Township of Lower Merion

ABANDONED SIGN

A sign which has not identified or advertised a current business, service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least six months.

ABUTTING

To be joined at a border, property line, or zoning district boundary. Abutting properties include properties across a street or alley, or a railroad right-of-way.

ACADEMIC CLINICAL RESEARCH FACILITY

An accredited medical school within this commonwealth that operates or partners with an acute care hospital licensed within this commonwealth.

ACCESSORY BUILDING

A habitable building separate from and subordinate to the principal building on a lot and used for purposes incidental to those of the principal building, including the storage of vehicles.

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT

A dwelling unit sharing a lot with a principal building, that may or may not be in a separate structure, excluding a mobile home.

ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT

Any equipment serving or being used in conjunction with a wireless communications facility or wireless support structure. The term "accessory equipment" includes but is not limited to utility or transmission equipment, power supplies, generators, batteries, cables, equipment buildings, cabinets and storage sheds, shelters or similar structures.

ACCESSORY STRUCTURE

A nonhabitable structure, tree house, or playhouse separate from and subordinate to the principal building on a lot and used for purposes incidental to those of the principal building.

ACCESSORY USE

A use subordinate to the principal use of land or of a building on a lot and customarily incidental thereto.

ACCESSWAY

A formalized path, walkway or other physical connection that allows pedestrians and cyclists to directly reach destinations.

ADAPTIVE USE

Rehabilitation or renovation of existing building(s) for a use other than the originally intended use.

ADJACENT

To be joined at a property line. Adjacent properties do not include properties across a street or alley, or a railroad right-of-way.

ADULT DAY-CARE CENTER

Interactive, supervised environment for adults with organic brain syndromes or other ailments for a portion of a twenty-four-hour day, and licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

Any adult bookstore, adult dancing establishment, adult motion-picture theater, or commercial physical contact establishment where procedures are conducted on specified anatomical areas and are viewed by persons other than the artist and one other person with the consent of the client.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Housing which is deemed affordable to those with a median household income, as rated by the national government or a local government according to a recognized housing affordability index, often specifying that the gross housing cost, including utilities, does not exceed 30% of the occupant's income.

A-FRAME SIGN

A type of freestanding, portable sign consisting of two faces connected and hinged at the top and whose message is targeted to pedestrians (also known as a "sandwich board sign").

AIR QUALITY

A measure of the levels of pollution in the air and the potential for any adverse effects on public health in the environment.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SALES

An establishment in which the primary use shall include the sale of alcoholic beverages, with or without meals; may include but is not construed to be a private club. Also, "taproom."

ALLEE

A regularly spaced and aligned row of trees usually planted along a street or pedestrian passage.

ALLEY

A strip of land over which there is a municipal or privately owned easement, on which no dwellings or stores front, serving as the secondary means of access to two or more lots. An alley shall not be utilized for frontage purposes.

ALTERNATIVE HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY

A residence for a maximum of three unrelated elderly individuals or couples that may include household services and assistance with daily activities, but not including long-term care, clinical or medical treatment; with or without shared kitchen and dining.

AMBULANCE SERVICE

A facility housing ambulances or medical emergency vehicles and attendant staff, including offices and supply storage.

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

A place where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment and are cared for during the time of such treatment. Use as a kennel shall be limited to short-time boarding and shall be only incidental to such hospital use.

ANIMATED SIGN

A sign depicting action, motion, or light or color changes through electrical or mechanical means.

ANTENNA

An apparatus designed for the purpose of emitting radiofrequency (RF) radiation, to be operated or operating from a fixed location pursuant to Federal Communications Commission authorization, for the provision of wireless service and any commingled information services.

ANTENNA ARRAY

One or more rods, panels, discs or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of radio frequency signals, which may include omnidirectional antenna (rod), directional antenna (panel) and parabolic antenna (disc).

ANTENNA MISCELLANEOUS

Structure intended for the transmission or reception of radar, radio, television, or telephone communications, excluding traditional single-family residential television antennas, amateur radio antennas, satellite earth stations and microwave antennas.

APPLICANT

Any person that applies for a wireless communication facility building permit, zoning approval and/or permission to use the public right-of-way (ROW) or other Township-owned land or property.

ARCADE

A covered walkway within a building or attached to a building and supported on at least one side by columns with enclosed building space above.

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE

The characteristic form and detail of buildings from a particular historical period or school of architecture.

AREA DEVOTED TO THE USE

The total of the floor area and, for any portions of the use not conducted in a building, the lot area actually utilized in connection with the use.

ARTICULATION

The visible expression of architectural or landscape elements through form, structure or materials that break up the scale of buildings and spaces to achieve human scale.

ARTISAN SIGN

Signs of workmen performing services at or alterations to a building which shall be removed upon the completion of the work.

ASSISTED-LIVING UNIT

A personal care unit within a continuing-care facility for the elderly, as licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in which food, shelter and personal assistance or supervision are provided for a person exceeding 24 consecutive hours and who requires assistance or supervision in activities of daily living, but does not require hospitalization or care in a long-term-care or intermediate-care facility.

AUTO-RELATED INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENT

A place of business serving major auto-related needs, including: car wash, gas station, and mechanical repairs.

AUTO-RELATED SERVICES

A place of business serving minor auto-related needs, including, but not limited to: motor vehicle sales, car rental, minor repairs, retail sales, such as auto parts, tire store, gas station, electric vehicle charging station, and car wash.

AVERAGE SLOPE

The slope of land determined according to a formula based on the contour lines on a topography map.

AWNING

A cloth, canvas, or other nonstructural covering that projects from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window, with or without signage. An awning can fixed in place or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use. Awnings, to be an effective adjunct to a shopfront, must thoroughly overlap the sidewalk.

AWNING SIGN

A sign painted on, printed on, or applied to an awning.

BACKGROUND SOUND LEVEL

The measured sound level in the area, exclusive of spontaneous extraneous sounds, and related to the sound contribution of the specific source in question.

BALCONY

A platform that projects from the wall of the building and is surrounded by a railing, wall or balustrade.

BALLOON SIGN

A lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon, tethered in a fixed location, which contains an advertising message on its surface or attached to the balloon in any manner.

BANNER

A sign consisting of cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar nonrigid material attached to a structure, staff, pole, rope, wire, or framing which is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners. Banners are temporary in nature and do not include flags.

BASE FLOOD

The flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year; the 100-year flood.

BASE FLOOD ELEVATION

The 100-year flood elevation.

BASEMENT

Any area of the building having the greater part of its floor below ground level on all sides.

BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE (BEV)

An electric vehicle that is powered solely by rechargeable electric battery, without any internal combustion engine.

BED-AND-BREAKFAST

A group of lodging units not to exceed five units within the residence of the proprietor living on site or within a building accessory thereto, wherein services limited to lodging and meal(s) are provided by the proprietor to transient tenants.

BLOCK

A unit of land bounded by streets or combination of streets, railroad right-of-way, waterway, or any other barrier to the continuity of development.

BOARD

The Board of Commissioners of the Township of Lower Merion.

BOX SIGN

A sign fastened to a wall, constructed as a box with enough internal depth to accommodate internal lighting.

BUFFER, LANDSCAPE OR BUFFER AREA

A designated area at the perimeter of a lot, densely landscaped its full width with trees and shrubs, as a visual and ambient screen to protect residential property from impacts of other uses.

BUILDABLE AREA

The portion of a lot remaining after required setbacks have been provided. Buildings may be placed in any part of the buildable area, but other requirements, such as impervious surface requirements or lot occupation, may limit use of buildable area.

BUILDING

Any structure having a solid roof intended for shelter or enclosing of persons, animals, personal property, vehicles or equipment, excluding freestanding tents and awnings.

BUILDING AREA

The building footprint measured by the horizontal cross section of a building at its greatest outside dimensions at or above the ground level, excluding cornices, eaves, gutters or chimneys projecting not more than 18 inches, bay windows not extending through more than one story and not projecting more than three feet, one-story open porches projecting not more than 10 feet, steps and balconies.

BUILDING CONFIGURATION

The form of a building, based on its massing, frontage, and height.

BUILDING COVERAGE

The footprint of a building or structure measured by the horizontal cross section at its greatest outside dimensions at or above the ground level, excluding cornices, eaves, gutters or chimneys projecting not more than 18 inches, bay windows not extending through more than one story and not projecting more than five feet, one-story open porches projecting not more than 10 feet, steps and balconies.

BUILDING FRONTAGE

The linear width of a building measured in a single straight line parallel, or essentially parallel, to the abutting public street(s) or parking lot(s).

BUILDING HEIGHT

The vertical distance from the mean grade to the highest part of the building excluding permitted appurtenances (e.g., chimneys) authorized elsewhere in this chapter.

BUILDING LINE

The line which establishes the minimum depth of the front yard measured from the right-of-way line.

BUILDING MASS

The three-dimensional bulk of a structure: its height, width and depth.

BUILDING SCALE

The relationship between the mass of a building and its surroundings, including the width of street, nearby open space, and the mass of buildings on adjacent properties.

BUILD-TO LINE

A line established within a given lot indicating where the front façade of a structure must be located (also "frontage line").

CALIPER

The diameter of a tree measured by the American or U.S.A. Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI) or U.S.A.S. Z60.1 of the American Association of Nurserymen, as amended.

CANOPY

A multisided, overhead structure, architectural projection supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either cantilevered from such building supported by columns at additional points, or freestanding, with or without signage.

CANOPY SIGN

A sign that is part of, or attached to, a canopy.

CAR SHARE

A short-term car rental service whereby customers can pick up and return the car at a designated place.

CAREGIVER (MEDICAL MARIJUANA)

The individual designated by a patient to deliver medical marijuana.

CARTWAY

The portion of a street or right-of-way, paved or not paved, which is used or intended for use by vehicular traffic.

CEMETERY

A burial ground that may include buildings, such as a mausoleum or a chapel.

CERTIFIED MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE

The acquisition, possession, use or transportation of medical marijuana by a patient, or the acquisition, possession, delivery, transportation or administration of medical marijuana by a caregiver, for use as part of the treatment of the patient's serious medical condition, as authorized by certification by the commonwealth.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN

A sign, or portion thereof, on which the copy or symbols change, either automatically through electrical or electronic means or manually through placement of letters or symbols on a panel mounted in or on a track system. The two types of changeable copy signs are manual changeable copy signs and electronic message signs.

CHANNEL LETTER SIGN

A sign consisting of three-dimensional letters and/or logo, applied to a wall, each letter of which may or may not accommodate a light source.

CIVIC

See definition of "institutional civic."

CLASS I HISTORIC RESOURCE

All historic resources, including buildings, structures, sites and objects individually listed as Class 1 Resources on the Lower Merion Township Historic Resource Inventory.Editor's Note: See Chapter A180, Historic Resource Inventory.

CLASS II HISTORIC RESOURCE

All historic resources, including buildings, structures, sites and objects individually listed as Class 2 Resources on the Lower Merion Township Historic Resource Inventory.Editor's Note: See Chapter A180, Historic Resource Inventory.

CLEAR WINDOW

The glass surface of a window that allows visual permeability without tinting or screening.

CLEARANCE

The distance above the walkway, or other surface if specified, to the bottom edge of a sign. This term can also refer to a horizontal clear distance between two objects.

CODE OF REGULATIONS

Such governing regulations as are adopted pursuant to Chapter 155, Zoning, and Chapter 135, Subdivision, and Land Development, and the Unit Property ActEditor's Note: The Unit Property Act was repealed by the Act of July 2, 1980, P.L. 286, No. 82. See now the Uniform Condominium Act, 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101 et seq. for the regulation and management of condominium properties, including amendments thereof, and as may be adopted from time to time.

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

A facility for post-secondary education that grants associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral degrees and may include research functions and professional schools; with a dedicated site that may include several buildings; or occupying several locations throughout the community.

COLLOCATION

The mounting of one or more WCFs, including antennas, on a preexisting structure, or modifying a structure for the purpose of mounting or installing a WCF on that structure.

COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC VISIT

Any visit or delivery, except regular residential delivery, by a vehicle to a property on which a home occupation is conducted, such being made in connection with that home occupation.

COMMON DRIVEWAY

Any portion of the driveway on a lot (or lots) not specifically for the exclusive use of that lot.

COMMON ENTRY

A single collective primary building entrance to a multi-tenant lobby.

COMMON OPEN SPACE

A parcel or parcels of land, an area of water or a combination of land and water, within a subdivision or land development, designed or intended for use or enjoyment of residents of the subdivision or land development, including streets, off-street parking areas or areas set aside for public facilities. Common open space shall be substantially free of structures except as permitted in Open Space Preservation Districts, but may contain such improvements as are appropriate for the recreation of residents and which are set forth in the subdivision or land development plan as finally approved by the Board of Commissioners.

COMMUNICATIONS

A facility or structure related to the movement of data and information.

COMMUNITY ART CENTER

A community center whose purpose is limited to serving artists and arts organizations by, for example, providing them with exhibition, workshop, classroom and office space, and to serving the public.

COMMUNITY CENTER

A facility maintained principally as a multiple-purpose gathering place for members of the general public, or a limited portion thereof. The community center may include a management office comprising no more than 15% of the habitable floor area as an accessory use to manage the center and related facilities.

COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL FACILITY/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 or elderly 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 released from or under the jurisdiction of a government bureau of corrections or similar institution. "Handicapped," with respect to a person, means a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities, a record of having such an impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment; but such term does not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance as defined in Section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 802).

COMPOSITE

Two or more materials, typically wood fiber and plastic combined to create a stronger material.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The plan, consisting of maps, charts and textual matter, including recommendations for the continuing development of the Township and adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township.

CONDOMINIUM

Real estate, portions of which are designated for separate ownership and the remainder of which is designated for common ownership solely by the owners of those portions and organized in accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Condominium Act, 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101 et seq.

CONFIGURATION

The form of a building based on its massing, frontage and height.

CONSERVATION

The planned management of a natural feature to preserve, protect or restore it.

CONSERVATION EASEMENT

A legal agreement between a property owner and an appropriate conservation organization or governmental entity through which the property owner establishes certain use regulations over all or portions of the property to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

CONTEXT

Surroundings with particular elements that create the specific character of an area.

CONTIGUOUS

Sharing part of a common property or boundary line; not separated by a street.

CONTINUING-CARE FACILITY

A development consisting of independent residential living units exclusively for persons who are 62 years of age or older and for married couples with one spouse or both spouses being 62 years of age or older. Such developments shall provide nursing facilities containing assisted living and/or memory care/nursing units, health care services and meals for residents (with or without common dining facilities). Such developments may also provide the following facilities and services for the exclusive use of the residents and nonresidents occupying assisted-living and/or memory care/nursing units: physical therapy facilities; auditoriums; recreation facilities; on-site service shops; and other ancillary services.

CONTRIBUTING ELEMENT

A building, structure, site, landscape, or object within the confines of an historic resource that contributes to its historical significance or to the integrity of the resource. Alterations to such an element are reviewable by the Historical Commission.

CONTRIBUTING RESOURCE

A building, structure, site, landscape, or object located within an historic district which has been determined to support the district's historical significance through location, age, design, setting, materials and workmanship.

CORNER LOT

A lot abutting on at least two sides streets connected at an intersection, or two parts of the same curvilinear street.

CORNICE

The molded and projecting horizontal member that crowns an architectural composition.

CORRIDOR

A linear geographic system incorporating transportation or greenways.

COUNTY

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

COURT, INNER

An open space substantially enclosed on all sides by the walls of a building.

COURT, OUTER

An open space partly enclosed by the walls of a building.

CRAFT PRODUCTION

The manufacturing by hand with or without the aid of tools. Crafting may include model making, rug weaving, furniture making and similar small crafts.

CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

The minimum essential setting or context in which an identified historic resource retains its historic integrity; "resource" being constituted by either individual object, site or structure or by multiple objects, sites or structures (historic district); "historic setting" including both natural (trees, streams, slopes, etc.) and man-made (bridges and walls, outbuildings, such as spring houses, barns, corn cribs, railroad tracks, cemetery markers, etc.) features; "historic integrity" being the unimpaired state which allows the viewer of the resource to have a better understanding of the materials and culture of the past.

CULTURAL STUDIO

A facility used for providing to the public instruction in the performing arts, limited to dance, music and theater, and the fine arts, including drawing, painting, photography and sculpture.

CULTURAL/MUSEUMS

A facility/structure that houses and cares for art, sculptures, and objects of cultural importance, provides information and interpretation of cultural heritage assets and makes them available for the public to view and experience.

CURB

The edge of the vehicular pavement that may be detailed as a raised concrete or stone element.

CURBLINE

The edge of the curb furthest from the street.

DAY-CARE

A facility where children are cared for, including after-school care as regulated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

DBH

The diameter of a tree at breast height, measured 4.5 feet from the ground surface.

DECLARATION

The instrument by which the owner of property submits it to the provisions of the Unit Property Act.Editor's Note: The Unit Property Act was repealed by the Act of July 2, 1980, P.L. 286, No. 82. See now the Uniform Condominium Act, 68 Pa.C.S.A. § 3101 et seq.

DEED OF DEDICATION

With respect to transferable development rights, the legal instrument used by a landowner to transfer ownership of a cleared and stabilized sending parcel, without its associated development credits, to Lower Merion Township or its designated agent.

DEED OF DEVELOPMENT CREDITS

The legal instrument necessary to sever and transfer development credits currently or previously appurtenant to a sending parcel.

DEMOLITION, HISTORIC

The destruction, dismantling or removal, whether deliberately or by neglect, of the exterior of a building, structure, object, or site listed on the Historic Resource Inventory, in whole or in significant part for any purpose, including additions, alterations, reconstruction and/or new construction. Demolition regulated by this provision includes the removal, stripping, concealing or destruction of the facade, exterior surfaces, or any significant exterior architectural feature(s) and/or material(s), which contribute to the historic character of the resource.

DENSITY

The number of dwelling units within a standard measure of land area, usually given as units per acre.

DEVELOPER

Any person, firm or corporation which performs or undertakes to perform development.

DEVELOPMENT

Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including the construction, reconstruction, renovation, repair, expansion or alteration of buildings or other structures; the placement of manufactured homes; streets and other paving; utilities; filling, grading and excavation; mining; dredging or drilling operations; storage of equipment or materials; and the subdivision of land.

DEVELOPMENT SIGN

A sign indicating that the premises on which the sign is located is in the process of subdivision or land development for residential and/or nonresidential uses.

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

The standards set forth in this article, Chapter 155, Zoning, and Chapter 135, Subdivision, and Land Development.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN

A sign designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic into and out of or within a site.

DISPOSITION

The placement of a building on its lot.

DISTRICT

A zoning category that prescribes intended use and form regulations for a given area.

DRAINAGE RIGHT-OF-WAY

The land required for the installation and/or maintenance of storm sewers, drainage ditches or retention basins.

DRIPLINE

A generally circular line, the circumference of which is determined by the outer reaches of a tree's widest branching points.

DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITY

A place of business allowing transactions for goods or services without leaving a motor vehicle, including service, retail, and restaurant uses, but excluding car washes.

DUPLEX

A building designed for and occupied exclusively as a permanent residence for two families, with one family living wholly or partly over the other, and having no party wall in common with an adjacent building.

DWELLING UNIT

Any structure or part thereof designed for and occupied exclusively as a residence for a single family to be occupied as living quarters as a single housekeeping unit.

EARTHMOVING

Any act by which soil or rock is cut into, quarried, displaced or relocated.

EASEMENT

A right to make use of the land of another for a specific and limited purpose such as right of passage, or placement and maintenance of a utility.

EDGE OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY

Boundary of the right-of-way as determined by Township ordinance for the means of vehicular and or pedestrian travel and utilities.

EFFECTIVE DATE

The effective date of the Lower Merion Zoning Code is April 26, 1927. The effective date of any amendments shall be the date when the particular amendment became or becomes effective.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)

Overall term for vehicles that derive all or part of their power from electricity supplied by the electric grid. They include AEVs, HEVs and PHEVs.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING LEVELS

A. LEVEL 1
A method that provides charging for an EV battery using a 120V single-phase electric service with a 15A or 20A circuit breaker. This method is considered slow-speed charging and does not require any special EV charging equipment.

B. LEVEL 2
A method that provides charging for an EV battery using a 240V/208V single-phase or three-phase electric service with a 40A to 100A circuit breaker. This method is considered medium-speed charging and requires the installation of specialized EV charging equipment at the EVCS.

C. LEVEL 3
A method also known as "direct current fast charging (DCFC)" that provides charging for an EV battery using a 480V three-phase electric service. This method is considered high-speed and requires the installation of highly specialized, high-powered EV charging equipment as the EVCS and in the EV.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION (EVCS)

A public or private parking space that is served by battery-charging station equipment that has as its primary purpose the transfer of electric energy (by conductive or inductive means) to a battery or other energy storage device in an EV.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE PARKING SPACE

Any designated parking space that is provided to allow EV access and use of an EVCS.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE READINESS STANDARDS Preconstruction installation of dedicated EV charging infrastructure to minimize the post-construction cost and effort.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN

A type of illuminated, changeable copy sign that consists of electronically changeable alphanumeric text.

EMERGENCY A condition that:

(1) Constitutes a clear and immediate danger to the health, welfare, or safety of the public; or
(2) Has caused or is likely to cause facilities in the rights-of-way to be unusable and result in loss of the services provided.

EMERGENCY FACILITIES (AMBULANCE SERVICES AND FIRE STATIONS)

The ambulance services and fire stations that provide a mandated service on behalf of the Township and maintain a tax-exempt status under Section 501(C)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.

EMPLOYEE DAY-CARE

A facility for the care of infants and preschool children of employees of the principal or accessory uses.

ENCROACHMENT

An extension of a building or building component into the area of the required setback, or any physical action which may jeopardize the health and longevity of a natural feature.

ENGINEER

A person licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to engage in the practice of engineering and/or land surveying.

ENTRANCE, PRIMARY

The main point of access of pedestrians into a building.

ENVIRONMENTAL

A site set aside for the creation, retention and permanent protection of natural or historic resources, including floodplains, wetlands, streams, valleys, woodlands and other natural and scenic features, historic sites and other historic resources.

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA

An area with one or more of the following characteristics: slopes in excess of 15%; floodplains; soils classified as having a high water table; soils classified as highly erodible, subject to erosion, or having a shallow depth to bedrock; wetlands or other sensitive estuaries; stream corridors; aquifer recharge areas, springs or other surface water and groundwater resource areas; prime wildlife habitat; significant geologic formations; land incapable of meeting percolation requirements; mature stands of native vegetation.

EQUIPMENT COMPOUND

An area surrounding or adjacent to a wireless support structure within which base stations, power supplies, or accessory equipment are located.

ERECT

To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix, including the painting of wall signs, window signs or other graphics.

ESTATE PRESERVATION LOT

See "environmental."

EXPANDED USE

The enlargement of the use of property evidenced, for example, by any of the following: the construction of or addition to a building, a parking lot or outdoor recreation structure or equipment; the construction of a new athletic field, a new playground or a new hard-surfaced area designed or intended to be used for sporting or other physical recreation activities; the extension of the use of property beyond the permitted parameters established by the Zoning Hearing Board, or beyond those parameters established in the record of testimony presented to the Zoning Hearing Board in support of an approved application; an increase of five persons or 10%, whichever is greater, in the student and faculty or participant population associated with the use as it was authorized by a previously granted special exception or, if not so authorized, as it had been historically used; an increase of five persons or 10%, whichever is greater, in the student and faculty or participant population of driving age associated with the use as it was authorized or, if unauthorized, as it historically experienced; or a change in the days or hours of normal operation.

FAÇADE

The exterior wall of a building that is set along a frontage line, at or behind the setback line that faces a public or private street or pedestrianway. (See "primary front façade.")

FACADE TYPE

The architectural element at the front of a building that serves as the interface between the private and the public realm and determines the character of the public space it faces. Includes: porch, stoop, common entry, arcade and colonnade, gallery, and storefront.

FAMILY

Any number of individuals 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 domestic servants and minor foster children. The term "family" shall include a community residential program for not more than three unrelated individuals, but shall not include a student home.

FAMILY DAY-CARE

Day-care provided by a resident of a single-family detached dwelling for up to six nonresident children (excluding the caretaker's children).

FARMERS' MARKET

A producer-only farmers' market where only locally produced food and agricultural products are sold.

A. FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS — Vegetables, fruits, eggs, dairy products (milk, cheeses, yogurt, ice cream), meats, grains, baked goods, juices, other edible food stuffs (such as chocolates, honey, jams, salsa and candies), flowers and other fresh or dried plant materials.
B. LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS — Food and agricultural products raised, grown and/or produced no more than 150 miles from the site of the farmers' market.
C. PRODUCER-ONLY FARMERS' MARKET — That the entity or person selling the food and agricultural products must raise, grow and/or produce the locally produced food and agricultural products that they are selling.

FCC

Federal Communications Commission

FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSEE (FFL)

A person of at least 21 years of age or a legal entity, duly licensed by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, engaged in the business of manufacturing, selling or dealing, shipping, receiving, or importing federally regulated firearms, ammunition, or destructive devices.

FENCE

A barrier for the purpose of enclosing or defining a space.

Table 3.7.3. Fencing Terminology
A.	Frontage Fencing	B.	Frontage Facade Fencing

C.	Side Fencing	D.	Rear Fencing

Masonry wall

Picket fence

Wrought iron fence

Iron fence with masonry base

Wood privacy fence

Chain-link

FENCE, OPEN

A fence, including entrance and exit gates, designed and constructed so that the surface area of any segment of such fence contains at least 40% open spaces as compared to solid materials.

FIRST FLOOR ELEVATION

Height of floor level used to measure building height, as established in the form standards of each district.

FITNESS CENTER

See definition "recreational establishments."

FLAG

A piece of fabric or other material of distinctive design that is used as the symbol of a nation, state, city, agency or corporation and which is usually displayed hanging free from a staff or halyard.

FLAG SIGN

A sign printed or painted on a cloth, plastic, canvas, or other like material with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols attached to a pole or staff and anchored along only one edge or supported or anchored at only two corners.

FLASHING SIGN

A sign whose artificial illumination is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits changes in light, color, direction, or animation. This definition does not include electronic message signs or digital displays that meet the requirements set forth herein.

FLOOD

A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas by water.

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)

The official map on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS)

The official report provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that includes flood profiles, the Flood Insurance Rate Map, the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, and the water surface elevation of the base flood.

FLOODPLAIN

The land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source and as designated on the Lower Merion Township Floodplain District Map prepared by the Township of Lower Merion. The Lower Merion Township Floodplain District Map is based on the Flood Insurance Study for the Township of Lower Merion, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), dated March 2, 2016, or the most recent revision thereof, and a floodplain area as shown on the Lower Merion Township Topographic Map, last revised to October 1973. The floodplain includes the floodway-fringe area. Where a conflict in the designation of the floodplain, floodway and floodway fringe exists between the Federal Flood Insurance Study and as shown on the Lower Merion Township Topographic Map, that designation of the floodplain, floodway and floodway fringe which is more restrictive or prohibitive of development shall be the Floodplain District.

FLOODPROOFING

Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes or adjustments to structures which reduces or eliminates flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.

FLOODWAY

The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to carry and discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.

FLOODWAY AREA

The areas identified as "floodway" in the AE Zone in the Flood Insurance Study prepared by the FEMA. The term shall also include floodway areas which have been identified in other available studies or sources of information for those floodplain areas where no floodway has been identified in the Flood Insurance Study.

FLOODWAY-FRINGE AREA

The remaining portions of the 100-year floodplain in those areas identified as an AE Zone in the Flood Insurance Study, where a floodway has been delineated. The flood fringe is also referred to as the "floodplain" in this chapter. The basis for the outermost boundary of this area shall be the 100-year flood elevations as shown in the flood profiles contained in the Flood Insurance Study.

FLOOR AREA

The horizontal floor area within the inside perimeter of the outside walls of the building, including but not limited to hallways, stairs, closets, thickness of walls, columns and other features.

FLOOR AREA RATIO

The floor area of the building or buildings on any lot divided by the area of such lot. For the purpose of determining floor area ratio, any space devoted to required off-street parking, loading, or vehicular access thereto shall not be included in calculating floor area.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

A retail business operated primarily for the sale of prepared hot and cold food and drinks, for immediate consumption either on the premises or to take away, including cafes, restaurants, and fast-food establishments.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE, TAKEOUT

A building or an area within a building with fewer than four indoor tables (fewer than 12 chairs), used primarily for the purpose of furnishing to the public food to be consumed off premises.

FOOTCANDLE

A unit of incident light (on a surface) stated in lumens per square foot and measurable with an illuminance meter (also known as a "footcandle or light meter"). One footcandle is equal to one lumen per square foot.

FORECOURT

A courtyard at the building frontage. A private frontage where a portion of the building is close to the frontage line and the central portion is set back.

FREESTANDING SIGN

A single- or double-faced sign that is placed on or anchored in the ground, and that is independent and detached from any building or other structure. The following are subtypes of freestanding signs:

A. GROUND/MONUMENT SIGN — A freestanding sign that is permanently supported by an internal structural framework or integrated into landscaping or other solid structural features.

B. POLE SIGN — A freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from the ground, and is not supported by a building or a base structure.

FREEWAY ARTERIAL

See "street, freeway arterial."

FRIEZE

A sculptured or richly ornamented band (as on a building).

FRONTAGE LINE

See "build-to line."

FRONTAGE OCCUPATION

The percentage of the primary frontage that shall be occupied by a building.

FRONTAGE YARD

The area between a building facade and the cartway.

FRONTAGE YARD TYPE

The physical element that characterizes the space between the building and the street or pedestrianway; includes: common yard, fenced yard, shallow yard, urban yard, pedestrian forecourt, and vehicular forecourt.

FRONTAGE YARD TYPES, COMMON YARD

A frontage yard type with a deep setback, remaining unfenced and visually continuous with abutting yards, supporting a common landscape that may be densely planted to buffer from high-speed streets.

FRONTAGE YARD TYPES, FENCED YARD

A frontage yard type wherein the facade is set back from the lot line. Fences are required and the setbacks are visually continuous with adjacent yards.

FRONTAGE YARD TYPES, PEDESTRIAN FORECOURT

A frontage yard type where the primary facade is located near the lot line with an area setback to accommodate open space and the primary entrance of the building.

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Lower Merion Township, PA

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