The official title of this chapter is "Independence Township Zoning Ordinance."
This chapter shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors.
This chapter is adopted by virtue of the authority granted to the Township by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of 1968, as amended by Act 170 of 1988 (53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., as may be amended from time to time).
A. 
In the event of conflicts between the provisions of this chapter and any other ordinance or regulation, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.
B. 
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be considered minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the health, safety and general welfare of the public.
C. 
In interpreting the language of this chapter to determine the extent of the restriction upon the use of property, the language shall be interpreted, where doubt exists as to the intended meaning of the language written and enacted by the Board of Supervisors, in favor of the property owner and against any implied extension of the restriction.
Community development objectives are set forth in the Cross Creek Region Comprehensive Plan updated by the Board of Supervisors on February 18, 2004. In addition to the specific objectives stated in the 2004 Comprehensive Plan Update, the general community development objectives on which this chapter is based are:
A. 
To promote the interest of public health, safety, morals and the general welfare;
B. 
To secure safety from fire and to provide adequate open spaces for light and air;
C. 
To conserve and stabilize property values;
D. 
To preserve woodlands, open space, recreational, agricultural and environmental sensitive lands from conflict with urban development;
E. 
To facilitate the economic provision of adequate transportation, water, sewage, schools, parks and other public requirements;
F. 
To prevent the overcrowding of land, blight, danger and congestion in travel and transportation, loss of health, life or property from fire, flood, panic or other dangers;
G. 
To promote stormwater management, soil and water conservation;
H. 
To set forth population density controls;
I. 
To promote coordinated and practical community development; and
J. 
To promote the utilization of renewable energy sources.
No structure shall be located, erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, altered, converted or enlarged; nor shall any structure or land be used or designed to be used, except in full compliance with all the provisions of this chapter and after the lawful issuance of all permits and certificates required by this chapter.