§ 27-904. Nonconforming Lots.

   1.   Lots Included in Approved Plans. Any lot shown on an approved and publicly recorded subdivision plan on the effective date of this Chapter which does not meet the minimum area and bulk requirements of the zoning district in which it is located may be used for any use permitted in that district provided that all yard, height, impervious coverage and common open space requirements shall be met. The Zoning Hearing Board may grant a variance from the yard and impervious coverage requirements as long as the provisions under Part 3 are satisfied.

   2.   Lots Held in Single and Separate Ownership. Any lot held in single and separate ownership at the effective date of this Chapter which does not meet the minimum area and building requirements of the zoning district in which it is located may be used for any use permitted in that district provided that all yard, height, impervious coverage and common open space requirements are met. If the plans for the proposed use shall be approved by the Zoning Hearing Board, after review of such plans to assure reasonable compliance with the spirit of the zoning regulations for the district, and the water supply and sewage disposal facilities are certified as adequate by the Township Engineer, a variance from the yard and impervious coverage requirements may be granted.

   3.   Ownership of Adjacent Property. In the event an applicant owns adjacent property sufficient to enable him to comply with the provisions of this Chapter, such property or portions thereof shall be combined prior to the erection or alteration of a building or structure. Such combination shall correct the nonconforming situation to the maximum extent possible and shall not create a nonconforming lot out of the adjacent property.

(Ord. 3/9/1993B, § 903)

§ 27-905. Nonconforming Signs.

Any sign existing at the effective date of this Chapter that does not conform to the provisions of Part 7 shall be considered a nonconforming sign.

(Ord. 3/9/1993B, § 904)

§ 27-906. Displacement.

No nonconforming use building or structure shall be extended to displace a conforming use, building, or structure.

(Ord. 3/9/1993B, § 905)

§ 27-907. Abandonment.

Whenever a nonconforming use of land or of a building or structure is abandoned, discontinued or left vacant for a continuous period of 1 year or more, subsequent use of such buildings or structure, or of land shall be in conformance with the provisions of this Chapter. Nonconforming signs, and signs associated with a nonconforming use shall be removed prior to the commencement of a subsequent use.

(Ord. 3/9/1993B, § 906)

§ 27-908. Special Exception Criteria.

The following criteria shall be applied by the Zoning Hearing Board to special exception and variance applications involving a nonconforming use, building or structure or occur:

      A.   The activity, building or structure shall not create further deviations from the area, bulk and height requirements of the applicable district.

      B.   Public water and sewage disposal service have been certified as adequate by the Township Engineer.

      C.   Sinkholes have been protected and groundwater supplies have been safegrounded.

      D.   Emergency vehicles are provided direct access to the activity, building or structure, and to adjacent properties.

(Ord. 3/9/1993B, § 907)

PART 10 ZONING HEARING BOARD

§ 27-1001. Creation of Zoning Hearing Board.

The Board of Township Supervisors shall create a Zoning Hearing Board, herein referred to as "Board," which shall consist of three residents of the Township appointed by resolution by the Supervisors.

(Ord. 3/9/1993B, § 1000)