This chapter shall be known and may be cited
as the “Zoning Ordinance of the Borough of Pleasant Hills.”
The map herein referred to which is identified
by the title “Pleasant Hills Borough Zoning Map” and by
the signatures of the duly authorized officers of the Borough affixed
thereto shall be known as the “Zoning Map” and such map,
together with all notations, references and other data shown thereon
is hereby incorporated by reference to this chapter as is more fully
described herein. Said Zoning Map shall be kept up to date regarding
additions, planned development and street extension. It shall be on
file and available for examination by persons interested therein at
the offices of the Borough of Pleasant Hills.
The Allegheny County Airport Zoning Regulations
are incorporated herein by reference for the airport hazard area within
the territorial limits of the Borough of Pleasant Hills as identified
in the County of Allegheny Airport Zoning Regulations for Allegheny
County Airport. These regulations are adopted in compliance with the
requirements of the Airport Zoning Act, 74 Pa.C.S.A. § 5911
et seq.
A.
In interpreting and applying this chapter, the provisions
shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of
the public health, safety, morals and general welfare and shall not
prohibit the adoption of more restrictive requirements of this nature.
B.
Effect on lots and boundary lines.
(1)
It is fundamental to the purpose of this chapter to
recognize that many existing lots throughout the Borough are less
adequate than others because of their location or size or odd shape
or difficult topography, or any combination of these limitations.
A claim of hardship under this chapter, therefore, shall not be allowable
on behalf of any lot because the physical characteristics of the lot
prevent it from being built upon exactly as in another lot abutting
or close to it or in the same zoning district. The regulations herein
permit most such lots to be satisfactorily built upon. There can be
some alleviation for other lots through variances (minor concessions)
granted by the Zoning Hearing Board when special physical conditions
make literal enforcement of the regulations either unsatisfactory
in the interest of the people at large or actually impossible.
(2)
While this chapter applies only to property within
the Borough, in the protection of the health and safety and welfare
of the people at large, and in the encouragement of the establishment
and maintenance of reasonable community standards of physical environment,
the effect of such application on adjacent properties and neighborhoods
without regard to municipal boundary lines should be considered. It
is the intention that the administration of this chapter, where it
affects properties adjacent to the Borough boundary line, will be
such as to promote cooperation with other political subdivisions involved,
for the uniform benefit and protection of all affected properties.
(3)
This section shall be considered, together with all
the provisions of this chapter, when appraising “the spirit
of the ordinance” as a guide to its interpretation.
C.
All buildings for which permits have been obtained
and the construction of which or a portion of which has been begun,
or for which a contract or contracts have been let pursuant to a permit
issued prior to the effective date of this chapter, may be completed
and used in accordance with the plans on which said permit was granted.
D.
All permits for buildings which were issued prior
to the adoption of this chapter are declared void if at the time of
the effective date of this chapter:
A.
These regulations are made in accordance with the
Comprehensive Plan for the Borough of Pleasant Hills and the goals
and objectives stated therein.
B.
In addition, these regulations are designed to:
(1)
Lessen congestion in the streets;
(2)
Secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers;
(3)
Promote health and general welfare;
(4)
Provide adequate light and air;
(5)
Prevent the overcrowding of land;
(6)
Avoid undue concentration of population; and
(7)
Facilitate the adequate provision of transportation,
water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements.
C.
Reasonable consideration has been given, among other
things, to the character of the district and its particular suitability
for particular uses and to conserving the value of buildings and encouraging
the most appropriate use of land throughout the Borough.
