This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "East Bradford Township Zoning Ordinance of 1970." This chapter shall become effective five days after its adoption.
This chapter is enacted to promote, protect and facilitate the public health, safety, morals, general welfare, coordinated and practical community development, proper density of population, the provisions of adequate light and air, police protection, vehicle parking and loading space, transportation, water, sewerage, schools, public grounds and other public requirements, as well as to prevent overcrowding of land, blight, danger and congestion in travel and transportation, loss of health, life or property from fire, flood, panic or other dangers. This chapter is enacted in accordance with an overall program and with consideration for the character of the Township, its various parts and the suitability of the various parts for particular uses and structures.
[Amended 11-8-2005 by Ord. No. 9-2005]
The Comprehensive Plan, in accordance with which this chapter is enacted and which is reflected in the provisions of this chapter, has been formulated to implement the purpose set forth in § 115-2 hereinabove, in the respect stated, and more particularly with a view toward the following community development objectives:
A. 
Preserve the physical attributes of the Township that define its character and culture, including its historic places, natural resources and open spaces, while at the same time encouraging a development pattern that is responsive to resident needs and preserves East Bradford Township’s place in the regional scheme of development.
B. 
Conserve the natural resources of East Bradford Township that contribute to its community character and setting as well as to the health, safety and welfare of Township residents. Features to be protected include water features such as the Brandywine Creek, Plum Run, Broad Run and Valley Creek as well as steep slopes, floodplains, woodlands, wetlands, agricultural soils and scenic areas.
C. 
Provide for housing that is adequate to meet the future population needs while minimizing the impacts of development on open space, historical resources and transportation features within the Township.
D. 
Provide opportunities for commercial/office, professional and retail uses in the Township. Enhance opportunities for residents to use the services available on a regional level.
E. 
Foster and encourage the continued viability of agriculture as an economic sector, provider of open space and link to the Township’s agrarian past. Develop policies that promote not only farmland preservation, but preservation of farming as a way of life.
F. 
Provide recreational opportunities for every Township resident.
G. 
Maximize the retention of open space and scenic resources in the Township in order to protect natural resources. Utilize open space to provide passive recreational opportunities to residents as well as to provide wildlife diversity corridors and protection to sensitive environmental sites.
H. 
Develop a motorized and nonmotorized transportation system in the Township that balances the needs for mobility and safety with the protection of scenic and natural resources. Roadway upgrades and new roads should support the land use, open space and natural resource goals and objectives of this plan. Incorporate bicycle and pedestrian facilities into roadway projects and land development projects and in accordance with other plans, codes, and ordinances of the Township.
[Amended 12-13-2016 by Ord. No. 7-2016]
I. 
Preserve, protect and enhance the integrity of historic and cultural resources and their accompanying settings in order to define and retain the Township’s community character.
J. 
Provide either directly or through contract services the type and level of services and facilities necessary to support the population and policies established in this plan.
K. 
Establish East Bradford Township as a participant in multimunicipal planning efforts in Chester County.
L. 
Support and establish overall consistency with Chester County’s Landscapes initiatives.
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the aforementioned purposes and objectives.
It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul or interfere with any existing ordinance or enactment or with any rule, regulation or permit adopted or issued thereunder, except insofar as the same may be inconsistent or in conflict with any of the provisions of this chapter, provided that where this chapter imposes greater restrictions upon the use of buildings or land, then the provisions of this chapter shall control.