A.
Objectives. The objectives of zoning policy in Willistown
Township are derived from and conform to the goals and policies as
set forth in the Township's 1980 Comprehensive Plan, Guidelines for
Growth. The goals and policies of the plan which this chapter is designed
to implement may be summarized as follows:
(1)
Goal: To protect community values, including areas
of amenity, natural and man-made resources and sensitive natural areas.
Specific policies are directed toward the protection of:
(a)
Natural topography from major alteration.
(b)
The quantity and quality of groundwater, including
areas of seasonally high water table.
(c)
The current quantity and quality of streams,
ponds and wetland areas, including adjacent lands subject to flooding.
(d)
Soils from indiscriminate disturbance and removal.
(e)
The integrity of woodland and field communities,
wildlife and specimen trees.
(f)
The integrity of sites and structures of historical
or cultural significance.
(g)
The continuity of the existing trail network,
and opportunities for additions thereto.
(h)
The quality of the current housing stock and
the stability of existing neighborhoods.
(2)
Goal: To guide future growth in Willistown in an orderly
fashion, to provide for a range of land uses consistent with the protection
of community values, to protect the stability of existing residential
areas and to accommodate a fair share of population growth. Specific
community development objectives include:
(a)
The location, types and densities of future
residential development shall remain generally consistent with the
existing patterns of use and the character of the Township.
(b)
Where appropriate, a greater variety of housing
types and densities shall be allowed, so as to provide for a diversity
of housing opportunities and to encourage imaginative and environmentally
sensitive site planning practices.
(c)
Institutional development shall be considered,
in accord with express criteria, in areas where such uses will be
harmonious with the character of surrounding land uses.
(d)
Future commercial development shall be focused
in the Route 30 business corridor and, when integrated with residential
uses, along the Route 3 corridor.
(e)
Future industrial uses within the Township shall
be limited to existing industrial parks.
(3)
Goal: To provide community facilities and services,
consistent with the Township's financial resources, that will meet
the needs of current and future residents. In particular, zoning objectives
include the following:
(a)
Future development shall be consistent with
existing and planned water supplies.
(b)
Future development shall provide satisfactory
systems for waste collection and treatment, consistent with the Township's
Sewage Facilities Plan.
(c)
Future development shall be accommodated in
a manner that reflects the Township's existing and proposed circulation
network and road classification system.
(d)
Added park and recreation facilities and areas
of open space shall be sought as needed.
B.
The regulations and districts contained herein represent
reasonable consideration as to the character of the districts and
their peculiar suitability for particular uses of land and have been
made with a view to enhancing the existing environment and assuring
the development of a future environment that realizes the greatest
possible use and enjoyment of land on individual properties, balanced
against the necessary protection of the values of buildings and land
and the use and enjoyment of land on adjacent properties, with the
objective of promoting and protecting the public welfare through the
regulation of land use and the process of land development.
From and after the effective date of this chapter, the use of all land and the use, height, area and yard requirements of every building or portion of a building erected, altered with respect to height and area, added to or relocated, and every use within a building or use accessory thereto in Willistown Township shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. Any existing building or structure and any existing use of a building or land not in conformity with the regulations herein prescribed shall be regarded as nonconforming but may be continued, extended or changed subject to the special regulations herein provided with respect to nonconforming buildings or uses (See § 139-90).
In interpreting and applying the provisions
of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements
for the promotion of the health, safety, morals and general welfare
of the Township of Willistown. It is not intended to interfere with
or abrogate or annul other rules, regulations or ordinances of the
Township, provided that where this chapter imposes a greater restriction
upon the use of buildings or premises, or upon the height of a building,
or requires larger open spaces than are imposed by such other rules,
regulations or ordinances, the provisions of this chapter shall control.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited
as the "Willistown Township Zoning Ordinance of 1981."
