HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-0580C.S.R. Enterprises,
Appellant
Zoning Heating Board of the
Borough of Shippensburg,
Appellee
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: No. g'~ -X,ot9 (~ I. -2002
:
: Land Use Appeal
NOTICE OF LAND USE APPEAL
TO THE HONORABLE, JUDGES OF SAID COURT:
AND NOW COMES, C.S.R. Enterprises, Appellant, who appeals from the
decision of the Zoning Hearing Board of thc Borough of Shippensburg, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania, and in support thereof states as follows:
1. The Appellant, C.S.R. Enterprises, is a parmership with offices at 9767
Forrest Ridge Road, Shippcnsburg, Pennsylvania, and is the owner of a parcel of real
estate which is located partially within the Borough of Shippcnsburg and partially within
Shippensburg Township, along Kenneth and Brookside Avenues.
2. The Appellee is the Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of
Shippcnsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
3. The subject property is 4.66 acres, with approximately 1.24 acres located
in the Borough of Shippensburg.
4. The portion of the property which is located within the Borough of
Shippensburg is zoned R-7 Residence District.
5. On October 8, 2001, a Preliminary Plan for CSR Enterprises was
submitted to the Borough of Shippensburg concerning the proposed development of a
five building, multiple family dwelling apartment complex which two of the apartment
buildings in the Borough of Shippensburg and three of the apartment buildings in the
Township of Shippensburg.
6. Multiple-family dwellings not to exceed six (6) units; are permitted uses in
the R-7 District, however, pursuant to Section 150-37 of the Borough of Shippensburg's
Zoning Ordinance, the lot area for these type of multiple dwelling units shall not be less
than five (5) acres nor less than five thousand (5,000) square feet of lot area per family.
7. On November 7, 2001, Appellant filed with the Zoning Hearing Board of
the Borough of Shippensburg an application for a variance concerning Appellant's
proposed construction of five (5) apartment buildings on the Subject Property, with each
apartment building having twelve (12) units as well as a separate building for laundry
service, the construction of macadam drive/parking areas, installation of sanitary sewer
and water laterals as necessary and other land use improvements associated with the
aparhnent buildings.
8. Appellant sought a variance concerning lot size, e.g., five acre minimum, a
variance for lot density, and a variance concerning the square footage per dwelling unit.
9. Hearings before the Board concerning Appellant's variance requests were
held on November 28, 2001 and December 19, 2001.
10. The Zoning Hearing Board rejected Appellant's variance requests on
January 4, 2002. A copy of the Board's opinion is attached as Exhibit "A".
11. The action of the Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Shippensburg
in denying Appellant's variance requests was arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of
discretion and contrary to law in that:
ao
The Board erred in concluding that the proposed development of the
parcel could occur in Shippensburg Township rather than Shippensburg
Borough was an error or law and an abuse of discretion.
The Board erred in concluding that this apartment use would alter the
character of an adjoining zoning district and therefore, was an error of law
and an abuse of discretion.
The Board erred in concluding that the variance requests were not minimal
variances was an error of law and an abuse of discretion.
The Board erred in failing to impose conditions, which it may have
deemed necessary to assure that the Appellant, in light of the variance
requests, would comply with the intent of the Zoning Chapter and as such
resulted in an error of law and abuse of discretion.
eo
Favorable action on Appellant's variance requests would not have an
adverse effect on the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the
community in this zoning district in that this zoning district already
provides for fraternity and sorority houses or housing for college and
university students, and as such resulted in an error of law and abuse of
discretion.
f. Favorable action on Appellant's variance requests would have been
consistent with the spirit, purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance as
specified.
WHEREFORE, Appellant respectfully requests that this Honorable Court reverse
the action of the Zoning Heating Board of the Borough of Shippensburg and direct that
Appellant be granted the variances as requested in its application.
Respectfully submitted:
COYNE & COYNE, P.C.
Henry F. C0y~, l~squire j'
3901 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011-4227
(717) 737-0464
Pa. Supreme Ct. No. 06250
Attorney for Appellant
4
INRE:
DOCKET NO.:
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG ZONING HEARING BOARD
111 NORTH FAYETTE STREET
P.O. BOX 129
SHIPPENSBURG, PA 17257
DECISION OF ZONING HEARING BOARD
APPLICATION OF C.S.R. ENTERPRISES
2001- 15
DATE OF APPLICATION:
NOVEMBER 7, 2001
LOCATION OF PROPERTY:
REQUI~STED RELIEF:
KENNETH AVENUE, SHIP?ENSBURG, PA
VARIANCE
DATE OF HEARINGS:
DATE OF DECISION:
NOVEMBER 28, 2001 AND DECEMBER 19, 2001
DECEMBER 19, 2001
BOARD MEMBERS IN
ATTENDANCE:
J. LEE HOCKERSMITH AND WILLIAM CRESSLER~
PROPER NOTICE OF THE ABOVE HEARING WAS GIVEN BY ADVERTISING IN THE
NEWS CHRONICLE, SHIPPENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA ONCE A WEEK FOR TWO
WEEKS PRIOR TOT HE HEARING AS APPEARS FROM PROOF OF PUBLICATION.
ADDITIONALLY, NOTICE OF THE HEARING AND THE APPLICATION WAS SENT TO
ALL ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNERS, POSTED. ON THE PROPERTY IN QUESTION
AND POSTED IN THE BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG OFFICE.
FINDINGS OF FACT
THE BOARD HEREBY FINDS THE FOLLOWING FACTS:
1
Applicant is C.S.R. Enterprises, c/o Scan P. Tighe of 9767 Forrest Ridge Road, Shippensburg,
Pennsylvania 17257.
~ Board Member Earl Parshall and Board Alternate Andrea Lage attended the November 28, 2001 hearing.
However, both Members resigned from the Board prior to the Board's December 19, 2001 beariag and decision.
Applicant seeks a variance with respect to land on Kenneth and Brookside Avenue, which is located
partially within the Borough of Shippensburg and partially within Shippensburg To~nship (Subject
Property).
Lawrence B. Royer and Alice B. Royer own the Subject Property, and the Applicant is equitable
titleholder pursuant to an A~meement of Sale between Applicant and the owners.
Applicant seeks various variances in order to construct two twelve (12) unit apartments buildings at
the Subject ProPerty on land located in the Borough of Shippensburg.
DISCUSSION AND FURTHER FACTUAL DETI~RMINATIONS
The Subject Property is 4.66 acres, with approximately 1.24 acres located in the Borough of
Shippensburg and 3.42 acres located in Shippensburg Township.
Applicant proposes to consn'uct five (5) apartment buildings on the Subject Property, with each
apartment building having twelve (12) units. Additionally, the project will include a separate
building for laundry service, construction of macadam drive/parking areas, installation of sanitary
sewer and water laterals as necessary and other land use improvements associated with the
apartment buildings.
The zoning within Shippenslmrg Township is R-2 Residence District, with apartment units as
proposed being a conditional use. On December 17, 2001, Shippensburg Town_qhip issued a
conditional use permit to the Applicant which approved the proposed development within the
Township subject to eight (8) conditions imposed on the Applicant by the Township.
The portion of the Subject Property located within th~ Borough of Shippensburg is in a R-7
Residence District. Pursuant to Section 150-16(A)(1) of the Borough of Shippensburg Zoning
Ordinance (Ordinance), uses permitted in an R-3 Multi-Family residence District are permitted in
the R-7 District. Permitted uses in a R-3 District are outlined in Section 150-12 of the Ordinance,
which Section 150-12(A)(2)(b) allows "Garden-Type Multiple-Family Dwellings not to exceed six
(6) units, subject to the general regulation set forth in Section 150-37 of Article X hereof."
Section 150-37 of the Ordinance provides various conditions for these types of multiple dwelling
units. Section 150-37(A) provides that a lot area shall not be less than five (5) acres and Section
150-37(B) provides not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet of lot area per family. Applicant
sought variances from these provisions, with the total lot area for this project being 4.66 acres, the
proposed lot size per dwelling unit being three thousand three hundred ninety (3,390) square feet,
and the apartment buildings having twelve units rather than the required six.
A number of neighbors appeared at the two heatings voicing their opposition to the proposed
variance. They noted that it was anticipated college students would occupy these apartment units,
and the neighbors expressed serious concerns with respect to problems that would be associated
with the college student occupancy. They cited issues such as supervision of the college students,
additional traffic and parking issues and related matters. Concern was expressed with respect to
placing one hundred eighty (180) college students on this parcel and how those students would
interact with the neighboring residential uses. There were also concerns expressed with respect to
potential trespass to an adjacent cemetery.
It is clear from the plan submitted by the Applicant that the land in question could be used for
apartment buildings without the need of a variance. If the Applicant reduced the size of the
proposed apartment buildings (at least those buildings that are to be within the Borough) to be not
more than six (6) units and increased the unit size up to five thousand (5,000) square feet per family,
the only portion of the Ordinance that would merit consideration is that section requires that such
uses be on a five (5) acre trace of ground. Such a reduction would obviously create a situation
where there would be fewer college students at the Property, but this outcome would still allow the
Applicant to maintain an apartment building use at the Subject Property while at the same time help
alleviat~ the obvious congestion that may be created with one hundred eighty college students on a
tract of ground less than five acres.
It should also be noted that a reconfiguration of the proposed plan whereby the apartment buildings
would be located solely within the Township would result in the applicant not being required to
obtain any use permit from the Borough of Shippensburg and, thus, a variance would not be
required. Clearly, the Applicant has other options whereby the Applicant could meet the spirit and
intent of the Ordinance.
The Applicant has also not demonstrated any real hardship except for the hardship' imposed by the
Ordinance itself. This land can be developed for other uses permitted within an R-7 Zoning
District. The only hardship that appears to be present is that the Applicant desires to put more
apartment units on the property than what the Ordinance would allow. Furthermore, the Applicant's
request is certainly not a minimal variance request in light of the fact that the Applicant has the
ability of scaling back the number of units purposed and increasing the size oft.he units in order to
be in more compliance with the Ordinance.
It appears that intensive apartment use will alter the essential character of that portion of the
neighborhood which is in single-family residential use. The Applicant also failed to come forward
with any unique physical circumstances or conditions relating to the property.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Board finds the following Conclusions of Law:
1. The Applicant has not met its burden to demonstrate that it is entitled to the variance
as requested.
2. The Subject Property could be developed in strict conformity with the provisions of
the Ordinance.
3. Intensive apartment use at the Subject Property will alter the essential character of
that portion of the neighborhood which is in single4hmily residential use.
4. The variance requested does not represent the minimum variance that would afford
relief nor represent the least modification possible of the Ordinances in question.
DECISION
It is the decision of the Borough of SMppensburg Zoning Hearing Board as follows:
1
The application of C.S.R. Enterprises for a variance for property located at Kenneth and Brookside
Avenue is hereby DENIED.
1-4-02
DATE MAILED
,f~. L~4~ HOCKERSMrrH, SECRETARY
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG
ZONING HEARING BOARD
ANY PERSON AGGRIEVED BY THE DECISION OF THE ZONING HEARING BOARD
MAY APPEAL TO THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. THE
APPEAL MUST BE FILED wrrH]N 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS DECISION.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Henry F. Coyne, Esquire, of Coyne & Coyne, P.C., hereby certify that true copy of the
foregoing Request for Production of Documents and Things was served this date upon the below-
referenced individuals at the below listed address by way of facsimile and first class mail, postage pre-
paid:
Borough of Shippensburg
ATTN: Zoning Hearing Board
111 North Fayette Street
P.O. Box 129
Shippensburg, PA 17257-0129
Dated:(~ I ~{2'd~ E
Hen~ F. Coyne, Esquire fi/
3901 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011-4227
(717) 737-0464
C. S.R. Enterprises
VS.
Zoning Hearing Board of the
Borough of Shippensbur§
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-580 CIVIL TE~
WRIT OF CERTIORARI
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA)
: SS.
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND)
TO: ZoninG Hearing Board of the Borough of Shippensburg
We, being willing for certain reasons, to have certified a certain action
between C.S.R. Enterprises vs. Zoning Hearing Board of Borouqh of Shippensburq
pending before you, do command you that the record of the action aforesaid with
all things concerning said action, shall be certified and sent to our judges of
our Court of Con, non Pleas at Carlisle, within 20 days~'~f the date hereof,
together with this writ; so that we may further cause robe done that which ought
to be done according to the laws and Constitution of this Conxponwealth.
WITNESS, the Honorable
our said Court, at Carlisle, Pa., the lstday of w~b~,~y. , 2002
m
Postage
Certified Fee
Return Receipt Fee
(Endorsement Required)
Restricted Delivery Fee
(Endorsement RE~quired)
Total Postage & Fees
Postmark
Here
BROUJOS & GILROY, P.C.
ATYORNEYS AT LAW
4 NORTH HANOVER STREET
CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA 17013
T~t~PHO~,m: (717) 243-4574
FACSIMILE: (717) 243-8227
IIaT~a~T:brgil~ypc~aol.com
NON-TOLL FOR HARRISBURG AREA
717-766-1690
March 6, 2002
Curtis R. Long, Prothonotary
Cumberland County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013
Re: CSR Enterprises v Zoning Hearing Board of Shippensburg
No.: 02-580
Dear Curt:
Pursuant to the Writ of Certiorari issued in the above matter, enclosed for filing is a
certified copy of the Record of the proceedings before the Zoning Hearing Board of the
Borough of Shippensburg.
I am also including with this filing a copy of the Zoning Ordinance of the Borough of
Shippensburg to be placed in the file for easy reference by the court.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely yours,
dca
Enclosure
CC:
Henry F. Coyne, Esquire
Robert Weaver
Zoning Hearing Board Members
C.S.R. Enterprises
VS.
Zoning ~---~ing Board of the
Borough of Shiu~ensb~rg
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02-580 CIVIL
WRIT OF CERTIORARI
COMMONW~ALTH OP ~ENNSYLVANIA)
: ~$.
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND)
TO: zoning Hearin~ Board o~ ~he Borough o~ ~i~
We. ~ing ~llin~ for cer~ain~ons, to ~'e certi~i~ ~ ~ action
pending before you, do c~,.;and you that the record of ~he actic~ aforesaid with
all thin~ conce~'~ing said action, shall ~e certifie4 a~d sent to our judges of
o~r CO~ of C¢~¢~3n Pleas at Carlisle, witkin 20 days'~'bf the date hereo~,
to~ether with this writ; so that we m~y further ca. se to be done that which o~ght
tO be done according to the laws and Constitution of this Commonwealth.
WITNESS, the Hoaorabls
our said Court, at carlisle. Pa.. the
day of
2002 .
PrOt honor ~'y
Chapter 150
ZONING
§ 1S0-1.
§ 150-2.
§ 150-4.
§ 150-5.
§ 150-6.
§ 150-7.
§ 150-8.
§ 150-9.
§ 150-10.
§ 150-11.
§ 150-12.
§ 150-13.
§ 150-14.
§ 150-15.
§ 150-16.
§ 150-17.
§ 150-18.
§ 150-19.
ARTICLE I
General Provisions
Short rifle.
Purpose.
Scope.
Interpretation.
Definitions.
ARTICLE 1I
CLassification of Districts
Classes of diat~ict.~
Zonin~ map.
District boundaries.
Boundary tolerance.
ARTICLE
Rez/dence D~trlcts
R-1 Single-Family Residence
District.
R-2 Single-Family Residence
District.
R-3 Residence District.
R-4 Residence District.
R-5 Residence District.
R-6 Condominklm District.
R-7 Residence District.
ARTICLE IV
Commercial Districts
C-1 Commercial-1 District.
C-2 Commercial-2 District.
ARTICLE V
Office/Light Industrial District
§ 1~0-20. Office/Light Indu.m-iul District
regularions.
ARTICLE VI
Light Manufacturing District
§ 150-21. Light Manufacturing D/strict
regulations.
' ARTICLE VII
Heavy Manufacturing District
§ 150-22. Heavy Manufacturing District
regulations.
ARTICLE VIII
InStitutional District
§ 150-23. Institutional District
regularions.
ARTICLE IX
Agricultural Open Space
§ 156-24. Agrienlmral/Open Space
District regulations.
§ 150-25. Noncouformin~ buildings or
11Se.
§ 150-26. Nonconforming lots.
§ 150-27. Reduction ofloL
§ 1~0-25. Conversion of dwellln~ to
multiple, fnmily use.
15001
§ 150-1
§ lS0-29. Certmln public utility bo~ldlngs exempted.
§ 150-30. Yard provisions for private
garage or accessory structure.
§ 150-31. Vision obstruction.
§ 150-32. Prohibited uses. § 1~0-46.
§ 150-33. Off-street parking space. § 150-47.
§ 15034. Loading and unloading space. § 150-48.
§ 150-35. Temporary use permit. § 150-49.
§ 150-36. Front yard exception. § 150-50.
§ 150-37. Garden-type multiple dwellings.
§ 150-38. Determination ofnses not § 150-51.
provided for. § 150-52.
§ 150-53.
SHIPPENSBURG CODE
§ 150-44. Issuance of permits.
§ 150-45. Fees.
Zoning Hearing Board
§ 150-1
Appointment.
Powers and duties.
Adoption of rules.
Meetings; minutes.
Appeals to the Zoning Hearing
Board.
Public hearings.
Appeal to court.
Review of proposed exception
Signs § 150-54.
§ 150-39. Conformance required. § 15055.
§ 150-40. Use and looafion regulations.
§ 15041. General sign regulations.
ARTICLE XII
Administration
§ 150-42. Enforcement.
§ 150-43. Permit required.
Conditional uses.
Expiration of variance, special
exception and conditional use.
ARTICLE XIV
Amendment, Remedies and Penalties
§ 15056. Amendments; public hearing.
§ 150-57. Prevention ofuulawful
construction.
§ 150-58. Violations and penalties.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the .Borough of Shippensburg
12-26-1995 by Ord. No. 669. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Slm~e Tr~ C~ -- ~e· Cl~ ~'
AR'rKCI.]~ I
General Provisions
§ 150-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Zoning Ordinance of be Borough of
Sl~ppensburg, 19947
15002
§ 150-2 ZONI3VG
§ 150-2
§ 150-2. Purpose.
A. The community development objectives which provide the basis for the zoning pol/cy
reflected in this chapter, in conjunction with the development of the Comprehensive Plan
of the Borough of Shippensburg, are the following:
(I) In general, to preserve the present attractive character of Shippensburg, encourage the
most appropriate use of land and buildings in accordance with the sound
comprehensive planning of land use and population and facilitate the provision of
public and private development in harmony with the purposes and objectives of this
chapter and any portion of the Comprehensive Plan for the borough which
subsequently may be adopted; and, more specifically,
(2) To provide for a desirable balance among the borough's residential, commercial and
industrial use patterns.
(3) To encourage a desired separation and relationsMp among the major classes of land
use, provide sufficient area for each suitable use in a proper place, avoid the
detrimental effect of undesirable mixtures of uses and maximize the landowaer's
ability to use his land without adversely affecting th~ surrounding area.
(4) To establish sound density and other standards for residential development and '
provide for a wide va. riety of housing types.
(5) To provide for compact, orderly and attractive commercial and industrial growth,
designate well-suited and adequate locations for these/mportant uses and encourage
commercial and industrial growth to locate in the districts provided.
(6) To maintain the natural amenities of the borough and encourage development in a
manner which least disrupts their continuance.
(7) To protect major streets insofar as practicable as traffic carriers, mln~mi~e n~bbon or
strip commercial development and provide for adequate off-street parking and
loading.
(8) To encourage sound provisions for, and the harmonious and economical development
of, public utilities and other vital community services with the borough and facilitate
the logical extension of public services to areas adjacent to the borough.
(9) To bring about over a period of t/me the gradual cOnformity of existing land use to the
desired pasta of development.
B. This chapter is enacted for the following purposes:
(1) To promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Borough of
Shippensburg.
(2) To promote the orderly growth and development of the vacant area of the borough
and to foster the proper use of existing sa'uctures and homes in the borough.
(3) To lessen congestion in the borough.
(4) To provide for adequate services such as transportat/on, sewer, water, schools, parks
and other open spaces.
15003
4 150-2 SHIPPENSBURG CODE 4 150-5
(5) To preserve the character of the borough and its historic and architectural values as
the oldest community west of the Susquehanna River, with the exception of York.
(6) To retain property values and to encourage the most efficient and appropriate land use.
4 150-3. Scope.
From and after the effective date of this chapter, the use of all land and every building or
portion of a building erected, altered with respect to height and area, added to or relocated, and
.every use within a building or use accessory thereto, in the Borough of Shippensburg shall be
in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. Any existing building or structure and any
existing use of a building or land not in conformity with the regulations herein prescribed shall
be regarded as nonconforming but may be continued, extended or changed, subject to the
special regulations herein provided with respect to nonconforming buildings or uses in
44 150-25 and 150-26.
4 150-4. Interpretation.
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the
minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience
and general welfare. Where the provisions of ~ chapter impose greater restrictions than those
of any statute, other chapter or regulation, the provisions of this chapter shall be controlling.
Where the provisions of any statute, other chapter or regulation impose gxeate~ restriction than
this chapter, the provisions of such statute, other chapter or regulauon shall be controlling
4 150-5. Definitions.
A. Word usage.
(1) words used in the singular include the plural, and words used in the pith'al include the'
singular.
(2) The word "buildings" includes "smictures" and shall be construed as if followed by
the words "or pan thereof."
(3) The word "lot" includes the words "plot," "parcel;; and "tract."
(4) The word "person" indicates a corporation, an tmincorporated association, a
partnership or any other legal entity, as well as an individual.
(5) The word "sneer" includes "highway," "road," "a~,enue," "alley" and "lane."
(6) The word "watercourse" includes "drain," "ditch," "stremn" and "swale."
(7) The word "may" is permissive; the words "shall" and "will" are mandatory.
(8) Words in the present tense may imply the futu~ tense.
B. Unless otherwise expressly stared, the following terms shall for the purpose of this
chapter, have the meaning indicated below:
15OO4
§ 150-5 ZONING § 150-5
ACCESSORY BUll'.DING OR USE -- A subordinate building or use which is located on
the same lot on which the main building or use is situated and which is reasonably
necessary and incidental to the conduct of the primary use of such building or main use.
ADMINISTRATIVE O~tqCER -- See '~oning Officer."
AGRICULTURAL LAND- Land used exclusively for the cultivation of the soil, the
production of crops or livestock or the science of forestry; also land diverted from
agricultural use by an active federal farm program, provided that the diverted land has a
conservation cover of grass, legumes, trees or wildlife shrubs. "Agricultural land" may
include, to a minor degree, farmsteads inhabited by the cultivator of the land, housing for
farm employees and land used for preparation of agricultural products by the cultivator of
the land.
APARTMENT- A room or suite of rooms in a multiple-family sm~cmre which is
arranged, designed, used or intended to be used as a housekeeping unit for a single family.
APPLICANT-- A landowner, as hereinafter defined, including heirs, successors and
assigns, who has filed an application for a zoning variance.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST -- A private home where rooms are rented to the general public
on a daily basis and breakfast is provided as a part of the price of the room.
BII.I JIOARD -- Any structure or portion thereof upon which are signs or advertisements
used on an outdoor display. This definition does not include any bulletin boards used to
display official cour~ or public office notices or signs advertising the sale or lease of the
premises on which the sign is located.
BLOCK-- A tract of land which is entirely bounded by streets, public parks, cemeteries,
railroads and/or watercourses.
BOARD -- See "Zoning He~Sng Board."
BOARDINGHOUSE-- A building other than a hotel or restaurant wbere meals are
provided for compensation for four or more persons, but not exceeding 12 persons.
BOROUGH-- The Borough of Shippensburg, Cumberland and Franklin Counties,
Pennsylvania.
BOROUGH COUNCIL -- The governing body of the Borough of Shippensburg.
BUILDING-- Any enclosed or open su'ucture, other than a boundary wall or fence,
occupying mom than four square feet of area and/or having a roof supported by colnmns,
piers or walls.
(1)
BUll .DING, ACCESSORY -- A detached, subordinate building, the use of which is
customarily incidental and subordinate to that of the principal building, which is
located on the same lot as that occupied by the principal building. Farm buildings not
intended for habitation are considered to be "accessory buildings."
(2)
BUTt .DING, PRINCIPAL- A building which is enclosed wimi,~ exterior walls or
fire walls and is built, erected and frarn~ of component sU'uctural parts. The
"principal building" is also designed for housing, shelter, enclosure and support of
individuals, animals or property of any kind and is a main structure on a given lot.
15OO5
§ 150-5 si_moPENSBURG CODE § 150-5
BUR.DING AREA -- The space remalning after the minimum open space requirements of
this chapter have been complied with.
BUILDING HEIGHT ~ The vertical distances measured from the sidewalk level or its
equivalent established grade opposite the middle of the front of the building to the highest
point of the roof in the case of a fiat roof; to the deck line of a mansard roof; and to mean
height level between eaves and ridge of a gable, hip or gambrel roof; provided that, where
buildings are set back from the street line, the height of the building may be measured from
the average elevation of the finished lot grade at the front of the building.
BUrr .DING LINE -- The same as a front yard setback line.
BUll, DING SETBACK LINE -- A line within a lot, designated on a plall as the minimum
required distance between any structure and the fight-of-way line as specified by any
applicable zoning chapter.
CARTWAY ~ The surface of a street, drive or alley available for vehicular traffic.
~ERSON~ The presiding officer of the Borough of Shippensburg Zoning
Hearing Board.
m e "PennS lvania Municipalities planning Code."
CODE Se Y
COMMON OPEN SPACE-- A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water, or a
combination of land and water, w~thin a development site and designed and intended for
the use and enjoyment of residents of a development, not including streets, off-street
parking areas and areas set aside for public facilities.
COIvlMI~I'LY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM-- An establishment, sometimes referred to
as a community living arrangement or a group home, licensed by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, that provides a home for not more than eight handicapped individuals,
excluding staff who do not reside on the property, who live and cook together as a single
housekeeping unit. This definition shall not include a facility housing persons ~leased
from or undor the jurisdiction of a govetmpen, t bureau of correctiOnS ot similar institution.
"Handicapped" means, with respect to a person:
(1). A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such
person's major life activities;
(2) A record of having such an ix~airment; or
(3) Being regarded as having such an impairment, but such term does not include current,
illegal use of or addiction to a contx'olled substance [as defined in Section 102 of the
Cont~olled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. § 802)].
COMMLR,I1TY WATER SUPPLY- A utility operated by a municipality or other legal
entity which supplies potable, domestic water for use by more than one household,
business or institution.
COMPREHENSIhrE PLAN- The official public document propped in accordance with
the Pennsylvania Municipalities p!~nnlng Code, Act 247 of 1968, as reenacted and
amended by Act 170 of 1988, and as subsequently amended, consisting of maps, chaxts
15006
§ 150-5
ZONING § 150-5
and textual material, that constitutes a policy guide to decisions about the physical and
social development of the borough)
CONDITIONAL USE -- Permissive use of land or structures in a nonconforming manner
upon compliance with conditions established by the Borough Council of the Borough of
Shippensburg.
CONDITIONAL USES:
(1) The following uses of land or structures, or both, may be permitted in any R-3, R4,
R-5, R-6, R-7, Commercial-I, Commercial-2, Office/Light Industrial, Light
Manufacturing and Heavy Manufacturing District, subject to the provisions of
§§ 150-53 and 150-54:
(a) Churches and accessory buildings used for religious teaching.
(b) Hospitals or sanitariums.
(c) Institutions for the care of the incapacitated.
(d) Municipal or privately owned recreation buildings or community centers.
(e) Nursery schools, day nurseries and ch/Id care centers.
(f) Public parldng area.
(g) Public administration building, auditorium, gymnasium or any other publicly
owned structure.
(h) Public library.
(i) Public or private park or playground.
(,j) Public utility facilities, i.e., filtration plant or pumping station, heat or power
plant, transformer station and other similar facilities.
0c) Railroad fight-of-way.
(1) Public or private sehools.
(m) Telephone exchange.
(2) The following u~es of land or s~'uctures, Or both, may be permitted in any R-6, R-7,
Commercial, Office/Light Industrial, Light Manufacturing and Manufacturing
District, subject to the provision~ of§§ 150-53 and 150-54:
(a) Bus terminal, ralkoad passenger station or any othor transportation terminal
facilities.
(b) Cable television control station or plant.
(c) Cemeteries, orematories or mausoleums.
(d) Golf courses, public or private.
I Editor's No~:: ~ ~3 p.~. § 1~301 ~ s~q.
1500~
§ 150-5
§ 1504
SHIPPENSBURG CODE
(e) police stations, fire stations or place for storage of municipal equipment.
(f) Public parking area.
(g) Public or private park.
(h) Radio and television antenna towers, commercial.
(3) No conditional use shall be permitted in any location where it will be inconsistent
with the existing adjacent and nearby uses·
CONDONfiNNJM-- A multiple-uult l~nd development in which there is a system of
separate ownership of individual units of occupancy and undivided interest of land and
common facilities.
CoNVE~CE STORE- A small store offering a limited selection of food and
household products and staying open for longer hours than a conventi°hal store, at a
convenient location.
COOPERATIVE HOUSING -- A multiple-unit land development owned by a legal entity,
the shares of which are divided among several persons, each of whom has the right to lease
a portion of the space by virtue of his or her ownership int~est.
COUNTY -- The County of Cumberland orthe COunty of Franklin, pe~msylvania.
DEDICATION -- The deliberate appropriation of laud by its Owner for general public use.
D~:.~D -- A written instrument whereby an estate in real property is conveyed.
DEED RESTRICI~Obl ~ A resection upon the use of propex~ placed in a deed.
DEN$1TY -- The number of dwelling units or units of occupancy per acre, exclusive of
street rights-of-way.
DETENTION BASIN -- A reservoir which temporarily contains stormwater runoff and
gradually releases it into a watercourse or stormwater facility.
DISTRICT ~ A section or sections of the incorporated area of the city for which the
regulations and provisions governing the use of buildings and land are .niform for each
class of use pemaitted therein.
DRAIIqAGE EAS~ The laud required for the ina~llation of storm sewer or
drainage facilities, or required along a natural stream or watercou~e for preserving the
channel and providing for the flow of water therein, or to safegu~d the public against flood
damage.
DRIVEWAY- A private drive providing access between a public or private street or
access drive and the parking area for a single residential uzfit of occupancy. (See also
· · ' two residential an.its of occupancy
"su~et.") A shared driveway is a private drive servxcmg Subdivision Ordinance.
and designed to the standards of the Land Development and
DUIVIPSTER ~ A container, generally two or more cubic yards in capacity, for the
disposing of refuse, whether residential, commercial or indnstrial.
C
15O08
§ 150-5 ZONING § 150-5
DWELLING -- A building or portion thereof, which may be of modular construction, but
not an automobile house trailer, designed exclusively for residential occupancy, including
one-family, two-family and multiple dwellings, but not including hotels, boardinghouses
and lodging houses.
DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY- A building designed exclusively for occupancy by one
family.
DW'OTJ.ING, TWO-FAMILY- A building designed exclusively for occupancy by two
families living independently of each other.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE-- A building or portion thereof designed for occupancy by
three or mom families living independently of each other.
DW'OT.I.ING, ROW -- A row of three to six attached one-family dwellings, not mom than
2~ stories in height.
Dv~r~I I.ING UNIT- One or mom rooms in a dwelling or apartment hotel designed
primarily for occupancy by one family for living or sleeping purposes.
EASEMENT -- A right-of-way granted for limited use 0i' property by the landowner for a
public or quasi-public purpose and within which the owner of the property shall not have
the right to make use of the land in a manner that violates the right of the grantee.
I~I.I~VATION -- The horizontal alignment of a surface, as its exists or as it is made by cut
and/or fill
(1) FLOOR F.I.~VATION -- The elevation of the lowest level of a particular building,
including the basement.
(2) ROAD GRADE -- The rate of rise and fall of a road's surface, measured along the
profile of the center line of the cartway.
ENGINI~.R -- A professional engineer registered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanla.
FAMILY-- Any number of individnal~ living and cooking together as a single
housekeeping unit, including not more than three unrelated individuals. The term
"unrelated individual" shall include any individual who is unrelated by blood, marriage or
legal adoption to any other individual in the unit, but it excludes domes~c employees and
minor foster children. The term "family" shall include a comm~mity residential program
for not more than three unrelated individuals but shall not include a student home.
"Family" shall include two or mor~ porsons with a handicap as deflne~l ill the Fair Housing
Amendments Act of 1988, 42 U.S.C. § 3601 and following, living as a single
housekeeping unit.
FLOOD -- A temporary inundation by water of normally dry land mas.
FLOOD FRINGE- The poffion of the floodplain outside the floodway, as defined by the
Federal ~ncy Management Act.
FLOODWAY-- The designated area of a floodplain required to car~ and discharge
floodwaters of a given magxlitude.
15O09
§ 150-5 SIKIPPENSBURG CODE § 150-5
FLOODPLA.Eq-- A relatively flat or low land area adjoining a river stream or
watercourse which is subject to partial or complete inundation; or an area subject to the
unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source. For the
purposes of this chapter, the floodway shali be capable of accommodating a flood of the
one-hundred-year magnitude.
FLOODPLAIN DISTRICT- The ama designated by the Zoning Ordinance of the
Borough of Shippensburg as being inundated by a one-hundred-year flood, including the
Floodway (FW), the Flood Fringe (FF) and Flood Plain (FA).
FRONTAGE- Ail propeCcy on one side of a street between two intersecting streets or
natural barriers.
GARAGE SALE- Any sale conducted in any residential district, including R-l, R-2,
R-3, g4, R-5, R-6 and R-7, where tangible personal property is offered for sale in or out
of any building or structure; also commonly referred to as "yard sales."
FIISTORIC FEATURE:
(1) Any building, site, structure, object, district or area that: !
(a) Is listed on the National Register of Historic Places;
Co) Has received a determination of eligibility for the National Register from the
National Park Service;
(c) Which is located within the historic district of the Borough of Shipponsburg, as
designated by the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission; or
(d) Which is listed on any officially adopted municipal register or inventory of
historic features.
(2) This term shall include the site, principal smmtures, accessory structures, yards,
vegetation, fences, road alignments and signage associated with such features.
HOME OCCUPATION-- AnY use customarily conducted entirely w?hln the dwelling
and carried on by the inhabitants thereof, which use is clearly incidental and secondary to
the use of. the dwelling for dwelling purposes and does not change the character thereof;
and provided that no article is sold or offered for sale except such as may be produced on
the premises by members of the immediate family/Clinics, doctors' offices, hospitals,
barber shops, beauty parlors, dress shops, millln~ry shops, real estate offices, tearooms,
tourist homes, animal hospitals and kennels, among othen, shall not be deemed to be
"home occupations."
HO3.'~ -- A building designed for occupancy as the more or less temporary abiding place
of indi~id,_,al~ who are lodged with or without meals, in which there are six or more guest
rooms and in which no provisions are made for cooking in any individual room or suite.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, "hotel" includes a motel or motor hotel.
IMPROVEMF24TS -- Physical changes to the land, including but not limited to grading,
paving, curbs, gutters, storm sewers and drains, ~mp~ovements to existing watercourses,
sidew,Ik~, street signs, mon,,meats, water supply facilities, sewage collection facilities and
15010
§ 150-5 ZONING § 150-5
LANDOWNER- The legal, beneficial or equitable owner or owners of land, including
the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such option or conmtct is
subject to any condition), a lessee if he is authorized under the lease to ex~rcise the rights
of the landowner or other person having a proprietary interest in land.
LODGING HOUSE -- A building with not more than five guest rooms where lodging is
provided for compensation pursuant to previous arrangement but not open to the public or
transients.
LOT- A tract, plot or parcel of land occupied or suitable for occupancy by one main
building or use, with accessory buildings, including the open spaces required by this
chapter, and having its principal frontage upon a public street or highway.
LOT AREA- The area contained within the property lines of the individual parcel of
land, excluding space within the street right-of-way· The "lot area" includes the area of any
utility easement or stormwater management facility but does not include the flag'pole of a
flag, lot, unless otherwise specified in the municipal Zoning Ordinance.
LOT, CORNER -- A lot which is situated at the intersection of two or more streets and
shall be considered as having two front and two side yard~.
LOT DEP'rH- The average horizontal distance between the front and mar lot lines
measured in the mean direction on the side lot lines.
LOT FRONTAGE- That boundary of a lot along the public street and, for a comer lot,
the shorter lot boundary along a street.
LOT INTERIOR -- A lot other than a comer lot.
LOT LINE MARKER- A metal plate or pin or railroad spike or conor~te monument
used to identify the lot line intersections or comers.
LOT WIDTH -- ~ average distance between the side lot lines of a lot, measured parallel
to the right-of-way.
MANAGER -- The Borough Manager of the Borough of Shippeusburg.
~:~)IATION 7-- A voluntary negotiating process in which parties in a dispute mutually
select a neutral mediator to assist them in jointly exploring and settling their difference,
culminating in a written agreement which the paxties themselves create and consider
acceptable.
MOBII.~ HOME-- A transportable single~family dwelling intended for permanent
occupancy, contained in one un/t or in two or more units intended to be joined into one
integral unit and capable of again being separated for repeated wamp/x~g, which
dwelling an'ives at a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and
incidental unpacking and assembly operations and constructed so that it may be used with
or without a permanent foundation. The term "manufactured home" may be used
synonymously.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNING BODY- The Borough Council of the Borough of
Shippeusburg, Cumberland and Franklin Counties, Commonwealth of Pamsylvania.
MUNICIPALITY -- The Borough of Shippeusburg.
15011
§ 150-5 SHIPPENSBURO CODE § 150-5
NONCONFORMI1NG USE -- Any building, s~ucture or land which is lawfully occupied
by a conforming use, a legally approved nonconforming use or which is lawfuliy situated
at the time of the passage of this chapter or amendments thereto which does not conform
after the passage of this chapter or amendments thereto with the regulations of this chapter.
OFFICE CONDOMINIUM- An office building in which units are owned separately;
also, an office unit in such a building.
OP~iCIAL MAP -- An ordinance adopted and amended from time to time pursuant to the
Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code by the Council of the Borough of
Shippeusburg containing a drawing or drawings that show the precise location of future
road rights-of-way or lands to be publicly acquired either through purchase or dedication,
and which is used to facilitate the proper placement of structures in relation to future
property lines.
ONE.HUlXrDRED-YEAR FLOOD- A flood that, on the average, is likely to occur one
time in a one-hnndred-year period.
OWNI~m An individual, firm, association, syndicate, partnership, corporation or any
other legal entity having sufficient proprietary interest in the lanai sought to be subdivided
and developed to commence and maintain proceedings to subdivide the same under this
chapter.
PARCEL ~ See "lot."
PARKING SPACE ~ An area, enclosed in the main building, in an accessory bui!cl~$ or
unenclosed, sufficient in size to store one standard automobile, which I~s adequate access
to public street or alley and permitting satisfactory ingress and egress of an automobile.
PEDESTRIANWAY- A right-of-way, publicly or privately owned, intended for human
movement by walking.
pEHNSYLVANIA lvl]JIqICIPALITIES pLANNING CODE -- The statute anthotlzlng and
empowering the municipality to adopt and enforce a Zoning Ordinance to regulate the use
and development Of lands within the corporate limits and to establish a Zoning Heating
Board; Act of December 21, 1988, P.L. 1329, No. 17, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
PLAN ~ A drawing, together with supplementary data, that describes property.
· · · for the storage of motor vehicles
PRIVATE GARAGE -- An accessory building intended or tenant of the
which may include one commercial vehicle owned and used by the owner
premises and for the storage of not more than two private noncommercia~ vehicles owned
and used by persons other than the owner or tenet of the premises.
pUBLIC OAR. AGE- A building, not a private garage, used primarily for the storage
and/or repair of motor vehicles of any type or ownership.
pUBLIC GROUNDS -- Includes:
(1) Parks, playgrounds, trails, paths, other recreational areas alld other public areas.
(2) Sites for schools, sewage treatment, refuse disposal and other publicly owned or
operated facilities.
15012
§ 150-5 ZONING § 150-5
(3) Publicly owned or operated scenic or historical sites.
PUBLIC HEARING-- A formal meeting held pursuant to public notice, intended to
inform and obtain public comment, prior to taking action in contested cases or prior to
amending this chapter.
PUBLIC MF?F. TING- A forum held pursuant to notice under the Sunshine Act, Act of
July 3, 1986 0P.L. 388, No. 84).2
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE -- Any method, process or substance whose supply is
rejuvenated through natural processes and, subject to those natural processes, remains
relatively constant, including but not limited to biomass conversion, geothermal energy,
solar and wind energy and hydroelectric energy, and excluding those sources of energy
used in the fission and fusion processes.
REVERSE FRONTAGE LOT -- A lot with front and rear street frontage, where vehicular
access is prohibited to and from the higher intensity street.
RIGHT-OF-WAY -- The total width of any land reserved or dedicated as a street, alley or
pedestrianway or for other public or private use.
RUNOFF -- The surface water discharge of a given watershed after a rain or snow that
does not enter the soil but runs off the surface of the land.
SEDINIENTATION -- The process by which soil or other surface material is accumulated
or deposited by wind, water or gravity.
SERVICE STREET -- See "street" and "alley" (''service street").
SETBACK LINE -- See '%uilding setback line."
SIGHT DISTANCE -- The length of mad visible to the driver of a vehicle at any g/yen
point in the road when viewing is unobstructed by Uaffic.
SIGNS, OUTDOOR ADVERTISING- Any card, cloth, paper, metal, painted, glass,
wooden, plaster, stone or other sign of any kind or character whatsoever, placed for
outdoor advertising purposes on the ground or on any tree, wall, bush, rock, post, fence,
building, structure or thing whatsoever. The term "placed," as used in the definition of
"outdoor advertising sign" and "outdoor advertising structure,' shall include erecting,
constructing, posting, painting, printing, tacking, nailing, gluing, sticking, carving or other
fastening, affixing or making visible in any manner whatsoever.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION- Permission or approval gnmted by the Zoning Hearing Board
in accordance with § 150-47.
STAFF -- The staff of the Borough of Shippensburg.
STORAGE GARAGE- A building, not a private or public garage, used solely for the
storage of motor vehicles but not for sale, service or repair of motor vehicles.
2 E(Ht.~"$ Note: See ~ p.S. § Z7'I et seq.
15013
§ 150-5 SHIPPENSBURG CODE § 150-5
STORM~VATER NiANAGElvlENT FACILHII~S- Those controls and measures (e.g.,
storm sewers, berms, terraces, bridges, dams, basins, infiltration systems, swales,
watercourses and floodplains) used to implement a stormwater management program.
STORY -- That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the
surface of the floor next above it or, if there be no floor above it, then the space between
the floor and the ceiling next above it. Any portion of a story exceeding 14 feet in height
shall be considered as an additional "story" for each 14 feet or fraction thereof.
STREET -- A strip of land, including the entire right-of-way, publicly or tydvately owned,
serving primarily as means of vehicular and pedestrian travel and furnishing access to
abutting properties, which may also be used to provide space for sewers, public utilities,
shade ~rees and sidewalks.
STI?YF-T LINE -- The right-of-way line of any given street.
STI~F~T, pRIVATE- A street not accepted for dedication by the municipality.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION- Any change in or addition to the supporting members
of a building or structure, such as bearing wall partitions, columns, beams or girders.
STRUCTURE- AnY man-made object having an asce~a~uable stationary location On
land or water, whether or not af'ixed to the land.
STUDENT- An individual enrolled in and attending an institution of higher learning
beyond the 12th grade or a technical or trade school or who is on a semester or s,~mmer
break from studies at such institution.
STUDENT HOME- A dwelling unit for three students, unrelated by blood, marriage or
legal adoption, attending or about to attend a college or university or who are on a semester
or s,mmer break from studies at a cortege or university, or any combination of such
persons. "Student homes" shall not include fraternities, sororities or community residential
programs.
SURFACE DRAINAGE PLAN-- A plan showing all present and proposed grades and
facilities for stormwater drains.
SURVEYOR- An individual registered with the Commonwealth of pennsylvania as
authorized to measure the boundaries of u-acts of land, establish locauons
requirements of a survey.
SWALE -- A wide shallow ditch which gathers and canies surface water.
TRACT -- See "lot."
UNITS OF OCCUPANCY -- An allocatiun of space within a building or structure that is
independent of other such space and that constitutes a separate use. This shall inehide both
fee siraple ownership and leaseholds.
VARIANCE-- Permission or approval granted by the Zoning Hearing Board in
accora~nce with § 150-53 hereof, constituting a modification of or deviation from the exact
provisions of this chapter as applied to a specific piece of property.
C~
15014
§ 150-5 ZONING § 150-6
WATERCOURSE -- A permanent topographic feature, whether natural or man-made, that
serves to gather and carry flowing surface water, such as a permanent or intermittent
stream~ a river, creek, brook, run or swale, and which is measured by the width of the
channel during normal high water.
WATERSHED -- Ail land and water within the confines of a drainage basin.
YARD-- An open space on the same lot with a main building, unoccupied and
unobstructed from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
YARD, FRONT -- A yard extending across the full width of the lot and lying between the
right-of-way line of tbe lot and the nearest line of the building.
YARD, REAR -- A yard extending across the full width of the lot and lying between the
rear line of the lot and the nearest line of the principal building.
YARD, SIDE -- That pan of the yard lying between the main building and a side lot line
and extending from the required front yard (or from the front lot line if there is no required
front yard) to the required rear yard.
ZONING HEARING BOARD-- The body created by the Borough Council for the
purpose of hearing and adjudicating zoning matt~m, as provided in the pennsylvania
Municipalities planning Code, Act of December 21, 1988, P.L. 1329, No. 17, 53 P.S.
§§ 10909.1 a~d 10912.1.
ZONIIqG Ol.,lqC!l~R- The individual appointed by the Borough Council to administer
the Zoning Ordinance.
ARTICLE II
Classification of Districts
§ 150-6. Claa*.es ofdiatricts.
For the purpose of this chapter, the Borough of Shippensburg shall be divided into the
following classes of districts, which shall be designated as follows:
R-1
R-2
R-3
R4
R-5
R-6
R-7
C-1
C-2
M-1
M-2
O-1
I
A JO
Single-Family Residence
Single-Family Residence
Multiple-Family Residence (maximum 6)
Multiple-F~rnily Residence (maxlrn~lm 6) '
Multiple Family Residence (maximum 22)
Colldorni-n hull
Group/Institutional
Comm~mial-1
Gornnrnercial-2
Light Manufacturing
Heavy Manufacturing
Offic~Light Industrial
Institut/onal
Ag~,cultm~Open Space
15015
§ 150-7 SHIPPENSBURG CODE § 150-10
§ 150-7. Zoning map.
The boundaries of districts shall be as shown on the map attached hereto and made a part of this
chapter, which map shall be known as the "Zoning Map of the Borough of Shippeasburg." The
map and all notations, references and data shown thereon are hereby incorporated by reference
into this chapter.3
§ 150-8. District boundaries.
The boundaxies between districts are, unless otherwise indicated, either the center lines of
s~xeets or railroad rights-of-way or such lines extended or approximately parallel or
perpendicular thereto. Where figures are shown on the Zoning Map between a street and a
district bounda~ line, they indicate that the district boundary line runs parallel to the street line
at a distance therefrom equivalent to the number of feet so indicated. In instances where a
district boundary line is a property line, the distances shown will be those measured from the
property line to the nearest identifiable landmark, such as street, railroad, ere., at each end of the
property line. In these cases the boundary line is coincidental with the property line existing at
the time this chapter is adopted.
§ 150-9. Boundary tolerance.
Where a district boundary line divides a lot which was held in single and separate ownership at
the time the boundary line was established, the use regulations applicable to the less restricted
district shall extend over the portion of the lot in the more restricted district, a distance of not
more than 50 feet beyond the district boundary line.
ARTICLE III
Residence Districts
§ 150-10. R-1 Single']Family Residence District.
hi R-1 Single-Family Residence Districts, the following regulations shall apply:
A. Use regulations. A building may be erected or used, and a lot may be used or occupied, for
any of the following purposes, and no other.
(1) Single-family detached dwelling.
(2) Tilling of the soil, provided that such use shall be conducted by the owner and shall
not be such as may be considered COmmercial.
(3) A public or private park or recreational area, as provided for in the Borough of
Shippensburg Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Ordinance No. 94-626.
(4) The following uses, when authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board, as a special
exception, subject to the requirements of § 150-53 hereof: professional off/ce or
studio and/or rooms for customary home occupations, such as attorneys,
15016
§ 150-10 ZONING § 150-11
psychologists or other members of the healing arts, provided that such office or use
shall be in the dwelling in which the practitioner resides, and no goods shall be
publicly displayed on the promises. Further provided that there shall be not less than
two off-street parking spaces for each such use.
(5)
Accessory uses on the same lot with and customarily incidental to any of the
foregoing permitted uses. The term "accessory use" shall not include a business but
shall include the following: private garage, but shall be used only for storage and
maintenance of vehicles owned by the primary owner of the lot and shall not include
any garage used as a commercial garage.
B. Area regulations.
Co
'D.
(I) Lot area and width. A lot area of not less than 14,500 square feet, shall be provided
for every building hereafter erected or used in whole or in part as a single-family
dwelling. Each lot shall have a minimum width at the building setback line of not less
than 100 feet.
(2)
Building area. Not mom than 30% of the lot area may be covered by buildings, and an
accessory use shall not represent more than 25% of the total building coverage of the
lot.
Yards. Front, side and rear yards shall be provided on each lot as follows:
(I) Front yard. One yard, not less than 35 feet in depth m~asured from the fight-of-way
line, shall be provided, subject to the provisions of § 150-36 hereof.
(2) Side yards. Two yards, neither less than 15 feet in width measured from the prepen'y
line.
(3) Rear yard. One yard, not less than 30 feet in depth.
(4) Comer lots. A comer lot shall be considered as having two front and two side yards.
I-I~ight r~gulations. No building ,qhall exceed 35 feet in height, provided that such height
limits may be excelled by one foot for each one foot by which the width of the side yard is
increased beyond the minirnulll side yard requirements, to a maximum height of 40 feet, as
measured from the g~le of the lot to the highest point on the structure. A chimney shall
not be considered a part of the structure for this pta-pose. No accessory use shall have a
height greater than 75% of the height of the primary use.
§ 150-11. R-2 Single-F~mily Residence District.
ha R-2 Single-Family Residence Districts, the following regulations shall apply:
A. Use regulations. A building may be erected or used and a lot may be occupied for any of
the following purposes, and no others:
(1) Any use l~mnitted in an R-1 Single-Family Residence District.
(2) The following uses, when authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board, as a special
exception, subject to the requirements of § 150-53 hereof: professional office or
studio and/or rooma for customary home occupations, such as attorneys,
15017
§ 150-11
SHIPPENSBURG CODE
§ 150-12
psychologists or other members of the healing arts, provided that such office or use
shall be in the dwelling in which the practitioner resides, and no goods shall be
publicly displayed on the premises. Further provided that there shall be not less than
two off-street parking spaces for each such use.
(3) Accessory uses on the same lot with and customm'ily incidental to any of the
foregoing permitted uses. The term "accessory use" shall not include a business but
shall include the following: private garage, but shall be used only for storage and
maintenance of vehicles owned by the primary owner of the lot and shall not include
any garage used as a commercial garage.
Area regulations.
(1) Lot area and width. A lot area of not less than 10,500 square feet shall be provided for
every building hereafter erected or used in whole or in part as a single-family
dwelling. Each lot shall have a minimum width at the building setback line of not less
than 70 feet; provided, however, that where lots are laid out at the effective date of
this chapter which are less than 70 feet in width, the lot width may be reduced to not
less than 60 feet.
(2) Building area. Not more than 40% of the lot area may be covered by buildings, and an
accessory use shall not represent more thau 25% of the total building coverage of the
lot.
Yards. Front, side and rear yards shall be provided on each lot as follows:
(1) Front yard. One yard, not less than 30 feet in depth, measured at the fight-of-way line,
shall be provided, subject to the ~ovisions of § 150-36 hereof.
(2) Side yards. Two yards, neither less than 10 feet in width measured from the property
(3) Rear yard. One yard, not less than 25 feet in deptl~
(4) Comer lots. A comer lot shall be considered as having two front and two side yards.
Height regulations. No building shall exceed 35 feet in height, provided that such height
limits may be exceeded by one foot for each one foot by which the width of the side yard is
increased beyond the mb~imum side yard reqtnrements, to a m~umum height of 45 feet, as
measured from the grade of the lot to the highest point on the structure. A chimney shall
not be considered a part of the structure for this purpose. No accessory use shall have a
height greater than 75% of the height of the prin~'y use.
§ 150-12. R-3 Residence District.
In R-3 Residence Districts, the following regulations shall apply:
A. Use regulations. A building maY be ~rected and a lot may be used for the following
purposes and no oth~
(1) Any use permitted in the R-2 Single-F~mily Residence Distsict
15018
§ 150-12
(2)
ZONING § 150-13
Multiple dwellings of not more than six family units. For this purpose the following
regulations shall be required:
(a) Two- , three- or four-family dwellings, in accordance with the additional
provisions of § 150-37 hereof.
(b) Garden-type multipleffamily dwellings not to exceed six traits, subject to the
General Regulations set forth in § 150-37 of Article X hereof.
(3) Accessory uses on the same lot with and customarily incidental to any of the
foregoing permitted uses. The term "accessory use" shall not include a business but
shall include the fonowing: private garage, but shall be used only for storage and
maintenance of vehicles owned by the primary owner of the lot and shall not include
any garage used as a commercial garage.
B. Area regulations.
(1) Lot area and width. A lot area of not less than 7,500 square feet per family unit shall
be provided for every building hereafter erected. Each lot shall have a minimum
width, measured at the building set back line, of not less than 75 feet.
(2) Building area. No more than 50% of the area of each lot may be occupied by
buildings.
(3) Yards. Front, side and rear yards shall be provided on each lot as follows:
(a) Front yard. One yard not less than 20 feet in depth, measured at the fight-of-way
line, subject to the provisions of § 150-36.
(b) Side yard. Two side yards totaling at least 20 feet, with neither yard less than six
feet.
(c) Rear yard. One yard not less than 20 feet.
C. Height regulations. No building shall exceed 35 feet in height, provided that such height
limits may be exceeded by one foot by which the width of each side yard i~ increased
beyond minimum side yard requirements, up to a maximum of 45 feet. A chimney shall
not be considered a pan of the structure for this purpose. No accessory use shall have a
height gxenter than 75% of the height of the ~ use.
D. Off-street parking. There must be 1.5 parking spaces provided for each family unit.
§ 150-13. R4 Residence District.
In R4 Residence Districts, the following regulations shall apply:
A. Use regulations. A building may be erected or used and a lot may be used or occupied for
any of the following purposes, and no other.
(i) Any use permitted in the R-3 Multifamily Residence District.
(2) Two-family detached dwellings.
15019
§ 150-13
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
SHII~PENSBURG CODE
§ 150-13
Single-family semidetached dwellings, provided that the adjoining semidetached
dwelling with which it has a party wall in common is erected at the same time.
Multiple dwellings for not more than six families. For this purpose the following
regulations shall be required:
(a) Two- , three- or four-family dwellings, in accordance with the additional
provisions of § 150-37 hereof.
CO) Garden-type multiple-family dwellings not to exceed six units, subject to the
g~neral regulations set forth in § 150-37 of Article X hereof.
Tourist home, boarding or rooming house, providing lodging with or without meals,
and having lodging accommodations for no more than I0 guests.
Established cemeteries in existence when this chapter is adopted shall he considered
conforming uses in R4 Districts but no new use of land for this purpose shall be
permitted.
The following uses when authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special
exception, subject to the requirements of § 150-53:
(a) Motor vehicle parking lot in conjunction with a business, in industrial or other
public function, including churches, to be used by its patrons, provided that it
complies with these special requirements:
[1] No portions of such lot shall be located more than 300 feet from a
commemial or manufacturing district boundary or other public function that
it serves.
[2] A planting strip not less than five feet in width shall be provided between
the parking area and the pedestrian sidewalk adjacent to any public or
private Street.
[3] Exit and entrance points shall be approved in advance by the Zoning
Heating Board to ensure adequate traffic safety.
[4] No such parking lot shall be used for the dead storage of vehicles or for
vehicles used for human or other habitation.
Co) Small public service shops and garages, not including welding, such as
plumbing, heating, carpentry, machine shop, tinner's 8hop, cabinet re,king,
furniture repair, upholster3t, painting, sign painting or other similar slnall shop,
provided that it complies with these special requirements:
[1] The shop shall be located at the rear side of a lot with frontage onto a public
alley, if such alley exists (e.g., Apple Avenue), with distances to the main
buildings on the lot and to the adjolnlng property lines and setback distance
from the alley conforming with the provisions in § 150-13C.
[2] Employment in such shop shall not exceed two persons: the owner and one
additional person.
C~
15020
§ 150-13 ZONING § 150-13
[3] Equipment, supplies and machinery shall not be stored outdoors on the lot
or on any ordained street in connection with the activities in such shops.
[4] The equipment setup in such shops shall comply with the NBFU Safety
Standards as applied in fire insurance and state fire inspections.
(c) Condominium, subject to the regulations of the R-6 Condominium District.
(d) Offices, data processing facilities and information system facilities, not to exceed
2,500 square feet.
B. Area regulations.
(1) Lot area and width. A lot area of not less than 5,000 square feet per family shall be
provided for every building hereafter erected or used in whole or in part as a dwelling,
provided that the mlnimtllj1 lot area for a single-family dwelling shall be not less than
5,000 square feet. The mlnlmulI1 lot width at the building line shall be 50 feet for a
single- or two-family detached dwelling, 30 feet for each half of a semidetached
dwelling and 75 feet for a multiple dwelling.
(2) Building area. Not more than 70% of the area o~ each lot may be occupied by
buildings.
C. Yards. Front, side and rear yards shall be provided on each lot as follows:
(1) Front yard. One yard, not less than 20 feet in depth measured at the fight-of-way line,
subject to the provisions of§ 150-36.
(2) Side yard.
(a) For every single- or two-family detached dwelling, two side yards totaling 20
feet, with neither less than six feet in width.
(b) For every semidetached dwelling, one yard for each family unit, not less than 10
feet ia widtll.
(c) For every main building other than a dwelling and for every multiple dwelling,
two yards not less than 20 feet in aggregate width and neither less than six feet ia
width.
(3) Rear yard. One yard not less than 20 feet 'ia depth with accessory buildings and vision
obstructions at alleys conforming with provisions of §§ 150-30 and 150-31.
(4) Comer lots. A comer lot shall be considered to have two side yards and two front
yards.
(5) Accessory uses on the same lot with and customarily incidental to any of the
foregoing permitted uses. The term "accessory use" shall not include a business but
shall include the following: private garage, but shall be used only for storage and
maintenance of vehicles owned by the primary owner of the lot and shall not inchide
any garage used as a commercial garage.
Height regulations. No building shall exceed 35 feet in height, provided that such height
limits may be exceeded by one foot for each one foot by which the width of each side yard
15021
§ 150-13 SHIPPENSBURG CODE § 150~14
is increased beyond minimum side yard requirements, up to a maximum height of 45 feet,
as measured from the grade of the lot, to the highest point on the structure. A cblmney
shall not be considered a part of the structure for this pm-pose. No accessory use shall have
a height greater than 75% of the height of the primary use.
C
§ 150-14. R-5 Residence District-
In R-5 Residence Districts, the following regulations shall apply:
A. Use regulations. A building may be erected and a lot may be used for the following
purposes and no other:
(1) Any use permitted in the R-3 Multiple-Family Residence District.
(2) Multiple dwellings of not more than 22 family units. For this use the following
regulations shall be required:
(a) The total lot shall be not less than one acre and shall be suitable for the proposed
(b) The lot area per family shall be not less than 2,500 square feet.
(c) Not more than 50% of the lot area shall be occupied by structures.
(d) No side yard shall be less than 25 feet in width.
(e) No front yard shall be less than 35 feet in depth.
(f) No building shall exceed 35 feet in height.
(g) The Zoning Hearing Board shall prescribe such further conditions with respect to
the proposed development as it deems appropriate.
(3) Comer lots. A comer lot shall be considered to have two side yards and two front
yards.
(4) Student housing, subject to the following conditions:
(a) No block shall consist of more than 50% of smactares which are student homes.
Co) Each student home shall provide one parking space per resident plus one
additional space per dwelling unit
(c) No student home and parking area shall cover more than 50% of the area of the
lot it occupies.
(5) Accessory uses on the same lot with and customarily incidental to any of the
foregoing permitted uses. The term "accessory use" shall not include a business but
shall include the following: private garage, but shall be used only for storage and
m~intenance of vehicles owned by the prima~ owner of the lot and shall not include
any garage used as a commercial garage.
B. A.rea regulations-
15022
§ 150-14 ZONING § 150-15
(1)
Lot area and width. A lot area of not less than 2,500 square feet per family unit shall
be provided for every building hereafter erected. Each lot shall have a minimum
width of 30 feet, measured at the fight-of-way line.
(2) Building area. No more than 70% of the area of each lot may be occupied by
buildings.
C. Yards. Front, side and rear yards shall be provided on each lot as follows:
(1) Front yard. One yard not less than 20 feet in depth, measured at the building setback
Line, subject to the provisions of § 150-36.
(2) Side yard. Two side yards totaling at least 10 feet, with neither yard less than five feet.
(3) Rear yard. One yard not less than 20 feet.
Height regulations. No building shall exceed 35 feet in height, provided that such height
limits may be exceeded by one foot for each one foot by which the width of each side yard
is increased beyond minimtlm side yard requirements, up to a maximum of 45 feet, as
measured from the grade of the lot to the highest point on the structure. A chimney shall
not be considered a part of the stmcmm for this purpose. No accessory use shall have a
height greater than 75% of the height of the primary use.
§ 150-15, R-6 Condominium District.
In R-6 Condominium Districts, the following regulations shall apply:
A. Use regulations. A building may be erected or used and a lot may be used or occupied for
any of the following purposes:
(1) Any me permitted in the R-3 Multiple-Family Residence District, with such
restrictions in lot area and yard size as are required for uses permitted in an R-3 zone.
(2) Condomlnluna development.
B. Area regulations.
(1) Lot area and width.
(a) Single-family dwellings. A lot ama of not less than 10,500 square feet per
dwelling unit shall be provided for every dwelling unit constructed in accordance
with R-2 Residence District regulations.
(b) A lot area of not less than 2,500 square feet per dwelling unit shall be required
for each condominium development.
(2) Building area. Not more than 50% of the area of each lot may be occupied by
buil~£mgs.
(3) Yards. Front, side and rear yards shall be provided on each lot as follows:
(a) Single-family dwellings:
[1] Front yard. One yard, not less ~m 35 feet in depth, measured at the right-
of-way line, shall be provided, subject to the provisions of §150-36 hereof.
15023
§ 150.15 SHIPPENSBURG CODE § 150-16
[2] Side yards. Two yards, neither less than 10 feet in width measured from the
property line.
[3] Rear yard. One yard, not less than 25 feet in depth.
(b) For every building in a condominium development:
[1] Front yard. One yard not less than 35 feet in depth.
[2] Side yard. For every building of a condominium development, two side
yards of not less than 35 feet shall be provided.
[3] Rear yard. One yard not less than 50 feet in depth shall be provided.
C. Height regulations, condomlni,,m-~. No building shall exceed more than 75 feet in height.
D. Parking, condominiums. One and five-tenths parking spaces per condominium unit shall be
provided.
E. Screening, condominiums. Screening shall be in accordance with the Subdivision and Land
Development Ordinance?
§ 150-16. R-7 Residence District.
In R-7 Residence Districts, the following regulations shall apply:
A. Use regulations. A building may be erected and a lot may be used for the following
purposes and no other:.
(1) Any use permitted in the R-3 Multiple-Family Residence District, with such
restrictions as cont~ned or incorporated in provisions pertaining thereto; including
but not limited to area, height and off-street parking regulations.
(2) Fraternity and so~o~ty houses for actively enrolled college or university students
only, when authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception, subject to
the requirements and provisions of § 150-53 and subject fun her to the following
special requirements, which shall be minimal standards:
(a) Any new construction in connection with such use shall comply with all relevant
requirements of the then current BOCA Basic Building Code.
(b). Any conversion of any existing building to such use shall comply with all
applicable requirements of the BOCA Basic/National Existing Structure Code,
then in effect in the borough.
(c) Any new or convinced building intended for such use shall not be so occupied
prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy by the p~nnsylvanla Department of
Labor and Industry, signifying compliance with building safety and fixe codes,
rules, regulations and/or standards.
C~
4 Edit~s Notr.. ~e Cb. I~, Sub'Mort~a L~I D~I°P'~*
15024
§ 150-16
(d)
ZONENG § 150-16
Off-street parking spaces in a number at least 1.5 times the number of residents
contained in any new or converted building subjected to such use shall be
provided either on premises or within sufficient proximity to the premises to
constitute a clearly preferable alternative to on-street parking and in conjunction
with parking of another fraternity or sorority house; the permissibility of joint
parking facilities shall not be construed to authorize a reduction in the aggregate
number of spaces required for both or all houses involved. All parking spaces
shall, at a minimum~ conform to size and desig~a standards of the Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation, if any, and shall, in any event, be adequate for the
use contemplated herein.
(e) With respect to any lot or tract of land subjucted to such use and bordering a
commercial or non-frateruity/sorority residential lot or district, physical
protection against um'easonably intrusive noise emanating from the building and
use thereon shall be provided on each side facing such a lot or district, in the
form of reasonably mature tree plantings, landscape grading features or similar
,effective tangible measures.
(f) Open recreational space not less in ama than 100% of the space occupied by each
building subjected to such use shall be provided either on premises or on
adjoining premises and in conjunction with open recreational space of another
fraternity or sorority house. The permissibility of joint open recreational space
shall not be construed to authorize a reduction in the aggregate amount of space
required for both or all buildings involved.
(g) For purposes of consistency with respect to municipal services such as police
protection in connection with such use, any sU'ucture on a lot or tract of land
subjected to such use shall be entirely within the borough, and in no case shall
more than 10% of said lot or ~act lie outside the borough.
(h) Each lot or tract of land subjected to such use shall be serviced with an on-site
comma~'cial dnrnpster, $cre;~led' for purposes of aesthetic appearance and
(i) The location of any new building(s) intended to be subjected to such use and
proposed in conn~tion with a subdivision/land development plan involving
other potential residential uses shall, to the extent practical, be selected in a
manner most amenable to and least detrimental to the developm,nt of said other
U.S'S.
(j) Yards. Front, side and rear yards shall be provided on each lot or tract of land
subjected to such use as follows:
[1] Front yard. One yard not less than 50 feet in depth (subject to the provisions
of § 150-36).
[2] Side yard. Two side yards, each being at least 50 feet wide.
[3] Rear yard. One yard not less than~ 50 feet in depth.
(k) No building subjected to such use shall exceed 35 feet in height, provided that
such height limits may be exceeding by one foot by which the width of each side
15O25
§ 150-16
SHIPPENSBURG CODE § 150-18
yard is increased beyond minimum side yard requirements, up to a maximum of
45 feet.
(1) No building subjected to such use shall be designed to or shall house more than
30 students per/acre, but in no case more than 50 students in a building.
(m) The minimum lot size per building for a fraternity or sorority shall be one acre.
ARTICLE IV
Commercial Districts
§ 150-17. Purpose.
The commercial district is designed to provide for the needs of the Borough of Shippensburg
central or downtown retail business area and to cluster and encourage their development in
limited areas and to exclude certain incompatible uses to encourage COmmerCial development.
In those commercial areas outside the downtown commercial district is planned to encourage
appropriate development providing for more intense commercial use? including service-type
establishments necessitating access to retail establishments or industry.
§ 150-18. C-1 Commercial-1 District.
Use regulations for the C-1 District shall be as follows. A building may be erected or used and
a lot may be used or occupied for any of the following purposes and no other, provided that
each use shall comply with the area, height and special design requirements of Subsection I(5)
below:
A. Any use permitted in an R-5 Multiple-Family Residence District, with such restrictions in
lot area and yard size as required for uses permitted in an R-5 zone.
B. Retail sales and professional uses as follows:
(I) Sale of any product from within a building, honsehold goods, antiques, automobiles,
automotive parts and supplies, wearing apparel, hardware and groceries.
(2) Banks, insurance/travel agencies, personal services such as barber and beauty shops
and dry-cleaning and lauu&-y es~bli~hment, s.
(3) Preparation and sale of food and/or drinks for consumption on the premises or
elsewhere.
(4) Professional offices, including medical doctors, lawyers, chiropractors, surveyors,
psychologists, realtors and consultants.
(5) Warehousing.
(6) Any business of a similar type or nature.
C. Student houses, subject to the special design criteria of § 150-14A(4), provided that no
more than 70% of the structures on any block shall be student houses.
C~
15026
§ 150-18 ZONING § 150-18
Eo
Trailers or mobile homes sha/1 be permitted in the area bounded by Locust Street, Conrail,
South Morris Street and Nehf Avenue. The following conditions shall apply: The mobile
home or trailer shall be anchored to the land in such manner as to prevent its blowing over
or being swept away by flood.
The following uses, when authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board, as a special exception,
subject to those standards specified in § 150-53:
(I) An indoor place of amusement, recreation or assembly, including a theater, arcade or
other such activity.
(2) A cra~man's or general service shop, including plumbing, heating and machine
finner's shop.
(3) Motor vehicle sales and service, provided that all the facilities are located and all
services performed within the confines of the lot.
(4) Convenience store.
Accessory use on the same lot and incidental to the above,permitted uses, including storage
in conjunction with retail or permitted uses.
Signs, when erected, shall be in conformity with the regulationS of Article XI, hereof.
Area, height and special design regulations. Every building used exclusively as a dwelling
shall comply with the area and height regulations prescribed for the R-5 Residence
Dis~icts~
For buildings or swactures used in whOle or in part for commercial uses, the following
shall apply:
(1)
Lot area. In the case of dwelling or use as an apartment in combination with a
business, a lot area of not less than 3,000 square feet per dwelling unit shall be
provided.
(2) Building area. Not more than 70% of the area of each lot may be occupied by
(3) Yards. Front, side and rear yards shall be provided on each lot as follows:
(a) Front yard. One yard, not less tha~ I0 feet in depth, subject to the provisionS of
§ 150-36.
Side yard. None requi~l when a building or structure is used exclusively for
comme~ial purposes, provided that when a lot abuts a residential district or a
street on the side lot, thcn a setback of I0 feet shall be provided. Where side
yards are provided when not required, they shall be no less than five feet in
width.
(4)
(c) Rear yard. A rear yard not less than 20 feet in depth shall be provided.
Height regulations. No structme shall exceed 75 feet in height, measured from the
grade of the lot, except a hotel or office building which may exceed such height when
authorized as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board.
15027
§ 150-18 sI-m~PENSBURG CODE § 150-19
(5) Special design criteria. In order to encourage sound retail and commercial
development and to protect the existing retail and commercial uses in the borough, the
following special requirements shall apply:
(a) Permitted uses shall be conducted wholly within a building or structure.
(b) Merchandise, equipment and articles shall not be stored outside a building or
structure, except when in a secure, fenced area, .screened from neighboring
properties by vegetation or other means.
(c) No operation, equipment or use shall be objectionable or noxious, offensive or
ha?ardons as defined in § 150-5, Definitions.
(d) Where hazardous, flammable or toxic chemicals are required to be stored on or
in a building or su'ucture, they shall be secured in accordance with Department
of Environmental Resources and/or Environmental Protection Agency guidelines
or the Fire Chief of the borough.
(e) Off-street parking and loading areas shall be provided in accordance with the
provisions of the Subdivision and Land I)~velopm~nt Chapter.
§ 150-19. C-2 Commercial-2 District.
A. This disWict is intended to provide opportunities to property owners to develop commercial
and professional uses in existing structures to meet the specific needs of nearby residents
as well as the public at large. This district encompasses the older historic Ixxtions of the
main street, where there is a historical and architectural mixture of owner-occupied,
tenant-occupied and commercial uses. The purpose of this district is to preserve the
character of the neighborhood, while providing options to property owners for mixed
propert~ uses.
B. In C-2 CornmelN. ial-2 Districts, the following regulations shall apply:
(1) Use regulations. A building may be erected or used and a lot may be used or occupied
for any of the following purposes and no other, provided that each use shall comply
with the area and special design r~quirements of Subsection B below:
(a) Any u~ permitted in an K-¢ Single-Family l~esidsnce District, subject to the
restrictious for lot area and pa~in$ as provided in Subsections B(2)(a) and
B(S)(h)[3] below.
Co) The following uses, when used in conjunction with the permitted uses and
commercial in nature: personal service shops, including shoe repair, beauty and
barber shops, art galleries and f~,~i.g shops, photography studios and art
studios; professional offices, including legal offices, medical and psychologist
offices and accounting offices; tiower and florist shops; music insmm~nt sales
and musical trai,~iug studios and dance studios; restaurants; banks, savings and
loans, credit unions and similar financial institutions, stock brokcn~ offices;
insurance sales and agency offices; ~ estate sales offices; court.ling offices;
dental offices and clinics; and s'mailar types of businesses.
C~
15028
§ 150-19
ZONING § 150-20
(c) Signs, when erected, shall be in conformity with the regulations of Article
(2) Area and special design regulations. Every building used exclusively as a dwelling
unit shall comply with the following:
(a) Lot area. A lot area of not less than 5,000 square feet per/dwelling unit shall be
provided.
(3) Yards. Front, side and rear yards shall be provided on each lot as follows:
(a) Front yard. One yard, not less than 20 feat in depth, measured at the right-of-way
tine, subject to the provisions of § 150-36.
Co) Side yard. Two side yards totaling 20 feet, with neither less than six feet in
width.
(c) Rear yard. One yard not less than 20 feet in depth with accessory buildings and
vision obstructions at alleys conforming with provisions of §8 150-30 and
150-31.
(d) Comer lot~. A corner lot shall be considered to have two side yards and two front
yards.
(e) For a building structure used for commercial or other nonresidential permitted
uses, the following shall apply:
[1] Lot area. A lot area of not less than 5,000 squ~r¢ feet per dwelling unit and
not less than 2,500 ~quare feet per business occupancy shall be provided.
(f) Building area. Not more than 60% of the area of each lot m~y be occupied by
~mcUlres.
(g) Height. No building shall exceed more th~n 75 feet in height.
(h) Special design critcri~ The following special requirements shall apply:
[1] P~mitted uses shall be co~t,i,~ed wholly, within a building or sUuctum.
[2] Merchandise, equipment ~xl articles shall not be stored outside a structure.
[3] Off-str~t parking ~ lo~ing, areas shall be provided in accordance with
the provisions of the Subdivision and Land Development chapmr.
(4) Accessory uses permit~t. Owners shall be permitted, ~s an accessory use, one
apartment for not mor~ than two persons in a single-family, owner-occupied dwelling.
ARTICLE V
Office/Light Industri~ District
§ 150-20. Office/Light Industrial District
In an Office/Light Industrial District the following regulations shall apply:
A. Use regulations. A building may be erected or used and a lot may be used or occupied for
the following purposes:
15029
§ 150-20 SHIPPENSBURG CODE § 150-20
(1) Offices.
(2) Warehousing, not to include truck terminals.
(3) Data processing facilities and information systems facilities.
(4) Eating facilities. Each office, warehouse or data processing facility shall be permitted
to have a restaurant, coffee shop, cafeteria or location for food vending machines of
sufficient size to serve the employees, tenants, visitors and guests expected at the site.
(5) Signs. Signs shall be permitted to give the address of each office building and to give
the name(s) and occupations of the tenants. Them shall be only one sign on each
building, provided that a building fronting on more than one street may have a sign
for each street. The size of each sign shall be governed by the regulations contained at
Article XI, § 15040, hereof.
(6) Accessory uses. Uses customarily incidental to offices, warehouses and data
processing and information processing facilities shall be permitted, and accessory
buildings, including storage space for vehicles and equipment, shall be permitted.
B. Height regulations. No building shall be more than three stories in height, and no building
shall be more than 75 feet in height.
C. Lot area and lot width. A lot area of not less than two acres per use shall be required, to
include accessory use, if any. No lot shall have a rolnlmum width of less than 200 feet,
measured at the inside of the curb or the right-of-way.
D. Building area. No more than 70% of the area of each lot may be occupied by buildings,
including accessory uses, if any.
E. Yards. The following yards shall be provided on each lot:
(1) Front yard. On~ yard not less than 50 feet.
{2) Side yards. Two yards not less than 30 feet in aggregate width a~d neither less than 15
feet, provided that in the case of a lot abutting two sweets, any yard that abuts a street
shall be not less than 20 feet in width.
(3) Rear yard. One yard not less than 50 feet in depth.
F. Special design regulations. The following design regulations shall apply in the
Officefflndustrial District:
(1) For lots adjoining a residential district or th~ corporate !ir~ts of the borough, a buffer
zone of not less than 25 feet shall be established and maintained, consisting of
evergreens, shrubs or other screening vegetation.
(2) Lighting for parking areas and signs shall be designed in such a way so that it does
not reflect onto th~ adjoining areas.
(3) Stormwater and drainage shall be established on th~ site to control runoff onto
adjoining lots or areas.
15030
§ 150-21 ZONING
Light Manufacturing District
§ 150-21. Light Manufacturing District regulations.
In a Light Manufacturing District the following regulations shall apply:
A.
Do
§ 150-21
Use regulations. A building may be erected or used and a lot may be used or occupied for
the following purposes:
(I) Any use permitted in an Office/Light Industrial District.
(2) Tradesman's shop, such as plumbing/beating contractor, timaer's shop and
woodworking shop.
(3) Machine shop, when not equipped with heaTM punching or pressing machines,
riveting machines, drop forges or other equipment which resuits in vibrations or noise
disturbing to adjacent property owners:
(4) Food processing and preparation for human consumption.
(5) Printing shop and binder.
(6) Clothing and dress manufacture.
(7) Weaving and the manufacture of textiles from yaru.
(8) Conversion of paper into party goods and the manufacture or conversion of raw
materials into party goods and related activities.
(9) Electrical appliance and electronic instrument assembly.
(10) Laboratories.
Height. No building shall be more than three stories in height, and no building shall be
more than 75 feet in height
Lot area and lot width. A lot area of not less than two acres per use shall be required, to
include accessory use, if any. No lot nhaI1 have a mh~mum width of less than 200 feet,
measured at the inside of the curb or the right-of-way.
Building area. No more than 70% of the area of each lot may be occupied by buildings,
including accessory uses, if any.
Yards. The following yards shall be provided on each lot:
(1) Front yard. One yard not less than 50 feet
(2) Side yards. Two yards not less than 30 feet in aggregate width and neither less than 15
feet, provided that in tbe case of a lot abutting two su'eets, any yard that abuts a strut
shall be not less than 20 feet in width.
(3) Rear yard. One yard not less than 50 feet In depth.
Special design regulations. The following design regulations shall apply in the Light
Manufacturing District:
15031
§ 150-21
SHIPPENSBURG CODE § 150-22
(1) For lots adjoining a residential district or the corporate limits of the borough, a buffer
zone of not less than 25 feet shall be established and maintained, consisting of
evergreens, shrubs or other screening vegetation.
(2) Lighting for parking areas and signs shall be designed in such a way so that it does
not reflect onto the adjoining areas.
(3) Stormwater and drainage shall be established on the site to control runoff onto
adjoining lots or area*.
ARTICLE VII
Heavy Manufacturing District
§ 150-22. Heavy Manufacturing District regulations.
In Heavy Manufacturing Districts the following regulations shall apply:
A. Use regulations. A building may be erected or used and a lot may be used or occupied for
the following purposes:
(1) Any use permitted in a Light Manufacturing District.
(2) Assembly of parts, including welding, grinding and machining involving the use of
heavy punching or pressing machines, drop forges, nveUng machines and the
(3) Forging.
(4) Metal fabricating,
(5) Thick terminals.
(6) Chemical processing.
(7) Plastics molding. .
(8) The following useS when anthodzed by the ~oning f-Iesxing Board, as a special
exception, subject to those standards specified in § 150-53: adult book stores and.
ente~,inment centers, massage parlors, modeling studiqs or similar activities, subject
to the special design criteria of this article;
B. Height regulations. No building shall be greater than 75 feet in height.
C..Lot area and lot width. A lot area of not less than two'acres per use shali be required, to
include aoc=ssory use, i~ any. No lot shall have a minimum width of less than 200 feet,
measured at the inside of the curb or the right-of-way.
D. Building area. No more than 70% of the area of each lot may be occupied by buildings,
including accessory uses, i.f any.
E. Yards. The following yards shall be provided on each lot:
(~) Front yard. One yard not less than 40 feet.
C
15032
§ 150-22 ZONING § 150-22
(2)
Side yards. Two yards not less than 30 feet in aggregate width and neither less than 15
feet, provided that in the case of a lot abutting two streets, any yard that abuts a street
shall be not less than 20 feet in width.
(3) Rear yard. One yard not less than 50 feet in depth.
Special design regulations. The following design regulations shall apply in the Heavy
Manufacturing Disu-ict:
(1) For lots adjoining a residential district or the corporate limits of the borough, a buffer
zone of not less than 25 feet shall be established and maintained, consisting of
evergreens, shrubs or other screening vegetation.
(2) Lighting for parking areas and signs shall be designed in such a way so that it does
not reflect and is not directed onto the adjoining areas.
(3) Stormwater and drainage shall be established on the site to control runoff onto
adjoining lots or areas.
(4) For adult book stores, entertainment centers, ~assa, ge parlors, modeling studios and
similar activities, the following special design criteria shall be applicable, in addition
to those contained in Subsection F(1) through (3):
(a) No more than 5% of the lot may be covered by buildings or accessory uses.
(b) A buffer strip shall be provided which shall be not less than 100 feet in width
encompassing the entire perimeter of the lot, which buffer strip shall be planted
with evergxeen, shrubs or other soreenlng vegetation, provided that, on the side
of such lot fronting on the street, the buffer strip shall be not closer than 50 feet
tO the street.
(c)
(d)
(e)
A single, unlighttxi sign, not more than 20 square feet in size, shall be provided
and shall face the street, set back not less than 50 feet from the fight-of-way line
of the street. The sign message shall be limited to verbal descriptions .of material
and services available on the premises and sign messages shall not include any
graphic or pictorial description of material or services available on the prenlises.
Parking shall be provided for not less than one motor vehicle per 200 square feet
of building area.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary hereq~t, none of the foregoing
businesses shah be perl~tted within:
[1] Five hundred feet of any residentially zoned district
[2] One thousand feet of any of the following uses:
Iai Churches, monasteries, chapels, synagogues, convents, rectories and
religious article or religious apparel stores.
[b] Schools, public or private, and the adjacent play areas or related
15033
§ 150-22
(0
(g)
SH~PENSBURG CODE § 150-23
lc] Public playl~ounds, swi~raing pools, picuic areas, parks, libra_des and
conservation or natural a~eas.
[3] For the purposes of this section, spacing dismuces shall be measured from
the outward boundary line of all residential zoning districts or from all
property lines of any use i~ Subsection F(4Xe)[2] above.
No building shall be erected which shall be higher than 20 fee~ when measured
from the grouud level at the lowest point to the highest point on said building.
Such other special design requirements as the Zoning Hearing Board sl~ll
determine to be necessary and desirable.
ARTIC~,E VIII
Institutional District
§ 150-23. Iaxstimtional District regulations.
In Institutional Districts the following regulations shall apply: '
A. Use regulations. A building may be erected or us~ and a lot may be occupied for any of
the following purposes, and no other:
(1) Public or private schools, elementary, secondary or postsecondary.
(2) Public parks or recreational areas, including public picnic pavilions, swimming pools
or playing fields.
(3) Churches, synagogues or mosqueS.
(4) Public administration buildings, municipal buildings, federal buildings or police
stations.
(5) Cemeteries or mausoleums-
(6) Hospitals or medical ;links.
(7) Public lil:m-y.
(8) Accessory uses. Uses customarily incidental to churches, syuagognes and mosques
and private schools such as gyl~nlasjnms, dormitories, libraries, staff residences ,nd
the like shall be permitted.
B. Area regulations.
(1) Lot area. A lot area of not less thau 1.0 acre shall be provided, except for public parks
or recreational areas.
(2) Building area. Not more than 70% of the lot area may be covered by the buildings,
parking areas and accessory uses.
15034
§ 150-24 ZONING
Agricultural Open Space
§ 150-24. Agricultural/Open Space District regulations.
In Agricultural/Open Space Districts the following regulations shall apply:
A.
§ 150-25
Use regulations. A building may be erected or used and a lot may be occupied for any of
the following purposes, and no other.
(I) A single dwelling occupied by the owner or tenant farmer actively engaged in the
tilling of the soil, except those areas specifically designated as open spaces by chapter
of the Borough Council.
(2) Agricultural, horticultural, floricultural and silvicultural use of the land, not to include
swine or poultry production.
Area regulations.
(1) Lot area. A lot area of not less tha~ 10 acres shall be,provided.
(2) Building area. No~ more than 5% of the lot ama may be covered by buildings and
accessory uses.
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous Provisions
§ 150-25. Nonconformin~ bulldin~ or use.
Ao
Continuation. Any lawful use of a building or land existhag or authorized by a building
permit at the effective date of this chapter may be continued, although such use does not
conform to the provisions of this chapter. It shall be the intent of this section, however, that
the conversion of a nonconforming building or use to a conforming use shall
encouraged to such extent as is reasonable.
Bo
Extension. A nonconforming use of land or building shall not be extended or structurally
altered, provided, however, that the Zoning Hearing Board may, as a special exception,
authorize:
(1)
(2)
The structural alteration of a nonconforming building where such alteration is
necessary for the building or the use of the building to conform to the requirements of
the district in which such building is situated.
The extension of a nonconforming use of a portion of a building throughout the
building, or the limited extension of a building which is devoted to a nonconforming
use on a lot, provided that:
(a) It is clear that such extension is not materially detrimental to the character of the
surrounding area or the interests of the borough.
Co) The area devoted to nonconforming use shall in no case be increased by more
than 50%.
15035
§ 150-25 SHIPPENSBURG CODE § 150-28
(c) Such extension shall conform to the area and height regulations of the district in
which it is situated.
C. Changes. A nonconforming use of a building or land may be changed to a nonconforming
use of the same or more restricted classification when authorized as a special exception by
the Zoning Hearing Board. Whenever a nonconforming use of a building or land has been
changed to a use of a more restricted classification or tn a conforming use, such use shall
not thereafter be changed to a use of a less restricted classification.
D. Restoration. A nonconforming building wholly or partially destroyed by ~e, explosion,
flood or other phenomenon, or legally condemned, may be mconswacted, repaired and
used for the same nonconformin§ use, provided that building reconstruction shall be
commenced within one year from the date the building was destroyed or condemned and
shall be carried on without inten'uption. No such building shall be used for a
nonconforming us~ until it is completed to the satisfaction of the Borough Manager or his
desiguee, and such completion will be accomplished within 18 months after destruction or
condemnation.
E. Abandonment. If a nonconforming use of a building or land is voluntarily abandoned and
ceases 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.
§ 150-26. Nonconforming lots.
A. Held in single and separate ownership. A building may be erected or altered on any lot
held at the effective date of this chapter in single and separate ownership which is not of
the required minimum area or width or is of such unusual dimensions that the owner would
have difficulty in providing the required open spaces for the district in which such lot is
situated, provided that plans for the proposed work shall be approved by the Zoning
Hearing Board, at~r review of such plans to assure reasonable compliance with ~ spirit
of the zoning ~egulations for the district
B. Included in recorded plan. Buildings may be erected on lo~s which am not held'in single
and separate ownership at the effective clae of the enaclment of this chapter and which am
not of the required arna or width d such lo~s are included in a land subdivision and
development plan which has been approved by Borough Council and must be recorded in
the courthouse subsequent to the effective date of the enac~nent of this chapter.
§ 150-27. Reduction of lot. .
No lot area shall be so reduced that the area of the lot or the ,tlmeusion of the open spaces shall
be smaller than herein prescribed.
§ 150-28. Conversion of dwelling to mulfiple.f~mily use.
The Zoning Hearing Board may authorize, as a special exception in any district other than
Manufacturing Districts, R-1 and R-2 Districts, the conversion of any dwelling existing at the
15036
§ 150-28 ZONING § 150-31
effective date of this chapter into a dwelling for not more than four families, subject to the
following requirements:
A. The lot area per family and yards shall not be reduced to less than the requirements of the
district in which the lot is located.
B. No structural alteration of the building exterior shall be made except as may be necessary
for purposes of sanitation or safety.
C. Such conversion shall be authorized only for a large building which has relatively little
economic value or usefulness as a single-family dwelling or conforming use.
D. The Zoning Hearing Board may prescribe such further conditions, with respect to the
conversion and use of such building, as it decides appropriate, in accordance with
§ 150-53F.
Off-street parking requirements.
Labor and industry approval of plans.
§ 150-29. Certain public utility buildings exempted.
This chapter shall not apply to any existing or proposed building or extension thereof used or m
be used by a public utility corporation if, upon petition of such corporation, the Pennsylvania
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.
§ 150-30. Yard provisions for private garage or accessory structure.
No accessory structure may be located or erected on a required lot unless its location conforms
with the provisions of this section. A private garage or one-story accessory building which is
not an integral sU'uctural part of a main building may be located in the required side and/or rear
yard, but not less than three feet from any propeaxy line, provided that it is situated not less than
20 feet farther back from the s~reet line than the rearmost portion of the main buildhag. In cases
where the rear or side of a lot abuts a public alley, the accessory building shall be set back a
distance of 10 feet between the building line and the alley line. Where such lot is located at an
alley intersection, the setback distance shall be 10 feet from both alley lines.
§ 150-31. Vision obstruction.
On any corner lot, or at any accessway, no wall, fence or other structure shall be erected or
altered and no hedge, tree, shrub or other vegetation shall be maintained which may cause
danger or create a safety hu~,ard tO traffic on a street by obscuring the view.
15037
§ 150-32 SHI2PPENSBURG CODE § 150-33
§ 150-32. Prohibited uses.
A. No building may be erected, altered or used and no lot or premises may be used in a
residence or commercial district or within 100 feet of a residential district for any use
which is noxious or offensive by reason of odor, dust, vibration, lily,ruination or noise or
which constitutes a public hazard, whether by fire, explosion or othe~'ise ia the
immediately surrounding area.
B. Attached or row buildings used exclusively as dwellings shall not be perm/tted in any
district except R-4, R-5 and R-6.
§ 150-33. Off-street parking space.
In all districts, off-street parking space shall be provided as follows:
A. No less than 1~ off-street parking space~, with proper access from a street or alley, shall
be provided on any lot on which a dwelling is hereafter erected or converted, provided that
for multiple dwe!lln§s one space for each housekeeping unit shall~be provided.
B. Off-street parking space, with proper access from a street or alley, shall be provided in the
amounts indicated below on or near any lot on which the following types of uses are
hereafter established, provided that the Zoning Hearing Board may decrease these
requirements in any case where sufficient vacant space is not available un the lot or within
500 to 800 feet of the lot and where the unreasonableness of these regulations is clearly
demonstrated. In any case, however, the Board shall require that the requirements of this
section shall be met insofar as is practicable, l~othing in this station shall be constru~l to
prevent the establishment of joint parking facilities for two or more uses.
(1) Hotel, motel, tourist house or similar establishment: one space for each rental room or
suite.
(2) Theater, auditorium, church or other place of public assemblage: one space for every
(3) Commercial, office, restaurant and eating establishments or recreational building or
use other than those specified above: one space for each 100 squar~ feet, or portion
. thereof, of floor area devoted to patron or office use.
(4) Industrial establishment: one space for each one employee on the shift with the most
employees.
(5) For restaurants and eating establishments located within the area bounded by Prince
Street and Spring Street and Orange Street and Burd Street there shall be no
requirement for off-street parking.
C. Each off-street parking space shall comply with the requirements of the Borough of
Shippeusburg Subdivision and I_and Development chapter, Ordinance No. 93-626,
§ 137-27A.
D. parking areas shall be graded to provide convenient vehicular access and proper drainage
and shall be paved with a hard or semiha_rd material, excluding shale, or otherwise treated
tO prev~at dust or oth¢l' loose cover from begornlno~ a nuisallge or a haT..~'d. ~.t parkil3.g
C~
15038
§ 150-33 ZONING § 150-37
go
access or other vehicular service areas shall be adequately illuminated during night hours
of use. Such lighting shall be arranged so as to protect the highway and any adjoining
property from direct glare or hazardous interference of any kind.
Off-street parking facilities existing at the effective date of this chapter shall not
subsequently be reduced to an mount less than that required under this chapter for a
similar new building or new use. Off-street parking facilities provided to comply with the
provisions of this chapter shall not subsequently be reduced below the requiremenm of this
chapter.
§ 150-34. Loading and unloading space.
Off-street loading and unloading space, with proper access from a street or alley, shall be
provided on any lot on which a building for trade or business is berea~er erected or
substantially altered. In areas of controlled parking, loading and tmloading space must be
ordained by the Borough Council.
§ 150-35. Temporary use permit.
A temporary permit may be authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board for a nonconforming
structure or use which it deems necessary to the public health or g~neral welfare or which it
deems necessary to promote the proper development of the community, provided that such
nonconforming structure or use shall be completely removed upon expiration of the permit
without cost to the borough. Such a p~mit shall be issued for a specific period of time not
exceeding one year and may be renewed annually for a~ aggregate period of not more than
three years, including the original authorization.
§ 150-36. Front yard exception.
The front yard of a proposed building may be decreased in depth to the average alisynment
of existing buildings within I00 feet on each side of the proposed building, and within the
same block, if such alignment of existhag buildings is less than the front yard requirement
for the district.
B. A front yard of not less than 50 feet shall be provided on all lots abutting an officially
designated state highway, subject to the provisions of Subsection A above.
§ 150-37. Garden-type multiple dw~llln~.
The Zoning Hearing Board may anthorL~, as a special exception, the erection of a garden-type
multiple dwelling or a group of garden-type multiple dwellings hi R-3 and R4 Resideuce
Dis~cts. Such dwellings, or group of dwellings as a unit, shall conform with all regulations for
this chapter, except these for which the following spocial regulations shall be substituted:
A. The total lot area shall be not less than five acres and shall be suitable for the proposed use.
15039
§ 150-37 SHIPPENSBURG CODE § 150-40
B. The lot area per family shall be not less than 5,000 square feet in R-3 Districts and not less
than 3,500 square feet in R4 Dislricts.
C. Not more than 25% of the lot area shall be occupied by the buildings.
D. No side yard shall be less than 25 feet in width.
E. No garden apartment shall exceed two stories in height.
F. The distance at the closest point between any two buildings of a group of garden-type
multiple dwellings shall be not less than 20 feet.
G. The proposed development shall be served by public sewer and water facilities.
H. A group of garden-type multiple dwellings shall not be designed so as to permit
subsequent subdivision into units which would not conform to the use and area regulations
of the district in which it is located.
I. The proposed use shall be designed as a single arehkectural project or unit with
appropriate landscaping, shall provide for appropriate commOll open spaces alld facilities
and shall not materially detract from the character of the neighboring district.
I. The Zoning Hearing Board may prescribe such further conditions with respect to the
proposed development as it decides appropriate.
§ 150-38. Determination of uses not provided for.
In any district established by this chapter, when a specific use is neither permitted nor denied,
the Council of the Borough of Shippensburg shall make a determination as tn the similarity or
compatibility of the use in question to the permitted uses in that district upon receipt of an
application requesting such determination. No zoning permit shall be issued by the Zoning
Officer for any unspecified use until this determination has been made. The denial of such
application shall be considered fiual.
ARTICLE
Signs
§ 150-39. Conformnnce required.
Any sign hereafter erected or walntained shall conform with the provisions of this article and
any other ordinance or ~egnlations of the borough.
§ 150-40. Use and location regulations.
The following types of signs, and no other, shall be permitted:
A. Official traffic signs.
B. Professional accessory use or n~e signs indicating the name, profession or activity of the
occupant of a dwelling and trespassing signs or signs indic~6ng the private nature of a
15O4O
§ 150-40 ZONING § 150.-41
driveway or premises, provided that the area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed
12 square feet.
C. Identification signs for schools, churches, hospitals, clubs, lodges or similar uses, provided
that the area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
D. Real estate signs, including signs advertising the sale or rental of premises, provided that
the area on one side of any such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet; and signs indicating
the location and direction of premises in the process of development, provided that the area
on one side of any such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
E. Temporary signs of con,actors, architects, mechanics and artisans, provided that such
signs shall be removed promptly upon completion of the work and shall not exceed 12
square feet.
F. Business or industrial signs in commercial and manufacturing dis~cts only, provided that
such signs, except directional signs, are placed on the premises on which the use to which
the sign relates is conducted and the total area on one side of all such signs placed on or
facing any one street frontage of any one premises shall not exceed 32 square feet. The
area on one side of a directional sign shall not exceed 20 square feet. The size Iimitations
herein prescribed may be exceeded when authorized aa a special exception.
G. Utility signs necessary for the identification, operation and protection of public utility
facilities.
Temporary advertising or public service banners and signs. Temporary advertising banners
or public service banners shall be no more than 100 square feet on each side displayed and
shall be maintained for not longer than 60 days.
Off-site signs. Signs advertising a business shall be placed on the business premises and
shall not be maintained on property off of said premises.
Maximum of signs. No business shall have mnltiple signs whose total area exceeds the
maximum number of square feet permitted by this chapter.
§ 150-41. General sign regulations.
The following regulations shall apply to all permitted sign uses:
A. No sign shall be placed in such a position that it will cause danger to traffic on a street by
obscuring the view.
B. No sign, other than official Waffic signs, shall be erected within or shall project over the
lines of any street unless specifically authorized by other borough ordinances and
regulations.
C. No sign shall be of a flaahing-type, neon sign or interior illnmlnated sigll.
D. No sign shall project more than six feet over a public sidewalk and shall be not less than 10
feet above the plane of the sidewalk measured to the bottom
15041
§ 15041 SHIPPENSBURG CODE § 150-4~
E. In addition to the other requirements of this article, every sign referred to in this article
must be constructed of durable materials, must be kept in good condition and repair and
shall not be allowed to become dilapidated.
F. All signs existing as of the effective date of this chapter shah be permitted to re~ain until
replaced or for a period not to exce~l 10 years, whichever shall first occur, at which time
they shall be required to conform m this chapter.
A dmini~.ration
§ 150-42. Enforcement.
The Borough Council shall appoint a Zoning Administrative Officer to enforce the provisions
of this chapter. It shall be his duty to examine all apphcatiom for permits, issue permits only
for constmctiun and uses which am ia accordant* with all applications for permits with any
accompanying plans and documents and make such repom as the Borough Council may
r~quire. Permits for construction and uses which am a special ~xception or variance to
requirements of this chapter shall be issued only upon order of the Zoning Hearing Board.
Nothing herein contained shall require any change in plato or comtmction of a lawful use for
which a building pemait ha~ be~n issued.
§ 150-43. Permit required.
A permit shall be required prior to the erection of structural alteration of any building, structure
or portion thereof and prior to the use or change in use of a building or land and prior to the
change or extension of a nonconforming use. Farm buildings situated 50 feet or more from any
su'eet or property line shall be exempt from the permit requirements of this section, but all such
farm buildings shall be erected ia conformity with the use, area and height regulations
applicable in the district in which such farm buildings are located. Applications for permits
shall be made, in writing, to the Zoning Administrative Officer on such forms as. may be
furnished by the borough. Such application shall contain all info,~nation necessary for the
Zoning Administrative Officer to ascertain whether the proposed erection, alteration, use or
change in use complies with the provisions of tbi.~ chapter..
§ 15044. I~mnc~ of permit~.
Perulits shall be ~ or re~ ~thin l0 ~ys ~ ~e ~n a~Ecafion ~ ~ ~
wi~ ~e ~g Adminls~afiv~ ~cer. U~n co~[efion of ~e ~ecfi~ or ~fion of ~y
b~g or ~on ~f auto~g by ay ~t ad ~or m ~c~acy ~ ~, ~ hol~
of such ~t sM1 no~ ~e ~nlng Aam~i~ve ~c~ of such co~lefi~. No ~t
s~ ~ condder~ co~lete ~ ~enfly eff~five ~ffi ~ ~g 3dmi~i~five ~
~ c~ifl~ ~t ~e wo~ ~ ~ ~ ~ a~oved ~ ~ ~ co~o~ wi~ ~
provisions of ~s c~p~ ~d o~er apphcable ~es.
15042
§ 150.45 ZONING § 150-4-8
§ lS0-45. Fees.
Fees for permits shall be paid in accordance with a fee schedule to be adopted by the Borough
Council, and all such fees shall be paid into the Borough Treasury. Each applicant for an
appeal, special exception or variance shall, at the time of making application, pay a fee in
accordance with the aforementioned fee schedule for the cost of advertising ~ud mailing
notices, as required by this chapter and the rules of the Zoning Hearing Board.
ARTICLE xrrr
Zoning Hearing Board
§ 150-46. Appointment.
A Zoning Hearing Board, consisting of three merubers, shall be appointed by the Borough
Council in the manner prescribed by law.
§ 150-47. Powers and duties.
A. The Zoning Hearing Board shall have the following powers:
(1) To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in any order,
requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative official in the
enforcement of the Pennsylvania Municipalities planning Code.
(2) To hear and decide special exceptions to the terms of this chapter upon which the
Board is required to act under this chapter.
(3) To authorize upon appeal in specific cases such variance fxom the terms of this
chapter as will not be contrary to the public interest, where owing to special
conditions a literal enforcement of the provisions of tiffs chapter will result in
unnecessary hardship, and so that the spirit of this chapter shall be observed and
substantial justice done.
B. 5a exercising the above-mentioned powers, the Zoning Hearing Board may reverse or
affirm, wholly or partly, or may modify the order, requLrement, decision or determ~n.tion
appealed from and may m.~e such order, requirement, decision or determ~n.~on as, in its
opinion, ought to be made. Notice of such decision shall for&with be given to all parties hi
interest.
§ 150-48. Adoption of rules.
The Zoning Heating Board shall adopt rules in accorc~ce with the provisions of thiz chapter.
Such rules shall include, but shall not be limited to, the manner of filing appeals, the manner of
filing applications for special exceptions and variances from the terms of this chapter, and the
manner of giving notice of public hearings.
150~3
§ 150-49 SI-~PENSBURG CODE § 150-53
§ 150-49. Meetings; minutes.
Meetings of the Zoning Hearing Board shall be held at the call of the Ch~ and at such
other times as the Board may determine. Such Chairman or, in his absence, the Acting
Chairman may administer oaths and compel the attendance of wimesses. All meetings of the
Board shall be open to the public. The Board shall keep minutes of its proceedings showing the
vote of each member upon each question or, if absent or fail!rig to vote, indicating such fact and
shall keep records of its examinations and other official actions, all of which shall be
immediately filed in the office of the Board and shall be a public record.
§ 150-50. Appeals to the Zoning Hearing Board.
Appeals to the Zoning Hearing Board may be taken by any person aggrieved by or any officer
of the borough affected by any decision of the A,~minlstrative Officer. Such appeal shall be
taken within a reasonable time, as provided by the rules of the Board, by ~ling with the officer
from whom the appeal is taken and with the Zoning Hearing Board a notice of appeal
specifying the grounds thereof. The officer from whom the appeal is taken shall forthwith
· ' ~ ' n appealed from
ttansmit to the Board all the papers constituUng the record upon which the aclao
was taken.
§ 150-51. Public hearings.
Upon the filing with the Zoning Hearing Board of an appeal, the Zoning Heating Board shall
fix a reasonable time and place for a public hearing and shall, in the m~nner prescribed by its
rules, give public notice thereof, as well as due notice to the parties in interest, who shall be at
least those persons whose progenies adjoin the property in question, and shall decide the same
within a reasonable time. Any party may appear at a public hearing in person or by agent or by
attorney.
C~
§ 150-52. Appeal to court
Any person or persons aggrieved by any decision of the Zoning Hearing Board or any taxpayer
or any officer of the borough may, within 30 days after such decision of the Board, appeal to
the Court of Common Pleas of the county by petition, duly verified, setting forth that such
decision is arbitrary, capricious and an abuse of discretion or othev~e not in accorelance with
law and spec~g the grounds upon which he relies.
§ 150-53. Review of proposed exception or variance.
In any instance where the Zoning Hearing Board is required to consider an exception or
variance in the Zoning Chapter or Map in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, the
Zoning Hearing Board shall, among other things:
A. Assure iuself that the proposed exception or varizuce is consistent with the spirit, purpose
and intent of the Zoning Chapter.
150~
§ 150-53 ZON'I2qG § 150-56
B. Determine that the proposed change will not substantially injure or detract from the use of
neighboring property or from the character of the neighborhood and that the use of the
property adjacent to the area included in the proposed change or plan is adequately
safeguarded.
C. Determine that the proposed change will serve the best interests of the borough, the
convenience of the community (where applicable) and the public schools.
D. Consider the effect of the proposed change upon the logical, efficient and economical
extension of public services and facilities such as public water, sewers, police and fire
protection and public schools.
E. Be guided in its study, review and decision by sound standards of subdivision practice,
where applicable.
F. Impose such conditions, in addition to those required, as are necessary to assure that the
intent of the Zoning Chapter is complied with, which conditions may include but are not
limited to harmonious design of buildings, planting and its maintenance as a sight or sound
screen, the minimizing of noxious, offensive or ba~an:lous elements and adequate standards
of parking and sanitation. '
G. Require a labor and industry occupancy permit.
§ 150-54. Conditional uses.
Where the Council of the Borough of Shippensburg in the Zoning Chapter has established a use
as a conditional use in a zoning district, such use shall be permitted after a public hearing
before the Zoning Hearing Board. In approving a request for a conditional use, the Zoning
Hearing Board shall attach such reasonable conditions as safeguards, in addition to those
expressed in the chapter, as it shall deem necessary to implement the purpose of the
Pennsylvania Municipalities planning Code, the Subdivision and Land Development chapter of
the Borough of Shippensburg and the Zoning Chapter.
§ 150-55. Expiration of variance, special exception and conditional use.
A variance, special exception or conditional use granted by the Zoning Hearing Board shall
expire if the proposed use or structure contemplated by said variance, ~ exception or
conditional use has not been executed or acted ulmn within 12 months following the date of
approval.
ARTICLE XIV
Amendment, Remedies and Penalties
§ 150-56. Amendments; public hearing.
The Borough Council may, from time to t~me, amend, supplement, change, modify or repeal
this chapter, including the Zoning Map. No such amendment, supplement, change, modification
or repeal shall become effective until after a public hearing in relation thereto at which parties
in interest and citizens shall have an opportunity to be heard.
15O45
§ 150-56
SHIPPENSBURG CODE § 150-58
At least 15 days' notice of such pubhc hearing shall be published in a newspaper of
general circulation in the borough, and notices thereof shall be mailed to parties in interest
and to every civic association or association of residents in the borough who shall have
registered its name and address for this purpose with the Borough Manager. The notices
shall state the time and place of such hearing and the general nature of the proposed
amendment.
In cases of a protest against such amendment, supplement, change, modification or repeal
signed by the owners of 20% or more, either of the area of the lots included in such
proposed change or of those immediately adjacent in the rear thereof extending I00 feet
therefrom, or of those directly opposite thereto extending 100 feet from the street frontage
of such opposite lots, such amendment supplement, change or modification shall not
become effective except by the favorable vote of ~/4 of all the members of the Borough
Council.
§ 150.$7. Prevention of unlawfu.I com~rucfiom
In case any building or structure is erected, constructed, reconsti'ucted, altered, repaired,
converted or maintained or any building, structure or land is used in violation of this chapter or
any regulations made pursuant thereto, the proper borough authorities, in addition to other
remedies, may institute any appropriate action or proceedings to prevent such unlawful
erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use to
restrain, correct or abate such violafiom to prevent the occupancy of said building, structure or
land or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about such premises.
C~
§ 150-58. Violations and penalties.
For any and every violation of the provisions of this chapter the owner, general agent or
· · ' has been committed or shall eodst and
contractor of a building or prenuses where such vmlatinn
the lessee or tenant of an entire building or entire premises where such violation has been
committed or shall exist, the owner, general agent, contractor, lessee or tenant of any part of a
building or premises in which part such violation has been committed or shall exist and the
general agent, architect, building contractor or any other person who knowingly commits, takes
part or assists in any such violation or who wai.t~in~ any building or premises in which any
such violation shall exist shall be liable, on conviction thereof, to a fine or penalty not
exceeding $500 for each and every offense which inure to the benefit and use of the borough
with the costs of suit and, in default of payment thereof, the Justice of the peace may, in his
discretion, commit the offender to prison in the county jail for a per/od not exceeding 30 days
for each and every offense. Whenever such pe~on shall have been officially notified by the
prosecution or in any other official ~nanner that he is committing a violation, each day's
continuance of such viohtion after such notification shall constitute a separate offense,
punishable by a like fine or penalty. Such fines shall be collected as Like fines are now collected
by law.
150~6
CSR ENTERPRISES,
Appellant
V
ZONING HEARING BOARD OF THE
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG,
Appellee
1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 02 - 580
CERTIFICATION OF RECORD
Pursuant to the Writ of Certiorari issued in the above captioned case, the Zoning
Hearing Board of the Borough of Shippensburg hereby files with the Cumberland County
Court of Common Pleas the complete record before the Zoning Hearing Board in the above
matter, this record consisting of the following:
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Application for Variance consisting of seven (7) pages.
Preliminary Land Development Plan for CSR Enterprises, Sheets 1 through
13.
Notice of Hearing dated November 28, 2001.
Notice of Hearing dated December 19, 2001.
Proof of Publication for meeting of November 28, 2001.
Proof of Publication for meeting of December 19, 2001.
Transcript of November 28, 2001 hearing.
Transcript of December 19, 2001 hearing.
9. Decision of the Shippensburg Zoning Hearing Board, mail date January 4,
2002.
Respectfully submitted,
Hubert X. ~ilroy, E~uire
Attorney for Appe)~ee
4B r;oU~; H&a nGiolvr~r ~ tP;eC~t
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-4574
Supreme Court ID No. 29943
CSR ENTERPRISES,
Appellant
V
ZONING HEARING BOARD OF THE
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG,
Appellee
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: NO. 02 - 580
..
_.
._
..
CERTIFICATION OF RECORD
Pursuant to the Writ of Certiorari issued in the above captioned case, the Zoning
Hearing Board of the Borough of Shippensburg hereby files with the Cumberland County
Court of Common Pleas the complete record before the Zoning Hearing Board in the above
matter, this record consisting of the following:
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Application for Variance consisting of seven (7) pages.
Preliminary Land Development Plan for CSR Enterprises, Sheets 1 through
13.
Notice of Hearing dated November 28, 2001.
Notice of Hearing dated December 19, 2001.
Proof of Publication for meeting of November 28, 2001.
Proof of Publication for meeting of December 19, 2001.
Transcript of November 28, 2001 hearing.
Transcript of December 19, 2001 hearing.
Decision of the Shippensburg Zoning Hearing Board, mail date January 4,
2002.
Respectfully submitted,
!~~Hubert X.~Gilroy, E uire
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-4574
Supreme Court ID No. 29943
'I0-18-0! 14:43 BOROUGH OF
SHIPPENSBURG
ID=7175326948
APPLICATION FOR VARIA NCE
TO: Shippensburg Zoning Hearing Board:
I or we hereby apply for a variance from the Zoning Ordinance of
the Borough of Shippensburg, and represent as follows:
The name, address and phone number of the applicant{s) are:
The attorney, if any (an attd~ey- zs' n6t red,red) for the app!ic~nt (s)~s)
The location of the property affected is: ~IT) 7~-~t~t ~
Street
4.
-' ' Borough -- I Co'o/lty
The present zoning classification of the property is: (for examDle,
Residence District).
F..-..%
The provisions of the Zoning Ordinance from which
is as follows: (for example, The Use Regulations
do not permit a canning factory in the districs).
a variance is sough%
in Section 401, ~nick
The specific variance which is here being applied for is as follows:
(for example, the use of the building on the premises as a car~inq
factory).
Drawings, surgeys, etc., which may be helpful in underst~ndin~ 5~
application, are attached hereuo.
The reason that the variance is necessary is uha~: (for ex~.~ule,
building and land are unsuitable for anything except a canning fl=cSc:y5 .
The o~mer(s) of the properuy
is Or are:
i'0-18-81 1~:~4 BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG
ID=Ti75326948
P03/~2
I or we understand that at a hearing conducted by the Board on chis
application the burden will be upon the applica~/t(s) to show that the
requisites for a variance, under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning
Coder exist in this case.
Application Received:
Number Assigned to Application:
~plicant(s)
Signature 5f B~ough Officer R~ceiVing
Applications
2~Ship. zen. H. Bd. /~
(Date)
Note: If sufficient space is not available in Items 5 and 6r please ac:ack
additional pertinent information to this form.
surveyors
Cad D. Bert, PLS
Steven P. Wolfe, PLS
Gregory N. Wengert, PLS
Scott B. Bert, PE
RE:
ORDINANCE:
REFERENCE:
PLAN:
REQUEST:
RATIONALE:
CARL BERT & ASSOCIATES
Professional Land Surveyors & Engineers
20 East Burd Street
Shippensburg, Pa. 17257
(717) 532-9470
Fax (717) 530-9339
Web site: carlbertassociate~.com
Email: cdbassoc~innernet.net
SubdMsion & Development Plans
Proper/7 Surveys
Construction Stake-o~t
Topographic Surveys
GPS Services
GIS Services
Aerial Mapping
CSR Enterpdses
November 6, 2001
CDB # C-ST-01-04
VARIANCE REQUEST
LOT AREA PER DWELLING UNIT
Shippensburg Borough Zoning Ordinance 95-659
Article X, Section 150-37.B, Lot Area per dwelling unit
Preliminary Plan for CSR Enterprises located off of Kenneth Ave.
in Shippensburg Township and Shippensburg Borough,
Cumberland Co., dated October 8, 2001, prepared by Cad Bert &
Associates, File No. C-ST-01-04
To allow the construction of 2 -12 unit buildings with less than 5,000
sq. ft. per dwelling unit.
Over the entire lot of 4.67 acre~t~he lot area per dwelling unit
is 3,390 sq. ft.
The Shippensburg Township requirement of 3,000 sq. ft. per
dwelling unit is met and would allow con'dnuity on the lot.
R-7 Zone is adjoined by R-5 and Commercial Zones, the
construction of the 2 - 12 unit buildings, would be permitted
in the R-5 Zone. The construction of the apartment
buildings would not be detrimental to neighboring properties.
R-7 Zone permits the use of Fraternity and Sorodty Housing,
which allow~ up to 50 people in one building.
surveyors
Cad D. Bert, PLS
Steven P. Wolfe, PLS
Gregory N. Wengert, PLS
Scott B. Bert, PE
RE:
ORDINANCE:
REFERENCE:
PLAN:
REQUEST:
RATIONALE:
CARL BERT & ASSOCIATES
Professional Land Surveyors & Engineers
20 East Burd Street
Shippensburg, Pa. 17257
(717) 532-9470
Fax (717) 530-9339
Web site: caHbertassociates.com
Email: cdbassoc~,innemet, net
Subdivision & Development P1ans
Property Surveys
Construction Stake-out
Topographic Surveys
GPS Services
GIS Services
Aerial Mapping
CSR Enterprises
November 6, 2001
CDB # C-ST-01-04
VARIANCE REQUEST
CONSTRUCTION OF 12 UNIT BUILDINGS
Shippensburg Borough Zoning Ordinance 95-659
Article III, Section 150-12.A.2, Multiple Dwelling Units
Preliminary Plan for CSR Enterprises located off of Kenneth Ave.
in Shippensburg Township and Shippensburg Borough,
Cumberland Co., dated October 8, 2001, prepared by Cad Bert &
Associates, File No. C-ST-01-04
To allow the construction of 2 -12 unit buildings instead of the
permitted 6 dwelling unit garden type apartment building.
1. The proposed land use is acceptable in Shippensburg Township
and would provide continuity on the property.
R-7 Zone is adjoined by R-5 and Commercial Zones, the
construction of the 2 - 12 unit buildings, would not be
detrimental to the neighboring properties.
3. All Shippensburg Township cdteda are met for the complex.
4. In the Borough there are no adjoining properties that have less
than 6 dwellings units.
1. Acacia Housing Corporation
surveyors
Cad D. Bert, PLS
Steven P. Wolfe, PLS
Gregory N. Wengert, PLS
Scott B. Bert, PE
RE:
ORDINANCE:
REFERENCE:
PLAN:
REQUEST:
RATIONALE:
CARL BERT & ASSOCIATES
Professional Land Surveyors & Engineers
20 East Burd Street
Shippensburg, Pa. 17257
(717) 532*9470
Fax (717) 530-9339
Web site: carlbertassociates.com
Emaih cdbassoc(&innemet .net
Subdivision & Development Plans
Propert7 Surveys
Construction Stake-out
Topographic Surveys
GPS Services
GIS Services
Aedal Mapping
CSR Enterprises
November 6, 2001
CDB # C-ST-01-04
VARIANCE REQUEST
LOT AREA FOR GROUP APARTMENT COMPLEX
Shippensburg Borough Zoning Ordinance 95-659
Article X, Section 150-37.A, Lot Area
Preliminary Plan for CSR Enterprises located off of Kenneth Ave.
in Shippensburg Township and Shippensburg Borough,
Cumberland Co., dated October 8, 2001, prepared by Carl Bert &
Associates, File No. C-ST-01-04
To allow the construction of 2 -12 unit buildings on a lot size of less
than five acres.
The lot area of the entire property is 4.67 acres, however
only 1.24 acres lie with in the Borough. This property is the
only property that CSR Enterprises owns, and there is no
other land available for this project.
The proposed land use is acceptable in Shippensburg
Township and would provide continuity on the property.
The R-7 Zone is adjoined by the R-5 Zone and the
Commercial Zone, so the construction of the 2 - 12 unit
buildings would not be detrimental to the neighboring
properties.
All Shippensburg Township criteda are met for the complex.
Shippensburg Township has no such requirement for
minimum lot size.
The configuration of the land precludes the uses allowed in
R-7. R-3 uses are permitted within R-7 but requires a
minimum of 5 acres for group apartments of this nature.
surveyors
Cad D. Bert, PLS
Steven P. Wolfe, PLS
Gregory N. Wengert, PLS
Scott B. Bert, PE
CARL BERT & ASSOCIATES
Professional Land Surveyors & Engineers
20 East Burd Street
Shippensburg, Pa. '17257
(717) 532-9470
Fax (717) 530-9339
Web site: carlbertassociate~.com
Email: cdbassoc(~innernet .net
Subdivision & Development Plans
Properb/Survetcs
Construction Stake-c~t
Topographic Surve,/s
GPS Services
GIS Services
Aerial Mapping
CSR Enterprises
November 6, 2001
CDB # C-ST-01-04
RE:
ORDINANCE:
REFERENCE:
PLAN:
REQUEST:
RATIONALE:
VARIANCE REQUEST
LOT AREA PER DWELLING UNIT
Shippensburg Borough Zoning Ordinance 95-659
Article X, Section 150-37.B, Lot Area per dwelling unit
Preliminary Plan for CSR Enterprises located off of Kenneth Ave.
in Shippensburg Township and Shippensburg Borough,
Cumberland Co., dated October 8, 2001, prepared by Carl Bert &
Associates, File No. C-ST-01-04
To allow the construction of 2 -12 unit buildings with less than 5,000
sq. ft. per dwelling unit.
Over the entire lot of 4.67 acres, the lot area per dwelling
unit is 3,390 sq. ft.
The Shippensburg Township requirement of 3,000 sq. ft. per
dwelling unit is met and would allow continuity on the lot.
R-7 Zone is adjoined by R-5 and Commercial Zones, the
construction of the 2 - 12 unit buildings, would be permitted
in the R-5 Zone. The construction of the apartment
buildings would not be detrimental to neighboring properties.
R-7 Zone permits the use of Fraternity and Sorodty Housing,
which allows up to 50 people in one building.
The progression of minimum lot sizes per dwelling unit in the
Zoning Oddnance is as follows:
R-1 14,000 sq. ft.
R-2 10,500 sq. ft.
R43 5,000 sq. ft.
R-4 3,500 sq. ft.
R-5 2,500 sq. ft.
R-6 2,500 sq. ft.
The 3,390 sq. ft. per dwelling unit is greater than the
minimum required for the adjoining R-5 Zone.
2
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NOT'J:¢E OF EET'J:N6
There will be a meeting of the 5hippensburg Zoning Hearing Board at 7:00 p.m.,
Wednesday, November 28, 2001, at the 5hippensburg Borough Office, 1111 North Fayette 5treat,
5hippensburg, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the meeting will be to hear the following:
Board Case No. 2001-13: Luanne Hozzord, for the property located at 469 East King Street.
This property Js located in a C-2 District. The applicant has applied for variances from the
Borough Code of 5hippensburg, Chapter 150 (Zoning), Article ];V, section 150-19, 5ubsect6ion B (3)
(b), Side Yard Requirements. The applicant already constructed a 16 ft. by 25 ft. 8 inch deck to
the rear of the existing house which has a west side yard as little as 6 ft. 4 inches and an east side
yard as little as 5 ft. The Code requires two side yards totaling twenty (20) feet with neither less
than six (6) feet in width.
Board Case No. 2001-14; Neal and sarah Lake for the property located at 325 East Burd
5treat. This property is located in an 1>,-5, P, esidence District. Mr. & Mrs. Lake have applied for a
variance from the Borough Code of 5hippensburg, Chapter 150 (Zoning), Article ];, section 150-5,
Definition of Family. Mr. & Mrs. Lake wish to have as many as four (4) unrelated persons living at
this property until .Tune 1[, 200?. The Code allows only three (3) unrelated persons.
Board Case No. 2001-Z§; C.R.5. Enterprises for the property located at Kenneth Avenue &
Brookside Avenue. This property is located in an 1>,-7, Residence District. The applicant(s) hav~
applied for variances from the Borough Code of 5hippensburg, Chapter 150 (Zoning), Article X,
Section 150-37, Subsection B, Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit; Article ~-~, Section 150-12, Subsection
A (2), Multiple Dwelling Units, and Article X, Section 150-37, Subsection A, Lot Area. The
Applicants wish to construct two (2), twelve (12) unit buildings at this location which would have a
lot area less than five (5) acres, and would have as little as 3,390 sq. ft. lot size per dwelling unit.
The Code allows up to six (6) dwelling units in one building, requires a lot area of 5 acres and lot size
per dwelling unit of 5,000 sq. ft. in the 1>,-7, Residence District.
J, Lee Hockersmith
secretary
Notices to:
Board Members
Hubert Gilroy
Diana Sydnor
Applicants
Cumberland County Redevelopment Authority, 114 KI. Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Samuel Wiser, 470 East King Street, 5hbg.
Teresa Roman, 472 East King Street, Shbg.
W. Leroy ~ettle, 474 East King Street, Shbg.
Abram Crider, 1:1559 Stonewall Road, Shbg.
Acacia Housing Corp., c/o Todd Cressler, 1800 Lingelstown Road, Suite 103, Hsbg., PA 17110
Joe Fink, 316 East Burd Street, Shbg.
Donald Varner, 115 Heritage Drive, Apt. 21, Salem, MA 01970
David Debrium, 327 East Burd Street, Shbg.
Joseph Messich, 316 Fort Street, Shbg.
Allen RomJne, P.O. Box 1404, Chbg., PA 17201
William Elba j j, ! West King Street, Suite 2A, Shbg.
Charles Parker, 1! grookside Avenue, Shbg.
MTM Properties, 400 Hickory Lane, Chbg.
Robert E. Runk, Sr., 19 Kenneth Avenue, Shbg.
David Clause, 2§ Kenneth Avenue, Shbg
Locust Grove Cemete~/Association, c/o Mai Bolitmore, 124 West Orange Street, Shbg.
Harold Cohick, 427 ~ East King Street, Shbg.
Elizabeth S. Craig-White, 73§ East King Street, Shbg.
Louise Lawman, 11~4 Eden Avenue, Waynesboro, PA 17628'
Thomas Moore, 7 Brookside Avenue, Shbg.,
NOTICE OF MEET'J:N6
There will be a meeting of the Shippensburg Zoning Hearing Board at 7:00 p.m.,
Wednesday, December 19, 2001, at the Shippensburg Borough Office, 111 North Fayette Street,
Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the meeting will be to hear the following:
CON'rrNUTEb FROM THE NOVEMBER 28,200t, MEET]:NG:
Board Case No. 2001-15; C.R.S. Enterprises for the property located at Kenneth Avenue &
Brookside Avenue. This property is located in an R-7, Residence District. The applicant(s) have
applied for variances from the Borough Code of Shippensburg, Chapter 150 (Zoning), Article X,
Section 150-37, Subsection B, Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit; Article ~1:, Section 150-12, Subsection
A (2), Multiple Dwelling Units, and Article X, Section 150-37, Subsection A, Lot Area. The
Applicants wish to construct two (2), twelve (12) unit buildings at this location which would hove a
lot area less than five (5) acres, and would have as little as 3,390 sq. ft. lot size per dwelling unit.
The Code allows up to slx (6) dwelling units in one building, requires a lot area of 5 acres and lot size
per dwelling unit of 5,000 sq. ft. in the R-7, Residence District.
J. Lee Hockersmith
Secretary
Notices to:
Board Members
Hubert Gilroy
Diana Sydnor
Applicants
William Elba j j, 1 West King Street, Suite 2A, Shbg.
Charles Parker, 11 Brookside Avenue, Shbg.
MTM Properties, 400 Hickory Lane, Chbg.
Robert E. Runk, Sr., 19 Kenneth Avenue, Shbg.
David Clause, :>5 Kenneth Avenue, Shbg
Locust Grove Cemetery Association, c/o Mai Balitmore,
H~rold Cohick, 4:>7 ~ East King Street, Shbg.
Elizabeth S. Craig-White, 735 East King Street, Shbg.
1:>4 West Orange Street, Shbg.
Louise Lowman, 1/.~. Eden Avenue, Waynesboro, PA 17628
Thomas Moore, 7 Brookside Avenue, 5hbg.,
NEWS-CHRONICLE
COUNTY OF ~E~t,~WD
COIW~ONWF. ALll-{ OF PENNSY%VANIA
NBOS
November 13 and November 20, 2001
Cow of Not/ce of Pub/ic~on
To: "T"{E NEWS-CI{RON'ICLE"
Shippensburg, PA 172.57
F~ publishing the n~Xic~ ar, ached hereto:
On the stated date[s] ..... $1 0 4.5 2
A~davit .............. $ 2.0 0
NO~ICE OF bI~ETING
There will be n meeting of the Shippensburg Zoning Hearing
B~ard at 7:00 p.n~, Wednesday, November 28, 2001, at the Ship-
pensburg Borough Office, 111 North Fayetto Street, Shippens-
burg, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the meeting will be to hear
the following:
Board Case No. 2001-13; Luanne Hazzard, for the property
located at 469 East King Street. This property is located in a C-2
District. The applicant has applied for variances from the Bor-
ough Cede of Shippensburg, Chapter 150 (Zoning), Article IV,
Section 150-19, Subsection B($) (b), Side Yard Requirements.
The applicant alreedy constructed a 16 f~ by 25 it. 8 inch deck to
the rear of the existing house which has a west side yard as little
as 6 it. 4 inches sad sa east side yard as little as 5 lt. The Code
requires two side yards to totaling twenty (20) feet with neither
~d~ per dw,Umg unit of 5,000 ~. il. in the I~7, l~idence
To{al ................. $106.52
Proof of Publication of Notice in
THE NEWS-CHRONICLE
COUNTY OF C/JM~EI~AHD
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
NBOS
Barbara C. Thompson, being duly ~ s_-<<eding to law, deposes and says that she is the editor of
'The N~s-Chronicle", which is a bi-v~kly nzv~x~nr of gmeral ~irculatic~ published in Shippens~g Township,
Cumberland Cottony, Pennsylvania, by The Ney, s-Chronicle Cmnl~ny, a c~perati~n dull, or?n;?.,d and existing under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ha~ing ifs principle place ofbuslness at 1011 Rimer Highway [P.O.Box 100],
Shipp~sburg, Peru~lvania; that she t~ mtharJzed to and does make this affidavit m it's be~al~,, that the printed notice,
advertisement ar publication ntts~ed hereto is the same ns was ~b~ted in the regular editions & issues of'The Ne~-
Chrmicle" en the following dat~(s):
December 4 and December 11r 2001
Cow of Notice of Publication
Affiant farther dqx~m that neither she n~r
"'I'ne New-Chronicle" md The News-
Chrenicle C. mnpany have any inte~st in the
subject matters of the sferestid notice or
adver6~nent, and that the facts set ~
in the foregoing affidavit are true and
correct.
Sworn and subecrfbed before me Ii,is
: --;- N ''-'
-. .... -
Cla~oo L: d~ ~ Nota~ Pub e
ISh~p~ns~r~ T~., Cumberland Coun~l
I My Uommi~on ~pires Aug. 30, 2004
J. Lee Hockersmith
Secretary
Adv. NC Dec. 4, 11
To: "THE NEWS-CHRONICLE"
Shippensburg, PA 17257
For publishing the no,ice at~ached hereto:
On the stated date[s] ..... $ 68.64
Affidavit .............. $ 2.00
Total ................. $ 70.64
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TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS
OF MINUTES OF ZONING HEARING BOARD
BEFORE:
Zoning Hearing Board
Earl Parshall, Chairperson
J. Lee Hockersmith, Member
William Cressler, Member
Andrea S. Lage, Alternate
Robert C. Weaver, Code Enforcement
Officer
DATE: November 28, 2001, 7:00 p.m.
Shippensburg Borough Office
111 North Fayette Street
Shippensburg, PA. 17257
APPEARANCES:
Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire, appears as Solicotor
for the Zoning Hearing Board.
Heriry F. Coyne, Esquire, appears on behalf of
C.R.S. Enterprises.
DIANA L. SYDNOR
Court Reporter
31 Cramer Road
Shippensburg, PA. 17257
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(Thereupon, the Shippensburg Zoning Hearing Board
meeting was held:)
MR. PARSHAIJ,: We'll call the November meeting of
the Zoning Hearing Board in session.
The first item on the agenda this evening is
approval of the minutes of October 17th meeting, and you all
have a copy of the minutes.
MR. CRESSLER:
minutes of October 17th.
MR. HOCKERSMITH:
MR. PARS}~AIf,:
I'll make a motion we approve the
Second.
we have a motion made and second
to approve the minutes of the October 17th meeting.
Any discussion?
Being none,
by saying aye.
(Thereupon,
favor of the motion.)
MR. PARSHATJ,:
approved as written.
all those in favor give your consent
all voting board members voted in
Opposed? None. Minutes are
The first case we have this evening, Board Case
2001-13, Luanne Hazzard, property located at 469 East King
Street, variance for side yard setbacks for a deck that was
put on the rear of the existing house.
Bob, you need to give the -- would you give the
notice announcement?
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MR. WEAVER: If I might just for the record,
tonight's meeting was advertised two times in the local
papers. Contiguous property owners were notified in
writing.
The properties were posted with the zoning notice
and there was also a notice posted in the front window here
of the borough office.
MR. PARSHAT,T,: Who would like to speak to this
case this evening? Anyone in the audience?
MISS HAZZARD: I would.
MR. PARSHATJ,: Would you state your name for the
record?
MISS HAZZARD: Luanne Hazzard.
MR. PARSHATJ,: We take sworn testimony here, so if
you would, raise your right hand.
Do you swear or affirm that the information you
are about to give is the truth?
MISS HAZZARD: Yes.
MR. PARSHATJ,: Anyone have questions?
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Yes. Was this added before you
bought or after you bought?
MISS HAZZARD: After I bought.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: After you bought. You added it?
MISS HAZZARD: Yes, I did.
MR. Pi~I-IAT ,T,:
Luanne, this is slightly less than
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the width of
MISS HAZZARD:
MR. PARSHAIJ,:
MR. CRESST,RR:
the house it appears; is that correct?
Yes.
Any other questions?
No.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Anybody have any questions?
MR. PARSHATJ,: Anybody in the audience who wants
to conr~_nt on this application?
there being none,
Okay,
this variance.
MR.
MR.
I'll move that we approve
CRESSIgR: I'll second it,
PARSHAIJ,: We have a motion made and second to
approve the variance for side yard requirements.
Any further discussion? All those in favor give
your consent by saying aye.
(Thereupon, all voting board members voted in
favor of the motion.)
MR. PARSHAIJ,: Opposed? Motion carries
unanimously.
Bob, would you please give Miss Hazzard the
standard disclaimer.
MR. WEAVER: Yes. There's a 30 day waiting
period. The variance has been granted. There is a 30 day
waiting period. Anything you would do within that 30 days
would be at your own risk.
MR. GILROY: What would she do, tear it down?
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for it.
MR. WEAVER: Actually I can issue the permit now
MR. PARSHALL: Next case is Board Case 2001-14,
Neal and Sarah Lake for property at 325 East Burd Street.
This is a variance for number of unrelated
persons. Yes, variance for unrelated persons.
MRS. LAKE: It's me.
MR. PARSHAIJ,: Would you state your name for the
record?
MRS. LAKE: Sarah Lake.
MR. PARSHAIJ,: Do you swear or affirm that the
information you are about to give is the truth?
MRS. LAKE: I do.
MR. PARSHAIJ,: Any questions for Sarah from the
board?
MR. HOCKERSMITH: I have one. You're asking only
until June the 1st that these people live in there? At that
time it will go back to what the ordinance requires?
MRS. LAKE: Right.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: With that in mind, I would make
the motion that we allow the variance until June 1st.
MR. CRESSL~R: I'll second it.
MR. GILROY: Before you vote, you ought to -- did
you ask anybody in the audience if they have any questions?
MR. PARSFIAT,T,: Not yet.
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do that.
MR. GILROY: Before you vote, you might want to
MR. PARSHATJ,:
variance made and second.
the audience on this case?
We have a motion to approve the
Is there any other co~f~ents from
June 1 of
MR. PARSHAT,I,:
consent by saying aye.
Any further questions from the board?
MR. GILROY: That's a temporary variance until
2002 would be the motion.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Right.
All those in favor give your
(Thereupon, all voting board members voted in
favor of the motion.)
MR. PARSHAIJ,: Opposed? Motion carries
unanimously.
Did you hear the first disclaimer, the 30 days?
MRS. LAKE: Yes.
MR. PARSHAIJ,: Board Case 2001-15, C.R.S.
Enterprises for property at Kenneth Avenue and Brookside
Avenue.
This is an application for variance for lot area
size and dwelling unit size; is that correct? Two variances
on this one?
total
MR. WEAVER: I think there's three.
lot area from Section 150.37.
It's for a
It's a lot area from
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the same --
MR.
PARSHATJ,: Lot size.
MR. WEAVER: And number of units in a building.
MR. PARSHAT,L: So there's three.
Who's here to speak to this case this evening or
corpulent on this case?
We have a whole bunch of people so why don't you
all raise your hand. We'll do one swearing in.
Do you all swear or affirm the information you are
about to give is the truth?
Who would like to go first? I guess maybe the
property owner or representative of the property.
MR. COYNE: Yes, sir. If I might introduce
~fself, my name is Henry Coyne. I'm an attorney in Camp
Hill. I represent the applicant.
With me is Mr. Randy Goshorn of Bert Associates.
Standing in the rear is Sean Tighe, T-I-G-H-E.
The applicant is C Carol which is Seam's mother's
first name. S is for Sean,
so that's the C.S.R.
What we are here,
and R is for Robert, his father,
as the chair mentioned to the
board, is seeking some relief which we hope the board would
favorably consider.
Mr. Goshorn is the one who prepared the plan, and
I would like him to try and give you a thumbnail sketch of
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the overall concept of the development.
It's unique in a sense as certainly you folks
know, it's straddled by the township line as well as the
borough so only 1.24 acres in the borough and I did --
what's the total acreage on the site?
Total acreage is 4.67 acres.
MR. GOSHORN:
BY MR. COYNE:
Q. Of that,
1.24 is in the Borough of Shippensburg,
so would you outline for the board what is proposed to go on
the site and then we will get into the specific areas which
we respectfully direct the board to consider?
A. I would like to enter the ptanas an exhibit. Do
you all have plans or would you like a set of reduced plans?
That's what we got. I have copies of those.
Q. Randy, does the plan depict the boundary between
the two municipalities?
A. Yeah, it shows as you can see on the -- if you're
looking at the plan on the right hand side, there are two
buildings there, and then the township borough line is
indicated going northeast if you're looking at the plan
across the property, and what we have is two buildings
approximately over in the borough.
Three buildings are in the township, and pretty
much the site was designed under township regulations, and
the project does meet township criteria. No zoning has to
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be granted in this case.
MR. PARSHAT,T,:
anything?
though.
What about special exceptions or
MR. GOSHORN: Conditions have to be granted
MR. PARSHAT,T,: So it doesn't meet quite
everything, you have to get some approval yet from --
MR. COYNE: We were at the planning commission
approximately two weeks ago.
approval.
MR. GOSHORN:
MR. GILROY:
MR. GOSHORN:
And we did seek preliminary
Is that for Shippensburg Township?
Correct. We'll be going before
the supervisors on Saturday morning for that conditional use
hearing.
BY MR. COYNE:
Q. The plan shows how many buildings?
A. We show five buildings. As I said before, three
in the township and two in the borough.
Q. Is there a proposal on the site for a laundromat?
A. Yes, there is. The laundromat facility is a
private facility which will be located in the township.
Q. Mr. Goshorn, I gather that this presently in
Shippensburg Borough is in R-7 zone; is that correct?
A. Yes, that is correct.
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Q. However, because of the ordinance, is it not true
that it -- the R-7 referred hack to the R-3 district?
A. Yes, that is correct. In R-7 it states that 10
percent of said tract lies outside the borough. This lot
cannot be used as an R-7 use, so that defers us hack to the
R-3.
Q. And under R-3, what are the criteria for
construction of buildings as far as use within the
buildings?
A. Maximum number of units of the building is six,
and then the density has to be 5,000 square feet hased on
section 150.37.B, and then the lot area is required to be
five acres also.
Q. So if I understand your testimony then, there's
only 1.24 acres that the landowner owns in the borough; is
that correct?
A. Yes, that is correct.
Q. And to require a five acre minimum lot area, we
submit, Mr. Chairman, that is a hardship in itself and the
uniqueness of the situation, as I said, bounded by the
boundary coming between the township and the borough.
Let's go hack and try and address the 12 unit
buildings in the R-3 section.
What type of buildings are -- we're going to be
putting two dwelling units, apartments in the township; is
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that correct?
A. We'll be putting two buildings in the borough,
yes, that is correct.
Q. And would the -- do I gather then from your prior
testimony that except for a conditional use from the
township, it appears that the township would be satisfied
with what has been presented to them to this date?
A. Yes, that is correct.
Q. And what type of zoning surrounds that area of the
premises in question?
A. We have the Acacia Fraternity property which is
zoned R-7, andbeside that out towards King Street is
located co~nercial.
MR. GILROY:
to where these properties are?
Excuse me, can you point on the plan
MR. GOSHORN:
MR. GILROY:
MR. GOSHORN:
MR. GILROY:
MR. GOSHORN:
Street or Martin Avenue.
Yeah. You see Martin Avenue?
Yes.
Acacia Fraternity House, that's --
I see, okay.
Commercial is located out by King
And then we have an R-5 zone
above Sherman Avenue and then there is a small section of
institutional zone that also attaches to Sherman Avenue.
And then there is also an agricultural zone on the
lower side of the property which is adjacent to Burd but
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that is in the township.
BY MR. COYNE:
Q. With regard to the -- are there any adjoining
properties that have less than six dwelling units in this
area?
A. Yes. The houses located in the township, there
aren't no properties that have more than six dwelling units.
Now, in the borough, the Acacia house is a
fraternity house so it has a number of students living
there. I'm not sure what that is considered as far as
dwelling units.
MR. WEAVER:
just for the record.
MR. PARSHAI,T,:
It's a --
MR.
court battle
MR.
It's a single family dwelling unit
It's not a single family house.
That's the way -- when we lost that
MR. PARSHALT,:
MR. GOSHORN:
Is there a shed or something?
It's a moveable shed, and then we
WEAVER:
that's the way it was listed.
GOSHORN: And then the adjoining Cohick
property has no buildings located on it and that is right in
this corner here.
As you can see, there's no structures located on
the Cohick property and then we also have the Locust Grove
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have the Locust Grove Cemetery which does have a shed on it.
MRS. HODGE: Two sheds.
MR. GOSHORN: That is correct. There is two
sheds there.
BY MR. COYNE:
Q. Will you focus please on the lot area for which
the applicant is seeking relief. What does the ordinance
require and what are we seeking specifically from the board
as far as --
A. Under Article 10, Section 150.37.A, that applicant
is required to have five acres of property located in the
borough to do a garden-type housing of con~plex with six
dwelling units in a building.
Our property only has 1.24 acres in the borough.
The total acres of the lot again is 4.67 acres. So, even
total, we don't meet the five acres.
We only meet 4.67 is all that Sean has available
to himself, and then also what we are proposing as far as
density, we meet all the criteria in the township.
We also meet -- they have no lot area requirement
in the township, and so we do meet all those criteria, and
then also all the adjoining zones have a higher density of
housing than what we are proposing.
The R-5 has a few -- most of you were looking at
incremental changes. R-1 is 14,000 square feet. R-2 is
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10,500 square feet.
3,500 square feet.
R-3 is 5,000 square feet. R-4 is
R-5 is 2,500 square feet.
What we are proposing is that each dwelling unit
will have 3,390 square
5,OOO?
MR. GILROY:
MR. GOSHORN:
MR. GILROY:
MR. GOSHORN:
MR. GILROY:
feet per dwelling.
What did you say 7 required?
Seven --
It refers back to three which is
Yes, that is correct.
So you need 5,000 as per the
ordinance and you are proposing how much?
MR. GOSHORN: 3,390 square feet per dwelling.
BY MR. COYNE:
Q. I realize that this board is not a township body,
but the Shippensburg Township, what do they require in their
dwelling units?
A. Township requirement is 3,000 square feet per
dwelling unit, and we do meet that criteria.
Q. With regard to off-street parking cars,
accessibility, do you meet the township criteria on that?
A. Yes. We meet the township criteria on the site.
We also meet Shippensburg Borough criteria. What we have
is, there will be three people per dwelling so that totals
180 people, and each person will have a parking spot on the
property so there should not be a problem with parking.
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MR. PARSHAI,L:
MR. GOSHORN:
facility and that will be private so...
MR. PARSHAT,T,: It's not one
believe is it, Bob?
MR. GOSHORN:
require 1.5 per dwelling unit
criteria.
the living --
MR.
180 parking spaces?
Well, 185 if you count the laundry
for one I don't
If we go back to the R-3 they only
so we more than meet that
MR. WEAVER: This is one of those --
LAGE: Is there a certain square footage on
WEAVER: That would be addressed by the BOCA
Code, Property Maintenance Code. To have three, there's
certain -- you have to have certain square footage of
kitchen area, certain square footage of dining room area and
living room area, and then bedrooms have to be certain
square footage to have three.
MS. LAGE: So these would meet that code?
MR. GOSHORN:
MR. WEAVER:
interested.
MR. COYNE:
Yes, they will meet that code.
I can get those numbers if you're
We respectively submit that we have a
unique situation here with four point some acres and being
straddled by the township and the borough, we feel that
what is proposed for consideration offers continuity to the
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applicant as far as developing in the township and
developing in the borough.
It is from the applicants' standpoint it's looked
at as a site. We have again, as we stated previously, a
unique situation for the property divided between two
municipalities.
The applicant here, Mr. Tighe, one of the
applicants, Sean, is a graduate of Shippensburg University
and resides in the borough so you have a local contact,
somebody who's not a resident from the area of Shippensburg.
BY MR. COYNE:
Q. Is there anything else that you would like to
offer, Mr. Goshorn, for the board to consider?
A. Just that we did receive preliminary plan approval
subject toy our approval from the borough.
Q. And the planning commission?
A. Yes, that is correct.
MR. PARSHAI,I,: The borough planing commission?
MR. WEAVER: The borough planning COLL~L~ssion,
yeah.
MR.
you would need a copy of those.
MRS. HODGE: When was
MR. WEAVER:
MRS. HODGE:
GOSHORN: And I do have those comments if
that meeting?
Second Tuesday of November.
Did the residents and the people get
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notice?
MR. WEAVER: Those meetings do not have to be
advertised. Those are advertised at the beginning of the
year one time.
Now, tb~t was a preliminary approval. They have
to come in for a final also.
MR. GILROY: But notices do not go out to
adjacent property owners for the land development process.
Only notices go out for the zoning variance process.
That's why you did not receive notices in
connection with that process. That's why neighbors didn't
receive notices. I assume some of you folks are neighbors.
MR. LARRY WATSON: I didn't receive any. I live
on King Street. My propertyborders this.
Street.
MR. PARSHAT J,:
MR. LARRY WATSON:
MS. SUSAN FICKES:
You don't border this on King
I border the frat house.
We border Martin Avenue. Mr.
Watson and I live on King Street borough property. Martin
Avenue goes into Brookside Avenue and the fraternity house
and that is all close to where we live.
MR. GILROY: Well, perhaps maybe we should make
sure we leave the applicants finish their case and if any
interested parties have anything to say, they'll be given
that opportunity to keep the record in order.
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MR. GOSHORN: I would also like to state that
Brookside Avenue ends as a township road at our property
line.
Acacia Fraternity has a private right-of-way
through there, but nobody else has access through our
property except Acacia house.
MR. PARSHAT,T,:
like a public street.
MRS. HODGE:
MR. GOSHORN:
How is that enforced? It looks
That's right.
Well, it's really not. I don't
know how they're getting access on Martin Avenue, Acacia,
but they do have a right-of-way across our property.
Anything we've ever seen only shows that Acacia
should have access th_rough Brookside. There should not be
a loop through Acacia Fraternity, but that does not deal
with us.
If it's open at the other end, we cannot keep
somebody from coming through there if they're coming across
Acacia.
We are proposing speed bumps on our property to
slow the Acacia Housing Fraternity people down because we
have heard complaints that they are flying through there so
we are proposing that.
MR. PARSHAT,T,: If they're flying they don't have
any shocks in their car.
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MR. CRESSLER: If you build these,
to have on-site supervision?
MR. TI6~E: Yes.
MR. CRESSLER: What type?
MR. TIGHE: Myself throughout the day, throughout
Either myself or another representative
working hours.
would be there.
MR. CRESSLER:
MR. TIGHE:
MR. CRESSLER:
MR. TIGHE:
BY MR. COYNE:
as far as municipal
available on-site?
A. Yes, that is.
are you going
You'll live there?
No, sir. I actually live in Forest
Who will be there at night?
The tenants.
I realize this doesn't pertain to the board, but
is that
improvements of sewer and water,
Actually there are existing
borough water lines on the property which to our records
don't have any easements granted to them currently and
C.F.J.M.A. also has lines on the property, but they do have
an easement granted to them.
MR. PARSHALL: What is the proposed traffic flow
for enter and exit in here?
MR. GOSHORN: Can I get those numbers quick?
MR. PARSHAIJ,: No, no, people are going -- they're
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going to use either Kenneth or Brookside to get in this?
MR. GOSHORN: Yes, that is correct. They will
be accessing property through Kenneth and Brookside Avenue.
MR. PARSHALL: Any other questions?
MS. LAGE: Can we listen to some of the other
cott,,ttent s ?
MR. PARSHAI,I,: Well, I want
this testimony, then go onto the next.
to get through with
MS. LAGE: Can we still come back to them?
MR. PARSHATJ,: Well, yeah.
I have no further questions at the moment.
At this time
from the audience.
MR. HODGE:
MR. GILROY:
MR. HODGE:
I would like to entertain comments
Curtis Hodge. My question is --
You need to give your address.
3 Brookside Avenue, Shippensburg.
Right on the corner if you're looking there at your print,
it's the first place turning in there at Brookside Avenue.
My concern here is that the gentleman said about
currently right now Acacia house bas a right-ofzway through
your property coming onto Brookside. Well, actually as long
as I could ever remember living there and I have asked my
township supervisors that, just like Kenneth Avenue, it's a
dead-end road and the sign is erect that says dead-end road.
Now, my concern to the township was why wasn't
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that road pertaining to be dead-end road like it was
the sign states. I have been there living -- well,
there all my life but --
MR. GILROY: Excuse me,
like
lived
let me short-circuit you.
This is a zoning hearing board for the Borough of
Shippensburg as many of you know.
The question as to what happens on this road in
the township has no consequence to this board. They have
no authority. They can't answer that question.
You need to go to the township supervisors'
meeting which I understand is, Mr. Coyne, this Saturday?
MR. COYNE:
MR. GILROY:
MR. GOSHORN:
Saturday.
What time is that?
8:00 a.m.
MR. GILROY:
8:00 a.m. at the township office; is
GOSHORN: Yes.
GILROY: And I'm not trying to cut you short
that correct?
MR.
MR.
but --
MR. HODGE:
said about the right-of-way.
here.
MR.
midnight, but
hearing board --
I was just questioning about what he
Then there's no needs to be
GILROY: You can co~mlent all night until
if the comments have no bearing to the zoning
if they relate to the township, they should
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go to the
That's my only cot,u~nt.
township, not to the borough zoning board.
borough,
don't understand.
MR. GILROY:
MR. LARRY WATSON: If half the property is in the
why shouldn't we be able to talk about it? I
The question was, sir, the roadway.
This zoning hearing board has no jurisdiction over that
roadway. It's that simple. Period.
You can cc~nent on anything else but the questions
about why it's a dead-end or not a dead-end, this zoning
hearing board has no authority over that. You can talk to
the borough council members about that --
MR. PARSHAIJ,: Township supervisor.
MR. GILROY: -- and the council.
to,
have any authority over the roads.
If they want
I mean, but the zoning hearing board certainly doesn't
Avenue, wasn't he?
MS. LAGE:
Some of that road is in the borough
It looks like --
He was talking about Kenneth
Just to clarify, there are parts of the
functional road at Brookside that are in the borough.
MR. PARSHAT~,: Down byAcacia --
MS. LAGE: Yeah.
MS. LAGE:
though, isn't it?
MR. PARSHALL:
MR. CRESSLER:
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MR. PARS~L~T,T,: -- that piece.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Yeah, it's in the borough.
MS. LAGE: I believe that we're not trying to say
that we don't welcome con~nents about the project, any
questions about the project.
MR. BELL: Carl Bell, President of Locust Grove
Cemetery Committee. I heard this gentleman saying that
he's going robe there in the daytime. I've lived there
all my life until I moved from Carlisle. Just this summer
as you -- these kids are going to be down there.
They're in our yard, my nephew's yard that he pays
tax on. They walk right through the yard over the fence.
Now, if he's going to put all these units down
there and nobody is going to be there at night when they're
throwing beer bottles, taking the clothes off the women, all
laying in his yard, who's going to take care of that?
Because like I told him, if it been the day when I
was home when they come over my fence,
them.
Nobody -- you know,
I would have shot
because this area, we know
where it's at, Pumpkin Center, anybody that's from here, if
not it's Brookside Avenue. You know, you're letting these
people run wild just because there's ground you build
something there and you make money off it and forget the
people that lived there all their life just because there's
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money involved in it.
I mean, nobody minds building buildings if people
is going to maintain and tell these kids like who's going to
control the traffic.
They come down there with these cars now. If
there's a little kid runs out in that road, they got it. I
guarantee it. They're drunk. The cops have picked them
up drunk, and if somebody gets hurt and then somebody gets
mad because they hurt them, we know who's going to suffer,
the person that hurts the person that hurt the kid.
You know, all's we're here trying to find out is
anybody going to look out for the little guy. We know
there's money involved. And you don't buck a lot of money,
but who's going to look out for the little guy. Peoples
worked all their life to have property down there. You
don't w~nt people just doing whatever. They say you don't
take care of your property. Okay, you take care of it.
Now they put something up, put 600 kids in there that don't
live there that don't care.
Like closed road, I drove the whole way through
there my whole life, my whole life. He's talking about a
closed road.
know.
MS.
speed bumps,
See, they're talking things they really don't
BALTIMORE: Mai Baltimore. He said about the
but the speed bumps should be once they get
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passed their area because they're going to go -- they go
fast.
Also our cemetery, the institutional area, they
have destroyed everything we put up there, sheds,
tombstones, historical tombstones. Nobody has done
anything. We reported it to the police. We know they've
done all they can, but someone is up there destroying the
cemetery.
Now, we would like to have some guarantee prior to
erecting any building some kind of barrier to keep the
people or the animals out of the dead people's resting
property.
place.
MR.
put posts up,
BEIJ,: Like I said, you give us permission to
they tear the concrete posts out.
MS. BALTIMORE: Yes, everytime you go up the posts
is down, concrete posts.
MR. BELL: And they are going next to our
So I guess we have some little bit of say about
that. They need to put a fence or some kind of -- so that
they can't walk through it.
MS. BALTIMORE: And party at night or during
Halloween or whatever.
MS. LAGE: Do you know how the law enforcement
will work on such a property given that we no longer have a
joint --
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MR. PARSHAT~,: State Police.
MR. LARRY WATSON: That's a joke. State Police
will never get there.
MS. LAGE: That's my question, who and how.
MR. PARSHATJ.: If it's on the two buildings in
the borough, does the borough police go and does the other
three the State Police go?
MS. FICKES: That's one of my concerns.
MR. WEAVER: With the risk of sticking my foot in
I would think that's the way it should happen.
MR. HOCKERSMIT~: We all know wb~t does happen.
MS. FICKES:
MR. WEAVER:
MS. FICKES:
call the State Police.
MR. WEAVER:
Is Acacia in the borough?
Yes.
Because they have told me we have to
No, that's in the borough. That's
definitely in the borough if you look at the plan, the plan
that they have there.
MS. FICKES: A Shippensburg borough police officer
told me that. That was one of my biggest questions when I
came here tonight, who was going to provide. Okay, that's
my next thing if --
MR. HOCKERSMITH: I have a question. Have you
thought anything about the cemetery, how you would control
what goes on down there in the cemetery?
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MR. GOSHORN: Yes. We are proposing to put a
fence up to keep the kids out. Plus, if you will look at
the plan, they're going to have to climb a 10 foot wall to
get across there.
If you can look at sheet four, there is a proposed
retaining wall which is approximately 10 feet high and we're
also proposing to put
keep the kids out.
MS. BALTIMORE:
of fence?
MR. TIGHE:
discussion for that.
That's one thing that I'm open to
12 foot.
Concrete fence.
You say you're proposing a fence
and retaining wall. Where would the fence be, on top of
the retaining wall?
MR. GOSHORN: Yeah, it would be up towards the
property line. That would probably be the best location
for it I would imagine.
MR. PARSHAIJ,: Back from the retaining wall
towards the cemetery further back from the wall?
MR. GOSHORN: Yeah.
MR. COYNE: The applicant is not adverse to
putting -- trying to put in protection for the folks in the
a fence and shrubbery along there to
Shrubbery. What type? What type
MR. LARRY WATSON:
MS. BALTIMORE:
MR. PARSHAT,T,:
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cemetery.
you
wise guy,
assulile,
That will be addressed.
MS. BALTIMORE: It needs to be addressed now if
-- we would like to have your word in writing.
MR. COYNE: It's on the record, and not to be a
but that comes with your site development, I
Mr. Gilroy, is that correct?
MR. GILROY: Fencing does, but the board does have
authority to impose reasonable conditions if it's going to
approve a variance.
MR.
approval that,
approval.
ma'am.
COYNE: We're open.
PARSHAIJ,: We could attach a conditional
you know, a fence be put
We do have that --
MR. COYNE: We're willing to do that.
MR. PARSHAIJ,: -- option available. Yes,
in as part of the
MRS. HODGE: Nancy Hodge, resident of Brookside,
and I'm speaking on behalf of two elderly gentlemen that
live down there. The one gentleman's name is Mr. Parker.
His property is right -- it's the trailer that they're going
to make him move because he's so many feet over.
Is he going to have a fence put up because he's
going to be right next to you, not near you or around you
but right next to where you're telling me you're going to
have this?
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The man is 80 some years old, and I'm sure he's
done already seen enough and heard enough from those that
come there that he definitely doesn't want to have all this,
another 180 kids tramping through his yard.
I feel that it's time for them to put some out on
the campus and let them party out there for a little bit.
MR. PARSHAIJ,: You're referring to the trailer
behind building three? That's what it looks like.
MR. HODGE: Yes, three.
MR. GOSHORN: Again, if I can state, that trailer
is in the township and we can deal with that at the township
meeting.
MR. PARSHAIJ,: I mean, I can't address that
here, but it sounds like a reasonable request. That's off
-- Hubert, see that?
the corner of
MR.
MR.
GILROY: Yes.
GOSHORN: If I can state in the township
criteria anywhere there is a single family dwelling and we
are proposing this use, they are required to do landscaping
and some kind of barrier.
I don't know how that's
think what they call
MR. TIGHE:
MR. GOSHORN:
against his property,
that.
Isn't it
Ye ah,
stated, but I'm trying to
called screening?
some type of screening
and again his trailer is across our
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property so he is encroaching on our property and we are
aware it has been like that for a long time, but that was
not our fault. It was put in that way.
MR. HODGE: Nor his.
rights.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: How many years?
MR. HODGE: 30 years. They're grandfathered
MR. GILROY: You have to get a lawyer though.
MR. HODGE: Curtis again here speaking. About
I know this again is township and you are calling it
BEIJ.: Carl Bell again. Is this road you
have going to Brookside and Kenneth Avenue, is that going to
be one-way traffic or two-way traffic?
traffic.
MR. GOSHORN:
MR.
That's proposed to be two-way
Do you know how small that road is?
It's going to be widened.
township.
regulations.
MR.
the --
the screening with the fencing, but they didn't make them
screen, no fencing where they tore the little school house
down and there's no screening fence there between Rideouts
and the other two complexes that are there. I mean, so are
we guaranteed, sure, that there's going to be fencing now?
MR. GOSHORN: You'll have to go through the
They're the ones that have to enforce the
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MR. BETJ,: How are you going to widen it? You
ain't going to take my mother's ground I tell you or my
sister's now I mean. How are you going widen that road?
MR. GOSHORN: Where are you talking about?
MR. BELL: Brookside Avenue.
MR. GOSHORN: It's a two-way street. It's a
township road. It's wide enough to be two-way traffic.
We're not widening on any properties except our own. We
are widening it 22 feet.
MR. LARRY WATSON: How about Martin Avenue? You
can't get two cars in that road.
MR. GOSHORN: That's the borough road. That's
an avenue. That doesn't adjoin our property. Martin
Avenue does not com~ --
property.
MR. WATSON: It has something to do with your
They're going to your buildings.
MR. GOSHORN: Again, I don't know from the plans
Acacia property should not be accessing
that I have seen,
Martin Avenue.
MR.
MS.
MR.
people,
parties?
WEAVER: They are.
LAGE: Does the borough --
LARRY WATSON: If you have parking for 250
how many are you going to park down there that have
Are you going to park on top of one another?
MR. BELL: When you call the cops they say --
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MR. LARRY WATSON: Get real.
MR. BELL: It's not funny. That's what will
happen. This is serious stuff.
MS. FICKES: Susan Fickes again. I kind of just
echo some of the same co~ents, but my property does end at
Martin Avenue. And like I said, I'm very close to the
Acacia and that's why I'm concerned about this because
Martin Avenue regardless of what is supposed to be is used
probably exclusively by the fraternity house at high rates
of speed and it's the only paved road.
If you do down Brookside, it's a dirt road with
large ruts. And when they do have parties now, you can
barely get past to get through the alley because they do
park on both sides of the road. We've called the police.
They have been better about not parking on our property, but
you're talking about -- I know we can't do anything about
the township but 180 people more in that area for the
borough, and I do live in the borough and I expect zoning
laws to help protect all of us property owners on King
Street.
We live on Toll Gate Hill which is just being
redeveloped. You're trying to get families in there, and
I'm afraid if you get families
bicycles and stuff in an alley,
And also the property values.
in there with children on
that's not a goodmixture.
How are you going to -- all
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that money put in their back yards and you are going to have
not only the fraternity house but now 180 people in the
borough let alone how many people is going to be in the
township.
I don't know what they're saying about dead-end
It's not dead-end and there's a high rate of
road.
vandalism and the alley to our properties and vehicles.
This has been going on and you are going to put
all these kids down there. There's not sufficient lighting
and that road, I don't know how are you going to accommodate
that many kids even if Brookside is widened. If that road
remains open, everyone comes from Sheetz, comes down from
the college and everyone comes down that road to go to these
parties, and it is a big concern.
The other thing I was wondering about is police
protection. Some of that was addressed earlier, but it is
a big concern as to who we call. If you do get the State
Police call, that takes time.
MR. PARSHALI,: Acacia is no question. You call
the borough police.
MS. FICKES: I know. I'm going to investigate
this one.
MR. PARSHAI,I,: This we're not quite sure what
would happen on the divided one like this.
Any other co~nents on the zoning request from the
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audience?
MS. LAGE:
section of the road.
dead-end?
Questions from the board?
I had a question about that borough
Does the borough consider that a
MR. WEAVER: I think so.
MR. PARSHAI,I,: It's come up in council before.
MR. WEAVER: Yeah, Acacia Housing actually wanted
us to pave Brookside Avenue, and we did extensive research
on that and it's not a borough street.
never has been.
MS. LAGE:
so that is not a through-road?
no.
It never was. It
Is there any move to create blockades
individuals wanted,
council.
MS. LAGE:
Wasn't one put in at one point?
I thought they put one in.
I mean, that's something if
that would be addressed at borough
If this were all -- a hypothetical, all
borough land, how many dwelling units woutdbe permitted on
this if it were all in the borough which I know it's not?
MR. WEAVER: How many square feet do you have
total and divide that by 35,000.
MR. PARSHAT,T,:
MR. WEAVER: No.
MR. PARSHAT,T,:
MR. WEAVER:
Honestly I would say at this time,
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tO.
because
MR. HOCKERSMITH: It's 4.67 acres.
MS. LAGE: But no more than six dwelling units
MR. WEAVER:
MR. GILROY:
MR. PARSIqAT J,:
MR.
Six per unit.
For a garden apartment.
Garden apartment is R-3.
HOCKERSMITH: Yeah, that's what this
MR. P~I~uqSHAT,T,:
MR. GILROY:
refers
I thought Bob said we went to R-7
It's zoned R-7, and R-7 says any
approved use in R-3.
MR. WEAVER: It looks like 40.6.
MS. LAGE: What was that?
MR. WEAVER: Units.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: How many?
MR. WEAVER: 40.6.
MR. GILROY: Applying the borough --
MS. LAGE: Applying the borough code over that
land parcel, do you know what the density would have been?
MR. WEAVER: So 41 for round numbers.
MR. PARSHAT~,: 41 as opposed to 60.
Any other questions?
MR. HOCKERSMITH: 120 students as opposed to 180.
MR. PARS~AT,T,: Yeah.
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MS. LAGE: 60 students is quite a few. I look at
40 in a classroom. 60 at one time is a significant number.
MR. PARSHAT,T,: Is there anything else we need to
consider as being joint property? Any other twists in the
law?
MR. GILROY: Only in making your decision so you
understand it, if they moved the two buildings, building
four and five into the township, if they fit in the township
and just put the parking all in the borough, the case
wouldn't even be before this board. It would go before the
borough planning commission and borough council only for
approval of parking. That would be it. Then it wouldbe
up to the supervisors of Shippensburg Township to make a
ruling with respect to that, so it's certainly a difficult
situation where you have two ordinances. One ordinance
would allow this if this was all in the township and it
would just need a conditional use application and the
concerns of the residents should be addressed at that
meeting.
You have the option, just so you're aware since
there's going to be a meeting -- the meeting, the actual
conditional use hearing on Saturday?
MR. GOSHORN:
supervisors' meeting.
MR. GILROY:
It's going to be part of the
Okay. The supervisors may impose
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some conditions themselves so if you're inclined -- because
some of those conditions may address some of the residents'
concerns, you could suggest to the applicant if they would
be willing to table this until your next meeting and reopen
it at that time to see what type of conditions were imposed
if you're concerned about that.
If you're not, then you just make your decision
based upon the plan that's before you and you can impose
some reasonable conditions related to the requested
variance, and one of the concerns may be if some of your
conditions conflict with some of the conditions imposed by
the township, but the applicants seem to be saying they are
going to put up fencing. There's an issue as far as what
type of fencing. Is that right, Mr. Coyne?
MR. COYNE: Well, we're willing to do whatever the
ordinance requires and maybe even go further on that to
satisfy the concerns of the neighbors, try and impede the
access of students crossing onto their property and onto the
cemetery. That's hollow land so that should not be tread
upon.
here it says all township criteria are met for the --
that's so, why do they need a conditional use permit?
MR. GILROY: Well, that's not so. Am I correct
that the township requirements are that you obtain a
MR. PARSHAI,I,: Hubert, the variance request states
if
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conditional use?
MR. GOSHORN:
MR. GILROY:
as of yet?
MR. GOSHORN:
MR. PARSHAT,T,:
Yes.
Okay, and that permit is not obtained
Correct.
Is the township conditional use
sort of similar to our special exception?
MR. GILROY: No, conditional use goes before the
supervisors. It's a permitted use so their representation
that this is a permitted use is correct, but a conditional
use is a permitted use which is allowed subject
the governing body,
township --
MR. PARS~SALL: And that's similar to when we
hear special exceptions?
MR. GILROY: Sort of, yes. A special exception is
a permitted use. It's not a variance. It's not special
and it's not an exception. It's a permitted use subject to
certain criteria and certain conditions, and that's what a
conditional use is also.
MR. CRESSLER: I would like to, if they will,
postpone it or whatever until we hear what the township has
to say.
MR. GILROY: This board has no -- and the record
is still open. This board has no authority to just table
tO review by
and in this case because it's the
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it -- well, you could defer your decision, but the record is
closed and there would be no further evidence presented at
the next hearing. You don't have to decide this evening.
Mr. Coyne, at least one board member is suggesting
that perhaps this board leave the record open until we find
out what the township did.
We recognize that may involve some delay, but that
could only be a request made by the applicant.
MR. COYNE: Well, on behalf of Mr. Tighe, we have
no objection, sir, if the record remains open and we
respectively request that decision of the board be withheld
until --
MR. P.z~RS~T,T,:
meeting, Bob?
Wednesday the 19th, so that's --
make
MR. PARS~{AI,I,:
that?
MR. COYNE:
MR. GILROY:
Can we put this on the December's
Yeah, our December meeting is
aware that basically what we're saying is this board because
it doesn't control things, what's happened in the township
before it makes a decision, it wants to hear what the
township does and their action is going to be Saturday
morning. I know they meet early.
We'll be here. 7 p.m.
Folks in the audience, you should be
Wednesday the 19th. Can you
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MR. HODGE: 8 o'clock.
MR. GILROY: SO if you're so inclined, you could
attend that meeting, and then this board will convene again
a month from now on the 19th at 7 o' clock and the record --
for the record, the record will remain open to take
additional evidence, specifically what happened at the
township meeting. Is that satisfactory, Mr. Coyne?
MR. COYNE: Yes, sir.
MR. PARSHAI,L: We appreciate your cooperation in
agreeing to table this until the December meeting.
MR. COYNE: We're willing to leave it open and let
it be addressed.
MR. PARSHAT,L: Thank you.
MR. GILROY: ~kre we going to close the record on
this case until the 19th?
MR. PARSHAI,I,: Until the 19th, yes.
Okay, we need to set calendar dates for 2002.
MR. WEAVER: First question is the third WednesdayI
still good for everyone?
MR. GILROY:
MR. WEAVER:
MR. GILROY:
every once in a while.
What did it used to be?
Fourth Wednesday.
I'm just running into a conflict
I represent Emergency Health
Services Federation of Central Pennsylvania and they meet --
when their board meets it's every quarter but it's always
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the third Wednesday and I 'ye missed a couple of meetings
because you folks have kept me so busy down here.
MR. PARSHATJ,: We can't go back to the fourth?
MR. WEAVER: Historical Review Board has taken the
fourth Wednesday.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: We rescheduled a lot of them
anyway, you know.
MR. WEAVER: We can do that. First Wednesday of
the month is open too.
MR. GILROY: Ail right, if I know in advance that
I'm going to need a meeting date, can I just ask Bob to poll
you to see whatever other dates because it's a matter of we
advertise it anyhow.
MR. PARSHAT,T,: We did that this year a couple of
times.
business?
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Keep it the same.
MR. WEAVER: 7 o'clock.
MR. PARSHATJ,: Third Wednesday.
Any other
MR. GILROY:
about your appointment?
MR. PARSHATJ,:
Well, did you mention something
You want to talk about that.
Yes, that's the last item of
business I have. I will be resigning from the zoning
hearing board effective the end of this meeting tonight.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Since he's involved in this
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can't he
MR.
MR.
MR.
stay on this?
PARSHAT,T,: I can't.
HOCKERSMITH: Why not?
PAJASI-UkT,T,: I will be a sitting member of
council come next Wednesday.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: They had a sitting member of
council on the water board.
MR. GILROY: That's different. There's per se
conflict of interest between the governing body and the
zoning hearing board, and you can't sit on both boards.
MR. PARSHAT,T,: This board is unique in that you
cannot do anything other tb~nn this board.
MR. HOCKERSMITH:
other boards like that?
MR. GILROY:
Well, then why isn't any of the
For example, this board maybe
reviewing and deciding on the constitutioD~lity of a
borough's ordinance so you would be finding borough
council --
MR. PARSHAT,T,:
any choice.
MR. HOCKERSMITH:
me.
meeting?
MR. GILROY:
MR. PARSHAT,T,:
It's state law. We don't have
That doesn' t make any sense to
When's the next borough council
Tuesday, next Tuesday.
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MR. GILROY: Just as a suggestion and not to --
you serve the prercx3ative of borough council but if they
appointed Andrea to fill your spot, then she would be able
to vote at the next meeting.
MR. PARSHATJ,:
MR. GILROY:
MR. PARSHATf,:
MR. GILROY:
Possibly.
If she showed up.
No.
If they appointed her.
I'm not
saying they are going to appoint her, but if they did. If
they appoint somebody else, we should have a transcript of
the meeting so that the new member might --
MR. PARSHAIJ,: Correct.
MS. LAGE: We should know by the fourth if that's
possible.
MR. PARSHAI,I,: We'll know next Tuesday how all
of the pieces of the puzzle are going to fall in place.
MR. PARSHAT,T,:
MR. CRESST,~R:
MR. GILROY:
Any other business?
No.
Let the minutes show that the
solicitor appreciated working with the chairman during his
stay on the zoning hearing board and wishes him luck.
sides,
MR. PARSHAI,I,:
MR. CRESSr,W.R:
MR. PARSHAI,I,:
so moved.
Thank you.
And the board members.
On motion to adjourn from both
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(Thereupon,
the meeting was adjourned at 8:01
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"c hereby certify that the
foregoing is a true and correct transcript of testimony
taken by me in the above-entitled matter.
Diana L. Sy~no~ ~
Court Reporter
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TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS
OF MINUTES OF ZONING HEARING BOARD
BEFORE:
Zoning Hearing Board
J. Lee Hockersmith, Member
William Cressler, Member
Robert C. Weaver, Code Enforcement
Officer
DATE: December 19, 2001, 7:00 p.m.
Shippensburg Borough Office
11~ North Fayette Street
Shippensburg, PA. 17257
APPEARANCES:
Hubert X. Gilroy, Esquire, appears as Solicitor
for the Zoning Hearing Board.
Henry F. Coyne, Esquire, appears on behalf of
C.R.S. Enterprises.
DIANA L. SYDNOR
Court Reporter
31 Cramer Road
Shippensburg, PA.
17257
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to order.
MR. CRESSLER: We'll call the zoning hearing board
First thing on the agenda is the approval of the
minutes from the November meeting, November 28th.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: I move we approve the minutes.
MR. CRESSLER: I'll second it. All in favor,
consent by saying aye.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Aye.
MR. CRESSLER: Aye. Opposed? Carried.
The only case we have is 2001-15, C.R.S.
Enterprise for land located at Kenneth Avenue and Brookside
Avenue.
If anybody here is going to testify tonight, would
you raise your right hand to be sworn in. We'll do it all
in a mass.
(Thereupon, the oath was administered)
MR. CRESSI.~Rf Who wants to begin?
do you want -- do you have something you
Carl,
want to say?
MR. COYNE: I'm Henry Coyne. I represent the
applicant. I would like to present for the record
Conditional Use Permit No. 20-4 granted by the Shippensburg
Township Board of COLL~L~ssions last Saturday, and there's
eight conditions imposed by the board of supervisors.
I provided a copy of this to your counsel, and I
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would like to pass this up to you, Mr. Chairman.
At this point I would like to call upon Mr.
Bert who will address
your consideration.
MR. BERT:
Carl
the issues as he perceives them for
Thank you, and I apologize for not
being able to be here myself at the last meeting but
hopefully Randy did a good job for us, but let me pick up on
a few things, you know, really for the benefit of all of us.
The main reason we're here is because this --
%under a section of your ordinance and it relates to the
section under R-7. I picked up the wrong book.
MR. HOCKERSMITH:
MR. BERT: Yes,
MR. HOCKERSMITH:
Truly.
MR. BERT:
a Christmas present?
Well,
which this project
Carl, may I say something?
you may.
I missed you the last meeting.
thank you. Are you looking for
MR. HOCKERSMITH: No, no, no.
MR. BERT: But under the R-7 Residential District
is in, one of the permitted uses is
fraternities, but when you look under that, there's a
section of the ordinance that says about that in order to do
that there needs to be, and I'm down on page 150.43 of your
ordinance. It would be under Section 15-16, Item 2-G.
It says for the purpose of consistency for
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municipal services such as police protection in connection
with such use, any stracture on a lot or tract of land
subject to such use shall be entirely within the borough and
mn no case shall be more than 10 percent of said lot or
tract lie outside the borough.
Well, very obviously I think we introduced the
last time I think the fact that approximately two thirds of
this lot does lie outside the borough and if it were not
necessarily for that section, we wouldn't necessarily have
to be hear for relief so it's a hardship really created by
the placement of the borough line. And that's something
that none of us can really do much about. It's just one of
those facts, and we do desire to have a unified project.
That is the purpose that we're here and because we
have differing regulations'in the two municipalities that
brings us here.
You had presented to you the fact that there was a
conditional use permit approved by Shippensburg Township and
while that was introduced for the record, I'd just like to
run through those conditions because I think maybe those
conditions may have some applicability here in the process
so let me point them out to you, and I'm just going to go
down through the eight items as you have them on your list.
The first one dealt with the developer
constructing an eight foot high chain link fence along the
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property on his property that abuts the Locust Grove
Cemetery, and you're probably aware -- of course what's
outlined here in red is our property.
I'm going to flip to a larger sheet that shows the
same thing. This is the Locust Grove Cemetery right in
here, and one of the things Shippensburg Township wanted us
to do was to construct a chain link fence along these
property lines that this property has in common with the
cemetery.
This would be a fence constructed one foot inside
our property, not on the cemetery property so that the fence
can be installed without anybody going onto the cemetery
property.
It would be installed at the developer's expense
and so on.
The second item was the developer will construct a
fence and landscape screening along the properties that'
abuts the Parker, Canaan and Elhajj properties. This would
be the property line right along here.
The combination of a fence and screening to screen
and also to prevent people from coming over onto those
properties.
Third, the developer will construct a four foot
sidewalk along Kenneth that will connect internally with the
apartment complex. There was discussion at the township,
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and I would imagine here too about where pedestrian traffic
is going to go and, of course, I think we pretty well know
it's going to go towards the university, so we would connect
this sidewalk into existing sidewalk along Kenneth so that
there would be sidewalks all the way out to Britton Road.
And, four, the developer will install a no exit
sign at the apartment complex driveway entrance off of
Kenneth Avenue.
This will prevent tenants from exiting onto
Kenneth Avenue, however, tenants will be permitted to enter
the complex off of Kenneth Avenue and what we're making
reference to here is and we did this in consultation with
the supervisors and Shippensburg Township.
They desired that we not have any more traffic
exiting Kenneth onto Britt~n than necessary so there will be
a no exit sign at this point right here so that traffic
leaving the complex will need to go down and out Brookside
Drive.
The site distance and the whole arrangement is a
little better out on Brookside Avenue than it is where
Kenneth comes out. Yeah, you follow me there, Lee? You
look like you have a puzzled look on your face.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: I see where you're going to exit
out onto Brookside.
MR. BERT: Well then Brookside goes out next --
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goes out onto Britton and we have something else in relation
to Britton here in a minute, but that would generally
prevent people from the apartment complex coming out Kenneth
and on to Britton.
And then, five, the developer will construct to
township specification and dedicate to the township an
extension of Brookside for approximately 415 feet to the
Acacia property at 100 percent of the cost to the developer.
This road, this is Brookside Avenue and this is
the end of the public road. This is public out this way.
The developer would construct this section of road to the
property line to township specifications and dedicate that
to the township.
That comes -- what that would do, that gets rid of
that -- oh, that rutted up'road that's in there now.
Originally we had proposed to improve it but we were not
proposing to dedicate it, so they made that one of the
conditions that they would like to see happen.
Number six, the developer will construct a four
foot raised sidewalk along the extension of Brookside Avenue
from the entrance into the apartment complex to the Parker
property at 100 percent of the cost to developer. And what
we're talking about from this point right here we'll connect
this sidewalk and then along Brookside, okay.
Now, and at that point let me talk about an item
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or two items that are not on this list that was supposed to
have been, and that is the developer will also continue this
sidewalk on out along Brookside Avenue to Britton Road so
that there will be a sidewalk all the way out to Britton and
also improve the width in the pavement on Brookside to
Britton Road.
Those two items are not on your list, but they
were part of the motion that actually happened at the
township.
Number seven, this apartment complex will be
limited to three residents per unit. Now, that was one of
the main things that got discussed at the township and maybe
legal minds could address this better than I could, but I
think they came to the conclusion that the township have the
right to make that one of ~heir conditions and they choose
to do so.
I think that fits with the requirements here at
the borough and then that way there is that consistency.
So that is one of the conditions, and quite frankly that's
the way our parking and everything else is set up on the
plan.
And then number eight, the apartment complex will
have 24 hour on-site management with phone number supplied
to the ~ownship and also posted on property so this manager
can be contacted i~nediately when necessary.
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In other words; they are requiring as a condition
that there be an on-site manager, okay, and I think that
takes care of those conditions.
I just want to point out to you again that there
are numerous things in relation to the land development
plan, engineering details, construction details, but at this
point this plan has been approved with conditions by both
the borough planning co~nission and the township planning
co~nission.
Both of the engineers for those two municipalities
have reviewed the plan and basically the plan is in
compliance.
There's a few little things that need to be taken
care of on the final plan but they are relatively minor.
And let me point'out to you this. You are
probably aware of this. This area is zoned as R-7 and if
you look at your ordinance it's pretty clear that this is
the area of the borough that whoever adopted the zoning
ordinance intended for students to be because this is the
area where they have indicated fraternities and sororities
to be placed.
It's the only place in your ordinance that they
are permitted uses, so we construe that to mean and I don't
see how 'you can do otherwise to indicate that this is where
somebody wanted student housing to be located. And this is
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really a continuation of that.
Likewise, the density that we are proposing is
within permitted uses. And there seems to be some
confusion on that at least what was reported in some of the
newspaper articles.
Under the R-7 your ordinance permits 30 students
per acre and I think maybe Bob Weaver could confirm that.
Does that sound right to you, Bob?
Let me help you out. It's on --
MR. WEAVER: Here it is.
MR. BERT: It's the last page of R-7. It would be
Section L. In my book it's at the top of the page. It's
150-16 and then item L at the bottom.
I'm under R-7, item two, item L, no building
shall be designed to or ho~se more than 30 students per
acre.
Now, if you take then the
the area that's within the borough,
could have 37 students there.
Now, of course, that's only a part of the project.
The rest of the project is in Shippensburg Township so when
we take the density permitted in Shippensburg Township it's
3,000 -- let me back off.
Well, yeah, the way they stated it's 3,000 square
foot per unit with three students and that equates to 1,000
30 students per acre and
that would mean that you
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square feet per student, and when you take the area in
Shippensburg Township you're allowed to have 149 residents
-- or students and that would mean then if you add those two
together, you could have 186 residents.
We're proposing 180 so we are within the density
requirements when you put the two together as one combined
project, and I think at the last meeting at least this was
reported to me that the question was raised whether or not
this project could be made to work without this approval,
and the answer to that is, yes, except we do get an odd
configuration.
It is possible and I'm going to go back to a
previous drawing. This being the municipal line, it is
possible for us to place all five buildings over in the
township and only parking {n the borough.
Now, that really doesn't make sense though from a
good pl-anning standpoint. It doesn't give us a good
configuration.
We think it's probably better to keep our parking
more centralized, and quite frankly, I don't think it's a
good deal for the borough because then you would get the
parking and no tax revenue.
We think it's better to have it split about the
way we have it, but I point that out to you that it can be
made to work without this, but we're desirous of this layout
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because we think it's better for all persons involved.
that concludes my presentation.
MR. COYNE: If I might, Mr.
a legal memo to Mr. Gilroy, your solicitor,
like to summarize that.
Coyne,
our position there?
And
Chairman, I submitted
and I would just
MR. GILROY: I have provided a copy of that, Mr.
to each board member.
Does the board have any questions of
I don't want to burden you, but I'm
here to try and explain or expound upon what we're
proposing, the uniqueness of the 1.24 acres and also being
split by the township borough line, triangular in shape, the
parcel that remains in the township -- 1.42 acres in the
township of approximately six acres.
It's impossible ~or us to meet the requirement of
the five acres in your zoning ordinance so we cannot
conform.
We feel it is a hardship to compel compliance with
the standards in the ordinance and if this board's due
wisdom does grant it, we submit it's going to be minimum of
what we're asking as far as the belief so we're not asking
for something that's large.
We're asking for de minimis deviation from the
current 'zoning, and I submit one unique consideration here
is that where there's a split between two municipalities, it
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should be viewed based upon two Commonwealth Court cases
that you try to look at the entire project in its entirety
realizing that this is the borough, however Shippensburg
Township there has been compliance there with their zoning
requirements so it should transcend essentially to municipal
boundaries and the doctrine of unity of use. We have the
same use in your municipality, two apartment units and the
unity of the other three in the township.
So I submit that what we're asking is nothing
outrageous or nothing that is going to be in a position
different in the character of the neighborhood that's there
now. They're not trying to come in and change.
As was stated by Mr. Bert, that's the only area
that is permitted for student residential use in your zonin¢
ordinance, so if you have ~ny questions, I would be glad to
try to answer them.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Mr. Coyne, you said about
hardship, that it's a hardship on you, on your people that
you're presenting the case for.
the property owners down there?
hardship on them?
What about the hardship of
Don't you consider this a
MR. COYNE: I'll defer to your solicitor on that,
but the hardship I submit has to be directed to the parcel
in quest'ion that we're asking your consideration for
deviation in the standards.
I submit -- I'm not trying to
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be evasive, Mr. Hockersmith, but I don't believe that is the
standard for the zoning hearing board to look at.
I think you have to look at the parcel in question
to see if that is a hardship when you impose upon that
parcel the standards in your zoning ordinance.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: I understand that, but then I
still think that these people have a right.
MR. COYNE: True.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Another question on your case
where the whole thing should be considering the whole
area --
MR. COYNE: Right.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: -- that the Supreme Court of --
Pennsylvania Supreme Court has taken the solecistic
viewpoint when making decisions on eminent domain cases.
Is this an eminent domain case?
MR. COYNE: This is not an eminent domain case,
but I submit it's maybe a first class cousin. It deals
with land use.
Eminent domain is taking bymunicipality or the
CoL~=~Lonwealth or whatever purpose it might be, a road, an
airport.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Is this taking it though by a
municipality or --
MR. COYNE: No, I'm not submitting that it is, but
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I'm saying I feel that the doctrine cannot by implication be
suggested that this would be a unity of use concept that you
could apply to the application. It's not a taken, no, oh,
it's not.
MR. GILROY: I have one question for the record.
The conditions imposed by Shippensburg Township, is your
client agreeable to meet those conditions?
MR. COYNE: Yes, sir.
MR. GILROY: So there's no plan on appealing the
conditions on the conditional use?
MR. COYNE: Am I correct on that?
MR. BERT: Yes.
MR. COYNE: My client indicates there's no desire
to appeal that, Mr. Gilroy. And certainly as was stated by
Mr. Bert, a lot of the conditions deal with site
development.
If relief is granted here, I have to come back to
the borough and to the township after preliminary plan is
approved with regard to the drainage, the vegetation, the
shielding and so forth.
Any additional con~nents or questions I might try
to address?
MR. HOCKERSMITH: NO.
MR. COYNE: Thank you, sir.
MR. CRESSLER: Any one?
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MR. WOLTEMADE: Yeah, I'm Christopher Woltemade,
and I want to present a couple of arguments not to grant the
requested variance that deal with some different issues.
In my view, the purpose of zoning is often -- or
one of the many purposes of zoning is to provide a buffer
between different types of land uses that may not be
compatible adjacent to one another, and that's the intent of
upholding the zoning so that you don't have something
incapatible next to something else.
You don't want an industrial park next to a
residential neighborhood and so on, and I think there are a
couple of critical issues where the current zoning would
provide at least some more measure of a buffer than the
planned development here.
One relates to d~nsity, and I would argue that the
facts were rather misrepresented or mispresented a few
moments ago.
If you look at the planned development as far as I
can tell, there are two of the five buildings within the
borough, and according to the calculations we heard, you
could legally have 37 residents on that portion of the land.
There would be 72 people in those two buildings.
That's almost double the density of what's allowed in the
current 'zoning and that really impacts that neighborhood.
You're packing students in in a very tight space
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in a place that now supports single family houses with a
neighborhood characteristic that is completely different.
This is not a small change in that neighborhood.
It is completely different. That issue I think has been
brought up before.
One other comment about the density as well. The
whole parcel is something less than five acres, and so if
you multiply out the 30 people per acre times something less
than five acres, you have something less than 150 which as
far as I understand is less than the number of residents
planned for that site, so even if we forget about where the
borough township line is and look at the whole thing as a
project as we were asked to do if it were in the borough, it
wouldn't be allowed under the existing zoning.
The other issue Ghat I want to bring up which is
perhaps something that hasn't been raised before but is a
serious concern of my own is the impact of this density of
developmenton the surrounding environment, and for those of
you who know me, I've been working on studying and directly
working on the quality of Burd Run and the Burd Run Water
Shed for a number of years, and there's a substantial
project just a few hundred yards downstream Of here that
I've spent most of the fall working on trying to enhance the
environmental quality of that stream corridor or just
i~'ediately downstream from this.
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At the university I have supervised three masters
species that have to do with Burd Run and at lease five
independent graduate student projects, one of which examined
in detail the wetlands that are i~t'ediately adjacent to this
property across Brookside Avenue, and the conclusion of that
study was that that is probably the environmentally most
sensitive and most important part of the Burd Run system
within Shippensburg.
That's where spring water comes back to the
surface. The stream comes back up. The wetlands adjacent
to there are going to take a hit with this kind of
development.
You've got essentially five acres under roof top
and asphalt. There's going to be stormwater loaded with
de-icing salt, oil and grease from cars and whatever else is
out there that I realize there's a stormwater detention
plan, but I tell you from ~5z experience that probably works
fairly well in regard to flooding.
It doesn't work very well in terms of water
quality impacts, and I think that an additional issue having
to do with zoning is we're not just talking about a buffer
to the residents around there. We're talking about a buffer
to the other kinds of land uses, and that's a critical part
of the environment here.
It's not within the borough, and the stream
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downstream from there is not within the borough but borough
residents certainly like to go down there and go fishing,
take their dogs out and so on.
I don't think it's smart planning to have one
project 300 yards downstream that's investing $130,000.00 in
improving that stream while we're allowing projects that are
going to degrade the water quality just upstream from there.
That's not good planning, doesn't make good sense
so that's another issue that I wanted to bring up. I would
urge you and I hope you would deny this request for a
variance.
Please just for a minute and, Lee, I think you
were already doing this a few minutes ago, but turn the
tables here and put yourself out here and imagine what you
would be thinking if this was planned to be next to your
house.
I hope you think about
because I suspect you wouldn't want
living next door to you.
MR. CRESSLER:
cop~nents?
Thank you.
things in those terms
180 college students
Anyone else have
MRS. BALTIMORE: Mai Baltimore. I have two
petitions that are against destroying the dignity of the
historical cemetery.
Also a contractor had suggested that we be
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satisfied with see-through fencing which is what it is.
This is a brick -- I mean not brick, concrete, I'm sorry.
And this is the destruction that's been going on up there.
Now it's down every other day everytime
This is standing.
you go up there.
MR.
MS.
CRESSLER: Anyone else?
FICKES: Susie Fickes. I'm also vigorously
opposed to this going in. And I had the same concerns
about the density issues and the zoning in that area.
I think it's going to definitely have a negative
impact on our neighborhoods in that area. I'm also
concerned about the traffic.
I know the proposed flow of traffic is Brookside
to Britton and that probably will be so when they go to
campus but as we all know, when they go out into our town
they're just not going from their apartments to the campus.
Queen and King street is already heavily congested.
Martin Avenue which borders ~¥property and comes
around to Acacia is already heavily traveled by the Acacia
Fraternity and I'm concerned about that.
It is not a two-way alley down there. You can't
get in at the Queen Street entrance because of the house and
the cement wall. It's already congested now. Plus the
possibility of when they're coming in from town traveling
Kenneth Avenue off of King Street at the furniture store and
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coming back. They all can be a nightmare, 180 cars.
We already have more than that in that area when
Acacia throws parties, so I know it's just a bad situation
made worse, and I'm afraid that if you do grant this it will
also set a precedent in the borough for future developers
that have this small piece of ground of 1.2 acres and want
to put 72 students on that you set a precedent.
MR. CRESSLER:
have anything, Lee?
MR. HOCKERSMITH:
Thank you. Anybody else?
Do you
No. I would just reiterate some
of the things that these folks have said and I would like to
add that this would impact the whole project, would impact
the borough police enforcement which they will be called on
to do even in the township where they supposedly have no
authority because if the S~ate Police can't get there, they
in turn call the borough police and the borough police
responds, so that puts them -- they can be down there for a
call at the borough project and be called over into the
township part of the project so there's an impact on the
police.
I would also reiterate the traffic. 180 --
supposedly 180 vehicles more or less, the impact that's
going to have on Queen Street on Martin, on Kenneth.
It's going to be impacted greatly and on your
apartment complex will have 24 hour on-site management with
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a phone number supplied to the township and also posted on
the property so this manager may be contacted immediately
when necessary.
Now, I take that as the township's attempt at
enforcing rules and regulations down there. And I don't
believe that that's going to do it.
And that's -- the only thing that the township can
do is -- the people down there in the township could do is
call the State Police and that's iffy if they will come
because of the manpower situation. Shippensburg Borough is
facing the same type of situation.
That's all I have.
MR. BERT: Bill, if I could respond to some of
the things that were said here.
I would like to ~espond first of all to the
question of density. I believe if you do check the facts
you will understand that what I presented in the way of the
numbers on density is in fact correct.
Where there needs to be a clear understanding is
that we do have a municipal line through this property. We
do have two different density requirements on this property.
That is a fact.
This property cannot be looked at just simply by
the zoning requirements in Shippensburg Borough. Likewise,
it cannot be looked at as just the zoning requirements in
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Shippensburg Township.
If you wanted to i~pose the requirements in
Shippensburg Borough to the whole tract, then by even a
greater right because there's more property in Shippensburg
Township, we could make the argument we ought to apply the
requirements to Shippensburg Township to the whole parcel.
We're not doing that.
When I presented the density requirements, I took
the requirements of the entire tract with the density
permitted in each one.
Now, I said earlier that it would be possible to
rearrange the buildings to match the density requirements
per municipality. That could be done so that's really not
at issue here, but what I am stating is that if you take the
density requirements of bo~hmunicipalities and apply it to
this parcel, you could actually have six more here than what
we are proposing.
There was a statement made too about the character
of the neighborhood. Let me reiterate again. The borough
previously zoned this area as R-7 and specifically for
college related activities. It specifically says
fraternities and sororities.
It is the only place in the ordinance where that
is permi'tted, so it was clearly the intent of comprehensive
planning and the previous ordinance that this area be
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student housing.
That's one of the reasons why this area was
selected for that because -- and this was not the
developer's thinking. This was the thinking of the borough
to put student housing in this section of town. Right or
wrong. I'm not here to debate that.
I understand the feelings in relation to density
and that issue, but that's the way this ordinance was set
up.
I've heard the arguments that, you know, there
needs to be buffers. This area in the borough is zoned for
this type of thing, and likewise it is permitted by a
conditional use application in Shippensburg Township.
We're not doing anything that's not here -- you
know, we're not stretching'the limits. It's what's here.
Now, in response I think to Lee and some other
comments in relation to traffic impacts and all of that,
I'll submit to you everytime anything happens it impacts us.
Now, I think I can state this though, that the
traffic impact in the Borough of Shippensburg is no
different than if this development happens here or if it
happens some other place let's say on out Britton Road.
Granted the traffic is going to come into Queen Street.
It's going to come to Sheetz. It's going to come to King
Street. The traffic is going to come regardless --
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regardless of that location. You know, as the university
grows, it impacts our streets. It impacts everything. It
impacts our economy and, you know, for the most part, you
know, our economy revolves around people. That's a part of
life today.
There was something indicated about the increased
traffic coming out to Martin Avenue, I submit to you that
can only happen if trespassing takes place.
This property terminates at this location. The
public road terminates at this location.
For anyone from this property to get on Martin
Avenue, they must trespass across private property of
Acacia.
Now, am I going to say they're not going to
trespass, well, I don't kn~w. I mean, I'm not going to say
they won't. Just in the very same way, you know, other
people may well trespass onto our property, but the point is
it's private property and they do need to trespass to cross
township?
Acacia.
HOCKERSMITH: Carl, you said --
FICKES: Are you dedicating the road to the
MR. BERT: Yes, but to this point, not through
No, there is no dedicated --
MS. FICKES: It's totally up to Acacia to enforce
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if anybody trespasses.
want
MR. BERT:
MS. FICKES:
to do that.
MR. BERT:
MS. FICKES:
That would be correct.
I don't see any reason why they would
I mean --
You can say what should be, but we
all know that that road is used now whether it's private
property or whatever it has been for years.
Acacia comes from Britton Road up Martin Avenue
and back and forth now so there's no reason to believe that
people are not going to do it so it is going to impact
Martin Avenue.
What should be is not always what happens. I
know as a fact that they're going to come up that way.
There's no way to stop it.
MR. BERT: What is being proposed here is not
going to change or alter anything that Acacia people do.
They're going to keep doing what they're doing.
MS. FICKES: I'm just saying that's going to be a
-- it's an open road to be used by anyone. That's
basically what it has been since I've lived there and it's
going to continue to be.
MR. PARSHALL: If that's the case, Carl, why is
there a need to have a dedicated black top road past the enC
of the driveway on Brookside?
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MR. BERT:
tO the Shippensburg Township supervisors.
proposal was not to do that but --
MR. PARSHAI,I,: It looks like it would make nice
green space right alongside the stream.
MR. BERT: I think rather they were trying to
make sure that road was properly maintained. Right now if
you look at it, it's kind of a -- it's a mess.
MR. PARSHALL: It's not a road.
MR. BERT: Potholes.
MR. PARSHAT,T,:
intended to be a road.
You would have to phrase that question
Our original
MR. BERT: That's right. Well, it is intended as
a right-of-way and a means of ingress and egress to Acacia,
but it's been very poorly n~intained.
There was one more thing yet I failed to respond
to and that was the environmental issues. Ail of these get
taken into account with, you know, danger species
evaluations, erosion, sediment control, plans and all of
that is part of the land development issues and we've
addressed that on those plans.
MR. WOLTEMADE: Would you like to elaborate on how
you would address the water quality concerns and run-off
from those parking lots?
MR. BERT: We're obviously doing that through the
It's not a road. It never was
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sediment basins and so on.
MR. WOLTEMADE: How does that address the motor
oils and road salts and those type of things?
MR. BERT: I'm not going to sit here and tell you
that, you know, it does not impact it. Just like as a
matter of fact, you already have flowing into that location
about 25 acres from the borough --
MR. GOSHORN: 55.
MR. BERT: Yeah, Randy reminds me it's 55 acres
from the borough up around Sheetz, McDonald's. In fact,
everything from Washington Street, that whole corner of town
does flow to an existing pipe and into that area now.
MR. WOLTEMADE: That's true. That doesn't
justify a 10 percent increase.
increase.
have
MR. BERT:
MR. GOSHORN:
to control it.
stormwater run-off.
Well,' by no means is it a 10 percent
But it's a controlled increase.
So there is no increase from
That's what we're required to do by
your ordinances and that's what we're intending to do.
MR. BERT: I might also add that I believe this
-- I would have to double-check this, but I don't believe
there's any other stormwater detention facilities in that
general water shed.
We
MR. WEAVER: Sheetz.
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MR. BERT: I think there's a little bit
subsurface under Sheetz but that's about the only thing.
Everything else
addressing that where all
MR. CRESSLER:
motions or just one?
MR. GILROY:
MR. CRESSLER:
free flows and, you know, we are
the others has not addressed it.
Do we have to have three different
Just one.
Lee, do you have anything else?
MR. HOCKERSMITH: No.
MR. CRESSLER: Anybody have anything else before
okay, I'll entertain a motion.
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Okay, I'll move that we deny the
variances.
MR. CRESSLER: I'll second it.
favor give your consent by saying aye.
Denied.
Ail those in
MR. HOCKERSMITH: Aye.
MR. CRESSLER: Aye. Opposed?
I think that's all that we have,
MR. HOCKERSMITH:
Motion carries.
right?
I would like to thank the
participation by the audience and the group.
MRS. BALTIMORE: We would like to thank you.
(Thereupon, the above-entitled matter was
concluded.)
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'd~3UfR~u7 3, ~0Of-- I hereby certify that the
foregoin~g is a true and correct transcript of testimony
taken by me in the above-entitl~matte~
Dfana L. Sydnor
Court Reporter
COpy,
BOROUGH OF SH1PPENSBURG ZONING HEARING BOARD
111 NORTH FAYETTE STREET
P.O. BOX 129
SHIPPENSBURG, PA 17257
1NRE:
DOCKET NO.:
DATE OF APPLICATION:
LOCATION OF PROPERTY:
REQUI~STED RELIEF:
DATE OF HEARINGS:
DATE OF DECISION:
BOARD MEMBERS 1N
ATTENDANCE:
DECISION OF ZONING HEARING BOARD
APPLICATION OF C.S.R. ENTERPRISES
2001 - 15
NOVEMBER 7, 2001
KENNETH AVENUE, SHIP,PENSBURG, PA
VARIANCE
NOVEMBER 28, 2001 AND DECEMBER 19, 2001
DECEMBER 19, 2001
J. LEE HOCKERSMITH AND WILLIAM CRESSLER~
PROPER NOTICE OF THE ABOVE HEARING WAS GIVEN BY ADVERTISING IN THE
NEWS CHRONICLE, SHIPPENSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA ONCE A WEEK FOR TWO
WEEKS PRIOR TO THE HEARING AS APPEARS FROM PROOF OF PUBLICATION.
ADDITIONALLY, NOTICE OF THE HEARING AND THE APPLICATION WAS SENT TO
ALL ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNERS, POSTED ON THE PROPERTY iN QUESTION
AND POSTED IN THE BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG OFFICE.
FINDINGS OF FACT
THE BOARD HEREBY FINDS THE FOLLOWING FACTS:
1
Applicant is C.S.R. Enterprises, c/o Sean P. Tighe of 9767 Forrest Ridge Road, Shippensburg,
Pennsylvania 17257.
~ Board Member Earl Parshall and Board Alternate Andrea Lage attended the November 28, 2001 hearing.
However, both Members resigned from the Board prior to the Board's December 19, 2001 hearing and decision.
2
Applicant seeks a variance with respect to land on Kenneth and Brookside Avenue, which is located
partially within the Borough of Shippensburg and partially within Shippensburg Township (Subject
Property).
3
Lawrence B. Royer and Alice B. Royer own the Subject Property, and the Applicant is equitable
titleholder pursuant to an Agreement of Sale between Applicant and the owners.
4
Applicant seeks various variances in order to construct two twelve (12) unit apartments buildings at
the Subject Property on land located in the Borough of Shippensburg.
DISCUSSION AND FURTHER FACTUAL DETERMINATIONS
The Subject Property is 4.66 acres, with approximately 1.24 acres located in the Borough of
Shippensburg and 3.42 acres located in Shippensburg Township.
Applicant proposes to construct five (5) apartment buildings on the Subject Property, with each
apartment building having twelve (12) units. Additionally, the project will include a separate
building for laundry service, construction of macadam drive/parking areas, installation of sanitary
sewer and water laterals as necessary and other land use improvements associated with the
apartment buildings.
The zoning within Shippensburg Townsh/p is R-2 Residence District, with apartment units as
proposed being a conditional use. On December 17, 2001, Shippensburg Township issued a
conditional use permit to the Applicant which approved the proposed development within the
Township subject to eight (8) conditions imposed on the Applicant by the Township.
The portion of the Subject Property located within the Borough of Shippensburg is in a R-7
Residence District. Pursuant to Section 150-16(A)(1) of the Borough of Shippensburg Zoning
Ordinance (Ordinance), uses permitted in an R-3 Multi-Family residence District are permitted in
the R-7 District. Permitted uses in a R-3 District are outlined in Section 150-12 of the Ordinance,
which Section 150-12(A)(2)(b) allows "Garden-Type Multiple-Family Dwellings not to exceed six
(6) units, subject to the general regulation set forth in Section 150-37 of Article X hereof."
Section 150-37 of the Ordinance provides various conditions for these types of multiple dwelling
units. Section 150-37(A) provides that a lot area shall not be less than five (5) acres and Section
150-37(B) provides not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet of lot area per family. Applicant
sought variances from these provisions, with the total lot area for this project being 4.66 acres, the
proposed lot size per dwelling unit being three thousand three hundred ninety (3,390) square feet,
and the apartment buildings having twelve units rather than the required six.
A number of neighbors appeared at the two hearings voicing their opposition to the proposed
variance. They noted that it was anticipated college students would occupy these apartment units,
and the neighbors expressed serious concerns with respect to problems that would be associated
with the college student occupancy. They cited issues such as supervision of the college students,
additional traffic and parking issues and related matters. Concern was expressed with respect to
placing one hundred eighty (180) college students on this parcel and how those students would
interact with the neighboring residential uses. There were also concems expressed with respect to
potential trespass to an adjacent cemetery.
It is clear from the plan submitted by the Applicant that the land in question could be used for
apartment buildings without the need of a variance. If the Applicant reduced the size of the
proposed apartment buildings (at least those buildings that are to be within the Borough) to be not
more than six (6) units and increased the unit size up to five thousand (5,000) square feet per family,
the only portion of the Ordinance that would merit consideration is that section requires that such
uses be on a five (5) acre trace of ground. Such a reduction would obviously create a situation
where there would be fewer college students at the Property, but this outcome would still allow the
Applicant to maintain an apartment building use at the Subject Property while at the same time help
alleviat~ the obvious congestion that may be created with one hundred eighty college students on a
tract of ground less than five acres.
It should also be noted that a reconfiguration of the proposed plan whereby the apartment buildings
would be located solely within the Township would result in the applicant not being required to
obtain any use permit from the Borough of Shippensburg and, thus, a variance would not be
required. Clearly, the Applicant has other options whereby the Applicant could meet the spirit and
intent of the Ordinance.
The Applicant has also not demonstrated any real hardship except for the hardship' imposed by the
Ordinance itself. This land can be developed for other uses permitted within an R-7 Zoning
District. The only hardship that appears to be present is that the Applicant desires to put more
apartment units on the property than what the Ordinance would allow. Furthermore, the Applicant's
request is certainly not a minimal variance request in light of the fact that the Applicant has the
ability of scaling back the number of units purposed and increasing the size of the units in order to
be in more compliance with the Ordinance.
It appears that intensive apartment use will alter the essential character of that portion of the
neighborhood which is in single-family residential use. The Applicant also failed to come forward
with any unique physical circumstances or conditions relating to the property.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
The Board finds the following Conclusions of Law:
1. The Applicant has not met its burden to demonstrate that it is entitled to the variance
as requested.
2. The Subject Property could be developed in strict conformity with the provisions of
the Ordinance.
3. Intensive apartment use at the Subject Property will alter the essential character of
that portion of the neighborhood which is in single-family residential use.
4. The variance requested does not represent the minimum variance that would afford
relief nor represent the least modification possible of the Ordinances in question.
DECISION
It is the decision of the Borough of Shippensburg Zoning Heating Board as follows:
1
The application of C.S.R. Enterprises for a variance for property located at Kenneth and Brookside
Avenue is hereby DENIED.
1-4-02
DATE MAILED
~. LI~/I~ HOCKERSMITH, SECRETARY
BOROUGH OF SHIPPENSBURG
ZONING HEARING BOARD
ANY PERSON AGGRIEVED BY THE DECISION OF THE ZONING HEARING BOARD
MAY APPEAL TO THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. THE
APPEAL MUST BE FILED WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS DECISION.