Township of Shrewsbury - General Requirements

Composting (Residential)

Residential composting is permitted provided it is limited to organic materials and includes only that material generated on-site and that the following standards are met:

1. Composting will not be allowed in the front yard.
2. Composting must be no less than 15 feet from rear/side property lines unless enclosed from view from abutting properties.
3. Composting will conform to the performance standards for odors and fire hazard in sections below.
4. Compost material cannot be produced and sold for commercial purposes.

Courts

Courts shall conform to the following requirements:
1. An open space in the form of an inner court or outer court shall be provided in connection with any building in any residential or commercial or industrial district wherever any room therein in which a person or persons live, sleep, or congregate, cannot be adequately lighted and ventilated. Such court shall be adjacent to such room, the windows of which shall open in such court.
2. Outer Court.

A. The width of any outer court upon which windows open from a living room, bedroom, or dining room shall be not less than the height of any wall opposite such windows.
B. The depth of an outer court formed by walls on three sides shall be not greater than 1 1/2 times the width.
C. The depth of an outer court shall be not less than 2/3 the height of any opposing wall forming said court.

3. Inner Court.

A. The least dimension of an inner court shall be not less than the full height of the walls enclosing such court, but not less than 50 feet for multifamily dwellings buildings, and not less than 10 feet for semidetached dwellings.
B. An open and unobstructed passageway shall be provided for each inner court. Such passageway shall have sufficient cross-section area and headroom for the passage of firefighting equipment and shall be continuous from the inner court to a yard or an unobstructed open area with access to a street.
C. This section shall not apply to specialized commercial or manufacturing processes where controlled light and/or ventilation are required.

Critical Environmental Areas (CEAs)

Purpose and Background. See § 27-1301: Purpose and Background for details.
Intent. See § 27-1302: Intent for details.

Riparian Buffer Areas.
1. The establishment or requirement for a riparian buffer is based on the following considerations:

A. Erosion Control. A forested or vegetated buffer prevents or minimizes soil erosion.

B. Sediment Filter. Riparian buffers help catch and filter out sediment and debris from surface runoff. Depending upon the width of the buffer, 50% to 100% of the sediments and the nutrients attached to them settle out and are absorbed by buffer plants.

C. Pollution Filter, Transformer, and Sink. Nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, can become water pollutants if more are applied to the land than plants can use. Bacteria in the soil, particularly of streamside forests, can capture and transform nitrogen and other pollutants into less harmful forms. Buffers also act as a sink when nutrients and excess water are taken up by root systems and stored in the branches and leaves of trees.

D. Stream Flow Regulator. By slowing the velocity of runoff, the riparian buffer allows water to soak into the soil and recharge the groundwater supply. Groundwater will reach a stream or river more slowly, and over a longer period of time, than if it had entered the river as surface runoff. This helps control flooding and maintain stream flow during the driest time of the year.

E. Bank Stabilizer. Riparian buffer vegetation helps to stabilize stream banks and reduce erosion. Roots hold bank soil together, and stems protect banks by deflecting the cutting action of waves, ice, and storm runoff.

F. Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat. The unique habitat offered by riparian buffers is home to various plant and animal species, including those rarely found outside this narrow band of land adjacent to a stream. Continuous stretches of riparian buffer also serve as wildlife travel corridors.

G. Aquatic Habitat. Buffers promote aquatic habitat by improving the quality of nearby waters through shading and moderating stream flow. Shade in summer maintains cooler, more even temperatures, especially on small streams. Cooler water holds more oxygen and reduces stress on fish and other aquatic organisms. Woody debris, which feeds the aquatic food web, can also create stepped pools, providing cover for fish and their food supply while reducing erosion by slowing flow.

H. Recreation and Aesthetics. Forested buffers are especially valuable in providing a green screen along waterways, blocking views of nearby development, and allowing privacy for riverfront landowners.

Calculation of Riparian Buffers. See § 27-1304: Calculation of Riparian Buffers for details.
Applicability.
1. This Part shall apply to all construction activities within the CEA except for those where a variance has been granted or other exception applies.

2. Accessory structures shall be permitted on existing developed lots or parcels, as of September 7, 2016, provided the following standards are met:

A. Be set back a minimum of 35 feet from the outer bank of a watercourse or the edge of a spring, seep, floodplain, or wetland.
B. Does not exceed 100 square feet of impervious area.
C. Best management practices, as defined by Natural Resources Conservation Service, are permitted.
D. Piers, docks, and bulkheads are permitted without meeting the requirements of § 27-13052A and § 27-13052B. State and/or federal permits may be required.

3. All forestry management practices and harvesting operations are permitted within the buffer subject to the requirements of § 27-13075.

4. This Part shall not apply to agricultural operations except in situations where erosion and sedimentation is occurring within the critical environmental areas or buffer and/or livestock are damaging the stream banks or polluting the watercourse.

5. All mining activities shall be in compliance with the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act.

Permitted Uses. See § 27-1306: Permitted Uses for a list.

Extent of Uses. See § 27-1307: Extent of Uses. for details.

Exceptions. See § 27-1308: Exceptions. for details.

Existing Structures in Critical Environmental Areas.
1. All structures and uses existing in any critical environmental areas prior to the date of adoption of this chapter but which are not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter may remain.

2. Existing principal residential structures, as of August 2010, may be expanded in accordance with the following table provided such expansion does not involve a greater encroachment into any critical environmental areas than did the original principal residential structure:

Total Size of Existing Footprint	Maximum Total Footprint After Expansion
(square feet)	(square feet)
2,400 or less	2,400
2,401 or greater	Expansion prohibited

3. Existing principal nonresidential structures and uses, as of August 2010, may be expanded up to 50% of the total footprint at that time provided such expansion does not involve a greater encroachment into any critical environmental areas than did the original principal nonresidential structure or use. Any building located within a floodplain must follow the regulations within Chapter 8: Floodplains for any proposed expansion.

Natural Areas Inventory. See § 27-1310: Natural Areas Inventory for details.

See also § 27-310: Critical Environmental Areas for more information.

Fences, Walls and Berms

1. Fences and walls (including retaining walls) may be erected, altered, and maintained within yards and open spaces. A fence may be installed on top of a retaining wall. No fence or wall shall be erected, installed, or maintained when that fence or wall obscures clear view of traffic at intersections or driveways or which creates a safety hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.

2. Fences shall be classified as either solid or open type. An open-type fence is defined as one in which the ratio of the open portion to the closed portion is at least one to one (1:1) per foot. Structural elements of the fence may exceed the maximum height restrictions by no more than six inches.

3. Fences used for agricultural purposes, as defined under "agriculture" in § 27-202: Definitions, are exempt from requirements of this section; except for § 27-15077 of this section, and fence height shall not exceed eight feet.

4. Maximum Fence Height Provisions.

A. No solid-type fence may be erected to a height of more than six feet above grade, excepting as permitted under Subsection 4.D hereof.
B. No other type fence may be erected to a height of more than eight feet above grade, except when used to restrain farm animals and except as permitted under Subsection 4.D hereof.
C. No fence may be erected to a height of more than four feet above grade within the front yard.
D. A solid-type fence may be erected to a height exceeding six feet above grade and an open-type fence may be erected to a height exceeding eight feet above grade in any of the following instances:

(1) Along a railroad right-of-way.
(2) Along the lot line of residential property that separates such property from any commercial or industrial district or from any property being used for a use which is nonconforming with respect to the district where located and which is a use not permitted, excepting within the Commercial District, the Interchange District or the Industrial District.
(3) Along the lot line of property used as a private or public utility substation.
(4) Along the side or rear yards of property being utilized for a use which is not permitted, excepting in the Commercial District, Interchange District, or in the Industrial District.
(5) Along the side and/or rear yards of residential properties where such fences are part of the landscaping for the entire neighborhood as shown on a subdivision or land development plan.

5. Electrically Charged Fences. The use of electrically charged fences is prohibited except when used to restrain farm animals in agricultural areas and that commercially available above-ground "pet containment" systems may be used in all zoning districts.

6. Barbed Wire. The use of barbed wire fences, including concertina wire, razor wire, or similar type wire, is prohibited, except when used to restrain farm animals or when used in the Industrial District; provided, however, in the Industrial District, no barbed wire shall be less than six feet above ground level and the top strand shall be at least eight feet above ground level.

7. Setback of Fence.

A. All fences shall be set back a minimum six feet from the edge of the cartway of any road within the Township as measured along the surface of the ground as opposed to horizontally, excepting that an open-type fence shall not be required to be placed beyond the edge of the road right-of-way. The Township shall not be responsible for damages to fences located within the Township road right-of-way.

B. No solid-type fence exceeding three feet in height shall be located with a clear sight triangle as provided in § 27-1508: Clear Sight Triangle.

C. All fences, except those used for agricultural purposes, may be placed up to, but not on the property line. A fence may be placed on the property line, provided a signed letter of consent from the adjoining property is submitted with the application for a permit.

8. Berms are encouraged and shall conform to the provisions in Chapter 22: Subdivision and Land Development.

Fly Control

Any operation in any zoning district must assure such operation will not allow flies to leave the premises or traverse boundary lines to the extent that they become a public nuisance as defined in this chapter. In the event that Shrewsbury Township or other government entity finds that the proliferation of flies emanating from an established operation is affecting the health and/or welfare of people, the operators will be required to implement a fly control plan. Any special exception granted by the Zoning Hearing Board shall be specifically conditioned upon the successful implementation of the fly control plan and shall be revoked if the proposed fly control plan is not implemented and in operation at the time of the commencement of the new operation. In the event any fly control program proves unsuccessful in controlling the fly population, the applicant will be required to implement additional measures acceptable to the Township to enable the required control to occur.

Habitable Floor Area

The minimum habitable floor area of a dwelling unit or any building or structure hereafter erected or used for living purposes, shall be 750 square feet. In case of multifamily dwellings and conversion apartments, the minimum habitable floor area shall be not less than 300 square feet per dwelling unit, except those dwelling units designed for and occupied exclusively by one person, which dwelling unit shall each contain not less than 250 square feet of habitable floor area.

Heat and Explosives Hazards

Heat.

No heat from any use shall be sensed at any property line to the extent of raising the temperature of air, water, or other materials more than 1° F.

Explosive Hazards.

Explosive or detonable material shall not be stored in Shrewsbury Township, except on a temporary basis to facilitate construction, testing or other lawful activities.

Height Regulations

1. Building height shall be the vertical distance measured from the mean elevation of the proposed finished grade to the highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the deck lines of mansard roofs and to the mean height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip or gambrel roofs.

2. No building in the Agricultural and Residential Districts shall be erected to a height in excess of 40 feet, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

3. Building height in the Commercial District and Industrial District may exceed the permitted 45 feet; however, the maximum building height may be extended to 90 feet if side and rear setbacks areas are increased five feet for each corresponding 20 feet in additional building height.

4. Height regulations shall not apply to any of the following provided the use is not for human occupancy: agricultural buildings, spires, belfries, cupolas, domes, chimneys, ventilators, skylights, water tanks, bulkheads, utility poles, or towers (including communications towers), silos, and ornamental features or necessary mechanical appurtenances, including radio and television antennae.

5. For all residential uses, accessory buildings shall not exceed 28 feet in height.

Landscaping Buffering and Screening

1. Purpose. Landscaping is one of the most critical elements to softening development, especially parking lots, and to defining vehicular, pedestrian and arrival spaces. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appearance of a community and providing shade, landscaping and the preservation of existing vegetation reduce soil erosion, improve air and water quality and provide wildlife habitats. It is the intent of landscaping requirements to provide, protect and maintain healthy landscapes for the enjoyment and protection of the health, safety and welfare of the public.

2. Applicability. Protection and landscaping standards shall be applicable to all subdivisions of land and any parcels undertaking land development activities. All parts of properties being redeveloped, renovated, improved as part of a subdivision or land development application shall be brought into compliance with landscaping requirements to the extent possible.

3. Application of Landscaping Requirements:

A. Street trees.
B. Buffer yards.
C. Screen planting.
D. Parking lots.
E. Outside storage and off-street loading areas.
F. Stormwater management facilities.
G. Major residential subdivision and commercial/industrial/institutional development entrances.
H. Common open space.
I. Stream buffers.
J. Other.

4. The specific standards and requirements for each of these landscaping applications are included in Chapter 22: Subdivision and Land Development and in the Shrewsbury Township Construction and Materials Specifications Manual.

5. Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, all uses shall provide landscaping, buffering and screening according to the requirements of the Shrewsbury Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

Lot and Building Regulations

1. General Lot Requirements. The area, width, or depth of any lot shall not be reduced by subdivision, sale or development so that the lot width, lot area, lot area per dwelling unit, courts, and yards, or other open spaces are smaller or so that the coverage is greater than prescribed in this chapter.

2. Nonconforming Lots. A lot held in single and separate ownership at the effective date of this chapter which does not fulfill the regulations for the minimum lot area and width for the district in which it is located, shall be subject to the provisions of Part 17: NONCONFORMITIES of this chapter.

Noise

1. Consideration shall be given by the developer for locating residential uses in areas of the development tract that are located at the greatest feasible distance from sources of major roadway traffic noise on arterial and collector streets, or where feasible, residential uses should be located the greatest distance from arterial and collector roadway traffic and other significant sources of objectionable noise.

2. Where dwellings are constructed along an interstate highway, the developer shall provide for noise abatement walls or other practicable noise abatement measures sufficient to shield the residents from traffic noise according to the applicable PennDOT specifications.

3. General Noise Standards. The sound level of any operation shall not exceed the decibel levels of the preferred frequencies cited below or as modified or exempted. The sound pressure level shall be measured with an octave band analyzer or sound level meter calibrated to meet current specifications of the American National Standards Institute.

A. Standards. At no point beyond the property line of the owner, and between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., shall the sound pressure level resulting from any operation in any district exceed the maximum permitted sound levels set forth below expressly or waived in Subsection 3.B below.

Center Frequency	Maximum Sound Pressure Level
(Cycles per Seconds)	(Decibels)
31.5	65
63.0	67
125.0	66
250.0	59
500.0	52
1000.0	46
2000.0	37
4000.0	26
8000.0	17

NOTES:

Sound pressure level in decibels equals 0.0002 dynes/cm2.

B. Waivers. The following sources of noise are exempt:

(1) Community events such as but not limited to fireworks, festivals, athletic events, and concerts.
(2) Transportation vehicles not under the control of an on-site use.
(3) Occasionally used safety signals, warning devices, and emergency pressure-relief valves.
(4) Temporary construction activity between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
(5) Active construction activities between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

4. Traffic Noise Standards. In all zoning districts except the Commercial, Industrial, Interchange, and Commercial Industrial districts, the maximum traffic noise level predicted for 10 years from the date of the application shall not exceed 66 dBA (acoustic decibels). The traffic noise receivers that shall be used for the purpose of modeling shall be the property line of the subject parcel. Traffic noise sensitive land uses, such as single-family and multifamily residents, schools, libraries, community recreation and entertainment venues, will not be granted permits when a site is predicted to receive roadway traffic noise in excess of 66 dBA.

A. Required Traffic Noise Model. The applicant shall submit the results from a prediction model demonstrating the traffic noise level projected for each of the next 10 years. The submission shall include factors for future roadway geometry, traffic volumes, truck traffic, and roadway speeds. The model should predict traffic noise at the appropriate receiver sites in two circumstances: 1) with no development undertaken; and 2) assuming that development occurs. In both cases, the results shall assume that all proposed mechanisms for traffic noise mitigation have been implemented. To determine the predicted traffic noise level the applicant shall use current PennDOT standards.

Nonconformities

Continuation of Nonconforming Structures.
Any nonconforming structure may remain although such structure does not conform to the dimensional requirements of this chapter.

Restoration.
If any nonconforming building or structure shall be destroyed or damaged by reason of wind, storm, fire, explosion or other act of God, or torn down by the owner thereof, such building or structure may be restored or rebuilt at its original location provided that the original location is at least 16 1/2 feet from the center line of a public road or at an alternate location provided the alternate location does not involve a greater encroachment into the required setback or yard area than did the original location and provided such restoration or reconstruction is commenced within one year of the date of the casualty and it is completed within one year thereafter. Unless such building or structure is restored or reconstructed as set forth above, it shall be considered abandoned and shall not be restored or reconstructed except in conformance with the provisions of this chapter.

Extension, Expansion or Alteration.
A nonconforming building or structure may be extended, expanded or altered provided the extension, expansion, or alteration does not involve a greater encroachment into the required setback or yard area than did the original building or structure.

Continuation of Nonconforming Lots.
Any nonconforming lot may be continued although such lot does not conform to the lot requirements of the district in which it is located.

Construction.
The provisions of this chapter shall not prevent the construction of a structure, provided the setback, height and other applicable dimensional requirements are met, or the establishment of a use on any nonconforming lot.

Continuation of Nonconforming Uses.
Any nonconforming use may be continued indefinitely although such use does not conform to the provisions of this chapter. Unless specifically provided by the Zoning Hearing Board for a particular use, no change of title or possession or any other change in status of a property on which a nonconforming use exists shall prevent the continuance of such nonconforming use.

Extension or Expansion.
The Zoning Hearing Board may permit the extension or expansion of a nonconforming use provided:
1. The extension or expansion of the nonconforming use must be confined to the lot on which the use was located at the time the use became nonconforming.
2. Driveways, off-street parking, and off-street loading areas consistent with the standards required by this chapter must be provided.
3. All setback, lot area, building coverage and building height requirements for permitted uses in the zoning district where the nonconforming use is located must be complied with.
4. Extension or expansion of a nonconforming use shall be restricted to an additional area not exceeding 50% of the area devoted to the nonconforming use at the time such use became nonconforming.
5. To the extent reasonably possible, appearance must be rendered harmonious with surrounding properties. This includes, but is not limited to, landscaping, enclosure of principal and accessory uses, height control, sign control, architectural control, and maintenance in good condition of all improvements and open spaces.
6. Buffers and screens must be provided as necessary to adequately protect neighboring properties including, but not limited to, fences, walls, plantings, and open spaces.
7. The Zoning Hearing Board may impose such additional requirements as may be reasonable to assure that the proposed extension or expansion will not adversely affect the use or enjoyment of neighboring properties.

Change of Use. See § 27-1710: Change of Use for details.

Abandonment.
1. If a nonconforming use of a building or land ceases and is abandoned for a continuous period of one year or more, subsequent use of such building or land shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, abandonment shall commence when reasonable efforts to reestablish (such as lease, rental, sale, etc.) a nonconforming use have ceased.
2. If nonconforming use of land ceased for any length of time for any reason, subsequent use of such land shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

Off-Street Parking and Loading

Purpose. See § 27-1601: Purpose for details.
Required Off-Street Parking Spaces.

1. Any building or other structure erected, altered or used and any lot used or occupied for any of the following purposes shall be provided with minimum off-street parking spaces as set forth below, together with accessways, driveways or other means of circulation and access to and from a public street, meeting PennDOT or Township regulations.

2. Off-street parking and loading areas must be provided according to the regulations of this Part.

3. No parking or loading/unloading shall be permitted on or along any public road.

4. All commercial, industrial and institutional parking areas shall provide landscaping, buffering, and screening in accordance with this Part, standards for specific uses in Part 14: SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS of this chapter, Chapter 22: Subdivision and Land Development, and applicable sections of the Township's Construction Specifications Manual.

5. Unless otherwise stated, parking is allowed in the front, side and rear yards of structures in all zoning districts.

6. The parking of any nonmotorized vehicle (including recreational vehicles and utility trailers) or any motorized vehicle not having a current and valid registration and inspection certificate is prohibited within any street right-of-way.

7. Parking shall be calculated for each individual use.

8. All multifamily, commercial, public/semipublic, institutional and industrial uses shall provide handicapped parking spaces in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibilities Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities developed by the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. The applicant shall certify in writing or plan note that a zoning permit application and/or subdivision and/or land development plan complies with all relevant ADA requirements.

See § 27-1603: Agriculture Parking Spaces for the table of off-street parking ratios for all agriculture and related uses.
See § 27-1604: Residential Parking Spaces for the table of off-street parking ratios for all residential uses.
See § 27-1605: Institutional Parking Spaces for the table of off-street parking ratios for all instititutional uses.
See § 27-1606: Commercial Parking Spaces. for the table of off-street parking ratios for all commercial uses.
See § 27-1607: Transportation and Utility Parking Spaces for the table of off-street parking ratios for all transportation and utility uses.

Industrial Parking Spaces.

For all industrial uses, there must be provided enough parking spaces to accommodate the total number of employees on largest shift plus 50% of that shift, less management and office staff.

Parking Spaces Not Specified.
For uses that are not specifically identified in this section, the Zoning Officer shall determine which specified use is most similar to the proposed use and the parking space requirement for that use shall apply.

Remote Parking. See § 27-1610: Remote Parking for details.
Shared Parking. See § 27-1611: Shared Parking for details.

Existing Parking.
Structures and uses in existence at the effective date of this chapter shall not be subject to the requirements of this Part so long as the kind or extent of use is not changed, provided any parking facility now serving such structures or uses shall not in the future be reduced below the off-street parking requirements of this Part.

Change in Requirements.
Whenever there is an alteration of a structure or a change or extension of a use that increases the parking requirements according to the standards of this Part, the total additional parking required for the alteration, change or extension shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of that section.

Conflict with Other Uses. See § 27-1615: Conflict with Other Uses for details.

Continuing Obligation. See § 27-1616: Continuing Obligation for details.
Joint Use. See § 27-1617: Joint Use for details.
Fractional Spaces. See § 27-1618: Fractional Spaces for details.

Lighting.
1. All public parking areas shall be lighted during operating hours after sunset as approved by the Township Engineer.
2. All light standards shall be located on the raised parking islands and not on the parking surface.
3. Any lighting used to illuminate off-street parking or loading areas shall be arranged so that the direct rays from the luminaries will not fall beyond the property line.
4. All outdoor lighting shall comply with § 27-1515: Outdoor Lighting of this chapter.

Off-Street Parking Design Standards.
In addition to the following requirements, all parking lots shall comply with applicable provisions in Chapter 22: Subdivision and Land Development.

General Layout.
1. The layout of every parking lot shall be such as to permit safe and efficient internal circulation in accordance with accepted traffic engineering principles and standards.
2. All dead-end parking lots shall be designed to provide a minimum of 10 feet of back-up area for the end stalls of the parking lot.
3. Parking lots shall be designed so that each motor vehicle may proceed to and from the parking space provided for it without requiring the moving of any other motor vehicle and without backing onto any public street.
4. No portion of a parking space or loading area shall extend into or encroach upon any street right-of-way, access drive, or any other public way.
5. Head-in or back-out parking into any public right-of-way or over any sidewalk shall not be permitted, except for single-family dwellings, semidetached dwellings, and row dwellings on local streets and culs-de-sac. Head-in or back-out parking shall be prohibited in all cases on all arterial streets, collector streets, and state highways.
6. All parking spaces and loading areas shall be located outside any required open space, buffer, screen, or landscaped area. Parking spaces shall be located at least 10 feet from any building, structure, property line, or right-of-way, except a residential garage. Loading areas shall be located at least 10 feet from any property line or right-of-way.
7. All parking areas shall have a sidewalk, no less than four feet in width, separating the parking area from the primary building.
8. All parking areas for multifamily residential, commercial, industrial and institutional uses shall provide a snow storage area containing 100 square feet of storage area per 1,000 square feet of plowed area along with any required stormwater management areas.

On-Street Parking.
At no time shall angle or perpendicular parking be permitted along public streets. All parking lots and bays permitting parking, other than parallel, shall be physically separated from the street and confined by curbing.

See § 27-1623: Dimensions of Stalls and Aisles.

Landscaping.
1. All parking lots with 10 or more spaces shall provide landscaped areas within the paved area in accordance to the following standards and the requirements set forth in Chapter 22: Subdivision and Land Development.

Separation.
All parking areas located greater than 200 feet from the intended land use, and on the same parcel, shall be provided with clearly delineated pedestrian walkways. Such walkways may occupy portions of the landscaped areas and be interrupted by necessary vehicular travel lanes. Wheelchair ramps meeting ADA requirements shall be provided.

Setbacks.
1. All parking lots shall be set back from any street line in conformance with the applicable zoning district building setback or yard requirements, unless planted and screened in accordance with § 27-1506: Landscaping Buffering and Screening of this chapter; in which case, such setbacks may be reduced to 10 feet.
2. In all zoning districts, no less than 10 feet of open space shall be provided between the edge of any parking lot and the outside wall of any principal building other than a residential garage, unless otherwise specifically stated elsewhere in this chapter.

Screening.
Parking lots for six or more vehicles, accessory to any institutional, commercial, industrial or utility/transportation use and located in, or immediately adjacent, to a residential district or residences, shall be screened in accordance with the Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance on each side which faces a residential use or district.

Drainage, Surfacing, and Maintenance. See § 27-1628: Drainage, Surfacing, and Maintenance for details.
Curb Radius.
No less than a five-foot radius of curvature shall be permitted for all curblines in all parking lots.

See § 27-1630: Vehicle Stacking for detailed information on vehicle stacking.

Required Spaces and Berths. See § 27-1632: Required Spaces and Berths. for details.

Specifications. See § 27-1633: Specifications for details.

Requirements.
1. No building shall hereafter be erected or altered unless there is unobstructed vehicle access to the parking area of the main building.
2. Such access shall comply with the width requirements set forth in § 27-1636: Design Standards, and shall extend from the main building or structure to a public right-of-way or private street or lane.
3. Pursuant the provisions set forth in § 27-404: Dimensional Requirements of this chapter, contiguous lots in the Agricultural District shall share a common point of access.
4. Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, all nonresidential and non-agricultural uses shall provide access via a street or roadway that meets the standards for collector or arterial roadways as designated by the Township's Comprehensive Plan.

Design Standards. See § 27-1636: Design Standards for details.

Outdoor Lighting

1. Purpose and Intent. See § 27-15151.

2. Outdoor Lighting Compliance Statement.

A. The applicant for any permit for work involving outdoor lighting fixtures governed by this section shall submit, as part of the site plan, evidence that the proposed work will comply with this section. This information shall contain, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) The location, height, make, model, lamp type, and wattage of each outdoor lighting fixture; and
(2) Certification that the angle of total light cutoff is no more than 90°; and
(3) Illumination level profiles.

B. Approved Materials and Methods of Construction, Installation, or Operation. The provisions of this section are not intended to prevent the use of any design, material, or methods of installation or operation not specifically prescribed by this section, provided any such alternate has been approved. The Zoning Officer may approve any such proposed alternative provided it:

(1) Provides at least approximate equivalent to the applicable specific requirement of this section; and
(2) Is otherwise satisfactory and complies with the purpose and intent of this section.

C. General Requirements for All Zoning Districts.

(1) All outdoor lighting fixtures, including display lighting, shall be turned off after close-of-business, unless needed for safety or security, in which case the lighting shall be reduced to the minimum level necessary.
(2) Auto/truck filling stations. Island canopy ceiling fixtures shall be recessed so that the bottom of the fixture is flush with the ceiling.
(3) Recreational facilities, public or private. Lighting for outdoor recreational facilities shall be shielded according to Subsection 2.I below.
(4) All light fixtures shall be fully shielded and maintained so that all light emitted is projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest part of the fixtures.
(5) Bottom-mounted outdoor advertising sign lighting will not be permitted.

D. Special Requirements.

(1) For all uses in all zoning districts:

(a) Outdoor lighting fixtures shall comply with the shielding requirements of Subsection 2.E of this section.
(b) Light trespass: Light that falls outside the boundaries of the property on which the installation is sited shall be designed not to exceed 0.5 foot candle at the property line.

E. Table of Shielding Requirements. See § 27-15152E.

F. Exemptions. See § 27-15152F.
G. Temporary Exemption. See § 27-15152G.

H. Lamp or Fixture Substitution. Should any outdoor light fixture or the type of light source therein be changed after a permit has been issued, a change request must be submitted to the Township for approval prior to the substitution, together with adequate information to assure compliance with this chapter.

I. Special Uses.

(1) Recreational Facilities. Any light source permitted by this chapter may be used for lighting of outdoor recreational facilities (public or private), such as, but not limited to, football fields, soccer fields, baseball fields, softball fields, tennis courts, auto race tracks, horse race tracks or show areas, provided all of the following conditions are met:

(a) All fixtures used for event lighting shall be fully shielded in accordance with this chapter, or be designed or provided with sharp cut-off capability, to minimize light escaping beyond the playing field and viewing stands.
(b) All events shall be scheduled to complete all activity before or as near to 10:30 p.m. as practical, but under no circumstances shall any illumination of the playing field, court, or track be permitted after 11:00 p.m., except to conclude a scheduled event that was in progress before 11:00 p.m. and circumstances prevented concluding before 11:00 p.m., except that no such activity will be allowed beyond 10:00 p.m. if the facility is located within 300 feet of a residential neighborhood.

(2) Outdoor Display Lots. Any light source permitted by this chapter may be used for lighting of outdoor display lots such as, but not limited to, automobile sales or rental, recreational vehicle sales, yard or building material sales, provided all of the following conditions are met:

(a) All fixtures used for event lighting shall be fully shielded in accordance with this chapter, or be designed or provided with sharp cut-off capability, to minimize light escaping beyond the operational area of the business.
(b) Display lot lighting shall be turned off within 30 minutes after closing of the business. Under no circumstances shall the full illumination of the lot be permitted after 11:00 p.m. Any lighting used after 11:00 p.m. shall be used as security lighting only.

Pollution

1. Odors and Fumes. No person, partnership, corporation or association may cause or permit on land owned by him the emission into the outdoor atmosphere of any malodorous, hazardous, or nonpermitted air contaminants from any source in such manner that the odors are detectable outside of the property of the person on whose land the source is being operated.

2. Dust and Particulate Matter. No person, partnership, corporation or association may cause or permit on land owned by him the emission into the outdoor atmosphere of any particulate air contaminants from any source in such manner that the particulates are detectable by human senses outside of the property of the person on whose land the source is being operated.

3. The discharge of any substance into the atmosphere shall be in strict compliance with provisions of the Federal Clean Air Act and the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act, as amended, and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto, all of which regulations are incorporated herein by reference.

4. In addition to the criteria specified in federal and state environmental regulations, the Township also requires the following:

A. Smoke. The Ringelmann Smoke Chart published by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines shall be used for grading the density or equivalent opacity of smoke.

(1) In all zoning districts, except Commercial, Commercial Industrial, Interchange, and Industrial, the emission of smoke darker than Ringelmann No. 1 from any chimney, stack, vent, opening, or combustion process is prohibited.
(2) In the Commercial, Interchange, and Industrial Zoning Districts, the emission of smoke darker than Ringelmann No. 1 from any chimney, stack, vent, opening, or combustion process is prohibited, excepting that smoke of a shade not to exceed Ringelmann No. 3 is permitted for up to three minutes total in any one eight-hour period.

B. Dust and Particulates. Dust and particulate matter emission from materials or products subject to becoming windblown shall be kept to a minimum by paving, wetting, covering, or other means, such as to render the surface wind resistant. Such sources include vacant lots, unpaved streets, yards and storage piles of bulk materials such as stone, sand, cinders, manure, and topsoil. Watercourses and water sources must not be contaminated in violation of the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law[1] and regulations issued pursuant thereto by particulate runoff. No dust or particulate matter may be discharged into the atmosphere, onto the surface of the ground, or into a stream of other body of water if such discharge is in violation of the standards established by the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act or by the regulations issued pursuant thereto.

C. Water Pollution. All uses and activities in the Township shall meet all applicable requirements of the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, Act 394 of 1937 as amended, and all other federal and state laws pertaining to the quality of surface water, stormwater runoff, and groundwater. This includes all laws and regulations pertaining to obtaining National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for both point source and non-point source regulated sources.

Protection of Wellhead Zones

1. The protection of the public or municipal wells or springs serving New Freedom Borough, Shrewsbury Borough and Shrewsbury Township and the groundwater which supply these public water supply sources is necessary in order to ensure a potable water supply.

2. To achieve this goal, a Wellhead Protection Ordinance (WPO) has been enacted and is included in the Codification of the Ordinances of Shrewsbury Township and applies to all Shrewsbury Borough wells located within Shrewsbury Township. Also applies to development in the Township that impacts the WPO within Shrewsbury Borough.

3. In addition, in regards to New Freedom municipal wells located within Shrewsbury Township, the following uses shall not be permitted within a well's wellhead protection zones I, II, or III, as defined within the Wellhead Protection Ordinance (WPO):

A. Groundwater discharge, including BMPs.
B. Application of animal waste (manure) or sewage sludge or other materials possessing pollutants.
C. Septic systems.
D. Commercial, institutional or manufacturing uses other than agricultural.
E. Utilities, excluding private wells.
F. Stormwater management related uses or facilities.

See also § 27-309: Wellhead Protection Zones for more information.

Setback Regulations

Setbacks shall be provided in accordance with the provisions set forth herein.

1. Measuring Front Setbacks Line. Where the right-of-way of the street or private road upon which the lot abuts cannot be determined or is less than 50 feet in width, the front setback depth and the width of the side setback abutting the street or private road shall be measured from a line parallel to and not less than 25 feet from the centerline of the street or private road.

2. Nonconforming Structures. Expansion of existing nonconforming structures shall be permitted without regard to the setback requirements set forth in this chapter provided such expansion does not project further into the required setback area than does the building before expansion. The front, side or rear building setback may be reduced for sites with existing nonconforming development in a required setback. The building line of the nonconforming wall serves as the reduced setback line.

3. Front Setback Exception.

A. New principal buildings may be located in the required front setback area only if the following two conditions are met.

(1) The average front setback of the existing principal buildings on each side of the lot proposed as the location for a new principal building and within a distance of 100 feet of the proposed building and fronting on the same side of the same road or street is less than the required minimum front setback line; and
(2) The proposed principal building will be located so that it is aligned with the principal buildings on each side of the lot within a distance of 100 feet of the proposed building and fronting on the same side of the same road or street as the proposed building.

B. New Accessory Buildings.

(1) New accessory buildings may be located in the existing front yard area as defined in relation to the principal building only if:

(a) The proposed accessory building is in the Agricultural District, and if a nonconforming building or structure meets the provisions of § 27-1703: Extension, Expansion or Alteration, as set forth in this chapter; and

1) The proposed accessory building will be located at least 500 feet from any dwelling other than one owned by the owner of the accessory building; or
2) The proposed accessory building will be located a minimum 100 feet from the street right-of-way line, or will not protrude beyond any existing accessory building located on the subject property.

(b) Accessory buildings permitted within the existing front yard by reason of the provisions of Subsection 3.A above may not be located in the required front setback.

(2) New accessory buildings to be used to house livestock must be at least 100 feet from a Rural Residential, Rural Residential Receiving, Suburban Residential or Suburban Residential Receiving District boundary, and at least 100 feet from an existing dwelling not owned by the owner of the accessory building, except for the following conditions:

(a) An existing building utilized to house livestock which is at least as close to the Rural Residential, Rural Residential Receiving, Suburban Residential or Suburban Residential Receiving Zoning District boundary or to an existing dwelling not owned by the owner of the proposed accessory building as is the proposed accessory building; and
(b) The property owner can demonstrate that refusing to permit the additional building to be located in the setback area would represent a hardship to his business operation.

4. Projections in Yards.

A. Cornices, eaves, gutters, bay windows, chimneys, or uncovered steps may project into the front, side or rear setback of a lot not more than 24 inches.
B. Covered porches, whether enclosed or unenclosed, shall be considered as part of the main building and shall not project into any setback.
C. Patios, driveways, walks, parking areas, stairs, and window wells, and such other structures customarily incidental to the main building may project into front, side or rear setbacks of a lot providing the grade elevation shall not be more than 12 inches above the yard grade.

5. Expansion of Farm Buildings. Expansion of farm buildings existing on the date of this chapter shall be permitted without regard to the setback requirements set forth in this chapter, provided such expansion does not project further into the required setback area than does the building before expansion.

Sewage

1. Hereafter, no sewage disposal system of any kind shall be erected, constructed, installed, altered or extended within the limits of Shrewsbury Township, except as set forth in Section I of the Shrewsbury Township Sewage Permit Ordinance, unless a permit to do so shall first be secured in accordance with the provisions of the Shrewsbury Township Sewage Permit Ordinance and unless such erection, construction, installation, alteration or extension is in strict accordance with the application submitted pursuant to the Sewage Permit Ordinance of Shrewsbury Township and with the permit issued pursuant thereto and in accordance with the procedures set forth in such ordinance.

2. No person, firm, association or corporation shall maintain or use any sewage disposal system of any kind so that vectors (insects or rodents capable of carrying disease) may have access to the excremental matter contained therein or so that such sewage disposal system directly or indirectly drains or discharges over or upon the surface of the ground or into any waters of the Township. It shall also be unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation to fail to comply with the requirements set forth in Subparagraphs A and B of Section II of the Shrewsbury Township Sewage Permit Ordinance.

3. All newly created parcels shall have an approved primary sewage area and an approved secondary sewage reserve area. The areas shall be designated on the subdivision plan and shall remain undisturbed. No earthmoving, grading or construction shall occur within 20 feet of the location of any percolation test performed to create an approved site for an on-site sewage disposal system or for a sewage reserve area; excepting, however, this provision shall not apply in the event the sewage system has been installed or has been designed, in which event earthmoving, grading or construction activity may occur but may not occur over the area where the installed sewage disposal system is located or where the designed sewage disposal system will be located.

Signs Any sign erected after the date of adoption of this chapter shall be in compliance with all regulations and provisions of Chapter 19: Sign Regulations.

Supplementary Regulations

General Supplementary Regulations for All Uses.
1. All uses shall provide for off-street parking in number and design in conformance to Part 16: OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING, of this chapter, and Chapter 22: Subdivision and Land Development.

2. Such signs as proposed for all nonresidential uses shall be in accordance with provisions in Chapter 19: Sign Regulations.

3. All uses that are required to provide, or proposing to provide, outdoor lighting shall be subject to provisions in § 27-1515: Outdoor Lighting of this chapter.

4.Unless otherwise specified in this Part, all uses shall provide sufficient buffering and screening between residential uses/zoning districts and nonresidential uses/zoning districts shall be provided. All screening and buffering shall conform to § 27-1506 of this chapter, the Shrewsbury Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, and the Shrewsbury Township Construction and Materials Specifications manual, in addition to any specific requirements of this Part. The width of buffer yards specified in § 27-1404, herein, shall take precedence.

5. Any outdoor storage areas shall be enclosed by a wall or fence and screened from view of adjoining properties. No materials may be stored to create a public health hazard or a public nuisance. No toxic or hazardous materials may be stored on any property, except in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.

6. All uses that will generate a medium or higher volume of traffic, i.e., in excess of 750 vehicle trips per day, access shall be via a street or roadway that meets the standards for collector or arterial roadways as designated by the Township's Comprehensive Plan.

7. For nonresidential primary uses with ancillary accessory uses, all entrances to parts of the building in which accessory services are provided shall be from within the building and any direct access from the street is prohibited. The hours during which these services are provided shall be the same as those of the principal use.

Temporary Uses and Structures.
A temporary permit may be issued for structures or uses that are accessory during construction or other special circumstances of a nonrecurring nature, subject to the following additional provisions:
1. Nonconforming Uses and Structures.

A. Temporary nonconforming uses shall be subject to authorization by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception when deemed necessary to protect the public health or welfare, and to promote the proper development of the Township.
B. Such structure or use shall be removed completely upon expiration of the permit without cost to the Township.
C. The life of such permit shall not exceed one year, unless authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board.

2. Nonprofit and Construction Uses and Structures.

A. Customary, routine and accessory short-term special events shall be eligible to receive approval from the Zoning Officer for commercial-type activities where a use would not otherwise be permitted. Only established nonprofit organizations or a permitted place of worship shall be eligible. The temporary use must serve a charitable, public service or religious purpose, and shall be subject to authorization by the Zoning Officer;
B. Temporary storage and office trailers that are necessary to serve on-site construction, while such construction is actively underway;
C. Such other activities that the applicant proves are routine, customary and temporary.
D. The Zoning Officer shall state a reasonable maximum time period on the temporary permit for a maximum of 12 months. If no time limit is stated, then a six-month maximum period shall apply. A temporary permit may be renewed at discretion of the Zoning Officer.

Specific Use Standards.
In addition to the general provisions for uses within a particular zoning district established in Part 4: AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT (A) through Part 12: INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT (I), and the additional general provisions for uses established in the previous sections of Part 14: SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS and elsewhere in the chapter, these specific use standards set forth the specific standards that shall be applied to each use identified herein. These specific use standards must be satisfied prior to approval of any application for a certificate of use and occupancy permit, special exception. The applicant shall be required to demonstrate compliance with these standards and must furnish whatever evidence is necessary to demonstrate such compliance.
See § 27-1404: Specific Use Standards for a list of specific uses and their associated standards.

Vibration

1. No use shall cause earthborne vibrations exceeding the maximum values specified in this section. The maximum vibration is given as particle velocity, which may be measured directly at the property line or other designated location, with suitable instrumentation or computed on the basis of displacement and frequency.

2. When computed, the following formula shall be used.
PV = 6.28 F x D
Where:

PV = Particle velocity, inches per second
F = Vibration frequency, cycles per second
D = Single amplitude displacement of the vibration in inches.

3. Particle velocity shall be the vector sum of three individual components measured simultaneously in three mutually perpendicular directions.

Maximum Ground-Transmitted Vibration

		Particle Velocity (Inches/Second)
Zoning District	Adjacent Lot Line	Residential Area
Agricultural and Residential	0.05	0.02
Commercial and Industrial	0.10	0.02

4. Where vibration is produced as discrete impulses and such impulses do not exceed a frequency of 60 per minute, then the values in this table may be multiplied by two.

5. Unless specifically indicated to the contrary elsewhere in this chapter, vibration resulting from temporary construction activity that occurs between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. shall be exempt from the indicated performance standard.

Township Of Shrewsbury, PA

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