(a) Uses specified as special exceptions within each zoning district shall be permitted only by approval of the Zoning Hearing Board, as provided in the Municipalities Planning Code. A special exception may be granted only after the Board finds that the request complies with all applicable standards and criteria specified elsewhere in the Borough Zoning Code relating to special exceptions and in addition finds that the request complies with the following standards.
(1) The use shall be consistent with the Borough Comprehensive Plan and the spirit, purpose, intent, and provisions of this Zoning Code.
(2) The property shall be suitable for the use and such use may be regulated by appropriate conditions and safeguards.
(3) The use shall serve the best interests of the Borough and community and shall not injure the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.
(4) The proposed special exception shall be properly serviced by all existing public service systems. The peak traffic generated by the subject of the approval must be accommodated in a safe and efficient manner, or improvements must be made in order to effect the same. Similar responsibility must be assumed with respect to other public service systems, including but not limited to police protection, fire protection, utilities, parks and recreation.
(5) The proposed special exception or other subject of consideration for approval shall be in and of itself properly designed with regard to internal circulation, parking, buffering and all other elements of proper design.
(6) The use shall not be incompatible with the surrounding area in character and type of development and shall not injure property values in the neighborhood.
(7) The use shall not cause overcrowding of the land and congestion of the circulation systems.
(8) The use shall not cause odors, unreasonable noise, smoke, vibrations, pollution, or electromagnetic interference beyond the property line.
(b) The Board shall impose such conditions as are necessary to ensure compliance with the purpose and intent of this Zoning Code and of the Borough Comprehensive Plan, which conditions may include plantings and buffers, harmonious design of buildings and the elimination of noxious, offensive or hazardous elements.
(Ord. 998. Passed 12-12-05.)