(a) The use shall meet the definition in § 295-22: Definitions.
(b) The accessory unit shall be occupied by a maximum of two persons, who shall be relatives of the permanent residents of the principal dwelling unit. At least one resident of the accessory unit shall need such accommodations because of an illness, old age or disability.
(c) The applicant shall prove to the Zoning Officer that the accessory unit has been designed and constructed so that it can be easily reconverted into part of the principal dwelling unit or is a modular cottage that will be completely removed from the lot after the relative no longer resides within the unit. Such accessory unit may be converted into an additional bedroom(s), permitted home occupation area or similar use. A lawful detached garage may be converted into a unit for care of relative, and then be reconverted to a garage or permitted home occupation area.
(d) The applicant shall establish a legally binding mechanism in a form acceptable to the Township that will prohibit the use of the accessory unit as a separate dwelling unit after the relative no longer resides within the unit. Such mechanism shall also be binding upon future owners.
(e) The owner of the property shall be required to annually renew the permit for the use. Such renewal shall be conditioned upon the owner proving that a relative of the occupants of the principal dwelling unit continues to reside within the accessory unit.
(f) Such accessory unit shall not decrease the one-family residential appearance of a one-family dwelling, as viewed from exterior property lines. The accessory unit shall be attached to the principal dwelling unit, except a detached dwelling may be specifically approved by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception. If a detached modular dwelling is placed on the property, it shall be completely removed within 90 days after the relative no longer lives within it. A detached dwelling shall only be placed on the lot if it will meet principal building setbacks and has a maximum building floor area of 900 square feet.
(g) Additional parking for the accessory unit is not required if the applicant proves that the resident(s) of the accessory unit will not routinely operate a vehicle.
(h) Any on-lot septic system shall be recertified if the sewage flows will increase.
See § 295-96D(18) for more information on this use.
See Permit Application Forms for more information.