This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "West Bradford Township Zoning Ordinance of 1977." This chapter shall become effective five days after its adoption.
From and after the effective date of this chapter, the use of all land and every building or structure or portion of a building or structure erected, altered with respect to height and area, added to or relocated, and every use within a building or structure or use accessory thereto in West Bradford Township shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. Any existing 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, structures or uses.
This chapter is enacted to promote, protect and facilitate the public health, safety, general welfare, coordinated and practical community development, proper density of population, the provision 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 9-10-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-04]
For a statement of community development objectives, reference is made to the adopted Comprehensive Plan for West Bradford Township, as amended.
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 and general welfare of the Township.
B. 
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 herein above in § 450-3 in the respects therein stated and, more particularly, with a view toward the following objectives:
(1) 
Guiding and encouraging the future development of the Township in accordance with comprehensive planning of land use and population density that represents the most beneficial and convenient relationships among the residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas within the Township, having regard to their suitability for the various uses appropriate to each of them and their potentiality for such uses, as indicated by topography, drainage and soil conditions, existing transportation and other man-made conditions, and trends in population, in the direction and manner of the use of land, in building development, and in economic activity, considering such conditions and trends both within the Township and with respect to the relation of the Township to surrounding areas;
(2) 
Protecting the character and the social and economic stability of each of such areas and encouraging their orderly and beneficial growth;
(3) 
Protecting and conserving the value of land and buildings throughout the Township appropriate to the various zoning districts established herein;
(4) 
Bringing about through proper timing the gradual conformity of land use to the Comprehensive Plan aforesaid, and minimizing conflicts among the uses of land and buildings;
(5) 
Aiding in bringing about the most beneficial relation between land use and circulation of traffic throughout the Township, having particular regard to traffic and the avoidance of congestion in the streets and the provision of safe and convenient access appropriate to the various land uses;
(6) 
Aiding in providing a guide for public policy and action in the efficient provision of public facilities and services, in the provision of safe and proper sanitary sewage disposal, and for private enterprise in building development, investment and other economics relating to land use.
C. 
Insofar as such objectives are consistent with the purpose set forth in § 450-3 and with the aforesaid minimum requirements therefor, the provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted, administered and applied in such manner as will facilitate attainment of the said objectives and the community development objectives referred to in § 450-4 hereof.
It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul or interfere with any existing ordinances or enactments 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 or upon the height and bulk of buildings or prescribes larger open spaces than are required by the provisions of such ordinance, enactment, rule, regulation or permit, then the provisions of this chapter shall control.