§ 123-40. Existing structures.

Proposals with existing buildings. No proposal will be approved with a property line extending through any portion of an existing building, except where that property line follows a party wall separating semidetached or attached units, in accordance with Chapter 143, Zoning, or when an existing building is to be demolished, as noted on the applicant's plan.

A. 

When existing buildings are retained:

(1) 

Minimum building setbacks shall be met or exceeded, in respect to all new lot lines created, for the district in which the buildings are located, even if this results in a lot area or dimensions in excess of the otherwise applicable minimums.

(2) 

Building setbacks in excess of the applicable minimums are encouraged, in respect to all new lot lines created, when the height and/or bulk of the existing building significantly exceeds that of proposed, abutting development. For tall buildings, a setback equal to the height of the building is suggested as a minimum. For proportionally wide or deep buildings, a setback equal to 1/2 the width or depth of the building is suggested as a minimum.

(3) 

Run-down buildings shall be rehabilitated on the exterior to conform in quality to surrounding new development.

(4) 

Structurally deficient buildings shall be rehabilitated in conformance with the Township's Building Code and the ICC Property Maintenance Code.

[Amended 9-21-2006 by Ord. No. 555]

Editor's Note: See Ch. 67, Building Construction.

(5) 

Additions to retained buildings shall conform in all respects to the requirements of Chapter 143, Zoning, which is applicable to the district in which the building is located and shall be in harmony with the character, design, building materials and other architectural features of the building.

(6) 

Historical or culturally significant buildings shall retain their respective characters, to the greatest extent practical.

(7) 

New buildings abutting the retained building should reflect the character and architectural features of the retained building, to the greatest extent practical.

(8) 

In nonresidential districts, retained buildings shall be provided with adequate parking, service and landscaped areas in accordance with Chapter 143, Zoning, provisions for the intended use. If the applicant cannot specify the intended use, then the most land-consumptive provisions shall be applied, to ensure sufficient land area for uses permitted in that district.

(9) 

The building setback lines, existing and proposed buildings, driveways, parking areas, walks and other similar information shall be shown on the plan, with a note added describing the buildings and their intended purposes.

(10) 

No plan approval will be granted to a subdivision or a land development unless and until the above requirements are complied with to the satisfaction of the Township Supervisors, upon recommendation of the Township Planning Commission and Engineer.

B. 

When existing buildings will be removed:

(1) 

The plan must show the location and include a brief description of the building(s) to be removed.

(2) 

Plan approval will be granted upon written agreement to the expeditious removal of buildings intended for removal, in conformance with applicable Township requirements and procedures regarding demolition of buildings and disposition of the reusable parts and/or disposal of the rubble. If the building will not be removed immediately, a financial guaranty must be posted for its removal, in compliance with § 123-58 herein.