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MapLink™ | General Requirements

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Application of Yard Regulations
A. Corner lots. For corner lots, the shorter frontage shall be considered the front yard and the longer yard a side yard. In all districts, except the R-SP District, an additional five feet will be added to the designated side yard.

B. Where a structure exists on an adjacent lot and is within 150 feet of the proposed structure, and the existing structure has a front yard less than the minimum depth required, the minimum front yard shall be the average depth of the front yard of the existing structure on the adjacent lot and the minimum depth required for the district; where structures exist on both adjacent lots, the minimum depth of the front yard shall be the average depth of the front yards of the existing adjacent structures.

C. All structures, whether attached to the principal structure or not, and whether open or enclosed, including porches, carports, balconies or platforms above normal grade level, shall not project into any minimum front, side or rear yards except as noted in Subsections D and E, below.

D. A wall or fence under six feet in height and paved terraces without walls, roofs or other enclosures may be erected within the limits of any yard. Retaining walls and fences required for screening under this chapter are not subject to the six foot high limitation. Fences may be permitted in front yard areas provided they are no higher than three feet and do not impinge on the required free sight triangle at intersections.

E. Swimming pools shall be permitted in rear yards only, provided that the pool is located not less than 10 feet from any side yard line, and 10 feet from the rear yard line. (See also § 125-25.)
Existing Lots of Record
Any lot of record existing at the effective date of this chapter, and held in separate ownership different from the ownership of adjoining lots, may be used for the erection of a structure conforming to the use regulations of the district in which it is located even though its lot area and width are less than the minimum required by this chapter, however, such lot must comply with the yard, height and coverage standards of the zoning district wherein it is located. Where two or more adjacent lots of record with less than the required area and width are held by one owner, on or before the date of enactment of this chapter, the request for a permit shall be referred to the Zoning Hearing Board which may require replatting to fewer lots, which would comply with the minimum requirements of this chapter.
Height Limitations
When the following conditions are met, height limits may be increased. However, in no event shall the permitted height, regardless of the provisions of this article, violate the restrictions contained in Article VIII.
 
A. Structure height in excess of the height permitted above the average ground level allowed in any district may be increased, provided all minimum front, side and rear yard depths are increased by one foot for each additional foot of height; however, such increase shall be limited to no more than 10 additional feet.

B. The following structures are exempt from height regulations, provided they do not constitute a hazard: communication towers, church spires, chimneys, elevator bulk heads, smokestacks, conveyors, flagpoles, agricultural silos, standpipes, elevated water tanks, derricks and similar structures. However, for the above structures, all yard and setback requirements must be met; in addition, any structure with a height in excess of 50 feet will be first referred to the Lawrence Township Volunteer Fire Department for a review relative to public safety considerations.

C. Structures in the Commercial District, Commercial Highway District, Industrial District and Limited Industrial District with a maximum height of building over 35 feet are permitted as a conditional use, with no structure to be erected over 75 feet. In granting such conditional use, the Supervisors shall determine the proposed maximum height of building in excess of 35 feet does not pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of adjacent property owners, future building occupants, or residents of the Township.
Performance Standards
No use of land or structure in any district shall involve any element, or cause any condition, that may be dangerous, injurious, or noxious to any other property or person in the Township. Furthermore, every use of land or structure in any district must observe the following performance requirements:
 
A. Fire protection. Fire protection and fighting equipment acceptable to the Board of Fire Underwriters shall be readily available when any activity involving the handling or storage of flammable or explosive material is carried on.

B. Electric disturbance. No activity shall cause electrical disturbances adversely affecting radio, television or other communication equipment in the neighboring area.

C. Noise. Noise which is determined to be objectionable because of volume or frequency shall be muffled or otherwise controlled, except for fire sirens and related apparatus used solely for public safety purposes.

D. Smoke. The maximum amount of smoke emissions permitted shall be determined by the use of the Standard Ringelmann Chart issued by the United States Bureau of Mines. No smoke darker than No. 2 will be allowed.

E. Odors. In any district, except the Industrial District, no malodorous gas or matter shall be permitted which is discernible on any adjoining lot or property.

F. Air pollution. No pollution of air by fly ash, dust, vapors or other substances shall be permitted which is harmful to health, or to animals, vegetation or other property.

G. Glare. Lighting devices which produce objectionable direct or reflected glare on adjoining properties or thoroughfares shall not be permitted.

H. Erosion. No erosion by wind or water shall be permitted which carry objectionable substances onto neighboring properties.

I. Water pollution. The discharge of all wastewater shall be in accordance with the standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources and/or the Township of Lawrence, and comply with any and all applicable regulations of the United States. Wastewater water discharge shall be acceptable under the provisions of Pennsylvania Act 537, and other state and Township regulations as the same may be amended from time to time.
Temporary Structures
Temporary structures in conjunction with construction work shall be permitted only during the period that the construction work is in progress. Permits for temporary structures shall be issued for a six-month period.