In order to carry out the intent of this chapter, the area of
the City is divided into the zoning districts as stated in this chapter
and as shown by the zoning district boundaries on the Zoning District
Map included as part of this chapter. The four general land use classification
districts and the 10 specific zoning districts are:
A.
Where the indicated boundaries on the Zoning District Map are or
are approximately lot lines, property lines, public rights-of-way,
streams or dimensions on the Zoning District Map, such lines, streams,
public rights-of-way or dimensions shall be construed to be the boundaries.
B.
Commercial zoning district boundaries shown on the map within or
at a distance of 200 feet from the lines of streets shall be deemed
to follow the center lines of the preceding. The vacation of streets
or property lines shall not affect the location of such zoning district
boundaries.
C.
When the Zoning Officer cannot definitely determine the location
of a zoning district boundary by lines of streets or center lines,
by the scale or dimensions stated on the map, or by the fact that
the boundary clearly coincides with a property line shown on the map,
the Zoning Officer or the Zoning Hearing Board, upon appeal, shall
interpret the location of the zoning district boundary with reference
to the nearest property lines indicated by the Westmoreland County
Tax Base Maps on file and bearing district boundaries marked by the
Department or Zoning Officer, and the scale of the Zoning Map and
the intentions and the purposes set forth in all relevant provisions
of this chapter.
The zoning district regulations for each of the four general land use classification districts are found in Articles III through VI. Each of these articles contains the purpose of the district followed by a listing of the permitted and special exception uses, height requirements and area standards. The land and structures may be used, and structures may be erected, altered, enlarged and maintained for the listed uses only; and such use shall not be objectionable because of odor, dust, smoke, noise, gas, fumes, cinders, vibrations, refuse matter, water-carried waste or toxic or hazardous waste of any nature.
In each zoning district, permitted uses shall be according to the common meaning of the term or according to definitions given in Article XIX. Conversely, uses not specifically listed or defined as included in these districts shall not be permitted. Special exceptions are permitted by the Zoning Hearing Board only in specific zones and according to specific procedures and conditions prescribed herein.
Uses not listed in this chapter but equivalent or identical
in nature to a listed use may be permitted subject to interpretation
and approval of the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board,
or may be added as permitted uses or special exceptions through the
amendment procedure provided in § 609 of Act 247[1] and Article XXIV of this chapter. The Zoning Hearing Board shall decide all contested questions of interpretation and make findings on all relevant issues of fact.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10609.
The general zoning standards, requirements and exceptions listed in this chapter shall be applied in the zoning districts specifically stated herein by the Zoning Hearing Board or Zoning Officer. Action by the Board shall be required where so stated in compliance with the requirements of § 300-183.
