its sole expense, shall thereafter remediate such interference and ensure that any interference problems are promptly corrected. Upon receipt of any such complaint, the telecommunications provider shall promptly notify the Zoning Officer thereof in writing and describe its plan to mitigate the interference. Failure of the telecommunications provider to correct such interference shall constitute a violation of this section, subjecting it to the penalty and enforcement provisions of this chapter.

§ 27-253 Intent.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
This Subpart 2E lists specific controls over general aspects of land utilization which are not included elsewhere in this chapter. The following regulations shall apply to all zoning districts and uses as applicable. These controls are important to the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter and shall be strictly applied.

§ 27-254 Public Utility Corporation Exemption.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any existing or proposed building or extension thereof used by any public utility corporation if, upon petition of the corporation, the Public Utility Commission shall, after a public hearing, decide that the present or proposed situation of the building in question is reasonably necessary for the convenience or welfare of the public.

§ 27-255 Environmental Controls.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Applicability.
A. 
It is the intent of these regulations to prevent land or buildings, including those permitted by right, conditional use or special exception, from being used or occupied in any manner so as to create any dangerous, injurious, noxious or otherwise objectionable condition adversely affecting the surrounding area. All uses shall operate in conformance with the environmental controls set forth herein and relevant statutes, codes, rules and other regulations of the United States government, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Chester County, the Borough and governmentally regulated companies, authorities and other entities which have jurisdiction over sewage disposal, water supply, water quality, traffic and other consumption or emission characteristics of land use. The most stringent regulation applicable shall be used.
B. 
Borough Council may require safeguards to achieve compliance with the following environmental standards. As required, the applicant shall demonstrate that adequate provisions will be made to reduce and minimize objectionable elements.
C. 
Upon request of the Borough, the owner shall furnish or obtain proof at their own expense that they are in compliance with the environmental performance standards of this section.
2. 
Air Management.
A. 
Open burning is not permitted.
B. 
No gases, vapors, or fumes shall be emitted from any facility which are harmful to persons, property, animals, or vegetation.
C. 
No radioactive vapors or gases shall be emitted from any facility in harmful amounts as defined by any federal or state agency.
D. 
No odors causing annoyance or discomfort to the public and which Borough Council determines to be objectionable to the public shall be detectable beyond the property boundaries.
E. 
The regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection shall be complied with for fugitive emissions, particulate matter emissions, sulfur compound emissions, standards for sources, sources of volatile organic compounds, emission of hazardous air pollutants, and ambient air quality sources.
3. 
Wastewater Management. All effluent must meet standards set by the Borough and comply with the provisions of Chapter 18 of the Oxford Borough Code.
4. 
Waste Management. No storage of waste materials on the lot shall be permitted in excess of 30 days. All waste materials awaiting transport shall be kept in enclosed containers and be screened from view from all adjacent properties in accordance with Subpart 3C of this chapter and Subpart 3C of Chapter 22.
5. 
Noise Control. The following provisions shall apply to any noise-producing source within the Borough:
A. 
No person shall make, continue or cause to be made or continued any noise disturbance.
B. 
The following acts and the causing thereof are in violation of this chapter, including but not limited to the following:
(1) 
Operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, cassette player, sound amplifier or similar device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound:
(a) 
At any time in such manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a lot line or between the hours of 9:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day so as to be audible across a lot line of the receiving land use.
(b) 
In such manner as to create a noise disturbance across such a lot line or at 50 feet from such source, whichever is less, when the source is operated in, from or on a motor vehicle or is hand carried on a public right-of-way or public space.
(c) 
In such a manner and at a time as to cause a noise disturbance and which disturbs the peace and quiet of the immediate neighborhood.
(2) 
Engaging in loud or raucous yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on the public streets between the hours of 9:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day or at any time or place in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance.
(3) 
Operating or permitting the operation of any tools or equipment used on construction operations, drilling or demolition or other work or in the sweeping of parking lots in areas adjacent to residential districts between the hours of 9:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day on weekdays and Saturdays or at any time on Sundays or legal holidays such that the sound therefrom causes a noise disturbance across a residential lot line, except for emergency work.
(4) 
Operating or permitting the operation of any electrically powered saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, snowblower or similar device used outdoors between the hours of 9:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day so as to cause a noise disturbance across a lot line of the receiving land use.
(5) 
Loading, opening, closing or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans or other objects between the hours of 9:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential lot line. This subsection shall not apply to municipal or utility services in or about the public right-of-way.
(6) 
Owning, possessing, harboring or controlling any animal or bird which howls, barks, meows, squawks or makes other sounds continuously and/or incessantly for a period of 10 minutes or makes such noise intermittently for 1/2 hour or more to the disturbance of any person at any time of the day or night, regardless of whether the animal or bird is situated in or upon private property; provided, however, that at the time the animal or bird is making such noise, no person is trespassing or threatening to trespass upon private property in or upon which the animal or bird is situated or for any other cause which teased or provoked the animal or bird.
(7) 
Offering for sale or selling by shouting or outcry or by any other amplified or unamplified sound, except between the hours of 7:00 a.m. of one day and 7:00 p.m. of the same day.
(8) 
The removal or rendering inoperative by any person, other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, replacement or other work, of any muffler or sound-dissipative device or element of design or noise label of any product; the intentional moving or rendering inaccurate or inoperative of any sound-monitoring instrument or other device positioned by or for the Borough or other governmental entity, provided that such device or the immediate area is clearly labeled or posted to warn of the potential illegality; and the use of a product which has had a muffler or sound-dissipative device or element of design or noise label removed or rendered inoperative with knowledge or reason to know that such action has occurred.
(9) 
Repairing, rebuilding or testing or otherwise working on any motorcycle or other motor vehicle, motorboat or aircraft in such a manner as to cause such disturbance across a lot line of the receiving land use.
C. 
The noise from any of the aforesaid prohibited acts that disturbs two or more residents or owners in use or occupancy, who are in agreement as to the times and durations of the noise and who occupy separate buildings across a lot line from the noise source, shall be prima facie evidence of a noise disturbance.
D. 
The following sounds are exempted from the provisions above:
(1) 
Blasting, only if performed in accordance with a permit issued by the Fire Marshal. Such blasting may occur only between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless specifically authorized otherwise by the permit.
(2) 
Band concerts, carnivals or other performances or similar activities publicly or privately sponsored and presented in any public or private space outdoors, provided that such activities do not occur between 11:00 p.m. on one day and 10:00 a.m. on the following day.
(3) 
Sounds caused by the performance of emergency work or by the ordinary and accepted use of emergency apparatus and equipment.
(4) 
Sounds resulting from the repair or replacement of any municipal or utility installation in or about the public right-of-way.
(5) 
Sounds, not electronically amplified, created by organized school-related programs, activities, athletic and entertainment events or other public programs, activities or events, other than motor vehicle racing events.
(6) 
Sounds made by warning devices operating continuously for three minutes or less, except that, in the event of an actual emergency, the limitation shall not apply.
6. 
Vibration Control. Operating or permitted the operation of any device that creates vibration which is above the vibration perception threshold of an individual at or beyond the property boundary of the source if on private property or at 50 feet from the source if on a public space or public right-of-way shall be prohibited. For the purposes of this section, "vibration perception threshold" means the minimum ground- or structure-borne vibration motion necessary to cause a normal person to be aware of the vibration by such direct means as but not limited to sensation by touch or visual observation of moving objects.
7. 
Lighting and Heat.
A. 
In any nonresidential district, direct, unshielded or sky-reflected glare from spotlights or floodlights over 150 watts or from high-temperature processes (such as combustion or welding from other sources) greater than two footcandles visible at the lot line of the receiving land use shall be prohibited. There shall be no emission or transmission of heat or heated air so as to be discernible at the lot line of the receiving land use.
B. 
In any residential district, floodlighting or high-intensity lighting over 150 watts shall be located so that the glare or reflection is not greater than one footcandle at the lot line of the receiving land use.
C. 
No floodlighting or high-intensity lighting, except for surveillance, security, decorative or safety lighting, shall be permitted after 11:00 p.m. in any residential district.
8. 
Electromagnetic. All electromagnetic radiation shall comply with the regulations of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and any other applicable regulations. Electromagnetic radiation or radioactive emissions shall not be of any intensity to be detected beyond the lot boundaries or interfere with radio or television reception or the operation of other equipment.
9. 
Groundwater Supplies. No use shall endanger groundwater levels or quality in the area of the use nor adversely affect groundwater supplies of nearby properties. When required by the Borough, a hydrogeologic study which shall indicate the impact of the use on groundwater supplies and quality in the area of the use shall be submitted to the Borough at the expense of the owner.

§ 27-256 Building Height Exceptions.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
No building or structure shall exceed the maximum height of buildings specified in this chapter, except that regulations shall not apply to agricultural structures, silos, water towers, church spires, belfries, chimneys, or other appurtenances usually required to be placed above the roof level and not intended for human occupancy. Although exempted from structural height limitations, those structures should not significantly impair solar access of buildings or solar collection locations.

§ 27-257 Building Setback Exceptions.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The required building setback provisions for a proposed building may be decreased in depth to the average alignment of existing buildings on the same street within 100 feet on each side of the proposed building, when approved as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board.
2. 
Setback reduction may occur only when alignment of existing buildings is less than the front yard requirement for the applicable district, but in no case shall the reduction encroach on the street line.

§ 27-258 Required Yard Setback Exceptions.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Exceptions. No structure or part of a structure shall be located within four feet of the property line, nor shall it project into any required yards, except:
A. 
Overhanging eaves, gutters, cornices, or solar energy collector not exceeding two feet in width.
B. 
Arbors, trellises, flagpoles, unroofed steps, unroofed terraces, awnings, movable canopies, and other similar uninhabitable structures.
C. 
Fences and walls, provided that they are not more than six feet in height.
D. 
Garden sheds, as defined by this chapter, provided that there shall be a maximum of one garden shed per dwelling unit and that no property shall contain more than two garden sheds.
E. 
Unenclosed fire escapes which extend no more than six feet into any required yard area.
F. 
Awnings, upper floor balconies, and bay windows may encroach into setbacks up to three feet or 30% of the setback distance, whichever is smaller.
2. 
Fences and Walls. The following standards shall apply to the location of fences and walls:
A. 
A fence (except for required fencing to enclose a residential swimming pool) or wall may be located no closer than one foot from any property line.
B. 
All fences shall be installed with the finished side of the fence not containing the support beams or posts facing toward the neighboring property.
C. 
A fence required to enclose a residential swimming pool shall be located no less than 10 feet from any property line.
D. 
No portion of a fence or wall shall be located between the curb or cartway of a street and any adjacent sidewalk.
E. 
No fence or wall shall extend into any yard area if the result is to block or impede the use of any sidewalk, pedestrian way, or vehicular access.
F. 
No fence or wall shall be located within two feet of any sidewalk or the edge of the cartway of any Borough alley.
G. 
A fence or wall may be located within the required minimum front yard area of a lot, provided it does not exceed four feet in height and is in compliance with the standards of § 27-259.
3. 
Decks. Decks, as defined by this chapter, shall comply with the following requirements:
A. 
A deck may project into any required side or rear yard, consistent with the following:
(1) 
A deck may be permitted to encroach into rear setbacks up to 10 feet or 30% of the rear setback, whichever is smaller.
(2) 
Under no circumstances shall a deck be located closer than three feet to any side lot line.
B. 
Except where constructed as part of a ramp that provides approved handicapped access, a deck shall not be permitted to project into any front yard.

§ 27-259 Visual Obstructions.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
On a corner lot, no wall, fence, or other structure shall be erected or altered and no hedge, tree, shrub, or other vegetation shall be planted or maintained which may cause visual obstruction to motorists on any public or private road within the Borough.
2. 
Clear-sight triangles shall be provided at all street intersections. Within such triangles, no object shall be permitted which obscures vision above the height of 30 inches and below 10 feet, measured from the center-line grade of intersecting streets. Such triangles shall be established from a distance of 50 feet from the point of intersection of the center lines of the intersecting local and collector streets. Triangles shall be established from a distance of 150 feet for all intersections with arterial streets.

§ 27-260 Pipeline Setback.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
There shall be a minimum setback distance of 20 feet, measured from a pipeline right-of-way line, between any proposed building and any petroleum, petroleum products, or natural gas transmission line.

§ 27-261 Microwave Dish Antennas.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The following standards shall apply specifically to microwave dish antennas:
A. 
The dish antenna shall remain accessory to the principal use of the lot.
B. 
The dish antenna shall be located only in the rear yard of a lot and shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any property line.
C. 
When separately supported, the total height of the microwave antenna and supports shall not exceed 10 feet in height. Such an arrangement shall be screened in accordance with Subpart 3C of this chapter and Subpart 3C of Chapter 22.
D. 
Microwave antenna supports shall also comply with the Borough Uniform Construction Code [Chapter 5, Part 1].
E. 
When roof mounted, the dish antenna shall be located on a portion of the roof sloping away from the front of the lot. No portion of a microwave dish antenna shall project above the ridge line of the roof. Mounting techniques shall comply with the Borough Uniform Construction Code [Chapter 5, Part 1].
F. 
No microwave dish antenna shall be located so as to be visible from the public right-of-way.
G. 
Microwave dish antennas shall be used solely for the reception of radio and electromagnetic waves in residential and commercial districts.

§ 27-262 Storage of Vehicles.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Inspection and Registered Vehicles. In any zoning district, no trailer, travel trailer, motor vehicle, motorized dwelling, tent trailer, boat, boat trailer, recreational vehicle, or similar vehicle shall be stored outside in any yard area of any lot, except when owned by the owner or occupant of such lot and currently registered and bearing a current inspection sticker, except when specifically designated as a permitted use under other provisions of this chapter, including but not limited to provisions with respect to junkyards, commercial sales of vehicles, or self-storage facilities.
2. 
Inoperative or Unlicensed Vehicles. In accordance with the terms of § 302.S, Motor Vehicles, of the Oxford Borough Property Maintenance Code, as the same may be amended from time to time, no inoperative or unlicensed vehicles shall be parked outdoors on any lot except as specifically permitted by other regulations of this chapter.

§ 27-263 Purpose.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The purpose of this Subpart 2F is to permit the use of various development design options that:
A. 
Accommodate housing and other development which is more affordable by consolidating improvements, utilities, and land alteration.
B. 
Conserve open space areas and amenities within developments, and, in the case of subdivisions of significant size, provide open space areas for passive and/or active recreation use.
C. 
Promote the more efficient use of land to permit its maximum use while preserving aesthetics and natural resources.

§ 27-264 Mixed Residential Community.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Eligibility.
A. 
A tract size of at least five acres is required.
B. 
The tract of land to be developed shall be in single and separate ownership, or in the case of multiple ownership, it shall be developed according to a single plan with common authority and responsibility.
C. 
The development shall be served by public sewer and water.
2. 
Permitted Uses.
A. 
Permitted dwelling types include single-family detached, two-family, multi-family, and mobile homes on individual lots.
B. 
Commercial facilities, to serve the residents of the mixed residential community, may be provided if the development contains a minimum of 100 dwelling units. All convenience commercial facilities shall comply with the following standards:
(1) 
There shall be direct vehicular access only to an arterial or collector street either within or abutting the development.
(2) 
Only 2,500 square feet of gross commercial floor area shall be allowed for each 100 dwelling units of a mixed residential community.
(3) 
One sign not exceeding 16 square feet shall be permitted for each 2,500 square feet of commercial floor area.
(4) 
The architectural style of the commercial building(s) shall be similar in size, scale, color, and exterior siding material to residential dwellings within the development.
(5) 
Commercial facilities shall not be built until occupancy permits have been issued for at least 100 dwelling units within the development.
C. 
Recreational uses for the use and enjoyment of the residents of the community may be incorporated into the development and its common open space.
3. 
Density. The maximum allowable density for any dwelling type shall be 20 dwelling units per acre within the net tract.
4. 
Housing Type Mix.
A. 
Each mixed residential community shall consist of at least two of the following dwelling unit types:
(1) 
Single-family, detached.
(2) 
Two-family, twin and/or duplex.
(3) 
Multi-family, townhouse, apartment, and/or quadraplex.
(4) 
Mobile home on an individual lot.
B. 
The percentage and mix of the housing type shall be left to the discretion of the developer, except that the minimum percentage of any dwelling unit type shall be 20% and single-family dwellings will comprise no more than 50% of all dwelling units.
5. 
Open Space. A minimum of 25% of the tract area shall be reserved as common open space in accordance with §§ 22-223 and 22-224.
6. 
Area and Bulk Regulations. The area and bulk regulations relating to a mixed residential community are listed below.
Mixed Residential
MIN Lot Area, Gross
Single- or Two-Family Dwelling
10,000 sf
Multi-Family Dwelling
5,500 sf/du1
Mobile Home on Single Lot
10,000 sf
Convenience Commercial
15,000 sf
MIN Lot Width
Residential Use
50 ft
Convenience Commercial
80 ft
MIN Front Yard
30 ft
MIN Side Yard
Single-Family Dwelling
12/30 ft2
Two-Family Dwelling
0/30 ft2
Multi-Family Dwelling
15 ft
Mobile Home on Single Lot
12/30 ft2
Convenience Commercial
30 ft
MIN Rear Yard
30 ft
MAX Building Height
Residential Use
35 ft
Nonresidential Use
25 ft
MAX Impervious Surface Area3
Applied to entire community, not single lot
45%
NOTES:
1.
The notation "sf/du" shall indicate required square footage of lot area per dwelling unit.
2.
The first number shall apply to each side yard separately. The second number applies to both side yards in the aggregate.
3.
Where green roofs are proposed, 75% of the building footprint covered by the green roof may be deducted from the calculation of impervious surface area.

§ 27-265 Multi-Family Developments.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Eligibility.
A. 
Multi-family developments may contain more than one multi-family dwelling per lot, provided such development is in conformance with the area, bulk, and dimensional requirements of this section and the district in which it is located.
B. 
The parcel or parcels of land to be developed shall be in single and separate ownership, or in the case of multiple ownership, it shall be developed according to a single plan with common authority and responsibility.
C. 
The development shall be served by public sewer and water.
2. 
Building Design and Orientation.
A. 
All multi-family developments shall conform to the residential design standards of Subpart 3E of the Oxford Borough SALDO (Chapter 22), as applicable.
B. 
Staggered setbacks of individual dwelling units accompanied by a variation in facade design shall be provided so that the buildings offer visual variety and provide private yard areas.
C. 
In the case of townhouse development, no more than two contiguous units shall have the same facade setback within a building. Changes in unit setback shall involve a minimum of four feet.
D. 
Multi-family buildings are encouraged to be located in clusters which create common courtyards and open space areas rather than situated parallel to one another. Where clustering is not feasible, there shall be no more than three abutting buildings parallel to each other within a multi-family development.
E. 
Buildings within a multi-family development shall be designed to provide individual dwelling units with views and direct access to required open space areas.
F. 
The following separation distances between buildings shall be met to provide individual units with some level of privacy:
Building Configuration
MIN Distance
Facing front or rear walls (long wall)
75 ft
Facing end walls (short wall) containing no dwelling windows
30 ft
Facing end walls (short wall) containing dwelling windows
35 ft
No obstruction of views created by two buildings
30 ft
G. 
Dwelling units shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from common parking lots and refuse collection centers.
H. 
The maximum length or width of a multi-family building shall be 160 feet.
3. 
Pedestrian Connectivity.
A. 
Entrances to dwelling units shall be provided walkways to parking and refuse collection areas.
B. 
The provisions of § 22-314, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations, shall apply to any multi-family development.
4. 
Open Space. A minimum of 25% of the tract area shall be reserved as common open space in accordance with §§ 22-223 and 22-224.

§ 27-266 Retirement Communities and Life-Care Facilities.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Mix of Uses. A retirement community and life-care facility may provide a mix of individual dwelling units in any combination of single-family, two-family, or multi-family buildings and may include a community center consisting of one or more buildings in which the following accessory uses may be permitted:
A. 
Medical treatment, nursing, and convalescent facilities.
B. 
Auditoriums, activity rooms, craft rooms, libraries, lounges, and similar recreational facilities for members of the community.
C. 
Dining facilities.
D. 
Office and retail service facilities designed and adequate to serve only the members of the community, such as but not necessarily limited to, the following uses: medical offices, pharmacy, gift shop, coffee shop, bank, beauty shop, and barbershop.
2. 
Area and Bulk Regulations. Area and bulk regulations for uses listed within the applicable zoning district shall apply.
3. 
Density and Parking Calculation. For the purposes of calculating density and parking requirements, four beds provided within the community center buildings or accessory buildings shall be deemed the equivalent of one dwelling unit.
4. 
Design and Operations.
A. 
A retirement community or life-care facility shall be developed and operated under the direction and control of a single owner or agent for the owner.
B. 
Wheelchair access to all dwelling units and community facilities shall be provided for in the design of structures, pedestrian walkways, and parking lots. Buildings may be interconnected by means of covered or enclosed walkways.
C. 
Location, design, and layout of buildings containing dwelling units shall comply with the multi-family development requirements of § 27-265 to ensure open space and privacy between units.
5. 
Open Space. A minimum of 25% of the tract area shall be reserved as common open space in accordance with §§ 22-223 and 22-224.

§ 27-267 Mobile Home Parks.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Permitted Uses. The following uses shall be the only uses permitted within a mobile home park:
A. 
Mobile homes.
B. 
Mobile home park office.
C. 
Mobile home park service buildings.
D. 
Accessory uses, including recreational and community facilities.
2. 
Area and Bulk Regulations. A mobile home park shall comply with the area and bulk regulations of the applicable zoning district.
3. 
Lot Configuration.
A. 
Mobile homes shall be separated a minimum of 30 feet from each other and a minimum of 50 feet from any service building, park office, or any tract boundary.
B. 
When individual mobile home lots are proposed within a mobile home park, the following shall represent the minimum lot dimensions and lot areas to be provided.
Mobile Home Dimensions
MIN Lot Dimensions
MIN Lot Area
12 x 60 ft
50 x 100 ft
5,000 sf
14 x 60 ft
60 x 100 ft
6,000 sf
Double Wide
75 x 100 ft
7,500 sf
C. 
All buildings within a mobile home park, including mobile homes, shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from an interior park street or paved edge of a common parking area.
4. 
General Design Standards.
A. 
All applications for the development of a lot or parcel of land for a mobile home park shall be accompanied by a plan or plans for the development of the entire parcel under consideration. Such application shall clearly designate lot locations, roads, open spaces, recreational areas, utility provisions, parking areas, accessory office, laundry, and park maintenance facilities.
B. 
All mobile homes shall be placed on and secured to a level foundation. The foundation and anchoring of the mobile home to the mobile home pad shall be in accordance with applicable provisions of the Borough Uniform Construction Code [Chapter 5, Part 1]. Mobile homes shall not be supported by jacks, loose blocks, or other temporary supports.
C. 
Mobile homes shall be placed with a continuous perimeter barrier extending from grade to the bottom of the mobile home, which is not necessarily required to be load-bearing but shall protect the mobile home from weather, rodents, wind, and snow loads.
D. 
Walkways shall be provided within a mobile home park. Their design shall be in accordance with the provisions under the Oxford Borough SALDO [Chapter 22].
E. 
A mobile home park shall be landscaped and screened in accordance with Subpart 3C of this chapter and Subpart 3C of Chapter 22.
5. 
Open Space. A minimum of 25% of the tract area shall be reserved as common open space in accordance with §§ 22-223 and 22-224.
6. 
Operations.
A. 
Every mobile home park shall be required to obtain an operating permit from the Borough prior to the issuance of use and occupancy permits for individual mobile homes. Such operating permit shall be valid for one year and may be renewed annually upon satisfying an inspection by the Zoning Officer.
B. 
Every mobile home park shall include an office for the person in charge of such park. A copy of the operating permit, along with the register, shall at all times be open for inspection by the Zoning Officer. The register shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
(1) 
A number assigned to each mobile home lot or site.
(2) 
Names and addresses of all residents of the park.
(3) 
The arrival date of each mobile home to the park.
(4) 
The departure date of each mobile home from the park.
C. 
Entrance permits shall be required any time a mobile home is placed on a mobile home site or lot within the Borough of Oxford.
7. 
Removal. A removal permit shall be required any time a mobile home is removed from a mobile home site or lot within the Borough of Oxford and shall be issued by the Borough Manager. The removal permit shall not be issued until all realty taxes levied and assessed against the mobile home have been paid, as well as charges for all municipal services, if any, up to the time of the issuance of the removal permit. In the event the removal permit is not secured and the mobile home is removed in violation of this chapter, no new mobile home shall be placed upon that site until the removal permit fee has been paid, together with all unpaid realty taxes levied and assessed, as well as charges for municipal services.

§ 27-268 Planned Office Park.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Eligibility.
A. 
A tract size of at least five acres shall be required.
B. 
The tract of land to be developed shall be in single and separate ownership, or in the case of multiple ownership, it shall be developed according to a single overall plan with common authority and responsibility.
C. 
The tract and uses thereon shall have access only to an arterial or collector street via a common ingress and egress.
D. 
Minimum tract frontage on the arterial or collector street from which it has access shall be 150 feet.
E. 
Uses on the tract shall be screened in accordance with Subpart 3C of this chapter and Subpart 3C of Chapter 22.
2. 
Area and Bulk Regulations. The area and bulk regulations relating to a planned office park are listed below.
Planned Office Park
MAX Gross Density
4 uses per acre
MIN Lot Width
At Street Line
150 ft
At Building Line
-
MIN Yards
See applicable use standards
See use tables
MAX Building Height
30 ft
MAX Impervious Surface Area1
Applied to entire area, not single lot
40%
NOTES:
1.
Where green roofs are proposed, 75% of the building footprint covered by the green roof may be deducted from the calculation of impervious surface area.

§ 27-269 Lot Clustering.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Eligibility.
A. 
As an option permitted in the PD-1 and R-1 Districts of this chapter, a developer may be allowed to modify the area and bulk regulations where the tract of land has a minimum gross area of 12.5 acres and includes designated open space as required by Subsection 2.C below.
B. 
The tract to utilize such option shall be in single and separate ownership, or, in the case of multiple ownership, the tract shall be developed according to a single plan with common authority and responsibility.
2. 
Development Controls.
A. 
The maximum gross density of any development utilizing the cluster development option shall be based on an actual site yield plan and not on gross land area when determining density of use and shall not exceed that allowed by the applicable zoning district.
B. 
Site planning, including the layout of streets and lots, placement of structures, and the layout of open space shall be, in the judgment of Borough Council, in compliance with the purposes of this section.
C. 
No less than 25% of the total area in a lot clustering development shall be designed as and used exclusively for common open space. The ownership, location, design, layout, and maintenance of open space within such development shall be in accordance with Subpart 2C of the Oxford Borough SALDO (Chapter 22).
3. 
Area and Bulk Regulations. For developments utilizing the lot clustering development option, the following area and bulk regulations shall apply:
PD-1
R-1
MIN Lot Size
10,000 sf/du1
6,000 sf/du1
MIN Lot Width
60 ft
50 ft
MIN Yards
Front
25 ft
20 ft
Side
10 ft
8 ft
Rear
25 ft
20 ft
MAX Building Height
35 ft
35 ft
MAX Impervious Surface Area2
Per Lot
50%
50%
NOTES:
1.
The notation "sf/du" shall indicate required square footage of lot area per dwelling unit.
2.
Where green roofs are proposed, 75% of the building footprint covered by the green roof may be deducted from the calculation of impervious surface area.

§ 27-270 Yard Reduction Design Option.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Eligibility.
A. 
The yard reduction option may be used for any building or structure in any district as provided in this section, except a TC District.
B. 
Where a reduced yard area is proposed under this section, the abutting property(ies) along the lot lines where the reduced yard is proposed must be held under the same ownership at the time of application for development or the owners of abutting properties must record an agreement or deed restriction and consent in writing to such reduced yard and other easements and restrictions specified in this section.
2. 
Development Controls.
A. 
A dwelling may be placed within one side lot yard or a side and rear lot yard to a zero-foot setback, but shall share not more than one common party wall with another building.
B. 
No more than two lot lines may have reduced yards for any single lot.
C. 
Where a side yard is reduced, the opposite side yard on the lot and the side yard on the adjacent lot abutting the reduced yard shall be at least twice as great as the minimum side yard normally required by the applicable zoning district.
D. 
To avoid narrow, confined, and unusable yard space, the wall of a dwelling along a reduced rear yard shall not oppositely face nor be generally parallel to the rear wall of a dwelling on an abutting lot if a common party wall is not created or if such adjacent rear dwelling wall is within 20 feet of the property line.
E. 
For commercial, industrial, or office buildings, a zero-foot yard may be permitted along side and/or rear lot lines of abutting lots to create a common party wall(s) between buildings along no more than two lot lines.
F. 
A zero-foot side or rear yard, possibly creating a common party wall, may be permitted for garages; utility or storage sheds; fences, walls or trellises over eight feet in height; or other uninhabitable accessory structures which are designed to abut each other.
G. 
Building roofs shall be designed so that water runoff is confined to the lot on which the roof is located and is not directed into any reduced yard permitted under this section.
3. 
Easements and Restrictions.
A. 
The easements, deed restrictions, and agreements necessary to comply with this section shall be irrevocable covenants that run with the land as long as the reduced yard condition exists. Such easements and restrictions shall be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds office of Chester County. Proof of such recorded easements and restrictions shall be submitted to the Borough prior to issuance of a building permit.
B. 
All lots shall be deed restricted to prohibit doors, windows, air-conditioning units, or any other type of openings, or projections in a dwelling wall facing and generally parallel to the reduced side or rear yard.
C. 
Walls and fences within the reduced yard that face or are generally parallel to an abutting lot shall be maintained in their original color and treatment unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the two affected lot owners.
D. 
Where a yard is reduced to between zero feet and five feet of a lot line, a joint-use easement shall be established between the lot owner and the adjacent lot owner for the land located within the reduced side or rear yard for the length of a building wall, fence or other structure. It shall be the responsibility and obligation of the adjacent property owner to maintain the reduced yard within the easement, and such owner will have use of the easement area for enjoyment. No shrubbery, trees or structures shall be placed in the reduced yard which would interfere with the property owner's maintaining their building. The adjacent lot owner who has the use of the easement shall be responsible for all damages to the adjacent dwelling that result from direct or indirect use and enjoyment of their side yard.
E. 
Where a yard is reduced to zero feet and a common party wall is not created, a joint-use easement shall be established between abutting landowners. The easement shall be a minimum five-foot-wide strip of land within the adjacent lot abutting the reduced yard. The easement shall be parallel to and abutting the lot line for five feet beyond the end of the structure that sits on the lot line. It shall be the responsibility and obligation of the adjacent property owner to maintain the easement on their lot, and such owner will have use of the easement area for enjoyment, except that no shrubbery, trees, or structures shall be placed in the easement which would interfere with the adjacent property owner's maintaining their building. The landowner who owns the easement land shall be responsible for all damages to the structure that sits on the lot line that result from direct and indirect use and enjoyment of their yard. The adjacent lot owner shall have use of the easement to maintain their building, but he shall be responsible for any damages to the easement owner's yard that result while maintaining their building.

§ 27-271 Floodplain Management.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Purpose. The Flood Hazard District has been designed to minimize the threat to public health, safety and welfare of flood hazard areas in Oxford Borough associated with periodic inundation which results in loss of property, loss of life, damage to structures, injury to people, disruption of activities and services, public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of the tax base. It is the purpose of this Subpart 2G to:
A. 
Minimize danger to public health by protecting water supplies and natural drainage patterns in the Borough.
B. 
Minimize danger to public safety by regulating or preventing the erection of buildings and other structures on lands unsuitable for development by reason of periodic flooding.
C. 
Minimize the financial burden imposed on the Borough, its governing body and its residents by preventing activities from locating in areas subject to flooding.
D. 
Prevent added downstream damage from increased volume and rate of flow associated with flooding, and to permit uses of the floodplain compatible with the preservation of natural resources and the maintenance of unimpeded stream flow throughout the year.
E. 
Comply with federal and state floodplain management requirements.
2. 
Applicability. These provisions shall apply to all lands within the jurisdiction of Oxford Borough shown as being located within the boundaries of any identified flood hazard district that are considered as a part of the Official Zoning Map.
3. 
Compliance Required. All uses, activities and development occurring within any flood hazard district shall be undertaken only in strict compliance with the provisions of this Subpart 2G and with all other applicable codes and ordinances, such as the Oxford Borough SALDO.

§ 27-272 Delineation of Flood Hazard District.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The Flood Hazard District is defined and established to be those areas of the Borough that are subject to inundation by a 1% annual chance flood and that are included in the identified floodplain area as established in § 27-283.
2. 
For the purposes of this Subpart 2G, the identified floodplain area shall be used as the basis for regulation. When available, information from federal, state, and other acceptable sources shall be used to determine the base flood elevation, as well as a floodway area, if possible. When no other information is available, the base flood elevation shall be determined by using a point on the boundary of the identified floodplain area that is nearest the construction site in question. In lieu of the above, the Borough may require the applicant to determine the elevation with hydrologic and hydraulic engineering techniques. Hydrologic and hydraulic analyses shall be undertaken only by professional engineers or others of demonstrated qualification, who shall certify that the technical methods used correctly reflect currently accepted technical concepts. Studies, analyses, computations, etc., shall be submitted in sufficient detail to allow a thorough technical review by the Borough.
3. 
In cases where more than one source is used, the Flood Hazard District boundary shall consist of the more extensive area between sources subject to the provisions of § 27-274.

§ 27-273 Changes in Flood Hazard District Boundaries.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The delineation of any identified floodplain area may be revised by Borough Council where natural or man-made changes have occurred and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, River Basin Commission, or other qualified agency or person have conducted or undertaken more detailed studies documenting such changes.
2. 
Prior to any such change, approval must be obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Additionally, as soon as practicable, but not later than six months after the date such information becomes available, the Borough shall notify FEMA of the changes to the Flood Hazard District by submitting technical or scientific data.

§ 27-274 Rules of Interpretation of District Boundaries.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Initial interpretations of the boundaries of a flood hazard district shall be made by the Floodplain Administrator. Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of such boundaries, as in the case of a conflict between mapped boundaries and actual field conditions, such interpretation shall be made by the Borough Engineer with a written report submitted to Borough Council.
2. 
Any party aggrieved by any determination by the Borough Engineer may appeal his/her case before the Zoning Hearing Board. The party contesting the location of a flood hazard district boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to present his/her case to the Board and to submit his/her own technical evidence in accordance with § 27-273. The burden of proof shall be on the party filing for the hearing.

§ 27-275 Boundary Disputes.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
Should a dispute concerning any identified floodplain boundary arise, an initial determination shall be made by the Borough Engineer, and any party aggrieved by this decision or determination may appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board. The burden of proof shall be on the appellant.

§ 27-276 Jurisdictional Boundary Changes.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
Prior to development occurring in areas where annexation or other corporate boundary changes are proposed or have occurred, the Borough shall review flood hazard data affecting the lands subject to boundary changes. The Borough shall adopt and enforce floodplain regulations in areas subject to annexation or corporate boundary changes which meet or exceed those in 44 CFR 60.3.

§ 27-277 Compliance.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
All structures, tracts of land and water shall hereafter be used or developed in full compliance with the provisions of this Subpart 2G and any other ordinances and regulations which apply to uses within the jurisdiction of this Subpart 2G. Any land-altering activity shall not commence without first obtaining a building permit in accordance with the terms of Subpart 4B of this chapter.

§ 27-278 Abrogation and Greater Restrictions.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
This Subpart 2G supersedes any other conflicting provisions which may be in effect in identified floodplain areas. However, any other ordinance provisions shall remain in full force and effect to the extent that those provisions are more restrictive. If there is any conflict between any provisions of this Subpart 2G, the more restrictive shall apply. This Subpart 2G shall not repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions.

§ 27-279 Warning and Disclaimer of Liability.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The degree of flood protection sought by the provisions of this Subpart 2G is considered reasonable for regulatory purposes and is based on acceptable engineering methods of study. Larger floods may occur on rare occasions. Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes, such as ice jams and bridge openings restricted by debris. This Subpart 2G does not imply that areas outside any identified floodplain area, or that land uses permitted within such areas, will be free from flooding or flood damage.
2. 
This Subpart 2G shall not create liability on the part of Oxford Borough, or any officer or employee thereof, for any flood damages that result from reliance on this Subpart 2G or any administration decision lawfully made thereunder.

§ 27-280 Administration.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Designation of Floodplain Administrator.
A. 
The Zoning Officer is hereby appointed to administer and enforce this Subpart 2G and is referred to herein as the Floodplain Administrator. The Floodplain Administrator may:
(1) 
Fulfill the duties and responsibilities set forth in these regulations;
(2) 
Delegate duties and responsibilities set forth in these regulations to qualified technical personnel, plan examiners, inspectors, and other employees; or
(3) 
Enter into a written agreement or written contract with another agency or private sector entity to administer specific provisions of these regulations.
B. 
Administration of any part of these regulations by another entity shall not relieve the Borough of its responsibilities pursuant to the participation requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations at 44 CFR 59.22.
2. 
Permit Required. A building permit shall be required before any construction or development is undertaken within any identified floodplain area of Oxford Borough.
3. 
Duties and Responsibilities of Floodplain Administrator.
A. 
The Floodplain Administrator shall issue a permit only after it has been determined that the proposed work to be undertaken will be in conformance with the requirements of this Subpart 2G and all other applicable codes and ordinances, such as the Oxford Borough SALDO and Stormwater Ordinance.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See, respectively, Chs. 22, Subdivision and Land Development, and 19, Stormwater Management.
B. 
Prior to the issuance of any permit, the Floodplain Administrator shall review the application for the permit to determine if all other necessary government permits required by state and federal laws have been obtained, such as those required by the Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 1966-537, as amended);[2] the Pennsylvania Dam Safety and Encroachments Act (Act 1978-325, as amended);[3] the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Act (Act 1937-394, as amended);[4] and the United States Clean Water Act (Section 404), 33 U.S.C. § 1344, as amended. No permit shall be issued until this determination has been made.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 750.1 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 693.1 et seq.
[4]
Editor's Note: See 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq.
C. 
In the case of existing structures, prior to the issuance of any permit, the Floodplain Administrator shall review the proposed cost of improvements or repairs and the pre-improvement market value of the structure, so that a substantial improvement/substantial damage determination can be made, in accordance with FEMA's Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference.
D. 
During the construction period, the Floodplain Administrator or other authorized official shall inspect the premises to determine that the work is progressing in compliance with the information provided on the permit application and with all applicable municipal laws and ordinances. He/she shall make as many inspections during and upon completion of the work as are necessary.
E. 
In the discharge of his/her duties, the Floodplain Administrator shall have the authority to enter any building, structure, premises or development in the identified floodplain area, upon presentation of proper credentials, at any reasonable hour to enforce the provisions of this Subpart 2G.
F. 
In the event the Floodplain Administrator discovers that the work does not comply with the permit application or any applicable laws and ordinances, or that there has been a false statement or misrepresentation by any applicant, the Floodplain Administrator shall proceed with enforcement actions in accordance with the terms of this chapter.
G. 
The Floodplain Administrator shall maintain in perpetuity, or for the lifetime of the structure, all records associated with the requirements of this Subpart 2G, including, but not limited to, finished construction elevation data, permitting, inspection and enforcement.
H. 
The Floodplain Administrator is the official responsible for submitting a biennial report to FEMA concerning community participation in the National Flood Insurance Program as requested.
I. 
The responsibility, authority and means to implement the commitments of the Floodplain Administrator can be delegated from the person identified. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with the person identified in this Subpart 2G as the Floodplain Administrator.
J. 
The Floodplain Administrator shall consider the requirements of 34 Pa. Code and the 2009 IBC and the 2009 IRC, or the latest revision thereof as adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

§ 27-281 Application Requirements and Procedure.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Application Considerations. If any proposed construction or development is located entirely or partially within any identified floodplain area, applicants for permits shall provide all the necessary information in sufficient detail and clarity to enable the Floodplain Administrator to determine that:
A. 
All such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage and conform with the requirements of this Subpart 2G and all other applicable codes and ordinances;
B. 
All utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems, are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage;
C. 
Adequate drainage is provided so as to reduce exposure to flood hazards;
D. 
Structures will be anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement;
E. 
Building materials are flood-resistant;
F. 
Appropriate practices that minimize flood damage have been used; and
G. 
Electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, air-conditioning equipment, and other service facilities have been designed and located to prevent water entry or accumulation.
2. 
Application Materials. Applications for a permit shall be made, in writing, to the Floodplain Administrator on forms supplied by the Borough. Such application shall contain the following:
A. 
A completed application form.
B. 
Name and address of applicant.
C. 
Name and address of owner of land on which proposed construction is to occur.
D. 
Name and address of contractor.
E. 
Site location, including address.
F. 
Listing of other permits required.
G. 
Brief description of proposed work and estimated cost, including, where applicable, a breakout of flood-related cost and the market value of the building before the flood damage occurred, where appropriate.
H. 
A plan of the site showing the exact size and location of the proposed construction as well as any existing buildings or structures.
I. 
A plan of the entire site, clearly and legibly drawn at a scale of one inch being equal to 100 feet or less, showing the following:
(1) 
North arrow, scale, and date;
(2) 
Topographic contour lines, if available;
(3) 
The location of all existing and proposed buildings, structures, and other improvements, including the location of any existing or proposed subdivision and development;
(4) 
The location of all existing streets, drives, and other accessways; and
(5) 
The location of any existing bodies of water or watercourses, identified floodplain areas, and, if available, information pertaining to the floodway, and the flow of water, including direction and velocities.
J. 
Plans of all proposed buildings, structures and other improvements, drawn at suitable scale, showing the following:
(1) 
The proposed lowest floor elevation of any proposed building based upon North American Vertical Datum of 1988;
(2) 
The elevation of the base flood;
(3) 
Supplemental information as may be necessary under 34 Pa. Code, the 2009 IBC or the 2009 IRC, or the latest revision thereof as adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
K. 
The following data and documentation shall also be provided, as applicable:
(1) 
Detailed information concerning any proposed floodproofing measures and corresponding elevations.
(2) 
If available, information concerning flood depths, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces and other factors associated with a base flood.
(3) 
Documentation, certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, to show that the effect of any proposed development within any identified floodplain area (see § 27-283) will not increase the base flood elevation at any point.
(4) 
A document, certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, which states that the proposed construction or development has been adequately designed to withstand the pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces associated with the base flood. Such statement shall include a description of the type and extent of floodproofing measures which have been incorporated into the design of the structure and/or the development.
(5) 
Detailed information needed to determine compliance with § 27-287, Subsection 1.H, Storage, and § 27-284, Subsection 4, Prohibited Uses, including:
(a) 
The amount, location and purpose of any materials or substances referred to in § 27-287, Subsection 1.H, and § 27-284, Subsection 4, which are intended to be used, produced, stored, or otherwise maintained on site.
(b) 
A description of the safeguards incorporated into the design of the proposed structure to prevent leaks or spills of the dangerous materials or substances listed in § 27-284, Subsection 4, during a base flood.
(6) 
The appropriate component of the Department of Environmental Protection's "Planning Module for Land Development."
(7) 
Where any grading is proposed, a plan meeting the requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection, to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control.
3. 
Application Fee. Applications for permits shall be accompanied by a fee, payable to the Borough. The amount of the fee shall be as established by resolution of Borough Council.
4. 
Review of Application by Others. A copy of all plans and applications for any proposed construction or development in any identified floodplain area to be considered for approval may be submitted by the Floodplain Administrator to any other appropriate agencies and/or individuals (e.g., Borough Planning Commission, Borough Engineer) for review and comment.
5. 
Changes. After the issuance of a permit by the Floodplain Administrator, no changes of any kind shall be made to the application, permit or any of the plans, specifications or other documents submitted with the application without the written consent or approval of the Floodplain Administrator. Requests for any such change shall be in writing and shall be submitted by the applicant to Floodplain Administrator for consideration.

§ 27-282 Permitting and Construction.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Placards. In addition to the permit, the Floodplain Administrator shall issue a placard, or similar document, which shall be displayed on the premises during the time construction is in progress. This placard shall show the number of the permit and the date of its issuance and shall be signed by the Floodplain Administrator.
2. 
Start of Construction.
A. 
The start of construction of the proposed construction or development shall be determined in accordance with the definition of that term in § 27-273.
B. 
Time extensions shall be granted only if a written request is submitted by the applicant, who sets forth sufficient and reasonable cause for the Floodplain Administrator to approve such a request, and the original permit is compliant with the ordinance and FIRM/FIS in effect at the time the extension is granted.
3. 
Additional Permit Requirements. Prior to any proposed alteration or relocation of any stream, watercourse, etc., within the Borough, a permit shall be obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Dams and Waterway Management. Further, notification of the proposal shall be given to all affected adjacent municipalities. Copies of such notifications shall be forwarded to both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
4. 
Enforcement. Whenever the Floodplain Administrator or other authorized Borough representative determines that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a violation of any provision of this Subpart 2G or any regulations adopted pursuant thereto, the Floodplain Administrator shall proceed with enforcement actions in accordance with the terms of this chapter.

§ 27-283 Identification of Floodplain Areas.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Identification.
A. 
The identified floodplain area shall be:
(1) 
Any areas of Oxford Borough, classified as special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) in the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) dated September 29, 2017, and issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the most recent revision thereof, including all digital data developed as part of the Flood Insurance Study; and
(2) 
Any community-identified flood hazard areas.
B. 
The above-referenced FIS and FIRMs, and any subsequent revisions and amendments, are hereby adopted by Oxford Borough and declared to be a part of this chapter.
2. 
Description and Special Requirements of Identified Floodplain Areas. The identified floodplain area shall consist of the following specific areas:
A. 
The Floodway Area shall be those areas identified in the FIS and the FIRM as floodway and which represent the channel of a watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without increasing the water surface elevation by more than one foot at any point. This term shall also include floodway areas which have been identified in other available studies or sources of information for those special flood hazard areas where no floodway has been identified in the FIS and FIRM.
(1) 
Within any floodway area, no encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, or other development, shall be permitted unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in flood levels within the Borough during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
(2) 
Within any floodway area, no new construction or development shall be allowed, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
B. 
The AE Area/District shall be those areas identified as an AE Zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA for which base flood elevations have been provided.
(1) 
The AE Area adjacent to the floodway shall be those areas identified as an AE Zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA for which base flood elevations have been provided and a floodway has been delineated.
(2) 
AE Area without floodway shall be those areas identified as an AE Zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA for which base flood elevations have been provided but no floodway has been determined.
(3) 
No encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, or other development shall be permitted in an AE Zone without floodway, unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed development, together with all other existing and anticipated development, would not result in an increase in flood levels within the Borough during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
(4) 
No new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
C. 
A Area/District.
(1) 
The A Area/District shall be those areas identified as an A Zone on the FIRM included in the FIS prepared by FEMA and for which no base flood elevations have been provided. For these areas, elevation and floodway information from other federal, state, or other acceptable sources shall be used when available. Where other acceptable information is not available, the base flood elevation shall be determined by using the elevation of a point on the boundary of the identified floodplain area which is nearest the subject site.
(2) 
In lieu of the above, the Borough may require the applicant to determine the elevation with hydrologic and hydraulic engineering techniques. Hydrologic and hydraulic analyses shall be undertaken only by professional engineers or others of demonstrated qualifications, who shall certify that the technical methods used correctly reflect currently accepted technical concepts. Studies, analyses, computations, etc., shall be submitted in sufficient detail to allow a thorough technical review by the Borough. In the absence of any of the above data or documentation, the Borough may require elevation of the lowest floor to be at least three feet above the highest adjacent grade.
D. 
The AO and AH Area/District shall be those areas identified as Zones AO and AH on the FIRM and in the FIS. These areas are subject to inundation by 1%-annual-chance shallow flooding where average depths are between one and three feet. In Zones AO and AH, drainage paths shall be established to guide floodwaters around and away from structures on slopes.
E. 
Community-identified flood hazard areas shall be those areas where Oxford Borough has identified local flood hazard or ponding areas, as delineated and adopted on a local flood hazard map using the best available topographic data and locally derived information such as flood of record, historic high-water marks, soils or approximate study methodologies.

§ 27-284 Use Regulations.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Uses Permitted by Right. In the Flood Hazard District the following uses and activities are permitted, provided they are in compliance with the provisions of the underlying district and are not prohibited by any other ordinance, and provided that they do not require structures, fill, or storage of materials and equipment.
A. 
Agriculture, provided no structures are located within the Flood Hazard District.
B. 
Recreational use, provided no structures are located within the Flood Hazard District.
C. 
Nonstructural accessory residential uses, such as yards and parking, provided that no more than 1/3 of the total lot area for any lot is situated within the Flood Hazard District, and provided that no sewage disposal system is located within 50 feet of the Flood Hazard District.
2. 
Uses Permitted by Special Exception.
A. 
The following uses are permitted only upon the granting of a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board, in accordance with Sections 908 and 913 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, as amended, 53 P.S. §§ 10908 and 10913,[1] and upon the condition that no use permitted as a special exception shall increase the elevation of the base flood.
(1) 
Accessory structures customarily incidental to any of the foregoing permitted uses. Where approved, an accessory structure shall comply with the requirements of § 27-289, Subsection 1.E, of this Subpart 2G.
(2) 
Circuses, festivals, and similar transient amusement enterprises.
(3) 
Roadside stands and signs.
(4) 
Railroads, roads, bridges, and utility transmission lines.
(5) 
Sealed water supply wells and water pipelines.
(6) 
Storm and sanitary sewer outlets, which shall take the shortest route across the district to the point of discharge.
(7) 
Dams and impoundment basins where approved by appropriate private and public agencies.
[1]
Editor's Note: Section 913 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. § 10913, was repealed by P.L. 1329, No. 170, § 92, 12-21-1988. See now 53 P.S. § 10912.1.
B. 
Special Exception Procedures. Upon receiving an application for approval as a special exception, the Zoning Hearing Board shall, prior to rendering a decision thereon, require the applicant to furnish the following materials to the Board:
(1) 
Plans, in triplicate, drawn to scale, showing the nature, location, dimensions and elevation of the lot and existing and proposed uses, soil types and other pertinent information.
(2) 
A series of cross-sections at 25-foot intervals along the lot shoreline, showing the stream channel or the lake or pond bottom, elevation of adjoining land areas to be occupied by the proposed uses, and high-water information.
(3) 
Profile showing the base flood water surface elevation and slope of the bottom of the channel, lake or pond.
(4) 
Specifications for building materials and construction, floodproofing, filling, dredging, grading, storage, water supply and sanitary facilities.
(5) 
Computation of the increase, if any, in height of flood stages which would be attributable to any proposed uses.
(6) 
Site location, including address.
(7) 
Brief description of proposed work and estimated cost, including, where applicable, a breakdown of the flood-related cost and the market value of the building before the flood damage occurred.
(8) 
Plans of all proposed buildings, structures and other improvements, drawn at a suitable scale, showing the following:
(a) 
The proposed lowest floor elevation of any proposed building based upon North American Vertical Datum of 1988.
(b) 
The elevation of the base flood.
(c) 
Detailed information concerning any proposed elevation and floodproofing measures.
(d) 
Supplemental information as may be necessary under 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401 through 405, as amended, and §§ 1612.5.1, 104.7 and 109.3 of the 2009 IBC and §§ R106.1.3 and R104.7 of the 2009 IRC
(9) 
The following data documentation:
(a) 
A document, certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, which states that the proposed construction or development has been adequately designed to withstand the base flood elevations, pressures, velocities, impact and uplift forces associated with the base flood.
(b) 
Such statement shall include a description of the type and extent of floodproofing measures which have been incorporated into the design of the structure and/or the development.
C. 
Burden of Proof. In proceedings before the Zoning Hearing Board, the burden of proof shall be on the applicant to show that the use will be in general conformity with the objectives of this Subpart 2G and that proper safeguards will be observed.
D. 
Factors to Be Considered by Zoning Hearing Board. In deciding upon each application, the Zoning Hearing Board shall consider:
(1) 
The danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or velocities caused by encroachments.
(2) 
The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands or downstream to the injury of others.
(3) 
The probability of proposed water supply and sanitation systems causing disease, contamination and unsanitary conditions.
(4) 
The susceptibility of the proposed use to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the owner.
(5) 
The importance of the proposed use to the community.
(6) 
The requirements of the use for a waterfront location.
(7) 
The availability of alternative locations not subject to flooding for the proposed use.
(8) 
The compatibility of the proposed use with existing and foreseeable nearby uses.
(9) 
The relationship of the proposed use to the Comprehensive Plan and floodplain management program for the area.
(10) 
The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles.
(11) 
The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the floodwater expected at the site.
(12) 
The extent to which the proposed use would a) diminish the capacity of the Flood Hazard District to store and absorb floodwaters, to moderate flood velocities, and to accommodate sediment; b) be subject to flood damage; and c) cause erosion and impair the amenity of the Flood Hazard District.
(13) 
Such other factors which are relevant to the purposes of this Subpart 2G.
3. 
Conditions. Upon consideration of the factors listed above, and the purposes of this chapter, the Zoning Hearing Board may attach such conditions to the granting of a special exception as it deems necessary to further the purposes of this Subpart 2G. Among such conditions, without limitation because of specific enumeration, may be included:
A. 
Modification of waste disposal and water supply facilities subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
B. 
Limitations on periods of use and operation.
C. 
Imposition of operational controls, sureties and deed restrictions.
D. 
Floodproofing measures such as the following, without limitation because of specific enumeration:
(1) 
Anchorage to resist flotation and lateral movement.
(2) 
Installation of watertight doors, bulkheads and shutters (nonresidential only).
(3) 
Reinforcement of walls to resist water pressures.
(4) 
Use of paints, membranes or mortars to reduce seepage of water through walls.
(5) 
Addition of mass or weight to structures to resist flotation.
(6) 
Installation of pumps to lower water levels in structures (nonresidential only).
(7) 
Construction of water supply systems, sanitary sewer systems, and waste treatment systems so as to prevent the entrance of floodwaters by being designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration.
(8) 
Pumping facilities for subsurface external foundation wall and basement floor pressures.
(9) 
Construction to resist rupture or collapse caused by water pressure or floating debris.
(10) 
Cutoff valves on sewer lines or the elimination of gravity flow basement drains.
(11) 
Elevation of structures to reduce the likelihood of flood damage.
4. 
Prohibited Uses. The following uses shall be prohibited from locating entirely or partially within an identified flood hazard area:
A. 
The commencement of any of the following activities, or the construction, enlargement, or expansion of any structure used or intended to be used for any of the following activities:
(1) 
Hospitals.
(2) 
Nursing homes.
(3) 
Jails or prisons.
B. 
The commencement of, or any construction of, a new manufactured home park or manufactured home subdivision or substantial improvement to an existing manufactured home park or manufactured home subdivision.
C. 
Manufactured homes.
D. 
Any new or substantially improved structure which will be used for the production or storage of any of the following dangerous materials or substances or which will be used for any activity requiring the maintenance of a supply (more than 550 gallons or other comparable volume or any amount of radioactive substances) of any of the following dangerous materials or substances on the premises: acetone, ammonia, benzene, calcium carbide, carbon disulfide, celluloid, chlorine, herbicides, hydrochloric acid, hydrocyanic acid, magnesium, nitric acid and oxides of nitrogen, petroleum products (gasoline, fuel oil, etc.), phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur and sulfur products, pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides), and radioactive substances, insofar as such substances are not otherwise regulated.
E. 
The construction or expansion of any on-site sewage disposal system or component of such a system.
F. 
Areas of cut and/or fill of soil and earth.
G. 
Storage of flammable or toxic material or any other material which, if inundated, would degrade or pollute the stream or cause damage if swept downstream.

§ 27-285 Existing Structures and Uses.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Lawfully existing structures and uses of land within the Flood Hazard District shall comply with the following regulations regarding improvements to an existing structure:
A. 
No expansion or enlargement of an existing structure shall be allowed within any identified floodplain area (see § 27-283) that would cause any increase in base flood elevation.
B. 
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to an existing structure to an extent or amount of 50% or more of its market value shall constitute a substantial improvement and shall be undertaken only in full compliance with the provisions of this Subpart 2G.
C. 
The above activity shall also address the requirements of 34 Pa. Code, as amended, and the 2009 IBC and the 2009 IRC or most recent revision thereof as adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
D. 
Within any floodway area, no new construction or development shall be allowed, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
E. 
Within any AE Area without floodway, no new construction or development shall be located within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse, unless the appropriate permit is obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
F. 
Any modification, alteration, reconstruction, or improvement of any kind to an existing structure, to an extent or amount of less than 50% of its market value, shall be elevated and/or floodproofed to the greatest extent possible.
G. 
An existing structure located within the Flood Hazard District shall not be enlarged or altered by more than 50% of its present lot coverage figure.
H. 
Any modification, alteration, enlargement or improvement of any kind to an existing structure in the Flood Hazard District shall be elevated and/or floodproofed.

§ 27-286 Variance Regulations.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The Zoning Hearing Board may, upon request, grant relief from a requirement under this Subpart 2G, should compliance with said requirement result in a hardship to a prospective applicant.
2. 
In its review of any variance request, the Zoning Hearing Board shall follow the guidelines established in Subpart 4E. In addition, no variance shall be granted for any use or structure within the Flood Hazard District that does not comply with the following requirements.
A. 
No variance shall be granted for any construction, development, or use that would cause any increase in the base flood elevation. Any impact of the proposed activity or structure on the Flood Hazard District shall be offset by stream improvements.
B. 
The granting of a variance will neither:
(1) 
Result in an unacceptable or prohibited increase in flood heights, additional threats to public safety or extraordinary public expense; nor
(2) 
Create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimize the public, or conflict with other applicable state or local ordinances and regulations.
C. 
Notwithstanding any of the above, all structures shall be designed and constructed so as to have the capability of resisting the base flood.
D. 
No variance shall be granted for the construction of a jail, nursing home, hospital, manufactured home park or other use regulated under the Pennsylvania Flood Plain Management Act of 1978, P.L. 851, No. 166, 32 P.S. § 679.101 et seq.
3. 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall notify the applicant in writing that granting a variance to allow an activity or structure in the Flood Hazard District may result in increased premium rates for flood insurance, and that such activity or structure increases risk to life and property.
4. 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall maintain a record of all decisions and shall report all affirmative decisions to the Federal Emergency Management Agency on an annual basis.

§ 27-287 Performance Criteria for Special Exceptions and Variances.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
The Zoning Hearing Board shall attach the following conditions to the granting of a special exception or variance where applicable:
A. 
Any modification, enlargement, alteration or improvement to an existing residential structure shall be elevated not less than 1 1/2 feet above the base flood elevation at the site. Modifications to nonresidential structures shall be elevated not less than 1 1/2 feet above the base flood elevation or shall conform with the waterproofing requirements set forth in § 27-289.
B. 
Where approved as a variance by the Zoning Hearing Board, any fill materials shall:
(1) 
Extend laterally at least 15 feet beyond the building line from all points.
(2) 
Consist of soil or small rock materials only; sanitary landfills shall not be permitted.
(3) 
Be compacted and stabilized to provide the necessary permeability and resistance to erosion, scouring, or settling.
(4) 
Be no steeper than one vertical to two horizontal, unless substantiated data justifying steeper slopes are submitted to, and approved by, the Floodplain Administrator.
(5) 
Be used to the extent to which they do not adversely affect adjacent properties.
C. 
Drainage Facilities. Storm drainage facilities shall be designed to convey the flow of stormwater runoff in a safe and efficient manner. The system shall ensure proper drainage along streets and provide positive drainage away from buildings. The system shall also be designed to prevent the discharge of excess runoff onto adjacent properties. Storm drainage facilities shall be in compliance with the terms of the Oxford Borough Stormwater Management Ordinance.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 19, Stormwater Management.
D. 
Sanitary Sewer Facilities. All sanitary sewer facilities and private package sewer treatment plants, including all pumping stations and collector systems, shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into the floodwaters. In addition, they should be located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage and impairment. No part of any on-site waste disposal system shall be located within the Flood Hazard District.
E. 
Water Facilities. All water facilities shall be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the system and be located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damages.
F. 
Streets. The finished elevation of proposed new streets shall be equal to or higher than the base flood elevation.
G. 
Utilities. All utilities, such as gas lines, electrical and telephone systems, being placed in the Flood Hazard District shall be located, elevated (where possible) and constructed to minimize the chance of impairment during a flood.
H. 
Storage. All materials that are buoyant, flammable, explosive or in times of loading or unloading could be injurious to human, animal or plant life, shall be stored above the base flood elevation and/or floodproofed to the maximum extent possible.
I. 
Buildings and Structures. All buildings and structures shall be designed, located, and constructed so as to offer the minimum obstruction to the flow of water and shall be designed to have a minimum effect upon the flow and height of floodwater. All buildings and structures in or adjacent to the identified floodplain area shall make the following improvements:
(1) 
Paints or other finishes used at or below the base flood elevation shall be of water-resistant quality.
(2) 
Adhesives used at or below the base flood elevation shall be finished with water-resistant paint or other finishing material.
(3) 
All wooden components shall be finished with a water-resistant paint or other finishing material.
(4) 
Electric water heaters, furnaces, air-conditioning and ventilating systems, and other electrical equipment or apparatus, shall not be located below the base flood elevation.
(5) 
Electrical distribution panels shall be at least three feet above the base flood elevation.
(6) 
Separate electrical circuits shall serve lower levels and shall be dropped from above.
J. 
Anchoring. All structures shall be firmly anchored in accordance with accepted engineering practices to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement.
K. 
The accessibility of the tract to emergency vehicles in times of flooding shall be ensured.
L. 
The danger of materials being swept onto lands downstream shall be removed.
M. 
Uniform Construction Code Coordination. The standards and specifications contained in 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401 through 405, as amended, and not limited to the following provisions, shall apply to the above and other sections and subsections of this Subpart 2G, to the extent that they are more restrictive and/or supplement the requirements of this Subpart 2G.
(1) 
International Building Code (IBC) 2009 or latest edition thereof: §§ 801, 1202, 1403, 1603, 1605, 1612, 3402 and Appendix G.
(2) 
International Residential Building Code (IRC) 2009 or latest edition thereof: §§ R104, R105, R109, R323, Appendix AE101, Appendix E and Appendix J.
N. 
Fully enclosed and partially enclosed space below the lowest floor (including basement) is prohibited.

§ 27-288 Technical Provisions.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Alteration or Relocation of Watercourse.
A. 
No encroachment, alteration, or improvement of any kind shall be made to any watercourse until all adjacent municipalities which may be affected by such action have been notified by the Borough, and until all required permits or approvals have first been obtained from the Department of Environmental Protection Regional Office.
B. 
No encroachment, alteration, or improvement of any kind shall be made to any watercourse unless it can be shown that the activity will not reduce or impede the flood-carrying capacity of the watercourse in any way.
C. 
In addition, FEMA and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development shall be notified prior to any alteration or relocation of any watercourse.
2. 
Encroachments. When Oxford Borough proposes to permit the following encroachments: any development that causes a rise in the base flood elevations within the floodway; or any development occurring in Zones A1-30 and Zone AE without a designated floodway which will cause a rise of more than one foot in the base flood elevation; or alteration or relocation of a stream (including but not limited to installing culverts and bridges), the applicant shall (as per 44 CFR 65.12):
A. 
Apply to FEMA for conditional approval of such action prior to permitting the encroachments to occur.
B. 
Upon receipt of the FEMA Administrator's conditional approval of map change and prior to approving the proposed encroachments, the Borough shall provide evidence to FEMA of the adoption of floodplain management ordinances incorporating the increased base flood elevations and/or revised floodway reflecting the post-project condition.
C. 
Upon completion of the proposed encroachments, the applicant shall provide as-built certifications. FEMA will initiate a final map revision upon receipt of such certifications in accordance with 44 CFR Part 67.
3. 
Compliance. Any new construction, development, uses, or activities allowed within any identified floodplain area shall be undertaken in strict compliance with the provisions contained in this Subpart 2G and any other applicable codes, ordinances and regulations.

§ 27-289 Elevation and Floodproofing Requirements.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Within any identified floodplain area, any new construction or substantial improvements shall be prohibited with the exception of uses permitted by right and special exception in § 27-284. If a variance is obtained for new construction or substantial improvements in the identified floodplain area in accordance with the criteria in § 27-284, then the following provisions apply:
A. 
Residential Structures.
(1) 
In AE, A1-30, and AH Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation.
(2) 
In A Zones, where there are no base flood elevations specified on the FIRM, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation determined in accordance with § 27-283 of this Subpart 2G.
(3) 
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) at or above the highest adjacent grade at least as high as the depth number specified on the FIRM.
(4) 
The design and construction standards and specifications contained in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) or the latest edition thereof adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code (Chapters 401 through 405, as amended) shall be utilized, where they are more restrictive.
B. 
Nonresidential Structures.
(1) 
In AE, A1-30 and AH Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement of a nonresidential structure shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation, or be designed and constructed so that the space enclosed below the regulatory flood elevation:
(a) 
Is floodproofed so that the structure is watertight with walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water; and
(b) 
Has structural components with the capability of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and effects of buoyancy.
(2) 
In A Zones, where no base flood elevations are specified on the FIRM, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor (including basement) elevated or completely floodproofed up to, or above, the regulatory flood elevation determined in accordance with § 27-283 of this Subpart 2G.
(3) 
In AO Zones, any new construction or substantial improvement shall have the lowest floor elevated or completely floodproofed above the highest adjacent grade to at least as high as the depth number specified on the FIRM.
(4) 
Any nonresidential structure, or part thereof, made watertight below the regulatory flood elevation shall be floodproofed in accordance with the W1 or W2 space classification standards contained in the publication entitled "Flood-Proofing Regulations" published by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (June 1972, as amended March 1992) or with some other equivalent standard. All plans and specifications for such floodproofing shall be accompanied by a statement certified by a registered professional engineer or architect which states that the proposed design and methods of construction are in conformance with the above-referenced standards. There should be a statement submitted with the permit application and a statement submitted with the as-built floodproofing certificate prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(5) 
Any nonresidential structure that will be floodproofed must submit the following to the Floodplain Administrator along with the nonresidential floodproofing certificate and prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy:
(a) 
An inspection and maintenance plan detailing the annual maintenance of floodproofed components, ensuring that all components will operate properly under flood conditions. Components that must be inspected include at a minimum:
1) 
Mechanical equipment such as sump pumps and generators;
2) 
Flood shields and closures;
3) 
Walls and wall penetrations; and
4) 
Levees and berms (as applicable).
(b) 
A flood emergency operation plan detailing the procedures to be followed during a flooding event and must include information pertaining to how all components will operate properly under all conditions, including power failures. The design professional must produce the plan. An adequate plan must include the following:
1) 
An established chain of command and responsibility, with leadership responsibilities clearly defined for all aspects of the plan.
2) 
A procedure for notification of necessary parties when flooding threatens and flood warnings are issued. Personnel required to be at the building should have a planned and safe means of ingress and should have no other emergency response duties during a flood event. Alternates should be assigned in the event that the primary persons responsible are unable to complete their assigned duties under the plan.
3) 
A list of specific duties assigned to ensure that all responsibilities are addressed expeditiously. The locations of materials necessary to properly install all floodproofing components must be included in the list.
4) 
An evacuation plan for all personnel or occupants, those without duties for the flood emergency as well as those with duties for implementing the plan. All possible ingress and egress routes must be identified.
5) 
The design and construction standards and specifications contained in the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and in the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) or the latest revision thereof as adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and ASCE 24 and 34 Pa. Code.
C. 
Space Below Lowest Floor.
(1) 
Fully enclosed space below the lowest floor (excluding basements) which will be used solely for the parking of a vehicle, building access, or incidental storage in an area other than a basement shall be designed and constructed to allow for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters for the purpose of equalizing hydrostatic forces on exterior walls. The term "fully enclosed space" also includes crawl spaces.
(2) 
Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(a) 
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space installed on two separate walls.
(b) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(c) 
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
D. 
Historic Structures. Historic structures undergoing repair or rehabilitation that would constitute a substantial improvement, as defined in this Subpart 2G, must comply with all ordinance requirements that do not preclude the structure's continued designation as an historic structure. Documentation that a specific ordinance requirement will cause removal of the structure from the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic Places must be obtained from the Secretary of the Interior or the State Historic Preservation Officer. Any exemption from ordinance requirements will be the minimum necessary to preserve the historic character and design of the structure.
E. 
Accessory Structures. Structures accessory to a principal building need not be elevated or floodproofed to remain dry, but shall comply, at a minimum, with the following requirements:
(1) 
The structure shall not be designed or used for human habitation, but shall be limited to the parking of vehicles, or to the storage of tools, material, and equipment related to the principal use or activity.
(2) 
Floor area shall not exceed 200 square feet.
(3) 
The structure will have a low damage potential.
(4) 
The structure will be located on the site so as to cause the least obstruction to the flow of floodwaters.
(5) 
Power lines, wiring, and outlets will be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation.
(6) 
Permanently affixed utility equipment and appliances such as furnaces, heaters, washers, dryers, etc., are prohibited.
(7) 
Sanitary facilities are prohibited.
(8) 
The structure shall be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, and lateral movement and shall be designed to automatically provide for the entry and exit of floodwater for the purpose of equalizing hydrostatic forces on the walls. Designs for meeting this requirement must either be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect, or meet or exceed the following minimum criteria:
(a) 
A minimum of two openings having a net total area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed space.
(b) 
The bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade.
(c) 
Openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, etc., or other coverings or devices, provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
(9) 
For an accessory structure proposed to exceed 200 square feet in area (footprint) and that will be below the base flood elevation, a variance is required from the Zoning Hearing Board. No such accessory structure shall exceed 600 square feet in area (footprint). If a variance is granted, a signed declaration of land restriction (nonconversion agreement) shall be recorded on the property deed prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
(10) 
The storage of hazardous materials in accessory structures is prohibited.

§ 27-290 Special Requirements for Subdivisions and Land Developments.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
All subdivision proposals and land development proposals containing at least 50 lots or at least five acres, whichever is the lesser, in identified floodplain areas where base flood elevation data are not available shall be supported by hydrologic and hydraulic engineering analyses that determine base flood elevations and floodway information. The analyses shall be prepared by a licensed professional engineer in a format required by FEMA for a conditional letter of map revision (CLOMR) and letter of map revision (LOMR). Submittal requirements and processing fees shall be the responsibility of the applicant.

§ 27-291 Special Requirements for Manufactured Homes.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Within any identified floodplain area manufactured homes shall be prohibited. If a variance is obtained in accordance with the terms of this Subpart 2G, then the following provisions apply.
2. 
Within any identified floodplain area manufactured homes shall be prohibited within the area measured 50 feet landward from the top-of-bank of any watercourse.
3. 
Where a variance is granted for a manufactured home within any identified floodplain area, the manufactured home, and any improvements thereto, shall be:
A. 
Placed on a permanent foundation;
B. 
Elevated so that the lowest floor of the manufactured home is at least 1 1/2 feet above base flood elevation; and
C. 
Anchored to resist flotation, collapse, or lateral movement.
4. 
Equipment Requirement:
A. 
Water heaters, furnaces, air-conditioning and ventilating units, and other electrical, mechanical or utility equipment or apparatus shall not be located below the regulatory flood elevation and shall be anchored to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.
B. 
Ductwork shall be elevated to or above the regulatory flood elevation or floodproofed to remain water-resistant.
5. 
Installation of manufactured homes shall be done in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions as provided by the manufacturer. Where the applicant cannot provide the above information, the requirements of Appendix E of the 2009 International Residential Building Code or the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's "Permanent Foundations for Manufactured Housing," 1984 Edition, draft or latest revision thereto, and 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401 through 405, shall apply.
6. 
Consideration shall be given to the installation requirements of the 2009 IBC and the 2009 IRC or the latest revision thereto as adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and 34 Pa. Code, as amended, where appropriate and/or applicable to units where the manufacturer's standards for anchoring cannot be provided or were not established for installation of the proposed unit(s).

§ 27-292 Special Requirements for Recreational Vehicles.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
Within any identified floodplain area, recreational vehicles shall be prohibited. If a variance is obtained, then recreational vehicles in Zones A, A1-30, AH and AE must be:
A. 
On the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days; and
B. 
Fully licensed and ready for highway use.

§ 27-293 Special Definitions.

[Ord. No. 980-2025, 12/22/2025]
1. 
For the purpose of and as used in this Subpart 2G, the following definitions shall apply:
ACCESSORY USE OR STRUCTURE
A use or structure as defined in § 27-136 on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use or structure.
BASE FLOOD
A flood which has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (also called the "1% annual chance flood").
BASE FLOOD DISCHARGE
The volume of water resulting from a base flood as it passes a given location within a given time, usually expressed in cubic feet per second (cfs).
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE)
The elevation shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Zones AE, AH, and A1-30 that indicates the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a 1% or greater chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
BASEMENT
Any area of the building having its floor below ground level on all sides.
BUILDING
A combination of materials to form a permanent structure having walls and a roof. Included shall be all manufactured homes and trailers to be used for human habitation.
DECLARATION OF LAND RESTRICTION (NONCONVERSION AGREEMENT)
A form signed by the property owner to agree not to convert or modify, in any manner that is inconsistent with the terms of the permit and these regulations, certain enclosures below the lowest floor of elevated buildings and certain accessory structures. The form requires the owner to record it on the property deed to inform future owners of the restrictions.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to the construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, expansion, or alteration of buildings or other structures; the placement of manufactured homes; streets and other paving; utilities; filling, grading and excavation; mining; dredging; drilling operations; storage of equipment or materials; and the subdivision of land.
EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed before the effective date of the floodplain management regulations adopted by a community.
EXPANSION TO AN EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
The preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).
FLOOD
A temporary inundation of normally dry land areas.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
The official map on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS)
The official report provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that includes flood profiles, the Flood Insurance Rate Map, the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
FLOODPLAIN AREA
A relatively flat or low land 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.
FLOODPROOFING
Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.
HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
HISTORIC STRUCTURES
Any structure that is:
A. 
Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the Department of the Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
B. 
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
C. 
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or
D. 
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation that have been certified either:
(1) 
By an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior; or
(2) 
Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
IDENTIFIED FLOODPLAIN AREA
An umbrella term that includes all of the areas within which the community has selected to enforce floodplain regulations. It will always include the area identified as the special flood hazard area on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Study, but may include additional areas identified by the community.
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest floor of the lowest fully enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished, flood-resistant, partially enclosed area, used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, and incidental storage, in an area other than a basement area is not considered the lowest floor of a building, provided that such space is not designed and built so that the structure is in violation of the applicable nonelevation design requirements of this Subpart 2G.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis, and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term includes park trailers, travel trailers, recreational vehicles and other similar vehicles which are placed on a site for more than 180 consecutive days.
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective start date of this floodplain management subpart, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures. Any construction started after September 17, 1982, and before the effective start date of this floodplain management subpart is subject to the ordinance in effect at the time the permit was issued, provided the start of construction was within 180 days of permit issuance.
NEW MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by a community.
PERSON
An individual, partnership, public or private association or corporation, firm, trust, estate, municipality, governmental unit, public utility, or any other legal entity whatsoever, which is recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties.
POST-FIRM STRUCTURE
A structure for which construction or substantial improvement occurred after December 31, 1974, or on or after the community's initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) dated September 17, 1982, whichever is later, and, as such, would be required to be compliant with the regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program.
PRE-FIRM STRUCTURE
A structure for which construction or substantial improvement occurred on or before December 31, 1974, or before the community's initial Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) dated September 17, 1982, whichever is later, and, as such, would not be required to be compliant with the regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle which is:
A. 
Built on a single chassis;
B. 
Not more than 400 square feet, measured at the largest horizontal projections;
C. 
Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck;
D. 
Not designed for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
REGULATORY FLOOD ELEVATION
The base flood elevation (BFE) or estimated flood height as determined using simplified methods plus a freeboard safety factor of 1 1/2 feet. The freeboard safety factor also applies to utilities and ductwork.
SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA (SFHA)
An area in the floodplain subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year. It is shown on the FIRM as Zone A, AO, A1-A30, AE, A99, or AH.
START OF CONSTRUCTION
Includes substantial improvement and other proposed new development and means the date the permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement was within 180 days after the date of the permit and shall be completed within 12 months after the date of issuance of the permit unless a time extension is granted, in writing, by the Floodplain Administrator. The "actual start" means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading, and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the "actual start of construction" means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
STRUCTURE
A walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home.
SUBDIVISION
The division or redivision of a lot, tract, or parcel of land by any means into two or more lots, tracts, parcels or other divisions of land, including changes in existing lot lines for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of lease, partition by the court for distribution to heirs or devisees, transfer of ownership or building or lot development; provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than 10 acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
Damage from any cause sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, of which the cost equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred substantial damage, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.
UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE (UCC)
The statewide building code adopted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1999 applicable to new construction in all municipalities, whether administered by the municipality, a third party or the Department of Labor and Industry. Applicable to residential and commercial buildings, the code adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC), by reference, as the construction standard applicable with the state floodplain construction. For coordination purposes, references to the above are made specifically to various sections of the IRC and the IBC.
VARIANCE
A grant of relief by the Zoning Hearing Board from the terms of a floodplain management regulation.
VIOLATION
The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community's floodplain management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in 44 CFR 60.3(b)(5), (c)(4), (c)(10), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(4), or (e)(5) is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.