[Ord. 2005-9, 12/29/2005, § 101]
This chapter shall be known, and so cited, as the "East Nottingham Township Zoning Ordinance of 1971, Revised in 1989, as Amended from Time to Time Including a Comprehensive Amendment in 2005." It shall be referred to herein as "this chapter."
[Ord. 2005-9, 12/29/2005, § 102]
1. 
This chapter as amended is prepared in accordance with community goals and objectives as set forth in the East Nottingham Township Open Space Plan, the land use policies of the Chester County Landscapes plan element, and with consideration for the character of East Nottingham Township, its various parts, and the suitability of the various parts for particular uses and structures, and with the view to conserving the value thereof and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the Township. The chapter is enacted under and pursuant to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of 1968, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., as amended.
2. 
The purpose of this chapter is to provide zoning regulations:
A. 
To promote, protect, and facilitate:
(1) 
Public health, safety, morals, and general welfare.
(2) 
Coordinated and practical community development.
(3) 
Proper density of population.
(4) 
Provisions of adequate light and air.
(5) 
Vehicle parking and loading space.
(6) 
Safe and efficient travel by vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
(7) 
Water, sewerage, schools, public grounds, and other public requirements.
B. 
To preserve:
(1) 
Prime agricultural land, considering topography, soil type and classification, historic use, traditional character, and present use.
(2) 
Environmentally sensitive lands and historic resources.
C. 
To avert:
(1) 
Overcrowding of land, blight.
(2) 
Congestion in travel and transportation.
(3) 
Loss of health, life, or property from fire, flood, panic, or other dangers.
[Ord. 2005-9, 12/29/2005, § 103]
1. 
The Board of Supervisors hereby states the policy goals of the Township as listed in the following community development objectives. These objectives are in accordance with the purposes stated in § 27-102, are designed to implement those purposes, and should be used when interpreting the provisions of this chapter:
A. 
Guide the future development of the Township in accordance with the goals, objectives, and planning strategies identified in any adopted East Nottingham Township Comprehensive Plan. This includes planning for land use and population density, reflecting the most beneficial and desirable relationship between natural resource protection and developed lands, and between land uses.
B. 
Provide measures that afford the maximum opportunity for the continued viability of the agricultural economy in the Township and the retention of agriculturally suited soils for that purpose.
C. 
Protect and conserve the rural character of the Township through orderly and planned development, which enhances the social and economic stability of the Township and maintains significant amounts of land in open space.
D. 
Protect the natural and historic resources of the Township and insure their presence and integrity in the future.
E. 
Regulate land use so as to bring about the most beneficial relationship between land use and the existing road network, having particular regard to traffic circulation, to the avoidance of congestion, and the provision of safe and convenient access to all tracts and land uses.
F. 
Protect and conserve the value of Township land and buildings appropriate to the various zoning districts established herein.
G. 
Provide opportunities for a variety of commercial and industrial uses in appropriate Township areas that limit the impact on other land use types and neighboring communities.
H. 
Guide public policy and action in the efficient provision of public facilities and services, including the provision of safe and proper wastewater treatment and disposal, water supply, stormwater management, and recreation opportunities.
[Ord. 2005-9, 12/29/2005, § 104]
The provisions, regulations, limitations, and restrictions of this chapter shall apply to all land uses, structures, buildings, and signs in the Township.
[Ord. 2005-9, 12/29/2005, § 105]
In interpreting and applying this chapter, its provisions shall be held to be minimum requirements for the promotion of health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the Township and the purposes of the chapter. Any use permitted subject to the regulations prescribed by the provisions of this chapter shall conform with all regulations for the zoning district in which it is located and with all other pertinent regulations of the chapter. This chapter is not intended to interfere with, abrogate, annul, supersede, or cancel any easements, covenants, restrictions, or reservations contained in deeds or other agreements, but if this chapter imposes more stringent restrictions upon the use of buildings, structures, and land than are contained in such deeds or agreements, the provisions of the chapter shall control.
[Ord. 2005-9, 12/29/2005, § 106]
Where this chapter imposes greater restrictions on the use of buildings or land, or upon height and bulk of buildings, or prescribes larger open spaces than are required by the provisions of another ordinance, enactment, rule, regulation, or permit, the provisions of this chapter shall control. Where the provisions of any statute, other ordinance, or regulation impose greater restrictions than this chapter, the provisions of such statute, ordinance, or regulation shall control.