This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Zoning Ordinance of the Borough of Ingram." The map showing the divisions of the Borough into the designated zoning districts shall be known as the "Zoning District Map." The said map shall be an integral part of this chapter.
The provisions of this chapter shall control wherever they impose greater restrictions (on the use of land, or on the use of height of structures, or on the size of yards or other open spaces, or on the density of population) than those imposed by other laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, or permits or by easements, agreements, or covenants.
A. 
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 Borough of Ingram. It is not intended to interfere with or abrogate or annul other rules, regulations, or ordinances of the Borough. Where this chapter imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises or upon the height of a structure, or requires larger open spaces than are imposed by such other rules, regulations, or ordinances, the provision of this chapter shall control.
B. 
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 allowed 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. It is not the chapter but the physical conditions that prevent a lot from accommodating a type of area or bulk of structure unsuited to it. For typical example, it is not intended that each lot in a Medium-Density Residential District automatically become the prospective site for a multiple-family dwelling and use. If a lot in such a district, after provision of the yards and other open spaces prescribed for its own and adjacent property protection, has a buildable area too small in extent or dimensions for a multiple-family dwelling, then the lot may be used under its district regulations for another type of dwelling or structure permitted in that district.
The preambles preceding the initial sections of Articles IV through XVI, inclusive, are to be considered explanatory and directive to be used in interpreting the intent of those articles and are part of this chapter in establishing applicable regulations or provisions.
This chapter, including the Zoning District Map, together with any succeeding amendments thereto, shall be on file and may be viewed by any interested person in the offices of the Zoning Officer and the Borough Secretary.
The following is a statement of the purpose and intent of this chapter. The objectives are adopted as a statement of legislative findings and may be used in evaluating any proposed additions or deletions to the chapter.
A. 
The general objective for the development of the Borough of Ingram is to provide a pleasant, attractive, healthy, safe and convenient environment for living, working, education, shopping and recreation. This objective shall be pursued by the creation and implementation of land use plans to:
(1) 
Preserve and improve the natural environment;
(2) 
Provide safe, adequate and attractive housing;
(3) 
Increase property values, employment opportunities, and the economic base of the community;
(4) 
Provide the necessary infrastructure of utilities and transportation arteries; and
(5) 
Provide recreational and community facilities.
B. 
The preservation and improvement of the environment shall be pursued by:
(1) 
The elimination of visual and physical blight such as overhead utility lines, concentration of signs of excessive size and proximity, large expanses of unbroken pavement and dilapidated structures;
(2) 
The preservation of natural topography and wooded slopelands, including the limiting of hillside development beyond a reasonable gradient, the control of floodplains and water sheds;
(3) 
The reclamation of derelict land; and
(4) 
The municipal acquisition and the promotion of dedication of natural open space and wooded slopeland to link the existing and proposed park sites and neighborhoods, and to prevent ecological problems resulting from extensive cut and fill necessary to develop wooded slopelands.
C. 
The provision of safe, adequate and attractive housing for the entire population of the community shall be pursued by:
(1) 
The provision of a wide range of housing density alternatives and mix of housing types with the correlation of residential density and housing type with topography and the capacity of and distance from existing and proposed utilities, streets and community facilities;
(2) 
The rehabilitation and removal of deteriorating housing, the maintenance of sound housing and the development of new housing; and
(3) 
The promotion of an attractive residential environment through the implementation of the other objectives set forth herein.
D. 
The increase of property values, employment opportunities and the economic base of the community shall be pursued by:
(1) 
The promotion of industrial growth and employment opportunities;
(2) 
The concentration of commercial and industrial uses in the areas where streets and utilities can provide the necessary services and where conflicts with other uses can be minimized through site design and transitional provisions; and
(3) 
The implementation of the other objectives set forth herein.
E. 
The provision of the necessary infrastructure of utilities and transportation arteries shall be pursued by;
(1) 
The extension of the municipal improvements of water lines, storm and sanitary sewers and roads and their improvement where economically feasible to guide and promote development;
(2) 
The encouragement of public utilities to improve and extend services consistent with the objectives set forth herein, and
(3) 
Traffic planning and control which will provide safe, rapid and convenient movement of people and goods within and through the Borough, with a separation of through and local traffic, provision for pedestrians, and minimal disruption of existing and proposed development patterns and community integrity.
F. 
The provision of recreational and community facilities shall be pursued by:
(1) 
The creation of outdoor and indoor recreational facilities to accommodate the existing and future population;
(2) 
The promotion of schools and parks in close proximity to decrease duplication of services and provide the greatest value for public expenditures;
(3) 
The promotion of acquisition or dedication of natural open space for park and recreational purposes;
(4) 
The provision of residential areas with adequate commercial, governmental, recreational and educational facilities; and
(5) 
The preservation of historical landmarks.
G. 
The creation and implementation of land use plans shall seek to achieve the foregoing objectives and to:
(1) 
Achieve the purpose for which each Zoning District is intended, as stated in the preamble to each article of this chapter which are to be considered a part of these development objectives, and incorporated herein;
(2) 
Protect against the detrimental effect of incompatible land uses through planting, open space and natural breaks in topography;
(3) 
Concentrate development where possible to prevent sprawl, conserve open space and make full use of utilities and services; and
(4) 
Provide site plan control.
A. 
Those sections of the Comprehensive Plan which are not contradicted or altered by the above objectives shall be held valid in reviewing amendments to this chapter and Zoning District Map, and shall further be incorporated herein as community development objectives. The Comprehensive Plan shall be completely reviewed by the Planning Commission and a detailed written report submitted to the Borough Council, which written report shall set forth recommendations for change or retention of each zoning district on the Zoning District Map, with reasons therefor. Such a report shall be submitted every five years.
B. 
Articles XX and XXI are hereby suspended by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, hereinafter called the "code," to the extent of any conflict therewith. The procedures of the Zoning Hearing Board shall be in conformity with the code. Enforcement of this chapter and penalties for violation of it shall be in conformity with the code. The Council of the Borough shall be empowered to adopt regulations governing administration of this chapter, the function of the Zoning Officer, and applications for building and occupancy permits.